A foldable crossbar assembly and an electric scooter

Abstract

This invention provides a foldable crossbar assembly and an electric scooter, including a fixed base, a steering knuckle, and a kingpin. The steering knuckle is rotatable around the kingpin. The engaging member of this application can lock the steering knuckle and the fixed base, further preventing the rotation of the steering knuckle and the fixed base. When the engaging member disengages from the second internal tooth surface of the steering knuckle, the steering knuckle can rotate relative to the fixed base. When the engaging member engages with both the first and second internal tooth surfaces simultaneously, the engaging member locks the steering knuckle and the fixed base, preventing them from rotating relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of scooters, and more particularly to a foldable crossbar assembly and an electric scooter. Background Technology

[0002] The description in this section provides only background information related to the disclosure of this invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] The length of the crossbar on electric scooters significantly impacts storage, thus requiring a variable length design. Currently, there are two approaches on the market: Approach 1 uses a folding method, where the crossbar consists of a fixed rod, two movable rods, and two sleeves. The movable rods are movably connected to both sides of the fixed rod via pivots, and unfolding and folding are achieved by sliding the sleeves. Approach 2 uses a rotation method to fold the crossbar body, aligning its direction with the vertical rod. Regardless of whether the crossbar is folded or rotated, gaps exist in the parts when not fully locked, causing slight wobbling. When fully locked, these gaps disappear, resulting in noticeable resistance during the rotation of the movable rods, severely impacting the user experience.

[0004] It should be noted that the above description of the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of the present invention and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that the above technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a foldable crossbar assembly and an electric scooter.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a foldable crossbar assembly, comprising: a fixed base, including a fixed base body, and a first annular portion and a second annular portion arranged in a left-right direction on the fixed base body, the first annular portion having a first through hole and the second annular portion having a second through hole; a steering knuckle, including a rotating portion sandwiched between the first annular portion and the second annular portion, the rotating portion having a third through hole, the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole being coaxially arranged; and a master pin, including a pin portion passing through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole, the steering knuckle being rotatable around the pin portion. The foldable crossbar assembly further includes a meshing member sleeved on the kingpin. The meshing member has an external toothed surface, a first internal toothed surface is provided in the third through hole, and a second internal toothed surface is provided in the second through hole. The first and second internal toothed surfaces are interconnected. The external toothed surface of the meshing member can mesh with the first and second internal toothed surfaces, and the meshing member can move along the kingpin axial direction. The foldable crossbar assembly includes a locked state and an unlocked state. When the foldable crossbar assembly is in the locked state, the meshing member simultaneously meshes with the first and second internal toothed surfaces, and the rotating part of the steering knuckle and the second annular part cannot rotate relative to each other. When the foldable crossbar assembly is in the unlocked state, the meshing member disengages from the second annular part.

[0007] Preferably, the foldable crossbar assembly further includes a rotating cover located on the left side of the second annular portion and threadedly connected to the left end of the pin portion. During the tightening of the rotating cover, the rotating cover can push the engaging member to move to the right.

[0008] Preferably, the foldable crossbar assembly further includes a first spring sleeved on the kingpin. The first spring acts on the engaging member, and the right side of the first spring acts on the rotating part of the steering knuckle. During the tightening of the rotating cover, the first spring is compressed internally. During the unscrewing of the rotating cover, the first spring applies a leftward elastic force to the engaging member, causing the engaging member to disengage from the second internal tooth surface.

[0009] Preferably, the left side of the inner wall of the meshing member has a step, the right side of the step forms a first support surface, the right side of the second internal gear ring forms a second support surface facing left, the left end of the first spring abuts against the first support surface, and the right end of the first spring abuts against the second support surface.

[0010] Preferably, the foldable crossbar assembly further includes a push block and a fixing plate. The push block and the fixing plate are sleeved on the master pin. The left side of the first internal gear ring has a mounting surface. The fixing plate is fixed to the mounting surface by a first mounting screw. The fixing plate has a clearance hole. The right side of the push block has a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions pass through the clearance hole and contact the engaging member. During the tightening of the rotating cover, the rotating cover moves to the right, pushing the push block to the right. The push block pushes the engaging member to the right.

[0011] Preferably, the meshing element is a conical toothed ring, and the first internal toothed ring and the second internal toothed ring are connected to each other to form a conical internal toothed surface that matches the outer toothed surface of the meshing element.

[0012] Preferably, the main pin further includes a mounting plate disposed at the right end of the pin portion, the mounting plate being fixed to the right side of the second annular portion by a plurality of second mounting screws.

[0013] Preferably, the side wall of the pin is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped grooves extending axially, the plurality of grooves being arranged circumferentially. The rotating part of the steering knuckle is provided with a second mounting hole, the second mounting hole penetrating the side wall of the rotating part radially. A second spring is provided in the second mounting hole, one end of the second spring being connected to a set screw, and the other end of the second spring being connected to a steel ball. The set screw is threaded to the outer end of the second mounting hole. Under the elastic force of the second spring, the steel ball extends from the inner end of the second mounting hole and is inserted into the groove. When the rotating part rotates relative to the main pin, the steel ball rebounds and disengages from the groove.

[0014] Preferably, the foldable crossbar assembly further includes a crossbar and a vertical bar, and the steering knuckle further includes two mounting forks disposed on the rotating part. The crossbar is mounted on the top of the two mounting forks, and the vertical bar is disposed on the lower side of the fixed base body. When the foldable crossbar assembly is unfolded, the crossbar and the vertical bar are perpendicular to each other. When the foldable crossbar assembly is folded, the crossbar and the vertical bar are parallel to each other.

[0015] This application also provides an electric scooter including the aforementioned foldable crossbar assembly.

[0016] By employing the above technical solutions, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] The engagement element of this application can lock the steering knuckle and the fixed base, further preventing the steering knuckle and the fixed base from rotating. When the engagement element disengages from the second internal tooth surface of the steering knuckle, the steering knuckle can rotate relative to the fixed base. When the engagement element engages with both the first and second internal tooth surfaces simultaneously, the engagement element locks the steering knuckle and the fixed base, preventing them from rotating relative to each other.

[0018] The meshing component of this application is a conical toothed ring. The first inner tooth surface and the second inner tooth surface are connected to each other to form a conical inner tooth surface. The conical toothed ring is pressed into the conical tooth surface, which can eliminate the gap between the parts and prevent shaking.

[0019] The meshing component of this application generates a thrust on the steering knuckle under the push of the push block, so that the right side of the steering knuckle is pressed tightly against the left side of the first annular part of the fixed base, ensuring the friction between the steering knuckle and the fixed base.

[0020] The rotating cover of this application is threadedly connected to the right end of the kingpin. During rotation, it not only applies a thrust to the push block, but also applies a further thrust to the fixed plate when the push block is pushed into contact with the fixed plate. The fixed plate applies a thrust to the second annular portion, while the mounting plate of the kingpin applies a leftward thrust to the first annular portion, bringing the first and second annular portions closer together and clamping the steering knuckle between the two annular portions. This increases the friction between the steering knuckle and the fixed base, making the structure of the foldable crossbar assembly more stable. In addition, the fixed plate also prevents the rotating cover from excessively compressing the engaging parts.

[0021] The kingpin of this application is provided with multiple arc-shaped grooves extending circumferentially thereon. The grooves cooperate with the steel balls on the steering knuckle to provide a locking position for the rotational movement of the steering knuckle. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable crossbar assembly of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the foldable crossbar assembly of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating cover of this application.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the push block and the fixing plate of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the meshing component of this application.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fixed base of this application.

[0028] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the steering knuckle of this application.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable crossbar of this application in the folded state.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the main pin structure of this application.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable crossbar of this application in its unfolded state.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable crossbar of this application in the folded state.

[0033] The components are: 1. Steering knuckle; 2. Locking mechanism; 3. Fixed base; 4. Crossbar; 5. Vertical bar; 21. Rotating cover; 22. First mounting screw; 23. Push block; 24. Fixed plate; 25. Engaging part; 26. First spring; 27. Kingpin; 28. Second mounting screw; 211. Recess; 212. Internal thread; 231. Protrusion; 241. Clearance hole; 251. External gear ring; 252. First support surface; 271. Pin. 272. Groove; 273. External thread; 274. Mounting plate; 11. First annular portion; 12. First through hole; 13. Second annular portion; 14. First internal gear ring; 15. Mounting surface; 16. First mounting hole; 17. Second through hole; 31. Mounting fork; 32. Third through hole; 33. Second internal gear ring; 34. Second support surface; 35. Second mounting hole; 36. Rotating part; 61. Set screw; 62. Second spring; 63. Steel ball. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the present invention provides a foldable crossbar assembly, including: a fixed base 3, comprising a fixed base 3 body, a first annular portion 11 and a second annular portion 13 arranged in a left-right direction on the fixed base 3 body, the first annular portion 11 having a first through hole 12 and the second annular portion 13 having a second through hole 17; a steering knuckle 1, including a rotating portion 36, the rotating portion 36 being sandwiched between the first annular portion 11 and the second annular portion 13, the rotating portion 36 having a third through hole 32, the first through hole 12, the second through hole 17 and the third through hole 32 being coaxially arranged; and a main pin 27, including a pin portion 271, the pin portion 271 passing through the first through hole 12, the second through hole 17 and the third through hole 32, the steering knuckle 1 being rotatable around the pin portion 271. The foldable crossbar assembly further includes a meshing member 25 sleeved on the kingpin 27. The meshing member 25 has an external toothed surface, a first internal toothed surface is provided in the third through hole 32, and a second internal toothed surface is provided in the second through hole 17. The first internal toothed surface and the second internal toothed surface are connected to each other. The external toothed surface of the meshing member 25 can mesh with the first internal toothed surface and the second toothed surface, and the meshing member 25 can move axially along the kingpin 27. The foldable crossbar assembly includes a locked state and an unlocked state. When the foldable crossbar assembly is in the locked state, the meshing member 25 meshes with both the first internal toothed surface and the second internal toothed surface, and the rotating part 36 of the steering knuckle 1 and the second annular part 13 cannot rotate relative to each other. When the foldable crossbar assembly is in the unlocked state, the meshing member 25 disengages from the second annular part 13. The engaging member 25 of this application can lock the steering knuckle 1 and the fixed base 3, further preventing the steering knuckle 1 and the fixed base 3 from rotating. When the engaging member 25 disengages from the second internal tooth surface of the steering knuckle 1, the steering knuckle 1 can rotate relative to the fixed base 3. When the engaging member 25 engages with the first internal tooth surface and the second internal tooth surface at the same time, the engaging member 25 locks the steering knuckle 1 and the fixed base 3, making it impossible for the two to rotate relative to each other.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the foldable crossbar assembly also includes a rotating cover 21, which is located on the left side of the second annular portion 13 and is threadedly connected to the left end of the pin portion 271. During the tightening process of the rotating cover 21, the rotating cover 21 can push the engaging member 25 to move to the right. The surface of the rotating cover 21 is provided with multiple recesses 211 for easy tightening.

[0038] The foldable crossbar assembly also includes a first spring 26 sleeved on the main pin 27. The first spring 26 acts on the engaging member 25, and the right side of the first spring 26 acts on the rotating part 36 of the steering knuckle 1. During the tightening of the rotating cover 21, the first spring 26 is compressed internally. During the unscrewing of the rotating cover 21, the first spring 26 applies a leftward elastic force to the engaging member 25, causing the engaging member 25 to disengage from the second internal tooth surface. In a preferred embodiment, the left side of the inner wall of the engaging member 25 has a stepped ring, the right side of the stepped ring forms a first support surface 252, and the right side of the second internal tooth ring 33 forms a second support surface 34 facing left. The left end of the first spring 26 abuts against the first support surface 252, and the right end of the first spring 26 abuts against the second support surface 34.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the foldable crossbar assembly also includes a push block 23 and a fixing plate 24. The push block 23 and the fixing plate 24 are sleeved on the main pin 27. The left side of the first internal gear ring 14 has a mounting surface 15. The fixing plate 24 is fixed to the mounting surface 15 by a first mounting screw 22. The fixing plate 24 has a clearance hole 241. The right side of the push block 23 has a plurality of protrusions 231. The protrusions 231 pass through the clearance hole 241 and contact the engaging member 25. During the tightening of the rotating cover 21, the rotating cover 21 moves to the right, pushing the push block 23 to the right. The push block 23 pushes the engaging member 25 to the right. Under the push of the push block 23, the engaging member 25 of this application generates a thrust on the steering knuckle 1, so that the right side of the steering knuckle 1 is pressed against the left side of the first annular portion 11 of the fixed base 3, ensuring the friction between the steering knuckle 1 and the fixed base 3. The rotating cover 21 of this application is threadedly connected to the right end of the main pin 27. During rotation, it not only applies a pushing force to the pushing block 23, but also applies a further pushing force to the fixing plate 24 when the pushing block 23 is pushed to fit against the fixing plate 24. The fixing plate 24 applies a pushing force to the second annular portion 13. At the same time, the mounting plate 274 of the main pin 27 applies a leftward pushing force to the first annular portion 11, causing the first annular portion 11 and the second annular portion 13 to move closer together, clamping the steering knuckle 1 between the two annular portions, increasing the friction between the steering knuckle 1 and the fixed base 3, and making the structure of the foldable crossbar assembly more stable. In addition, the fixing plate 24 can also prevent the rotating cover 21 from excessively squeezing the engaging member 25.

[0040] The push block 23 has four protrusions 231, and the clearance hole 241 has four apex corners. The four protrusions 231 pass through the four apex corners respectively, and the body of the push block 23 cannot pass through the clearance hole 241 and is blocked on the left side of the fixing plate 24. The four apex corners not only serve as guides but also prevent the circumferential rotation of the push block 23. During the process of the body of the push block 23 being pushed to the right by the rotating cover 21, the push block 23 moves to the right relative to the fixing plate 24. When the body of the push block 23 is in contact with the fixing plate 24, the push block 23 applies a rightward pressure to the fixing plate 24, causing the first annular part 11 and the second annular part 13 to move closer to each other, further clamping the steering knuckle 1 and ensuring the stability of the electric scooter during use.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the meshing component 25 is a conical toothed ring. The first internal toothed ring 14 and the second internal toothed ring 33 are connected to form a conical internal toothed surface that matches the outer toothed surface of the meshing component 25. The conical toothed ring is pressed into the conical toothed surface, which can eliminate the gap between the parts and prevent shaking.

[0042] like Figure 9 As shown, the main pin 27 also includes a mounting plate 274 disposed at the right end of the pin portion 271. The mounting plate 274 is fixed to the right side of the second annular portion 13 by a plurality of second mounting screws 28. A plurality of axially extending arc-shaped grooves 272 are provided on the side wall of the pin portion 271. The plurality of grooves 272 are arranged circumferentially. The rotating portion 36 of the steering knuckle 1 is provided with a second mounting hole 35. The second mounting hole 35 penetrates the side wall of the rotating portion 36 radially. A second spring 62 is disposed in the second mounting hole 35. One end of the second spring 62 is connected to a set screw 61, and the other end of the second spring 62 is connected to a steel ball 63. The set screw 61 is threaded to the outer end of the second mounting hole 35. Under the elastic force of the second spring 62, the steel ball 63 extends out from the inner end of the second mounting hole 35 and is inserted into the groove 272. When the rotating portion 36 rotates relative to the main pin 27, the steel ball 63 rebounds and disengages from the groove 272.

[0043] like Figure 1 and 8As shown, the foldable crossbar assembly further includes a crossbar 4 and a vertical bar 5. The steering knuckle 1 also includes two mounting forks 31 disposed on the rotating part 36. The crossbar 4 is mounted on the top of the two mounting forks 31, and the vertical bar 5 is disposed on the lower side of the fixed base 3 body. When the foldable crossbar assembly is unfolded, the crossbar 4 and the vertical bar 5 are perpendicular to each other. When the foldable crossbar assembly is folded, the crossbar 4 and the vertical bar 5 are parallel to each other. The foldable crossbar assembly of the present invention is designed for electric scooters and provides a completely new folding method. It can rotate the crossbar 4 as a whole to a position parallel to the vertical bar 5 through the locking mechanism 2. In this way, the crossbar 4 itself does not need to be folded and can be a complete rod-shaped object, resulting in a more stable structure.

[0044] This application also provides an electric scooter including the aforementioned foldable crossbar assembly. The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable crossbar assembly, comprising, A fixed base includes a fixed base body, a first annular portion and a second annular portion arranged in a left-right direction on the fixed base body, the first annular portion having a first through hole and the second annular portion having a second through hole. A steering knuckle includes a rotating part sandwiched between a first annular part and a second annular part, the rotating part having a third through hole, the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole being coaxially arranged. The kingpin, including a pin portion, passes through a first through hole, a second through hole, and a third through hole, and the steering knuckle is rotatable about the pin portion. Its features are, The foldable crossbar assembly also includes a meshing element sleeved on the kingpin, the meshing element having an external toothed surface. The third through hole is provided with a first internal tooth surface, and the second through hole is provided with a second internal tooth surface; the first internal tooth surface and the second internal tooth surface are interconnected. The outer tooth surface of the meshing member can mesh with the first inner tooth surface and the second tooth surface, and the meshing member can move along the kingpin axial direction. The foldable crossbar assembly includes a locked state and an unlocked state. When the foldable crossbar assembly is in the locked state, the meshing member engages with the first internal tooth surface and the second internal tooth surface simultaneously, and the rotating part of the steering knuckle and the second annular part cannot rotate relative to each other. When the foldable crossbar assembly is in the unlocked state, the engaging member disengages from the second annular portion. The foldable crossbar assembly also includes a rotating cover located on the left side of the second annular portion and threadedly connected to the left end of the pin portion. During the tightening of the rotating cover, the rotating cover can push the engaging member to move to the right.

2. The foldable crossbar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foldable crossbar assembly also includes a first spring sleeved on the main pin. The first spring acts on the engaging member, and the right side of the first spring acts on the rotating part of the steering knuckle. During the tightening of the rotating cover, the first spring is compressed internally. During the unscrewing of the rotating cover, the first spring applies a leftward elastic force to the engaging member, causing the engaging member to disengage from the second internal tooth surface.

3. The foldable crossbar assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the meshing member has a step on the left side, the right side of the step forms a first support surface, the right side of the second internal tooth surface forms a second support surface facing left, the left end of the first spring abuts against the first support surface, and the right end of the first spring abuts against the second support surface.

4. The foldable crossbar assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The foldable crossbar assembly further includes a push block and a fixing plate, which are sleeved on the master pin. The left side of the first internal tooth surface has a mounting surface, and the fixing plate is fixed to the mounting surface by a first mounting screw. The fixing plate is provided with clearance holes. The right side of the push block is provided with multiple protrusions, which pass through the clearance hole and contact the engaging member. During the tightening of the rotating cover, the rotating cover moves to the right, pushing the push block to the right, and the push block pushes the engaging member to the right.

5. The foldable crossbar assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The meshing component is a conical toothed ring, and the first inner tooth surface and the second inner tooth surface are connected to each other to form a conical inner tooth surface that matches the outer tooth surface of the meshing component.

6. The foldable crossbar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pin also includes a mounting plate disposed at the right end of the pin portion, and the mounting plate is fixed to the right side of the second annular portion by a plurality of second mounting screws.

7. The foldable crossbar assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pin has multiple axially extending arc-shaped grooves on its sidewall, arranged circumferentially. The rotating part of the steering knuckle has a second mounting hole that radially penetrates the sidewall of the rotating part. A second spring is installed inside the second mounting hole. One end of the second spring is connected to a set screw, and the other end is connected to a steel ball. The set screw is threaded to the outer end of the second mounting hole. Under the elastic force of the second spring, the steel ball extends from the inner end of the second mounting hole and is inserted into the groove. When the rotating part rotates relative to the kingpin, the steel ball rebounds and disengages from the groove.

8. The foldable crossbar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foldable crossbar assembly further includes a crossbar and a vertical bar. The steering knuckle also includes two mounting forks disposed on the rotating part. The crossbar is mounted on the top of the two mounting forks, and the vertical bar is disposed on the lower side of the fixed base body. When the foldable crossbar assembly is unfolded, the crossbar and the vertical bar are perpendicular to each other. When the foldable crossbar assembly is folded, the crossbar and the vertical bar are parallel to each other.

9. An electric scooter, characterized in that, Includes the foldable crossbar assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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