Bowl group expander of bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a bowl set expander of a bicycle, which comprises an expanding cylinder, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set, a bowl set and a bowl set, the packing cylinder defines a central axis, and the packing cylinder comprises a packing section of which the outer diameter is greater than the diameter distance of the accommodating chamber; the bolt penetrates through the packing barrel and is combined with the expansion barrel, and the bolt can be adjusted to drive the packing barrel to penetrate into the containing chamber so that the packing section can press and expand the plurality of pressing pieces in the radial direction; wherein a cross section formed by the packing cylinder and the expansion cylinder is in a non-circular shape, the cross section is transverse to the central axis, the cross section defines a first outer diameter size and a second outer diameter size, and the first outer diameter size is different from the second outer diameter size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle headset expander, which is a technical improvement for a bicycle headset expander installed on a stem. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a bicycle uses an expander to connect the front fork stem to the handlebar stem. Conventional expanders include a cover, a plurality of check plates, and an elastic ring. A support portion extends from one end of the cover, the check plates are disposed around the support portion, and the elastic ring is sleeved around the support portion.

[0003] The prior art relies solely on a plurality of anti-return plates pressed against the inner wall of the stem tube, then secured with an elastic ring. This results in the plates being susceptible to slippage and rotation relative to the supporting portion, resulting in uneven force distribution and insufficient friction with the stem tube's inner wall, making assembly and disassembly difficult and prone to detachment. Furthermore, the anti-return plates have a circular outer contour, limiting their installation to circular stem tubes and preventing them from being compatible with a wide range of stem tube types, such as non-circular stem tubes.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel and progressive bicycle headset expander to solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle headset expander that can be stably installed on a non-circular stem.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a bicycle headset expander, comprising: an expansion tube, which includes a bottom and a plurality of abutment plates spaced apart on the bottom, the plurality of abutment plates enclosing a chamber; a tightening tube, which defines a central axis, the tightening tube including a tightening section having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the chamber; and a bolt, which passes through the tightening tube and is coupled to the expansion tube, the bolt being adjustable to drive the tightening tube to penetrate the chamber so that the tightening section radially abuts and expands the plurality of abutment plates; wherein a cross-section formed by the tightening tube and the expansion tube is non-circular, the cross-section being transverse to the central axis, the cross-section defining a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the first outer diameter being different from the second outer diameter.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the two relatively arranged abutment plates define the first outer diameter dimension, and the second outer diameter dimension is defined between a first outer side portion and a second outer side portion of the tightening cylinder. The first outer diameter dimension and the second outer diameter dimension pass through the center axis respectively, and the first outer diameter dimension is larger than the second outer diameter dimension.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the first outer portion and the second outer portion are planar.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the first outer portion includes a first flat end surface, the bottom is non-circular and has at least one second flat end surface, and the at least one second flat end surface corresponds to the first flat end surface of the first outer portion in an axial direction.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the expansion tube and the tightening tube are inserted into a vertical tube for combination and having a non-circular shape, and the first outer portion corresponds to an inwardly contracted wall portion of the vertical tube.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the expansion tube further includes a plurality of hollow portions, the plurality of abutment plates are arranged on two opposite sides of the bottom, a hollow portion is formed between two adjacent abutment plates, and the first flat end surface is exposed in one of the hollow portions.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the tightening cylinder further includes an abutment section connected to the tightening section, and the plurality of abutment pieces form a guiding section at one end relative to the bottom. The abutment section and at least one of the guiding section gradually shrink toward the bottom. The outer periphery of each of the abutment pieces is provided with at least one convex abutment portion corresponding to the guiding section. When the expansion cylinder penetrates a vertical pipe, each of the convex abutment portions abuts against the inner wall of the vertical pipe.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the tightening cylinder is provided with at least one abutting portion, the tightening cylinder defines a circumference around the central axis, and the at least one abutting portion can abut at least one of the abutting pieces in the circumferential direction.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the tightening cylinder is integrally provided with a plurality of the abutting portions radially protruding therefrom, and the plurality of abutting portions are arranged at intervals around the circumference, and the plurality of abutting portions can abut against the plurality of abutting sheets along the circumference.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, preferably, the second outer side is planar, and the two relatively arranged abutting pieces define the first outer diameter; the expansion tube and the tightening tube penetrate into a vertical tube for combination, and the first outer side corresponds to an inwardly contracted wall portion of the vertical tube; the tightening tube further includes an abutting section connected to the tightening section, and the plurality of abutting pieces constitute a guiding section at one end relative to the bottom, and the abutting section and at least one of the guiding sections gradually shrink toward the bottom direction, and the outer periphery of each abutting piece is provided with at least one convex abutting portion corresponding to the guiding section, and when the expansion tube penetrates into the vertical tube for combination, each convex abutting portion abuts against the inner wall of the vertical tube; the tightening tube is provided with at least one clamping portion, and the tightening tube defines a circumference around the central axis, and the at least one clamping portion can clamp at least one of the abutting pieces in the circumferential direction. The cam is provided with a plurality of clamping parts, the plurality of clamping parts are arranged at intervals around the circumference, and the plurality of clamping parts can be clamped with the plurality of clamping parts along the circumference; the bottom is provided with an end face, the end face has a convex part extending axially, the convex part is provided with a screw hole, and the bolt is screwed into the screw hole; each of the clamping parts is located between two adjacent clamping parts and is arranged adjacent to the two clamping parts; the bowl group expander of the bicycle further includes a cover member, the circumferential wall of the clamping tube is provided with a first threaded section, the cover member is provided with a second threaded section screwed with the first threaded section, and the cover member is provided with a through hole; each of the clamping parts protrudes into the hollow part; each of the clamping parts is provided with a first inclined surface on one side in the circumferential direction, and each of the clamping pieces is provided with a second inclined surface on at least one side in the circumferential direction, and the first inclined surface corresponds to the second inclined surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction is given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 Another cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is another cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6This is a usage status diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on another vertical pipe.

[0024] Among them, 1: bicycle headset expander; 2, 2a: vertical tube; 3: wall; 4: head tube; 10: expansion tube; 11: bottom; 111: end face; 112: convex portion; 113: screw hole; 12: pressing piece; 121: second inclined surface; 13: accommodating chamber; 14: hollow portion; 15: guiding section; 16: convex abutment portion; 20: tightening tube; 21: tightening section; 22: abutment section; 23: locking portion; 231: first inclined surface; 24: first threaded section; 30: bolt 40: cross section; 41: first outer side; 411: first flat end face; 412: second flat end face; 42: second outer side; 50: cover; 51: second threaded section; 52: through hole; A: center axis; D1: first outer diameter; D2: second outer diameter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The following examples are merely illustrative of possible implementations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The words "one" or "at least one" preceding the nouns mentioned herein do not limit the quantity and may be "plural" based on needs. Such changes in quantity also fall within the scope of the present invention and are therefore clearly stated.

[0027] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7 , which shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bicycle headset expander 1 of the present invention includes an expansion tube 10, a tightening tube 20 and a bolt 30.

[0028] The expansion tube 10 includes a bottom 11 and a plurality of spaced apart abutment pieces 12 disposed on the bottom 11, the plurality of abutment pieces 12 enclosing a chamber 13; the tightening tube 20 defines a central axis A and includes a tightening section 21 having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the chamber 13; the bolt 30 passes through the tightening tube 20 and is coupled to the expansion tube 10, the bolt 30 being adjustable to drive the tightening tube 20 into the chamber 13 so as to radially abut and expand the plurality of abutment pieces 12; wherein a cross section 40 formed by the tightening tube 20 and the expansion tube 10 is non-circular (e.g. Figure 4), further illustrating that the cross section 40 may be a cross section of the compression tube 20, or a cross section formed jointly by the compression tube 20 and the expansion tube 10. The cross section 40 is transverse to the central axis A and defines a first outer diameter D1 and a second outer diameter D2, wherein the first outer diameter D1 and the second outer diameter D2 are different. In this embodiment, the first outer diameter D1 is defined by the two opposing compression plates 12, and the second outer diameter D2 is defined between a first outer portion 41 and a second outer portion 42 of the compression tube 20. The first outer diameter D1 and the second outer diameter D2 each pass through the central axis A, and the first outer diameter D1 is greater than the second outer diameter D2.

[0029] Thus, the bicycle headset expander 1 can be placed in a non-circular stem tube 2, 2a (such as a D-shaped stem tube 2 or an I-shaped stem tube 2a), and the plurality of abutment plates 12 can generate sufficient friction with the inner wall of the stem tube 2, 2a to achieve a tight connection and facilitate assembly and disassembly.

[0030] The bottom 11 is provided with an end surface 111, and a protrusion 112 extends axially from the end surface 111. The protrusion 112 is penetrated by a screw hole 113, and the bolt 30 is screwed into the screw hole 113. In this way, the size of the screw hole 113 can be increased, so that the engagement area between the bolt 30 and the screw hole 113 is large to ensure stable engagement and axial screw movement.

[0031] The first outer portion 41 and the second outer portion 42 are planar (or concave). In this embodiment, the first outer portion 41 includes a first flat end surface 411, the bottom is non-circular and has at least one second flat end surface 412, and the at least one second flat end surface 412 corresponds to the first flat end surface 411 of the first outer portion 41 in the axial direction. Specifically, the expansion tube 10 and the tightening tube 20 penetrate the vertical tube 2, 2a for combination and in a non-circular shape, and the first outer portion 41 corresponds to an inward-retracted wall portion 3 of the vertical tube 2, 2a, and the wall portion 3 can be a flat wall (such as Figure 4 Therefore, the cross-section 40 of the tightening tube 20 and the expansion tube 10 may roughly correspond to the cross-section 40 of the vertical tube 2, 2a, so as to facilitate smooth insertion therein.

[0032] The expansion tube 10 further includes a plurality of hollow portions 14. The plurality of abutment plates 12 are disposed on opposite sides of the base 11, with each adjacent abutment plate 12 defining a hollow portion 14. The first flat end surface 411 is exposed within the hollow portion 14. Thus, with a small number of abutment plates 12, a stable radial abutment engagement with the inner wall of the riser 2, 2a is achieved. Furthermore, the overall size is small, allowing for smooth insertion into non-circular riser 2, 2a. The first flat end surface 411 may or may not be flush with the second flat end surface 412 in the axial direction.

[0033] The second outer portion 42 is flat (or concave), and the two opposing abutment pieces 12 define the first outer diameter D1. Specifically, the structure of the second outer portion 42 is the same as that of the first outer portion 41. The first outer portion 41 and the second outer portion 42 can correspond to the wall portions 3 on opposite sides of the I-shaped vertical tube 2, 2a, respectively. Figure 7 Therefore, it is possible to put D-type (such as Figure 4 ) vertical pipe 2, I-type vertical pipe 2a (such as Figure 7 ), or other non-circular vertical pipes.

[0034] The clamping tube 20 further includes an abutment section 22 connected to the clamping section 21. The plurality of abutment pieces 12 form a guide section 15 at one end opposite the base 11. At least one of the abutment section 22 and the guide section 15 tapers toward the base 11. Each abutment piece 12 is provided with at least one protruding abutment portion 16 on its outer periphery, corresponding to the guide section 15. When the expansion tube 10 is inserted into the vertical tubes 2, 2a, each protruding abutment portion 16 abuts against the inner wall of the vertical tubes 2, 2a. The guide section 15 and the abutment section 22 are tapered, inclined polygonal or arcuate surfaces. In this embodiment, they are tapered arcuate surfaces, providing a better guiding effect. It is worth mentioning that the protruding portion 16 corresponds to the guiding section 15, so that when the abutting section 22 abuts the guiding section 15, the plurality of abutting pieces 12 are radially expanded so that each of the protruding portions 16 initially radially abuts the inner wall of the vertical tube 2, 2a to prevent the expansion tube 10 from rotating relative to the vertical tube 2, 2a; then the bolt 30 is adjusted to move the tightening tube 20 downward toward the expansion tube 10, and the tightening section 21 is used to further radially expand the plurality of abutting pieces 12 so that each of the protruding portions 16 is further radially pressed against the inner wall of the vertical tube 2, 2a for positioning, thereby achieving a good positioning effect and preventing the expansion tube 10 from rotating relative to the vertical tube 2, 2a during the assembly process.

[0035] The clamping cylinder 20 is provided with at least one abutting portion 23. The clamping cylinder 20 defines a circumference around the central axis A. The at least one abutting portion 23 can abut at least one of the abutting plates 12 along the circumference. Preferably, the clamping cylinder 20 is integrally provided with a plurality of radially projecting abutting portions 23. The plurality of abutting portions 23 are spaced apart around the circumference. The plurality of abutting portions 23 can abut against the plurality of abutting plates 12 along the circumference. The plurality of abutting portions 23 integrally provided on the clamping cylinder 20 prevents the expansion cylinder 10 and the clamping cylinder 20 from rotating relative to each other. In this way, the anti-rotation function can be achieved with a small number of components. To further illustrate, before the tightening tube 20 and the expansion tube 10 are placed together into the vertical tube 2, 2a, at least a portion of them is located in the receiving chamber 13. At least one of the first outer portion 41 and the second outer portion 42 corresponds to the two wall portions 3 of the vertical tube 2, 2a. The plurality of abutting portions 23 can prevent the tightening tube 20 and the expansion tube 10 from rotating relative to each other during the process of being placed into the vertical tube 2, 2a, so that they can be smoothly placed into the vertical tube 2, 2a.

[0036] Each of the abutting pieces 12 is located between two adjacent abutting portions 23 and is disposed adjacent to the two abutting portions 23. Therefore, the distance between each abutting piece 12 and the two abutting portions 23 on opposite sides is small, allowing the expansion tube 10 and the tightening tube 20 to be stopped by the multiple abutting portions 23 even when they rotate slightly forward or reverse, thereby preventing large relative rotation. Each abutting portion 23 protrudes into the hollow portion 14; each abutting portion 23 has a first inclined surface 231 on one circumferential side, and each of the abutting pieces 12 has a second inclined surface 121 on at least one circumferential side. The first inclined surface 231 corresponds to the second inclined surface 121. The contact area between the first inclined surface 231 and the second inclined surface 121 of each abutting portion 23 is large, providing a stable resistance to rotational forces.

[0037] The bicycle headset expander 1 further includes a cover 50. The clamping tube 20 is provided with a first threaded section 24 on its circumferential wall. The cover 50 is provided with a second threaded section 51 screwed together with the first threaded section 24. The cover 50 is provided with a through hole 52, thereby connecting the cover 50 and the clamping tube 20 and guiding the cover 50 to move relative to the clamping tube 20. The cover 50 axially presses the head tube 4 and covers the stem tubes 2, 2a and the head tube 4.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bicycle headset expander, characterized in that: include: An expansion cylinder including a bottom and a plurality of abutment plates spaced apart from each other on the bottom, wherein the plurality of abutment plates enclose a chamber; a packing cylinder defining a central axis and including a packing section having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the chamber; and a bolt passing through the tightening tube and coupled to the expansion tube, the bolt being adjustable to drive the tightening tube into the chamber so that the tightening section radially presses against and expands the plurality of pressing plates; The cross section formed by the tightening tube and the expansion tube is non-circular, the cross section is transverse to the central axis, and the cross section defines a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, and the first outer diameter is different from the second outer diameter.

2. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two oppositely arranged abutment plates define the first outer diameter, and the second outer diameter is defined between a first outer portion and a second outer portion of the tightening tube. The first outer diameter and the second outer diameter pass through the central axis respectively, and the first outer diameter is larger than the second outer diameter.

3. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first outer portion and the second outer portion are planar.

4. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first outer portion includes a first flat end surface. The bottom is non-circular and has at least one second flat end surface. The at least one second flat end surface corresponds to the first flat end surface of the first outer portion in an axial direction.

5. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 3, wherein: The expansion tube and the tightening tube penetrate into a vertical tube for combination and having a non-circular shape, and the first outer portion corresponds to an inwardly contracted wall portion of the vertical tube.

6. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 4, characterized in that: The expansion tube further includes a plurality of hollow portions. The plurality of abutment pieces are arranged on two opposite sides of the bottom. A hollow portion is formed between two adjacent abutment pieces. The first flat end surface is exposed in one of the hollow portions.

7. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 1, wherein: The tightening tube further includes an abutment section connected to the tightening section. The plurality of abutment pieces form a guiding section at one end opposite to the bottom. At least one of the abutment section and the guiding section tapers toward the bottom. Each abutment piece is provided with at least one convex abutment portion corresponding to the guiding section on its outer periphery. When the expansion tube passes through a vertical pipe, each convex abutment portion abuts against the inner wall of the vertical pipe.

8. The bicycle headset expander according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The tightening cylinder is provided with at least one abutting portion. The tightening cylinder defines a circumference around the central axis. The at least one abutting portion can abut against at least one of the abutting pieces in the circumferential direction.

9. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 8, characterized in that: The tightening cylinder is integrally provided with a plurality of abutting portions protruding radially. The plurality of abutting portions are arranged at intervals around the circumference. The plurality of abutting portions can abut against the plurality of abutting sheets along the circumference.

10. The bicycle headset expander according to claim 6, wherein: The second outer portion is planar, and the two relatively arranged abutting pieces define the first outer diameter; the expansion tube and the tightening tube penetrate into a vertical tube for combination, and the first outer portion corresponds to an inwardly contracted wall portion of the vertical tube; the tightening tube further includes an abutting section connected to the tightening section, and the plurality of abutting pieces form a guiding section at one end relative to the bottom, and the abutting section and at least one of the guiding sections gradually shrink toward the bottom direction, and the outer periphery of each abutting piece is provided with at least one convex abutting portion corresponding to the guiding section, and when the expansion tube penetrates the vertical tube for combination, each convex abutting portion abuts against the inner wall of the vertical tube; the tightening tube is provided with at least one clamping portion, and the tightening tube defines a circumference around the central axis, and the at least one clamping portion can clamp at least one of the abutting pieces in the circumferential direction; the tightening tube is integrated A plurality of the abutting portions are radially protruded and arranged at intervals around the circumference, and the plurality of abutting portions can abut against the plurality of forced plates along the circumference; the bottom is provided with an end face, and a convex portion is extended axially from the end face, and a screw hole is passed through the convex portion, and the bolt is screwed into the screw hole; each of the forced plates is located between two adjacent abutting portions and is arranged adjacent to the two abutting portions; the bicycle bowl set expander further includes a cover member, the circumferential wall of the tightening cylinder is provided with a first threaded section, the cover member is provided with a second threaded section screwed with the first threaded section, and the cover member is passed through a through hole; each of the abutting portions protrudes into the hollow portion; each of the abutting portions is provided with a first inclined surface on one side in the circumferential direction, and each of the forced plates is provided with a second inclined surface on at least one side in the circumferential direction, and the first inclined surface corresponds to the second inclined surface.

Images