A multi-link wheel roll device

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-link wheel roll device, which is arranged on a tilt-type ride vehicle and located between two axially parallel first wheels. The device comprises a setting seat, a first link, a second link and two third links. The first link and the second link are oppositely arranged. Each third link is pivotally connected with a first wheel. The first link is pivotally connected with each third link. The second link is pivotally connected with each third link. The first link protrudes forwardly to form a first driving part. The setting seat is provided with a first shaft. A first torsion spring ring is sleeved on the first link. The first driving part is located between the first spring foot and the second spring foot of the first torsion spring. The first torsion spring provides elastic resistance to the rotation of the first link, so that each third link and each first wheel cannot be easily laterally deflected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wheel tilting structure for a three-wheeled vehicle with two wheels axially aligned, and more particularly to a multi-link wheel tilting device. Background Technology

[0002] An angled three-wheeled vehicle is frequently used for transporting goods. The vehicle has two wheels that are parallel to each other along the axial direction as front or rear wheels. Multiple wheels are used to provide stability when carrying goods. The vehicle can be an electric or human-powered bicycle, motorcycle, or other three-wheeled vehicle.

[0003] A wheel tilting mechanism is provided between each of the parallel wheels. The wheel tilting mechanism is a four-bar linkage, including two first links and two second links. Each first link is vertically opposite to each other and is connected to the frame of the bicycle. Each first link can rotate relative to the frame. Each second link is laterally opposite to each other and is pivotally connected to the axle of each wheel. The two ends of one first link are pivotally connected to the upper ends of each second link, and the two ends of the other first link are pivotally connected to the lower ends of each second link.

[0004] During the turning process of a bicycle, the center of gravity of the bicycle shifts laterally, causing the frame to tilt laterally as the direction of travel changes. The wheel tilting structure allows each wheel, which is axially parallel, to tilt separately in accordance with the lateral tilt of the frame. During the turning process, each wheel can maintain contact with the ground, allowing the bicycle to complete the turning process at a higher speed and making it less likely to tip over due to centrifugal force.

[0005] The wheel tilt design makes the frame prone to tilting when subjected to lateral forces. When riders get on or off the vehicle, or when loading or unloading cargo, the weight of the rider or cargo causes the frame's center of gravity to shift laterally, making it unstable. If there is no one else to assist in controlling the vehicle during this process, the instability of the frame can easily lead to the vehicle tipping over or cargo falling off.

[0006] Therefore, regarding the problems existing in the aforementioned wheel tilt structure, how to develop an innovative structure that is more ideal and practical is a goal and direction that the relevant industry needs to further consider and break through. In view of this, based on many years of experience in the manufacturing, development and design of related products, the inventor has designed and carefully evaluated the above-mentioned goals, and finally obtained this invention with practicality. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to provide a multi-link wheel tilting device.

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A multi-link wheel tilting device is provided for use in a tilting bicycle, wherein the bicycle has two first wheels arranged side-by-side opposite each other along the axial direction.

[0009] The multi-link wheel tilting device includes a mounting base, a first link, a second link, and two third links. The mounting base is used to connect the frame of the bicycle and is located between each first wheel. The first link and the second link are located laterally on the front side of the mounting base and are vertically opposite each other. Each third link is vertically arranged and is used to pivotally connect to the axle of one of the first wheels. The two ends of the first link are pivotally connected to one end of each third link, and the two ends of the second link are pivotally connected to the other end of each third link.

[0010] The feature is that a first connecting rod passes through a first shaft hole in its middle section, and a first actuating part protrudes forward from the middle section of the first connecting rod. A first shaft passes through the first shaft hole in the mounting base. A first torsion spring is looped around the first shaft. The first torsion spring extends radially outward with a first spring foot and a second spring foot. The first actuating part is located between the first spring foot and the second spring foot. A front cover is connected to the mounting base. The front cover is located in front of the first connecting rod and the first torsion spring, and restricts the first torsion spring. A first abutting part protrudes from the rear side of the front cover and is located between the first spring foot and the second spring foot. The first spring foot and the second spring foot abut laterally against the first abutting part.

[0011] The main effect and advantage of the present invention is that the first torsion spring 50 provides elastic force to resist the rotation of the first link, so that each third link and each first wheel will not easily tilt to the side due to the lateral shift of the center of gravity of the frame, which helps to improve the stability of the frame and reduce the risk of the bicycle tipping over or cargo falling off. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 A perspective view of the front cover of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a side view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Section 5-5.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a front view schematic diagram of the operation state (a) of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the state of removing the cover plate.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a front view schematic diagram of the operation state (ii) of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the state of removing the cover plate.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a side view of the locked state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a front view schematic diagram of the spring in a state of removing the cover plate according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, showing a positioning state of the spring.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a front view schematic diagram of the spring in the state after the cover plate is removed, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, showing another positioning state of the spring.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a front view schematic diagram of the spring in the state after the cover plate is removed, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, showing another positioning state of the spring.

[0023] Explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures.

[0024] 10: Set seat.

[0025] 11: First shaft.

[0026] 12: Second shaft.

[0027] 13: Hold the wall.

[0028] 14: Stopping parts.

[0029] 15: Guide groove.

[0030] 16: Second bolt.

[0031] 20: First link.

[0032] 21: First shaft hole.

[0033] 22: First actuation section.

[0034] 23: First circular arc wall.

[0035] 24: Through slot.

[0036] 25: Third actuation section.

[0037] 30: Second link.

[0038] 31: Second shaft hole.

[0039] 32: Second actuation part.

[0040] 33: Second circular arc wall.

[0041] 36: Fourth actuation section.

[0042] 40: Third link.

[0043] 50: First torsion spring.

[0044] 51: First spring foot.

[0045] 52: Second spring foot.

[0046] 60: Front cover.

[0047] 61: First Supporting Section.

[0048] 62: Second Supporting Section.

[0049] 63: The Third Supporting Department.

[0050] 64: Fourth Support Section.

[0051] 65: Combined components.

[0052] 70: Second torsion spring.

[0053] 71: Third spring foot.

[0054] 72: Fourth spring foot.

[0055] 80: Swinging component.

[0056] 81: Long pole.

[0057] 82: Convex part.

[0058] 83: Arm.

[0059] 84: Long groove.

[0060] 85: Pin.

[0061] 86: First bolt.

[0062] 87: Support Department.

[0063] 88: Helical spring.

[0064] 90: Cable.

[0065] 100: Restricted parts.

[0066] 102: Vertical board part.

[0067] 104: Restriction Section. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The figures illustrate embodiments of the multi-link wheel tilting device of the present invention. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to this structure in patent applications.

[0069] The present invention relates to a multi-link wheel tilting device for use in a tilting bicycle, wherein the bicycle has two first wheels (not shown) arranged side by side along the axial direction, and the bicycle typically has at least one second wheel, with the first wheels serving as wheels for changing the direction of travel.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in one embodiment of the multi-link wheel tilting device, there is a mounting base 10, a first link 20, a second link 30 and two third links 40. The mounting base 10 is used to connect the frame of the bicycle and is located between each of the first wheels. The mounting base 10 can be integrally formed with the frame, or it can be fixedly connected to the frame by welding. Alternatively, the mounting base 10 can be removably connected to the frame by bolts or other connecting components with the same or similar functions.

[0071] The first link 20 and the second link 30 are respectively located laterally on the front side of the mounting base 10, with the first link 20 and the second link 30 facing each other vertically. Each third link 40 is vertically arranged, and each third link 40 is used to pivotally connect to the axle of a first wheel. The two ends of the first link 20 are respectively pivotally connected to one end of each third link 40, and the two ends of the second link 30 are respectively pivotally connected to the other end of each third link 40. The aforementioned relative configuration of the first link 20, the second link 30 and the third link 40 and the relative configuration between the third link 40 and the axle are prior art familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0072] The first connecting rod 20 passes through a first shaft hole 21 in its middle section. A first actuating part 22 protrudes forward from the middle section of the first connecting rod 20. The mounting base 10 is provided with a first shaft 11 passing through the first shaft hole 21. A first torsion spring 50 is sleeved around the first shaft 11. The first torsion spring 50 extends radially outward with a first spring foot 51 and a second spring foot 52. The first actuating part 22 is located between the first spring foot 51 and the second spring foot 52. A front cover 60 is connected to the mounting base 10. The front cover 60 is located in front of the first connecting rod 20 and the first torsion spring 50, and restricts the first torsion spring 50. Two first abutting parts 61 protrude from the rear side of the front cover 60 and are respectively located between the first spring foot 51 and the second spring foot 52. The first spring foot 51 and the second spring foot 52 respectively abut laterally against a first abutting part 61.

[0073] The two first abutment portions 61 can be integrally connected to form a wider first abutment portion 61, with the first spring foot 51 and the second spring foot 52 respectively abutting against the two sides of the first abutment portion 61, thus becoming a variation implementation option.

[0074] When turning the bicycle, the first link 20 rotates around the first shaft 11, and the first actuating part 22 rotates along with the first link 20. Figure 6As shown, the first actuating part 22 laterally actuates the first spring foot 51, while the second spring foot 52 is stopped and restricted by the first abutting part 61 against which it rests. The first torsion spring 50 is torn and elastically deformed to accumulate elastic force, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, when the bicycle turns in another direction, the first actuating part 22 actuates the second spring foot 52 laterally, and the first spring foot 51 is stopped and restricted by the first abutting part 61 against which it rests. The first torsion spring 50 is torn and elastically deformed to accumulate elastic force.

[0075] When the rider releases the steering control of the vehicle, the first torsion spring 50 provides an elastic restoring force, causing the first spring foot 51 or the second spring foot 52 to return to its initial position. The first spring foot 51 or the second spring foot 52 pushes against the first actuating part 22, causing the first connecting rod 20 to rotate in the opposite direction to return to its initial state.

[0076] When the bicycle is not being ridden, the rider gets on or off the bicycle, or loads or unloads cargo. The weight transfer of the rider or cargo causes a lateral shift in the center of gravity of the frame. The first torsion spring 50 provides elastic force to prevent the first link 20 from rotating, so that each third link 40 and each first wheel will not easily tilt to the side due to the lateral shift in the center of gravity of the frame. This helps to improve the stability of the frame and reduce the risk of the bicycle tipping over or cargo falling off.

[0077] The first connecting rod 20 forms a first arc wall 23, the center of which is located at the axis of the first shaft 11. The first arc wall 23 surrounds the first torsion spring 50, and the first spring foot 51 and the second spring foot 52 pass through the first arc wall 23 between the two ends of the arc and the first actuating part 22.

[0078] The front cover 60 is connected to the mounting base 10 via a connecting assembly 65, and the first shaft 11 is connected to the front cover 60.

[0079] The second connecting rod 30 passes through a second shaft hole 31 in its middle section. A second actuating part 32 protrudes forward from the middle section of the second connecting rod 30. The mounting base 10 is provided with a second shaft 12 passing through the second shaft hole 31. A second torsion spring 70 is sleeved around the second shaft 12. The second torsion spring 70 extends radially outward with a third spring foot 71 and a fourth spring foot 72. The second actuating part 32 is located between the third spring foot 71 and the fourth spring foot 72. The front cover 60 extends to the front side of the second connecting rod 30 and the second torsion spring 70, thus limiting the second torsion spring 70. Two second abutting parts 62 protrude from the rear side of the front cover 60 and are located between the third spring foot 71 and the fourth spring foot 72. The third spring foot 71 and the fourth spring foot 72 respectively abut laterally against the second abutting parts 62.

[0080] The two second abutment portions 62 can be integrally connected to form a second abutment portion 62 with a larger width. The third spring foot 71 and the fourth spring foot 72 respectively abut against the two sides of the second abutment portion 62, thereby becoming another alternative implementation option.

[0081] When the bicycle is turned, the second link 30 rotates around the second axle 12, and the second deflector 32 rotates along with the second link 30. Just as the rotation of the first link 20 causes the first torsion spring 50 to be twisted, the second link 30 causes the second torsion spring 70 to be twisted through the second deflector 32, thus elastically deforming and accumulating elastic force. The second torsion spring 70 and the first torsion spring 50 provide elastic force respectively, making it less likely that the third links 40 and the first wheels will easily tilt to the side due to the lateral shift of the frame's center of gravity. This helps to improve the stability of the frame and further reduces the risk of the bicycle tipping over or cargo falling off.

[0082] The second connecting rod 30 forms a second arc wall 33, the center of which is located at the axis of the second shaft 12. The second arc wall 33 surrounds the second torsion spring 70. The third spring foot 71 and the fourth spring foot 72 pass through the second arc wall 33 between the two ends of the arc and the second actuating part 32. The second shaft 12 is connected to the front cover 60.

[0083] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, two front covers 60 are respectively connected to the mounting base 10, one front cover 60 is formed on the front side of the first connecting rod 20 and the first torsion spring 50, and the other front cover 60 is formed on the front side of the second connecting rod 30 and the second torsion spring 70, constituting another alternative implementation.

[0084] The first connecting rod 20 passes through the two through slots 24. The seat 10 extends backward to form two supporting walls 13, which are laterally opposite each other. A swing member 80 is provided between the supporting walls 13. A long rod 81 passes through the swing member 80 and each supporting wall 13. The swing member 80 forms a protrusion 82 upward and two arms 83 downward. The long rod 81 is located between the protrusion 82 and the arms 83. Each arm 83 passes laterally through a long slot 84. Two pins 85 are provided in each arm 83. Each pin 85 extends forward and passes through the seat 10, and the axial extension direction of each pin 85 points to each through slot 24. Two first bolts 86 pass through each long slot 84 and are screwed into each pin 85.

[0085] When the swing member 80 reciprocates around the long rod 81, each arm 83 drives each pin 85 to enter or exit each slot 24 through each first bolt 86. When each pin 85 enters each slot 24, each pin 85 locks and restricts the first connecting rod 20, preventing the first connecting rod 20 from rotating arbitrarily. This restricts the first wheels from tilting and improves the stability of the frame.

[0086] A cable 90 is connected to a protrusion 82, and the other end of the cable 90 is connected to a traction mechanism (not shown in the figure). The traction mechanism is used to retract and extend the cable 90 and control the swing member 80 to swing around the long rod 81. The traction mechanism can be set on the handlebars of the bicycle that provide the rider with the direction of operation. A cable retraction and extension controller that controls the brakes or gearbox can be used as the traction mechanism. The cable retraction and extension controller is an existing device well known to those skilled in the art, and its specific structure will not be described in detail.

[0087] A stop member 14 is connected to each holding wall 13 at both ends, and the stop member 14 is located in the front space of the protrusion 82, forming a stop on the protrusion 82, thereby limiting the range of rotational swing angle of the swing member 80.

[0088] Each holding wall 13 is laterally penetrated by a guide groove 15. The two ends of the stop member 16 enter the guide groove 15 respectively. The two second bolts 16 are screwed into the stop member 16 from the outside of each holding wall 13 and abut against each holding wall 13. Accordingly, the stop member 16 can move back and forth and then be positioned, thereby adjusting the rotational swing angle range of the variable swing member 80.

[0089] A limiting member 100 includes a vertical plate portion 102 and a limiting portion 104, wherein the vertical plate portion 102 is connected to the limiting portion 104, the vertical plate portion 102 extends downward to connect to each pin 85, and the limiting portion 104 extends forward. When each pin 85 enters each through slot 24, each pin 85 drives the limiting member 100 to move, so that the bottom edge of the limiting portion 104 is opposite to and close to the top edge of the first connecting rod 20, thereby limiting the rotation of the first connecting rod 20 by the limiting portion 104.

[0090] Each pin 85 radially expands into a support portion 87. The vertical plate portion 102 is located on the side of each support portion 87 facing the first connecting rod 20. Two helical springs 88 are respectively wrapped around each pin 85. One end of each helical spring 88 abuts against the vertical plate portion 102, and the other end of each helical spring 88 abuts against the mounting seat 10. Each helical spring 88 provides elastic force so that when the traction mechanism releases the traction control on the cable 90, each pin 85 and the limiting member 100 can automatically reset and release the locking restriction on the first connecting rod 20.

[0091] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the main difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the first connecting rod 20 has a third actuating part 25 protruding forward in the middle section, and the rear side of the front cover 60 has two third abutting parts 63 protruding from each other laterally. The first spring foot 51 of the first torsion spring 50 can choose to abut laterally against one of the third abutting parts 63, and the second spring foot 52 can choose to abut laterally against one of the first abutting parts 61. Alternatively, the first spring foot 51 can choose to abut laterally against one of the first abutting parts 61, and the second spring foot 52 can choose to abut laterally against one of the third abutting parts 63, so that the first torsion spring 50 is in a pre-torsional torsion state.

[0092] The second link 30 has a fourth actuating part 36 protruding forward in the middle section, and two fourth abutting parts 64 protruding from the rear side of the front cover 60 are laterally opposite each other. The third spring foot 71 of the second torsion spring 70 can choose to abut laterally against a second abutting part 62, and the fourth spring foot 72 can choose to abut laterally against a fourth abutting part 64. The third spring foot 71 can also choose to abut laterally against a fourth abutting part 64, and the fourth spring foot 72 can choose to abut laterally against a second abutting part 62, so that the second torsion spring 50 is in a pre-torsional torsion state.

[0093] The two third abutment portions 63 and the two fourth abutment portions 64 can be selected to be integrally connected to form a third abutment portion 62 and a fourth abutment portion 64 with a larger width, thereby becoming a variation implementation based on Embodiment 2.

Claims

1. A multi-link wheel tilting device for use in a tilting bicycle, wherein the bicycle has two first wheels arranged side-by-side opposite each other along the axial direction; The multi-link wheel tilting device includes a mounting base, a first link, a second link, and two third links. The mounting base is used to connect the frame of the bicycle and is located between each first wheel. The first link and the second link are located laterally on the front side of the mounting base and are vertically opposite each other. Each third link is vertically arranged and each third link is used to pivotally connect to the axle of a first wheel. The two ends of the first link are pivotally connected to one end of each third link, and the two ends of the second link are pivotally connected to the other end of each third link. Its features are, The first connecting rod passes through a first shaft hole in its middle section. A first actuating part protrudes forward from the middle section of the first connecting rod. A first shaft passes through the first shaft hole in the mounting base. A first torsion spring is looped around the first shaft. The first torsion spring extends radially outward with a first spring foot and a second spring foot. The first actuating part is located between the first spring foot and the second spring foot. A front cover is connected to the mounting base. The front cover is located in front of the first connecting rod and the first torsion spring, and restricts the first torsion spring. A first abutting part protrudes from the rear side of the front cover and is located between the first spring foot and the second spring foot. The first spring foot and the second spring foot abut laterally against the first abutting part.

2. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting rod forms a first arc wall, the center of which is located at the axis of the first shaft. The first arc wall surrounds the first torsion spring, and the first spring foot and the second spring foot pass through the first arc wall between the two ends of the arc and the first actuating part.

3. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting rod passes through a second shaft hole in its middle section. A second actuating part protrudes forward from the middle section of the second connecting rod. A second shaft passes through the second shaft hole and is mounted on a seat. A second torsion spring is looped around the second shaft. The second torsion spring extends radially outward to a third spring foot and a fourth spring foot. The second actuating part is located between the third spring foot and the fourth spring foot. The front cover extends to the front side of the second connecting rod and the second torsion spring, thus limiting the second torsion spring. A second abutting part protrudes from the rear side of the front cover and is located between the third spring foot and the fourth spring foot. The third spring foot and the fourth spring foot abut laterally against the second abutting part.

4. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second connecting rod forms a second arc wall, the center of which is located at the axis of the second shaft. The second arc wall surrounds the second torsion spring, and the third and fourth spring feet pass through the second arc wall between the two ends of the arc and the second actuating part.

5. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting rod passes through a second shaft hole in its middle section. A second actuating part protrudes forward from the middle section of the second connecting rod. A second shaft passes through the second shaft hole and is mounted on a seat. A second torsion spring is looped around the second shaft. The second torsion spring extends radially outward to a third spring foot and a fourth spring foot. The second actuating part is located between the third spring foot and the fourth spring foot. The front cover extends to the front side of the second connecting rod and the second torsion spring, thus limiting the second torsion spring. Two second abutting parts protrude from the rear side of the front cover and are located between the third spring foot and the fourth spring foot, respectively. The third spring foot abuts laterally against one of the second abutting parts, and the fourth spring foot abuts laterally against the other second abutting part.

6. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second shaft connects to the front cover.

7. A multi-link wheel tilting device for use in a tilting type of bicycle, wherein the bicycle has two first wheels arranged side by side along the axial direction; The multi-link wheel tilting device includes a mounting base, a first link, a second link, and two third links. The mounting base is used to connect the frame of the bicycle and is located between each first wheel. The first link and the second link are located laterally on the front side of the mounting base and are vertically opposite each other. Each third link is vertically arranged and each third link is used to pivotally connect to the axle of a first wheel. The two ends of the first link are pivotally connected to one end of each third link, and the two ends of the second link are pivotally connected to the other end of each third link. Its features are, The first connecting rod passes through a first shaft hole in its middle section. A first actuating part protrudes forward from the middle section of the first connecting rod. A mounting base is provided with a first shaft passing through the first shaft hole. A first torsion spring is looped around the first shaft. The first torsion spring extends radially outward with a first spring foot and a second spring foot. The first actuating part is located between the first spring foot and the second spring foot. A front cover is connected to the mounting base. The front cover is located in front of the first connecting rod and the first torsion spring, and restricts the first torsion spring. Two first abutting parts protrude from the rear side of the front cover. Each first abutting part is laterally opposite to the first spring foot and is located between the first spring foot and the second spring foot, respectively. The first spring foot abuts laterally against one first abutting part, and the second spring foot abuts laterally against the other first abutting part.

8. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The first shaft connects to the front cover.

9. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The first link has a third actuating part protruding forward in the middle section, and the rear side of the front cover has a third abutting part protruding.

10. The multi-link wheel tilting device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The two third supporting parts protrude from the rear side of the front cover and are laterally opposite each other.

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