WO2013034767A1

WO2013034767A1 - Adjustable connection for attaching accessories to a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2013034767A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/067662
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alois MÜHLBERGER
Original assignee: Mühlberger GmbH
Priority date: 2011-09-09
Filing date: 2012-09-10
Publication date: 2013-03-14

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for detachably attaching accessories (31) to a vehicle, comprising a vehicle component (10) and at least one accessory mount (20), wherein the at least one accessory mount (20) can be fastened to the vehicle component (10) by means of a detachable coupling (2) in a form-closed and/or force-closed manner in a plurality of positions relative to one another.

Description

Adjustable connection for attaching accessories to a vehicle

description

The invention relates to a connecting device for releasably attaching accessories to a vehicle, comprising a vehicle component and at least one accessory receptacle, wherein the at least one accessory receptacle with the vehicle component by a releasable coupling form-fitting and / or non-positively in a plurality of positions is fixed to each other, and a vehicle component for forming such a connection device and a vehicle with such a vehicle component.

Such connection devices are used in particular on two-wheeled vehicles to ensure secure attachment of removable baskets or bags. In order to prevent a bicycle basket is inclined more or less relative to the horizontal depending on the inclination of the handlebar stem, a tilt-adjustable adapter is known from German Utility Model DE 203 19 543 U1. The disadvantage here is the assembly work for the adapter, as well as additional weight through the adapter, which must be made comparatively stable in order to carry a loaded shopping basket safely. An object of the invention is to propose an improved connection device for releasably attaching accessories to a vehicle which is lighter and / or has fewer components to be mounted.

The object is achieved by the connecting device according to claim 1. In the dependent claims preferred embodiments are listed. Furthermore, a vehicle component for forming such a connection device and a vehicle with such a vehicle component are objects of the invention, with which the task is solved.

The connecting device according to the invention for the detachable attachment of accessories to a vehicle comprises a vehicle component and at least one accessory receptacle, wherein the at least one accessory receptacle with the vehicle component by a releasable coupling form and / or non-positively in a plurality of positions to each other can be fixed. Preferably, the accessory receptacle is angularly adjustable relative to the vehicle component. According to the invention, it is provided that the vehicle component is formed by a component associated with the vehicle, wherein the coupling function can be fulfilled by the component in addition to a main function on the vehicle. The main function on the vehicle is to be understood as a functionality relating to the vehicle itself. In particular, the component is a component that forms the vehicle structure. Preferred embodiments provide that the vehicle component is a stem cap of a handlebar, a handlebar stem, a handlebar, a seat post, a seat post clamp, a luggage rack or a frame. The additional integration of the coupling function on the vehicle component allows for a particularly stable attachment for an accessory on the vehicle and still allows adjustment, in particular the inclination of the accessory to the vehicle, which allows, for example, a horizontal orientation of containers, or a comfortable orientation of an onboard computer , Mobile phones and / or navigation device on the vehicle. A particularly advantageous embodiment results when a plurality of accessory shots are connectable to a vehicle component, wherein the various accessory shots for accessories of different sizes and weight classes can be provided.

As vehicles in the context of the invention, in particular open vehicles without cabin are considered, ie in particular two-wheelers and tricycles, with or without motorization, and karts or so-called quads. The accessory receptacle has a receiving device which can be connected in known manner with a corresponding counterpart on the accessory. The vehicle component preferably has a vehicle coupling region. The accessory receptacle furthermore preferably has a receiving coupling region, wherein the vehicle coupling rich forms with the receiving clutch area the releasable coupling.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle coupling region and the receiving coupling region each have a toothing, whereby advantageously a non-positive and positive connection can be produced by engaging and holding the mutually complementary toothings.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle coupling region is designed in the form of a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is integrally formed on the vehicle component. Further preferably, the sleeve is provided for receiving an axle, wherein the accessory receptacle is connectable to the axle. To firmly connect the coupling, it is preferably provided that a distance between the axis and the accessory receptacle can be changed by means of a screw connection. For this purpose, the axis, for example, threaded holes, are screwed into the corresponding threaded screws. For this purpose, the sleeve preferably has at least one recess arranged in the circumferential direction for the passage of a connecting element, so that said threaded screw can be guided through the recess and screwed into the axis.

According to a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the receiving coupling region is formed as a recess in the accessory receptacle. An internal toothing formed on the recess can be designed correspondingly complementary to an external toothing of the sleeve.

The further objects of the invention, a vehicle component for forming a connecting device as described above, as well as a vehicle with such a vehicle component may have all the above-mentioned features individually or in any desired combination.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are merely exemplary and do not limit the general inventive concept. Show it:

Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1 C, a first embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in three different views;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show the embodiment according to FIG. 1A with an alternative form of the stem cap in three different views;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show the embodiment according to FIG. 2A in the disassembled state in three different views;

Figure 4 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 A, but with a third embodiment of the stem cap; FIG. 5 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 4 in disassembled state;

Figures 6A and 6B a second embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in the disassembled state in two views; Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show a further embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in various views;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment according to FIG. 4 in a variant with several accessory recordings;

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C exemplary embodiments for accessories, which is provided for releasable attachment to a vehicle by means of the connecting device according to the invention. In the figure 1 A, an embodiment of the connecting device 1 according to the invention is shown in a side view. Figures 1 B and 1 C show further views of the same embodiment and are described here simultaneously with Figure 1A. The connecting device 1 consists of a vehicle component 10 and an accessory receptacle 20, which by a coupling 2 form and / or force conclusively connected with each other. In this case, the clutch 2 is provided such that the vehicle component 10 and the accessory receptacle 20 can be set to each other in different angular positions. The accessory receptacle 20 has an undercut insert 24 which serves to receive an accessory 31 (compare Figures 9A, 9B and 9C). The insert 24 may have different shapes and sizes, depending on the type, weight and shape of the respective accessory and is also referred to as an insertion opening.

In the vehicle component 10 is a so-called stem cap, which are used on handlebars of vehicles, especially in two-wheeled vehicles. The stem cap 10 has two holes 16, via which the connection to the handlebar stem can be produced. The vehicle component 10 thus has, in addition to its vehicle-related function as a stem cap in addition to a coupling function, which is realized by the clutch 2. The clutch 2 is solved by means of two screw 23 solvable what later och in connection with more detailed representations. The connecting device 1 is also referred to in this embodiment as an adjustable stem cap set. The adjustable coupling device for bicycle stems (connecting device 1) consists of two components 10, 20, wherein the vehicle component 10 may also be referred to as Vorbaukappenhinterteil and the accessory receptacle 20 as Vorbaukappenvorderteil. The fact that the angle is adjustable via the coupling 2, different types of containers can be transported in each case at the right angle to the bike. The stem cap 10 may have various shapes and devices, depending on how the attachment to the handlebar stem is provided, which will be discussed in more detail in connection with the following figures. Furthermore, it is possible to provide different and several accessory receptacles 20 via corresponding couplings 2 on a stem cap 20, which will be discussed in more detail later.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C will be described simultaneously with reference to the various views. The embodiment shown corresponds to the embodiment described according to FIG. 1A. The vehicle com- Component 10 is also a so-called stem cap, with the only difference in the design of this stem cap 10 is. The model of the stem cap illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C has four bores 16 with which this stem cap can be connected to the corresponding handlebar stem of a bicycle.

In the figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the embodiment according to the previously described Figure 2A is shown in three different views, which are described together. The connecting device 1 is here disassembled into its individual parts illustrated to clarify details of the coupling 2. The vehicle component 10 has a coupling region 11, which forms the detachable coupling 2 together with a receiving coupling region 21 on the accessory receptacle 20. Essentially, the vehicle coupling region 1 1 has a toothing 12, which can engage in a toothing 22 to the receiving coupling region 21 in different angular positions. The teeth ensure a particularly secure, non-positive and positive connection of the coupling. Alternatively, coupling arrangements based predominantly on traction would also be conceivable, for example with corresponding friction surfaces 12, 22. Furthermore, an axle 3 is part of the clutch 2, the axle 3 being mounted in the assembled state of the clutch within the vehicle coupling region in the form of a sleeve 14 1 1 is arranged. The generally executed as a steel axis axis 3 has two holes for receiving fastening screws 23, whereby the coupling is detachable and connectable. The sleeve 14, which is also referred to as a hollow axle, has two openings or recesses 15 arranged in the circumferential direction for the passage of the screws 23. The female coupling portion 21 is formed as a recess in the accessory receptacle. By screwing the fastening screws 23 into the axle 3, which is arranged within the sleeve 14, the teeth 12, 22 engage each other and the vehicle component 10 is fixed at a certain angle to the accessory receptacle 20. By loosening the screws 23, the teeth 12, 22 are released to set a different angle.

FIGS. 4 and 5, which are described together, show a further embodiment of the connecting device 1 with a front end cap as vehicle component. Component 10 shown. The stem cap 10 is fastened with the fastening element 33 on the vehicle 30 or the part of the handlebar stem 32 shown here. The stem cap rear part 10 is therefore fastened with the same screw connection 33 with which the handlebar unit 32 is also fastened in a control tube (control head) of the bicycle frame (not shown). Clearly visible, the stem cap 10 is provided in a main function to attach a handlebar 34 to the stem assembly, so the stem 32. Between the stem cap 10 and the handlebar unit 34, a thin rubber layer 36 is inserted. To fulfill the second function according to the connecting device 1 according to the invention, the stem cap 10 is connected to the accessory receptacle 20 via the previously described coupling 2.

In Figures 6A and 6B, a second embodiment according to the invention in two views in disassembled state is shown. The vehicle component 10 is provided in the embodiment shown as a seat post clamp. The vehicle coupling portion 1 1 is formed in the form of a sleeve 14 to the seat post clamp 10. The sleeve 14 with the teeth 12 is referred to in this context as a toothed hole recess. The remaining components correspond to the previously described embodiments. The insert holder 20, as the accessory receptacle 20 is also referred to, is adjustable at an angle to the seat post clamp 10 and so particularly suitable to safely accommodate accessories such as lights, splash guard, or bags (not shown). For this purpose, the accessories have a matching to the insertion bracket 20 coupling, which has a detent spring, so that it can be locked to the insertion bracket 20. Alternatively, the accessory receiver 20 may also be designed without an insert 24 and instead be permanently connected to the accessory. The drawer 24 may further include an electrical interface for connection between the vehicle and the accessory, for example, to transfer electrical energy from a battery via the interface or transmit signals and data.

In Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, which are described together here, another embodiment according to the invention in various views, partially disassembled and partly shown in the assembled state. The vehicle component 10 is provided in the embodiment shown as a luggage carrier. The vehicle coupling Area 1 1 can be particularly advantageous arranged on the tubular luggage carrier linkage itself, or be formed on this. Instead of an axis, a counter plate with an integrated thread is provided here as a counter holding element 5, into which the connecting screws 23 can be screwed. The accessory receptacle 20 does not differ from those of the previously described embodiments. The accessory receptacle may have a reinforcement inside, such as steel, to increase the load capacity. The same can also apply to the vehicle component 10. FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment according to FIG. 4, in a variant with two accessory receptacles 20, which are connected in an angle-adjustable manner via a respective coupling 2 to a stem cap as vehicle component 10. The accessory recordings can have different sizes and be provided, for example, for accessories of various types, such as a bicycle basket on the front of the handlebar and an electronic device on the driver side facing or on top of the stem cap 10th

Illustrated in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are examples of accessories 31, namely a pocket 31 in FIG. 9A and a basket 31 in FIG. 9C. The arrows each mark the position of an accessory coupling element 35, which is shown in detail in FIG. 9B and is also referred to as insertion slide 35, since it is connected to the insertion device 24 by insertion. The accessory coupling member 35 is intended to provide a secure connection to the insert 24 on the accessory receptacle 20. On the container 31 shown in Figure 9A, the slide-in carriage 35 is detachably mounted while being fixedly connected to the basket 31 of Figure 9C. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 connection device

2 Detachable coupling

3 axis

4 hole of the axis

5 counter holding element

10 vehicle component

1 1 vehicle coupling area

12 toothing

14 sleeve

15 recess

16 hole

20 accessory recording

21 receiving clutch area

22 toothing

23 screw connection

24 slot

25 hole

30 vehicle

31 accessories

32 handlebar stem

33 fastener

34 handlebar

35 accessory coupling element

36 rubber layer

Claims

claims

1 . A connection device (1) for releasably attaching accessories (31) to a vehicle (30), comprising a vehicle component (10) and at least one accessory receptacle (20),

wherein the at least one accessory receptacle with the vehicle component by a releasable coupling (2) positively and / or non-positively in a plurality of positions can be fixed to each other, characterized in that the vehicle component (10) is formed by a vehicle-associated component, wherein the component is able to fulfill the coupling function in addition to a main function on the vehicle.

2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle component (10) is a stem cap of a link, a handlebar stem, a handlebar, a seat post, a seat post clamp, a saddle, a wheel fork, a luggage rack or a frame.

3. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle component (10) has a vehicle coupling region (1 1) and the accessory receptacle (20) has a receiving coupling region (21), wherein the vehicle coupling region with the receiving coupling region, the releasable coupling (2) forms.

4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle coupling region (1 1) and the receiving coupling region (21) each have a toothing (12, 22).

5. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle coupling region (1 1) in the form of a sleeve (14) is executed, wherein the sleeve on the vehicle component (20) is integrally formed.

6. Connecting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the sleeve (14) for receiving an axle (3) is provided, wherein the accessory receptacle (20) is connectable to the axle.

7. Connecting device according to claim 6, characterized in that a distance between the axis (3) and the accessory receptacle (20) by means of a screw connection (23) is variable.

8. Connecting device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the sleeve (14) has at least one circumferentially arranged recess (15) for the passage of a connecting element (23).

9. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving coupling region (21) is formed as a recess in the accessory receptacle (20).

10. vehicle component (10) for forming a connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

1 1. Vehicle (30) with a vehicle component (10) according to claim 10.