Steering System for Bicycle Handlebars

Abstract

A steering system for bicycle handlebars comprises a holding element fixed to the steer tube, in particular above an upper bearing element. A fixing element is arranged between two bearing elements. The fixing element is not directly connected to the steer tube, but is connected, in particular by form-fit, to the holding element by means of a connection means.

Claims

1. A steering system for bicycle handlebars comprising a steer tube pivotably supported in a head tube of a bicycle frame via two bearing elements, a holding element fixed on the steer tube in particular above the upper bearing element, a fixing element arranged between the two bearing elements, preferably for connecting to a steering stabilization means, and a connection means connecting the fixing element to the holding element.

2. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the holding element is fixed to the steer tube in a clamping manner.

3. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is designed as a rotatory connection for transmitting moments, the connection being implemented in particular by form-fit.

4. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a connection ring surrounding the steer tube and comprising protrusions and/or recesses for a form-fitting rotatory connection, which cooperate with recesses and/or protrusions of the fixing element.

5. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 4, wherein the connection ring is connected to the holding element in particular in a form-fitting manner, in particular via protrusions and recesses provided in the connection ring, which cooperate with recesses and/or protrusions provided in the holding element.

6. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 4, wherein the connection ring has an at least partly annular outer surface on which the upper bearing element abuts.

7. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal holding element for holding the fixing element in the axial direction of the steer tube.

8. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the steering stabilization means comprises a spring element.

9. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the steering stabilization means is at least partly arranged in the top tube of the bicycle frame.

10. The steering system according to claim 1, wherein the steering stabilization means comprises two in particular band-shaped stabilization elements which are connected to the fixing element preferably opposite each other.

11. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the holding element and/or the connection ring comprise a recess for passing lines therethrough.

12. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the holding element is designed as a first stop element and/or is connected to a first stop element, the first stop element comprising two stops and cooperating with a second stop element.

13. The steering system according to claim 1, wherein the second stop element is adapted to be arranged in a recess in the bicycle frame, in particular in the top tube of the bicycle frame.

14. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to claim 1, wherein the second stop element comprises a retaining element adapted, in particular, for insertion into the recess, and a stop connected to the retaining element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In the following, the invention is described in more detail by means of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] In the drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the two stop elements,

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective top plan view on the cover element,

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a partly sectional view of the entire steering stop in the mounted state, and

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a perspective, partly sectional view of a steering system in combination with the steering stop shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The steering stop comprises a first stop element 10, as well as a second stop element 12 cooperating therewith. The first stop element 10, which in particular is designed to be annular in shape, comprises two mutually opposite stop elements 14, 16. Each stop element 14, 16 has a stop surface 20, 22 on the rear side facing in the direction opposite to the direction of travel 18. When the handlebar is turned left in the traveling direction, the steering angle is limited by the fact that the stop surface 20 abuts against a stop surface 24 of the second stop element 12, which is the left stop surface in the traveling direction. Analogously, the stop surface 22 of the stop 16 abuts against the right stop surface 26 in the case of an extreme right steering angle.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the first stop element 10 is clampingly fixed to a steer tube not illustrated. To this end, the first stop element has a slot 28, the slot width and thus the inner diameter of the first stop element being adapted to be reduced using a clamping element such as a clamping screw 30.

[0031] In the embodiment illustrated, the first stop element comprises two recesses 32, 34. These recesses are arranged on the opposite side of the stop surfaces 20, 22 of the stops 14, 16, respectively. In other words, the two recesses 32, 34 are arranged in front of the stops 14, 16 with respect to the traveling direction 18. As such, it is possible to insert lines into the frame in this area, in particular into the head tube of the frame.

[0032] For covering, the first stop element 10 is a cover element 36 (FIG. 2) which is preferably also formed to be annular in shape. The cover element 36 has a nose directed downward and not visible in the Figure, which nose engages in a recess 38 (FIG. 1) of the first stop element, so that a twisting of the cover element 16 is prevented.

[0033] The cover element has passage openings 40, 42 in the area of the recesses 32, 34. Both passage openings are closed by a closure element 44, respectively, each closure element 44 comprising two cross-shaped slots for passing lines, cables, and the like therethrough, so that these can be passed through in a sealed manner.

[0034] In the mounted state, the passage opening 42 is arranged above the recess 32 and the passage opening 44 is arranged above the recess 34.

[0035] Furthermore, the cover element 36 has a passage opening 48 which is also closed by a closure element 50 with slots 46. The passage opening 46 serves for passing a tool therethrough and, in the mounted state, is arranged at the level of the screw 30.

[0036] In operation, the steering force of the first stop element 10 on the steer tube is set such that, when one of the two stops 14, 16 strikes, initially the first stop element twists on the steer tube. The first stop element can be turned back and be clamped again in a simple manner by loosening the screw 30.

[0037] The second stop element comprises a retaining element 50, as well as a stop 52. The stop 52 forms the opposing stop surfaces 24, 26. The stop 52 is connected to the retaining element 50 via a connecting web 54. Here, the connecting web 54 serves as a rated breaking point. If, for example, the first stop element is not twisted on the steer tube because of excessive clamping forces or, for example, because of contamination, the connecting web will break, so as to prevent excessive force from being introduced into the bicycle frame via the retaining element 50.

[0038] In the mounted state (FIG. 3), a head stube 56 of the bicycle frame is connected to or formed integrally with a top tube 58. The steer tube of the bicycle fork is arranged in the head tube 56 and is rotatably supported by an upper headset bearing 60 and a lower headset bearing which is not illustrated. In the embodiment illustrated, a respective compression ring 62 is provided for fixing the headset bearings 60. The same preferably also has line passages, provided that the compression ring 62 is also arranged in the area of the recesses 32, 34. After the pretensioning of the two headset bearings 60, the first stop element 10 is clampingly fixed, so that the pretension of the headset bearings is maintained, regardless of whether the stem is mounted or dismounted.

[0039] The retaining element 50 of the second stop element 12 is inserted into a recess 64, which is provided on a side of the top tube 58 facing in the direction of the head tube 56. In the embodiment illustrated, fixing is effected by the upper headset bearing 60. Since the retaining element 50 is arranged in the recess 54 provided in the top tube 58, the same is not visible.

[0040] Then, the cover element 36 (FIG. 2), which is illustrated only schematically in FIG. 3, is arranged above the first stop element 10.

[0041] The steering system illustrated in FIG. 4 is a particularly preferred embodiment, in which the first stop element 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is arranged above the upper headset bearing 60. Instead of the first stop element 10, a holding element may be provided that is arranged on the steer tube 66 in particular in a clamping manner. This may be a clamping ring which, different from the first stop element 10, possibly has no additional function. Below the first stop element 10, the compression ring 62 is provided as the connection element. The same also surrounds the steer tube 66 and supports the inner ring of the bearing 60 on an outer side 68.

[0042] For a form-fitting connection and for a transmission of torques, the first stop element 10 comprises protrusions 70 engaging into corresponding recesses 72 in the compression ring 62.

[0043] A fixing element 74 is provided below the connection or compression ring 62. The same is substantially annular in shape and comprises in particular an annular opening in which the steer tube 66 is arranged. A small distance can be provided between the fixing element 74 and the steer tube 66, in particular, no connection is provided that serves for force transmission. For force transmission, the fixing element 74 has protrusions 76 which engage into recesses 78 in the compression ring 62. Thus, the fixing element can transmit forces and, accordingly, also moments to the connection ring 62 via protrusions 76. The corresponding forces can be transmitted from the connection ring 62 to the first stop element 10 or a holding element via the protrusions 70. Due to the stop element 10 being fixed th teh steer tube in a clamping manner, a corresponding force transmission to the steer tube 66 is effected.

[0044] In the embodiment illustrated, a steering stabilization means 80 is connected to the fixing element 74. In the embodiment illustrated, the steering stabilization means 80 comprises two band-shaped stabilization elements 82 connected to the fixing element 74 on opposite sides. The two band-shaped stabilization elements 82 may be elastic and/or be connected either indirectly or directly to the bicycle frame via a spring element 84. By turning the handlebar and, thus, by turning the steer tube 66, one of the two bands 82 is stretched and/or the spring 84 is extended. This results in a restoring moment, so that forces are transmitted from the fixing element 74 to the first stop element 10 via the protrusions 76, 70 and, thus, to the steer tube 66 again. Thereby, the handlebar is rotated back to its neutral position.

[0045] The fixing element 74 is arranged within a head tube 86 of the bicycle frame, as well as between the upper bearing 60 and the lower bearing not illustrated. In order to avoid a slipping of the fixing element 74 in the axial direction, i.e., for example, downward in FIG. 4, a longitudinal holding element 88 is provided in the embodiment illustrated, which, in particular, is a sleeve. The same can be fixed on the steer tube 66 in a simple manner, if the steer tube is shaped conically below the fixing element 74 and widens in the direction of the lower bearing.

[0046] Further aspects of the invention:

[0047] 1. A steering system for bicycle handlebars comprising [0048] a steer tube (66) pivotably supported in a head tube (86) of a bicycle frame via two bearing elements (60), [0049] a holding element (10) fixed on the steer tube (66) in particular above the upper bearing element (60), [0050] a fixing element (74) arranged between the two bearing elements (60), and [0051] a connection means (62) connecting the fixing element (74) to the holding element (10).

[0052] 2. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to aspect 1, characterized in that the holding element (10) is fixed to the steer tube (66) in a clamping manner.

[0053] 3. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection means is designed as a rotatory connection for transmitting moments, the connection being implemented in particular by form-fit.

[0054] 4. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection means comprises a connection ring (62) surrounding the steer tube (66) and comprising protrusions and/or recesses (78) for a form-fitting rotatory connection, which cooperate with recesses and/or protrusions (76) of the fixing element (74).

[0055] 5. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to aspect 4, characterized in that the connection ring (62) is connected to the holding element (10) in particular in a form-fitting manner, in particular via protrusions and recesses (72) provided in the connection ring, which cooperate with recesses and/or protrusions (70) provided in the holding element (10).

[0056] 6. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to one of aspects 4 to characterized in that the connection ring (62) has an at least partly annular outer surface (68) on which the upper bearing element (60) abuts.

[0057] 7. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to one of aspects 1 to 6, characterized by a longitudinal holding element (88) for holding the fixing element (74) in the axial direction of the steer tube (66).

[0058] 8. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding element (10) and/or the connection ring (62) comprise a recess (32, 34) for passing lines therethrough.

[0059] 9. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that the holding element is designed as a first stop element (10) and/or is connected to a first stop element (10), the first stop element (10) comprising two stops (14, 16) and cooperating with a second stop element (12).

[0060] 10. The steering system according to one of aspects 8 to 9, characterized in that the second stop element (12) is adapted to be arranged in a recess (64) in the bicycle frame, in particular in the top tube (34) of the bicycle frame.

[0061] 11. The steering system for bicycle handlebars according to any one of aspects 7 to 10, characterized in that the second stop element (12) comprises a retaining element adapted, in particular, for insertion into the recess (64), and a stop (52) connected to the retaining element (50).