HANDLEBAR GRIP

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a grip for a bicycle handlebar and a plug designed therefor. The invention also relates to an accessory. Background of the invention

[0002] Bicycle grips with an end cap are known. For example, published patent application DE 10 2020 134 650 A1 shows a bicycle grip with an end cap. The end cap can serve to close the grip and can also be used to attach an accessory to the grip. EP 2 840 015 A1 discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] A handle with an end cap that runs diagonally to the gripping part of the handle is known, for example, from published patent application EP 2 840 015 A1. With this handle, the end cap is inserted into the sleeve that is cut at an angle on the outside. The disadvantage here is that the end cap does not protect the gripping part from damage. Furthermore, an end cap is used that is adapted to the angled shape of the sleeve. The end cap can therefore only be used for the handle that runs diagonally on the outside, but not for other handles. This is particularly disadvantageous if the receptacle in the sleeve for the end cap is to be used to attach an accessory, such as a rear-view mirror. In this case, it is not possible to provide an accessory with a uniform plug that can be used for both straight and angled handles. Object of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on the object of at least reducing the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0005] It is a particular object of the invention to provide a universally usable system comprising a sleeve and a plug, in which the plug can be attached easily and conveniently and at the same time is well connected to the sleeve. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is already solved by a handle for a bicycle and an accessory according to one of the independent claims.

[0007] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0008] The invention relates to a handlebar grip for a bicycle handlebar. A bicycle is defined as any pedal-crank-driven vehicle, particularly a multi-track vehicle such as a cargo bike. Furthermore, the bicycle can have an electric auxiliary motor, for example, an e-bike or pedelec.

[0009] Such a vehicle includes a handlebar designed as a rod with two ends. The bicycle can be steered via the handlebar. Two grips are provided for this purpose.

[0010] The handle includes a sleeve that can be slid onto the handlebar.

[0011] The sleeve can be designed, in particular, as a clamping sleeve. Such a clamping sleeve can have a slotted area around which a clamp is pulled. By tightening the clamp, the grip can be frictionally secured to the handlebar.

[0012] The sleeve can in turn be provided with a covering made of a softer material, for example an injection-molded soft component.

[0013] The sleeve defines a central axis m H . The central axis m H of the sleeve coincides with the central axis of the handlebar. In particular, the sleeve has a circular cylindrical section that slides onto the handlebar.

[0014] The remaining design of the sleeve or gripping part can be arbitrary. In particular, the handle does not have to be circularly cylindrical, but can be ergonomically designed, particularly including a palm rest.

[0015] When installed, a plug is inserted into the sleeve, serving as an end cap or accessory mount. The plug is not clamped into the handlebar tube, as is also common practice, but is inserted into the outer end of the sleeve itself, thus connecting it to the sleeve.

[0016] For this purpose, the sleeve comprises a receiving area for the plug. According to the invention, a central axis m A of the receiving area runs at an oblique angle α to the central axis m H .

[0017] In contrast to the prior art described at the beginning, the plug is not adapted to the sleeve which is cut off at an angle on the outside, for example by means of inclined side walls, but the receiving area for the plug has a central axis m A which runs at an angle to the central axis m H.

[0018] Because the plug does not have to be adapted to the angled shape of the handle, it is possible to provide a plug that can be used for both angled and straight cut handles.

[0019] The receiving area preferably has a circular-cylindrical contour, in particular a circular-cylindrical outer surface.

[0020] In order to compensate for the cutting surface, which, for example, changes from a circular cylinder to an oval shape due to an oblique cut, the recording area must be designed accordingly.

[0021] For example, the receiving area may include a step. The step may be largest at the outermost point of the handle and taper off toward the innermost point, or may no longer be present at the innermost point.

[0022] The angle α can be between 3 and 50°, preferably between 5 and 40° and particularly preferably between 10 and 30°.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the plug extends beyond the end of the sleeve. The plug thus protrudes laterally from the receiving area, thus protecting the sleeve from damage. In the event of damage, the plug can be replaced relatively easily.

[0024] The plug may also protrude beyond the circumference of the sleeve in cross-section, particularly towards the front, relative to the direction of travel.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the plug is positively connected to the sleeve, in particular via a bayonet lock.

[0026] The disclosure further relates to an assembly with a handle as described above, wherein the assembly comprises a further sleeve with a receiving area for the plug. Unlike the sleeve described above, in this sleeve, the receiving area is aligned coaxially with the central axis of the sleeve.

[0027] The plug can be used for both sleeves.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, it relates to a grip for a bicycle handlebar, which comprises a sleeve that can be pushed onto the handlebar, wherein a plug serving as an end cap or accessory receptacle is inserted into the sleeve. Thus, the plug can serve as a cover for closing the grip. The plug can also be part of an accessory, e.g., a rearview mirror, and thus serve to attach the accessory to the sleeve.

[0029] The plug is connected to the sleeve by means of a bayonet lock.

[0030] The use of a bayonet lock makes it particularly easy to attach the handle.

[0031] The bayonet closure preferably includes a locking element. A locking element is understood to be a connection which, when properly connected, locks the plug onto the handle in such a way that the plug can only be turned back against the resistance of the locking element.

[0032] On the one hand, this enables a particularly strong connection, where the end position is haptically perceptible to the user.

[0033] At the same time, the solid connection makes it possible to use the plug as part of an accessory, such as a rearview mirror.

[0034] The locking element can in particular comprise a projection which locks into a recess.

[0035] The projection and recess can be arranged in particular on the front side of a helix of the sleeve and the plug.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, the bayonet is provided, similar to a thread, by at least one, preferably exactly two, helixes. The helix forms an inclined surface that moves the plug and sleeve components axially toward each other when rotated (corresponding to the axis m A of the receiving area) and away from each other when opened.

[0037] If form-locking elements are located on the end faces of this coil, they are positioned in a protected area on the inside and thus protected from dirt, for example. The design is also clearly visible, making installation easier.

[0038] It is particularly provided that the plug and sleeve each have two, in particular exactly two, coils, each of the coils having a form-fitting element, i.e. either a projection or a recess.

[0039] In particular, by using a bayonet with two helices, a handle can be provided in which the plug can be released from the handle by less than half a turn, in particular by approximately a quarter turn, or in which the plug can be attached to the sleeve by approximately a quarter turn.

[0040] This makes it particularly easy to attach and remove the plug.

[0041] The invention further relates to a set with two handles as described above.

[0042] In the set, one handle is designed as a left handle when used as intended and another handle is designed as a right handle when used as intended.

[0043] The handles have an identical plug. In particular, the receiving area of the sleeve is identical, but not necessarily mirror-symmetrical.

[0044] In particular, it is provided that the plug, in particular as described above, comprises a bayonet closure. Thus, the plug can be attached and removed by turning.

[0045] In this set, the direction in which the plug must be turned to lock or unlock is identical for both the right and left handles.

[0046] So only one plug is needed, which is identical on the right and left.

[0047] The disclosure further relates to a plug for a handle described above. In a further development, the plug has a drive element, which is particularly designed to interact with a handling tool. The drive element is preferably designed as a slot, which is dimensioned to accommodate a coin, such as a 10 euro cent piece. This allows for particularly simple installation of the plug.

[0048] The disclosure further relates to an accessory. This accessory is designed as a rearview mirror, as a control element for a component, such as a gearshift, an electric assist drive, or an automatic saddle height adjustment. Furthermore, the accessory can be designed as a display device. Furthermore, the accessory can be designed as a handlebar extension, in particular a handlebar horn, as a lighting element, and / or as an indicator.

[0049] The plug can also be part of a tool that's carried internally, i.e., inside the handlebar tube. The plug secures the tool in position and simultaneously closes the handle.

[0050] The accessory is designed for the handle described above and comprises in particular a plug which serves as a support for the accessory and which can be used with the sleeve described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] The subject matter of the invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 12 be explained in more detail. Fig. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a handle according to the invention (clamp and soft component not shown). Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section. Fig. 3 is a detailed view of a central longitudinal section of the edge region of the sleeve according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3A is a detailed view of a central longitudinal section of the edge region of the sleeve according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the edge area of the sleeve. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are perspective views of the plug according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5A and Fig. 6A are perspective views of the plug according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7shows an alternative embodiment of a handle which is cut straight on the outside. Fig. 8 is a central longitudinal section of the Fig. 7 handle shown. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the outer end of the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 handle shown. Fig. 11 and 12 each show a left handle in a top view. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a left handle. Fig. 13 shows a further perspective view of the plug according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B each show a perspective view of the plug according to the third embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the drawings

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a handle 1 according to the invention. The direction of travel when used as intended is marked with an arrow.

[0053] The handle 1 is cut diagonally on the outside.

[0054] The handle 1 is formed from a sleeve 10 and the plug 20.

[0055] The plug 20 can be conical in sections, in particular frustoconical.

[0056] Due to the oblique arrangement of the plug 20, the plug 20 protrudes beyond the outer wall of the sleeve 10 at the front and thus protects the sleeve 10 in the event of an impact.

[0057] Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section of the Fig. 1 handle shown.

[0058] In this embodiment, the sleeve 10 has a circular cylindrical section that serves as a gripping surface. For this purpose, the sleeve can be provided with a soft component (not shown). It is understood that the sleeve 10 or the handle can have any shape, in particular an ergonomic design.

[0059] The sleeve 10 is designed for clamping fastening and in this embodiment comprises a slot 11 on the inside.

[0060] In the area of the slot 11, a clamp (not shown) can be pushed onto the sleeve 10 in order to clamp the sleeve 10 and thus the handle 1.

[0061] On the inside, the sleeve 10 is provided, at least in sections, with a circular cylindrical channel which serves to receive the end of the handlebar (not shown).

[0062] This defines the central axis m H.

[0063] At the outer edge, the sleeve 10 comprises a receiving area 12. The plug 20 is inserted into the receiving area 12.

[0064] The receiving area 12 defines an insertion direction for the plug 20.

[0065] This defines the central axis m A. The central axis m A is, in particular, perpendicular to the end face of the plug 20.

[0066] MA runs at an oblique angle α to m H . In this embodiment, the angle α is between 15 and 25°.

[0067] Due to the oblique central axis m A, the plug 20 does not need to be adapted to the obliquely cut contour of the handle 1.

[0068] The plug 20, which in this embodiment can also be defined as a closure cover, is rather tilted obliquely to the central axis MH.

[0069] The central axis of the plug 20 thus corresponds to the central axis m A .

[0070] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 3A each show a detailed view of a central cross-section of the sleeve 10 in the edge area.

[0071] This central cross-section shows a helix 14, which is part of the bayonet, located in the receiving area 12. The helix 14 forms an inclined surface, which in this embodiment runs diagonally inward approximately from the outer surface 13 of the receiving area 12.

[0072] On the inside, the coil 14 has a projection 15. The projection 15 can, for example, be rounded. A corresponding first embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures, particularly in the Figures 3 , 5 and 6 According to a second embodiment of the invention, the projection 15 can be designed, for example, as a ramp, as shown in the Figures 3A , 5A and 6A is shown.

[0073] The helix 14 merges into an axially extending stop 16. At the stop 16, for example, the helix of the plug (24 in Fig. 5, 5A , 6 and 6A ) to the facility.

[0074] Furthermore, the stop 16 can serve as a contact surface for the end of the handlebar. The stop 16 therefore protrudes beyond the helix 14. This prevents the plug and sleeve from being pressed together by the handlebar, and the helix is protected from damage when the bicycle, for example, . tips over and hits the handlebar end.

[0075] The inclined surface 16a serves as a stop for the helix

[0076] In this embodiment, the wall of the sleeve 10 comprises a step 17 in which the wall of the sleeve 10 jumps inwards.

[0077] Level 17 is largest in the outermost area shown here and tapers off to the opposite side.

[0078] This design makes it possible for the receiving area 12 to be approximately circularly cylindrical.

[0079] Fig. 4is a perspective detail view of the outer end of the sleeve 10.

[0080] In this illustration it can be clearly seen that the sleeve 10 has two opposing helices on the edge.

[0081] A free area 18 is provided between the coils 14.

[0082] Through the free area 18, the coil of the plug (24 in Fig. 5, 5A , 6 and 6A ) can be inserted.

[0083] Even then, the plug is rotated and the coils of the sleeve 14, in cooperation with the coils of the plug, form a bayonet.

[0084] The Figs. 5 and 5A each show a perspective view of the plug 20.

[0085] The plug 20 is designed as a lid.

[0086] In particular, the plug 20 may have a circular contour.

[0087] In this embodiment, the plug 20 is provided with directional markings 21. The directional markings 21 allow the user to easily see in which direction the plug is attached and removed.

[0088] The plug 20 comprises a cap 22. The cap 22 comprises gripping surfaces 23 which facilitate the turning of the plug 20.

[0089] The gripping surfaces 23 can be designed as straight surface elements tangents of a circle aligned around the central axis of the plug 20.

[0090] In this embodiment, the gripping surfaces 23 are provided by making three cuts in the form of milled recesses in the circular cylindrical or conical contour of the cap 22.

[0091] On the inside, the plug 20 comprises two opposing coils 24.

[0092] As a form-locking element, which interacts with the projection of the coil of the sleeve (15 in Fig. 3 and 3A ) there is a recess 25 on the inside of the helix 24.

[0093] The projection of the coil of the sleeve engages in the recess 25.

[0094] In this first embodiment, the recess 25 is designed as a hollow groove (see Figures 3 , 5 and 6 ). In a further embodiment, the recess 25 is designed as a notch (see Figures 3A , 5A and 6A ).

[0095] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 6A each show a perspective view in which the underside of the plug 20 can be seen.

[0096] The opposing coils 24 can be seen, each with a recess 25 and arranged on a base 26 of the plug. The coils 24 are formed by oblique, ring-segment-shaped incisions in the base 26.

[0097] The 24 coils each occupy approximately a quarter circle segment.

[0098] Between the coils 24 there are free areas 28 into which the coil of the sleeve initially engages during connection.

[0099] In this embodiment, the coils 24 are connected to one another via a web 27, which serves to stabilize the plug 20.

[0100] The coils 24 end, in relation to the direction of closing the bayonet, at a stop 29, against which, for example, the coil of the sleeve can come into contact.

[0101] Fig. 7 shows a handle 1 according to an alternative embodiment not according to the invention.

[0102] In this embodiment not according to the invention, the handle 1 is not cut obliquely on the outside, but straight.

[0103] The remaining design of the sleeve 10 corresponds to the preceding drawings. In particular, the sleeve 10 is designed as a clamping sleeve and, apart from the straight-cut contour at the edge, has only the following differences. At the front, relative to the direction of travel, in this embodiment not according to the invention, the sleeve 10 is provided with a projection 19.

[0104] The projection 19 protects the remaining sleeve 10 from damage.

[0105] Due to the straight cut contour, unlike in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 , the plug 20 does not protrude beyond the outer wall of the sleeve 10.

[0106] As shown in the central longitudinal section according to Fig. 8As shown, a receiving area 12 is now provided whose axis is not tilted obliquely relative to the central axis of the sleeve 10. Rather, the plug 20, designed as a cover, is inserted coaxially into the sleeve 10 and then rotated to close the bayonet.

[0107] The receiving area 10 is according to the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 designed, only that it does not have to have a step or similar in order to form a circular cylindrical contour at least of the insertion area.

[0108] In particular, the receiving area 12 also comprises two coils which, in cooperation with the coils of the plug 20, form a bayonet.

[0109] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the edge area of the handle.

[0110] It can be seen that the projection 19 of the sleeve 10 projects beyond the circular contour of the plug 20 at the front in the direction of travel.

[0111] The plug shown in the drawings may in particular be part of an accessory, such as an exterior mirror, control element or display device.

[0112] While in the figures Fig. 1 to Fig. 9 Each of the handles is shown, which is attached to the right side of the handlebar when used as intended. The figures show Fig. 10 to Fig. 12 a handle which is attached to the left when used as intended.

[0113] Fig. 10 shows a handle which, in its shape, resembles the one in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 shown handle and which therefore includes a diagonally cut end.

[0114] The handle according to Fig. 11 corresponds to the Fig. 7 to Fig. 9 shown handle, which includes a straight end.

[0115] The handles 1 each have a mirror-symmetrical basic shape of sleeve 10 and plug 20.

[0116] As can be seen in the perspective view according to Fig. 5 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 10 The plug 20 and the receiving area in the sleeve 10 are not mirror-symmetrical.

[0117] Rather, the plug 20 is identical and the receiving area of the sleeve 10 is designed such that the bayonet between plug 20 and sleeve 10 opens and closes in the same direction, as is the case with the right handle.

[0118] This is particularly advantageous when the plug 20 is part of an accessory, such as a rearview mirror. The same accessory can thus be used for both the right and left side.

[0119] The plug 20 may further comprise a drive element 30 that cooperates with a handling tool (not shown) to assemble or disassemble the plug. The drive element 30 may, for example, be designed as a slot into which a coin can be inserted as a handling tool. Such a plug is shown in Figure 13 shown. In the Figures 13 , 14A and 14B In the embodiment shown, the elevations 31 are part of the logo applied to the cap of the plug.

[0120] The Figures 14A and 14B The embodiment of the invention shown has a plug 20 with a coil 24, wherein the plug has a free space 240 into which the coil 24 can spring, particularly during assembly. According to the invention, such a free space 240 can be provided independently of the design of the coil 24 or the recess or notch 25 on the plug 20.

[0121] The invention makes it possible to provide a universally usable system in which, in particular, a single plug can be provided for sleeves with different geometric designs in the edge area. List of reference symbols

[0122] 1Handle 10Sleeve 11Slot 12Receiving area 13Outer surface 14Helix 15Protrusion 16Stop 17Step 18Free area 19Protrusion 20Plug 21Directional marking 22Cap 23Grip surface 24Helix 240Free space 25Recess, notch 26Base 27Bridge 28Free area 29Stop 30Drive element, slot 31Elevation, in particular logo

Claims

1. A handle (1) for a bicycle handlebar, comprising a sleeve (10) that can be slid onto the handlebar, wherein the sleeve (10) defines a central axis mH which is coincident with the central axis of the bicycle handlebar, wherein a plug (20) serving as an end cap or accessory holder is inserted into the sleeve (10), wherein the sleeve (10) comprises a receptacle portion (12) for the plug (20) for this purpose, wherein the receptacle portion (12) defines an insertion direction for the plug (20), whereby a central axis mA of the receptacle portion (12) is defined; characterized in that the central axis mA of the receptacle portion (12) lies at an oblique angle α between 3° and 50° relative to the central axis mH.

2. The handle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle α is between 5° and 40° and preferably between 10° and 30°.

3. The handle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug (20) projects beyond the end of the sleeve (10).

4. The handle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug (20) is connected to the sleeve (10) with a form-fit.

5. The handle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug (20) is connected to the sleeve (10) by a bayonet fitting.

6. The handle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bayonet fitting comprises a latching element.

7. The handle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the latching element comprises a projection (15) which snaps into a recess (25), the projection (15) and the recess (25) being provided on the end face of a thread (14) of the sleeve (10) and of the plug (20), respectively.

8. The handle (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the bayonet fitting comprises two threads (14) on each of the sleeve (10) and the plug (20).

9. The handle (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the bayonet fitting is opened or closed by approximately a quarter turn.

10. A set comprising two handles (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one handle (1) is designed as a right-hand handle (1) and one handle (1) is designed as a left-hand handle (1), and wherein the plug (20) is identical for both handles (1).

11. The set according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plug (20) can be removed from or attached to the right-hand and left-hand handles (1) by turning it in the same direction.