Lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure and clearance compensation method thereof
By employing an elastic compensation structure in the bicycle dropper seatpost, the problems of wear and high processing costs associated with rigid anti-rotation structures during long-term use are solved. This achieves stable and reliable anti-sway performance and low-cost adaptive compensation, thereby improving service life and handling feel.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610046819.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
AI Technical Summary
The rigid anti-spin structure of existing bicycle dropper seatposts is prone to wear during long-term use, resulting in increased clearance and high processing costs, as well as insufficient self-adaptive ability. It is difficult to achieve a balance between anti-spin performance, processing cost, and self-adaptive compensation capability.
An elastic compensation structure is adopted. An elastic compensation structure is set between the mounting part of the inner tube and the guide groove of the outer tube, so that it is in a pre-compressed state in the assembly state. The elastic restoring force is used to abut against the side wall of the guide groove to achieve axial sliding fit with zero or near zero clearance, and automatically compensate for the clearance caused by wear or manufacturing tolerance.
It achieves stable and reliable anti-shake performance throughout its entire life cycle, reduces processing accuracy requirements and manufacturing costs, improves handling, and extends service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN121553285A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of bicycle dropper seat post technology, and more specifically, to a dropper seat post with an elastic compensation structure and a method for compensating for the gap therebetween. Background Technology
[0002] The dropper seatpost is a key functional component of modern bicycles, especially mountain bikes and high-performance city bikes. It allows riders to quickly and safely adjust the saddle height while riding, dynamically adapting to different road conditions such as climbing and descending, thereby optimizing riding posture, improving pedaling efficiency, and enhancing handling. Its core structure includes an outer tube connected to the frame, an inner tube connected to the saddle and capable of extending and retracting within the outer tube, and an anti-rotation mechanism that ensures the inner tube can only slide axially and not rotate. The performance of this anti-rotation mechanism directly determines the stability, smoothness, and reliability of the seatpost during long-term use.
[0003] Currently, a common anti-rotation solution involves embedding a rigid metal or plastic pin in a groove on the outer wall of the inner tube, which then extends into a corresponding guide groove on the inner wall of the outer tube. This method, which relies on the rigid engagement of the pin and the guide groove to transmit torque, has the following drawbacks: First, the rigid contact surface is prone to wear under long-term reciprocating motion and vibration, leading to an irreversible increase in the fit clearance and causing the seat tube to wobble. Second, to control the initial wobble, the pin diameter, guide groove width, and their relative positions must be machined with extremely high precision, significantly increasing manufacturing costs and process complexity. Finally, this structure itself lacks self-adaptability; once a gap is created due to manufacturing tolerances or wear during use, its performance will continue to deteriorate, making it impossible to achieve a long-term stable fit.
[0004] In summary, existing rigid anti-rotation structures struggle to achieve a good balance between long-term anti-sway performance, manufacturing costs, and adaptive compensation capabilities.
[0005] Therefore, a new solution is needed to address this problem. Summary of the Invention
[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a lifting seat tube with an elastic compensation structure and a gap compensation method thereof, which has the advantages of durable performance, low manufacturing cost, and the ability to adaptively maintain stable fit.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a lifting seat tube with an elastic compensation structure, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube sleeved within the outer tube and capable of axial sliding, and further comprising an elastic compensation structure. An axially extending guide groove is formed on the inner wall of the outer tube, and a mounting portion is provided on the lower outer wall of the inner tube, opposite to the guide groove. The elastic compensation structure is mounted on the mounting portion and slidably engages with the guide groove. In its natural state, the width of the elastic compensation structure is greater than the width of the guide groove, so that in the assembled state, the elastic compensation structure is in a pre-compressed state along the width direction of the guide groove, and continuously abuts against the side wall of the guide groove by the elastic restoring force generated by the pre-compression state.
[0008] Preferably, the mounting part includes a mounting plane disposed on the lower outer wall of the inner tube, two abutting surfaces located on opposite sides of the mounting plane in the axial direction, and at least two limiting blocks protruding from the mounting plane. The elastic compensation structure is provided with a limiting groove that engages with the limiting blocks, and the two abutting surfaces limit the elastic compensation structure in the axial direction.
[0009] Preferably, the elastic compensation structure includes an elastic body and a stop block. The stop block is embedded inside the elastic body. The elastic body can undergo elastic deformation in the width direction of the guide groove. The stop block is used to limit the maximum amount of contraction of the elastic body in the width direction.
[0010] Preferably, the elastomer includes a long strip-shaped substrate, with multiple elastic sheets formed by bending on both sides of the substrate, and the elastic sheets on both sides of the substrate are bent towards each other. The elastic sheets on each side of the substrate are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the substrate. The stop block is disposed on the substrate and covered by the elastic sheets on both sides of the substrate. The limiting groove is a rectangular groove formed on the substrate. The stop block has an installation groove, which corresponds to the limiting groove and is used to match and fix it to the limiting block.
[0011] Preferably, the elastic compensation structure includes an elastic composite block, with U-shaped grooves on both sides of the elastic composite block, so that each side of the elastic composite block forms an elastically deformable elastic arm, and the portion of the elastic composite block located between the two elastic arms forms a rigid limiting part, with the limiting groove formed on the rigid limiting part.
[0012] Preferably, it further includes an upper bushing and a lower bushing. The upper bushing is fitted and fixed to the upper inner circumferential wall of the outer tube, and the inner circumferential wall of the upper bushing is slidably adapted to the outer circumferential wall of the inner tube. The lower bushing is fitted and fixed to the lower outer circumferential wall of the inner tube and is located below the elastic compensation structure. The outer circumferential wall of the lower bushing is slidably adapted to the inner circumferential wall of the outer tube.
[0013] Preferably, a stepped groove is provided on the upper inner peripheral wall of the outer tube, the outer peripheral wall of the upper bushing is interference-fitted with the stepped groove, and a first annular groove is provided on the lower outer peripheral wall of the inner tube, the lower bushing is snapped and fixed in the first annular groove.
[0014] Preferably, it further includes a sealing sleeve, an outer fixing sleeve, and a threaded block. The outer fixing sleeve is sleeved and fixed on the upper outer peripheral wall of the outer tube. A second annular groove is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the fixing sleeve. A snap-fit protrusion is provided on the sealing sleeve. The snap-fit protrusion is snapped and fixed into the second annular groove. The inner peripheral wall of the sealing sleeve is slidably adapted to the outer peripheral wall of the inner tube. The threaded block is threadedly connected to the lower end of the outer tube and is used to close the lower end opening of the outer tube.
[0015] Preferably, the number of guide grooves is set to multiple, and the multiple guide grooves are arranged in a circular array along the circumference of the outer tube. The mounting part and the guide grooves are arranged one-to-one in number and position.
[0016] A method for gap compensation for any of the above-mentioned lifting seat tubes includes the following steps:
[0017] S1. Install the elastic compensation structure onto the mounting part of the inner tube;
[0018] S2. The inner tube is assembled into the outer tube, so that the elastic compensation structure is embedded in the guide groove of the outer tube;
[0019] Wherein, the width of the elastic compensation structure in its natural state is greater than the width of the guide groove. When the inner tube is assembled into the outer tube, the elastic compensation structure is in a pre-compressed state in the width direction of the guide groove, and continuously abuts against the side wall of the guide groove by means of the elastic restoring force generated by the pre-compressed state, thereby realizing gap compensation.
[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of the lifting seat tube with an elastic compensation structure and its gap compensation method disclosed in this invention are as follows: By setting an elastic compensation structure between the mounting part of the inner tube and the guide groove of the outer tube, the width of the elastic compensation structure in its natural state is greater than the width of the guide groove. This allows the elastic compensation structure to be in a pre-compressed state along the width direction of the guide groove during assembly. The elastic restoring force generated by this pre-compression continuously abuts against the sidewall of the guide groove, thereby achieving a zero-gap or near-zero-gap axial sliding fit between the elastic compensation structure and the sidewall of the guide groove. Based on this configuration, the elastic compensation structure can continuously and automatically compensate for gaps caused by long-term wear or manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining stable and reliable anti-shaking performance throughout the entire lifespan of the lifting seat tube. Furthermore, because the elastic compensation structure has a certain deformation adaptability, it reduces the processing accuracy requirements of the inner tube, outer tube, and guide groove, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty. At the same time, compared with traditional rigid contact, elastic contact provides smoother guidance and reduces movement impact, not only improving the operating feel but also extending the overall service life of the lifting seat tube. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting seat tube with an elastic compensation structure according to an embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a lifting seat tube with an elastic compensation structure according to an embodiment of this application;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the guide groove and stepped groove in an embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation part according to an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic compensation structure in one embodiment;
[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic compensation structure in another embodiment;
[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A in the image.
[0029] The numbers or letters in the attached diagram represent the names of the corresponding components:
[0030] 1. Inner tube; 11. Abutting surface; 12. Limiting block; 13. Mounting plane; 14. First annular groove; 2. Sealing sleeve; 21. Snap-fit protrusion; 3. Outer fixing sleeve; 4. Outer tube; 41. Guide groove; 42. Stepped groove; 5. Threaded block; 6. Telescopic drive mechanism; 7. Elastic compensation structure; 71. Base; 711. Elastic sheet; 72. Stop block; 73. Elastic composite block; 731. U-shaped groove; 732. Elastic arm; 8. Lower bushing; 9. Limiting groove; 10. Upper bushing. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described through specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0032] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application provides a lifting seat tube with an elastic compensation structure, including an outer tube 4 and an inner tube 1 sleeved inside the outer tube 4 and capable of axial sliding. It also includes an elastic compensation structure 7. An axially extending guide groove 41 is formed on the inner wall of the outer tube 4, and a mounting portion is provided on the lower outer wall of the inner tube 1, opposite to the guide groove 41. The elastic compensation structure 7 is mounted on the mounting portion and slides in cooperation with the guide groove 41. In its natural state, the width of the elastic compensation structure 7 is greater than the width of the guide groove 41, so that in the assembled state, the elastic compensation structure 7 is in a pre-compressed state along the width direction of the guide groove 41, and continuously abuts against the side wall of the guide groove 41 by the elastic restoring force generated by the pre-compression state. To further improve the stability of the fit between the outer tube 4 and the inner tube 1, multiple guide grooves 41 are provided, arranged in a circular array along the circumference of the outer tube 4. The mounting portion and the guide groove 41 are arranged one-to-one in number and position.
[0033] In the above configuration, by setting an elastic compensation structure 7 between the mounting part of the inner tube 1 and the guide groove 41 of the outer tube 4, the elastic compensation structure 7 can restrict the circumferential rotation of the inner tube 1 relative to the outer tube 4, achieving efficient and durable anti-rotation and gap compensation functions. Specifically, the width of the elastic compensation structure 7 in its natural state is greater than the width of the guide groove 41, so that in the assembled state, the elastic compensation structure 7 is in a pre-compressed state along the width direction of the guide groove 41, and continuously abuts against the side wall of the guide groove 41 by means of the elastic restoring force generated by the pre-compression state, thereby achieving a zero-gap or near-zero-gap axial sliding fit between the elastic compensation structure 7 and the side wall of the guide groove 41. Based on this configuration, the elastic compensation structure 7 can continuously and automatically compensate for the gaps caused by long-term wear or manufacturing tolerances, thereby maintaining stable and reliable anti-sway performance throughout the entire life cycle of the lifting seat tube. Moreover, since the elastic compensation structure 7 has a certain deformation adaptability, it reduces the machining accuracy requirements of the inner tube 1, outer tube 4, and guide groove 41, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty. Meanwhile, compared with traditional rigid contact, elastic contact can provide smoother guidance and reduce movement impact, which not only improves the operating feel, but also helps to extend the overall service life of the lifting seat tube.
[0034] Please see Figure 4 In this embodiment, the mounting part includes a mounting plane 13 disposed on the lower outer wall of the inner tube 1, two abutment surfaces 11 located on opposite sides of the mounting plane 13 in the axial direction, and at least two limiting blocks 12 protruding from the mounting plane 13. The elastic compensation structure 7 is provided with a limiting groove 9 that engages with the limiting blocks 12. During assembly, the limiting groove 9 on the elastic compensation structure 7 is accurately engaged and fixed with the limiting blocks 12 of the inner tube 1, while the upper and lower abutment surfaces 11 constrain the elastic compensation structure 7 in the axial direction to prevent it from moving during operation.
[0035] Please see Figure 5In one embodiment, the elastic compensation structure 7 includes an elastic body and a stop block 72. The stop block 72 is embedded inside the elastic body. The elastic body can undergo elastic deformation in the width direction of the guide groove 41. The stop block 72 is used to limit the maximum amount of contraction of the elastic body in the width direction. Specifically, the elastic body includes a strip-shaped base 71. Multiple elastic sheets 711 are bent on both sides of the base 71, and the elastic sheets 711 on both sides of the base 71 are bent towards each other. The elastic sheets 711 on each side of the base 71 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the base 71. The elastic body can be formed by bending metal sheets with good elasticity, such as spring steel or phosphor bronze. The stop block 72 is disposed on the base 71 and covered by elastic sheets 711 on both sides of the base 71. The limiting groove 9 is a rectangular groove formed on the base 71. The stop block 72 has an installation groove, which corresponds to the limiting groove 9, for matching and locking onto the limiting block 12. The stop block 72 is made of rigid materials such as iron. In this configuration, the multiple elastic sheets 711 on both sides are arranged at intervals to provide multiple segments of uniformly distributed and smooth elastic clamping force when in contact with the side wall of the guide groove 41, avoiding local stress concentration. It also allows the elastic body to better adapt to the slight unevenness of the guide groove 41 surface, thus maintaining a stable and tight fit under complex stress conditions.
[0036] Please see Figure 6 In another embodiment, the elastic compensation structure 7 includes an elastic composite block 73. U-shaped grooves 731 are respectively formed on both sides of the elastic composite block 73, so that each side of the elastic composite block 73 forms an elastically deformable elastic arm 732. The portion of the elastic composite block 73 located between the two elastic arms forms a rigid limiting part, and a limiting groove 9 is formed on the rigid limiting part. The elastic composite block 73 can be made of spring steel or other metal materials such as stainless steel with a suitable elastic modulus. This design has the advantages of simple processing, low production cost, and convenient and quick assembly.
[0037] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7In this embodiment, to ensure smooth and stable sliding of the inner tube 1 within the outer tube 4, the invention also provides an upper bushing 10 and a lower bushing 8. The upper bushing 10 is fitted and fixed to the upper inner circumferential wall of the outer tube 4, with its inner circumferential wall slidably adapted to the outer circumferential wall of the inner tube 1. The lower bushing 8 is fitted and fixed to the lower outer circumferential wall of the inner tube 1 and is located below the elastic compensation structure 7, with its outer circumferential wall slidably adapted to the inner circumferential wall of the outer tube 4. Specifically, a stepped groove 42 is provided on the upper inner circumferential wall of the outer tube 4, and the outer circumferential wall of the upper bushing 10 is interference-fitted with the stepped groove 42. A first annular groove 14 is provided on the lower outer circumferential wall of the inner tube 1, and the lower bushing 8 is snapped and fixed within the first annular groove 14. The upper bushing 10 and the lower bushing 8 provide stable and smooth axial guidance and radial support for the sliding of the inner tube 1, making it less prone to radial movement.
[0038] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, to improve overall sealing, the present invention also includes a sealing sleeve 2, an outer fixing sleeve 3, and a threaded block 5. The outer fixing sleeve 3 is fitted and fixed on the upper outer peripheral wall of the outer tube 4. A second annular groove is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the fixing sleeve. The sealing sleeve 2 is provided with a snap-fit protrusion 21, which snaps and fixes into the second annular groove. The inner peripheral wall of the sealing sleeve 2 is slidably adapted to the outer peripheral wall of the inner tube 1. The sealing sleeve 2 is made of rubber. The threaded block 5 is threaded to the lower end of the outer tube 4 and is used to close the lower opening of the outer tube 4. The internal space formed between the threaded block 5 and the outer tube 4 can be used to accommodate a hydraulic system or a telescopic drive mechanism 6 such as a gas spring for controlling lifting and lowering. The specific configuration of the telescopic drive mechanism 6 can adopt conventional technology in the field, and it is not the focus of the improvement of the present invention, so it will not be described in detail here.
[0039] The present invention also discloses a clearance compensation method for any of the lifting seat tubes described in the present invention, comprising the following steps:
[0040] S1. Install the elastic compensation structure 7 on the mounting part of the inner tube 1;
[0041] S2. The inner tube 1 is assembled into the outer tube 4, so that the elastic compensation structure 7 is embedded in the guide groove 41 of the outer tube 4.
[0042] In this case, the width of the elastic compensation structure 7 in its natural state is greater than the width of the guide groove 41. When the inner tube 1 is assembled into the outer tube 4, the elastic compensation structure 7 is in a pre-compressed state in the width direction of the guide groove 41, and continuously abuts against the side wall of the guide groove 41 by means of the elastic restoring force generated by the pre-compressed state, thereby achieving gap compensation.
[0043] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A lifting seat tube with an elastic compensation structure, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube sleeved within the outer tube and capable of axial sliding, characterized in that: It also includes an elastic compensation structure. An axially extending guide groove is provided on the inner wall of the outer tube. An installation part is provided on the lower outer wall of the inner tube, which is opposite to the guide groove. The elastic compensation structure is installed on the installation part and slides with the guide groove. The width of the elastic compensation structure in its natural state is greater than the width of the guide groove, so that in the assembled state, the elastic compensation structure is in a pre-compressed state along the width direction of the guide groove, and continuously abuts against the side wall of the guide groove by the elastic restoring force generated by the pre-compression state.
2. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting part includes a mounting plane disposed on the lower outer wall of the inner tube, two abutting surfaces located on opposite sides of the mounting plane in the axial direction, and at least two limiting blocks protruding from the mounting plane. The elastic compensation structure is provided with a limiting slot that engages with the limiting blocks, and the two abutting surfaces limit the elastic compensation structure in the axial direction.
3. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic compensation structure includes an elastic body and a stop block. The stop block is embedded inside the elastic body. The elastic body can undergo elastic deformation in the width direction of the guide groove. The stop block is used to limit the maximum amount of contraction of the elastic body in the width direction.
4. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastomer includes a long strip-shaped substrate, with multiple elastic sheets formed by bending on both sides of the substrate, and the elastic sheets on both sides of the substrate are bent towards each other. The elastic sheets on each side of the substrate are arranged at intervals along the length of the substrate. The stop block is disposed on the substrate and is covered by the elastic sheets on both sides of the substrate. The limiting groove is a rectangular groove formed on the substrate. The stop block has an installation groove, which corresponds to the limiting groove and is used to match and fix it to the limiting block.
5. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic compensation structure includes an elastic composite block, with U-shaped grooves on both sides of the elastic composite block, so that each side of the elastic composite block forms an elastically deformable elastic arm. The portion of the elastic composite block located between the two elastic arms forms a rigid limiting part, and the limiting groove is formed on the rigid limiting part.
6. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an upper bushing and a lower bushing. The upper bushing is fitted and fixed to the inner circumferential wall of the upper end of the outer tube, and the inner circumferential wall of the upper bushing is slidably adapted to the outer circumferential wall of the inner tube. The lower bushing is fitted and fixed to the outer circumferential wall of the lower end of the inner tube and is located below the elastic compensation structure. The outer circumferential wall of the lower bushing is slidably adapted to the inner circumferential wall of the outer tube.
7. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A stepped groove is provided on the upper inner peripheral wall of the outer tube, and the outer peripheral wall of the upper bushing is interference-fitted with the stepped groove. A first annular groove is provided on the lower outer peripheral wall of the inner tube, and the lower bushing is snapped and fixed in the first annular groove.
8. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sealing sleeve, an outer fixing sleeve, and a threaded block. The outer fixing sleeve is fitted and fixed on the upper outer peripheral wall of the outer tube. A second annular groove is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the fixing sleeve. The sealing sleeve is provided with a snap-fit protrusion. The snap-fit protrusion is snapped and fixed into the second annular groove, and the inner peripheral wall of the sealing sleeve is slidably adapted to the outer peripheral wall of the inner tube. The threaded block is threadedly connected to the lower end of the outer tube and is used to close the lower opening of the outer tube.
9. The lifting seat tube with elastic compensation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of guide grooves is set to multiple, and the multiple guide grooves are arranged in a circular array along the circumference of the outer tube. The mounting part and the guide grooves are arranged one-to-one in number and position.
10. A method for gap compensation for a lifting seat tube as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Install the elastic compensation structure onto the mounting part of the inner tube; S2. The inner tube is assembled into the outer tube, so that the elastic compensation structure is embedded in the guide groove of the outer tube; Wherein, the width of the elastic compensation structure in its natural state is greater than the width of the guide groove. When the inner tube is assembled into the outer tube, the elastic compensation structure is in a pre-compressed state in the width direction of the guide groove, and continuously abuts against the side wall of the guide groove by means of the elastic restoring force generated by the pre-compressed state, thereby realizing gap compensation.