Frame with a clamping device, bicycle with this frame, method for manufacturing this frame

Abstract

Frame (1) for a bicycle, wherein the bicycle has a seat post (6), with • a top tube section (2) which is essentially horizontally oriented in the operating state of the frame (1), preferably having a first section end (3), • a seat tube section (4) which has a second section end (5), wherein the seat tube section (4), preferably its second section end (5), is designed to accommodate the seat post (6) of the bicycle in a particularly removable manner, • a connecting section (7) which is designed to connect the top tube section (2), preferably its first section end (3), to the seat tube section (4), • a clamping device (8) which is designed to ◯ to counteract a particularly undesirable relative movement of the seat post (6) with respect to the seat tube section (4), especially in the operating state of the frame (1), ◯ from a released state in which the clamping device (8) exerts essentially no frictional force F r to be converted into an activated state in which the clamping device (8) exerts this frictional force on the seat post (6), ◯ to be arranged in a way that allows removal within the connecting section (7) • where ◯ the connecting section (7) has a clamping device receiving space (18) with a receiving space wall, ◯ the clamping device (8) can be inserted through the second section end (5) into the clamping device receiving space (18) when the seat post (6) is not received by the seat tube section (4), and ◯ when the seat post (6) is received by the seat tube section (4), the clamping device receiving space (18) is closed in such a way that it is not possible to remove the inserted clamping device (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle frame with a clamping device for a bicycle seat post, a bicycle with this frame, and a method for manufacturing this frame. It is noted that the invention can also be used independently of the bicycle design.

[0002] Bicycle frames with clamping devices for a bicycle seatpost are known from the prior art. Seatposts typically have a substantially cylindrical section with a longitudinal axis and a lateral surface. The frame typically includes a seat tube section with a substantially hollow cylindrical section for receiving this seatpost.

[0003] The inadequate clamping of the seatpost in the frame is sometimes perceived as problematic.

[0004] US 2011 / 0042543A1 discloses a clamping device for a bicycle seat post. The clamping device has a clamping block that is permanently accessible.

[0005] US 2008 / 0303241A1 discloses a clamping device for a bicycle seat post. The clamping device has a nearly closed clamping ring that is permanently attached to the bicycle frame.

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a frame with an improved clamping device for the seat post of the bicycle.

[0007] The problem is solved by a frame with a clamping device according to claim 1. Claim 11 describes a bicycle with this frame. Claim 12 describes a manufacturing method for this frame. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The frame according to the invention is designed for a bicycle, wherein the bicycle has a seat post. The frame has a top tube section. This top tube section is essentially horizontally oriented in the operating state of the frame or the bicycle. Preferably, the top tube section has a first section end. The frame has a seat tube section with a second section end. The seat tube section, preferably its second section end, is designed to accommodate the bicycle's seat post, particularly in a removable manner. The frame has a connecting section. The connecting section is designed to connect the top tube section, preferably its first section end, to the seat tube section. The frame has a clamping device. The clamping device is designed to prevent, in particular, undesirable relative movement of the seat post with respect to the frame.to counteract the issue of the seat tube section, particularly during the frame's operating state. The clamping device is designed to transition from a released state, in which it exerts essentially no frictional force on the seatpost, to an engaged state, in which it exerts this frictional force. The clamping device is designed to be removable within the connecting section.

[0009] The seatpost is typically held in place by the seat tube section of the frame, at least while the bicycle is in use. There, the seatpost is clamped against unwanted relative movement by a clamping device. This clamping device can be a ring-shaped seatpost clamp that wraps around the seatpost. In this position, the clamping device is exposed to damaging environmental influences, especially moisture, sweat, the salts from isotonic drinks, dirt, and possibly road salt.

[0010] According to the invention, the clamping device is arranged within the connection section in a way that makes it particularly removable. This arrangement protects the clamping device from numerous damaging environmental influences, thus solving the underlying problem.

[0011] A top tube section, as defined in the invention, is a component extending between a head tube section for guiding the fork and the seat tube section of the frame. It is not uncommon for the brake cable for the rear brake to be routed through or along the top tube section. While in frames from the 1980s the top tube section was mostly arranged horizontally when the bicycle was in use, more recently, top tube sections that slope down towards the seat tube section have become increasingly common. This is also referred to as a sloping geometry. Such sloping top tube sections also fall under the definition of "essentially horizontally oriented" as defined in the invention. The top tube section has a section wall. Preferably, the top tube section has a first section end that faces towards the seat tube section.In this case, the first section end and section wall merge into the connecting section. With the seatpost removed, the first section end is accessible through the second section end, specifically through a cutout in the wall of the seat tube section.

[0012] A seat tube section within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a device which is designed, in particular, to accommodate the seat post. For this purpose, the seat tube section has a second end. Furthermore, the seat tube section has a wall. The seat tube section extends into the connection area. The seat tube section also extends towards the bottom bracket. When the frame is in its normal operating position, with the seat tube section extending in a vertical plane, particularly when riding straight ahead, the second end is open at the top to accommodate the seat post.

[0013] A connecting section within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a section of the frame which is designed to connect the top tube section to the seat tube section. Particularly through the use of fiber-reinforced polymers for the section walls, smooth transitions between frame sections have become possible. According to the invention, the section walls of the seat tube section and the top tube section transition into the connecting section, in particular, essentially seamlessly. Preferably, the connecting section or its wall is made of the same material as the seat tube section and / or the top tube section. A clamping device within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a device which is particularly designed to… • to counteract a particularly undesirable relative movement of the seat post with respect to the seat tube section, especially in the operating state of the frame, • to be transferred from a released state, in which the clamping device exerts essentially no frictional force on the seat post, to an activated state, in which the clamping device exerts this frictional force on the seat post, • to be arranged in a way that allows for removal within the connecting section.

[0014] The frictional force is designed so that the rider's weight does not cause any noticeable relative movement between the seat tube section and the seatpost, even on uneven road surfaces. The required frictional force is also exerted by the clamping mechanism, particularly on the seatpost.

[0015] Preferred further developments of the invention are described below.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting section is designed such that its upper surface, with the exception of the second end, is essentially closed when the frame is in its normal operating position or when the bicycle is traveling straight ahead, with the connecting section being located substantially above the bottom bracket. This closure is achieved, in particular, by means of a wall within the connecting section. Before the seat post is inserted into the seat tube, the connecting section is open only at the top through the second end. Once the seat post is inserted, the second end is also substantially closed. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of hindering the ingress of damaging environmental influences, especially moisture, sweat, salts from isotonic drinks, dirt, and, where applicable, road salt, particularly from above.This preferred design offers the advantage that removal of the clamping device is made more difficult, especially by a force oriented along the longitudinal axis of the seat post and away from the bottom bracket.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting section is designed to transmit the entire force from the seat tube section to the top tube section and vice versa. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of improved frame durability. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of improved force transmission from the seat tube section to the top tube section.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the wall of the top tube section transitions essentially seamlessly, and in particular essentially continuously, into the wall of the connecting section. Furthermore, the wall of the connecting section transitions essentially seamlessly, and in particular essentially continuously, into the wall of the seat tube section. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of improved frame durability. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of improved force transmission from the seat tube section to the top tube section.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting section has a clamping device receiving space, which is specifically designed to accommodate the clamping device. Preferably, this clamping device receiving space is delimited from the surroundings by the wall of the connecting section. Preferably, this clamping device receiving space is sealed in such a way that, when the seatpost is inserted, the clamping device cannot be removed. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the clamping device is essentially permanently secured within the clamping device receiving space during operation.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element. These clamping elements are designed to be relatively movable relative to each other in the released state. When the clamping device is moved from its released state to its activated state, the relative movement of the clamping elements is restricted, and in particular, prevented. Preferably, the relative movement of the clamping elements occurs as a translation when the clamping device is moved to its activated state. Preferably, the clamping elements are clamped to each other, at least in the activated state, and most preferably connected by friction. Preferably, the clamping elements are made of a metal, most preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy. These clamping elements are preferably made of bar stock.Preferably, one of these clamping pieces is arranged substantially above another of these clamping pieces in the clamping device. This preferred design offers the advantage of low manufacturing costs. This preferred design also offers the advantage of simplifying the transition to the released state and thus the removal or height adjustment of the seatpost.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, before reaching the activated state and with the clamping device inserted into the connection section or clamping device receiving space, a first of these clamping pieces is designed to be relatively movable with respect to the seat post, in particular relatively movable along the sliding plane, and a second of these clamping pieces is essentially immovable with respect to the seat post. Upon reaching the activated state, the relative movement of the first clamping piece with respect to the seat post is limited, in particular essentially prevented. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the displacement of the first clamping piece during the transition of the clamping device into its activated state is simplified.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting section has at least one support section. This support section is preferably bonded to the wall of the connecting section. This support section serves in particular to form an abutment for the clamping device. For this purpose, the support section is adapted to the shape of the clamping device, preferably to the shape of one of these clamping pieces, more preferably to the retaining element. Preferably, the support section is designed to absorb a force that acts essentially transversely to the seatpost, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the seatpost. It is particularly preferred that at least one surface of the support section is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seat tube section or the longitudinal axis of the seatpost. Preferably, the support section has the same material as the wall of the connecting section.This preferred design offers the advantage that at least one reaction force from the clamping device or clamping of the seat post can be directed into the connecting section or into the frame.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, one or more of these clamping pieces each have a sliding surface. In the released state, one of these clamping pieces is movable along this sliding surface in the direction of the seat post. When the clamping device is moved into the activated state, this movement of the clamping piece is restricted. Preferably, the sliding surface is inclined relative to the horizontal when the frame is in operation. For a short time, the sliding surface is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat post or the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the seat post. Preferably, the angle of inclination between this longitudinal axis and the sliding surface is between 15° and 75°, more preferably between 25° and 60°, and particularly preferably 30° ± 8°.This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the direction of movement of the clamping element, in particular the clamping element which, in the activated state, applies the frictional force to the seat post, can be influenced by means of the sliding surface when the clamping device is moved into its activated state. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that a wedge effect of the clamping element is enabled by means of the sliding surface.

[0024] By applying a force along the longitudinal axis of the seatpost towards the bottom bracket, the upper clamping element, particularly with unchanged frictional engagement between the clamping element and the seatpost, is forced towards the seatpost by means of the sliding surface, a process caused by the aforementioned angle of attack. This clamping action should therefore be enhanced. This preferred design offers the advantage that the clamping action can be improved, especially in the event of impacts during bicycle operation. This preferred design also offers the advantage that a force from the rider's weight improves the clamping action.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of these clamping elements has a friction surface. This friction surface is designed to exert a frictional force on the seatpost, particularly on the outer surface of the seatpost, when activated. The friction surface is adapted to the shape of the outer surface of the seatpost. In the case of a substantially cylindrical seatpost, the friction surface is preferably curved and has substantially the same radius as this outer surface. Preferably, the friction surface is bounded by at least one, two, or more chamfers. Preferably, the friction surface extends along at least 30° of the cylindrical outer surface, more preferably along at least 45°, and more preferably along at least 60° of this outer surface. Preferably, the friction surface is dimensioned such that the shear stress resulting from the frictional force does not exceed 50 MPa, and more preferably not exceeding 20 MPa.This preferred design offers the advantage that the application of frictional force to the seat post is as gentle on the material as possible.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the coefficient of friction on the sliding surface is lower than the coefficient of friction on the friction surface. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that, under a force along the longitudinal axis of the seatpost in the direction of the bottom bracket, the frictional connection between the clamping pieces breaks away sooner than the frictional connection between the seatpost and the adjacent clamping piece. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the clamping effect is improved, particularly in the event of impacts during bicycle operation.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame, or its connecting section, or the second end of the section, is designed such that the clamping device can be inserted into the connecting section, particularly through the second end of the section, and is removable. Preferably, the clamping device can be brought into contact with this support section, with the support section serving as a stop for the clamping device. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the clamping device can be inserted into the connecting section after its manufacture. The frame is then ready to receive the seat post. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the clamping device can be replaced with minimal effort in the event of a defect. This preferred embodiment also offers the advantage of simpler manufacturing of the connecting section.This preferred design offers the advantage of simplified positioning of the clamping device in the connection section.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device has a retaining element. This retaining element serves in particular to receive the clamping pieces, thereby simplifying the insertion of the clamping device into the connecting section. Preferably, the retaining element is positively connected to these clamping pieces in the activated state. Particularly preferably, the clamping pieces are clamped to the retaining element in the activated state. Preferably, in the activated state, one of these clamping pieces rests against the retaining element. Preferably, in the activated state, the retaining element rests against a wall of the connecting section, particularly preferably against this support section, wherein this wall of the connecting section or the support section can form an abutment for reaction forces arising from the frictional force between the clamping piece and the unused seatpost.Preferably, the retaining element is designed as a substantially U-shaped clamp. This preferred design offers the advantage that inserting the clamping device into the connecting section is simplified. This preferred design offers the advantage that, in particular, reaction forces from the frictional force can be transmitted more evenly to the connecting section or its support section.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device includes a clamping element. This clamping element serves, in particular, to clamp the clamping pieces against each other in the activated state. Specifically, this clamping element serves to clamp the clamping pieces against each other with a predetermined force, preferably a frictional force. Preferably, the clamping element is accessible from outside the connecting section, most preferably through an actuating opening in the connecting section. Preferably, the clamping element extends through the clamping pieces. Preferably, the clamping element is designed as a screw. Preferably, at least one of these clamping pieces has a through-hole. Preferably, at least one of these clamping pieces has an internal thread. Preferably, the clamping element extends towards the downtube section or towards the bottom bracket.Particularly preferably, the screw extends through the clamping elements in the activated state. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of simplifying the transition of the clamping device to its activated state.

[0030] According to a first preferred embodiment, one of these clamping pieces has the through-hole and the other has the internal thread. Particularly in the activated state, the screw extends through the through-hole and inwards, or through the internal thread. Preferably, the internal thread is toleranced with respect to the screw such that, in the activated state, the axis of the screw can deviate from the axis of the internal thread by a minimum angle, thereby compensating for relative movement between the clamping pieces during the transition of the clamping device into its activated state. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of simplifying the transition of the clamping device into its activated state.

[0031] According to a second preferred embodiment, two of these clamping pieces have through holes. Furthermore, the clamping device has a threaded plate with an internal thread into which the screw engages. The screw is first guided through the clamping pieces and then through the threaded plate. Preferably, the surfaces of the clamping piece and the threaded plate that contact each other in the activated state have adapted radii. These radii allow the screw to be angled from its original position when the clamping device is moved into its activated state. This compensates for any relative movement between the clamping pieces during the transition to the activated state. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of simplifying the transition of the clamping device to its activated state.

[0032] A third preferred embodiment, in addition to the clamping pieces and the screw, also includes the retaining element. The screw extends first through the retaining element, through the first clamping piece, and into or through the second clamping piece. In the activated state, the screw clamps the clamping pieces against each other and against the retaining element. The retaining element bears a surface, particularly over, this connecting section, especially this support section. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of improved distribution of the reaction forces arising from the frictional force between the clamping piece and the seatpost to the connecting section and the support section. Advantageously, this embodiment can be combined with the first or second embodiment.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting section has a curved wall section. This curved wall section extends towards the down tube section or the bottom bracket and is particularly visible in a side view of the frame. The curved wall section runs from the section wall of the top tube section to the section wall of the seat tube section. The curved wall section transitions smoothly into the section walls of both the seat tube and top tube sections. Preferably, the curved wall section defines the space for accommodating the clamping device or the clamping device mounting space. Preferably, the curved wall section serves to prevent stress concentrations resulting from discontinuous transitions from the seat tube section to the connecting section and from the top tube section to the connecting section.Preferably, the actuating opening through which the clamping element is accessible is arranged in the curved wall section. This preferred design offers the advantage that the damaging effect of impacts from operation on the frame is reduced. Preferably, the actuating opening is directed towards the down tube section or towards the bottom bracket. This preferred design offers the advantage that the ingress of water or dirt into the actuating opening is reduced.

[0034] Preferably, a bicycle has a frame according to the invention with this clamping device, or a frame according to a preferred embodiment or further development. The bicycle also has this seatpost. Preferably, the clamping device is removable from the frame when the seatpost is not received by the seat tube section or its second end. Preferably, the clamping device can be inserted into the frame or its connecting section when the seatpost is not received by the seat tube section or its second end. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of improved clamping of the seatpost. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of reducing the clamping effect of the seatpost to damaging environmental influences, in particular less moisture, sweat, salts from isotonic drinks, dirt, or, if applicable, road salt.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame has: • this top tube section, • this seat tube section, • this connecting section and • this clamping device.

[0036] The seat tube section has this second exit end to accommodate the seatpost. Otherwise, the connecting section is closed at the top, relative to the frame's normal operating orientation, especially after the seatpost has been inserted into this second exit end.

[0037] This connecting section features this support section, this downward-facing actuation opening during operation of the bicycle, this curved wall section between the seat tube section and the top tube section, and this clamping device receiving space.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting section is designed to transfer the entire force from the top tube section to the seat tube section and vice versa.

[0039] Preferably, the wall of the connecting section transitions essentially seamlessly, and in particular essentially continuously, into the section walls of the top tube section and the seat tube section. Particularly preferably, the wall thickness of the wall of the connecting section corresponds essentially to the wall thicknesses of the section walls of the top tube section and the seat tube section.

[0040] This clamping device has two such clamping pieces, which can be clamped together by this clamping element. Preferably, the clamping element is designed as a screw. Preferably, the clamping element is only accessible through the actuating opening.

[0041] The first of these clamping pieces has one of these sliding surfaces as well as this preferably curved friction surface. Preferably, the first clamping piece is arranged substantially above the second of these clamping pieces. Preferably, the angle of inclination between this sliding surface and the longitudinal axis of the seatpost is substantially 30° ± 8°. The first clamping piece is designed to be displaced towards the seatpost when the clamping device is moved into its activated state.

[0042] The second of these clamping pieces is held essentially immovably with respect to the seat post in the connecting section or in the clamping device receiving space, even when released. Preferably, the second of these clamping pieces is bonded to the connecting section or the clamping device receiving space, particularly preferably by adhesive bonding.

[0043] Preferably, the clamping pieces and, in particular, the clamping element are retained by one of these retaining elements. This has the advantage of simplifying the insertion of the clamping device into the connecting section or the clamping device receiving space.

[0044] The clamping device receiving space is limited by this support section. Preferably, the clamping device is supported against this support section, particularly in the activated state.

[0045] This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the ingress of dirt and / or moisture into the clamping device receiving space or to the clamping device itself is limited. This preferred embodiment also offers the advantage that, particularly after the seat post has been inserted, the clamping device is essentially retained in the clamping device receiving space or in the connecting section in a captive manner.

[0046] A frame according to the invention, or one of its preferred embodiments or further developments, is manufactured according to the invention by at least one of the following steps: S1 Preparing the connection section (7) with a fiber-filled polymer material, in particular wherein the fiber-filled polymer material is placed in a mold, whereupon the fiber-filled polymer material is prepared for curing according to step S3, S2 Provision of the clamping device (8), in particular where the clamping device is prepared for insertion into the connecting section or into the clamping device receiving space or for connection with the connecting section, in particular in the connecting section (7), S3 Curing of the fiber-filled polymer material for the connection section (7), in particular where at least one of the walls of the connection section, preferably its support section, is formed, in particular according to step S2, S4 Inserting the seatpost into the seat tube section, whereupon the seatpost can be clamped using the clamping device, especially after step S3.

[0047] The following preferred configurations of the manufacturing process can offer advantages in terms of manufacturing costs, logistics effort and / or force absorption.

[0048] According to a first preferred embodiment of this manufacturing process, the prepared clamping device is provided or inserted into the connection section or the clamping device receiving space before the fiber-filled polymer material has cured, so that step S2 takes place before step S3. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that a material-bonded connection between the clamping device and the connection section is possible. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage of improved absorption of reaction forces from the frictional force by the frame or its connection section.

[0049] According to a second preferred embodiment of this manufacturing process, the clamping device in the connection section or in the clamping device receiving space is only provided after the fiber-filled polymer material has cured, so that step S2 only takes place after step S3. Preferably, the clamping device is provided through the second exit end in the connection section or in the clamping device receiving space. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the clamping device does not need to be present during step S3. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the location for manufacturing the clamping device can be chosen independently of the location where the fiber-filled polymer material cures.

[0050] Following steps S2 and S3, the frame or its seat tube section is prepared to receive the seat post, according to step S4.

[0051] Further advantages, features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 schematically the area of ​​a frame according to the invention, the connecting section, with inserted seat post, Fig. 2 schematically another view of the area according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 schematically another view of the area according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 schematically a clamping device for a frame according to the invention, Fig. 5 schematically a section through the area according to Fig. 1 Fig. 6 schematically a view from below of the connecting section, Fig. 7 schematically a top view of the connecting section, Fig. 8 schematically a section through the connection area, Fig. 9 an enlarged section of the Fig. 8.

[0052] Fig. Figure 1 shows a region of a frame 1 according to the invention. The area around the connecting section 7 is shown, with the seat post 6 inserted into the frame 1. The connecting section 7 connects the top tube section 2 to the seat tube section 4. The connecting section 7 has the curved wall section 17, which transitions smoothly into the section walls of the top tube section 2 and the seat tube section 4. The clamping device 8, which has one of these clamping pieces 9, is also shown. The clamping device 8 is supported against the support section 11. Preferably, the support section 11 defines the clamping device receiving space 18. The clamping piece 9 exerts a frictional force on the seat post 6, thus preventing any undesired relative movement between the seat post 6 and the frame 1. The actuating opening 14 in the connecting section 7, through which the clamping element is accessible, is also shown.The clamping element and the second of the clamping pieces are not shown.

[0053] The clamping element clamps the clamping pieces 9 and 10 of the clamping device 8 against each other, for which purpose the clamping device 8 was brought into its activated state. The sliding plane 12, here designated on the clamping piece 9, has an angle of approximately 55° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat post 6.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a different view of the area according to Fig. 1. The connecting section 7, which connects the top tube section 2 to the seat tube section 4, is shown. The connecting section 7 has the curved transition section 17, which seamlessly merges with the section walls of the top tube section 2 and the seat tube section 4. The clamping device 8 is shown with thin lines. The connecting section 7 is shown partially open only to better illustrate the clamping element 9. In the frame 1 according to the invention, the upper area of ​​the connecting section 7 is also closed to such an extent that only the second section end 5 remains free to receive the seat post (not shown). The clamping device 8 is inserted through the second section end 5. The clamping device 8 rests against the support section 11. The clamping element 9 has a curved friction surface 13 for gentle clamping of the seat post 6. The frame 1 is prepared to receive and clamp the seat post 6.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a different view of the area according to Fig. 1. Shown is the connecting section 7, which connects the top tube section 2 to the seat tube section 4. The connecting section 7 has the curved transition section 17, which seamlessly merges with the section walls of the top tube section 2 and the seat tube section 4. The clamping device 8 is inserted through the second section end 5. The clamping device 8 rests against the support section 11. The clamping piece 9 has a curved friction surface 13 for gentle clamping of the seatpost 6. The frame 1 is prepared to receive and clamp the seatpost 6.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4 shows the clamping device 8 independent of the frame. The clamping device 8 shown comprises a first clamping piece 9, a second clamping piece 10, a clamping element 15 (here designed as a screw), and a retaining element 16. The retaining element 16 serves to better distribute reaction forces from the frictional force and to simplify the insertion of the clamping device 8 into the connecting section or the frame. The clamping device 8 shown has been brought into its activated state. The first clamping piece 9 has been moved relative to the second clamping piece 10 along the sliding plane 12. The clamping element 15 clamps the clamping pieces 9 and 10 against each other and against the retaining element 16. The retaining element 16 is designed to bear against the support section. The first clamping piece 9 has a curved friction surface 13, the curvature of which is adapted to the radius of the seat post (not shown).

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a section through the area according to Fig. 1. The section of frame 1 with connecting section 7 is shown. Connecting section 7 is outlined with a dashed line. The top tube section 2 and the seat tube section 4 are connected in connecting section 7. Connecting section 7 has a curved wall section 17, which transitions smoothly into the section walls of the top tube section 2 and the seat tube section 4. The actuating opening 14 for the clamping element 15 is located in the curved wall section 17. The seat post 6 is inserted through the second section end 5. The clamping device 8 has two clamping pieces 9, 10, which are clamped against each other and against the support section 11 by means of the clamping element 15, in this case designed as a screw. The clamping piece 9 rests against the seat post 6 and, when the clamping device 8 is moved into the activated state, is displaced along the sliding surface 12.In the present activated state, the clamping element 9, in particular its friction surface 13, exerts a frictional force on the seat post 6. The sliding surface 12 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the seat post 6 such that a force from the rider's weight increases the frictional force, especially in the event of an impact during operation of the bicycle.

[0058] Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of a preferred embodiment of the frame 1 in a low oblique view from near the bottom bracket. The connecting section 7 connects the top tube section 2 to the seat tube section 4. The seat post 6 is inserted into the seat tube section 4. The seat post 6 is clamped by the clamping device (not shown). The clamping device (not shown) is received by the clamping device receiving chamber 18. This clamping device receiving chamber 18 is located in the connecting section 7. The clamping device 8 (not shown) is accessible through the actuating opening 14, which, in the operating state of the bicycle, is directed downwards, particularly when riding straight ahead, towards the bottom bracket or the down tube section. This preferred embodiment offers the advantage that the ingress of dirt and / or moisture into the connecting section or to the clamping device is made more difficult.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7 shows the same frame 1, but from a different perspective, more from above along the seat tube section 4 towards the bottom bracket. The connecting section 7 joins the top tube section 2 to the seat tube section 4. The seatpost 6 is inserted into the seat tube section 4. The seatpost 6 is clamped by the clamping device (not shown). The clamping device (not shown) is received by the clamping device receptacle 18. This clamping device receptacle 18 is located in the connecting section 7. After the seatpost 6 is inserted, the connecting section 7, the top tube section 2, and the second exit end of the seat tube section 4 are essentially sealed, thus making it difficult for dirt and / or moisture to enter the connecting section or the clamping device.

[0060] Fig. Figure 8 shows a section through the frame 1 and the connecting section 7. The connecting section 7 connects the top tube section 2 to the seat tube section 4. The seat post 6 is inserted into the seat tube section 4. The seat post 6 is clamped by the clamping device 8. The clamping device 8 is received by the clamping device receiving chamber 18. This clamping device receiving chamber 18 is located in the connecting section 7. Details of the clamping device are also shown. A first clamping piece 9 rests against the seat post 6. The second clamping piece 10 is located below the first clamping piece 9. The second clamping piece 10 is supported against a wall of the connecting section 7, but preferably does not rest against the seat post 6. Both clamping pieces 9 and 10 are clamped against each other by means of the clamping element 15 after the clamping device 8 has been moved into its activated state.The clamping device 8 is completely enclosed by the connecting section 7 or by the clamping device receiving space 18. This preferred design offers the advantage that the ingress of dirt and / or moisture into the connecting section or to the clamping device is made more difficult. Fig. Figure 9 shows an enlargement of the section according to Fig.8. As additional details of the activated clamping device 8, the sliding surface 12 and the friction surface 13 are shown. Along the sliding surface 12, the first clamping piece 9 has been displaced relative to the second clamping piece 10 in the direction of the seat post 6, so that the friction surface 13 bears against the seat post 6. The friction surface 13 exerts this frictional force on the seat post 6. The coefficients of friction in the sliding surface 12 and the friction surface 13 are selected such that the connection between the clamping pieces 9 and 10 along the sliding surface 12 breaks free sooner than the connection between the first clamping piece 9 and the seat post 6. This preferred design offers the advantage that a force from the rider's weight, especially during impacts while riding the bicycle, can increase the clamping effect of the clamping device 8. List of reference symbols 1 frame 2 Top tube section 3 first end of the top tube section 4 Seat tube section 5 second end of the seat tube section 6 Seatpost 7 Connecting section 8 Clamping device 9 first clamping piece of the clamping device 10 second clamping piece of the clamping device 11 Support section of the connecting section 12 Sliding surface of one of the clamping pieces 13 Friction surface of one of the clamping pieces 14 Actuating opening in the connecting section 15 Clamping element of the clamping device 16 Holding element of the clamping device 17 curved wall section of the connecting section 18 clamping device receiving space

Claims

[1] Frame (1) for a bicycle, wherein the bicycle has a seat post (6), with • a top tube section (2) which is essentially horizontally oriented in the operating state of the frame (1), preferably having a first section end (3), • a seat tube section (4) which has a second section end (5), wherein the seat tube section (4), preferably its second section end (5), is designed to accommodate the seat post (6) of the bicycle in a particularly removable manner, • a connecting section (7) which is designed to connect the top tube section (2), preferably its first section end (3), to the seat tube section (4), • a clamping device (8) which is designed to ◯ to counteract a particularly undesirable relative movement of the seat post (6) with respect to the seat tube section (4), especially in the operating state of the frame (1), ◯ from a released state in which the clamping device (8) exerts essentially no frictional force F r to be converted into an activated state in which the clamping device (8) exerts this frictional force on the seat post (6), ◯ to be arranged in a way that allows removal within the connecting section (7) • where ◯ the connecting section (7) has a clamping device receiving space (18) with a receiving space wall, ◯ the clamping device (8) can be inserted through the second section end (5) into the clamping device receiving space (18) when the seat post (6) is not received by the seat tube section (4), and ◯ when the seat post (6) is received by the seat tube section (4), the clamping device receiving space (18) is closed in such a way that it is not possible to remove the inserted clamping device (8). [2] Frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device (8) has a first clamping piece (9) and a second clamping piece (10), wherein these clamping pieces (9, 10) are designed to be movable relative to each other, particularly in the released state. [3] Frame (1) according to claim 2, wherein one of the clamping pieces (9, 10) is arranged substantially above another of these clamping pieces (9, 10). [4] Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (7) has at least one support section (11), wherein the clamping device (8), preferably at least one of these clamping pieces (9, 10), is supported on this support section (11) in the activated state. [5] Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein • the clamping device receiving space (18) is limited by this support section (11), and / or • the wall of the receiving chamber is connected to the connecting section (7) in a materially bonded manner, and / or • the receiving chamber wall is in particular materially bonded to a wall of the connecting section (7), and is particularly preferably formed in one piece with the support section (11). [6] Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of these clamping pieces (9, 10) has a sliding surface (12), wherein this clamping piece (9, 10) is movable along this sliding surface (12) in the direction of the seat post (6) in the released state, wherein preferably the sliding surface (12) is inclined relative to the horizontal in the operating state of the frame (1). [7] Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of these clamping pieces (9, 10) has a particularly curved friction surface (13), wherein the friction surface (13) is designed to exert a frictional force on the seat post (6) when activated. [8] Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (8) can be brought into contact with this support section (11) after it has been inserted through the second section end (5) into the clamping device receiving space (18). [9] Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (8) has a holding element (16), wherein preferably the retaining element (16) is connected to these clamping pieces (9, 10) in the activated state in a force-fit manner, wherein preferably in the activated state one of these clamping pieces (9, 10) rests against the holding element (16), wherein preferably in the activated state the retaining element (16) rests against this support section (11). [10] Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (8) has a clamping element (15), wherein the clamping element (15) extends through these clamping pieces (9, 10) in the activated state, wherein these clamping pieces (9, 10) are force-fit connected in the activated state by means of this clamping element (15), wherein preferably the clamping element (15) is accessible through an actuating opening (14) in the connecting section (7) wherein preferably the sliding surface (12) is inclined with respect to the clamping element (15). [11] Frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top tube section (2) and the seat tube section (4) each have a section wall, wherein the connecting section (7) has a curved wall section (17), wherein this curved wall section (17) runs from the section wall of the upper tube section (2) to the section wall of the seat tube section (4), wherein preferably the actuating opening (14) is arranged in the curved wall section (17). [12] Bicycle with a frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with this seat post (6), wherein the clamping device (8) can be removed from the frame (1) when the seat post (6) is not received by the seat tube section (4). [13] Method for manufacturing a frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by at least one of the steps S1 Prepare the connection section (7) with a fiber-filled polymer material, S2 Provision of the clamping device (8), in particular in the connecting section (7), S3 Curing of the fiber-filled polymer material for the connection section (7), especially after step S2, S4 Inserting the seat post (6) into the seat tube section (4), especially after step S3.

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