Space saving riser pipe

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of space simplified lifting seat pipe, comprising: outer tube, its outer tube has bottom end and top end opposite each other, bottom end is equipped with base inside, base has axial extension section, axial extension section extends towards outer tube top end, so that the inside of base forms accommodating portion;Inner tube, be in outer tube, and can produce relative axial reciprocating motion, inner tube has upper end and lower end opposite each other, upper end can install cushion, lower end is slid from the top end of outer tube in outer tube;And fluid passage;Therefore, accommodating portion can install the required component, effectively reaches the effect of space utilization optimization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a lifting seat tube, and more particularly to a lifting seat tube that effectively utilizes the bottom space of the inner tube and the outer tube. Background Technology

[0002] Most bicycle dropper seatposts on the market today have a seat pad mounted on top, and the bottom of the seatpost usually has a downward-protruding drive structure that allows the rider to operate it remotely with a cable. For example, a mechanical drive structure uses a cable to connect a control lever, and has a downward-protruding and exposed cable anchor point and guide pulley at the bottom of the seatpost. All such drive structures protrude from the bottom of the seatpost.

[0003] However, this drive structure, which protrudes from the bottom of the seat post, is exposed outside the seat post. For consumers, the exposed structure is more complex and is easily damaged by bumps or scratches, or it is easy to get oil, dirt and sand on it, which can lead to malfunctions.

[0004] Furthermore, in some small bicycle frame designs, the interior length of the seat tube is relatively short, and there is not enough space at the bottom of the seat tube to accommodate the aforementioned drive structure that protrudes beyond the bottom of the seat tube. This makes it impossible for consumers to choose to install this type of dropper seat tube inside the seat tube, and therefore it is not easy to be widely used in the market. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a space-simplified dropper seatpost. Without increasing the length of the existing seatpost, a receiving portion is provided inside the base at the bottom of the outer tube, and the necessary components are installed within the receiving portion. This effectively utilizes the existing space of the entire seatpost and simplifies the complexity of the parts at the bottom of the seatpost, achieving the advantage of reducing the space occupied under the bicycle seatpost.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a space-simplified lifting seat post, comprising: an outer tube having a bottom end and a top end opposite to each other, a base being provided inside the bottom end, a shaft tube being fixedly provided on the base, a piston being fixedly provided at the end of the shaft tube away from the base, a valve stem being provided on the piston shaft, the valve stem being capable of reciprocating along the piston shaft direction, the base having an axially extending section extending toward the top end of the outer tube, forming a receiving portion inside the base, the shaft tube being fixed at the top of the axially extending section of the base, and the valve stem extending from the piston toward the shaft tube into the receiving portion; an inner tube disposed inside the outer tube and capable of generating relative axial reciprocating motion, the inner tube having a top end and a bottom end opposite to each other, the top end being capable of mounting a seat cushion, the bottom end being slidably disposed inside the outer tube from the top end of the outer tube, a bushing being provided inside the bottom end for the shaft tube to pass through; and a fluid passage disposed between the piston and the valve stem.

[0007] Therefore, the accommodating section can install the necessary components, effectively achieving the effect of optimizing space utilization.

[0008] In some embodiments, a groove is formed at the lower end below the bushing, which allows the axial extension section to extend into the groove when the inner tube retracts into the outer tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, a motor is connected to the end of the valve stem, and the motor is held within the receiving portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the motor has an external threaded shaft screwed into an internal threaded hole in the valve stem, and the motor selectively controls the rising and falling motion of the valve stem through forward and reverse rotation.

[0011] In some embodiments, the motor is fixed at the center of the cover, and the cover is located at the bottom end to close the bottom end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the valve stem end is connected to a traction block, the traction block is held within the receiving portion, the traction block has a radially formed groove, and the traction block has an axially formed groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base includes a fastener that is secured to an opening at the bottom and prevents the base from detaching from the outer tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the axial extension section is kept parallel and spaced apart from the outer tube, and a buffer ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the axial extension section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the shaft tube is provided with a cushioning pad at the top of the axial extension.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fluid passage includes a first radial channel located above the piston and a second radial channel located below the piston. The valve stem reciprocates along the piston axis, thus the valve stem has a direction of motion. Fluid is applied to the periphery of the valve stem through the first radial channel, thus the fluid has a direction of fluid movement. The direction of fluid movement is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve stem.

[0017] In some embodiments, the opening from the deepest part of the receiving portion to the bottom has a depth, and when the inner tube extends outward to its end, there is a thickness between the top of the piston and the top of the bushing, the thickness of the piston being less than the depth of the receiving portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the axial extension has a height along the axial direction, and the groove has a depth, the depth of which is less than the height of the axial extension.

[0019] In some embodiments, an air nozzle is installed at the upper end of the inner tube.

[0020] In some embodiments, a safety valve is provided at the upper end and connected to the lower part of the air nozzle.

[0021] In some embodiments, a one-way valve is provided at the upper end and connected to the lower part of the air nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the seat tube according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the bushing taken from area A in the middle shows the relative positions of the piston, valve stem, and ferrule.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the base taken from area B in the middle section shows that the motor is installed inside the accommodating part.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the seat tube according to some embodiments of the present utility model, showing that a traction block is installed in the receiving part.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the seat tube according to some embodiments of the present utility model, showing one form of the air nozzle.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the seat tube according to some embodiments of the present utility model, showing one form of the air nozzle.

[0029] The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows: 100. Seat tube; 10. Outer tube; 101. Bottom end; 102. Top end; 11. Base; 111. Axial extension section; 112. Receiving part; 113. Buffer ring; 114. Cover; 115. Height; 116. Depth; 12. Shaft tube; 121. Buffer pad; 13. Piston; 131. Thickness; 14. Valve stem; 141. Internal threaded hole; 17. Dustproof ring; 18. Motor; 181. External threaded shaft; 20. Inner tube; 201. Upper end; 202. Lower end; 21. Card seat; 22. Bushing; 221. Receiving groove; 222. Depth; 23. Key; 25. Bushing; 26. Bushing; 28. Air nozzle; 281. Safety valve; 30. 1. Fluid passage; 33. First radial channel; 34. Second radial channel; S1. First space; S2. Second space; M1. Direction of movement; M2. Direction of fluid movement; 901. Brake cable end; 902. Brake cable; 100c. Seat tube; 10c. Outer tube; 101c. Bottom end; 11c. Base; 14c. Valve stem; 19c. Traction block; 191c. Fastener groove; 192c. Cable groove; 112c. Receiving part; 117c. Fastener; 100d. Seat tube; 20d. Inner tube; 201d. Upper end; 28d. Air nozzle; 282d. One-way valve; 100e. Seat tube; 20e. Inner tube; 201e. Upper end; 28e. Air nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] The technical solution of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model provides a space-simplified lifting seat tube 100, which includes an outer tube 10, an inner tube 20, and a fluid passage 30.

[0033] The outer tube 10 has a bottom end 101 and a top end 102 that are opposite to each other. The bottom end 101 of the outer tube 10 can be inserted into the seat tube (not shown) of the bicycle frame. A base 11 is provided inside the bottom end 101.

[0034] The inner tube 20 is disposed inside the outer tube 10 and is capable of relative axial reciprocating motion. The inner tube 20 has an upper end 201 and a lower end 202 that are opposite to each other. The upper end 201 can be used to install a seat cushion (not shown in the figure). In this embodiment, the upper end 201 of the inner tube 20 forms a retainer 21 for attaching the seat cushion. The lower end 202 slides from the top end 102 of the outer tube 10 inside the outer tube 10, and a bushing 22 is provided inside the lower end 202.

[0035] The inner tube 20 and the outer tube 10 are connected by at least one key 23 and a groove, preventing the inner tube 20 from rotating relative to the outer tube 10. A bushing 25 is provided between the lower end 202 of the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 10, and a bushing 26 is provided between the top end 102 of the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 20, making the relative reciprocating motion between the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 20 more stable and smooth. The top end 102 of the outer tube 10 is also provided with a dustproof ring 17, which can be used to scrape off dust and dirt from the outer surface of the inner tube 20, ensuring smooth sliding of the inner tube 20 within the outer tube 10 and improving its service life.

[0036] A shaft tube 12 is fixedly mounted on the base 11 of the outer tube 10, and the shaft tube 12 passes through the bushing 22 of the inner tube 20, that is, the bushing 22 allows the shaft tube 12 to pass through. A piston 13 is fixedly mounted on the end of the shaft tube 12 away from the base 11, and the piston 13 forms an airtight relationship with the inner side of the inner tube 20. The piston 13 divides the inner tube 20 into a first space S1 located above the piston 13 and a second space S2 located below the piston 13. A valve stem 14 is mounted on the axis of the piston 13, and the valve stem 14 can reciprocate along the axis of the piston 13, controlling the connection or closure between the first space S1 and the second space S2. When the valve stem 14 moves downward and forms a non-airtight connection with the piston 13, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are in a connected state; when the valve stem 14 moves upward and forms an airtight connection with the piston 13, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are in a closed state.

[0037] The base 11 has an axially extending section 111 that extends toward the top end 102 of the outer tube 10, forming a receiving portion 112 on the inner side of the base 11. This receiving portion 112 allows for the installation of necessary components, effectively optimizing space utilization. The axially extending section 111 is parallel and spaced apart from the outer tube 10, and a buffer ring 113 is fitted around the outer periphery of the axially extending section 111. The buffer ring 113 can withstand the impact of the lower end 202 of the inner tube 20 when the inner tube 20 retracts into the outer tube 10.

[0038] The shaft tube 12 is fixed to the top of the axial extension 111 of the base 11. A buffer pad 121 is provided at the top of the axial extension 111 of the shaft tube 12. The buffer pad 121 can withstand the impact of the bushing 22 when the inner tube 20 retracts into the outer tube 10. The valve stem 14 extends from the piston 13 towards the shaft tube 12 into the receiving portion 112, so that the end of the valve stem 14 is connected to the motor 18, which is held within the receiving portion 112. The motor 18 has an external threaded shaft 181 screwed into the internal threaded hole 141 of the valve stem 14. The motor 18 can selectively control the rising and falling movements of the valve stem 14 through forward and reverse rotation. The motor 18 is fixed to the center of the cover 114, and the cover 114 is located at the bottom end 101 of the outer tube 10, sealing the bottom end 101 of the outer tube 10, thus preventing dust, water, and dirt from entering the receiving portion 112.

[0039] The outer periphery of the axial extension 111 has a height of 115 along the axial direction. The deepest part of the receiving portion 112 of the base 11 extends to the opening at the bottom end 101 of the outer tube 10 with a depth of 116, so that components of appropriate size, such as the motor 18, can be installed in the receiving portion 112 within the depth 116, and the components do not exceed the opening at the bottom end 101 of the outer tube 10, thereby effectively utilizing the internal space of the lifting seat tube 100 and simplifying the spatial arrangement of the bottom end 101 of the outer tube 10.

[0040] The lower end 202 of the inner tube 20 forms a groove 221 below the bushing 22. When the inner tube 20 is retracted into the outer tube 10, the axial extension 111 of the base 11 can extend into the groove 221. The groove 221 has a depth 222, which is less than the height 115 of the axial extension 111, so that the groove 221 can be filled by the axial extension 111, effectively utilizing the space at the lower end 202 of the inner tube 20.

[0041] A fluid passage 30 is disposed between the piston 13 and the valve stem 14. The fluid passage 30 includes a first radial channel 33 disposed above the piston 13 and a second radial channel 34 disposed below the piston 13. Since the valve stem 14 reciprocates along the axial direction of the piston 13, the valve stem 14 has a direction of movement M1. The fluid in the first space S1 is applied to the periphery of the valve stem 14 through the first radial channel 33, so the fluid has a direction of fluid movement M2. The direction of fluid movement M2 is perpendicular to the direction of movement M1 of the valve stem 14. Therefore, the direction of movement M1 of the valve stem 14 is not affected by the fluid pressure at all, so only a very small force is required to move the valve stem 14 downward. Furthermore, when the inner tube 20 is subjected to downward pressure, such as the weight of a rider, the fluid in the first space S1 applies pressure to the periphery of the valve stem 14 through the first radial channel 33 along the fluid movement direction M2. Even if the pressure in the fluid movement direction M2 is large, the valve stem 14 can still move downward easily to release the airtight relationship between the valve stem 14 and the piston 13 because the fluid movement direction M2 is perpendicular to the movement direction M1 of the valve stem 14. This makes it quite easy and convenient to use.

[0042] When the inner tube 20 extends outward to its end, there is a thickness 131 between the top of the piston 13 and the top of the bushing 22. Since the first radial channel 33 is located above the piston 13 and the second radial channel 34 is located below the piston 13, and the valve stem 14 slides along the axial direction of the piston 13, the thickness 131 of the piston 13 can be designed to be very short. This effectively saves the axial space occupied by the piston 13 in the inner tube 20, and allows the inner tube 20 to still have a relatively long extension and retraction distance. The thickness 131 of the piston 13 is less than the depth 116 of the accommodating portion 112.

[0043] The upper end 201 of the inner tube 20 is equipped with an air nozzle 28, which allows the user to fill fluid to adjust the pressure of the first space S1. The upper end 201 of the inner tube 20 is also equipped with a safety valve 281 connected below the air nozzle 28, which can discharge excess pressure when the pressure of the first space S1 is too high.

[0044] When the motor 18 operates, the valve stem 14 moves downward axially, opening the first space S1 and the second space S2. Fluid in the first space S1 flows sequentially through the first radial channel 33, the periphery of the valve stem 14, and the second radial channel 34 before entering the second space S2, allowing the inner tube 20 to descend relative to the outer tube 10. Conversely, it allows the inner tube 20 to rise relative to the outer tube 10. When the motor 18 operates in the reverse direction, the valve stem 14 moves upward axially to return to its original position, closing the first space S1 and the second space S2. At this time, the inner tube 20 can be fixed in the desired position.

[0045] Specifically, without increasing the length of the outer tube 10, the accommodating portion 112 formed by the axial extension 111 of the base 11 effectively achieves the effect of space utilization optimization, allowing the accommodating portion 112 to install the necessary components such as the motor 18, without having to occupy the bottom space of the bicycle seat tube (not shown in the figure). The seat tube 100 product purchased by the user itself comes with the motor 18, which is very suitable for widespread use in the industry.

[0046] In addition, since all components can be installed in the housing 112, the overall appearance of the seat tube 100 is simple, with no objects exposed outside the bottom 101 of the outer tube 10. This not only completely avoids the problem of bumping and damaging the components, but also allows the housing 112 to effectively protect its internal components, making it a design that is quite in line with market demands.

[0047] like Figure 4 The image shows one embodiment of the seat tube 100c of this utility model. The variation in this embodiment is that the end of the valve stem 14c is connected to a traction block 19c, which is held within the receiving portion 112c. The traction block 19c has a radially formed groove 191c for accommodating the brake cable end 901, and an axially formed groove 192c for the brake cable 902 (i.e., steel cable) to pass through. Therefore, when the brake cable 902 is pulled by the user, the traction block 19c can move downwards, pulling down the valve stem 14c. The base 11c includes a fastener 117c, which can be fixed to the opening at the bottom end 101c of the outer tube 10c and prevent the base 11c from detaching from the outer tube 10c. All other functions are the same as in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0048] like Figure 5 The image shows an embodiment of the seat tube 100d of this utility model. The variation in this embodiment is that the upper end 201d of the inner tube 20d is provided with a one-way valve 282d connected to the lower part of the air nozzle 28d, which can set the internal pressure of the first space S1 at the factory.

[0049] like Figure 6 The image shows an embodiment of the seat tube 100e of this utility model. The variation in this embodiment is that the upper end 201e of the inner tube 20e is only equipped with an air nozzle 28e, which allows the user to fill fluid to adjust the pressure of the first space S1. This eliminates the need for other valve mechanisms and reduces costs.

[0050] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0051] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this disclosure.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A space-simplified lifting seat tube, characterized in that, include: An outer tube has a bottom end and a top end that are opposite to each other. A base is provided inside the bottom end. A shaft tube is fixedly provided in the base. A piston is fixedly provided at the end of the shaft tube away from the base. A valve stem is provided at the axis of the piston. The valve stem can reciprocate along the axis of the piston. The base has an axial extension section that extends toward the top end of the outer tube, so that the inner side of the base forms a receiving portion. The shaft tube is fixed at the top of the axial extension section. The valve stem extends from the piston toward the shaft tube into the receiving portion. An inner tube, disposed within the outer tube, is capable of relative axial reciprocating motion. The inner tube has an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other. The upper end is capable of mounting a seat cushion, and the lower end slides from the upper end into the outer tube. A bushing is provided within the lower end, through which the shaft tube passes. A fluid passage is provided between the piston and the valve stem.

2. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end forms a groove below the bushing, which allows the axial extension section to extend into the groove when the inner tube retracts into the outer tube.

3. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The valve stem end is connected to a motor, which is held within the receiving portion.

4. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The motor has an external threaded shaft that is screwed into the internal threaded hole of the valve stem, and the motor selectively controls the rising and falling motion of the valve stem through forward and reverse rotation.

5. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The motor is fixed at the center of the cover, and the cover is located at the bottom end to close the bottom end.

6. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The valve stem end is connected to a traction block, which is held within the receiving portion. The traction block has a radial groove and an axial groove.

7. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The base includes a fastener that is fixed to the opening at the bottom end and prevents the base from detaching from the outer tube.

8. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The axial extension section is parallel and spaced apart from the outer tube, and a buffer ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the axial extension section.

9. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The shaft tube has a buffer pad at the top of the axial extension section.

10. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fluid passage includes a first radial channel located above the piston and a second radial channel located below the piston. The valve stem reciprocates along the piston axis, thus the valve stem has a direction of movement. Fluid is applied to the periphery of the valve stem through the first radial channel, thus the fluid has a direction of fluid movement. The direction of fluid movement is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve stem.

11. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The opening from the deepest part of the accommodating portion to the bottom end has a depth, and when the inner tube extends outward to its end, there is a thickness between the top of the piston and the top of the bushing, and the thickness of the piston is less than the depth of the accommodating portion.

12. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the axial extension has a height along the axial direction, and the groove has a depth, the depth of the groove being less than the height of the axial extension.

13. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that, An air nozzle is installed at the upper end of the inner tube.

14. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The upper end is provided with a safety valve connected to the lower part of the air nozzle.

15. The space-simplified lifting seat tube as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The upper end is provided with a one-way valve connected to the lower part of the air nozzle.

Images