DE102020004649A1 - Device for automatically adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for automatically adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle (11), comprising a control device which is set up to cause a movement of a lifting device in a first direction when the speed of a bicycle with the bicycle saddle (11) falls below a first speed and when it exceeds it a second driving speed to cause a movement of the lifting device in a second direction, and the lifting device, which is set up to close a first element (3), which is firmly connected to the bicycle saddle (11), relative to a second element (2). move.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for automatically adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle, which works as a function of a determined speed of the bicycle.

Devices for adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle from the mountain bike sector are known from the prior art. Height-adjustable seat posts are operated manually, so that a driver remains in a raised seating position when driving uphill, while the driver lowers the saddle attached to the seat post as far as possible when driving downhill, so that it is not disruptive.

In contrast, spring-loaded seat posts are used in touring bikes and trekking bikes. In touring bicycles or trekking bicycles, a saddle is always set in a raised seating position, so that the bicycle pedals can be operated comfortably for the driver. However, it can be difficult, particularly for riders with limited movement, to climb onto a saddle that is set—comparatively high—in this way. For this reason, saddles are often not adjusted high enough, which usually results in uncomfortable pedaling of the bicycle while riding, especially since the rider's legs cannot be fully extended.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing a device which solves the above-mentioned problem and enables a rider to easily climb onto the bicycle saddle or dismount from the bicycle saddle as well as a comfortable ride, in particular with electrically operated or operable cargo bikes, especially when they are loaded unequally.

As a technical solution, the present invention proposes a device for automatically adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle, comprising a control device which is set up to cause a movement of a lifting device in a first direction when a bicycle with the bicycle saddle falls below a first speed and when a second speed is exceeded Driving speed to cause a movement of the lifting device in a second direction, and the lifting device, which is adapted to move a first element, which is fixedly connected to the bicycle saddle, relative to a second element.

Such a solution according to the invention offers the advantage that such a device can be mounted or retrofitted by anyone in a very short time without making any changes to a bicycle.

The lifting device is preferably set up to move the first element relative to the second element by means of a hydraulic fluid.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lifting device comprises a first hydraulic piston fixedly connected to the first element and a second hydraulic piston connected to the second element, the hydraulic fluid being provided between the first hydraulic piston and the second hydraulic piston is. In this way, hydraulic fluid can be pressed into the cylinder space located between the two pistons via a central bore in its saddle support tube or inner tube, and the saddle can thus be raised. The hydraulic oil is fed below the saddle into the central bore of the inner tube via a hose connection. The hydraulic fluid can advantageously be supported against a piston that is prestressed by spring force and, in the event of load peaks—for example caused by unevenness in the road surface—avert bodily shocks from the driver. In the case of sufficient or adequate suspension of the saddle of the bicycle, the spring piston is advantageously unnecessary or not necessary, as a result of which the overall length of the device according to the invention can be significantly reduced.

The control device preferably has a pump which is set up to pump the hydraulic fluid to the lifting device. Such a hydraulic pump is preferably driven by a brushless motor, which drives the lifting movement of the saddle with the rider (rider weight, for example, around 92 kg; a non-vertical saddle tube reduces the load from the rider's weight accordingly) via the pressure generated (pressure times working piston area = lifting force ; with a diameter of a piston with a round cross-section of 2.8 cm: 6.15 cm ² times 15 bar = 92.36 kg). After reaching the upper end point, the pump advantageously switches off and a non-return valve advantageously prevents backflow and keeps the saddle in the position it has been moved to.

The control device particularly preferably has a solenoid valve which is set up to cause the hydraulic fluid to flow back from the lifting device. A lowering movement is caused by the force of gravity initiated when a locked solenoid valve opens and the hydraulic fluid is forced out of the cylinder chamber back into an oil tank.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the pump and/or the solenoid valve is/are connected to an energy storage device of the bicycle to supply energy. The pump and/or the solenoid valve are supplied with working current from a battery or an accumulator, appropriate relays are switched by means of a control voltage in order to turn the working current to the pump and solenoid valve on or off. For example, the working current can be taken from a 36V battery of an e-pedelec or e-bike.

According to the invention, it can also be provided that the control device is set up to receive a voltage from a generator attached to the bicycle, in particular a dynamo, and to determine a driving speed on the basis of a voltage value. A control voltage can be generated by means of a generator attached to the bicycle tire, for example. A so-called hub dynamo can also be used according to the invention. The voltage value depends on the driving speed and can be variably adjusted to the desired switching points by using different pressure roller diameters of the dynamo.

The control voltage generated by the generator is absolutely direct without any time delay, which is a clear advantage over pulse counters (such as bicycle computers), which determine the speed with a time delay, since a few pulses, up to just one pulse, are registered per revolution of a wheel although sufficient for a calculation of the driving speed, but not for an immediate reaction of the device for automatic height adjustment of a bicycle saddle.

When a wheel is stationary, the control voltage is 0 V; when the wheel begins to move and the corresponding acceleration occurs, the voltage increases gradually. At a voltage of 7 V, for example, which corresponds to a driving speed of 8 km/h, the relays then switch on the working current to the pump.

If the driver wants to stop and brakes the wheel, the working current to the solenoid valve is activated when the value falls below 5 V, for example, so that the solenoid valve opens and oil is pressed into the tank by the rider's weight. This lowers the saddle.

The control device preferably comprises a voltage converter in order to convert an AC voltage received from the generator into a DC voltage.

Advantageously, it is also possible according to the invention, in contrast to a generator, for example a dynamo, to count and calculate a large number of electrical pulses, in particular in order to likewise recognize the speed with almost no time delay.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a switch rod which is arranged in a fixed position relative to the first element and has two cams for switching over a double switch. A first position of the double switch causes a solenoid valve to be actuated, and a second position of the double switch causes a pump to be actuated.

For example, when the saddle is in an uppermost position, a switch or cam of the dual toggle switch turns off pump power. The second switch or cam in the double changeover switch, on the other hand, enables the control voltage to switch the solenoid valve for the downward movement. When it is in the lowest position, the switch of the double changeover switch disconnects the control voltage for the solenoid valve and the other switch enables the pump to be switched on.

A switch rod with adjustable cams for actuating a double changeover switch in the end position area is advantageously provided on the connection, so that the pump motor switches off in the top position and restarts in the bottom position, i.e. pump on, via the control is released and the solenoid valve in disengaged for descent in the up position and disconnected in the down position so that the solenoid valve coil is only energized during descent and otherwise draws no continuous current. According to the invention, as an alternative to a switch rod with a cam and a double changeover switch, a position measuring system with electronic switching point detection can also be used.

According to the invention, the lifting movement, e.g. 70 mm stroke, can take place relatively slowly so that the driver does not experience any irritation, with variable control being provided by means of a throttle or via an electrical servo tester. A period of 10 to 20 seconds should be provided for this.

Furthermore, the lowering movement can be carried out relatively quickly, so that the bicycle saddle is in the lowest position when the bicycle is stationary tion and allows the rider to lift their weight completely off the saddle with their feet flat on the ground. For example, a period of 1 to 3 seconds can be provided for this purpose, which can also be variably adjusted via a hydraulic throttle.

The saddle lift consists of a firmly connected combination of a saddle, a movable inner tube, a fixed outer tube and a housing with controls attached to the outer tube. The hydraulic oil supply from the housing to the movable inner tube is realized via a hydraulic hose.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the driver can shorten the run-up curve of the generator when starting off by means of a manually operated electrical signal, so that the saddle also starts up at e.g. 3 km/h.

Further details, features and/or advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

• 1 in einer schematischen seitlichen Schnittansicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur automatischen Höhenverstellung eines Fahrradsattels;
• 2 in einem Schaltbild die Steuereinrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur automatischen Höhenverstellung eines Fahrradsattels; und
• 3 in einer Seitenansicht die mit einem Fahrrad verbundene erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur automatischen Höhenverstellung eines Fahrradsattels.

show:

• 1 in a schematic side sectional view an embodiment of the device according to the invention for automatic height adjustment of a bicycle saddle;
• 2 in a circuit diagram, the control device of the device according to the invention for automatic height adjustment of a bicycle saddle; and
• 3 in a side view connected to a bicycle device according to the invention for automatic height adjustment of a bicycle saddle.

1 shows in a schematic side sectional view an embodiment of the device according to the invention for automatic height adjustment of a bicycle saddle.

A saddle 11 is fastened to the inner tube 3, which is shown in the lowered position in the present case. The housing 8 , in which the control device is arranged, is connected to the outer tube 2 by means of a housing attachment 7 . Hydraulic pistons 12 and 13, an inner tube 3 with a bore 9 and a slide bearing 5 are also shown.

The sliding bearing 5 shown cross-hatched, which is fixedly connected to the outer tube 2, preferably has a longitudinal groove in which a key 4 attached to the inner tube 3 slides as an anti-twist device for the inner tube 3, to which the saddle 11 is attached.

At the lower end of the inner tube 3, a working piston 12 is attached, which has two lower sealing rings for the working pressure and an upper sealing ring in the opposite direction of action for vacuum protection. The oil pressure is conducted from above into a cylinder chamber 18 between the two pistons 12 and 13 via the central bore 9 . The stop 10, which is firmly connected to the inner tube 3, rests on the plain bearing 5 or the outer tube 2 in the lowered state. In this parked position, the spring is advantageously relaxed and, in particular, ensures safe dismounting from the bicycle.

The clamp 6 is the former seat post clamp adopted as part of the retrofitting of a bicycle with the device according to the invention. The housing attachment 7 is firmly connected to the outer tube 2 and carries the housing 8.

The spring piston 13 with two seals has a threaded rod at the free end of which is a nut for adjusting the spring force 15 . In between is the spring 14. As an alternative to a steel spring 14, it can also be provided that a gas pressure in front of the spring piston takes over the suspension, a rubber bladder filled with gas is provided, or an elastomer takes over the suspension. As a further alternative, it can also be provided that the piston 13 is not spring-loaded and instead has a fixed connection to the outer tube 2 . A further advantageous alternative provides that, in the case of sufficient inherent resilience of the saddle, the spring piston 13 can be omitted, so that the oil pressure is supported on the bottom of the outer tube 2, which is shorter in this case.

In 1 the spring 14 is preloaded to 92 kg, for example. This means that - as soon as the mass of the driver with his 92 kg suddenly vibrates due to bumps in the road and the hydraulic pressure rises to more than 15 bar - the spring 14 gives way and the acceleration forces that otherwise act on the driver intercept. The bore 9, ending at the bottom of the working piston 12, leads the hydraulic pressure into the cylinder chamber 18 and starts at the connection 41. The hydraulic hose 21 and the switch rod 16 are attached to the connection 41.

The switch rod 16 has two adjustable cams 19 and 20. In the position shown (ie bicycle saddle in the lowest position), the cam 19 has just flipped over the double changeover switch 17, switched off the solenoid valve 27 and activated the pump activation. If the relay 25 is at a value of, for example, greater than 7 V switches over, the pump 28 starts and pushes the saddle up. In the uppermost position, eg 70 mm stroke, the double changeover switch is thrown, the pump 28 switches off and the current for the solenoid valve 27 is released, advantageously the mechanical stroke 43 of 72 mm is not approached to the block. The journey can be continued without power consumption at the pump and solenoid valve, with the exception of a holding current at any relays that may be present.

The pump 28 is driven by a DC motor 29, preferably by a brushless motor 29, so-called “brushless” motor, which requires a controller 30 connected upstream. With the servo tester 31, which is connected to the controller 30, the motor revolution and thus the delivery rate of the pump 28 and ultimately the lifting speed can be influenced electrically. Furthermore, the lifting speed can be changed hydraulically by means of the throttle 32. The check valve 42 allows the pump pressure to flow through in one direction and prevents the pressure from releasing towards the tank when the pump 28 is switched off. While driving, the solenoid valve 27 is de-energized and hydraulically locked.

During a speed reduction before a stop - regardless of whether it is a normal stop or an emergency stop - the control voltage falls below 5 V due to the decreasing speed and the relay 26 is de-energized - the relay 25 is already disconnected by the changeover switch 17 - and the coil of the solenoid valve 27 is switched off energized, the solenoid valve opens and the oil pressure generated by the rider's weight relaxes to tank 34 and the saddle with rider descends within 1 to 3 seconds. In the lowest position, the double switch 17 switches so that the coil of the solenoid valve 27 is de-energized, the valve blocks and the control voltage to the relay 25 for the pump 28 is released.

2 shows in a circuit diagram the control device of the device according to the invention for automatic height adjustment of a bicycle saddle. The above to 1 components explained are preferably arranged in the housing 8 . In the present case, the saddle lift control is shown when a bicycle is stationary. The generator 38 does not generate electricity, the solenoid valve 27 is de-energized and blocked, the motor 29 is switched off, the relays 25 and 26 are de-energized, the relay 26 is switched through to the working current and the relay 25 is separated from the working current.

Furthermore, a tank 34 is arranged above the pump 28 in the housing 8, so that the pump always has an oil reservoir and does not have to suck. The tank 34 has a vent 35 at the top so that the oil flowing in and out can flow without resistance. Baffles (not shown) are also present in the tank 34, which calm the oil filling while driving.

3 shows a side view of the device according to the invention, connected to a bicycle, for automatically adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle. The lifting device with its outer tube 2 is inserted in the seat tube 1 of the bicycle. The control device is located in the housing 8 which is connected to the outer tube 2 . The shift rod 16, on the other hand, is connected to the inner tube 3 in order to enable the mode of operation explained above. The dynamo 38 is used to provide a control voltage by means of a cable 39, whereas the energy store 37 is provided by means of a cable 40 to supply energy to the solenoid valve 27 and the pump 28.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawing and the exemplary embodiments explained in connection with these only serve to explain the invention and are not restrictive for it.

reference list

1

seat tube

2

outer tube

3

inner tube

4

Adjusting spring

5

bearings

6

clamp

7

housing attachment

8th

casing

9

drilling

10

attack

11

saddle

12

working piston

13

spring plunger

14

feather

15

spring force adjustment

16

switch bar

17

double switch

18

cylinder space

19

cam down

20

cam up

21

hydraulic hose

22

working current

23

control current

24

socket

25

pump relay

26

valve relay

27

magnetic valve

28

pump

29

engine

30

motor controller

31

servo tester

32

throttle up

33

throttle off

34

tank

35

ventilation

36

AC/DC converter

37

battery pack

38

generator

39

control power cable

40

working power cable

41

connection

42

check valve

43

mechanical hub

Claims (10)

Device for automatically adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle (11), comprising a control device which is set up to cause a movement of a lifting device in a first direction when a bicycle with the bicycle saddle (11) falls below a first driving speed and to cause a movement when a second driving speed is exceeded to cause the lifting device in a second direction, and the lifting device, which is arranged to move a first element (3), which is firmly connected to the bicycle saddle (11), relative to a second element (2). device after claim 1 , wherein the lifting device is arranged to move the first element (3) relative to the second element (2) by means of a hydraulic fluid. device after claim 2 , wherein the lifting device comprises a first hydraulic piston (12) which is rigidly connected to the first element (3) and a second hydraulic piston (13) which is connected to the second element (2), the hydraulic fluid between the first hydraulic piston (12) and the second hydraulic piston (13) is provided. device after claim 2 or claim 3 , wherein the control device comprises a pump (28) which is adapted to pump the hydraulic fluid to the lifting device. Device according to one of claims 2 until 4 , wherein the control device comprises a solenoid valve (27) which is set up to cause hydraulic fluid to flow back from the lifting device. device after claim 4 or claim 5 , wherein the pump (28) and/or the solenoid valve (27) is/are connected to an energy store (37) of the bicycle to supply energy. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the control device is set up to receive a voltage from a generator (38) attached to the bicycle and to determine a driving speed on the basis of a voltage value. device after claim 7 , wherein the control device comprises a voltage converter (36) for converting an AC voltage obtained from the generator (38) into a DC voltage. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , further comprising a switch rod (16) arranged in a fixed position relative to the first element (2) and having two cams (19, 20) for switching over a double switch (17). device after claim 9 wherein a first position of the double switch (17) causes actuation of a solenoid valve (27) and a second position of the double switch (17) causes actuation of a pump (28).

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