An independent suspension structure for a three-wheeled motorcycle with switchable suspension modes

By adopting an independent suspension structure with switchable suspension modes on the three-wheeled motorcycle, combined with rocker arms, rotating connecting rods and air shock absorbers, the stability and handling problems of the three-wheeled motorcycle under different road conditions are solved, and the balance and safety are improved under different road conditions.

CN117566017BActive Publication Date: 2026-03-10CHONGQING ZONGSHEN INNOVATION TECH RES INST CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-12
Publication Date
2026-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing non-independent rear suspension structure of three-wheeled motorcycles results in poor vehicle stability and handling, especially when cornering at high speeds and driving at low speeds, making them prone to tipping over or swaying. In addition, the existing independent suspension structure is insufficient for the stability of three-wheeled motorcycles.

Method used

The three-wheeled motorcycle adopts a switchable suspension mode independent suspension structure, including a three-wheeled rear axle structure, rocker arm, rotating connecting rod, air shock absorber and shock absorber. The suspension mode can be switched by electronic control button to realize independent suspension and individual shock absorption of the left and right rear wheels of the motorcycle. Combined with the differential assembly and transmission mechanism, it ensures the stability and handling of the vehicle under different road conditions.

Benefits of technology

It improves the stability and handling of the three-wheeled motorcycle under different road conditions, enhances the vehicle's balance and safety when cornering and driving at low speeds, reduces the risk of rollover and swaying, and enhances driving comfort.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a switchable suspension mode independent suspension structure for a three-wheeled motorcycle, including a rear axle structure connected to the frame. Symmetrically arranged rocker arm mounting seats are mounted on both sides of the rear axle structure, with rocker arms hinged to the mounting seats. The rear ends of the rocker arms are rotatably connected to the rear wheel of the motorcycle. A connecting seat is located in the middle of the rocker arm, and a rotating connecting rod is disposed between the left and right connecting seats. The left and right ends of the rotating connecting rod are movably connected to the connecting seats via universal joints. An air shock absorber is connected to the middle of the rotating connecting rod. A shock absorber pressure arm mounting seat is provided on the connecting seat, and a shock absorber rocker arm is hinged to the shock absorber pressure arm mounting seat. A shock absorber is hinged to the rear end of the shock absorber rocker arm, and a shock absorber rocker arm limiting block is provided on the rocker arm corresponding to the lower part of the shock absorber rocker arm. The suspension mode of the three-wheeled motorcycle can be switched, giving it both handling and stability, making it both safe and agile.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of motorcycle suspension, in particular to a three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure with switchable suspension modes. BACKGROUND

[0002] Three-wheeled motorcycles are favored by consumers because they are easy to control, light and labor-saving. However, the existing three-wheeled motorcycles are all rear-wheel driven, so the rear wheels are usually non-independent suspension, the two wheels are coaxial, and the rear wheels are connected to the frame through a leaf spring and a shock absorber. However, this structure will cause the other side wheel to sway when one side wheel rises and falls, affecting the stability, controllability and tire ground contact of the vehicle. In addition, when quickly turning, the vehicle cannot tilt to change the center of resistance to centrifugal force, which can easily cause the vehicle to overturn.

[0003] To solve the above problems, the utility model with the publication number CN218929696U discloses a two-wheel independent suspension structure, which can keep the vehicle stable by tilting the body and changing the center of resistance to centrifugal force when turning. However, the three-wheeled motorcycle with this structure has poor body stability, and the driver needs to stand on his toes to stabilize the vehicle when parking. In addition, the body stability is poor when driving at low speed on poor road conditions, which can easily cause the vehicle to sway and reduce driving comfort. SUMMARY

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present application provides a three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure with switchable suspension modes, which has a simple structure, good body stability, and can switch the suspension structure to meet different road conditions.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure with switchable suspension modes, characterized in that it comprises a three-wheeled motorcycle rear axle structure, the front part of the three-wheeled motorcycle rear axle structure is connected to the frame through a frame connecting shaft, the upper part of the three-wheeled motorcycle rear axle structure is connected to the frame through an adjustable connecting rod, the left and right sides of the three-wheeled motorcycle rear axle structure are symmetrically arranged with rocker arm mounting seats, the rocker arm mounting seats are hingedly connected with rocker arms, the rear end of the rocker arm is rotatably connected with a motorcycle rear wheel, the middle part of the rocker arm has a connecting seat, a rotating connecting rod is arranged between the left and right connecting seats, the left and right ends of the rotating connecting rod are movably connected with the connecting seats through cross universal joints, an air shock absorber is connected to the middle part of the rotating connecting rod, the upper end of the air shock absorber is hingedly connected with the frame, a shock absorber pressure arm mounting seat is arranged on the connecting seat, a shock absorber rocker arm is hingedly connected to the shock absorber pressure arm mounting seat, a shock absorber is hingedly connected to the rear end of the shock absorber rocker arm, the upper end of the shock absorber is hingedly connected with the frame, and a shock absorbing rocker arm limiting block is arranged below the shock absorber rocker arm on the rocker arm.

[0007] Furthermore, the rear axle structure of the tricycle also includes a differential assembly, wherein the output shaft axes on the left and right sides of the differential assembly are coaxial with the connecting shaft of the pressure arm.

[0008] Furthermore, the differential assembly is connected to the rear wheel of the motorcycle via a chain drive mechanism, a synchronous belt drive mechanism, or a gear shaft drive mechanism.

[0009] Furthermore, the air shock absorber is controlled by an electronic button on the motorcycle, thereby adjusting the extension of the air shock absorber.

[0010] Furthermore, the shock absorber rocker arm faces rearward and swings in a vertical plane.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention include: the suspension mode of the three-wheeled motorcycle can be switched, so that the three-wheeled motorcycle has both handling and stability, and can be switched according to different road conditions, making the three-wheeled motorcycle both safe and flexible. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Fig. 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention (with the left rear wheel hidden).

[0013] Fig. 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear axle structure of the present invention;

[0014] Fig. 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rear suspension assembly structure of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0016] One such Figs. 1-3 The switchable suspension mode independent suspension structure for a three-wheeled motorcycle shown in this invention is based on a front-engine motorcycle, therefore the independent suspension structure includes a three-wheeled rear axle structure. The front part of the three-wheeled rear axle structure is connected to the frame 30 via a frame connecting shaft 19, and the upper part is connected to the frame 30 via an adjustable connecting rod 18, thereby fixing the three-wheeled motorcycle rear axle structure to the motorcycle body. The mounting height of the rear axle can be adjusted via the adjusting rod 18. The three-wheeled rear axle structure also includes a differential assembly 16. The differential drive gear is connected to the engine output shaft via a drive shaft and a universal joint; therefore, a longitudinally mounted engine should be selected for the internal combustion engine.

[0017] The rear axle structure of the three-wheeled vehicle has symmetrically arranged rocker arm mounting seats 17 on both sides. Rocker arms 2 are hinged to the rocker arm mounting seats 17. The output shaft axes on both sides of the differential assembly 16 are coaxial with the connecting shaft 12 of the pressure arm 2. The rear end of the rocker arm 2 is rotatably connected to the rear wheel 1 of the motorcycle. The differential assembly 16 is driven by the rear wheel 1 of the motorcycle through a chain drive mechanism, a synchronous belt drive mechanism, or a gear shaft drive mechanism.

[0018] The rocker arm 2 has a connecting seat 5 in the middle, and a rotating connecting rod 11 is set between the connecting seats 5 on the left and right sides. The left and right ends of the rotating connecting rod 11 are movably connected to the connecting seat 5 through universal joints 7. An air shock absorber 4 is connected to the middle of the rotating connecting rod 11. The upper end of the air shock absorber 4 is hinged to the frame 30. This structure constitutes the air independent suspension structure of the three-wheeled motorcycle. Based on this structure, the left and right rear wheels 1 of the three-wheeled motorcycle can swing up and down independently and freely around the rocker arm 2. The spatial displacement difference of the two rear wheel axles is eliminated by the universal joints 7 connected on both sides of the rotating connecting rod 11, so that the vehicle can maintain balance during cornering or parking. The body and wheels can tilt when cornering. The three-wheeled cornering increases the friction contact area compared to the two-wheeled cornering, making the vehicle less prone to sideslip when cornering and ensuring driving safety.

[0019] Furthermore, a shock absorber arm mounting seat 14 is provided on the connecting seat 5, and a shock absorber rocker arm 15 is hinged to the shock absorber arm mounting seat 14. The shock absorber rocker arm 15 faces rearward and swings in a vertical plane. A shock absorber 13 is hinged to the rear end of the shock absorber rocker arm 15. The upper end of the shock absorber 13 is hinged to the frame 30. A shock absorber rocker arm limiting block 20 is provided on the rocker arm 2 corresponding to the lower part of the shock absorber rocker arm 15. When the shock absorber rocker arm 15 contacts the shock absorber rocker arm limiting block 20, this structure constitutes a left and right single rocker arm independent suspension structure, which is equivalent to each motorcycle rear wheel having a separate shock absorber 13. This shock absorber can be a spring shock absorber. Based on this mechanism, the tricycle body has better stability. It has good stability when driving at low speeds and passing through poor road conditions. When parking, the driver does not need to tiptoe to stabilize the vehicle.

[0020] The air shock absorber 4 is controlled by an electronic button on the motorcycle, which adjusts its extension. The air shock absorber 4 is connected to a high-pressure air tank via a high-pressure air hose. The high-pressure air tank is connected to an electric air compressor via a high-pressure air hose. The electric air compressor is connected to a power source via wires, and its power is automatically controlled by a pressure sensor to automatically supply high-pressure air to the air tank. An electronic switch controls the air tank and the air shock absorber valve, allowing manual control of the air shock absorber's extension and retraction.

[0021] The suspension switching of this invention refers to switching via a single button press (it is recommended to switch at a vehicle speed not exceeding 20km / h).

[0022] 1. When switching to the independent air suspension mode, the air shock absorber 4 extends, the vehicle body rises, and the shock absorber rocker arm 15 disengages from the shock absorber rocker arm limit block 20. At this time, only the air shock absorber 4 is working. In this mode, the driver can control the center of gravity of the vehicle body to tilt when cornering, thereby improving the handling of the motorcycle.

[0023] 2. When switching to the left and right single-wishbone independent suspension mode, the air shock absorber 4 is shortened. At this time, the vehicle body is lowered, and the lower part of the shock absorber rocker arm 15 abuts against the shock absorber rocker arm limit block 20. At this time, the shock absorber 13 works, and the air shock absorber 4 is not compressed. In this mode, the vehicle body stability is significantly improved, and it is difficult for the driver to tilt the vehicle body manually. When parking, there is no need to stand on tiptoe to support the vehicle body.

[0024] The features of this invention include: 1. The suspension mode can be selected according to traffic conditions and personal needs. When low-speed driving is required in congested or difficult-to-pass sections, the independent double-wishbone mode is selected. In this mode, the tricycle switches to a normal three-wheeled state, ensuring stability and preventing tipping, making driving safer. In open or high-speed sections, the air suspension mode is selected. In this mode, the three-wheeled design still allows for the riding style of a normal two-wheeled motorcycle, making cornering safer and the vehicle stable yet agile. It combines the stability of a tricycle with the agility of a two-wheeled motorcycle, and the freedom to choose between two suspension modes makes long-distance motorcycle travel easier and safer. 2. The three-wheeled nature reduces braking distance and the probability of rear wheel slippage, thus reducing traffic accidents caused by excessive braking distance. 3. Low development cost. This invention only requires assembly and slight structural modifications to an existing mature two-wheeled motorcycle frame platform, resulting in a simple and easy-to-assemble overall structure. 4. The products involved in this invention can be powered by either a traditional gasoline engine or a new energy power source, depending on market conditions.

[0025] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the embodiments of the present invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for helping to understand the principles of the embodiments of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switchable suspension mode three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure, characterized by: The three-wheeled vehicle rear axle structure is connected with a frame (30) through a frame connecting shaft (19) in front, connected with the frame (30) through an adjustable connecting rod (18) in upper part, and arranged with a rocker arm mounting seat (17) on both sides symmetrically, and a rocker arm (2) is hingedly connected on the rocker arm mounting seat (17), the rear end of the rocker arm (2) is rotationally connected with a motorcycle rear wheel (1), the middle part of the rocker arm (2) is provided with a connecting seat (5), a rotating connecting rod (11) is arranged between the connecting seats (5) on both sides, the left and right ends of the rotating connecting rod (11) are movably connected with the connecting seats (5) through cross universal joints (7), an air shock absorber (4) is connected in the middle part of the rotating connecting rod (11), the upper end of the air shock absorber (4) is hingedly connected with the frame (30), a shock absorber pressing arm mounting seat (14) is arranged on the connecting seat (5), a shock absorber rocker arm (15) is hingedly connected on the shock absorber pressing arm mounting seat (14), a shock absorber (13) is hingedly connected at the rear end of the shock absorber rocker arm (15), the upper end of the shock absorber (13) is hingedly connected with the frame (30), and a shock absorbing rocker arm limiting block (20) is arranged below the shock absorber rocker arm (15) on the rocker arm (2).

2. The switchable suspension mode three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-wheeled vehicle rear axle structure further comprises a differential assembly (16), and the output shaft axes on both sides of the differential assembly (16) are coaxial with connecting shafts (12) of the rocker arms (2).

3. The switchable suspension mode three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The differential assembly (16) is driven with the motorcycle rear wheel (1) through a chain transmission mechanism, a synchronous belt transmission mechanism or a gear shaft transmission mechanism.

4. The switchable suspension mode three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air shock absorber (4) is controlled through an electric control button on the motorcycle, so as to adjust the elongation of the air shock absorber (4).

5. The switchable suspension mode three-wheeled motorcycle independent suspension structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shock absorber rocker arm (15) faces the rear and swings in a vertical plane.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Double rear wheel tricycle capable of actively controlling inclination of tricycle body

    CN107054529A

  • Swing tricycle

    CN112061284A