MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR HOLDING A DEVICE ON BOARD A RACING BIKE

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening system (100) for holding an electronic device on board a racing bicycle, said bicycle comprising a handlebar with two grips (2), the fastening system (100) comprising: - a profiled body (10), centered on a main axis (y), and - two lateral parts (20a, 20b), capable of sliding in the profiled body (10) along the main axis (y), and each provided with an end (21a, 21b) intended to come to bear under a grip (2). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1a

Description

Title of the invention: FASTENING SYSTEM FOR HOLDING A DEVICE ON BOARD A RACING BICYCLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for measuring and determining resistive forces exerted on a cyclist in motion. The invention aims in particular to provide a reliable, adaptable and simple-to-install fixing system for holding an electronic device on board a racing bicycle; the onboard device can in particular be configured to carry out measurements and determine friction parameters (the aerodynamic drag surface, the rolling coefficient) of a cyclist on his bicycle, with precision and reproducibility, in real-life movement conditions.

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Cyclists are incorporating an increasing range of electronic equipment into their training, including speed sensors, power meters, GPS computers, cameras, and air probes. It is crucial that some of these devices, such as the computer, are mounted at the front of the bicycle in the direct field of vision of the cyclist and are centered, to eliminate the need to turn the head and have to divert one's field of vision from the road to access information. It is also desirable that other equipment, such as cameras and air probes, are placed at the front and center of the bicycle. For cameras, the challenge is to facilitate symmetrical image capture relative to the center of the bicycle. With regard to the air probe, the need is to ensure accurate measurement of airflow.Indeed, the accuracy of the air probe can be compromised due to the interference of the rider and the bicycle with the airflow, requiring the application of a corrective factor. To keep this factor as stable as possible, it is recommended to fix the probe centrally and as low as possible above the front wheel.

[0004] The computer is usually mounted in the middle of the handlebar using brackets attached to the stem or time trial extensions. Cyclists often use these brackets to attach other sensors such as cameras or air probes, using standard “GoPro” connectors. However, the computer brackets do not always have standard connectors or connectors compatible with the cameras or air probes that the cyclist wishes to mount.

[0005] Furthermore, such an attachment to the extensions of the time trial handlebar presents several problems in the case of air probes. Indeed, during position tests For rider applications, such as aerodynamic evaluations, the arrangement of the time trial handlebar extensions can be continuously changed, requiring adjustment of the associated air probe setting to reposition it in its original area. When this repositioning is not possible, recalibration of the corrective factors is necessary, which can be laborious and potentially affect the accuracy of the measurements.

[0006] Document GB2568885B presents a sensor system mounted on the front of the bicycle and fixed on the fork so as to reach an ideal area for the air probe. This remains, however, a bulky solution, affecting the aesthetics of the bicycle, and complex to install.

[0007] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a generic, adaptable and simple-to-install fastening system for holding an onboard electronic device on a racing bicycle, in particular a time trial racing bicycle, and allowing reliable and reproducible air pressure measurements. The fastening system is characterized by a deployable support between two handlebar grips, composed of elements sliding into each other, on which one or more accessories (counter, air probes, camera, etc.) forming all or part of the onboard electronic device can be attached.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention relates to a fixing system for holding an electronic device on board a racing bicycle, said bicycle comprising a handlebar with two grips, the fixing system comprising:

[0011] - a profiled body, centered on a main axis, and

[0012] - two lateral parts, capable of sliding in the profiled body along the axis main, and each equipped with an end intended to rest under a handle.

[0013] According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: • the profiled body has an elliptical section defined by a minor axis, called the transverse axis, and a major axis, called the longitudinal axis, and a longitudinal plane, including the main axis and the longitudinal axis, is intended to extend parallel to the ground when the fixing system is secured to the bicycle; • the streamlined body has a truncated NACA-type profile, defined by a rounded shape on the front side of the bike ending in a truncated flank on the rear side of the bike; • the profiled body comprises at least one clipping means intended to cooperate with the on-board electronic device or with one or more accessories forming all or part of the on-board electronic device, said clipping means being centered on an exterior surface of the profiled body; • the fixing system includes an extension, designed to project towards the front of the bicycle, attached to the profiled body and centered on the latter; • the on-board electronic device is fully or partially integrated into the profiled body; • the ends of the side parts have fasteners to hold each end against a handlebar grip; • the ends of the side parts form an angle of between 20° and 60° relative to a longitudinal plane intended to extend parallel to the ground when the fixing system is attached to the bicycle; • an air probe, fixed to the fixing system, comprises a central tubular member, surrounded by an envelope having a hollow oblate shape with an axis of symmetry of revolution around a transverse axis normal to a longitudinal plane intended to extend parallel to the ground when the fixing system is secured to the bicycle; • the envelope has two holes, aligned on the transverse axis, to connect a hollow interior space of the envelope and the exterior environment; • the interior space, subjected to static pressure, communicates with a channel arranged in the central tubular member, intended to be connected to a pressure sensor, to allow static pressure measurement by the air probe; • the central tubular member comprises a central channel, intended to be connected to another pressure sensor, and the casing comprises a front opening causing the central channel to open in the front part of the air probe, to allow a total pressure measurement; • the air probe has two orifices, arranged on adjacent symmetrical walls forming an angle of between 50° and 130° in the longitudinal plane, said walls being located behind, opposite the front opening, of the casing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0015] [Fig. 1a]

[0016] [Fig.lb] [Fig. la] and [Fig.lb] illustrate fixing systems in accordance with the invention, associated with a time trial racing bicycle handlebar;

[0017] [Fig. 1c] [Fig. 1c] shows an exploded view of parts used in the composition of a fixing system according to the invention;

[0018] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a section of the profiled body of a fixing system according to the invention;

[0019] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a rear view of a (truncated) fixing system according to the invention;

[0020] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a fixing system according to the invention, secured to a time trial racing bicycle handlebar;

[0021] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a fixing system in accordance with the invention, secured to a conventional racing bicycle handlebar;

[0022] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a fixing system according to the invention, supporting accessories of an on-board electronic device;

[0023] [Fig.7a]

[0024] [Fig.7b]

[0025] [Fig.7c] [Fig.7a], [Fig.7b], [Fig.7c] show a particular air probe which can be supported by a fixing system according to the invention, in perspective ([Fig.7a]), in truncated top view ([Fig.7b]) and in section ([Fig.7c]);

[0026] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows a particular air probe associated with an electronic box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The invention relates to a fixing system 100 for holding an electronic device on board a racing bicycle, for example a time trial bicycle ([Fig.1a], [Fig.1b], [Fig.1c]). This type of bicycle comprises a handlebar 1 with two grips 2 (parts of the handlebar allowing the cyclist to grip it), equipped with brakes, and armrest extensions.

[0028] The fixing system 100 comprises a profiled body 10 which is generally centered on a main axis y, extending from one to the other of the handles 2. It also comprises two lateral parts 20a, 20b, capable of sliding in the profiled body 10, along the main axis y. Each lateral part 20a, 20b ends in an end 21a, 21b intended to come to bear under a handle 2 ([Fig. 1e]).

[0029] The profiled body 10 is intended to be centered, along the main axis y, relative to the handlebar 1, that is to say between the two handles 2.

[0030] According to a first embodiment, the profiled body 10 is generally cylindrical, centered on the main axis y, and has an elliptical (or substantially elliptical) section defined by a minor axis, called the transverse axis z and a major axis, called the longitudinal axis x. A longitudinal plane (x,y), including the main axis y and the longitudinal axis x, is thus intended to extend parallel to the ground when the system mounting system 100 is secured to the bicycle. This elliptical shape is an example of a streamlined shape, which helps minimize the impact of the mounting system 100 on aerodynamic drag.

[0031] According to a second embodiment, the profiled body 10 may have a truncated NACA type profile ([Fig.2]). A NACA profile is well known in the aeronautical field and is applied in particular to airplane wings. The profile of the body 10 is thus defined by a water drop shape, rounded on the front side of the bicycle and ending in a truncated flank on the rear side of the bicycle. This profile constitutes another example of a profiled shape promoting the aerodynamics of the fixing system 100.

[0032] In general, the dimension of the profiled body 10, along the longitudinal axis x, can be between 3 cm and 15 cm; its dimension along the transverse axis z, can typically vary between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0033] Each lateral part 20a, 20b can be fitted inside the profiled body 10, on either side of said body 10 ([Fig. 1c]). Their ability to slide, like telescopic arms, makes it possible to adjust the width (along the main axis y) of the fixing system 100 to the width of the handlebar 1.

[0034] Preferably, the lateral parts 20a, 20b have an external circumference very slightly smaller than the internal circumference of the profiled body 10, so as to allow movement along the main axis y while minimizing the play along the longitudinal axis x and the transverse axis z.

[0035] Also advantageously, the internal surface of the profiled body 10 is provided with ribs 13 allowing better control of the dimensional clearance with the lateral parts 20a, 20b and limiting friction during sliding. Alternatively, ribs can be placed on the external surface of the lateral parts 20a, 20b and not on the profiled body 10, or, alternatively, on both parts.

[0036] The end 2la, 21b of each lateral part 20a, 20b comprises a groove which preferably has a flared V-shape, so as to adapt perfectly to the shape of the grip 2 of the handlebar 1 ([Fig. 1c], [Fig. 3]). Advantageously, the ends 2la, 21b are bent, in a transverse plane (y, z) including the main axis y and the transverse axis z, over a length which can vary between 0.2 and 10 cm; they typically form an angle a of between 20° and 60° relative to the main axis y ([Fig. 3]).

[0037] The ends 21a, 21b preferably have through grooves 23, visible in [Fig. 1e], near the groove so as to allow the passage of fasteners 24 (for example, clamps) to secure the side parts 20a, 20b to the handles 2.

[0038] The position of the profiled body 10 along the main axis y can be adjusted by the user and maintained in the central position by means of a temporary adhesive 25, positioned astride a lateral part 20a, 20b (at least) and the profiled body 10 ([Fig.4]).

[0039] Alternatively, one or more clamping screws 12a and 12b are positioned on the profiled body 10 so as to be able to secure the latter in a central position with the lateral parts 20a and 20b ([Fig.1e], [Fig.3]).

[0040] Advantageously, the profiled body 10 comprises at least one clipping means 11 intended to cooperate with the on-board electronic device or with one or more accessories forming all or part of the on-board electronic device. The clipping means 11 may be centered on an upper outer surface of the profiled body 10 ([Fig.1a], [Fig.1e], [Fig.4]). Another clipping means may optionally be provided on a lower outer surface of the profiled body 10. These clipping means 11 may in particular consist of notches making it possible to secure a quick-fix connector or other standard fixing adapters.

[0041] According to an advantageous variant, the fixing system 100 according to the invention comprises an extension 30, intended to project towards the front of the bicycle ([Fig.1a], [Fig.1b]). The extension 30 is integral with the profiled body 10 and centered on the latter. It can be fixed, for example made in one piece with the profiled body 10, or removable, typically held using screws or other fixing system. The extension 30 is preferably provided with a clipping means 31, which makes it possible to position an accessory in an offset manner towards the front of the bicycle. This offset can in particular make it possible to maintain an air probe just above the front wheel. The length of the extension 30 can allow an offset, along the longitudinal axis x, relative to the center of the profiled body 10 of between 3 and 50 cm; its elbow shape can allow an offset, along the transverse axis z, relative to the center of the profiled body 10 of between 2 and 15 cm.

[0042] Advantageously, the extension 30 also has an aerodynamic shape. The section of the extension 30 extending along the longitudinal axis x can be defined according to a NACA profile, with a symmetry of revolution around said longitudinal axis x; the section 30a of the extension 30, oblique, which is integral with the profiled body 10, can have a truncated NACA shape, rounded on the front side of the bicycle and truncated on the rear side.

[0043] Advantageously, the profiled body 10, the lateral parts 20a, 20b and the extension 30 of the fixing system 100 are formed from a plastic material, such as for example polycarbonate, polyamide, PBT, PEI, PETG or POM, or from a metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium alloys, or from a composite material, based on glass or carbon fibers, or from a combination of all these materials.

[0044] The fixing system 100 according to the invention can be implemented on a time trial racing bike or on a conventional road bike, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0045] The fixing system 100 according to the invention can be used in the context of an aerodynamic performance measurement session. In this case, a GPS counter 40, provided with a screen, is fixed to the profiled body 10, for example by means of a first clipping means 11 arranged on an upper outer surface of said body 10. An air probe 50 can be fixed to the extension 30, 10 cm in front of and 5 cm below the center of the profiled body 10, via a second clipping means 31 ([Fig.6]).

[0046] The attachment system 100 may also be used to film a ride performed on a time trial racing bike. In such a case, a GPS counter 40, provided with a screen, is attached to the profiled body 10, for example by means of a first clipping means 11 arranged on an upper outer surface of said body 10. A camera (not shown) may be attached to the profiled body 10, for example by means of another clipping means arranged on a lower outer surface of said body 10.

[0047] The accessories mentioned (GPS counter, camera, air probe, etc.) are included in the on-board electronic device that the fixing system 100 allows to be held simply and reliably on the bicycle.

[0048] It should be noted that all or part of the accessories or elements constituting the on-board electronic device can be integrated inside the profiled body 10.

[0049] Although any air probe can be used and held by the attachment system 100 according to the invention, the particular air probe 50 (Pitot probe) described below can bring advantageous effects. It can be held directly on the profiled body 10 (via a first clipping means 11, on an upper or lower outer surface) or on the extension 30 (via a second clipping means 31).

[0050] Pitot probes usually comprise a central tube having an opening facing the incident air flow in order to capture the total pressure of the air flow; they also comprise an annex tube, concentric with the central tube, to measure the static pressure through openings made in said annex tube. The geometry of these probes is well suited to measurements at low air incidence angles (this is the case in particular in the field of aviation).

[0051] In the case of a cyclist, it is common to encounter significant wind angles, typically up to + / -30°. With such wind angles, conventional Pitot probes cannot capture the raw values ​​of dynamic and static pressures: these values ​​must be continuously corrected using empirical charts and other sensors.

[0052] It is to overcome this problem that the present air probe 50 is proposed ([Fig.7a], [Fig.7b], [Fig.7c]). It comprises a central tubular member 51, surrounded by an envelope 52 having a hollow oblate shape whose axis of symmetry of revolution is the transverse axis z.

[0053] The casing 52 comprises two holes 53a, points of intersection between the external surface of the casing 52 and the axis of symmetry of revolution. Due to the presence of these holes 53a, the hollow interior space of the casing 52 is subjected to the static pressure Pstat, which can thus be measured at the level of the probe 50. Thanks to the symmetry of revolution of the casing 52, the static intake is not affected by the wind angle: it is therefore a reliable value, not requiring correction, which is obtained for the static pressure Pstat.

[0054] Advantageously, the hollow interior space of the casing 52, where the static pressure prevails, communicates with a channel 53b, intended to be connected to a static pressure measuring sensor Pstat. This channel 53b is arranged in the central tubular member 51. Preferably, two lateral orifices 53c present in the central tubular member 51 allow fluid communication between the interior of the casing 52 and the channel 53b ([Fig.7b]).

[0055] The central tubular member 51 also comprises a central channel 54a, intended to be connected to a sensor for measuring the total pressure Ptot. The casing 52 comprises a front opening 54b, allowing the central channel 54a to open in the front part of the probe 50, for taking the total pressure Ptot. Advantageously, the front opening 54b is hollowed out in the casing 52 in order to minimize the impact of the angle of incidence of the wind on the reading of the total pressure Ptot. In particular, the front opening 54b forms a hollow following an arc of a circle in the longitudinal plane (x,y) ([Fig.7b]). The front opening 54b may have a surface (intended to be in contact with the incident air) of paraboloid shape.

[0056] Advantageously, the air probe 50 also comprises two orifices 55 corresponding to angular pressure taps, sensitive to the wind angle ([Fig.7a]). They are arranged on adjacent symmetrical walls forming between them an angle of between 50° and 130° in the longitudinal plane (x,y). Said walls are located on the rear side (opposite the front opening 54) of the casing 52.

[0057] Advantageously, the air probe 50 is formed from a plastic material, such as for example polycarbonate, polyamide, PBT, PEI, PETG or PGM, or from a metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium alloys, or from a composite material, based on glass or carbon fibers, or even from a combination of all these materials.

[0058] According to an advantageous variant, the air probe 50 can be associated with a box 60 comprising sensors, a computer and a control screen as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0059] It should be noted that, although the particular air probe 50, mentioned above, has been described in association with the fixing system 100, it could alternatively be used with another type of fixing system, advantageously making it possible to position said probe at the front of the bicycle, above the front wheel.

[0060] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described, and variant embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Fixing system (100) for holding an electronic device on board a racing bicycle, said bicycle comprising a handlebar with two grips (2), the fixing system (100) comprising: - a profiled body (10), centered on a main axis (y), and - two lateral parts (20a, 20b), capable of sliding in the profiled body (10) along the main axis (y), and each provided with an end (2la, 21b) intended to come to bear under a grip (2).

2. Fixing system (100) according to the preceding claim, in which: - the profiled body (10) has an elliptical section defined by a minor axis, called the transverse axis (z) and a major axis, called the longitudinal axis (x), and - a longitudinal plane (x,y), including the main axis (y) and the longitudinal axis (x), is intended to extend parallel to the ground when the fixing system (100) is secured to the bicycle.

3. A fastening system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the profiled body (10) has a truncated NACA type profile, defined by a rounded shape on the front side of the bicycle ending in a truncated flank on the rear side of the bicycle.

4. Fastening system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the profiled body (10) comprises at least one clipping means (11) intended to cooperate with the on-board electronic device or with one or more accessories forming all or part of the on-board electronic device, said clipping means (11) being centered on an exterior surface of the profiled body (10).

5. Fixing system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an extension (30), intended to project towards the front of the bicycle, integral with the profiled body (10) and centered on the latter.

6. Fastening system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the on-board electronic device is wholly or partly integrated into the profiled body (10).

7. Fastening system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the ends (2la, 21b) of the lateral parts (20a, 20b) have fasteners (24) to hold each end (21a, 21b) against a handle (2) of the handlebars.

8. Fixing system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the ends (2la, 21b) of the lateral parts (20a, 20b) form an angle of between 20° and 60° relative to a longitudinal plane (x, y) intended to extend parallel to the ground when the fixing system (100) is secured to the bicycle.

9. Fixing system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, on which is fixed an air probe (50) comprising a central tubular member (51), surrounded by an envelope (52) having a hollow oblate shape with an axis of symmetry of revolution around a transverse axis (z) normal to a longitudinal plane (x,y) intended to extend parallel to the ground when the fixing system (100) is secured to the bicycle.

10. Fixing system (100) according to the preceding claim, in which: - the casing (52) comprises two holes (53a), aligned on the transverse axis (z), to put a hollow interior space of the casing (52) into communication with the external environment, and - the interior space, subjected to a static pressure (Pstat), communicates with a channel (53b) arranged in the central tubular member (51), intended to be connected to a pressure sensor, to allow a measurement of static pressure (Pstat) by the air probe (50).

11. Fixing system (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, in which: - the central tubular member (51) comprises a central channel (54a), intended to be connected to another pressure sensor, and, - the casing (52) comprises a front opening (54b) causing the central channel (54a) to open up in the front part of the air probe (50), to allow a measurement of total pressure (Ptot).

12. Fixing system (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the air probe (50) comprises two orifices (55), arranged on adjacent symmetrical walls forming an angle between 50° and 130° in the longitudinal plane (x,y), said walls being located behind, opposite the front opening (54), of the casing (52).

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