Bicycle hose routing

Abstract

Bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) comprising: a tubular main body (12; 212; 312) which defines a through-opening (12a; 312a), an inner circumferential surface (12b; 312b) and an outer circumferential surface (12c; 312c), wherein the through-opening (12a; 312a) is designed to accommodate a force transmission element intended to transmit an actuating force; a first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) which is provided at least radially within the outer circumferential surface (12c; 312c) and has an end region (14a; 314a) which is configured to be electrically connected to a bicycle component; and a fastening part (18) which is designed to be attached to an end region (12e) of the tubular main body (12; 212; 312) and to be electrically connected to the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314), wherein the fastening part (18) has an insertion area (18b) and a flange area (18c), wherein the insertion area (18b) is inserted into the bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) and is in contact with the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) and wherein the flange area (18c) is provided at one end of the insertion area (18b).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle hose assembly. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as a form of recreation and competition, as well as a means of transportation. Whether used for leisure, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving its various components. In recent years, some bicycles have been equipped with mechanical and electrical components. A mechanical component is connected to a mechanical control device via a hose, such as a hydraulic hose or a mechanical cable. An electrical component is connected to an electrical control device via a separate electrical cable.

[0003] CH 201 708 A discloses a motorcycle inner tube construction with a covering in which several Bowden cables and an electrical conductor are arranged, running loosely within the covering. Furthermore, DE 20 2007 010 468 U1 discloses a cable system, such as a Bowden cable, used in a braking system for a motor vehicle (see therein). Fig. 1) The cable system comprises a sheath arranged around the force-transmitting Bowden cable. The Bowden cable is connected to a measuring device to measure the force exerted. EP 1 690 979 A2 discloses a supply cable that can hang freely from the sea surface to the seabed in ultra-deep oil fields. The supply cable comprises a central core and a layer surrounding the core.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bicycle hose assembly with a simplified design. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle inner tube assembly comprises a tubular main body and a first electrical conductor. The tubular main body defines a through-opening, an inner circumferential surface, and an outer circumferential surface. The through-opening is configured to accommodate a force transmission element intended to transmit an actuating force. The first electrical conductor is provided at least radially within the outer circumferential surface and has an end region configured to be electrically connected to a bicycle component. Furthermore, a fastening element is provided, configured to be attached to an end region of the tubular main body and to be electrically connected to the first electrical conductor.The fastening part has an insertion area and a flange area, wherein the insertion area is inserted into the bicycle inner tube assembly and is in contact with the first electrical conductor, and wherein the flange area is provided at one end of the insertion area.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle hose cable arrangement according to the first aspect is designed such that the first electrical conductor is provided on / at the inner circumferential surface of the tubular main body.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle inner tube cable arrangement is designed according to the first or second aspect such that the first electrical conductor is connected to the inner circumferential surface.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle inner tube arrangement is designed according to one of the second or third aspects such that the first electrical conductor comprises a first conductive layer which is provided on / at the inner circumferential surface to cover the inner circumferential surface.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle inner tube arrangement according to one of the first to fourth aspects comprises a second electrical conductor which is provided radially outside the first electrical conductor in order to be electrically insulated from the first electrical conductor by the tubular main body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle hose cable arrangement is designed according to one of the fifth or sixth aspects such that the second electrical conductor is provided on / at the outer circumferential surface of the tubular main body.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle inner tube arrangement is designed according to one of the first to seventh aspects such that the second electrical conductor comprises a second conductive layer which is provided on / at the outer circumferential surface to cover the outer circumferential surface.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle inner tube arrangement is designed according to one of the first to eighth aspects such that the first electrical conductor is at least partially embedded in the tubular main body.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle inner tube assembly is designed according to one of the first to eighth aspects such that the first electrical conductor comprises a tubular part. The tubular main body is designed to radially cover the first electrical conductor on the outside.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle hose assembly is designed according to one of the first to ninth aspects such that the through-opening includes a fluid passage through which hydraulic fluid transmits the actuating force as the force transmission element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle hose assembly is designed according to one of the first to tenth aspects such that the fastening part includes an internal passage which is designed to be in fluid communication with the fluid passage in a state in which the fastening part is attached to the end region of the tubular main body.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle hose line arrangement is designed according to one of the first to eleventh aspects such that the through-opening includes a wire passage through which a mechanical control wire extends as the force transmission element to transmit the actuating force. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] A more complete understanding of the invention and many of its associated advantages will be more easily gained by considering it in conjunction with the following detailed description and the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a bicycle hose arrangement according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the bicycle hose routing arrangement along line II - II from Fig. 1 is; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a bicycle braking system and a bicycle lighting system connected to each other via the bicycle hose routing arrangement shown in Fig. As shown in 1, they are connected. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement between a hydraulic actuating device and the bicycle hose line arrangement shown in Fig. 1 is shown; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle hose assembly according to a second embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle inner tube assembly according to a third embodiment; and Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement between a brake control device and the bicycle hose line arrangement, which is shown in Fig. 6 is shown. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0018] The embodiments are now described with reference to the attached drawings, where the same reference numerals define corresponding or identical elements throughout the different drawings. First embodiment

[0019] In relation to Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle hose assembly 10 according to a first embodiment. The bicycle hose assembly 10 comprises a tubular main body 12 and a first electrical conductor 14. The tubular main body 12 defines a through-opening 12a, an inner circumferential surface 12b, and an outer circumferential surface 12c. The through-opening 12a is designed to accommodate a force transmission element intended to transmit an actuating force. In the embodiment shown, the through-opening 12a includes a fluid passage 12d through which hydraulic fluid, as the force transmission element, transmits the actuating force. The bicycle hose assembly 10 can, in fact, be used as a hose element, such as a hydraulic hose. The tubular main body 12 is made of electrically insulating material, such as rubber. The tubular main body 12 has a central axis A.The first electrical conductor 14 extends along the central axis A of the tubular main body 12. The first electrical conductor 14 is made of electrically conductive material, such as electrically conductive metal, more precisely, a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy. The first electrical conductor 14 can, for example, be a metal plate or a metal strip.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first electrical conductor 14 is provided at least radially within the outer circumferential surface 12c. In the embodiment shown, the first electrical conductor 14 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 12b of the tubular main body 12. The first electrical conductor 14 is connected / bonded to the inner circumferential surface 12b. The first electrical conductor 14 is at least partially embedded in the tubular main body 12. The first electrical conductor 14 is, for example, integrally formed with the tubular main body 12 by using overmolding technology. Alternatively, the first electrical conductor 14 can be bonded to the inner circumferential surface 12b with an adhesive. The first electrical conductor 14 is at least partially exposed in the through-opening 12a. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the first electrical conductor 14 forms part of the fluid passage 12d. The first electrical conductor 14 serves as the anode beam.The first electrical conductor serves as the signal line, if needed and / or desired.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the bicycle inner tube assembly 10 further comprises a second electrical conductor 16, which is provided radially outside the first electrical conductor 14 in order to be electrically insulated from the first electrical conductor 14 by the tubular main body 12. In the embodiment shown, the second electrical conductor 16 is provided on the outer circumferential surface 12c of the tubular main body 12. The second electrical conductor 16 is connected / glued to the outer circumferential surface 12c. The second electrical conductor 16 is at least partially embedded in the tubular main body 12. The second electrical conductor 16 is, for example, formed integrally with the tubular main body 12 by using an overmolding technique. Alternatively, the second electrical conductor 16 can be glued to the outer circumferential surface 12c.The second electrical conductor 16 is at least partially exposed outside the tubular main body 12. The second electrical conductor 16 serves as a ground conductor. If desired, the second electrical conductor 16 can be completely embedded within the tubular main body 12.

[0022] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the second electrical conductor 16 extends along the central axis A of the tubular main body 12. The second electrical conductor 16 is made of electrically conductive material, such as electrically conductive metal, more precisely, a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy. The second electrical conductor 16 can, for example, be a metal plate or a metal strip. The second electrical conductor 16 is used as a cathode ray. The second electrical conductor 16 can be omitted in the bicycle inner tube arrangement 10 if the first electrical conductor 14 serves as the signal line.

[0023] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first electrical conductor 14 is positioned between the central axis A and the second electrical conductor 16. The positional relationship between the first electrical conductor 14 and the second electrical conductor 16 is not limited to the embodiment shown. For example, if needed and / or desired, the first electrical conductor 14 can be positioned on a side opposite the second electrical conductor 16 with respect to the central axis A.

[0024] In relation to Fig. Section 3 describes an application example of the bicycle hose assembly 10. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the bicycle hose assembly 10 can be used as both a hydraulic hose and an electrical wire in a bicycle brake system B and a bicycle lighting system L. The bicycle brake system B includes a hydraulic control device B1 and a hydraulic brake caliper B2. The bicycle lighting system L includes a bicycle lamp L1 and an electric generator L2 (e.g., a hub dynamo). The hydraulic control device B1 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic brake caliper B2 via the bicycle hose assembly 10. The bicycle lamp L1 is electrically connected to the electric generator L2 via the bicycle hose assembly 10, a first electrical cable C1, and a second electrical cable C2. The first electrical conductor 14 is electrically connected to the first electrical cable C1 and the second electrical cable C2.Since the bicycle braking system B and the bicycle lighting system L contain arrangements that are well known in the field of bicycles, they will not be described and / or shown in more detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, one end of the bicycle hose assembly 10 is connected to the hydraulic control device B1 by means of a hydraulic hose fitting B3. The hydraulic hose fitting B3 includes a cover B4, a connecting fastener B5, and a tubular bushing B6. One end of the bicycle hose assembly 10 is inserted into the cover B4, the connecting fastener B5, and the tubular bushing B6. The connecting fastener B5 is attached to a housing B11 of the hydraulic control device B1. The connecting fastener B5 and the tubular bushing B6 are made of electrically conductive material, such as copper or a copper alloy. The connecting fastener B5 and the tubular bushing B6 are in contact with the second electrical conductor 16. The connecting fastener B5 and the tubular bushing B6 can serve as part of the ground wire.The cover B4 is attached to the housing B11 of the hydraulic control device B1. Both the cover B4 and the housing B11 are made of electrically insulating materials. For example, the cover B4 is made of an electrically insulating material such as rubber, and the housing B11 is made of an electrically insulating material such as a resin material that provides electrical insulation. By screwing the connecting fastener B5 into the housing B11, the tubular bushing B6 is pressed axially and secured to the bicycle hose assembly 10 to prevent the hose assembly 10 from detaching from the housing B11. Since this fastening design is well-known in the field of bicycles, it will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0026] The first electrical conductor 14 has an end region 14a configured to be electrically connected to a bicycle component. In the illustrated embodiment, the end region 14a of the first electrical conductor 14 is electrically connected to the bicycle lamp L1. More precisely, the bicycle hose assembly 10 further comprises a fastening element 18 configured to be attached to an end region 12e of the tubular main body 12 and to be electrically connected to the electrical conductor 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening element 18 includes an internal passage 18a configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid passage 12d when the fastening element 18 is attached to the end region 12e of the tubular main body 12.

[0027] The fluid passage 12d is in a state in which the bicycle hose line arrangement 10 is connected to the hydraulic control device B1, via the internal passage 18a and a fluid opening B13 of the housing B11 in fluid communication with a master cylinder B12 of the housing B11.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the fastening part 18 is in a state in which it is attached to the end region 12e of the tubular main body 12 and is in contact with the end region 14a of the first electrical conductor 14. More precisely, the fastening part 18 includes an insertion region 18b and a flange region 18c. The insertion region 18b has a cylindrical shape and defines the inner passage 18a. The insertion region 18b is inserted into the bicycle inner tube assembly 10 and is in contact with the first electrical conductor 14. The flange region 18c is provided at one end of the insertion region 18b. The fastening part 18 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive metal, more specifically a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy.

[0029] An insulating element 19 is provided between the flange area 18c and the second electrical conductor 16 to electrically insulate the mounting element 18 from the second electrical conductor 16. The insulating element 19 is attached to the flange area 18c. For example, the insulating element 19 is bonded to the flange area 18c with an adhesive. The insulating element 19 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as rubber. The insulating element 19 can be omitted if the mounting element 18 can be spaced apart from the second electrical conductor 16.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, an additional electrical conductor 20 is provided between the mounting part 18 and the housing B11. The additional electrical conductor 20 is attached around the fluid opening B13 of the housing B11. The additional electrical conductor 20 is, for example, glued around the fluid opening B13 of the housing B11. The flange area 18c of the mounting part 18 is in contact with the additional electrical conductor 20. The additional electrical conductor 20 is electrically connected to an additional electrical wire 22 provided in the housing B11. The additional electrical wire 22 extends from the additional electrical conductor 20 to an outside of the hydraulic control device B1. The additional electrical wire 22 is included in the first electrical cable C1 and is electrically connected to the bicycle lamp L1. After the connection arrangements shown in Figure 4 are in place, the additional electrical conductor 20 is connected to the hydraulic control device B1. Fig. The connection arrangements shown in Figure 4, which can be used between the hydraulic brake caliper B2 and the electric generator L2, are not described and / or shown in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0031] As described above, the bicycle hose assembly 10 can be used as a hose element and an electrical cable, since the bicycle hose assembly 10 includes the tubular main body 12 and the first electrical conductor 14. Accordingly, at least part of an electrical cable can be integrated with a hose element to simplify the wire arrangement in a bicycle. Second embodiment

[0032] A bicycle hose line arrangement 210 according to a second embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 5 described. The bicycle hose assembly 210 has the same configuration as the bicycle hose assembly 10, except for the arrangement of the first and second electrical conductors. Thus, elements that have essentially the same function as those in the first embodiment have the same numbering here and are not described in more detail for the sake of brevity.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the bicycle inner tube assembly 210 comprises the tubular main body 12, a first electrical conductor 214, and a second electrical conductor 216. The first electrical conductor 214 comprises a first conductive layer 214a, which is provided on the inner circumferential surface 12b to cover the inner circumferential surface 12b. The first conductive layer 214a is provided in the through-opening 12a of the tubular main body 12. The second electrical conductor 216 comprises a second conductive layer 216a, which is provided on the outer circumferential surface 12c to cover the outer circumferential surface 12c. The first and second conductive layers 214a and 216b, like the first and second electrical conductors 14 and 16 of the first embodiment, are made of conductive material.

[0034] In other words, the first electrical conductor 214 comprises a tubular part 214a, and the tubular main body 12 is configured to radially cover the first electrical conductor 214. Furthermore, the second electrical conductor 216 comprises a tubular part 216a, and the second electrical conductor 216 is configured to radially cover the tubular main body 12. The second electrical conductor 216 can be omitted from the bicycle inner tube assembly 210 if required and / or desired.

[0035] Since the bicycle hose assembly 210 includes the tubular main body 212 and the first electrical conductor 214, the bicycle hose assembly 210 can be used as a hose element and an electrical cable. Accordingly, at least part of an electrical cable can be integrated with a hose element, which simplifies the wire arrangement in a bicycle. Third embodiment

[0036] A bicycle hose line arrangement 310 according to a third embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 described. The bicycle hose assembly 310 has the same configuration as the bicycle hose assembly 10, except for the arrangement of the first and second electrical conductors. Thus, parts that have essentially the same function as those in the embodiments above have the same numbering here and are not described in more detail for the sake of brevity.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the bicycle hose assembly 310 comprises a tubular main body 312 and a first electrical conductor 314. The tubular main body 312 defines a through-opening 312a, an inner circumferential surface 312b, and an outer circumferential surface 312c. The first electrical conductor 314 is provided at least radially within the outer circumferential surface 312c and has an end region 314a configured to be electrically connected to a bicycle component. The through-opening 312a is configured to accommodate a force transmission element intended to transmit an actuating force. In the embodiment shown, the through-opening 312a includes a wire passage 312d through which a mechanical actuating wire W extends to transmit the actuating force as the force transmission element. The bicycle hose assembly 310 can thus be used as both a hose element and a mechanical cable.The first electrical conductor 314 is completely embedded in the tubular main body 12 in order not to contact the mechanical actuating wire W.

[0038] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, an additional electrical conductor 320 is attached to a housing B91 of a brake control device B9. The additional electrical conductor 320 is provided around a wire opening B92 of the housing B91. An end region 314a of the first electrical conductor 314 is in contact with the additional electrical conductor 320 when the bicycle hose assembly 310 is attached to the brake control device B9. The end region 314a is provided between the tubular main body 312 and the additional electrical conductor 320.

[0039] The additional electrical conductor 320 is electrically connected to an additional electrical wire 322 provided in the housing B91. The additional electrical wire 322 extends from the additional electrical conductor 320 to an outside of the brake control device B9. The additional electrical wire 322 is contained within the first electrical cable C1a and is electrically connected to a switch (not shown) of an electrical circuit T1.

[0040] Since the bicycle hose assembly 310 includes the tubular main body 312 and the first electrical conductor 314, the bicycle hose assembly 310 can be used as a hose element and an electrical cable. Accordingly, at least part of an electrical cable can be integrated with a hose element to simplify the wire arrangement in a bicycle.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the term "attached" or "attached," as previously used, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly attached to another by attaching the element to the other; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other by attaching the element to an intermediate element(s) that are in turn attached to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with the other, i.e., one element is substantially part of the other. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, e.g., "connected," "linked," "coupled," "mounted," "joined," "fixed," and their derivatives.

[0042] The term "comprehensive" and its derivatives, as used here, are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of the mentioned features, elements, components, numbers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps not shown. This concept also applies to words with a similar meaning, such as "include," "have," and their derivatives.

[0043] The terms “part”, “section”, “area”, “component” and “element” can, when used in the singular, have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

[0044] The ordinal numbers such as "First" and "Second" presented in the present application are merely descriptive and have no further meaning, for example, indicating a specific order or the like. Furthermore, the term "first element" does not in itself imply the presence of a "second element," and the term "second element" does not in itself imply the presence of a "first element."

[0045] Finally, terms of a magnitude such as "essentially", "approximately" and "about" as used here mean a reasonable amount / measure of deviation from the modified term, such that the final result does not change substantially.

Claims

[1] Bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) comprising: a tubular main body (12; 212; 312) defining a through-hole (12a; 312a), an inner peripheral surface (12b; 312b) and an outer peripheral surface (12c; 312c), wherein the through-hole (12a; 312a) is configured to accommodate a force transmission element provided to transmit an actuating force; a first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) provided at least radially inside the outer peripheral surface (12c; 312c) and having an end portion (14a; 314a) configured to be electrically connected to a bicycle component; and a fastening part (18) which is designed to be fastened to an end region (12e) of the tubular main body (12; 212; 312) and to be electrically connected to the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314), wherein the fastening part (18) has an insertion portion (18b) and a flange portion (18c), wherein the insertion portion (18b) is inserted into the bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) and is in contact with the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314), and wherein the flange portion (18c) is provided at one end of the insertion portion (18b). [2] The bicycle inner tube assembly (10; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) is provided on the inner peripheral surface (12b) of the tubular main body (12; 212; 312). [3] Bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) is connected to the inner peripheral surface (12b). [4] The bicycle inner tube assembly (10; 210; 310) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) comprises a first conductive layer (214a) provided on the inner peripheral surface (12b) to cover the inner peripheral surface (12b). [5] Bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a second electrical conductor (16; 216) provided radially outwardly of the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) to be electrically insulated from the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) by the tubular main body (12; 212; 312). [6] The bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) according to claim 5, wherein the second electrical conductor (16; 216) is provided on the outer peripheral surface (12c) of the tubular main body (12; 212; 312). [7] The bicycle inner tube assembly (10; 210; 310) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the second electrical conductor (16; 216) comprises a second conductive layer (216a) provided on the outer peripheral surface (12c) to cover the outer peripheral surface (12c). [8] Bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) is at least partially embedded in the tubular main body (12; 212; 312). [9] The bicycle inner tube assembly (10; 210; 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) comprises a tubular member (214a), and the tubular main body (12; 212; 312) is configured to cover the first electrical conductor (14; 214; 314) radially outwardly. [10] Bicycle hose assembly (10; 210; 310) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the through-hole (12a; 312a) comprises a fluid passage (12d) through which hydraulic fluid as the force transmission element transmits the actuating force. [11] The bicycle inner tube assembly (10; 210; 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fastening member (18) includes an internal passage (18a) configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid passage (12d) in a state in which the fastening member (18) is fastened to the end portion (12e) of the tubular main body (12; 212; 312). [12] The bicycle inner tube assembly (10; 210; 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the through-hole (312a) comprises a wire passage (312d) through which a mechanical operating wire (W) extends as the force transmitting member to transmit the operating force.

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