Height-adjustable post with electrically controlled hydraulic flow switch

Abstract

A lifting column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch includes a lifting column, a fixed outer tube, a hydraulic cylinder disposed therein, a rotatable rotary throttle, a rotating shaft passing through the hydraulic cylinder, and an electronic control module disposed below the housing. The electronic control module includes a motor, a motor core, a light-blocking plate, and a light-blocking device. The motor is powered by a centrally located motor and drives the motor core to rotate, which in turn rotates the rotating shaft and the rotary throttle. The perforated area of ​​the light-blocking plate is used to sense and position the light-blocking device, controlling whether the rotary throttle connects the inner and outer oil chambers of the hydraulic cylinder, thereby enabling the lifting column to extend, retract, or lock its position. This design offers advantages such as high structural integration, precise control, and ease of use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrically controlled lifting column for electric bicycles, which uses a hydraulic cylinder as the lifting actuator and precisely controls the opening and closing of the hydraulic circuit through an electric motor and a light blocking sensor mechanism to achieve the electric adjustment function of the seat post height. Prior Technology

[0002] In existing technology, bicycles often feature adjustable dropper posts to improve riding stability and comfort, allowing users to adjust the seat height according to terrain changes. Traditional dropper posts mostly employ mechanical operation or combine hydraulic cylinder mechanisms, using manual control to quickly release the compression or retraction of the seat post to adjust the seat height. However, such structures rely heavily on human force, lack precise control, and do not have an electronic control interface, making them difficult to integrate with modern electric bicycles.

[0003] Although some lifting column devices developed in recent years have incorporated motors as the drive source and use switches to trigger the motor to control the opening or closing of the oil circuit, most of them are not equipped with angle sensors or positioning elements. This makes it difficult to control the stopping position of the motor and ensure the amount of rotation. This may lead to problems such as the rotation throttle not being accurately aligned, seat post locking failure, or improper adjustment, affecting the overall stability of use.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an electronically controlled lifting column with precise rotation control and feedback determination mechanism that can be integrated into the electric bicycle system to overcome the shortcomings of traditional technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a lifting shaft column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch. The lifting cylinder is used as the lifting actuator, and the opening and closing of the hydraulic circuit is precisely controlled by an electronically controlled motor and a light blocking sensor mechanism to achieve the electric adjustment function of the seat post height.

[0006] Therefore, the structure of this invention includes components such as: a lifting column, a fixed outer tube, a hydraulic cylinder, a rotating shaft, a rotary throttle, a motor, a motor core, a light-blocking plate, and a light-blocking device. The motor is located below the fixed outer tube and is electrically connected to a centrally mounted motor in the vehicle body, driving the motor core to rotate. The motor core is connected to the light-blocking plate on one side, and through pairing with the light-blocking device, it senses the rotation angle and controls the motor to stop at a predetermined angle; on the other hand, it is connected to the rotating shaft, driving the rotating shaft to rotate and thus open or close the hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic cylinder via the rotary throttle. When the rotary throttle is rotated to the open position, the hydraulic circuit in the hydraulic cylinder is open, and the lifting column can be axially extended and retracted; when the rotary throttle is rotated to the closed position, the hydraulic circuit in the hydraulic cylinder is closed, and the height of the lifting column is locked.

[0007] With the above structure, when the user triggers the control signal, the motor is driven to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating shaft and the rotary throttle to rotate. The light interrupter can instantly sense whether the rotation angle has reached the predetermined opening or closing position. When the rotary throttle is aligned with the opening position, the oil circuit in the hydraulic cylinder is opened, allowing the lifting shaft to extend and retract freely. When the rotary throttle is turned to the blocking position, the hydraulic cylinder is closed, and the lifting shaft is locked at a specific height.

[0008] The lifting column device of the present invention has an electronically controlled drive and a rotation positioning sensing mechanism, which can be integrated with the mid-mounted motor system of an electric bicycle. It has a high-precision, safe and reliable, and compact lifting control function, effectively improving the convenience of use and riding stability.

[0009] Based on the above description, the features and effects of the present invention are briefly summarized as follows:

[0010] 1. The lifting action is controlled by an electric motor and a sensing system, without the need for external manual operation devices.

[0011] 2. The light interruptor and light interruptor plate provide a rotation positioning function to ensure accurate positioning of the rotating throttle and improve control stability.

[0012] 3. The hydraulic seal can effectively lock the seat height and prevent accidental displacement caused by road vibration.

[0013] 4. The motor can be directly connected to the mid-drive motor power system, with simple overall wiring and good compatibility.

[0014] 5. Modular structural design facilitates subsequent assembly and maintenance.

[0015] 6. The structure is highly integrated, with each component configured compactly, which is conducive to its overall installation in the electric bicycle frame. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0016]

[0017] Figure 1: A perspective view of the lifting shaft column of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2: A cross-sectional view of the lifting shaft column of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3: A schematic diagram of the rotary throttle of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4: A cross-sectional view of the rotary throttle region of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5: A schematic diagram of the oil flow direction in the rotating throttle state of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5A: A schematic diagram of the action of rotating the throttle.

[0023] Figure 6: A structural diagram of the control module of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7: A structural diagram of the electronic control module configuration of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8: A sensing structure diagram of the motor core and the light blocking plate of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9: This is a configuration diagram of the light blocking plate of the present invention when it is in a light-blocking state.

[0027] Figure 10: A diagram showing the light transmission state of the light-blocking plate rotating to align the sensor according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11: A logical diagram of the main structural modules and control flow of the present invention. Implementation

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 11, the lifting column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch of the present invention includes: a fixed outer tube 20, an axially sliding lifting column 10, an internal hydraulic cylinder 30, and a rotary throttle 40 driven by a rotating shaft 35 to switch the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic cylinder 30 has an inner oil chamber 31 and an outer oil chamber 32, which are interconnected by a channel 33 when aligned with the rotary throttle 40. The device further integrates an electronically controlled module 50 located below the fixed outer tube 20. This module includes components such as a motor 51, a motor core 52, a light-blocking plate 60, and a light-blocking device 70. Powered by a centrally located motor, the motor 51 drives the motor core 52 and the rotating shaft 35 to rotate, thereby driving the rotary throttle 40 to switch the hydraulic cylinder 30's operating state. In conjunction with a light-blocking sensing mechanism, the rotation angle is determined and controlled, allowing for precise adjustment of the lifting column 10's extension and retraction height, and locking its position in the non-operating state.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 11. The present invention is a lifting shaft column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch, which mainly includes a lifting shaft column 10, a fixed outer tube 20, a hydraulic cylinder 30, a rotating shaft 35, a rotating throttle 40, an inner oil chamber 31, an outer oil chamber 32, a channel 33, an electronic control module 50, a motor 51, a motor core 52, a light blocking plate 60, and a light blocking device 70, etc.

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the present invention, showing that the lifting shaft column 10 is vertically disposed in the fixed outer tube 20, and its axial extension and retraction stroke is controlled by the electrical control module 50 disposed below the fixed outer tube 20.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the alignment structure of the rotary throttle 40 and the hydraulic cylinder 30. The hydraulic cylinder 30 includes a cylindrical body, which is divided into an inner oil chamber 31 and an outer oil chamber 32. A channel 33 is provided at the location corresponding to the rotation range of the rotary throttle 40. When the through hole on the rotary throttle 40 is aligned with the channel 33, the inner oil chamber 31 and the outer oil chamber 32 can be connected to form a hydraulic oil flow path for height adjustment of the seat tube.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the rotary throttle 40, indicating that the rotating shaft 35 passes through the hydraulic cylinder 30, and the rotary throttle 40 is axially mounted on the rotating shaft 35.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 5, which shows the flow direction when the oil circuit is open. The arrows indicate that when the throttle 40 is rotated to align with the channel 33, the hydraulic oil can flow from the inner oil chamber 31 into the outer oil chamber 32 through the channel 33, thereby adjusting the position of the lifting shaft 10.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5A, a rotary throttle 40 is disposed inside the hydraulic cylinder 30, and has at least one through hole 41. When the rotary throttle 40 is rotated by the valve shaft 35, the through hole 41 will align with the channel 33 disposed on the wall of the hydraulic cylinder 30 at a specific rotation angle, thereby connecting the inner oil chamber 31 and the outer oil chamber 32, allowing hydraulic oil to flow (i.e., Figure 4), so that the lifting seat tube 10 can perform height adjustment. Please continue to refer to Figure 5A. In one embodiment, the alignment angle range is approximately 30° to 60°; outside this range, the through hole 41 will not align with the channel 33, the oil circuit will be closed, and the position of the lifting seat tube 10 will be locked by hydraulic pressure.

[0036] Figure 6 shows the appearance of the electronic control module 50, which is located below the fixed outer tube 20. The ends of the electrical connection wires are visible on the outside. The aforementioned connection wire ends are connected to the mid-drive motor of the electric bicycle.

[0037] Figures 7 and 8 show the internal structure of the electronic control module 50, showing that the motor 51, motor core 52 and light interruptor 70 are located inside the module, and a green circuit board is configured to support optical sensing function.

[0038] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the relative positions of the light interrupter 70 and the light interrupter 60 are schematic diagrams. When the motor core 52 rotates, it drives the light interrupter 60 to rotate. The light interrupter 70 determines the current angle through its perforated area A and light-blocking area 61.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 9 and 10, which respectively illustrate the light blocking plate 60 being misaligned and aligned with the sensing axis of the light blocking device 70. Figure 9 shows the light blocking state (not sensed), and Figure 10 shows the perforation alignment (sensing completed).

[0040] Figure 11 is a block diagram of the control flow of the present invention. Starting from the power supply of the central motor, the motor 51 drives the motor core 52, the rotating shaft 35 and the rotating throttle 40. With the help of the light interrupter 70 sensing the status, the motor stops, thus completing the motion control of the lifting column 10.

[0041] As can be seen from the above structure and operation process, the present invention adjusts the height of the lifting column through electronic control. After the user triggers the control signal at the vehicle body, the motor 51 is started by the power supply of the central motor, which drives the motor core 52 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft 35 and the rotary throttle 40 to rotate. When the rotary throttle 40 is aligned with the channel 33 of the hydraulic cylinder 30, the inner oil chamber 31 and the outer oil chamber 32 are connected, and the lifting column 10 can be axially extended and retracted. Conversely, when the rotary throttle 40 blocks the channel 33, the hydraulic pressure is sealed, and the lifting column 10 is locked.

[0042] This device is also equipped with a sensing mechanism for a light-blocking plate 60 and a light-blocking device 70. When the perforation is aligned with the sensing axis, a control signal is output to stop the motor 51 from rotating, precisely controlling the rotation angle to avoid over-rotation or misalignment, and ensuring accurate and stable oil circuit switching.

[0043] This invention utilizes a simple rotary drive structure combined with optical sensing positioning, and has the following advantages: 1. It can effectively control the on / off of hydraulic pressure and the position of the seat post, improving riding safety; 2. It has high sensing accuracy and a modular structure, which is conducive to installation in existing electric bicycle systems; 3. It eliminates the need for manual valves or external wiring adjustments, improving ease of use and overall aesthetics.

[0044] In conclusion, the structure of this invention has not been seen in any books or publications or publicly used, and it truly meets the requirements for an invention patent application. We earnestly request your esteemed authority to review this matter and grant the patent as soon as possible. We are deeply grateful for your consideration.

[0045] It should be noted that the above description is a specific embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles used. Any changes made according to the concept of the present invention, if the resulting functions do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and drawings, should be within the scope of the present invention and are hereby stated.

[0046] 10: Lifting Axle Column

[0047] 20: Fixed outer tube

[0048] 30: Hydraulic cylinder

[0049] 31: Inner oil chamber

[0050] 32: External oil chamber

[0051] 33: Confucian Channel

[0052] 35: Shaft

[0053] 40: Rotate the throttle

[0054] 41: Through hole

[0055] 50: Electronic control module

[0056] 51: Motor

[0057] 52: Motor core

[0058] 60:Light blocking piece

[0059] 61: Shading area

[0060] A: Perforation

[0061] 70: Photointerrupter

Claims

1. A lifting column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch, comprising: a lifting column capable of axial extension and retraction; a fixed outer tube installed in a vehicle body and covering the lifting column to support the lifting column in maintaining its axial sliding stroke during operation; a hydraulic cylinder disposed within the fixed outer tube and corresponding to the lifting column, having at least one oil chamber inside, and used to control the axial extension and retraction stroke of the lifting column; a rotating shaft, one end of which is connected to a motor core and passes through the hydraulic cylinder; and a rotary throttle sleeved on the rotating shaft and capable of adjusting the axial extension and retraction stroke of the lifting column. The rotating shaft rotates to switch the oil circuit switch state of the hydraulic cylinder; a motor, located below the fixed outer tube, drives the motor core to rotate and is electrically connected to a centrally mounted motor in the vehicle body; the motor core is coaxially connected to the motor and drives the rotating shaft to rotate; a light-blocking plate is fixed to the motor core and has at least one through hole; a light-blocking device is located at the corresponding position of the light-blocking plate, having a light-emitting end and a receiving end, and its sensing optical axis passes through the through hole of the light-blocking plate to sense the rotation angle of the motor core; wherein... The motor is started under control, driving the motor core connected to it to rotate. The motor core is equipped with a light-blocking plate, which works with the light-blocking device to sense the rotation angle and thus control the motor to stop at a predetermined position. The motor core synchronously drives the connected shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the rotary throttle sleeved on the shaft to rotate. When the rotary throttle is rotated to the open position, the oil circuit of the hydraulic cylinder is opened, allowing the lifting shaft column to be extended and retracted. Conversely, the oil circuit of the hydraulic cylinder is closed, and the position of the lifting shaft column is locked.

2. The lifting shaft column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch as described in claim 1, wherein, The hydraulic cylinder has an inner oil chamber and an outer oil chamber. When the rotary throttle is rotated to the open position, the two oil chambers are connected.

3. The lifting shaft column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch as described in claim 1, wherein, The light-blocking plate has a light-blocking area and a light-transmitting area formed by a perforation, which is used for sensing by the light-blocking device.

4. The lifting shaft column with an electronically controlled hydraulic circuit switch as described in claim 1, wherein, The light interruptor outputs a signal when the perforation is aligned with the sensing axis, which serves as the basis for controlling the motor to stop or reverse.

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