DISPLAY UNIT AND ELECTRIC BICYCLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a display unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an electric bicycle according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0002] Electric bicycles, such as pedelecs or e-bikes, are enjoying great popularity as easy-to-use, emission-free means of transportation. Specially suited bicycle types are available for a variety of applications. These include bicycles optimized for leisure use or commuting on the road or on light terrain (e.g., city bikes or touring bikes), and various models of e-mountain bikes (e-MTBs) developed for off-road use, especially in mountainous terrain. Electric bicycles offer the possibility of extending the range and increasing the average speed without overtaxing the rider.

[0003] Electric bicycles are known from the prior art that, in addition to a drive unit and a battery unit, also have a display unit and a remote control unit for the display unit. A disadvantage of such display units is that they can only be mounted in one position on the bicycle handlebars. The display units are therefore not adaptable to different bicycle geometries and rider preferences. A modular concept with display units that can be mounted on different bicycle types is therefore not possible, as different mounting arrangements are required for each. JP2015044463 shows a display unit with the features of the preamble to claim 1.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a novel display unit which harmonizes electrically assisted mobility with the requirements of sporty and lifestyle-oriented cyclists.

[0005] This object is achieved by a display unit having the feature combination of claim 1 and by an electric bicycle according to claim 9.

[0006] A display unit according to the invention for an electric bicycle is attached to the handlebars of the bicycle by means of a holding arrangement. According to the invention, the display unit can be mounted by means of the holding arrangement optionally in a first mounting position closer or further towards the rider (the so-called compact position) and a second mounting position further away from the rider (the so-called comfort position). The display unit can therefore be mounted modularly on different bicycle types. Adaptation to rider requirements is possible without additional fastening elements. Adaptation to different sitting positions and handlebar shapes is particularly possible. The first mounting position enables a compact bicycle design because the overall length is minimized. The display unit is preferably attached to the bicycle in the first or second mounting position as desired during assembly of the bicycle. Preferably, the display unit cannot be removed by the rider.

[0007] In a display unit according to the invention, the holding arrangement for the first mounting position can be mounted on the display unit rotated relative to an arrangement for the second mounting position.

[0008] According to the invention, the holding arrangement is provided with two parallel holding cheeks which encompass the handlebar at least in sections.

[0009] According to the invention, one retaining bracket is arranged to the left of the handlebar stem and one to the right. This allows for a compact and highly rigid mounting of the display unit.

[0010] The retaining brackets extend at an angle to the display unit. This allows the first or optionally second mounting position to be achieved when mounted in a rotated position.

[0011] According to the invention, the retaining brackets are attached to the sides of the display unit. According to the invention, the retaining brackets are secured laterally with screws. The mounting position is therefore determined by the side of the retaining brackets.

[0012] The display unit preferably has a wide, approximately rectangular housing. The upper side of the housing facing the driver is provided with beveled edges, particularly faceted ones.

[0013] It has proven advantageous for the display unit to have a wide-format, roughly rectangular display. The display preferably extends to the edge of the housing, with only a narrow border. This ensures optimal use of the display area and thus provides excellent information for the driver.

[0014] An on / off pushbutton switch can be provided approximately centrally below the display, facing the driver. The switch is preferably wide and approximately rectangular. The edge of the switch can be illuminated to facilitate operation. The top of the housing facing the driver is preferably faceted with beveled surfaces so that the switch is also ergonomically angled toward the driver.

[0015] According to the invention, at least one electrical connection, in particular a USB connection, can be provided on the side of the display unit facing the driver. The connection is arranged in an access opening in the housing. The access opening can be closed by a cover, in particular a rubber cover that opens downwards. A standard USB socket is particularly preferred, so that, unlike with mini connectors, no adapter is required.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the display unit, the cable connections, preferably all cable connections (cable outlets), are provided on a side facing away from the driver. The cable connections are arranged on the side of the display unit facing away from the driver. The cable connections are preferably designed as connection sockets. All cables are preferably pluggable, for example, via HIGO connectors.

[0017] The cable connectors are preferably angled so that they extend diagonally forward. This allows for easy access for plug installation, unlike conventional connectors that only extend downward or forward, and maximizes the available mounting space.

[0018] To operate the display unit, a remote control unit is preferably provided, which is ergonomically arranged in the area of ​​a handlebar grip away from the display unit.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the remote control unit has support selection buttons for selecting the support level and at least one input device for menu navigation and selection of menu items displayed on the display unit.

[0020] It has proven particularly advantageous if the input device and the support selection buttons are arranged along a common line. This common line can be ergonomically curved in multiple dimensions.

[0021] The input device and buttons are preferably arranged one below the other in such a way that they can be ergonomically operated with the rider's thumb. A safety-critical change of grip by the rider is not required to operate the assistance selection buttons and input device.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the input device is designed as a joystick. Menu navigation and selection of menu items displayed on the display unit can thus be performed intuitively and ergonomically, preferably with the driver's thumb.

[0023] The joystick is preferably movable in all four directions (up and down; left and right), with menu items being selected by pressing the joystick (push function). Menu navigation and menu item selection are performed using the multifunctional joystick, so no additional controls are required. This makes the remote control unit extremely compact and aesthetically pleasing. The joystick can have a backlit symbol, particularly a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0024] It has proven particularly advantageous if the assistance selection buttons are arranged at an angle to each other. The rider can select the assistance level ergonomically with the thumb. The assistance selection buttons preferably form a concave section. The thumb can rest between the buttons arranged one above the other, allowing intuitive operation. The assistance selection button for increasing the assistance level is preferably positioned at the front in the direction of travel, and the assistance selection button for decreasing the assistance level is preferably positioned at the rear in the direction of travel.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferred that the assistance selection buttons be angled toward the rider's hand. Operation is ergonomically preferred with the rider's thumb.

[0026] The assistance selection button for increasing the assistance level is preferably marked with a plus symbol, and the assistance selection button for decreasing the assistance level is preferably marked with a minus symbol. The symbols are preferably backlit and therefore visible even in poor visibility conditions.

[0027] It has proven to be advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology and operation if the support selection buttons have a free operating section facing the driver's hand and an elastically mounted end section.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a light switch is arranged laterally offset in the area between the assistance selection buttons. The light switch is preferably arranged next to the assistance selection buttons, away from the rider's hand. It has proven particularly ergonomic if the light switch is arranged laterally offset centrally between the assistance selection buttons.

[0029] The light switch preferably has three functions, each activated sequentially by pressing a button: Hold the button down (>2 seconds) to turn the light on / off; press the button to turn the low beam on, and press the button again to turn the light on. Therefore, it's advantageous to have one button for light on / low / high / off. The light switch can have a backlit light symbol.

[0030] In electric bicycles with electronic motor gearshifts, the remote control unit preferably has a gear selector mounted centrally along a pivot axis. According to the invention, it is advantageous if the gear selector has two actuating surfaces, with a first actuating surface located on the side facing the rider and a second actuating surface located on the side facing away from the rider. The input device, assistance selection buttons, and gear selector are preferably arranged along a common line. The buttons are preferably arranged one below the other in such a way that they can be ergonomically operated with the rider's thumb. A safety-critical change of grip by the rider is not required to operate the assistance selection buttons, input device, and gear selector.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the remote control unit, it has an upper part and a modular, replaceable lower part, with the rocker switch assigned to the lower part. The remote control unit is therefore modularly adaptable to bicycles with and without electric motor transmissions. For this purpose, a lower part designed as a clamp half is mounted with or without a rocker switch. The upper and lower parts are preferably electrically connected by means of a flexible cable.

[0032] The shift paddle preferably has an automatic button positioned approximately centrally. The automatic button preferably doesn't rock and activates automatic gear selection, for example, first gear and second gear.

[0033] Viewed in the direction of the handlebar grip axis, the input device, support selection buttons and shift rocker preferably run along a convex, curved common line, the curvature of which is ergonomically adapted to the range of motion of the driver's thumb.

[0034] The remote control unit preferably has a vibration motor. For example, a short vibration can signal the reaching of the highest assistance level. Furthermore, a short vibration can be used to suggest a gear change. A gear suggestion is preferably shown on the display unit, e.g., an up arrow on the display suggests upshifting. The vibration alerts the rider that the display unit is showing new information.

[0035] The invention can be universally implemented on all types of bicycles, especially mountain bikes (both hardtail and full-suspension), but also on other bicycles, such as road bike frames, ultimately resulting in a touring, city, or cross bike, or other modern bicycle types. Due to its compact, elegant design, it enables the construction of bicycles that largely combine the advantages of a classic bicycle and an electric bicycle.

[0036] Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show in detail: Figure 1 a side view of an electric bicycle according to the invention, Figure 2 a detailed view of the electric bicycle 1 from Figure 1in the area of ​​the bicycle handlebars, Figure 3 a side view of the display unit in a first mounting position, Figure 4 a side view of the display unit in a second mounting position, Figure 5 a detailed view of the mounted display unit, Figure 6 a second detailed view of the assembled display unit, Figure 7 a further detailed view of the mounted display unit and Figure 8 a top view of the assembled display unit.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a side view of an electric bicycle 1 according to the invention with a bicycle frame 2 designed as a diamond frame, with a down tube 4, a top tube 6, a seat tube 8, a head tube 10, a drive carrier 12 for a drive unit 14 as well as seat stays 16 and lower stays 18 and a battery unit 20.

[0039] As in particular Figure 2 which shows a detailed view of the electric bicycle 1 from Figure 1 In the area of ​​the bicycle handlebar 22, a display unit 24 arranged centrally on the handlebar 22 and a remote control unit 26 are provided. The remote control unit 26 is arranged in the area of ​​a left handlebar grip 28, away from the display unit 24, and has two assistance selection buttons 30, 32 for selecting the motor assistance level, as well as an input device designed as a joystick 34 for menu navigation and selecting menu items displayed on the display unit 24. Furthermore, the remote control unit 26 has a light switch 36.

[0040] As particularly in the Figures 3 and 4 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, which show side views of the display unit 24 on the handlebar 22, the display unit 24 is attached to the handlebar 22 of the bicycle by means of a holding arrangement 38. The display unit can be selectively mounted according to Figure 3in a first mounting position closer to the driver (compact position) or a second mounting position further away from the driver (comfort position) according to Figure 4 The mounting arrangement for the first mounting position can be rotated relative to the arrangement for the second mounting position. The display unit can therefore be attached to different bicycle types in a modular manner. Adaptation to rider preferences is possible without additional fastening elements. Adaptation to different sitting positions and handlebar shapes is possible. The display unit 24 is attached to the bicycle in the first or second mounting position as desired during assembly of the bicycle.

[0041] According to the figure of the Figures 5 to 8which show detailed representations of the mounted display unit 24 when the holding arrangement 38 has two parallel holding cheeks 40, 42 which engage around the handlebar 22 with a first fastening section like a sleeve and can be fixed to the latter by means of clamping screws 44. The holding cheeks 40, 42 extend at an angle to the display unit 24 with an angle α in the range of approximately 30° to 60°, preferably approximately 45°. The fastening sections are essentially round and annular. One holding cheek 40 is fixed to the left of the handlebar stem 46 and one holding cheek 42 is fixed to the right of the handlebar stem 46. This achieves a compact, modular installation of the display unit 24.

[0042] The retaining brackets 40, 42 are attached to the sides of the display unit 24 and secured laterally with screws (not shown). The mounting position is selected by the side of the retaining brackets 40, 42.

[0043] According to Figure 8 The display unit 24 has a wide-format, approximately rectangular housing 48. The housing top 50 facing the driver is faceted and provided with circumferential beveled surfaces 52. The beveled surface profile 52 is wider on the side facing the driver than on the sides of the display unit 24, which are wider than those on the side facing away from the driver. The display unit 24 has a wide-format, centrally arranged rectangular display 54. The display 54 extends into the faceted edge area of ​​the housing 48, with only a relatively narrow edge being provided. This ensures the best possible use of the display surface and thus provides a very good information option for the driver.

[0044] An on / off pushbutton switch 56 is provided approximately centrally below the display, facing the driver. The switch 56 is wide and approximately rectangular. To facilitate operation, the edge of the switch 56 is backlit. The top side 50 of the housing, facing the driver, is faceted and provided with beveled surfaces such that the switch 56 is ergonomically angled toward the driver.

[0045] On the side of the display unit 24 facing the driver, an electrical connection designed as a standard USB port is provided in the middle (see Figure 7 ). The connection is arranged in an access opening 58. The access opening 58 is covered by a closable cover 60 designed as a rubber lid that opens downwards.

[0046] As in particular the Figures 4 and 6As can be seen, all cable connections 62 of the display unit 24 are provided on a side facing away from the driver. The cable connections 62 are designed as connection sockets. All cables are pluggable, for example via HIGO connectors. The cable connections 62 are arranged at an angle such that they extend diagonally forward at an angle. The preferred angle range here comprises an angle β in the range of approximately 10 to 60°, preferably approximately 30°. As a result, the cable connections 62 are easily accessible for plug-in installation compared to conventional connections that only extend downwards or forwards, and the available installation space is utilized as optimally as possible.

[0047] The invention can be universally implemented on all types of bicycles, especially mountain bikes (both hardtail and full-suspension), but also on other bicycles, such as road bike frames, ultimately resulting in a touring, city, or cross bike, or other modern bicycle types. Due to its compact, elegant design, it enables the construction of bicycles that largely combine the advantages of a classic bicycle and an electric bicycle.

[0048] The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and explained above, but is also possible in a variety of modifications by a person skilled in the art.

[0049] Disclosed is a display unit 24 for an electric bicycle 1, wherein the display unit 24 is attached to the handlebar 22 of the bicycle 1 by means of a mounting arrangement 38. According to the invention, the display unit 24 can be mounted by means of the mounting arrangement 38 selectively in a first mounting position closer to the rider and a second mounting position further away from the rider. Furthermore, an electric bicycle 1 with such a display unit 24 is disclosed. List of reference symbols

[0050] 1 Electric bicycle 2 Bicycle frame 4 Down tube 6 Top tube 8 Seat tube 10 Head tube 12 Drive carrier 14 Drive unit 16 Seat stay 18 Lower stay 20 Battery unit 22 Handlebar 24 Display unit 26 Remote control unit 28 Left handlebar grip 30 Assistance select button 32 Assistance select button 34 Joystick 36 Light switch 38 Mounting assembly 40 Mounting bracket 42 Mounting bracket 44 Clamping screw 46 Handlebar stem 48 Housing 50 Housing top 52 Bevel surface 54 Display 56 On / off button 58 Access opening 60 Cover 62 Cable connections

Claims

1. Display unit for an electric bicycle, wherein the display unit (24) has a holding arrangement (8) and the holding arrangement has two holding plates (40, 42) arranged in parallel and can be mounted by means of the holding arrangement (38) on the handlebars (22) of the bicycle (1) either in a first mounting position closer to the rider or in a second mounting position further away from the rider, wherein the holding arrangement (38) for the first mounting position can be mounted rotated relative to an arrangement for the second mounting position, wherein one holding plate (40) is arranged to the left of the handlebar stem (46) and one holding plate (42) is arranged to the right of the handlebar stem (46), wherein the holding plates (40, 42) engage around the handlebars (22) at least in sections, characterised in that the holding plates extend at an angle to the display unit (24) and are respectively fixed laterally to the display unit (24) by means of screws, wherein the mounting position is selected by the side selection of the holding plates (40, 42).

2. Display unit according to Claim 1, wherein the display unit (24) has an approximately rectangular housing (48) arranged in a wide format.

3. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit (24) has an approximately rectangular display (54) arranged in a wide format.

4. Display unit according to Claim 3, wherein an on / off switch (56) facing the rider is provided approximately centrally below the display (54).

5. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrical connection, in particular a USB port, is provided on the side of the display unit (24) facing the rider.

6. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable connections (62) of the display unit (24) are provided on the side facing away from the rider.

7. Display unit according to Claim 6, wherein the cable connections (62) are arranged at an angle in such a way that they extend diagonally forwards.

8. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a remote control unit (26) is provided to operate the display unit (24) and is arranged in the region of a handlebar grip (28) away from the display unit (24).

9. Electric bicycle having a display unit (24) according to one of the preceding claims.