Bicycle seat post structure

Abstract

A bicycle seat post structure is proposed. The bicycle seat post structure includes a lower tube, an upper tube and an adjusting mechanism. The upper tube is movably inserted in the lower tube. The adjusting mechanism includes a lifting module and a pushing module. The lifting module includes a cartridge tube and an actuating rod. The actuating rod is inserted in the cartridge tube and has a first axis. The pushing module includes a motor and a driving block. The motor has a second axis. The first axis of the actuating rod is parallel to the second axis of the motor, and there is a distance between the first axis and the second axis. Thus, the bicycle seat post structure of the present disclosure can maximize the space utilization of the bicycle seat post.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bicycle seatpost structure, and more particularly to a bicycle seatpost structure with height adjustable by means of a motor drive. Prior Technology

[0002] The height adjustment mechanism of a bicycle seat post can have a tube, a piston, and a valve. The tube contains a fluid, such as air, oil, or both. When the valve is opened, the fluid can flow to change the height of the piston inside the tube, and this mechanism is widely used.

[0003] Traditional bicycle seatpost height adjustment involves connecting a wrench to a lever of the height adjustment mechanism, and operating the wrench activates the lever to open the valve. The wrench is usually located under the bicycle saddle for the user to operate. However, it is difficult for the user to reach the wrench to adjust the saddle height while riding a bicycle.

[0004] Therefore, some manufacturers have developed an electric control method, which uses a motor and electric adjustment mechanism installed inside the bicycle seatpost structure to achieve electronic adjustment of the seatpost height. However, due to the limited space inside the bicycle seatpost structure, it is difficult to make room for other electronic components after the motor and electric adjustment mechanism have been installed.

[0005] Therefore, fitting motors, electric adjustment mechanisms, and electronic components into the limited structure of a bicycle seatpost has become an important challenge for manufacturers in developing bicycle seatpost products. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a bicycle seatpost structure that, through the parallel eccentric shaft arrangement of the lifting module and the push module, can maximize the use of the bicycle seatpost space, freeing up space in the limited bicycle seatpost structure to place other electronic components, and enabling the bicycle to have more functions according to user needs.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the structural pattern disclosed herein, a bicycle seatpost structure is provided, comprising a down tube, a top tube, and an adjustment mechanism. The top tube is movably inserted into the down tube. The adjustment mechanism is disposed within the top and down tubes and includes a lifting module and a pushing module. The lifting module is connected to the top tube and includes a cartridge tube and an actuating rod. The actuating rod is inserted into the cartridge tube and has a first axis. The pushing module is disposed within the down tube and includes a motor and a pushing block. The motor has a second axis. The pushing block is disposed at an output end of the motor, extends in a direction perpendicular to the second axis, and is driven by the motor to activate the actuating rod. The first axis of the actuating rod is parallel to the second axis of the motor, and there is a gap between the first and second axes.

[0008] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: The push module further includes a control board and a micro switch. The control board is electrically connected to the motor. The micro switch is located on one side of the push block and is electrically connected to the control board, and is used to trigger the control board to de-energize the motor.

[0009] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: The push block includes a push tip and a press tip. The push tip faces the actuating rod and is used to push the actuating rod. The press tip faces the micro switch and is used to press a button on the micro switch.

[0010] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: The motor drives the push block to move along the direction of the second axis, and pushes the actuator rod with the push top.

[0011] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: During the process of the push block moving along the direction of the second axis, the pressing end of the push block presses the button of the micro switch, so that the micro switch transmits a signal to the control board to cut off the power to the motor.

[0012] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: The push module further includes a base. The base includes a chamber, a connecting hole, and a groove. The chamber is used to accommodate the push block and a micro switch. The connecting hole connects to the chamber and allows the output end of the motor to extend into the chamber through the connecting hole to drive the push block. The groove connects to the chamber and is used to house the control board.

[0013] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: The adjustment mechanism further includes a waterproof module. The waterproof module includes an inner tube. The inner tube is disposed within the lower tube and includes a receiving space for pushing the module in place.

[0014] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: The waterproof module further includes a waterproof cover. The waterproof cover is disposed on one upper end of the inner tube and includes an insertion hole for inserting an actuating rod.

[0015] Other embodiments of the foregoing implementation are as follows: the waterproof module further includes a top cover waterproof ring. The top cover waterproof ring is located on the waterproof cover and surrounds the actuating rod.

[0016] Other embodiments of the aforementioned implementation are as follows: The lower tube includes a housing and a bottom cover. The bottom cover is disposed at a lower end of the housing. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle seatpost structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the bicycle seatpost structure according to the embodiment in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the bicycle seat post structure according to the embodiment in Figure 1; Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism as shown in Figure 3; Figure 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the push block along the second axis as shown in Figure 3, pressing the micro switch; and Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the push block disengaging from the micro switch as shown in Figure 3. Implementation

[0018] Several embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit the scope of this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner; and repeated elements may be represented by the same number.

[0019] Furthermore, in this document, when a component (or mechanism or module, etc.) is "connected" to another component, it can mean that the component is directly connected to the other component, or that the component is indirectly connected to the other component, meaning that there is another component between the component and the other component. Only when it is explicitly stated that a component is "directly connected" to another component does it indicate that there is no other component between the component and the other component. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are only used to describe different components and do not limit the components themselves; therefore, "first component" can also be referred to as "second component." Moreover, the combinations of components / units / circuits in this document are not combinations generally known, conventional, or customary in this field. Whether the components / units / circuits themselves are customary cannot be used to determine whether their combination relationships are easily accomplished by someone of ordinary knowledge in the art.

[0020] Please refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3, where Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle seatpost structure 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the bicycle seatpost structure 1000 according to the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle seatpost structure 1000 according to the embodiment of Figure 1. The bicycle seatpost structure 1000 includes a lower tube 100, an upper tube 200, and an adjustment mechanism 300. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, Figure 2 omits parts of the lower tube 100 and upper tube 200 of the bicycle seatpost structure 1000 in Figure 1.

[0021] The top tube 200 is connected to the bicycle saddle (not shown separately), and the bottom tube 100 is connected to the bicycle frame (not shown separately). The top tube 200 is hollow and movably inserted into the bottom tube 100, and an adjustment mechanism 300 is disposed within the top tube 200 and the bottom tube 100. The bottom tube 100 includes a housing 110 and a bottom cover 120, with the bottom cover 120 covering the lower end of the housing 110.

[0022] The adjustment mechanism 300 is used to raise and lower the upper tube 200, thereby raising and lowering the seat cushion and adjusting its height. The adjustment mechanism 300 includes a lifting module 310 and a pushing module 320. The pushing module 320 drives the lifting module 310, which is connected to the upper tube 200. The pushing module 320 is located within the lower tube 100. The lifting module 310 is driven by the pushing module 320 to raise and lower the upper tube 200.

[0023] The lifting module 310 includes a cartridge tube 311 and an actuating rod 312, with the actuating rod 312 inserted into the cartridge tube 311 (as shown in Figure 3). The cartridge tube 311 can contain a fluid such as oil, gas, or an oil-gas mixture, and includes a piston containing a valve. The actuating rod 312 can be used to open and close the valve. When the valve is open, the fluid in the cartridge tube 311 flows relative to the piston, changing the height of the piston within the cartridge tube 311. This allows the upper pipe 200 to rise or fall relative to the lower pipe 100. It should be noted that the structure of the cartridge tube 311 is not the focus of this disclosure in this embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0024] The push module 320 includes a motor 321 and a push block 322. The motor 321 has an output terminal 3211, and the push block 322 is disposed at the output terminal 3211 of the motor 321 (as shown in Figure 3).

[0025] Please refer to Figure 3. The actuator 312 has a first axis L1, and the motor 321 has a second axis L2. The first axis L1 of the actuator 312 is parallel to the second axis L2 of the motor 321, and there is a gap between the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 (not otherwise indicated).

[0026] The push block 322 extends in a direction perpendicular to the second axis L2 and is driven by the motor 321 to activate the actuator 312. In detail, the push block 322 and the output end 3211 of the motor 321 rotate in conjunction. After the motor 321 rotates, it can drive the push block 322, which is restricted and cannot rotate, to move along the second axis L2, while pushing the actuator 312 to move along the first axis L1, so that the actuator 312 opens the valve.

[0027] It should be noted that by setting the actuator 312 of the lifting module 310 and the output end 3211 of the motor 321 as parallel eccentric shafts (the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 are parallel and spaced apart), in addition to increasing the space for placing electronic components on one side inside the bicycle seat post structure 1000 and maximizing the use of the bicycle seat post space, it is also possible to shorten the overall structural length of the adjustment mechanism 300 and reduce the overall weight of the bicycle.

[0028] Furthermore, the push module 320 may further include a control board 323 and a micro switch 324. The micro switch 324 is located on one side of the push block 322. The control board 323 is electrically connected to the motor 321 and the micro switch 324. The micro switch 324 is used to trigger the control board 323 to de-energize the motor 321.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and 4C, where Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the adjusting mechanism 300 as shown in Figure 3; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the push block 322 moving along the second axis L2 and pressing the micro switch 324 as shown in Figure 3; and Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the push block 322 disengaging from the micro switch 324 as shown in Figure 3. The push block 322 extends toward the micro switch 324 perpendicular to the second axis L2, and may further include a push tip 322a and a press tip 322b. The push tip 322a faces the actuating rod 312 and is used to push the actuating rod 312. The press tip 322b faces the micro switch 324 and is used to press a button 3241 of the micro switch 324.

[0030] In detail, please refer to Figure 4A. When the bicycle seat height is not adjusted, the push end 322a of the push block 322 contacts the actuating rod 312 but does not apply force to the actuating rod 312. The press end 322b of the push block 322 is positioned below the button 3241 of the micro switch 324.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 4B. When the user wants to adjust the bicycle seat height, the control panel 323 controls the motor 321 to rotate, causing the motor 321 to drive the push block 322 to move along the direction of the second axis L2, and push the actuator rod 312 with the push tip 322a. At this time, the actuator rod 312 is subjected to force, which opens the valve of the piston, thereby allowing the upper tube 200 to rise or fall relative to the lower tube 100, so that the user can adjust the bicycle seat height.

[0032] During the movement of the push block 322 along the direction of the second axis L2, the pressing end 322b of the push block 322 presses the button 3241 of the micro switch 324, so that the micro switch 324 transmits a signal to the control board 323.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 4C. After receiving a signal from the micro switch 324, the control board 323 controls the motor 321 to cut off power, stopping the push end 322a of the push block 322 from applying force to the actuator 312. The pressing end 322b of the push block 322 is positioned above the button 3241 of the micro switch 324 until the user completes the bicycle seat height adjustment and resets (returning to the state shown in Figure 4A).

[0034] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. The push module 320 may further include a body 325, in which the push block 322, control board 323, and micro switch 324 are disposed. The body 325 includes a chamber 3251, a connecting hole 3252, and a groove 3253, which connect to the chamber 3251. The chamber 3251 is used to accommodate the push block 322 and the micro switch 324. The connecting hole 3252 is used to allow the output terminal 3211 of the motor 321 to extend into the chamber 3251 to drive the push block 322. The groove 3253 is used to house the control board 323. When the control board 323 is locked in the groove 3253, the wires (not shown) of the control board 323 can pass through the groove 3253 to connect to the motor 321.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. The adjustment mechanism 300 further includes a waterproof module 330, which includes an inner tube 331, a waterproof cover 332, and an upper cover waterproof ring 333. The waterproof cover 332 is disposed on the upper end of the inner tube 331 and is located between the inner tube 331 and the upper cover waterproof ring 333. The upper cover waterproof ring 333 surrounds the actuating rod 312.

[0036] The inner tube 331 is disposed within the lower tube 100 and includes a receiving space (not otherwise indicated) for the placement of the push module 320. The waterproof cover 332 includes an insertion hole 3331 for the insertion of the actuating rod 312. The upper cover waterproof ring 333 is located on the waterproof cover 332.

[0037] To further explain, by setting the actuator 312 of the lifting module 310 and the output end 3211 of the motor 321 to be parallel eccentric shafts (the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 are parallel and spaced apart), space can be freed up in the accommodating space of the inner tube 331 to place additional electronic components. This allows the bicycle to have more functions according to the user's needs, while maximizing the use of the bicycle seat post space.

[0038] In addition, the waterproof module 330 provides waterproof function through the waterproof cover 332 and the upper cover waterproof ring 333, so that water vapor is not easy to enter the push module 320 located in the inner tube 331, and the push module 320 is protected from water vapor.

[0039] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the present disclosure has the following advantages: First, by using the parallel eccentric shaft arrangement of the lifting module and the pushing module, the space of the bicycle seat post structure can be maximized, freeing up space to place other electronic components, while also allowing the bicycle to have more functions according to user needs. Second, the parallel eccentric shaft arrangement of the lifting module and the pushing module can also shorten the overall structural length of the adjustment mechanism, thereby reducing the overall weight of the bicycle.

[0040] Although the present disclosure has been presented above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Anyone skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0041] 1000: Bicycle seatpost structure 100: Lower pipe 110: Shell 120: Bottom Cover 200:top tube 300: Adjustment mechanism 310: Lifting Module 311: Cartridge tube 312: Actuator 320: Drive Module 321: Motor 3211: Output terminal 322: Push Block 322a: Push to the top 322b: Press end 323: Control Panel 324: Micro switch 3241: Button 325: base body 3251: Chamber 3252: Connecting hole 3253: Groove 330: Waterproof module 331: Inner tube 332: Waterproof cap 333: Waterproof ring on top cover 3331: Insertion Hole L1: First axis L2: Second axis

Claims

1. A bicycle seatpost structure, comprising: a lower tube; an upper tube movably inserted into the lower tube; and an adjustment mechanism disposed within the upper tube and the lower tube, comprising: a lifting module connected to the upper tube, and including: a cassette tube; and an actuating rod inserted into the cassette tube and having a first axis; and a pushing module disposed within the lower tube, comprising: a motor having a second axis; and a pushing block disposed at an output end of the motor, the pushing block extending in a direction perpendicular to the second axis and driven by the motor to actuate the actuating rod; wherein, The first axis of the actuator is parallel to the second axis of the motor. The actuator is located on the side of the output end perpendicular to the second axis. There is a gap between the first axis and the second axis, which makes the actuator and the output end parallel eccentric shafts.

2. The bicycle seat post structure as described in claim 1, wherein the push module further comprises: a control board electrically connected to the motor; and a micro switch located on one side of the push block and electrically connected to the control board, and used to trigger the control board to de-energize the motor.

3. The bicycle seat post structure as described in claim 2, wherein the push block comprises: a push end facing the actuating rod and for pushing the actuating rod; and a press end facing the micro switch and for pressing a button of the micro switch.

4. The bicycle seat post structure as described in claim 3, wherein the motor drives the push block to move along the direction of the second axis and pushes the actuating rod with the push tip.

5. The bicycle seat post structure as described in claim 4, wherein as the push block moves along the direction of the second axis, the pressing end of the push block presses the button of the micro switch, so that the micro switch transmits a signal to the control board to de-energize the motor.

6. The bicycle seatpost structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the push module further comprises: a body comprising: a chamber for accommodating the push block and the micro switch; a connecting hole communicating with the chamber and for allowing the output end of the motor to extend into the chamber through the connecting hole to drive the push block; and a groove communicating with the chamber and for providing the control board.

7. The bicycle seatpost structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism further comprises: a waterproof module comprising: an inner tube disposed within the lower tube and including a receiving space for the push module to be installed.

8. The bicycle seatpost structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein the waterproof module further comprises: a waterproof cap disposed on an upper end of the inner tube and including an insertion hole for insertion of the actuator rod.

9. The bicycle seatpost structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the waterproof module further comprises: a top waterproof ring located on the waterproof cover and surrounding the actuator.

10. The bicycle seatpost structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the downtube comprises: a housing; and a bottom cover disposed on a lower end of the housing.

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