Bicycle seat tube assembly with shock absorption function

Abstract

The utility model provides a bicycle seat tube assembly with a shock absorption function. The bicycle seat tube assembly comprises a seat tube component, a buffer adjusting component and a buffer element, the buffer adjusting assembly is detachably arranged at the top of the seat tube assembly and provided with an adjusting fixing seat, at least one positioning piece, an adjusting rod and a guide block, the positioning piece abuts against the outer circumferential face of the adjusting fixing seat and the inner circumferential face of the seat tube assembly at the same time, and one side of the guide block abuts against the bottom end of the adjusting rod. The adjusting rod is arranged in the adjusting fixing seat in a penetrating mode and can move relative to the adjusting fixing seat, so that the guide block is driven to move up and down. The buffer element abuts against the other side of the guide block of the buffer adjusting assembly. Accordingly, the preload of the buffer element can be changed through the adjusting rod, and the buffer adjusting assembly can be disassembled and assembled through the top of the seat tube assembly so as to be convenient to maintain and repair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle seatpost technology, and in particular to a bicycle seatpost assembly with shock absorption function. It provides a design that allows for easy adjustment of the preload of the cushioning element through a cushioning adjustment component to suit various riding needs. Background Technology

[0002] To prevent rider discomfort when riding a bicycle on bumpy roads, a shock absorber is installed between the saddle and the seatpost to absorb vibrations. Most current bicycle seatposts utilize pneumatic or hydraulic systems for this shock absorption, which, in addition to increasing structural complexity, also leads to difficulties in maintenance.

[0003] Therefore, some bicycle seatposts use a shock-absorbing structure instead of a pneumatic or hydraulic one. This shock-absorbing structure is made of rubber, urethane, or other elastic materials to reduce vibrations transmitted to the saddle. Patent publication M636793 provides an improved shock-absorbing seatpost with a shock-absorbing component housed in an inner tube. This component includes a first seat, a second seat, and a shock-absorbing structure. The first seat has an elongated slot, allowing a fixing rod to pass through a hole in the inner tube and then into the slot to secure a first fixing part of the first seat. The rider can use a tool to rotate the screw of the first seat, causing the screw to compress or release the shock-absorbing structure, thereby adjusting the shock absorption effect of the shock-absorbing structure.

[0004] Such buffer structures are generally manufactured with a fixed elastic coefficient, which cannot meet the needs of riders of various sizes or various road conditions in actual use. Therefore, the previous patent proposed a mechanism for adjusting the buffer structure, which uses the change of the screw position in the inner tube to adjust the preload of the buffer structure. However, in order to avoid the components below the screw from spinning freely with the rotation of the screw tube, a fixing rod is used to restrict the first fixing part to prevent the first fixing part from rotating. However, in order to set up the fixing rod, the original structure of the inner tube is damaged, resulting in a decrease in the strength of the seat tube. Moreover, when disassembling and assembling the buffer assembly located in the inner tube, it is necessary to operate from the bottom of the entire seat tube. Other components inside the seat tube must be removed before the buffer assembly can be removed. This is a structural design that is quite unfavorable for assembly or maintenance.

[0005] Therefore, the applicant considered how to provide a bicycle seatpost that allows for adjustable cushioning while also being easy for personnel to maintain and repair. Utility Model Content

[0006] Given the numerous shortcomings of existing bicycle seatposts, the main objective of this invention is to provide a bicycle seatpost assembly with shock absorption function, improve the structure of the cushioning adjustment component, make assembly or disassembly more convenient, and allow users to adjust the preload of the cushioning element.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, this utility model provides a bicycle seatpost assembly with shock absorption function, comprising a seatpost assembly, a shock-adjusting assembly, and a shock-absorbing element. The seatpost assembly has a hollow structure with an opening at its top. The shock-adjusting assembly passes through the opening of the seatpost assembly and is detachably mounted on the top of the seatpost assembly. The shock-adjusting assembly has an adjustment base, at least one positioning member, an adjustment rod, and a guide block. The adjustment rod passes through the adjustment base, and the positioning member abuts against both the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment base and the inner circumferential surface of the seatpost assembly. One side of the guide block abuts against the bottom end of the adjustment rod, allowing the adjustment rod to move relative to the adjustment base, causing the guide block to move vertically. The shock-absorbing element abuts against the other side of the guide block of the shock-adjusting assembly.

[0008] Through the aforementioned technical features, users can directly maintain the cushioning adjustment assembly through the opening at the top of the seat tube assembly, making it a structural design that facilitates assembly and maintenance. Furthermore, users can operate the adjustment rod to move it relative to the adjustment fixing seat, causing the guide block to compress or release the cushioning element, thereby adjusting the preload function of the cushioning element. Since the positioning element is located between the adjustment fixing seat and the seat tube assembly, the adjustment fixing seat and the seat tube assembly are mutually fixed, restricting the position of the adjustment fixing seat. Therefore, during the operation of the adjustment rod, the adjustment fixing seat will not move with the adjustment rod; only the adjustment rod will move relative to the adjustment fixing seat to push the guide block. This type of cushioning adjustment assembly avoids damage to the structure of the seat tube assembly, eliminating the need for machining the seat tube assembly and maintaining its strength.

[0009] Preferably, the seat tube assembly includes an outer tube, a set of inner tubes disposed on the outer tube, and a headstock disposed at the top of the outer tube. The buffer adjustment assembly and buffer element are disposed inside the outer tube and the headstock. Therefore, the buffer adjustment assembly can be installed without changing the structure of the outer tube and the headstock. This type of seat tube assembly without drilling can maintain the original structural strength of the outer tube and the headstock, and also has good waterproof performance.

[0010] Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment fixing seat of the buffer adjustment assembly is recessed to form at least one positioning groove, so that the positioning member is engaged with the adjustment fixing seat through the positioning groove. Therefore, the positioning member is securely set on the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment fixing seat, which can improve the convenience of assembly and prevent the positioning member from shifting in the seat tube assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the inner circumferential surface of the adjusting base of the buffer adjustment assembly is formed with an internal thread, and the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting rod is formed with an external thread, so that the adjusting rod engages with the adjusting base and can rotate relative to the adjusting base to produce vertical displacement. Therefore, the adjusting base and the adjusting rod move through the threaded engagement, and the stroke of the adjusting rod can be gradually adjusted as needed to allow the buffer element to reach the most suitable preload.

[0012] Preferably, the top of the adjusting rod of the buffer adjusting assembly forms an operating part, which is hexagonal in shape. Therefore, the user can start to rotate the adjusting rod by engaging a hex wrench with the operating part, which facilitates the user's operation of the adjusting rod.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom end of the adjusting rod of the buffer adjustment assembly is recessed to form a locking portion, and the guide block has an inner ring wall and an outer ring wall opposite to the inner ring wall. The inner ring wall passes through and engages with the locking portion of the adjusting rod, and the adjusting rod abuts against the area between the inner ring wall and the outer ring wall. Therefore, the guide block is more securely attached to the adjusting rod, and can move linearly when the guide block is driven, making the result of each adjustment of the buffer element preload more consistent.

[0014] Preferably, the buffer adjustment assembly further includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The first sealing ring is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the top of the adjustment fixing seat and abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the seat tube assembly. The second sealing ring is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the top of the adjustment rod and abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the adjustment fixing seat. Therefore, the first sealing ring ensures good waterproof performance between the buffer adjustment assembly and the seat tube assembly, while the second sealing ring ensures good waterproof performance of the buffer adjustment assembly itself, preventing corrosion of the components inside the seat tube assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the cushioning adjustment assembly further includes a cover having a locking portion extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The cover is assembled on top of the seat post assembly and covers the top of the adjustment fixing seat and the adjustment rod. Therefore, the cover can prevent external dirt or moisture from seeping into the seat post assembly, reducing the chance of damage to the cushioning adjustment assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the buffer adjustment assembly further includes a base disposed at the end of the buffer element that does not abut against the guide block. Therefore, the base and the guide block are in a clamping state for the buffer element, and one end of the buffer element can be compressed or released with the base as a fulcrum, which can improve the stability of the buffer element's operation.

[0017] Preferably, the cushioning element is made of rubber, urethane, or a spring. Therefore, the cushioning element provides shock absorption with a simple structure, making the user's riding experience more comfortable.

[0018] Detailed construction, features, assembly, and usage of the shock-absorbing bicycle seatpost assembly provided by this invention will be described in the subsequent detailed description of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that such detailed descriptions and the specific embodiments listed in this invention are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the buffer adjustment component of this utility model, showing the form without a base;

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the buffer adjustment component of this utility model, showing the form without a base;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged view; and

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, showing the form of the compression buffer element.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the meanings of the reference numerals are as follows:

[0026] 10 - Bicycle seatpost assembly;

[0027] 20 - Seat tube assembly;

[0028] 21-Outer tube;

[0029] 22-Inner tube;

[0030] 23-Head Seat;

[0031] 24-Opening;

[0032] 25 - Bow fixing component;

[0033] 30-Buffer Adjustment Component;

[0034] 31 - Adjust the mounting bracket;

[0035] 311 - Positioning groove;

[0036] 32-Positioning component;

[0037] 33 - Adjusting lever;

[0038] 331-Operating Section;

[0039] 332-Cartridge section;

[0040] 34-guide block;

[0041] 341 - Inner ring wall;

[0042] 342 - Outer ring wall;

[0043] 343 - Annular bump;

[0044] 35 - Base;

[0045] 36 - First sealing ring;

[0046] 37 - Second sealing ring;

[0047] 38-Cap;

[0048] 381-Locking part;

[0049] 40 - Buffer element. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The applicant first clarifies that in the embodiments and accompanying drawings described below, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or their structural features. It should be noted that the elements and structures in the drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not drawn to scale or in quantity; features of different embodiments may be used interchangeably if feasible in practice. Secondly, when referring to an element disposed on another element, it means that the aforementioned element is directly disposed on the other element, or indirectly disposed on the other element; that is, one or more other elements are disposed between the two elements. Conversely, when referring to an element "directly" disposed on another element, it means that no other elements are disposed between the two elements.

[0051] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The bicycle seatpost assembly 10 with shock absorption function provided by this utility model mainly includes a seatpost assembly 20, a buffer adjustment assembly 30 and a buffer element 40.

[0052] The seat post assembly 20 is a hollow structure, comprising an outer tube 21, an inner tube 22, and a headstock 23. The outer tube 21 is fitted onto the inner tube 22, and a lifting valve can be installed in the inner tube 22. The headstock 23 is assembled at the top of the outer tube 21, and the top of the headstock 23 forms an opening 24 that connects to the interior of the outer tube 21. A seat arch fixing member 25 is then assembled on the headstock 23 to install the seat arch and seat cushion. Alternatively, the headstock 23 can be selectively formed at the top of the outer tube 21, making the headstock 23 and the outer tube 21 an integral structure. When installing the buffer adjustment assembly 30 and the buffer element 40, they are inserted through the opening 24 of the seat post assembly 20 to the top of the seat post assembly 20, i.e., inside the headstock 23 and the outer tube 21. When removing the buffer adjustment assembly 30 and the buffer element 40, they are also removed through the opening 24 of the seat post assembly 20.

[0053] The buffer adjustment assembly 30 includes an adjustment fixing seat 31, four positioning members 32, an adjustment rod 33, and a guide block 34. The inner circumferential surface of the adjustment fixing seat 31 forms an internal thread, and the outer circumferential surface is concave to form four equidistant positioning grooves 311. The positioning members 32 can be, for example, elongated pins, which are respectively engaged in the four positioning grooves 311 of the adjustment fixing seat 31. The outer circumferential surface of the adjustment rod 33 forms an external thread, and an internal hexagonal operating part 331 is formed at the top end, while a locking part 332 is formed at the bottom end. The locking part 332 is a cylindrical slot formed concave from the center of the bottom end of the adjustment rod 33, and an annular groove is formed around the slot. The guide block 34 is an annular plate with an inner ring wall 341 extending upward from the central circular hole. An outer ring wall 342 also extends upward from the outer edge of the guide block 34. The thickness of the inner ring wall 341 is higher than that of the outer ring wall 342, and an annular protrusion 343 protrudes from the outer circumference of the inner ring wall 341.

[0054] In this embodiment, the adjusting fixing seat 31 forms four positioning grooves 311 and is equipped with four positioning elements 32. When the buffer adjusting assembly 30 is installed into the seat tube assembly 20, the four positioning elements 32 make the adjusting fixing seat 31 tightly connected to the inner circumferential surface of the seat tube assembly 20, so that the adjusting fixing seat 31 can have the best anti-rotation and anti-displacement effect. However, the configuration of only one positioning groove 311 and one positioning element 32 can also limit the position of the adjusting fixing seat 31, but this configuration is prone to causing uneven force on the adjusting fixing seat 31.

[0055] When assembling the buffer adjustment assembly 30, the adjustment rod 33 passes through the adjustment fixing seat 31, and the external thread of the adjustment rod 33 engages with the internal thread of the adjustment fixing seat 31. The inner ring wall 341 of the guide block 34 then passes through the locking part 332 of the adjustment rod 33, so that the annular protrusion 343 of the inner ring wall 341 engages with the annular groove of the locking part 332, so that the guide block 34 is connected to the adjustment rod 33 in a linked state. At this time, the bottom end of the adjustment rod 33 will abut against the area between the inner ring wall 341 and the outer ring wall 342 of the guide block 34. According to the movement of the adjustment rod 33 in the adjustment fixing seat 31, the guide block 34 can be driven to move up and down. When the bottom end of the adjusting rod 33 is flush with the bottom end of the adjusting fixed seat 31, the bottom end of the adjusting fixed seat 31 will also abut against the area between the inner ring wall 341 and the outer ring wall 342 of the guide block 34. Since the adjusting fixed seat 31 is restricted by the positioning member 32 and cannot move, this position is the origin of the movement of the adjusting rod 33.

[0056] One end of the buffer element 40 abuts against the side of the guide block 34 that does not abut against the adjusting rod 33, and the other end can directly abut against the top of the inner tube 22 or against a base 35. The base 35 passes through and is fixed to the top of the inner tube 22, so that the end of the buffer element 40 that does not abut against the guide block 34 can abut against the top surface of the base 35, and the buffer element 40 can be positioned in the seat tube assembly 20 by the base 35.

[0057] Please refer to this again. Figure 5 To improve the durability of the bicycle seatpost assembly 10, the cushioning adjustment assembly 30 further includes a first sealing ring 36, a second sealing ring 37, and a cover 38. The first sealing ring 36 and the second sealing ring 37 are O-rings. The first sealing ring 36 is disposed between the adjustment fixing seat 31 and the seatpost assembly 20, fitting against the outer peripheral surface of the top of the adjustment fixing seat 31 and abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the seatpost assembly 20. Therefore, the first sealing ring 36 fits tightly against the adjustment fixing seat 31 and the seatpost assembly 20, sealing the gap between them. The second sealing ring 37 is disposed between the adjustment fixing seat 31 and the adjustment rod 33, fitting against the outer peripheral surface of the top of the adjustment rod 33 and abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the adjustment fixing seat 31. Therefore, the second sealing ring 37 fits tightly against the adjustment fixing seat 31 and the adjustment rod 33, sealing the gap between them. The configuration of the first sealing ring 36 and the second sealing ring 37 prevents water from flowing into the interior of the adjustment fixing seat 31 and the adjustment rod 33 from entering the bicycle seat post assembly 10, thus providing good waterproof performance.

[0058] The cover 38 is U-shaped with an internal hexagonal locking part 381 at the center. The locking part 381 penetrates the top and bottom surfaces of the cover 38. External threads are selectively formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover 38, while internal threads are correspondingly formed on the inner circumferential surface of the headstock 23 of the seat tube assembly 20. This allows the cover 38 to be locked into the headstock 23 through the opening 24 of the seat tube assembly 20. When the cover 38 is installed inside the seat tube assembly 20, it is positioned above the adjusting base 31 and the adjusting rod 33, thus covering the tops of the adjusting base 31 and the adjusting rod 33. This reduces the chance of external dirt or moisture entering the interior of the buffer adjusting assembly 30, achieving a dustproof and waterproof effect. Furthermore, the cover 38 can also fix the position of the adjusting base 31 and the adjusting rod 33, preventing them from easily detaching from the opening 24 of the seat tube assembly 20.

[0059] Please refer to this again. Figure 6 In actual operation, since the locking part 381 of the cover 38 and the operating part 331 of the adjusting rod 33 are connected to each other, and the size of the locking part 381 is larger than the size of the operating part 331, the user can pass a hex wrench through the locking part 381 of the cover 38 and then lock it into the operating part 331 of the adjusting rod 33 to rotate the adjusting rod 33.

[0060] To increase the preload of the buffer element 40, the user uses a hex wrench to rotate the adjusting rod 33. The adjusting base 31 is restricted from rotation by the positioning member 32, allowing the adjusting rod 33 to move downwards relative to the adjusting base 31. The guide block 34 also moves downwards with the adjustment rod 33. This pushes the buffer element 40, compressing it with its end against the base 35 as a fulcrum, thus increasing the preload of the buffer element 40. Conversely, when the user rotates the adjusting rod 33, it moves upwards relative to the adjusting base 31. The guide block 34 moves upwards with the adjustment rod 33. This reduces the force pushing the buffer element 40, causing it to rebound due to its own tension, thus reducing the preload of the buffer element 40.

[0061] In summary, the bicycle seatpost assembly 10 with shock absorption function provided by this utility model has at least the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0062] 1. The bicycle seat post assembly 10 provided by this utility model has an adjustment rod 33 of the buffer adjustment component 30 that can move relative to the adjustment fixing seat 31, so that the guide block 34 that abuts against the adjustment rod 33 is driven, so that the buffer element 40 is compressed or released, thereby changing the preload function of the buffer element 40, and is more suitable for riders of various sizes and various road conditions.

[0063] 2. In the bicycle seatpost assembly 10 provided by this utility model, the positioning member 32 of the buffer adjustment component 30 is disposed between the adjustment fixing seat 31 and the seatpost assembly 20. The positioning member 32 will simultaneously abut against the adjustment fixing seat 31 and the seatpost assembly 20, so the adjustment fixing seat 31 is in a state of mutual locking and fixing with the seatpost assembly 20. Since the seatpost assembly 20 itself is a fixed tube, the adjustment fixing seat 31 is restricted to a state where it cannot rotate or move. This design does not need to damage the structure of the seatpost assembly 20 and can maintain the original strength of the seatpost assembly 20.

[0064] 3. The bicycle seatpost assembly 10, the buffer adjustment component 30 and the buffer element 40 provided by this utility model can be installed or removed through the opening 24 at the top of the seatpost assembly 20. It is not necessary to remove other components from the seatpost assembly 20 before working on the buffer adjustment component 30. This is a structure that is convenient for assembly and maintenance.

[0065] Finally, it must be stated again that the constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments of this utility model are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Substitutions or variations of other equivalent elements should also be within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A bicycle seat tube assembly, characterized by, The invention relates to a seat tube assembly, a buffer adjusting assembly and a buffer element. The seat tube assembly comprises an outer tube, a plurality of inner tubes arranged in the outer tube, and a head seat arranged at the top end of the outer tube. The buffer adjusting assembly is arranged in the seat tube assembly through the opening of the seat tube assembly and is detachably arranged at the top of the seat tube assembly. The buffer adjusting assembly comprises an adjusting fixing seat, at least one positioning member, an adjusting rod and a guide block.

2. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The adjusting rod is arranged in the adjusting fixing seat.

3. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The positioning member simultaneously abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting fixing seat and the inner circumferential surface of the seat tube assembly.

4. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, One side of the guide block abuts against the bottom end of the adjusting rod.

5. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The adjusting rod can move relative to the adjusting fixing seat, so that the guide block is driven to move up and down.

6. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The buffer element abuts against the other side of the guide block of the buffer adjusting assembly.

7. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The adjusting fixing seat of the buffer adjusting assembly is concave in the outer circumferential surface to form at least one positioning groove, so that the positioning member is clamped in the adjusting fixing seat through the positioning groove.

8. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The inner circumferential surface of the adjusting fixing seat of the buffer adjusting assembly is formed with internal threads.

9. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The outer circumferential surface of the adjusting rod is formed with external threads, so that the adjusting rod is engaged with the adjusting fixing seat and can rotate relative to the adjusting fixing seat to move up and down.

10. The bicycle seatpost assembly of claim 1, wherein, The top end of the adjusting rod of the buffer adjusting assembly is formed with an operating portion in the shape of an internal hexagon. The bottom end of the adjusting rod of the buffer adjusting assembly is concave to form a clamping portion. The guide block is provided with an inner annular wall and an outer annular wall opposite to the inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is arranged in and clamped in the clamping portion of the adjusting rod. The adjusting rod abuts against the region between the inner annular wall and the outer annular wall. The buffer adjusting assembly further comprises a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The first sealing ring is arranged at the outer circumferential surface of the top of the adjusting fixing seat and abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the seat tube assembly. The second sealing ring is arranged at the outer circumferential surface of the top of the adjusting rod and abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the adjusting fixing seat. The buffer adjusting assembly further comprises a cover body provided with a locking portion penetrating through the top surface and the bottom surface. The cover body is arranged at the top of the seat tube assembly and covers the top end of the adjusting fixing seat and the adjusting rod. The buffer element is selected from rubber blocks, super rubber blocks or springs.

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