Folding frame

By incorporating a locking mechanism and a linkage rod on the front rod and support rod of the folding frame, the problems of complex frame structure and poor aesthetics are solved, achieving a simple and smooth unfolded state and an attractive appearance.

CN115636042BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21GUANGDONG PRESTIGE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG PRESTIGE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
Filing Date
2022-11-04
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing foldable electric vehicle frame structure is complex and chaotic, with many intersecting and angled rods, which makes it aesthetically unappealing, and the lines are discontinuous when unfolded.

Method used

By setting engaging protrusions and engaging recesses on the end faces of the front rod and the first support rod, they can be engaged and connected when unfolded to form a continuous structure. Furthermore, the deformable quadrilateral can be linked and folded through the tie rod and the third support rod, which simplifies the connection of the rods and improves the streamline and aesthetics.

Benefits of technology

This design achieves a simple and streamlined overall structure when the frame is unfolded, reduces the number of links, improves the aesthetics, and enhances the ease of folding.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN115636042B_ABST
    Figure CN115636042B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention discloses a folding bicycle frame, including a front rod, a rear rod, a first support rod, and a second support rod. The rear end of the front rod is pivotally connected to the front end of the rear rod. The first support rod and the second support rod are pivotally connected in a cross configuration. The lower end of the first support rod is pivotally connected to the rear end of the front rod. The lower end of the second support rod is pivotally connected relative to the rear rod. One of the end faces of the rear end of the front rod and the lower end of the first support rod has an engaging protrusion, and the other has an engaging recess. When unfolded, the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess engage with each other to lock the frame and form a continuous structure between the front rod and the first support rod. The folding bicycle frame of this invention has a simple overall structure, a continuous and smooth streamline, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance when unfolded.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mobility scooter, and more particularly to a folding frame. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology and the improvement of people's living standards, electric vehicles have evolved from a simple means of transportation into a medical and mobility aid, increasingly favored by some people with disabilities. Existing foldable electric vehicles generally consist of a front and rear frame support rod connected by multiple seat support rods. When folded, the front and rear frame rods fold relative to each other, simultaneously causing the multiple seat support rods to fold in tandem. However, because these folding frames use a large number of rods, when unfolded, some rods are positioned horizontally, others at an angle, and there are intersections or angles between the rods, resulting in complex and irregular streamlines. This makes the overall structure of the frame very complex and chaotic, lacking aesthetic appeal. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a folding frame that has a simple overall structure, continuous and smooth lines, and an attractive appearance when unfolded.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the folding frame provided by the present invention includes a front frame, a rear frame, a first support rod, and a second support rod. The rear end of the front frame is pivotally connected to the front end of the rear frame. The first support rod and the second support rod are pivotally connected in a cross configuration. The lower end of the first support rod is pivotally connected to the rear end of the front frame. The lower end of the second support rod is pivotally connected relative to the rear frame. One of the end faces of the rear end of the front frame and the lower end of the first support rod is provided with a locking protrusion, and the other is provided with a locking recess. The locking protrusion and the locking recess engage with each other when the frame is unfolded to lock it in place, and to make the front frame and the first support rod form a continuous structure.

[0005] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an engaging protrusion on one of the end faces of the rear end of the front frame and the lower end of the first support rod, and an engaging recess on the other. By engaging the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess during unfolding, the end face of the rear end of the front frame and the lower end of the first support rod can be joined together. This not only ensures that the entire frame is in an unfolded and locked state due to the engagement of the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess, but also allows the front frame and the first support rod to form a continuous structure. Therefore, the entire frame, from the front end of the front frame to the upper end of the first support rod, visually forms a unified structure, achieving continuous, smooth lines and an overall streamlined and beautiful effect. Furthermore, visually, it reduces the number of frame members and simplifies the structure, thus greatly improving the aesthetics of the frame's appearance.

[0006] Preferably, it also includes a front wheel bracket, a rear wheel bracket, a front wheel, and a rear wheel, wherein the front end of the front rod is pivotally connected to the front wheel bracket, and the front wheel is mounted on the front wheel bracket; the rear end of the rear rod is pivotally connected to the rear wheel bracket, and the rear wheel is mounted on the rear wheel bracket; and the lower end of the second support rod is connected to the rear wheel bracket.

[0007] Specifically, it also includes a pull rod, the front end of which is pivotally connected to the front wheel bracket, and the rear end of which is pivotally connected to the rear pole. By setting the pull rod, it can form a deformable quadrilateral with the front pole, the rear pole, and the front wheel bracket, so that when folded, it can drive the front wheel bracket, allowing the front wheel bracket to better move closer to the front pole and the rear pole.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a seat, which is disposed between the upper ends of the first support rod and the second support rod.

[0009] Specifically, it also includes a third support rod, one end of which is pivotally connected to the upper end of the first support rod, and the seat is pivotally connected to the third support rod. By setting the third support rod, it can form a deformable quadrilateral with the seat, the first support rod, and the second support rod, so that when the frame is unfolded or folded, the first support rod and the second support rod can drive the seat to move, realizing coordinated folding and improving the convenience of unfolding or folding.

[0010] Specifically, the third support rod extends in the same direction as the first support rod when unfolded. This allows the third support rod and the first support rod to appear as a single unit when unfolded, further enhancing the continuity and smoothness of the frame's lines, thereby improving the frame's aesthetics.

[0011] Preferably, the device also includes a backrest, armrests, and a quick-release mechanism. The quick-release mechanism includes a locking block with a holding portion. The backrest is positioned on the side of the third support rod near the seat. A socket is located on the outer side of the backrest. A locking pin is located at the end of the armrest, with a locking groove at the end of the locking pin. The armrest is inserted into the socket, the locking pin passes through the third support rod, and the holding portion of the locking block engages in the locking groove. This quick-release mechanism allows the armrests to be quickly and easily installed on both sides of the backrest, improving ease of use.

[0012] Specifically, the card block includes a card plate and a pressing part. The card plate is slidably disposed on the backrest, and the pressing part is connected to the card plate and extends out of the backrest. The card plate has a large hole and a small hole that is radially connected to the large hole. The large hole is for the card shaft to pass through, and the edge of the small hole can be locked in the card slot to lock the card shaft.

[0013] Specifically, the card plate has a protrusion, the backrest has a positioning seat, the positioning seat has a positioning hole, the protrusion is engaged with the positioning hole, and a compression spring is provided between the protrusion and the positioning seat to keep the edge of the small hole engaged with the card slot. This ensures that the sliding position of the card plate will not shift when the pressing part is pressed, thus guaranteeing the accurate fit between the card plate and the card shaft.

[0014] Preferably, a first pivot joint is provided on the lower rear end of the front pole, and the rear pole is pivotally connected to the first pivot joint.

[0015] Preferably, a second pivot joint is provided on the lower rear end of the front rod, and a third pivot joint is provided at the lower end of the first support rod, with the second pivot joint pivotally connected to the third pivot joint.

[0016] Preferably, the rear section of the front strut extends in an arc shape, and the lower section of the first support rod extends in an arc shape, so that when the folding frame is unfolded, the connection between the first support rod and the front strut has an arc-shaped structure. By setting the adjacent ends of the front strut and the first support rod to be arc-shaped, they can be combined into an arc-shaped structure when joined. This makes the front strut and the first support rod visually extend from a roughly horizontal state, then curve upwards in an arc, and finally tilt upwards to the bottom of the seat, forming a continuous and smooth line. This makes the overall frame more streamlined and greatly enhances the aesthetics of the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the folding frame of the present invention when unfolded.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of the folding frame of the present invention when unfolded.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the folding frame of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the front support rod and the first support rod of the folding frame of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the handrail of the folding frame of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the armrest of the folding frame of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the quick-release mechanism of the folding frame of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the swing direction of each link in the folding frame of the present invention when it is folded up.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the folding frame of the present invention after it has been folded up. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To illustrate the technical content, structural features, and effects of the present invention in detail, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0027] As shown in the figure Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the folding frame 100 of the present invention includes a front rod 1, a rear rod 2, a first support rod 3, and a second support rod 4. The rear end of the front rod 1 is pivotally connected to the front end of the rear rod 2 at point A. This pivot point is located below the front rod 1 and the first support rod 3 when the folding frame 100 is unfolded. The first support rod 3 and the second support rod 4 are pivotally connected in a cross manner at point B. The lower end of the first support rod 3 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the front rod 1 at point C. This pivot point C is located below the front rod 1 and the first support rod 3 after they are connected. The lower end of the second support rod 4 is pivotally connected relative to the rear rod 2. One of the end faces of the rear end of the front rod 1 and the lower end of the first support rod 3 is provided with a locking protrusion 5, and the other with a locking recess 6. The locking protrusion 5 and the locking recess 6 engage with each other when unfolded to lock the frame and to form a continuous structure between the front rod 1 and the first support rod 3. The front rod 1 described in this application has a locking protrusion 5 on its rear end face and a locking recess 6 on its lower end face; the front rod 1 and the rear rod 2 have the same cross-sectional shape and area, so that when the ends of the two are connected, they can form an integrated structure with the same size and smooth lines.

[0028] Please see again Figures 1 to 3The folding frame 100 further includes a front wheel bracket 7, a rear wheel bracket 8, a front wheel 9, a rear wheel 110, a pull rod 120, and a seat 130. The front end of the front rod 1 is pivotally connected to the front wheel bracket 7 at point E; in the extending direction of the front rod 1, the pivot point A is located between pivot points E and C. The front wheel 9 is mounted on the front wheel bracket 7; the rear end of the rear rod 2 is pivotally connected to the rear wheel bracket 8 at point F; the rear wheel 110 is mounted on the rear wheel bracket 8. The lower end of the second support rod 4 is connected to the rear wheel bracket 8. Specifically, the second support rod 4 can be fixedly connected to the rear wheel bracket 8. In this embodiment, a shock absorber spring 150 is provided between the second support rod 4 and the rear wheel bracket 8. One side of the lower end of the second support rod 4 is pivotally connected to one end of the rear wheel bracket 8, with the pivot point coinciding with pivot point F. Of course, the pivot point and pivot point F may not coincide. The other side of the lower end of the second support rod 4 is pivotally connected to one end of the shock absorber spring 150, with the pivot point being D. The other end of the shock absorber spring 150 is pivotally connected to the other end of the rear wheel bracket 8. The front end of the pull rod 120 is pivotally connected to the front wheel bracket 7, with the pivot point being G. The rear end of the pull rod 120 is pivotally connected to the rear wheel rod 2, with the pivot point being H. In the extension direction of the rear wheel rod 2, the pivot point H is located between the pivot points A and F. By setting the pull rod 120, it can form a deformable quadrilateral with the front support rod 1, the rear support rod 2, and the front wheel bracket 7, so that when folding, it can drive the front wheel bracket 7, allowing the front wheel bracket 7 to better move towards the front support rod 1 and the rear support rod 2. The seat 130 is disposed between the upper end of the first support rod 3 and the upper end of the second support rod 4. Specifically, the folding frame 100 also includes a third support rod 140, one end of which is pivotally connected to the upper end of the first support rod 3 at pivot point K; the rear end of the seat 130 is pivotally connected to the third support rod 140 at pivot point L; and the front end of the seat 130 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the second support rod 4 at pivot point M. By configuring the third support rod 140, it can form a deformable quadrilateral with the seat, the first support rod 3, and the second support rod 4. This allows the seat 130 to move in conjunction with the first and second support rods 3 when the frame is unfolded or folded, improving the convenience of unfolding and folding. Furthermore, the extension direction of the third support rod 140 when unfolded is the same as that of the first support rod 3. This makes the third support rod 140 and the first support rod 3 appear as a single unit when unfolded, further enhancing the continuity and smoothness of the frame's lines, thus improving the frame's aesthetics.

[0029] For example Figure 3As shown, a first pivot joint 11 is provided on the lower rear end of the front pole 1, and the rear pole 2 is pivotally connected to the first pivot joint 11. A second pivot joint 12 is provided on the lower rear end of the front pole 1, and the second pivot joint 12 is located between the rear end face of the front pole 1 and the first pivot joint 11. A third pivot joint 31 is provided at the lower end of the first support rod 3, and the second pivot joint 12 is pivotally connected to the third pivot joint 31.

[0030] Furthermore, since the rear end of the front pole 1 and the lower end of the first support rod 3 cannot continue to rotate downwards when the folding frame 100 described in this application is unfolded, it can bear the weight of the user when riding. However, the rear end of the front pole 1 and the lower end of the first support rod 3 can still rotate upwards. Therefore, for safety, a locking mechanism can be provided between the front pole 1 and the first support rod 3 or between the front pole 1 and the rear pole 2. The locking mechanism locks the front pole 1 and the first support rod 3, preventing the rear end of the front pole 1 and the lower end of the first support rod 3 from rotating upwards when unfolded, thereby further ensuring driving safety. However, the locking mechanism is not the focus of this application and is unrelated to solving the technical problem of this application. Moreover, the locking mechanism is prior art, and its structure is clear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the locking mechanism will not be described in detail.

[0031] Additionally, please see Figures 5 to 7 The folding frame 100 also includes a backrest 150, armrests 160, and a quick-release mechanism 170. The quick-release mechanism 170 includes a locking block 171 with a holding portion. The backrest 150 is located on the side of the third support rod 140 near the seat. A socket 151 is provided on the outer side of the backrest 150. A retaining pin 161 is provided at the end of the armrest 160. The retaining pin 161 and the armrest 160 can be integrally formed through injection molding. A slot 161a is provided at the end of the retaining pin 161. The armrest 160 is inserted into the socket, and the retaining pin 161 passes through the third support rod 140. The holding portion of the locking block 171 is engaged in the slot 161a. The quick-release mechanism 170 allows the armrests 160 to be quickly and easily installed on both sides of the backrest 150, improving ease of use.

[0032] Please see again Figures 5 to 7Specifically, the locking block 171 includes a locking plate 1711 and a pressing part 1712. The locking plate 1711 is slidably disposed on the backrest 150. The pressing part 1712 is connected to the locking plate 1711 and extends out of the backrest 150. The locking plate 1711 has a large hole 1711a and a small hole 1711b that is radially connected to the large hole 1711a. The large hole 1711a is for the locking shaft 161 to pass through. The edge of the small hole 1711b forms the locking part. The edge of the small hole 1711b can be locked in the locking groove 161a to lock the locking shaft 161. The card plate 1711 has a protrusion 1711c, and the backrest 150 has a positioning seat 151. The positioning seat 151 has a positioning hole 151a. The protrusion 1711c is engaged with the positioning hole 151a, and a compression spring 180 is provided between the protrusion 1711c and the positioning seat 151 to keep the edge of the small hole 1711b engaged with the card slot 161a. This ensures that the sliding position of the card plate 1711 will not shift when the pressing part 1712 is pressed, thus guaranteeing the accurate engagement between the card plate 1711 and the card shaft 161. By pressing the pressing part 1712, the locking plate 1711 can be moved, causing the edge of the small hole 1711b to leave the slot 161a of the locking shaft 161, and the locking shaft 161 to enter the large hole 1711a. Therefore, the slot 161a is in an unlocked state, and the armrest 160 can be pulled out of the socket, achieving detachability. During installation, simply press the pressing part 1712 so that the large hole 1711a is aligned with the socket's insertion hole. Then, the locking shaft 161 of the armrest 160 can be inserted into the socket and the large hole 1711a, and the pressing part 1712 can be released. Finally, the locking plate 1711 moves under the elastic restoring force of the compression spring 180, causing the large hole 1711a to leave the slot 161a, while the edge of the small hole 1711b re-enters the slot 161a to lock.

[0033] In summary and in combination Figure 8 and Figure 9 The folding principle of the folding frame 100 of the present invention will be described in detail below:

[0034] When the folding frame 100 is unfolded, the front rod 1 and the rear rod 2 are approximately horizontal, the first support rod 3 and the second support rod 4 are crossed, and the third support rod 140 is positioned along the extension direction of the first support rod 3. At this time, the engaging protrusion 5 of the front rod 1 engages with the engaging recess 6 of the rear rod 2, and the folding frame 100 is in a fully unfolded and locked state. When folding is required, the locking mechanism can be released first, and then the frame can be lifted from the pivot point between the front rod 1 and the rear rod 2, causing the front rod 1 to rotate around the pivot point A, the rear end of the front rod 1 to move upward, and the rear rod 2 to rotate around the pivot point A, the front end of the rear rod 2 to move upward. Simultaneously, the lower end of the first support rod 3 moves upward under the influence of the pivot point C. At this point, the first support rod 3 rotates around the pivot point B, and the upper end of the first support rod 3 moves downward, thereby causing the third support rod 140 to swing. The third support rod 140 causes the seat 130 to move closer to the second support rod 4. Finally, the rear support rod 2 moves closer to the second support rod 4, the seat 130 moves closer to the second support rod 4, the third support rod 140 moves closer to the seat 130, the front support rod 1 and the pull rod 120 move closer to the rear support rod 2; the front wheel bracket 7 moves closer to the rear wheel bracket 8. At this point, the entire folding frame 100 is fully folded.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a locking protrusion 5 on one of the end face of the rear end of the front frame 1 and the end face of the lower end of the first support rod 3, and a locking recess 6 on the other. By engaging the locking protrusion 5 and the locking recess 6 when unfolded, the end face of the rear end of the front frame 1 and the end face of the lower end of the first support rod 3 can be spliced ​​together. This not only allows the entire frame to be in an unfolded and locked state due to the engagement of the locking protrusion 5 and the locking recess 6, but also allows the front frame 1 and the first support rod 3 to form a continuous structure. Therefore, the entire frame, from the front end of the front frame 1 to the upper end of the first support rod 3, visually forms a unified structure, achieving a continuous, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing overall effect. Furthermore, it visually reduces the number of frame members and simplifies the structure, thus greatly improving the aesthetics of the frame.

[0036] The above-disclosed examples are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding bicycle frame, characterized in that: The system includes a front pole, a rear pole, a first support rod, and a second support rod. The rear end of the front pole is pivotally connected to the front end of the rear pole. The first support rod and the second support rod are pivotally connected in a cross configuration. The lower end of the first support rod is pivotally connected to the rear end of the front pole. A second pivot joint is provided on the lower side of the rear end of the front pole. A third pivot joint is provided on the lower end of the first support rod. The second pivot joint is pivotally connected to the third pivot joint. The lower end of the second support rod is pivotally connected relative to the rear pole. The end face of the rear end of the front pole and the... One end face of the lower end of the first support rod is provided with a locking protrusion, and the other end is provided with a locking recess. The locking protrusion and the locking recess engage with each other when the frame is unfolded to lock the frame. Furthermore, the rear section of the front rod extends in an arc shape, and the lower section of the first support rod extends in an arc shape. When the folding frame is unfolded, the end face of the rear end of the front rod is joined with the end face of the lower end of the first support rod. The connection between the first support rod and the front rod has an arc-shaped structure, so that the front rod and the first support rod form a continuous structure.

2. The folding frame as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a front wheel bracket, a rear wheel bracket, a front wheel, and a rear wheel. The front end of the front rod is pivotally connected to the front wheel bracket, and the front wheel is mounted on the front wheel bracket. The rear end of the rear rod is pivotally connected to the rear wheel bracket, and the rear wheel is mounted on the rear wheel bracket. The lower end of the second support rod is connected to the rear wheel bracket.

3. The folding frame as described in claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a tie rod, the front end of which is pivotally connected to the front wheel bracket, and the rear end of which is pivotally connected to the rear wheel post.

4. The folding frame as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a seat, which is disposed between the upper end of the first support rod and the upper end of the second support rod.

5. The folding frame as described in claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a third support rod, one end of which is pivotally connected to the upper end of the first support rod, and the chair seat is pivotally connected to the third support rod.

6. The folding frame as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The third support rod extends in the same direction as the first support rod when it is deployed.

7. The folding frame as described in claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a backrest, armrests, and a quick-release mechanism. The quick-release mechanism includes a locking block with a locking part. The backrest is located on the side of the third support rod near the seat. A socket is provided on the outer side of the backrest. The armrest has a locking shaft at its end with a locking groove at its end. The armrest is inserted into the socket. The locking shaft passes through the third support rod, and the locking part of the locking block is locked in the locking groove.

8. The folding frame as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The card block includes a card plate and a pressing part. The card plate is slidably disposed on the backrest. The pressing part is connected to the card plate and extends out of the backrest. The card plate has a large hole and a small hole that is radially connected to the large hole. The large hole is for the card shaft to pass through. The edge of the small hole can be locked in the card slot to lock the card shaft.

9. The folding frame as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The card plate has a protrusion, the backrest has a positioning seat, the positioning seat has a positioning hole, the protrusion is engaged in the positioning hole, and a compression spring is provided between the protrusion and the positioning seat so that the edge of the small hole is kept engaged in the card slot.

10. The folding frame as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lower rear end of the front pole is provided with a first pivot joint, and the rear pole is pivotally connected to the first pivot joint.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Shock-proof folding bicycle frame

    CN210101890U

  • Folding frame

    CN218662227U