Telescopic saddle post

Abstract

A telescopic saddle post (1) for mounting a bicycle saddle, comprising a hydraulic adjustment device (3) for adjusting a longitudinal extent of the saddle post (1), having at least one cylinder housing (4), a piston (6) which can be moved over an adjustment path relative to the cylinder housing (4), wherein the piston (6) separates a piston chamber (9) which can be filled or is filled with hydraulic fluid (8) in the cylinder housing (4), a first fluid chamber (11) which can be filled with hydraulic fluid (8), a second fluid chamber (12) which can be filled with hydraulic fluid (8), wherein the hydraulic adjustment device (3) has a single valve (13) with at least two switching stages for distributing a hydraulic fluid volume between the piston chamber (9), the first fluid chamber (11) and the second fluid chamber (12), wherein the adjustment path of the piston (6) is specified or can be specified by the hydraulic fluid volume available in the piston chamber (9) and the first fluid chamber (11), wherein the adjustment path can be set by the hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber (12).

Description

[0001] Telescopic seatpost

[0002] The disclosure relates to a telescopic seatpost for supporting a bicycle saddle with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and an arrangement consisting of a bicycle frame and a telescopic seatpost.

[0003] Telescopic seatposts are generally known in the art, by means of which the position of a saddle, which is supported by a telescopic section of the seatpost installed in the bicycle frame, is adjustable relative to the bicycle frame within an adjustment range of an adjustment device. This adjustment range extends, with respect to the seatpost itself, from a minimum longitudinal extension of the seatpost (telescoped state) to a maximum longitudinal extension of the seatpost (extended state). The entire seatpost is usually mounted or arranged in the bicycle frame such that the desired saddle height in the extended state – for example, the measured distance from the center of the bicycle's bottom bracket to the top edge of the saddle – is achieved at the maximum longitudinal extension of the seatpost.Adjusting the saddle height when the seat post is fully extended is particularly important with regard to the inseam length of a bicycle user.

[0004] Telescopic seatposts are known in the prior art which, for adjusting the saddle height, offer the possibility of adjusting the coupling position of a telescopic section supporting the saddle relative to an adjustment mechanism of the seatpost by means of additional coupling devices. This allows the desired saddle height to be set in the fully extended state. Such double-telescoping seatposts can have two adjustment mechanisms. With a first adjustment mechanism, the longitudinal extension of the seatpost can be adjusted within an adjustment range from a minimum longitudinal extension of the seatpost (fully extended state) to a maximum longitudinal extension of the seatpost (fully extended state).A second adjustment mechanism allows the saddle's position relative to the seatpost's first adjustment mechanism to be adjusted, thus enabling the desired saddle height to be set when the seatpost is fully extended. Such a seatpost is known, for example, from the TW M589738 U.

[0005] In such seatposts with coupling devices and adjustment mechanisms known in the prior art, the arrangement and operation of the adjustment mechanisms is both structurally and haptically disadvantageous and complex for the operator.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a telescopic seatpost and an arrangement consisting of a bicycle frame and a telescopic seatpost, which has a simplified construction and improved usability by a user.

[0007] This problem is solved by a telescopic seatpost according to claim 1 and by an arrangement comprising a bicycle frame and such a telescopic seatpost. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. The disclosure relates to a telescopic seatpost suitable for mounting a bicycle saddle on or in a bicycle frame.

[0008] The seat post may have a telescopic section to which a saddle can be attached, for example via a clamping device for saddle struts arranged at a head end of the telescopic section.

[0009] The seatpost can have a hydraulic adjustment mechanism for adjusting its longitudinal extension within a specified range. This adjustment mechanism allows the position of a saddle, which is supported by a telescopic section of the seatpost installed in a bicycle frame, to be adjusted relative to the bicycle frame within this range. The adjustment range, relative to the seatpost itself, can extend from a minimum longitudinal extension (fully extended) to a maximum longitudinal extension (fully extended).

[0010] An adjustment path can extend from a lower telescopic position of the telescopic section relative to the adjustment mechanism to an upper telescopic position. The distance between the lower telescopic position of the telescopic section relative to the adjustment mechanism and the upper telescopic position can be adjustable.

[0011] The hydraulic adjustment device can, in principle, be designed as a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit. According to the disclosure, the hydraulic adjustment device has a cylinder housing that can be attached to or in a bicycle frame. The attachment of the cylinder housing to or in a bicycle frame can be direct via a mounting section of the cylinder housing or indirect via a bearing device for the cylinder housing. For example, a bearing device can enclose the cylinder housing and be attached to or in a bicycle frame using a seat clamp.

[0012] According to the disclosure, the hydraulic adjusting device further comprises a piston movable relative to the cylinder housing, the range over which the piston is movable relative to the cylinder housing determining the adjustment travel. The piston can be movable relative to the cylinder housing essentially translationally along an axial direction of the seat post. The piston can be connected to a piston rod which can be movable relative to the cylinder housing.

[0013] A telescopic part of the seatpost can be connected to or attached to the piston rod.

[0014] A connection between the telescopic part and the piston rod can be essentially static and therefore essentially translationally unadjustable and immobile.

[0015] The connection between the telescopic section and the hydraulic adjustment mechanism can be essentially static, meaning it is essentially translationally unadjustable and immobile. The piston separates a piston chamber within the cylinder housing, which can be filled with or is filled with hydraulic fluid. In other words, a volume that can be filled with or is filled with hydraulic fluid can be bounded by an inner wall of the cylinder housing and a surface of the piston. The piston chamber can have a variable volume due to movement of the piston relative to the cylinder housing.

[0016] The cylinder housing may contain an inner chamber which can be divided by the piston into a piston chamber and a rod chamber. The piston chamber may be filled with hydraulic fluid or may already be filled. The inner chamber may, for example, be in the form of a tube arranged concentrically within the cylinder housing.

[0017] The hydraulic adjustment device further comprises a first fluid chamber that can be filled with hydraulic fluid and a second fluid chamber that can be filled with hydraulic fluid.

[0018] The hydraulic fluid volume available in the hydraulic adjustment device can be composed of the respective volumes of the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber. The hydraulic fluid volume available in the hydraulic adjustment device, which is composed of the respective volumes of the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber, can be essentially constant.

[0019] According to the disclosure, the hydraulic adjustment device comprises a single valve with at least two switching stages for distributing a volume of hydraulic fluid between the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber. A switching position of the single valve can be activated by a user by actuating at least one switching element. For example, a switching element can mechanically activate a switching position of the single valve via a cable or a hydraulic line.

[0020] The individual valve can be switched, for example, via a lever and / or a plunger and / or an actuator, in particular an electric motor. A lever and / or a plunger can be actuated via a movable control element. A movable control element can, for example, be actuated by a cable and / or hydraulically and / or electrically.

[0021] A switching element for an electric actuator can be designed in the form of an electrical switch for the switchable power supply of the actuator.

[0022] The at least two switching stages of a single valve can advantageously be switched by a common switching element. For example, a lever and / or a plunger and / or an actuator can be used to switch the valve via a common switching element. The common switching element can have at least two switching stages.

[0023] In a locked switching position of the individual valve, the piston chamber can be hydraulically locked, thereby defining a relative position of the telescopic section to the adjustment mechanism. Such a relative position can correspond to a user-selectable telescopic position or longitudinal extension of the seatpost. A user-selectable longitudinal extension of the seatpost can, for example, correspond to a state that is essentially fully retracted, a state that is essentially fully extended within its adjustment range, or a state that is essentially freely selectable within its adjustment range.

[0024] In the first switching stage of the valve, a first fluid line between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber can be switched to allow fluid flow. In the first switching stage of the valve, the fluid line between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber can essentially be switched to block fluid flow.

[0025] In a second switching stage, a second fluid line between the piston chamber and the second fluid chamber can be switched to allow fluid flow. In the second switching stage of the valve, the fluid line between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber can be switched to essentially block fluid flow.

[0026] In one embodiment of the single valve, a second fluid line between the piston chamber and the second fluid chamber can be switched to conduct fluid flow in a second switching stage, and in the second switching stage, the fluid line between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber can also be switched to conduct fluid flow. In such an embodiment of the single valve, the fluid lines between the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber can be switched to conduct fluid flow in a second switching stage.

[0027] The piston's travel relative to the cylinder housing is determined or can be determined by the volume of hydraulic fluid available in the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber. If the single valve is in the first switching stage, a movement of the piston relative to the cylinder housing can vary the volume of the piston chamber bounded by the piston, whereby hydraulic fluid can flow between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber through the fluid-conducting first fluid line according to the variation in volume.

[0028] If the single valve is in the second switching stage, analogous to the first switching stage, a movement of the piston relative to the cylinder housing can vary the volume of the piston chamber bounded by the piston. Hydraulic fluid can then flow between the piston chamber and the second fluid chamber via the fluid-conducting second fluid line, corresponding to the variation in volume f. Alternatively, or in combination, a variation in the volume of the first fluid chamber can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the second fluid chamber, corresponding to the variation in volume.

[0029] The adjustment range is adjustable by the hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber. The extent of the piston's movement relative to the cylinder housing can therefore be adjusted by the combined hydraulic fluid volume available in the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber.

[0030] In other words, by distributing a volume of hydraulic fluid between the piston chamber and the second fluid chamber, the volume of hydraulic fluid available in the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber for adjusting the longitudinal extension of the seatpost can be adjusted. The position of a saddle, which is supported by the telescopic section of the seatpost installed in a bicycle frame, can be adjusted relative to the bicycle frame within its range of motion by distributing a volume of hydraulic fluid between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber. The individual valve can be switched to the first position for this purpose.

[0031] The saddle height in the fully extended position – for example, the measured distance from the center of the bicycle's bottom bracket to the top of the saddle – at the maximum longitudinal extension of the seatpost can be adjusted by the hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber. The individual valve can be switched to the second position for this purpose. A saddle height in the fully extended position can essentially correspond to the longitudinal extension of the seatpost in its fully extended state.

[0032] In an embodiment of the single valve, in which a second fluid line between the piston chamber and the second fluid chamber can be switched to allow fluid flow in the second switching stage of the valve, and the fluid line between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber is essentially switched to block fluid flow, it can be selected via the switching stage whether hydraulic fluid can flow into or out of the first or the second fluid chamber.

[0033] In another embodiment of the single valve, the fluid lines between the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber can be fluid-conducting in the second switching stage. If the single valve of such an embodiment is located in the second switching stage, a movement of the piston relative to the cylinder housing can vary the volume of the piston chamber bounded by the piston, whereby hydraulic fluid can flow between the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber through the fluid-conducting first and second fluid lines according to the variation in volume.

[0034] The adjusting device can include a force accumulator, through which hydraulic fluid can be pumped from the first fluid chamber into the piston chamber in a first switching stage of the individual valve. The force accumulator can drive a movement of the piston relative to the cylinder housing. In particular, the

[0035] Energy storage acts on a first floating piston of the first fluid chamber.

[0036] In one embodiment of the single valve, where the fluid lines between the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber are connected in a fluid-conducting manner during the second switching stage, hydraulic fluid can be pumped into the second fluid chamber by the accumulator, particularly by a movement of the first floating piston driven by the accumulator. For example, the seat post can first be extended to a desired longitudinal position in the first switching stage, whereby a volume of hydraulic fluid may remain in the first fluid chamber. While maintaining the longitudinal position, the second switching stage can be actuated, whereupon the volume of hydraulic fluid remaining in the first fluid chamber is displaced from the first fluid chamber by the accumulator and pumped into the second fluid chamber in a corresponding amount.An adjustment range determined by the hydraulic fluid volume in the first fluid chamber and the piston chamber can thus be adapted to a desired extent.

[0037] The cylinder housing can have, at least partially, a first section separated from the piston chamber, wherein the first fluid chamber can be formed, at least partially, in this first section. A first fluid line, which can be switched between fluid-conducting and fluid-blocking by the single valve, can be provided between the piston chamber and the first fluid chamber.

[0038] Advantageously, the first section can be designed as a first double-walled section of the cylinder housing. The first fluid chamber can be formed, at least partially, within the first double-walled section of the cylinder housing. The first fluid line can be formed within a wall of the double-walled section. A double-walled section can, for example, consist of the cylinder housing and a tube arranged concentrically within the cylinder housing.

[0039] The first section can include a first floating piston to form the first fluid chamber with a variable hydraulic fluid volume. The first section can be divided by the first floating piston into a first fluid chamber and a first chamber for a force storage device.

[0040] The cylinder housing can have, at least partially, a second section separate from the piston chamber, with the second fluid chamber being formed, at least partially, within this second section. A second fluid line, which can be switched between fluid-conducting and fluid-blocking via the single valve, can be provided between the piston chamber and the second fluid chamber.

[0041] Advantageously, the second section can be designed as a second double-walled section of the cylinder housing. The second fluid chamber can be formed, at least partially, within the second double-walled section of the cylinder housing. The second fluid line can be formed within one wall of the double-walled section. A double-walled section can, for example, consist of the cylinder housing and a tube arranged concentrically within the cylinder housing.

[0042] The second section can include a second floating piston to form a second fluid chamber with a variable hydraulic fluid volume. The second section can be divided into a second fluid chamber and a second chamber by the second floating piston. The second chamber can communicate with the ambient air, allowing essentially unimpeded movement of the floating piston when the volume of the second fluid chamber varies.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment of the seatpost, the cylinder housing has at least a first section separated from the piston chamber and designed as a double wall with a first floating piston for at least partial formation of the first fluid chamber with variable volume and at least a second section separated from the piston chamber and designed as a double wall with a second floating piston for at least partial formation of the second fluid chamber with variable volume.

[0044] The first double-walled section and / or the second double-walled section can at least partially enclose the piston chamber in the cylinder housing.

[0045] Advantageously, the first double-walled section and the second double-walled section can be formed or arranged axially apart from each other in the cylinder housing.

[0046] Advantageously, the first fluid chamber can have a larger volume that can be filled with hydraulic fluid than the second fluid chamber.

[0047] The individual valve can have a closed switching position, in which the fluid lines between the piston chamber, the first fluid chamber, and the second fluid chamber are essentially closed. In the closed switching position of the individual valve, the piston chamber can be hydraulically closed, and relative movement of the piston relative to the cylinder housing can be prevented. Preferably, the closed switching position is a rest position of the individual valve. A rest position, also called the default position, of the individual valve can exist when no switching element is actuated to switch the valve.

[0048] The individual valve can be designed as a single 3 / 3-way valve with three ports and three switching positions. Alternatively, the individual valve can be designed as a single mechanically actuated piston valve with a movable valve piston. A piston valve can assume different switching positions through different axial movements of the valve piston. The first switching position can correspond to a first movement of the valve piston, and the second switching position can correspond to a second movement of the valve piston.

[0049] Advantageously, the single valve is arranged at an end of the cylinder housing of the adjusting device opposite the telescopic part. In other words, the single valve can be arranged at a base point of the adjusting device.

[0050] The single valve can form the bottom of the cylinder housing. The piston chamber can be bounded by the piston, the wall of the cylinder housing, and the single valve.

[0051] The single valve can be arranged essentially entirely within an internal area of ​​the bicycle frame when attached to or within the frame of a bicycle seat post.

[0052] The telescopic part can be essentially tubular in shape, and the hydraulic adjustment device can be arranged, or be arranged, at least partially within the telescopic part.

[0053] The adjusting device can include a force accumulator, which, in a first switching stage of the individual valve, allows hydraulic fluid to be pumped from the first fluid chamber into the piston chamber. The force accumulator enables the piston to move relative to the cylinder housing. This piston movement can continue until essentially the entire volume of hydraulic fluid available in the first fluid chamber has been pumped into the piston chamber.

[0054] If the first fluid chamber is formed in a first section as described above with a first floating piston, the first section can be divided into a first fluid chamber and a first chamber for the energy storage.

[0055] The energy storage device can be in the form of a spring and / or in the form of a compressible fluid, particularly a compressible gas. Compression or expansion of the fluid can occur when the hydraulic fluid volume in the first fluid chamber is varied.

[0056] In a cylinder housing design with an inner chamber divided by the piston into a piston chamber and a rod chamber, a first chamber for a force storage unit formed by a compressible fluid can be fluidly connected to the rod chamber. This first section is divided into a first fluid chamber and a first chamber for the force storage unit. This increases the fluid volume available for the force storage unit, resulting in more linear fluid behavior during compression and expansion. Alternatively, or in combination, a chamber formed by the piston rod can be fluidly connected to the first chamber and / or the rod chamber.In a design of the adjusting device that does not have its own energy storage device acting on the hydraulic fluid in the second fluid chamber, hydraulic fluid can flow into the second fluid chamber according to a flow resistance of the second fluid line.

[0057] Protection is also sought for an arrangement consisting of a bicycle frame and a telescopic seatpost as described previously. The seatpost can be attached to or within the bicycle frame. The seatpost can be attached, for example, directly via a mounting section of the cylinder housing or indirectly via a bearing device for the cylinder housing.

[0058] Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. These show:

[0059] Fig. 1 Views of a seatpost design in a state essentially fully extended within the adjustment range and in a state essentially fully retracted with different hydraulic fluid volumes in the first fluid chamber.

[0060] Figures 2a and 2b are composite views of Figure 1

[0061] Fig. 3 Detailed views of a single valve in a closed switching position and a first switching state

[0062] Fig. 4 Views of a seatpost design in each of a state essentially fully extended within an adjustment range with different settings of the available adjustment range.

[0063] Figures 5a and 5b are composite views of Figure 4.

[0064] Fig. 6 Detailed views of one embodiment of a single

[0065] Valve in a second switching state with different hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber

[0066] Fig. 7 Views of a seatpost design in a state essentially fully extended within the adjustment range and in a state essentially fully retracted with different hydraulic fluid volumes in the first fluid chamber.

[0067] Fig. 8 Views of a design of a seatpost

[0068] Fig. 9 shows an arrangement consisting of a bicycle frame and a telescopic seat post.

[0069] Fig. 10 shows an exemplary design

[0070] Figs. 11, 12 Detailed views of a saddle support design with a single valve for separate distribution of

[0071] hydraulic fluid

[0072] Figure 1 and, in a composite, enlarged form, Figures 2a and 2b show an embodiment of a telescopic seatpost 1 in a state substantially fully extended within its adjustment range and in a state substantially fully retracted. The telescopic seatpost 1 has a clamping device 25 at one end for mounting a bicycle saddle (not shown). For mounting in or on a bicycle frame 5 (see Figure 9), the seatpost 1 has a mounting section 26 at one end. The seatpost has a movable telescopic section 2 and a hydraulic adjustment device 3 for adjusting the longitudinal extension or telescoping position of the seatpost 1 within an adjustable range of motion. Examples of different longitudinal extensions are shown in Figure 1.Examples of different adjustment range settings can be found in Figure 4. Different adjustment range settings can also be seen by comparing Figures 1 and 7.

[0073] The hydraulic adjusting device 3 has a cylinder housing 4 which can be attached to or in a bicycle frame 5. Furthermore, the hydraulic adjusting device 3 has a piston 6 with a piston rod 7, which is movable over the adjustment path relative to the cylinder housing 4. The telescopic part 2 is connectable to or connected with the piston rod 7, and the piston 6 separates a piston chamber 9 within the cylinder housing 4, which can be filled with or is filled with hydraulic fluid 8. By moving the piston 6 relative to the cylinder housing 4, the piston chamber 9 can have a variable volume.

[0074] The cylinder housing 4 can have an inner chamber 34, which can be divided by the piston 6 into a piston chamber 9 and a rod chamber 10. Depending on the telescopic state of the seatpost, the piston chamber 9 can be filled with hydraulic fluid 8 or may already be filled. The inner chamber 34 can, for example, be in the form of a tube arranged concentrically in the cylinder housing 4.

[0075] The hydraulic adjustment device 3 further features a first with

[0076] Hydraulic fluid 8 fillable fluid chamber 11 and a second one with

[0077] Hydraulic fluid 8 fills fluid chamber 12. Figures 1, 2b and 3 (here for simplified illustration without separately shown hydraulic fluid 8) show different filling states of the first hydraulic chamber 11. Figures 4, 5b and 6 (here for simplified illustration without separately shown hydraulic fluid 8) show different filling states of the second hydraulic chamber 12.

[0078] The volume of hydraulic fluid 8 available in the hydraulic adjustment device 3 can be composed of the respective volumes of the piston chamber 9, the first fluid chamber 11, and the second fluid chamber 12. The hydraulic fluid volume available in the hydraulic adjustment device 3, which is composed of the respective volumes of the piston chamber 9, the first fluid chamber 11, and the second fluid chamber 12, can be essentially constant.

[0079] The telescopic part 2 can be essentially tubular in shape and the hydraulic adjustment device 3 can be arranged or be arranged at least partially within the telescopic part 2.

[0080] The hydraulic adjustment device 3 has a single valve 13 with at least two switching stages for distributing a hydraulic fluid volume between the piston chamber 9, the first fluid chamber 11 and the second fluid chamber 12.

[0081] The single valve 13 can be mounted at one end of the cylinder housing 4 opposite the telescopic part 2.

[0082] Adjustment device 3 may be arranged. For example, to protect against external influences or to achieve a favorable center of gravity, the individual valve 13 can be arranged essentially completely in an inner area of ​​the bicycle frame 5 in a state of the seat post 1 attached to or in a bicycle frame 5 of a bicycle.

[0083] Figure 3 shows detailed views of an embodiment of a single valve 13 in a closed switching position and a first switching state. Figure 6 shows detailed views of an embodiment of a single valve 13 in a second switching state.

[0084] In a locking switching position of the individual valve 13, as shown in the left-hand illustration of Figure 3, the piston chamber 9 can be hydraulically locked, thereby defining a relative position of the telescopic part 2 to the adjusting device 3. A locking switching position is a rest position of the individual valve 13.

[0085] In a first switching stage of the valve 13, as shown in the right-hand illustration of Figure 3, a first fluid line 14 between the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11 can be switched to allow fluid flow. The right-hand illustration of Figure 3 shows a path along which the hydraulic fluid 8 can flow. In the first switching stage of the valve 13, the fluid line 15 (see Figure 6) between the piston chamber 9 and the second fluid chamber 12 can be switched to essentially block the flow of fluid.

[0086] In a second switching stage, as shown in the left-hand illustration of Figure 6, a second fluid line 15 between the piston chamber 9 and the second fluid chamber 12 can be switched to allow fluid flow. In the second switching stage of the valve 13, the fluid line 15 between the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11 can also be switched to allow fluid flow. An embodiment in which the fluid line 15 between the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11 is essentially switched to block fluid flow in the second switching position is shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0087] The position of a saddle, which is supported by the telescopic part 2 of the seat post 1 installed in the bicycle frame 5 of a bicycle, can be adjusted relative to the bicycle frame 5 within the adjustment range by distributing a volume of hydraulic fluid between the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11. The individual valve 13 can be switched to the first switching position, as shown in detail in Figure 3.

[0088] If the single valve 13 is in the first switching stage, a volume of the piston chamber 9 bounded by the piston 6 can be varied when the piston 6 moves relative to the cylinder housing 4, whereby hydraulic fluid 8 can flow between the piston chamber 9 and the second fluid chamber 11 through the fluid-conducting first fluid line 14 in accordance with the variation of the volume.

[0089] The adjustment travel of the piston 6 relative to the cylinder housing 4 is determined or can be determined by the hydraulic fluid volume available in the piston chamber 6 and the first fluid chamber 11. In a distribution of the hydraulic fluid 8 as shown in Figures 1, 2a, and 2b, the hydraulic fluid volume available in the hydraulic adjustment device 3 is essentially completely distributed between the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11, resulting in a maximum adjustment travel. A saddle height in the extended state—for example, the measured distance from the center of the bicycle's bottom bracket to the top edge of the saddle—at the maximum longitudinal extension of the seat post 1 can be adjusted by the hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber 12. The individual valve 13 can be switched to the second switching position for this purpose, as shown in detail in Figure 6.A saddle height in the extended state can essentially be defined as the longitudinal extension of the seat post 1 in an extended position.

[0090] Condition corresponds.

[0091] If the single valve 13 is in the second switching stage, analogous to the first switching stage, when the piston 6 moves relative to the cylinder housing 4, a volume of the piston chamber 9 bounded by the piston 6 can be varied, whereby hydraulic fluid 8 can flow between the piston chamber 9 and the second fluid chamber 12 through the fluid-conducting second fluid line 15 according to the variation of the volume.

[0092] The adjustment range is adjustable by the hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber 12. The extent of the piston 6's movement relative to the cylinder housing 4 can thus be adjusted by the hydraulic fluid volume available jointly in the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11.

[0093] In other words, by distributing a hydraulic fluid volume between the piston chamber 9 and the second fluid chamber 12, the hydraulic fluid volume available for adjusting the longitudinal extension of the seat post 1 in the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11 can be adjusted. As shown in detail in Figures 3 and 6, the cylinder housing 4 can have at least a section 16 separated from the piston chamber 9, with the first fluid chamber 11 being formed at least partially in the first section 16. The first section 16 can be a first double-walled section 16 of the cylinder housing 4. The first section 16 can have a first floating piston 17 for forming the first fluid chamber 11 with a variable hydraulic fluid volume.

[0094] As shown in detail in Figures 3 and 6, the cylinder housing 4 can have, at least partially, a second section 18 separated from the piston chamber 9, with the second fluid chamber 12 being formed, at least partially, in the second section 18. The second section 18 can be a second double-walled section 18 of the cylinder housing 4. The second section 18 can include a second floating piston 19 to form the second fluid chamber 12 with a variable hydraulic fluid volume.

[0095] Advantageously, the individual valve 13 can be designed as a single mechanically actuated piston valve with a movable valve piston 20, wherein the first switching position corresponds to a first movement of the valve piston 20 (see, for example, Figure 3) and the second switching position corresponds to a second movement of the valve piston 20 (see, for example, Figure 6). The closed switching position of the individual valve 13 can correspond to a home position of the valve piston 20. A section of the valve piston 20 can form a plunger 22 with which a force can be exerted to adjust the valve piston 20. A plunger can also be designed separately from the valve piston 20. A switching position of the individual valve 13 can be switched by a user by actuating at least one switching element 24. Advantageously, the at least two switching stages of the individual valve 13 can be switched by a common switching element 24.

[0096] The individual valve 13 can be switched, for example, via a lever 21 and / or via a plunger 22 and / or an actuator 23.

[0097] A lever 21 and / or a plunger 22 can be articulated via a movable actuating contour 34. A movable actuating contour 25 can, for example, be movable via a cable pull and / or hydraulically and / or electrically.

[0098] The adjusting device 3 can include a force accumulator through which, in a first switching stage of the individual valve 13, hydraulic fluid 8 can be conveyed from the first fluid chamber 11 into the piston chamber 9. If the first fluid chamber 11 is formed in a first section 16 with a first floating piston 17, the first section 16 can be divided into the first fluid chamber 11 and a first chamber 27 for the force accumulator. The force accumulator can be in the form of a spring and / or in the form of a compressible fluid, in particular a compressible gas. Compression or expansion of the fluid can occur when the hydraulic fluid volume in the first fluid chamber 11 is varied.In a cylinder housing 4 with an inner chamber 34, which is divided by the piston 6 into a piston chamber 9 and a rod chamber 10, a first chamber 27 for a force storage unit formed of a compressible fluid, comprising a first section 16 and divided by the first floating piston 17 into the first fluid chamber 11 and a first chamber 27, can be fluid-conductingly connected to the rod chamber 10. This increases the fluid volume available for the force storage unit, resulting in more linear fluid behavior during compression and expansion. Alternatively or in combination, a chamber formed by the piston rod can be fluid-conductingly connected to the first chamber 27 and / or the rod chamber 10.

[0099] In an embodiment of the adjusting device 3 as shown, it has a force accumulator, for example in the form of a combinable gas in the first chamber 27, through which hydraulic fluid 8 can be conveyed from the first fluid chamber 11 into the piston chamber 9 in the first switching stage of the individual valve 13. The force accumulator can drive a movement of the piston 6 relative to the cylinder housing 4. In particular, the force accumulator can act on a first floating piston 17 of the first fluid chamber 11.

[0100] In one embodiment of the single valve 13, in which the fluid lines 14, 15 between the piston chamber 9, the first fluid chamber 11 and the second fluid chamber 12 are connected in a fluid-conducting manner in the second switching stage, hydraulic fluid 8 can be conveyed by the accumulator into the second fluid chamber 12 in the second switching stage, in particular by a movement of the first floating piston 17 driven by the accumulator. For example, the seat post 1 can first be extended to a desired longitudinal length in the first switching stage, whereby a volume of hydraulic fluid may remain in the first fluid chamber 11. While maintaining the longitudinal length, the second switching stage can be actuated, whereupon the volume of hydraulic fluid remaining in the first fluid chamber 11 is displaced from the first fluid chamber 11 by the accumulator and conveyed to the second fluid chamber 12 in a corresponding amount.An adjustment range determined by the hydraulic fluid volume in the first fluid chamber 11 and the piston chamber 9 can thus be adapted to a desired extent.

[0101] In a second fluid chamber 12 formed within a second section 18 with a second floating piston 19, the second section 18 can be divided into a second fluid chamber 12 and a second chamber 28. The second chamber 28 can communicate with the ambient air, allowing the floating piston 19 to move essentially unimpeded when the volume of the second fluid chamber 15 varies.

[0102] Figure 7 shows views of a seatpost 1 in a state where it is essentially fully extended within its adjustment range and in a state where it is essentially fully retracted, with correspondingly different hydraulic fluid volumes in the first fluid chamber 11. The possible adjustment range is further reduced compared to Figure 4 by the hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber 12.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment of the seatpost 1, it has a bearing device 29 for the cylinder housing 4 for attaching the cylinder housing 4 to or in a bicycle frame 5. The bearing device 29 has a mounting section 26 that can be attached to or in a bicycle frame 5 by clamping it with a seatpost clamp. The bearing device 29 can be tubular and enclose the cylinder housing 3. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the seatpost 1 in which the individual valve 13 can be switched via an actuator 23. The actuator 23 can, for example, cause a movement of the valve piston 20 via a gearbox to switch the valve 13. A corresponding switching element for the actuator 23 can be in the form of an electrical switch for switching the power supply to the actuator 23.

[0104] Figure 9 shows an arrangement consisting of a bicycle frame 5 and a telescopic seat post 1. The seat post 1 can be attached to or within the bicycle frame 5. The seat post can be attached, for example, as shown in Figure 9, using a fastening element 30 that can be inserted transversely to the longitudinal extent of the seat post into the bicycle frame 5 via a fastening section 26 of the cylinder housing 3.

[0105] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a user-operated switching element 24, with which a switching position of the individual valve 13 can be switched. A switching element 24 can, for example, mechanically switch a switching position of the individual valve 13 via a cable pull by means of a movable actuating contour 34. In the embodiment shown, the switching element 24 has a first detent 31 and a second detent 32, into which the switching element 24 can be moved from a neutral position 33. Advantageously, the at least two switching stages of the individual valve 13 can be switched by a common switching element 24. The neutral position 33 can correspond to a closed switching position of the valve 13. The first detent 31 and the second detent 32 can correspond to a first switching position and a second switching position of the valve 13, respectively.Figures 11 and 12 show an embodiment of a seatpost 1 in which, in the second switching stage of the single valve 13, the second fluid line 15 between the piston chamber 9 and the second fluid chamber 12 can be switched to allow fluid flow, and fluid line 14 between the piston chamber 9 and the first fluid chamber 11 is switched to essentially block fluid flow. Figure 11 shows a blocking switching position of the single valve 13, in which the fluid lines 14 and 15 between the piston chamber 9, the first fluid chamber 11, and the second fluid chamber 12 are switched to essentially block fluid flow. Figure 12 illustrates a first switching position and a second switching position. For such an embodiment of the single valve 13, the switching stage allows selection of whether hydraulic fluid 8 (shown here for simplicity without a separate illustration) can flow into the first or the second fluid chamber.from these can flow out. The valve piston 20 of the individual valve 13 has a fluid distributor 36 which, depending on the selected switching position, opens into one of the fluid lines 14, 15.

[0106] Reference sign

[0107] 1 seatpost

[0108] 2 telescopic parts

[0109] 3 Adjustment device

[0110] 4 cylinder housing

[0111] 5 bicycle frames

[0112] 6 pistons

[0113] 7 Piston rod

[0114] 8 Hydraulic fluid

[0115] 9 piston chamber

[0116] 10 bar space

[0117] 11 first fluid chamber

[0118] 12 second fluid chamber

[0119] 13 valve

[0120] 14 first fluid line

[0121] 15 second fluid line

[0122] 16 first section

[0123] 17 first floating piston

[0124] 18 second section

[0125] 19 second floating piston

[0126] 20 valve pistons

[0127] 21 levers

[0128] 22 pestles

[0129] 23 Actuator switching element

[0130] Clamping device, mounting section, first chamber, second chamber, bearing device, mounting element, indexing

[0131] Grid Neutral position Adjustment contour inner chamber

[0132] Fluid distributor

Claims

Patent claims 1. Telescopic seatpost (1) for supporting a bicycle saddle, with a hydraulic adjustment device (3) for adjusting the longitudinal extension of the seatpost (1), comprising at least one cylinder housing (4) which can be attached to or in a bicycle frame (5) of a bicycle, a piston (6) movable over an adjustment path relative to the cylinder housing (4), wherein the piston (6) separates a piston chamber (9) in the cylinder housing (4) which can be filled with or is filled with hydraulic fluid (8), a first fluid chamber (11) which can be filled with hydraulic fluid (8), a second fluid chamber (12) which can be filled with hydraulic fluid (8), characterized in that the hydraulic adjustment device (3) comprises a single valve (13) with at least two switching stages for distributing a volume of hydraulic fluid between the piston chamber (9), the first fluid chamber (11) and the second fluid chamber (12),wherein in a first switching stage of the valve (13) a first fluid line (14) between the piston chamber (9) and the first fluid chamber (11) can be switched in a fluid-conducting manner, and in a second switching stage a second fluid line (15) between the piston chamber (9) and the second fluid chamber (12) can be switched in a fluid-conducting manner, wherein, the adjustment path of the piston (6) relative to the cylinder housing (3) is predetermined or can be predetermined by the hydraulic fluid volume available in the piston chamber (9) and the first fluid chamber (11), wherein the adjustment path is adjustable by the hydraulic fluid volume in the second fluid chamber (12).

2. Telescopic seatpost (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cylinder housing (4) has at least partially a first section (16) separated from the piston chamber (9), wherein the first fluid chamber (11) is formed at least partially in the first section (16).

3. Telescopic seatpost (1) according to the preceding Claim, wherein the first section (16) is a first double-walled section (16) of the cylinder housing (4).

4. Telescopic seatpost according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the first section (16) has a first floating piston (17) for forming the first fluid chamber (11) with a variable hydraulic fluid volume.

5. Telescopic seatpost according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylinder housing (4) has at least partially a second section (18) separated from the piston chamber (9), wherein the second fluid chamber (12) is formed at least partially in the second section (18).

6. Telescopic seatpost according to the preceding claim, wherein preferably the second section (18) is a second double-walled section (18) of the cylinder housing (4).

7. Telescopic seatpost according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the second section (18) has a second floating piston (19) to form the second fluid chamber (12) with a variable hydraulic fluid volume.

8. Telescopic seatpost (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual valve (13) has a locking switching position, wherein in the locking switching position the fluid lines (14, 15) between the piston chamber (9), the first fluid chamber (11) and the second fluid chamber (12) are essentially fluid-blocked, wherein preferably the locking switching position is a rest position of the individual valve (13).

9. Telescopic seatpost (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the single valve (13) is designed in the form of a single mechanically actuated piston valve with a movable valve piston (20), wherein the first switching position corresponds to a first movement of the valve piston (20) and the second switching position corresponds to a second movement of the valve piston (20).

10. Telescopic seat post (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual valve (13) can be switched via a lever (21) and / or via a plunger (22) and / or an actuator (23).

11. Telescopic seat post (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two switching stages of the individual valve (13) can be switched by a common switching element (24).

12. Telescopic seatpost (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the single valve (13) is arranged at an end of the cylinder housing (4) of the adjusting device (3) opposite the telescopic part (2).

13. Telescopic seat post (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the single valve (13) in a state of the seat post (1) attached to or in a bicycle frame (5) of a bicycle can be arranged substantially entirely within an inner area of ​​the bicycle frame (5).

14. Telescopic seatpost (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seatpost (1) has a telescopic part (2) to which a saddle can be attached, wherein the telescopic part (2) is essentially tubular and the hydraulic adjustment device (3) can be arranged or is arranged at least partially within the telescopic part (2).

15. Arrangement consisting of a bicycle frame (5) and a telescopic seat post (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images