EP2222540A1

EP2222540A1 - Supporting and holding device for bicycle seat

Info

Publication number: EP2222540A1
Application number: EP07847803A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rolf Singenberger; Ruedi Meiler; Reto Gasser
Original assignee: BMC Trading AG
Current assignee: BMC Trading AG
Priority date: 2007-12-04
Filing date: 2007-12-04
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Also published as: WO2009071119A1; US20100320814A1

Abstract

In the present holding device for bicycle seats, comprising a seat pipe (2) that can be inserted into a guiding pipe (1) of the frame of a bicycle, a seat carrier (6) that is disposed on the upper end (2'') of the seat pipe (2), and a clamping element (7) for fixing the position of the seat pipe (2) in the guiding pipe (1), according to the invention the clamping element (7) rests against the lower end of the seat pipe (2) longitudinally displaceably on the inside wall of the lower opening of the seat pipe (2) and is connected to a draw element (10). To this end, the draw element (10) is disposed such that it runs on the inside of the seat pipe (2) and at the upper end thereof is connected to a holding element (20), the holding element (20) being disposed in the seat pipe (2) such that it can be longitudinally displaced with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the seat pipe (2). In this way, the clamping element (7) can be easily operated simply by displacing the holding element (20), which is disposed in the upper region (2'') of the seat pipe (2), and a clamping effect can be achieved from the inside between the seat pipe (2) and the guiding pipe (1). As a result, no additional clamping means are required on the outside of both the guiding pipe (1) and the seat pipe (2).

Description

Support and holding device for bicycle saddle

The present invention relates to a holding device for a bicycle saddle according to the preamble of claim 1.

A holding device for bicycle saddle, also called support device or seat post, is used for attachment of the saddle to the frame of the bicycle. Depending on the type of bicycle different seat posts are known, with which the saddle is connected to the frame of the bicycle. Frequently, the relative position of the saddle with respect to the frame is made adjustable. Thus, the saddle individually, taking into account the body dimensions of the respective driver with respect to its position, respectively. Distance to the pedal axle and the handlebar can be adjusted.

In a simplest embodiment, the saddle is attached to the head of a longitudinally displaceable in the context of the bicycle rod. This allows the distance of the saddle to the pedal axis according to the length of the legs of the user set individually to allow an optimal movement sequence for pedaling. The fixation of the rod takes place, for example, by clamping the displaceably arranged in the frame rod by means of a screw to be actuated

Clamping device. In a typical embodiment, the frame for receiving the rod is formed as a tube in the opening of the seat post is inserted, wherein the opening portion of the frame by means of a clamp can be compressed to clamp the seat post in the desired position and fix it. However, this construction requires a frame, at least in the area of the transition to the rod, from a clampable material ahead.

In order to increase the seating comfort, the inclination angle of the saddle with respect to the seat post can be adjusted as a rule. In this case, the saddle is rotatable, for example via a threaded bolt. pivotally connected to the seat post.

These known solutions generally have for each adjustment resp. Positioning option a separate, separate attachment resp. Locking device, which must be operated separately.

Since the rod thus has to transfer both large forces in the operation of the saddle in the frame as well as the fasteners and adjusting elements must accommodate, very high demands must be placed on the strength of the rod. These can certainly be met by appropriate choice of materials, but often also result in high weights of these rods.

The object of the present invention was to propose a support for bicycle saddle, which allows a simple adjustability and reliable attachment of the bicycle saddle with the lowest possible weight. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the further claims.

In the holding device for bicycle saddle with an insertable into a guide tube of the frame of a bicycle seat tube, a arranged at the upper end of the seat tube saddle carrier and a clamping element for fixing the position of the seat tube in the guide tube, according to the invention, the clamping element at the lower end of the seat tube longitudinally displaceable on the Inner wall of the lower opening of the seat tube and is connected to a tension element. In this case, the tension element is arranged to extend in the interior of the seat tube and connected at its upper end with a holding member, wherein the holding member is arranged longitudinally displaceable in the seat tube with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat tube. Thus, the clamping element can be easily by moving the retainer, which is located in the upper region of the seat tube, operate and achieve a clamping action between the seat tube and guide tube from the inside. Thus need to be arranged on the outside of both the guide tube and the seat tube no additional clamping means. Thus, for example, the guide tube as a simple tube with a simple conclusion resp. Be formed opening, which is advantageous for the production of the frame.

For example, the head of the clamping element, at least in the region of the abutment against the inner wall of the seat tube, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the Saddle tube conical outer surface on. Due to the taper of the outer surface of the clamping element, the seat tube is widened at its opening of the lower end during displacement of the clamping element to the outside and thus in turn causes a pressing action on the inner wall of the

Guide tube, whereby the seat tube is fixed in the respective position relative to the guide tube.

For this purpose, the seat tube is formed at this point, for example radially partially elastic or has in this area lateral a slot that allows expansion or reduction of the outer diameter of the seat tube.

The clamping action is advantageously achieved only via the interference fit between the outer tube outer wall and the inner tube Leitrohr-, without further locking means or

Devices must be used, which either engage in the guide tube and / or the seat tube or must be positively or non-positively connected with this. For example, the head of the clamping element has an obliquely extending to the longitudinal axis of the seat tube top surface. This achieves an enlarged initial line of the edge of the clamping element, which is increased in comparison to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and thus also a correspondingly enlarged contact surface or pressing edge towards the seat tube. This is already at a lower tensile force on the clamping element a comparable or larger clamping force of the clamping element resp. achieved the seat tube with respect to the guide tube. For example, the clamping element consists of metal and is preferably constructed in one piece. The clamping element may for example be made of a light-weight metal alloy, which allows to initiate high forces in the clamping element with minimum weight and to transmit.

For example, the seat tube has a teardrop-shaped cross-section which extends at least from the lower opening of the seat tube over a majority of the length of the seat tube. By realizing the fixation of the saddle tube via an interference fit between the inner surface of the guide tube and the outer surface of the saddle tube, advantageously a virtually any cross-sectional shape can be selected. It has been shown that, not least for aerodynamic reasons, a teardrop shape is advantageous, for example, the belly in the direction of travel of the frame at the front and the tip is formed in the rear direction of the frame.

For example, the seat tube has at its upper end a substantially closed head region, preferably a head region essentially having a flat support surface. The closed construction prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating the inside of the seat tube. Further, the saddle carrier can be stably connected to the head of the seat tube.

With a flat bearing surface, a particularly good introduction of force can be made from the saddle carrier into the seat tube, and universally different types of saddle carriers can be used. For example, in the head region of the seat tube, at least two openings, which are accessible from the outside from the outside, and which extend through to the contact surface, are designed for receiving and carrying fastening means for the saddle carrier. For example, in each case an opening at the front and an opening at the back of the seat tube are arranged for receiving fastening screws as fastening means.

For example, the seat tube made of plastic, preferably made of fiber-reinforced plastic, preferably made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The use of the clamping element allows the use of plastic, in particular of fiber-reinforced plastic, as a material for the seat tube, since no special force introduction elements must be formed for the clamping connection to the guide tube. Thus, the seat tube can be particularly easily realized with high strength.

For example, the holding member has a pin whose ends are arranged eccentrically in round adjusting discs, which are rotatably mounted in bushings, which are arranged accessible in the wall of the seat tube from the outside. Thus, on the one hand, the displacement of the holding member resp. the tension element simply by a rotational movement, and on the other hand, the respective position has a stable position, that is, they can not practically move independently. Thus, advantageously, a precise and stable locking effect can be achieved. The rotation allows the use of simple tools for loosening and tightening the connection. Further, so that the actuator can be easily integrated into the shape of the seat tube without disturbing elements protrude from the outer surface of the seat tube. This has aerodynamic benefits and reduces the risk of injury from protruding parts.

For example, the adjusting discs and / or the bushings on stop means for limiting the angle of rotation of the mounted in the respective sleeve adjusting disc. This realizes a clearly defined position of the tension element both for the clamping position and for the released position of the clamping element. This is reliably prevented, for example, that too great a force is applied for the clamping position, which could damage the seat tube and / or guide tube, as may be the case with known solutions, for example with screw terminals.

For example, the tension element on a pull rod, which opens at its two ends in connecting elements, wherein the pull rod is preferably made of a fiber material or fiber composite material and the connecting elements made of metal. This provides a very light construction which can transmit very high forces at the same time. The power diversion from the drawbar is solved reliably and stably by the connecting elements. This also makes it possible, for example, to provide adjusting members in order to precisely adjust the length of the tension element, for example in the form of screw elements. For example, the specialist in assembling the bike resp. of the seat tube the Adjust the length of the tension element precisely so that an optimal clamping effect can be achieved without damaging the seat tube.

For example, the saddle carrier is formed in two parts with a saddle clamp and a hold-down, wherein the hold-down is preferably connected by means of two fastening means with the seat tube. This allows different saddle models universal and easy to connect to the seat tube. If the clamping effect of the saddle carrier is realized via the fastening means, an optimal introduction of force can be realized in the seat tube.

An embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows schematically the representation of a conventional bicycle frame with inserted seat tube;

2 shows the view of an embodiment of a saddle tube according to the invention in partial longitudinal section, without a saddle;

3 is a perspective view of the elements of the holding member of the seat tube of Figure 2;

Fig. 4 in more detail the view of the head portion of the seat tube of Figure 2 with attached saddle mount; 5 is a perspective view of a fully equipped inventive seat tube according to the embodiment of Figure 2.

Fig. 1 shows a purely schematic view of a conventional bicycle frame, in whose central frame tube 1, a seat tube 2 is guided displaceably in the axial direction. At the upper head end of the seat tube 2, a saddle 3 is arranged in a conventional manner, for example in the inclination adjustable. The adjustment of the distance of the saddle 3 to the hub 4 of the drive axle of the frame is effected as mentioned by axial displacement of the saddle tube 2 within the frame tube 1 of the frame. The fixation of the seat tube 2 in the desired position is conventionally for example by means of a clamp 5, which acts on the frame tube 1 in the region of its opening for the seat tube 2 and thus reduces the opening cross-section and exerts a clamping action on the seat tube 2. FIG. 2 schematically shows the partial longitudinal section through a seat tube 2 according to the invention. The lower part of the seat tube 2 is inserted into the opening of the frame tube 1 and can be moved along the longitudinal axis A of the frame tube 1 therein. Thus, the height of the saddle (not shown), which is connected to the head 2 '' of the seat tube 2, with respect to the frame according to the Grosse resp. be adjusted individually to the needs of the rider of the bicycle. In order to fix the set position, a clamping element 7 inserted into the lower opening of the seat tube 2 and moved by means of the tension element 10 upwards in the direction of the arrow F.

Characterized in that the clamping element 7 in the head region 7 'has a slight taper, the cross-section of the lower opening of the seat tube 2 is widened in the insertion movement, whereby a clamping fit between the outer surface of the seat tube 2 and the inner surface of the frame tube 1 is achieved and thus the seat tube 2 is fixed relative to the frame tube 1.

By the movement of the tension element 10 down in the direction of the arrow L, the clamping seat is released again, thereby shifting the clamping element 7 relative to the seat tube 2 down. This allows the seat tube 2 again move relative to the frame tube 1 and bring in a different position. In this case, the clamping element 7 will move independently in pulling action from the outside to the seat tube 2 down, so that the tension element 10 remains unloaded. For example, the head portion 7 'of the clamping element 7 is formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the frame tube 1, whereby the edge of the head portion 7' resp. its circumferential line resp. Peripheral surface is increased, resulting in a larger force transmission surface resp. Clamp surface leads. This can already at a low

Clamping force in the direction of arrow F a sufficient for the fixation of the seat tube 2 clamping force can be achieved. The large clamping surface further prevents that only a limited force application point, such as a thin ring is formed, which leads to high pressure loads of the material and, for example, when using carbon fibers for the frame tube they can break in such places. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the clamping element 7 can also be embodied in a form other than a wedge and advantageously can be easily adapted to the cross section of the seat tube 2. Thus, in addition to round cross sections, other cross-sectional shapes can also be realized. It has been shown that, for example, a drop-shaped cross section has aerodynamic advantages with the same or better strength. Such a cross-sectional shape can be easily realized with a clamping element 7 and a seat tube 2. Next, so that the orientation of the saddle clamp 6 and thus the

Saddle defined and positioned, usually exactly in the longitudinal axis of the bicycle, which allows a clamping with lower clamping forces than conventional circular cross-sectional shapes, in which the twisting of the saddle clamp 6 must be prevented.

A great advantage of this clamping structure is the fact that no damage or interference takes place on the surface of the frame tube 1, as is the case with conventional fastening devices, for example with clamp brackets. You can continue with that too

Materials are used, which can be loaded on pressing, but only with complex constructions spanning force allow connections, such as plastics or carbon fibers in particular. Of course, this type of clamping is also suitable for metals, in particular for notch effect sensitive metals such as high-strength light metals.

By acting along the entire circumference of the lower opening of the seat tube 2 clamping force optimum force application and transmission is achieved without punctiform tips, which can not cause undesirable punctiform deformations.

The tension member 10 is, as already explained above, practically only charged to train, so that it can be designed specifically for this load. For example, it consists of a pull rod resp. Pull string 11, respectively in connecting elements 12, respectively. 13 opens. The pull rod 11 consists for example of light carbon while the two connecting elements 12 respectively. 13 are formed as metal fittings. The lower connecting element 13 is designed, for example, as a screw element, so that the length between the clamping element 7 and the upper connecting element 12 can be set precisely. In the example shown, this is realized by a threaded sleeve in the connecting element 13, in which a screw 14 introduced from below into the clamping element 7 is screwed. This is under tensile load a precisely adjustable distance between the clamping element 7 and the upper connecting element 12 realized while at

Relief of the drawbar 11, the lower clamping member 13 can move down so that no pressure load on the tie rod 11 can be transmitted, even if the clamping element 7 temporarily in its upper clamping position remains. In pulling action from the outside to the seat tube 2, the Klemmelernent 7 will move independently down from the clamping position and release the seat tube 2 with respect to the guide tube 1. The upper connecting element 12 has an eye 12 ', in which the pin 21 of a holding member 20 engages, as shown schematically in Figure 3.

The pin 21 has at its one end a disc-like head 22, which is inserted from the outside into a socket 23 and is rotatably mounted there. The bushing 23 is introduced on one side in the wall of the seat tube 2 (contour shown in dashed lines). On the opposite wall of the seat tube 2, a further bush 24 is inserted, which rotatably receives another disc 25. The other end of the pin 2 is connected to this disc 25, for example by means of a screw 26. The pin 21 is according to the invention eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the head 22, respectively. the disc 25 in the respective sockets 23, respectively. 24 arranged. Thus, the pin 21 is displaced relative to the axis A of the seat tube 2 with a rotation of the head 22, ie upward respectively. down, what to fix or release the clamping element 7 in the seat tube 2, respectively. Guide tube leads. For a simple rotation of the head 22 has this on its outer side, for example, a simple slot or a Kant slot for introducing a corresponding tool, such as a screwdriver. For example, radial abutment edges 22 'may be formed on the circumference of the head 22, which engage against corresponding stops on the inside of the bush 23 and thus limit the angle of rotation of the head 22 in the bushing 23. Thus, two defined end positions of the head 22 can be provided, which define, for example, the uppermost and lowermost position of the pin 21 with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the seat tube 2. This is a complete opening resp. Close the clamping element 7 possible without the

Danger of overloading of the tension element 10 is made or too weak a tensile force of the seat of the clamping element 7 is set too weak and thus the height of the seat post 6 could inadvertently and independently adjust.

The limiting elements can of course also be arranged on the disk 25, either alone or in addition to the limiting elements of the head 22.

About the head 22 resp. the disc 26 and the jacks 23 respectively. 24, the tensile force of the tension element 10 is optimally inserted into the wall of the seat tube 2. Due to the fact that the sockets 23 resp. 24, for example, practically completely embedded in the wall of the seat tube 2, projects from the holding member 20 virtually no part to the outside. This is on the one hand aerodynamically beneficial and also reduces the risk of injury to the cyclist.

FIG. 4 shows the lateral view of the head region of the seat tube according to FIG. 2 with mounted saddle carrier 6. Here is first of all good in the jack 23 inserted head 22 of the holding member 20 to see, which is practically completely submerged in the wall of the seat tube 2 is inserted.

The saddle clamp 6 is disposed at the upper end 2 '' of the seat tube 2, wherein, for example, the saddle clamp 30 rests on a flat head surface of the seat tube 2 and the hold-down 31 arranged above it by means of two screws 32, respectively. 33 is connected to the head of the seat tube 2. The saddle clamp 30 is designed as a substantially rectangular disc with two parallel, upwardly open half-slots 30 ', in which, for example, the mounting tubes of the saddle (not shown) can be inserted longitudinally displaceable. These mounting tubes are through the noses of the

Hold-down 31 pressed against the saddle clamp 30 and thus fixed there.

The screws 32 resp. 33 are from below by respective channels resp. Openings in the outside of the seat tube 2 passed and thus guide the

Saddle forces optimally in the seat tube 2 a. This arrangement of the connecting elements is aerodynamically advantageous that no outwardly projecting parts are present, and also a possible risk of injury to sharp-edged fasteners is thus reliably avoided.

FIG. 5 once again shows a complete, inventive seat tube 2 schematically in partial section for a better overview. Here is especially good of beveled head portion 7 'of the clamping element 7 as well as the leadership of the connecting bolts of the seat post 6th

These may be formed, for example, as sleeves with internal thread, which are hingedly connected to the hold-down 31, and in which engage inserted from the bottom of the head portion of the seat tube ago screws. The clamp connection allows the position of the saddle relative to the saddle, resp. to individually adjust the head area of the seat tube 2.

The seat tube 2 can thus be designed, for example, as an extremely lightweight carbon fiber construction, without the risk of damage to the sensitive surface of the seat tube 2 by improper operation of the height adjustment of the seat tube 2 can be done.

Of course, the inventive device can also be used in frame tubes made of metal. Likewise, the inventive device is also suitable for retrofitting existing bicycles.

Claims

claims

1. Holding device for bicycle saddle (3) with a in a guide tube (1) of the frame of a bicycle usable seat tube (2), one at the top of the

Seat tube (2) arranged saddle carrier (6) and a clamping element (7), for fixing the position of the seat tube (2) in the guide tube (1), characterized in that the clamping element (7) at the lower end of the seat tube (2) longitudinally displaceable the inner wall of the lower opening of the seat tube (2) rests and is connected to a tension element (10), wherein the tension element (10) is arranged to run inside the seat tube (2) and is connected at its upper end to a retaining element (20), wherein the holding member (20) in the seat tube (2) is longitudinally displaceable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat tube (2) is arranged.

2. Holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the head of the clamping element (7), at least in the region of the abutment against the inner wall of the seat tube (2), with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat tube (2) has conical outer surface.

3. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the head of the clamping element (7) has a longitudinal axis of the saddle tube (2) obliquely extending top surface.

4. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping element (7) consists of metal and is preferably constructed in one piece.

5. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the seat tube (2) has a teardrop-shaped cross-section which extends at least from the lower opening of the seat tube (2) over a majority of the length of the seat tube (2).

6. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the seat tube (2) has at its upper end a substantially closed head portion, preferably a substantially flat support surface having head portion.

7. Holding device according to claim 7, characterized in that in the head region of the seat tube (2) at least two from the lower side from the outside accessible to the support surface through openings for receiving and carrying fasteners for the saddle carrier are formed, preferably in each case an opening on the Front and an opening at the back of the seat tube for mounting screws as fasteners.

8. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the seat tube (2) consists of plastic, preferably made of fiber-reinforced plastic, preferably made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

9. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that holding member (20) has a pin (21) whose ends are arranged eccentrically in round adjusting discs (22) which in bushings (23) are rotatably mounted, which are arranged in the wall of the seat tube (2) accessible from the outside.

10. Holding device according to claim 9, characterized in that the adjusting discs (22) and / or the bushes (23) stop means for limiting the angle of rotation of the respective bushing (23) mounted adjusting disc (22).

11. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the tension element (10) has a pull rod (11) which at both ends in

Connecting elements (12; 13) opens, wherein the drawbar

(11) is preferably made of a fiber material or fiber composite material and the connecting elements

(12; 13) are made of metal.

12. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the saddle support (β) is formed in two parts with a saddle clamp and a hold-down, wherein the hold-down is preferably connected by means of two fastening means with the seat tube (2).