WO2017072666A1

WO2017072666A1 - Saddle support assembly and saddle support for a bicycle and bicycle frame

Info

Publication number: WO2017072666A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/056427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik GEHRING
Original assignee: Zeg Zweirad-Einkaufs-Genossenschaft Eg
Priority date: 2015-10-27
Filing date: 2016-10-26
Publication date: 2017-05-04
Also published as: DE202016008560U1; DE202015105705U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a saddle support assembly for a bicycle comprising a saddle support (12) which can be accommodated in a seat tube (11) of the bicycle and can be rotationally fixed, and which is configured for the mounting of a saddle on the upper end (14) thereof. According to the invention, in order to achieve a high level of comfort of the saddle support in the longitudinal direction of the wheel and to achieve a high lateral stiffness, the shaft tube of the saddle support has a non-round cross-section below the upper end, having a width (B) that is greater than the depth (T) thereof.

Description

OU REF ^{Ζθ 500} 10/26/2016 ^PCT / -mb

New international patent application

Applicant: ZEG Zweirad-Einkaufs-Genossenschaft eG, Longericher

Str. 2, DE-50739 Cologne

Title: Seat post assembly and seat post for a bicycle and bicycle frame

The invention relates to a seat post assembly for a bicycle, with a seat post, which is designed at its upper end for mounting a saddle and having a shaft tube which is receivable in a seat tube of the bicycle and rotatably locked.

The invention also relates to a seat post and a

Bicycle frame.

The term "bike" should be understood in the broadest sense and also bicycles with auxiliary drive (pedelecs), three-wheeled

Bicycles, cargo bikes, four-wheeled bicycles and stationary bikes such as exercise bikes.

Seat posts for bicycles usually have a round cross-section. You can thus in the usually provided with round inner cross-section of the seat tube of the bicycle with light play or

Transition fit, optionally with slight rotation, inserted and then locked in the correct desired altitude by means of a seat post clamp. The diameter, which has the seat post, is crucial for their comfort value, so the stiffness that has the seat post. The larger the diameter of the seat post, the higher your rigidity and, accordingly, the lower the comfort value. This can be defined as the deflection that the seat post undergoes at a defined extended length between its substantially rigid restraint (eg, in the seat tube) and the location of force application (ie, the point of attachment of the saddle at the top of the seat post) under a defined force. The force engages at a certain angle to the longitudinal direction of the seat post at this.

Due to the symmetrical, round cross-section of the known satellite The support is the same stiffness or comfort value in all directions.

This has the consequence that with the determination of the seat post diameter (usual dimensions are 27.2 mm, 30.9 mm, 31.6 mm and 34.9 mm) regularly a compromise between a (usually desired) high lateral stiffness transverse to the bicycle longitudinal direction and must have a high comfort value in the bicycle longitudinal direction. While a high comfort value of the seat post, that is a comparatively large (resilient) compliance in the bicycle longitudinal direction is particularly aimed at unsprung bicycles, such as racing bikes, a high lateral stiffness is desirable transverse to the bicycle longitudinal direction both in the frame itself and in the outstanding from this top seat post To initiate the leg forces of the cyclist as effectively as possible via the pedals in the crank mechanism. Both requirements are not optimally fulfilled with conventional round seatposts at the same time.

The object of the invention is to provide a seat post assembly and a seat post for a bicycle of the type mentioned, which on the one hand a high comfort value on the saddle in the bicycle longitudinal direction is achieved at the same time high stiffness of the seat post in the lateral direction.

This object is achieved with the invention in that the

Stem tube of the seat post below the upper end of the seat post has a non-circular cross-section, the width of which is greater than its depth.

According to the invention, the shaft tube of the seatpost mounted on the bicycle frame is thus wider in its orientation transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle than in the longitudinal direction of the wheel, so that the seatpost can bend more forward and backward than to the right and left. Due to this configuration, it gives the driver of the wheel on the one hand a sufficiently good compliance (comfort value) in the longitudinal direction of the wheel, on the other hand, the desired high rigidity transverse to the direction of travel. The shaft tube of the seatpost preferably has the same non-circular cross-section over its entire length. In this way, a substantially constant compliance is ensured over the entire extended length of the shaft tube of the seat post, regardless of the height of the saddle is set.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the arrangement can be made such that the shaft tube of the seat post on a front side an at least approximately semicircular, first partial cross-section with a first radius of curvature (r) and a rear approximately as a straddle-shaped, second partial cross-section with a second radius of curvature ( R) which is greater than the first radius of curvature. At the points at which the two partial cross-sections adjoin one another or merge into one another, the shaft tube of the seat post of the arrangement according to the invention preferably has its greatest width. The radius of curvature of the first partial cross-section is preferably adapted to the inner diameter of the seat tube of the bicycle. The first, front partial cross-section preferably extends over an arc length (K _v ), which is smaller than a semicircle with the corresponding radius of curvature, so that preferably applies to the arc length of the front partial cross-section the formula:

K _v <n * r

The ratio (r / R) between the radius of curvature (r) of the first partial cross section and the radius of curvature (R) of the second partial cross section is preferably in the range between 1: 1.3 to 1: 1.9. The ratio of width (B) to depth (T) of the seatpost cross section may be in the range of 1.1 to 1.4, and is preferably 1.2 to 1.3, more preferably about 1.25.

The width (B) of the front partial cross section is preferably slightly smaller than twice the radius of curvature (r) of the first partial cross section. th, front partial cross-section, so therefore preferably the Fo mel applies:

<2

Both partial cross sections preferably each have a curvature over the entire arc length with the smaller radius of curvature (r) or larger radius of curvature (R).

In order to use the seatpost assembly according to the invention in bicycles with conventional seat tube with a round cross-section, has proven to be particularly advantageous to provide a food piece, which is adapted to a space between the rounded cross-section of the seat post tube and the round inner cross section of the seat tube, in which the seat post recorded or in which it is plugged. In this case, the arrangement can be made such that the lining piece substantially completely fills the intermediate space so that the structural unit consisting of the shaft tube of the seat post and the tightly fitting lining piece forms a substantially cylindrical clamping surface adapted to the inner cross section of the seat tube. It is particularly advantageous if the food piece is an integral part of a seat post clamping device which is arranged or can be arranged on an upper end of the seat tube. Alternatively, it is possible to provide the bicycle or the bicycle frame with a seat tube, which has a matched to the cross section of the seat post according to the invention clear inner cross section, thus a cross section whose width (b) is greater than its depth (t), preferably the pointing in the direction of travel portion of the seat tube has a smaller radius of curvature (r ') than the relative to the direction of travel rearward portion having a larger radius of curvature. Again, both sections preferably have a fixed radius of curvature over their entire section length and converge approximately at an angle. Further preferably, the seat tube may have a curved with a first radius of curvature (r__) front, which extends over an arc length (Κ _ν '), preferably for the arc length (K _v ) and / or the width (b) applies: K _v <π * r ', and / or b <2 * r'.

The seatpost according to the invention may essentially consist of a fiber composite material, in particular of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and / or of an aluminum alloy.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawing, wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail by way of example. It shows:

1 shows a seat post assembly according to the invention in a perspective view.

FIG. 2 shows the object of FIG. 1 in a side view and without a seat tube; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the object of FIG. 2 in a front view; FIG.

4 shows the subject matter of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a perspective view obliquely from behind;

5 shows the seat post of the arrangement according to the invention in a front view;

Fig. 6 shows the subject of Figure 5 in a section along the

Line VI-VI;

7 shows the seat post according to the invention, together with a lining piece attached to its rear side, in a side view; FIG. 8 shows the article of FIG. 7 in section along the line VIII-VIII; FIG.

9 is a side view of a bicycle frame for a seat post with specially adapted to the cross section of the seat post according to the invention seat tube. and

Fig. 10 is a detail view of the bicycle frame with specially shaped seat tube of Figure 9 in plan view.

In the drawing, reference numeral 10 in its entirety denotes a seat post assembly for a bicycle, of which only the seat tube 11 can be seen in FIG. In the seat tube 11, a seat post 12 of the assembly 10 is received in a conventional manner and locked by means of a seat post clamping device 13, as is basically known. The seat post 12 has at its upper end 14 a mounting device 15 for a bicycle saddle (not shown).

As can be seen well from the drawings, the seat post has over the entire length of their subsequent below the mounting device 15 shaft tube 16 a constant over its length, non-circular cross section whose width B in a direction transverse to the bicycle longitudinal direction 17 is greater than that parallel to Bicycle longitudinal direction 17 measured depth T. The design is such that the shaft tube 16 of the seat post 12 at its front in the bicycle longitudinal direction 17 side 18 has an at least approximately semicircular, first partial cross-section 19 with a first radius of curvature r, which is attached to the inner diameter d of the seat tube 11 - fits, which was shown in phantom for illustration in Figures 7 and 8 with. Thus, while the radius r of the shaft tube 16 at the front side 18 corresponds to the inner radius of the seat tube 11, the shaft tube 16 has on its rear side 20 a second partial cross-section with a roughly radiused configuration and a radius of curvature R which is greater than the first radius of curvature r. In the embodiment shown here, the radius of the first, front partial cross-section 19 is 15.8 mm, while the radius of the rear, second partial cross section 21 is 25 mm, so that therefore the ratio between the first radius of curvature r and the second radius of curvature R is about 1.6 mm. The ratio between width B and depth T of the seatpost cross section is in the embodiment shown at about 1.26 (width B = 31, mm, depth T = 25 mm). The width B of the seat post is thus smaller than twice the radius of curvature r of the front partial cross section, and the arc length K _{v of} the front partial cross section is correspondingly smaller than a semicircle with the smaller radius of curvature r. The wall thickness of the shaft tube is 2 mm in the embodiment shown.

Thus, the seat post assembly according to the invention can be used on conventional bicycle frame whose seat tube 11 has a circular cross-section, a lining piece 22 is provided for the seat post, which is adapted to a gap 23 which extends between the back 20 in the region of the second partial cross-section 21 of Shaft tube 16 and the circular inner cross section 24 of the seat tube 11 is formed when the shaft tube 16 in the seat tube

11 is inserted. The lining piece 22 fills the gap 23 substantially completely, so that the seat post

12 and the shaft tube 16 and the tight-fitting Fut terstück 22 existing unit forms an adapted to the inner cross section 24 of the seat tube 11, cylindrical clamping surface 25 forms. In particular, from FIGS. 2 and 4 it can be seen that the lining piece 22 is an integral part of the seat post clamping device 13, projecting downwardly from an upper clamping ring 26 into abutment with the rear face 20 of the shaft tube 16. The clamping ring 26 is designed in a substantially known manner so that it can be plugged onto the upper end of the seat tube 11 and clamped by a clamping screw 27, whereby the shaft tube 16 is clamped together with the lining piece 22 at the upper end of the seat post 12 and This is locked in rotation in its altitude.

With the described embodiment of the invention, the grain is fort for the cyclist in the bicycle longitudinal direction by in this Direction of smaller depth T (flatter profile) increased, ie the Sat telstütze has greater compliance in the bicycle longitudinal direction than transversely thereto, because the lateral stiffness can be maintained with the larger width B. With the lining piece 22, the inven tion proper seat post assembly can also be used in conventional bicycle frame with round seat tubes, so that it is possible to retrofit any wheels with the invention, or conversely wheels that were delivered with the seat post assembly according to the invention, with conventional seat posts with circular Cross section, for example, to be provided with telescopic seat posts.

Figures 9 and 10 show a specially adapted to a seatpost or seat post assembly according to the invention bicycle frame

50, in a conventional manner as frame struts a down tube

51, a top tube 52, a steering head tube 53, a rear 54 with saddle struts 55 and chain stays 56 which are connected via dropouts 58 with each other, and a seat tube 61 has. At the junction between down tube 51, chain stays 56 and seat tube 61 is the bottom bracket 57. In the illustrated embodiment is a bicycle frame 50, for example, for a sports wheel or gents, as is known in the art.

Notwithstanding a conventional bicycle frame here is only the Geomet RIE of the seat tube 61, because this has, adapted to the cross section of a seat post according to the invention, as described in Figures 1 to 8 be written here, as is well apparent in particular from Figure 10, a cross section including an inner cross section, which is transverse to the direction of travel F, which is parallel to the bicycle longitudinal direction, a width b, which is significantly greater than the depth t relative to the bicycle longitudinal direction or direction F. The inner cross section of the seat tube 61 thus has the same geometry as the cross section of Seat post according to the invention, so that the seat post can be inserted with be festigtem saddle with slight play in the seat tube 61 and anchored in any Ausschubhöhe means of a saddle clamp. As already described above for the seat post, the front side of the seat tube 61 pointing in the direction of travel F here has a constant radius of curvature r ', which is considerable The seat tube 61 extends with the radius of curvature r 'preferably over an arc length Κ _ν ', which is slightly smaller than a semicircle with the radius of curvature r '. The transition between the relative to the direction F vorde ren conversion section and the rear migration section of the seat tube is again approximately at an angle.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiment, but there are a number of amendments and supplements possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the seat post of the erfindungsge MAESSEN arrangement, the shaft tube could be arranged rotated by 180 degrees in the seat tube of the wheel, the first partial cross section with a smaller radius of curvature so the back and the second partial cross section with a larger radius of curvature front be arranged. The food piece does not have to be an integral part of the clamping device, but can also be inserted as a separate part from above into the seat tube, where it is expedient then see ver with a stop collar, which prevents too deep insertion into the seat tube

Claims

Claims:

A saddle post assembly for a bicycle, comprising a seat post formed at its upper end (14) for mounting a saddle (12) and having a steerer tube (16) receivable in a seat tube (11) of the bicycle and lockable against rotation characterized in that the shaft tube (16) of the seat post (12) below the upper end (14) of the seat post (12) has a non-circular cross section whose width (B) is greater than its depth (T).

2. seat post for a bicycle, wherein the seat post is configured at its upper end (14) for mounting a saddle (12) and a shaft tube (16) which is receivable in a seat tube (11) of the bicycle and rotatably locked, characterized in that the shaft tube (16) of the seat post (12) below the upper end (14) of the seat post (12) has a non-circular cross-section whose width (B) is greater than its depth (T).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1 or seat post according to claim 2, characterized in that the shaft tube (16) substantially over its entire length has the same non-circular cross-section.

3. Arrangement or seat post according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft tube (16) on a front side (18) has an at least approximately semicircular, first partial cross-section (19) with a first radius of curvature (r) and one on a rear side (20 ) has a second radius of curvature (R) with a second radius of curvature (R) which is larger than the first radius of curvature (R) and has approximately the shape of a stichbow.

4. Arrangement or seat post according to claim 3, characterized in that the first radius of curvature (r) to the inner diameter (d) of the seat tube (11) is adapted, and / or that the ratio between the first radius of curvature (r) and the second The radius of curvature (R) is in the range between 1: 1.3 to 1: 1.9.

5. Arrangement or seat post according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the shaft tube at the curved with the first radius of curvature (r) front side an arc length (K _v ), wherein preferably for the arc length (K _v ) and / or width ( B) applies:

K _v <n * r, and / or

B <2 * r

6. Arrangement or seatpost according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ratio of width (B) to depth (T) of the seatpost cross section is in the range of 1.1 to 1.4 and preferably 1.2 to 1, 3 amounts to.

7. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a lining piece (22) which is connected to a gap (23) between the non-circular cross-section (21) of the shaft tube (16) and a round inner cross-section (24) of the seat tube (11). is adapted, in which the seat post (12) is added or in which it is inserted.

8. Arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the lining piece (22) the intermediate space (23) substantially completely fills so that from the shaft tube (16) of the seat post

(12) and the adjacent tight-fitting piece of food (22) existing unit one on the inner cross-section (24) of the seat tube

(11) adapted, in particular cylindrical clamping surface (25).

9. Arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the lining piece (22) is an integral part of a Sattelstützen- clamping device (13) which is arranged or can be arranged at an upper end of the seat tube (11). Arrangement or seat post according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the seat post (12) substantially consists of a fiber composite material, in particular made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic [KFK] and / or of a Alumi niumlegierung.

Bicycle frame with a plurality of frame tubes including a seat tube for receiving a seat post or arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the seat tube (61) has a non-circular inner cross-section whose width (b) greater than its depth (t), preferably the seat tube (61) has a front surface curved with a first radius of curvature (r__), which extends over an arc length (Κ _ν '), preferably for the arc length (K _v ) and / or the width (b):

K _v '<n * r', and / or

b <2 * r '.