BICYCLE HANDLE CLAMP

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle handle clamp and a bicycle handle with a bicycle handle clamp.

[0002] To attach bicycle grips to a bicycle handlebar, it is known to use a bicycle grip clamp. For this purpose, the corresponding bicycle grips typically have an inner sleeve whose diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the handlebar. A grip element, usually made of a softer plastic material, is arranged on the sleeve. This grip element surrounds the inner sleeve of the bicycle grip circumferentially. Only a lateral area of ​​the sleeve, which may be located on the inside and / or outside, is not surrounded by a grip element. In this area, the sleeve can be clamped to the handlebar using a bicycle grip clamp.If necessary, the inner sleeve in this clamping area has a clamping slot, or a softer area, so that the bicycle handlebar clamp can reduce the inner diameter of the inner sleeve for clamping fixation on the handlebar.

[0003] The bicycle handlebar clamp is designed as a slotted clamp with two prongs or thickenings. A screw is integrated into this area to act as a clamping device. These clamps are typically made of metal, allowing for a threaded connection in one of the prongs or thickenings. The other prong or thickening has a through-hole through which a screw is inserted to act as the clamping element. Screwing the screw into the thread reduces the inner diameter of the inner sleeve, thus clamping the handlebar grip securely onto the handlebar. To generate sufficient clamping force, screws that engage with threads are commonly used as the clamping device. Therefore, it is standard practice for bicycle handlebar clamps to be made of metal.

[0004] A bicycle handle clamp with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 2 881 314 A1.

[0005] The object of the invention is to create a bicycle handlebar clamp that can be manufactured cost-effectively while achieving a reliable clamping force.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a bicycle handle clamp with the features of claim 1.

[0007] The bicycle grip clamp is used to fix a bicycle grip to a handlebar. The bicycle grip clamp according to the invention has a ring segment, i.e., an incompletely closed ring-shaped segment, which typically extends by more than 250°, and in particular by more than 300°, of the circumference of the bicycle grip or an inner sleeve of the bicycle grip. In the mounted state, the ring segment element rests against, in particular, a clamping area of ​​a bicycle grip that has an inner sleeve. Two projections are connected to the ring segment element. These projections serve to receive a clamping device. A slot is formed between these two projections. The width of the slot can be reduced by the clamping device to fix the bicycle grip to the bicycle handlebar.

[0008] The clamping device comprises a clamping element and a retaining element. For clamping and fixing, the clamping element interacts with the retaining element in such a way that the width of the slot between the two projections is reduced. The retaining element is surrounded by one of the projections or is located at least substantially within one of the two projections. According to the invention, the retaining element is surrounded by the projection on its outer surface. Such an integrated retaining element makes it possible to manufacture a cost-effective bicycle handlebar clamp. In particular, it is possible to manufacture the retaining element from a different material. It is therefore particularly preferred that the bicycle handlebar clamp be manufactured from two components, with the clamping element itself, which is in particular a screw, being provided as a further separate element.

[0009] It is particularly preferred to manufacture the retaining element from metal, which is at least partially, and in particular completely, surrounded by one of the attachments, wherein it is particularly preferred that the attachment is made of a plastic material. In particular, it is possible to arrange and fix the retaining element of a plastic attachment by overmolding it within the attachment.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining element is arranged in the projection such that it is not only surrounded by the projection in the circumferential direction of the retaining element, but also that the outer surface of the retaining element is surrounded by it. It is particularly preferred that the retaining element is not visible when the bicycle handlebar clamp is mounted, but is surrounded or closed on all outer surfaces. According to the invention, the retaining element is accessible only on one side, namely the inner side facing the slot provided between the two projections. The clamping element, in particular the screw, is inserted into the retaining element via the inner side, and in particular screwed in.

[0011] According to the invention, the retaining element is a threaded sleeve. In a further preferred embodiment, this sleeve can be closed on one inner side, i.e., on the side that is arranged at a distance from the slot. The sleeve is thus only open on one side, namely on the side facing the direction of the slot, and is otherwise trough- or cap-shaped.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferred that the retaining element has at least one radial projection for axial fixation within the recess in which the retaining element is arranged. The radial projection can be a rib, a disc-shaped projection, a washer, or the like. It is also preferred that projections, grooves, or the like are provided on an outer surface of the retaining element to enable rotational fixation. Particularly in the case of a retaining element that is surrounded by and injected into a plastic material, the provision of radial and / or lateral projections ensures secure retention of the retaining element within the plastic recess, preventing it from being axially pulled out or twisted. It is especially preferred that the retaining element is designed as a blind rivet nut with at least a partially knurled outer surface.In a preferred embodiment, the clamping element has a shaft that interacts with the retaining element. This interaction can be achieved by snapping or similar action. Preferably, the shaft has a thread that engages with a thread in the retaining element. Furthermore, it is preferred that the clamping element has a head similar to a screw, allowing for easy reduction of the slot width for clamping the bicycle grip onto the handlebar. It is particularly preferred that the clamping element is designed as a screw.

[0013] Preferably, the projection with which the head part of the clamping element interacts is designed such that it has a recess in which the head part is, in particular, completely arranged in the assembled state. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the head part of the clamping element does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the projection.

[0014] It is particularly preferred that the ring segment element, and especially both extensions, are formed in one piece. The material used is preferably a plastic material. Furthermore, it is preferred that the ring segment element, and especially the two extensions connected to it, particularly those formed in one piece, are manufactured by injection molding. In the injection molding process, the retaining element can then be arranged within the extension and directly overmolded, thus fixing it in the respective extension.

[0015] Furthermore, it is possible that an adjustment lug is provided on an inner surface of the ring segment element, and in particular on an inner surface of one of the projections, i.e., on one side of the projections facing inwards. This may be a region with a smaller diameter. This serves to ensure that the bicycle grip clamp is positioned in a defined location relative to the inner sleeve of the bicycle grip. In particular, the adjustment lug may have a radius on its inner surface, facing the bicycle handlebars when mounted, that corresponds to the outer surface of the handlebars. The remaining area of ​​the ring segment element has an inner diameter that is essentially the same as the outer diameter of the sleeve.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to a bicycle grip with an inner sleeve, preferably made of a harder material, which is circumferentially surrounded by a grip element, preferably made of a softer material. The grip element preferably does not completely surround the inner sleeve, so that a clamping area remains open. Preferably, a bicycle grip clamp, as described above, is arranged in this clamping area for fixing the bicycle grip to a bicycle handlebar. The clamping area may have a slot, so that the inner sleeve can be easily clamped to the bicycle handlebar using the bicycle grip clamp according to the invention.

[0017] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings.

[0018] They show: Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the bicycle handlebar clamp, Figure 2 is a schematic side view in the direction of arrow II. Figure 1 , and Figure 3 a schematic longitudinal sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2 .

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle handlebar clamp has a ring segment element 10. This element transitions into two projections 12, 14 and is formed integrally with them. A slot 16 is formed between the two projections 12, 14. A clamping device 18, 20 ( Figure 3The width of the slot can be reduced. The ring segment element 10 has an inner surface 22 which, with the exception of two adjustment lugs 24, has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of an inner sleeve of a bicycle grip. In the area of ​​the adjustment lugs, the inner diameter is smaller and corresponds to the outer diameter of the bicycle grip. The adjustment lugs 22 serve to adjust the bicycle grip clamp on the sleeve, thus ensuring circumferential adjustment.

[0020] Within approach 12 ( Figure 3A retaining element 18, designed as a closed sleeve, is arranged. The retaining element 18 has an internal thread into which a shaft 26 of a clamping element 20, provided with an external thread, can be screwed. The sleeve 18 is closed on its inside and additionally has a radial, in particular disc-shaped, projection 28 on its inside, which ensures secure axial retention within the projection 12. On an outer surface 30 of the retaining element 18, which is designed as a sleeve, projections and recesses similar to toothing are formed to prevent the retaining element 18 from rotating within the projection 12.

[0021] For manufacturing, the entire ring segment element 10, together with the two attachments 12 and 14, can be produced by injection molding. The retaining element 18 is positioned within the injection mold and easily fixed in place by overmolding it into the attachment 12. This makes it easy to produce a cost-effective bicycle handlebar clamp made of plastic, which, due to the integrated retaining element (made primarily of metal), provides reliable clamping.

[0022] In the projection 14 opposite projection 12, a through-opening is provided for the arrangement of the clamping element 20, which is designed as a screw. This opening has, in addition to a through-bore, a larger diameter recess 32 in which a head part 34 of the screw is arranged.

[0023] Due to the arrangement of the retaining element 18 completely within the projection 12, in side view ( Figure 2No opening is visible. An inner surface 34 of the bicycle grip clamp rests against a grip element surrounding an inner sleeve of the bicycle grip. The opposite outer surface 36 is located, for example, on the outside of the bicycle handlebar or on the inside. If the side 36 is located on the outside of the handlebar, a sealing plug can also be arranged in it. The inner surface 34 is curved in a region outside the inner sleeve of the bicycle element. This curved region 38 is curved towards the outer surface 36 and thus allows a smooth transition, for example, to a palm rest area of ​​a bicycle grip element that adjoins the outer surface 38. All transitions are preferably stepless.

Claims

1. A bicycle handle clamp for attaching a bicycle handle to a handlebar, comprising a ring segment element (10) which, in the assembled state, partially surrounds a part of a bicycle handle to be clamped, in particular on an inner sleeve of a bicycle handle in the circumferential direction, two protrusions (12, 14) connected to the ring segment element for receiving a clamping device (18, 20), and a slot (16) formed between the two protrusions (12, 14), the width of which can be reduced by the clamping device (18, 20) for fixing the bicycle handle to the handlebar, wherein the clamping device (18, 20) has a clamping element (20) which interacts with a holding element (18) for clamping fixation, and wherein the holding element (18) is at least partially surrounded by one of the protrusions (12), wherein the holding element (18) is accessible exclusively from an inner side of the protrusion facing in the direction of the other protrusion (14), characterized in that the holding element (18) is designed as a threaded sleeve.

2. The bicycle handle clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding element (18) is closed on its inner side and / or has at least one radial protrusion (28) for axial fixing in the protrusion (12).

3. The bicycle handle clamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding element (18) has protrusions on its outer side (30) for rotational fixing.

4. The bicycle handle clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping element has a shaft (26) which cooperates with the holding element (18), the shaft (26) preferably having a thread which can be screwed into the thread of the holding element (18) for fixing.

5. The bicycle handle clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping element (20) has a head part (34) which is connected to the shaft (26), the clamping element (20) preferably being designed as a screw.

6. The bicycle handle clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that the head part (34) is arranged, in the mounted state, in particular completely in a recess (32) of the protrusion (14).

7. The bicycle handle clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ring segment element (10) and in particular both protrusions (10, 12) are manufactured in one piece, in particular from a plastic injection molding.

8. The bicycle handle clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the protrusions (10, 12) has an adjustment protrusion (24) on a side facing towards the inner side of the ring segment element (10).

9. The bicycle handle, having an inner sleeve, a grip element surrounding the inner sleeve, a clamping region formed by the inner sleeve and a bicycle handle clamp arranged in the clamping region according to any one of claims 1 to 8.