Bicycle and cover

Abstract

To provide a bicycle in which a finger is hard to be caught between a saddle and a part of a frame such as a seat post or a seat stay, and provide a cover.SOLUTION: A bicycle 1 includes a seat post 3, a saddle 4, and a cover 8. The saddle 4 has a seat surface 40 and is configured to be rotatable between a saddle use posture in which a normal line 400 of the seat surface 40 is directed upward and a saddle spring-up posture in which the direction of the normal line 400 is closer to horizontal than the direction of the normal line 400 in the saddle use posture. The cover 8 covers at least a part of a gap 10 between a rear surface 45 opposite to the seat surface 40 of the saddle 4 and a side surface of the seat post 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle having a seat post, a saddle and a cover, and a cover that is attached to the bicycle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric bicycle with an anti-theft device. The electric bicycle described in Patent Document 1 includes a saddle supported on a seat post so as to be rotatable between a service state and a parking state in which the saddle seat surface is inclined, and a locking device that holds the saddle in the parking state. A saddle support base plate is fixed to the upper end of the seat post. A saddle mounting member is fixed to the saddle. One end of the saddle mounting member is rotatably supported on one end of the saddle support base plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-157474 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the electric bicycle described in Patent Document 1, if a person's finger or other object is positioned in the gap between the underside of the saddle and the side of the seat post, there is a risk that the finger will become pinched between the rotating saddle and the seat post.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a bicycle and cover that makes it less likely for fingers to get pinched between the saddle and parts of the frame such as the seat post, seat stays, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A bicycle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a seat post, a saddle, and a cover. The saddle has a seating surface and is configured to be rotatable between a saddle-in-use position in which the normal to the seating surface faces upward and a saddle-up position in which the normal is closer to horizontal than the normal in the saddle-in-use position. The cover covers at least a portion of the gap between the back surface of the saddle opposite the seating surface and a side of the seat post.

[0007] A cover according to one aspect of the present disclosure is attached to a bicycle. The bicycle includes a seat post and a saddle. The saddle has a seating surface and is configured to be rotatable between a saddle use position in which a normal to the seating surface faces upward and a saddle jump-up position in which the normal is closer to horizontal than the normal in the saddle use position. The cover covers at least a portion of the gap between the back surface of the saddle opposite the seating surface and a side surface of the seat post. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the bicycle and cover of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure, fingers are less likely to become pinched between the saddle and parts of the frame such as the seat post, seat stays, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle (excluding the cover) according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bicycle saddle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the upper end portion of the seat post and the seat post mounting member of the bicycle. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5A is a side view of the seat post upper end portion, the seat post mounting member, and the saddle mounting member when the bicycle is in the saddle-used position, and Fig. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the seat post upper end portion, the seat post mounting member, and the saddle mounting member when the bicycle is in the saddle-used position. [Figure 6] Fig. 6A is a side view of the seat post upper end portion, the seat post mounting member, and the saddle mounting member of the bicycle in the saddle raised position, and Fig. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the seat post upper end portion, the seat post mounting member, and the saddle mounting member of the bicycle in the saddle raised position. [Figure 7] 7A, 7B, and 7C are front, plan, and side views of the saddle side cover of the bicycle, respectively. [Figure 8] 8A is a plan view of the bicycle seat post cover, FIG 8B is a rear view of the bicycle seat post cover, and FIG 8C is a side view of the bicycle seat post cover. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of a modified version of the bicycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (1) Implementation form (1.1) Overview The bicycle 1 according to this embodiment includes a seat post 3, a saddle 4, and a cover 8. The saddle 4 has a seat surface 40, and is configured to be rotatable between a saddle in-use position in which a normal 400 of the seat surface 40 faces upward, and a saddle jump-up position in which the orientation of the normal 400 is closer to horizontal than the orientation of the normal 400 in the saddle in-use position. The cover 8 covers at least a portion of a gap 10 between a back surface 45 of the saddle 4 opposite the seat surface 40 and the side of the seat post 3.

[0011] The cover 8 according to this embodiment is attached to the bicycle 1. The cover 8 covers at least a portion of the gap 10 between the back surface 45 of the saddle 4 opposite the seat surface 40 and the side surface of the seat post 3.

[0012] In the bicycle and cover 8 according to this embodiment, fingers are less likely to become pinched between the saddle and parts of the frame such as the seat post or seat stays.

[0013] (1.2) Details (1.2.1) Overall Structure The bicycle according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, bicycle 1 according to this embodiment is an electrically assisted bicycle, and is equipped with a motor unit 12 that outputs rotational power to at least one of the front wheel 111 and the rear wheel 112 that make up the wheels 11. In this disclosure, an "electrically assisted bicycle" refers to a bicycle equipped with a motor unit 12 that supplements the user's pedaling force (hereinafter referred to as "pedal force") with a drive auxiliary output. Therefore, in this disclosure, an "electrically assisted bicycle" includes not only legally regulated electrically assisted bicycles, but also bicycles equipped with a motor unit 12 that do not legally belong to the category of electrically assisted bicycles. In this disclosure, "drive auxiliary output" refers to the rotational output that motor 121 (see FIG. 2) provides to wheel 11.

[0015] Although the bicycle 1 according to this embodiment is an electrically assisted bicycle, in the present disclosure, the bicycle may also be a bicycle in which the drive system (human-powered drive system) that powers the wheels 11 by pedaling force and the drive system (motor drive system) that powers the wheels 11 by the motor 121 are separate (a bicycle that can be run with only the motor 121). Here, the term "electric bicycle" refers to bicycles that include bicycles in which the human-powered drive system and the motor drive system are separate, and electrically assisted bicycles. Note that the "bicycle" referred to in this disclosure does not have to be an electrically assisted bicycle, and may also be a bicycle that has only a human-powered drive system and does not have a motor unit 12.

[0016] Users of the bicycle 1 according to this embodiment are primarily elderly people, people with weak legs and hips, people who have difficulty maintaining balance, people with disabilities, etc. However, in this disclosure, the user is not particularly limited, and may be a young person, a middle-aged person, a healthy person, etc.

[0017] Here, in this disclosure, the direction in which the bicycle 1 moves along the running surface 100 is defined as the "forward direction", and the opposite direction is defined as the "rearward direction". In addition, the two directions, the forward direction and the rearward direction, are defined as the "forward and rearward directions", and the two directions perpendicular to the forward and rearward directions and along the horizontal plane are defined as the "left and right directions". In this embodiment, the running surface 100 is described as a horizontal plane. However, in reality, the running surface 100 is not necessarily a horizontal plane, and may be, for example, an uneven surface, an inclined surface having a gradient with respect to the horizontal plane, a curved surface, a spherical surface, etc. The definition of these directions is not intended to limit the manner in which the bicycle 1 is used. Also, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are merely indicated for the purpose of explanation and do not have any substance.

[0018] 1, the bicycle 1 in this embodiment includes a frame 2, one front wheel 111, two rear wheels 112, a handlebar 13, a saddle 4, a pair of crank arms 142, a pair of pedals 141, a battery device 15, and a motor unit 12. The bicycle 1 also includes a brake device that brakes at least one of the front wheel 111 and the rear wheel 112, a speed sensor 19, and a control unit 16 (see FIG. 2).

[0019] (1.2.2) Wheels The front wheels 111 and the rear wheels 112 that constitute the wheel set 11 support the frame 2 on the running surface 100. Each of the front wheels 111 and the rear wheels 112 includes a tire 113, a wheel 114, and a hub 115.

[0020] A front wheel axle 116 passes through a hub 115 of the front wheel 111, and the front wheel 111 is rotatably attached to a front fork 26 that constitutes the frame 2 by the front wheel axle 116. The rotation axis of the front wheel 111 is the same as the central axis of the front wheel axle 116 and is approximately parallel to the left-right direction.

[0021] The two rear wheels 112 are rotatably attached to the frame 2. The two rear wheels 112 are separated in the left-right direction. A rear wheel axle 117 passes through a hub 115 of the rear wheel 112, and the rear wheel 112 is rotatably attached to the frame 2 by the rear wheel axle 117. The rotation axis of the rear wheel 112 is the same as the central axis of the rear wheel axle 117 and is approximately parallel to the left-right direction. In the bicycle 1 according to this embodiment, one of the two rear wheels 112 is a drive wheel, and the other is a driven wheel.

[0022] (1.2.3) Frames The frame 2 is a framework to which at least one front wheel 111 and two rear wheels 112 are attached. In this embodiment, the frame 2 is made of an aluminum alloy containing aluminum as a main component. However, in this disclosure, the frame 2 is not limited to an aluminum alloy, and may be made of iron, chrome molybdenum steel, high tensile steel, titanium, magnesium, or the like. Furthermore, the frame 2 according to this disclosure is not limited to a metal, and may be made of carbon, wood, bamboo, fiber reinforced synthetic resin (e.g., CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics)), or the like. In this embodiment, the front wheel 111, the battery device 15, the handlebars 13, the saddle 4, the motor unit 12, the crank arms 142, and the pedals 141 are attached to the frame 2.

[0023] The frame 2 is made up of a plurality of pipes. In this embodiment, the frame 2 includes a front fork 26, a head pipe 24, a down tube 22, a seat tube 23, seat stays 25, and a chain stay 27.

[0024] In the present disclosure, the term "pipe" refers to an elongated hollow member. The cross-sectional shape of the pipe according to the present disclosure may be, for example, a circular shape (including a perfect circle, an oval, and an ellipse), a rectangular shape (including a square), a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, and the like.

[0025] The front fork 26 supports the front wheel 111. The front fork 26 includes a pair of legs 261, a crown 262 connecting upper ends of the pair of legs 261, and a steering column 263 protruding from the crown 262. The front wheel 111 is rotatably attached to the pair of legs 261 via a front wheel axle 116 passing through a hub 115. The rotation axis of the front wheel 111 is approximately parallel to the running surface 100 and is the same as the central axis of the front wheel axle 116 that supports the front wheel 111. The protruding direction (longitudinal direction) of the steering column 263 is inclined with respect to the running surface 100 so as to move rearward as it moves upward from the crown 262.

[0026] The head pipe 24 supports the front fork 26. The central axis of the head pipe 24 is inclined with respect to the riding surface 100 so that it approaches the rear as it goes upward. The steering column 263 is passed through the head pipe 24 so that the central axis of the head pipe 24 and the central axis of the steering column 263 coincide with each other. This allows the head pipe 24 to rotatably support the steering column 263. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the steering column 263 is the same as the central axis of the head pipe 24.

[0027] The down tube 22 connects the head pipe 24 and the seat tube 23 .

[0028] The seat tube 23 holds the saddle 4. The lower end of the seat tube 23 is connected to the rear end of the down tube 22. The seat tube 23 is formed in a straight line, and the central axis of the seat tube 23 is inclined with respect to the riding surface 100 so as to move rearward as it goes upward. The seat tube 23 is located between the front wheel 111 and the rear wheel 112 in the front-rear direction. The saddle 4 is attached to the seat tube 23 so as to be movable in a direction along the central axis of the seat tube 23 (longitudinal direction).

[0029] The saddle 4 has a seat surface 40. The saddle 4 is attached to one end side of the seat post 3 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the seat post 3 faces the up-down direction. Here, the longitudinal direction of the seat post 3 facing the up-down direction means that the longitudinal direction of the seat post 3 includes at least a vertical component. That is, the longitudinal direction of the seat post 3 may be vertical or may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, but is not horizontal. In this embodiment, the one end of the longitudinal direction of the seat post 3 is the upper end of the seat post 3. The seat post 3 protrudes downward from the part of the saddle 4 where the user sits. In this embodiment, the seat post 3 is inclined with respect to the running surface 100 so as to go forward as it goes downward. The seat post 3 is passed through the seat tube 23 so as to be aligned with the central axis of the seat tube 23. The seat post 3 and the saddle 4 will be described later.

[0030] The battery device 15 is attached to the chain stay 27. The front end of the chain stay 27 is attached to a longitudinal rear portion of the down tube 22. The rear end of the chain stay 27 is attached to a rear end of the seat stay 25. In addition, the rear end of the chain stay 27 is attached to the rear wheel axle 117.

[0031] The seat stays 25 reinforce the seat tube 23. In this embodiment, the seat stays 25 connect the seat tube 23 and the rear ends of the chain stays 27. The front ends of the seat stays 25 are attached to the upper end of the seat tube 23. The rear ends of the seat stays 25 are attached to the rear ends of the chain stays 27. In addition, the rear ends of the seat stays 25 are attached to the rear wheel axle 117.

[0032] Although not specifically shown, the brake device has a brake main body, a brake lever 132, and a brake interlocking member. The brake main body is a so-called brake caliper, and has a wire adjustment screw and a brake block. The brake lever 132 is disposed so as to be aligned with the grip 131 of the handle 13. The brake interlocking member is interlocked between the brake main body and the brake lever 132, and is constituted by a so-called brake wire.

[0033] A rear sprocket 172 is fixed to one of the rear wheel axles, 117. Therefore, the rotation axis of the rear sprocket 172 is the same as the rotation axis of the rear wheel axle 117. The rear sprocket 172 is connected to the drive sprocket 171 via the power transmission body 18. As a result, the rotational power output from the drive sprocket 171 is transmitted to the rear sprocket 172 via the power transmission body 18, causing one of the rear wheels 112 to rotate.

[0034] (1.2.4) Handle The handle 13 controls the direction of the front wheels 111. In this embodiment, the handle 13 is formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed from the front. The handle 13 has a grip 131 at its tip. The handle 13 is fixed to the upper end of a steering column 263.

[0035] (1.2.5) Battery device The battery device 15 is a device that supplies power to at least the motor 121. The battery device 15 includes an attachment portion 151 and a battery 150.

[0036] The mounting part 151 is a portion where the battery 150 is mounted. The battery 150 is removably attached to the mounting part 151. The mounting part 151 is fixed in a mounted state to the chain stay 27.

[0037] The battery 150 is a secondary battery that stores electrical energy to be supplied to the motor 121. The battery 150 has one or more built-in cells. The battery 150 is electrically connected to the mounting unit 151. In this way, the battery 150 can supply power to the motor 121.

[0038] In the present disclosure, the battery device 15 may be configured to supply power only to the motor unit 12, or may be configured to supply power to the motor unit 12 as well as, for example, the headlights, an ON / OFF control unit for the motor 121, etc.

[0039] (1.2.6) Motor unit and motor bracket The motor unit 12 outputs a force that assists the pedaling force input from the pedal 141. When the user pedals the pedal 141 and a pedaling force (external force) is input to the crankshaft via the crank arm 142, the crankshaft rotates. When the crankshaft receives the pedaling force and rotates, the motor unit 12 according to this embodiment detects the rotation speed of the crankshaft and the torque generated in the crankshaft, and outputs a force according to the detection results. In short, the motor unit 12 according to this embodiment can output a force that is the sum of the pedaling force and the drive assist output.

[0040] The motor unit 12 according to this embodiment includes a drive sprocket 171 around which the power transmission body 18 is hung, a motor 121 (see FIG. 2), a speed reduction mechanism (not shown), and a pedaling force detection sensor 122 (see FIG. 2).

[0041] The drive sprocket 171 rotates by the pedaling force and the output from the motor 121. In short, the motor unit 12 according to this embodiment is a so-called single-shaft motor unit that transmits the pedaling force and the auxiliary drive output to the power transmission body 18 via the same drive sprocket 171.

[0042] However, in the present disclosure, the motor unit 12 may be a so-called two-axis motor unit 12 that transmits the pedaling force transmitted via the pedal 141 and the crank arm 142 and the output of the motor 121 separately to the power transmission body 18.

[0043] The motor 121 outputs rotational power. The motor 121 includes a rotor and a stator. An output shaft is attached to the rotor, and the rotor and the output shaft are fixed to each other. Teeth are formed on the outer periphery of the output shaft.

[0044] The reduction gear mechanism is disposed around the output shaft and includes multiple gears that mesh with the teeth of the gears. When the rotor of the motor 121 rotates, the power is transmitted to the reduction gear mechanism, which rotates the drive sprocket 171 and transmits an assist force to the rear wheel 112.

[0045] The pedaling force detection sensor 122 detects the pedaling force input from a pedal 141 connected to the crankshaft. In this modified example, the pedaling force detection sensor 122 detects torque to detect the pedaling force. This torque detection is performed, for example, by a magnetostrictive torque sensor detecting strain generated in the crankshaft. Note that the pedaling force may also be detected by detecting the rotation of the crankshaft around its axis using a rotation sensor. The detection result detected by the pedaling force detection sensor 122 is output to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 controls the motor 121 to rotate based on the detection result of the pedaling force detection sensor 122.

[0046] A crank arm 142 and a pedal 141 are attached to both ends of the crank shaft of the motor unit 12. In other words, the pair of crank arms 142 and the pair of pedals 141 are disposed on the right and left sides of the frame 2. In this embodiment, the pedal 141 drives at least one of the two rear wheels 112.

[0047] In the embodiment, the power transmission member 18 is a chain, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the power transmission member 18 may be a belt, a wire, or the like.

[0048] The motor unit 12 is attached to a down tube 22 (frame 2).

[0049] (1.2.7) Control section The control unit 16 (see FIG. 2) is composed of a control board (not shown). In this embodiment, the control board is a printed circuit board. The control unit 16 is mainly composed of a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the functions of the control unit 16 are realized by the processor of the microcontroller executing a program recorded in the memory of the microcontroller. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. The motor 121, the pedaling force detection sensor 122, the speed sensor 19, and the reed switch 32 (see FIG. 2) of the motor unit 12 are connected to the control unit 16.

[0050] The speed sensor 19 detects the traveling speed of the bicycle 1. In this disclosure, the “traveling speed” refers to the speed at which the bicycle 1 travels on the riding surface 100.

[0051] (2) Saddle and seat post As shown in Fig. 4, the saddle 4 is attached to one end of the seat post 3 in the longitudinal direction via a seat post mounting member 5 and a saddle mounting member 6. The bicycle 1 is equipped with the seat post mounting member 5 and the saddle mounting member 6. The seat post mounting member 5 and the saddle mounting member 6 form a saddle mounting member set.

[0052] (2.1) Saddle As shown in Fig. 3, the saddle 4 has a curved plate-shaped base 41, a cushion 42 attached to the upper side of the base 41, a naval line 43 attached to the lower side of the base 41, and a spring 44 disposed between the lower surface of the base 41 and the naval line 43. The saddle 4 used in the bicycle 1 of this embodiment can be any of a variety of known saddles as appropriate, and is not particularly limited. In particular, a general saddle having a naval line 43 is preferably used as the saddle 4.

[0053] (2.2) Seatpost As shown in Fig. 4, the seat post 3 has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the seat post 3 is a small diameter section 31 that is smaller in diameter than the portion below the upper end. The seat post 3 used in the bicycle 1 of this embodiment is not particularly limited and may be any of a variety of known seat posts. A seat post mounting member 5 is attached to the upper end of the seat post 3 (the small diameter section 31 in this embodiment).

[0054] (2.3) Seatpost mounting parts The seatpost mounting member 5 is formed as a separate member from the seatpost 3. The seatpost mounting member 5 is attached to one end (upper end) of the seatpost 3 in the longitudinal direction so as to be detachable (separable) from the seatpost 3. The seatpost mounting member 5 is mainly made of metal. As the metal constituting the seatpost mounting member 5, iron (including steel) or SUS is preferably used, but it may be made of other metals such as aluminum, and is not particularly limited. In addition, the seatpost mounting member 5 may include both metals and non-metals. The seatpost mounting member 5 has a tubular portion 51 and a fastening portion 52.

[0055] The tubular portion 51 has a cylindrical shape, but the tubular wall is not formed around the entire circumference. In other words, the tubular portion 51 is not annular, but is partially divided in the circumferential direction, and a gap is formed between the ends in the circumferential direction. The inner diameter of the tubular portion 51 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 31 of the seat post 3. The tubular portion 51 can be deformed so that the distance between the divided ends in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 51 changes slightly. As a result, the inner diameter of the tubular portion 51 can change to some extent depending on the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 31 of the seat post 3.

[0056] The fastening portion 52 has upper fastening pieces 520, 520 that protrude radially outward from the upper portions of the ends of the circumferentially divided tubular portion 51. The upper fastening pieces 520, 520 face each other. In both upper fastening pieces 520, 520, near the ends close to the tubular portion 51, through holes 53, 53 through which bolts 54 constituting the fastening members pass are formed.

[0057] The fastening portion 52 has lower fastening pieces 521, 521 that protrude radially outward from the lower portions of the ends of the circumferentially divided tubular portion 51. The lower fastening pieces 521, 521 face each other. The upper fastening pieces 520, 520 are formed with through holes 57, 57 through which a pin 56 that connects the seat post mounting member 5 and the saddle mounting member 6 passes.

[0058] To attach the seat post attachment member 5 to the small diameter portion 31 of the seat post 3, first, the tubular portion 51 is placed over the small diameter portion 31 from above, and the small diameter portion 31 is fitted into the tubular portion 51. Next, the bolt 54 is passed through the through holes 53, 53 of both lower fastening pieces 521, 521, and the nut 55, which constitutes a fastening member together with the bolt 54, is fitted onto the bolt 54 and tightened.

[0059] The seat post mounting member 5 is formed with a first hook portion 581 onto which a hook portion 75 of the usage posture maintaining portion 7, which will be described later, hooks. A first opening 582 is formed at the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 51, and is formed by cutting and raising the upper edge of the first opening 582 of the cylindrical portion 51. In addition, a second opening 583 is formed above the first opening 582 at the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 51.

[0060] (2.4) Saddle mounting parts The saddle mounting member 6 (so-called yagura) is formed as a separate body from the saddle 4. The saddle mounting member 6 is attached to the saddle 4 in a detachable (separable) manner. The saddle mounting member 6 is mainly formed of a metal. As the metal constituting the saddle mounting member 6, iron (including steel) or SUS is preferably used, but other metals such as aluminum may also be used, and there is no particular limitation. The saddle mounting member 6 may also include both metals and non-metals. The saddle mounting member 6 has a main body portion 61 and a saddle mounting portion 62.

[0061] The main body 61 is formed in a U-shape (or C-shape) that opens downward and has a horizontal piece 63 and left and right vertical pieces 64, 64. The vertical pieces 64, 64 extend downward from both left and right ends of the horizontal piece 63 located at the upper end. The shape of the main body 61 largely determines the shape of the entire saddle mounting member 6.

[0062] The horizontal piece 63 has a through hole formed therein as an attachment portion 631 for attaching the magnet 34 constituting the reed switch 32 .

[0063] The vertical pieces 64, 64 are formed with through holes 641, 641 and chrysanthemum seats 642, 642 for mounting the saddle mounting parts 62, 62. The chrysanthemum seats 642, 642 are uneven surfaces with triangular wave-shaped cross sections that extend radially from the through holes 641, 641 as centers. The through holes 641, 641 are rectangular in shape, through which a threaded portion 662 of the saddle mounting shaft 66, which will be described later, passes and which fits with the rectangular portion 661.

[0064] Connecting pieces 65, 65 constituting the saddle mounting part 62 extend forward from the front ends of the vertical pieces 64, 64. The horizontal piece 63 is not located in the portion corresponding to the connecting pieces 65, 65. The connecting pieces 65, 65 are formed with through holes 651, 651 through which the pin 56 passes.

[0065] The vertical pieces 64, 64 are formed with through holes 643, 643 through which the shaft members 74 for rotatably connecting the usage position maintaining portion 7 to the saddle mounting member 6 pass.

[0066] The saddle mounting parts 62, 62 have first clamping pieces 621, 621 (so-called chrysanthemum seat members) and second clamping pieces 622, 622 (so-called one-ring pieces) that clamp the ship line 43 of the saddle 4. The first clamping pieces 621, 621 are formed with through holes 623, 623 through which the threaded portion 662 of the saddle mounting shaft 66 passes. The second clamping pieces 622, 622 are formed with through holes 624, 624 through which the threaded portion 662 of the saddle mounting shaft 66 passes.

[0067] The first clamping pieces 621, 621 are formed with chrysanthemum seats 625, 625 having projections and recesses that fit with the projections and recesses of the chrysanthemum seats 642, 642 of the vertical pieces 64, 64.

[0068] The saddle mounting shaft 66 has a rectangular section 661 with a square cross section at the middle in the axial direction. The saddle mounting shaft 66 also has threaded sections 662, 662 at both ends in the axial direction. Nuts 663, 663 are fitted onto the threaded sections 662, 662.

[0069] The saddle mounting member 6 has a usage position maintaining portion 7 that maintains the saddle mounting member 6 in the saddle usage position, and a release portion 78 (release lever 780) that releases the saddle usage position maintained by the usage position maintaining portion 7. The usage position maintaining portion 7 and the release portion 78 will be described later.

[0070] (2.5) Operation of seat post mounting member and saddle mounting member 5A and 5B, the saddle mounting member 6 is connected to the seat post mounting member 5 so as to be rotatable about a central axis 50. In this embodiment, the seat post mounting member 5 and the saddle mounting member 6 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the central axis 50 via a pin 56 located at the position of the central axis 50.

[0071] This allows the saddle mounting member 6 to rotate between a saddle in-use position and a saddle jump-up position. The saddle in-use position is a position in which the normal 400 of the seat surface 40 faces upward. As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the saddle in-use position is a position of the saddle mounting member 6 in a state in which the rotation end portion 60 on the opposite side to the side on which the central axis 50 of the saddle mounting member 6 is located is located at one end of the rotation range in the saddle in-use position. In this embodiment, when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle in-use position, the rotation end portion 60 of the saddle mounting member 6 is located at the lower limit of the rotation range.

[0072] 6A and 6B, the saddle-up posture is a posture in which the direction of the normal line 400 is closer to horizontal than the direction of the normal line 400 in the saddle-used posture. The saddle-up position is the position of the saddle mounting member 6 when the rotating end portion 60 of the saddle mounting member 6 is located at the other end of the rotation range in the saddle-up posture.

[0073] When the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle use position, it comes into contact with the upper surface of the seat post mounting member 5. Specifically, when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle use position, the lower surface of the horizontal piece 63 of the saddle mounting member 6 is placed on and supported by the upper surface of the tubular portion 51 of the seat post mounting member 5. The upper surface of the tubular portion 51 of the seat post mounting member 5 serves as a one-end side restricting portion that restricts the movement of the rotation end portion 60 so that it becomes one end (lower limit) of the rotation range. As a result, the weight of the user applied to the saddle mounting member 6 via the saddle 4 is received by the upper surface of the tubular portion 51 of the seat post mounting member 5.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6B, when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle raised position, it contacts the seat post mounting member 5 via the pin 56, and also contacts the seat post mounting member 5 at a location other than the location where the saddle mounting member 6 contacts the seat post mounting member 5 via the pin 56. To explain in detail, the saddle mounting member 6 always contacts the seat post mounting member 5 via the pin 56. In addition, when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle raised position, it also contacts the seat post mounting member 5 at another location. In this embodiment, when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle raised position, the saddle mounting shaft 66 contacts the upper part of the rear end of the tubular portion 51 of the seat post mounting member 5. The upper part of the rear end of the tubular portion 51 of the seat post mounting member 5 serves as a restricting portion on the other end side that restricts the movement of the rotating end portion 60 so that it becomes the other end (upper limit) of the rotation range.

[0075] This prevents the weight of the bicycle 1 from concentrating on the pin 56 connected to the saddle 4 when the user tries to lift the saddle 4, which is located in the saddle jump-up position. To explain in more detail, when the user pushes the bicycle 1 with the saddle 4 located in the saddle jump-up position, the user normally grasps the grip 131 of the handlebar 13 to push the bicycle 1, but when riding up a step, the user lifts the bicycle 1 as appropriate. At this time, when attempting to lift the bicycle 1 by lifting the saddle 4, which is located in the saddle jump-up position, there is a risk that the weight of the bicycle 1 will be concentrated on the pin 56 connected to the saddle 4.

[0076] The pin 56 is simply a member for restricting the movement (rotation) of the saddle mounting member 6 relative to the seat post mounting member 5. When the user sits on the saddle 4 and rides the bicycle 1 (when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle use position), the lower surface of the horizontal piece 63 of the saddle mounting member 6 is placed on and supported by the upper surface of the tubular portion 51 of the seat post mounting member 5. At this time, the weight of the user is supported by the seat post mounting member 5 without the aid of the pin 56. For this reason, it is economically undesirable to make the strength of the pin 56 strong enough to support the weight of the user, and the strength of the pin 56 is designed not to be high. It is undesirable for the weight of the bicycle 1 to be concentrated on this pin 56, but the saddle mounting shaft 66 also comes into contact with the upper part of the rear end portion of the tubular portion 51 of the seat post mounting member 5, which makes it easier to distribute the weight of the bicycle 1 applied to the saddle mounting member 6.

[0077] (2.6)Using posture holding part The usage position maintaining portion 7 maintains the saddle 4 in a saddle usage position. The usage position maintaining portion 7 maintains the state in which the saddle mounting member 6 is located at the saddle usage position. The usage position maintaining portion 7 is mainly formed of a metal. As the metal constituting the usage position maintaining portion 7, iron (including steel) or SUS is preferably used, but other metals such as aluminum may also be used, and there is no particular limitation. Furthermore, the usage position maintaining portion 7 may include both metals and non-metals.

[0078] 4, in this embodiment, the usage posture maintaining portion 7 is configured by a hook 71 having a recess 72 between one end and the other end. One end side of the hook 71 is connected to the saddle mounting member 6 so as to be rotatable about a second central axis 70. Specifically, a through hole 73 is formed in the upper end portion, which is the one end side, and a shaft member 74 is passed through the through hole 73.

[0079] A hook portion 75 that hooks onto the first hook portion 581 of the seat post mounting member 5 is formed on the other end side, which is the rotating end, of the hook 71. The hook portion 75 is a pointed portion on the other end side of the hook 71.

[0080] A spring 76 is arranged on the shaft member 74 to apply force to the hook 71 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the hook portion 75 hooks onto the first latch portion 581 (i.e., the direction in which the saddle mounting member 6 rotates from the saddle use position toward the saddle jump-up position).

[0081] When the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle use position, the upper edge 751 of the hook portion 75 hooks onto a first hook portion 581 formed on the seat post 3, thereby maintaining the saddle use position (see FIG. 5B).

[0082] When the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle raised position, the hook portion 75 of the hook 71 is not hooked on the first latch portion 581 of the seat post mounting member 5, so that the hook 71 can rotate around the second central axis 70. If the hook 71 rotates significantly and the hook portion 75 is located directly above the seat post mounting member 5, the hook portion 75 will come into contact with the seat post mounting member 5 and will not rotate even if the rotating end portion 60 for positioning the saddle mounting member 6 in the saddle use position is rotated downward. For this reason, in this embodiment, a part of the saddle mounting member 6 is inserted into the recess 72 and comes into contact with the hook 71, so that the hook portion 75 is not located directly above the seat post mounting member 5. To explain further, the saddle mounting shaft 66 of the saddle mounting member 6 is inserted into the recess 72 of the hook 71, so that the saddle mounting shaft 66 comes into contact with the inner surface of the recess 72, restricting the movement of the hook 71. The movement of the hook 71 is restricted by the saddle mounting shaft 66, so that the hook portion 75 is not positioned directly above the seat post mounting member 5. This makes it easier for the user to position the saddle mounting member 6, which is located in the saddle raised position, into the saddle use position.

[0083] (2.7) Release section The release portion 78 releases the saddle in use position maintained by the use posture maintaining portion 7. The release portion 78 is mainly made of resin, but may be made of metal or the like, and is not particularly limited in material. In this embodiment, the release portion 78 is constituted by a release lever 780.

[0084] One end side of the release lever 780 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the saddle mounting member 6. The other end side of the release lever 780 rotates around the second central axis 70 (the center of the shaft member 74) on the one end side of the release lever 780 so as to move upward (towards one end in the longitudinal direction of the seat post 3).

[0085] (2.8) Jumping posture holding part The bicycle 1 is provided with a spring-up position holding portion 77 that holds the saddle 4 in the spring-up position. The lower end edge 752 of the hook portion 75 hooks onto a second hook portion 584 formed on the seat post 3 to hold the saddle in the spring-up position (see FIG. 6B). In this embodiment, the hook 71 has a recess 753 at the lower end edge 752 of the hook portion 75 into which the second hook portion 584 is inserted. This makes it difficult for the saddle 4 to be released from the spring-up position.

[0086] (2.9) Reed Switch The bicycle 1 is equipped with a reed switch 32. The reed switch 32 detects whether the saddle 4 is in the saddle use position or the saddle raised position. Information detected by the reed switch 32 is sent to the control unit 16 via a cable line 35. The reed switch 32 has a pair of reeds (not shown) and a magnet 34.

[0087] 5B and 6B, inside the seat post 3, the contacts of each lead are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction of the seat post 3. In other words, each of the pair of leads is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the seat post 3.

[0088] The magnet 34 is attached to a mounting portion 631 formed on the horizontal piece 63 of the saddle mounting member 6 by a fastener 341 such as a screw.

[0089] (2.10) Cover The bicycle 1 includes a cover 8. The cover 8 covers at least a portion of a gap 10 (see FIG. 6B) between a back surface 45 of the saddle 4 opposite the seat surface 40 and a side surface of the seat post 3. In this embodiment, the cover 8 covers the gap 10 over the entire circumference of the seat post 3.

[0090] In this embodiment, the cover 8 includes a saddle side cover 81 attached to the saddle 4 as shown in Figs. 7A to 7C, and a seat post side cover 82 attached to the seat post 3 as shown in Figs. 8A to 8C.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C, the saddle side cover 81 includes a first half 81A and a second half 81B. The first half 81A and the second half 81B are not connected to each other and constitute an independent cover. The saddle side cover 81 has an upper cover part 811 that covers the upper side of the gap 10, a rear cover part 812 that covers the rear side of the gap 10, and a side cover part 813 that covers the sides of the gap 10. The first half 81A has an upper cover part 811A that covers the upper side of the gap 10, a rear cover part 812A that covers the rear side of the gap 10, and a side cover part 813A that covers the left side of the gap 10. The second half 81B has an upper cover part 811B that covers the upper side of the gap 10, a rear cover part 812B that covers the rear side of the gap 10, and a side cover part 813B that covers the right side of the gap 10.

[0092] An opening 814 through which the saddle mounting shaft 66 (see FIG. 6B) passes is formed in the side covering portion 813 (side covering portion 813A and side covering portion 813B). Note that the side covering portion 813 may have a notch formed therein instead of the opening 814.

[0093] The rear covering portion 812 (the rear covering portion 812A and the rear covering portion 812B) has a notch 815 through which the ship line 43 (see FIG. 6B) passes. Note that the rear covering portion 812 may have an opening instead of the notch 815.

[0094] The first half 81A and the second half 81B are each attached to the saddle 4 by a suitable method such as screwing, fitting, or adhesive.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the seat post side cover 82 includes a first half 82A and a second half 82B. The first half 82A and the second half 82B are connected to form an integrated seat post side cover 82. The seat post side cover 82 has a lower covering portion 821 that covers the lower side of the gap 10, a front covering portion 822 that covers the front of the gap 10, a rear covering portion 823 that covers the rear of the gap 10, and a side covering portion 824 that covers the sides of the gap 10. The first half 82A has a lower covering portion 821A that covers the lower side of the gap 10, a rear covering portion 822A that covers the front of the gap 10, a rear covering portion 823A that covers the rear of the gap 10, and a side covering portion 824A that covers the left side of the gap 10. The second half 82B has a lower covering portion 821B that covers the lower part of the gap 10, a rear covering portion 823B that covers the front of the gap 10, a rear covering portion 823B that covers the rear of the gap 10, and a side covering portion 824B that covers the right side of the gap 10.

[0096] An opening 825 through which the seat post 3 (see FIG. 6B) passes is formed in the lower covering portion 821 (lower covering portion 821A and lower covering portion 821B). Note that the lower covering portion 821 may have a notch formed therein instead of the opening 825.

[0097] The rear covering portion 823 (the rear covering portion 823A and the rear covering portion 823B) has a notch 826 through which the ship line 43 (see FIG. 6B) passes. Note that the rear covering portion 823 may have an opening instead of the notch 826.

[0098] The side covering portion 824 (the side covering portion 824A and the side covering portion 824B) has an opening 827 through which a connecting member (not shown) such as a screw for connecting the side covering portion 824 to each other passes. Note that the side covering portion 824 may have a notch instead of the opening 827.

[0099] The first half 82A and the second half 82B are each attached to the seat post 3 by a suitable method such as screwing, fitting, or adhesive.

[0100] By providing a cover 8 that covers at least a portion of the gap 10 between the underside 45 of the saddle 4 and the side of the seat post 3, fingers, etc. are prevented from getting into the gap between the underside 45 of the saddle 4 and the side of the seat post 3, or between the saddle 4 and the frame 2 such as the seat stay 25, and the fingers, etc. are prevented from being pinched between the saddle 4 and the side of the seat post 3 or the frame 2 such as the seat stay 25.

[0101] Since the seat post side cover 82 includes the first half 82A and the second half 82B, the first half 82A and the second half 82B can be combined and attached to the seat post 3 later without having to pass the seat post 3 through the opening 825 in advance, making it easy to attach the cover 8.

[0102] In addition, since the cover 8 includes the saddle side cover 81 and the seat post side cover 82, the overlap portion 816 of the saddle side cover 81 and the overlap portion 828 (see Figure 6B) of the seat post side cover 82 can be configured to overlap in both the saddle in-use position and the saddle raised position, making it even less likely that fingers, etc. will get pinched.

[0103] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0104] Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination. The bicycle according to the present disclosure is not limited to the bicycle 1 as in the above embodiment. The bicycle may be a two-wheeled bicycle, or may be a bicycle with four or more wheels.

[0105] The small diameter portion 31 may not be formed at the upper end of the seat post 3 .

[0106] The usage position maintaining portion 7 does not have to be provided on the saddle mounting member 6, but may be provided at any location on the bicycle.

[0107] The release unit 78 does not have to be provided on the saddle mounting member 6, but may be provided anywhere on the bicycle. Furthermore, the release unit 78 does not have to be configured by the release lever 780, and may be configured by a push button or the like, and is not particularly limited.

[0108] The position of the rotating end 60 of the saddle mounting member 6 when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle use position does not have to be at the lower limit of the rotation range. Also, the position of the rotating end 60 of the saddle mounting member 6 when the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle lift position does not have to be at the upper limit of the rotation range.

[0109] The bicycle may be provided with a tact switch, a limit switch, or a switch using a relay instead of the reed switch 32. Also, the bicycle does not have to be provided with the reed switch 32, the tact switch, the limit switch, or a switch using a relay.

[0110] When the saddle mounting member 6 is in the saddle raised position, it may contact the seat post mounting member 5 via the pin 56 and also contact the seat post 3.

[0111] The cover 8 may be made of a cloth that covers the gap 10. The material of the cover 8 may include, but is not limited to, resin, metal, wood, polypropylene, and the like.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 9, the cover 8 may cover only a portion of the gap 10 .

[0113] (4) Description As described above, the bicycle 1 according to the first embodiment includes the seat post 3, the saddle 4, and the cover 8. The saddle 4 has a seat surface 40, and is configured to be rotatable between a saddle in-use position in which the normal line 400 of the seat surface 40 faces upward, and a saddle in-use position in which the orientation of the normal line 400 is closer to horizontal than the orientation of the normal line 400 in the saddle in-use position. The cover 8 covers at least a portion of the gap 10 between the back surface 45 of the saddle 4 opposite the seat surface 40 and the side of the seat post 3.

[0114] According to the first aspect, the cover 8 can easily prevent a finger or the like from entering the gap 10, making it difficult for the finger or the like to be pinched.

[0115] The second aspect is realized by combining with the first aspect. In the second aspect, the cover 8 includes a saddle side cover 81 attached to the saddle 4 and a seat post side cover 82 attached to the seat post 3.

[0116] According to the second aspect, the overlap portion 816 of the saddle side cover 81 and the overlap portion 828 of the seat post side cover 82 can be configured to overlap in both the saddle in-use position and the saddle raised position, making it even less likely that fingers or other body parts will become pinched.

[0117] The third aspect is realized by combining with the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the cover 8 includes first halves 81A, 82A and second halves 81B, 82B.

[0118] According to the third aspect, the first halves 81A, 82A and the second halves 81B, 82B can be assembled and attached to the seat post 3 or the saddle 4 or the like later, making it easy to attach the cover 8.

[0119] The fourth aspect is realized by combining with any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, the bicycle 1 further includes a spring-up position maintaining portion 77 that maintains the saddle 4 in a spring-up position.

[0120] According to the fourth aspect, the saddle 4 can be maintained in the saddle-up position.

[0121] The fifth aspect is realized by combining with the fourth aspect. In the fifth aspect, the bicycle 1 further includes a use position maintaining part 7 that maintains the saddle 4 in the saddle use position. The use position maintaining part 7 has a hook 71 that is rotatably connected to the saddle 4 and has a hook part 75 formed on the rotating end. The upper end edge 751 of the hook part 75 is hooked to a first hook part 581 formed on the seat post 3 to maintain the saddle use position, and the lower end edge 752 of the hook part 75 is hooked to a second hook part 584 formed on the seat post 3 to maintain the saddle jumped up position. The hook 71 has a recess 753 at the lower end edge 752 of the hook part 75 into which the second hook part 584 is inserted.

[0122] According to the fifth aspect, the saddle jumping posture is less likely to be released.

[0123] A cover 8 according to the sixth embodiment is attached to a bicycle 1. The bicycle 1 includes a seat post 3 and a saddle 4. The saddle 4 has a seat surface 40 and is configured to be rotatable between a saddle use position in which a normal line 400 of the seat surface 40 faces upward, and a saddle jump-up position in which the orientation of the normal line 400 is closer to horizontal than the orientation of the normal line 400 in the saddle use position. The cover 8 covers at least a portion of a gap 10 between a back surface 45 on the opposite side to the seat surface 40 of the saddle 4 and a side surface of the seat post 3.

[0124] According to the sixth aspect, the cover 8 can easily prevent a finger or the like from entering the gap 10, making it difficult for the finger or the like to be pinched.

[0125] The seventh aspect is realized by combining with the sixth aspect. In the seventh aspect, the cover 8 includes a saddle side cover 81 attached to the saddle 4 and a seat post side cover 82 attached to the seat post 3.

[0126] According to the seventh aspect, the overlap portion 816 of the saddle side cover 81 and the overlap portion 828 of the seat post side cover 82 can be configured to overlap in both the saddle in-use position and the saddle raised position, making it even less likely that fingers or other body parts will become pinched.

[0127] The eighth aspect is realized by combining with the sixth or seventh aspect. In the eighth aspect, the cover 8 includes first halves 81A, 82A and second halves 81B, 82B.

[0128] According to the eighth aspect, the first halves 81A, 82A and the second halves 81B, 82B can be assembled and attached to the seat post 3 or the saddle 4 or the like later, making it easy to attach the cover 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. Bicycle 10. Gap 3 Seatpost 4. Saddle 40 Seat 400 Normal 45 Back side 581 1st hook part 584 2nd hook part 7 Usage posture holding part 71 Hook 75 Hook section 751 Top edge 752 Bottom edge 753 Recess 77 Jumping posture holding part 8 Cover 81 Saddle side cover 81A 1st half 81B 2nd half 82 Seatpost side cover 82A 1st half 82B 2nd half

Claims

1. Seat post and A saddle having a seat surface and configured to be rotatable between a saddle use position in which a normal to the seat surface faces upward and a saddle jump-up position in which the normal is closer to horizontal than the normal in the saddle use position; a cover that covers at least a part of the gap between the back surface of the saddle opposite the seat surface and the side surface of the seat post. bicycle.

2. The cover is A saddle side cover attached to the saddle; and a seat post side cover attached to the seat post.

2. The bicycle of claim 1.

3. The cover is Includes a first half and a second half 2. The bicycle of claim 1.

4. The saddle further includes a jump-up position holding portion for holding the saddle in the jump-up position.

2. The bicycle of claim 1.

5. A use position holding portion that holds the saddle in the use position of the saddle is further provided, The usage attitude maintaining portion is rotatably connected to the saddle and has a hook having a hook portion formed at a rotating end portion, an upper end edge of the hook portion is hooked onto a first hook portion formed on the seat post to maintain the saddle in the in-use position, and a lower end edge of the hook portion is hooked onto a second hook portion formed on the seat post to maintain the saddle in the raised position, The hook portion has a recess at the lower end edge into which the second hook portion is inserted.

5. The bicycle of claim 4.

6. A cover for attaching to a bicycle, comprising: The bicycle is Seat post and a saddle having a seat surface and configured to be rotatable between a saddle use position in which a normal to the seat surface faces upward and a saddle jump-up position in which the normal is closer to horizontal than the normal in the saddle use position, The cover covers at least a part of a gap between a back surface of the saddle opposite to the seat surface and a side surface of the seat post. cover.

7. A saddle side cover attached to the saddle; and a seat post side cover attached to the seat post. The cover according to claim 6.

8. Includes a first half and a second half The cover according to claim 6.

Images