Height-adjusting device for personal transportation means

Abstract

A height-adjusting device for a personal transportation means is disclosed. The height adjusting device comprises: an elastic means located in an upper stem; a nut which is located in the upper stem to be movable in the lengthwise direction; a fastening means which is located at one side of the upper stem and engaged with the nut so that the nut is rotated as well when the upper stem rotates; and a connection rod which is located in a lower stem and has a certain length with a screw line formed thereon, wherein the nut is screw-coupled to the connection rod which enters the upper stem via a through-hole existing in the lower end of the upper stem.

Description

Height adjustment device for personal mobility devices

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a height adjustment device for a personal transportation device including a bicycle or the like.

[0002] There are various types of personal transportation devices, including regular bicycles, folding bicycles, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and regular or electric kickboards. To address the bulkiness of these devices when riding the subway, loading them into cars, or storing them, various folding and detachable models exist. For example, there are folding bicycles that can be reduced in height and length. However, these devices can be inconvenient to adjust to the user's desired height when unfolding them for use. For example, the user must adjust the handlebars or saddle of a bicycle or the handlebars of a kickboard to the appropriate height each time they are folded and unfolded, which is inconvenient.

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a height adjustment device that can be applied to various types of personal transportation devices.

[0004] In order to achieve the above technical problem, an example of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an elastic means positioned inside an upper stem; a nut positioned inside the upper stem so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction; a fastening means positioned on one side of the upper stem and engaging with the nut so that the nut also rotates when the upper stem rotates; and a connecting rod having a thread and a predetermined length positioned inside the lower stem; wherein the nut is screw-connected with the connecting rod that enters the interior of the upper stem through a through-hole present in the lower end of the upper stem, and when the upper stem is rotated while the upper stem and the nut are engaged by the fastening means, the nut also rotates together so that the position of the nut on the connecting rod moves up and down.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the height of a personal transportation device can be adjusted. For example, when the handle of a folding bicycle is lowered and folded and then unfolded for use, the handle can automatically unfold to a height set by the user.

[0006] Figure 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional drawing of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an exploded view of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing various examples of fastening means for fixing a nut of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a method for adjusting the height of a height adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a case where a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is pressed from above;

[0012] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings showing an example of a guide part of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figures 9 to 12 are drawings showing various shapes of guide parts according to embodiments of the present invention, and

[0014] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are drawings showing another embodiment of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various types of personal transportation means that can be adjusted in height for each user, such as the handle height or saddle height of a folding bicycle. In the present embodiment, the term "personal transportation means" includes all transportation means used for moving individuals, such as not only electric transportation means (e.g., electric bicycles, electric kickboards, etc.) but also manually operated transportation means (e.g., regular bicycles, folding bicycles, etc.). However, for the convenience of explanation, the embodiments of the present invention will be described below mainly using a folding bicycle as an example among personal transportation means.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an exploded perspective view of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 together, the height adjustment device is largely composed of an upper stem (100) and a lower stem (105). For example, when the height adjustment device is implemented in a folding bicycle, the upper stem (100) may correspond to a head stem connected to the handlebar of the bicycle, and the lower stem (105) may correspond to a steerer tube connected to the fork by penetrating the head tube (160) of the bicycle. The lower stem (105) may be connected to the fork through a connecting means such as a compression plug (140).

[0018] An elastic means (110) and a nut (120) are positioned inside the upper stem (100). This embodiment illustrates a spring as an example of the elastic means (110), but this is only one example, and various elastic components may be used. The nut (120) is positioned so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the upper stem (100). For example, when force is applied to the upper stem (100) from above, the upper stem (100) moves downward, and the nut moves upward relatively inside the upper stem (100) according to the movement of the upper stem (100). An example of the relative movement of the upper stem (100) and the nut (120) when force is applied to the upper stem (100) is illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0019] Inside the lower stem (105), there is a connecting rod (130) of a certain length with a screw thread. The lower end of the upper stem (100) includes a through hole (200) through which the connecting rod (130) can pass. The connecting rod (130) enters the interior of the upper stem (100) through the through hole (200) located at the lower end of the upper stem (100) and is screw-connected with the nut (120). For example, as shown in the separated perspective view of Fig. 3, the upper stem (100) is opened, the upper stem (100) is inserted into the lower stem (105), the connecting rod (120) is inserted into the inside of the upper stem (100), the nut (120) inside the upper stem (100) is turned to screw the connecting rod (130) and the nut (120), and the elastic means (110) is inserted, and the upper cover (135) is fixed to connect the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105).

[0020] The overall length of the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105) connected can be adjusted by the position of the nut (120) coupled to the connecting rod (130). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the nut (120) is connected to the upper side of the connecting rod (130) and when the nut (120) is connected to the lower side of the connecting rod (130), the overall height of the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105) connected are different. In order to adjust the overall height of the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105), it is very inconvenient to open the upper cover (135) of the upper stem (100) each time and then turn the nut (120) inside to adjust it.

[0021] To resolve this inconvenience, the present embodiment includes a fastening means (400, see FIG. 4) on one side of the upper stem (100) so that the nut (120) also rotates when the upper stem (100) rotates. For example, if there is a concave or convex portion on the side of the nut (120), the fastening means (400) may be formed on the inside of the upper stem in the shape of a convex or concave portion corresponding to the concave or block portion of the nut (120). The shape of the fastening means (400) is not limited thereto, and any shape that engages with the nut to transmit the rotational motion of the upper stem (100) to the nut (120) is possible. Examples of various fastening means (400) according to the shape of the nut will be examined again with reference to FIG. 4.

[0022] Although this embodiment shows an example in which the fastening means (400) is present on the inner side of the lower portion of the upper stem (100), the fastening means (400) may be present in various positions, such as the middle part of the upper stem (100). In another embodiment, the fastening means (400) may be present in the entirety or part of the lengthwise position on the inner side of the upper stem (100), such as a rail. However, if the fastening means (400) is positioned in the middle of the upper stem (100), the upper stem (100) must be pressed so that the nut (120) moves to the middle part of the upper stem (100) and is fastened with the fastening means (400), so it may be difficult for the user to accurately move the nut (120) to the position of the fastening means (400). As in the present embodiment, when the fastening means (400) is positioned at the lower end of the upper stem (100), the coupling of the nut (120) and the fastening means (400) can be automatically achieved by the elastic means (110). For example, when no external force is applied, the upper stem (100) is moved upwards by the elastic means (110) and positioned, and accordingly, the nut (120) is relatively positioned at the lower end of the upper stem (100), and as a result, the nut (120) can automatically engage with the fastening means (400).

[0023] In the remaining section of the upper stem (100) where the fastening means (400) does not exist, the upper stem (100) and the nut (120) are not interlocked and fastened to each other, so even if the upper stem (100) or the nut (120) rotates, the rotational force is not transmitted to the other party. For example, if the upper stem (100) is pressed and the nut (120) is rotated while being removed from the fastening means (140), the nut (120) does not rotate and remains in place.

[0024] The position of the nut (120) on the connecting rod (130) can be adjusted by rotating the nut (120) by rotating the upper stem (100). For example, when the upper stem (100) and the nut (120) are engaged by the fastening means (400), when the upper stem (100) is rotated, the nut (120) also rotates, and accordingly, the nut (120) can move up or down on the connecting rod (130). By rotating the upper stem (100), the user can adjust the desired height. An example of moving the position of the nut (120) by rotating the upper stem (100) is illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0025] In another embodiment, a fixing means (125) for fixing the connection between the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105) may be further included. While the present embodiment illustrates the fixing means (125) positioned at the upper end of the lower stem (105), the position of the fixing means (125) may vary depending on the embodiment. The fixing means (125) may be implemented as various conventional devices for fixing the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105), such as a quick release (QR) lever, and is not limited to a specific example.

[0026] When folding a bicycle to reduce its volume, the upper stem (100) can be pressed to reduce its height. For example, the upper stem (100) can be pressed from above and secured with a fixing means (125) or a separate device (e.g., a fixing groove (705) of FIG. 7) to reduce the overall height of the upper stem and lower stem. When the fixing between the upper stem and lower stem is released, the upper stem (100) moves upward by the elastic means (110) and automatically returns to the height initially set by the user.

[0027] In another embodiment, the upper stem (100) may further include a guide portion that guides the direction in which it moves up and down. The guide portion will be discussed again in FIGS. 7 to 12.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing various examples of fastening means for fixing a nut of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, the shape of the nut may be various depending on the embodiment, such as a nut (120-1, 120-2) having a shape including a convex portion protruding outwardly at a portion of the side (FIGS. 4A, 4B), a nut (120-3) having a shape including a concave portion recessed inwardly at a portion of the side (FIG. 4C), a nut (120-4) having a cross-sectional shape in which a portion of the side is cut off (FIG. 4D), a nut (120-5) having a polygonal shape (FIG. 4E), etc.

[0030] The fastening means (400) is formed on the inside of the upper stem (100) in a form that engages with the nut. For example, if the nut (120-1, 120-2) has a form that includes a convex portion on the side, the fastening means (400-1, 400-2) can be implemented in a form that includes a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion (Figs. 4A, 4B). If the nut (120-3) has a concave portion, the fastening means (400-3) can include a convex portion corresponding thereto (Fig. 4C). If the nut (120-4) has a cut cross-section shape, the fastening means (400-4) can be implemented in a form that includes a cross-section corresponding thereto (Fig. 4D). If the nut (120-5) has a polygonal shape, the fastening means (400-5) can be implemented in a form corresponding to the polygonal shape (Fig. 4E). That is, as in the present embodiment, a fastening means (400) can be made by forming a shape corresponding to the shape of the cross-section when the nut is viewed from a flat surface on the inside of the upper stem (100).

[0031] As another example, the shape of the nut (120) may be circular, but may include a plurality of through holes, and the fastening means (400) may be implemented as a protrusion that fits into the through holes at the bottom of the upper stem (100).

[0032] In another embodiment, the fastening means (400) may be positioned on the entire upper stem (100). For example, the fastening means (400-1, 400-2) in the form of a concave portion of the present embodiment may be implemented as a groove of the entire length or a fixed length inside the upper stem (100). Alternatively, the fastening means (400-3) in the form of a convex portion may be implemented as a convex rail of the entire length or a fixed length inside the upper stem (100). In addition, since the nut (120) and the fastening means (400) may be formed in a form that can be interlocked with each other on one side of the upper stem (100), the shapes of the nut (120) and the fastening means (400) may be variously modified according to the embodiment and are not limited to the present embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for adjusting the height of a height adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, when the upper stem (100) is rotated while the nut (120) and the fastening means (400) are engaged with each other, the rotational force of the upper stem (100) is transmitted to the nut (120), and the nut (120) can move along the screw line of the connecting rod (130). When the nut (120) moves downwards on the connecting rod (130), the height of the upper stem (100) decreases, so the overall height including the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105) decreases. Conversely, when the nut (120) moves upwards on the connecting rod (130), the height of the upper stem (100) increases, so the overall height including the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105) increases. The user can adjust the desired height by rotating the upper stem (100) while engaging the nut (120) with the fastening means (400).

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a case where a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is pressed from above.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 6, when the upper stem (100) is pressed from above, the position of the internal nut (120) is fixed, the upper stem (100) moves downward, and the elastic means (110) is compressed. As the upper stem (100) moves, the nut (120) moves relatively upward of the upper stem (100). When the upper stem (100) is pressed downward, the overall height including the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105) is lowered, so that the volume can be reduced. For example, in a folding bicycle, the height of the handle portion can be lowered to reduce the volume when the bicycle is folded.

[0037] After the upper stem (100) is pressed to lower the height, the pressed position of the upper stem (100) can be fixed by a fixing means (125). In another embodiment, after the upper stem (100) is pressed to lower the height, the upper stem (100) can be rotated horizontally to fix the position, and an example of this is illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0038] When the means for fixing the upper stem (100) (e.g., fixing means (125) etc.) is released, the upper stem (100) moves upward by the elastic means (110) inside. Since the nut (120) of the upper stem (100) is fixed to the connecting rod (130), the elastic means (110) acts as a restoring force upward using the nut (120) as a support base, and as a result, the upper stem (100) moves upward by a certain length from the current position of the nut. That is, the upper stem (100) can return to the same preset position if no force is applied from the outside.

[0039] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings showing an example of a guide part of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the guide portion is implemented as a groove (700) of a certain length on the side of the upper stem (100). A connecting portion (710) that fits into the groove (700) of the guide portion is located on the lower stem (100). When the connecting portion (710) is fitted into the groove (700) of the guide portion, the upper stem (100) can only move in the longitudinal direction and cannot rotate. Since the upper stem (100) can move in the up / down direction, when no force is applied to the upper side of the upper stem (100), the upper stem (100) moves upward by the elastic means (110) and the nut (120) is positioned in a state of being engaged with the fastening means (400) located on the lower side of the upper stem (100). That is, when there are various shapes of nuts (120) and fastening means (400) as in Fig. 4, there is no need for a separate process such as the user directly rotating the upper stem (100) to engage the nuts (120) and fastening means (400), and when the upper stem (100) moves upward by the elastic means (110), the nut (120) and fastening means (400) are naturally engaged. To move the position of the nut (120) coupled to the connecting rod (130), the connecting part (710) is removed and then the upper stem (100) is rotated.

[0041] The guide portion may further include a fixing groove (705) for maintaining the pressed state of the upper stem (100). The fixing groove (705) is a groove formed transversely on the side of the upper stem (100). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, by pressing the guide portion and then rotating the upper stem (100) along the fixing groove (705), the upper stem (100) can be fixed in the pressed state.

[0042] This embodiment illustrates an example in which the guide portion is formed on the upper stem (100). However, conversely, the groove of the guide portion may be formed on the lower stem (105), and the connecting portion fitted into the groove may be located on the upper stem (100). In addition, the guide portion for controlling the longitudinal movement of the upper stem (100) may be implemented in various forms and is not limited to this embodiment. Examples of various implementation forms of the guide portion are illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12.

[0043] FIGS. 9 to 12 are drawings illustrating various shapes of a guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, the guide portion may be configured as one longitudinal groove on the side surface of the upper stem (100) (FIG. 9A) or may be configured as two or more longitudinal grooves on the side surface of the upper stem (100) (FIG. 9B). Depending on the number of longitudinal grooves of the guide portion, corresponding connecting portions (700-1, 700-2, 700-3) may be present at corresponding positions on the lower stem (105). The connecting portions (700-1, 700-2, 700-3) located on the lower stem (105) may be present at the positions of the fixing means (125) examined in FIGS. 1 to 3. The fixing means (125) tightens the upper portion of the lower stem (105) to fix the upper stem (100) and the lower stem (105).

[0045] Referring to Fig. 10, the connecting part (1000) may be in the form of a circular plate that is fitted into the upper stem (105) and can move up and down, and may include a protrusion (1010) that engages with the groove (700) of the guide part on the inside. A corresponding pattern (1020) that can be fitted and fixed to each other may be formed below the circular plate of the connecting part (1000) and above the lower stem (105). When the connecting part (1000) is separated from the lower stem (105) and moved upward, the upper stem (100) is separated from the lower stem (105) and can rotate. Conversely, when the connecting part (1000) is fitted into the lower stem (105) and fixed, the upper stem (100) can only move in the longitudinal direction along the groove (700) of the guide part due to the protrusion (1010) of the connecting part (1000), and cannot rotate.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 11, the upper stem (100-1) is shaped like a polygonal column, and the connecting portion (1100) is shaped like a circular plate that is fitted into the polygonal column and can move up and down. A pattern (1110) that can be interconnected as shown in Fig. 10 can be formed on the lower portion of the connecting portion (1100) and the upper portion of the lower stem. When the connecting portion (1100) is connected to the lower stem (105), the upper stem (100-1) can move only in the longitudinal direction, and when the connecting portion (1100) is separated from the lower stem (105), the upper stem (100-1) can rotate as well as move in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 12, the guide portion is formed in a longitudinally protruding shape (700-1) on the upper stem (100-2). The connecting portion (1200) is a circular plate shape that is fitted into the upper stem (100-2) and can move up and down. The lower portion of the connecting portion (1200) and the upper portion of the lower stem (105) may include a pattern that can be fitted and fixed to each other as in Fig. 10. When the connecting portion (1200) is connected to the lower stem (105), the upper stem (100-2) can move only in the longitudinal direction, and when the connecting portion (1200) is separated from the lower stem (105), the upper stem (100-2) can rotate as well as move in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are drawings showing another embodiment of a height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower stem (105-1) may be implemented as a steering tube (1410) and a connecting stem (1420) that pass through a bicycle head tube (150). The steering tube (1410) may be positioned to pass through the head tube (150), and the connecting stem (1420) may be connected to the steering tube (1410) that passes through the head tube (150) by screwing. The connection between the steering tube (1410) and the connecting stem (1420) may be connected in various ways other than screwing. The connecting rod (130) is fixed to the lower portion of the fork (1400).

[0050] Since the lower stem (105-1) is composed of the entire steering tube (1410) that penetrates the head tube (150) in addition to the connecting stem (1420) exposed on the upper side of the head tube (150), the upper stem (100) can enter the lower side of the head tube (150), thereby minimizing the length of the upper stem (100). That is, even if the length of the lower stem (105-1) that extends above the head tube (150) of the bicycle (i.e., the connecting stem (1420)) is shorter than the length of the upper stem (100), the entire upper stem (100) can be entered into the head tube (105) to minimize the height.

[0051] The present invention has been described above, focusing on preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. Elastic means located inside the upper system; A nut positioned within the upper stem so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction; A fastening means positioned on one side of the upper stem and engaged with the nut so that the nut also rotates when the upper stem rotates; and It comprises a connecting rod of a certain length and having a screw thread, located inside the lower stem; The above nut is screwed into the connecting rod that enters the interior of the upper stem through a through hole present at the bottom of the upper stem, A height adjustment device characterized in that when the upper stem is rotated while the upper stem and the nut are engaged by the above fastening means, the nut also rotates together, causing the position of the nut to move up and down on the connecting bar.

2. In paragraph 1, A height adjustment device characterized in that the overall length of the upper stem and the lower stem connected is adjusted depending on the position at which the nut is connected to the connecting rod.

3. In paragraph 1, A height adjustment device characterized in that the elastic means is a spring.

4. In paragraph 1, The above nut includes a recess or protrusion on the side, A height adjustment device characterized in that the fastening means includes a protrusion or concave portion corresponding to the concave portion or protrusion of the nut.

5. In paragraph 1, The above nuts are polygonal or oval in shape, A height adjustment device characterized in that the above fastening means is formed on one side of the inside of the upper stem as a structure that interlocks with the polygonal or oval shape of the above nut.

6. In paragraph 1, The above fastening means is located on the inside of the upper stem, A height adjustment device characterized in that when the upper stem moves due to the restoring force of the elastic material, the nut moves to the position of the fastening means of the upper stem.

7. In paragraph 1, A guide portion formed as a groove or protrusion of a certain length on the side of the upper stem or the lower stem; and Further comprising a connecting portion that engages with a groove or protrusion located on the side of the lower stem or the upper stem; A height adjustment device characterized in that the upper stem moves up and down along the guide portion.

8. In paragraph 1, A height adjustment device characterized by further comprising a fixing means for fixing the connection between the upper stem and the lower stem.

9. In paragraph 1, A fixing groove formed transversely on the side of the upper stem or the lower stem; and Further comprising a connecting portion corresponding to the fixing groove on the side of the lower stem or the upper stem; When the connecting part is moved horizontally along the fixing groove and fitted while the upper stem is pressed by an external force, the pressed state of the upper stem is maintained. A height adjustment device characterized in that when the connecting part is detached from the fixing groove, the upper stem moves upward due to the restoring force of the elastic means.

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