Alignment device for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alignment device for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, wherein the alignment device comprises a pivot arm with a laser attached thereto and a vehicle coupling. To enable simple and precise alignment of at least one attachment part of a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, according to the invention the vehicle coupling comprises a pivot bearing device that can be firmly connected to the two- or three-wheeled vehicle. The pivot arm is articulated to the pivot bearing device, and a locking device is formed on the articulated connection between the pivot arm and the pivot bearing device.

Description

The present invention relates to an alignment device for a two- or three-wheel vehicle, the alignment device having a pivot arm with a laser fastened thereto and a vehicle coupling.In particular in the wheel sports, it is very important that all parts of a bicycle, such as wheels, brakes and saddles, are exactly aligned. Especially in professional cycling, it is not sufficient to orient such parts by eye. Therefore, various alignment devices for bicycles are known from the prior art.The alignment device described, for example, in the publication US 2014 / 0375993 A1 has a device with laser which can be placed on a bicycle handlebar. The device has two arms with which the device can be applied to a bicycle handlebar fork. The device is fixed by means of a pair of elastic bands which are guided around one link arm each. The laser is rotatable by means of an adjustment knob. For example, a point can be projected onto a front wheel or onto the bicycle saddle with the laser. With the bicycle handlebar fork oriented relative to the frame of the bicycle, a beam angle of the laser can be adjusted so that other components of the bicycle, such as the saddle, can be oriented.US 2012 / 0233833 A1 discloses a method for aligning various bicycle components, such as wheels, saddles, transmissions or brakes. In this case, the front wheel and the saddle should be adjusted relative to the steering arm. For this purpose, an alignment device is fastened on the handlebar of the bicycle.It is the object of the present invention to provide an alignment device for a two- or three-wheel vehicle which enables a simple and exact alignment of at least one attachment part of the two- or three-wheel vehicle, such as at least one brake lever or gear lever.The object is achieved by an alignment device for a two- or three-wheel vehicle, wherein the alignment device has a pivot arm with a laser fastened thereto and a vehicle coupling, wherein the vehicle coupling has a pivot bearing device which can be connected fixedly to the two- or three-wheel vehicle, wherein the pivot arm is connected in an articulated manner to the pivot bearing device and a fixing device is formed on the articulated connection between the pivot arm and the pivot bearing device.The aligning device according to the invention is especially suitable for bicycles, but can also be used in other two- or three-wheel vehicles, such as motor wheels or three-wheels.The alignment device according to the invention serves for the exact alignment of add-on parts of a two- or three-wheel vehicle, wherein components of the two- or three-wheel vehicle which are not part of the frame or link are understood in the present case as add-on parts. Attachment parts within the meaning of the present invention are to be regarded as brake levers, shift levers, rotary handles or a saddle, for example.In particular, the alignment device according to the invention serves for the mirror-symmetrical alignment of components provided twice on a two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle, such as of two brake levers or two shift levers.For aligning add-on parts, the alignment device according to the invention is fastened to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle on which the add-on parts to be aligned are provided.For this purpose, the alignment device according to the invention has a vehicle coupling with which the alignment device can be fixedly attached to the two- or three-wheel vehicle. The alignment device according to the invention is preferably fastened by means of the vehicle coupling to a vehicle fork stem of the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle.The vehicle coupling has a pivot bearing device which is connected to the pivot arm holding the laser. The pivot arm can be fixed in the center of rotation by the vehicle coupling having the pivot bearing device and at the same time mounted on the two- or three-wheel vehicle such that it can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle fork shaft. As a result, at least one attachment part of the two- or three-wheel vehicle can be aligned particularly exactly and simply.The pivot arm is connected in an articulated manner, i.e. by a pivot joint, to the pivot bearing device. As a result, the pivot arm is not only rotatable, but also adjustable in its inclination, as a result of which it can be oriented differently in space. The laser arranged on the pivot arm can be aligned particularly well with an attachment part of the two- or three-wheel vehicle to be aligned, due to the pivotability of the pivot arm.In order to be able to fix the pivot arm aligned on the respective attachment in the respective alignment position, a fixing device is formed on the articulated connection between the pivot arm and the pivot bearing device. The fixing device makes it possible to loosen the connection between the pivot arm and the pivot bearing device, so that the pivot arm can be pivoted with respect to the vehicle coupling and the laser can thereby be aligned with the attachment part to be aligned in each case. In addition, by fixing the fixing device, the position of the pivot arm relative to the vehicle coupling can be fixed.The function of the alignment device according to the invention when used on a bicycle for aligning two brake levers attached to a bicycle handlebar of the bicycle will be explained below.The alignment device according to the invention is first fastened by means of the vehicle coupling, for example, to a vehicle fork stem of the bicycle. The vehicle coupler holds the alignment device securely on the bicycle. The pivot bearing device of the vehicle coupling forms a fixed pivot point about which the pivot arm of the alignment device can be rotated. In this case, the rotary bearing device uses-depending on the embodiment-the rotatability of the piston in the plain bearing bush or the rotatability of the plain bearing bush on the piston. Accordingly, the laser held on the pivot arm is also rotatable with the pivot arm in different spatial directions. Thus, a rotation of the pivot arm and thus of the laser mounted on the pivot arm about the vehicle fork shaft is possible.In addition, the pivot arm is pivotable on the pivot bearing device, so that the laser held on the pivot arm can be pivoted with the pivot arm to different slopes.After the alignment device according to the invention has been fastened to the vehicle fork shaft, the laser held by the pivot arm is aligned with the first brake lever by rotating and pivoting the pivot arm.The position of the pivot arm is fixed by means of the fixing device mounted between the pivot arm and the pivot bearing device.Subsequently, the laser is oriented by rotating the pivot arm by means of the pivot bearing device with an otherwise constant orientation of the pivot arm facing the second brake lever, so that the second brake lever can be adapted to the orientation of the first brake lever with regard to its distance from the vehicle fork shaft and its inclination.It is also conceivable that the alignment device according to the invention is used for the symmetrical alignment of two shift levers or rotary handles attached to a vehicle driver of a two- or three-wheel vehicle, such as a bicycle, or for the alignment of a vehicle saddle.In addition, the alignment device according to the invention does not have to be fixed to the vehicle fork stem of a two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle either. The alignment device according to the invention can likewise also be attached to another frame part of the two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle.In a preferred embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, the pivot bearing device is a slide bearing with a slide bearing bush and a piston fitting into the slide bearing bush, wherein the slide bearing bush and the piston are rotatable relative to one another. Alternatively, the pivot bearing device can also be designed as a ball bearing or in the form of another bearing that only allows a rotational movement.The plain bearing bush is preferably designed as a hollow cylinder, wherein the piston is adapted in its shape and size to the hollow cylinder.Depending on the embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, either the plain bearing bush or the piston can be connected or is connected to the two- or three-wheel vehicle, preferably to the vehicle fork stem.In embodiments in which the plain bearing bushing is rigidly connectable or connected to the two- or three-wheel vehicle, the laser-holding pivot arm is attached to the piston of the vehicle coupling. If the vehicle coupling is designed in such a way that the piston can be or is connected to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle, the pivot arm is connected to the plain bearing bush. The pivot arm is thus rotatable, whereby a laser beam emitted by the laser can be aligned with various components, such as the brake levers, of the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pivot arm has an alignment arm and a laser holding arm which is connected in an articulated manner to the alignment arm, wherein a fixing device is formed on the articulated connection between the alignment arm and the laser holding arm.By the two-part design of the pivot arm consisting of the alignment arm and the laser holding arm, the laser arranged on or in the laser holding arm can be aligned specifically on the add-on parts to be aligned. For optimum positioning of the laser and at the same time good fixing of the laser in the desired position, the alignment arm is connected to the laser holding arm by a pivot joint, wherein the pivot joint enables pivoting of the laser holding arm relative to the alignment arm. A fixing device is attached to the pivot joint, by means of which a desired position of the pivot joint, i.e. a desired position of the laser holding arm relative to the alignment arm, can be fixed.In alternative embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, the pivot arm can also have a different number of links. For example, the pivot arm can be embodied as one-member or three-member. In a three-bar configuration of the pivot arm, the latter advantageously has two alignment arms and one laser holding arm.In a preferred embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, the laser holding arm and the pivot arm are formed cylindrically. The laser is arranged at a first end of the laser holding arm. A second end of the laser support arm opposite the first end is connected to a first end of the alignment arm. The alignment arm is coupled to the vehicle coupler at a second end opposite the first end.In a particularly practical embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, the plain bearing bush or the piston has a thread on the vehicle side.For a fast and positionally fixed attachment of the vehicle coupling to the two- or three-wheel vehicle, it has proven to be advantageous if the plain bearing bush and the piston are configured as separate components which can be inserted into one another and can be separated from one another again.If the plain bearing bush and the piston are configured as separate components, the plain bearing bush has the above-mentioned thread in embodiments in which the plain bearing bush is configured such that it can be connected to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle or is connected to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. A fastening screw can be introduced into the thread, by means of which the plain bearing bush can preferably be screwed onto the vehicle fork shank of the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. By screwing the plain bearing bush to the vehicle fork shaft and inserting the piston connected to the pivot arm into the plain bearing bush, the alignment device according to the invention can be fastened to the vehicle frame of the two- or three-wheel vehicle in a simple and positionally fixed manner, wherein the pivot arm is rotatable by the plain bearing.Particularly preferably, the thread is provided in a base surface of the plain bearing bush, which extends perpendicular to a lateral surface of the plain bearing bush. In this case, the hollow cylinder forming the plain bearing bush has an inner diameter which is reduced in comparison with an end region receiving the piston at an end region to be coupled to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. The inner diameter at the end portion coupled to the vehicle is adjusted to a bolt shaft diameter. The inner diameter adapted to the screw shank diameter has the thread which serves for fastening the plain bearing bush to the vehicle fork shank.In an alternative embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, the piston of the vehicle coupling can be connected or is connected to the two- or three-wheel vehicle. Here, the piston has the thread by means of which the piston can preferably be connected to the vehicle fork stem of the two- or three-wheel vehicle, especially of a bicycle. For example, the thread can be arranged at a vehicle-side end of the piston, centrally of the piston, wherein the piston is designed as a hollow cylinder. The configuration of the piston as a hollow cylinder enables a screw which can be introduced into the thread of the piston to be passed through the internally hollow piston and thus enables the piston to be fastened to the vehicle fork shank.In an alternative embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, the vehicle coupling is not fastened to the two- or three-wheel vehicle by means of a thread provided on the plain bearing bush or the piston and a screw which can be introduced into the thread, but rather by means of a clamping element which is preferably clamped into an opening of the vehicle fork shank.Particularly preferably, for this purpose, a receptacle is formed on the vehicle side on the piston or the plain bearing bush, in which receptacle a clamping element with expandable clamping jaws engages.In embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, in which the piston of the vehicle coupling is designed to be connectable or connected to the two- or three-wheel vehicle, the receptacle is arranged at a vehicle-side end of the piston. The receptacle is preferably designed in the form of a hollow cylinder. The receptacle can also have a different shape, such as, for example, a hollow-interior spherical or hemispherical shape provided with an insertion opening. In principle, the receptacle can have any shape that is only conceivable. However, the receptacle should have a receiving opening and be hollow on the inside, so that the clamping element or at least a part of the clamping element can be introduced into the receptacle.If the receptacle is a hollow cylinder, the clamping element is preferably designed in the form of a ring with clamping jaws which are applied to the ring and are arranged annularly and can be spread open. For fastening the clamping element to the two- or three-wheel vehicle, the part of the clamping element having the clamping jaws is inserted into the opening of the vehicle fork shank. Subsequently, an at least partially conical screw is inserted between the annularly arranged clamping jaws and screwed to the vehicle fork shank. By inserting the conical screw, the clamping jaws are spread apart and the clamping element is fastened to the vehicle fork shank.The ring of the clamping element on which the clamping jaws are arranged is arranged during the fastening of the clamping element to the vehicle fork shaft in such a way that it protrudes from the vehicle fork shaft, so that the ring can be introduced into the receptacle attached to the piston. The hollow cylinder forming the receptacle is formed in such a way that it forms a positive connection with the ring of the clamping element. The piston connected to the receptacle is thereby attachable or attached to the two- or three-wheel vehicle in a positionally fixed manner. Finally, the plain bearing bush, which is rotatable about the piston and connected to the pivot arm, is placed on the piston.For the fastening of the clamping element to the vehicle fork shank, it has proven to be particularly favorable if the clamping element has three clamping jaws each forming a ring segment. The ring segments are advantageously designed such that an outer diameter and an inner diameter of the ring resulting from the ring segments lying against one another correspond to an outer diameter and an inner diameter of the ring carrying the clamping jaws.In other embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, however, the clamping element can also be designed differently. For example, this can have more than three, for example four, or less than three, for example two, clamping jaws. The clamping jaws can also have a different shape. Thus, the clamping jaws can be designed, for example, substantially cuboidal.The piston and the hollow cylinder forming the receptacle are preferably formed in one piece, wherein the hollow cylinder has a larger outer diameter than the piston. Advantageously, the hollow cylinder has the same outer diameter as the plain bearing bush which can be applied to the piston.In another embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, not the piston but the plain bearing bush has the clamping element. In such an embodiment of the alignment device according to the invention, the plain bearing bush is designed or connected in a fixed manner to a two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle, preferably the vehicle fork stem. In this case, the plain bearing bush is designed in such a way that it has a receptacle for the clamping element in a vehicle-side end. As described above, the receptacle arranged on the plain bearing bush is then preferably designed in the form of a hollow cylinder, wherein the associated clamping element has the form of a ring with clamping jaws arranged annularly and applied thereto. Explanations given above also apply to the plain bearing bush having the receptacle.It has also been found to be advantageous if the piston has a collar which can be placed or is seated on the plain bearing bush.In the present case, a collar is to be understood as an element which adjoins the piston in the longitudinal direction of the piston and extends beyond the piston in the radial orientation of the piston. The collar is preferably designed as a round disk. However, the collar can also be rectangular or ring-shaped or have a different shape.It has proven to be favorable if the piston has a collar which can be placed on the plain bearing bush, so that slipping of the piston into / through the plain bearing bush can be avoided. The collar is preferably designed in the form of a flange attached to an end of the piston facing away from the plain bearing bush.Preferably, the piston and the collar are formed in one piece. Advantageously, a collar of disk-shaped design has the same or slightly larger outer diameter as / than the plain bearing bush.With regard to the connection of the pivot arm to the pivot bearing device and the alignment arm to the laser holding arm, it is advantageous if the vehicle coupling at the articulated connection between the pivot bearing device and the pivot arm has a connecting element, wherein either the connecting element is slotted and the pivot arm is flattened on both sides or the pivot arm is slotted and the connecting element is flattened on both sides and / or at the articulated connection between the alignment arm and the laser holding arm either the alignment arm is slotted and the laser holding arm is flattened on both sides or the laser holding arm is slotted and the alignment arm is flattened on both sides.The pivot arm is advantageously connected at an end region to a connecting element of the vehicle coupling, which connecting element is attached to the pivot bearing device. If the pivot bearing device is a plain bearing, the connecting element is connected to the piston or the plain bearing bush, depending on whether the piston or the plain bearing bush is designed as an element which can be connected or is connected in a positionally fixed manner to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. If the piston has a collar, the connecting element is preferably attached to the collar of the piston.The connecting element is preferably cylindrical. For an advantageous connection of the pivot arm to the connecting element, an end region of the pivot arm and an end region of the connecting element are formed to be complementary to one another, either slotted or flattened. By inserting the end region of the pivot arm or connecting element flattened on both sides into the slotted end region of the pivot arm or connecting element, the pivot arm can be easily plugged onto the connecting element of the vehicle coupling. The flattened end region of the pivot arm or connecting element is adapted in its shape and size to the slotted end region of the pivot arm or connecting element. The slot is preferably introduced centrally into the pivot arm or centrally into the connecting element.Preferably, end regions of the laser holding arm and of the alignment arm to be connected to one another are also configured to be flattened or slotted on both sides, as a result of which the laser holding arm can be easily connected to the alignment arm. For example, the laser holding arm and the alignment arm are configured cylindrically here.In other embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, the end regions of the cylindrically configured laser holding arm and alignment arm cannot be embodied as flattened or slotted on both sides, but rather the end regions can each be embodied as flattened only on one side. The flattened portions provided on one side are then arranged in such a way that they adjoin one another in the connected state of the alignment arm and the laser holding arm. It is likewise also possible for the connecting element of the vehicle coupling and the end region of the pivot arm to be connected to the connecting element to each have a flattened portion which is provided on one side and which, in the connected state of the pivot arm and connecting element, bear against one another.Further embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention can also be configured without a connecting element on the vehicle coupling.With regard to the attachment of the laser to the swivel arm, it has proven particularly suitable if the swivel arm has at its free end an insertion aid slot opening into a receiving opening for the laser. The receiving opening is designed in such a way that the laser can be introduced into the receiving opening. The receiving opening can be spread open by the insertion slot extending from a free end of the pivot arm to the receiving opening, as a result of which the laser can be easily inserted into the receiving opening.When the swinging arm comprises an alignment arm and a laser holding arm, the laser receiving hole is inserted into a free end of the laser holding arm.In order to be able to fix the laser in the receiving opening, it is advantageous if a fixing device is formed on the insertion aid slot. The fixing device allows the insertion slot and thus the receiving opening into which the insertion slot opens to be fixed after the laser has been introduced into the receiving opening, so that it is possible to prevent the laser from slipping out of the receiving opening.For a stable fixing of the pivot arm or the alignment arm and the laser holding arm, the respective fixing device can have a fixing screw, for example.The respective fixing screw is advantageously guided through a through-opening which is arranged in the articulated connection between the laser holding arm and the alignment arm, in the articulated connection between the pivot arm and the vehicle coupling or running perpendicularly through the insertion slot. The fixing screw can preferably be fixed by a screw nut. The provision of the fixing screw with a screw nut makes it possible, on the one hand, for the pivot arm to be pivotable with respect to the vehicle coupling and for the laser holding arm to be pivotable with respect to the alignment arm in the loosened state of the fixing screw. Furthermore, the position of the pivot arm relative to the vehicle coupling and the position of the laser holding arm relative to the alignment arm can be fixed by the setting screw, whereby an exact alignment of add-on parts on the two- or three-wheel vehicle is possible.In addition, a width of the insertion slot and thus also a diameter of the receiving opening connected to the insertion slot can be adjusted by the fixing screw, whereby the laser introduced or insertable into the receiving opening can be held securely in the receiving opening and can also be introduced easily into the receiving opening or can be removed again from the receiving opening.With regard to the introduction of a through-opening running substantially perpendicular to the insertion aid slot into the free end region of the pivot arm and the fastening of the fixing screw in this through-opening, it is advantageous if the free end region of the pivot arm, in which the insertion slot is introduced, is also flattened on both sides. The flattened portions extend parallel to the insertion slot.Preferably, a star head screw is used as the fixing screw.In alternative embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, instead of a locking screw, a quick-action clamping device or another clamping or screw mechanism can also be used.Preferred embodiments of the present invention, their structure, function and advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to figures, in which FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of an alignment device according to the invention in a perspective view obliquely from above; FIG. 2 schematically shows the alignment device from FIG. 1 without a plain bearing bush in a perspective view obliquely from above; FIG. 3 schematically shows a plain bearing bush of the alignment device from FIG. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above; FIG. 4 schematically shows the plain bearing bush from FIG. 3 in a plan view; FIG. 5 schematically shows the alignment device from FIG. 1 with a plain bearing bush mounted on a piston in a perspective view obliquely from above; FIG. 6 schematically shows the alignment device of FIGS. 1 and 5 in a side view from the right; FIG. 7 schematically shows the alignment device of FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 in a side view from the left; FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the alignment device of FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7; FIG. 9 schematically shows a bicycle with the alignment device of FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8 in a perspective view; FIG. 10 schematically shows a further embodiment of an alignment device according to the invention in a perspective view obliquely from below; FIG. 11 schematically shows the alignment device of FIG. 10 in a perspective view obliquely from above; and FIG. 12 schematically shows the alignment device of FIGS. 10 and 11 in a side view.FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8 show a first embodiment of an alignment device 1 according to the invention in different perspectives. The alignment device 1 has a vehicle coupling 4, which serves for attaching the alignment device 1 to a two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle shown, for example, in FIG. 9, and a pivot arm 2 with a laser 3.The vehicle coupling 3 has a pivot bearing device 40. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8, the rotary bearing device 40 comprises a plain bearing bush 41 which can be connected to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle and a piston 42 which can be introduced or is introduced into the plain bearing bush 41 and is connected to the pivot arm 2.FIG. 2 shows the alignment device 1 from FIG. 1 without the plain bearing bush 41 and thus reproduces a state in which the piston 42 is not yet inserted into the plain bearing bush 42.The plain bearing bush 41 is shown schematically in FIG. 3 in a perspective view obliquely from above. FIG. 4 shows the plain bearing bush 41 from FIG. 3 in a plan view.The plain bearing bush 41 is designed as a hollow cylinder which has a thread 43 on its end region 411 pointing toward the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. The thread 43 is formed as an internal thread. The threaded portion 43 allows the plain bearing bushing 41 to be fastened, for example, to a fork stem 12 of the two- or three-wheel vehicle, such as the bicycle 14 shown in FIG. 9.In the region of the thread 43, the plain bearing bush 41 has a reduced inner diameter in comparison with a region 412 receiving the piston 42. The inner diameter in the region of the thread 43 is reduced to the extent of a screw shank diameter of a screw 13 which can be introduced into the thread 43.By means of the screw 13 which can be introduced into the thread 43, the plain bearing bush 41 can be screwed, for example, to the vehicle fork shank 12 of the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. The plain bearing bush 41 is fixed in position on the two- or three-wheel vehicle by screwing on the vehicle fork shank 12.The piston 42 which can be introduced into the plain bearing bush 41 and is connected to the pivot arm 2 is shown schematically in FIG. 2.Like the plain bearing bush 41, the piston 42 is also part of the vehicle coupling 4 designed as a rotary bearing device 40.The piston 42 and the plain bearing bush 41 are components which are formed separately from one another and can be connected to one another by inserting the piston 42 into the plain bearing bush 41 and can be separated from one another by pulling the piston 42 out of the plain bearing bush 41. The separate design of the piston 42 and the sliding bearing bushing 41 from one another makes it possible for the sliding bearing bushing 41 to be fastened to the vehicle fork shaft 12 separately from the other parts of the alignment device 1.In FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8, the piston 42 is inserted into the plain bearing bush 41. The piston 42 is laterally surrounded by the plain bearing bush 41.In the alignment device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8, the piston 42 has a collar 8, as can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 1 and 2. The collar 8 is attached to an end 421 of the piston 42 pointing away from the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. The collar 8 is disk-shaped in the aligning device 1. The disk-shaped collar 8 has a larger outer diameter compared to the piston 42. The collar 8 thus projects beyond the piston 42 in the radial orientation of the piston 42, as a result of which the collar 8 is seated on the slide bearing bush 41 when the piston 42 is introduced into the slide bearing bush 41. The collar 8 prevents the piston 42 from sliding completely into the plain bearing bush 41.The collar 8 preferably has the same or a slightly larger outer diameter as / than the plain bearing bush 41. As a result, the collar 8 optimally rests on the plain bearing bush 41 without disturbing the alignment of the pivot arm 2. In alternative embodiments of the alignment device 1, the collar 8 can however also have a different shape and / or different dimensions. For example, the collar 8 can be formed polygonally in a plan view.In the axial orientation of the piston 42, a connecting element 7 extends from the collar 8, via which connecting element the piston 42 is or is connected to the pivot arm 2.In the embodiment shown, the connecting element 7, as shown for example in FIG. 1, is of semi-cylindrical design. On a flat side 71 of the half cylinder is fixed the swinging arm 2.The connecting element 7 is connected in an articulated manner to the pivot arm 2. On the articulated connection 5 between the pivot arm 2 and the pivot bearing device 40, especially the connecting element 7, a locking device 6 is formed.The fixing device 6 has a fixing screw 61 in the aligning device 1. By means of the fixing screw 61, an end region 71 of the connecting element 7 pointing away from the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle is connected to an end region 211 of the pivot arm 2 pointing towards the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle.By loosening the setting screw 61, the swivel arm 2 is swivellable relative to the piston 42 inserted in the plain bearing bush 41, whereby the laser 3 mounted on the swivel arm 2 can be aligned with an attachment to be aligned, for example a brake lever, of the two- or three-wheel vehicle. By tightening the set screw 61, the position of the swing arm 2 can be fixed. If the pivot arm 2 is then rotated by means of the pivot bearing device 40, the position and inclination of a first attachment part to be aligned, for example a first brake lever, can be transferred to a second attachment part to be aligned symmetrically with respect to the first attachment part, such as a second brake lever, on the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle.In the aligning device 1 shown by way of example, the pivot arm 2 is embodied in two members. The swivel arm 2 has an alignment arm 21 and a laser holding arm 22 which is connected in an articulated manner to the alignment arm 21.As can be seen particularly well in FIG. 8, the alignment arm 21 is connected to the connecting element 7. An end region of the alignment arm 21 to be connected to the connecting element 7, which end region corresponds to the end region 211 of the pivot arm 2, is configured to be flattened on both sides.The end region of the alignment arm 21 to be connected to the connecting element 7 can also be designed differently, in particular in another embodiment of the connecting element 7. For example, the end region of the alignment arm 21 can be flattened and / or slotted only on one side.In the embodiment of the alignment device 1 shown, the flattened portions 212, 213 of the alignment arm 21 are arranged opposite one another. The fixing screw 61 extends through a through-opening introduced in the region of the flattened portions 212, 213. Specifically, due to the flattened portion 213 which does not abut on the connecting element 7 in the connected state of the alignment arm 21 and connecting element 7, the fixing screw 61 can be introduced into the through-opening in a simple and fixed manner.In the aligning device 1 shown, the set screw 61 is a wing screw fixed with a nut 611. In order to be able to fasten the nut 611 well and to ensure good bearing of the nut 611 against the connecting element 7, the connecting element 7 has a flattened portion 72 which is situated opposite the flat side 71 of the connecting element 7 and does not extend over the entire length of the connecting element 7.In further embodiments of the alignment device 1, instead of a wing screw, a star head screw or a differently configured fixing screw can also be used. It is also conceivable that the locking device 6 has a quick-action clamping device or a locking mechanism of a different design instead of a classic screw connection.In the embodiment shown, the alignment arm 21 is of cylindrical design, a second end region 214 of the alignment arm 21, which is arranged opposite the first end region 211 of the alignment arm 21, being connected to the laser holding arm 22 by an articulated connection 5'.The laser holding arm 22 is formed cylindrically in the embodiment shown. For an optimum connection of the alignment arm 21 to the laser holding arm 22, the alignment arm 21, as shown in FIG. 3, is slotted at its articulated connection 5' to the laser holding arm 22, while the laser holding arm 22 is flattened on both sides at the articulated connection 5'. This allows the laser support arm 22 to be mounted on the alignment arm 21 by inserting a flattened end portion 221 of the laser support arm 22 into an insertion slot 215 of the alignment arm 21.As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the insertion slot 215 is formed centrally in a base surface of the alignment arm 21. The end region 221 of the laser holding arm 3 is flattened on both sides in such a way that it can be introduced into the insertion slot 215 with an exact fit.A locking device 6' is arranged on the articulated connection 5' between the laser holding arm 22 and the alignment arm 21 in order to enable a pivoting movement of the laser holding arm 22 with respect to the alignment arm 21 and for simultaneously fixing the laser holding arm 22 in a desired position.The fixing device 6' has a fixing screw 61' in the alignment device 1 shown. The fixing screw 61' is guided through a through-opening running transversely to the insertion slot 215 and arranged in the connection region of the alignment arm 21 with the laser holding arm 22. The fixing screw 61' is in the present case a wing screw which is fixed by means of a screw nut 611'.In the embodiment shown, the end region 214 of the alignment arm 21 has flattened portions 216, 217 on both sides. The flattened portions 216, 217 extend parallel to the insertion slot 215.The cylindrically formed laser holding arm 22 has a second end region 222 which is arranged opposite the first end region 221 which is connected to the alignment arm 21.At the second end region 222, the laser holding arm 22 has a receiving opening 24 for the laser 3. The receiving opening 24 is adapted in its shape and size to a circumference of the laser 3.In the alignment device 1 shown, the receiving opening 24 is designed as a through opening with a round cross section. In other embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, the receiving opening 24 can also have a different cross section, for example an oval, rectangular or triangular cross section. The receiving opening 24 also does not have to be designed as a through opening. Likewise, the receiving opening 24 can also be a blind bore into which the laser 3 is inserted.For easier insertion of the laser 3 into the receiving opening 24 and secure holding of the laser 3 in the receiving opening 24, an insertion aid slot 25 is arranged on the receiving opening 24. The insertion aid slot 25 extends in the longitudinal direction of the laser holding arm 22 from a free end 23 of the laser holding arm 22 as far as the receiving opening 24.The receiving opening 24 can be spread open by the insertion aid slot 25, as a result of which the laser 3 can be easily inserted into the receiving opening 24. At the same time, by reducing a width B of the insertion aid slot 25, the receiving opening 24 can be reduced in its diameter, as a result of which the laser 3 introduced into the receiving opening 24 can be fixed in the receiving opening 24. The reduction of the width B of the insertion aid slot 25 is made possible in the embodiment of the alignment device 1 shown by a locking device 6" arranged thereon.The fixing device 6" has a fixing screw 61" arranged transversely to the insertion aid slot 25. By releasing or tightening the fixing screw 61'', the width B of the insertion aid slot 25 and thus also the diameter of the receiving opening 24 can be varied.In the aligning device 1 shown, the set screw 61'' is a hexagonal screw fixed with a nut 611''.For optimum fastening of the fixing screw 61'' to the laser holding arm 22, the end region 222 of the laser holding arm 22 also has two flattened portions 223, 224 arranged opposite one another. The flattened portions 223, 224 extend parallel to the insertion aid slot 25.In the alignment device 1, the alignment arm 21 is about twice as long as the laser holding arm 22, In alternative embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, the alignment arm 21 and the laser holding arm 22 can also have a different length ratio to one another. For example, the laser holding arm 22 and the alignment arm 21 can be formed to be of equal length or the alignment arm 21 is many times longer than the laser holding arm 22 compared to the laser holding arm 22, The laser holding arm 22 can also be longer than the alignment arm 21.In the embodiment shown, the laser 3 is a point laser. However, another laser 3, for example a line laser, may be used instead.In FIG. 9, the alignment device 1 is attached to a bicycle 14.The alignment device 1 is fastened to the bicycle 14 by screwing the plain bearing bush 41 to the vehicle fork stem 12 of the bicycle 14. In other embodiments of the alignment device according to the invention, it can also be fastened differently or at another point on a two- or three-wheel vehicle, such as a bicycle 14. For example, the alignment device can be fastened to a frame part of the two- or three-wheel vehicle by a vehicle coupling 4 having a clamping element.FIGS. 10 to 12 schematically show a further embodiment of an alignment device 1' according to the invention in different views, wherein the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 9 denote the same features. The above description made with respect to these features also applies to the corresponding features in Figs. 10 to 12.In the aligning device 1', like the aligning device 1, a vehicle coupling 4' has a plain bearing bush 41' and a piston 42', which together form a rotary bearing device 40'. Unlike the aligning device 1, however, in the aligning device 1' the slide bearing bush 41' is not connected to the two- or three-wheel vehicle, but rather the piston 42' of the vehicle coupling 4'.The piston 42' is attached, for example, to a vehicle fork stem 12 of a two or three wheel vehicle, such as a bicycle 14.In the embodiment shown, the piston 42' is clamped by means of a clamping element 10 to the vehicle fork stem 12 of the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. The clamping element 10 is provided on the vehicle side at an end 422' of the piston 42' oriented toward the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. The clamping element 10 is a component which is formed separately from the piston 42' and is introduced into a receptacle 9 formed on an end region 422' of the piston 42'.The clamping element 10 is of annular design. For clamping the clamping element 10 in an opening of the vehicle fork shank 12, the clamping element 10 has expandable clamping jaws 11. In the embodiment shown, the clamping element 10 has four clamping jaws 11. In other embodiments of the alignment device 1' the clamping element 10 can also have a different number of clamping jaws 11, for example three clamping jaws 11.In the embodiment shown, the clamping jaws 11 are each designed in the form of a ring segment, wherein the individual ring segments of the clamping element 10 together form a ring in the non-spread state.For spreading the clamping jaws 11 and thus for clamping the clamping element 10 on the vehicle fork shank 12, an at least partially conical fastening element is introduced centrally of the ring formed by the clamping jaws 11 formed in the manner of a ring segment. The conical shape of the fastening element pushes the clamping jaws 11 apart, whereby the clamping element 10 is clamped in an opening of the vehicle fork stem 12.For inserting the fastening element into the annularly formed clamping element 10 attached to the end 422' of the piston 42', the piston 42' has a through-opening running in the axial direction of the piston 42'.As in the case of the vehicle coupling 4 of the alignment device 1, the piston 42' is also formed separately from the plain bearing bush 41' in the vehicle coupling 4' of the alignment device 1'. Thus, the piston 42' can first be easily connected to the two- or three-wheel vehicle before the plain bearing bushing 41' is placed on the piston 42'.The plain bearing bush 41' is designed in the form of a hollow cylinder which has an end open on the vehicle side, with the result that the plain bearing bush 41' can be mounted on the piston 42' in a sliding manner.The piston 42' is adapted in its shape and size to an inner shape and size of the plain bearing bush 41', so that the plain bearing bush 41' is plugged onto the piston 42' and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis A of the piston 42'.The piston 42' has, similar to the piston 42 of the alignment device 1, a collar 8'.The collar 8' is of annular design and has an identical or slightly larger outer diameter than / than the plain bearing bush 41'.The receptacle 9 for receiving the clamping element 10 is introduced in the collar 8'.The plain bearing bush 41' has a connecting element 7 at its end 421' pointing away from the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle. The connecting element 7 is semi-cylindrical and serves for connecting the vehicle coupling 4, especially the piston 42', to a pivot arm 2'.By means of a fixing device 6, which has a fixing screw 61, the vehicle coupling 4 is connected in an articulated manner to the pivot arm 2'.In the aligning device 1' the swivel arm 2' is of one-member design. The pivot arm 2' therefore has, unlike the pivot arm 2 of the alignment device 1, no alignment arm 21 and no laser holding arm 22.In other embodiments of the invention, the pivot arm 2' can also be embodied in multi-link fashion, for example in two-link or three-link fashion.The pivot arm 2' is formed cylindrically in the present case. At its first end connected to the connecting element 7, the pivot arm 2' is flattened on both sides for better connection to the connecting element 7.At its free end, which is opposite the first end, the swivel arm 2' has a receiving opening 24 for receiving a laser 3, not shown in FIGS. 10 to 12.For easy insertion of the laser 3 into the receiving opening 24 and secure holding of the laser 3 in the receiving opening 24, an insertion aid slot 25 opens into the receiving opening 24, the width of which slot can be adjusted by a fixing screw 61'' running through the insertion aid slot 25. By adjusting the width of the insertion aid slot 25, a diameter of the receiving opening 24 connected to the insertion aid slot 25 is simultaneously changed.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedUS 2014 / 0375993 A1

[0003] US 2012 / 0233833 A1

[0004]

Claims

Alignment device (1, 1') for a two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle, wherein the alignment device (1, 1') has a pivot arm (2, 2') with a laser (3) fastened thereto and a vehicle coupling (4, 4'), characterized in that the vehicle coupling (4, 4') has a rotary bearing device (40, 40') which can be connected fixedly to the two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle, wherein the pivot arm (2, 2') is connected in an articulated manner to the rotary bearing device (40, 40'), and a fixing device (6) is formed on the articulated connection (5) between the pivot arm (2, 2') and the rotary bearing device (40, 40').Alignment device according to claim 1, characterised in that the pivot bearing device (40, 40') is a slide bearing with a slide bearing bush (41, 41') and a piston (42, 42') fitting into the slide bearing bush (41, 41'), wherein the slide bearing bush (41, 41') and the piston (42, 42') are rotatable relative to one another.Alignment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot arm (2) has an alignment arm (21) and a laser holding arm (22) which is connected in an articulated manner to the alignment arm (21), wherein a fixing device (6') is formed on the articulated connection (5') between the alignment arm (21) and the laser holding arm (22).Alignment device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the plain bearing bush (41, 41') or the piston (42, 42') has a thread (43) on the vehicle side.Alignment device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that on the vehicle side on the piston (42, 42') or the slide bearing bush (41, 41') a receptacle (9) is formed, in which a clamping element (10) with expandable clamping jaws (11) engages.Alignment device according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the piston (42, 42') has a collar (8) which can be placed or is seated on the plain bearing bush (41, 41').Alignment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle coupling (4) has a connecting element (7) at the articulated connection (5) between the rotary bearing device (40) and the pivot arm (2, 2'), wherein either the connecting element (7) is slotted and the pivot arm (2, 2') is flattened on both sides or the pivot arm (2, 2') is slotted and the connecting element (7) is flattened on both sides and / or at the articulated connection (5') between the alignment arm (21) and the laser holding arm (22) either the alignment arm (21) is slotted and the laser holding arm (22) is flattened on both sides or the laser holding arm (22) is slotted and the alignment arm (21) is flattened on both sides.Alignment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot arm (2, 2') has, at its free end (23), an insertion aid slot (25) which opens into a receiving opening (24) for the laser (3).Alignment device according to claim 8, characterised in that a fixing device (6") is formed on the insertion aid slot (25).Alignment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective fixing device (6, 6', 6") has a fixing screw (61, 61', 61").

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