Display unit, display unit set and electric bicycle

The display unit for electric bicycles addresses ergonomic and durability issues by using a retaining section and locking slide for intuitive attachment, ensuring secure and adaptable integration with anti-theft features.

DE102020200020B4Active Publication Date: 2026-02-19ROTAX BIKE TECHNOLOGY AG
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102020200020
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-01-03
Publication Date
2026-02-19
Estimated Expiration
2040-01-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing display units for electric bicycles are not ergonomic, prone to misalignment, and can break due to frequent use or low ambient temperatures, making attachment and removal of display components unintuitive and unreliable.

Method used

A display unit with a bicycle-side mount featuring a retaining section and a locking slide that allows for intuitive, ergonomic attachment and secure locking of display elements, using a combination of pivoting and parallel movements, and includes an anti-theft mechanism.

Benefits of technology

Ensures reliable, aesthetically pleasing integration of display units on electric bicycles, with enhanced durability and adaptability to different rider preferences and bicycle types, while preventing theft.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Display unit (1) for an electric bicycle (2) with a bicycle-side bracket (4) for a display part (6), wherein the display part (6) has a retaining section (8), wherein the retaining section (8) can be inserted at least partially into the bracket (4) and can be positively locked in the bracket (4) by means of at least one locking slide (10), characterized in that the locking slide (10) is positively guided in the retaining section (8) and is longitudinally displaceable.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a display unit according to the preamble of claim 1, a set of display units according to the preamble of claim 13 and an electric bicycle according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0002] Electric bicycles are known from the prior art which, in addition to a drive unit and a battery unit, also have a display unit with a removable display element. The display elements can be inserted into the guide rail system of a holder and fixed in the holder with an elastically pivotable plastic mounting tab.

[0003] The publication DE 20 2014 105 740 U1 describes a mounting system for attaching a mobile communication device to a bicycle, as well as an interchangeable frame and a mounting frame for such a mounting system.

[0004] Document DE 20 2019 104 857 U1 describes a holding device for a display device for two-wheeled vehicles.

[0005] A YouTube video from the channel ElectricBikeReview.com, titled "COBI Bosch Hub Smartphone Interface Review - $249 GPS, Alarm, Electric Bike", presents a smartphone interface for controlling Bosch electric bicycles.

[0006] One disadvantage of such display units is that inserting the display components into the guide rail system is not very ergonomic, and the components can become misaligned relative to the holder. Removing and attaching the detachable display component is therefore not very intuitive. Furthermore, frequent use, low ambient temperatures, etc., can lead to breakage of the mounting tab and consequently failure of the holder.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved display unit that enables intuitive, reliable attachment of the display part.

[0008] This problem is solved by a display unit with the feature combination of claim 1, a set of display units with the feature combination of claim 13, and by an electric bicycle according to claim 14.

[0009] The display unit according to the invention for an electric bicycle has a bicycle-side mount for a display element with a retaining section. According to the invention, the retaining section can be inserted into the mount, at least partially, and positively locked in place by means of at least one locking slide, wherein the locking slide is positively guided and longitudinally displaceable within the retaining section. Due to the insertion of the retaining section into the mount according to the invention, the display elements cannot tilt, unlike when inserted into guide rails. Compared to a mounting tab, the locking slide cannot break even with frequent use, low ambient temperatures, etc., since it does not need to be elastically deformable. The display element can be intuitively and ergonomically removed from and inserted into the mount by the rider.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display element can be inserted into the holder at an angle relative to the holder via the retaining section and pivoted into place. In this embodiment, the display element is engaged and pivoted into place in a hinge-like manner.

[0011] Alternatively, the display unit can be inserted into the holder by means of a parallel movement relative to the mounting bracket. This means that, alternatively, the display unit is not pivoted into place, but rather slid into the holder by means of a parallel movement. Specifically, the rider holds the display unit and locks it into the holder while lying flat. Preferably, the rider moves the display unit perpendicular to the holder and locks it into place. This allows for optimal integration of the display unit into the handlebar stem, as no swivel range remains. The display unit can be integrated flush with the handlebar stem, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0012] In another embodiment, a hybrid feeding motion combining swiveling and parallel displacement is possible. This feeding movement depends on the feeding angle and the point of application of the user's feeding force.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the display unit can be inserted into the holder at an angle relative to the holder and pivoted into place. The display unit is preferably attached to the handlebars of the e-bike by means of the holder.

[0014] The holder is preferably designed as a mounting tray.

[0015] It has proven particularly advantageous if the bracket has at least one mounting section with which a retaining projection of the mounting section can be engaged to secure the display element. The mounting section is preferably provided with an undercut.

[0016] The retaining projection is preferably wedge-shaped in cross-section and can be brought into contact with a correspondingly wedge-shaped recess in the holder. The wedge shape facilitates the insertion, positioning, and subsequent pivoting or engagement of the display element in the holder.

[0017] The retaining projection preferably has a concave transition to the display element. In a preferred embodiment, this can be brought into contact with a rounded tip area of ​​the mounting section, thus forming a pivot joint.

[0018] Preferably, the retaining section has at least one retaining projection that can be inserted into the mounting section of the bracket.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the bracket has a locking section. The locking section is preferably arranged opposite the fastening section.

[0020] In a preferred variant, the locking section is designed as a hook-shaped undercut of the holder.

[0021] It has proven advantageous if the locking slide has at least one locking projection which can be engaged with the locking section of the bracket to secure the display element. The locking projection is preferably located on the side of the locking slide facing away from the driver. Preferably, the locking projection forms a detent hook.

[0022] Preferably, the locking slide has at least one guide leg which is guided longitudinally displaceable in a guide recess of the holding section.

[0023] The locking slide is preferably arranged centrally on an end face of the display part and can therefore be operated ergonomically.

[0024] According to the invention, the locking slide is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the display unit. This allows the driver to operate the locking slide ergonomically to remove the display unit. The driver grasps the display unit with one hand and operates the locking slide in the process. Advantageous one-handed removal is thus ensured.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking slide has an actuating chamfer which can engage a leading edge of the locking section of the holder in such a way that the locking section actuates the locking slide when the display unit is inserted into its open position, thus eliminating the need for the driver to manually actuate the slide. During installation of the display unit, the locking slide is actuated by means of a chamfered surface that engages a forming chamfer on the holder side, i.e., it is engaged, and the display unit is inserted. Alternatively or additionally, the locking slide can be engaged manually by the driver. As soon as the display unit is fully inserted, the locking slide is moved into its locked position by the spring. The display unit is then securely held. The driver can visually confirm this by observing the disengaged locking slide and can also hear a click.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the display element is hooked and pivoted into place in a hinge-like manner. Alternatively, the display element is not pivoted into place but rather inserted into the holder by means of a parallel displacement.

[0027] Preferably, the locking projection is designed as a stepped locking shoulder of the locking slide. To remove the display unit, the driver actuates the longitudinally movable locking slide so that the locking shoulder disengages and the display unit can be removed.

[0028] In one embodiment of the display unit according to the invention, the locking slide is actuated into its locking position by means of at least one spring element. Preferably, the spring element is supported against an inner wall of the retaining section and the locking slide. The spring element is preferably a compression spring, and particularly preferably a multi-arc-shaped spring.

[0029] The locking slide preferably has an actuating section arranged above the locking projection for operation by the driver. This actuating section preferably projects from the retaining section. This allows the driver to ergonomically actuate it against the spring force and remove the display unit by means of a pivoting or lifting motion.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket has a recess on its underside for receiving a contact module. Preferably, the contact module has contact pins (e.g., pogo pins) on the mounting side for contacting the display unit. Furthermore, the contact module is preferably provided with connector slots or terminals extending at an angle to the mounting. In a preferred embodiment, the contact module extends partially through the mounting bracket on the underside, so that contact areas are located on the upper side of the mounting bracket. The contact module is preferably screwed to the mounting bracket.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, the display unit is provided with a removal lock, which is preferably designed as an anti-theft device. A threaded bushing is preferably provided in the base of the mounting section of the display unit. To prevent removal of the display unit, a locking screw that passes through the mount is screwed into the threaded bushing. When the mount is subsequently attached to the bicycle, this locking screw is concealed by the handlebars or stem and protected against unauthorized loosening. The display unit is thus secured against unauthorized removal and theft.

[0032] A display unit set according to the invention for an electric bicycle comprises several differently designed, optionally attachable display elements, wherein the display elements have, in particular, different sized display areas and can optionally be connected to a bicycle-side mount via a retaining section. According to the invention, the retaining section for different display elements is uniformly designed, wherein the display elements can be inserted into the mount, at least partially, via the retaining section and positively locked in place by means of at least one locking slide, so that different display elements can be attached. This makes a modular concept with display elements adapted to different rider preferences and bicycle types easily possible. The rider can select different sized display elements for their bicycle. Adaptation to rider preferences is possible without additional fastening elements.

[0033] An electric bicycle according to the invention uses a display unit, wherein the display unit has a bicycle-side mount for a display element with a retaining section. According to the invention, the retaining section can be inserted into the mount at least partially and can be positively locked in the mount by means of at least one locking slide.

[0034] This provides the driver with a display unit offering maximum adaptability.

[0035] The invention can be universally implemented in all types of bicycles, especially mountain bikes (both hardtail and full-suspension designs), but also in other bicycles, e.g. road bike frames, and thus ultimately result in a touring, city or cross bike or other modern bicycle types.

[0036] Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show, in detail: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 perspective views of a display unit according to the invention, Fig. 3 a top view of a display unit according to the invention, Fig. 4 a sectional view along line AA from Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a sectional view of the display section, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the display section, Fig. 7 a sectional view of the bracket, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 each a perspective view of the bracket, Fig. 11 a top view of the bracket, Fig. 12 an exploded view of the display unit according to the invention, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. 16 each a representation during the swiveling of the display part into the holder, Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19 to Fig. 20 each a representation during the parallel insertion of the display part into the holder, Fig. 21 a perspective view of the display unit with locking screw and Fig. 22 a longitudinal section of the display unit with locking screw made of Fig. 21.

[0038] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figures 2 each show a perspective view of a display unit 1 according to the invention of an electric bicycle 2 with a bicycle-side holder 4 provided on a handlebar (not shown) or handlebar stem for a display part 6 or display.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of this display unit 1 with display part 6.

[0040] How Fig. 4 can be seen, which shows a longitudinal section of the display unit 1 along line A - A from Fig. 3 shows, as well as according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, which show a longitudinal section of the display part 6 without bracket 4 and a perspective view of the display part 6 without bracket 4, as well as according to the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9, which shows a longitudinal section of the holder 4 without the display part 6, as well as further illustrations of the display part 6 without the holder 4, shows that the display part 6 has a retaining section 8 which can be inserted into the holder 4 and fixed in a form-fitting manner by means of a locking slide 10.

[0041] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figures 4 each show the display unit 1 with the display part 6 locked in the holder 4. The locking slide 10 is in its locking position.

[0042] The bracket 4 features in particular according to Fig. 4 a fastening section 12 with which a retaining projection 14 of the retaining section 8 can be engaged to secure the display part 6. The fastening section 12 is provided with an undercut 16. The retaining projection 14 has an approximately wedge-shaped cross-section and can be brought into contact with the correspondingly wedge-shaped undercut 16 or recess of the holder 4. The wedge shape facilitates the insertion, positioning, and subsequent pivoting or retraction of the display part 6 in the holder 4. The circumferential side edges of the display part 6 are rounded.

[0043] The retaining projection 14 has a concave transition 15 to the area of ​​the display element 6. In the illustrated embodiment, this transition can be brought into contact with a rounded tip area of ​​the mounting section 12, thus forming a pivot joint. The bracket 4 is provided with a locking section 18, which is arranged opposite the mounting section 12. The locking section 18 is designed as a hook-shaped undercut 20 of the bracket 4.

[0044] The locking slide 10 has a locking projection 22 which can be engaged with the locking section 18 of the bracket 4 to secure the display element 6. The locking projection 22 is positively locked in place by means of the undercut 20 of the bracket 4. The locking projection 22 is located on the side of the locking slide 10 facing away from the driver and forms a detent hook. Opposite the locking projection 22, a catch hook 23 is formed, which bears against a housing wall and locks the locking slide 10 in its end position. The locking projection 22 is designed as a stepped locking shoulder of the locking slide 10. To remove the display part 6, the driver operates the longitudinally movable locking slide 10, so that the locking shoulder disengages and the display part 6 can be removed.

[0045] The locking slide 10 is provided with a guide arm 24, which is longitudinally displaceable in a guide recess 26 of the retaining section 8. It is arranged centrally on an end face of the display part 6 and is therefore ergonomically operable by the driver.

[0046] The locking slide 10 is held in its locking position by means of a spring element 28 designed as a compression spring. The spring element 28 is supported against an inner wall of the indicator part 6 and the locking slide 10 in the area of ​​the locking projection 22.

[0047] An actuating chamfer 30 is provided on the locking slide 10, which can engage a leading chamfer 32 of the locking section 18 of the bracket 4 such that it actuates the locking slide 10 into its open position when the display unit 6 is inserted, thus eliminating the need for the driver to manually actuate the slide. During installation of the display unit 6, the locking slide 10 is actuated, i.e., pressed in, by means of the actuating chamfer 30, which engages the leading chamfer 32 as a chamfer on the bracket side. Alternatively or additionally, the locking slide 10 can be actuated or pressed in manually by the driver. As soon as the display unit 6 is fully inserted, the locking slide 10 is brought into its locked position by means of the spring element 28. The display unit 6 is then securely locked in the bracket 4.The driver can visually recognize this by the disengaged locking slide 10 and can also perceive a clicking sound as acoustic feedback.

[0048] The locking slide 10 has an actuating section 34 located above the locking projection 22 for operation by the driver. The actuating section 34 projects from the retaining section 8 of the display part 6. This allows the driver to ergonomically actuate it against the force of the spring element 28 and to remove the display part 6 by means of a pivoting or parallel movement.

[0049] The bracket 4 has a recess on its underside for receiving a contact module 36, which is equipped with contact pins (pogo pins) for contacting the display unit 6. Furthermore, the contact module is provided with connector slots or terminals 38 extending at an angle to it. The contact module 36 extends partially through the bottom of the bracket 4, so that a contact area 40 is located on the upper side of the bracket 4 facing the display unit 6. The contact module 36 is screwed to the bracket. This allows for universal use of the bracket.

[0050] The locking mechanism of display unit 1 is explained in more detail below. In a first example, the display part 6 is attached by means of a hinge-like hooking and pivoting mechanism. According to the illustrations from the Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. 16 The display part 6 can be inserted into the holder 4 at an angle relative to the retaining section 8 (see Fig. 13). Subsequently, the display part 6 is pivoted relative to the holder 4, whereby the locking slider 10 is moved into its unlocked position by means of the contact surfaces (see Fig. 14 and Fig. 15; see arrow direction). According to Fig. 16 the display part 6 is fully pivoted into the holder 4, with the locking slide 10 being spring-loaded into its locking position (see direction of arrow).

[0051] Alternatively, the display unit 6 can be inserted into the holder 4 by means of a parallel movement (see arrow direction). In this case, the driver moves the display unit 6 perpendicular to the holder 4 and locks it into place. The display unit is then fed linearly into position. This is shown in the illustrations according to the Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19 to Fig. Figure 20 shows that the display element 6 is inserted into the holder 4 via the retaining section 8 by means of a parallel displacement relative to the holder 4 (see arrow direction). The lower chamfer of the retaining section 8 serves as a guiding element or ramp. The locking slide 10 is actuated into its open position against the force of the spring element 28 due to the surface contacting the chamfered surface. Fig. 18 The locking slide is fully engaged. The upper chamfer of the retaining section 8 now serves as a guiding element or ramp. The display part 6 slides into the holder 4 by means of parallel displacement (see Fig. 19). According to Fig. In 20, the retaining section 8 of the display unit 6 is fully inserted into the bracket 4. The locking slide 10 is spring-loaded into its locking position, and the display unit 6 is locked in place. This locking mechanism allows for optimal integration of the display unit 6 into the handlebar stem, as no swivel range is required. The display unit 6 can be integrated flush with the handlebar stem, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0052] The display unit 1 can be used according to Fig. 21, which shows a perspective view of display unit 1, as well as a longitudinal section according to Fig.22, have a removal protection device, which is preferably designed as an anti-theft device. A threaded bushing 42 is provided in the base of the mounting section 8 of the display part 6. The threaded bushing is arranged approximately centrally to the longitudinal axis of the display part 6. To prevent removal of the display part 6, a locking screw 44, which passes through the mounting bracket 4, is screwed into the threaded bushing. When the mounting bracket 4 is subsequently attached to the bicycle, the locking screw 44 is concealed by the handlebars or stem and protected against unauthorized loosening. The display part 6 is thus secured against unauthorized removal and theft.

[0053] A display unit set according to the invention comprises several differently designed, optionally attachable display parts 6, wherein the display parts 6 have different sized display areas and can be optionally connected to the universal, bicycle-side mount 4 via the uniform mounting section 8. The mounting sections 8 of the different display parts 6 are uniformly designed. This makes a modular concept with display parts 6 adapted to different rider preferences and bicycle types easily possible. The rider can select different sized display parts 6 for their bicycle.

[0054] A display unit 1 for an electric bicycle 2 is disclosed, comprising a bicycle-side mount 4 for a display element 6. The display element 6 has a retaining section 8, which can be inserted into the mount 4 and positively locked in the mount 4 by means of at least one locking slide 10. A display unit set for an electric bicycle 2 is also disclosed, comprising several differently designed display elements 6 that can be optionally attached. The display elements 6 preferably have different sized display areas and can optionally be connected to a bicycle-side mount 4 via a uniform retaining section 8. The retaining section 8 of different display elements 6 is uniformly designed, and the display elements 6 can be inserted into the mount 4 and positively locked in the mount by means of at least one locking slide 10, so that different display elements 6 can be attached.Furthermore, an electric bicycle 2 with a display unit 1 is disclosed, wherein the display unit 1 has a bicycle-side holder 4 for a display part 6 with a retaining section 8, wherein the retaining section 8 can be inserted into the holder 4 and can be positively fixed by means of at least one locking slide 10. Reference symbol list 1 display unit 2 electric bicycles 4 brackets 6 Display section 8 Stop section 10 locking slides 12 Fastening section 14 Holding advantage 15 concave transition 16 Undercut 18 Locking section 20 Undercut 22 Locking projection 23 Hooks 24 guide legs 26 Management unit 28 spring element 30 Actuation angle 32 Lead-in slope 34 Actuation section 36 Contact module 38 connector slots 40 contact area 42 Threaded bushing 44 locking screw

Claims

[1] Display unit (1) for an electric bicycle (2) with a bicycle-side mount (4) for a display part (6), wherein the display part (6) has a retaining section (8), wherein the retaining section (8) can be inserted at least partially into the mount (4) and can be positively fixed in the mount (4) by means of at least one locking slide (10), characterized by , that the locking slide (10) is positively guided in the holding section (8) and is longitudinally displaceable. [2] Display unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the display part (6) can be inserted and pivoted into the holder (4) at an angle via the retaining section (8) relative to the holder (4). [3] Display unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display part (6) can be inserted into the holder (4) via the retaining section (8) by means of a parallel displacement relative to the holder (4). [4] Display unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (4) has at least one fastening section (12) with which a retaining projection (14) of the retaining section (8) can be engaged for fastening the display part (6). [5] Display unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein the retaining projection (14) is designed in cross-section as a wedge-shaped projection and can be brought into contact with a correspondingly wedge-shaped undercut (16) of the holder (4). [6] Display unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (4) has a locking section (18) which is designed as a hook-shaped undercut (20) of the holder (4). [7] Display unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking slide (10) has at least one locking projection (22) which can be engaged with the locking section (18) of the holder (4) to secure the display part (6). [8] Display unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the locking projection (22) is designed as a stepped locking shoulder of the locking slide (10). [9] Display unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking slide (10) has an actuating section (34) arranged above the locking projection (22). [10] Display unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking slide (10) is acted upon in its locking position by means of at least one spring element (28). [11] Display unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (4) has a recess on its underside for receiving a contact module (36). [12] Display unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with a removal lock for the display part (6), wherein the display part (6) can be fixed to the holder (4) by means of at least one locking screw (44). [13] Display unit set for an electric bicycle (2) with several differently designed, optionally attachable display parts (6), wherein the display parts (6) can be optionally connected to a bicycle-side bracket (4) via a retaining section (8), wherein the retaining sections (8) of different display parts (6) are uniformly designed, wherein the display parts (6) can be inserted into the bracket (4) and can be positively fixed by means of at least one locking slide (10), characterized by, that the locking slide (10) is positively guided in the holding section (8) and is longitudinally displaceable. [14] Electric bicycle (2) with a display unit (1), wherein the display unit (1) has a bicycle-side holder (4) for a display part (6) with a retaining section (8), wherein the retaining section (8) can be inserted at least partially into the holder (4) and can be positively fixed by means of at least one locking slide (10), characterized by , that the locking slide (10) is positively guided in the holding section (8) and is longitudinally displaceable.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Mounting system for attaching a mobile communication device to a bicycle, as well as an interchangeable frame and a mounting frame for such a mounting system.

    DE102014117466A1

  • Mounting system for attaching a mobile communication device to a bicycle, as well as an interchangeable frame and a mounting frame for such a mounting system.

    DE202014105740U1

  • Mounting device for a display device and two-wheeler

    DE202019104857U1

  • Electrical component holder for bicycle

    EP1520773A1