TWI897396B - Lifting structure and a bicycle repairing rack thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A lifting structure has an inner tube slidably disposed in an outer tube, and a switch module including a block rotatably disposed in the inner tube. At least one part of the block protrudes from the inner tube to form a protruding portion. When the block rotates relative to the inner tube, at least one part of the protruding portion moves into the inner tube and opens a switch of the inner tube, which allows the inner tube to slide relative to the outer tube.

Description

Lifting structure and bicycle repair stand

A lifting structure and bicycle maintenance stand.

Because bicycles serve both as a form of exercise and a means of transportation, their use has become increasingly widespread, even reaching many countries around the world. To meet the needs of bicycle repair and maintenance, a bicycle repair stand has been designed that allows the bicycle to be raised and positioned without shaking, providing convenient repair and maintenance.

However, bicycle repair stands still have many areas for improvement, such as storage when not in use, the tendency for the center of gravity to become unstable and tip over when the bicycle is lifted off the ground, and the angle at which the bicycle is positioned relative to the stand. These areas often hinder repairers' timelines for bicycle maintenance. Therefore, providing an improved bicycle repair stand to optimize repairers' workflow is a pressing need in the relevant field.

To optimize the workflow of repair personnel, the present invention provides a lifting structure comprising an inner tube displaceably coaxially disposed within an outer tube. The inner tube contains a switch valve, and a switch module comprising a stop block, one end of which is rotatably disposed within the inner tube via a first shaft. At least a portion of the stop block protrudes from the inner tube to form a protrusion, and the other end of the stop block is adjacent to the switch valve. When the stop block rotates relative to the inner tube via the first shaft, at least a portion of the protrusion displaces into the inner tube. The other end of the stop block opens the switch valve, allowing the inner tube to slide relative to the outer tube.

The switch valve includes a button, and when the stop block rotates and the button is pressed, the switch valve opens.

The switch valve includes a lever, and the stop block rotates to displace the lever, causing the switch valve to open.

Furthermore, the other end of the block is pivotally connected to a switch lever, the free end of which extends toward the switch valve. A lifting module is disposed within the inner tube and includes a sliding rod and a pressure cylinder. The sliding rod is movable within the cylinder protrusion. The sliding rod is connected to at least a portion of the inner tube. The switch valve is disposed above the sliding rod, and the lever is connected to the free end of the switch lever. The lifting module can cause the sliding rod to move the inner tube relative to the outer tube using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.

Furthermore, a spring deforms when the stop block rotates and provides a reset for the stop block.

Furthermore, a tightening rod is used to tighten and fix the position of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

The present invention also provides a bicycle repair stand comprising the aforementioned lifting structure and a positioning structure, with both ends comprising a positioning rod and a coupling portion for securing the bicycle. The positioning rod is connected to the protruding portion of the support block via the coupling portion, and a gap is formed between the coupling portion and the inner tube.

The positioning structure is connected to the protrusion at a position adjacent to the first shaft.

The assembly utilizes a second shaft to rotatably connect to the protrusion, allowing the positioning structure to rotate relative to the blocking block and switch between being parallel to the lifting structure and perpendicular to the lifting structure.

Furthermore, a leg structure is provided for supporting the bicycle repair stand on the ground. The leg structure includes a linkage, with at least a portion of the outer tube extending downwardly through the linkage. The linkage is rotatably connected downwardly to at least two legs. When the at least two legs are in an extended position, the at least two legs form an angle with the linkage; and when the at least two legs are in a collapsed position, the at least two legs are parallel to at least a portion of the outer tube, with at least a portion of the outer tube positioned between the two legs.

When the bicycle frame is secured to the positioning structure, the bicycle repair stand provided by the present invention can be driven by an external force to rotate the stop block relative to the inner tube. This state simultaneously determines whether to apply pressure to the positioning structure to adjust the overall length of the lifting structure to the required height. Users can adjust the lifting structure by directly driving the positioning structure while supporting the bicycle with the positioning rod, eliminating the need for multiple movements or adjustments. This lifting structure provides a user-friendly and intuitive design that better meets user needs.

10: Scaffolding structure

11: Linkage seat

111: Linked sprocket

112: Linkage rod

113: Tooth-like structure

114: Connector

12: Tripod

121: Track

13: Support frame

131: Joint

132: Long support

133: Short support

14: Linkage module

141: Linked slider

142: First connecting rod

143: Second connecting rod

144: Locking structure

20: Lifting structure

21: Inner tube

22: External tube

23: Switch module

231: Block

2311: Protrusion

232: First axis

233: Second axis

234: Spring

235: Switch lever

236:Tightening lever

24: Lifting module

241: Switch Valve

2411:Pitch

242: Slider

243: Cylinder

30: Positioning structure

31: Positioning rod

32: Assembly Department

33: Gear

331: Ring tooth structure

34: Razor tooth

35: Create a traffic flow

351: Blocking Ring

36: Foot switch

37: Make a dynamic spring

38: Locking lever

39: Abutment surface

θ: Indentation angle

S: Gap

Figure 1 is a diagram of the first state of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a diagram of the second state of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3A is a diagram of the first state of the first part of the scaffolding structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3B is a diagram of the first state of the second part of the scaffolding structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3C is a diagram of the second state of the first part of the scaffolding structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3D is a diagram of the second state of the second part of the scaffolding structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3E is a diagram of the first state of the second preferred embodiment of the scaffolding structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3F is a diagram of the second state of the second preferred embodiment of the scaffolding structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4A is a diagram of the first state of the lifting structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4B is a diagram of the second state of the lifting structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4C is an enlarged diagram of the lifting structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the first state.

Figure 4D is an enlarged diagram of the lifting structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the second state.

Figure 4E is an enlarged perspective view of the second state of the lifting structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5A is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the positioning structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the positioning structure in use according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the bicycle repair stand provided by the present invention is shown. From bottom to top, it comprises a leg structure 10, a lifting structure 20, and a positioning structure 30. The leg structure 10 is used to support the bicycle repair stand on the ground, and the positioning structure 30 is used to secure a bicycle. The leg structure 10 and the positioning structure 30 are respectively disposed at the two ends of the lifting structure 20. By adjusting the length of the lifting structure 20 to change the distance between the positioning structure 30 and the leg structure 10, the bicycle can be lifted off the ground.

2 to 3D , the leg structure 10 includes a linkage base 11, two legs 12, two support frames 13, and two linkage modules 14. The linkage base 11 is generally a housing connected to the lifting structure 20 upward along an axis. The linkage base 11 includes two linkage gears 111 and a linkage rod 112 extending downward along the axis. Each connecting tooth 111 has a tooth-shaped structure 113 and a connecting end 114 at its two ends. The two connecting teeth 111 engage with each other through at least a portion of the tooth-shaped structure 113 and are symmetrically pivoted within the connecting base 11. The connecting ends 114 of the two connecting teeth 111 move closer or farther apart by pivoting relative to the connecting base 11. As the connecting ends 114 of the two connecting teeth 111 approach, the state of engagement of the tooth-shaped structures 113 changes.

Referring further to Figures 3B, 3D, 3E, and 3F, two embodiments of the aforementioned changes in the engagement state of the tooth-like structures 113 are provided. When the tooth-like structures 113 are arranged in a straight line, as the two connecting teeth 111 rotate, the connection ends 114 of the two connecting teeth 111 approach each other, and the degree of engagement of the tooth-like structures 113 increases (as shown in Figures 3B and 3D). When the tooth-like structures 113 are arranged in an arc shape, as the two connecting teeth 111 rotate and the connection ends 114 approach each other, the position of engagement of the tooth-like structures 113 also changes accordingly (as shown in Figures 3E and 3F).

The two legs 12 are rod-shaped, with one end connected to the connection end 114 of the two connecting gears 111 and extending downward. The distance between the free ends of each leg 12 moves closer or farther away as the two connecting gears 111 pivot. When the two legs 12 are closest to each other, they extend parallel to the axial direction, and the connecting rod 112 is located between the two legs 12.

Each leg 12 is provided with a track 121 along a longitudinal direction. The shape of the track 121 is not limited and can be a long groove recessed in the surface of the leg 12 or a groove opened in the hollow surface of the leg 12.

The two support frames 13 are rod-shaped and include a pivoting portion 131 on their surfaces. The two support frames 13 are rotatably connected to the free ends of the two legs 12 via the pivoting portion 131. This allows each support frame to be rotated between being parallel to the legs 12 and being perpendicular to the legs 12.

The support frame 13 at both ends of the pivot portion 131 is further defined as a long support portion 132 and a short support portion 133. The length of the short support portion 133 is between one-half and one-third of the length of the long support portion 132.

When the support frame 13 is parallel to the leg frame 12, at least a portion of the support frame 13 corresponds to the rail 121. Preferably, the long support portion 132 of the support frame 13 corresponds to the rail 121.

Referring to Figure 3A, the two linkage modules 14 each include a linkage slide 141, a first connecting rod 142, and a second connecting rod 143. The linkage slide 141 is slidably mounted on the track 121 along its length. The first connecting rod 142 has two pivotally connected ends to the upper end of the linkage slide 141 and the linkage rod 112, respectively. The second connecting rod 143 has two pivotally connected ends to the lower end of the linkage slide 141 and the support frame 13, respectively.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3B , the tripod structure 10 provided by the present invention can be switched between an extended state and a folded state. In the extended state, the distance between the connecting ends 114 of the two linkage teeth 111 and the distance between the free ends of the two legs 12 are at their maximum distance. At this point, the two legs 12 and the linkage base 11 form an angle θ. The linkage slide 141 is positioned within the track 121 adjacent to the support frame 13, and the support frame 13 is perpendicular to the legs 12. This gives the tripod structure 10 an overall A-shape.

The interlocking tooth structures 113 of the two connecting teeth 111 and the contact of the entire length of the support frame 13 with the ground provide a relatively stable support for the bicycle stand structure 10. Furthermore, the asymmetrical arrangement of the long support portion 132 and the short support portion 133 allows the bicycle repair stand to utilize the positioning structure 30 to secure the bicycle to the side corresponding to the long support portion 132. This prevents the bicycle repair stand from tipping over due to the weight of the bicycle during use, as the long support portion 132 provides support.

When the leg structure 10 is in the folded state, the two connecting teeth 111 rotate, changing the mutual engagement state of the two tooth structures 113, so that the distance between the free ends of the two legs 12 presents the minimum distance. At this time, the two legs 12 are parallel to the connecting rod 112. When the two legs 12 are aligned with each other, each first connecting rod 142 drives each linkage slide 141 along each track 121 to a position adjacent to the linkage seat 11. Simultaneously, each linkage slide 141 pulls each second connecting rod 143 to move, causing the support frame 13 to pivot relative to the legs 12 until it is parallel to the legs 12. At this point, the entire leg structure 10 extends along the axial direction.

It is noteworthy that the two connecting teeth 111 are engaged with each other via the tooth structure 113. This means that unless an external force is applied to fold and clamp the two legs 12 together, the engagement between the two connecting teeth 111 will not be easily changed. Furthermore, if the two legs 12 remain in the extended position, the connection between the connecting slide 141 and the second connecting rod 143 prevents the support frame 13 from rotating relative to the legs 12. During use, even if a user needs to lift or move the bicycle repair stand directly off the ground, the leg structure 10 can still maintain its extended position, without changing the structural relationship of the components due to lifting off the ground.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are four connecting gears 111. Two connecting gears 111 form a gear set that engage with each other via the tooth-shaped structure 113. The two gear sets are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the connecting base 11. One end of each of the two legs 12 is connected to the two connecting gears 111 symmetrically arranged between the two gear sets on the opposite sides.

Furthermore, each linkage module 14 may include a locking structure 144 for releasably securing the linkage slide 141 within the track 121. This locks the linkage slide 141 in place when in the deployed state, thereby enhancing the support provided by the linkage slide 141, the second connecting rod 143, and the support frame 13 to the tripod structure 10.

Next, please refer to Figures 4A to 4D , which illustrate the lifting structure 20. The inner tube 21 is coaxially displaceably disposed within the outer tube 22. The inner tube 21 is connected to the positioning structure 30 at its top, and to the support structure 10 at its bottom. The overall length of the lifting structure 20 can be varied by upward displacement of the inner tube 21 relative to the outer tube 22. The lifting structure 20 can be displaced relative to the outer tube 22 by means of pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. In this embodiment, the lifting structure 20 includes a switch module 23, which activates a switch valve 241 within the inner tube 21, causing the inner tube 21 to displace relative to the outer tube.

The outer tube 22 and the connecting rod 112 can be the same component. In this embodiment, the outer tube 22 passes through the connecting seat 11, with at least a portion protruding downward from the connecting seat 11. At least a portion of the surface of the outer tube 22 is pivotally connected to the two first connecting rods 142. Thus, when the inner tube 21 of the lifting structure 20 is retracted into the outer tube 22, the overall axial length of the bicycle repair stand can be effectively shortened.

The inner tube 21 is connected to the positioning structure 30 via the switch module 23. The switch module 23 includes a stop block 231 and a first shaft 232. The stop block 231 is disposed within the inner tube 21. One end of the stop block 231 passes through the first shaft 232, allowing it to rotate relative to the inner tube 21. The other end of the stop block 231 is adjacent to the switch valve 241. When the stop block 231 is assembled with the inner tube 21, at least a portion of the stop block 231 protrudes from the inner tube 21, forming a protrusion 2311.

The positioning structure 30 is generally rod-shaped, with a positioning rod 31 and a coupling portion 32 at each end for securing the bicycle. The positioning structure 30 is connected to the protrusion 2311 of the stop block 231 via the coupling portion 32, creating a gap S between the positioning structure 30 and the inner tube 21. This allows an external force to displace the positioning structure 30 toward the inner tube 21, causing the stop block 231 to rotate relative to the inner tube 21 and opening the on-off valve 241, allowing the inner tube 21 to slide relative to the outer tube, thereby adjusting the overall length of the lifting structure 20.

The connection between the positioning structure 30 and the protrusion 2311 is located near the first shaft 232. During use, this ensures that the positioning structure 30 moves toward the inner tube 21 with the end of the stop block 231 near the switch valve, thereby driving the stop block 231 to rotate, thereby preventing operational errors.

Furthermore, the manner in which the stop block 231 opens the switch valve 241 is not limited. The switch valve 241 may include a button, which is pressed when the stop block 231 rotates to open the switch valve 241, or the switch valve 241 may include a lever 2411, which is displaced when the stop block 231 rotates to open the switch valve 241.

In this embodiment, the other end of the block 231 is pivotally connected to a switch lever 235, the free end of which extends downward. A lifting module 24 is disposed within the inner tube 21 and comprises a switch valve 241, a sliding rod 242, and a pressure cylinder 243. The switch valve 241 is disposed above the sliding rod 242 and includes a lever 2411 connected to the free end of the switch lever 235. The sliding rod 242 is movable and protrudes from the pressure cylinder 243. The sliding rod 242 is connected to at least a portion of the inner tube 21, while the pressure cylinder 243 is connected to at least a portion of the outer tube 22. The lifting module 24 can use air pressure or oil pressure to cause the sliding rod 242 to move the inner tube 21 relative to the outer tube 22.

Furthermore, the assembly 32 is rotatably connected to the protrusion 2311 via a second shaft 233. This allows the positioning structure 30 to rotate relative to the block 231 via the assembly, allowing the positioning rod 31 to switch between being parallel to the lifting structure 20 and being perpendicular to the lifting structure 20, thus meeting both operational and storage requirements.

Furthermore, the two ends of a spring 234 rest between the positioning structure 30 and the switch module 23, respectively. When the positioning structure 30 drives the stop block 231 to rotate, the spring 234 simultaneously deforms. When the external force is released, the spring 234 returns the positioning structure 30 and the stop block 231 to their original positions.

Alternatively, the two ends of the spring 234 may rest between the inner tube 21 and the switch module 23, respectively, to reset the stop block 231 relative to the inner tube.

Referring to Figure 4C , the positioning structure 30 preferably includes a support surface 39 below. This support surface 39 is inclined toward the other end of the second shaft 233, causing the gap S to gradually increase toward the other end of the second shaft 233. This allows the positioning structure 30 to have a larger rotation angle to activate the lifting module 24.

When the switch module 23, driven by the positioning structure 30, rotates the stop block 231 relative to the inner tube 21, the free end of the switch lever 235 moves downward, displacing the lever 2411 and opening the switch valve 241. This causes the sliding rod 242 to protrude upward relative to the cylinder 243. Simultaneously, when a downward external force is applied, the sliding rod 242 moves downward relative to the cylinder 243 and is retracted into it, completing the overall length adjustment of the lifting structure 20.

Furthermore, a tensioning rod 236 is provided so that once the lifting structure 20 has determined its length and position, it can tighten and secure the inner tube via the tensioning rod. This prevents the inner tube 21 from suddenly moving against the outer tube 22 due to accidental contact during use, thus achieving a double protection effect.

Furthermore, a locking rod 38 is provided to releasably secure the assembly 32 to prevent the assembly 32 from rotating relative to the protrusion 2311 via the second shaft 233 due to accidental contact during use.

When the bicycle frame is secured to the positioning structure 30, the bicycle repair stand provided by the present invention can be driven by an external force to rotate the stop block 231 relative to the inner tube 21. This state simultaneously determines whether to apply downward pressure to the positioning structure 30 to adjust the overall length of the lifting structure 20 to the required height. Users can adjust the lifting structure 20 by directly facing the positioning rod 31 while supporting the bicycle, eliminating the need for multiple movements or repeated adjustments. This lifting structure 20 provides a user-friendly and intuitive design that better meets user needs.

Referring to Figures 5A and 5B , one end of the positioning rod 31 of the positioning structure 30 extends into the assembly portion 32 and is rotatable relative to the assembly portion 32. The positioning structure 30 further includes a gear 33, a ratchet block 34, an actuator 35, and a foot switch 36. The gear 33 is an annular structure that is sleeved around the outer periphery of the end of the positioning rod 31 that extends into the assembly portion 32. An outer surface of the gear 33 forms a tooth structure 331. The ratchet block 34 engages with a portion of the annular gear structure 331. At the other end of the annular gear structure 331, the ratchet block 34 is connected to a working cable 35, the end of which is connected to the foot switch 36. The foot switch 36 pulls or releases the working cable 35 as needed, causing the ratchet block 34 to switch between an engaged and released state with the gear 33 as the working cable 35 is pulled or released.

Furthermore, the two ends of an actuating spring 37 rest between the ratchet block 34 and the actuating wire 35, respectively. The actuating spring 37 deforms when the actuating wire 35 is pulled, and when released, compresses the actuating wire 35 and the ratchet block 34 to return to their original position. In this embodiment, a stop ring 351 is formed around the end of the actuating wire 35 adjacent to the ratchet block 34. The actuating spring 37 is sleeved around the actuating wire 35, with its two ends resting against the ratchet block 34 and the stop ring 351, respectively.

Preferably, the inner routing of the cable 35 can be distributed to the assembly portion 32, pass through the interior of the top tube 21, and extend outward from the down tube 22, so that at least a portion of the cable 35 can be hidden within the bicycle repair stand.

Furthermore, a locking device may be provided to secure the ratchet block 34 and/or the ring gear structure 331 to prevent the ratchet block 34 and the ring gear structure 331 from being released suddenly due to accidental contact with the foot switch 36 during use, thereby preventing the positioning rod 31 from rotating. This provides a double protection effect.

As shown in Figure 5B , in the normal state, the ratchet block 34 and the ring gear structure 331 engage with each other, preventing the positioning rod 31 from rotating relative to the assembly 32. In Figure 5B , by stepping on the foot switch 36, the actuating wire 35 is pulled, causing the ratchet block 34 to disengage from the ring gear structure 331, allowing the positioning rod 31 to rotate relative to the assembly 32. When the foot switch 36 is released, the actuating wire 35 and the ratchet block 34 reset, causing the ratchet block 34 to reengage with the corresponding ring gear structure 331, securing the positioning rod 31. Thus, when using the bicycle repair stand provided by the present invention, the user can secure the bicycle while directly facing the positioning rod 31 to support the bicycle. Using their feet, they can drive the positioning structure 30 to achieve a 360-degree rotation of the bicycle. The desired working angle can be instantly determined with the coordinated efforts of the hands and feet, resulting in a user-friendly and intuitive design that meets user needs.

10: Scaffolding structure

11: Linkage seat

112: Linkage rod

12: Tripod

121: Track

13: Support frame

131: Joint

132: Long support

133: Short support

14: Linkage module

141: Linked slider

142: First connecting rod

143: Second connecting rod

144: Locking structure

20: Lifting structure

21: Inner tube

22: External tube

30: Positioning structure

31: Positioning rod

32: Assembly Department

θ: Indentation Angle

Claims (11)

A lifting structure comprises an inner tube displaceably disposed within an outer tube, the inner tube containing a switch valve, and a switch module comprising a stop block, one end of which is rotatably disposed within the inner tube via a first shaft. At least a portion of the stop block protrudes from the inner tube to form a protrusion, and the other end of the stop block is adjacent to the switch valve. When the stop block rotates relative to the inner tube via the first shaft, at least a portion of the protrusion displaces into the inner tube. The other end of the stop block then opens the switch valve, allowing the inner tube to slide relative to the outer tube. In the lifting structure provided in claim 1, the switch valve comprises a button or a lever, and the stop block rotates to press the button or displace the lever to open the switch valve. The lifting structure provided in claim 2, wherein: The other end of the resisting block is pivotally connected to a switch lever, the free end of the switch lever extending toward the switch valve; and A lifting module is disposed within the inner tube, comprising a sliding rod and a pressure cylinder. The sliding rod is movable relative to a protrusion of the pressure cylinder. The sliding rod is connected to at least a portion of the inner tube. The switch valve is disposed above the sliding rod, and the lever is connected to the free end of the switch lever. The lifting module can cause the sliding rod to move the inner tube relative to the outer tube using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. In the lifting structure provided by any one of claims 1 to 3, a spring deforms when the blocking block rotates and provides the blocking block with a reset. In the lifting structure provided in claim 4, a tightening rod is used to tighten and fix the position of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. A bicycle repair stand comprises: a lifting structure as provided in any one of claims 1 to 5; and a positioning structure comprising a positioning rod and a coupling portion at each end for securing the bicycle. The positioning rod is connected to the protrusion of the support block via the coupling portion, and a gap is formed between the coupling portion and the inner tube. In the bicycle repair stand provided in claim 6, the positioning structure is connected to the protrusion at a position adjacent to the first shaft. As provided in claim 7, the bicycle repair stand comprises a second shaft that is rotatably connected to the protrusion, and the positioning structure can rotate relative to the blocking block and switch between being parallel to the lifting structure and being perpendicular to the lifting structure. As provided in claim 8, the bicycle repair stand includes a supporting surface below the inner tube corresponding to the positioning structure, and the supporting surface is inclined toward the other end of the second axis, so that the gap gradually increases toward the other end of the second axis. The bicycle repair stand provided in claim 9 includes a locking rod for releasably fixing the assembly. As claimed in claim 10, a bicycle repair stand is provided, comprising a stand structure for supporting the bicycle repair stand on the ground. The stand structure includes a linkage, wherein at least a portion of the outer tube passes downward through the linkage, and at least two legs are rotatably connected to the linkage downward. When the at least two legs are in an extended position, the at least two legs form an angle with the linkage; and when the at least two legs are in a collapsed position, the at least two legs are parallel to at least a portion of the outer tube, with at least a portion of the outer tube positioned between the two legs.