Seat post for electric bikes and bicycles

Abstract

Seat post (1) for an electric assist bicycle (2), the seat post (1) comprising: a cylindrical hollow stem (3) having a cylindrical outer wall (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) over a height (H), an electric battery (4) comprising a plurality of battery cells (5), a discharge connector (6), a discharge cable (7), a first cavity (15) formed in said hollow stem (3), housing the plurality of battery cells (5), and a second cavity (16) formed in said hollow stem (3), housing a portion (17) of the discharge cable (7) and extending along the longitudinal axis (X) of the hollow stem (3), the hollow stem (3) having a longitudinal slot (18) formed in said outer wall (24) so ​​as to open the second cavity (16) to the outside, said slot (18) being configured so as to allow the discharge cable (7) to pass through the slot (18),such that said second end (9) of the discharge cable (7) and the discharge connector (6) are arranged outside the hollow rod (3). Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Seat post for electric bicycle and bicycle technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electrically assisted bicycles, in particular electrically assisted folding bicycles. It relates specifically to a seat post internally housing a battery and a bicycle equipped with such a seat post. Previous technique

[0002] Using a folding electric bicycle with a seat post that integrates the battery involves numerous steps that must be repeated daily. In particular, it is necessary to connect and disconnect the battery from the frame, recharge the battery, secure the battery for a quick ride, adjust the saddle height, and fold and unfold the bicycle every day.

[0003] There is therefore an issue of facilitating each step for pleasant, everyday use.

[0004] However, current solutions have drawbacks.

[0005] In particular, it is known to combine a battery locking system with the saddle height adjustment, such that if the unlocking key is not available, for example because it has been lost or forgotten, and the locking system is in the locked position, the saddle height cannot then be adjusted.

[0006] Moreover, the battery connection to the frame is generally located under the frame, which makes the position for connecting or disconnecting the battery uncomfortable.

[0007] On the other hand, the connectors and discharge cable are exposed to dirt, making any operation of handling them during the various connections / disconnections messy.

[0008] There is therefore a need to have a seat post and a bicycle incorporating such a seat post which make it easier to use them on a daily basis. Summary

[0009] The present disclosure improves the situation. A seat post for a bicycle, particularly a folding bicycle, with electric assistance is proposed, the seat post comprising: - a hollow cylindrical rod, particularly made of a metallic material such as aluminum or steel, having a cylindrical outer wall and extending along a longitudinal axis over a height, - an electric battery comprising a plurality of battery cells, - a discharge connector, - a discharge cable having one end connected to the battery and the other end connected to the discharge connector, - a first cavity formed in said hollow rod, housing the plurality of battery cells and preferably extending along the longitudinal axis of the hollow rod over at least part of its height, and - a second cavity formed in said hollow rod, in particular adjacent to the first cavity, the second cavity housing part of the discharge cable and extending along the longitudinal axis of the hollow rod over at least part of its height, the hollow rod having a longitudinal slot made in said outer wall and opening the second cavity to the outside of the hollow rod, said slot extending over at least part of the height of the hollow rod and being configured to allow the discharge cable to pass through the slot, such that said second end of the discharge cable and the discharge connector are disposed outside the hollow rod.

[0010] Thanks to the seatpost thus equipped, it is possible to house a portion, or even a large portion, of the cable relief inside the hollow stem. This protects it from the external environment, and therefore from dirt, wear, or even being pulled out. The portion of the cable housed in the second cavity is advantageously twisted and / or adapted to extend or retract within the second cavity.

[0011] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0012] The hollow rod may have a circular cross-section, the diameter of the cross-section of the hollow rod being in particular between 55 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 55 mm and 56 mm, in particular equal to 55 mm.

[0013] The hollow rod advantageously comprises an inner wall separating the first cavity and the second cavity. Said inner wall can extend along the longitudinal axis of the hollow rod and can form an arc of a circle in cross-section.

[0014] The electric battery may include at least one cell support housed in the first cavity and configured to allow, within a cross-section of the hollow rod, to support the cells in the first cavity while leaving room for the second cavity.

[0015] According to another aspect, in combination with all or part of the above, a bicycle, in particular a folding bicycle, with electric assistance is proposed, comprising a seat post as defined above and a frame comprising a seat tube configured to allow the insertion of the seat post at an upper end of the seat tube, inside the seat tube, and to allow the seatpost to slide relative to the seat tube.

[0016] Thus, we have a bicycle in which the discharge cable is partially, or rather largely, housed in the second cavity without hindering the movement of the seat post relative to the bicycle frame. Indeed, the longitudinal slot allows the second end of the discharge cable to move, coming to rest against the upper end of the seat tube at the same time as the seat post relative to the seat tube. Therefore, the electrical connection between the battery and the bicycle can be considered mobile. It should be noted that the first end of the discharge cable always remains in the same position within the hollow shaft.

[0017] The portion of the relief cable housed in the second cavity is preferably extendable from a retracted position, where the seatpost is outside the seat tube or inserted into the seat tube to a height of less than 165 mm, to an extended position, where the seatpost has slid into the seat tube to its maximum height. In particular, the portion of the relief cable housed in the second cavity may be helical or twisted, notably to allow its extension into the second cavity or its retraction within the second cavity, depending on the position of the second end of the relief cable, itself determined by the relative position of the seatpost with respect to the bicycle frame. This allows it to move with the seatpost relative to the bicycle frame.

[0018] The bicycle advantageously comprises a saddle fixed to an upper end of the seat post.

[0019] The bicycle may include a seatpost locking system fixed to the frame. The locking system includes a locking latch configured to deploy in the slot of the second cavity, particularly when the seatpost is inserted, slid, or rotated within the seat tube, in a relative position of the seatpost and seat tube that allows the locking latch to coincide with the slot. When deployed in the slot, the locking latch indexes the position of the saddle. The saddle is therefore correctly positioned once the locking latch is deployed in the slot. The deployment of the locking latch may be automatic once it is positioned in the slot, the remainder of the outer wall of the hollow post being smooth and without any recessed surface.

[0020] The seatpost may include a transverse stop at one lower end of the slot, the transverse stop being formed, in particular, at one lower end of the hollow post. The locking latch is preferably configured to remain deployed when the seatpost is slid upwards in the seat tube and the locking latch comes into contact with the transverse stop. Thus, the saddle height can be adjusted without removing the seatpost from the seat tube.

[0021] The locking system is configured in particular such that only the operation of a release key in the locking system allows the locking latch to be folded back. The use of the release key thus allows the seatpost to be removed from the seat tube.

[0022] The bicycle may include a clamp positioned at the upper end of the seat tube. The clamp may be configured so that the clamp and the locking system are independent of each other.

[0023] The bicycle includes an electric motor, which may be housed at the rear wheel hub or the bottom bracket, for example. The frame, in particular a frame section attached to the seat tube near its upper end, may include an additional discharge connector that complements the discharge connector on the seat post and can be connected to it to supply electricity to the motor.

[0024] The additional discharge connector can be positioned near the upper end of the seat tube, and in particular near the slot. This makes the connection between the two discharge connectors accessible and therefore easier for the user. Specifically, the additional discharge connector can be housed in a frame extension attached to the seat tube, particularly at the rear of the seat tube in a space located between the seat tube and the rear wheel of the bicycle.

[0025] The discharge connector, the second end of the discharge cable and the upper end of the seat tube are preferably configured so that, when the seat post slides in the seat tube, the discharge connector and the second end of the discharge cable remain close to the upper end of the seat tube, outside the seat post.

[0026] The seatpost, for example, includes a guide piece attached to the discharge cable near the second end of the discharge cable and configured to slide in the slot. The guide piece and the upper end of the seat tube can be configured so that the guide piece abuts above and against the upper end of the seat tube. Such a guide piece can hold the discharge cable in place, so that the portion of the cable forming the second end and located outside the hollow post remains of constant length regardless of the seatpost's movement relative to the seat tube.

[0027] According to another aspect, independently or in combination with all or part of the foregoing, a bicycle, in particular a folding bicycle, with electric assistance is proposed, comprising a seat post and a frame comprising a seat tube configured to allow the seat post to be inserted at an upper end of the seat tube, inside the seat tube, and to allow the post to slide relative to the seat tube, the seatpost comprising: - a hollow cylindrical rod, in particular made of metallic material such as aluminium or steel, comprising a cylindrical outer wall and extending along a longitudinal axis over a height, - an electric battery comprising a plurality of battery cells, housed in the hollow rod, - the hollow rod having a longitudinal slot made in said outer wall, said slot extending over at least a part of the height of the hollow rod between a lower end and an upper end of the slot, the hollow rod having a transverse stop at the lower end of the slot, the bicycle having a seat post locking system fixed to the frame, the locking system having a locking latch configured to deploy in the slot, in particular when inserting and / or sliding and / or rotating the seat post in the seat tube, in a relative position of the seat post and seat tube allowing the locking latch to coincide with the slot.

[0028] The locking latch is preferably configured to remain deployed when the seatpost is slid upwards in the seat tube and the locking latch comes into contact with the transverse stop. This allows the saddle height to be adjusted without the seatpost being able to be removed from the seat tube.

[0029] The locking latch, when deployed in the slot, further allows the saddle position to be indexed. The saddle is therefore correctly positioned as soon as the locking latch is deployed in the slot. The deployment of the locking latch can be automatic once it is in the slot, as the rest of the outer wall of the hollow stem can be smooth and without any recessed surface.

[0030] The locking system is configured in particular such that only the operation of a release key in the locking system allows the locking latch to be folded back. The use of the release key thus allows the seatpost to be removed from the seat tube.

[0031] Thus, if the unlocking key is not available, the seat post cannot be removed from the seat tube but the saddle height can be adjusted.

[0032] To maintain the saddle at the desired height, the bicycle may have a clamp positioned at the upper end of the seat tube. Such a clamp may be configured so that the clamp and the locking system are independent of each other. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the des- detailed description below, and analysis of the attached drawings, on which:

[0034] [Fig.1] shows, schematically and in perspective, a seat post according to example.

[0035] [Fig.2] shows, schematically and in perspective, a bicycle according to an example.

[0036] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of a lower portion of a seat post according to an example, showing through transparency different elements of the seat post.

[0037] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional view, along IV, of the seat post of the [Fig.3].

[0038] [Fig.5] is a schematic cross-sectional and perspective view illustrating isolated a section of hollow stem of the seat post of the [Fig.4].

[0039] [Fig.6] shows in isolation, schematically and in perspective, a support for cell of a seat post according to an example.

[0040] [Fig.7] shows in schematic top view the cell support of [Fig.6].

[0041] [Fig.8] is a schematic side view, isolated and in perspective, of the battery of a seat post as an example.

[0042] [Fig.9] schematically shows detail IX of [Fig.1].

[0043] [Fig. 10] shows partially, schematically and in perspective, a bicycle according to an example, seen at the junction between seat post and seat tube on one side of the bicycle.

[0044] [Fig. 11] shows partially, schematically and in perspective, a bicycle according to an example, seen at the junction between seat post and seat tube on a second side of the bicycle, opposite to the first side.

[0045] [Fig. 12] is a schematic and partial side view of a lower portion of a seatpost inserted into a seat tube, according to an example, showing by transparency various elements of the seatpost and the seat tube.

[0046] [Fig. 13] is a schematic and partial rear view of a lower portion of a seatpost inserted into a seat tube, according to an example, showing by transparency various elements of the seatpost and seat tube. Description of the implementation methods

[0047] The drawings and description below contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0048] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0049] In the following description, when referring to positional qualifiers absolute, such as the terms "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", etc., or relative, such as the terms "above", "below", "superior", "inferior", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., refers, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of a bicycle in its normal operating position, ready for use.

[0050] A seat post 1 for a bicycle 2, in this folding example, with electric assistance, is shown in [Fig.1], the bicycle 2 being shown in [Fig.2].

[0051] The seat post 1 comprises a hollow cylindrical stem 3 made of a metallic material, for example, aluminum or steel. The hollow stem 3 has an outer wall 24 of cylindrical shape. The hollow stem 3 extends along a longitudinal axis X over a height H between an upper end 11 and a lower end 13. In the illustrated example, the hollow stem 3 has a circular cross-section, the diameter D of the cross-section of the hollow stem 3, visible in particular in [Fig. 5], being 55 mm in this example. It remains within the scope of this disclosure if the cross-section of the hollow stem 3 is not circular but elliptical or oval or any other shape, even though a circular cross-section is preferred.

[0052] The seat post 1 also includes an electric battery 4, visible in isolation on the [Fig.8], comprising a plurality of battery cells 5.

[0053] The seat post 1 also includes a discharge connector 6 and a discharge cable 7, more clearly visible in [Fig. 3]. The discharge cable 7 has a first end 8 connected to the battery 4, and a second end 9 connected to the discharge connector 6.

[0054] A saddle 12 of the bicycle 2 is fixed to the upper end 11 of the hollow rod 3.

[0055] At the lower end 13 of the hollow stem 3 is fixed a shock absorber 14 of the seat post 1, advantageously made of elastically deformable material, such as rubber, allowing the seat post 1 to not slip during the charging of the battery 4 and to cushion the shocks in case of impact of the lower end of the seat post 1 with the ground.

[0056] The seat post 1 further includes a first cavity 15 formed in the hollow stem 3, housing the plurality of battery cells 5. The first cavity 15 extends along the longitudinal axis X of the hollow stem 3 over at least part of its height, in this example over the height H of the hollow stem 3. The first cavity 15 also houses a battery management system called BMS 10 (for "Battery Management System") as well as the first end 8 of the discharge cable 7 connected to the BMS 10, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 3].

[0057] The seat post 1 further includes a second cavity 16 formed in the hollow stem 3 adjacent to the first cavity 15. The second cavity 16 extends according the longitudinal axis X of the hollow rod 3 over at least part of its height, in this example over the height H of the hollow rod 3. The second cavity 16 houses a part 17 of the discharge cable 7. This part 17 of the discharge cable 7 includes a part of the cable located between the first and second ends 8 and 9.

[0058] The hollow rod 3 has an advantageously longitudinal slot 18 formed in its outer wall 24 so as to open the second cavity 16 to the outside of the hollow rod 3. This means that the second cavity 16 communicates with the outside of the hollow rod 3 via the slot 18. The slot 18 extends straight parallel to the longitudinal axis X over at least part of the height of the hollow rod 3. The slot 18 is configured to allow the discharge cable 7 to pass through the slot 18. Thus, the second end 9, which is an end portion of the discharge cable 7, and the discharge connector 6 are located outside the second cavity 16 and therefore outside the hollow rod 3, as can be seen in [Fig. 1] or [Fig. 4], for example, while the remainder of the discharge cable 7 is located inside the hollow rod 3.

[0059] Preferably, the slot 18 has a constant width L. The width of the slot 18 is sufficient to allow at least the passage of the discharge cable 7 through the slot 18. The width of the slot 18 is preferably dimensioned so as to prevent the portion 17 of the discharge cable 7 from protruding laterally through the slot 18. In other words, the slot 18 is preferably dimensioned to prevent the portion 17 of the discharge cable 7 from protruding from the second cavity 16 during normal use of the seat post 1.

[0060] The seat post 1 has an inner wall 19 formed in the hollow stem 3 and separating the first cavity 15 and the second cavity 16. The inner wall 19 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the hollow stem 3 over at least part of its height. In this example, the inner wall 19 forms an arc of a circle in cross-section, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5.

[0061] The part 17 of the discharge cable 7 which is housed in the second cavity 16 is helical in this example so as to be extensible within the second cavity 16 parallel to the longitudinal axis X from a compressed position to a stretched position and vice versa.

[0062] In the illustrated example shown in [Fig. 8], the electric battery 4 comprises twenty cells 5, of format 21700 in this example, specifically of 5A and 3.6V, connected in two loops of ten cells 5 in parallel and distributed in three columns 22 within which the cells 5 are superimposed, two columns 22 of which are visible in [Fig. 12]. The choice of the cell format 5 can have an impact on the optimal minimum diameter of the hollow rod 3.

[0063] The electric battery 4 still includes the battery management system called BMS 10. The BMS 10, located at the lower end of battery 4, forms the intelligent part of battery 4 and balances the discharge of the cells 5 among themselves and detects and corrects any malfunctions, among other things. The first end 8 of the discharge cable 7 is connected to this BMS 10 of battery 4.

[0064] The battery 4 has inter-cell links 23 visible on [Fig.8] in order to form the current loops.

[0065] The electric battery 4 comprises at least one, in this example several, cell supports 20, illustrated individually in Figures 6 and 7, made in this example of polymer material, housed in the first cavity 15 as seen in [Fig. 4] and configured to allow, within a cross-section of the hollow rod 3, the support of the cells 5 in the first cavity 15 while leaving space for the second cavity 16. The cell supports 20 serve to structure the cells 5 with each other within the battery 4. There are fourteen of them in the example illustrated in [Fig. 8], arranged at regular intervals at the lower and upper ends of the battery 4 and in the spaces between the stacked cells 4. Between two layers of cells 5, there may be two cell supports 20, namely one to structure the cells 5 located below and one to structure the cells 5 located above.

[0066] A cell holder 20 is shown in isolation in Figures 6 and 7. Such a cell holder 20, also called a "cell holder" in English, comprises three portions 21, each configured to partially cover, around one periphery, the upper or lower end of a cell 5, the three portions 21 of the same cell holder 20 thus covering three adjacent cells 5 belonging to each of the columns 22. Each portion 21 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, open at the bottom and partially closed, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7. Their dimensions are chosen so as to conform to the shape of the cells 5 at their upper or lower end.

[0067] As can be seen in [Fig. 4] and Figures 6 and 7, the three portions 21 of a cell support 20 are connected and arranged such that their respective centers I, J, and K, in a plane of the cross-section, together form an isosceles triangle UK, shown in dashed lines in [Fig. 7], thus leaving space, as can be seen in [Fig. 4], for the second cavity 16 within the hollow rod 3 with its circular cross-section. The isosceles shape, which can be compared to a structure forming an equilateral triangle, has the advantage, compared to the latter, of freeing up space for the second cavity 16 between the two cells 5 located in the columns 22 that form the base JK of the isosceles triangle, while minimizing the increase in the diameter of the hollow rod 3.

[0068] It is noted that a straight line A, illustrated in [Fig. 4], coincides on a segment with a diameter of the hollow rod 3 passing through the center I of the isosceles triangle UK, passes through the center, in cross section, of the slot 18.

[0069] Figure 2 shows the electrically assisted bicycle 2, in this folding example, comprising a seat post 1 as described above and a frame 30 having a seat tube 31 configured to allow the seat post 1 to be inserted at an upper end 32 of the seat tube 31, inside the seat tube 31, and to allow the seat post 1 to slide relative to the seat tube 31. The bicycle 2 has an electric motor, housed in the illustrated example on the rear wheel hub. Alternatively, the motor could be housed in the bottom bracket.

[0070] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate in particular the interaction between the seat post 1 and the seat tube 31. The diameter D of the hollow post 3 and the diameter of the seat tube 31, also of circular section in this example, are provided to allow the hollow post 3 to slide inside the seat tube 31 in the manner of two telescopic tubes.

[0071] The frame 30 includes an extension part 34 attached to the seat tube 31, in this example at the rear of it in the space between the seat tube 31 and the rear wheel of the bicycle 2, near the upper end 32 of the seat tube 31. This extension part 34 fits longitudinally around the seat tube 31 over a portion of it, as can be seen in particular in Figures 10 and 11, and has an upper end 35, forming a flat extending in this example obliquely downwards with respect to a cross-section of the hollow rod 3, i.e. taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0072] The frame 30, in particular the extension portion 34, includes an additional discharge connector 36, complementary to the discharge connector 6 of the seat post 1 and capable of being connected to the latter to supply the motor with electricity. The connection between the discharge connector 6 and the additional discharge connector 36 is shown in Figures 10 and 11. It should be noted that the additional discharge connector 36 is positioned at the upper end 35 of the extension portion 34, near the upper end 32 of the seat tube 31, and in particular near the slot 18. Thus, the connection between the two connectors 6 and 36 is facilitated, and the second end 9 of the discharge cable 7, which forms a cable segment, can be of short length, as can be seen in the figures.

[0073] The discharge connector 6, the second end 9 of the discharge cable 7, and the upper end 32 of the seat tube 31 are advantageously configured such that, when the seat post 1 slides in the seat tube 31, the discharge connector 6 and the second end 9 of the discharge cable 7 remain close to The upper end 32 of the seat tube 31 is located outside the seat post 1. This makes it easier for the user to connect and disconnect the discharge connector 6 and the additional discharge connector 36, as this connection is very accessible and intuitive. Furthermore, the wiring can remain clean.

[0074] In this example, the bicycle 2 includes a clamp 37 positioned at the upper end 32 of the seat tube 31. The clamp 37 serves to fix the seat post 1 relative to the seat tube 31 at the desired height of the saddle 12.

[0075] The bicycle 2 includes a seatpost 1 locking system 33, fixed to the frame 30, in this example within the extension portion 34, on one side of the bicycle 2 so as to be accessible. The clamp 37 and the locking system 33 are configured so that they are independent of each other, i.e., the locking of the seatpost 1 to the frame 30 is independent of the seatpost adjustment and therefore of the saddle height.

[0076] The locking system 33 includes, as seen in [Fig. 12], a locking latch 38 visible in [Fig. 12] configured to deploy in the slot 18, particularly during the insertion and / or sliding and / or rotation of the seat post 1 in the seat tube 31, in a relative position of the seat post 1 and the seat tube 31 allowing the locking latch 38 to coincide with the slot 18. It should be noted that the deployment of the locking latch 38 in the slot 18 allows the position of the saddle to be indexed, that is to say, it ensures the positioning of the saddle 12 in the desired position, in particular with the front point of the saddle located on the axle connecting the two wheels of the unfolded bicycle.

[0077] The seatpost 1 has a transverse stop 40 at the lower end 41 of the slot 18, at the same level in this example as the lower end 13 of the hollow stem 3. The transverse stop 40 is thus located at the lower end of the hollow stem 3 in this example. The locking latch 38 is configured to remain deployed when the seatpost 1 is slid upwards in the seat tube 31, and in particular when the locking latch 38 comes into contact with the transverse stop 40. This allows the saddle height to be adjusted without removing the seatpost 1 from the seat tube 31. Thus, the height of the saddle 12 can be adjusted while keeping the seatpost 1 secured to the frame 30 by the locking latch 38.

[0078] The locking system 33 is configured in this example such that only the operation of a release key 42 in the locking system 33 allows the locking latch 38 to be folded back. Only in this case can the seat post 1 be removed from the seat tube 31. Thanks to the locking latch 38, the cross stop 40 and the locking system 33, the height of the seat post 1 can be adjusted even if the release key 42 is not present.

[0079] The locking system 33, as illustrated in the example shown and particularly visible in Figures 12 and 13, comprises a high-security lock cylinder 46 integrated into the frame 30, specifically in the extension portion 34. The lock cylinder 46 extends perpendicularly to the X-axis from the side of the bicycle 2. The lock cylinder 46 is fitted into a cylinder 47 and held in position therein by means of a set screw 48 accessible from above through the hole in the additional discharge connector 36. Thus, without an unlocking key 42, it is not possible to remove the lock cylinder 46, which is held in place by a pressure screw 48 accessible through the hole in the auxiliary discharge connector 36.

[0080] The portion 17 of the relief cable 7, which is housed in the second cavity 16, is extendable from a retracted position where the seatpost 1 is outside the seat tube 31 or inserted into the seat tube 31 to a minimum height, to an extended position where the seatpost 1 has slid into the seat tube 31 to a maximum height. By virtue of this disclosure, the relief cable 7 is protected and concealed inside the seatpost 1, without, however, hindering the upward or downward movement of the seatpost 1 relative to the seat tube 31. The relief cable 7, and in particular portion 17 thereof, is thus protected against tearing and wear due to the external environment.

[0081] It should be noted that the seat tube 31 advantageously has an open lower end so that the seat post 1 can extend partially below the lower end of the seat tube 31, for example until it touches the ground, for example with the shock absorber 14. Such a position of the seat post 1 can be used when the bicycle 2 is folded.

[0082] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 9], the seat post 1 may include a guide piece 45 attached to the discharge cable 7 near the second end 9 of the discharge cable and configured to slide in the slot 18. The guide piece 45 may hold the discharge cable 7 so that the second end 9, which is outside the hollow stem 3, is always the same length. The guide piece 45 may include, as shown in [Fig. 4], an outer portion located outside the hollow stem 3 and wider than the slot 18, and an inner portion that can locally and partially conform to the inner contour of the second cavity 16, defined in part by the inner wall 19. The guide piece 45 also prevents the portion 17 of the discharge cable from exiting the second cavity 16.

[0083] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the guide piece 45 and the upper end 32 of the seat tube 31 can be configured so that the guide piece 45 is abutted above and against the upper end 32 of the seat tube 31.

[0084] Thus, the guide piece 45 allows, by accompanying the movement of the cable The discharge fitting 7 facilitates the sliding of the seatpost 1 within the seat tube 31, whether upwards or downwards. The guide piece 45 also helps prevent the discharge fitting 6 from jamming when removing the seatpost 1 from the seat tube 31.

[0085] The guide piece 45 can form an extruded cylinder overmolded on the cable which takes the shape of the second cavity 16 to take the forces of the radial tightening of the clamp 37. The extruded overmolded cylinder which comes out of the slot 18 can have the same shape as the slot 18 to ensure guidance and to always have the discharge connector 6 correctly oriented.

[0086] The guide piece 45 can also form a stop when the saddle 12 is in the lowest position so that the discharge cable 7 does not cut between the clamp 37 and the top of the slot 18 of the seat post 1.

[0087] Disclosure is not limited to the examples just described.

[0088] In particular, the bicycle may not be folding.

Claims

Demands

1. Seat post (1) for a bicycle (2), in particular a folding bicycle, with electric assistance, the seat post (1) comprising: - a hollow cylindrical stem (3) having a cylindrical outer wall (24) and extending along a longitudinal axis (X) over a height (H), - an electric battery (4) comprising a plurality of battery cells (5), - a discharge connector (6), - a discharge cable (7) having a first end (8) connected to the battery (4) and a second end (9) connected to the discharge connector, - a first cavity (15) formed in said hollow stem (3), housing the plurality of battery cells (5), and - a second cavity (16) formed in said hollow stem (3), the second cavity (16) housing a portion (17) of the discharge cable (7) and extending along the longitudinal axis (X) of the hollow stem (3) over at least a portion of its height (H),the hollow rod (3) having a longitudinal slot (18) formed in said outer wall (24) so ​​as to open the second cavity (16) on the outside of the hollow rod (3), said slot (18) extending over at least a part of the height of the hollow rod (3) and being configured so as to allow the discharge cable (7) to pass through the slot (18), such that said second end (9) of the discharge cable (7) and the discharge connector (6) are disposed outside the hollow rod (3).

2. Seat post (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow post (3) has a circular cross-section, the diameter (D) of the cross-section of the hollow post (3) being in particular between 55 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 55 mm and 56 mm.

3. Seatpost (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cavity (15) extends along the longitudinal axis of the hollow post (3) over at least a portion of its height (H), wherein the second cavity (16) is adjacent to the first cavity (15), and wherein the post hollow (3) has an inner wall (19) separating the first cavity (15) and the second cavity (16), extending along the longitudinal axis (X) of the hollow rod (3) and forming an arc of a circle in cross-section.

4. Seat post (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the electric battery (4) comprises at least one cell support (20) housed in the first cavity (15) and configured to allow, within a cross-section of the hollow post (3), the cells (5) to be supported in the first cavity (15) while leaving room for the second cavity (16).

5. Bicycle (2), in particular folding, with electric assistance comprising a seat post (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a frame (30) comprising a seat tube (31) configured to allow the introduction of the seat post (1) at an upper end (32) of the seat tube (31), inside the seat tube (31), and to allow the seat post (1) to slide relative to the seat tube (31).

6. Bicycle (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a seat post (1) locking system (33) fixed to the frame (30), the locking system (33) comprising a locking latch (38) configured to deploy in the slot (18) of the second cavity (16) in a relative position of the seat post (1) and the seat tube (31) allowing the locking latch (38) to coincide with the slot (18).

7. Bicycle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the seat post (1) has a transverse stop (40) at a lower end of said slot (18), the locking latch (38) being configured to remain deployed when the seat post (1) is slid upwards in the seat tube (31) and the locking latch (38) comes into contact with the transverse stop (40).

8. Bicycle (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the locking system (33) is configured such that only the actuation of an unlocking key (42) in the locking system (33) allows the locking latch (38) to be folded back.

9. Bicycle (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the frame (30) has an additional discharge connector (36) which is complementary to the discharge connector (6) of the seat post (1) and can be connected to the latter to enable the supply of electricity to a bicycle motor.

10. Bicycle (2) according to claim 6 and possibly any one of them of claims 5 and 7 to 9, comprising a clamping collar (37) positioned at the upper end (32) of the seat tube (31), and configured such that the clamping collar (37) and the locking system (33) are independent of each other.