WO2006067187A1

WO2006067187A1 - Handlebar end grip for bicycles

Info

Publication number: WO2006067187A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/057039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans-Christian Smolik
Original assignee: Canyon Bicycles Gmbh
Priority date: 2004-12-22
Filing date: 2005-12-21
Publication date: 2006-06-29
Also published as: DE112005003150A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a handlebar end grip for bicycles, said grip comprising a first moulded part (10) and a second moulded part (12). In a preferred form of embodiment, the two moulded parts (10, 12) are interconnected by means of an intermediate part (14) and form a single component. The inventive handlebar end grip is produced preferably by bending a long moulded part into a position in which the two moulded parts (10, 12) are arranged opposite each other. In this position, fixing means such as screws used to fix the end grip to the handlebars in a clamping manner are provided in the openings (20,22).

Description

Lenkerendqriff for bicycles

The invention relates to a bar end handle for bicycles and a method for producing handlebar end handles for bicycles.

Such bar end grips or bar ends are attached to the lateral ends of the handlebars and have an angle of substantially 90 ° to them.

The bar end grips serve in addition to the conventional handles to be able to hold the handlebar in a different hand position and thereby substantially relieve the wrists. Handlebar end grips are therefore not a substitute for bicycle handles, but are usually outside of the bicycle handles substantially perpendicular to these connected to the bar ends. The attachment known handlebar end grips is usually done with the help of laterally inserted into the bar ends plug. In particular, known bar end grips have the disadvantage that they have a relatively high weight.

From DE 92 06 526 a Lenkerendgriff is known, which consists essentially of three parts. A main handle portion has a self-contained shape and forms the top and bottom of the handle. The main handle part has a substantially rectangular shape over its entire cross section. For mounting the handle part, two side covers are provided, which laterally close the main handle part. Due to the cross section of the main Handle and the lid is a soft, ergonomic transition between the main handle and the lids not possible. Thus, edges or at least transitions with small radii arise in this area. Especially on long trips, this leads to bruises on the hand

The object of the invention is to provide a bar end handle for bicycles, which is ergonomically designed and easy to manufacture.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a bar end grip according to claim 1 and a method for the production of bar end grips for bicycles according to claim 14.

The handlebar end grip according to the invention has a shell-shaped form element. The mold element comprises an upper mold part, a lower mold pan, and an intermediate part connecting the two mold parts with each other. The cup-shaped molded part is in this case preferably formed in one piece. In unmounted state, the cup-shaped form element is elongated. In the assembled state, the two Formteϊle the formula element are arranged opposite to each other, the intermediate part is arranged in the assembled state such that it surrounds the bicycle handlebar partially. Since the mold element is designed to be elongate in the unassembled state, it is possible, for example by injection molding, to produce the mold element comprising the two mold parts and the intermediate part in one piece in a single work step. Here, the two mold parts and the intermediate part are designed such that no undercuts occur. The production of the finished bar end handle then takes place in that the two mold parts are bent towards each other and the bicycle handlebar partially surrounding intermediate part is formed. Here, the intermediate part can be heated for forming, for example, or be made of a suitably elastic plastic. - ϊ -

The two mold parts are preferably U-shaped in cross section. In the assembled state, the two mold parts preferably touch each other laterally, wherein in particular both mold parts are U-shaped, so that the contact line is arranged neither in the upper nor in the lower edge of the finished molded Fahrradendgriffs. This has the advantage that ergonomic, soft transitions can be formed in this area.

The intermediate part connecting the two mold parts together preferably has a rectangular cross-section. After forming the intermediate part, the intermediate part forms a part-ring which is open to the outside. This has the advantage that the handlebar end grip can also be plugged laterally onto the handlebar end in the deformed state, wherein the inner diameter of the intermediate part is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bar end.

In the preferred embodiment, in which both mold parts are U-shaped, the openings of the mold parts then toward one another in the assembled state. Preferably, the mold parts in the assembled state form a closed hollow body.

It is in the form of element, in particular hollow trained three-dimensional moldings. In the respective moldings, it is possible to ensure high strength and rigidity despite low weight. The particular cup-shaped moldings are connected to each other according to the invention with fasteners such as screws.

Preferably, the two mold parts and / or the Zwϊschenelement are formed such that each of the Formteϊle and / or the intermediate element in the assembled state, the handlebar in a Lnker wrap area at least partially surrounds Thus, it is possible to fix by means of the fastening means, the mold element clamped to the handlebars , The at least one Befestigungsmittcl serves both for connecting the two mold parts as well as for clamping fixing the formula element on the handlebars. For this purpose, the two mold parts preferably each have an approach for clamping attachment to the handlebar. Here, the two approaches of the two Formteϊle and / or the intermediate part in the mounted state are arranged substantially opposite each other, so that mutually opposing clamping forces from the lugs on the handlebars act

The handlebar end handle according to the invention can consist of several molded parts, in particular the two above-described molded parts, wherein the upper molded part comprises an upper grip part and the lower molded part comprises a lower grip part. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the upper and lower Formtei! formed einstuckig and connected to each other via an intermediate part. In this case, the two molded pieces are preferably connected to one another in the region of the linkage by means of the intermediate part.

In the assembled state, the upper mold part and the upper Griffteϊl the lower mold part and the lower handle part is arranged opposite. The connection of the two mold parts in the area of the handlebar loop is preferably effected by an arcuate intermediate part, which is preferably produced by forming from a substantially flat in the unmounted state intermediate part.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the handlebar end handle, apart from the attachment means, einstuckig formed. It is possible to form the handlebar end handle before the first assembly as elongated molding. This elongated three-dimensional molded part, which is preferably made of a plastic material, is thus substantially straight and preferably in the connecting region or the intermediate piece between the two molded parts - ¹ T -

just trained. For the assembly or for the completion of the handlebar end handle, the two mold parts are moved towards each other, so that the intermediate part is bent and this preferably receives a teilzylϊnderförmige shape. The intermediate part encloses in the assembled state, the handlebar end at least partially, in particular by more than 180 °.

The manufacture of the bar end handle according to the invention is preferably made of molded parts, which are made of plastic. To improve the strength and rigidity at low weight, it is particularly preferred to use fiber-reinforced plastics, in particular fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. In particular carbon fibers are suitable as fibers here. A particularly suitable material is organic sheets. Likewise, the molded parts can be made of a metal sheet, which is in particular an aluminum alloy.

The shaping of the molded parts takes place in particular in the preferred use of organic sheet and / or fiber-reinforced plastics by deep drawing. For this purpose, the organo sheet or a fiber-reinforced Kunststoffschϊcht is heated and pressed into a mold. In this case, possibly required holes for carrying out the bonding agent can already be provided, for example by punching or cutting.

In particular, when the Lenkercndgriff or at least the two molded parts are made of a single piece, but also in multi-part handlebar end grips, it is preferable to provide a Versteϊfungselement in the area of Lenkerumschiingung. The stiffening element is preferably cylindrical in shape and has a longitudinally extending slot, so that the diameter can be reduced and the stiffening element for clamping attachment of the handlebar end handle to the handlebar end can be printed together. Preferably, the stiffening element is also made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular organo sheet, produced. In this case, the stiffening element can already be preformed to a cylindrical body before initial assembly. It is also possible to prefill only partially the stiffening element and to perform the complete deformation of the Versteϊfungsclements together with the deformation of the intermediate part of the Lenkerendgriffs.

According to a method according to the invention for producing the handlebar end handle described above, in a first step, a one-piece, elongate molding element is produced, which comprises the two mold parts and the intermediate part. Subsequently, a transformation of the intermediate part takes place such that the intermediate part receives a teü-circular cross-section. In this case, in particular a heating takes place before the deformation of the intermediate part.

Since the two mold parts are preferably formed in one piece and connected to each other via an intermediate part in the handlebar loop, takes place before providing the at least one Befestigungsmϊttels a bending of the two Formteϊle having elongated Formteϊls, so that the two mold parts, in particular an upper and a lower Form handle, be brought into an opposite position. Here, the intermediate part is deformed such that it is formed substantially cylindrical or partially cylindrical.

Since the moldings are preferably made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and particularly preferably organo-sheet, the molding element is preferably produced by deep-drawing. Before deep drawing, the material is heated. Before the intermediate part is bent into the substantially cylindrical shape, heating of at least this region of the elongated molding is preferably likewise carried out. Before bending the intermediate part, a stiffening element which has a cylindrical shape and preferably has a longitudinal slot can be provided. The Versteϊfungselement is preferably also made of the same material as the moldings or the elongated molding. The stiffening element may be preformed or brought into the cylindrical shape together with the intermediate element. It is also possible to partially preform the stiffening element, in particular at the two ends.

In a further preferred manufacturing method for producing the handlebar end handle described above, the two molded parts are produced in particular in connection with the intermediate part in its final shape. Here, the final shape is that form in which the molded parts form the handlebar end grip. Thus, in this production method, no bending or deformation of an elongate molding is carried out, but rather production of the moldings already in the final form

This can, for example, in a form of Mate! made of plastic molding by casting the corresponding plastic mass in a corresponding form. Suitable for this purpose, for example, the injection molding process. However, it is preferable for the molded part to be hollow, in particular for reasons of weight and stability, or to have a light core. Thus, it is possible to provide a foam core, which is arranged for example in a suitable mold shell for Umsprϊtzen with plastic. In the manufacture of a bicycle end handle made of plastic, it is preferred to use fiber reinforced plastic. In this case, for example, a core can be wrapped. As fibers, carbon fibers are particularly preferably used.

It is also possible to use an inflatable core, whereby the weight can be further reduced. The inflatable core is surrounded by a foam core of material and in a mold shell arranged. In this case, the shell mold has an inner contour which corresponds to the later outer contour of the end mold or handlebar end grip.

Particularly preferred is the preparation by hydroforming process.

In all of the production methods described above, in which the mold element is produced in its final shape, it is preferable, in particular after the final form has cured, to introduce a clamping slot into the final mold. In particular, the clamping slot can be made by sawing or cutting. The clamping slot is preferably arranged such that it extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the handlebar end handle, preferably along its center line. By providing a clamping slot, the resulting, opposing two molded parts can be pulled towards each other by the projection of the fastening means, such as screws. As a result, in the area of the handlebar loop, a clamping determination of the handlebar end grip is created.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it :

1 is a schematic plan view of an elongated molding prior to initial assembly,

2 shows a Schnϊttansicht the molding along the line II - II in Figure 1,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, in which additionally a stiffening element shown in section is provided, FIG. FIG. 4 shows the handlebar end grip illustrated in FIG. 3, after it has been pre-bent from its elongate shape for initial assembly. FIG.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the curved handlebar end handle in the direction of arrow V in Fig. 4 and

6 is a schmatische sectional view taken along the line XI - XI in Fig. 5

The in Figs. shown Lcnkorendgriff is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular an organic sheet produced. The Lenkerendgriff has an upper mold part 10 and a lower mold part 12. The two mold parts are connected via an intermediate part 14 with each other to form a one-piece elongated mold element. The two mold parts 10, 12, which are produced together with the intermediate part by deep drawing, each have a circumferential, inwardly facing side wall 16, 18. Furthermore, the two molded parts 10, 12 each have an inner recess 20 and an outer recess 22. The recesses 20 and 22 serve to receive fastening means, in particular screws, for mounting the handlebar end handle (FIG. 3). Since countersunk screws are preferably provided as fastening means, the openings 20, 22 are chamfered or have a frustoconical or funnel-shaped area (FIG. 2).

The intermediate part 14 has two lugs 15, each with the mold parts

10,12 are connected to. The two approaches 15 are for clamping

Attachment to a handlebar in the assembled state arranged opposite each other (Fig. 4).

After that in the Fign. 1 and 2, in particular by deep drawing of an organic sheet, a stiffening clement 26 is applied to an inner side 24 in the region of the intermediate part 14. The stiffening element 26 is preferably also made by deep-drawing a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular an organic sheet. Here, the two ends 28, 30 of the stiffening element 26 (FIG. 3) are pre-bent, so that the two ends 28, 30 have an inwardly directed curvature.

In the next step, the handlebar end handle is completed for initial assembly. For this purpose, the two mold parts 10, 12 are bent inwards in the direction of the arrows 32. For this purpose, the elongated molding is heated in the region of the intermediate part 14. Likewise, heating of the stiffening element 26 takes place, wherein heating of the pre-bent ends 28, 30 is not absolutely necessary. The bending of the two mold parts 10, 12 in the direction of the arrows 32 thus takes place about a longitudinal axis 25 (FIG. 1), the longitudinal axis 25 corresponding to a center line or longitudinal axis of the link in the region in which the handlebar end grips are fastened. By the bending of the two mold parts 10,12 in the direction of the arrows 32, these are brought into the position shown in Fig. 4. In this position, in which touch the two tips 34,36 of the mold parts 10 and 12, there is a cooling and curing of the material. During the deformation of the molded parts 10, 12 in the region of the intermediate part, welding of the reinforcing element 26 to the intermediate part 14 preferably takes place.

It is now possible to mount the Fahrradendgriff by inserting the handlebar end in an opening 38 which is formed by the stiffening element 26 on the handlebar. After attaching the handlebar end handle, the insertion of the fastening means or screws into the openings 20 and 22. By tightening the screws, which preferably have an Allen, the two mold parts 10,12 are moved towards each other. This reduces the width of a gap 38 (FIG. 4). Furthermore, the diameter of the stiffening element 26 is reduced. This enables a clamping fastening of the handlebar end grip to the handlebar end, with an inner side 40 of the stiffening element 26 abutting the outer side of the handlebar. By simply loosening the arranged in the openings 20,22 fasteners and, if necessary, slightly bending apart the two FormteÜe 10,12 disassembly of the bar end grips in a simple manner possible.

In particular, from the sectional view shown in Fig. 6 it can be seen that the two longitudinal edges 42, 44 of the Formteϊie 10, 12 in the assembled state, in particular over its entire length adjacent to each other.

In the mounted state, the handlebar end grip in the region in which it is grasped by the user, an ergonomic outer shape, which is in particular substantially circular. In particular, in the lateral transition regions 46, the upper mold part 10 has a large radius in order to avoid pressure points. Also in the corresponding region of the lower mold part 12 preferably relatively large radii are provided. The radii are in this case preferably greater than 3 mm, in particular greater than 4 mm and particularly preferably greater than 6 mm.

Claims

? -CLAIMS

1. handlebar end handle for bicycles, with

a bowl-shaped formula with an upper mold part (10), a lower mold part (12) and an intermediate part (14) interconnecting the two mold parts (10, 12),

wherein the mold element is designed to be elongated in the unmounted state and

in the moniertem state, the two mold parts (10, 12) are arranged opposite, wherein the intermediate part (14) surrounds the bicycle handlebar partially.

2. Lenkerendgriff according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the two mold parts (10, 12) in cross-section is U-shaped.

3. Lenkerendgriff according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the openings of the mold parts (10, 12) in the assembled state are opposite each other.

4. Lenkerendgriff according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the molded parts (10, 12) form a closed hollow body in the assembled state.

5. Lenkerendgriff according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper mold part (10) comprises an upper handle part.

6. Lenkerendgriff according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lower mold part (12) comprises a lower Griffteϊl

7. bar end handle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two mold parts (10,12) and / or the intermediate part (14) have a lug (15) for clamping attachment to a handlebar.

8. Lenkerendgrϊff according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the two FormteÜe (10, 12) interconnecting Befestigungsigunsmittel is provided.

9. Lenkerendgriff according to claim 8, characterized in that the fastening means are arranged in the mounted state substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (25) of the handlebar.

10. handlebar end handle according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the molded parts (10,12) by the at least one fastening means by clamping, in particular by means of the two mold parts (10, 12) and / or the intermediate part (14) provided approaches ( 15) can be fastened to a handlebar.

11. handlebar end handle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the molded parts (10,12) made of plastic, in particular made of fiber-reinforced plastic and particularly preferably from Organobiech are made.

12. Lenkerendgriff according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a arranged in the region of the handlebar loop, on the intermediate part (14) fitting stiffening element (26). - IA -

13. Lenkerendgriff according to claim 12, characterized in that the stiffening element (26) is at least partially pre-bent before the initial assembly.

14. A method of manufacturing a handlebar end handle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of:

Producing a one-piece, elongated element element comprising an upper mold part (10), a lower mold part (12) and the two mold parts interconnecting intermediate part (14) and

Forming the intermediate part (14) such that the intermediate part (14) receives a part-circular cross-section.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the mold element by deep drawing, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic part, and particularly preferably an organic sheet, are produced.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein prior to forming a preferably pre-bent stiffening element (26) is inserted in the Lenkerumschlingungsbereich.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mold element is produced in the final shape, so that the forming step is omitted.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein after the Hersteilen, in particular after curing of the final form introduced a Klcmmschlltz, in particular sawed or cut.

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the final shape is produced by surrounding, in particular by wrapping, a core with fiber-reinforced plastic material.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the core is inflatable.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 - 20, wherein the final shape is cured in a mold shell surrounding the final shape.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 - 21, wherein the final shape is produced by hydroforming.