Flap for closing an opening in a bicycle frame tube

Abstract

Flap (11) for closing an opening (2) in a frame tube (1) of a bicycle, comprising: a) a first hinge part (20) for articulated attachment of the flap (11) to the frame tube (1); b) a cover (30) arranged on the first hinge part (20); wherein the cover (30) has such an outer geometry that, in a closed position of the flap (11), it is aligned with the outer geometry of the frame tube surrounding the opening (2).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a flap for closing an opening in a frame tube of a bicycle. It further relates to a closure unit comprising such a flap and a frame tube comprising such a closure unit. State of the art

[0002] It is common practice to use the frame tube of bicycles as a storage space. This storage space can accommodate, for example, bicycle tools or other storage space for smaller items. In electric bicycles, the drive battery is often located in a storage space within the frame tube. In this case, charging ports are often located on or within a frame tube to enable the drive battery to be charged while it is located within the frame tube. Instead of or in addition to charging ports, a frame tube can also accommodate sockets for power supply.

[0003] Typically, the housing, charging port, or power outlet should be accessible from the outside. At the same time, the access should be lockable to prevent water, dirt, or dust from entering the housing or the power outlet. Locked access is also generally preferred for aesthetic reasons.

[0004] Various solutions are known for closing the access. Common examples include plastic or rubber covers that are placed on the outside of the access and secured to the frame tube by clips when closed. However, such closures are visually very conspicuous and, due to the steps that usually occur near the edge of the cover, are susceptible to contamination. This increases the effort required to clean the frame and can impair the function of the closure. Description of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to create a flap for closing an opening in a frame tube of a bicycle, which can be easily integrated into the appearance of the bicycle frame, has low maintenance costs and functions reliably.

[0006] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the flap comprises a) a first hinge part for the articulated attachment of the flap to the frame tube and b) a cover arranged on the first hinge part.

[0007] The cover has an external geometry such that, when the flap is in the closed position, it is aligned with the external geometry of the frame tube surrounding the opening.

[0008] A frame tube is defined here as a component of the bicycle frame that has a hollow space. This can be the down tube, the top tube, the seat tube, the steering column, an engine housing, or another component of the frame.

[0009] A closure unit according to the invention for an opening in a frame tube of a bicycle comprises an insert for receiving in a receiving space of the frame tube, wherein the opening opens into the receiving space. The flap according to the invention can be hingedly attached to the insert.

[0010] The insert can enclose the edge of the opening or be positioned only partially along this edge or set back from it. The insert can be positioned on the frame tube near the opening. In principle, the insert can also be attached to an inner surface of the frame tube opposite the opening and / or in the side areas of the frame tube.

[0011] The invention further comprises a frame tube with such a closure unit. The frame tube has an opening that opens into a receiving space in the frame tube, wherein the opening can be closed with the flap of the closure unit, and wherein a cover of the flap has an outer geometry such that, in a closed position of the flap, it is aligned with the outer geometry of the frame tube surrounding the opening.

[0012] The outer geometry of the cover is adapted to the outer geometry of the frame tube, particularly with regard to its spatial position and curvatures. In addition to the geometry, the cover, at least on its outer side, is also advantageously adapted to the outer frame tube in terms of its material and / or color or paint finish.

[0013] The flush geometry eliminates any steps near the edge of the cover, reducing susceptibility to dirt. Furthermore, when the cover is closed, the frame tube maintains a uniform appearance, even in the area of ​​the opening.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first hinge part has a bent first section in the region of a pivot axis of the flap and a straight second section adjoining the first section, wherein the cover is arranged on the second section.

[0015] Accordingly, the locking unit insert comprises a second hinge part to which the first hinge part can be hingedly attached. When the locking unit is assembled, the second hinge part is preferably arranged to the side of the opening in the receiving space, i.e., hidden behind a frame tube wall.

[0016] The geometry of the first hinge part allows the second hinge part to be concealed behind the frame tube wall. Accordingly, the opening is accessible across essentially its entire surface when the locking unit is open.

[0017] The cover is advantageously attached to the first hinge part using a clip connection. This type of connection is stable and cost-effective and allows for separate replacement of the cover or the first hinge part if necessary.

[0018] The cover and the first hinge part can be made of the same or different materials. For example, the first hinge part can be made of a suitable plastic, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, while the cover can be made of a carbon material or painted metal.

[0019] Alternatively, the cover is attached to the first hinge part by another means, e.g., by adhesive bonding. The cover can also be formed integrally with the first hinge part.

[0020] Advantageously, the flap comprises a spring that interacts with the first section of the first hinge part such that the flap is moved into the open position when attached to the frame tube. This enables the flap to be opened without having to be actively moved into the open position.

[0021] Advantageously, the flap comprises a first locking part which is arranged in the region of an end of the flap which is opposite the pivot axis in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] Accordingly, a second locking part is arranged on the insert of the closure unit according to the invention, wherein the first locking part and the second locking part interact to form a locking mechanism.

[0023] The locking mechanism prevents accidental opening of the locking unit. It can be designed so that the locking unit is unlocked by a corresponding actuation, e.g., pushing in the cover. The flap is then moved into the open position, preferably due to the spring mentioned above. It is also possible to design the locking parts so that the lock can be locked. It is then unlocked mechanically, e.g., using a key, magnetically by actuating an electromagnet, or electromechanically using an actuator. This makes it possible to protect the receiving space, charging port, or socket from unauthorized access or use.

[0024] In preferred embodiments, the insert of the closure unit comprises a retaining ring and a support attachable to the retaining ring, with the second hinge part being formed on the support. The second hinge part can be integral with other areas of the support or attached as a separate component to a base body of the support. This arrangement enables secure attachment of the closure unit to the frame tube. The retaining ring can be made of an elastic material and directly contact the frame tube, thus mechanically dampening the effects of the frame on the closure unit and / or performing a sealing function.

[0025] In a preferred application, the retaining ring and the carrier are designed to accommodate a charging socket. In this context, a "charging socket" refers to a connector that can be connected to a suitable counterpart of a charging cable. In addition to electrical connections, electrical and / or optical data connections can also be created. The charging socket can be provided with magnetic and / or mechanical elements to hold the counterpart to the charging socket and / or to simplify the creation of the connection between the counterpart and the charging socket. The charging socket can be used, in particular, for charging the drive battery of an electric bicycle.

[0026] Preferably, the charging socket, the carrier, and the retaining ring, when attached to one another, have several aligned through-holes, so that they can be jointly attached to the frame tube by means of a screw connection. This enables particularly simple attachment of these components to one another and to the frame tube. Specifically, the components can initially be assembled as a unit outside the frame and then attached together to the frame.

[0027] In particular, the charging socket and the carrier each have a circumferential flange in which the through-openings are formed. In the assembled state, the flange of the carrier is preferably arranged between the flange of the charging socket and the retaining ring.

[0028] Preferably, the frame tube forms a recessed flange in an area surrounding the opening, with the insert of the locking unit being mounted externally on the recessed flange. Mounting is carried out in particular by means of a screw connection, with the corresponding screws preferably extending through the aforementioned through-openings of the charging socket, the support, and the retaining ring and being screwed into the flange of the frame tube with their free ends or secured thereto by means of nuts.

[0029] The recessed flange creates a receiving space for the aligned reception of the flap and at the same time represents a fastening surface for the locking unit. The bent first section of the first hinge part then has, in particular, a geometry such that the flap is pivoted out of the receiving space formed by the recessed flange when opened.

[0030] The closure unit advantageously forms a seal against the frame tube. Suitable sealing elements can be provided, for example, on the inside of the flap and interact with a counter-surface on the frame tube (e.g., the outer surface of the recessed flange). Such sealing elements can be designed, for example, as a circumferential molded seal made of a rubber material. In a sealed insert, the seal can also be formed between the insert and the frame tube; in this case, too, a seal in the area of ​​the flap is advantageous to prevent water, dirt, or dust from penetrating the sealed insert.

[0031] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Short description of the drawings

[0032] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: Fig. 1 An exploded view of an embodiment of a closure unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 an oblique view of the locking unit in the assembled state; Fig. 3A, B the flap of the locking unit in unassembled and assembled state; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the locking unit in the open state; Fig. 5A, B the locking unit in installed state without and with the cover fitted; and Fig. 6 the installation situation of the closure unit according to the invention in a bicycle frame tube.

[0033] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0034] The Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a closure unit according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows an oblique view of the locking unit in the assembled state. The locking unit 10 comprises a flap 11, which is pivotally mounted in a carrier 60. The flap 11 is composed of a hinge part 20 and a cover 30. The hinge part 20 (see also Fig. 3A, B) has an elongated shape with a rear section 21 that is G-shaped and a front section 25 that adjoins it at the front and is essentially straight. At the rear end of the rear section 21, an opening 24 is formed that extends transversely to the longitudinal extent of the hinge part 20. A locking cam 28 is arranged at the front end of the hinge part 20. Both this locking cam 28 and the curved rear section 21 extend downward in the same direction from the front, flat section 25, the G-shaped rear section 21 being designed such that a pivot axis 22, which is formed by the opening 24 at the rear end of the rear section 21, runs slightly below the plane defined by the upper surface of the flat front part 25.

[0035] The front section 25 has a widened area in the center in the longitudinal direction, which has a fastening geometry 26 on both sides for attaching the cover 30 by means of a clip connection. For this purpose, the cover 30 has corresponding counterparts 31 on its rear side (see. Fig. 3A). Also formed on its rear side are two positioning pins 32 and two pairs 33, 34 of lateral stops, which interact with openings in the front section 25 of the hinge part 20 or the side surfaces of this front section 25, in order to hold the cover 30 securely and stably on the hinge part 20 in conjunction with the clip connection.

[0036] The cross-section of the locking cam 28 is completely rectangular. At the free end, the locking cam 28 has a head that has a larger cross-section than the main part of the cam and merges into this main part via an undercut. On the front side, toward the free end, the cross-section decreases linearly on two opposite sides until it reaches a flat end face.

[0037] The hinge part 20 is pivotally mounted in the support 60 via a pin 23. The pin 23 extends through the opening 24 at the rear end of the hinge part 20 and through corresponding openings 62 in the lateral jaws of a hinge part 61 of the support 60. A spring 29 designed as a leg spring is also mounted on the pin 23.

[0038] A receiving frame 63 with a circular opening adjoins the front of the hinge part 61. The receiving frame has a substantially square outer shape, with a through opening 64 formed in each corner and lateral jaws formed on top of the receiving frame 63 in the sections between the through openings 64.

[0039] Again, at the front end of the receiving frame 63, a receptacle 65 with a rectangular opening is arranged. A locking insert 66 is arranged in this receptacle. This has - in a manner known per se - a pair of spring-mounted rollers. When the locking cam 28 of the hinge part 20 engages the locking insert 66 for the first time when pivoting into the closed position, the head of the locking cam 28 is held behind the rollers and the flap 10 is thus held in the closed position. If one then presses on the cover 30, the hinge part 20 pivots out of the closed position (see. Fig. 2) slightly further, the locking insert 66 is released and the flap is pivoted into the open position due to the action of the spring 29, which is reached when the hinge part 20 rests against a stop 67 on the hinge part 61 of the carrier 60 (cf. Fig. 4).

[0040] To secure the support 60 to the hinge part 20 and the cover 30, the support 60 and its receiving frame 63 are arranged on a retaining ring 70 made of an elastic material. The retaining ring 70 has four through-openings 74, which, when assembled, are aligned with the four through-openings 64 in the support 60.

[0041] A charging socket 80 is received in the central, circular opening of the receiving frame 63 and extends through the opening in the retaining ring 70. This socket has a substantially cylindrical rear part in which the actual socket is arranged, as well as a flange 81 in the area of ​​the front side. The flange 81 has four bulges, in each of which a through-opening 84 is arranged. In the assembled state, these through-openings 84 are also aligned with the through-openings 64 in the carrier and the through-openings 74 in the retaining ring 70. The charging socket 80 is also mechanically held by its flange 81 between the jaws on top of the receiving frame 63 of the carrier 60.

[0042] The carrier 60, together with the charging socket 80 and the retaining ring 70, forms an insert 50. It can be assembled with the flap 11 before the locking unit 10 is mounted in the frame tube. The insert 50 with the mounted flap 11 can then be mounted in the frame tube.

[0043] The Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B show the locking unit in installed state without and with the cover mounted. Fig. 6 shows the installation situation of the closure unit according to the invention in a bicycle frame tube.

[0044] The frame tube 1 is part of a bicycle frame. In this case, an opening 2 is provided on the upper side of a connecting frame part between the down tube and the seat tube. This opening opens into the interior of the corresponding frame tube 1. The frame wall is drawn inward around the opening 2, forming a flange 3 that is set back from the outer surface of the frame tube. The locking unit 10 is attached to this flange 3. For this purpose, the unit consisting of the charging socket 80, carrier 60 and retaining ring 70, hinge part 20, and cover 30 is fastened with four screws 90 (cf. Fig. 1) is screwed to the flange 3. In the closed position, the outer surface of the cover 30 is exactly flush with the outer wall of the frame tube 1 and also accommodates its curvature, resulting in a uniform appearance.

[0045] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment. The geometry of the locking unit can be varied in many ways depending on the frame geometry, the mounting location, and the purpose of the receiving space.

[0046] In summary, the invention provides a flap for closing an opening in a frame tube of a bicycle, which can be easily integrated into the appearance of the bicycle frame, requires little maintenance and functions reliably. List of reference symbols 1 frame tube 2 Opening 3 Flange 10 locking unit 11 flap 20 hinge part Section 21 22 Swivel axis 23 pen 24 Opening Section 25 26 Mounting geometry 28 locking cams 29 spring 30 Cover 31 counterpart 32 positioning pins 33 stop 34 stop 50 use 60 carriers 61 Hinge part 62 Opening 63 mounting frames 64 passage opening 65 recording 66 locking insert 67 stop 70 retaining ring 74 passage opening 80 charging socket 84 passage opening 90 screw

Claims

[1] Flap (11) for closing an opening (2) in a frame tube (1) of a bicycle, comprising: a) a first hinge part (20) for the articulated attachment of the flap (11) to the frame tube (1); b) a cover (30) arranged on the first hinge part (20); wherein the cover (30) has an external geometry such that, in a closed position of the flap (11), it is aligned with an external geometry of the frame tube surrounding the opening (2). [2] Flap according to claim 1, characterized by that the first hinge part (20) has a bent first section (21) in the region of a pivot axis (22) of the flap (11) and a straight second section (25) adjoining the first section (21), wherein the cover (30) is arranged on the second section (25). [3] Valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cover (30) is attached to the first hinge part (20) by means of a clip connection. [4] Flap according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a spring (29) which cooperates with the first section (21) of the first hinge part (20) in such a way that the flap (11) is moved into the open position when fastened to the frame tube (1). [5] Flap according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a first locking part (28) which is arranged in the region of an end of the flap (11) which is opposite the pivot axis (22) in the longitudinal direction. [6] Closure unit (10) for an opening (2) in a frame tube (1) of a bicycle, comprising: a) an insert (50) for receiving in a receiving space of the frame tube (1), wherein the opening (2) opens into the receiving space; b) a flap (11) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for articulated attachment to the insert (50). [7] Closure unit according to claim 6, characterized bythat the insert (50) comprises a second hinge part (61) to which the first hinge part (20) can be attached in an articulated manner, wherein the second hinge part (61) is arranged laterally of the opening (2) in the receiving space in the assembled state of the closure unit (10). [8] Closure unit according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that a second locking part (66) is arranged on the insert (50), wherein the first locking part (28) and the second locking part (66) cooperate to form a locking mechanism. [9] Closure unit according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the insert (50) has a retaining ring (70) and a support (60) which can be fastened to the retaining ring (70), wherein the second hinge part (61) is formed on the support. [10] Closure unit according to claim 9, characterized by that the retaining ring (70) and the carrier (60) are designed to receive a charging socket (80). [11] Closure unit according to claim 10, characterized by that the charging socket (80), the carrier (60) and the retaining ring (70) have, when fastened to one another, a plurality of aligned through openings (64, 74, 84) so that they can be fastened together to the frame tube (1). [12] Frame tube (1) with a closure unit (10) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the frame tube (1) has an opening (2) which opens into a receiving space in the frame tube (1), wherein the opening (2) can be closed with a flap (11) of the closure unit (10) and wherein a cover of the flap (11) has an external geometry such that, in a closed position of the flap (11), it is aligned with an external geometry of the frame tube surrounding the opening (2). [13] Frame tube according to claim 12, characterized bythat the frame tube (1) forms a recessed flange (3) in an area surrounding the opening (2), wherein the insert (50) of the closure unit (10) is mounted externally on the recessed flange (3).

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