Damping device for a bicycle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a damping device (14) for a bicycle (10), comprising a connection system (32) for connecting the damping device (14) to a bicycle frame (38) of the bicycle (10), wherein the damping device (14) comprises a connection region (24a, b) which has a bore (28), and wherein the connection system (32) comprises a receiving sleeve (36) for receiving a fastening element (42), and wherein the connection system (32) comprises a bearing sleeve (34) which is arranged within the bore (28) and radially outside the receiving sleeve (36), wherein the connection system (32) comprises a first and a second sealing element (40a, b), each of which bears against an axial end of the receiving sleeve (36) and against the bearing sleeve (34), and wherein the sealing element (40a,b) is formed from at least two different materials.

Description

[0001] Damping device for a bicycle

[0002] The invention relates to a damping device for a bicycle with a connection system for connecting the damping device to a bicycle frame.

[0003] Bicycles, especially mountain bikes, are often equipped with shock absorbers to dampen the bicycle's movement when riding over uneven terrain. Typically, the movement of each wheel, i.e., the rear wheel and the front wheel, is damped by a separate shock absorber. The rear wheel, for example, is connected to the bicycle frame via a rear shock absorber. The rear shock absorber often incorporates a damping device with a single-tube or multi-tube vibration damper. The terms "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear" used in this application refer to the usual operating position of a damping device and a suspension fork or shock absorber on a bicycle.

[0004] The damping device is typically mounted to the bicycle frame in a rotatable manner, for example using a plain bearing. EP 4290 090 A1 discloses a method of mounting a damping device on a bicycle frame. During operation, dirt frequently penetrates the bearing, significantly reducing its service life. Furthermore, the numerous components involved in mounting the bearing make assembly time-consuming and expensive.

[0005] Starting from this, the object of the present invention is to provide a damping device for a bicycle that is easy to attach to the bicycle frame and wherein the attachment has a long service life.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a device with the features of independent device claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect, a damping device for a bicycle comprises a connection system for connecting the damping device to a bicycle frame, wherein the damping device includes a connection area having a bore and wherein the connection system has a receiving sleeve for receiving a fastening element. The connection system also has a bearing sleeve arranged inside the bore and radially outside the receiving sleeve. The connection system comprises a first and a second sealing element, each bearing against a respective axial end of the receiving sleeve and the bearing sleeve, respectively, and wherein the sealing element is made of at least two different materials.Preferably, the sealing element is made of exactly two different materials, one of which is softer than the other. In particular, one material is elastically deformable and the other is dimensionally stable. The sealing element provides a reliable seal between the bearing sleeve and the receiving sleeve.

[0007] The damping device is, for example, a rear shock absorber, which is preferably connected to the bicycle frame and, in particular, indirectly, especially via a movable element of the bicycle frame, to the rear wheel, so that the movement of the rear wheel is dampened by means of the rear shock absorber. The damping device preferably has exactly two connection areas designed to connect the damping device to the bicycle frame. The connection areas are preferably arranged at mutually movable ends of the damping device. One connection area is preferably fixedly connected to the piston rod, while the other connection area is fixedly connected to the damper tube. The connection system is preferably rigidly connected to the connection area of ​​the damping device. In particular, the connection system is arranged at least partially within the bore.The bore preferably extends completely through the connection area of ​​the damping device. Preferably, the bearing sleeve is located entirely within the bore, with its length substantially corresponding to the length of the bore. The bearing sleeve is preferably arranged coaxially with the bore and, in particular, its outer surface rests against the inner surface of the bore. Preferably, the bearing sleeve is firmly connected to the connection area and, in particular, pressed into the bore. The bearing sleeve is, for example, part of a plain bearing or a rolling bearing. Preferably, the bearing sleeve is made of a metal.

[0008] The receiving sleeve is preferably arranged at least partially within the bearing sleeve. The receiving sleeve is preferably made of a metal, preferably aluminum. The receiving sleeve is preferably fixed to the bicycle frame in the mounted position, in particular by press fitting. Preferably, the receiving sleeve is rotatable relative to the bearing sleeve about its central longitudinal axis. Preferably, the receiving sleeve rests slidably against the inner surface of the bearing sleeve with its radially outwardly facing outer surface. In particular, an annular gap is formed between the bearing sleeve and the receiving sleeve, which is preferably filled with a lubricant. The sealing element is designed and arranged specifically to seal the annular gap.

[0009] Preferably, the receiving sleeve is arranged coaxially with the bearing sleeve and has, in particular, a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the bearing sleeve. The receiving sleeve preferably has a greater axial length than the bearing sleeve and the bore. In particular, the receiving sleeve extends axially beyond the bore and the bearing sleeve on both sides. Specifically, the sealing elements each have a length corresponding to the length of the respective outer end regions of the receiving sleeve that project laterally beyond the bearing sleeve. By way of example, the receiving sleeve is arranged centrally within the bearing sleeve and the bore, so that the axial centers of the bearing sleeve and the receiving sleeve, and preferably the bore, coincide. The receiving sleeve is preferably designed to receive a fastening element, such as a screw or a bolt.The fastening element is preferably firmly connected to the bicycle frame, in particular by screws. The bicycle frame preferably has a threaded bore that interacts with the fastening element. For example, a threaded sleeve, such as a nut, is attached to the bicycle frame and interacts with the fastening element. In particular, the receiving sleeve is firmly connected to the bicycle frame by means of the fastening element, so that the receiving sleeve cannot be moved relative to the bicycle frame without causing damage.

[0010] The sealing elements are preferably identical. Preferably, the sealing elements rest against the receiving sleeve and the bearing sleeve in such a way that they seal the bearing sleeve to the receiving sleeve airtight, and in particular fluid-tight. Preferably, the sealing elements are fixed in position to the receiving sleeve, in particular by clamping or pressing.

[0011] The damping device comprises, for example, an outer tube and an inner tube arranged coaxially to it, wherein a compensating chamber for receiving hydraulic fluid is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube, and a piston connected to a piston rod, which is arranged to be movable back and forth within the inner tube, wherein the interior of the inner tube is divided by the piston into a working chamber remote from the piston rod and a working chamber on the piston rod side, and wherein the damping device has a valve assembly mounted outside the outer tube with a compression stage valve for damping the piston movement in the compression stage and a rebound stage valve for damping the piston movement in the rebound stage. The valve assembly is, in particular, mounted outside the piston and separate from it, wherein the piston, for example, has a valve separate from the valve assembly.The damping device also includes, for example, a compensating valve which is hydraulically arranged parallel to the valve device and is designed in such a way that it dampens the piston movement depending on the amplitude.

[0012] Preferably, the compensating valve is hydraulically arranged parallel to the piston. The compensating valve is preferably fluidically connected to the working chamber furthest from the piston rod and the working chamber closer to the piston rod. The parallel arrangement of the compensating valve enables optimal damping of low-amplitude vibrations exclusively via the compensating valve, while larger amplitudes are damped via the parallel valves of the valve assembly.

[0013] The damping device preferably comprises an outer tube and an inner tube arranged coaxially to and within the outer tube, which is also referred to, for example, as a damper tube. The inner tube preferably has a smaller diameter than the outer tube and is arranged radially spaced from it, so that a compensating chamber filled with hydraulic fluid is formed between the inner and outer tubes. The outer and inner tubes are preferably attached at their lower ends to a base piece that seals the hydraulic fluid-filled inner and outer tubes in a fluid-tight manner. For example, a bottom valve or a fluid passage is arranged in the base piece, which fluidly connects the compensating chamber to the interior of the inner tube, in particular to the working chamber on the piston rod side. In particular, the base piece does not have a valve.At the upper end of the outer tube, the damping device preferably has a sealing package that is attached to the outer tube and the inner tube and seals the interior of the outer tube and the inner tube in a fluid-tight manner.

[0014] A piston and a piston rod attached to it are arranged to be axially movable within the inner tube and coaxially to it. The piston preferably rests fluid-tight against the inner wall of the inner tube with its outer diameter and is slidably mounted along the inner wall of the inner tube in the axial direction, the inner tube preferably forming a guide for the piston. The piston rod extends, in particular, from the piston towards the closure assembly and centrally through it, the closure assembly having, for example, a central bore. Preferably, the piston rod is slidably mounted through the closure assembly in a fluid-tight manner in the axial direction. The piston preferably divides the interior of the inner tube, fluidically speaking, into a first working chamber furthest from the piston rod and a second working chamber closer to the piston rod. The piston optionally includes a valve assembly.The compression stage valve is preferably arranged and designed such that it dampens the movement of the piston in the compression stage when the piston moves towards the bottom valve. The rebound stage valve is preferably arranged and designed such that it dampens the movement of the piston in the rebound stage when the piston moves towards the sealing assembly. The compression stage valve and the rebound stage valve are preferably identical and arranged separately from each other outside the outer tube. The compression stage valve and the rebound stage valve are preferably designed such that hydraulic fluid can flow through them in both directions.

[0015] According to a first embodiment, the sealing element is sleeve-shaped, in particular tubular. This allows the sealing element to be easily pushed onto the end regions of the receiving sleeve.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the sealing element has a mounting area and a sealing area, wherein the sealing area rests against the bearing sleeve and is made of a softer material than the mounting area. The sealing elements are preferably each multi-part, in particular precisely two-part. The softer material of the sealing area ensures a reliable seal between the receiving sleeve and the bearing sleeve. The mounting area also serves, in particular, to space the sealing element from the bicycle frame.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the sealing area is elastically deformable. The sealing area is made, in particular, of a soft plastic, especially TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Preferably, the sealing area is elastically deformable and made, at least partially or completely, of an elastically deformable material. The elastic deformability of the sealing area enables a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection between the sealing area and the receiving sleeve, while simultaneously compensating for tolerances in the geometry of the receiving sleeve and the installation space. Furthermore, this allows for simple clamping of the sealing element to the receiving sleeve. According to a further embodiment, the mounting area is made, in particular, entirely of a dimensionally stable material.Preferably, the mounting area, and in particular its entirety, is made of a harder plastic compared to the sealing area. The mounting area is preferably made of a dimensionally stable plastic. The term "dimensionally stable" refers to a material that is not plastically deformable and, for example, retains its shape after curing and cannot be plastically deformed without damage. For example, the mounting area is made of a thermosetting plastic. The mounting area of ​​the sealing element preferably rests against the outer end of the receiving sleeve and, in particular, forms the end of the respective sealing element that points axially outwards towards the bicycle frame. Specifically, the mounting area rests against the bicycle frame.The design of the mounting area from a dimensionally stable material allows for easy handling of the sealing element, which can be manually pushed onto the receiving sleeve and aligned and optimally positioned by the dimensionally stable mounting area.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the mounting area rests against the axially outer end of the receiving sleeve. In particular, the mounting area has an inner diameter that is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the receiving sleeve. This allows the mounting area to be easily slid onto and off the receiving sleeve.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the sealing area is firmly connected to the receiving sleeve, in particular by compression. The sealing area is preferably in an elastically deformed state in the mounted position on the receiving sleeve, so that it generates a clamping force on the receiving sleeve. This ensures secure positioning of the sealing element on the receiving sleeve without the need for additional fastening means. Particularly during transport of the damping device and when it is not yet mounted on the bicycle, this ensures secure positioning of the sealing elements on the receiving sleeve. According to a further embodiment, the sealing area is manufactured using an injection molding process. This allows for cost-effective and simple production of the damping element.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the sealing area is bonded to the mounting area by a material bond. The mounting area and the sealing area are, by way of example, designed as separate components that are firmly, and in particular materially, connected to each other. Preferably, the sealing area is sprayed onto the mounting area.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the bearing sleeve is formed in one piece or as a single unit. This allows for simple manufacturing and positioning of the bearing sleeve in the bore. Preferably, the length of the bearing sleeve corresponds to the length of the bore.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the sealing area has a smaller inner diameter than the mounting area. Thus, the secure connection between the sealing element and the receiving sleeve is achieved exclusively through the sealing area, with the mounting area serving only to mount the sealing element.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the inner diameter of the sealing area is smaller than the outer diameter of the receiving sleeve. When the sealing element is pushed onto the end of the receiving sleeve, this creates an optimal seal and clamping force. Preferably, the sealing area is elastically deformed when pushed onto the receiving sleeve.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the mounting area has a circumferential recess in its outer surface at one end, while the sealing area has a circumferential recess in its inner surface at one end, which abuts the recess. The mounting area, in particular, has a recess in its outer diameter at its end facing the sealing area, which preferably extends completely circumferentially and forms a reduction in the outer diameter. The sealing area, in particular, has a circumferential recess in its inner diameter at its end facing the mounting area, which forms an expansion of the inner diameter. The mounting area and the sealing area are, by way of example, firmly connected to each other at the recess and the recess, in particular by a material bond.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the mounting area or the sealing area has a plurality of grooves that are arranged circumferentially spaced apart from one another and are designed to connect the mounting area to the sealing area. The mounting area preferably has a projection in the recess that extends radially outwards. For example, the sealing area has a groove in the recess that extends radially outwards and preferably interacts with the projection of the mounting area, in particular to form a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0026] Optionally, the mounting area has a groove and the sealing area has a projection for connecting the mounting area to the sealing area. Preferably, the mounting area has a plurality of grooves, which are preferably spaced uniformly apart around their circumference and, in particular, are each identical in design. The sealing area, by way of example, has a plurality of projections, which are aligned with the grooves and, in particular, are arranged uniformly spaced apart around their circumference. Preferably, the projections are identical in design.

[0027] Optionally, the rear shock absorber comprises a spring, for example a gas spring or a coil spring, and a spring housing, preferably tubular, that preferably completely surrounds it. The spring housing is particularly rigidly connected to the connection area, with the spring preferably bearing against it at one end. At the opposite end, the spring is supported, for example, by a spring plate attached to the outer tube of the damping device. The outer tube of the damping device is preferably arranged coaxially with the spring housing and has a smaller diameter than the latter. The outer tube is preferably arranged radially spaced from the spring housing, with an annular space in particular formed between the outer tube and the spring housing, in which the spring is at least partially arranged.

[0028] The invention optionally also includes a bicycle comprising a damping device as described above, in particular a rear shock absorber as described above. The rear shock absorber is preferably connected to the bicycle frame and the rear wheel of the bicycle and has a damping device such that the movement of the rear wheel is dampened by means of the rear shock absorber.

[0029] Description of the drawings

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a bicycle with a suspension fork and a rear shock absorber in a side view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a rear wheel damper in a perspective view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the connection system in a longitudinal sectional view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the connection system in an exploded view according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the sealing element in a longitudinal sectional view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a schematic detail representation of the sealing element in a longitudinal section view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the sealing element in a cross-sectional view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows a schematic detail representation of the sealing element in a cross-sectional view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a bicycle 10 with a suspension fork 12 and a rear shock absorber 14. Fig. 1 shows a bicycle 10 in an operating position, where the terms used below, such as "top", "bottom", "front", and "rear", refer to the operating position of the bicycle 10 shown. The suspension fork 12 is preferably connected to the bicycle frame 38 and the front wheel of the bicycle 10 and is designed as a damping device, so that the movement of the front wheel is dampened by means of the suspension fork 12. The rear shock absorber 14 is preferably connected to the bicycle frame 38 and, in particular, indirectly to the rear wheel, and is designed as a damping device, so that the movement of the rear wheel is dampened by means of the rear shock absorber 14.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a rear shock absorber, in particular a damping device 14, where Fig. 2 shows a perspective view. The damping device 14 has two connecting areas 24a, b, which are arranged at opposite ends of the damping device 14 and serve to attach the damping device 14, in particular the rear shock absorber 14, to the bicycle frame 38.

[0040] Depending on the design of the bicycle frame 38, the installation position of the rear shock absorber 14 can vary, so that the orientation of the rear shock absorber 14 shown in Fig. 2 does not always correspond to the installation position. The terms "top" and "bottom" therefore refer to the orientation of the rear shock absorber 14 shown in Fig. 2. The upper connection area 24a is referred to as the shock absorber head, and the lower connection area 24b is referred to as the shock absorber foot. The damping device 14 preferably comprises a connection system 32, which is mounted in the connection area 24a, b, in particular in the bore 28. Preferably, each connection area 24a, b has a connection system 32, which is arranged within the respective bore 28.

[0041] The damping device 14 preferably comprises a valve assembly 50 designed for hydraulic damping of the piston rod movement. Preferably, the damping device 14 includes a spring (not shown) and a spring housing 22, preferably tubular, which preferably completely surrounds the spring. The spring housing 22 is particularly rigidly connected to the upper connection area 24a, with the spring preferably bearing against it at one end. At the opposite end, the spring is particularly supported against a spring plate attached to the outer tube 30 of the damping device 14.

[0042] The damping device 14 comprises, by way of example, an outer tube 30, which is arranged coaxially to the spring housing 22 and has a smaller diameter than the latter. The outer tube 30 is preferably arranged radially spaced from the spring housing 22, with an annular space in particular being formed between the outer tube 30 and the spring housing 22, in which the spring is at least partially arranged. Coaxial to and within the outer tube 30, an inner tube (not shown), which is also referred to, for example, as a damper tube, is arranged. The inner tube has a smaller diameter than the outer tube 30 and is arranged radially spaced from it, so that a compensating chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid is formed between the inner tube and the outer tube 30. Preferably, a piston and a piston rod attached to it are arranged to be axially movable within the inner tube and coaxially with it.The piston preferably rests fluid-tight against the inner wall of the inner tube with its outer diameter and is slidably mounted along the inner wall of the inner tube in the axial direction, the inner tube preferably forming a guide for the piston. The piston preferably divides the interior of the inner tube into a first working chamber, located away from the piston rod, and a second working chamber, located closer to the piston rod. The piston rod preferably extends axially to the upper end of the spring housing 22 and is particularly rigidly connected to it, so that the spring housing 22 and the piston rod are preferably not movable relative to each other.

[0043] The valve assembly 50 is, by way of example, arranged entirely outside the outer tube 30 and the spring housing 22. The valve assembly 50 comprises, by way of example, a first valve 52, also referred to as the compression stage valve 52, and a second valve 54, also referred to as the rebound stage valve 54. The compression stage valve 52 is preferably arranged and configured such that it dampens the movement of the piston in the compression stage when the piston moves in the compression direction D. The rebound stage valve 54 is preferably arranged and configured such that it dampens the movement of the piston in the rebound stage when the piston moves in the extension direction Z.

[0044] The damping device 14 further comprises a compensating valve 26, which is preferably arranged hydraulically parallel to the piston and the valve assembly 50. The compensating valve 26 is preferably an amplitude-selective valve, which is provided in particular in addition to the rebound valve and the compression valve. The compensating valve 26 is preferably designed and arranged such that it dampens the piston movement within the inner tube in an amplitude-dependent manner. The damping device 14 also comprises a gas tank 20, which is preferably hydraulically connected directly to the valve assembly 50 and hydraulically arranged parallel to the compensating valve 26. The damping device 14 preferably comprises a valve housing 16. Within the valve housing 16, the valve assembly 50, the compensating valve 26, and the gas tank 20 are at least partially arranged.Preferably, the valve assembly 50 and the compensating valve 26 are arranged completely within the valve housing 16. The gas tank 20 is, by way of example, arranged only partially, in particular with one end section, within the valve housing 16. The valve housing 16 is preferably formed in one piece or as a single unit.

[0045] The valve housing 16 preferably comprises the lower connection area 24b. The lower connection area 24b has, for example, a bore 28, in particular a mounting bore, for connecting the connection area 24b to the bicycle frame. The valve housing 16 is preferably detachably connected to the outer tube 30, in particular by screws. Preferably, the outer tube 30 has an external thread, and the valve housing 16 has an internal thread.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a connection area 24a, b with a connection system 32, which is at least partially arranged within the bore 28 of the connection area. The connection system 32 comprises a bearing sleeve 34, which is arranged within the bore 28. Preferably, the bearing sleeve 34 is completely located within the bore 28, with the length of the bearing sleeve substantially corresponding to the length of the bore 28. The bearing sleeve 34 is preferably arranged coaxially with the bore 28 and, in particular, bears against the inner surface of the bore 28 with its outer surface. Preferably, the bearing sleeve 34 is rigidly connected to the connection area 24a, b and, in particular, pressed into the bore 28. The bearing sleeve 34 is preferably formed in one piece or as a single component.

[0047] The connection system 32 also includes a receiving sleeve 36, which is arranged at least partially within the bearing sleeve 34. Preferably, the receiving sleeve 36 rests slidably against the inner surface of the bearing sleeve 34 with its radially outwardly projecting outer surface. In particular, an annular gap is formed between the bearing sleeve 34 and the receiving sleeve 36, which is preferably filled with a lubricant. The receiving sleeve 36 is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable about the central longitudinal axis relative to the bearing sleeve 34. Preferably, the receiving sleeve 36 is arranged coaxially with the bearing sleeve 34 and, in particular, has a smaller diameter. The receiving sleeve 36 preferably has a greater axial length than the bearing sleeve 34 and the bore 28. In particular, the receiving sleeve 36 extends axially beyond the bore 28 and the bearing sleeve 34 on both sides.For example, the receiving sleeve 36 is arranged centrally within the bearing sleeve 34 and the bore 28, such that the axial centers of the bearing sleeve 34 and the receiving sleeve 36, and preferably the bore 28, coincide. The receiving sleeve 36 is preferably designed to receive a fastening element 42, such as a screw or a bolt. The fastening element 42 is preferably firmly connected to the bicycle frame 38, in particular by screwing it in place. The bicycle frame 38 preferably has a threaded bore that interacts with the fastening element 42. For example, a threaded sleeve, such as a nut, is attached to the bicycle frame 38, which interacts with the fastening element 42.

[0048] The outer end regions of the receiving sleeve 36 preferably project axially from the bearing sleeve 34. The connection system 32 also comprises a first sealing element 40a and a second sealing element 40b, which are, for example, identical in design. The sealing elements 40a, b are preferably sleeve-shaped, in particular tubular, and arranged coaxially with the receiving sleeve 36. Preferably, the sealing elements 40a, b bear against the receiving sleeve 36 and the bearing sleeve 34 in such a way that they seal the bearing sleeve 34 to the receiving sleeve 36 airtight, in particular fluid-tight. Preferably, the sealing elements 40a, b are firmly attached to the receiving sleeve 36, in particular by clamping or pressing.

[0049] The sealing elements 40a, b are preferably each multi-part, in particular two-part. Each sealing element 40a, b has, for example, a mounting area 44 and a sealing area 46. The sealing area 46 preferably rests against the bearing sleeve 34 and is preferably made of a soft plastic, in particular TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Preferably, the mounting area 44 is, in particular entirely, made of a harder plastic compared to the sealing area 46. Preferably, the sealing area 46 is elastically deformable and is made at least partially or completely of an elastically deformable material. The sealing area 46 and the mounting area 44 are preferably each sleeve-shaped or ring-shaped.

[0050] The mounting area 44 is preferably made of a dimensionally stable material, in particular plastic. The term "dimensionally stable" refers to a material that is not plastically deformable and, for example, retains its shape after curing and cannot be plastically deformed without damage. For example, the mounting area 44 is made of a thermosetting plastic. The mounting area 44 of the sealing element 40a, b preferably rests against the outer end of the receiving sleeve 36 and, in particular, forms the end of the respective sealing element 40a, b that points axially outwards towards the bicycle frame 38. Specifically, the mounting area 44 rests against the bicycle frame 38.

[0051] The sealing area 46 is preferably firmly connected to the receiving sleeve 36, in particular by compression fitting it. Preferably, the sealing area 46 and the mounting area 44 are firmly connected to each other, in particular by a material bond. The sealing area 46 is preferably manufactured by an injection molding process and in particular by injection molding it onto the mounting area 44.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows the connection system 32 in an exploded view. The mounting area 44 and the sealing area 46 are, by way of example, designed as separate components that are firmly connected to each other, in particular by a positive fit and / or a material bond. The sealing area 46 is preferably in an elastically deformed state in the mounted position on the receiving sleeve 36, so that the sealing area 46 generates a clamping force on the receiving sleeve 36.

[0053] Figures 5 and 6 show detailed views of the sealing element 40a, b. The sealing area 46 has, by way of example, a smaller inner diameter than the mounting area 44. Preferably, the inner diameter of the sealing area 46 is smaller than the outer diameter of the receiving sleeve 36, so that the sealing area 46 is preferably elastically deformed when slid onto the receiving sleeve 36. The inner diameter of the mounting area 44 is preferably greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the receiving sleeve, so that the mounting area 44 can be slid onto the receiving sleeve without being deformed. The mounting area 44 has a recess 48 in its outer diameter at its end facing the sealing area 46, which preferably extends completely around the circumference and forms a reduction in the outer diameter.The sealing area 46 has, by way of example, a circumferential recess 64 at its end facing the mounting area 44, forming an inner diameter enlargement. The mounting area 44 and the sealing area 46 are, by way of example, firmly connected to each other at the recess 48 and the recess 64, respectively, in particular by a material bond.

[0054] The mounting area 44 preferably has a projection 66 in the recess, which extends radially outwards. By way of example, the sealing area 46 has a groove 68 in the recess 64, which extends radially outwards and preferably interacts with the projection 66 of the mounting area 44, in particular to form a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0055] Figures 7 and 8 each show a cross-sectional view of the sealing element 40a, b at the section marked in Figure 5 in the area where the mounting area 44 and the sealing area 46 are connected. Figure 8 shows a detail of the cross-sectional view of Figure 7. By way of example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting area 44 has the groove 68 and the sealing area 46 has the projection 66 for connecting the mounting area 44 to the sealing area 46. By way of example, the mounting area 44 has a plurality of grooves 68, which are preferably spaced uniformly apart around their circumference and, in particular, are each identical. The sealing area 46 has, by way of example, a plurality of projections 66, which are aligned with the grooves 68 and, in particular, are spaced uniformly apart around their circumference. Preferably, the projections 66 are identical to each other. Reference numeral list

[0056] 10 bicycles

[0057] 12 Suspension fork

[0058] 14 Damping device / Rear wheel damper 16 Valve housing

[0059] 20 gas tank

[0060] 22 spring housings

[0061] 24a Upper connection area / damper head 24b Lower connection area / damper foot 26 Compensating valve

[0062] 28 bore

[0063] 30 Outer pipe

[0064] 32 connection system

[0065] 34 Bearing sleeve

[0066] 36 Mounting sleeve

[0067] 38 bicycle frames

[0068] 40a first sealing element

[0069] 40b second sealing element

[0070] 42 Fastening element

[0071] 44 Assembly area

[0072] 46 Sealing area

[0073] 48 Recess in the mounting area 44 50 Valve assembly

[0074] 52 first valve / pressure stage valve

[0075] 54 second valve / rebound valve

[0076] 64 Exclusion

[0077] 66 lead

[0078] 68 Nut

Claims

Patent claims 1. Damping device (14) for a bicycle (10) comprising a connection system (32) for connecting the damping device (14) to a bicycle frame (38) of the bicycle (10), wherein the damping device (14) comprises a connecting area (24a, b) which has a bore (28) and wherein the connection system (32) has a receiving sleeve (36) for receiving a fastening element (42) and wherein the connection system (32) has a bearing sleeve (34) which is arranged inside the bore (28) and radially outside the receiving sleeve (36), characterized by the fact that the connection system (32) comprises a first and a second sealing element (40a, b) which each abuts a respective axial end of the receiving sleeve (36) and the bearing sleeve (34) and wherein at least one of the sealing elements (40a, b) is made of at least two different materials.

2. Damping device (14) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element (40a, b) is sleeve-shaped.

3. Damping device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (40a, b) has a mounting area (44) and a sealing area (46) and wherein the sealing area (46) rests against the bearing sleeve (34) and is made of a softer material than the mounting area (44).

4. Damping device (14) according to claim 3, wherein the sealing area (46) is elastically deformable.

5. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the mounting area (44) is made of a dimensionally stable material.

6. Damping device (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the mounting area (44) abuts the axially outer end of the receiving sleeve (36).

7. Damping device (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the sealing area (46) is firmly connected to the receiving sleeve (36), in particular by crimping.

8. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the sealing area (46) is manufactured by means of an injection molding process.

9. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the sealing area (46) is materially bonded to the mounting area (44).

10. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the sealing elements (40a, b) are fixedly attached to the receiving sleeve (36).

11. Damping device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing sleeve (34) is formed in one piece or as a single unit.

12. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the sealing area (46) has a smaller inner diameter than the mounting area (44).

13. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the inner diameter of the sealing area (46) is smaller than the outer diameter of the receiving sleeve (36).

14. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the mounting area (44) has a circumferential recess (48) in the outer surface at one end and wherein the sealing area (46) has a circumferential recess (64) in the inner surface at one end, which abuts the recess (48).

15. Damping device (14) according to one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the mounting area (44) or the sealing area (46) has a plurality of grooves (68) which are arranged spaced apart from each other circumferentially and are designed to connect the mounting area (44) with the sealing area (46).

Images