retractable mechanism

Abstract

This invention provides a telescopic mechanism, including an upper tube, a lower tube, a support tube, at least one stroke tube, at least one first positioning tube, at least one second positioning tube, and a control component. The lower tube is slidably sleeved on the upper tube. The support tube is disposed on the upper tube. At least one stroke tube is disposed on the upper tube. At least one first positioning tube and at least one second positioning tube are disposed on the upper tube. The control component is connected to the lower tube and has a positioning seat. The positioning seat is movably disposed on at least one stroke tube, at least one first positioning tube, and at least one second positioning tube. When the positioning seat engages with at least one first positioning tube, the upper tube moves relative to the lower tube in a first direction to form a first length; when the positioning seat engages with at least one second positioning tube, the upper tube moves relative to the lower tube in a second direction opposite to the first direction to form a second length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a structure for adjusting seat height, and more particularly to a telescopic mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Existing hydraulic telescopic seatposts for bicycles offer continuous adjustment, meaning the telescopic seatpost can be adjusted to any length. While this provides users with a high degree of freedom in height adjustment, the cost is relatively high. For most users, besides riding height, a parking height is also crucial. Adjusting the parking height allows users to lower themselves and touch the ground with both feet, improving safety. Although existing hydraulic telescopic seatposts offer stepless adjustment, they lack precise design guidance, making height adjustment less intuitive. This leads to errors in height adjustment during riding and parking, and the high price prevents most consumers from enjoying a safer riding experience.

[0003] To address this, a telescopic seatpost with a simplified adjustment method has been developed, allowing users to switch between preset parking and riding heights. This makes it easy for users to use without errors and is suitable for most bicycles. Furthermore, this invention can provide multiple adjustment options at a low cost to accommodate different riders; for example, different family members can set their own riding height on the telescopic seatpost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a telescopic mechanism with multi-stage stroke adjustment function, which can adjust the telescopic length of the telescopic mechanism according to the needs.

[0005] The telescopic mechanism of the present invention includes an upper tube, a lower tube, a support tube, at least one stroke tube, at least one first positioning tube, at least one second positioning tube, and a control assembly. The lower tube is slidably sleeved on the upper tube. The support tube is disposed on the upper tube. The at least one stroke tube is disposed on the upper tube and spaced apart from the support tube. The at least one first positioning tube is disposed on the upper tube and abuts against one end of the at least one stroke tube. The at least one second positioning tube is disposed on the upper tube and abuts against the other end of the at least one stroke tube. The control assembly is connected to the lower tube and has a positioning seat. The positioning seat is movably disposed on the at least one stroke tube, the at least one first positioning tube, and the at least one second positioning tube. When the positioning seat engages with the at least one first positioning tube, the upper tube moves relative to the lower tube in a first direction to form a first length; when the positioning seat engages with the at least one second positioning tube, the upper tube moves relative to the lower tube in a second direction opposite to the first direction to form a second length.

[0006] Based on the above, the telescopic mechanism of the present invention combines a control component, at least one stroke tube, a first positioning tube, and a second positioning tube. The control component is adapted to move in at least one stroke tube to engage with the first positioning tube or the second positioning tube, thereby adjusting the telescopic length of the upper tube relative to the lower tube. Since the control component can only engage with the first positioning tube or the second positioning tube, it can ensure that the telescopic mechanism accurately switches between the two length ranges of the first length and the second length, avoiding errors in the adjustment process.

[0007] Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism of the present invention is applicable to bicycle seats, switching to a first length when riding to raise the seat height, and switching to a second length when parked to lower the seat height. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to further illustrate the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0009] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a telescopic mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the components of the telescopic mechanism;

[0011] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional view of the telescopic mechanism switching to the first length;

[0012] Figures 2B to 2C yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram illustrating the action of the control component unlocking the positioning tube;

[0013] Figure 2D yes Figure 2C A schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the control component to the stroke tube;

[0014] Figure 2E yes Figure 2A A partial cross-sectional view of the telescopic mechanism switching to the second length;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a telescopic mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Explanation of icon numbers

[0017] 100: Telescopic mechanism;

[0018] 110: Top tube;

[0019] 111: Base;

[0020] 120: Lower pipe;

[0021] 130: Support tube;

[0022] 140: Stroke tube;

[0023] 150a: First positioning tube;

[0024] 151a: First positioning groove;

[0025] 150b: Second positioning tube;

[0026] 151b: Second positioning slot;

[0027] 160: Control components;

[0028] 161: Positioning seat;

[0029] 162: Ball bearing;

[0030] 163: Fixed base;

[0031] 164: Connecting rod;

[0032] 165: Introducing block;

[0033] 166: Cable;

[0034] 1661: Cylinder;

[0035] 167: Elastic component;

[0036] 170: Bump;

[0037] 170a: Positioning ring;

[0038] 180: Reset elastic element;

[0039] H: Hole;

[0040] D1: First direction;

[0041] D2: Second direction;

[0042] E1: First end;

[0043] E2: Second end;

[0044] L1: First length;

[0045] L2: Second length;

[0046] S1: Support surface;

[0047] S2: Guiding surface;

[0048] OG: Annular groove. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same component reference numerals are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0050] Figure 1A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a telescopic mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the components of the telescopic mechanism. Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional diagram showing the telescopic mechanism switching to the first length. Figures 2B to 2C yes Figure 2A The diagram illustrates the action of the control component unlocking the positioning tube. Figure 2D yes Figure 2C A schematic diagram of the movement of the control component to the travel tube. Figure 2E yes Figure 2A A partial cross-sectional diagram showing the telescopic mechanism switching to the second length.

[0051] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The telescopic mechanism 100 of the present invention is applicable to bicycle seats, and can raise the seat height to switch to riding mode. It can also lower the seat height to switch to parking mode. Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism 100 of the present invention employs a mechanical structure to achieve precise switching between riding and parking modes, and further reduces costs.

[0052] The telescopic mechanism 100 includes an upper tube 110, a lower tube 120, a support tube 130, at least one stroke tube 140, at least one first positioning tube 150a, at least one second positioning tube 150b, and a control component 160.

[0053] The lower tube 120 is slidably fitted onto the upper tube 110, and the upper tube 110 has a base 111 disposed at the end of the upper tube 110 away from the lower tube 120, wherein the base 111 is used to mount the bicycle seat.

[0054] A support tube 130 is disposed on the upper tube 110, specifically, the support tube 130 surface contacts the inner surface of the upper tube 110. At least one stroke tube 140 is disposed on the upper tube 110 and spaced apart from the support tube 130. At least one first positioning tube 150a is disposed on the upper tube 110 and abuts against one end of the at least one stroke tube 140, and at least one second positioning tube 150b is disposed on the upper tube 110 and abuts against the other end of the at least one stroke tube 140.

[0055] In detail, Figures 1A to 2AIn the illustrated embodiment, there is at least one stroke tube 140. A first positioning tube 150a and a second positioning tube 150b are stacked at both ends of the stroke tube 140. The first positioning tube 150a is adjacent to the opening of the upper tube 110, and the second positioning tube 150b is located between the support tube 130 and the stroke tube 140. The control assembly 160 is connected to the lower tube 120 and has a positioning seat 161. The positioning seat 161 is movably configured on at least one stroke tube 140, the first positioning tube 150a, and the second positioning tube 150b.

[0056] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 2A When the positioning seat 161 engages with the first positioning tube 150a, the upper tube 110 moves relative to the lower tube 120 in a first direction D1 to form a first length L1. When the upper tube 110 extends relative to the lower tube 120 to the first length L1, it is suitable for a bicycle riding mode. (Reference) Figure 2E When the positioning seat 161 engages with the second positioning tube 150b, the upper tube 110 moves relative to the lower tube 120 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 to form a second length L2. This is suitable for bicycle parking modes when the upper tube 110 retracts to the second length L2 relative to the lower tube 120.

[0057] Furthermore, the number of travel tubes and positioning tubes can be adjusted according to requirements. For example, by using two travel tubes and three positioning tubes, stacked sequentially, the positioning seat selectively engages with one of the three positioning tubes, allowing for three different extension lengths between the upper and lower tubes. In addition to travel tubes and positioning tubes, other functional tubes can be stacked, such as flexible tubes to improve shock absorption or rigid tubes to enhance structural strength. Moreover, the length of the travel tubes can be determined according to requirements, thereby creating different distances.

[0058] refer to Figure 1A , Figure 2A and Figure 2E The telescopic mechanism 100 includes a protrusion 170 and a reset elastic member 180. The protrusion 170 is fixed to the positioning seat 161 and faces the support tube 130, wherein the protrusion 170 is screwed into the positioning seat 161. The reset elastic member 180 is disposed in at least one stroke tube 140 and the support tube 130 and respectively abuts against the bottom surfaces of the protrusion 170 and the support tube 130. In the initial state, the reset elastic member 180 pushes the protrusion 170 and the positioning seat 161 to move relative to the at least one stroke tube 140 in a second direction D2, so that the positioning seat 161 engages with the first positioning tube 150a or the second positioning tube 150b.

[0059] refer to Figure 2A When the upper tube 110 extends to the first length L1 relative to the lower tube 120, the reset elastic element 180 fully releases its elastic force. (Reference) Figure 2EWhen the upper tube 110 is contracted to the second length L2 relative to the lower tube 120, the reset elastic member 180 is deformed by the compression of the protrusion 170.

[0060] refer to Figure 1B and Figure 2A The control assembly 160 includes multiple balls 162, a fixed base 163, a connecting rod 164, an inner push block 165, a cable 166, and an elastic element 167.

[0061] Reference Figure 2B and Figure 2C Multiple balls 162 are movably disposed in multiple holes H of the positioning seat 161. A fixing seat 163 engages with one end of the lower tube 120 relative to the upper tube 110. A connecting rod 164 has a first end E1 and a second end E2, the first end E1 connecting to the fixing seat 163 and the second end E2 connecting to the positioning seat 161. An inner push block 165 is movably disposed in the positioning seat 161 and contacts the multiple balls 162. A cable 166 is movably disposed in the positioning seat 161 and the connecting rod 164 and engages with the inner push block 165, wherein the cable 166 is adapted to drive the inner push block 165 to move relative to the positioning seat 161 in a second direction D2. An elastic member 167 is disposed in the positioning seat 161 and surrounds the connecting rod 164 and the cable 166, wherein the two ends of the elastic member 167 abut against the positioning seat 161 and the inner push block 165, respectively.

[0062] Furthermore, one end of the cable 166 has a cylinder 1661, which is disposed in the push block 165. Pulling the cable 166 causes the cylinder 1661 to move the push block 165 relative to the positioning seat 161.

[0063] refer to Figures 2A to 2C The inner push block 165 has a support surface S1, an annular groove OG, and a guide surface S2. The support surface S1 contacts the inner side of the positioning seat 161, the annular groove OG is formed on the periphery of the inner push block 165 and adjacent to the support surface S1, and the guide surface S2 is formed between the annular groove OG and the support surface S1.

[0064] refer to Figure 2A The elastic element 167 is adapted to push the inner push block 165 to move relative to the positioning seat 161 in the first direction D1, so that the support surface S1 of the inner push block 165 aligns with the plurality of holes H of the positioning seat 161, thereby limiting the plurality of balls 162 between the first positioning tube 150a and the plurality of holes H. The first positioning tube 150a has a plurality of first positioning grooves 151a. Under the push of the support surface S1, the plurality of balls 162 partially enter the plurality of first positioning grooves 151a, so that the positioning seat 161 engages with the first positioning tube 150a. In addition, the plurality of balls 162 make the positioning seat 161 and the first positioning tube 150a engage with each other without causing loosening.

[0065] refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C The cable 166 is adapted to drive the inner push block 165 to move relative to the positioning seat 161 in the second direction D2, so that the inner push block 165 moves away from the protrusion 170, and the annular groove OG of the inner push block 165 aligns with the multiple holes H of the positioning seat 161, so that the multiple balls 162 are released from the multiple first positioning grooves 151a of the first positioning tube 150a, and the multiple balls 162 partially enter the annular groove OG of the inner push block 165 and disengage from the corresponding positioning tube 150. In this state, the positioning seat 161 and the first positioning tube 150a are no longer engaged.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 2D The positioning seat 161 can be moved within the stroke tube 140, the first positioning tube 150a, and the second positioning tube 150b via the connecting rod 164, or the upper tube 110 can be pushed to move the stroke tube 140, the first positioning tube 150a, and the second positioning tube 150b relative to the positioning seat 161. The positioning seat 161 is adapted to move relative to the stroke tube 140. For details, refer to [reference needed]. Figure 2D The positioning seat 161 is adapted to move in the first direction D1 to position the first positioning tube 150a (see...) Figure 2E ), or move in the second direction D2 to position the second positioning tube 150b (see Figure 2A ).

[0067] refer to Figure 2C Figure 2A When the positioning seat 161 moves close to the first positioning tube 150a, the multiple holes H of the positioning seat 161 are located in the multiple first positioning grooves 151a of the first positioning tube 150a, and the multiple balls 162 are located in the multiple holes H and the annular groove OG of the inner push block 165. At this time, the cable 166 is released, allowing the elastic element 167 to regain its elasticity and push the inner push block 165 to move relative to the positioning seat 161 in the first direction D1, so that the inner push block 165 abuts against the protrusion 170. At the same time, the guide surface S2 pushes the multiple balls 162 from the annular groove OG into the multiple first positioning grooves 151a of the first positioning tube 150a, so that the positioning seat 161 is engaged with the first positioning tube 150a.

[0068] refer to Figure 2D and Figure 2EWhen the positioning seat 161 moves close to the second positioning tube 150b, the multiple holes H of the positioning seat 161 correspond to the multiple second positioning grooves 151b of the first positioning tube 150a, and the multiple balls 162 are positioned in the multiple holes H and the annular groove OG of the inner push block 165. At this time, the cable 166 is released, allowing the elastic element 167 to regain its elasticity and push the inner push block 165 to move relative to the positioning seat 161 in the first direction D1, so that the inner push block 165 abuts against the protrusion 170. At the same time, the guide surface S2 pushes the multiple balls 162 from the annular groove OG into the multiple second positioning grooves 151b of the second positioning tube 150b, so that the positioning seat 161 is engaged with the second positioning tube 150b (the movement process of the balls is the same). Figure 2C and Figure 2A ).

[0069] refer to Figure 3 In another embodiment, the telescopic mechanism 100 includes a positioning ring 170a. The positioning ring 170a is disposed in the positioning seat 161 and adjacent to the push block 165. The positioning ring 170a is adapted to confine the push block 165 within the positioning seat 161, preventing the push block 165 from protruding outside the positioning seat 161. Furthermore, a reset elastic member 180 is disposed in at least one travel tube 140 and a support tube 130, and respectively abuts against a bottom surface of the positioning seat 161 and the support tube 130.

[0070] In short, the telescopic mechanism of this embodiment utilizes a slidable positioning seat to drive a ball bearing to engage with the corresponding first or second positioning tube, thus achieving rapid positioning. Furthermore, the ball bearing also improves the smoothness of the positioning seat's movement within the travel tube, preventing jamming during movement. Moreover, the telescopic mechanism of this embodiment only requires pulling the cable to disengage the ball bearing from the positioning tube, thereby releasing the engagement between the positioning seat and the positioning tube. After releasing the cable, the elastic element and the inner push block automatically push the ball bearing back into the positioning tube to engage the positioning seat and the positioning tube.

[0071] In another embodiment, at least one stroke tube 140, at least one first positioning tube 150a, and at least one second positioning tube 150b are integrally formed, thereby improving the structural strength of the at least one stroke tube 140, at least one first positioning tube 150a, and at least one second positioning tube 150b. The two ends of the reset elastic member 180 extend to the lower tube 120 and the upper tube 110, respectively. The reset elastic member 180 is sleeved on the connecting rod 164 of the control component 160 and pushes against at least one first positioning tube 150a and the fixing seat 163, respectively.

[0072] In the initial state, the reset elastic member 180 pushes at least one stroke tube 140, at least one first positioning tube 150a and at least one second positioning tube 150b to move relative to the protrusion 170 and the positioning seat 161, so that the positioning seat 161 engages with at least one first positioning tube 150a or at least one second positioning tube 150b.

[0073] When the reset elastic member 180 fully releases its elastic force, the upper tube 110 extends to its maximum length relative to the lower tube 120. When the upper tube 110 retracts to its minimum length relative to the lower tube 120, the reset elastic member 180 is compressed by at least one first positioning tube 150a to accumulate elastic force.

[0074] In summary, the telescopic mechanism of the present invention combines a control component, at least one stroke tube, a first positioning tube, and a second positioning tube. The control component is adapted to move within the at least one stroke tube to engage with the first or second positioning tube, thereby adjusting the telescopic length of the upper tube relative to the lower tube. Since the control component can only engage with the first or second positioning tube, it can ensure accurate switching between the two length ranges of the first and second lengths, avoiding errors during the adjustment process and further reducing costs.

[0075] Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism of the present invention is applicable to bicycle seats, switching to a first length in riding mode to raise the seat height, and switching to a second length in parking mode to lower the seat height. Moreover, multiple travel tubes and multiple positioning tubes can be configured to obtain more seat height adjustment positions.

Claims

1. A telescopic mechanism, characterized in that, include: top tube; The lower tube is slidably fitted onto the upper tube; A support tube is disposed within the upper tube; At least one stroke tube is disposed on the upper tube and spaced apart from the support tube; At least one first positioning tube is disposed on the upper tube and abuts against one end of the at least one stroke tube; At least one second positioning tube is disposed on the upper tube and abuts against one other end of the at least one travel tube; A control component, connected to the lower tube and having a positioning seat, the positioning seat being movably disposed on the at least one travel tube, the at least one first positioning tube, and the at least one second positioning tube; and A protrusion and a reset elastic element are provided. The protrusion is fixed to the positioning seat and faces the support tube. The reset elastic element is disposed in the at least one stroke tube and the support tube and respectively pushes against the bottom surface of the protrusion and the support tube. Specifically, when the positioning seat engages with the at least one first positioning tube, the upper tube moves relative to the lower tube in a first direction to form a first length; when the positioning seat engages with the at least one second positioning tube, the upper tube moves relative to the lower tube in a second direction opposite to the first direction to form a second length. In the initial state, the reset elastic member pushes the protrusion and the positioning seat to move relative to the at least one travel tube in the second direction, so that the positioning seat engages with the at least one first positioning tube or the at least one second positioning tube.

2. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control component includes: Multiple balls are movably disposed in multiple holes of the positioning seat; A fixing seat is engaged with one end of the lower tube relative to the upper tube; A connecting rod has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the fixed base and the second end being connected to the positioning base; An inward push block, movably disposed on the positioning seat and in contact with the plurality of balls; and A cable is movably disposed between the positioning seat and the connecting rod and engages with the push block; An elastic element is disposed on the positioning seat and surrounds the connecting rod and the cable, wherein the two ends of the elastic element abut against the positioning seat and the push block, respectively.

3. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The push block has a support surface, an annular groove, and a guide surface. The annular groove is formed on the periphery of the push block and adjacent to the support surface, and the guide surface is formed between the annular groove and the support surface.

4. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is adapted to push the push block to move relative to the positioning seat in the first direction, and the support surface of the push block aligns with the plurality of holes to limit the plurality of balls between the at least one first positioning tube or the at least one second positioning tube and the plurality of holes.

5. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one first positioning tube has a plurality of first positioning grooves and the at least one second positioning tube has a plurality of second positioning grooves. The plurality of ball bearings partially enter the plurality of first positioning grooves or the plurality of second positioning grooves so that the positioning seat engages with the at least one first positioning tube or the at least one second positioning tube.

6. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cable is adapted to drive the inner push block to move relative to the positioning seat in the second direction, and the annular groove of the inner push block is aligned with the plurality of holes, so that the plurality of ball bearings partially enter the annular groove and disengage from the at least one first positioning tube or the at least one second positioning tube.

7. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning seat is adapted to move relative to the at least one stroke tube.

8. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning ring, which is disposed in the positioning seat and adjacent to the push block.

9. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper tube has a base disposed at the end of the upper tube away from the lower tube.

10. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one stroke tube, the at least one first positioning tube, and the at least one second positioning tube are integrally formed.

11. The telescopic mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that, The two ends of the reset elastic member extend to the lower tube and the upper tube respectively. The reset elastic member is sleeved on the control component and pushes against the at least one first positioning tube and the fixing seat of the control component respectively.

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