Assembly comprising a docking base and a display device

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (100) configured to be attached to an attachment portion (101) of a vehicle, in particular a cycle vehicle, for example an electrically assisted bicycle, the attachment portion being, for example, a bicycle handlebar, the assembly (100) comprising: - a docking base (1) comprising: • a fastening member (2) configured to co-operate with the attachment portion of the vehicle in order to secure the docking base (1) to the attachment portion of the vehicle; • an accommodating region (3) configured to detachably accommodate a display device (50); - a display device (50) configured to be detachably attached, via a slide mechanism (70), onto the docking base in the accommodating region, the display device (50) then being in a mounted position on the docking base (1), and a locking member (80) configured to lock the slide mechanism (70) when the display device (50) is in the mounted position on the docking base (1).

Description

Assembly comprising a base and a display unit

[0001] The scope of the present invention is that of assemblies comprising a support base as mentioned above and a display device.

[0002] It is common nowadays to use an electric assisted bicycle, with a base to attach a screen to display data related to the cycling activity.

[0003] The invention aims in particular to improve this type of assembly with a reception base and a display device.

[0004] The invention thus relates to an assembly configured to be fixed to a mounting part of a vehicle, in particular a cycle vehicle, for example an electric assisted bicycle, the mounting part being for example a bicycle handlebar, the assembly comprising: a receiving base including: a hooking element configured to cooperate with the vehicle mounting part to secure the receiving base to the vehicle mounting part, a receiving area configured to receive a display device in a removable manner, a display device configured to be fixed in a removable manner, by a sliding mechanism, to the receiving base, in the receiving area, the display device then taking a position mounted on the receiving base, a locking element configured to lock the sliding mechanism when the display device is in the position mounted on the receiving base.

[0005] In the present invention, the display device is mounted on the base by means of a sliding mechanism that allows the display device to slide in two opposite directions (for mounting and dismounting, respectively). This sliding mechanism alone does not allow the display device to be locked in the mounted position on the base.

[0006] The locking mechanism according to the invention ensures that the display device is locked onto the mounting base in the mounted position. This makes removing the display device more difficult, or even impossible, without a suitable tool.

[0007] The invention thus makes it possible to prevent the theft of the display device which is in place on the reception base.

[0008] The locking member is advantageously configured so that, in the mounted position of the display device on the base, it takes a locking position in which the locking member blocks the sliding mechanism, thus preventing the display device from being slid out for removal from the base.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking member is configured to form, in the locked position, a stop opposing the sliding of the display device relative to the mounting base when the display device is in the mounted position on the mounting base.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking member is configured to be assembled in a demountable manner on the display device so that, in the mounted position of the display device on the base, the locking member blocks the sliding mechanism and, when the locking member is removed from the display device, the sliding mechanism becomes free so as to allow the display device to slide relative to the base.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking element is separate from the display device and the base. In particular, the locking element is an independent part of the display device and the base; namely, the locking element can be removed from the display device and the base.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking member comprises a head which defines a locking stop for the sliding mechanism.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking member is a screw with a head which defines the locking stop for the slide mechanism.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, when the screw is in its locking position (screwed onto the display device), the head of the screw prevents translational movement of the display device relative to the base.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device includes a threaded portion configured to allow the face of the screw onto the display device.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the threaded part has a threaded hole to allow the face of the screw.

[0017] Alternatively, the threaded part has an untapped hole and this hole receives a threaded insert to cooperate with the screw.

[0018] Thus, when the cyclist wishes to lock the display device onto the docking station, particularly to prevent theft, he puts the locking mechanism in place on the display device, which blocks the sliding mechanism.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking member is configured to be mounted and dismounted on the display device using a specific tool, for example the locking member is a screw with a head having a shape cooperating with a specific tool.

[0020] For example, the specific tool is a wrench. The wrench, for example, has a hexagonal head.

[0021] Thus, the locking mechanism cannot be removed manually but requires a specific tool. This provides an anti-theft function. Without this specific tool, a third party cannot remove the locking mechanism and therefore cannot remove the display from its base.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the threaded part of the display device which receives the screw opens onto a lower face of the display device (namely the face which is towards the base).

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device and / or the base includes a storage compartment configured for storing the locking member when the locking member is not in use, namely the locking member is not in its position to lock the sliding mechanism.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the storage compartment is configured to at least partially receive the locking device and to retain it therein.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, when the locking member is a screw, the storage compartment includes at least one snap-on tab, in particular a plurality of snap-on tabs, configured to retain the screw in the storage compartment.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the screw can be introduced into the storage compartment by an insertion movement which spreads the ratcheting tabs and, at the end of its travel in the storage compartment, the ratcheting tabs engage on the thread of the screw to retain the screw in the storage compartment.

[0027] To remove the screw from the storage compartment, it is possible, especially with a specific tool, to unscrew the screw, which allows the screw to be disengaged from the snap tabs.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the storage compartment is made on the base, in particular on an underside of this base.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the cradle advantageously comprises a magnet configured to generate a holding force (magnetic force) with a part of the display device when the display device is in the mounted position on the cradle.

[0030] Advantageously, the storage compartment for the locking mechanism is positioned opposite the magnet.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the magnet is disposed at an end-of-travel location of the display device on the docking station.

[0032] Thus, when the locking element is made of a magnetic material, for example metallic, the magnet makes it possible to strengthen (by magnetic force) the retention of the locking element in the storage compartment, in particular more than the retention allowed by snap tabs.

[0033] This prevents the locking mechanism from being accidentally lost, for example, if it comes out of its storage compartment in the event of a shock.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the sliding mechanism is formed by shapes cooperating by sliding respectively on the display device and the receiving base.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the sliding mechanism includes at least one rib on the display device configured to be able to slide in a sliding slot on the docking base.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the display device comprises two parallel ribs configured to engage respectively in two respective sliding slots of the receiving base.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the two respective sliding slots of the receiving base are parallel and extend over two opposite edges of the receiving base.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the two sliding slots are open in opposite directions from the receiving base.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the ribs of the display device have different or identical lengths.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the receiving base has a notch configured to cooperate with the locking member in the locking position.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the notch is made on a lateral edge of the receiving base.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the notch is adjacent to the sliding slot of the receiving base.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the notch is in particular in the shape of a circular arc to fit the shape of the head of the screw which defines the locking member.

[0044] The invention also relates to a display device configured to be fixed in a removable manner, by a sliding mechanism, in a receiving area of ​​a base for a set such as the one mentioned above.

[0045] The invention also relates to a base for receiving an assembly such as the one mentioned above, the base being configured to receive a display device configured to be fixed in a removable manner, by a sliding mechanism, in a receiving area of ​​the base.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a display device to a base of an assembly such as the one mentioned above, the method comprising the following steps: mounting the display device on the base by means of the sliding mechanism, so as to slide the display device on the base, blocking, by means of the locking member, the sliding mechanism thus preventing the display device from being slid out for removal from the base.

[0047] The invention also relates to a method of dismantling a display device from a base of an assembly such as the one mentioned above, the method comprising the following steps: removing the locking element so as to release the sliding mechanism thus allowing the display device to be slid out for removal from the base, dismantling, by sliding, the display device from the base.

[0048] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and an example of an embodiment given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0049] Laest is a perspective representation of an assembly comprising a base for reception and a display device according to the invention;

[0050] This is a view of the whole thing, from below;

[0051] This is a perspective representation of the base supporting the set illustrated in figures 1 and 2;

[0052] This is a perspective representation of the display device of the whole illustrated in figures 1 and 2;

[0053] This is a cross-sectional view of the whole thing, allowing you to see the sliding mechanism;

[0054] This is a cross-sectional view of the whole thing, from another angle;

[0055] This is a cross-sectional representation of the assembly illustrated in figures 1 and 2, showing the threaded part.

[0056] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0057] Figures 1 and 2 show a set 100 comprising a reception base 1 and a display device 50.

[0058] The display device 50 can be of the LCD or TFT type, for example.

[0059] The docking base 1 is configured to be fixed to a mounting part 101 of an electric assist bicycle, which is a bicycle handlebar tube.

[0060] The receiving base 1 includes: a hooking element 2 configured to cooperate with the fixing part 101 of the bicycle to secure the receiving base 1 to the fixing part 101 of the bicycle, a receiving area 3 configured to receive the display device 50 in a removable manner.

[0061] The display device 50 is configured to be fixed in a removable manner, by means of a sliding mechanism 70, on the receiving base 1, in the receiving area 3, the display device 50 then taking a position mounted on the receiving base 1.

[0062] The docking station 1 includes an electronic display 10 configured to show information related to the vehicle's operation. This information might, for example, represent the charge level of an electric bicycle battery or a gear ratio (e.g., speed ratio) of the electric bicycle's transmission system. The electronic display 10 is configured to show a number, a letter, or bars, providing, for example, information about the battery's charge level.

[0063] The electronic display 10 includes a display area 11 which is flush with an external wall 12 of the base 1.

[0064] The display area of ​​the electronic display 10 is located outside the reception area 3.

[0065] The area of ​​the display zone 11 of the electronic display 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the display zone 55 of the display device 50.

[0066] Thus, when the display device 50 is mounted on the docking base, the display area 11 of the electronic display 10 remains visible.

[0067] The outer wall 12 is configured to be oriented in a way that is visible to a person seated on the bicycle.

[0068] The outer wall 12, or upper wall, of the receiving base 1 has an overall boomerang shape.

[0069] The external wall 12 of the reception base has a three-dimensional profile, namely that which is not flat, with for example a vertex.

[0070] The receiving area 3 is located on one of the branches 17 of the boomerang shape of the outer wall 12.

[0071] The receiving base 1 includes a housing 20 on which the external wall 12 is formed with the receiving area 3.

[0072] The housing 20 contains, inside, an electronic board, connected to the electronic display 10.

[0073] The docking station 1 has an electrical connector 22 configured to allow the connection of an external electrical cable to the docking station 1.

[0074] This external electrical cable is configured, for example, to allow power to the docking station and the exchange of control signals with docking station 1.

[0075] The mechanical attachment element 2 of the receiving base 1 has an opening 23 configured to receive the tube 101 of the bicycle handlebar, to attach the receiving base 1 to this handlebar tube.

[0076] This opening 23 is formed by two half-rings 24 and 25 configured to be pivotable relative to each other to allow the attachment member 2 to be engaged on the handlebar tube 101.

[0077] The assembly 100 further includes a locking element 80 configured to lock the sliding mechanism 70 when the display device 50 is in the mounted position on the docking base 1.

[0078] In the present invention, the display device 50 is mounted on the base 1 by means of the sliding mechanism 70, which allows the display device 50 to slide in two opposite directions (for mounting and dismounting, respectively). This sliding mechanism 70 alone does not allow the display device 50 to be locked in the mounted position on the base 1.

[0079] The locking element 80 according to the invention ensures that the display device 50 is locked onto the mounting base 1 in the raised position. This makes removing the display device 50 more difficult, or even impossible, without a suitable tool.

[0080] The invention thus makes it possible to prevent the theft of the display device 50 which is in place on the reception base 1.

[0081] The locking member 80 is advantageously configured so that, in the mounted position of the display device 50 on the base 1, it takes a locking position in which the locking member 80 blocks the sliding mechanism 70, thus preventing the display device 50 from being slid out for removal from the base 1.

[0082] The locking member 80 is configured to form, in the locked position, a stop opposing the sliding of the display device 50 relative to the mounting base 1 when the display device 50 is in the mounted position on the mounting base 1.

[0083] The locking member 80 is configured to be assembled in a demountable manner on the display device 50 so that, in the mounted position of the display device 50 on the cradle 1, the locking member 80 blocks the slide mechanism 70 and, when the locking member 80 is removed from the display device 50, the slide mechanism 70 becomes free so as to allow the display device 50 to slide relative to the cradle 1.

[0084] The locking member 80 is separate from the display device 50 and the base 1. In particular, the locking member 80 is an independent part of the display device 50 and the base 1, namely the locking member 80 can be removed from the display device 50 and the base 1.

[0085] The locking member 80, here a screw, has a head 81 which defines a locking stop 82 for the sliding mechanism 70.

[0086] The locking member 80 is a screw with a head 81 which defines the locking stop 82 for the slide mechanism 70.

[0087] When the screw 80 is in its locking position (screwed onto the display device 50), the head 81 of the screw prevents translational movement of the display device 50 relative to the base 1.

[0088] The display device 50 has a threaded portion 57 configured to allow the face of the screw on the display device 50.

[0089] The threaded part 57 has a threaded hole to allow the face of the screw 80.

[0090] Alternatively, the threaded part has an untapped hole and this hole receives a threaded insert to cooperate with screw 80.

[0091] Thus, when the cyclist wishes to lock the display device 50 onto the docking station 1, in particular to prevent theft, he puts the locking device 80 on the display device 50, which blocks the sliding mechanism 70.

[0092] The locking member 80 is configured to be mounted and dismounted on the display device 50 using a specific tool, for example the locking member 80 is a screw with a head having a shape cooperating with a specific tool.

[0093] For example, the specific tool is a wrench. The wrench, for example, has a hexagonal head.

[0094] Thus, the locking mechanism 80 cannot be removed by hand but requires the use of a specific tool. This provides an anti-theft function. Without the specific tool, a third party cannot remove the locking mechanism 80 and therefore cannot remove the display device 50 from the base 1.

[0095] The threaded part 57 of the display device 50 which receives the screw 80 opens onto a lower face 58 of the display device 50 (namely the face which is towards the receiving base 1).

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the base 1 has a storage compartment 21 configured for storing the locking member 80 when the locking member 80 is not in use, i.e. the locking member 80 is not in its locking position of the slide mechanism 70.

[0097] The storage compartment 21 is configured to receive at least partially the locking element 80 and to retain it there.

[0098] When the locking member 80 is a screw, the storage compartment 21 has a plurality of snap-on tabs 29, configured to retain the screw in the storage compartment 21.

[0099] The screw 80 can be inserted into the storage compartment 21 by an insertion movement which spreads the ratcheting tabs 29 and, at the end of its travel in the storage compartment 21, the ratcheting tabs 29 engage on the thread of the screw 80 to retain the screw in the storage compartment 21.

[0100] To remove the screw from the storage compartment 21, it is possible, in particular with a specific tool, to unscrew the screw, which allows the screw to be disengaged from the snap tabs 29.

[0101] Storage compartment 21 is made on the reception base 1, in particular on an underside of this reception base 1.

[0102] As can be seen in the figure, the cradle 1 has a magnet 31 configured to generate a holding force (magnetic force) with a part of the display device 50 when the display device 50 is in the mounted position on the cradle 1.

[0103] The storage compartment 21 of the locking member 80 is positioned opposite the magnet 31.

[0104] The magnet 31 is positioned at an end-of-travel location of the display device 50 on the docking base 1.

[0105] Thus, when the locking member 80 (metal screw) is made of a magnetic material, for example metallic, the magnet 31 makes it possible to reinforce (by magnetic force) the retention of the locking member 80 in the storage compartment 21, in particular more than the retention allowed by snap tabs 29.

[0106] This prevents accidental loss of the locking mechanism 80 which could come out of its storage compartment 21 in the event of a shock, for example.

[0107] The sliding mechanism 70 is formed by shapes cooperating by sliding respectively on the display device 50 and the receiving base 1.

[0108] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the sliding mechanism 70 has two ribs 71 (opposite) on the display device 50 configured to be able to slide each into a sliding slot 72 (see Figures 3 and 5 for example) on the receiving base 1.

[0109] The display device 50 thus comprises two parallel ribs 71 configured to engage respectively in two respective sliding slots 72 of the receiving base 1.

[0110] The two respective sliding slots 72 of the receiving base 1 are parallel and extend over two opposite edges of the receiving base 1.

[0111] The two sliding slots 72 are open in opposite directions from the receiving base 1.

[0112] The ribs 71 of the display device 50 have different or identical lengths.

[0113] The receiving base 1 has a notch 33 configured to cooperate with the locking member 80 in the locking position, as illustrated in figures 2 and 3.

[0114] The notch 33 is made on a lateral edge 34 of the receiving base 1.

[0115] The notch 33 is adjacent to the sliding slot 72 of the receiving base 1.

[0116] The notch 33 is notably in the shape of a circular arc to fit the shape of the screw head which defines the locking member 80.

[0117] The method of mounting a display device 50 to a mounting base 1 comprises the following steps: mounting the display device 50 onto the mounting base 1 by means of the sliding mechanism 70, so as to slide the display device 50 on the mounting base 1, blocking, by means of the locking member 80, the sliding mechanism 70 thus preventing the display device 50 from being slid out for removal from the mounting base 1.

[0118] The process of dismantling a display device 50 from a base 1 comprises the following steps: removing the locking element 80 so as to release the sliding mechanism 70, thus allowing the display device 50 to be slid out for removal from the base 1, dismantling, by sliding, the display device 50 from the base 1.

Claims

Assembly (100) configured to be fixed to a mounting part (101) of a vehicle, in particular a cycle vehicle, for example an electric bicycle, the mounting part being for example a bicycle handlebar, the assembly (100) comprising: a receiving base (1) comprising: a fastening member (2) configured to cooperate with the vehicle mounting part to secure the receiving base (1) to the vehicle mounting part, a receiving area (3) configured to receive a display device (50) in a removable manner, a display device (50) configured to be fixed in a removable manner, by a sliding mechanism (70), to the receiving base, in the receiving area, the display device (50) then assuming a position mounted on the receiving base (1), a locking member (80) configured to lock the sliding mechanism (70) when the display device (50) is in the position mounted on the receiving base (1). Assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking member (80) is configured to, in the mounted position of the display device on the mounting base, assume a locking position in which the locking member (80) blocks the sliding mechanism (70) thus preventing the display device from being slid out for removal from the mounting base, and in particular the locking member (80) is configured to form, in the locking position, a stop opposing the sliding of the display device relative to the mounting base when the display device is in the mounted position on the mounting base. Assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member (80) is separate from the display device and the base, and the locking member (80) is a part independent of the display device and the base. Assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking member (80) is a screw with a head which defines the locking stop for the slide mechanism (70). Assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the display device includes a threaded portion (57) configured to permit the face of the screw on the display device, and the locking member (80) is configured to be mounted and dismounted on the display device (50) using a specific tool, for example the locking member (80) is a screw with a head having a shape cooperating with a specific tool. Assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device and / or the base includes a storage compartment (21) configured for storing the locking member (80) when the locking member (80) is not in use, namely the locking member (80) is not in its position to lock the slide mechanism (70), and the storage compartment is configured to at least partially receive the locking member (80) and to retain it therein. Assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding mechanism (70) is formed by forms cooperating by sliding respectively on the display device and the base, and the sliding mechanism (70) has at least one rib (71) on the display device configured to be able to slide in a sliding slot (72) on the base, in particular the display device has two parallel ribs configured to engage respectively in two respective sliding slots of the base. Display device (50) configured to be fixed in a removable manner, by a sliding mechanism (70), in a receiving area of ​​a receiving base of an assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Reception base (1) of an assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the reception base being configured to receive a display device (50) configured to be fixed in a demountable manner, by a sliding mechanism (70), in a receiving area of ​​the reception base. Method of mounting a display device vis-à-vis a mounting base (1) of an assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: mounting the display device on the mounting base by means of the sliding mechanism (70), so as to slide the display device (50) on the mounting base, blocking, by means of the locking member (80), the sliding mechanism (70) thus preventing the display device from being slid out for removal from the mounting base. Method of dismantling a display device from a base of an assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the following steps: removing the locking member (80) so as to release the sliding mechanism (70) thus allowing the display device to be slid out for removal from the base, dismantling, by sliding, the display device from the base (1).

Images