TWI508886B - Bicycle seat height adjustment method - Google Patents

Description

Bicycle seat height adjustment method

In general, the present invention is directed to an adjustable seat tube that can adjust the seat height of a bicycle seat. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle seat height adjustment method in which a bicycle seat can be adjusted relative to a bicycle frame after releasing a user operating device.

A bicycle seat is usually supported on the bicycle frame by a seat tube that is telescopically disposed in a seat tube of a bicycle frame. Bicycle seats typically have one pair of parallel tracks extending along the bottom of the seat. The track of the bicycle seat is attached to the seat tube by a clamp located at the top of the seat tube. The height of the bicycle seat relative to the bicycle frame is typically adjusted by varying the amount of insertion of the seat tube into the seat tube of the bicycle frame. The upper end of the seat tube typically has a longitudinal slit and a clamping arrangement that adjusts the diameter of the upper end of the seat tube to compress the seat tube to secure the seat tube in the desired position relative to the bicycle frame. Recently, a seat tube assembly that is hydraulically operated to adjust the height of the seat has been proposed. An example of a hydraulically operated seat tube assembly is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,083,180.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there is a need for an improved bicycle seat tube of adjustable height. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the present invention addresses this need and other needs in the art.

One object of the present invention is to provide an operation in which release can be performed to implement an adjustment A method of adjusting a bicycle seat height of a bicycle seat relative to a bicycle frame after the user operates the device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a bicycle seat height adjusting method includes: operating an operating device to output a seat raising command to raise a bicycle seat; releasing the operating device after operating the operating device And raising the bicycle seat to a higher seat position than one of the previous seat positions immediately prior to the seat lift command after releasing the operating device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a bicycle seat height adjusting method includes: operating an operating device to output a seat lowering command to lower the bicycle seat; releasing the operating device after operating the operating device; And lowering the bicycle seat after releasing the operating device to a lower one of the previous seat positions than one of the previous seat positions immediately prior to the seat lowering command.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to <RTIgt;

10‧‧‧Bicycle

12‧‧‧Bicycle seat tube assembly

14‧‧‧ seat tube

16‧‧‧Bicycle frame

18‧‧‧Bicycle seat

20‧‧‧handle

22‧‧‧ Telescopic seat tube

24‧‧‧Operating components or devices

24a‧‧‧Operation lever

24b‧‧‧Operation lever

26‧‧‧Transmission components

30‧‧‧Inside

30a‧‧‧Longitudinal slot

32‧‧‧External management

33‧‧‧Seat assembly components

34‧‧‧Floating piston

36‧‧‧ rod

38‧‧‧Guide members

40‧‧‧Mobile joystick

42‧‧‧Valve unit

46‧‧‧First or upper fluid chamber

48‧‧‧Second or lower fluid chamber

50‧‧‧ upper end

52‧‧‧Seat assembly components

54‧‧‧Bottom

55‧‧‧Air filling valve埠

56‧‧‧Guiding block

58‧‧‧Axis

60‧‧‧ gas room

62‧‧‧ ring flange

64‧‧‧stop block components

66‧‧‧Adjustment nut

70‧‧‧Upper longitudinal extension groove

72‧‧‧ Lower longitudinal extension groove

74‧‧‧Blocking section

80‧‧‧ first end

82‧‧‧External attachment ring

84‧‧‧second end

86‧‧‧Bottom support parts

88‧‧‧Outer cable guide

89‧‧‧Rubber cushioning element

90‧‧‧Actuating device

92‧‧‧Operator

94‧‧‧ lever

96‧‧‧Helical compression spring

98‧‧‧ piston nut

101‧‧‧First radial extension opening

102‧‧‧Second radially extending orifice or opening

103‧‧‧ Third radial extension orifice or opening

106‧‧‧ channel

108‧‧‧Elastic rubber sealing ring

110‧‧‧ hollow inner channel

112‧‧‧ Radially extending orifice or opening

122‧‧‧Retractable seat tube

124‧‧‧Operating components or devices

124a‧‧‧ operation button

124b‧‧‧ operation button

126‧‧‧ Controller

128‧‧‧Battery

130‧‧‧Inside

132‧‧‧External management

140‧‧‧Motor

142‧‧‧Linear moving mechanism

144‧‧‧ internal thread

150‧‧‧Central Processing Unit

152‧‧‧Intermediate frequency (IF) circuit

154‧‧‧Motor drive

156‧‧‧Regulator

158‧‧‧ position detection device

160‧‧‧weight sensor

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the original invention: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one of the bicycles in which one bicycle seat height adjustment method can be used to perform a bicycle seat height adjustment method according to one embodiment; Figure 2 is a partial side elevational view of one of the bicycles illustrated in Figure 1 equipped with a bicycle seat tube assembly in a high seat position or top seat position; Figure 3 is a bicycle illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 a perspective view of the seat tube assembly, wherein the bicycle seat tube assembly is in a high seat position or a top seat position; and Figure 4 is a series of illustrations showing the use of the bicycle seat tube assembly illustrated in Figures 1-3 A schematic view of a bicycle seat raising operation in which the bicycle seat is raised immediately after operation of the user operating device; FIG. 5 is a series of displays using the bicycle seat tube assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. A graphical view of one of the bicycle seat raising operations, wherein a downward force (eg, the weight of the rider) is maintained on the bicycle seat for a period of time after the user operating device is released, wherein the bicycle seat is removed The bicycle seat rises immediately after the downward force; FIG. 6 is a series of diagrams showing a bicycle seat lowering operation using one of the bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, wherein the bicycle The seat is lowered immediately after the user operates the device due to a downward force (eg, the weight of the rider) being maintained on the bicycle seat during operation of the user operating device; FIG. 7 is a series of displays using FIG. A schematic view of a bicycle seat lowering operation to one of the bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein a downward force is applied to the bicycle seat for a certain period of time after completion of operation of the user operating device ( For example, the weight of the rider) so that the bicycle seat does not fall immediately after releasing the user operating device, but instead only applies to the bicycle seat subsequently The bicycle seat is lowered by a downward force (for example, the weight of the rider); FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bicycle seat tube assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, wherein the elevation is shown in an elevation view. One half of the selected inner portion and the bicycle seat tube assembly is in a high seat position or a top seat position; FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bicycle seat tube assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 8. Wherein the bicycle seat tube assembly is in a high seat position or a top seat position; FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bicycle seat tube assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, 8 and 9. The bicycle seat tube assembly is in an intermediate seat position; and FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bicycle seat tube assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 8 through 10, wherein the bicycle seat tube assembly In a low seat position or a bottom seat position; FIG. 12 is a bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1 equipped with an electric bicycle seat tube assembly in one of a high seat position or a top seat position according to a second embodiment. One part Figure 13 is a partial side elevational view of one of the bicycles illustrated in Figure 12 having an electric bicycle seat tube assembly in an intermediate seat position in accordance with a second embodiment; Figure 14 is in accordance with a second embodiment A partial side view of one of the bicycles illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 of an electric bicycle seat tube assembly of a low seat position or top seat position; Figure 15 is an electric bicycle illustrated in Figures 12-14 A schematic circuit diagram of a seat tube assembly; FIG. 16 is a series of diagrams showing a bicycle seat raising operation using one of the electric bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14, wherein the bicycle seat FIG. 17 is a series of diagrams showing a bicycle seat lowering operation using one of the electric bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, with a downward force ( For example, the rider's weight) is maintained on the bicycle seat for a period of time after the user operating device is released, wherein the bicycle seat is removing the downward force on the bicycle seat Figure 18 is a series of diagrams showing a bicycle seat raising operation using one of the electric bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, wherein the bicycle seat is operating the user operating device Thereafter, in response to determining that a downward force (eg, the weight of the rider) is immediately lowered during operation of the user operating device and immediately thereafter remaining on the bicycle seat; FIG. 19 is a series of displays using FIG. A schematic view of a bicycle seat lowering operation of one of the electric bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in Figure 14, wherein a downward force is applied to the bicycle seat for a certain period of time after completion of operation of the user operating device ( For example, the weight of the rider) so that the bicycle seat does not drop immediately after releasing the user operating device, but instead only applies a downward force to the bicycle seat (eg, For example, the weight of the rider), the bicycle seat is lowered; FIG. 20 is a series of diagrams showing the bicycle seat raising operation using one of the electric bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14. a view in which the bicycle seat is raised while holding the operating device in the actuated position; and FIG. 21 is a series of bicycle seat lowering operations using one of the electric bicycle seat tube assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14. A graphical view in which the bicycle seat is lowered while holding the operating device in the actuated position.

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. The invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the present invention. The following description of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be .

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, bicycle 10 is illustrated having a seat tube assembly 12 in accordance with a first embodiment. The bicycle seat tube assembly 12 is assembled to a seat tube 14 of a bicycle frame 16. The bicycle seat tube assembly 12 adjusts the seat height of a bicycle seat 18 relative to one of the bicycle frames 16. Basically, the bicycle seat tube assembly 12 includes a telescoping seat tube 22, an operating member or device 24, and a transmission member 26 that operatively couples the operating device 24 to the telescoping seat tube 22 for adjusting the telescoping seat tube 22 The height. In this embodiment, the length of the telescoping seat tube 22 can be adjusted to three predetermined or preset seat positions, such as a high preset seat position, an intermediate preset seat position, and a low preset seat position. The high seat position is used for one of the riding positions when the bicycle 10 is traveling on a flat road or uphill. The intermediate seat position is used for one of the riding positions when the bicycle 10 is traveling on a slightly steep downhill. The low seat position is used in one of the riding positions when the bicycle 10 is traveling on a very steep downhill. With the bicycle seat tube assembly 12, the rider can easily change the seat position while riding the bicycle 10 (i.e., without stopping).

In the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 24 is assembled to the handlebar 20 of the bicycle 10, wherein the transmission member 26 is pulled by operation of one of the operating devices 24 and operated by one of the operating devices 24. The operation of the lever 24a releases one of the lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior of the operating member 24 comprises a linear positioning device used in the Shimano Limited RAPIDFIRE ^® transmission line (winding and releasing) member, for example, FIG. However, the operating device 24 can be any type of operating device that can perform operations that change the height of the telescoping seat tube 22. For example, one of the operating devices having a single rod (where the single rod moves in different directions) can be used to perform wire winding and wire release operations, respectively. Moreover, for example, one of the operating devices having a single lever (where the single lever has a different amount of movement) can be used to perform wire winding and wire releasing operations, respectively. Moreover, the transmission element 26 need not be lined as shown. For example, the transmission element 26 can be a fluid hose or a wire, as desired and/or as desired.

Referring now to Figure 3, the telescoping seat tube 22 is united from the bicycle frame 16 so that it can be easily installed into the seat tube 14 in place of a conventional, non-adjustable seat tube. Basically, the telescoping seat tube 22 mainly includes an inner (first) tube 30 and an outer (second) tube 32. As described above, the height of the telescoping seat tube 22 can be adjusted to three predetermined seat positions. In particular, the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 32 are configured in a telescopic manner, wherein the amount by which the inner tube 30 is inserted into the outer tube 32 is adjustable. The outer tube 32 is secured to the seat tube 14 by a conventional clamping arrangement (not shown) provided on the upper end of the seat tube 14. In particular, the upper end of the seat tube 14 has a longitudinal slit such that the clamping arrangement adjusts the diameter of the upper end of the seat tube to squeeze the outer tube 32. The upper end of the inner tube 30 includes a seat assembly member 33 that secures the bicycle seat 18 to one of the seats.

Referring now to Figures 4-7, a bicycle seat height adjustment method for adjusting the height of the bicycle seat 18 using the telescoping seat tube 22 shown herein is illustrated. However, other types of retractable seat tubes can also be used, such as, for example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/549,436, filed on Aug. 28, 2009, assigned to, to An electric retractable seat tube disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/710,563, issued to Shimano Co., et. In particular, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a bicycle seat height adjustment for raising the height of the bicycle seat 18 using the telescoping seat tube 22. The method and FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate a bicycle seat height adjustment method for reducing the height of the bicycle seat 18 using the telescopic seat tube 22. In Fig. 4, a first bicycle seat raising operation is illustrated in which the bicycle seat 18 is operated to complete one of the operating levers 24a to output a seat raising command (in this embodiment, an inner winding operation) Immediately thereafter, the rise is started because the weight of the rider (e.g., a downward force W) does not exist when the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24 is released. In FIG. 4, the first bicycle seat raising operation is a pre-selected bicycle seat raising operation in which one of the bicycle seats 18 is raised to a preset seat position. In FIG. 5, a second bicycle seat raising operation is illustrated in which the weight of the rider (eg, the downward force W) is maintained on the bicycle seat 18 after releasing the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24. A period of time is such that the bicycle seat 18 rises immediately after the downward force W on the bicycle seat 18 is removed. In FIG. 5, the second bicycle seat raising operation is a pre-selected bicycle seat raising operation in which the bicycle seat 18 is raised to a preset seat position. In Fig. 6, a first bicycle seat lowering operation is illustrated in which the bicycle seat 18 is operated after one of the operating levers 24b is completed to output a seat lowering command (in this embodiment, an inner wire releasing operation) When the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24 is rotated or pushed, there is a rider's weight (for example, a downward force W) and the lowering starts immediately. In FIG. 6, the first bicycle seat lowering operation is one of pre-selecting bicycle seat lowering operations in which the bicycle seat 18 is lowered to a predetermined seat position. In Fig. 7, a second bicycle seat lowering operation is illustrated in which the weight of the rider (e.g., the downward force W) is not present on the bicycle seat 18 until the operating lever of the user operating device 24 is released. A certain period of time after 24b, so that the bicycle seat 18 is immediately lowered as long as a downward force (e.g., the weight of the rider) is subsequently applied to the bicycle seat 18. In FIG. 7, the second bicycle seat lowering operation is a pre-selected bicycle seat lowering operation in which the bicycle seat 18 is lowered to a predetermined seat position.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the bicycle seat raising operation will be discussed in more detail in accordance with the bicycle seat height adjustment method using the telescoping seat tube 22 and the user operating device 24. In Figure 4 In Fig. 5, the telescoping seat tube 22 is a three-position telescoping seat tube, and the user operating device 24 is a double trigger lever operating device in which both of the operating levers 24a and 24b are biased to their rest position. The telescoping seat tube 22 is adjusted by removing or applying a downward force W (e.g., by using the weight of the rider).

In general, in the preferred bicycle seat height adjustment method of FIGS. 4 and 5, a rider raises the height of the bicycle seat 18 by first operating the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24. The lever is in the rest position as seen in the first or leftmost diagram of Figures 4 and 5. This operation of the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24 produces an output to raise one of the seat lift commands of the bicycle seat 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction from the rest position as seen in the first illustration on the left side of FIGS. 4 and 5 to FIGS. 4 and 5 One of the operating or actuating positions as seen in the second illustration on the left. This rotation of the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24 pulls the inner line of the transmission member 26 (e.g., a Boden cable) such that the seat lift command corresponds to pulling the inner line of the transmission member 26 (e.g., a Boden cable). However, when an electrically operated telescopic seat tube having an electric motor or the like is used to adjust the height of the seat, the seat lift command corresponds to an electrical signal. Similarly, when using a fluid-operated telescoping seat tube that uses a fluid (eg, air, hydraulic fluid, or other suitable fluid) to adjust the height of the seat, the seat lift command corresponds to fluid pressure. In either case, in the illustrated embodiment, as seen in the third illustration from the left in Figures 4 and 5, the rider releases the user operating device after operating the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24. 24 operating lever 24a. Since the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24 is biased in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 4 and 5, the operating lever 24a returns to the rest position as seen in the third illustration from the left side in FIGS. 4 and 5. As seen in Figure 4, if the operating lever 24a of the user operating device 24 is rotated to an actuated position (e.g., the second illustration from the left in Figure 4) to lift the bicycle seat 18 or at this time Under the force (eg, the rider's weight W), the telescoping seat tube 22 will immediately raise the bicycle seat 18 to the next higher predetermined seat position (eg, The third and fourth illustrations from the left in Figure 4, without any further action by the rider. On the other hand, if a downward force (for example, the weight W of the rider) is applied to the bicycle seat 18 immediately after the operation lever 24a is operated and immediately after the release of the operating lever 24a, the bicycle seat 18 will remain in operation. The same seat position exists before the operation of the rod 24a (for example, the third illustration from the left in Fig. 5). Once the downward force (eg, the rider's weight W) is removed from the bicycle seat 18, the telescoping seat tube 22 will immediately raise the bicycle seat 18 to the next higher predetermined seat position (eg, 5 is illustrated from the fourth and fifth on the left) without any further action by the rider. In other words, in this bicycle seat raising operation, the bicycle seat 18 is brought up to be higher than the seat liter by removing the downward force W from the bicycle seat 18 after the operating lever 24a of the operating device 24 is released. An increase in a higher seat position below the previous seat position that existed prior to the high command occurs. With the configuration of the seat tube assembly 22, if a downward force (e.g., the rider's weight W) is applied to the bicycle seat 18 during the raising operation of Figures 4 and 5, the bicycle seat 18 will stop at Its current seat position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle seat raising operation produces a predetermined amount of upward movement when the bicycle seat 18 is raised from a current seat position to a next higher seat position. In other words, this bicycle seat raising operation produces a predetermined seat position.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the bicycle seat lowering operation will be discussed in accordance with the bicycle seat height adjustment method using the telescopic seat tube 22 and the user operating device 24. In general, in the preferred bicycle seat height adjustment method of FIGS. 6 and 7, a rider lowers the height of the bicycle seat 18 by first operating the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24. The rod is in a rest position as seen in the first or leftmost illustration in Figures 6 and 7. This operation of the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24 produces an output to reduce one of the seat reduction commands of the bicycle seat 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24 is rotated in a clockwise direction from the rest position as seen in the first illustration on the left side of FIGS. 6 and 7 to FIGS. 6 and 7 One of the operating or actuating positions seen in the second illustration on the left. The rotation of the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24 releases the transmission element An inner line 26 (e.g., a Boden cable) is provided such that the seat lowering command corresponds to the inner line of the release transmission member 26 (e.g., a Boden cable). However, when an electrically operated telescopic seat tube having an electric motor or the like is used to adjust the height of the seat, the seat lowering command corresponds to an electrical signal. Similarly, when using a fluid-operated telescoping seat tube that uses a fluid (eg, air, hydraulic fluid, or other suitable fluid) to adjust the height of the seat, the seat lowering command corresponds to fluid pressure. In either case, in the illustrated embodiment, as seen in the third illustration from the left in Figures 6 and 7, the rider releases the user operating device after operating the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24. 24 operating lever 24b. Since the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24 is biased counterclockwise in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operating lever 24b returns to the rest position as seen in the third illustration from the left side in FIGS. 6 and 7. As seen in Figure 6, if the operating lever 24b of the user operating device 24 is rotated to the actuated position (e.g., the second illustration from the left in Figure 6) and the downward force is applied immediately after the operating lever 24b is released (eg, the rider's weight W), the telescoping seat tube 22 will immediately lower the bicycle seat 18 to the next lower predetermined seat position (eg, the third and fourth illustrations from the left in Figure 6), No need for any further action by the rider. On the other hand, if the downward force (for example, the weight W of the rider) is not applied to the bicycle seat 18 when the operating lever 24b is operated and immediately after the release of the operating lever 24b, the bicycle seat 18 will remain in In the same seat position that existed prior to operation of the operating lever 24b (eg, the third illustration from the left in Figure 7). Once a downward force is applied to the bicycle seat 18 (eg, the rider's weight W), the telescoping seat tube 22 will immediately lower the bicycle seat 18 to the next lower predetermined seat position (eg, in FIG. 7) From the fourth and fifth illustrations on the left), without any further action by the rider. In other words, in this bicycle seat lowering operation, the bicycle seat 18 is lowered below the seat lowering command by applying a downward force W to the bicycle seat 18 after releasing the operating lever 24b of the operating device 24. A decrease in a lower seat position below the previously existing seat position occurs. With the configuration of the seat tube assembly 22, if the downward force (eg, the rider's weight W) is removed from the bicycle seat 18 during the seat lowering operation of FIGS. 6 and 7, the bicycle seat The chair 18 will stop in its current seat position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle seat lowering operation produces a predetermined amount of downward movement when the bicycle seat 18 is lowered from a current seat position to a next lower seat position.

Referring now to Figures 8 through 11, the telescoping seat tube 22 will now be briefly discussed. A detailed explanation of the operation of the hydraulic adjustment mechanism of the telescopic seat tube 22 is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/554,092, filed on Sep. 4, 2009. The telescoping seat tube 22 further includes a floating piston 34, a rod 36, a guiding member 38, a flow control rod 40 and a valve unit 42. The valve unit 42 divides the inner bore of the inner tube 30 into a first or upper fluid chamber 46 and a second or lower fluid chamber 48.

The inner tube 30 has a longitudinal slot 30a (Fig. 3) that receives a key (not shown) to prevent relative rotation between the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 32. A lower end of the groove 30a forms a channel between the inner tube 30 and the outer tube 32 for receiving the transmission member 26. The inner tube 30 has a seat fitting member 52 fixed (screwed) to one of the upper ends 50 and a guiding block 56 fixed (screwed) to one of the lower ends 54. The seat assembly member 52 includes an air fill valve 55 to receive pressurized air or other gaseous fluid. The air fill valve 55 includes an air fill valve (not shown) that is a one-way valve to fill the upper end of the inner tube 30 with compressed air. The seat assembly member 52 seals the upper end 50 of the inner tube 30 and the guide block 56 seals the lower end 54 of the inner tube 30. The guiding block 56 is slidably supported on the guiding member 38 in an airtight manner. Thus, the guide block 56 acts as a bottom plug for the lower end 54 of the inner tube 30. Moreover, the guide block 56 acts as an abutment to limit the downward movement of the inner tube 30 relative to the outer tube 32. Although the guide block 56 extends out of the lower end 54 of the inner tube 30, another option is to recess the guide block 56 from the lower end 54 of the inner tube 30 and provide a separate abutment configuration to limit the inner tube 30 relative to each other. It is also practicable to move downwards of the outer tube 32.

The upper end 50 of the inner tube 30 also includes an axially extending shaft 58 in which the floating piston 34 is slidably mounted on the shaft 58 for movement in one of the axial directions of the inner tube 30. Therefore, the floating piston 34 is disposed in the inner bore of the inner tube 30 and is formed to be disposed above the floating piston 34 and the inner tube 30. A gas chamber 60 between the ends 50. The axial position of the floating piston 34 changes as the seat position of the telescopic seat tube 22 changes. Specifically, as seen in Figure 9, when the telescoping seat tube 22 is in the high seat position, the axial position of the floating piston 34 is moved to its lowest position. As seen in Figure 10, when the telescoping seat tube 22 is in the intermediate seat position, the axial position of the floating piston 34 is moved to an intermediate position. As seen in Figure 11, when the telescoping seat tube 22 is in the low seat position, the axial position of the floating piston 34 is moved to its uppermost position. Therefore, when the seat position of the telescopic seat tube 22 becomes lower relative to the previous seat position, the air or gas in the gas chamber 60 is compressed more. The compressed air or gas in the gas chamber 60 provides a driving force to extend the inner tube 30 relative to the outer tube 32 when the seat position of the telescoping seat tube 22 changes from a lower position to a higher position. Since the telescopic seat tube 22 includes this structure of the gas chamber 60, the telescopic seat tube 22 acts as a shock absorber when a large downward force is applied to the bicycle seat 18.

The valve unit 42 is fixedly disposed relative to the outer tube 32, and as described above, the inner bore of the inner tube 30 is divided into a first fluid chamber 46 and a second fluid chamber 48. The first fluid chamber 46 is disposed between the valve unit 42 and the floating piston 34. The second fluid chamber 48 is disposed between the valve unit 42 and the lower end 54 of the inner tube 30. As explained below, the flow control lever 40 cooperates with the guide member 38 and the valve unit 42 to control the flow of fluid between the first fluid chamber 46 and the second fluid chamber 48 to change the height of the telescoping seat tube 22.

The shaft 58 supports a hollow tubular member of the rod 36 in an adjustable manner within its internal passage. In particular, the upper end of the shaft 58 has an annular flange 62 that is sandwiched between the upper end 50 of the inner tube 30 and the seat fitting member 52. The lower end of the shaft 58 has a stop member 64 that is screwed into one of the lower ends of the shaft 58. The stop block member 64 has a flange at its lower end to act as a stop for the floating piston 34 to limit the downward movement of the floating piston 34 within the inner tube 30. The upper end of the stop block member 64 acts as a stop for the rod 36 to limit the downward movement of the floating piston 34 within the hollow interior of the shaft 58.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 36 has an adjustment nut 66 that is screwed onto its upper end. The adjusting nut 66 is screwed to engage the internal thread of the shaft 58 so as to be axially adjustable The lever 36 is held in the desired position. The position of the lever 36 is changed by changing the axial position of the adjustment nut 66, thereby changing the intermediate seat position. In other words, the rider can set the intermediate seat position to correspond to one of a plurality of different heights by turning the adjustment nut 66 as needed and/or as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end of the rod 36 is movably (slidably) disposed relative to the valve unit 42. The rod 36 has an upper longitudinally extending groove 70 and a lower longitudinally extending groove 72, wherein a blocking portion 74 divides the grooves 70 and 72. As discussed below, the blocking portion 74 selectively blocks fluid flowing longitudinally through the center of the valve unit 42.

The outer tube 32 has an outer attachment ring 82 that is fixed (screwed) to one of the first ends 80. The first end 80 of the outer tube 32 is opened such that the lower end 54 of the inner tube 30 is telescopically disposed in the first end 80 of the outer tube 32. The outer tube 32 has a bottom support member 86 that is fixed (screwed) to one of the second ends 84. In particular, an external thread of one of the bottom support members 86 threadably engages the internal threads of the first end 80 of the outer tube 32 to retain the rod 36 in the desired position in an axially adjustable manner. The position of the valve unit 42 is changed by changing the axial position of the bottom support member 86, thereby changing the low seat position and the high seat position. In other words, the rider can set the low seat position and the high seat position to correspond to one of a plurality of different heights by rotating the bottom support member 86 as needed and/or as desired.

The outer attachment ring 82 retains an outer cable guide 88 on the outer surface of the outer tube 32. The outer cable guide 88 guides the transmission element 26 through one of the sides of the outer tube 32. The bottom support member 86 movably supports the actuating device 90 of the flow control lever 40 in response to movement of the lever 24a of the operating device 24. The upper surface of the bottom support member 86 acts as a stop to limit the downward movement of the inner tube 30 relative to the outer tube 32. In particular, the guide block 56 contacts the upper surface of the bottom support member 86 to limit the downward movement of the inner tube 30 relative to the outer tube 32. As described above, preferably, the upper surface of the bottom support member 86 includes at least one rubber cushioning member 89.

Basically, the actuating device 90 is movably assembled to the second end of the outer tube 32 84. Actuating device 90 is operatively coupled to flow control rod 40 to selectively move flow control rod 40 in the axial direction of outer tube 32. The operating device 24 is operatively coupled to the actuating device 90 by the transmission member 26 to selectively move the actuating device 90 and thus moves the flow control lever 40 as explained below to selectively vary the height of the telescoping seat tube 22.

The actuating device 90 includes an operating rod 92, a pull rod 94 and a helical compression spring 96. The bottom support member 86 includes a fitting portion that pivotally supports the operating lever 92. The lever 92 fastens one end of the transmission member 26 to one end of the operating lever 92 and pivotally fastens the lever 94 to the other end of the operating lever 92 with respect to the pivot of the operating lever 92. Accordingly, pulling and releasing the transmission member 26 by moving the operating lever 24a of the operating device 24 causes the operating lever 92 of the actuator 90 to pivot about its pivot, which in turn causes the lever 94 to move within the guiding member 38. A helical compression spring 96 is fitted around the pull rod 94 and exerts a biasing force on the pull rod 94 in an upward direction.

The lower end of the guiding member 38 is fixed (screwed) in one of the central threaded holes of the bottom support member 86 such that the guiding member 38 is coaxially fitted into the outer tube 32. Therefore, the guiding member 38 is rigidly fixed to the outer tube 32 via the bottom support member 86. A piston nut 98 of one of the valve units 42 is screwed onto the upper end of the guide member 38 to secure the valve unit 42 to the outer tube 32 via the guide member 38 and the bottom support member 86. The upper end of the guiding member 38 also has three sets of radially extending openings 101, 102 and 103. As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first radially extending opening 101 is disposed at a first axial position of the guiding member 38 from the bottom support member 86. The second radially extending aperture or opening 102 is disposed at a second axial position of the guide member 38 from one of the bottom support members 86. The third radially extending aperture or opening 103 is disposed at a third axial position of the guide member 38 from the bottom support member 86. The second radially extending openings 102 are axially disposed between the first opening 101 and the third opening 103, respectively.

The piston nut 98 has a central opening or passage 106 that slidably receives the rod 36. This passage 106 constitutes a fluid passage of the valve unit 42. An elastomeric rubber seal ring 108 is disposed between the piston nut 98 and the upper end of the guide member 38 for selectively engaging the resistance of the rod 36. The broken portion 74 thereby selectively blocks and opens the passage 106 of the valve unit 42. In other words, the rod 36 is slidably disposed relative to the valve unit 42 to selectively block and open the passage 106 of the valve unit 42 to block fluid flow between the first fluid chamber 46 and the second fluid chamber 48. Obtain an intermediate seat position between the high seat position and the low seat position (Figure 10).

The flow control rod 40 has a tubular member of a hollow inner channel 110. The flow control rod 40 has its lower end screwed into the upper end of the pull rod 94 in the guiding member 38 such that the flow control rod 40 and the pull rod 94 are common inside the guiding member 38 along one of the axial directions of the outer tube 32. mobile. Therefore, the flow control lever 40 moves in the axial direction of the outer tube 32 in response to the operation of the operating lever 24a of the operating device 24. The upper end of the flow control rod 40 has a set of radially extending orifices or openings 112 disposed at an axial position spaced from the upper end of the flow control rod 40 in a downward direction. The orifice or opening 112 is in fluid communication with the inner channel 110. In particular, when the flow control lever 40 is in the third control position by blocking the fluid flow between the first fluid chamber 46 and the second fluid chamber 48 by blocking the stem 36 of the passage 106 of the valve unit 42, the flow The opening 112 of the lever 40 causes the inner channel 110 to be in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber 48.

In general, the flow control lever 40 moves between three different axial positions to change the height of the telescoping seat tube 22. In this embodiment, the flow control lever 40 has a first control position corresponding to one of the high seat positions (FIG. 9), a second control position corresponding to the low seat position (FIG. 11), and corresponding to the intermediate seat. One of the third control positions (Figure 10). More specifically, when the flow control lever 40 is moved axially downward from the third control position to the first control position, the high seat position is automatically obtained due to the compressed air or gas in the gas chamber 60. When the flow control lever 40 is moved axially upward from the first control position to the third control position, the intermediate seat position is obtained by pushing the inner tube 30 up and down to force fluid to flow from the first chamber 46 to the second chamber 48. When the flow control lever 40 is further moved axially upward from the third control position to the second control position, low pressure is induced by the inner tube 30 pushing up and down to force more fluid to flow from the first chamber 46 to the second chamber 48. Seat position. As described above, when the seat of the telescopic seat tube 22 is The compressed air or gas in the gas chamber 60 provides a driving force to automatically extend the inner tube 30 relative to the outer tube 32 when changing from a lower position to a higher position.

Referring now to Figures 12 through 21, an electric bicycle seat tube assembly is illustrated having a telescoping seat tube 122 and an operating member or device 124 in accordance with a second embodiment. The telescopic seat tube 122 is assembled to the seat tube 14 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The telescoping seat tube 122 adjusts the seat height of one of the bicycle seats 18 relative to the bicycle frame 16 in response to operation of the operating device 124. In this embodiment, the length of the telescoping seat tube 122 can be adjusted to a plurality of predetermined or preset seat positions, such as a high seat position, an intermediate seat position, and a low seat position. Preferably, a seat 126 fitted to one of the seats 18 can be used to set the seat position. The controller 126 allows the rider to set a predetermined amount of upward and downward movement for each of the seat positions corresponding to the plurality of different heights. Therefore, the predetermined seat position can be set. Alternatively, controller 126 is configured to obtain a seat position based on the time at which operating device 124 is operated. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 124 is assembled to the handlebar 20 and has an operating button 124a for raising the seat 18 and an operating button 124b for lowering the seat 18. The operating buttons 124a and 124b are biased to their rest positions as seen in the first illustration on the left in Figures 16-21.

The telescoping seat tube 122 is united from the bicycle frame 16 so that it can be easily installed into the seat tube 14 instead of a conventional non-adjustable seat tube. Basically, the telescoping seat tube 122 mainly includes an inner (first) tube 130 and an outer (second) tube 132. The inner tube 130 and the outer tube 132 are configured in a telescopic manner, wherein the amount of the inner tube 130 inserted into the outer tube 132 can be adjusted. The telescoping seat tube 122 further includes a height adjustment device that basically includes a reversible electric motor 140 and a linear movement mechanism 142. The linear movement mechanism 142 engages one of the internal threads 144 of the outer tube 132 in a screwing manner. An example of a height adjustment device for a telescoping seat tube 122 is set forth in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/549,436, assigned to A.S.

As seen in Figure 15, the controller 126 is operatively coupled to the motor 140, wherein The controller 126 has a plurality of different predetermined seat position settings that selectively operate the motor 140 to move the inner tube 130 relative to the outer tube 132. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 126 (particularly) includes a central processing unit or CPU 150, an intermediate frequency (IF) circuit 152, a motor driver 154, and a regulator 156. Controller 126 is powered by battery 128 that is fully assembled within inner tube 130.

The central processing unit 150 preferably includes a microcomputer. The central processing unit 150 can also include other conventional components (such as an input interface circuit, an output interface circuit) and storage devices (such as a ROM (read only memory) device and a RAM (random access memory) device). Intermediate frequency (IF) circuit 152, motor driver 154, and regulator 156 are conventional components well known in the art. Accordingly, components 152, 154, and 156 will not be discussed in detail herein.

A position detecting device 158 is operatively coupled to the controller 126. The position detecting device 158 detects a relative position between the inner tube 130 and the outer tube 132. Preferably, the position detecting device 158 detects the relative position between the first inner tube 130 and the outer tube 132 by detecting the amount of rotation of the motor 140 when the controller 126 operates the motor 140. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, position detecting device 158 includes an encoder that is fully assembled to motor 140 within inner tube 130. The encoder of position detecting device 158 determines the amount of rotation of motor 140 to determine a predetermined seat position, such as a high seat position corresponding to a high predetermined seat position, an intermediate predetermined seat position, and a low predetermined seat position, intermediate seat Chair position and low seat position. The high seat position (shown in Figure 12) is used for one of the riding positions when the bicycle 10 is traveling on a flat road or uphill. The intermediate seat position (shown in Figure 13) is used in one of the riding positions when the bicycle 10 is traveling on a slightly steep downhill. The low seat position (shown in Figure 14) is used in one of the riding positions when the bicycle 10 is traveling on a very steep downhill. Although only three predetermined seat positions are illustrated, the number of seat positions is not limited to three predetermined seat positions.

The operating device 124 is operatively coupled to the controller 126 and, thus, operatively coupled to the motor 140. The operating device 124 generates up and down control signals to operate the motor 140 via the controller 126 in response to operation of the operating device 124. Electricity from battery 128 Force is supplied to the operating device 124 via the controller 126 for generating up and down control signals. The controller 126 outputs a seat raise and lower command (eg, an electrical signal) to the motor 140 via the motor driver 154 for raising and lowering the telescoping seat tube 122 to change the height of the bicycle seat 18. As explained below, the adjustment direction, the adjustment amount, and the adjustment timing of the telescopic seat tube 122 depend on the operation of the operating device 124.

In this embodiment, a weight detecting device or weight sensor 160 is operatively coupled to controller 126. The weight sensor 160 detects the presence and/or absence of a downward force on the seat 18 (e.g., the weight W of the rider). By controlling the motor 140 by means of the controller 126 based on signals from the operating device 124 and the weight sensor 160, it may be as needed/desired in the same manner as in Figures 5-7 and in other ways as discussed below. High and lowered bicycle seat 18.

With the configuration of the seat tube assembly 122, a downward force is determined by the weight sensor 160 during the seat lift operation of FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 (ie, operation of the motor 140) (eg, The rider's weight W) is applied to the bicycle seat 18, and the controller 126 can be configured to control the motor 140 such that the bicycle seat 18 will stop in its current seat position or will continue to rise until it arrives Book the seat position. Also with the configuration of the seat tube assembly 122, the downward force is determined by the weight sensor 160 during the seat lowering operation of FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 (ie, operation of the motor 140) (eg, The rider's weight W) is removed from the bicycle seat 18, and the controller 126 can be configured to control the motor 140 such that the bicycle seat 18 will stop in its current seat position or will continue to descend until Arrived at the predetermined seat position.

Operation of the operating button 124a produces an output to raise one of the seat lift commands of the bicycle seat 18. The operation of the operating button 124b produces an output to reduce one of the seat reduction commands of the bicycle seat 18. While the user operating device 124 uses buttons for operating the buttons 124a and 124b, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art that other types of operating members can be used in place of the buttons.

In particular, as seen in Figure 16, when it is determined that there is a downward force (e.g., the weight W of the rider) when pushing the operating button 124a to the actuated position to raise the bicycle seat 18, the controller 126 is based on weight The detected state of the sensor 160 determines the operating motor 140 to immediately raise the bicycle seat 18 to the next higher predetermined seat position. As seen in Fig. 16, when the rider releases the operating button 124a, the operating button 124a is moved from the actuated position to the rest position, wherein the motor 140 continues to operate even after the operating button 124a is released. However, as seen in FIG. 17, when it is determined that there is a downward force (e.g., the weight W of the rider) when the operating button 124a is pushed to the actuated position to raise the bicycle seat 18, the controller 126 senses based on the weight. The detected state of the device 160 determines that the operation of the motor 140 is prevented to raise the seat 18 until the downward force (e.g., the weight W of the rider) has been removed. As seen in Figure 17, when the rider releases the operating button 124a, the operating button 124a is moved from the actuated position to the rest position, wherein the motor 140 is after the release of the operating button 124a and is determined to have removed the downward force (e.g., cycling) Start when the weight of the person is W).

On the other hand, as seen in Fig. 18, when it is determined that there is a downward force (e.g., the weight W of the rider) when the operating button 124b is pushed to the actuated position to lower the bicycle seat 18, the controller 126 is based on the sense of weight The detected state of the detector 160 determines the operating motor 140 to immediately lower the bicycle seat 18 to the next lower predetermined seat position. As seen in Fig. 18, when the rider releases the operating button 124b, the operating button 124b is moved from the actuated position to the rest position, wherein the motor 140 continues to operate even after the operating button 124b is released. However, as seen in Figure 19, when it is determined that there is a downward force (e.g., the rider's weight W) when pushing the operating button 124b of the user operating device 124 to the actuated position to lower the bicycle seat 18, the controller 126 determines that the operation of the motor 140 is prevented based on the detected state of the weight sensor 160 to lower the seat 18 until at least one prescribed downward force (eg, the weight of the rider) is applied to the bicycle seat 18 or more . As seen in Fig. 19, when the rider releases the operating button 124b, the operating button 124b is moved from the actuated position to the rest position, wherein the motor 140 after the release of the operating button 124b and after determining that the prescription has been applied to the bicycle seat 18 Downward force (such as cycling The weight of the person is W) or more vigorously activated. In this manner, the bicycle seat 18 can be raised and lowered in the same manner as in Figures 5-7.

In another configuration of the controller 126, as seen in Figures 20 and 21, the controller 126 can be configured to control the motor 140 based on signals from the operating device 124 and the weight sensor 160 such that only the button is operated Only one of 124a and 124b is in the actuated position to adjust only the height of the bicycle seat 18. In this configuration, the controller 126 can be configured to control the motor 140 to move the inner tube 130 to a plurality of predetermined seat positions using the position detecting device 158 and/or to allow the rider to be in the bicycle seat 18 The operating buttons 124a and 124b are released before the predetermined seat position is reached to stop the bicycle seat 18 at any height.

Referring to Figures 20 and 21, a bicycle seat height adjustment method for adjusting the height of the bicycle seat 18 using the telescoping seat tube 122 shown herein is illustrated. In Fig. 20, a first bicycle seat raising operation is illustrated in which the bicycle seat 18 is raised by holding the operating button 124a. In particular, a rider raises the height of the bicycle seat 18 by first operating the operating button 124a of the user operating device 124, which is in a rest position as seen in the first or leftmost illustration of FIG. This operation of the operating button 124a produces an output to raise one of the seat lift commands of the bicycle seat 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating button 124a of the user operating device 124 is pushed from the rest position as seen in the first illustration on the left side as shown in FIG. 20 to the second illustration from the left side as shown in FIG. An operating position or an actuating position. This movement or operation of the operating button 124a of the user operating device 124 sends an electrical signal to the motor 140 to cause the seat lift command to operate the motor 140 to rotate the linear moving mechanism 142 in a seat lift direction. Once the operating button 124a is released, the bicycle seat 18 is stopped because the electrical signal to the motor 140 is interrupted. In other words, raising the bicycle seat 18 above one of the previous seat positions that existed immediately prior to the seat lift command is by holding the operating button 124a in the second position or actuating The position is reached. By using the position detecting device 158, the increase in the bicycle seat 18 to the higher seat position produces a predetermined amount of upward movement. In other words, as long as the rider is operating the button The 124a is held in the actuated position and the motor 140 will operate until the position detecting device 158 determines that the next higher predetermined seat position has been reached. Once the next higher predetermined seat position has been reached, the controller 126 will automatically stop the motor 140 regardless of whether the operating button 124a has been released. Preferably, the controller 126 includes an adjustment section configured to enable the rider to change the predetermined seat position as needed during the raising of the seat 18 and/or as desired.

In Fig. 21, a first bicycle seat lowering operation is illustrated in which the bicycle seat 18 is lowered by holding the operating button 124b of the user operating device 124. In particular, a rider lowers the height of the bicycle seat 18 by first operating the operating button 124b of the user operating device 124, which is in the rest position as seen in the first or leftmost illustration of FIG. . This operation of the operating button 124b of the user operating device 124 produces an output to reduce a seat lowering command for the bicycle seat 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating button 124b of the user operating device 124 is pushed from the rest position as seen in the first illustration on the left side of FIG. 21 to one of the operations as seen in the second illustration from the left side as shown in FIG. Position or actuation position. This movement of the operating button 124b of the user operating device 124 sends an electrical signal to the motor 140 to cause the seat lowering command to operate the motor 140 to rotate the linear moving mechanism 142 in a seat lowering direction. Once the operating button 124b is released, the bicycle seat 18 is stopped because the electrical signal to the motor 140 is interrupted. In other words, lowering the bicycle seat 18 to below one of the previous seat positions that existed immediately prior to the seat lowering command is by holding the operating button 124b in the second or actuated position. In the middle to achieve. By using a position detecting device 158, the reduction in the bicycle seat 18 to the lower seat position produces a predetermined amount of downward movement. In other words, as long as the rider is holding the operating button 124b in the actuated position, the motor 140 will operate until the position detecting device 158 determines that the next lower predetermined seat position has been reached. Once the next lower predetermined seat position has been reached, the controller 126 will automatically stop the motor 140 regardless of whether the operating button 124b has been released. Preferably, the controller 126 includes an adjustment section configured to enable the rider to The predetermined seat position is changed as needed and/or as desired during lowering of the seat 18.

Preferably, the controller 126 can be configured to selectively combine the bicycle seat height adjustment methods illustrated in Figures 16-21 as needed and/or as desired. In other words, the seat raise and lower commands to the motor 140 can be selectively changed to operate in different ways based on the manner in which the rider operates the operating buttons 124a and 124b. More specifically, the seat lift command transmitted by controller 126 to motor 140 may control motor 140 such that motor 140 raises bicycle seat 18 in accordance with the process illustrated in Figures 16 and/or 17, and The seat lowering command sent by the controller 126 to the motor 140 can control the motor 140 to cause the motor 140 to lower the bicycle seat 18 in accordance with the process illustrated in FIG. Likewise, the seat lift command transmitted by controller 126 to motor 140 may control motor 140 such that motor 140 raises bicycle seat 18 in accordance with the process illustrated in FIG. 20 and is transmitted by controller 126 to motor 140. The seat lowering command can control the motor 140 such that the motor 140 lowers the bicycle seat 18 in accordance with the process illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.

Moreover, the controller 126 is preferably configurable to selectively combine the seat lift operations of FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 (ie, the operation of the motor 140) as needed and/or as desired. In other words, the seat lift command output to the motor 140 can be selectively changed between different seat lift commands to operate the motor 140 in a different manner based on the manner in which the rider operates the operating button 124a. For example, the rider may set the controller 126 this time to raise the bicycle seat 18 after releasing the operating button 124a to one of the previous seat positions that existed prior to the seat lift command. Higher seat position, and then the rider may next set controller 126 to raise bicycle seat 18 above one of the previous seat positions immediately prior to the seat lift command by the following operation A higher seat position: operating (i.e., holding) the operating button 124a to output a different seat lift command as the bicycle seat is raised in the absence of a downward force from one of the bicycle seats 18. This dual method can be accomplished by controller 126 determining how long to press button 124a. For example, if the operation button 124a is pressed for less than a predetermined time (for example, one second or less), then The motor 140 will be driven according to the method illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 . However, if the operation button 124a is pressed more than the prescribed time, the motor 140 will be driven according to the method illustrated in FIG.

Likewise, controller 126 may preferably be configured to selectively combine the seat lowering operations of FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 (ie, the operation of motor 140) as needed and/or as desired. In other words, the seat lowering command output to the motor 140 can be selectively changed between different seat lowering commands to operate the motor 140 in a different manner based on the manner in which the rider operates the operating button 124b. For example, the rider may set the controller 126 this time to lower the bicycle seat 18 below one of the previous seat positions that existed immediately prior to the seat lowering command after the release of the operating button 124b. The lower seat position, and then the rider can set the controller 126 the next time to lower the bicycle seat 18 to below one of the previous seat positions that existed immediately prior to the seat lowering command. Low seat position: operating (ie, holding) the operating button 124b to output a different seat lowering command as the bicycle seat is lowered in the absence of a downward force from one of the bicycle seats 18 A downward force is applied to the seat. This dual method can be accomplished by controller 126 determining how long to press button 124b. For example, if the operation button 124b is pressed for less than a predetermined time (for example, one second or less), the motor 140 will be driven according to the method illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. However, if the operation button 124b is pressed more than the prescribed time, the motor 140 will be driven according to the method illustrated in FIG.

In the context of understanding the present invention, as used herein to describe the above embodiments, the following directional terms "forward", "backward", "above", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal" "Below" and "lateral" and any other similar directional term refers to the direction in which the bicycle is equipped with one of the bicycle seat tube assemblies. Accordingly, the terms used to describe the invention should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with one of the bicycle seat tube assemblies as used in a normal riding position. Finally, terms such as "roughly", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean that the final result does not materialize. A reasonable amount of deviation from one of the modified terms.

While the invention has been described in terms of the embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that The scope of the invention. Therefore, the above description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative only and not restrictive

14‧‧‧ seat tube

16‧‧‧Bicycle frame

18‧‧‧Bicycle seat

22‧‧‧ Telescopic seat tube

24‧‧‧Operating device

24a‧‧‧Operation lever

24b‧‧‧Operation lever

Claims (15)

A bicycle seat height adjusting method includes: operating an operating device to cause the operating device output to receive a seat raising command by a power seat height adjusting mechanism to raise a bicycle seat, the power seat height The adjustment mechanism includes an electric motor; the operating device is released after the operating device is operated; and after the operating device is released, the electric motor is used to raise the bicycle seat to be higher than immediately before the seat raising command There is one of the previous seat positions that is higher than the seat position. The bicycle seat height adjustment method of claim 1, wherein the raising the bicycle seat to the higher seat position comprises removing a downward force from the bicycle seat. A bicycle seat height adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the raising of the bicycle seat to the higher seat position produces a predetermined seat position. The bicycle seat height adjustment method of claim 3, further comprising setting the predetermined seat position to correspond to one of a plurality of different heights. The bicycle seat height adjusting method of claim 1, further comprising operating the operating device to cause the operating device to output a seat lowering command received by the power seat height adjusting mechanism to lower the bicycle seat; The operating device thereafter releases the operating device to output the seat lowering command; and after releasing the operating device, using the electric motor to lower the bicycle seat below one of the previous ones immediately prior to the seat lowering command One of the seat positions is lower than the seat position. The bicycle seat height adjustment method of claim 5, wherein the lowering the bicycle seat to the lower seat position comprises applying a downward force on the bicycle seat. The bicycle seat height adjustment method of claim 5, wherein the raising the bicycle seat to the higher seat position produces a predetermined first seat position, and the bicycle seat is lowered to the lower seat The chair position produces a predetermined second seat position. The bicycle seat height adjustment method of claim 7, further comprising setting at least one of the predetermined first and second seat positions to correspond to one of a plurality of different heights. The bicycle seat height adjusting method of claim 1, wherein the operation of the operating device comprises outputting the seat raising command in the absence of a downward force on the bicycle seat, and using the electric motor by the following operation Raising the bicycle seat to a higher seat position is accomplished by operating the operating device to output the seat as the bicycle seat is raised in the absence of the downward force on the bicycle seat The chair raises the command. A bicycle seat height adjustment method includes: operating an operating device to cause the operating device output to receive a seat lowering command by a power seat height adjusting mechanism to lower the bicycle seat, the power seat height adjusting mechanism An electric motor is included; the operating device is released after the operating device is operated; and after the operating device is released, the electric motor is used to lower the bicycle seat to be lower than one immediately before the seat lowering command One of the previous seat positions is a lower seat position. A bicycle seat height adjustment method of claim 10, wherein the lowering the bicycle seat to the lower seat position comprises applying a downward force on the bicycle seat. A bicycle seat height adjustment method according to claim 10, wherein the lowering of the bicycle seat to the lower seat position produces a predetermined seat position. The bicycle seat height adjustment method of claim 12, further comprising setting the predetermined seat position to correspond to one of a plurality of different heights. The bicycle seat height adjusting method of claim 10, wherein the operation of the operating device includes outputting the seat lowering command when a downward force is applied to the bicycle seat, and using the electric motor to mount the bicycle seat by the following operation Reduction of the chair to a lower seat position is completed: the downward force is applied to the bicycle seat when the operating device is operated to output the seat lowering command and after operating the operating device. The bicycle seat height adjusting method of claim 10, further comprising operating the operating device to cause the operating device to output a seat raising command received by the power seat height adjusting mechanism to raise the bicycle seat; After releasing the operating device to output the seat lift command, the electric seat is used to raise the bicycle seat to a higher seat than one of the previous seat positions that existed immediately before the seat lift command position.