Pedal for a bicycle

Abstract

A pedal for a bicycle, having an axle body (1) and having at least one holding element (2) which is mounted rotatably on the axle body (1), wherein the holding element (2) has a receiving portion (4) surrounding an axis of rotation of the pedal and having two side surfaces (6) in which grooves or lugs (8) running in the circumferential direction are formed, characterized in that the holding element (2) has, following the side surfaces (6), preferably cylindrical support portions (5) which extend laterally from the receiving portion (4) and which have a smaller outside diameter than the receiving portion (4).

Description

[0001]

[0002] Pedal for a bicycle

[0003] The present invention relates to a pedal for a bicycle, comprising an axle body and at least one holding element rotatably mounted on the axle body, wherein the holding element has a receiving section which extends around an axis of rotation of the pedal and has two side surfaces in which grooves or lugs running in the circumferential direction are formed.

[0004] EP 0 800 472 A1 shows a standard pedal that can only accommodate the cleat in one or two rotational positions. This makes it difficult to connect the cleat to the pedal while riding.

[0005] EP 2 664 534 A2 also discloses a pedal that can only be connected to the cleat in two rotational positions. A Velcro strip is used for the connection, which, while facilitating the connection, results in a connection that is too easy to detach.

[0006] DE 10 2008 028 569 A1 shows a pedal with two halves, with the cleat clamped between the two halves. Here, too, the problem exists that the connection is difficult if the pedal is not in one of the two connection positions.

[0007] EP 1 492 697 B1 discloses a pedal having a holding element with two parts, with the cleat being arranged between the parts. For this purpose, the parts of the holding element have grooves facing each other, which are arranged on inner flange parts. The spike of the cleat must not be too long, as otherwise walking with the shoes to which the cleat is attached will be uncomfortable. However, if the spike is too small, walking with the cleat attached can result in damage to the spike, as the small spike has only limited strength. A further disadvantage is that the cleat must be positioned very precisely over the gap in order to form a binding. Otherwise, the cleat will slip sideways and no binding will occur.

[0008] US 10,398,192 B2 proposes an embodiment that also has two parts, with the grooves facing away from each other. This embodiment allows for easier entry into the connection. However, slipping can still occur because a groove is located at the end of the pedal. If the user guides the cleat at an angle toward the pedal, the cleat can slide past this groove and slip sideways. Furthermore, power transmission occurs exclusively via the grooves, which reduces the service life of this embodiment.

[0009] The object of the invention is to avoid these disadvantages and to provide a solution that enables easy entry while at the same time ensuring a long service life.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the holding element has, following the side surfaces, preferably cylindrical support sections which extend laterally from the receiving section and which have a smaller outer diameter than the receiving section.

[0011] The support sections provide areas for the cleat or shoe to rest on, thus transferring power. This means that the force during pedaling is no longer transmitted exclusively via the grooves or lugs, but is at least partially absorbed by the support sections. This increases the lifespan of the pedal. At the same time, the guide surfaces assist in stepping in, preventing slipping and ensuring that the cleat doesn't grip into empty space, even when approaching at an angle, but rests against the guide surface.

[0012] Preferably, at least one support section is configured to extend circumferentially around a rotational axis of the pedal. Preferably, at least one support section is cylindrical.

[0013] "Circumferentially around a rotational axis of the pedal" means that the receiving or support section extends around the entire rotational axis of the pedal. This means that it is not located just on one side of the rotational axis, but on all sides.

[0014] Preferably, the receiving portion is cylindrical.

[0015] According to the invention, it is provided that the grooves or noses preferably point away from each other.

[0016] "Adjacent to the side surfaces" means that the support sections are arranged axially, i.e., along the rotational axis, next to the side surfaces. The support sections may be at least partially directly connected to the side surfaces. It may also be provided that the support sections are at least partially spaced from the side surfaces.

[0017] The receiving portion has at least two side surfaces. More than two side surfaces may also be provided, which can improve the connection between the pedal and the cleat. Preferably, the receiving portion has at least one, preferably two, guide surfaces that are inclined relative to the grooves or lugs and arranged radially outside the grooves or lugs relative to the rotational axis. This facilitates the guidance of the cleat into the groove.

[0018] Preferably, the grooves or lugs extend parallel to a rotational axis of the axle body.

[0019] Preferably, the grooves or lugs are radially symmetrical around the axis of rotation of the axle body. They are therefore annular grooves or lugs.

[0020] Grooves refer to notches or recesses in the side surfaces that extend at least partially in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. Lugs refer to projections or other protruding elements that extend at least partially in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation and extend above the side surfaces.

[0021] Both grooves and noses are connecting elements that enable a positive and / or non-positive connection with the cleat by engaging into the connecting element or, if necessary, engaging behind it.

[0022] The pedal may be provided with only grooves or only lugs or both grooves and lugs.

[0023] It is advantageous if the grooves or lugs have an inner sidewall that is aligned with the preferably cylindrical peripheral surface of the support sections. In other words, each support section is flush with the corresponding inner sidewall. This allows the cleat's gripping elements, which engage in the grooves or lugs, to rest securely on the surface, thus improving force transmission. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of jamming or jamming when the cleat is approached at an angle.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous if the retaining element is mounted on the axle body via at least one plain bearing. Plain bearings are particularly robust and less susceptible to dirt, making them particularly suitable.

[0025] It may also be advantageous if the retaining element is mounted on the axle body via at least one rolling bearing. This can also be combined with at least one plain bearing.

[0026] If the pedal has at least one spacer ring that is arranged along a rotational axis of the pedal before or after the holding element on the pedal, the position of the holding element on the pedal can be fixed and / or its movement along the rotational axis can be limited by the spacer ring. In this case, it can be provided that the holding element rests against at least one spacer ring in the axial direction. It can be provided that at least one spacer ring is arranged on only one side of the holding element or that at least one spacer ring is arranged on both sides of the holding element. The pedal can also have a set of spacer rings with at least partially different widths. The user can therefore choose the spacer ring or combination of spacers that is advantageous for them. This enables individual adaptation to the user's physiology and thus makes riding easier.

[0027] To achieve the most compact, robust, and simple design possible, at least one support section can be designed to be integral with the side surface to which it connects. This means that the part of the holding element that forms the side surface is integral with the support section. This enables optimal force distribution between the parts and reduces the number of different parts of the pedal, thus facilitating assembly and handling for the user.

[0028] Furthermore, a click device for a bicycle with a pedal and a cleat that can be attached to a shoe is advantageous, wherein the cleat can be detachably connected to the pedal, wherein the pedal has an axle body and at least one holding element rotatably mounted on the axle body, wherein the holding element has a preferably cylindrical receiving section with two side surfaces in which grooves or lugs running in the circumferential direction are formed. The pedal is preferably designed as described in this description and drawings, but a pedal without support sections according to the invention can also be provided. For this purpose, the cleat preferably has at least one gripping element, preferably two gripping elements, which is designed to engage in at least one of the grooves or lugs. In a closed position, the gripping element preferably forms a positive connection with the grooves or lugs.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the preferably cylindrical receiving section is made from one piece. This creates a particularly stable and robust receiving section that can transfer force to the cleat particularly well. A particular advantage here is that the cylindrical receiving section does not have to undergo any axial movement when a cleat connects or disconnects. This eliminates the need for an axially movable bearing for the receiving section along the axis of rotation of the axle body. This significantly increases the service life of the pedal, as such axial bearings are very susceptible to wear. In this sense, a click device is particularly advantageous if the pedal is designed as described in the last paragraph and the cleat has at least two opposing gripping elements for engaging in the grooves or lugs, and the gripping elements are spring-loaded against one another.This ensures that the gripping elements can easily deflect when the cleat and pedal are brought together and can engage in the grooves or lugs. The suspension can be provided by a leaf spring, a torsion spring, and / or a ring spring, for example. The spring element can therefore comprise a leaf spring, a torsion spring, and / or a ring spring.

[0030] It can also be provided that the receiving section has two parts, each of the parts has a side surface and that the two parts are pre-tensioned against each other by at least one spring element. This enables a simpler construction of the cleat, since the spring element allows the parts to move against each other and thus to give way when the cleat approaches. The spring element is preferably arranged between the parts and / or pre-tensions the two parts away from each other. It can be designed, for example, as an elastic element, preferably made of rubber. The spring force of the spring element can be used to adjust the level of resistance that must be overcome when hooking or unhooking the cleat.

[0031] It can be provided that the pedal has at least one tread for supporting the foot or shoe, and that the tread is preferably arranged at least partially in front of and / or behind the receiving section along a longitudinal axis of the pedal, which is substantially transverse to a rotational axis of the pedal. In addition to the support sections, the tread can transmit the force between the foot and the pedal. Such treads also enable or improve riding when one is not wearing shoes with cleats. The arrangement in front of and / or behind the receiving section is particularly advantageous for such riding.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be provided that the tread is arranged on a tread body, which is preferably connected to the axle body along a rotational axis of the pedal, offset from the receiving section. The tread body can be part of the holding element and / or be integrally connected to the receiving section, directly connected, or indirectly connected, for example, via the axle body.

[0033] It is further advantageous if the support sections are arranged at least partially on the tread body, and the treads preferably at least partially form the support sections. In such a case, it can be provided that the support sections are not cylindrical.

[0034] It can be provided that the tread body is detachably connectable to the receiving section and that the tread body has at least two opposing gripping elements for engaging in the grooves or lugs. This allows the tread body to be used as needed by removing it from or placing it on the receiving section. It can be provided that the tread body is connected to the receiving section like a cleat.

[0035] In this sense, a click device is particularly advantageous if the pedal is designed according to the last paragraph and the cleat has at least two opposing gripping elements for engaging the grooves or lugs, and the gripping elements are firmly connected to one another. This makes the cleat particularly robust, and the spring element allows the grooves or lugs to deflect when brought together, allowing the gripping elements to engage in them. A fixed connection preferably refers to an inelastic connection, i.e., a connection in which, when used as intended, no significant movement of the gripping elements relative to one another occurs during the establishment or release of the connection to the holding element.

[0036] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of a pedal according to the invention;

[0038] Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a pedal according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a schematic section through a first embodiment of a cleat of a click device according to the invention;

[0040] Fig. 4a is a schematic plan view through a second embodiment of a cleat of a click device according to the invention;

[0041] Fig. 4b is a schematic section along the line AA of Fig. 4a;

[0042] Fig. 4c shows a schematic section along the line BB of Fig. 4a;

[0043] Fig. 4d is a schematic plan view through a slightly modified second embodiment of a cleat of a click device according to the invention; Fig. 5a is a schematic section through a second embodiment of a cleat of a click device according to the invention;

[0044] Fig. 5b is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the cleat from Fig. 5a;

[0045] Fig. 6a is a plan view of a third embodiment of a pedal according to the invention;

[0046] Fig. 6b is a side view of the third embodiment in the direction of the axis of rotation;

[0047] Fig. 6c is a schematic section through the third embodiment along the line AA of Fig. 6b;

[0048] Fig. 7a is a bottom view of an embodiment of a tread body of a pedal according to the invention;

[0049] Fig. 7b a section along the line BB of Fig. 7a;

[0050] Fig. 7c shows a section along the line AA of Fig. 7a.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention with an elongated axle body 1 having a thread 1a at one end for screwing onto a bicycle crank. It extends along an axis of rotation A, around which it rotates during use while riding the bicycle.

[0052] A holding element 2 is rotatably mounted on the axle body 1. In this embodiment, the mounting is achieved via a plain bearing 3. The holding element 2 is constructed in one piece and has a cylindrical receiving section 4 located centrally. A support section 5 with smaller diameters is arranged on each of its sides. This creates side surfaces 6 on the sides of the receiving section 4.

[0053] At the ends facing away from the pedal, the side surfaces 6 are beveled. For this purpose, the side surfaces 6 have inclined guide surfaces 7. This guides the gripping elements of a cleat, which is lowered from normal to the rotational axis A above the receiving section 5 onto the pedal, apart and toward the side surfaces 6.

[0054] The side surfaces 6 further each have a groove 8, which faces away from each other. The grooves 8 are notches in the side surfaces 6, allowing the gripping elements to engage positively in the grooves 8. The grooves 8 have inner side walls 8a facing the pedal, which are aligned with the circumferential surfaces 5a of the support sections 5.

[0055] At the end of the axle body 1 facing away from the thread 1a, a retaining end 9 is arranged, which has a larger diameter than the axle body 1 at this end. It is preferably connected to the axle body 1 via a screw. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining end 9 can be connected to the axle body 1 via at least one screw connection; for example, the retaining end 9 and the axle body 1 can have corresponding threads.

[0056] Between the holding element 2 and the thread 1a, a spacer ring 10 is arranged along the rotational axis A on the pedal, which spacer ring 10 rests on one side on the holding element 2 and on the other side on a wall of the axle body 1.

[0057] Likewise, a spacer ring 10 is arranged between the retaining element 2 and the retaining end 9 along the rotational axis A on the pedal. The width B of the spacer rings 10 defines the exact position of the retaining element 2 on the axle body 1. The position can be changed by replacing or removing these spacer rings 10.

[0058] The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is very similar to the first. Therefore, only the most significant differences will be discussed here. Equivalent components have the same reference numerals.

[0059] The second embodiment from Fig. 2 has a holding element 2 that is not a single piece, but consists of several pieces. It has two parts 4a, 4b separated by a spring element 11. The spring element 11 pretensions the two parts 4a, 4b parallel to the axis of rotation A, specifically away from each other. If a cleat is lowered onto the pedal above the receiving section 5 perpendicular to the axis of rotation A, its gripping elements move along the guide surfaces 7 and press the parts 4a, 4b towards each other until the gripping elements engage in the grooves 8. Due to the space in the grooves 8, the spring element 11 presses the parts 4a, 4b apart again and secures the gripping elements. The pedal can be provided with a set of spring elements 11 that have different spring forces. This can be achieved, for example, by the spring elements 11 having different elastic moduli and / or different compression moduli.

[0060] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, it is clearly evident that several spacer rings 10 with different widths B can be arranged differently to determine the position of the holding element 2. In the position shown, two spacer rings 10 of different widths are arranged together on one side of the holding element 2, and one spacer ring 10 with a particularly large width B is arranged on the other side. By exchanging or omitting individual spacer rings 10, the position can be varied significantly.

[0061] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates gripping elements 12 of a cleat, which are particularly advantageous with the first embodiment of the pedal. These gripping elements 12 have hook-shaped end pieces 12a that can engage with the grooves 8. The gripping elements 12 are pivotally mounted relative to one another, being biased against one another by a spring element 13, in this case a leaf spring, into a position in which the gripping elements 12 are sufficiently far apart that the end pieces 12a can form a positive connection with the grooves 8. This enables the corresponding interaction with the pedal. The cleat is shown as a multi-piece design, but can also be constructed in one piece.

[0062] Figures 4a-4c show an alternative embodiment of a cleat, which is also particularly advantageous in conjunction with the first embodiment. The embodiment shown is very similar to the first one shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, only the most significant differences will be discussed here. Equivalent components have the same reference numerals.

[0063] The cleat has a main body 20, which, as can be seen in the sections, has a U-shape, like the first embodiment. For this purpose, the main body 20 has a raised portion 21 in the center. An annular spring 22 is arranged around this raised portion 21 as a spring element 13, which has hook-shaped end pieces 12a in the region of two recesses 24 in the main body 20, which protrude into the recesses 24, see in particular Fig. 4b. If the receiving section 4 is inserted into this cavity created by the raised portion 21, the hook-shaped end pieces 12a move apart elastically, making room for the receiving section 4.

[0064] Fig. 4d shows a very similar, but different, embodiment of the cleat to the second embodiment. This also features an annular spring 22, which, however, is not designed as a continuous ring but is open on one side.

[0065] Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show an alternative embodiment of a cleat, which is particularly advantageous with the second embodiment of the pedal. The embodiment shown is very similar to the first one in Fig. 3. Therefore, only the most significant differences will be discussed here. Equivalent components have the same reference numerals.

[0066] The cleat shown, like the other embodiments, has two opposing hook-shaped end pieces 12a. However, the gripping elements 12 are not connected via a leaf spring, but rather via a rigid connecting bar 26, which, when used as intended, does not allow any significant movement of the gripping elements 12 relative to each other.

[0067] The cleat has, preferably two, support surfaces 14. These support surfaces are designed for positioning, preferably for centering, the cleat on the pedal. Preferably, the at least one support surface 14 prevents the pedal from moving forward or backward.

[0068] Figures 6a and 6b show a third embodiment of a pedal according to the invention, which has a tread body 30 rotatable relative to the axle body 1, on which two treads 31 are arranged. Each tread 31 extends in front of and behind the receiving section 4 along a longitudinal axis L of the pedal.

[0069] The tread body 30 is arranged along the rotation axis A in front of and behind the receiving section 4 on the axle body 1. The tread body 30 is designed together with the holding element 2 and preferably forms the holding element 2 together with the receiving section 4.

[0070] The tread body 30 connects directly to the receiving section 4 and forms laterally supporting sections 5, which are formed as part of the tread body 30 and the treads 31.

[0071] The treads 31 adjoin the side surfaces 6 along the rotation axis A, but are slightly spaced from the side surfaces 6.

[0072] The tread body 30 is designed to be rotatable relative to the axle body 1 and preferably also relative to the receiving section 4. Therefore, it has treads 31 on two opposite sides, whereby, depending on the rotational position, one tread 31 always points toward the foot and serves as support.

[0073] Figures 7a-7c show a tread body 30 that can be operatively separated from the axle body 1. This body has a tread 31 on its upper side and two gripping elements 34 similar to a cleat on its underside. The gripping elements 34 can be spring-loaded against each other or firmly connected to each other.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Pedal for a bicycle, with an axle body (1) and with at least one holding element (2) rotatably mounted on the axle body (1), wherein the holding element (2) has a receiving section (4) which runs around an axis of rotation of the pedal and has two side surfaces (6) in which grooves or noses (8) running in the circumferential direction are formed, characterized in that the holding element (2) has, adjoining the side surfaces (6), preferably cylindrical support sections (5) which extend laterally from the receiving section (4) and which have a smaller outer diameter than the receiving section (4).

2. Pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that the grooves or lugs (8) have an inner side wall (8a) which is aligned with the preferably cylindrical peripheral surface (5a) of the support sections (5).

3. Pedal according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the holding element (2) is mounted on the axle body (1) via at least one sliding bearing (3).

4. Pedal according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pedal has at least one spacer ring (10) which is arranged on the pedal along an axis of rotation (A) of the pedal in front of or after the holding element (2).

5. Pedal according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one support section (4) is integral with the side surface (6) to which it adjoins.

6. Pedal according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the preferably cylindrical receiving section (4) is in one piece.

7. Pedal according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the preferably cylindrical receiving section (4) has two parts (4a, 4b) and that each of the parts (4a, 4b) has at least one side surface (6) and that the two parts (4a, 4b) are prestressed against each other by at least one spring element (11).

8. Pedal according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pedal has at least one tread (31) for supporting the foot or shoe and that the tread (31) preferably extends along a longitudinal axis (L) of the pedal, which is substantially transverse to a rotation axis (A) of the pedal, is arranged at least partially in front of and / or behind the receiving section (4).

9. Pedal according to claim 8, characterized in that the tread (31) is arranged on a tread body (30) which is preferably connected to the axle body (1) along an axis of rotation (A) of the pedal, offset from the receiving section (4).

10. Pedal according to claim 9, characterized in that the support sections (5) are arranged at least partially on the tread body (30) and the treads (31) preferably at least partially form the support sections (5).

11. Pedal according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the tread body (30) is detachably connectable to the receiving section (4) and that the tread body (30) has at least two opposing gripping elements (34) for engaging in the grooves or noses (8).

12. Click device for a bicycle with a pedal and a cleat attachable to a shoe, wherein the cleat is detachably connectable to the pedal, characterized in that the pedal is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Click device according to claim 12, characterized in that the pedal is designed according to claim 6 and that the cleat has at least two opposite gripping elements (12) for engaging in the grooves or noses (8), and that the gripping elements (12) are spring-loaded against one another.

14. Click device according to claim 12, characterized in that the pedal is designed according to claim 7 and that the cleat has at least two opposite gripping elements (12) for engaging in the grooves or noses (8), and that the gripping elements (12) are firmly connected to one another.

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