WO2015071480A1

WO2015071480A1 - Bicycle handlebar system

Info

Publication number: WO2015071480A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/074833
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rafael HOFFLEITT
Original assignee: Dietrich, Klaus
Priority date: 2013-11-18
Filing date: 2014-11-18
Publication date: 2015-05-21
Also published as: DE102013112665A1; DE102013112665B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle handlebar system with a handlebar unit (14) which has a gripping region (54) at each of the two opposite ends thereof and, centrally between the gripping regions (54), has a fastening element for fastening to a handlebar stem, and with an arm rest unit (16) which has two arm rests (32), an extension-arm holding unit (44), which has two in particular tubular receiving elements for receiving one extension arm (36) each, and at least one spacer element (20). The two arm rests (32) are connected to each other by a strut (34), and the two receiving elements (46) are connected to each other by a strut (48). The handlebar unit (14) has a first connecting intersection (74) centrally between the gripping regions on the upper side, and the at least one spacer element (20) and the struts (34, 48) of the arm rest unit (16) and of the extension-arm holding unit (44) have a first connecting intersection (74) centrally on the upper side and/or a second connecting intersection (72) centrally on the lower side. First and second connecting intersections (72, 74) are designed in such a manner that said intersections can be connected to each other and therefore the handlebar unit (14), arm rest unit (16), extension-arm holding unit (44) and spacer element (20) can be placed onto one another and connected.

Description

Bicycle handlebar system

The present invention relates to a bicycle handlebar system with a handlebar unit, which has at its two opposite ends in each case a handle portion and centrally between the grip areas a fastening element for attachment to a steerer, an armrest unit having two armrests, a boom -Halteeinheit which has two particular tubular receiving elements for receiving a respective arm, and at least one spacer element.

A bicycle handlebar system of the aforementioned type is known for example from the document EP 2 402 240 A1. In the bicycle handlebar system described in this document armrest and receiving element each form a unit, each supported on the handlebars. There is no direct mechanical connection between the two units.

One of the disadvantages of this known bicycle handlebar system can be seen in the fact that the aerodynamics and comfort of the bicycle handlebar system are not optimal. In addition, this bicycle handlebar system lacks flexibility, which allows a good adaptation to the driver. Finally, it is difficult to easily integrate other components into the system. Another disadvantage is that the support of the armrest and arm on the handlebar is not optimal in terms of the desired stability.

Against this background, one of the objects of the present invention is the bicycle handlebar system of the type mentioned in such a way that improvements in terms of stability, aerodynamics, comfort, flexibility and expandability can be achieved.

This object is achieved in that the two armrests are interconnected by a strut, the two receiving elements are interconnected by a strut, the handlebar units centrally between the grip areas on the top a first connection interface and the at least one spacer Element and the struts of the armrest unit and the boom holding unit centered on top a first connection interface and / or centered on the bottom have a second connection interface, and first and second connection interfaces are formed so that they have a Connection with each other and thus a Aufeinanderetzen and connecting the handlebar unit, armrest unit, boom-holding unit and spacer element allow.

In other words, that a bicycle handlebar system is created, which can be very flexible adapt to the driver by, for example, different spacer elements between armrest unit, boom-holding unit and handlebar unit are introduced. The fact that matching connection interfaces are provided on the individual elements, a "stacking" is very easy. In addition, the central arrangement of this "stack" or "tower" on the handlebar unit achieves both high stability and good aerodynamics combined with low weight.The mechanical direct connection of the two armrests via a strut makes it possible to provide comfort for the driver to increase by this strut a certain flexibility or Gets flexibility. The central arrangement or support of the stack and the struts on the handlebar unit leads to a high stability.

At this point it should be noted that the link unit may be formed in one piece or in several parts. Preferably, the link unit is integrally formed so that the handlebar and stem form a unit. Alternatively, the handlebar unit but also "classic" be constructed with handlebar and stem as separate parts.

In a preferred embodiment, each connection interface on at least one positive locking element, such that the interlocking elements of the first and second connection interface are complementary, so that the interaction of the first and second connection interface interlock the interlocking elements and one prevent horizontal movement at least in one direction, preferably in the lateral direction and allow a vertical movement. Particularly preferably, a positive locking element is a projection and a complementary positive locking element a corresponding recess.

In other words, that is, for example, a square projection, for example, at the bottom of a spacer element in a complementary recess of another spacer element can be inserted. Such a connection on the one hand enables a rotational securing of the two superimposed elements and prevents horizontal movement relative to each other. Assign the individual components spacer elements, arm rest unit and boom holding unit on their topsides and bottoms corresponding form-fitting elements or complementary form-fitting elements, these components can be stacked very accurately position each other.

Consequently, these interlocking elements also have the advantage that the fixation of this stack on the handlebar unit, for example via a screw connection, must absorb lower forces in the horizontal direction, since the individual stacked elements can not shift relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, a bottle is provided, which is connected centrally between the two gripping areas on the front of the handlebar unit with this releasably. The drinking bottle preferably has a latching element on a rear surface facing the handlebar unit, which catching element cooperates with a complementary catching element on the handlebar unit. Preferably, the drinking bottle has an aerodynamic shape, so that it - viewed from above - tapers to the front and the front edge is rounded.

Preferably, the bottle extends from the upper edge of the bicycle handlebar system down to the lower portion of the steering head tube. Depending on the choice of the spacer elements can attach different size bottles.

More preferably, a water bottle cover is provided which covers an overhead opening of the bottle and further extends over the connection interface of the overhead unit.

As an alternative to a drinking bottle, for example, an aerodynamically shaped cover, similar to a "spoiler" attach, to cover the front of the stack.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description of the accompanying drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained not only in the particular combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment and the accompanying drawings. Showing: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle handlebar system in conjunction with a partially illustrated bicycle frame;

Figure 2 shows the bicycle handlebar system of Figure 1 in a side view;

FIG. 3 shows the bicycle handlebar system according to FIG. 1 from a different perspective with the drinking bottle removed;

Figure 4, the bicycle handlebar system according to claim 1 with removed

components;

Figure 5 shows the bicycle handlebar system according to Figure 1 alone without bicycle frame and without boom; and

FIG. 6a, b

in a schematic representation of the bottle and its attachment to a handlebar unit of the bicycle handlebar system.

In Fig. 1, a bicycle handlebar system is shown in a perspective view and designated by the reference numeral 10. Such a bicycle handlebar system 10 is used for example as a triathlon handlebar on a suitably designed triathlon bike. Of course, the bicycle handlebar system 10 can also be used on other bicycles, in particular racing bikes.

As usual, the bicycle handlebar system (hereinafter referred to as bicycle handlebar) is attached to a steerer, the steerer is not shown for clarity. The steerer is mounted within a steering head tube 4. The steering head tube 4 itself connects a top tube 2 with a down tube 3 of a in Fig. 1 only partially shown bicycle frame. 1

As with a typical triathlon bike or time trial bike, the bicycle handlebar comprises a one-piece or multi-part link unit 14 (with handlebar and stem), an armrest unit 16 and a boom unit 18. The handlebar unit is used by the user of the bicycle substantially during braking phases, since the handlebar unit carries - not shown in Fig. 1 - brake handles. Otherwise, the driver's forearms lie on the armrest unit 16 and the hands grip the boom unit 18, which incidentally also carries the shift knobs or shift levers (not shown in FIG. 1).

The bicycle handlebar 10 optionally includes a water bottle 22, which - seen in the longitudinal direction - is placed in front of the steering head tube 4 and preferably extends from the lower end of the steering head tube 4 up to the upper end of the bicycle handlebar. This bottle 22 is detachably attached to the handlebar unit 14, which will be discussed later in detail.

The bottle 22 is covered by a lid 24 which covers a non-visible upper opening of the bottle and also extends over a region of the armrest unit and also covers this. The lid 24 has a drinking opening 26, which serves on the one hand for filling the drinking bottle and on the other hand for introducing a drinking tube.

As is clear from Fig. 1, the link unit, boom unit and Armauflagen unit are stacked one above the other and centered on the longitudinal axis of the frame 1, wherein one or more spacers 20 may be provided between the individual units. In other words, the boom unit 18 and armrest unit 16 are supported on the handlebar unit 14 in its middle area (which is commonly referred to as a stem). In order to provide the driver's desired vertical distance between the units, the spacers 20 are used. The exact structure of this "stack" will be discussed later.

The back of the stack, that is, the side facing the bicycle frame, is covered by a cover 28, which also covers the opening provided for receiving the steerer in the handlebar unit 14 upwards. The armrest unit 16 comprises two armrests 32a, b, which are adapted to the shape of the forearm. As is apparent from Fig. 1, the armrest 32 extends outwardly in an arc first down and then towards the outer edge up, so that there is a trough for the forearm. The two armrests 32a, b are connected to each other via a strut or a web 34. Preferably, the two armrests 32a, b and the web 34 are integrally made of a material. In particular, carbon is suitable as the material, although other materials, such as plastics, can also be used. The dimensioning in particular of the web 34 and the choice of material are made under the condition that the armrests 32 are yielding in the vertical direction. In other words, the armrests 32 are designed to spring like a leaf spring, thus dampening vibrations.

In order to ensure this resilient effect of the armrest unit, it is also necessary that the support takes place alone in the central region, that is, within the web area. As is apparent from Fig. 1, the Armauflagen- unit 16 is located with the web 34 in the middle on a spacer 20 arranged thereunder. The two armrests can thus spring freely in the vertical direction. Of course, it is also conceivable to design the armrest unit 16 in such a way that, to a certain extent, a torsion about an axis is also possible, which runs horizontally and at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the frame.

The armrest unit 18 comprises two cantilever tubes 36, which are each held in a preferably rohrformigen receiving element 46 of a jib clamping unit 44. The receiving element 46 is adapted to the shape of the boom tube and consequently may, for example, also be oval or angular and formed in one or more parts. The cantilever tubes 36 are each subdivided into a plurality of sections, the section facing the bicycle frame 1 being referred to as a clamping region 40 and the section located at the other longitudinal end of a cantilever tube 36 as a grip region 38. The clamping region 40 of a cantilever tube 36 is inserted into a corresponding receiving element 46 and held therein, for example via a screw connection. The receiving element 46 allows a displacement of the boom tube in the longitudinal direction, so that the driver desired distance between the armrest 32 and handle portion 38 is adjustable. The boom clamping unit 44 of the boom assembly 18 includes the aforementioned two tubular receiving elements 46 and a strut or a web 48, which is not visible in Fig. 1. This web 48 connects the two receiving elements 46 and also serves as a support area or section area on a spacer 20th

Preferably, the jib clamping unit may be integrally formed, wherein as the material carbon, plastic or metal may be used.

As already mentioned, the jib unit and the Armauflagen- unit are arranged one above the other, with spacers 20 made of metal (preferably aluminum), carbon and / or plastic in between. In detail, at least one spacer 20 on the central region of the link unit 14, which is also referred to as stem 56, applied. On this spacer 20 is a portion of the web 48 of the boom clamping unit 44. On this web 48 in turn is at least one spacer 20, which in turn supports the central region of the web 34 of the Armauflagen- unit 16. This stack or tower is covered by an area of the cover 28.

Preferably, this stack is fixed from above via a fastening means on the handlebar unit. Preferably, several screws are used for this purpose, which pass through the stack from above and engage in a correspondingly provided thread in the stem of the link unit 14. For this purpose, not shown in the Fig. 1 bores are provided in the individual elements of the stack, which are aligned with each other in the stacked state.

The use of such spacers 20 allows an adjustment of the vertical position of the boom unit and armrest unit to each other and to the handlebar unit 14. An adaptation to the individual needs of the driver is thus easily possible. The desired vertical distances may be achieved by appropriately sized spacers 20 or, alternatively, by using a plurality of spacer elements of a predetermined low height. All elements of the bicycle handlebar 10 are - as shown in Fig. 1 can be seen - aerodynamically formed, this applies in particular to the handlebar unit 14 and the bottle 22.

With reference to the following FIGS. 2 to 6 will now be discussed further details of the bicycle handlebar system 10, wherein for simplicity, the same parts are identified by the same reference numerals and will not be explained again.

In Fig. 2, the bicycle handlebar system 10 is shown from the side. In this illustration, it can be seen that the drinking bottle 22 has a connecting region 62 in the form of a semi-cylindrical recess, which faces the bicycle frame 1. The shape of the connecting portion 62 is adapted to the shape of the facing front edge of the stem of the link unit 14. As can be seen from FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, the connection region 62 of the drinking bottle 22 has on the upper side a latching element 66 which projects with respect to the surface of the connection region 62. This latching element 66 is designed so that it interacts with an edge provided on the edge 68 latching. The drinking bottle 22 can thus be plugged with its connecting portion 62 on the front portion of the link unit 14, wherein in the end position, the locking element 66, the edge 68 engages behind and thus the bottle 22 fixed to the handlebar unit 14.

At this point, it should be noted that other connection possibilities between water bottle 22 and handlebar unit 14, in particular the stem 56, are conceivable, the connection should be solvable to exchange the bottle 22 as possible without tools.

As is apparent from Fig. 4, the edge 68, which cooperates with the locking element 66, formed by the fact that in the stem 56 of the link unit 14, a recess 58 is provided which in the present embodiment in a bore 59 for receiving goes over the steerer. Of course, it is also conceivable to make this recess 58 smaller, so that it does not reach to the bore 59.

For example, instead of the drinking bottle, a cover element could also be connected to the handlebar unit. Such a cover is preferably aerodynamically designed to give the front of the stack a more aerodynamic shape. Another possibility is to attach other elements to the front of the stack, such as a speedometer holder, a bottle holder for common water bottles, etc.

As previously stated, the stack of spacers 20, armrest unit 16 and cantilever unit 18 is mounted on the stem 56. For this purpose, a plurality of, for example four, threaded bores are preferably provided in the recess 58, into which the fastening screws can engage. In the assembled state, consequently, the recess 58 is covered by the stack and the cover 28.

As already mentioned, spacers 20, armrest unit 16 and cantilever unit 18 are stacked one above the other. For this purpose, the spacers 20 at the bottom of a first connection interface 72 and at the top of a second connection interface. In the present embodiment, the connection interface 74 is formed as a groove with obliquely extending side walls, wherein the groove is open edge to both longitudinal ends. The lower first connection interface is formed complementary to it, that is, as a web-like projection with likewise inclined side surfaces. Thus, two equally spaced spacers 20 can be placed one on top of the other with the lower connection interface cooperating with the underlying upper connection interface. The web-like projection thus engages in the groove of the other spacer, so that preferably results in a positive connection. In the embodiment shown, the positive connection of the two connection interfaces, that a horizontal movement transverse to the longitudinal axis is not possible. However, a horizontal movement in the longitudinal direction is possible.

If such a movement are also prevented, for example, the longitudinal ends of the groove can be closed, wherein the web-like projection must then be correspondingly shorter in the longitudinal direction.

3, the web 34 of the armrest unit 16 and the web 48 of the cantilever unit 18 have corresponding first and second connection interfaces 72, 74. Thus, it is also possible for these webs 34, 48 positively to connect with the spacers 20.

Finally, the recess 58 of the stem 56 is formed so that it can receive the first connection interface 72, that is, the web-like projection.

It can be seen that this configuration of spacers 20, armrest unit 16 and boom unit 18 provides a very flexible way to make the structure on the stem 56 of the link unit 14. The height of the individual units and their distance from one another are easily adjustable by appropriate choice of spacers 20. Due to the intended connection interfaces and the screw connection to the handlebar unit 14, a very stable construction becomes possible.

By releasably attaching the bottle, moreover, the aerodynamics is significantly improved because the straight end face of the stack is covered by the bottle.

Overall, therefore, a bicycle handlebar system 10 is provided which can be modularly adapted to the needs of the driver, has very good aerodynamic properties and great comfort, since in particular the armrest unit 16 similar to a leaf spring dampens vibrations and keeps away from the driver , In addition, this system offers the possibility to replace the armrest unit very quickly, for example, to install a more flexible unit or a larger / smaller unit. The driver can thus make an adjustment of the bicycle handlebar system with a few elements.

Claims

Patent claims

Bicycle handlebar system with

a handlebar unit (14), which has a handle area (38) at each of its two opposite ends and a fastening element in the middle between the handle areas for attachment to a fork shaft,

an armrest unit (16), which has two armrests (32), a boom holding unit (44), which has two receiving elements (46) for receiving one boom (36), and

at least one spacer element (20),

characterized in that

the two armrests (32) are connected to one another by a strut (34),

the two receiving elements (46) are connected to one another by a strut (48),

the handlebar unit (14) has a first connection interface (74) in the middle between the grip areas on the top, and the at least one spacer element and the struts of the armrest unit and the boom holding unit have a first connection interface in the middle of the top ( 74) and/or have a second connection interface (72) in the middle of the underside, and

first and second connection interfaces (72, 74) are designed so that they connect to one another and thus enable the handlebar unit, armrest unit, boom holding unit and spacer element to be placed on one another and connected.

Bicycle handlebar system according to claim 1, characterized in that each connection interface (72, 74) has at least one form-fitting element, such that the form-fitting elements of the first and second connection interface (72, 74) are designed to be complementary, so that when the First and second connection interface, the positive locking elements interlock and prevent lateral horizontal movement and allow vertical movement.

3. Bicycle handlebar system according to claim 2, characterized in that a positive locking element is a projection and a complementary positive locking element is a corresponding recess.

4. Bicycle handlebar system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the connection interfaces have at least one, preferably several, holes, the holes of the connection interfaces being aligned with one another when placed one on top of the other.

5. Bicycle handlebar system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the strut (34) of the armrest unit (16) is designed to be flexible in the vertical direction.

6. Bicycle handlebar system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a drinking bottle (22) is provided which is releasably connected to the handlebar unit in the middle between the two handle areas on the front.

7. Bicycle handlebar system according to claim 6, characterized in that the drinking bottle (22) has a locking element (66) on a rear surface facing the handlebar unit, which cooperates with a complementary locking element (68) on the handlebar unit.

8. Bicycle handlebar system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a plurality of spacer elements (20) are provided to individually adjust the vertical distance between the handlebar unit and the boom holding unit, and / or between the boom unit and the armrest unit to determine.

9. Bicycle handlebar system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that spacer elements (20), handlebar unit (14), boom holding unit (18) and / or armrest unit (16) are made of carbon.

10. Bicycle handlebar system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the handlebar unit (14) has two strut sections extending to the side and lying in a horizontal plane, which are connected by a central section, and one of the two grip areas each at the outer end of the strut sections stretches forward.

1 1 . Bicycle handlebar system according to claim 10, characterized in that the two strut sections have a streamlined cross section.

12. Bicycle handlebar system according to one of claims 6 to 1 1, characterized in that a drinking bottle cover (24) is provided, which covers an overhead opening of the drinking bottle and extends further over the connection interface of the overhead structural unit.