FOLDING SYSTEM A BICYCLE HEAD TUBE

Abstract

Product comprising a tube with a first component and a second component, a joint (53) that allows the first and second components to fold relative to each other such that the tube is foldable, a latch that secures the first and second components in an unfolded position, the latch comprising a lever (142) with a locking hook (87), comprising a detent (88) wherein the first and second components are secured by the locking hook (87) being continuously engaged in the detent (88), and further comprising a connection between the first and second components at the joint (53) wherein the first and second components are separable at the connection point by operating the joint (53), with a cable bundle (94) extending through an interior of the first and second components and through the joint (53).wherein the first and second components are foldable into a folded position and comprising a locking block (114) in permanent engagement with the joint (53) for locking the first and second components in the folded position.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The area to which the revelation refers includes bicycles, and in particular bicycles with folding functions.

[0002] DE 299 08 160 U concerns a frame construction, in particular a folding frame construction for a bicycle.

[0003] WO 2015 / 014 035 A1 refers to a guidance structure of a bicycle, in particular a guidance structure of a folding bicycle.

[0004] DE 20 2012 004 301 U1 relates to a folding mechanism for opening and closing city scooters, with a bicycle / folding bike folding mechanism that also locks into place when unfolded.

[0005] CN 102 616 317 A concerns a folding bicycle whose purpose is to make the bicycle more compact when stored or transported, for example in a train, bus or car. It also concerns a folding system attached to a bicycle. BACKGROUND

[0006] Bicycles come in numerous forms, powered by human effort, mechanical power, or both. Reconfiguring a bicycle into a compact form can be desirable for storage or transport. The mechanisms for reconfiguration are often complex and can be time-consuming to operate. Therefore, new approaches to reconfiguration are needed. SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATORY VARIATIONS

[0007] The disclosure relates to a product for bicycles and in particular bicycles with a folding function, comprising a tube with a first component and a second component, as well as a joint that allows the first and second components to fold in relation to each other in such a way that the tube is foldable.

[0008] Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although they disclose variations within the scope of the invention, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Selected examples of variations within the scope of the invention are more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1. A bicycle is illustrated according to a number of variations. Fig. Two aspects of a folding steering tube system in fragmentary view for use with a bicycle by Fig. 1 illustrated according to a number of variations. Fig. 3 aspects of the steering tube folding system Fig. 2 illustrated in a fragmentary snapshot view according to a series of variations. Fig. 4 aspects of the steering tube folding system from Fig. 2 illustrated in a fragmentary snapshot view according to a series of variations. Fig. 5 a detail of the steering tube folding system from Fig. 4 illustrated according to a series of variations. Fig. 6 a detail of the steering tube folding system from Fig. 4 illustrated according to a series of variations. Fig. 7 a section of the steering tube folding system of Fig. 4 illustrated according to a series of variations. Fig. 8 aspects of the steering tube folding system from Fig. 2 is presented in a fragmentary snapshot view according to a series of variations. Fig. 9 a detail of the steering tube folding system along line 9-9 in Fig. 8 illustrated according to a series of variations. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a steering tube folding system area of ​​a bicycle in a fragmentary snapshot view according to a series of variations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATORY VARIATIONS

[0010] The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application or uses.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a number of variations that a bicycle 40 can include. In any number of variations, the bicycle 40 can include a frame 42, which may include a main tube 44 connected to a seat tube 46. The main tube 44 may include a hinge 41 to allow the frame 42 to be folded, making the bicycle 40 easier to transport and store. A release latch 43 can unlock the hinge 41. Additional hinges may be included to facilitate folding the frame 42 into a reduced pack size for storage or transport. A head tube 45 may extend from the main tube 44. The head tube 45 may be operatively connected to a front fork 56, which may be connected to a front wheel 54.A handlebar assembly 48 can be attached to the steering tube 45 and can be used to control the direction of the front wheel 54 via the front fork 56. The handlebar assembly 48 can include a pair of opposing hand grips and can include a hinge 51 for folding the handlebar assembly 48. Control mechanisms 50 can be provided on the bicycle 40, such as on the handlebar assembly 48, on the steering tube 45 as shown, or on other parts of the frame 42. The control mechanisms 50 can be designed and arranged to communicate with one or more input receiving or control devices of the bicycle 40. The one or more input receiving or control devices can include latches, release mechanisms, other mechanical devices, or other mechanisms, which may include electronic devices, to receive input signals and / or communicate data.The one or more input receiving or control devices can perform functions or operations in response to inputs from the control mechanisms and / or can furthermore communicate with various components of the bicycle 40. In a number of variations, the control mechanisms 50 can be located on other parts of the frame 42 in combination with or as an alternative to the steering tube 45 or the handlebar assembly 48. The control mechanisms 50 can be levers, buttons, other human interface devices, or other mechanisms that can be manually manipulated. The one or more control mechanisms 50 can communicate with controlled devices in a number of ways, such as through mechanical links, electrical conductors, or wireless links.The steering tube 45 can be foldable, either separately or in conjunction with folding the frame 42 at the connection 41 and / or the handlebar assembly 48 at the connection 51, to fold the bicycle 40 into a compact package for convenient storage or transport. The folding system 52 can include one or more joints 53 for folding the components of the bicycle 40. The joint 53 can connect an upper component 57 of the steering tube 45 to a lower component 59 of the steering tube 45 as shown in [reference]. Fig. 2 or connect directly to the frame 42 as on the main tube 44.

[0012] In a number of variations, the bicycle 40 can include a drive system 55, which can operate manually, by motor, or by a combination of both. The drive system 55 can include a crank assembly 62, which may include a crankshaft 64 connected to a first pedal assembly 66 and a second pedal assembly 70. The first pedal assembly 66 may include a first foot pedal 68, and the second pedal assembly 70 may include a second foot pedal 72. A connected element 71, which may be a sprocket, a pulley, or another device for connecting to a drive wheel 82, can be operationally connected to the crankshaft 64 to drive a connecting element 76.The connecting element 76 can be a chain, belt, or other connection suitable for engaging the connected element 71 and can be operationally connected to a rear connecting element 78, which is operatively connected to a hub 80 of the drive wheel 82. The drive wheel 82 can be a road wheel contacting the surface on which the bicycle 40 operates. The connecting element 78 can be a sprocket, pulley, or other suitable device suitable for engaging with the connecting element 76. The bicycle 40 can be a bicycle, tricycle, or quadricycle, having the crank assembly 62, which is designed and arranged to allow a rider to input power using the first pedal assembly 66 and the second pedal assembly 70, and can include a motor-driven unit that can be packaged in the drive system 55.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 2. The folding system 52 can provide quick and easy folding and unfolding of the bicycle 40. The folding system 52 can provide self-locking operation in the folded position. Fig. 2 and / or in the unfolded position of Fig. 1. The joint 53 can be actuated in coordination with a remote control (locking / unlocking) of other joints on the bicycle 40, such as joints 41 and 51. The joint 53 can include a joint 84 that connects the upper component 57 to the lower component 59. The joint 84 can allow the upper component 57 to fold relative to the lower component 59, such as over or beside the main tube 44. The folding system 52 can include a locking system 86 to hold the upper component 57 in the unfolded position. Fig. 1 include. The locking system 86 can be a push-type system in which it can be released by a pressure force 91, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the locking system 86 can include a locking hook 87 that can interact with a detent 88. The locking hook 87 can be supported by a release lever 89. It is understood that the locking hook 87 and the detent 88 can be arranged in reversed positions on the upper and lower components 57, 59. The locking hook 87 and the detent 88 can be contained within the steering tube 45 and can be concealed therein when the joint 53 is in the open and detented position. Fig. 1. The upper and lower components 57, 59 can each include openings 90, 92 which can contain a cable bundle 94 that can be concealed in the steering tube 45 when the joint 53 is in the unfolded and locked position. Fig. 1. The rope bundle 94 can pass through the joint 53 and bend when the joint 53 is in the folded position of Fig. 2 is located. With reference to Fig. 3. When the upper component 57 is in the unfolded and locked position, the joint 53 can be unlocked by pivoting the lever 89 to release the locking hook 87 from the detent 88. This is done directly via the pressure force 91 on an upper section 96 of the lever 89 or remotely via a rope or other device. The release can be performed individually for the joint 53 or in combination with other joints, such as the joints 41 and / or 51, for folding the bicycle 40.

[0014] In a number of variations, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lever 89 can include a body 97 that conforms to the outer contour of the upper component 57 and can include an arm that extends into the upper part 57. The arm can have one end 101 near the body 97 and one end 102 away from the body 97. A rope 103 can be connected to the away end 102. The lever 89 can rotate about a pivot pin 104 on the upper component 57. A spring 105 can move the lever 89 into the locked position. The rope 103 can be connected to the joint 51 of the handlebar assembly 48 and can provide a pulling force when the lever 89 is twisted for use in folding the handlebar assembly 48. In a number of variations, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the locking system 86 can include a self-locking feature when the steering tube 45 is unfolded. When the upper section 57 is unfolded, the locking hook 87 can include a curved outer profile 106 that can act as a cam. When the profile 106 contacts the detent 88, the lever 89 can, as shown in Figure 6, Fig. As shown in Figure 5, rotate the upper component 57 so that the locking hook 87 can pass through the detent 88. When the upper component 57 is fully opened, the spring 105 can engage the lever 89 to engage the detent 88 with the locking hook 87, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. 6 shown, move and lock the steering tube 45 in the unfolded position.

[0015] Referring to Fig. The folding system 52 can, in a number of variations, include a rope 108 connected to the upper component 57, which is remotely controlled for folding the frame 42 when the steering tube 45 is folded. Folding the upper section 57 relative to the lower section 59 at the joint 84 can pull the rope 108 and exert a force to unlock the latch 41 for use when folding the frame 42. The area of ​​the joint 84 can include a drum 110 that can rotate with the upper component 57, to which the rope 108 can be attached. The drum 110 can be part of the joint or designed as a separate component. The drum 110 can include a stepped surface 112 that can provide a receptacle which interacts with a locking block 114 to lock the steering tube 45 in the folded position. With reference to Fig. 7. The drum 110 can include an outer surface 116 adjacent to the outer end of the stepped surface 112, which can be curved and convex. The stepped surface 112 can extend inward from the outer surface 116 toward the center of the joint 84 to a recessed surface 115. The stiffened surface 115 can be located closer to the center of the joint 84 than to the outer surface 116 as a result of the stepped surface 112. The stop block can include a mating surface 118 that can align with the outer surface 116 and run on it as the drum 110 rotates. The mating surface 118 can be curved and concave. A spring 120 can be arranged between the lower component 59 and the stop block, moving the surface 118 against the outer surface 116.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 8 can, in a number of variations, include an end 122 forming a locking surface 124. The locking surface 124 can extend radially from the center of the joint 84 and away from the center, starting at the mating surface 118. With the upper component 57 in the folded position of Fig. 8. The spring 120 can press the stop block against the drum 110 on the recessed surface 115, so that the end 122 moves into the step and the locking surface 124 engages in the step surface 112, locking the joint 53 in the folded position. The stop block can be formed or connected to an arm 126 that extends downwards into the lower component 59 along the wall 128 thereof. An opening 130 can be formed in the wall 128 adjacent to the arm 126. The arm 126 can include an extension 132 that extends through the opening 130 and outwards to provide a push button 134. The push button 134 can be pressed down to move the stop block to compress the spring 120, thereby moving the locking surface 124 to release it from the step surface 112, so that the upper component 57 can be folded apart.

[0017] In a number of variations, the arm 126 of the stop block can include a lower section 136 that can be received in a receptacle 138 when the upper component 57 is in the folded position. The receptacle 138 can be provided in the main tube 44 or another section of the frame 42 that does not rotate with the steering tube 45. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the lower section 136 of the arm 126 is received within the receptacle 138, the steering tube 45 is locked rotationally fixed in the angular direction 139. When the push button 134 is depressed and the upper component 57 is unfolded, the interaction between the outer surface 116 of the drum 110 and the mating surface 118 holds the lower section 136 out of the receptacle 138, allowing the steering tube 45 to rotate freely. The set steering angle at which the steering tube 45 locks when folded can facilitate convenient transport, including dollying. In this respect, permanent engagement of the lower part 136 in the receptacle 138 can be achieved by rotating the steering tube 45 approximately 25 degrees away from the straight-ahead position. This allows the handles to extend downwards below the height of the main tube 44.Gravity can hold the steering tube 45 in the folded position until the lower section 136 is rotated to engage the receptacle 138. Once engaged and with the steering tube 45 folded, the spring 120 can automatically move the lower section 136 into the receptacle 138 and the locking surface 124 against the stepped surface 112 to lock the steering tube 45 in the folded position and prevent it from rotating. Locking the steering tube 45 from rotating facilitates the transport of the bicycle 40 when folded, without twisting the front wheel 54. Locking the steering tube 45 at 25 degrees aligns the axles of the wheel 54 and the wheel 82 for straight tracking, thus facilitating pushing.

[0018] In a number of variations, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 10, the upper component 57 and the lower component 59 can be locked by a locking system 140. The locking system 140 can be a pull system, where it is released by applying a pulling force 141. The locking system 140 can include a lever 142 that can rotate about a pivot point 144, which can be located on the upper component 57. A spring 146 can bias the lever 142 toward a locked state to provide automatic locking when the locking hook 148 engages the detent 88. Applying the pulling force 141 to the lever 142 releases the detent 88 from the locking hook 148, allowing the upper component 57 to rotate at the hinge 84 into a folded position. The rope 103 can be connected to the lever 142 via the pivot point 144, so that the pulling force 141 also pulls the rope 103, which can be used as an actuating device when folding the handlebar assembly 48.The cable 103 can be guided on a guide 150 with an arc-shaped groove 152, which supports the cable 103 through a curve between passing through the upper component 57 and the connection with the lever 142. The locking system 140 can be contained within the steering tube 45 with the lever 142, adapted to its outer contour.

[0019] The variations described above allow for a quick and easy-to-use folding system for a bicycle steering tube. The locking system 86, 140 can be compact, concealed within the frame, and feature a self-locking mechanism. Cables 94 used in the operation of the bicycle 40, such as brake, gear, electrical cables, or tubes, can pass internally through the joint. Simultaneous remote control, similar to locking / unlocking other folding systems on the bicycle 40, can be achieved with the operation of the locking system 86, 140. When released and unfolded, the steering tube 45 can lock itself in an unfolded position for steering the bicycle 40.

[0020] The following description of variants serves only to illustrate components, elements, actions, products, and processes that are within the scope of the disclosure. It is not intended to limit the scope in any way through what is specifically identified or not expressly stated. The components, elements, modes of action, products, and processes described herein may be combined and rearranged differently than expressly described herein and will nevertheless be considered to be part of the scope of the disclosure. Variation 1 may include a product that incorporates a steering tube, comprising a first component and a second component. A hinge may be connected to allow the first and second components to fold relative to each other, making the steering tube foldable. A latch may secure the first and second components in an unfolded position. The latch may include a lever, which may have a locking hook. The product may also include a detent. The first and second components can be secured by the locking hook remaining permanently engaged in the detent. Variation 2 may include the product according to Variation 1 and may include a joint between the first and second components at the joint. The first and second components may be separable at the connection point by operating the joint. A bundle of rope may extend through an interior space of the first and second components and across the joint. Variation 3 can include the product according to Variation 1, in which the first and second components can be folded into a collapsed position. A locking block can engage in the joint to lock the first and second components in the collapsed position. Variation 4 may include the product according to Variation 3 and may include a frame that is rotatably connected to the steering assembly. The locking block may include an arm that can be inserted relative to the frame to lock it against rotation when it is in the folded position. Variation 5 may include the product according to Variation 3, in which the joint may include a drum with a stepped surface that may be stepped relative to the drum. The locking block may include one end with a locking surface. The locking surface may engage with the stepped surface to lock the first and second components in the folded position. Variation 6 may include the product according to Variation 5, wherein the drum may have an outer surface adjacent to the stepped surface. A recessed surface may be provided on a side opposite the stepped surface from the outer surface, which may form a recess for receiving the end of the locking block against the stepped surface. Variation 7 may include the product according to Variation 1 and may include a frame that is rotatably connected to the steering tube. A frame joint may be detachable to allow the frame to be folded. A rope may be connected to the frame joint and the first component. Variation 8 may include the product according to Variation 1 and may include a steering assembly that can be connected to the steering tube. An arm may extend from the lever. A rope may be connected to the arm and the steering assembly. Variation 9 may include the product according to Variation 1, in which the steering tube includes an outer wall with an opening and the lever may be arranged in the opening. Variation 10 may involve a product that includes a frame. A steering tube may be connected to the frame. A wheel may be connected to the steering tube. The steering tube and wheel may be rotatable relative to the frame. A hinge may be connected to allow the steering tube to fold relative to the frame between a folded and an unfolded position. The folded position may be closer to the frame than the unfolded position. A latch may secure the steering tube in the unfolded position. The latch may include a lever with a locking hook. The product may include a detent. The steering tube may be secured in the unfolded position by the locking hook remaining permanently engaged in the detent. Variation 11 may include the product according to Variation 10, in which a locking block can engage in the notch to lock the steering tube in the folded position. Variation 12 may include the product according to Variation 11, wherein the locking block may include an arm that can be brought into permanent engagement with respect to the frame to lock the steering tube against rotation when it is in the folded position. Variation 13 may include the product according to Variation 11, wherein the joint may include a drum with a stepped surface that is stepped relative to the drum. The locking block may include one end with a locking surface. The locking surface may engage with the stepped surface to lock the first and second components in the folded position. Variation 14 may include the product according to Variation 13, wherein the drum may have an outer surface adjacent to the stepped surface. A recessed surface may be provided on a side opposite the stepped surface from the outer surface, which may form a recess for receiving the end of the locking block against the stepped surface. Variation 15 may include the product according to Variation 10 and may include a frame joint that can be released to fold the frame. A rope may be connected to the frame joint and the first component. Variation 16 may include the product according to Variation 10 and may include a steering assembly that can be connected to the steering tube. An arm may extend from the lever. A rope may be connected to the arm and the steering assembly. Variation 17 may include the product according to Variation 10 and may include a connection at the joint. The first steering tube may be separable at the connection point by operating the joint. A cable bundle may extend through an interior space of the steering tube and may extend through the joint. Variation 18 may include the product according to Variation 10, in which the steering tube may include an outer wall with an opening and the lever may be arranged in the opening. Variation 19 may include the product according to Variation 10 and may include a locking block for locking the steering tube in the folded position. The joint may include a drum related to the locking block and may include a step. A spring may push the locking block against the drum and move the locking block into the step when the steering tube is in the folded position. Variation 20 may include the product according to Variation 19, in which the frame may include a receptacle. The locking block may be retractable into the receptacle when the steering tube is in the folded position to lock the steering tube against rotation.

Claims

[1] Product comprising a tube with a first component and a second component, a joint (53) that allows the first and second components to fold relative to each other such that the tube is foldable, a latch that secures the first and second components in an unfolded position, the latch comprising a lever (142) with a locking hook (87), comprising a detent (88) wherein the first and second components are secured by the locking hook (87) being continuously engaged in the detent (88), and further comprising a connection between the first and second components at the joint (53) wherein the first and second components are separable at the connection point by operating the joint (53), with a bundle of ropes (94) extending through an interior space of the first and second components and through the joint (53),wherein the first and second components are foldable into a folded position and comprising a locking block (114) in permanent engagement with the joint (53) for locking the first and second components in the folded position. [2] Product according to claim 1, comprising a frame (42) rotatably connected to the tube, wherein the locking block (114) includes an arm (126) that can be brought into permanent engagement with respect to the frame (42) for locking the tube against rotation in the folded position. [3] Product according to claim 1, comprising a drum with a stepped surface (112) relating to the drum (110), wherein the locking block (114) includes an end with a locking surface (124), the locking surface (124) being in permanent engagement with the stepped surface (112) for locking the first and second components in the folded position. [4] Product according to claim 3, wherein the drum (110) includes an outer surface (116) adjacent to the step surface (112) and a recessed surface (115) on a side of the step surface (112) opposite the outer surface (116), forming a receptacle for receiving the end of the locking block (114) against the step surface (112). [5] Product according to claim 1, comprising a frame (42) wherein the tube is rotatably connected to the frame (42), a frame joint (53) which is releasable for folding the frame (42) and a rope (103) which is connected to the frame joint (53) and the first component. [6] Product according to claim 1, comprising a handlebar assembly connected to the tube, wherein an arm (126) extends from the lever (142) and a rope (103) is connected to the arm (126) and the handlebar assembly. [7] Product according to claim 1, wherein the tube includes an outer wall with an opening (130) and the lever (142) is arranged in the opening (130). [8] Product comprising a frame (42), a steering tube connected to the frame (42), a wheel connected to the steering tube, wherein the steering tube and the wheel are rotatable with respect to the frame (42), a joint (53) connected to enable the steering tube to fold with respect to the frame (42) between a folded and an unfolded position, wherein the folded position is closer to the frame (42) than the unfolded position, a latch securing the steering tube in the unfolded position, the latch with a lever (142) with a locking hook (87) comprising a detent (88), securing the steering tube in the unfolded position by the locking hook (87) continuously engaging the detent (88), and further comprising a connection between the first and second components at the joint (53), wherein the first and second components are separable at the connection point by operating the joint (53), with a bundle of ropes (94),which extends through an interior space of the first and second components and through the joint (53), wherein the first and second components are foldable into a folded position and comprising a locking block (114) in permanent engagement with the joint (53) for locking the first and second components in the folded position.

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