Bicycle

Abstract

A bicycle according to the invention has a bicycle frame with a bottom bracket (54), a head tube (2), and a lower tube connection between the bottom bracket (54) and the head tube. In addition, the bicycle has an underside storage compartment on the bicycle frame, having a support surface which lies at least partly below the lower tube connection of the bicycle frame or can be brought into a position at least partly below the lower tube connection. The lower tube connection can have a right sub-lower tube (41.1) and a left sub-lower tube, the underside storage compartment lying between the two sub-lower tubes.

Description

[0001] BICYCLE

[0002] The invention relates to a bicycle.

[0003] Several approaches exist in the current state of the art for stowing items to be transported. These include the conventional luggage rack above the rear wheel, bags that can be attached to the rack or elsewhere, and baskets above the front wheel. There are also solutions for so-called cargo bikes, which require a bicycle frame adapted to accommodate storage options. The former offer limited space and are often disadvantageous, especially with heavy loads, in terms of the center of gravity and handling. The latter, while often well-optimized for load capacity, entail significant compromises in handling and the bicycle's dimensions.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to overcome disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a bicycle with additional storage options without incurring the disadvantages of conventional cargo bikes. This object is achieved by a bicycle as defined in the patent claims.

[0005] A bicycle of the type according to the invention, as is known per se, comprises a bicycle frame with a bottom bracket, a rear wheel, a steerable front wheel, and a bicycle fork for holding the front wheel. The bicycle frame includes a head tube in which a steerer tube of the bicycle fork is guided. The bicycle also has handlebars for steering the front wheel by pivoting the bicycle fork. Between the bottom bracket and the head tube, the bicycle frame has a down tube connection and, in many embodiments, also a top tube connection.

[0006] The downtube connection is the lowest mechanically stable connection of the bicycle frame, which also transmits horizontal forces, between the bottom bracket area on the one hand and the head tube on the other.

[0007] According to the invention, the bicycle also has a storage compartment on its bicycle frame, with a storage surface that is at least partially located below the down tube connection of the bicycle frame or can be brought into a position that is at least partially located below the down tube connection.

[0008] The fact that the storage compartment surface is located at least partially below the downtube junction means that it is positioned at least partially, for example, at least in a front area, below the downtube junction in terms of vertical position, i.e., lower than it. This does not preclude the possibility that the downtube junction has sections, for example, behind the storage compartment surface, that are at the same height as the storage compartment surface or even lower. It also does not preclude the possibility that the storage compartment surface is offset from the elements of the downtube junction in terms of horizontal position, for example, by partial downtubes running further outwards than the storage compartment surface, as explained below – i.e., in relation to the horizontal, the storage compartment surface can be located between the partial downtubes.It is therefore not located in a position directly vertically below the partial downtubes. This can also be seen in the figures and examples described in more detail later in this text.

[0009] In contrast to the prior art, the downtube connection can be branched and / or multi-part by having a first, right and a second, left part downtube that run to the right and left of the vertical, longitudinally extending central plane.

[0010] To create the abdominal storage compartment, the downtube known from the prior art, located on the longitudinally extending vertical plane, can be partially replaced by a right and a Unices partial downtube, or divided into a right and a Unices partial downtube. A storage compartment surface is arranged in a position below the partial downtubes and, with respect to the horizontal, between the partial downtubes, or can be brought into such an arrangement, e.g., by folding it. This creates an abdominal storage compartment between the right and left partial downtubes. The right and left partial downtubes can extend forward and upward from a lower attachment point and be connected to each other, e.g., at the level of the lower end of the head tube or slightly above it, but in any case below the upper end of the head tube, via a central connecting bridge.The central connecting bridge can also be connected to the head tube at a lower head tube junction, in addition to the partial down tubes. Such a central connecting bridge can also be understood and referred to as a down tube extension.

[0011] Note: According to the terminology commonly used in the bicycle industry, the parts of the bicycle frame running between the bottom bracket and seat tube on the one hand, and the head tube on the other, are called the "down tube" and "top tube." However, in this context, the term "tube" does not necessarily imply a specific cross-sectional shape, nor does it imply that these elements must necessarily be hollow inside. A similar principle applies to the term "seat tube," depending on the design; whereas the "head tube" generally requires a cavity running along its axis to accommodate the fork steerer tube.

[0012] For the purposes of this text, a bicycle is a means of transportation with handlebars and (exactly) two wheels, at least one of which can be steered by a pivoting movement of the handlebars. It is a bicycle in the narrower sense, i.e., a two-wheeled land vehicle, for example, that is propelled by muscle power, with or without assistance from an electric drive. Such a bicycle in the narrower sense may, in particular, have a bottom bracket fixed to the frame and pedals. A bicycle has handlebars that can be held by the user (in the case of a tandem, by one of the users) and by which a steering movement can be made, which is transmitted to the at least one steerable wheel of the bicycle, generally the front wheel.

[0013] In the narrower sense, the bicycle frame is specifically the essentially rigid structure to which the bottom bracket is firmly mounted.

[0014] The concept of the present invention is particularly advantageous when combined with a design in which the handlebars (with or without extensions) are not mounted directly on the fork steerer tube axis, but are offset relative to it. In this configuration, the necessary transmission mechanism for transferring the steering movement from the handlebars to the front wheel does not merely involve a direct and immediate coupling between the handlebars and the fork steerer tube, as is the case in some embodiments, but rather enables the transmission of steering impulses from a handlebar axis to the fork steerer tube, which is not aligned with it. In this combination, the handlebars can be mounted further back relative to the head tube and optionally be adjustable in position, e.g., sliding, relative to the frame. By offsetting the handlebars further back, a significantly larger storage area can be created for the under-seat storage compartment.But even in designs where the handlebars directly control the bicycle fork, the inventive method offers important additional storage space.

[0015] The under-tray storage compartment can be permanently mounted to the bicycle frame, for example in the form of a tray, a cage (with at least one shelf), or partially made of flexible materials. Alternatively, the under-tray storage compartment can be designed as a hinged compartment, meaning it can be folded upwards and downwards, i.e., moved into the storage compartment's usable position.

[0016] Regardless of whether the abdominal storage compartment is foldable or not, it may have a lower shelf that, in its usable position, is at least approximately horizontal. This shelf essentially defines the usable storage area of ​​the abdominal storage compartment in terms of its length and width. The width of the horizontal shelf may, in particular, be slightly less than the distance between the right and left sections of the downtube. The abdominal storage compartment may also have a front panel that, in its usable position, lies in front of the shelf and extends upwards from its front edge.

[0017] In configurations where the storage compartment is foldable, the horizontal shelf and the front panel form a lower and upper compartment section. Regardless of the physical design of the two compartment sections, the following applies: The lower compartment section (e.g., the shelf) can be hinged to the rear of the bicycle frame, for example, near the bottom bracket where the downtube joins the frame. The upper compartment section (e.g., the front panel) can also be hinged to the front / top of the bicycle frame, particularly in the upper section of the left and right downtube sections. A sliding connection exists between the compartment sections, for example, via a T-nut or storage compartment pin located at the free end of one of the compartment sections, which engages in at least one guide rail of the other compartment section.In the folded position, the two storage compartment legs can lie parallel to each other and on top of each other. In this position, the storage compartment legs can also be positioned so that their common plane approximately corresponds to the plane in which the right and left downtube sections lie. The downtube junction can form a window, bounded laterally by the two downtube sections and forward / above by the central connecting bridge, within which the storage compartment legs lie in the folded position.

[0018] In the unfolded position, the storage compartment legs can form an angle to each other, e.g. an angle between 60° and 120°, especially between 90° and 120°.

[0019] During the transition between the folded-in position and the unfolded position, in the design with a T-nut or storage compartment pin, this T-nut or storage compartment pin moves relative to the other storage compartment leg until it is in the unfolded position at the free end of the other storage compartment leg and is held there, for example by abutting one end of the guide rail.

[0020] In embodiments where the abdominal storage compartment is foldable, a locking mechanism, or similar, may also be provided to ensure that the compartment legs remain folded until the user wishes to unfold the abdominal storage compartment. If a storage compartment pin of the described type is present, the pin may, for example, be multi-part, particularly two-part, and the pin parts are pushed outwards by a spring action. In the folded position, the storage compartment pins can engage in a locking mechanism on the frame and, if necessary, be pulled inwards by a handle to unlock the abdominal storage compartment and unfold it.

[0021] The specialist will be familiar with many other ways to implement a folding mechanism as well as a mechanism to hold the storage compartment in the folded and / or unfolded position. The latter also includes the possibility of using a magnet, for example, in addition to a mechanical snap or locking mechanism.

[0022] The distance of the partial lower tubes from a vertical, longitudinally running center plane can be at least 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 18 cm, or 20 cm in at least one position above the abdominal storage compartment shelf – for example, at the level of the central connecting bridge. Depending on the chosen design, this distance can define the width of the abdominal storage compartment shelf and / or the length of the central connecting bridge and / or, if applicable, the front storage compartment shelf mentioned below.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, a right and left downtube extension are attached to the upper side of each right and left partial downtube. These downtube extensions extend from the first or second partial downtube and / or, if applicable, from the central connecting bridge to an upper head tube junction. The downtube extensions can, in particular, each have a section running substantially parallel to and at a distance from the central plane (approximately vertical, obliquely forward, or possibly obliquely backward), as well as a cantilever section adjoining the section running parallel to the central plane and extending towards the upper head tube junction. However, it is also possible for the downtube extensions to run in a continuous arc from the central connecting bridge or the partial downtubes to the upper head tube junction.

[0024] Another problem that is solved by dividing the downtube connection into partial downtubes and extending the downtube is the provision of attachment options outside the area where the rider is located.

[0025] Particularly long objects are suitable for attachment outside these components, e.g. skis, surfboards or paddles, tent poles, fishing equipment, sports shooting equipment, craft materials, etc.

[0026] In the prior art, there are attachment options for items such as touring skis or surfboards. However, these present the challenge of avoiding collisions with the rider (e.g., potential knee contact, at least with wider objects). This can be addressed in the prior art by using a very long boom for the item being transported externally. However, such a long boom can transmit significant flexing and buckling movements to the conventional bicycle frame, considerably and negatively impacting its stability.

[0027] The design of the split downtube connection provides an improved approach: The additional storage space for long items is located outside the driver's compartment (knee and foot clearance) and the attachment points are located close to the rigid frame structure (no kinking effect).

[0028] This type of external mounting is particularly advantageous when the distance between the partial downtubes or downtube extensions and the vertical, longitudinal center plane is at least 16 cm, e.g. at least 18 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 21 cm, depending on the thickness of the tubes used and how large the mounting hardware (mounting plate with optional mounting hook, mounting basket, etc., see below) is designed.

[0029] For the purpose of securing long items, at least one mounting plate, a mounting basket or similar may be provided on both sides of the bicycle frame, the partial down tubes and / or the down tube extensions and possibly additionally on a boom, e.g. in the area of ​​the chain stay, and / or straps or the like may be provided.

[0030] For securing a very long object, such as a surfboard, additional attachment points on the rear triangle (chainstay, seat stay) of the bicycle can be provided, in addition to the attachment points on the partial downtubes or downtube extensions. In some embodiments, besides the under-tub storage compartment, there is also a separate front storage area located above the front wheel, specifically vertically above the front wheel. This means the storage area extends, for example, over an area vertically above the front wheel axle. Such a front storage area can extend from an area behind the head tube to an area in front of the head tube. It can also form a frame-mounted storage compartment, meaning that steering movements do not affect the storage area.

[0031] A front storage shelf of this type can extend on both sides of the head tube, i.e., to the left and right of it. It can, for example, be symmetrical with respect to a longitudinally running vertical center plane. It can be continuous, in the sense that it runs in front of and behind the head tube—and beside the head tube—at essentially the same height and / or in a common plane (straight or at most slightly inclined to the horizontal). The front storage shelf can thus seamlessly connect a partial front storage compartment in front of the head tube with a partial front storage compartment behind the head tube.

[0032] The aforementioned central connecting bridge can form part of the front storage compartment shelf or support it entirely; that is, the front storage compartment shelf can extend above the central connecting bridge or be partially formed by it. The front storage compartment shelf then has sections in front of the central connecting bridge, behind the central connecting bridge, and at the location of the central connecting bridge. A front storage compartment shelf can, optionally in addition to the central connecting bridge, be formed by one or more shelf panels, for example, a front shelf panel in front of the central connecting bridge and a rear shelf panel behind it.

[0033] In embodiments with the aforementioned downtube extensions, a cargo space tunnel is formed, particularly above the front storage area, on both sides of the head tube, which is laterally limited by the downtube extensions.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. In the figures, identical reference numerals denote identical or analogous elements. The figures show:

[0035] Figs. 1 and 2 Views of a bicycle;

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a view of a variant of the bicycle, partially in exploded view;

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a sled, a sled base and a transmission mechanism for transferring steering impulses to a steering shaft;

[0038] Figs. 5, 6 show a view of a swivel running unit of a transmission mechanism and a section through a plane parallel to the displacement axis;

[0039] Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of a bicycle;

[0040] Fig. 8 a side view of the bicycle of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 a view of the bicycle of Figs. 7 and 8, cut along the plane IX-IX in Fig. 8;

[0041] Fig. 10 shows a view of the bicycle from Fig. 7-9 from below, with the belly storage compartment in a folded-down position;

[0042] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 Views of the bicycle frame of the bicycle from Fig. 7-10;

[0043] Fig. 13 shows a section of a longitudinal section through the bicycle of Figs. 7-12;

[0044] Fig. 14 shows a view of a variant of the bicycle from Fig. 7-14;

[0045] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the area circled in Fig. 14;

[0046] Fig. 16 shows another embodiment of a bicycle;

[0047] Fig. 17 shows an enlarged view of the area circled in Fig. 16;

[0048] Figs. 18 and 19 each show a representation of the bicycle according to Figs. 7-15 with objects transported on the outside;

[0049] Fig. 20 shows a detail of the bicycle according to Fig. 7-15 in the area of ​​the steering head joint; and

[0050] Figures 21 and 22 each show a detail of the bicycle frame of the bicycle according to Figures 7-15 in the area of ​​the head tube joint. For the sake of simplicity, the figures do not show attachments such as brakes, handlebar grips or pedals.

[0051] Figures 1 and 2 show a bicycle 100 with a bicycle frame 30, a bottom bracket 54 attached to it, a front wheel 104, a rear wheel 105, and a saddle 106. The bicycle can optionally have a drive motor—for example, a bottom bracket motor—and control electronics for controlling the drive motor. Figure 3 shows a variant of the bicycle from Figures 1 and 2. Figures 4–6 show details of the embodiment of Figure 3, including a pivoting running unit common to the embodiments of Figures 1–3, and in Figure 4, in addition to the carriage and carriage base of the embodiment of Figure 3. Figures 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the bicycle, and Figure 9 shows a section along plane IV–IV in Figure 8. Figure 10 shows a view of the bicycle of Figures 7–9 from below, in a state with the underbody storage compartment folded down.Figures 11 and 12 show the bicycle frame 30 of the bicycle from Figures 7-10, and Figure 13 shows a partial longitudinal section. Figures 14 and 15 show another embodiment of a bicycle with a fold-down storage compartment.

[0052] The bicycle frame has a top tube 1 and a head tube 2 in a manner known per se. In the area of ​​a top tube 1 or above the top tube 1, adjoining the head tube 2, the bicycle 100 has a slide base 4 and a slide 5.

[0053] The sled base 4 forms a fixed part relative to the bicycle frame 30. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, it has two rails 6, which in the illustrated form are tubes or rods, relative to which the sled 5 is axially displaceable. In the illustrated embodiment, the rails 6 have a round cross-section. In addition to the rails 6, the sled base 4 has a connector 7 on both the front and rear sides of the rails 6. It is connected to the bicycle frame at a front and rear connection point via a base holder 8. The rail 6 can also have other cross-sectional shapes, and / or it can be integrated into the structure of the bicycle frame 30, for example, by forming the sled base with the top tube.

[0054] The carriage 5 is movable relative to the carriage base 4 and thus also relative to the bicycle frame 30. Slightly separated in Fig. 2 are a rail cover 39 (not shown in Fig. 2) and a service opening cover 52, in one embodiment with an integrated front light 53. The service opening cover 52 serves to close an optional service opening 51, which allows access to the head tube 2 and a double extension 16.

[0055] The carriage 5 has a running carriage 19 and the linkage 15 rotatably mounted and attached to it via a steering shaft 13 with pivot plate 10. The running carriage 19 has rail guides 63 with sliding bearings 69 (or ball bearings, needle roller bearings or similar) and sealing elements 70 and is slidably connected to the carriage base 4, i.e., to the rails 6, via these.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar 15 sits directly on the steering stem 13. However, it can also be fixed to the steering stem 13 via a stem in a manner known per se. Optionally, the bearing play can be adjusted and eliminated using the so-called 'Aheadset' principle. The vertical arrangement of the carriage 19, handlebar 15, swivel plate 10 with the swivel wheels 11 can also be modified as desired, for example, by positioning the handlebar above the carriage.

[0057] A pivot-running unit 9, shown, for example, in Fig. 5 and in a horizontal section in Fig. 6, serves to transmit the steering movement to the bicycle fork 59 via a fork steerer tube 20. The pivot-running unit 9 includes the pivot plate 10 and two pivot wheels 11 rotatably attached to it, the axis of rotation of which is fixed with respect to the pivot plate 10. The axles of the pivot wheels can, for example, be screwed, welded, or formed as a single piece with the pivot plate. The pivot wheels 11 are force-transmitting components. In the example shown, they are designed as gears with straight teeth; designs as gears with helical teeth, as friction wheels, or similar would also be conceivable. The two wheels, which differ in their diameter (or...The swivel wheels 11 (with equal part circle diameter and module) are rotatably mounted in a symmetrical left / right arrangement parallel to the linkage 15 and are toothed together with each other and with external guide rails 12.

[0058] The two guide rails 12 are each received in a steering strut 18. At their front end, the steering struts are each connected via a double cantilever pivot bearing 68 to a double cantilever 16, which is rotationally fixed to the fork steerer tube 20. At their rear end, the steering struts 18 are connected to each other via a spring connector 24 – alternatively, a magnetic connector 25 (also shown in Figs. 5 and 6) or a magnetic spring connector or another suitable connecting element could be used, which allows displacement of the steering struts 18 relative to each other away from the relative position shown in Figs. 5 and 6, but provides a counterforce to this displacement.

[0059] Therefore, a pivoting movement of the pivot plate 10 about the axis of the steering stem 13 (such a pivoting movement is caused by actuating the handlebar 15, thus corresponding to a steering impulse) causes a movement of the pivot wheels 11 about the axis of the steering stem. This is transmitted to the steering arms and thus causes a corresponding pivoting movement of the double boom 16 and therefore of the fork stem 20. In addition, the carriage 5 is displaceable relative to the carriage base, whereby the design of the pivot-running unit 9 also allows the pivot plate 10 with the handlebar to be displaced relative to the steering arms 18 by displacing the carriage 5 relative to the carriage base 4. The two pivot wheels 11 rotate symmetrically, synchronously, and in opposite directions along the guide rails 12.

[0060] The operating principle of the swivel-running unit 9 and various possibilities for its implementation are described in Swiss patent application 867 / 2025, to which explicit reference is made here.

[0061] The present invention, however, does not depend on the existence or operating principle of such a pivot-running unit. It also encompasses other embodiments in which the handlebars (movable or fixed, with or without a boom) are not located directly on the axle of the fork steerer tube, but further back, with a mechanism for transmitting steering impulses to the fork steerer tube, e.g., by means of a handlebar, chain, belt, cable, etc. Embodiments with the handlebars positioned behind the fork steerer tube have the advantage that the length of the bicycle between the bottom bracket and the front wheel can be somewhat greater than in conventional bicycles, and that, accordingly, the cargo tunnel according to the invention can also have a larger storage area.

[0062] The invention further includes embodiments in which the handlebar (directly or via an extension) is connected to the fork steerer tube and is pivotable about its axis. This means that the inventive approach to optimizing storage space is independent of the steering mechanism with a sliding mechanism and adjustable handlebar position.

[0063] Between the bottom bracket 54 and the head tube 2, there is a down tube connection 41, which includes a first (right) partial down tube 41.1 and a second (left) partial down tube 41.2. These are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinally (sagittally) extending vertical center plane 400 (see Fig. 9). At the level of the lower headset 311 – i.e., on the underside of the head tube – there is a horizontal connection to the head tube 2 in the form of a central connecting bridge 301.

[0064] The right partial downtube 41.1 and the left partial downtube 42.2 are each extended upwards from there by a right downtube extension 302.1 and a left downtube extension 302.2, respectively. Following the connection between the corresponding partial downtube 41.1, 41.2 and the central connecting bridge 301, the right and left downtube extensions 302.1 and 302.2 each have a vertical section and then a section angled inwards towards the upper head tube junction 304 – approximately at the level of the upper headset 310, cf. Fig. 11 (although in alternative embodiments this may also be positioned significantly lower) – which can also be considered the upper connecting bridge. However, it would also be conceivable that the downtube extensions between the attachment at the middle connecting bridge 301 and the head tube attachment 30 run in an arc, i.e. without a clear separation between the vertical part on the one hand and the upper connecting bridge on the other.

[0065] In the area above, below, and between the two partial downtubes 41.1, 41.2, a hinged (or fixed, see Figs. 16 and 17) abdominal storage compartment is provided for use as an abdominal cargo space 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the space located between the right partial downtube 41.1 and the left partial downtube 41.2 is used to accommodate the abdominal cargo space 43.

[0066] The abdominal storage compartment is foldable in the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-15*. For this purpose, it has an upper storage compartment leg 46 and a lower storage compartment leg 47. A sliding bearing between a T-nut 322 (in the illustrated example concentric with a storage compartment pin 44, the function of which will be explained below) and guide rails 62 allows the lower storage compartment leg 46 and the upper storage compartment leg 47 to slide relative to each other, and thus to fold down and up.

[0067] The lower storage compartment leg 46 and the upper storage compartment leg 47 are each pivotally connected to the bicycle frame. The lower storage compartment leg 46 is pivotally connected at the rear to the lower end of the left and right partial down tubes 41.1, 41.2 or to the lower connecting bridge 41.3 mentioned below, and the upper storage compartment leg 47 is pivotally connected at the top to attachment points in the upper or middle area of ​​the left and right partial down tubes 41.1, 41.2.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the lower storage compartment leg 46 slides over the upper storage compartment leg 47 at its connection point, the T-nuts 322 with concentric storage compartment pin 44, along the left and right guide rails 62 on the side walls of the upper storage compartment leg 47, until the two storage compartment legs lie parallel or nearly parallel in the folded state. In the unfolded state, the T-nuts 322 lie at the lower end of the guide rails 62, in an arrangement in which the lower storage compartment leg lies approximately horizontally. In this arrangement, the lower storage compartment leg 46 serves as a storage surface, while the upper storage compartment leg 47 forms a cover which, for example in addition to a protective plate, protects the items lying on the storage surface from dirt and possible splashes.The upper storage compartment leg also eliminates the need for a front mudguard, as illustrated in the figures, resulting in further improved space utilization. Furthermore, without a mudguard, the upper storage compartment with its tunnel, described below, can be positioned closer to the front wheel, or lower, leading to a lower welding point for the load.

[0069] The T-nuts 322 on both sides can each have a flange on their outer side, which prevents the corresponding T-nut from falling out of the corresponding guide rail 62 when shear forces are applied to the bicycle frame. In an alternative embodiment, the T-nuts 322 can be omitted, and the storage compartment pin 44 can be guided directly by the guide rails 62 instead.

[0070] The hinged storage compartment can have a snap or locking mechanism that holds it in its closed position. In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 7-15, this is achieved, for example, by the storage compartment pin 44, which is designed in two parts, with the pin parts being pressed outwards by a spring and engaging in a locking mechanism as described below. Alternatively, dedicated, separate locking pins or other snap or locking mechanisms can be used, which do not necessarily have to be concentric with the T-nut.

[0071] A solution using magnets is also conceivable as a supplement or alternative. In Fig.

[0072] 13 The solution according to the present embodiment is particularly evident, in which the lower storage compartment leg 46 and the upper storage compartment leg 47 each have a magnet 372, positioned directly above one another when folded, so that the magnets 372 lock the storage compartment when folded. Alternatively, it would also be possible to attach one magnet to the bicycle frame and the other to one of the storage compartment legs.

[0073] Between the central connecting bridge 301 and the upper storage compartment leg 74 is the sealing plate 346 (Fig. 10), which prevents splash water from penetrating in the area of ​​the slot between the components. Protective guides 347 can be attached laterally to the upper storage compartment leg 47, which protect the upper storage compartment leg and also direct splash water downwards, thus preventing the splash water from flowing sideways and hitting the legs of the person riding.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment legs 46 / 47 are designed as two separate plates. The guide rail 62 is arranged in a side wall 321 of the upper storage compartment leg 47, with the lower storage compartment leg 46 then holding a storage compartment pin 44, the outer end of which is guided in the guide rail 62. The guide rail could also be attached to the lower storage compartment leg 46, in which case the lower leg would assume the guiding function. The storage compartment legs can optionally have lateral cargo racks 45 or similarly designed side walls; the optional storage compartment cage struts 324 of the embodiment shown in Figures 7-17, in addition to supporting the rear storage compartment cage 342 (see description below), also have the potential function of laterally guiding the cargo.

[0075] Folding the storage compartment up reduces the overall volume, making the bicycle more compact, lowering air resistance, and making it less prone to dirt accumulation by allowing water to drain away easily. When folded down, the storage compartment is also less vulnerable to collisions, for example, when encountering a high curb.

[0076] The storage compartment under the front of the bike also serves as a splash guard, eliminating the need for a front fender, for example. This additional storage compartment does not necessarily require any additional space in terms of the bike's overall length, as it utilizes the space below the top tube.

[0077] There are various ways to hold the storage compartment legs 46, 47 in the folded-up position, including locking connections, a cranked guide rail 62, etc. The solution shown particularly clearly in Fig. 15 consists of a two-part storage compartment pin 44, with two parts that are pushed outwards away from each other by a compression spring. Using a release handle 327, the storage compartment pin parts can be moved inwards against the spring force of the compression spring. When the storage compartment legs are in the folded-up position, the outer ends of the storage compartment pin parts engage in a locking mechanism 326 on the corresponding lower tube section 41.1, 41.2.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, the bicycle also has a side wall cover 323 on the outside of the side wall 321 with the guide rail 62. This cover protects the guide rail 62 on the outside and prevents the respective storage compartment pin section from being pushed further outwards. Only near an upper end position is the side wall cover provided with a through-hole 329, through which the storage compartment pin section can spring outwards and snap into the locking mechanism 326 as soon as the storage compartment legs are fully folded up.

[0079] For folding up, the under-body storage compartment can be provided with a suitable handle, e.g., with a handle tab 371 as shown in Fig. 15. Another feature of the bicycle 100 concerns the presence of the cargo space above the front wheel discussed above, which extends from the area in front of the head tube to an area behind the head tube. As the cargo space extends through the space between the central connecting bridge 301 and the down tube extensions 302.1, 302.2, as well as the head tube (2), a cargo tunnel 310 is formed past the head tube 2.

[0080] To form this cargo space, the bicycle has a front storage area 75, which in the embodiment of Fig. 7 is formed by a front storage plate 361, a rear storage plate 362 and the intermediate connecting bridge 301.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the rear storage panel 361 is replaced by a hinged front cargo compartment tunnel door 49. In its forward position, the front cargo compartment tunnel door 49 separates the front cargo compartment 48 from the rear. It can be pivoted rearward via a pivot bearing so that it rests horizontally on the outer cargo compartment racks 45, as can be seen particularly well in Figure 2. In this position, it extends the front cargo compartment 48, thus ensuring optimal utilization of the available installation space.

[0082] In other embodiments, the front storage compartment shelf runs above the central connecting bridge and, for example, without interruption. Both the belly storage compartment 42 and the front cargo compartment 48 result in a low cargo center of gravity, located as far below the driver's center of gravity as possible, which provides good control and advantageous handling and steering characteristics.

[0083] The combination of the belly storage compartment and the front cargo space together enables a double-deck cargo space (two superimposed, offset cargo space levels, firstly on the lower storage compartment leg and secondly on the front cargo space tunnel flap 49 and the storage area 75 above the front wheel), and means that despite its construction and handling characteristics similar to a conventional bicycle, the bicycle offers cargo transport capabilities that come at least close to those of a cargo-optimized but generally somewhat unwieldy cargo bike.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the front storage compartment has optional storage compartment tunnel side walls 345. These are particularly advantageous when many items, possibly also smaller ones, are to be transported. The storage compartment tunnel side walls 345 can be transparent, especially in the front area (in the area in front of the head tube), so that there are no obstructions to the view. As illustrated in Figure 7, the storage compartment tunnel side walls can be positioned within the area defined by the lower tube extensions 302.1, 302.2.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the front cargo compartment area in front of and behind the steering tube is approximately the same length (longitudinal dimension). This means that the front storage shelf 361 and the rear storage shelf 362 are also approximately the same length. However, this is not necessary. Designs with front cargo compartment sections of different lengths in front of and behind the steering tube are also conceivable, as can be seen, for example, in the example described below in Figures 16 and 17.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiments, the downtube connection 41, in addition to the right and left partial downtubes 41.1, 41.2 (and, depending on the definition of "downtube connection" used, the central connecting bridge 301), also has a downtube connecting bridge 41.3, via which the left and right partial downtubes 41.1, 41.2 are connected to each other at their lower ends, as well as a downtube base 41.4, which connects the downtube connecting bridge 41.3 to the bottom bracket area, which in the illustrated embodiment is equipped with a mid-drive motor.

[0087] Another optional feature of the embodiments with a front cargo compartment relates to the presence of a front and rear storage compartment cage 341 or 342, see e.g. Fig. 8. This forms a framework for the front cargo compartment and may also have the function of mechanically reinforcing the storage compartment tunnel side walls 345.

[0088] The front storage cage 341 and the rear storage cage 342 are each connected to the bicycle frame, either by screws or permanently. A detachable connection has the (obvious) advantage that the bicycle can be used without the front storage compartment and, if necessary, sold without it; that is, the front storage compartment can be an add-on. The same applies to the under-seat storage compartment: this can also be an add-on, either in addition to or as an alternative to the front storage compartment.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection between the front storage cage 341 and the rear storage cage 342 consists, on the one hand, of connection points with the down tube extensions 302.1, 302.2, which in turn form parts of the bicycle frame (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 12).

[0090] The optional downtube extensions 302.1 and 302.2 at the front can accommodate a lighting system 351.

[0091] The embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17 differs from the embodiments described above, among other things, by the following features, which can be implemented independently of each other (i.e., a bicycle can have only one or only the other, or both, or neither of these features).

[0092] First, the belly storage compartment is not foldable and is not formed by two separate legs, but by a single, continuous element, namely a belly storage compartment frame 383, which holds the belly storage compartment shelf 381 and the front panel 382. The belly storage compartment with frame, shelf, and front panel can be screwed to the frame as a whole. Second, the front cargo space 48 is significantly shortened compared to the embodiments described above, in that the front storage compartment cage 341 projects only slightly forward compared to the steering tube.

[0093] Figures 18 and 19 schematically illustrate the possibility of transporting longer objects, such as skis 451 or a surfboard 452 (shown with fine lines in Figure 18), using a bicycle of the type shown in Figures 7-15 – the same principle is also applicable to the bicycle according to Figures 16 and 17 – with left and right partial downtubes and left and right downtube extensions 302.1, 302.2. For this purpose, the bicycle in the illustrated embodiment has an upper mounting plate (with fastening strap) 455 on each side of the downtube extensions 302.1, 302.2 and a lower mounting basket (with fastening strap) 457 on each side of the partial downtubes 41.1, 41.2. For particularly long goods, an optional rear mounting 454 may be provided, which is attached in a suitable manner to the chainstays or seat stays or another structure and protrudes sufficiently far to the side.

[0094] Figure 20 shows a detail of the bicycle according to Fig. 7-15, and Figures 21 and 22 show details of the bicycle frame of this bicycle, each in a region on the upper side of the head tube 2. The top tube 1, the head tube 2, the right and left down tube extensions 302.1, 302.2, and the base 4 of the steering head converge at a common connection point. This connection point is also referred to in this text as the steering head node 500. At this connection point, the bicycle fork with its steerer tube on the one hand and the pivot unit 9 on the other meet in a cavity within the bicycle frame (see in particular Fig. 4, which shows the connection of the pivot unit 9 to the steerer tube via the double extension 16). For the purpose of providing access to this connection, the steering head node 500 has a service opening 510.

[0095] The cavity in the steering head node 500 transitions into the interior of the steering tube, where the fork steerer tube is guided.

[0096] This service opening 510 is closed in the operating state by a steering head cover 501. The steering head cover 501 can optionally include functional parts, such as a bicycle front light 503 as illustrated in Fig. 20. It can be connected to the bicycle frame by a snap and / or screw connection.

[0097] The steering head node 500 is also open to the rear, in that it has a through-opening 515 in the rear area for the pivot-running unit 9, i.e. the steering stays 18 are guided through the through-opening 515 and lead to the connection point with the fork steerer tube 20, which in turn is guided in the head tube 2.

[0098] As an alternative to the through-opening 515, the steering struts could also run inside the base of the slide. At the bottom end of the steering head node 500, the head tube 2 forms a headset bearing seat 521 for receiving the upper headset.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Bicycle (100), comprising a bicycle frame (30) with a bottom bracket (54), a rear wheel (105), a steerable front wheel (104), a bicycle fork (59) for holding the front wheel (104) and a handlebar (15) for steering the front wheel (104) by pivoting the bicycle fork (59), wherein the bicycle frame (30) has a head tube (2) in which a fork steerer tube (20) of the bicycle fork (59) is guided, and a down tube connection (41) between the bottom bracket (54) and the head tube (2), characterized by a belly storage compartment (42) with a belly storage compartment storage surface which is at least partially located below the down tube connection or can be brought into a position at least partially located below the down tube connection.

2. Bicycle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the downtube connection has a right partial downtube (41.1) and a second partial downtube (41.2) which are located to the right and left respectively of a vertical, longitudinally extending central plane (400) of the bicycle.

3. Bicycle (100) according to claim 2, wherein the abdominal storage compartment is located, or can be brought into a position, in which it is located vertically below the right and left partial downtubes (41.1; 41.2) and in a horizontal position between the right and left partial downtubes (41.1; 41.2), so that an abdominal storage compartment is formed between the right and left partial downtubes (41.1; 41.2).

4. Bicycle (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the right and left partial downtubes (41.1; 41.2) extend forward and upward from a lower attachment and are connected at their front end to each other and to the head tube (2) via a central connecting bridge (301).

5. Bicycle according to one of claims 2-4, comprising a down tube extension (302.1, 302.2) on each side, which extends from the first or second partial down tube (41.1; 41.2), and / or optionally from the middle connecting bridge (301), to an upper head tube attachment (304).

6. Bicycle according to one of claims 2-5, wherein the left and right partial down tubes (41.1; 41.2) have a lateral distance of at least 10 cm from the vertical, longitudinally extending central plane (400) at a height above the abdominal storage compartment shelf surface.

7. Bicycle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a handlebar axis about which the handlebar (15) is pivotable is arranged offset to the rear relative to the fork stem (20), wherein the bicycle further comprises a transmission mechanism for transmitting steering movements from the handlebar to the fork stem.

8. Bicycle according to claim 8, wherein the handlebar axle is adjustable in its position relative to the bicycle frame.

9. Bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a substantially horizontal abdominal storage compartment support plate (46, 381) in a use position and a front panel (47, 382) located in front of the abdominal storage compartment support plate (46, 381) in the use position and extending upwards from its front end for shielding the abdominal storage compartment from the front.

10. Bicycle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the belly storage compartment is foldable and unfoldable.

11. Bicycle according to claim 10, wherein the abdominal storage compartment has a plate-like first storage compartment leg (46) and a plate-like second storage compartment leg (47), wherein in an unfolded state the first storage compartment leg (46) functions as the abdominal storage compartment shelf plate and lies substantially horizontally and the second storage compartment leg (47) functions as a front panel and shields the abdominal storage compartment from the front, and wherein in a folded-in state the first and the second storage compartment leg lie substantially parallel to each other.

12. Bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a front storage area (75) located above the front wheel, wherein the front storage area extends from a region behind the head tube to a region in front of the head tube with respect to the longitudinal vertical median plane (400) on both sides of the head tube (2).

13. Bicycle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the down tube connection (41) comprises a first and a second partial down tube (41.1, 41.2) each extending on both sides of a vertical median plane of the bicycle, and wherein the first partial down tube (41.1) and the second partial down tube (41.2) are connected to each other and to the head tube (2) via a central connecting bridge (301), wherein the front storage area (75) extends above the central connecting bridge (301) or is partially formed by it.

14. Bicycle according to claim 13, with a down tube extension (302.1, 302.2) on each side, which extend from the first and second partial down tube (41.1; 41.2) and from the central connecting bridge (301) to an upper head tube attachment (304), wherein the front storage area extends through a tunnel formed by the down tube extensions.

15. Bicycle according to claim 13 or 14, comprising fastening means (455, 457) for the external attachment of objects on the partial down tubes (41.1 ; 41.2) and / or optionally on the down tube extensions (302.1, 302.2).

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