A tool-free fork clamping device and bicycle

Abstract

This invention relates to a tool-free fork tightening device and a bicycle. The tool-free fork tightening device is used in conjunction with a bicycle fork seat tube and includes: an upper fixing ring, fixed to the fork seat tube, including an inner post and an outer platform; a hidden adjusting ring, fitted onto the inner post and axially limiting and concealing the adjusting ring, with an external threaded surface on its outer circumference; an outer ring; an adjusting retainer; and an adjusting ball bearing. The adjusting retainer, as the outer ring rotates, pushes against the adjusting ball bearing, moving vertically to tighten the fork clearance. This invention has fewer assembly steps, is convenient and time-saving to install on a bicycle, and will not loosen due to vibrations during bicycle operation, effectively ensuring the effectiveness of tightening the fork clearance. Furthermore, when fork clearance occurs, the outer ring can be directly rotated for fine-tuning to tighten and eliminate the fork clearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bicycle technology, specifically to a tool-free fork clamping device and a bicycle. Background Technology

[0002] The front end of the frame of a current bicycle has a head tube for mounting the fork. The fork has a fork stem, and the handlebars have a handlebar stem that is tightened and fitted onto the fork stem. The fork stem passes through the head tube and into the handlebar stem from bottom to top. However, a fork gap will be generated between the head tube and the handlebar stem. Therefore, a clamping device needs to be installed at the lower end of the handlebar stem to eliminate the fork gap.

[0003] See attached document Figure 8 The existing fork headset requires the use of an umbrella-shaped washer 601 for assembly and fixation. Specifically, after the headset is installed, the umbrella-shaped washer 601 is inserted from the top of the fork stem 80, followed by the installation of the screw cap 603 and the fastening bolt 602. When the fastening bolt 602 is tightened, the umbrella-shaped washer 601 is pulled and deformed from the middle, expanding and pressing against the fork stem 80. Combined with the upper limit of the screw cap 603 on the handlebar stem 60, the handlebar stem 60 is gradually pressed downward, thereby clamping and fixing the fork headset in the radial direction.

[0004] However, the assembly process of the fork headset with this structure is complicated and time-consuming. Furthermore, the fork headset may become loose due to vibrations during riding. This not only fails to effectively eliminate the gap between the handlebar stem and head tube, but may also cause safety issues. Moreover, adjusting the gap requires tools, but it is difficult to find tools to adjust it while riding, resulting in limitations and inconvenience in use.

[0005] To address this, we propose a tool-free fork clamping device and a bicycle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a tool-free fork clamping device and bicycle to at least solve the problem that in the prior art, the clamping component may loosen due to vibration during riding, which may cause safety issues; furthermore, gap adjustment requires tools, but it is difficult to provide tools for adjustment during riding.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a tool-free fork clamping device, which is used in conjunction with a bicycle fork seat tube and includes:

[0008] The upper fixing ring is fixed to the front fork riser and includes an integrally formed inner column and an outer platform.

[0009] A hidden adjusting ring is sleeved on the inner column portion and axially limits the hidden adjusting ring, and its outer periphery is provided with an external thread surface;

[0010] The outer ring is annular and its inner wall surface is provided with an internal thread surface that is threaded to the external thread surface, as well as a first step surface and a second step surface, and an annular positioning groove is formed between the first step surface and the second step surface.

[0011] The adjusting ring includes a first platform side portion movably installed in the ring-shaped placement groove and an outer platform-shaped surface formed at the lower end of the first platform side portion with its outer wall surface gradually tapering axially from top to bottom.

[0012] The adjusting ball bearing component is annular and includes a second side portion movably installed in the annular mounting groove and an inner platform surface formed at the lower end of the second side portion, with its inner wall surface gradually tapering axially from top to bottom to match the outer platform surface. The adjusting ring pushes against the adjusting ball bearing component vertically as the outer ring component rotates to tighten the fork clearance.

[0013] In some embodiments, the adjusting ring further includes an adjusting slot extending through its sidewall, so that the adjusting ring is pushed inward to tighten the fork seat tube as the outer ring rotates.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the inner column is provided with a radially extending first retaining tooth, and the inner wall surface of the hidden adjustment ring is provided with a first retaining groove that matches the first retaining tooth for axially limiting the hidden adjustment ring.

[0015] In some embodiments, the lower end face of the outer platform is provided with a first one-way anti-reverse tooth, and the upper end face of the outer ring is provided with a second one-way anti-reverse tooth that meshes with the first one-way anti-reverse tooth to limit the one-way rotation of the upper fixed ring.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first one-way anti-reverse tooth and a plurality of teeth on the first one-way anti-reverse tooth are arranged in a ring.

[0017] In some embodiments, a locking hole is provided on the side wall of the outer platform, and a countersunk bolt for locking and limiting the upper fixing ring is installed in the internal thread of the locking hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, a locking hole is provided on the side wall of the outer platform, and a rivet for locking and limiting the upper fixing ring is provided in the locking hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, a radially extending second locking tooth is integrally formed on the inner wall surface of the upper fixing ring, and the second locking tooth is inserted into a preset seat groove on the front fork seat to axially limit the upper fixing ring.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first step surface is smaller than the inner diameter of the second step surface;

[0021] The outer diameter of the first platform edge is larger than the inner diameter of the first step surface, and its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the hidden adjustment ring;

[0022] The outer diameter of the second platform edge is larger than the inner diameter of the second step surface and smaller than the inner diameter of the annular groove, and it can be slightly deformed after force is applied to the second platform edge to enter the annular groove.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a bicycle including the tool-free fork clamping device described in the first aspect above.

[0024] Compared to related technologies, the tool-free fork clamping device and bicycle provided in this application have at least the following technical advantages:

[0025] With fewer assembly steps, installation is convenient and time-saving. The front fork does not require the assembly of an umbrella-shaped pad and can be directly assembled to the fork seat tube as a whole. The one-way anti-reverse engagement between the upper retaining ring and the outer ring ensures that the tool-free fork clamping device will not loosen due to vibrations during bicycle riding, effectively ensuring the effectiveness of clamping the fork clearance. At the same time, when fork clearance occurs, no tools are needed; the fork clearance can be eliminated by directly rotating the outer ring for fine adjustment, optimizing the fork clearance adjustment and elimination effect, and improving bicycle riding safety.

[0026] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective structural diagram of a tool-free fork clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a tool-free fork clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a tool-free fork clamping device structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a tool-free fork clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustment bead loop structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upper fixing ring structure shown in Embodiment 3.

[0034] Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of a tool-free fork clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 It is an existing front fork headset assembly diagram.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Upper fixing ring 10: Inner column 101, outer platform 102, first locking tooth 103, first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104, locking hole 105, second locking tooth 106;

[0037] Hidden adjusting ring 20: First slot 201, external thread surface 202;

[0038] Outer ring 30: internal thread surface 301, first step surface 302, second step surface 303, annular groove 304, second one-way anti-reverse tooth 305;

[0039] Adjustment ring 40: outer platform surface 401, first platform edge 402, adjustment slot 403;

[0040] Adjusting the ball track component 50: inner platform surface 501, second platform edge 502;

[0041] Handlebar riser 60: Umbrella-shaped gasket 601, fastening bolt 602, upper screw cap 603, head tube 70, fork riser 80. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] In related technologies, Figure 8 This is the existing front fork headset assembly diagram. (Refer to the attached diagram.) Figure 8 The existing fork headset requires the use of an umbrella-shaped washer 601 for assembly and fixation. Specifically, after the headset is installed, the umbrella-shaped washer 601 is inserted from the top of the fork stem 80, followed by the installation of the screw cap 603 and the fastening bolt 602. When the fastening bolt 602 is tightened, the umbrella-shaped washer 601 is pulled and deformed from the middle, expanding and pressing against the fork stem 80. Combined with the upper limit of the screw cap 603 on the handlebar stem 60, the handlebar stem 60 is gradually pressed downward, thereby clamping and fixing the fork headset in the radial direction.

[0046] However, the assembly process of the fork headset with this structure is complicated and time-consuming. Furthermore, the fork headset may become loose due to vibrations during riding. This not only fails to effectively eliminate the gap between the handlebar stem and head tube, but may also cause safety issues. Moreover, adjusting the gap requires tools, but it is difficult to find tools to adjust it while riding, resulting in limitations and inconvenience in use.

[0047] Based on the above, embodiments of the present invention provide a tool-free fork clamping device and a bicycle, which will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] This invention provides a tool-free fork clamping device. Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of a tool-free fork tensioning device according to an exemplary embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 7 This tool-free fork tightening device is used in conjunction with a bicycle fork seat tube 80. Specifically, the bicycle frame has a head tube 70, and the bicycle handlebars have a handlebar seat tube 60 that is tightened and fitted onto the fork seat tube 80. The fork seat tube 80 passes through the head tube 70 from bottom to top and is tightened inside the handlebar seat tube 60. The tool-free fork tightening device of this invention is fitted onto the fork seat tube 80 and located between the head tube 70 and the handlebar seat tube 60.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective structural diagram of a tool-free fork clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a tool-free fork clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a tool-free fork clamping device structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a tool-free fork clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1-4 As shown, the tool-free fork clamping device includes:

[0051] The upper fixing ring 10 is fixed to the front fork riser and includes an integrally formed inner column 101 and an outer platform 102.

[0052] A hidden adjusting ring 20 is sleeved on the inner column 101 and axially limited to hide the adjusting ring 20, and its outer periphery is provided with an external thread surface 202;

[0053] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 2 The outer wall of the inner column 101 is provided with a radially extending first locking tooth 103, and the inner wall of the hidden adjustment ring 20 is provided with a first locking groove 201 that matches the first locking tooth 103 and is inserted to axially limit the hidden adjustment ring 20. When the upper fixing ring 10 and the hidden adjustment ring 20 are assembled, the first locking tooth 103 is inserted into the first locking groove 201 to axially limit the assembly of the upper fixing ring 10 and the hidden adjustment ring 20.

[0054] The outer ring 30 is annular and its inner wall surface is provided with an inner thread surface 301 that is threaded to the outer thread surface 202, as well as a first step surface 302 and a second step surface 303. An annular groove 304 is formed between the first step surface 302 and the second step surface 303.

[0055] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 2 The lower end face of the outer platform 102 is provided with a first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104, and the upper end face of the outer ring 30 is provided with a second one-way anti-reverse tooth 305 that meshes with the first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104 to limit the one-way rotation of the upper fixed ring 10.

[0056] Optionally, refer to the appendix Figure 2The first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104 and several teeth on the first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104 are arranged in a ring to form a stable toothed structure, ensuring the one-way rotation of the outer ring 30.

[0057] Adjusting the clamping ring 40 includes a first edge portion 402 movably installed in the ring-shaped placement groove 304 and an outer platform-shaped surface 401 formed at the lower end of the first edge portion 402 and whose outer wall surface gradually tapers from top to bottom.

[0058] The adjusting ball bearing component 50 is annular and includes a second side portion 502 movably installed in the annular mounting groove 304 and an inner platform surface 501 formed at the lower end of the second side portion 502 with its inner wall surface gradually tapering from top to bottom to match the outer platform surface 401. The adjusting ring 40 moves vertically against the adjusting ball bearing component 50 as the outer ring component 30 rotates to tighten the fork clearance.

[0059] Among them, the inner diameter of the first step surface 302 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second step surface 303; the outer diameter of the first platform edge 402 is larger than the inner diameter of the first step surface 302, and its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the hidden adjustment ring 20; the outer diameter of the second platform edge 502 is larger than the inner diameter of the second step surface 303 and smaller than the inner diameter of the annular fitting groove 304, and can be slightly deformed after force is applied to the second platform edge 502 to enter the annular fitting groove 304.

[0060] In the technical solutions of the above embodiments, please refer to the appendix. Figure 1-5 First, assemble the upper fixing ring 10 and the hidden adjusting ring 20. During assembly, the first retaining tooth 103 is inserted into the first retaining groove 201 to axially limit the assembly of the upper fixing ring 10 and the hidden adjusting ring 20. Then, the assembly of the upper fixing ring 10 and the hidden adjusting ring 20 is screwed into the upper opening of the outer ring 30 through the external thread surface 202 and the internal thread surface 301. The adjusting clamping ring 40 and the adjusting ball rail 50 are pressed into the lower opening of the outer ring 30 in sequence to form a complete tool-free front fork tightening device, which is convenient and time-saving to assemble.

[0061] When the fork stem passes through the head tube from bottom to top, the tool-free fork clamping device is installed in the fork stem. Then, the fork stem passes through the handlebar stem upwards. After adjusting the assembly position, the upper fixing ring 10 is fixed to the fork stem. Then, without assembly tools, the outer ring 30 is rotated. Due to the toothed engagement of the first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104 and the second one-way anti-reverse tooth 305, the outer ring 30 can only be rotated in one direction. When it is rotated, the hidden adjusting ring 20 pushes the adjusting clamping ring 40 downwards. At this time, the outer platform surface 401 of the adjusting clamping ring 40 cooperates with the inner platform surface 501 of the adjusting ball rail 50 to continuously tighten the inner diameter of the adjusting clamping ring 40, thereby clamping and locking the fork stem. The downward push of the adjusting clamping ring 40 also presses the adjusting ball rail 50 to move downwards, completing the vertical clamping of the fork gap between the head tube and the handlebar stem.

[0062] It is also understood that, due to the anti-reverse engagement of the first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104 and the first one-way anti-reverse tooth 104, the tool-free fork clamping device proposed in this embodiment will not loosen due to vibration during bicycle movement, effectively ensuring the effectiveness of clamping the fork gap.

[0063] Furthermore, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustment bead loop structure according to an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appendix. Figure 5 The adjusting ring 40 also includes an adjusting slot 403 that extends through its side wall, so that the adjusting ring 40 is pushed inward to tighten the fork seat tube as the outer ring 30 rotates.

[0064] Optionally, see appendix. Figure 4 The outer wall of the second side part 502, in conjunction with the lower end face of the second side part 502, forms a bearing cavity for assembling the ball bearing or rotating body; furthermore, in the prior art, the upper end of the head tube is bowl-shaped, and the lower part of the ball bearing or rotating body is assembled in the bowl-shaped space of the head tube, so as to form a stable bearing cavity for assembling the ball bearing or rotating body in conjunction with the bearing cavity.

[0065] Optionally, see appendix. Figure 1-4 A locking hole 105 is provided on the side wall of the outer platform 102, and a countersunk bolt for locking and limiting the upper fixing ring 10 is installed in the internal thread of the locking hole 105. The upper fixing ring 10 is screwed and fixed to the front fork stem by the countersunk bolt.

[0066] In summary, the tool-free fork tightening device provided in this embodiment of the invention has fewer assembly steps, is convenient and time-saving to install, and the fork does not require the assembly of an umbrella-shaped pad; it can be directly assembled with the fork seat tube as a whole. The one-way anti-reverse engagement between the upper fixing ring 10 and the outer ring 30 ensures that the tool-free fork tightening device proposed in this embodiment will not loosen due to vibrations during bicycle riding, effectively ensuring the effectiveness of tightening the fork gap. At the same time, when fork gap occurs, no tools are needed; the fork gap can be eliminated directly by rotating the outer ring 30 for fine adjustment, thus optimizing the fork gap adjustment and elimination effect and improving bicycle riding safety.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that a locking hole 105 is provided on the side wall of the outer platform 102. It can be understood that a rivet hole is provided on the front fork stem, and a rivet for locking and limiting the upper fixing ring 10 is provided in the locking hole 105. The rivet passes through the locking hole 105 and the rivet hole and is riveted and fixed.

[0069] Other undescribed structures are described in Example 1.

[0070] Example 3

[0071] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upper fixing ring structure according to Embodiment 3. (Refer to the attached diagram.) Figure 6 The inner wall of the upper fixing ring 10 is integrally formed with a radially extending second locking tooth 106, and the second locking tooth 106 is inserted into the preset seat groove on the front fork seat tube to axially limit the upper fixing ring 10. At the same time, the upper and lower end limits of the tool-free front fork clamping device are achieved through the head tube and the handlebar seat tube.

[0072] Other undescribed structures are described in Example 1.

[0073] This application also provides a bicycle, including a tool-free fork clamping device of any one of the above embodiments 1-3.

[0074] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0075] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tool-free front fork tightening device, which is used in combination with a bicycle front fork riser. It is characterized in that It includes: An upper fixing ring, which is fixed to the front fork riser and includes an integrally formed inner column part and an outer table surface; A hidden adjustment ring, which is sleeved on the inner column part and axially limits the hidden adjustment ring, and an external thread surface is provided on its outer circumference; An outer ring part, which is annular and an internal thread surface that is threadedly combined with the external thread surface is provided on its inner wall surface, as well as a first step surface and a second step surface, and an annular accommodation groove is formed between the first step surface and the second step surface; An adjustment binding ring, which includes a first table edge part movably installed in the annular accommodation groove and an external table-shaped surface formed at the lower end of the first table edge part and whose outer wall surface gradually shrinks axially from top to bottom; An adjustment bead rail part, which is annular and includes a second table edge part movably installed in the annular accommodation groove and an internal table-shaped surface formed at the lower end of the second table edge part and whose inner wall surface gradually shrinks axially from top to bottom to cooperate with the external table-shaped surface, and the adjustment binding ring pushes against the adjustment bead rail part to move vertically as the outer ring part rotates to tighten the front fork clearance; Among them, a first one-way anti-backlash tooth is provided on the lower end surface of the outer table surface, and a second one-way anti-backlash tooth that is tooth-engaged with the first one-way anti-backlash tooth to limit the one-way rotation of the upper fixing ring is provided on the upper end surface of the outer ring part, and a plurality of teeth on the first one-way anti-backlash tooth and the first one-way anti-backlash tooth are arranged in a ring shape.

2. The tool-free front fork tightening device according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustment binding ring further includes an adjustment slit that penetrates through its side wall surface, so that the adjustment binding ring pushes against and tightens the front fork riser inward as the outer ring part rotates.

3. The tool-free front fork tightening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first engaging tooth extending radially is provided on the outer wall surface of the inner column part, and a first engaging slot that matches the first engaging tooth for plugging to axially limit the hidden adjustment ring is provided on the inner wall surface of the hidden adjustment ring.

4. The tool-free front fork tightening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A locking hole is opened on the side wall of the outer table surface, and a countersunk bolt for locking and limiting the upper fixing ring is threadedly installed in the locking hole.

5. The tool-free front fork tightening device according to claim 1, wherein: A locking hole is opened on the side wall of the outer table surface, and a rivet for locking and limiting the upper fixing ring is provided in the locking hole.

6. The tool-free front fork tightening device according to claim 1, wherein: A second engaging tooth extending radially is integrally formed on the inner wall surface of the upper fixing ring, and the second engaging tooth is plug-fitted into a preset riser engaging slot on the front fork riser to axially limit the upper fixing ring.

7. The tool-free front fork tightening device according to claim 1, wherein: The inner diameter of the first step surface is smaller than the inner diameter of the second step surface; The outer diameter of the first table edge part is larger than the inner diameter of the first step surface, and its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the hidden adjustment ring; The outer diameter of the second table edge part is larger than the inner diameter of the second step surface and smaller than the inner diameter of the annular accommodation groove, and can be slightly deformed after force is applied to the second table edge part to enter the annular accommodation groove.

8. A bicycle, characterized in that, There is a tool-free front fork tightening device according to any one of claims 1-7.

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