Bicycle computer with signal transmitter

Abstract

Bicycle computer with a display for showing operating data of a bicycle, with an electrical energy source and with an internal electrical signal generator supplied with electrical energy by the energy source for emitting an acoustic and / or optical warning signal, characterized in that the signal generator can be actuated by means of an internal button which is arranged directly in or on a housing of the bicycle computer.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle computer.

[0002] Bicycle computers are used to display operating data from a bicycle, such as speed, position, and ride time. They are typically mounted on the handlebars or stem to ensure good readability of the computer and its display while riding. These computers usually include a processor that at least partially generates the data to be displayed, using both internal and external sensors.

[0003] Modern bicycle computers allow for the measurement and display of a wide range of operating data. This includes not only classic data such as speed (current and averaged over one or more periods), ride time (current and totaled over one or more periods), and distance traveled (current and totaled over one or more periods), but also functions implemented more recently in bicycle computers, such as navigation instructions derived from the bicycle's position, or the measurement and display of training data like power output or cadence. Many current bicycle computers can also measure and display data on ambient temperature and / or altitude.

[0004] Bicycle computers typically have an internal or external power source to supply power to the display and, if present, to internal sensors or external sensors connected via cables. This power source is usually a rechargeable battery, especially in bicycle computers that include multiple sensors, and in particular a sensor for satellite-based positioning ("SgP," e.g., GPS, Galileo, GLONASS).

[0005] At least in Germany, the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) mandate that a signaling device for emitting an acoustic warning signal is required on bicycles, specifically a bell. A classic bicycle bell comprises a metallic soundbox and an actuating element that, when activated, directly or indirectly causes a brief strike against the soundbox, setting it into vibration and thus emitting the warning signal.

[0006] Such bicycle bells have disadvantages. For example, their reliability is limited, often due to corrosion of the materials or mechanical damage, especially since they are frequently located in exposed positions. Furthermore, many bicycle bells are relatively quiet and therefore relatively ineffective. This is particularly true if the metal soundbox is relatively small, perhaps for aesthetic reasons. Bicycle bells are also especially quiet and ineffective when the soundbox is wet, for example, after riding in the rain.

[0007] DE 60 2005 001 275 T2 discloses an on-board computer for bicycles with an integrated lighting, signaling, and localization device. This on-board computer comprises a front control unit containing a screen, a front lighting subsystem consisting of a headlight, batteries, and a data transmission subsystem. The on-board computer further includes a rear warning and signaling unit with an acoustic warning subsystem, whereby a horn can be activated by a user at the control unit. The acoustic warning signal is then emitted by a warning bell from the rear unit. The bicycle according to DE 60 2005 001 275 T2 also includes turn signals that can be activated via buttons integrated into the control unit.

[0008] German patent DE 20 2013 005 201 U1 describes an electronically controlled bicycle direction-guiding, lighting and acoustic signaling system as a kit. This comprises, as separate modules, a front light, an acoustic warning system, a signal transmitter with an operating switch and a control unit with battery.

[0009] German patent DE 20 2009 015 666 U1 discloses a multifunctional lighting and warning system for a bicycle with a control unit that includes a horn toggle switch and may also integrate a horn. The system further comprises a front light set and a rear light set, separate from the control unit, each of which may integrate a battery.

[0010] WO 2010 / 128 707 A1 describes a safety system for a bicycle. This system includes a central control unit with a screen, a headlight, and a speaker. The safety system also includes a speed sensor, a rear light, a radar sensor, and a horn, which can be activated by a switch mounted on the bicycle's handlebars next to a control lever and a brake lever.

[0011] DE 10 2015 111 554 B4 discloses an actuating lever for a saddle-type vehicle, in particular a motorcycle or a buggy, in which a sensor field is integrated that enables complex input by swiping along the sensor field.

[0012] DE 101 47 266 B4 discloses a headlight flasher for a bicycle, which can be activated by means of a separate button attached to the handlebars of the bicycle. A combined activation of the headlight flasher and an acoustic horn is also possible.

[0013] US patent 2013 / 0151073A1 reveals the integration of touch sensors for controlling components of a bicycle, including brake levers.

[0014] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved way to use a signal transmitter on a bicycle.

[0015] This problem is solved in a bicycle computer according to the invention. Such a bicycle computer comprises at least one display (i.e., a display device) for showing operating data of a bicycle and a preferably internal, i.e., arranged directly in or on a housing of the bicycle computer, or optionally also an external, i.e., at least energy-transmitting, electrical power source, wherein the electrical power source may at least be provided to supply the display with the electrical energy required for displaying the operating data. Furthermore, a bicycle computer according to the invention preferably comprises one or more internal or external, i.e., at least signal-transmitting, sensors, for example, a sensor for satellite-based positioning ("SgP") and / or a temperature sensor and / or a barometric altimeter.Furthermore, a bicycle computer may preferably have a mount for detachable attachment to the handlebars and / or stem of a bicycle, preferably (non-destructively and especially preferably without tools). This mount may also be designed in multiple parts and may, in particular, comprise a first mounting part connected to or formed by the housing of the bicycle computer, which can be detachably connected (preferably without tools) to a second mounting part, for example, by means of a bayonet connection, wherein the second mounting part is designed for attachment to the handlebars and / or stem of the bicycle or is an integral part of such handlebars or stem.

[0016] The bicycle computer also includes an internal electrical signal generator, powered by the energy source, for emitting an audible and / or visual warning signal. A "warning signal" is defined as a signal emitted as a direct consequence of the signal generator being activated, either during the activation of the signal generator or for a defined period, which may be less than five seconds, less than one second, or less than 0.5 seconds.

[0017] An acoustic warning signal can, in particular, comply with or imitate legal requirements regarding the emission of a warning signal by a signaling device prescribed for bicycles. In contrast, an optical warning signal may not comply with legal requirements regarding a lighting system prescribed for bicycles, because such lighting systems are intended for continuous operation and are therefore designed to avoid distracting other road users as much as possible. The optical warning signal, on the other hand, is intended to briefly attract the attention of other road users, which is why the optical characteristics of the optical warning signal may differ specifically from those of a bicycle lighting system.For example, the visual warning signal can be a different color, such as red, than a bicycle's lighting system. Furthermore, a light-dark boundary prescribed for a bicycle's lighting system, intended to prevent dazzling other road users, can be deliberately ignored for the visual warning signal to achieve the desired warning effect (similar to a flashing headlight on a motorized vehicle).

[0018] In a design of the signaling device for emitting a visual warning signal, it is preferably provided that the signaling device is also designed to function as a lighting system and can therefore be activated as needed to produce continuous light. It is preferably provided that the design as a lighting system complies with legal regulations. Continuous light is understood to mean not only uninterrupted illumination but also intermittent illumination ("flashing") of the signaling device, provided that the illumination is intended to be permanent due to activation of the signaling device and, in particular, is only terminated by active deactivation.

[0019] Integrating the signal transmitter into a bicycle computer offers several advantages. The electrical design of the signal transmitter allows for the generation of a consistent warning signal on demand, which is therefore not significantly dampened and thus essentially ineffective, for example, due to riding in the rain, as can be the case with a conventional bicycle bell. Furthermore, the electrical power source typically provided by a bicycle computer can be used to operate the signal transmitter. Using a bicycle computer according to the invention on a bicycle may also eliminate the need for a separate bicycle bell, which can increase safety, particularly for bicycles used as sports equipment (e.g., racing bikes or mountain bikes), for which bicycle bells may not be mandatory.Often, bicycle bells are omitted on such sports bicycles for optical and / or aerodynamic reasons.

[0020] According to the invention, the signal transmitter can be actuated by means of at least one internal button, i.e., a button located directly in or on the housing of the bicycle computer. The internal button(s) can be actuated mechanically (i.e., as a manually operated mechanical switch) or electronically (i.e., as a sensor area triggered manually by touch). An internal, electronically actuated button can, in particular, be displayed as a function field on the screen.

[0021] In addition, a combination of a bicycle computer according to the invention and at least one external button for actuating the signal transmitter can also be provided, wherein the at least one external button, in order to enable actuation of the signal transmitter, is connected to the bicycle computer by cable or, preferably, wirelessly, for example via a radio protocol (e.g. Bluetooth® and / or Ant+®). The external button(s) can also be designed to be actuated mechanically or electronically.

[0022] Such a combination of a bicycle computer according to the invention with an external button can significantly simplify and, in particular, make triggering the signal transmitter safer, for example, if the button can be positioned so that it can be activated without the rider having to remove their hand from the handlebar grip. Such an external button can also allow for more flexible and therefore more advantageous positioning on the handlebars of a bicycle compared to a conventional bicycle bell, because such an external button can be smaller than a conventional bicycle bell, and a conventional bicycle bell also requires a mounting that ensures the free swing of the sound element.

[0023] For attachment to a bicycle, in particular to a handlebar or stem of the bicycle, the external button may advantageously have a bracket for a corresponding, preferably (non-destructive and in particular also tool-free) detachable fixing to the bicycle.

[0024] Furthermore, the external button can be integrated into a bicycle control lever, preferably a brake and / or shift lever. A brake lever is used to actuate a brake, and a shift lever to actuate the bicycle's gears. Such integration allows the external button to be visually unobtrusive and aerodynamically advantageous. Moreover, it enables optimal accessibility without having to remove a hand from the handlebar grip.

[0025] The operating lever can preferably comprise, for example, a grip section with a longitudinal axis and a brake lever, similar to a generally known brake and / or shift lever for a racing bicycle handlebar. The brake lever is rotatably connected to the grip section about an axis of rotation that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis. The grip section is attached to the handlebar of a bicycle by means of a fastening device such that the longitudinal axis of the grip section extends longitudinally along the bicycle and the axis of rotation extends transversely along the bicycle. The external button can preferably be arranged on the grip section, in particular on an upper surface of the grip section, and / or on the brake lever. This allows for optimal accessibility of the external button.Some commercially available brake and shift levers for racing bike handlebars already have integrated buttons that can be connected to commercially available bicycle computers via at least one wireless protocol and to which a defined function can be assigned by the bicycle computer. When combined with a bicycle computer according to the invention, this can advantageously be the activation of the signal transmitter.

[0026] The invention also relates to a bicycle with a bicycle computer according to the invention or with a combination of bicycle computer and external button according to the invention.

Claims

[1] Bicycle computer with a display for showing operating data of a bicycle, with an electrical power source and with an internal electrical signal transmitter supplied with electrical energy by the power source for emitting an acoustic and / or optical warning signal, characterized by , that the signal transmitter can be activated by means of an internal button that is located directly in or on the housing of the bicycle computer. [2] Bicycle computer according to claim 1, characterized by that the internal button can be actuated mechanically or electronically. [3] Bicycle computer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in a design of the signal transmitter for emitting an optical warning signal, an additional design as a lighting system for a bicycle is provided. [4] Combination of a bicycle computer according to one of the preceding claims and an external button for actuating the signal transmitter. [5] Combination according to claim 4, characterized by that the external button can be operated mechanically or electronically. [6] Combination according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the external button is integrated into a control lever of a bicycle. [7] Combination according to claim 6, characterized by that the operating lever is a brake and / or gearshift lever. [8] Combination according to claim 7, characterized by, that the operating lever comprises a handle with a longitudinal axis and a brake lever, wherein the brake lever is rotatably connected to the handle about an axis of rotation which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis, wherein the handle is provided for attachment to a handlebar of a bicycle by means of a fastening device such that the longitudinal axis of the handle extends in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle and the axis of rotation extends in the transverse direction of the bicycle, and wherein the external button is arranged on the handle and / or on the brake lever. [9] Bicycle with a bicycle computer according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or with a combination according to any one of claims 4 to 8.