Telescopic assembly with an uneven bushing

Abstract

A telescopic assembly with a bushing of uneven thickness is provided. The telescopic assembly includes a second telescopic element that is slidably coupled to a first telescopic element. The bushing of uneven thickness is coupled to one end of the second telescopic element and is located between the second and first telescopic elements. The bushing of uneven thickness includes a bushing body forming a ring with an opening extending through it; a first section extending from the bushing body on one side of the ring, the first section having a first thickness; and a second section extending from the bushing body on a side of the ring opposite the side of the first section, the second section having a second thickness.The first thickness is greater than the second thickness, which places an axis of the second telescopic element in a position that is not coaxial with an axis of the first telescopic element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical field This invention relates generally to a telescopic assembly for use in a vehicle and in particular to a telescopic assembly with a bushing of uneven thickness for use in a vehicle. State of the art Telescopic assemblies are used in vehicles for various reasons. Often, these assemblies include an inner and an outer support that are movable relative to each other. These telescopic assemblies frequently require a force to move the movable element. In some cases, the applied load is not directed axially toward the telescopic assembly, but rather at an angle that results in an axial force and a lateral force in at least one other direction. If the connection between the inner and outer supports is loose, the lateral force can cause the inner support to jam against the outer support, impairing the proper functioning of the telescopic assembly. An example of this type of telescopic assembly is a dropper seatpost. When riding with a dropper seatpost, the bushings ensure that the post can slide freely as it extends and compresses. If the fit is too loose, the seatpost can rattle or make noise. Furthermore, if the fit is too loose, the upper (inner) post can shift within the lower (outer) post and, as the dropper seatpost extends or compresses, come into contact with components that should not be in the load path. This can result in a high-friction feel, cause the seatpost to bind and not extend or compress freely, or damage internal components. This experience is exacerbated if a rider is seated on the seatpost and attempts to operate the dropper seatpost.The rider's body weight is never applied purely axially to the saddle or seatpost, but rather exerts a lateral load on the system. In cases of significant lateral load, a loose fit can exacerbate the blockage, preventing the seatpost from fully compressing. This can be perceived negatively by the rider, as it makes the seatpost feel "cheap" or causes excessive / disruptive movement under varying pedaling forces. This is a fundamental problem with all dropper seatposts and is generally addressed by the design. One way to counteract this is to mount the bushings tightly, which in turn leads to further problems. An excessively tight bushing also results in high resistance in the seatpost's movement. This can lead to a seatpost that cannot extend or compress freely. DE 197 05 197 C1 describes a bushing for a gas bearing of a high-speed rotating tool with sections of different thicknesses. Based on this, the present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This problem is solved by a bushing with the features of claim 1, a telescopic suspension with the features of claim 12, and a seat post with the features of claim 16. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The foregoing and further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more comprehensive understanding of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the claims in conjunction with the figures, in which identical reference numerals in all figures refer to similar elements, and: Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a bushing of uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 3A is a sectional view of a dropper seatpost with a bushing of uneven thickness according to one embodiment; Fig. 3B is an enlarged sectional view of a dropper seatpost with a bushing of uneven thickness according to one embodiment; Fig. 3C is an enlarged sectional view of a dropper seatpost with a bushing of uneven thickness without a load on the dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig.Fig. 3D is an enlarged sectional view of a dropper seatpost with a bushing of uneven thickness bearing a load according to one embodiment; Fig. 4A is a side view of an inner support of a dropper seatpost with a bushing of uneven thickness according to one embodiment; Fig. 4B is an end view of a dropper seatpost with a bushing of uneven thickness according to one embodiment; Fig. 5A is a top view of a bushing of uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 5B is a perspective view of a bushing of uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 6A is a top view of another embodiment of a bushing of uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig.Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the bushing with uneven thickness from Fig. 6A for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 7A is a top view of another embodiment of a bushing with uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the bushing with uneven thickness from Fig. 7A for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 8A is a top view of another embodiment of a bushing with uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 8B is a perspective view of the bushing with uneven thickness from Fig. 8A for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig.Fig. 9A is a top view of a further embodiment of a bushing with uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the bushing with uneven thickness of Fig. 9A for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 10A is a top view of a further embodiment of a bushing with uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 10B is a perspective view of the bushing with uneven thickness of Fig. 10A for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 11A is a top view of a further embodiment of a bushing with uneven thickness for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 11B is a perspective view of the bushing with uneven thickness of Fig.11A for use with a dropper seatpost according to one embodiment; Fig. 12A is a top view of an embodiment of a uniform bushing according to another embodiment; and Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the uniform bushing of Fig. 112A according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FORMATIONS OF THE INVENTION As explained above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a telescopic assembly, such as a dropper seatpost, with a bushing of uneven thickness. With reference to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows an example, without limitation, of a dropper seatpost 30 coupled to a bicycle 50. As shown, when a rider sits on a seat 52 coupled to the dropper seatpost 30, a load force 100 is exerted on the seat 52. This load 100 is not exerted entirely axially along the axis of the dropper seatpost 30 and therefore results in an axial force 102 along the seatpost 30 and a lateral force 104 towards the rear of the bicycle 50. This results in a lateral loading of the bushings. Consequently, both the upper and lower bushings in the dropper seatpost 30 are subjected to load. The direction in which the lateral load is applied is predictable, as in the most common loading scenario the rider usually sits on a rear side of the saddle, which can cause the dropper seatpost to lock under load.This places a load on the back of the upper bushing and the front of the lower bushing, where the back is the side facing the rear of the bicycle and the front is the side facing the front of the bicycle. With reference to Figures 2 to 5B, an embodiment of a telescopic assembly 30 is shown. In this embodiment, the telescopic assembly 30 shown is a dropper seatpost 30. While this disclosure discusses the dropper seatpost 30, the elements and components of the dropper seatpost 30 are also applicable to other telescopic assemblies used in a vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a bicycle. The dropper seatpost 30 may include a first support 32 (lower support), a second support 34 (upper support), a bushing 36, and a bushing 10 of uneven thickness. The second support 34 is displaceable within the first support 32, and the first support 32 is detachably coupled to the bicycle 50 (or other vehicle) and is held in a fixed position, with the second support 34 sliding relative to the first support 32.The bushing 10 with uneven thickness includes a first section 12 with a first thickness 13 and a second section 14 with a second thickness 15, where the first thickness 13 is greater than the second thickness 15. The first thickness 13 of the first section 12 can be continuously variable when measured at different points along the first section 12 in a cross-section. The second thickness 15 of the second section 14 can also be continuously variable when measured at different points along the second section 14 in a cross-section. Even if the first thickness 13 and the second thickness 15 are variable, the first thickness 13 is generally greater than the second thickness 15. The bushing 10 with uneven thickness can also include a gap 20 located between the first section 12 and the second section 14. The gap 20 is designed so as not to interfere with the internal features of the first support 32. The bushing 10 with uneven thickness can include an opening 16 extending through it and an opening 18, which facilitates easier installation of the bushing 10 with uneven thickness onto a lower section of the second support 34. An additional aid to facilitate installation includes a direction indicator 40 pointing towards the first section 12 of the bushing to help align the first section 12 in the correct direction. In embodiments, the first section 12 can include a first flat surface 22, and the second section 14 can include a second flat surface 24, the first flat surface 22 being located on one side of the bushing 10 opposite the second flat surface 24. The first and second flat surfaces 22 and 24 can be used to facilitate the forming of the bushing 10, but also provide an additional advantage. The first and second flat surfaces 22 and 24 are located at the front and rear, respectively, to prevent jamming when the bushing 10 is guided through the seatpost clamp on the frame. The dropper seatpost 30 encloses a space 38 located between an outer surface of a lower section of the second post 34 and an inner surface of the first post 32. After installation on the lower section of the second post 34, the first section 12 of the bushing 10, which has a non-uniform thickness, has a thickness (first thickness 13) sufficient to contact the inner surface of the first post 32 and push it away from the front of the bicycle 50. The second section 14 has a thickness (second thickness 15) that is less than the size of the space 38. With further reference to Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D, an embodiment of the dropper seatpost 30 is shown in which the second support 34 is at an exaggerated angle to the first support 32 in order to better illustrate and describe the operation of the dropper seatpost 30 with a bushing 10 of uneven thickness. The first thickness 13 of the first section 12 and the second thickness 15 of the second section 14 are such that the lower section of the second support is inclined towards the rear of the bicycle 50. The angle of the second support 34 with respect to the first support 32 is therefore distorted before the application of a load 100, which results in the second support axis 35 and the first support axis 33 not being coaxial.As soon as the load 100 is applied to the saddle 52 and the dropper seatpost 30, the rear lateral load force 104 causes the upper section of the second post 34 to move towards the rear of the bicycle 50, and the first section 12 of the bushing 10 with uneven thickness is cushioned, moving the second post axis 35 as close as possible to coaxiality with the first post axis 33. This function of the dropper seatpost 30 with the uneven bushing 10 improves the axial alignment of the second post 34 and the first post 32 under rider load. Improved axial alignment reduces friction, minimizes binding, and reduces the risk of wear on internal parts. Although the bushing 12 with uneven thickness is shown arranged in the position of the lower bushing, it is understood that it can also be used in the position of the upper bushing, with the first section 12 pointing towards the rear of the bicycle 50 to push the second support 34 in the correct direction due to the direction of the lateral force 104. In further embodiments, a bushing with uneven thickness can be used as both the upper and the lower bushing, with the first section of the upper bushing pointing towards the rear of the bicycle 50 and the first section of the lower bushing pointing towards the front of the bicycle 50. Further embodiments of the non-uniform bushings 10 are shown in Figs. 6A to 11B. Figs. 6A to 6B show a first and a second section 12 and 14 with different dimensions without an opening 18; Figs. 7A to 7B show a continuous reduction in thickness from the first section 12 to the second section 14; Figs. 9A to 9B show the first section 12 and the second section 14 as two elements with a gap between the two parts; and Figs. 10A to 10B are similar to Figs. 9A to 9B and show the first section 12 and the second section 14 as two elements with a gap between the two parts, the parts of the first section 12 and the second section 14 being smaller than the same components shown in Figs. 9A to 9B.Figures 11A to 11B represent a slightly different embodiment that incorporates a telescopic assembly 30 capable of enclosing a lateral load in two different directions. In this embodiment, the bushing 10, with its non-uniform thickness, encloses a first section 12, a second section 13, a fourth section 26, and a fifth section 28, the thickness of which is greater than that of the second section 13 and the thickness of which is greater than that of the fifth section 28. This causes the second support 34 to be loaded in two directions from its coaxial orientation with the first support 32, as shown in Figure 11A. When two lateral forces are then applied, the axis of the second support 34 and the axis of the first support 32 can be moved as close as possible to coaxiality. The non-uniform bushings 10 can, according to some embodiments, be a single component or a plurality of separate components. For example, as shown in Figures 8A to 8B, one embodiment of the non-uniform bushing 10 comprises a first section 12 that is spaced apart and separated from the second section 14, which forms the opening 16. The non-uniform bushing 10 can include a gap 20 located on opposite sides of and between the first section 12 and the second section 14, thereby separating the first section 12 and the second section 14. Embodiments may include a telescopic assembly with a first telescopic element and a second telescopic element slidably coupled within the first telescopic element. The first section 12 and the second section 14 may be coupled to an end of the second telescopic element and located between an outer surface of the second telescopic element and an inner surface of the first telescopic element. In embodiments, the first section 12 and the second section 14 may be axially offset from each other along an axis of the second telescopic element. In operation, the first section 12 of the bushing 10, which has a non-uniform thickness, positions an axis of the second telescopic element in a position where it is not coaxial with an axis of the first telescopic element when no load is applied to the second telescopic element.In response to a lateral load applied to the second telescopic element in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first section 12 of the bushing 10 with uneven thickness points, the second telescopic element is moved relative to the first telescopic element such that the axis of the second telescopic element and the axis of the first telescopic element are in a nearly coaxial position. Although the figures show that the telescopic assembly is a dropper seatpost 30, it is understood that other telescopic assemblies 30 can also use the same non-uniform bushing 10. Such telescopic assemblies 30 can be used in particular for a vehicle.A special telescopic assembly can be a telescopic suspension 30 which includes the bushing 10 with uneven thickness and functions in the same way as described above to place a second telescopic element or a second support 34 in a position in which it is not coaxially aligned with a first telescopic element or the first support 32 when no load is present due to the bushing 10, and as soon as the load 100 is applied, resulting in an axial load 102 and a lateral load 104, the second telescopic element 34 is moved relative to the first telescopic element 32 such that the axis of the second telescopic element 34 and the axis of the first telescopic element 32 are in a nearly coaxial position. Another embodiment may include a method for operating a telescopic assembly with a bushing of non-uniform thickness. The method may include: pre-tensioning a lower section of a second support in a direction opposite to the direction of any lateral force to be applied, thereby moving an axis of the second support from a coaxial position to an axis of a lower support; applying both an axial force and a lateral force to a second support; and moving the second support into a nearly coaxial position with the first support, allowing the axial force to move the second support relative to the first support. The pre-tensioning step of the lower section of the second support is performed in response to the coupling of a bushing of non-uniform thickness to the lower section of the second support.Further process steps are explained in detail in the preceding description of the telescopic assembly 30 with the bushing 10 of uneven thickness. Furthermore, embodiments of various telescopic assemblies on a vehicle, such as a bicycle, include the use of uniform bushings, such as the uniform bushing 110 shown in Figs. 12A and 12B. The uniform bushing 110 can enclose a bushing body 111 with an opening 116 extending through it. The bushing body 111 can include a first flat surface 122 and a second flat surface 124, the first flat surface 122 being located on a side of the bushing body 111 opposite the second flat surface 124. The first and second flat surfaces 122 and 124 can be used to facilitate the forming of the bushing 110, but they also provide an additional advantage. The first and second flat surfaces 122 and 124 are located at the front and rear, respectively, to prevent jamming when the bushing 110 is guided through the seatpost clamp on the frame.The uniform bushing 110 can include an opening 118 that extends through the bushing body 111 and facilitates the installation of the uniform bushing 110 onto a seat post or other telescopic element.

Claims

Bushing (10) of uneven thickness for a telescopic assembly used in a vehicle (50), the bushing (10) of uneven thickness comprising: a first section (12) on one side of the bushing (30) of uneven thickness, wherein the first section (12) has a first thickness (13); and a second section (14) on one side of the bushing (30) of uneven thickness opposite the side of the first section (12), wherein the second section (14) has a second thickness (15), the first thickness (13) being greater than the second thickness (15). Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 1, further comprising a gap (20) located on opposite sides of the bushing (10) with uneven thickness and between the first section (12) and the second section (14). Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 1, further comprising a bushing body (111) forming a ring with an opening (116) extending therein, wherein the first section (12) and the second section (14) extend from the bushing body (111). Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 1, further comprising a telescopic assembly (30) with a first telescopic element (32) and a second telescopic element (34) which is slidably guided within the first telescopic element (32), wherein the bushing (10) with uneven thickness is coupled to an end of the second telescopic element (34) and is located between an outer surface of the second telescopic element (34) and an inner surface of the first telescopic element (32). Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 4, wherein the bushing (10) with uneven thickness places an axis of the second telescopic element (34) in a position in which it is not coaxially aligned with an axis of the first telescopic element (32) when no load (100) is placed on the second telescopic element (34). Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 5, wherein, in response to a lateral load (104) exerted on the second telescopic element (34) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first section (12) of the bushing (10) with uneven thickness points, the second telescopic element (34) is moved in relation to the first telescopic element (32) such that the axis of the second telescopic element (34) and the axis of the first telescopic element (32) are in a nearly coaxial position. Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 1, further comprising a gap (20) located on opposite sides of and between the first section (12) and the second section (14), thereby separating the first section (12) and the second section (14). Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 7, further comprising a telescopic assembly (30) with a first telescopic element (32) and a second telescopic element (34) which is slidably guided within the first telescopic element (32), wherein the first section (12) and the second section (14) are coupled to an end of the second telescopic element (34) and are located between an outer surface of the second telescopic element (34) and an inner surface of the first telescopic element (32). Bushing (30) with uneven thickness according to claim 8, wherein the first section (12) and the second section (14) are axially offset from each other along an axis of the second telescopic element (34). Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 8, wherein the first section (12) of the bushing (10) with uneven thickness places an axis of the second telescopic element (34) in a position in which it is not coaxially aligned with an axis of the first telescopic element (32) when no load is applied to the second telescopic element. Bushing (10) with uneven thickness according to claim 10, wherein, in response to a lateral load (104) exerted on the second telescopic element (34) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first section (12) of the bushing (10) with uneven thickness points, the second telescopic element (34) is moved in relation to the first telescopic element (32) such that the axis of the second telescopic element (14) and the axis of the first telescopic element (12) are in a nearly coaxial position. Telescopic suspension comprising: a telescopic assembly (30), comprising a first telescopic element (32) with an axis and a second telescopic element (34) with an axis, wherein the second telescopic element (34) is slidably guided within the first telescopic element; a bushing (10) of non-uniform thickness coupled to an end of the second telescopic element (34) and located between an outer surface of the second telescopic element (34) and an inner surface of the first telescopic element (32), wherein the bushing (10) of non-uniform thickness comprises: a first section (12) on one side of the bushing (10) of non-uniform thickness, wherein the first section (12) has a first thickness (13); and a second section (14) on one side of the socket (10) having a non-uniform thickness compared to the side of the first section (12), wherein the second section (14) has a second thickness (15), the first thickness (13) being greater than the second thickness (14);and wherein the bushing (10) of uneven thickness places the axis of the second telescopic element (34) in a position in which it is not coaxial with the axis of the first telescopic element (32) when no load (100) is placed on the second telescopic element (34). Telescopic suspension according to claim 12, further comprising a gap (20) located on opposite sides of the bushing (10) of uneven thickness and between the first section (12) and the second section (14). Telescopic suspension according to claim 12, further comprising a bushing body (111) forming a ring with an opening (116) extending therein, wherein the first section (12) and the second section (14) extend from the bushing body (111). Telescopic suspension according to claim 12, wherein, in response to a lateral load (104) exerted on the second telescopic element (32) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first section (12) of the bushing (10) with uneven thickness points, the second telescopic element (34) is moved in relation to the first telescopic element (32) such that the axis of the second telescopic element (34) and the axis of the first telescopic element (32) are in a nearly coaxial position. A dropper seatpost (30) comprising: a first post (32) with an axle; a second post (34) with an axle, wherein the second post (34) is slidably guided within the first post (32); a bushing (10) of non-uniform thickness coupled to one end of the second post (34) and located between an outer surface of the second post (34) and an inner surface of the first post (32), wherein the bushing (10) of non-uniform thickness comprises: a first section (12) on one side of the bushing (10) of non-uniform thickness, wherein the first section (12) has a first thickness (13) which, when coupled to the second post (14), faces a front of a bicycle (50) to which the dropper seatpost (30) is coupled;and a second section (14) on one side of the bushing (10) having a non-uniform thickness compared to the side of the first section (12), wherein the second section (14) has a second thickness (15), the first thickness (13) being greater than the second thickness (15); and wherein the bushing (10) having a non-uniform thickness places the axis of the second support (14) in a position where it is not coaxial with the axis of the first support (12) when there is no load on the second support (14) (100).; Lowerable seatpost (30) according to claim 16, further comprising a gap (20) located on opposite sides of the bushing (10) of uneven thickness and between the first section (12) and the second section (14). Lowerable seatpost (30) according to claim 16, further comprising a direction indicator (40) which indicates the side of the bushing body (111) from which the first section (12) extends. Lowerable seatpost (30) according to claim 16, further comprising a bushing body (111) forming a ring with an opening (116) extending therein, wherein the first section (12) and the second section (14) extend from the bushing body (116). Lowerable seatpost (30) according to claim 16, wherein, in response to a lateral load (104) exerted on the second support (34) in the direction of a rear part of the bicycle (50), the second support (34) is moved in relation to the first support (32) such that the axis of the second support (34) and the axis of the first support (32) are in a nearly coaxial position.

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