Holding device for the integral attachment of accessories to a vehicle handlebar

Abstract

Holding device for the integral attachment of accessories (1) to a vehicle handlebar (2), comprising: • a bracket (3) which can be attached to the vehicle handlebar (2); • a rail (4) arranged in the holder (3); • a carriage (5) guided in the rail (4) which is displaceable along the rail (4) between a mounting position and an end position; • and an accessory-specific accessory adapter (6) connected to the slide (5) for detachably fastening an accessory (1), wherein the accessory (1) is first plugged or screwed onto the accessory adapter (6) in the assembly position and is then brought into the end position by moving the slide (5), in which the accessory (1) is positively connected to the holder (3) or the vehicle handlebar (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for the integral fastening of accessories to a vehicle handlebar according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The integration of accessories on vehicle handlebars is generally known from the state of the art.

[0003] In cycling, for example, integrated accessories are installed on, in, or on the handlebars. These include, in particular, integrated bike computers, displays, front bike lights, gearshifts, battery charge indicators, and beverage and transport containers.

[0004] It's becoming increasingly important for users and drivers to have access to a navigation system or bike computer, for example, or to mount a headlight while riding. These accessories, which are usually designed to be flexibly positioned on the vehicle, are often mounted on mounts, for example, on the handlebars, stem, or frame of the vehicle.

[0005] For attaching such accessories, such as custom navigation systems, bike computers, or lights, various types of mounts are available on vehicle handlebars. For example, the mount can be friction-fitted using a sleeve consisting of several individual parts that fits around tubular components, such as the handlebar. One-piece handlebar-stem units usually have threads for mounting brackets. This generally requires a mount that connects the accessory to the vehicle's handlebars. However, this mount is not integral, meaning the accessory and the vehicle handlebars do not become a single unit.

[0006] There are also solutions where the accessory is an integral part of the vehicle's driver. Specifically, this means that the accessory is developed by the manufacturer for the specific vehicle driver and installed directly with the driver as a single unit.

[0007] In such cases, the handlebar and accessories are coordinated during development, enabling an integrated design. This means that handlebars already exist that more or less fully integrate various accessories such as navigation systems, bike computers, and / or lights.

[0008] However, these accessories are closely tied to the vehicle's handlebars and cannot be installed by the user into handlebars from another manufacturer. Likewise, it is generally not possible for the user to replace the accessories with products from another manufacturer. Changing systems is not provided for by the manufacturer and would be technically difficult for the user. This is particularly true for e-bikes, where the accessories—such as the bike computer—are part of the e-bike's overall electrical system. This often also applies to the lighting, which is also integrated into the electrical system.

[0009] Developments in vehicle construction, especially bicycle construction, are clearly moving toward system-integrated approaches. The goal is a purist appearance that is aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, improving aerodynamics is a key objective in the development of products for sporty vehicles such as road bikes and gravel bikes. Since the accessories are also exposed to vibrations during use, stable and secure attachment is required.

[0010] Due to a lack of standardization and the multitude of accessory and vehicle manufacturers, there are many different manufacturers who, in turn, specialize in the development of mounts and adapters for connecting accessories to the vehicle. Both vehicle and accessory manufacturers offer mounts themselves. However, to ensure that these mounts are compatible with the largest possible number of vehicles and accessories, an integral design is not possible. This is because the mounting points on the vehicle, the handlebars, and the accessories almost always vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and because accessories are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.

[0011] Vehicle users' need for accessories varies greatly due to the wide variety of applications. This need is influenced by personal preferences, product features, cost, etc.

[0012] Due to the above, there is a need for a lightweight, stable, reliable way to attach accessories to a vehicle handlebar in a form-fitting and thus aerodynamically advantageous manner.

[0013] A significant challenge is that the accessory usually has to be screwed or plugged onto an accessory-specific adapter for attachment. This often makes a positive connection with a mount impossible, as the accessory collides with the mount or the vehicle handlebar when screwed in. Therefore, a gap usually remains between the accessory and the vehicle handlebar that cannot be completely filled by the mount, negatively impacting both aerodynamics and aesthetics.

[0014] The invention therefore has the object of providing a system for mounting accessories on a vehicle handlebar which enables an aerodynamically favorable, positive connection.

[0015] In the context of this invention, the terms "positive fit" and "integral" refer to the fact that the gap between the accessory and the vehicle handlebar or mount is largely closed after installation. This serves both aerodynamic optimization and visual integration. At the same time, the accessory should remain quick to install and remove. A permanently fixed connection or an installation that is difficult to remove is not the goal of this invention.

[0016] This problem is solved in a surprisingly simple and effective manner by the subject matter of the independent claims. Possible further developments are set out in the subsequent dependent claims.

[0017] According to the invention, two essential components are proposed. The first component is a bracket that is attached to the vehicle handlebar and has a rail. The second component is a movable carriage that is mounted in this rail.

[0018] The slider features a specific accessory adapter for the respective accessory. This accessory—for example, a bike computer—is screwed or clipped onto the slider.

[0019] For installation, the accessory is then moved in the rotated or plugged position towards the vehicle part so that the gap between the accessory and the bracket or the vehicle part is closed.

[0020] For disassembly, the carriage and accessories can be moved away from the vehicle part, allowing the accessories to be freely rotated or removed.

[0021] The mounting device according to the invention is based on the fundamental idea that an aerodynamically and visually high-quality connection between the accessory and the vehicle handlebar is possible even if the accessory is not recessed into the handlebar, but rather mounted in front of it, for example. The combination of a movable carriage and rail allows the assembly movement (turning / inserting) to occur independently of the final position. This allows the accessory to be attached with a positive fit without colliding during installation. This creates a consistent, harmonious appearance and a stable connection.

[0022] The mounting device is particularly suitable for use on bicycles, but can also be used on other vehicle handlebars or vehicle components. The device can be designed to accommodate common accessories such as bike computers, smartphones, lights, or other components. Its design allows it to blend more harmoniously with the design lines of the handlebar or vehicle component.

[0023] The term "slide" describes a preferably linear, sliding, or guided movable element that is mounted on a rail within the mount. An accessory-specific adapter is located on the slide, which accommodates the respective accessory. The slide is preferably secured against unintentional movement, e.g., by locking mechanisms, frictional engagement, or a lock.

[0024] The design of the accessory adapter is fundamentally arbitrary and specific to the respective accessory. It is also conceivable for a slide to be equipped with interchangeable adapter heads to mount different accessories on the same slide.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, in principle, any vehicle with a suitable handlebar or vehicle part is conceivable. Preferably, the vehicle is a two-wheeler, in particular a bicycle, motorcycle, moped, scooter, kick scooter, pedelec, or balance bike. Also conceivable are tricycles, in particular trikes, recumbent bicycles, or velomobiles, as well as unicycles, cargo bikes, wheelchairs, trailers, sidecars, wheelbarrows, handcarts, or carts, in particular marathon carts. The holding device is designed in such a way that it is compatible with the existing handlebar or an attached vehicle component.

[0026] By means of the holding device according to the invention, it is possible to accommodate accessories, such as a bicycle computer, in a simple, lightweight, stable, reliable and attractive manner and at the same time to create a virtually gap-free, positive connection with the vehicle handlebar - even if the accessory is not necessarily located inside, but also, for example, in front of the handlebar. The positive fit is ensured by inserting the accessory via a sliding carriage, which, after screwing or inserting, moves the accessory into a final position where it sits flush with the handlebar or mount. The mount essentially serves to fill the space between the vehicle's handlebar and the accessory.

[0027] Advantageous further developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are set out in the dependent claims.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable for the mount, the slide, and the accessory adapter to be made of metal, fiber composite materials, and / or plastics. Other suitable materials are also conceivable in principle. Material combinations are also conceivable, for example, a mount made of a sturdy fiber composite material and an adapter made of a lightweight plastic.

[0029] The accessories can be, for example, a bike computer, a speedometer, a GPS device, a smartphone, a tool, a tool bag, a lamp, a bottle holder, a bottle, a bag, a wind sensor, or a camera. In principle, any type of accessory that can be connected to such a system is conceivable. Functional elements, such as control units for gearshifts, braking systems, or electronic components, can also be connected to the mounting device according to the invention. It is also possible to mount multiple accessories using a common adapter or multiple slides at the same time.

[0030] The mounting device is preferably designed to reliably accommodate accessories weighing up to 1 kg. Depending on the design and dimensions of the rail, slide, and adapter connection, heavier accessories can also be accommodated. The maximum load depends in particular on the rigidity of the guide and the connecting elements.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the holder has a soft, deformable contact surface, at least in some areas, which allows accessories of different geometries to be securely and securely accommodated without play. The elastic or flexible design of this section of the holder allows the accessories to be embedded in a form-fitting manner with low vibration, even if there are minor dimensional deviations or different designs of the accessories.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the slide or adapter holder is designed so that various accessories can be used with it. This can be achieved, for example, through modular adapter heads, clamping mechanisms, or quick-change systems.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable for the angle of the accessory relative to the handlebar to be adjustable, in particular continuously adjustable. This allows the user to optimally align the accessory, for example, to improve the readability of a display. It is also conceivable that the carriage is secured in the rail using different fastening mechanisms - for example, locking mechanisms, screw connections, clamping, magnetic force or other suitable means.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the holder is fully or partially integrated into the vehicle handlebar. The rail intended to hold the slide is either formed directly as part of the handlebar structure - for example, through appropriate shaping during production - or incorporated into the holder as a separate component. The latter allows, in particular, the use of other materials for the rail, for example, to achieve special friction, sliding, or strength properties. In this case, the rail can be glued, pressed in, or attached in some other way. This form of integration allows for a particularly compact, aerodynamically optimized, and visually unobtrusive integration of the holding device into the handlebar body, without the need for an external mount.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, instead of a conventional rail-slide guide, an alternative coupling system is used, which allows adjustable positioning of the accessory adapter relative to the handlebar. Such movable coupling elements can be based, for example, on a locking system, a magnetic guide, a hinged mechanism, a tongue-and-groove connection, or a foldable or movable retaining element. Combinations of several such mechanisms are also conceivable. List of reference symbols 1 accessories 2 drivers 3 Bracket 4 rail 5 sleds 6 accessory adapters

Claims

[1] Holding device for the integral attachment of accessories (1) to a vehicle handlebar (2), comprising: • a bracket (3) which can be attached to the vehicle handlebar (2); • a rail (4) arranged in the holder (3); • a carriage (5) guided in the rail (4) which is displaceable along the rail (4) between a mounting position and an end position; • and an accessory-specific accessory adapter (6) connected to the slide (5) for detachably fastening an accessory (1), wherein the accessory (1) is first plugged or screwed onto the accessory adapter (6) in the assembly position and is then brought into the end position by moving the slide (5), in which the accessory (1) is positively connected to the holder (3) or the vehicle handlebar (2). [2] Holding device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the carriage (5) is held in the end position by a locking mechanism, a magnetic connection, a clamping device or a locking bolt. [3] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the angle of attack of the accessory (1) relative to the holder (3) or to the vehicle handlebar (2) is adjustable, preferably continuously adjustable. [4] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the accessory adapter (6) is designed as an interchangeable module for accommodating different accessories (1). [5] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bracket (3), the rail (4), the carriage (5) and / or the accessory adapter (6) are made of metal, plastic, fiber composite material or a combination of materials. [6] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the accessory (1) is a bicycle computer, GPS device, smartphone, light, sensor, camera or other electronic or mechanical component. [7] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several accessories (1) can be fastened in a holder (3) via a common slide (5) or via several parallel slides (5). [8] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the accessory (1) is arranged wholly or partly in front of the vehicle handlebar (2) and, when the end position is reached, is flush or almost flush with the handlebar contour. [9] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the carriage (5) is moved in the rail (4) along a horizontal, inclined or curved line. [10] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the holder (3) has a contact surface which is deformable at least in some areas and which enables a positive, play-free and low-vibration reception of accessories (1) of different geometries. [11] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bracket (3) is fully or partially integrated into the vehicle handlebar (2) and the rail (4) is either an integral part of the handlebar body or is introduced into the integrated bracket as a separate component. [12] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that instead of rails (4) and slides (5), another movable coupling element is provided which enables adjustable positioning of the accessory (1) relative to the vehicle handlebar (2), wherein the coupling element can be designed as a sliding guide, locking system, magnetic guide, tongue and groove connection, joint or combination of these mechanisms.

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