Bicycle seat post

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat tube (10) for a bicycle comprising a main battery, said seat tube comprising an internal housing adapted to receive a seat post (30) extending along a principal axis (X), characterized in that said seat tube (10) has a longitudinal bulge (12) extending along said principal axis (X) and an internal face (121) of which defines, in the seat tube (10), a cavity (120) opening into the internal housing, said cavity (12) forming a passage for an electrical cable out of the internal housing. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Bicycle seat tube technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a seat tube for a bicycle comprising a main battery, such as an electric bicycle, and in particular to the arrangement of an electrical power cable on a bicycle frame comprising such a tube. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a bicycle comprising a main battery. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The market for electrically assisted bicycles is developing rapidly, allowing users to travel longer distances and / or on routes with significant inclines. Electric bicycles are equipped with a main battery for propelling the bicycle.

[0003] In other bicycles, without electric assistance for propulsion, a main battery can be used to power several electrical equipment arranged in different positions on the bicycle.

[0004] Bicycles can be equipped with rear lights, improving visibility, particularly at night, to enhance road safety. Such lighting also allows bicycles to comply with regulations in certain situations and / or geographical areas. The bicycle may also include other equipment requiring a power supply, such as a radar for detecting vehicles approaching the bicycle.

[0005] For powering the lighting and any other components, the main battery is generally used. This avoids the need for secondary batteries that require regular recharging. Secondary batteries also add bulk and a risk of failure.

[0006] For a rear light or other equipment mounted on the seat tube or seatpost, it is therefore necessary to run an electrical cable between the main battery and the top opening of the seat tube. External cable routing exposes the cable, posing a high risk of damage, and is aesthetically unappealing. Internal routing through the seat tube and seatpost is not compatible with all types of seatposts and cannot be used with certain types, for example, telescopic seatposts with a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cartridge. Furthermore, internal routing creates constraints when inserting or replacing the seatpost. of the saddle which consequently cannot be easily achieved by the bicycle user.

[0007] It is necessary to ensure that adjustments made by the user, in particular saddle height adjustment, are not hindered by the passage of a cable. Similarly, an adjustment or replacement of the seat post must not damage an electrical cable powering equipment such as an electric light located at the seat tube. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the invention is to design a bicycle seat tube comprising a main battery, allowing the passage of a cable from the main battery to the level of the upper opening of the seat tube, which is compatible with any type of seat post, without exposing the cable to risks of damage, in particular during handling of the seat post.

[0009] To this end, the invention proposes a seat tube for a bicycle comprising a main battery, said seat tube comprising an internal housing adapted to receive a seat post extending along a main axis,

[0010] characterized in that said seat tube has a longitudinal bulge extending along said main axis and an internal face of which defines, in the seat tube, a cavity opening into the internal housing, said cavity forming a passage for an electrical cable out of the internal housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the seat tube has a longitudinal slot extending from a top opening of the seat tube, the longitudinal bulge extending along the main axis from a lower edge of the slot.

[0012] In other embodiments, the longitudinal bulge extends along the main axis from an upper opening in the seat tube.

[0013] Preferably, the inner face of the longitudinal bulge has a rounded or curved section.

[0014] Advantageously, the longitudinal bulge is oriented towards the rear of the bicycle.

[0015] Advantageously, the longitudinal bulge extends over an upper portion of the seat tube having a length of at least 5 cm along the main axis.

[0016] The invention also relates to a bicycle frame comprising a main battery, said frame comprising a seat tube as described above and a sleeve adapted to be inserted into the seat tube around a seat post, the cable passage being delimited by a portion of the outer face of the sleeve and the inner face of the longitudinal bulge.

[0017] Preferably, the frame further includes a clamp for the seat post, said clamp supporting electrical equipment adapted to be connected to a first end of an electrical cable passing through the cavity formed by the longitudinal bulge to connect the electrical equipment to a main battery of the bicycle.

[0018] Advantageously, the electrical equipment is a rear lighting lamp or a vehicle detection radar.

[0019] The invention also relates to a bicycle comprising a main battery, said bicycle comprising

[0020] • a frame as described above, the sleeve being inserted into the seat tube,

[0021] • a main battery,

[0022] • an electrical cable electrically connected to the main battery, said cable electrical cable passing through the inside of the seat tube to the upper opening of the seat tube, said cable being at least partially arranged in the cavity delimited by the inner wall of the longitudinal bulge and by an outer face of the sleeve to electrically supply electrical equipment of the bicycle.

[0023] Preferably, a seatpost is inserted into the sleeve.

[0024] Advantageously, the bicycle further comprises a motor for the propulsion of the bicycle, the motor being connected to the main battery.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a bicycle comprising a main battery, said method comprising:

[0026] • the provision of a framework as described above,

[0027] • the passage of an electrical cable between the upper opening and the opening lower of said cavity

[0028] • the insertion of a sleeve into the upper opening of the seat tube, so as to to define a cavity between the inner face of the longitudinal bulge and an outer face of the sleeve.

[0029] Preferably, said method comprises the electrical connection of a first end of the cable at the level of the upper opening of the seat tube to an electrical device, preferably a rear light of the bicycle.

[0030] Preferably, said method further comprises the electrical connection of a second end of the cable to the main battery of the bicycle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0032] - the [Fig.1] is a side view of a bicycle including a main battery;

[0033] - [Fig. 2] is a side view of a bicycle frame including a battery main and electrical cables;

[0034] - [Fig.3] is a top view of a seat tube;

[0035] - [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a portion of a seat tube;

[0036] - [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the seat tube of [Fig.4];

[0037] - [Fig. 6] is a perspective view of the portion of the seat tube of [Fig. 4] with a sleeve;

[0038] - [Fig.7] illustrates a seat tube, a sleeve and a stem with a saddle;

[0039] - [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a portion of the seat tube of [Fig.4] with a mounting collar including a lamp for rear lighting;

[0040] - [Fig.9] is a side view of a bicycle frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0041] In this text, the terms "front" and "rear", "anterior" and "posterior" refer to the direction of travel of the bicycle. The terms "right", "left", "horizontal", "upper", and "lower" refer to the position of the bicycle when traveling on a horizontal surface.

[0042] Fig. 1 is an overview of an electrically assisted bicycle 100. In such a bicycle, the battery for powering the motor can be housed, for example, in the downtube 70 or in a lower portion of the tube 10 intended to support the saddle 40. A rear light can be arranged at the upper opening 11 of the seat tube 10. In some cases, one or more other electrical devices, for example a radar for detecting the presence of a vehicle, can be arranged at the seat post.

[0043] In other embodiments (not illustrated), the bicycle does not have electric propulsion assistance and includes a main battery for powering one or more electrical devices.

[0044] By way of illustration and without limitation, [Fig. 2] shows the arrangement of the main battery 55 and the electrical cables 50, 51, 52 for powering the lights and / or any other electrical equipment mounted on the bicycle frame. A first cable 50 establishes an electrical connection between the battery 55 and a position at the upper opening 11 of the seat tube 10. Other cables 51, 52 can establish electrical connections to equipment at the rear wheel and handlebars of the bicycle. In other embodiments (not shown), the battery can be located in a lower portion 12 of the seat tube 10, at the bottom bracket, or in a mounting bracket located outside the bicycle frame.

[0045] The seat tube is typically made of metal, for example, an aluminum alloy. In some cases, the seat tube is made of a composite material such as a carbon fiber composite. The other frame components may be made of the same material or a different material than the seat tube.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the seat tube.

[0047] The seat tube has a main portion 13 intended for the insertion of a stem saddle, and a longitudinal bulge 12.

[0048] The main portion 13 has a cross-section essentially corresponding to that of a seatpost. By way of illustration and without limitation, the cross-section of the seatpost may be essentially circular or oval, teardrop-shaped, D-shaped, or any other geometry. The main portion of the seat tube has a top opening 11.

[0049] The inner face 121 of the longitudinal bulge 12 defines a cavity 120 inside the seat tube. This bulge preferably has a rounded or curved cross-section to avoid sharp angles and edges on the inside and outside of the seat tube 10. The bulge 12 typically has, on its inner side, a width 1 of between 10 and 25 mm, for example between 12 and 20 mm, and a depth p of between 3.5 and 8 mm, for example between 4 and 5 mm. These dimensions allow one or more electrical cables to be housed in the cavity 120 defined by the wall 121 of the longitudinal bulge 12. Such cables can be connected to the bicycle's main battery and supply electrical power to equipment located at the top of the seat tube or at the seat post. This cavity 120 is open on its upper face.At its lower end, the cavity 12 defined by the bulge is typically open towards a lower portion of the seat tube, towards another element of the bicycle frame, or towards the outside of the seat tube 10. The arrangement of the lower opening will be chosen according to the arrangement of the main battery to allow an electrical connection to said battery.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal bulge 12 extends from the main portion 13 towards the rear of the bicycle in a horizontal plane. This arrangement facilitates the mounting of a rear light. In other lighting embodiments or for other electrical equipment, the longitudinal bulge may extend horizontally in any other orientation relative to the direction of travel of the bicycle.

[0051] With reference to [Fig. 4], the seat tube may have a longitudinal slot 170 extending from the upper opening 11 into an upper portion 17 of the tube. Such a slot allows passage of one end of a cable arranged in the cavity 120 and enables compression of the tube and attachment of a seatpost by a clamp of attachment. Advantageously, the slot 170 is oriented in the same direction as the longitudinal bulge 12. The width of the slot 170 can be equal to the width 1 of the longitudinal bulge 12. The upper edge 15 of the longitudinal bulge 12 coincides with the lower edge of the slot 170. This arrangement allows a cable passing through the cavity 120 defined by the longitudinal bulge 12 to be guided to a fixing clamp without exposing the cable outside the bicycle frame.

[0052] In other embodiments (not illustrated), the seat tube does not have any slots. In this case, the bulge extends from the upper opening of the tube towards the bottom bracket.

[0053] With reference to [Fig. 5], the longitudinal bulge 12 extends, in a direction along the principal axis X of the tube 10, along at least one insertion portion of the stem 16 of the seat tube 10. By way of illustration and without limitation, the insertion portion of the stem 16 may extend over a height of between 5 and 25 cm. In some embodiments, the longitudinal bulge 12 may extend over the entire length of the seat tube.

[0054] In the insertion portion of the stem 16, the seat tube has a constant cross-section along the longitudinal axis X to allow for good support and the possibility of height adjustment of a seat post.

[0055] Below the seat post insertion portion 16, the seat tube may have the same or a different cross-section compared to the seat post insertion portion 16. In some cases, the cross-section may widen below the seat post insertion portion 16 to form a space for the battery's electrical connection, a housing for the battery, and / or a location for the motor intended to drive the bicycle. In other embodiments, the tube's cross-section may be reduced in this area to decrease the bicycle's size and weight.

[0056] With reference to [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7], a sleeve 20 is inserted inside the seat tube 10 to hold a seatpost 30. The sleeve 20 is typically elastic so as to be compressed when attaching a seatpost and may include one or more slots 21 around its circumference. Such a sleeve is a common, commercially available part, typically made of metal.

[0057] The sleeve has an essentially cylindrical geometry with a circular or oval cross-section, and has an upper opening 24 and a lower opening 25. As illustrated in [Fig. 6], when the sleeve 20 is positioned inside the seat tube 10, the upper opening 24 of the sleeve 20 coincides with the upper opening 11 of the tube 10. The sleeve 20 may have a flange 22 on its upper edge to retain the sleeve 20 on the edge of the upper opening 11 of the seat tube 10. The height of the sleeve corresponds to the sum of the heights of the upper portion 17 and the insertion portion of the seat tube stem 16. intended for receiving a seatpost. Preferably, the sleeve has a constant cross-section along the longitudinal axis X, the outer contour of the sleeve 20 corresponding to the inner contour of the tube 10 in the seatpost insertion portion 16. This allows the sliding insertion of the sleeve 10 into the seat tube 10 and good retention and the possibility of height adjustment of a seatpost 30 sliding in the sleeve 20.

[0058] At the longitudinal slot 170 in the upper portion 17 of the tube, the main portion of the tube intended for the insertion of a seat post is delimited by the sleeve 20.

[0059] With reference to [Fig. 8], a retaining clamp 31 surrounds the seat tube in the upper portion 17 near the upper opening 11 of the tube. The retaining clamp 31 includes a clamping element 37, such as a screw or a quick-release clamp, for compressing the sleeve 20. Advantageously, the retaining clamp 31 also includes electrical equipment for the bicycle, such as a rear light 35 or a vehicle detection radar. The retaining clamp includes an opening (not shown) at the bulge, for example, on an underside of the retaining clamp. Such an opening allows the electrical connection of an electrical cable arranged in the cavity defined by the bulge to the electrical equipment. Thus, the electrical cable can pass from the upper opening of the cavity 120 defined by the bulge into the lower opening of the retaining clamp 31 without passing outside the bicycle.

[0060] In other embodiments, the fixing collar may include a through opening allowing the passage of the electrical cable to electrical equipment arranged in another position at the level of the tube or the seat post or to an electrical connector.

[0061] With reference to [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 9], a seatpost 30 can be inserted into the sleeve 20 located in the seat tube 10. The seatpost is held in position by the retaining clamp. In the insertion portion of the post 16, the sleeve surrounds the seatpost 30 arranged in the main portion of the seat tube 10. Thus, the seatpost 30 and the cable located in the cavity defined by the bulge are positioned on either side of the sleeve wall and separated by this wall. The cable therefore does not hinder the adjustment or replacement of the seatpost. Conversely, movement of the seatpost inside the tube does not damage the electrical cable.

[0062] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a bicycle equipped with a main battery. The method begins by providing a bicycle frame including a seat tube as described above. During the manufacture of the seat tube, the bulge can be created, for example, by molding or forming. mechanical, hydroforming or extrusion. The creation of the bulge may also include one or more machining steps on the inner and / or outer face of the tube.

[0063] The seat tube can, for example, be welded to the other parts of the frame. The wheels, handlebars, and other parts of the bicycle can be arranged on the frame or mounted subsequently.

[0064] In some embodiments, the seat tube is molded together with other parts of the bicycle, for example in combination with a bottom bracket or together with a top tube of the frame. In this case, the entire tube of the other part molded together with the seat tube is welded to the remaining parts of the frame.

[0065] In other embodiments, the bicycle frame with the tube is molded in one piece.

[0066] A main battery is inserted into the bicycle frame or into a mount designed for this purpose. If necessary, the battery can be electrically connected to a motor for propelling the electric bicycle. One lower end of an electrical cable intended to power electrical equipment is connected to the main battery. A free end of the electrical cable is routed, preferably inside the frame, to a lower opening in the seat tube. The electrical cable is then threaded through the tube, and the free end of the cable is routed to the upper opening in the seat tube and passed through that opening.

[0067] The electrical cable is held in the cavity formed by the longitudinal bulge in the seat tube. A sleeve for carrying the seat post is inserted into the seat tube from the upper opening of the seat tube until it is fully inserted.

[0068] Alternatively, the electrical cable can be passed through the cavity defined by the inner wall of the bulge before being connected to the main battery and / or after the sleeve has been inserted. The cable can be routed from the upper opening of the seat tube, or from a lower or lateral opening of the seat tube.

[0069] The sleeve wall now delimits the cavity formed by the bulge. The cable is thus confined within this cavity and cannot be moved inside the sleeve into the main portion of the tube intended to receive the seat post.

[0070] The free end of the electrical cable is then connected to electrical equipment, for example a lamp arranged in a seat clamp. In other cases, the free end of the cable passes through an opening in the clamp and / or is connected to an electrical connector at the level of the upper opening of the seat tube, allowing for an electrical connection to be made with electrical equipment at a later date.

[0071] If necessary, the mounting collar is fitted around the seat tube near the upper opening of the tube. The collar may cover the upper opening of the longitudinal bulge to prevent damage to the electrical cable and obstruction of the cavity. When the seat tube has a slot, the mounting collar is positioned to cover said slot.

[0072] A seatpost can now be inserted into the upper opening of the seat tube and the sleeve. If necessary, during seatpost insertion, the seatpost clamp is loosened in its position without disconnecting the electrical connection of the cable passing through the cavity defined by the bulge. The seatpost can be adjusted in height, removed, and reinserted while maintaining the electrical connection of the equipment to the electrical cable arranged in the cavity defined by the longitudinal bulge. A saddle 38 can be attached to the seatpost 30.

Claims

Demands

1. Seat tube (10) for a bicycle comprising a main battery, said seat tube comprising an internal housing adapted to receive a seat post (30) extending along a main axis (X), characterized in that said seat tube (10) has a longitudinal bulge (12) extending along said main axis (X) and an internal face (121) of which defines, in the seat tube (10), a cavity (120) opening into the internal housing, said cavity (12) forming a passage for an electrical cable out of the internal housing.

2. Seat tube (10) according to claim 1, wherein the seat tube (10) has a longitudinal slot (170) extending from an upper opening (11) of the seat tube (10), the longitudinal bulge (12) extending along the main axis (X) from a lower edge (15) of the slot (170).

3. Seat tube (10) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal bulge (12) extends along the main axis (X) from a top opening (11) of the seat tube (10).

4. Seat tube (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner face (121) of the longitudinal bulge (12) has a rounded or curved section.

5. Seat tube (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal bulge (12) is oriented towards the rear of the bicycle.

6. Seat tube (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal bulge (12) extends over an upper portion (16) of the seat tube (10) having a length of at least 5 cm along the main axis (X).

7. Frame for a bicycle comprising a main battery, said frame comprising a seat tube (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a sleeve (20) adapted to be inserted into the seat tube (10) around a seat post (30), the cable passage being delimited by a portion (220) of the outer face of the sleeve (20) and the inner face (121) of the longitudinal bulge (12).

8. Frame according to claim 7, further comprising a seatpost clamp (31), said clamp (31) supporting a electrical equipment (35) adapted to be connected to a first end of an electrical cable (50) passing through the cavity (120) formed by the longitudinal bulge (12) to connect the electrical equipment to a main battery (55) of the bicycle.

9. Frame according to claim 8, wherein the electrical equipment is a rear lighting lamp (35) or a vehicle detection radar.

10. Bicycle comprising a main battery, said bicycle comprising • a frame according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the sleeve (20) being inserted into the seat tube (10), • a main battery (55), • an electrical cable (50) electrically connected to the main battery (55), said electrical cable (35) passing through the inside of the seat tube (10) to the upper opening of the seat tube (10), said cable being at least partially arranged in the cavity (120) delimited by the inner wall (121) of the longitudinal bulge and by an outer face (220) of the sleeve (20) to electrically power electrical equipment of the bicycle.

11. Bicycle according to claim 10, in which a seat post (30) is inserted into the sleeve (20).

12. Bicycle according to claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising a motor for propelling the bicycle, said motor being connected to the main battery (55).

13. Method of assembling a bicycle comprising a main battery, said method comprising: • making available a frame according to any one of claims 7 to 9, • passing an electrical cable (50) between the upper opening and the lower opening of said cavity (120) • inserting a sleeve (20) into the upper opening (11) of the seat tube (10), so as to delimit a cavity (120) between the inner face (121) of the longitudinal bulge (12) and an outer face (220) of the sleeve (20).

14. 12 Method according to claim 13, comprising the electrical connection of a first end of the cable at the upper opening (11) of the seat tube (10) to an electrical device, preferably a rear light (35) of the bicycle.

15. Method according to claim 14, further comprising the electrical connection of a second end of the cable (50) to the main battery (55) of the bicycle.

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