JPH1120766A - bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] An external shape can be made compact without bending a handle stem. SOLUTION: A head tube 18 provided at an end of a top tube 12 on a front wheel 14 side, and a head tube 18 is provided.
A handle stem 22 having left and right handle bars 20 formed at the upper end, and a lower end of the handle stem 22 attached to extend downward.
A front fork 24 that holds the front wheel 14 between lower ends. The head tube 18 is rotatable inside the inner ring member 5.
4 are provided, and the front forks 24 are formed as straight pipes, and are attached parallel to each other inside the inner ring member 54.
A pair of handle stems 22 are provided independently for each of the left and right handle bars 20, and are protruded into the front fork 24 and rotatably inserted. A protrusion restricting mechanism 58 for restricting or canceling the protrusion of the handle stem 22 to the front fork 24, and a rotation of the handle stem 22;
Alternatively, a rotation restriction mechanism 66 for releasing the restriction is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bicycle, and more particularly, to a bicycle whose external shape when stored is compact.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, various bicycles have been developed which have a structure in which each part constituting the bicycle is bendable, and which can be folded down at the time of storage so as to make the outer shape more compact than in a state of use (a state of riding and using). Have been. In particular, in the case of a foldable bicycle that needs to have a compact outer shape when stored, as an example, as in the bicycle described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-24311, to reduce the length, the front wheel side and the rear side The top tube that connects the wheel side can be bent, and the handlebar stem with the handlebar attached to the upper part can be bent from the middle to reduce the height, so that the outer dimensions when folded are smaller It is generally known that such a structure is employed.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned conventional bicycle has the following problems. In particular, in bicycles with a structure in which the handle stem is bent to reduce the height and the outer shape is made compact, the length is reduced but the handle is lowered to a position close to the ground by bending the handle stem, There is also a problem that the handle that is to be grasped by hand when riding is easily soiled by dust on the floor or mud on the ground, and it is necessary to bend down when folding or returning to the original position, which is a serious problem . Also, in the case of a structure in which the top tube is bent halfway and the front wheel and the rear wheel are almost at the same position and the length is shortened like the above folding bicycle, it is usually bent beside the front wheel and the rear wheel. There is also a problem that the width is increased due to the structure in which the handles are lined up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle having a compact outer shape without bending a handle stem.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head provided at a front wheel side end of a top tube connecting a front wheel side and a rear wheel side. A tube, a handle stem rotatably attached to the head tube, an upper end formed with left and right handlebars, and a lower end of the handle stem, which is attached so as to extend downward, and a front wheel is provided between the lower ends. In a bicycle comprising a pair of front forks rotatably held,
The head tube is provided with an inner ring member that is rotatable around a central axis of the head tube, and the pair of front forks is formed of a straight tube, and is parallel to each other inside the inner ring member. And a pair of the handle stems is provided independently for each of the left and right handlebars, and is protruded into and rotatably inserted into the front fork, respectively, to restrict the protrusion of the handle stem into the front fork. Or a restriction mechanism for releasing the restriction is provided, and a rotation restriction mechanism for restricting the rotation of the handle stem with respect to the front fork or releasing the restriction is provided. According to this, it is possible to lower the height by projecting the pair of handle stems into the pair of front forks by the protrusion restricting mechanism, and to rotate the pair of handle stems by the rotation restricting mechanism, Each of the handlebars can be aligned inside, the width can be reduced, and the storage space can be reduced.

Specifically, the protrusion restricting mechanism includes a slit formed by a predetermined length downward along a longitudinal direction on a peripheral surface facing an upper end edge of the pair of front forks protruding from the inner ring member, A pair of connecting plates mounted between the front forks so as to sandwich the slit, and a first tightening device mounted between the pair of connecting plates to move the connecting plates toward and away from each other to widen or narrow the gap between the slits. What is necessary is just to comprise with attachment means.

The rotation restricting mechanism is fixed to the outer periphery of each of the pair of handle stems, and a lock ring having a fitting projection formed on the upper end surface, and the pair of handle stems are slidable. And a pair of handle stems are slidably inserted into the lower lock plate, which is bridged between the handle stems so as to be located below the lock ring, and is located above the lock ring. An upper lock plate formed between the handle stems and having a fitting recess formed at the rim portion of the hole through which the handle stem is inserted, the upper lock plate including the upper lock plate and the upper lock plate. Urging means for constantly urging the lower lock plate in the approaching direction, and a lock release mechanism for separating the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate against the urging force of the urging means. It may be configured with a means.

The lock release means has an upper end connected to the upper lock plate, a lower end slidably inserted into the lower lock plate, and a lower lock protruding from the lower surface of the lower lock plate. A connection pin provided with a first large-diameter portion for preventing removal from the plate, wherein the urging means includes a connection pin provided between a lower surface of the lower lock plate and the first large-diameter portion. A coil spring that constantly urges the upper lock plate in the direction of the lower lock plate, releases the restriction by the protrusion restriction mechanism, and causes the handle stem to protrude into the front fork. The first large-diameter portion of the connecting pin is brought into contact with the upper surface of the connecting plate, and the handle stem is further pushed in against the urging force of the coil spring, thereby connecting the connecting pin. When the pin is inserted into the lower lock plate, if the upper lock plate is pushed up by the connecting pin so as to be separated from the lock ring, the upper lock plate can be locked only by pushing down the handlebar. Can be separated. Thereby, since the fitting state between the fitting projection and the fitting recess can be released, the lock of the rotation of the handle stem with respect to the front fork can be released, and the handlebar can be rotated with one touch.

The lock ring is attached between the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate, and the lock ring is attached to the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate in a state where the fitting projection and the fitting recess are fitted. If the second tightening means for tightening is provided, the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate are separated by mistake against the urging force of the urging means, and the rotation lock of the handle stem with respect to the front fork is released. Can be prevented, and safety is enhanced. Further, the front wheel side and the rear wheel side are connected only by the top tube, and the top tube is provided with a bending mechanism that can bend the top tube in the middle, and the front wheel is rotated to rotate the front wheel. When the top tube is bent while being moved below the top tube, the length can be minimized if the front wheel and the rear wheel are arranged side by side.

[0010] Further, a tubular standpipe provided at the rear wheel side end of the top tube, into which a seatpost is protruded and rotatably inserted, and wherein the seatpost protrudes into and out of the standpipe. A seat fixing mechanism for restricting or canceling the rotation, a pair of seat stays extending downward so as to sandwich the rear wheel from the upper portion of the standpipe, and a pair of seatstays extending between the lower portion of the standpipe to sandwich the rear wheel. And a pair of chain stays respectively connected to lower end sides of the pair of seat stays,
If the lower end of the seat post protrudes beyond the pedal from the lower end of the upright pipe when the seat post is lowered and enters the upright pipe, the front wheel and the rear wheel are adjacently arranged in a stowed state. , Three-point support including the seat post is possible, and the vehicle can be made independent.

A freewheel mounted on an axle of the rear wheel rotatably held between a connecting portion between a lower end of the pair of seat stays and a rear end of the pair of chain stays; A chain ring attached directly or indirectly to the top tube or the vertical pipe, and a chain bridged between the freewheel and the chain ring, and a chain stay is not inserted into the chain. It is characterized by the following. According to this, even if the rear wheel is simply made detachable, even if the chain cannot be cut like a belt-type chain, it can be bridged between the freewheel and the chain ring. Also, a crank attached to both ends of the crankshaft, and a pivotal connecting member attached to the tip of the crank and rotatably connecting the pedal to the crank are provided. The pedal is rotatably attached to the crank, and the pedal is attached to the other end side so as to be foldable only in the direction of the rotation center at a position eccentric from the rotation center of the rotation connecting member with respect to the crank. It is characterized by. According to this, at the time of storage, the width of the bicycle can be reduced by folding the pedal. In addition, when the pedal is released from being folded when used, the pedal is attached to the rotating connecting member at a position eccentric from the center of rotation of the rotating connecting member. The pivotal connection member pivots to be positioned, and the surface on which the foot of the pedal rests can always face upward.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a bicycle according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Overall Configuration) First, an outline of the bicycle 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The top tube 12 connects the front wheel 14 side and the rear wheel 16 side. In the bicycle 10 of the present invention, the front wheels 14
By folding between the side and the rear wheel 16 side, it is possible to make the outer shape at the time of storage compact,
The connection structure between the front wheel 14 side and the rear wheel 16 side is simplified by omitting a down tube used in a general bicycle. The head tube 18 is provided at an end of the top tube 12 on the front wheel 14 side. This head tube 1
8, a handle stem 22 having left and right handle bars 20 formed at the upper end is attached to be rotatable about the central axis of the head tube 18. A pair of front forks 24 are attached to the lower end of the handle stem 22 in a substantially parallel manner with a space therebetween, and the axle 14a of the front wheel 14 is rotatably held between the lower ends of the front forks 24.

On the rear wheel 16 side of the top tube 12, there is provided a tubular standpipe 30 into which a seat post 28 with a saddle 26 mounted on the upper part projects and is rotatably inserted. The seat fixing mechanism 32 is a mechanism for restricting the protrusion and rotation of the seat post 28 with respect to the upright pipe 30 and for canceling the restriction.
A well-known mechanism used in a general bicycle, for example, a tightening mechanism using a bolt and a nut may be used. As will be described later, a tightening mechanism that can be controlled and released with one touch, which is used for the protrusion / restriction mechanism of the handle stem 22 of the present embodiment, can also be adopted. The pair of seat stays 34 extend obliquely rearward and downward from above the standing pipe 30 so as to sandwich the rear wheel 16. Further, a pair of chain stays 36 extend rearward from the lower portion of the standing pipe 30 so as to sandwich the rear wheel 16, and each rear end side has a pair of seat stays 3.
4 is connected to each lower end side. And the rear wheel 16
The axle 16a is rotatably held between a connecting portion 38 between a lower end of the pair of seat stays 34 and a rear end of the pair of chain stays 36. A freewheel 40 is mounted on the axle 16a of the rear wheel 16.

Top tube 12 or vertical pipe 3
A chain ring 42 is rotatably attached to the chain ring 0 directly or indirectly. In the present embodiment, as an example, a chain ring 42 is attached to a mounting plate 44 spanned between the lower surface of the top tube 12 on the side of the standing pipe 30 and the standing pipe 30, and is indirectly attached to the top tube 12 or the standing pipe 30. Although it is possible to adopt a structure that can be directly attached to the lower end of the vertical pipe 30 or a mounting plate 44 provided on the top tube 12 and indirectly attached only to the top tube 12. Specifically, the chain ring 42 is attached to the mounting plate 4.
The crankshaft 46 rotatably supported by the bracket 4 is integrally attached to an end on the same side as the freewheel 40, and a pair of cranks 48 is attached to both ends of the crankshaft 46. A pedal 50 is rotatably attached to an end of each crank 48. This allows
By pedaling the pedal 50, the chain ring 42 rotates. The chain 52 is bridged between the freewheel 40 and the chain ring 42.

Next, the characteristic components of the present embodiment will be described. (Configuration of Handle Stem and Fork) First, the handle stem 22, head tube 18, and front fork 48
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the head tube 18 is formed to have a larger diameter than the interval between the pair of front forks 24, and has a cylindrical shape inside which is rotatable around the center axis L of the head tube 18. The inner ring member 54 is provided so as not to be pulled out. A ball bearing 56 is disposed between the inner race member 54 and the head tube 18, and the inner race member 54 can smoothly rotate 360 degrees within the head tube 18. In addition, the pair of front forks 24 is formed of a linear tube, and is provided at a symmetrical position about the center axis L of the inner ring member 54 so as to be parallel to the center axis L inside the outer periphery of the inner ring member 54. Mounted in position. Also, a pair of handle stems 22 are provided independently for each of the left and right handlebars 20, and the outer diameter of each handle stem 22 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the front fork 24 so that it can be inserted into the front fork 24. Each is inserted into the front fork 24 so as to protrude and rotate. As described above, since the handle stem 22 and the front fork 24 are attached to the inner ring member 54, in the bicycle 10 of the present invention, the handlebar 20 and the front wheel 14 can rotate 360 degrees around the head tube 18. The front fork 24 does not need to be arranged completely parallel. For example, when the handle stem 22 is pulled out most, the handlebars 20 do not come into contact with each other, and the handle stem 22 is inserted into the front fork 24 most. At this time, the bicycle 10 may be non-parallel so that the bicycle 10 has a C-shape or an inverted C-shape when viewed from the front so that the lower ends projecting from the front fork 24 do not contact each other. Also,
In the present embodiment, the front fork 24 is formed as a linear tube as a whole. However, even in the case of a conventional structure in which the lower end side is bent forward in an arc shape, the upper side of the arc portion is a linear tube. Various modifications are possible, such as a structure in which the handle stem 22 is formed and inserted into the straight tube portion.

(Protrusion Restriction Mechanism for Handle Stem) A projection restriction mechanism 58 for restricting or releasing the protrusion of the handle stem 22 into the front fork 24.
Is provided. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mechanism 58 includes, as an example, a pair of front forks 24 that are mounted on the inner ring member 54 with their upper parts protruding. A slit 60 formed by a predetermined length below, a pair of connecting plates 62 that are separately mounted between the upper portions of the front forks 24 so as to sandwich the slit 60, and are mounted between the pair of connecting plates 62; A first tightening means 64 for moving the connecting plates 62 toward and away from each other to widen or narrow the interval between the slits 60. Here the first
The tightening means 64 is rotatably attached to a bolt 64a penetrating between the pair of connecting plates 62, a nut 64b screwed to one end of the bolt 64a, and the other end of the bolt 64b. And a first lever 64c. The bolt 64a side of the first lever 64c is formed as an eccentric cam, and by rotating the first lever 64c, the pair of connecting plates 62 can be sandwiched between the first lever 64c and the bolt 64a. Further, in the present embodiment, the slit 60 is provided directly on the upper portion of the front fork 24, but a pipe provided with the slit 60 separately from the front fork 24 is provided, and this pipe is attached to the inner ring member 54. The front fork 24 formed in the tubular body is
It is good also as a structure fixed so that it may communicate with the internal space. Further, in the present embodiment, the above-described configuration is employed for the protrusion restricting mechanism 58 so that the tightening / releasing can be performed with one touch. However, instead of the configuration of the present embodiment, a known screw tightening mechanism is used. Various changes are possible, such as using

With this structure, when the first lever 64c is operated to sandwich the pair of connecting plates 62 by applying pressure, the interval between the slits 60 is reduced against the elastic force of the front fork 24, and the distance between the slits 60 is reduced. The inner diameter of the upper part of the handle stem 22 is reduced, and the handle stem 22 is tightened. Therefore, the protrusion of the handle stem 22 inserted into the front fork 24 is restricted. On the contrary, when the first lever 64c is operated, since the pressure is not applied to the pair of connecting plates 62 from the first lever 64c, the slit 60 returns to the normal interval, and the front fork 2
4 also returns to the original inside diameter, and the handle stem 22
Is released, and the handle stem 22 can be protruded and inserted. The protrusion of the handle stem 22 into the front fork 24 can be performed until a rotation restricting mechanism provided on the handle stem 22, which will be described later, comes into contact with the protrusion restricting mechanism 58.

(Rotation restricting mechanism of handle stem)
The handle stem 22 is provided with a rotation restricting mechanism 66 for restricting or canceling the rotation of the handle stem 22 with respect to the front fork 24. This mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 7 to 9. FIG. A lock ring 68 is fixed to the upper outer periphery of each of the pair of handle stems 22 so as to have the same height. The lock ring 68 has a cylindrical outer shape as shown in FIG. 8, and a fitting projection 68a is formed on an upper end surface thereof. In the present embodiment, four fitting projections 68a are provided, for example, every 90 degrees.

Below the lock ring 68, a lower lock plate 70 in which a pair of handle stems 22 are slidably inserted is bridged between the handle stems 22 so as to be located below the lock ring 68. . The lower lock plate 70 is fixed to a lock ring 68 by a fixing ring 72 attached to the outer periphery of each handle stem 22 below.
It is fixed so as to be sandwiched between it. The lower lock plate 70 is formed in a plate body, and as shown in FIG. 9, two holes 70a for the handle stem 22, four holes 70b for inserting an unlocking means described later, and a second tightening means. And a hole 70c for this.

Above the lock ring 68, a pair of handle stems 22 are slidably inserted, and an upper lock plate 74 spanned between the handle stems 22 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 7, the handle stem 2 is provided on the upper lock plate 74 similarly to the lower lock plate 70.
There are provided two holes 74a for two, four holes 74b for inserting the unlocking means described later, and a hole 74c for the second fastening means. In addition, handle stem 2
A fitting concave portion 74d that fits with the fitting convex portion 68a of the lock ring 68 is provided at an edge portion on the lower surface side of the hole 74a through which the hole 2 is inserted.
Are formed so as to be shifted by 90 degrees in accordance with the fitting projection 68a. The fitting recess 74d may be formed as a hole reaching the upper surface of the upper lock plate 74. The number and position of the fitting protrusions 68a and the fitting recesses 74d can be changed according to the position where the handlebar 20 is to be fixed, and the number may be at least one. Considering the above, two or more are desirable. The upper lock plate 74 is slidable up and down along the handle stem 22 with the handle stem 22 inserted.

Between the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70, a biasing means for constantly biasing the upper lock plate 74 toward the lower lock plate 70, and a biasing force against the biasing force of the biasing means. Lock release means 76 is provided for separating the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70 from each other. The lock release means 76 is provided with four biasing means 76 for the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70.
The upper end is connected to the upper lock plate 74, and the lower end protruding from the lower surface of the lower lock plate 70 has a first large-size member for preventing the lower lock plate 70 from being pulled out. It is composed of four connecting pins 78 provided with a diameter portion 78a. In the present embodiment,
The connecting pin 78 is composed of a bolt and a nut. Also,
The connection pin 78 is disposed between the lower surface of the lower lock plate 70 and the first large diameter portion 78 a so as to be fitted around the connection pin 78.
A coil spring 80 is attached as urging means for urging the upper lock plate 74 toward the lower lock plate 70 at all times. In this embodiment, the fixing ring 72 is used to support the lower lock plate 70. However, the coil spring 80 attaches the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70 so that both of them are in close contact with the lock ring 68. Because it is urged, the fixing ring 72 need not be used.

Further, between the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70, the fitting projection 6 of the lock ring 68 is provided.
A second tightening means 82 for maintaining a state where the fitting recess 8d and the fitting recess 74d of the upper lock plate 74 are fitted is attached. The second tightening means 82 is provided for ensuring safety. The urging force of the coil spring 80 is large, and unless the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70 are intentionally separated from each other, the second tightening means 82 is easily provided. If they do not separate from each other, they need not be provided. In the present embodiment, as an example, the second fastening means 82 has one hole 7 for each second fastening means 82 of the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70.
The lower lock plate 70 has a tightening pin 84 having a second large-diameter portion 84a formed at the lower end protruding from the lower surface of the lower lock plate 70 so as to prevent removal. Also,
Tightening pin 84 protruding from the upper surface of upper lock plate 74
And a second lever 86 which is rotatably attached to the upper end of the eccentric cam and whose shape on the side of the tightening pin 84 is formed as an eccentric cam. The operation of the second tightening means 82 is the same as that of the first tightening means 64. By rotating the second lever 86, the eccentric cam of the second lever 86 causes the upper lock plate 74 to rotate.
Is pushed toward the lower lock plate 70, and the fitting protrusion 68a is inserted between the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70.
Of the lock ring 68 in a state in which
And has a function of holding this fitted state. The lock ring 68 may be provided with a fitting concave portion 74d, and the upper lock plate 74 may be provided with a fitting convex portion 68a. Further, in the present embodiment, the above-described configuration is adopted for the rotation restricting mechanism 66 so that the rotation can be restricted and the rotation restriction can be released with one touch. However, various changes can be made instead of the configuration of the present embodiment. It is possible.

The operation of the rotation restricting mechanism 66 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a person rides on the bicycle 10, the left and right handle bars 20 are positioned on the sides of the bicycle 10 as shown in FIG. The fitting projection 68a is fitted. When this state is shown in the drawing, a fitting projection 68a is provided at a position shown in FIG. 8A with respect to the fitting recess 74d shown in FIG. Fitting convex portion 68a and fitting concave portion 74d
The bicycle 1 is formed by expanding the handlebar 20 from side to side.
The position is set in advance to a position where the two can be fitted in a state where 0 is possible to ride. Since the lock ring 68 is fixed to the outer periphery of the handle stem 22 formed integrally with the handle bar 20, the lock ring 68 and the upper lock plate 7
4, the handle stem 22 does not rotate with respect to the upper lock plate 74.
This state is also maintained (locked state). Further, since the upper lock plate 74 is constantly urged toward the lower lock plate 70 by the coil spring 80, the fitted state is not easily released. Operate the lever 86 to move the lower lock plate 7
The movement of the upper lock plate 74 is restricted in a state where the lock ring 68 is sandwiched between 0 and 0. Thus, even if an external force is carelessly applied to the upper lock plate 74, the handle stem 22 and the handle bar 20 can be prevented from rotating.

Next, when the handlebar 20 is rotated, first, the first lever 64c of the protrusion-restricting mechanism 58 is operated to allow the handle stem 22 to protrude into the front fork 24. In this state, as shown in FIG. 3, the handle stem 22 is pushed into the front fork 24 by holding the handle bar 20, and the first large diameter portion 78 a of each connection pin 78 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the connection plate 62. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, the second lever 86 is rotated to release the downward pushing of the upper lock plate 74. Further, when the handlebar 20 is pushed downward, the lower lock plate 70 sandwiched between the lock ring 68 and the fixing ring 72 moves downward together with the handle stem 22 against the urging force of the coil spring 80. The handle stem 22 enters the front fork 24. When the fixing ring 72 is not used, the lower ring plate 70 moves downward together with the handle stem 22 by the lock ring 68, and the handle stem 22 also enters the front fork 24. On the other hand, since the upper lock plate 74 is fixed to the upper end of the connecting pin 78, it does not move downward together with the handle stem 22 after the first large diameter portion 78a of the connecting pin 78 comes into contact with the connecting plate 62.

As a result, the upper lock plate 74 and the lower lock plate 70 separate from each other, and a gap is generated between the upper lock plate 74 and the lock ring 68. The length of the connecting pin 78 is adjusted so that the gap is formed, and the fitting concave portion 74d of the upper lock plate 74 and the fitting convex portion 6 of the lock ring 68 are formed.
If the fitting of 8a is set to be released, each handlebar 20 can be rotated (unlocked state).
The fitting projection 68a of the lock ring 68 is positioned as shown in FIG. 8B with respect to the fitting recess 74d shown in FIG. Also,
When the downward movement of the handlebar 20 is stopped from this state, the coil spring 80 externally fitted to the connection pin 78 is stopped.
, The handle stem 22 moves upward with respect to the connecting plate 62 via the lower lock plate 70, and the upper end of the lock ring 68 is pressed against the lower surface of the upper lock plate 74. Therefore, if the handlebar 20 is slightly rotated, the fitting recess 74d of the upper lock plate 74 can be easily formed.
The fitting projection 68a of the lock ring 68 is fitted to the lock ring 68. In the above-described embodiment, the handle stem 22 is disengaged between the lock ring 68 and the upper lock plate 74 by the fitting concave portion 74d and the fitting convex portion 68a being in a fitted state or a non-fitted state. Although the rotation state or the rotation state is achieved, a fitting concave portion 74d and a fitting convex portion 68a may be provided between the lock ring 68 and the lower lock plate 70. The reason why the connecting pin 78 is used as the lock releasing means is to release the fitting between the fitting concave portion 74d and the fitting convex portion 68a easily while pushing the handle stem 22 downward. Other mechanisms may be used as long as they have a function of separating the lock ring 68 and the lower lock plate 70, and in particular, can separate the lock ring 68 and release the fitted state with the lock ring 68.

(Bending Mechanism of Top Tube) In the bicycle 10 of the present embodiment, the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 are connected only by the top tube 12, and the top tube 12 is connected to the top tube 12 in the middle. A folding mechanism 88 that can be folded into two is provided. Various known techniques can be adopted for the bending mechanism 88. The bending mechanism 88 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. A first flange 88a is formed at the divided portion on the front wheel 14 side of the top tube 12 divided into two, and a second flange 88b is formed at the divided portion on the rear wheel 16 side. 2 flange 88b is shaft 88
c so as to be rotatably connected to form a hinge structure. Since each of the flanges 88a and 88b must be connected at a position where the divided top tube 12 is aligned, a lock mechanism is provided.

This locking mechanism includes a hook claw 88d formed at an end of the first flange 88a opposite to the end through which the shaft 88c is inserted, and an end of the second flange 88b through which the shaft 88c is inserted. And a hook hook member 88e attached to the end opposite to the part.
The hook member 88e is rotatably attached to the end of the second flange 88b, and is always urged in the non-opening direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 11) by a spring 88f provided on the same end. Have been. The outer surfaces B and C of the distal ends of both the hook hook member 88e and the hook claw 88d are formed as inclined surfaces, and come into contact with the hook claw 88d when the first flange 88a is brought into close contact with the second flange 88b. Hook hook member 8
8e rides over the locking claw 88d while rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow A against the urging force of the spring 88f, and
And can be hooked. The locked state is shown in FIG. When releasing the locked state, that is, the locked state, the first and second flanges 88a and 88b are rotated by hand while rotating the hook hook member 88e in the direction opposite to the arrow A.
Should be separated.

In the present embodiment, the front fork 24
Is rotated by 180 degrees from the use state of the bicycle 10 so that the front wheel 1
4 is moved below the top tube 12, and the bending mechanism 88 moves the top tube 12 to the maximum (about 1
(80 degrees) When bent, the bending position and bending angle of the top tube 12 are set so that the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 are adjacently arranged.

(Folding procedure) Next, the bicycle 10
The procedure for folding the vehicle from the rideable state to the housed state will be described in order with reference to FIGS. 1 and 12 to 14. FIG.
Is a state in which the vehicle can be taken. In this state, the first lever 64c of the protrusion restriction mechanism 58 is operated to
4 to allow the handle stem 22 to protrude. Then, the user holds the handle bar 20 and pushes down the handle stem 22 while pushing the handle stem 22 into the front fork 24 so that the first large-diameter portions 78 a of the connection pins 78 come into contact with the upper surface of the connection plate 62. Next, the handlebars 20 are further pushed down to release the fitted state of the upper lock plate 74 and the lock ring 68, and the respective handlebars 20 are rotated forward to align them. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 12 is obtained.

Next, the handle stem 22, the front fork 2
4 and the entire front wheel 14 with respect to the head tube 18 by 1
It is turned by 80 degrees to the state shown in FIG. Further, by operating the seat fixing mechanism 32, the seat post 28 with the saddle 26
Rotate 0 degrees. Then, the bending mechanism 88 is operated to bend the top tube 12 by 180 degrees. This state is shown in FIG.
The front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 1 are in the state shown in FIG.
6 and the handlebar 20 and the saddle 2
6 is lowered in a state where it does not interfere with the outer shape. Further, to lower the saddle 26, the seat post 2
8, the lower end of the seat post 28 projects further downward beyond the pedal 50 from the lower end of the upright pipe 30, and is located at substantially the same position as the tip of the front wheel 14 or the rear wheel 16. . Thus, the stored bicycle 10 is supported at the three points at the lower end of the protruding seat post 28 together with the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 and can stand on its own, which is convenient. In order to make the vehicle ready for riding from this state, the operation may be performed in the reverse order.

(Chain mounting structure) Next, in the bicycle 10 of the present embodiment, the chain 52 is bridged between the freewheel 40 mounted on the axle 16a of the rear wheel 16 and the chain ring 42. Is characterized in that it has a structure in which the chain stay 36 cannot be inserted.
This will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. One of the pair of connecting portions 38 of the pair of seat stays 34 and the pair of chain stays 36 (the one located on the same side as the chain ring 42 with respect to the bicycle 10) is formed by cross-section of a metal plate material as shown in FIG. A mounting groove 38a in which the axle 16a of the rear wheel 16 is mounted is formed so as to extend from the center to the rear edge. When the axle 16a of the rear wheel 16 is rotatably mounted in the mounting groove 38a as shown in FIG. 15, the freewheel 40 mounted on the axle 16a is formed by a U-shaped connecting portion 38. Located in the sandwiched area. In addition, the chain ring 42
Is located in an area between the extension lines D and E of the seat stay 34 and the chain stay 36 extending from the connecting portion 38 at a predetermined angle.

With this structure, even if the chain 52 has a structure that cannot be cut or connected in the middle like a belt chain, for example, the freewheel 4 of the rear wheel 16 can be used.
0 and one of the chains 52
Can be hung on the chain ring 42 through a triangular area formed by the seat stay 34, the chain stay 36, and the standing pipe 30. A conventional chain 52 is typically provided with a chain ring 4
In general, the chain stay 36 on the second side is inserted. When the chain 52 is to be bridged between the freewheel 40 on the rear wheel 16 and the chain ring 42, the chain 52 is cut once. It is necessary to connect the chain 52 again with the chain stay 36 inserted through the inside, but this operation is unnecessary in the bicycle 10 of the present embodiment, and the belt chain 52 can be used. became.

In the above embodiment, the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 are connected only by the top tube 12, and the top tube 12 has a structure that can be bent by the bending mechanism 88, so-called folding. Although the bicycle has been described, the bicycle without the bending mechanism 88 can be used for the handle stem 2 of the above embodiment.
2. When the head tube 18 and the front fork 24 are used,
The height can be reduced by projecting the pair of handle stems 22 into the pair of front forks 24, and by rotating the pair of handle stems 22 by operating the rotation restricting mechanism, Can be aligned inside,
The width of the bicycle can be reduced, and the storage space can be reduced.

The freewheel 4 mounted on the axle 16a of the rear wheel 16 described in the above embodiment
The structure in which the chain stay 36 is not inserted in the chain 52 bridged between the chain ring 0 and the chain ring 42 can also be applied to a normal non-foldable bicycle,
The cutting and connecting work of the chain can be eliminated.
Among the above-mentioned components, those that form the basic skeleton of a bicycle requiring strength, that is, the top tube 12, the head tube 18, the handle stem 22,
Handlebar 20, front fork 24, seat post 2
8, standing pipe 30, crank 48, seat stay 3
4. For the chain stay 36 and the like, use a lightweight metal material as in a general bicycle. Also, a lightweight metal material is used for the components of the protrusion restriction mechanism 58 and the rotation restriction mechanism 66.

(Attachment Structure of Pedal) The attachment structure of the pedal 50 to the crank 48 will be described with reference to FIGS. Conventionally, as for a folding bicycle which requires a compact outer shape when stored, such as a folding bicycle, a structure that allows the pedal 50 to be folded as narrow as possible as shown in FIG. . An outline of the conventional folding structure will be described. A crank 48 attached to both ends of a crankshaft 46, and a pedal 50
And a rotation connecting member 90 that is rotatably connected to the rotating member 90. The rotation connecting member 90 has a pedal shaft 92 having one end screwed to the crank 48 and attached so as to be orthogonal to the crank 48, and an axis H of the pedal shaft 92 on the other end of the pedal shaft 92. And a rotating body 94 rotatably mounted at the center. The rotating body 94 is attached to the pedal shaft 92 via a ball bearing 96 as an example, and is rotatable.

The pedal 50 is attached to the rotating body 94 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the connection shaft 98 is centered so that the pedal shaft 92 can be folded only between a position on the axis H of the pedal shaft 92 (indicated by a dashed line) and a position substantially in parallel with the crank 48 (indicated by a solid line). It is rotatable. As a structure for preventing rotation in the reverse direction, for example, there is a structure in which a stopper (not shown) that interferes with the pedal 50 and regulates rotation is provided on the rotating body 94. Further, a weight 100 is attached to the outer wall surface of the rotating body 94 in a direction K opposite to the folding direction J of the pedal 50 about the axis H, at a position eccentric to the axis H. With this structure, the pedal 5
0 can be folded to reduce the width of the stored bicycle, and when the pedal 50 is rotated in the direction K and returned on the axis H during use, the weight 100
The rotating body 94 is rotated so that is positioned below the axis H, and stops with the surface on which the foot of the pedal 50 rests facing upward. In this state, even if the foot is placed on the pedal 50, the pedal 5
Since 0 does not turn downward, the bicycle can be used by pedaling the pedal 50.

However, in this conventional structure, the weight 100 for automatically turning the surface on which the foot of the pedal 50 rests is required, which is a negative factor in reducing the weight of the bicycle. Therefore, in the pedal mounting structure according to the present invention, the surface on which the foot of the pedal 50 rests automatically faces upward even if the weight 100 is omitted.

The structure will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same components as those of the conventional structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The feature point is that the rotating connecting material 90
And one end thereof is rotatably attached to the crank 48, and the other end is provided with a pedal 50.
Is attached to a position M eccentric from the rotation center H of the rotation connecting member 90 with respect to the crank 48 so as to be foldable only in the direction of the rotation center H. Specifically, the rotation connecting member 90 is bent at an intermediate portion, and the other end is shifted from the rotation center H. The pedal 50 is attached to the other end side of the connection shaft 98 so as to be rotatable only in the direction of the rotation center H. The structure for preventing the rotation in the reverse direction can be realized by using the same stopper as the above-described conventional one.
According to this, the width of the bicycle can be reduced by folding the pedal 50 during storage. When the pedal 50 is unfolded during use, the pedal 50 is mounted at a position M eccentric from the center of rotation H of the rotary connecting member 90.
Is rotated so that the pedal 50 is always positioned below the rotation center H. Therefore, since the surface on which the foot of the pedal 50 is placed can always be directed upward, it is possible to reliably prevent the pedal 50 from being folded downward when the foot is placed on the pedal 50, and to use the weight 100. There is an effect that it is possible to reduce the weight of the bicycle because there is no bicycle.

As described above, various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Of course.

[0040]

When the bicycle according to the present invention is used, the height can be reduced by projecting the pair of handle stems into the pair of forks by the projection restricting mechanism.
By rotating the pair of handle stems by the rotation restricting mechanism, each handle bar can be aligned inward, the width can be reduced, and the storage space can be reduced. In addition, the front wheel and the rear wheel are connected only with the top tube, and the top tube is provided with a bending mechanism that can bend the top tube halfway, so that the front and rear wheels are adjacent when the top tube is bent If they are arranged side by side, the length during storage can be minimized. Further, the top tube is bent so that the front wheel and the rear wheel are arranged adjacent to each other, and when the seat post is inserted into the upright pipe, the lower end of the seat post projects downward beyond the pedal. If the front wheel and the rear wheel are arranged side by side, three-point support including the seat post is possible in the storage state where the front wheel and the rear wheel are adjacent to each other, the bicycle in the storage state can be made independent, and it will fall down when clearing etc. And the effect of being convenient.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of a bicycle according to the present invention (when riding is possible).

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram viewed from the front of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a structure in which a handle stem of FIG. 1 protrudes into a front fork, as viewed from the front (a state in which the intrusion has started).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view seen from the front showing a structure for projecting the handle stem of FIG. 1 into a front fork (a state in which the projecting has been completed).

FIG. 5 is an FF of FIG. 2 for explaining the protrusion restriction mechanism.
It is an arrow view.

FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the upper lock plate of the rotation restricting mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a lock ring of the rotation restricting mechanism;
7A shows a state in which the upper lock plate of FIG. 7 is fitted, and FIG. 7B shows a state in which the upper lock plate of FIG. 7 is not fitted.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a lower lock plate of the rotation restricting mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the bending mechanism (in a locked state).

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the bending mechanism (in a state where the lock is released).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the handlebar stem is stored in the front fork from a state where the vehicle can be ridden, and the handlebar is turned forward to align the handlebars.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the handle stem and the entire front wheel are rotated by 180 degrees from the state of FIG. 12, and the front wheel is moved below the top tube.

14 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the top tube is bent by operating the bending mechanism from the state of FIG. 13, and the bicycle is completely stored.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a main part showing a chain bridging structure.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged explanatory view showing a structure of a connecting portion 38.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing a conventional mounting structure of a foldable pedal.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a mounting structure of a foldable pedal according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Bicycle 12 Top tube 14 Front wheel 16 Rear wheel 18 Head tube 20 Handlebar 22 Handle stem 24 Front fork 54 Inner ring member 58 Projection restriction mechanism 66 Rotation restriction mechanism

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tadahisa Miyashita 1-6-5 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo East Japan Railway Company (72) Inventor Satoshi Onozuka 1-6-5 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo East Japan Railway Company (72) Inventor Tetsuzo Nichinada Nagano City, Nagano City, Otsu 2210, Tsuruga Gondola-cho, Niigata Electric Co., Ltd. A No. Nichinada Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A head tube provided at a front wheel side end of a top tube connecting a front wheel side and a rear wheel side, and is rotatably attached to the head tube. Left and right handle bars are formed at an upper end. Handle stem, attached to the lower end of the handle stem so as to extend downward,
A bicycle comprising: a pair of front forks for rotatably holding a front wheel between lower ends; wherein the head tube is provided with an inner ring member rotatable around a central axis of the head tube; The front fork is formed of a straight tube, and is attached to the inside of the inner race member in parallel with each other. A protrusion insertion restricting mechanism that is inserted so as to be rotatable and rotatable, and that controls the protrusion of the handle stem with respect to the front fork or cancels the restriction, and controls the rotation of the handle stem with respect to the front fork. Or a rotation restriction mechanism for releasing the restriction. 2. A slit formed by a predetermined length downward along a longitudinal direction on a peripheral surface facing an upper end edge of the pair of front forks projecting from the inner race member; A pair of connecting plates mounted between the front forks so as to sandwich the first fork; and a first tightening means mounted between the pair of connecting plates to move the connecting plates toward and away from each other to widen or narrow the gap between the slits. The bicycle according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The lock mechanism, wherein the rotation restricting mechanism is fixed to the upper outer periphery of each of the pair of handle stems, and a lock ring having a fitting projection formed on an upper end surface, and the pair of handle stems are slidable. And a lower lock plate bridged between the handle stems so as to be positioned below the lock ring, and the pair of handle stems are slidably inserted and positioned above the lock ring. An upper lock plate formed between the handle stems so that a fitting concave portion is formed at the lip portion of the hole through which the handle stem is inserted. Urging means for constantly urging the lower lock plate in the approaching direction, and unlocking for separating the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate against the urging force of the urging means Bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the comprising the stage. 4. The lock release means has an upper end connected to the upper lock plate, a lower end slidably inserted into the lower lock plate, and a lower lock protruding from a lower surface of the lower lock plate. A connection pin provided with a first large-diameter portion for preventing removal from the plate; and the urging means includes a connection pin provided between a lower surface of the lower lock plate and the first large-diameter portion. It is arranged to be fitted on the outside,
A coil spring for constantly urging the upper lock plate in the direction of the lower lock plate; releasing the restriction by the protrusion restriction mechanism to cause the handle stem to protrude into the fork; and the first large-diameter portion of the connection pin Abut on the upper surface of the connecting plate,
Further, when the connecting pin is inserted into the lower lock plate by pushing the handle stem against the urging force of the coil spring, the connecting pin causes the upper lock plate to separate from the lock ring. The bicycle according to claim 3, wherein the bicycle is pushed up. 5. The lock ring is mounted between the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate, and the lock ring is attached to the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate in a state where the fitting protrusion and the fitting recess are fitted. The bicycle according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a second tightening means for tightening the bicycle. 6. The front wheel side and the rear wheel side are connected only by the top tube, and the top tube is provided with a bending mechanism capable of bending the top tube in the middle. The front wheel and the rear wheel are arranged adjacent to each other when the top tube is bent while the front wheel is moved below the top tube. Or the bicycle described in 5. 7. A tubular standpipe provided at the rear wheel side end of the top tube, into which a seatpost protrudes and is rotatably inserted, and wherein the seatpost projects into and out of the standpipe. A seat fixing mechanism for restricting or canceling the rotation, a pair of seat stays extending downward so as to sandwich the rear wheel from the upper portion of the standpipe, and a rear wheel from the lower portion of the standpipe. And a pair of chain stays respectively connected to lower end sides of the pair of seat stays, and when the seat post is lowered and enters the standing pipe, a lower end of the seat post is provided. 7. The bicycle according to claim 6, wherein the protrudes from the lower end of the standpipe beyond the pedal. 8. A freewheel mounted on an axle of said rear wheel rotatably held between a connecting portion between a lower end of said pair of seat stays and a rear end of said pair of chain stays. A chain ring directly or indirectly attached to the top tube or the upright pipe; and a chain bridged between the freewheel and the chain ring, wherein a chain stay is not inserted into the chain. The bicycle according to claim 7, wherein: 9. A crank attached to both ends of a crankshaft, and a pivot coupling member attached to a tip of the crank and pivotally connecting a pedal to the crank, one end of the pivot coupling member The other end is pivotally attached to the crank, and the other end of the pedal is attached at a position eccentric from the rotation center of the rotation connecting member with respect to the crank so as to be foldable only in the direction of the rotation center. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
The bicycle according to 7 or 8.