Bicycle frames and easily modifiable bicycles

Abstract

We provide bicycle frames and bicycles that are easy to modify. [Solution] The bicycle frame 10 includes a seat stay 15 and a chain stay 14, and electrical connection wires 2 are pre-embedded within the frame. One end of the electrical connection wires can be pulled out from the seat stay or chain stay and used to connect to the rear wheel hub motor, and the other end is used to connect to the power supply module. This allows the user to quickly attach and detach the motor-equipped rear wheel for maintenance, and also eliminates the need for the user to consider motor wiring issues when converting the bicycle into an electric assist bicycle. Furthermore, it provides an aesthetically pleasing visual effect through internal wiring of the motor wires and facilitates removal and modification by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of bicycles, and particularly to a bicycle frame that is easy to be modified into an electric assist bicycle, and a bicycle using such a frame.

Background Art

[0002] Green mobility is one of the important ways in modern people's commuting and leisure activities. In particular, cycling on a bicycle has become an indispensable leisure activity for many office workers on holidays. In recent years, with the development of technology, the use of a motor as an assist power for a bicycle has been gradually popularized. It not only provides additional power to make cycling more brisk and efficient, but also allows users to switch the on / off of the electric assist as needed, so that it can adapt to different cycling scenarios. Such a new type of transportation means can quickly reach the destination in a short time and reduce commuting stress, so it has become a popular choice among urban residents and commuters. Furthermore, electric assist bicycles have attracted people who may have difficulty riding a conventional bicycle due to age, health, or physical strength problems. They also provide a completely new experience in terms of tourism and leisure cycling. The emergence of electric assist bicycles has enriched the options for personal transportation means, reduced dependence on automobiles, contributed to the alleviation of traffic congestion, and brought many benefits in terms of environmental protection and health. It is expected that this transportation means will continue to develop and evolve in the future to meet the increasing mobility needs and environmental awareness.

[0003] However, because there are relatively significant differences in the powertrain structure between existing bicycles and electric-assist bicycles, users who want to ride both a regular bicycle and an electric-assist bicycle need to purchase two bicycles. Furthermore, current bicycles are not designed in a way that allows users to convert them into electric-assist bicycles themselves. This is mainly because the conversion to an electric-assist bicycle involves wiring issues for power supply to the motor. Therefore, with conventional technology, there is a problem in that the conversion is inconvenient for users. [Overview of the project]

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bicycle frame and an easily convertible bicycle that solves the problem related to the electrical connection with the rear wheel hub motor when converting a bicycle into an electric assist bicycle, which exists in the background technology described above.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this invention provides the following technical solution.

[0006] A type of bicycle frame, including seat stays and chain stays, with electrical connection wires pre-embedded inside the bicycle frame, one end of which can be routed from the seat stay or chain stay and used to connect to a rear wheel hub motor, and the other end of which can be used to connect to a power supply module.

[0007] Furthermore, the chainstays include the left and right chainstays of the bicycle frame, and the seatstays include the left and right seatstays.

[0008] Furthermore, the bicycle frame also includes a bottom bracket shell, and the other end of the electrical connection wire is routed out of the bottom bracket shell and connected to the power supply module.

[0009] Furthermore, waterproof connectors are provided at both ends of the electrical connection wires.

[0010] Furthermore, a first wiring hole is provided on the left chainstay, one end of the electrical connection wire is routed through the first wiring hole, and a grommet is provided in the first wiring hole.

[0011] Furthermore, a second wiring hole is provided in the bottom bracket shell, and the other end of the electrical connection wire is routed through the second wiring hole, with a grommet provided in the second wiring hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the bicycle frame also features a down tube, and the other end of the electrical connection wire is routed from the down tube and connected to the power supply module.

[0013] Furthermore, the bicycle frame also includes a seat tube, and the other end of the electrical connection wire is routed from the seat tube and connected to the power supply module.

[0014] This application also discloses a bicycle that is easily modifiable, comprising the aforementioned bicycle frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] In summary, the technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0016] 1. In this invention, since electrical connection wires are pre-embedded within the frame, when making modifications, the bicycle can be easily converted into an electric assist bicycle simply by connecting the rear wheel hub motor's wires to the pre-embedded electrical connection wires and connecting the other end of the electrical connection wires to the power supply module, thus facilitating the modification process.

[0017] 2. In this invention, once the electrical connection wires are pre-embedded within the frame, the user no longer needs to consider motor wiring issues, and an aesthetically pleasing visual effect can be achieved through the internal wiring of the motor wires.

[0018] 3. Electrical wires are pre-embedded within the frame, and the motor and battery are connected using a connector system, making removal easier. This further facilitates the removal of the rear wheel for replacement or maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] To more clearly explain embodiments of the present invention or technical concepts in the prior art, the drawings necessary for use in the description of embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described below. Needless to say, the drawings described below represent only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these without requiring any creative effort. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state in which wiring is pulled out from the bottom bracket shell. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a frame according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which wiring is pulled out from the seat tube. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a frame according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which wiring is pulled out from the down tube. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to specific examples. Those skilled in the art will readily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the information disclosed herein.

[0021] The following description refers to drawings illustrating some embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are also available and it should be understood that modifications to the mechanical composition, structure, electrical and operational aspects may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this publication. The following detailed description should not be considered limiting. The scope of embodiments of the present invention is defined solely by the published utility model claims. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Spatially related terms, such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “bottom,” “below,” “lower,” “upper,” “upper,” etc., may be used in the text to facilitate the explanation of the relationship between one element or feature shown in the drawings and another element or feature.

[0022] In some specific examples, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used in the text to describe various elements or parameters, but these elements or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used simply to distinguish one element or parameter from another. For example, the first end can be referred to as the second end, and similarly, the second end can be referred to as the first end, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first end and the second end both describe the same end, but they are not the same end unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. A similar situation applies to the first and second groups of rotating shafts, or the first and second axial junctions.

[0023] Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should further be understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, types, and / or groups, but do not preclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, types, and / or groups. The terms "or" and "and / or" used herein are to be construed in an inclusive sense, meaning either one or any combination. Thus, "A, B or C" or "A, B and / or C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition occurs only when the combination of elements, functions, steps or operations are mutually exclusive in a particular manner.

[0024] The present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0025] This invention relates to a frame 10 of a bicycle. The frame 10 includes structures such as a seat tube 11, a down tube 12, a bottom bracket shell 13, a chain stay 14, and a seat stay 15. Inside the frame of the bicycle in this invention, an electrical connection wire 2 is pre-embedded. In one embodiment, one end of the electrical connection wire 2 can be drawn out from the seat stay 15 or the chain stay 14. Here, when it is drawn out from the seat stay 15, it can be further divided into the case of being drawn out from the left seat stay 151 or the right seat stay 152, or it can be drawn out from the left chain stay 141 or the right chain stay 142 of the chain stay 14. Referring to FIG. 1 which is one of the embodiments of this invention, based on the mounting direction of the frame 10 of a general bicycle, the electrical connection wire 2 is pre-embedded in the left chain stay 141 and can be drawn out from the left chain stay 141. FIG. 1 shows the state where the electrical connection wire 2 is drawn out from the left chain stay 141. The frame of the bicycle in this invention is a carbon fiber frame, and since the inside of the frame is designed to be a hollow structure in all cases, it is possible to pre-embed the position where the electrical connection wire 2 is drawn out according to needs. Considering other special situations, the electrical connection wire 2 is pre-embedded in the right chain stay 142, and the electrical connection wire 2 can be drawn out from the right chain stay 142. Preferably, the position where the electrical connection wire is pre-embedded as a whole is the chain stay 14. One end of the electrical connection wire drawn out from the chain stay is used to connect to a rear wheel hub motor (not shown) during modification, and the other end is used to connect to a power supply module (not shown) during modification. The power supply module is usually a lithium battery.

[0026] Waterproof connectors may be provided at both ends of the electrical connection wire connected to the rear wheel hub motor and the power supply module. This enables quick removal on the one hand and prevents water from entering the connector part on the other hand. The waterproof connector in this invention is a general waterproof connector for electrical connection, so further explanation is omitted here.

[0027] A first wiring hole 31 is provided in the frame 10 at the connection point with the hub motor. The first wiring hole 31 is used to pull out one end of the electrical connection wire 2 and connect it to the hub motor. At the same time, a wire grommet (not shown) can be provided at the location of the first wiring hole 31 to stabilize the electrical connection wire when it is pulled out and to prevent the outer insulation coating of the electrical connection wire from being cut by the edge of the first wiring hole, and the electrical connection wire 2 is pulled out from the wire grommet. The wire grommet may be made of rubber.

[0028] Furthermore, the power supply module (not shown) can be installed in one of the following locations on the bicycle: the bottle cage, the seat tube 11, or the down tube 12, depending on the specific situation. Therefore, in one embodiment, if the power supply module is a bottle-type battery and is installed in the bottle cage, one end of the electrical connection wire 2 connected to the power supply module can be routed from the bottom bracket shell 13, as shown in Figure 1, to facilitate connection with the power supply module installed in the bottle cage. Referring to Figure 2, in another embodiment, if the power supply module is installed in the seat tube 11 of the frame, the electrical connection wire 2 can be routed from the seat tube 11 for convenience of connection. Referring to Figure 3, in another embodiment, if the power supply module is installed in the down tube 12 of the frame, the electrical connection wire 2 can be routed from the down tube to facilitate connection with the power supply module. Regardless of the location from which the wire is routed, a second wiring hole 32 can be provided at the location from which the electrical connection wire 2 is routed, and similarly, a grommet for securing the electrical connection wire is also provided in the second wiring hole 32.

[0029] This invention also discloses a bicycle that is easily modifiable, including the aforementioned bicycle frame and parts that are commonly found in bicycles, but further explanation is omitted here.

[0030] In actual use, the user removes the rear wheel of the bicycle on which the bicycle frame of this invention is mounted, installs the motor-equipped rear wheel hub, and then connects the motor's wires to the electrical connection wires 2 pre-embedded in the frame 10. At the same time, the lithium battery is installed in the seat tube or down tube, and the other end of the electrical connection wires 2 can be pulled out from the bottom bracket shell 13, seat tube 11, or down tube 12 and connected to the lithium battery, thereby converting the bicycle into an electric assist bicycle. If the user needs to return the electric assist bicycle to a normal bicycle, they can simply unplug the waterproof connectors at both ends of the electrical connection wires, remove the motor-equipped rear wheel and replace it with a normal rear wheel, remove the lithium battery, push the connectors at both ends of the electrical connection wires 2 into the first wiring hole 31 and the second wiring hole 32, and then insert the grommets or cover the dust cover to return it to a normal bicycle, thus increasing the freedom of bicycle modification.

[0031] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described examples are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical methods described in the above embodiments or substitute equivalents for some of their technical features. Any modifications, substitutions with equivalents, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should all be covered by the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 10. Frame 11. Seat tube 12. Down tube 13. Bottom Bracket Shell 14. Chainstay 141, left chainstay 142, Right chainstay 15. Seat stay 151, left seat stay 152, Right seat stay 2. Electrical connection wires 31. Wiring Hole No. 1 32. Second wiring hole

Claims

1. A bicycle frame having seat stays and chain stays, A bicycle frame characterized in that electrical connection wires are pre-embedded inside the frame, one end of the electrical connection wires is drawn out from the seat stay or the chain stay and used to connect to the rear wheel hub motor, and the other end is used to connect to a power supply module.

2. A bicycle frame according to claim 1, A bicycle frame characterized in that the chainstay includes the left chainstay and the right chainstay of the bicycle frame, and the seatstay includes the left seatstay and the right seatstay.

3. A bicycle frame according to claim 1, The frame of the aforementioned bicycle further comprises a bottom bracket shell, A bicycle frame characterized in that the other end of the electrical connection wire is drawn out from the bottom bracket shell and connected to the power supply module.

4. A bicycle frame according to claim 2, A bicycle frame characterized in that waterproof connection terminals are provided at both ends of the aforementioned electrical connection wire.

5. A bicycle frame according to claim 2, A first wiring hole is provided in the left chainstay. One end of the electrical connection wire is pulled out from the first wiring hole. A bicycle frame characterized in that a cable grommet is provided in the first wiring hole.

6. A bicycle frame according to claim 3, A second wiring hole is provided in the bottom bracket shell. The other end of the aforementioned electrical connection wire is pulled out from the second wiring hole. A bicycle frame characterized in that a wire grommet is provided in the second wiring hole.

7. A bicycle frame according to claim 1, The frame of the aforementioned bicycle further includes a down tube, A bicycle frame characterized in that the other end of the electrical connection wire is drawn out from the down tube and connected to the power supply module.

8. A bicycle frame according to claim 1, The frame of the aforementioned bicycle further includes a seat tube, A bicycle frame characterized in that the other end of the electrical connection wire is drawn out from the seat tube and connected to the power supply module.

9. A bicycle that is easy to modify, A bicycle that is easily modified, characterized by comprising the bicycle frame described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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