Bicycle stem and bicycle provided with same

Abstract

A bicycle stem 1 has: a handle holding part 10 including a handle connection part 11; a steering column holding part 20 including a steering column connection part 21; and a torque sensor 30 positioned between the handle holding part 10 and the steering column holding part 20, connected respectively to the handle holding part 10 and the steering column holding part 20, and detecting a torque applied to a handle 2 or a steering column 3. The handle holding part 10 and the steering column holding part 20 are configured such that, when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column 3, the torque sensor 30 and the handle connection part 11 are spaced apart from the steering column 3 in the radial direction thereof, and the handle connection part 11, the torque sensor 30, and the steering column connection part 21 are arranged in a straight line.

Description

Bicycle stem and bicycle equipped with same

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle stem and a bicycle equipped with the same.

[0002] A bicycle stem is a known component that connects a bicycle's steering column to the handlebars. Generally, a bicycle stem includes an ahead stem and a threaded stem. The ahead stem is directly connected to the top of the steering column. The threaded stem is connected to the steering column by pressing a fixing member at its lower end against the inner surface of the top of the steering column.

[0003] Recently, bicycles have become known that are equipped with steering assist devices to assist in steering. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric power steering control system that receives signals from a torque sensor that detects the torque of the input shaft and a vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed, and controls an assist motor and a magnetic clutch to achieve an electric power steering function.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a robotic steering mechanism for an autonomous bicycle that includes a sensor, a steering control assembly configured to adjust the steering angle of the front wheel of the bicycle, and a controller that acquires values ​​from the sensor, and the controller adjusts the steering angle using the steering control assembly based on the values ​​from the sensor.

[0005] It should be noted that the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 discloses that the torque sensor is attached between the stem of the handlebar and the steering tube of the bicycle frame.

[0006] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 10311254 US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0102043

[0007] As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, configurations including torque sensors for assisting bicycle steering are known. However, neither of these documents discloses specific configurations for the torque sensor, such as the arrangement and mounting structure of the torque sensor.

[0008] Therefore, naturally, none of the documents discloses a stem in which a torque sensor is compactly provided by utilizing the shape and function of the stem.

[0009] In response to this, there is a demand for a stem in which a torque sensor is provided compactly by utilizing the shape and function of the stem.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a stem in which a torque sensor is provided compactly by utilizing the shape and function of the stem.

[0011] The present inventors have investigated the possibility of providing a torque sensor on the stem by utilizing the shape and function of the stem.

[0012] First, the inventors focused on the fact that the stem is a component that connects the steering column and the steering wheel. That is, the stem has a steering column connection portion that is connected to the steering column and a steering wheel connection portion that is connected to the steering wheel. Furthermore, when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column, the steering column connection portion and the steering wheel connection portion of the stem are located apart in the radial direction of the steering column.

[0013] The inventors have come up with the idea of ​​arranging a torque sensor in the stem by utilizing the functions and configuration of the stem as described above. That is, the inventors have come up with the idea of ​​arranging the torque sensor in the stem between the steering column connection portion and the handle connection portion, and connecting it to a steering column holding portion including the steering column connection portion and a handle holding portion including the handle connection portion.

[0014] As a result of the above-mentioned intensive investigations, the present inventors have come up with the following configuration.

[0015] A bicycle stem according to one embodiment of the present invention has a handlebar connection portion for connection to a handlebar, and a steering column connection portion for connection to a cylindrical steering column. The bicycle stem includes a handlebar holder including the handlebar connection portion, a steering column holder including the steering column connection portion, and a torque sensor located between the handlebar holder and the steering column holder and connected to the handlebar holder and the steering column holder, respectively, for detecting torque applied to the handlebar or the steering column. The handlebar holder and the steering column holder are configured so that, when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column, the torque sensor and the handlebar connection portion are spaced apart radially from the steering column, and the handlebar connection portion, the torque sensor, and the steering column connection portion are aligned in a straight line.

[0016] A bicycle stem is a component that connects a handlebar to a steering column in a torque-transmitting manner. In the bicycle stem, the steering column connection portion and the handlebar connection portion are located apart in the radial direction of the steering column when viewed axially of the steering column.

[0017] As described above, torque sensors are provided between the steering wheel holding portion and the steering column holding portion of such a member so as to be connected to the steering wheel holding portion and the steering column holding portion, respectively. The torque sensors and the steering wheel holding portion are positioned radially apart from the steering column when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column. The torque sensors arranged in this manner can detect torque applied to the steering wheel or the steering column.

[0018] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the handlebar connection portion, the torque sensor, and the steering column connection portion are aligned in a straight line when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column, allowing the torque sensor to be positioned compactly in the left-right direction relative to the bicycle stem.

[0019] Therefore, by utilizing the configuration and function of the bicycle stem, the torque sensor can be arranged compactly on the bicycle stem.

[0020] From another perspective, the bicycle stem of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The torque sensor is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the steering column connection portion when viewed from the front-to-rear or left-to-right direction of the bicycle stem.

[0021] This prevents the torque sensor from being positioned so that it protrudes significantly in the vertical direction relative to the bicycle stem, allowing the torque sensor to be positioned compactly in the vertical direction relative to the bicycle stem.

[0022] From another perspective, the bicycle stem of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The steering column connection portion is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the steering column.

[0023] In the case of a stem connected to the steering column in a direction intersecting the axial direction, i.e., a so-called ahead stem, the stem can be easily separated into a handlebar holder and a steering column holder, so that the torque sensor can be easily laid out between the handlebar holder and the steering column holder.

[0024] From another perspective, the bicycle stem of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: When viewing the bicycle stem from the left-right or front-rear direction, the torque sensor is positioned inward of the upper part of the steering column and overlaps with at least a portion of a lifting member used to axially lift the steering column relative to the bicycle frame.

[0025] By locating the torque sensor above the steering column and overlapping at least a portion of the lifting member when viewing the bicycle stem from the left-right or front-rear direction, the torque sensor is prevented from protruding significantly above the top of the steering column, allowing the torque sensor to be positioned compactly in the vertical direction relative to the steering column.

[0026] From another perspective, the bicycle stem of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The handlebar holder is configured to be detachable from the torque sensor connected to the steering column holder.

[0027] By detachably connecting the handlebar holder to the torque sensor as described above, it becomes possible to change at least one of the front-rear and up-down positions of the handlebar relative to the steering column by replacing the handlebar holder, which makes it easy to change at least one of the front-rear and up-down positions of the handlebar relative to the steering column.

[0028] Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the torque sensor can be provided on the stem, while also ensuring the function of the stem to adjust the position of the handlebars relative to the steering column.

[0029] A bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a bicycle stem having the above-described configuration. In the bicycle, a torque sensor can be provided in a compact manner by utilizing the shape and function of the bicycle stem.

[0030] The terminology used in this specification is used for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0031] As used herein, "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed members.

[0032] As used herein, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof identify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and / or their equivalents are used broadly to encompass both "direct and indirect" attachments, connections, and couplings. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0035] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed to have a meaning consistent with the relevant art and meaning in the context of this disclosure, and should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0036] It will be understood that in describing the present invention, several techniques and processes are disclosed, each of which has distinct advantages and can be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques.

[0037] Thus, for the sake of clarity, the description of the present invention refrains from unnecessarily repeating every possible combination of the individual steps, but the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] In this specification, an embodiment of a bicycle stem according to the present invention will be described.

[0039] In the following description, numerous specific examples are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific examples.

[0040] Accordingly, the following disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the following drawings or description.

[0041] [Bicycle Stem] In this specification, a bicycle stem is a component that connects the handlebars of a bicycle to a steering column that passes through the head tube. The bicycle stem includes an ahead stem that is directly connected to the top of the steering column, and a threaded stem that is connected to the steering column by pressing a fixing member at its lower end against the inner surface of the top of the steering column. The bicycle may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle, as long as the rider obtains driving force by rotating the pedals. The bicycle may be a vehicle that leans left and right, or a vehicle that does not lean left and right.

[0042] [Steering column] In this specification, the steering column is a part of a bicycle that is rotatably housed in the head tube and connected to the fork that rotatably supports the front wheel. The steering column is connected to a steering column connection part of the bicycle stem.

[0043] [Handlebar] In this specification, the handlebar refers to a bar handle that extends in the left-right direction. The handlebar connector of the bicycle stem is connected to the left-right center of the handlebar.

[0044] In this specification, "in a straight line" means that the handlebar connection part, torque sensor, and steering column connection part are aligned in a straight line within a predetermined range when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column. In other words, in this straight line, the handlebar connection part, torque sensor, and steering column connection part are arranged in overlapping positions when viewed in the front-to-rear direction of the bicycle.

[0045] [Front-rear direction] In this specification, the term "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction as seen by a rider riding a bicycle with a bicycle stem attached to the bicycle.

[0046] [Left-right direction] In this specification, the left-right direction means the left-right direction as seen by a rider riding a bicycle with a bicycle stem attached to the bicycle.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a stem in which a torque sensor is provided compactly by utilizing the shape and function of the stem.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a bicycle stem according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the schematic configuration of the bicycle stem. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the schematic configuration of the bicycle stem. FIG. 4 is a left side view showing an example of the arrangement of a steering assist motor. FIG. 5 is a left side view showing the schematic configuration of a bicycle. FIG. 6 is a left side view showing the schematic configuration of a bicycle stem according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a left side view showing an example of the arrangement of a torque sensor in a bicycle stem according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a torque sensor in a bicycle stem according to another embodiment.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the components and the dimensional ratios of the components.

[0050] Hereinafter, arrow F in the figures indicates the forward direction of the vehicle. Arrow RR in the figures indicates the rearward direction of the vehicle. Arrow U in the figures indicates the upward direction of the vehicle. Arrow D in the figures indicates the downward direction of the vehicle. Arrow L in the figures indicates the leftward direction of the vehicle. Arrow R in the figures indicates the rightward direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction respectively refer to the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction when viewed from the rider riding the bicycle.

[0051] (Embodiment 1) A bicycle stem 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described using Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the general configuration of the bicycle stem 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a left side view showing the general configuration of the bicycle stem 1. Figure 3 is a rear view showing the general configuration of the bicycle stem 1.

[0052] The bicycle stem 1 is a component that connects the bicycle handlebars 2 and the steering column 3. That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bicycle stem 1 has a handlebar connection portion 11 that connects to the handlebars 2, and a steering column connection portion 21 that connects to the steering column 3.

[0053] More specifically, the bicycle stem 1 has a handlebar holder 10, a steering column holder 20, and a torque sensor 30. The handlebar holder 10 includes a handlebar connection portion 11. The steering column holder 20 includes a steering column connection portion 21.

[0054] The handle holding portion 10 and the steering column holding portion 20 are each connected to a torque sensor 30. The torque sensor 30 is a sensor for detecting torque input to the handle 2 or the steering column 3. The torque detected by the torque sensor 30 is used, for example, to control the drive of a motor (not shown) for applying a steering assist force to the steering column 3.

[0055] The handle holding portion 10 is a rod-shaped member. One end of the handle holding portion 10 has a handle connecting portion 11 that is connected to the handle 2. The handle connecting portion 11 has, for example, a clamp structure. The other end of the handle holding portion 10 is connected to the torque sensor 30.

[0056] The handle connecting portion 11 may have a structure other than a clamp structure as long as it can be connected to the handle 2. The connection structure of the other end of the handle holding portion 10 to the torque sensor 30 may be a detachable structure such as a fastening member such as a bolt or a fitting, or may be a non-detachable structure such as a joint or adhesive.

[0057] The steering column holding portion 20 is a rod-shaped member. The other end of the steering column holding portion 20 has a steering column connection portion 21 that is connected to the steering column 3. The steering column connection portion 21 has, for example, a clamp structure. One end of the steering column holding portion 20 is connected to the torque sensor 30.

[0058] The steering column holding portion 20 is configured to space the torque sensor 30 and the handle holding portion 10 radially away from the steering column 3 when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column 3. As a result, the handle 2 connected to the handle connecting portion 11 of the handle holding portion 10 is also spaced radially away from the steering column 3 when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column 3.

[0059] The steering column connection part 21 may have a structure other than a clamp structure as long as it can be connected to the steering column 3. The connection structure of the other end of the steering column holding part 20 to the torque sensor 30 may be a detachable structure such as a fastening member such as a bolt or a fitting, or may be a non-detachable structure such as a joint or adhesive.

[0060] As described above, the bicycle stem 1 of this embodiment is a so-called ahead stem, which is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 3 in a direction intersecting the axis P of the steering column 3.

[0061] Because at least one of the handlebar holding part 10 and the steering column holding part 20 has a detachable connection structure with respect to the torque sensor 30, it becomes possible to change at least one of the handlebar holding part 10 and the steering column holding part 20 and change at least one of the front-to-rear and up-to-down positions of the handlebars 2 relative to the steering column 3. This makes it easy to change at least one of the front-to-rear and up-to-down positions of the handlebars 2 relative to the steering column 3. Therefore, while providing the torque sensor 30 on the bicycle stem 1, it is possible to ensure the stem's function of adjusting the position of the handlebars 2 relative to the steering column 3.

[0062] The handlebar holder 10, torque sensor 30, and steering column holder 20 are aligned in a straight line when the bicycle stem 1 is viewed from above. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the handlebar holder 10, torque sensor 30, and steering column holder 20 are arranged to overlap when the bicycle stem 1 is viewed from the front to the rear. For the sake of illustration, the torque sensor 30 is shown with diagonal lines in Figure 3. When the bicycle stem 1 is viewed from the front to the rear, the torque sensor 30 is positioned so that it overlaps at least a portion of the steering column connection portion 21. This allows the torque sensor 30 to be positioned compactly in the left-right direction relative to the bicycle stem 1.

[0063] The bicycle stem 1 according to this embodiment has a handlebar connection portion 11 that connects to the handlebars 2, and a steering column connection portion 21 that connects to a cylindrical steering column 3. The bicycle stem 1 has a handlebar holding portion 10 that includes the handlebar connection portion 11, a steering column holding portion 20 that includes the steering column connection portion 21, and a torque sensor 30 that is located between the handlebar holding portion 10 and the steering column holding portion 20 and is connected to the handlebar holding portion 10 and the steering column holding portion 20, respectively, and that detects torque applied to the handlebars 2 or the steering column 3.

[0064] The handle holding portion 10 and the steering column holding portion 20 are configured so that, when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column 3, the torque sensor 30 and the handle connection portion 11 are spaced apart radially from the steering column 3, and the handle connection portion 11, the torque sensor 30 and the steering column connection portion 21 are aligned in a straight line.

[0065] The torque sensor 30 arranged as described above can detect the torque applied to the steering wheel 2 or the steering column 3 .

[0066] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the handlebar connection part 11, torque sensor 30, and steering column connection part 21 are aligned in a straight line when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column 3. This allows the torque sensor 30 to be positioned compactly in the left-right direction relative to the bicycle stem 1.

[0067] (Embodiment 2) Figure 4 is a left side view showing an example of the arrangement of a steering assist motor 77 that applies a steering assist force to the steering column 3 connected to the bicycle stem 1. As shown in Figure 4, the steering assist motor 77 is connected to the steering column 3 via a torque transmission mechanism 78 so as to be able to transmit torque.

[0068] The steering assist motor 77 is driven by a control device (not shown) based on the torque detected by the torque sensor 30. The torque output from the steering assist motor 77 is transmitted to the steering column 3 via a torque transmission mechanism 78. The steering assist motor 77 is located in front of the steering column 3. Although not specifically shown, the steering assist motor 77 is supported by the body frame of the bicycle.

[0069] The steering assist motor 77 is disposed in front of the steering column 3. The steering assist motor 77 may be disposed in any position relative to the steering column 3, such as behind, to the left, or to the right of the steering column 3, as long as it is disposed close to the steering column 3. Although not specifically shown, the steering assist motor 77 is supported by the bicycle body frame.

[0070] The torque transmission mechanism 78 is connected to the steering assist motor 77 and the steering column 3 so as to be able to transmit the torque output from the steering assist motor 77 to the steering column 3. The torque transmission mechanism 78 may be configured in any way, such as a gear, a link, a belt, or a chain, as long as it is able to transmit the torque of the steering assist motor 77 to the steering column 3.

[0071] 4, reference numeral 72 denotes a stem mechanism. The stem mechanism 72 includes the bicycle stem 1, an anchor 75, and a top cap 76.

[0072] The anchor 75 is disposed inside the upper part of the steering column 3. The lower part of the top cap 76 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the anchor 75. The anchor 75 is configured to expand radially and press against the inner peripheral surface of the steering column 3 using a tool (not shown). The anchor 75 makes it possible to pull up the steering column 3 in the axial direction relative to the bicycle body frame (not shown). The anchor 75 corresponds to a pulling-up member.

[0073] The torque sensor 30 is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the anchor 75 when the bicycle stem 1 is viewed in the front-to-rear direction.

[0074] As a result, the torque sensor 30 is disposed above the steering column 3 in a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the anchor 75 when the bicycle stem 1 is viewed in the left-right or front-rear direction. In other words, the torque sensor 30 is prevented from being disposed so as to protrude significantly upward from the top of the steering column 3. Therefore, the torque sensor 30 can be disposed compactly in the vertical direction relative to the steering column 3.

[0075] (Embodiment 3) Figure 5 is a left side view showing the schematic configuration of a bicycle X having a bicycle stem 100. The bicycle X according to this embodiment is, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle. The bicycle X has a front wheel 4, a rear wheel 5, a body frame 6, and a steering mechanism 7. The configurations of the front wheel 4, the rear wheel 5, and the body frame 6 are the same as those of conventional bicycles, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Components similar to those in embodiments 1 and 2 will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted.

[0076] The steering mechanism 7 has a fork portion 71, a steering column 3, a stem mechanism 72, a steering assist device 73, and a handlebar 2. The steering column 3 extends obliquely so that its upper end is located rearward of its lower end.

[0077] The fork portion 71 rotatably supports the front wheel 4 at its lower end. The steering column 3 is connected to the upper end of the fork portion 71. The steering column 3 passes through the head tube 61 of the body frame 6. A stem mechanism 72 is attached to the upper end of the steering column 3. The handlebars 2 are supported by the stem mechanism 72. The steering assist device 73 assists in steering the handlebars 2 based on the torque input to the handlebars 2 or the steering column 3.

[0078] 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the stem mechanism 72 and the steering assist device 73. The stem mechanism 72 has a bicycle stem 100, an anchor 75, and a top cap 76.

[0079] The bicycle stem 100 has a handlebar holder 110 , a torque sensor 30 , and a steering column holder 120 .

[0080] The handle holding portion 110 has a handle connecting portion (not shown) at one end thereof, to which the handle 2 is connected. The other end of the handle holding portion 110 is connected to the torque sensor 30.

[0081] The steering column holding portion 120 has, at one end, a steering column connection portion 121. The steering column 3 is connected to the steering column connection portion 121. The other end of the steering column holding portion 120 is connected to the torque sensor 30.

[0082] The torque sensor 30 is located behind the steering column 3. Therefore, the steering column holding part 120 is connected to extend rearward relative to the steering column 3. The handle holding part 110 is located axially outward of the steering column 3 and extends in a direction intersecting the axis P of the steering column 3 when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0083] The steering assist device 73 has a torque sensor 30 , a steering assist motor 77 , and a torque transmission mechanism 78 .

[0084] The torque sensor 30 is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the anchor 75 when the bicycle stem 1 is viewed in the front-to-rear direction.

[0085] As a result, the torque sensor 30 is disposed above the steering column 3 in a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the anchor 75 when the bicycle stem 1 is viewed in the left-right or front-rear direction. In other words, the torque sensor 30 is prevented from being disposed so as to protrude significantly upward from the top of the steering column 3. Therefore, the torque sensor 30 can be disposed compactly in the vertical direction relative to the steering column 3.

[0086] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be practiced by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiments within the scope of the spirit thereof.

[0087] In each of the above embodiments, the bicycle stem 1, 100 is an ahead stem. However, the bicycle stem may also be a threaded stem that is connected to the steering column by pressing a fixing member at the lower end against the inner surface of the upper part of the steering column.

[0088] In each of the above embodiments, the torque sensor 30 is located in the front-to-rear direction relative to the steering column connection portion 21, 121. However, the torque sensor may also be located in the left-to-right direction relative to the steering column connection portion. In this case, the torque sensor may be positioned so that at least a portion of the torque sensor overlaps with the steering column connection portion when viewed from the left to right of the bicycle stem.

[0089] The torque sensor may also be positioned so that a portion of it overlaps the steering column holder when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the bicycle stem. Figures 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing a state in which the torque sensor 30 is positioned so that a portion of it overlaps the steering column holder 220, 320 when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the bicycle stem 200, 300. The entire torque sensor 30 does not have to overlap the steering column holder 220, 320 when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the bicycle stem 200, 300. In Figure 7, reference numeral 210 denotes a handlebar holder.

[0090] In the first and second embodiments, in the bicycle stem 1, 100, the steering column holding portion 20, 120, torque sensor 30, and handlebar holding portion 10, 110 are arranged in the following order in a top view from the steering column 3 toward the handlebars 2: steering column holding portion 20, 120, torque sensor 30, handlebar holding portion 10, 110. However, as long as the torque sensor is located between the steering column holding portion and the handlebar holding portion, the steering column holding portion, torque sensor, and handlebar holding portion may be arranged in any order.

[0091] In the first and second embodiments, the torque sensor 30 is located in front of the steering column 3. However, the torque sensor may be located behind the steering column 3, or to the left or right of the steering column.

[0092] In the first and second embodiments, the steering column 3 extends in the vertical direction. However, the steering column may extend in an oblique direction, as in the third embodiment. The steering column of the third embodiment may also extend in the vertical direction, as in the first and second embodiments.

[0093] In the third embodiment, the torque sensor 30 is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the anchor 75 when the bicycle stem 100 is viewed in the front-to-rear direction. However, the torque sensor may also be positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the anchor when the bicycle stem is viewed in the left-to-right direction.

[0094] In the third embodiment, the steering assist motor 77 is located in front of the steering column 3. However, the steering assist motor may be located at any position relative to the steering column, as long as it is located near the steering column, such as behind, to the left, or to the right of the steering column.

[0095] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 100, 200, 300 Bicycle stem 2 Handlebar 3 Steering column 4 Front wheel 5 Rear wheel 6 Body frame 7 Steering mechanism 10, 110, 210 Handlebar holder 11 Handlebar connection section 20, 120, 220, 320 Steering column holder 21, 121 Steering column connection section 30 Torque sensor 61 Head tube 71 Fork section 72 Stem mechanism 73 Steering assist device 75 Anchor (lifting member) 76 Top cap 77 Steering assist motor 78 Torque transmission mechanism X Bicycle P Axis

Claims

1. A bicycle stem having a handlebar connection part connected to a handlebar, and a steering column connection part connected to a cylindrical steering column, comprising: a handlebar holding part including the handlebar connection part; a steering column holding part including the steering column connection part; and a torque sensor located between the handlebar holding part and the steering column holding part and connected to the handlebar holding part and the steering column holding part respectively, for detecting torque applied to the handlebar or the steering column, wherein the handlebar holding part and the steering column holding part are configured such that, when viewed in the axial direction of the steering column, the torque sensor and the handlebar connection part are spaced apart radially from the steering column, and the handlebar connection part, the torque sensor and the steering column connection part are aligned in a straight line.

2. A bicycle stem as described in claim 1, wherein the torque sensor is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the steering column connection portion when viewed from the front-to-back or left-to-right direction of the bicycle stem.

3. A bicycle stem as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the steering column connection portion is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the steering column in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the steering column.

4. A bicycle stem as described in claim 3, wherein the torque sensor is positioned inwardly of the upper part of the steering column when viewed from the left-right or front-to-back direction, overlapping with at least a portion of a pulling member used to pull the steering column axially up relative to the bicycle frame.

5. A bicycle stem as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the handlebar holding portion is configured to be detachable from the torque sensor which is connected to the steering column holding portion.

6. A bicycle comprising a bicycle stem according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images