WO2004113155A1

WO2004113155A1 - Swiveling device

Info

Publication number: WO2004113155A1
Application number: PCT/DE2004/001205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Reitz; Joachim Baur
Original assignee: Stefan Reitz; Joachim Baur
Priority date: 2003-06-16
Filing date: 2004-06-14
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Also published as: DE10327343B4; DE10327343A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a swiveling device for a bicycle comprising a handlebar (1). The stem (2) is rotatably mounted in a head tube (3) of the frame (4) while a first coupling member (5) and a second coupling member (6) can be fixed relative to each other in at least two positions by means of a locking mechanism (7). The invention is characterized in that the stem (2) is divided transversal to the axial extension thereof while the facing ends (2a, 2b) of the stem are each provided with one of the coupling members (5, 6). The invention allows the handlebar of a bicycle to be pivoted without using any tool so as to be able to stow the bicycle in a compact manner, for example.

Description

swivel device

description

The invention relates to a swivel device for a bicycle according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such a swiveling device can be used in particular for a bicycle with a handlebar whose steering tube is rotatably mounted in a control head tube of the frame.

The widest component in a bicycle is the handlebar, which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle. The protrusion of the handlebar on both sides can prove to be a hindrance or disadvantage, particularly when transporting the bicycle. But the laterally protruding handlebar is just as disruptive when storing the bike in a basement, in a garage or in rooms with limited space. The handlebars also interfere with the placement of the bicycle in public bicycle stands, so that it can often be observed that the bicycles cannot be arranged close to each other, but require a considerable amount of space. In order to counter this problem, foldable handlebars are known from the prior art. Such an embodiment is apparent from DE 100 31 853 AI. However, these links are disadvantageous due to the large number of individual parts to be connected to one another. In addition, a foldable handlebar has several individual joints, which can start to loosen in long-term operation due to the play occurring between the components and thus potentially pose a safety risk.

From JP-Abstracts 08119172 A, a swivel device for a bicycle with a handlebar is known, the handlebar head connecting the steering tube and the handlebar to each other consists of a plate attached to the upper end of the steering tube, on which another plate is rotatably attached, the one has an integral connection to the handlebar. The handlebar and the upper and lower plates have mutually corresponding through bores into which a locking lever can engage in the intended positions of the handlebars. This locking lever is part of a bracket in which the locking lever is securely received by means of a leaf spring against automatic release of the pivoting device.

A disadvantage of this solution is that it requires a relatively high structure in the central central region of the handlebar head and the handlebar head must be changed in a special way, so that no standard handlebar heads can be used here. Due to the high construction of the swivel device known from this publication, there is a risk of an accident which can lead to serious damage if the cyclist falls, particularly in the chest area. Since the locking lever engages in the through holes provided in the vertical direction and the direction of movement of the bicycle caused by vibrations is vertical while driving, especially when using a leaf spring to support the locking lever, no permanently secure connection can be guaranteed. This is true especially for bicycles that are used for example off-road, i.e. for mountain bikes. The complex structure in the area of the handlebar head also requires special manufacture of this swivel device, which increases the cost of a bicycle equipped with it.

The invention has for its object to develop a pivoting device for a bicycle, which is simple in structure and also allows pivoting of the handlebars to facilitate transportation and storage, without the need for additional tools. The required security against automatic release of the swivel device must be guaranteed in any case.

The invention solves this problem with the technical features of claim 1, with further refinements of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

According to the solution presented, a completely new path is being taken. According to the invention, the steering tube is divided transversely to its axial extent, the mutually facing ends of the steering tube each having a coupling element. These coupling elements, which are in contact with one another, form the swiveling device, a permanently secure connection being ensured via the locking device as long as the handlebar is not to be swiveled. The locking device allows the coupling elements in contact with one another to be released easily, so that the handlebar can be rotated, for example, by 90 ° and thus occupies a position which corresponds approximately to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Such a pivoted handlebar no longer disturbs when the bicycle is accommodated in a stand or when it is fastened to the wall or when the bicycle needs to be transported. On A particular advantage of the solution according to the invention is that it can be incorporated into an already running series production without great effort or that there is the possibility of retrofitting such a swivel device on existing bicycles without great effort.

The coupling elements are preferably coupled to one another in at least two end positions referred to as locking positions. For this purpose they have corresponding surfaces. The surfaces of the coupling members that are in contact with one another can consequently be both flat and have a different, complementary geometry, that is to say, for example, have a gearwheel geometry. It is only essential that they are to be brought into engagement with one another in the desired end positions which the handlebar should assume.

At least the second coupling element should be firmly connected to the upper end of the lower steering tube. The first coupling element can be made rotatable in the circumferential direction of the steering tube.

In order to facilitate the mobility of the coupling elements relative to one another, it is also possible, according to one embodiment of the invention, to provide sliding or roller bearings between the coupling elements. In the simplest case, soft metal coatings such as copper coatings or lead coatings can be used as plain bearings. However, other bearing materials such as plastics or composite materials are also conceivable. The designated roller bearings can be needle or ball bearings. In order to design the swivel device according to the invention in a visually appealing manner, it is also useful to design the approximately disc-shaped coupling elements with largely the same external dimensions.

To connect the second coupling element to the first coupling element, it is provided according to a further development of the invention that the second coupling element has an annular flange on its inside facing the first coupling element, which flange flange is received in a corresponding cavity of the first coupling element when the first coupling element is attached.

In addition, the airing device can be designed in any way. The only decisive factor is that it ensures a permanently fixed connection, which, however, can be detached if necessary without the aid of tools between the first and the second coupling element. According to an advantageous solution of the invention, the locking device can have a lever mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a split pin, a locking pin, a steering wheel lock and or a thread or a bayonet lock. If a steering wheel lock is used as part of the locking device, the filling according to the invention can also serve as an anti-theft device for a bicycle, because it is conceivable that a bicycle handlebar rotated by 90 ° makes driving at least impossible if the bicycle is intended to be stolen.

A structurally particularly simple embodiment of a swivel device according to the invention can be seen in the fact that the locking device is designed as a lever mechanism with at least one locking lever arranged on the outside on the first coupling element and pivotable about a swivel axis. The locking lever has an articulated connection to one, the first coupling element protruding locking pin, wherein the locking pin is slidably mounted in a through hole receiving this.

In order to prevent an undesired automatic release of the at least one locking lever from its locking position, it is fixed in the locking position, which can be done, for example, by means of a locking bracket, as will be explained again below, or by means of a locking member.

A very useful embodiment of the subject matter of the invention can consist in a simple swivel device. This has a locking device which consists of a lever mechanism with two locking levers arranged on the outside of the first coupling element, each pivotable about a pivot axis, these locking levers having an articulated connection to one locking pin projecting through the first coupling element and the locking pins in one each Locking pin receiving through bore against the force of a spring supported in each through hole are slidably mounted. The spring ensures that the locking lever is automatically returned to its original position. The operator can pivot the locking levers about their pivot axis in a simple manner and without the aid of tools, so that the locking pins are disengaged and the handlebar can be pivoted. After the operator releases the locking lever, the locking pins, which are coupled to the locking levers, snap into the second locking position of the handlebar and thus fix it.

In order to effectively prevent automatic release of the locking lever, a release lock can also be provided. This can consist, for example, of a locking bracket that must first be unlocked in order to then be able to operate the locking lever. Thus, a device according to the invention can be used with simple means even for off-road bicycles that have to meet the highest safety requirements. Another very simple form of a locking device can consist in the fact that the coupling elements are secured in their respective blocking position by a split pin penetrating both coupling elements. For this purpose, the coupling elements are each provided with a through hole and the split pin is inserted from one side through both coupling elements. The splinting on the opposite side should, however, be done in a way that is easy for the operator to release. What is contemplated here is an elastic end piece of the split pin, which can be pressed together with a handle, so that the split pin can be removed from the through hole.

Just as simple as the split pin described above is also a locking device which removably fixes the coupling elements to one another by means of at least one securing pin. The coupling elements are each provided with a through hole and the locking pin is inserted into both coupling elements from one side. A handle can be provided on one side of the locking pin to facilitate handling.

In addition, there is the possibility that the first coupling element can be displaced in the axial direction along the steering tube in order to turn the handlebar into one of its end positions after a locking position caused by a thread or a bayonet lock has been released. For example, the first coupling element could have an internal thread which can be screwed onto a corresponding external thread of the second coupling element. In combination with a slotted design of the steering tube, this would make it possible to implement a simple clamp connection which would allow the handlebars to be pivoted into the desired locking positions. A similar design could of course also be achieved with a bayonet lock. After loosening the thread or the bayonet catch could the first coupling element is displaced in the axial direction along the steering tube, the control arm is brought into its second end position and then the first coupling element is brought back into engagement with the second coupling element.

In any case, it makes sense to limit the positions that the handlebar may take by appropriate end stops. These can be implemented in a simple manner by means of a groove made in one of the coupling elements, in which a pin of the other coupling element engages. This makes it possible, for example, to implement end stops with a pivoting angle of the handlebar of 90 °.

Furthermore, an auxiliary assembly geometry in the contact area between the first and second coupling elements has proven to be useful in the assembly of a swivel device according to the invention. Thus, the swivel device is always assembled in the same way and incorrect assembly positions cannot occur. For example, a simple cam-groove connection or similar geometrical shapes can be used as the assembly aid geometry.

The swivel range of the handlebar is preferably only 90 ° according to the invention. A larger swivel angle is therefore not an advantage, because it does so

Brake lines of the bicycle or electrical lines that run along the handlebar could be damaged.

The figures show two preferred embodiments of a swivel device according to the invention. These will be described in more detail below.

Show it:

FIG. 1: a bicycle in a ready-to-drive position,

FIG. 2: a bicycle with a handlebar twisted by 90 °, FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through part of the steering tube,

FIG. 4: the first coupling element in section,

FIG. 5: the section V-V from FIG. 4,

FIG. 6: a section through the second coupling element,

FIG. 7: the section line VII-VII from FIG. 6,

Figure 8: another embodiment of an inventive

Swivel device in partial section, Figure 9: the coupling elements of a simplified locking device in

Cut and

Figure 10: the coupling elements of a further simplified locking device in section.

The figures show two possible embodiments of a swivel device for a bicycle according to the invention. A first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and a second embodiment is shown in FIG.

1 first shows a bicycle in a conventional design. This has a frame 4, which has a control head tube 3 in its front area equipped with the handlebar. In the control head tube 3, a steering tube 2 is rotatably mounted in a conventional manner, which has a clutch with the front wheel of the bicycle. The upper end of the steering tube 2 is formed by a handlebar, which is arranged in the normal riding position of the bicycle at 90 ° to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle and thus extends far beyond the normal width of the bicycle on both sides.

FIG. 2 shows a bicycle with the same structure. Here the handlebar 1 was shown rotated by 90 °. The handlebar is approximately in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle. By means of the swiveling device for a bicycle according to the invention, the handlebar can at least between these two by 90 ° in each case positions offset from one another can be pivoted. Each end position of these two positions is called the locked position.

FIG. 3 shows a section and a section of a fastening option, as is usually used in bicycles, in order to arert the handlebar on the steering tube. For this purpose, the lower part of the steering tube 2 near the wheel is provided with slots 26 into which a pulling wedge 27 engages from below. This pull wedge 27 has an internal thread into which a clamping screw 25 is screwed. The clamping screw 25 is supported at the other end with its screw head against an inner flange 28. The wedge 27 is moved into or out of the steering tube 2 by a screwing movement. FIG. 3 also shows the swivel device according to the invention. The aforementioned inner flange 28 is formed here in a second coupling element 6. This has a cavity for receiving the scli cap head of the clamping screw 25. The second coupling element 6 has an outer surface corresponding to a first coupling element 5, so that the first coupling element 5 and the second coupling element 6 can be fitted onto one another with a precise fit. The first coupling element 5 is fastened to one end 2a of the steering tube 2, which is divided transversely to its axial longitudinal extent. The second coupling element 6 has a fixed connection to the end 2b of the split steering tube 2. In order to facilitate a relative movement of the first and the second coupling element, a slide bearing 29 is also provided between the surfaces in contact with one another.

FIG. 4 shows a possible embodiment of a locking device 7 according to the invention. For this purpose, the first coupling element 5 is shown in section. It has a cavity 20 which, in the assembled state of the coupling elements 5 and 6, receives an annular flange 8 of the second coupling element 6. In two mutually opposite through bores 14 and 15, 5, a locking pin 12 or 13 of the locking device 7 is received. The locking pin 12 or 13 penetrates the through hole into the inner cavity 20 of the first coupling element 5. On the side opposite the cavity 20, the through hole has a spring 16 or 17, which is located on a shoulder of the through hole on the one hand and on the other hand on the locking pin 12 or 13 supports. The locking pins 12, 13 are each connected to a locking lever 10 and 11, respectively. This connection consists of a pivot axis 9 forming a joint. By actuating the locking levers 10 or 11, that is to say their movement in the direction of the first coupling element 5, the spring 16 or 17 is tensioned and the locking pin 12 or 13 from the cavity 20 of the first coupling element 5 removed. Thus, the first coupling member 5 can be moved relative to the second coupling member 6 with the handlebar 1 until a second locking position is reached, in which the locking pins 12, 13 can engage by releasing the locking lever 10, 11.

It can be seen from FIGS. 5 to 7 how end stops and safe guidance of the handlebar in its swivel range can be made possible in a simple manner. For this purpose, a groove 22 is made in the second coupling element 6, in which a grub screw 24 engages. The grub screw 24 is inserted with its external thread into an internal thread 23 of a further through bore of the first coupling element 5. It protrudes slightly through this through hole into the cavity 20 and thus engages with its tip in the groove 22 of the second coupling element 6. In this simple manner, the coupling elements can be guided and it is an end stop of the handlebar 1 which can be rotated by only 90 ° guaranteed. FIG. 6 shows the recesses 18 and 19 on the second coupling element 6, in which the locking pins 12 and 13 of the locking device 7 engage in the respective locking positions.

A particularly simple embodiment of a locking device 7 for realizing the swiveling device according to the invention for a bicycle is shown in detail and in partial section in FIG. In this case, a through hole is introduced both through the first coupling element 5 and through the second coupling element 6 in the overlapping body regions of the coupling elements. A split pin 21 is inserted into this through hole from one side of the pivoting device. The cotter pin 21 has an annular extension on one side, through which it can be inserted or removed in a simple manner, and an elastic section on the side opposite this annular part, which can be compressed in a simple manner and after penetration of the through hole automatically unfolded, so that a release lock is guaranteed. The through hole is of course to be provided in the respective pivot positions of the handlebar in the first and second coupling elements 5 and 6, respectively, in order to ensure the corresponding handlebar positions.

FIG. 9 shows the coupling elements 5 and 6 of a swivel device, the locking device 7 of which consists of a lever mechanism with two locking levers 10 and 11, which are arranged on the outside of the first coupling element 5 and can be swiveled about a swivel axis 9. The locking levers 10, 11 accordingly have an articulated connection to one locking pin 12 or 13, which projects through the first coupling element 5. The locking pins 12, 13 are each slidably mounted in a through hole 14 or 15 receiving the locking pins 12, 13. To avoid accidental Releasing the connection of the coupling elements 5 and 6, the locking levers 10, 11 can be fixed in their locking position, which is indicated here by a locking bracket 32 or 33, which is supported on a locking cam 34, 35, respectively.

FIG. 10 shows another very simple embodiment of a locking device 7 of a swivel device according to the invention. The coupling member 5 also has a through hole 14 or 15 here. Locking pins 30 and 31 are captively inserted into the through bores 14, 15, respectively. At the outer free end of the locking pins 30, 31, a handle is attached for better handling. The locking pins 30, 31 here have a tapered section on which the handle is provided at the end and a thickened section on the locking side. The transition between the sections ensures an end stop of the locking pins 12, 13 in the complementary through holes 14, 15.

The locking pins 12, 13 shown here as circular cylindrical can, however, also be designed spirally and guided in a correspondingly designed through hole 14, 15 or, in the simplest case, can be designed to be fixable by means of a threaded section, not shown here.

Related list of characters:

1 handlebar

2 steering tube

2a end

2b end

3 control head tube

4 frames

5 coupling element

6 coupling element

7 locking device

8 ring flange

9 swivel axis

10 locking levers

11 locking lever

12 locking pin

13 locking pin

14 through hole

15 through hole

16 spring

17 spring

18 recess

19 recess

20 cavity

21 split pin

22 groove

23 internal thread

24 grub screw

25 clamping screw

26 slot

27 pull wedge

28 inner flange

29 plain bearings

30, 31 safety pin

32, 32 5 locking bracket

34, 3f> locking cams

Claims

Swivel device patent claims

1. swivel device for a bicycle with a handlebar (1), the steering tube (2) in a control head tube (3) of the frame (4) is rotatably mounted, wherein a first coupling element (5) and a second coupling element (6) by means of a locking device (7) can be fixed against each other in at least two positions, characterized in that the steering tube (2) is divided transversely to its axial extent and the mutually facing ends (2a, 2b) of the steering tube each have one of the coupling elements (5, 6).

2. Swivel device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling elements (5, 6) are coupled to each other in each of the locking positions via mutually corresponding surfaces.

3. Swivel device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the locking device (7) is released, the first coupling member (5) is rotatable in the circumferential direction of the steering tube (2).

4. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second coupling element (6) is fixedly connected to the end (2b) of the steering tube (2).

5. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sliding or rolling bearing is present between the first coupling element (5) and the second coupling element (6).

6. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling elements (5, 6) are designed approximately disc-shaped and with largely the same outer dimensions and have a complementary inner contour.

7. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second coupling element (6) on its inside facing the first coupling element (5) has an annular flange (8) which, when the first coupling element (5) is fitted, in a corresponding cavity ( 20) is received in the first coupling element (5).

8. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (7) has a lever mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a split pin, a locking pin, a steering wheel lock and / or a thread or a bayonet lock.

9. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that. the locking device (7) is a lever mechanism with at least one locking lever (10, 11) arranged on the outside on the first coupling element (5) and pivotable about a pivot axis (9), the locking lever (10, 11) being an articulated connection to one, the first Has coupling element (5) protruding locking pin (12, 13) and the locking pin (12, 13) is slidably mounted in a through hole (14, 15) receiving the locking pin (12, 13).

10. Swivel device according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one locking lever (10, 11) can be fixed in its locking position.

11. Schwenl device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking device (7) is a lever mechanism with two outside on the first coupling element (5), each about a pivot axis (9) pivotable locking levers (10, 11) , the locking levers (10, 11) each having an articulated connection to a locking pin (12, 13) projecting through the first coupling element (5) and the locking pins (12, 13) each in a through hole (12, 13) receiving the locking pins (12, 13) 14, 15) against the force of a spring (16, 17) supported in each through bore (14, 15).

12. Swivel device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the locking levers (10, 11) are arranged opposite one another.

13. Swivel device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the locking pins (12, 13) engage in a locked position in a corresponding recess (18, 19) in the second coupling element (6).

14. Swivel device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the locking lever (10, 11) have a release lock.

15. Swivel device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling elements (5 and 6) in the locked position of the swivel device are secured by a split pin (21) penetrating both coupling elements (5, 6).

16. Swivel device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling elements (5 and 6) are secured in the locked position of the swivel device by a locking pin (30, 31) penetrating both coupling elements (5, 6).

17. Swivel device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first coupling member (5) for rotating the handlebar (1) in one of its end positions, after releasing its locking position caused by a thread or a bayonet lock along the steering tube (2nd ) is displaceable in the axial direction.

18. S swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting range of the handlebar (1) is limited by end stops.

19. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the contact area between the first and second coupling element (5 or 6) there is an assembly aid geometry.

20. Swivel device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting range of the handlebar (1) is 90 °.