Hidden Bicycle Lock System and Its Introduction Method

Abstract

To disclose a concealed bicycle lock system and a setup method thereof.SOLUTION: The lock system of the disclosure includes a lock with an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The upper shaft is configured to link and move with a handlebar via a stem; the lower shaft is configured to link and move with a front wheel by embedding the lower shaft into a fork tube. When the lock is in a locked mode, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are not linked to move together. In contrast, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are linked to move together in an unlocked mode. A user may set up the lock without performing destructive modification to the bicycle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bicycle lock system and a method for introducing the same, and more specifically, to a hidden bicycle lock system that can be easily introduced without subjecting the bicycle to modifications that may damage it, and a method for introducing the same.

Background Art

[0002] To solve the problems of applying conventional bicycle locks such as D-locks, there are integrated locks that can be fixed to the main body of the bicycle. There are also hidden locks that can be applied inside the frame or fork tube. The user can lock or unlock the lock by using a key to turn the exposed lock cylinder to move the latch.

[0003] However, when applying a current hidden lock, in order to prevent the fork tube or stem from rotating, a latch designed to penetrate both the fork tube and the head tube is often used. However, in the above-mentioned hidden lock, concentric through holes must be provided in the head tube and the fork tube for the latch to penetrate. Furthermore, as a similar type of lock, there is one in which the latch passes through the fork tube and moves a toothed element disposed between the head tube and the fork tube, and the connection and disconnection of this toothed element are used to control the connection state between the head tube and the fork tube. However, similarly, all of the above designs require modifications to the bicycle that may damage it, such as brazing and drilling. Furthermore, when such modifications are made, negative effects such as a decrease in the durability of the bicycle structure and a lower price when sold as used appear.

[0004] Furthermore, there is another lock with an arrangement sleeve. The upper surface of the arrangement sleeve has a plurality of detent holes. This other lock is arranged at the end of the head tube of the original bicycle. When locking, the user screws the annular lock onto the upper surface of the arrangement sleeve, thereby maintaining the vertical distance between the annular lock and the arrangement ring, and the arrangement sleeve can rotate independently of the annular lock. During this time, the fork tube penetrates through the hollow part of the annular lock and is attached to the annular lock. When the lock is removed, the annular lock and the arrangement ring are movable relative to each other, so that the fork tube and the head tube can rotate relative to each other. When the lock is engaged, the upper annular lock extends the latch to the arrangement hole of the arrangement sleeve and folds it into the interior of the arrangement hole, thereby preventing the fork tube from pivoting relative to the head tube. However, in order to ensure that the arrangement ring does not rotate along the head tube, it is necessary to cut a plurality of toothed slots on the end face of the head tube, thereby embedding the arrangement ring into the head tube and fixing its mounting position. Therefore, the problems of introducing a conventional hidden lock and the modification that may damage the bicycle have not been solved.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In most known hidden stem locks, a latch that passes through both the fork tube and the head tube or a toothed element arranged between the fork tube and the head tube is configured to prevent the fork tube or the stem from rotating relative to the head tube and lock it. For the above design, it is necessary to customize or modify the fork tube or the head tube of the bicycle before introduction, and the introduction procedure is complicated. Therefore, it is difficult to promote such a design in the parts market (also known as the aftermarket).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In view of the above, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a hidden bicycle lock system and a method for introducing the same that can be easily introduced without making modifications that may damage the bicycle. In an example of the design of a preferred hidden bicycle lock system of the present disclosure, the lock is not achieved by the head tube and the fork tube or the stem. Instead, the stem and the fork tube are controlled to lock or unlock by connecting them so that they move together or not connecting them so that they do not move together. The following is required for introduction. First, the stem is disassembled to expose the fork tube. A connector is embedded in the fork tube. The connector is fixed to the fork tube by using a fixture. The lower shaft of the bicycle lock is inserted into the fork tube and extended. Next, the stem is fixed to and locked by the upper shaft of the bicycle lock, thereby completing the introduction of the hidden bicycle lock. The procedure for introducing the lock system is simple and does not require modifications that may damage the bicycle.

[0007] Specifically, an aspect of the present disclosure is a hidden bicycle lock system including a connector having a horizontal plate, a substrate disposed inside the lower end of the horizontal plate, and a cantilever disposed outside the upper end of the horizontal plate and configured to limit the displacement of the fork tube of the head tube of the bicycle in a vertical direction with respect to the diameter direction of the head tube, a fixture for fixing the substrate of the connector inside the fork tube of the bicycle through a fixing hole, and a lock including a lower shaft including an upper shaft and an expansion mechanism. When the substrate is attached inside the fork tube by the fixture, the horizontal plate covers a part of the inner wall of the fork tube, and when the expansion mechanism expands, the expansion mechanism abuts against and is attached to a portion of the inner wall not covered by the horizontal plate.

[0008] In any of the above-hidden bicycle lock systems, the connector includes a plurality of horizontal plates. The lower ends of the plurality of horizontal plates are each connected to the substrate. The outer sides of the upper ends of the plurality of horizontal plates are each disposed on the cantilever. At least one channel is defined between the plurality of horizontal plates. The channel has two side openings, and the expansion mechanism is configured to pass through the two side openings when the expansion mechanism expands. The cantilever of the connector is an annular opening, and the contour of the annular opening corresponds to the outer contour of the lower shaft.

[0009] In any of the above-hidden bicycle lock systems, the upper shaft and the lower shaft of the lock are connected to the lock body. The upper shaft is connected to the stem of the bicycle and configured to move together with the stem of the bicycle. The lower shaft is connected to the fork tube of the bicycle and configured to move together with the fork tube of the bicycle. The lock has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the lock is in the locked state, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are not connected so as to move together. When the lock is in the unlocked state, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are connected so as to move together.

[0010] In any of the above-hidden bicycle lock systems, the expansion mechanism has an upper expansion part and a lower expansion part. The upper expansion part and the lower expansion part are connected via an inclined connection surface. The end face of the upper shaft exposes the end of the drive part. The drive part is connected to the lower expansion part. By rotating the drive part, the lower expansion part is displaced relative to the upper expansion part along the inclined connection surface to expand and move the lower shaft in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the expansion and contraction of the expansion mechanism.

[0011] The upper expansion part is provided with a front curved surface, and the lower expansion part is provided with a rear curved surface. The upper expansion part and the lower expansion part each have a vertical portion corresponding to the horizontal plate. The upper expansion part is configured to be connected to the inner wall of the side surface of the fork tube via the front curved surface, and the lower expansion part is configured to be connected to the inner wall of another side surface of the fork tube via the rear curved surface.

[0012] Any of the above-described hidden bicycle lock systems further includes a gasket configured to fit onto the end of the fork tube, and the height of the end of the fork tube is lower than that of the gasket. Further, the cantilever of the connector is configured to fit the gasket.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of introducing a hidden bicycle lock system, including: a lock preparation step of providing any of the above-described hidden bicycle lock systems; a bicycle providing step of providing a bicycle including a head tube and a fork tube, the head tube rotatably fitting on the outside of the fork tube; a connector arranging step of embedding a substrate of the connector into the fork tube; a connector fixing step of fixing the connector to the fork tube via the substrate by using a fixture, arranging a plurality of cantilevers outside the fork tube and connecting them to the head tube to limit the displacement of the head tube relative to the fork tube in the longitudinal direction with respect to the diameter direction of the head tube; a lock arranging step of inserting a lower shaft of the lock into the fork tube; and a lock fixing step of horizontally expanding an expansion mechanism of the lower shaft and abutting it against a portion of the inner wall of the fork tube not covered by a horizontal plate, and connecting the lower shaft and the fork tube to move together.

[0014] The lock preparation step of the method of introducing any of the above-described hidden bicycle lock systems further includes a gasket preparation sub-step of providing at least one gasket. The introduction method further includes a gasket arranging step of fitting at least one gasket onto the end of the fork tube such that the height of the end of the fork tube is lower than that of the gasket. The gasket preparation sub-step and the gasket arranging step are completed before the connector arranging step. In the connector fixing step, the plurality of cantilevers are connected to the head tube via at least one gasket.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hidden bicycle lock system is disclosed. The hidden bicycle lock system of the present disclosure includes a lock. The lock has an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The upper shaft is connected to the handlebar via a stem and moves together. The lower shaft is embedded in the fork tube, expands, and is connected to the front wheel and moves together by abutting against the inner wall of the fork tube. When the lock is in the locked state, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are not connected so as to move together. Therefore, the user cannot control the front wheel to rotate even when turning the handlebar and cannot ride the bicycle normally, achieving an anti-theft effect. Further, by the attachment method of expanding the lower shaft of the lock in the fork tube, the user can easily introduce the lock without the need for modifications that may damage the bicycle.

[0016] However, when the lower shaft of the lock is directly inserted into the fork tube and expanded for attachment, there is a high possibility of a vertical gap being formed between the fork tube and the head tube during introduction, and the fork tube may be displaced vertically with respect to the head tube after the lock is introduced, deteriorating the riding comfort of the bicycle. Based on the above, the examples of the present disclosure further propose the following. Before introducing the lock, use a connector to push up the fork tube in the head tube. After the fork tube and the head tube are firmly fixed, introduce the lock from the upper opening of the fork tube into its interior. This prevents the fork tube from moving vertically with respect to the head tube after the lock is introduced.

[0017] To further explain the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure, examples of embodiments will be described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

[0019]

Figure 2

[0020]

Figure 3

[0021]

Figure 4A

[0022]

Figure 4B

[0023]

Figure 4C

[0024]

Figure 4D

[0025]

Figure 4E

[0026]

Figure 5

[0027]

Figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The above and other technical contents, features, and effects of the present disclosure will be clarified in the detailed description of the examples of the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, terms such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, top, bottom, side, etc. are used to explain the relative relationships of each element and its design, and do not limit the use of the present disclosure.

[0029] In summary, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a hidden bicycle lock system (hereinafter referred to as the lock system). The lock system of the present disclosure includes a lock. The lock has an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The upper shaft is connected to the handlebar via a stem and is configured to move together. The lower shaft is embedded in the fork tube, expands, and abuts against the inner wall of the fork tube to be connected to the front wheel and is configured to move together. When the lock is in the locked state, since the upper shaft and the lower shaft are not connected so as to move together, the user cannot control the front wheel to rotate even when turning the handlebar and cannot ride the bicycle normally, achieving an anti-theft effect. Further, by the fixing method of expanding the lower shaft of the lock in the fork tube, the user can easily introduce the lock without the need for modifications that may damage the bicycle.

[0030] However, when the lower shaft of the lock is directly inserted into the fork tube and expanded for installation, there is a high possibility that a vertical gap will form between the fork tube and the head tube during introduction, and the fork tube may be displaced vertically with respect to the head tube after the lock is introduced, deteriorating the riding comfort of the bicycle. Based on the above, the examples of the present disclosure further propose the following. Before introducing the lock, use a connector to push up the fork tube in the head tube. After the fork tube and the head tube are firmly fixed, introduce the lock from the upper opening of the fork tube into its interior. This prevents the fork tube from moving vertically with respect to the head tube after the lock is introduced.

[0031] The detailed design of the lock system will be described below. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show schematic views of the disassembled state and the assembled state in the first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure.

[0032] First, for example, the bicycle and components described in this specification, such as handlebar B1, stem cap B2, screw B3, stem B4, fork tube B5, headset B6, head tube B7, star fangled nut B8, front wheel B9, and other components pre-equipped on the bicycle at the factory, are strongly understood to be used only as an aid to represent the design of the lock system 1 and its method of use. The description of the components does not mean that the lock system 1 has all the components originally equipped on the bicycle.

[0033] As is apparent from FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the lock system 1 mainly includes a connector 10, a fixture 20, a lock 30, a plurality of gaskets 40, and a screw 50. The cross-sectional schematic view of the drawings described later is a cross-section along the A-A cross-section reference line of FIG. 1B.

[0034] Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a lock in a first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure. The lock 30 is connected to the stem B4 and the fork tube B5 of the bicycle and is configured to move together. The connection of the stem B4 and the fork tube B5 is adjusted by switching the lock 30 between a locked state and an unlocked state, thereby restricting the use of the bicycle. The lock 30 may optionally be an electronic lock or a mechanical lock. In the first embodiment, the lock 30 is an electronic lock. As is apparent from the figure, the lock 30 includes at least a case 33, an upper shaft 31, a lower shaft 32, and a drive unit 24. The case 33 is configured as a lock body, and the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 are connected to the lock body and pass through the upper and lower sides of the lock body, respectively. When the lock 30 is in the locked state, the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 are not connected so as to move together, and when the lock 30 is in the unlocked state, the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 are connected so as to move together. In an embodiment, the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 may be connected to move together by, for example, a latch, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 may each adopt a stepped structure, a tooth-shaped structure, or other structures, and these structures act on the longitudinal movement of the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 to adjust the connection therebetween, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4D, FIG. 4D includes details of the internal design of the lock. As can be seen from the figure, both the upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 are hollow cylinders. The lower shaft 32 has an expansion mechanism. In other words, a part of the lower shaft 32 where the case 33 is exposed may be divided into two parts. The two parts are referred to as an upper expansion part 321 and a lower expansion part 322 according to their relative positions. The upper expansion part 321 and the lower expansion part 322 cooperate with the driving part 34 and other elements to form an expansion mechanism. The upper expansion part 321 and the lower expansion part 322 each have a hollow tubular wedge structure, and the lower end surface of the upper expansion part 321 and the upper end surface of the lower expansion part 322 each have an inclined plane and may be connected via the inclined plane 32A. The inclinations of the above two inclined planes are similar. Further, in the present embodiment, the through hole in the upper expansion part 321 is larger than the outer diameter of the driving part 34.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4D, 6A and 6B together, FIGS. 6A and 6B show schematic views of a part of the components before the lock fixing step and after the lock fixing step is completed in the first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure. As can be seen from the figures, the drive part 34 is a long screw having a male thread at its end. The drive part 34 penetrates both the upper shaft 31 and the upper extension part 321 of the lower shaft 32, and is locked by the male thread at the end of the drive part 34 and the female thread of the lower extension part 322. The upper opening 31A of the upper shaft 31 exposes the end of the drive part 34, that is, although the drive part 34 is embedded in the upper shaft 31, the upper end surface of the drive part 34 may be connected to the outside through the upper opening 31A of the upper shaft 31. Therefore, when the expansion mechanism expands, the user uses a tool to rotate the drive part 34 through the upper opening 31A of the upper shaft 31 and move the lower extension part 322 so as to push it towards the upper extension part 321. Since the through hole in the upper extension part 321 is larger than the outer diameter of the drive part 34, when the lower extension part 322 is pushed upward, the drive part 34 undergoes a certain angular displacement or tilts within the upper extension part 321, whereby the lower extension part 322 undergoes a certain angular displacement with respect to the upper extension part 321. Thus, the expansion of the expansion mechanism is controlled, and the lower shaft 32 moves and expands in the horizontal direction. The above results are shown in FIG. 6B. On the other hand, the user controls the contraction of the expansion mechanism by rotating the drive part 34 in the reverse direction, and the results are shown in FIG. 6A. In addition to the expansion mechanism described in the above example, other known mechanisms and elements capable of achieving a similar mounting effect may be used, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the connector in the first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure. In order to prevent the rocking of the lock 30 caused by the gap between the head tube B7 and the fork tube B5 due to the lock 30 being embedded in the fork tube B5, the connector 10 is configured such that the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 of the bicycle strongly press against each other and limit the longitudinal displacement between the two.

[0038] In the first embodiment, for example, the entire connector 10 may be a single metal material manufactured by a stamping process and formed of one part, that is, the thickness of each part of the connector 10 is substantially the same. However, the thickness of each part of the connector 10 does not have to be the same. If necessary, the connector 10 may be manufactured by casting or brazing a plurality of elements. In this embodiment, the connector 10 is mainly substantially U-shaped and includes two horizontal plates 11, a substrate 12, and two cantilevers 13. The two horizontal plates 11 are rectangular, arranged parallel to each other, the lower ends of the two horizontal plates 11 are connected by a substrate 12 disposed inside the two horizontal plates 11, and a cantilever 13 is disposed outside the upper end of each horizontal plate 11. The cantilever 13 bends and extends outward from the upper end of the horizontal plate 11. The two cantilevers 13 are each semi-circular in shape, arranged at the same height, and surround an annular opening 10B. Since the connector 10 of this embodiment is formed by stamping a single metal plate and bending it in half, two notches may be formed on both sides of the annular opening 10B, but these two notches do not affect the use of this disclosure. In this embodiment, a channel 10A is defined between the two parallel horizontal plates 11, and side openings that are not blocked by the horizontal plates 11 are provided at both ends of the channel 10A. The substrate 12 has a fixing hole 12A that penetrates the substrate 12.

[0039] The connector 10 of this disclosure is not limited to the above design. In other embodiments, one of the horizontal plates 11 and one of the cantilevers 13 in the design of the above connector 10 may be omitted to achieve a similar effect. At this time, the cantilever 13 may remain circular or have other shapes, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. However, in order to ensure the resistance of the connector 10, in the design of one horizontal plate 11 and one cantilever 13, the material and thickness of the connector 10 may be adjusted accordingly. If necessary, as shown in FIG. 5B, the design of the cantilever 13 may also be changed accordingly, and such a design will be described later.

[0040] The fixture 20 refers to a mechanical element or kit for mechanically attaching or coupling two or more elements. For example, the fixture 20 may be an element such as a screw, a bolt, a nut, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the fixture 20 is a screw.

[0041] The gasket 40 is a hollow cylinder. In this embodiment, the gasket 40 is manufactured from metal, and its upper and lower end faces are parallel to each other and are flat. The shape of the inner circle of the gasket 40 is slightly larger than the outer shape of the portion near the upper end of the fork tube B5 and corresponds to the shape of the end face of the headset B6, whereby the gasket 40 fits onto the outside of the end of the fork tube B5 and onto the upper surface of the headset B6.

[0042] A method for introducing the disclosed hidden bicycle lock system will be described below.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4A, FIG. 4A shows a schematic view of the relative relationship between the head tube and the fork tube at the connection position of the bicycle. To emphasize the features of each drawing, that specific portion is represented by hatching. At the start of introducing the lock system, a bicycle preparation step and a lock preparation step are respectively executed to prepare the above-mentioned bicycle and lock system 1. In this embodiment, the lock preparation step includes an m gasket preparation sub-step.

[0044] In this embodiment, the bicycle prepared in the bicycle preparation step includes a frame and a fork. The front end of the frame has one hollow head tube B7. The opening at the upper end of the head tube B7 is embedded in one headset B6 (also referred to as a head or a head portion), and there is a rotatable bearing in the headset B6. Even if an external object such as a stem B4 is pressed against the head tube B7, the head tube B7 is effectively rotatable with respect to the external object.

[0045] Furthermore, the front fork of the bicycle is in an inverted Y shape and includes two lower tubes and one upper tube. The two lower tubes are configured to be pin-connected to the front wheel B9, and the upper tube is configured to be connected to the stem B4. The above-mentioned upper tube is generally referred to as a front fork stem in the art and will be referred to as a fork tube B5 hereinafter. The fork tube B5 has a hollow tube structure. A metal inner threaded tube fixture is attached inside the fork tube B5. The inner threaded tube fixture is referred to as a star fangled nut B8 in the art. The star fangled nut B8 is forcibly driven into the upper opening of the fork tube B5 and is attached at a specific depth of the fork tube B5. There is a threaded hole in the center of the star fangled nut B8, and the threads of the threaded hole may be used to connect and attach external elements into the fork tube B5.

[0046] As shown in the drawing, the head tube B7 is rotatably attached on the outside of the fork tube B5. The fork tube B5 passes through the head tube B7 and the headset B6 at the end of the head tube B7, and the upper end of the fork tube B5 passes through the head tube B7, so that a part of the upper part of the fork tube B5 is exposed from the head tube B7 and can be clamped by the clip-like structure at the end of the stem B4. The other end of the stem B4 is attached to the handlebar B1.

[0047] The stem cap B2 has a through hole. The screw B3 passes through the stem cap B2 and is attached to the screw of the star fangled nut B8 in the fork tube B5, and they shrink together. The stem cap B2 presses the stem B4 above the upper opening of the fork tube B5. Thereby, in addition to fixing the stem B4, the stem cap B2 effectively covers the upper opening of the fork tube B5. When riding the bicycle, the user can turn the handlebar B1 to move the fork tube B5 and the front wheel B9 and rotate them relative to the head tube B7 via the stem B4 to turn the road.

[0048] After preparing the bicycle and the lock system 1, proceed to the disassembly step. In the disassembly step, first, the screw B3 of the bicycle is removed by turning it from the stem cap B2, and the screw B3 is separated from the star fangle nut B8 of the fork tube B5. Next, the stem cap B2 is removed. Subsequently, the stem B4 and the handlebar B1 are removed from the fork tube B5, and the end of the fork tube B5 is exposed. The result is shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B shows a schematic diagram when the disassembly step in the first embodiment of the lock system 1 of the present disclosure is completed. In the disassembly process, the handlebar B1 is not separated from the stem B4.

[0049] Next, the user performs the gasket placement step based on the height of the fork tube B5 relative to the head tube B7. At this time, the user attaches one or more gaskets 40 onto the outside of the end of the fork tube B5 based on the height of the fork tube B5 exposed from the head tube B7. Here, the height of the end of the fork tube B5 is slightly lower than the height of the upper surface of the gasket 40. That is, the fork tube B5 is buried under the gasket 40. At this time, the bottom surface of the gasket 40 at the bottom is connected to or in contact with the headset B6.

[0050] Next, proceed to the connector placement step to embed the end of the connector 10 on the opposite side of the substrate 12 into the fork tube B5 from the upper opening of the fork tube B5 until each cantilever 13 of the connector 10 contacts the gasket 40. At this time, the substrate 12 stops within the fork tube B5. The length of the horizontal plate 11 of the connector 10 is slightly shorter than the depth in which the star fangle nut B8 is embedded. Even after the placement of the connector 10 is completed, a certain distance is maintained between the substrate 12 of the connector 10 and the star fangle nut B8.

[0051] Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, to fix the connector 10 through the substrate 12 by using the fixture 20, proceed to the connector fixing step. FIG. 4C shows a schematic view when the gasket arrangement step and the connector arrangement step in the first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure are completed.

[0052] Specifically, after the connector 10 is inserted, the user may use a driver to pass through the annular opening 10B of the connector 10 and rotate the fixture 20, whereby the fixture 20 passes through the fixing hole 12A of the substrate 12 and engages with the screw of the star fangle nut B8 in the fork tube B5. At this time, the fixture 20 is further rotated to pull up the fork tube B5 in the upward opening direction of the fork tube B5 and lock the fork tube B5. Thereby, the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 are firmly fixed, the displacement of the head tube B7 in the longitudinal direction D1 with respect to the fork tube B5 is restricted, and the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 are prevented from vibrating in the longitudinal direction. It is understood that the longitudinal direction D1 is the longitudinal direction with respect to the diameter of the head tube B7. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction D1 corresponds to the Z-axis of the coordinate system, and the horizontal direction corresponds to the X-axis and the Y-axis of the coordinate system.

[0053] On the other hand, although pressure is applied to the gasket 40 by the cantilever 13, since the headset B6 between the gasket 40 and the head tube B7 is provided with a rotatable bearing, the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 are rotatable relative to each other about one axis with one degree of freedom.

[0054] However, in some cases, the gasket preparation sub-step and the gasket placement step may be omitted. For example, referring to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5A shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between FIG. 5A and FIG. 4C is that connectors 10 of different designs are used. Specifically, when the dimensions of the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 of the bicycle are known, the cantilever 13 of the connector 10 may be adjusted accordingly to change its length or bent downward, so that after the connector assembly step, the end of the cantilever 13 may directly abut against the headset B6. Thus, even if the gasket 40 is omitted, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that in the first embodiment where the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 are pressed against each other.

[0055] Alternatively, when the present disclosure is applied to a bicycle as shown in FIG. 5B, since the height of the upper end surface of the fork tube B5 is lower than the height of the upper end surface of the headset B6, during the connector placement step, the cantilever 13 of the connector 10 may directly abut against the upper end of the headset B6. Thus, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that in the first embodiment where the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 are pressed against each other.

[0056] Continuing with the description of FIG. 4C, after confirming that the fork tube B5 and the head tube B7 are firmly and strongly connected, the lower shaft 32 of the lock 30 is passed through the annular opening 10B between the cantilevers 13 of the connector 10 until the lock 30 cannot move downward, and then inserted into the upper opening of the fork tube B5 to proceed to the lock placement step for insertion into the fork tube B5. As shown in FIG. 4D, FIG. 4D shows a schematic diagram when the lock placement step in the first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure is completed. In an example, the case 33 of the lock 30 and the cantilever 13 of the connector 10 may be selectively arranged by various elements such as glue or gaskets, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0057] Referring to both FIGS. 6A and 6B, the drawings show the relative positions of the lower shaft 32, the connector 10, the fixture 20, and the star fangle nut B8 in the fork tube B5 in the lock system. Further, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis refer to the operating directions of the elements in FIGS. 4D, 6A, and 6B. As can be seen from the figures, after the lock placement step is completed, the lower shaft 32 of the lock 30 is located within the fork tube B5. The two horizontal plates 11 of the connector 10 cover a part of the inner wall of the fork tube B5 with respect to the lower shaft. The other parts of the two side openings on the inner wall of the fork tube B5 corresponding to the channel 10A between the two horizontal plates 11 are not yet covered. As described above, the front surface 321A of the upper extension 321 and the rear surface 322A of the lower extension 322 of the lower shaft 32 face the inner walls of the two sides of the fork tube B5 corresponding to the side openings, respectively, and the vertical portions 321B and 322B arranged on the two sides of the upper extension 321 and the lower extension 322 face the two horizontal plates 11 of the connector 10, respectively, and are substantially parallel to each other.

[0058] In an embodiment, it is understood that the connector 10 is manufactured by a stamping process. Before the stamping process, the horizontal plate 11 and the cantilever 13 of the connector 10 are in a flat structure. During the stamping process, in order to bend at a right angle between the horizontal plate 11 and the cantilever 13, the horizontal plate 11 is folded by a machine with respect to the cantilever 13, where the bend between the horizontal plate 11 and the cantilever 13 is straight. Accordingly, the lower shaft 32 of the lock 30 is provided with two vertical portions 321B and 322B to correspond to the annular opening 10B, ensuring that the lower shaft 32 smoothly enters the fork tube B5. The upper end of the vertical portion 321B of the lower shaft 32 has a stepped shoulder 321C, and the lock 30 abuts against the upper part of the connector 10 via the stepped shoulder 321C.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B together, FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively show schematic views of a part of the components before and after the lock fixing step in the first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure. At the beginning of the lock fixing step, the user can put a tool into the upper opening 31A of the upper shaft 31 and turn the drive part 34, whereby the lower extension part 322 of the lower shaft 32 is displaced and extended relative to the upper extension part 321 along the inclined plane 32A, that is, it changes from the state of FIG. 6A to the state of FIG. 6B. At this time, the front curved surface 321A of the upper extension part 321 and the rear curved surface 322A of the lower extension part 322 respectively pass through the side openings of the connector 10 and abut against the inner walls of the fork tube B5 not covered by the horizontal plate 11, whereby the lower shaft 32 and the fork tube B5 are connected to move together. On the contrary, by adjusting the rotation direction of the tool, the lower extension part 322 can be reduced relative to the upper extension part 321, thereby releasing the connection state of the lower shaft 32 and the fork tube B5, that is, the state of FIG. 6B can be returned to FIG. 6A.

[0060] Next, proceed to the stem assembly step. In the stem assembly step, clamp the stem B4 outside the shaft 31 of the lock 30, and then use the screw 50 attached to the lock system 1 to connect the stem cap B2 and the screw at the end of the upper shaft 31. This completes the introduction of the stem cap B2 and the stem B4. In another embodiment, the original stem cap B2 may be replaced with another stem cap (not shown) in a state where the lock system 1 does not have a through hole. The screw provided inside the stem cap may be attached to the female screw at the end of the upper shaft 31 to attach the stem B4, or the stem B4 may be attached to the end of the upper shaft 31 by glue or other attachment mechanisms to achieve the effect of the original stem cap B2. Thereby, the independently provided screw 50 may be omitted, and the introduction process is further simplified. In this way, the introduction of the hidden bicycle lock system 1 of the present disclosure is completed. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4E, FIG. 4E shows a schematic diagram when the stem introduction step in the first embodiment of the lock system of the present disclosure is completed.

[0061] Finally, the equivalent scope of the hidden bicycle lock system and its introduction method of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the examples of this embodiment. The elements and steps disclosed in the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Substitutions or changes to other equivalent elements and steps are also included in the claims of this application.

Industrial Applicability

[0062] The hidden bicycle lock system and its introduction method of the present disclosure are applied to bicycles.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1 Hidden bicycle lock system 10 Connector 10A Channel 10B Annular opening 11 Horizontal plate 12 Substrate 12A Fixed hole 13 Cantilever 20 Fixture 30 Lock 31 Upper Shaft 31A Upper Opening 32 Lower Shaft 321 Upper Extension 321A Front Curved Surface 321B, 322B Vertical Portion 321C Step Shoulder 322 Lower Extension 322A Rear Curved Surface 32A Inclined Plane 33 Case 34 Driving Portion 40 Gasket 50 Screw B1 Handlebar B2 Stem Cap B3 Screw B4 Stem B5 Fork Tube B6 Headset B7 Head Tube B8 Star Fangle Nut B9 Front Wheel D1 Longitudinal Direction

Claims

1. A connector comprising a horizontal plate, a substrate having a fixing hole and disposed inside the lower end of the horizontal plate, and a cantilever disposed outside the upper end of the horizontal plate and configured to limit displacement of a fork tube of a head tube of a bicycle in a longitudinal direction with respect to a diameter direction of the head tube of the bicycle; A fixture for fixing the substrate of the connector inside the fork tube of the bicycle through the fixing hole; A lock comprising an upper shaft and a lower shaft including an expansion mechanism; Comprising; When the substrate is attached into the fork tube by the fixture, the horizontal plate covers a part of the inner wall of the fork tube; When the expansion mechanism expands, the expansion mechanism abuts against and is attached to a portion of the inner wall not covered by the horizontal plate; A hidden bicycle lock system.

2. The connector includes a plurality of the horizontal plates; Lower ends of the plurality of horizontal plates are respectively connected to the substrate; Outer sides of upper ends of the plurality of horizontal plates are respectively disposed on the cantilever; At least one channel is defined between the plurality of horizontal plates; The channel has two side openings; The expansion mechanism is configured to pass through the two side openings when the expansion mechanism expands; The system of Claim 1.

3. The cantilever of the connector surrounds an annular opening; The contour of the annular opening corresponds to the outer contour of the lower shaft; The system of Claim 2.

4. The upper shaft and the lower shaft of the lock are connected to a lock body; The upper shaft is connected to a stem of the bicycle and configured to move together with the stem of the bicycle; The lower shaft is connected to the fork tube of the bicycle and configured to move together with the fork tube of the bicycle; The lock has a locked state and an unlocked state; When the lock is in the locked state, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are not connected so as to move together; When the lock is in the unlocked state, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are connected so as to move together; The system of Claim 1.

5. The expansion mechanism has an upper expansion part and a lower expansion part; The upper expansion part and the lower expansion part are connected through an inclined connection surface; The end face of the upper shaft exposes the end of the drive part, The drive part is connected to the lower extension part, When the drive part rotates, the lower extension part is displaced relative to the upper extension part along the inclined connection surface to horizontally expand and move the lower shaft, thereby controlling the expansion and contraction of the expansion mechanism. The system of claim 1.

6. The upper extension part is provided with a front curved surface, The lower extension part is provided with a rear curved surface, The upper extension part and the lower extension part each have a vertical portion corresponding to the horizontal plate, The upper extension part is configured to be connected to the inner wall of the side surface of the fork tube through the front curved surface, The lower extension part is configured to be connected to the inner wall of another side surface of the fork tube through the rear curved surface, The system of claim 5.

7. Further provided with a gasket configured to fit on the end of the fork tube, The height of the end of the fork tube is lower than that of the gasket, The system of claim 1.

8. The cantilever of the connector is configured to fit the gasket, The system of claim 7.

9. A lock preparation step of providing a hidden bicycle lock system according to claims 1 to 6; A bicycle providing step of providing a bicycle including the head tube and the fork tube, wherein the head tube is rotatably fitted on the outside of the fork tube; A connector arranging step of embedding the substrate of the connector into the fork tube; A connector fixing step of fixing the connector to the fork tube through the substrate by using the fixture, arranging a plurality of the cantilevers outside the fork tube, connecting them to the head tube, and restricting the displacement of the head tube relative to the fork tube in the longitudinal direction with respect to the diameter direction of the head tube; A lock arranging step of inserting the lower shaft of the lock into the fork tube; A lock fixing step of horizontally expanding the expansion mechanism of the lower shaft, abutting it against a portion of the inner wall of the fork tube not covered by the horizontal plate, and connecting the lower shaft and the fork tube to move together; A method for introducing a hidden bicycle lock system comprising the above steps.

10. The lock preparation step further includes a gasket preparation sub-step of providing at least one gasket, and includes a gasket placement step of fitting at least one of the gaskets onto the end of the fork tube such that the height of the end of the fork tube is lower than that of the gasket, wherein the gasket preparation sub-step and the gasket placement step are completed prior to the connector placement step, and in the connector fixing step, the plurality of cantilevers are connected to the head tube via the at least one gasket. The introduction method according to claim 9.

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