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 10.

[0002] Electric bicycles, such as pedelecs or e-bikes, are very popular. Different types of bicycles are available for various uses. These include bicycles optimized for leisure activities or commuting on roads or light terrain (e.g., city bikes or touring bikes), and e-mountain bikes (e-MTBs) in various models, designed for off-road use, especially in mountainous terrain. Electric bicycles offer the possibility of increasing the range and average speed without overexerting the rider.

[0003] Electric bicycles are known from the prior art which, in addition to a drive unit and a battery unit, also have a display unit. A disadvantage of such display units is that their display arrangements can only be mounted in one position. The display units are therefore not adaptable to different rider preferences. A modular concept with display units that can be mounted on different types of bicycles is therefore not possible, as different mountings would be required in each case. Publication US 2001 / 040204 A1 discloses a display unit for an electric bicycle with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a novel display unit that brings electrically assisted mobility into line with the demands of sporty and lifestyle-oriented cyclists.

[0005] This problem is solved by a display unit with the feature combination of claim 1 and by an electric bicycle according to claim 10.

[0006] A display unit for an electric bicycle according to the invention is attached to the handlebars of the bicycle by means of a mounting device. According to the invention, the mounting device has a single support arm and a mounting frame pivotably arranged on the support arm for receiving a display assembly. The installation position of the display assembly and the position of the display unit relative to the rider can therefore be adapted to different rider preferences. A modular concept with display units that can be mounted on different types of bicycles is easily possible due to the adjustability.

[0007] Preferably, the mounting arm is installed to the left of the handlebar stem, allowing a mounting arm for a single-arm bicycle light to be installed on the right side. Alternatively, the bicycle light can be positioned on the right and the display unit on the left. This results in a compact mounting of the display unit.

[0008] According to the invention, the display unit can be selectively mounted in a first mounting position closer to the rider (so-called compact position) and a second mounting position further away from the rider (so-called comfort position) by means of the mounting arrangement. For this purpose, the display unit is pivotably attached to the handlebars. Preferably, a clamping arrangement is provided for securing it to the handlebars. The mounting position is selected by pivoting. The display unit is therefore modular and can be mounted on different types of bicycles. Adaptation to rider preferences is possible without additional mounting elements. In particular, adaptation to different seating positions and handlebar shapes is possible. The first mounting position allows for a compact bicycle design because the overall length is minimized.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display unit is furthermore optionally arranged in a protected mounting position in the direction of travel behind the handlebars next to the handlebar stem.

[0010] The mounting arm can preferably be installed on the handlebar in two ways, such that the display unit extends either to the left or right from the mounting arm. For this purpose, the mounting arm is preferably rotated on the handlebar. This allows, in particular, the protected mounting position to be achieved.

[0011] This provides the driver with a display unit offering maximum adaptability.

[0012] According to the invention, the mounting frame surrounds the display assembly on the outside. According to the invention, the frame completely encloses the outer circumference of the display assembly, so that it is attractively mounted and protected by the frame on its outer surfaces, edges, and corners.

[0013] According to the invention, the display arrangement can be optionally mounted in a first mounting position or in a second mounting position within the mounting frame, and the display arrangement can be inserted into the mounting frame in two different mounting positions offset by 180 degrees.

[0014] The display assembly preferably has at least one mounting shoulder for the mounting frame. The display assembly is preferably inserted into the mounting frame from below, pivoted, and then placed onto the top of the mounting frame by means of the approximately stepped mounting shoulder.

[0015] The mounting frame is preferably approximately rectangular in shape. The corner areas can each be provided with angled surfaces and beveled edges. The upper surface facing the driver can be provided with angled surfaces, particularly beveled edges, in the edge area.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting frame has at least one mounting section on each of two opposite sides, preferably the transverse sides, for receiving a fastening element that secures the display unit. It has proven advantageous if two holes for receiving screws are provided on each of the transverse sides.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting frame has at least one connection area with a reduced cross-section on each of two opposite sides, preferably the transverse sides, which provides access for a connection, in particular a USB connection. Preferably, the connection area is designed as a recess for the USB.

[0018] The display arrangement can be mounted on the mounting frame preferably rotated relative to an arrangement for the first or second mounting position for the protected mounting position.

[0019] It has proven particularly advantageous if the support arm has a first mounting section for receiving a fastening element by means of which the support frame can be pivotably mounted on the support arm, and a second mounting section which at least partially encompasses the handlebar and can be mounted on it in any rotational position. Preferably, the support arm is straight. This results in a visually appealing, compact design.

[0020] According to the invention, the display unit can be pivotably mounted either on a first side surface or on a second side surface of the support arm, which is opposite the first side surface. This allows the display unit to be mounted in two positions, on the left or right side of the support arm, relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem on the handlebars of the bicycle.

[0021] The display arrangement preferably comprises a vertically oriented, approximately rectangular housing. The display itself is also preferably vertically oriented and approximately rectangular. The display preferably extends to the edge of the housing, with only a narrow border. This ensures optimal utilization of the display area and thus provides excellent information for the driver.

[0022] In one embodiment of the display unit, an on / off switch facing the driver is provided below the display, approximately in the center. The switch is preferably wide and approximately rectangular.

[0023] Preferably, at least one electrical connection, in particular a USB connection, is provided on the side of the display unit facing the driver. The connection can be located in an access opening in the housing. The access opening can be closed by means of a cover. A standard USB socket is particularly preferred, so that, unlike with mini-connectors, no adapter is necessary.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the display unit, the line connections, preferably all line connections (cable outputs), are provided on a side facing away from the driver.

[0025] In a preferred design of the display unit, the connecting cables are directly connected to the display unit, i.e., without connectors.

[0026] Alternatively, the cable connections are designed as sockets. Preferably, all cables are pluggable, for example via HIGO connectors.

[0027] The cable connections are preferably arranged at an angle, extending diagonally. This makes the cable connections easily accessible for plug mounting compared to conventional connections that only extend downwards or forwards, and ensures optimal use of the available mounting space.

[0028] An electric bicycle according to the invention with a display unit, wherein the display unit is designed according to at least one of claims 1-9.

[0029] The invention can be universally applied to all types of bicycles, especially mountain bikes (both hardtail and full-suspension designs), but also to other bicycles, e.g. .Road bike frames can be realized, ultimately resulting in touring, city, or cross bikes, or other modern bicycle types. Its compact, aesthetically pleasing design allows for the construction of bicycles that largely combine the advantages of a classic bicycle and an e-bike.

[0030] Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show, in detail: Figure 1 a perspective view of an electric bicycle 1 according to the invention in the area of ​​the handlebar stem with a display unit, Figure 2 a perspective view of an electric bicycle 1 according to the invention in the area of ​​the handlebar stem with a display unit in an alternative mounting position, Figure 3a perspective view of an electric bicycle 1 according to the invention in the area of ​​the handlebar stem with a display unit in a further mounting position, Figure 4 a perspective view of the display unit with holding arrangement, Figure 5 a top view of the display unit with mounting arrangement, Figure 6 a first side view of the display unit with mounting arrangement, Figure 7 a second side view of the display unit with mounting arrangement, Figure 8 a perspective view of the holding arrangement before assembly, Figure 9 a perspective view of the holding arrangement after assembly, Figure 10 a top view of the holding arrangement Figure 11 a front view of the holding arrangement, Figure 12 a side view of the display arrangement, Figure 13 a front view of the display arrangement, Figure 14 a perspective view of the display arrangement during insertion into the holding arrangement, Figure 15a perspective view of the display arrangement during insertion into the holding arrangement according to an alternative procedure, Figure 16 a perspective view of the display arrangement during fixation in the holding arrangement and Figure 17 A perspective view of the display arrangement with mounting arrangement.

[0032] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electric bicycle 1 according to the invention in the area of ​​a bicycle handlebar 4 arranged on a handlebar stem 2. A display unit 6 is attached to the handlebar 4 of the bicycle 1 by means of a mounting arrangement 8. The mounting arrangement 8 has only a single mounting arm 10 (single-arm mounting) with a first side surface 12 and a second side surface 14 opposite it. The display unit 6 is pivotably arranged in the area of ​​the first side surface 12. The mounting arm 10 can be mounted on the handlebar 4 in two ways. For this purpose, the mounting arm 10 can be rotated on the handlebar. This allows the display unit 6 to be mounted in two mounting positions relative to the longitudinal axis 16 of the stem on the handlebar 4 of the bicycle 1. The position of the display unit 6 can therefore be adapted to different rider preferences.A modular concept with display units that can be mounted on different types of bicycles is easily possible due to the adjustability.

[0033] The holding arm 10 is according to Figure 1 The display unit 6 is mounted to the left of the handlebar stem 2 on the handlebar 4, allowing a mounting arm for a single-arm bicycle light (not shown) to be attached on the right side. This results in a compact mounting of the display unit 6.

[0034] The display unit 6 can be mounted using the mounting bracket 8 in either a first mounting position closer to or further from the rider, or in the second mounting position shown, which is further away from the rider. For this purpose, the display unit 6 is pivotably attached to the handlebar 4 by means of the mounting arm 10. A clamping arrangement 18 is provided for securing it to the handlebar 4. The mounting position is selected by pivoting the mounting arm 10. The display unit is therefore modular and can be mounted on different types of bicycles. Adaptation to the rider's preferences is advantageously possible.

[0035] According to Figure 2 , which is a perspective representation of the electric bicycle 1 from Figure 1 As shown in the alternative mounting position of the display unit 6, the display unit 6 can also be mounted in a mounting position closer to or further towards the driver above the handlebar stem 2 by means of the holding arrangement 8.

[0036] According to Figure 3 , which is a perspective representation of the electric bicycle 1 from Figure 1 As shown in the figure, which is another alternative mounting position for the display unit 6, the display unit 6 can also optionally be arranged in a protected mounting position in the direction of travel behind the handlebar 4 next to the handlebar stem 2. For this purpose, the support arm 10 is mounted rotated on the handlebar 4.

[0037] In Figure 4 is a perspective detail view of display unit 6 and in Figure 5 A top view is shown. The mounting assembly 8 has a mounting frame 20 pivotably arranged on the mounting arm 10, serving as a display mount for a display assembly 22 with a display 24. For this purpose, a pivot joint 26 is formed by means of a fastening element 28 (fastening screw). The mounting arm 10 is straight. This provides the driver with a display unit offering maximum adaptability.

[0038] The mounting frame 20 surrounds the display assembly 22 on the outside. The frame 20 completely encompasses the outer circumference of the display assembly 22, so that it is neatly enclosed and protected by the frame 20 on its outer surfaces, edges, and corners. The mounting frame is preferably approximately rectangular. The four corner areas are each provided with beveled surfaces 30 and are faceted. The transitions are radii. The upper surface facing the driver has a beveled, circumferential edge 32.

[0039] The display arrangement 22 has a vertically oriented, approximately rectangular housing 33. The display 24 of the display arrangement is also vertically oriented and approximately rectangular. The display 24 extends to the edge of the housing 33, with only a narrow border. This ensures optimal utilization of the display area and thus provides excellent information for the driver.

[0040] Below the display 24, approximately in the center, is an on / off switch 37 facing the driver. The switch 37 is wide and approximately rectangular.

[0041] According to the Figures 6 and 7Figure 10, which shows the two side views of the display unit 6, has a first mounting section 34 for receiving the mounting element 28, by means of which the mounting frame 20 can be pivotably mounted on the mounting arm 10, and a second mounting section 36 with clamping arrangement 18 which, in the mounted state, partially engages the handlebar 4 and can be mounted on it in any rotational position. This results in a visually appealing, compact design.

[0042] The clamping arrangement 18 has a semicircular clamping leg 40 which is pivotably connected to a first approximately semicircular area of ​​the holding arm 10 via a rotary joint 38. The clamping tension is applied by means of a clamping screw 42.

[0043] Connection cables 43 are located on a side facing away from the driver. These connection cables are angled so that they extend diagonally away from the driver. This makes the cable connections easily accessible for plug mounting compared to conventional connections that only extend downwards or forwards, and ensures optimal use of the available mounting space.

[0044] As in the Figures 8 to 11As shown, the mounting frame 20 has a connection area 48, 50 with a reduced cross-section (recess) on each of two opposite transverse sides 44, 46, which provides access for a connection, in particular a USB connection, of the display (not shown). The display assembly can be mounted in either a first mounting position or a second mounting position within the mounting frame. That is, the display assembly can be inserted into the mounting frame in two different mounting positions offset by 180 degrees. For the protected mounting position, the display assembly is preferably mounted on the mounting frame rotated relative to an arrangement for the first or second mounting position. A support element 52 with a support surface is provided as a support for the display, which connects the longitudinal sides 54, 56 of the mounting frame 20 and the transverse side 44 in sections.

[0045] How especially the Figures 12 and 13As can be seen from which individual representations of the display arrangement 22 without the mounting frame 20 show, the display arrangement 22 has a circumferential mounting shoulder 58 for resting on the mounting frame 20.

[0046] According to Figure 14 The display assembly 22 is preferably inserted into the mounting frame from below with the connecting cables already mounted, pivoted and then placed on the top of the mounting frame 20 by means of the approximately stepped mounting shoulder 58.

[0047] Alternatively, the display arrangement 22 is as shown in Figure 15 shown inserted into the mounting frame 20 from above without connecting cable.

[0048] According to Figure 16The display assembly 22 is then fixed to two opposite transverse sides with two fixing screws 60 each (shown schematically just before screwing in). For this purpose, two holes 62 are provided on each of the transverse sides of the mounting frame 20 to accommodate the screws 60 (see Figure 14 ).

[0049] As in Figure 17 As shown, a USB port 64 is provided on the driver-facing side of the display assembly 22. The port 64 is located in an access opening in the housing. The access opening can be closed by means of a cover.

[0050] The implementation of the invention is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and explained above, but is also possible in a multitude of variations by a person skilled in the art.

[0051] A display unit 6 for an electric bicycle 1 is disclosed, wherein the display unit 6 is attached to the handlebar 4 of the bicycle 1 by means of a mounting arrangement 8. According to the invention, the mounting arrangement 8 has a single mounting arm 10 and a mounting frame 20 pivotably arranged on the mounting arm 10 for receiving a display arrangement 22. An electric bicycle 1 with such a display unit 6 is also disclosed. Reference symbol list

[0052] 1 Electric bicycle 2 Handlebar stem 4 Bicycle handlebars 6 Display unit 8 Mounting bracket 10 Mounting arm 12 First side surface 14 Second side surface 16 Stem longitudinal axis 18 Clamping bracket 20 Mounting frame 22 Display bracket 24 Display 26 Swivel joint 28 Mounting element 30 Slanted surface 32 Slanted surface 33 Housing 34 First mounting section 36 Second mounting section 37 On / Off switch 38 Swivel joint 40 Clamp leg 42 Clamping screw 43 Connection cable 44 Transverse side 46 Transverse side 48 Connection area 50 Connection area 52 Support part 54 Longitudinal side 56 Longitudinal side 58 Mounting shoulder 60 Fixing screw 62 Bore 64 USB port

Claims

1. Display unit (6) for an electric bicycle (1), wherein the display unit (6) comprises a display arrangement (22) and a holding arrangement (8), by means of which the display unit (6) is fastened to the handlebar (4) of the bicycle (1), wherein the holding arrangement (8) comprises a single holding arm (10) and a holding frame (20), which is arranged pivotably on the holding arm (10), for receiving the display arrangement (22), wherein the holding frame (20) completely surrounds the outer circumference of the display arrangement (22), and the display unit (6) can be mounted selectively in a first mounting position closer to the rider or in a second mounting position further away from the rider, characterised in that the display arrangement (22) can be inserted into the holding frame (20) selectively in a first mounting position or in a second mounting position offset by 180 degrees, and the holding frame (20) engages around the display arrangement (22) on the outside and is mounted pivotably on a side surface of the holding arm (10).

2. Display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit (6) can selectively be arranged in a protected mounting position behind the handlebar (4) adjacent to the handlebar stem (4) in the direction of travel.

3. Display unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display arrangement (22) comprises at least one bearing shoulder (58) for bearing on the holding frame (20).

4. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (20) is configured so as to be approximately rectangular.

5. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (20) comprises, on two opposite sides, preferably the transverse sides (44, 46), at least one fastening section for receiving at least one fastening element (60) that fixes the display arrangement (22).

6. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (20) comprises, on two opposite sides, preferably the transverse sides (44, 46), in each case at least one connection region having a reduced cross section, which opens up the access for a connection.

7. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display arrangement (22) can be inserted into the holding frame (20) from below.

8. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display arrangement (22) for the protected mounting position can be mounted on the holding frame (20) in such a manner as to be able to rotate relative to an arrangement for the first or second mounting position.

9. Display unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding arm (10) comprises a first fastening section (34) for receiving a fastening element (28), by means of which the holding frame (20) can be mounted pivotably on the holding arm (10), and a second fastening section (36) which engages around the handlebar (4) at least in sections and can be mounted on it in any rotational position.

10. Electric bicycle having a display unit (6), wherein the display unit (6) is configured according to at least one of the preceding claims.