Folding mechanism and electric scooter

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a scooter, and discloses a folding mechanism, which comprises a U-shaped connecting plate, the first end of the supporting frame is arranged in the U-shaped connecting plate and is rotationally connected with the U-shaped connecting plate; the first end of the wrench is rotationally connected with the first end of the supporting frame; wherein a limiting groove is formed in the side wall, deviating from an opening of the U-shaped connecting plate, of the supporting frame, the wrench is inserted into the limiting groove, and a locking part is arranged on the inner side wall of the wrench; under the condition that the locking part and the limiting groove are clamped and fixed, the supporting frame and the U-shaped connecting plate are relatively fixed and are in an open state; under the condition that the locking part is separated from the limiting groove, the supporting frame rotates in the direction away from the opening of the U-shaped connecting plate and abuts against the U-shaped connecting plate, and the supporting frame and the U-shaped connecting plate are in a folded state. Relative movement of components is directly restrained through mechanical limiting, a manual triggering mode is adopted, reliable connection during opening and smooth action during folding are guaranteed, the basic function requirements of the folding mechanism are met, and meanwhile the structure is simple, safe and reliable. The invention further provides an electric scooter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of scooters, and in particular to a folding mechanism and an electric scooter. BACKGROUND

[0002] To meet the portability requirements of electric scooters for commuting, the folding mechanism is a key design component. The folding solutions on the market are mainly divided into two categories: one is a vertical pipe folder solution, which is limited by the vertical pipe space. The folder needs to be designed small, which requires high precision of parts, and high-strength materials are needed to ensure strength, resulting in high overall cost. The other is a frame folding solution, which has less structural size limitation and can achieve higher strength reliability, but the existing frame folding solution mostly uses a pedal trigger mechanism, which has a risk of accidental touch during riding, which may cause safety hazards to the rider.

[0003] However, the inventors have found that at least the following technical problems exist in the related art: in the existing frame folding solution, the pedal trigger mechanism is prone to accidental opening of the folding mechanism due to accidental touch, affecting the safety of riding; at the same time, some folding solutions have problems such as complex structure, inconvenient operation, high cost, or insufficient strength. SUMMARY

[0004] An object of the present application is to provide a folding mechanism and an electric scooter, at least to solve the above problems.

[0005] To achieve the above object, some embodiments of the present application provide a folding mechanism, comprising:

[0006] a U-shaped connecting plate;

[0007] a support frame, the first end of which is arranged in the U-shaped connecting plate and is rotationally connected with the U-shaped connecting plate;

[0008] a wrench, the first end of which is rotationally connected with the first end of the support frame;

[0009] wherein the support frame is provided with a limiting groove on the side wall facing away from the opening of the U-shaped connecting plate, the wrench is inserted into the limiting groove, and the inner side wall of the wrench is provided with a locking portion; when the locking portion is fixedly connected with the limiting groove, the support frame is fixed relative to the U-shaped connecting plate and is in an open state; when the locking portion is separated from the limiting groove, the support frame rotates in a direction away from the opening of the U-shaped connecting plate and abuts against the U-shaped connecting plate, and the U-shaped connecting plate is in a folded state.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present application also provide an electric scooter, comprising a bottom frame and the folding mechanism provided in the foregoing embodiments.

[0011] wherein the bottom frame is fixedly connected with the U-shaped connecting plate.

[0012] Compared with the related art, in the scheme provided by the embodiment of the application, through the rotational connection design of the U-shaped connecting plate, the support frame and the wrench, and by using the clamping / detaching state of the locking portion and the limiting groove, stable switching of the folding mechanism between the open state (the support frame is relatively fixed with the U-shaped connecting plate) and the folded state (the support frame is in abutment with the U-shaped connecting plate after being rotated) is realized. By directly constraining the relative movement of components through mechanical limiting, and by adopting the hand-triggered wrench operation mode, it is ensured that the connection is reliable when being opened, and the action is smooth when being folded, so that the basic functional requirements of the folding mechanism are met, and meanwhile, the structure is simple and safe and reliable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that are part of this disclosure and which are illustrative, but not restrictive, of the embodiments, wherein elements having the same reference number designates like elements throughout the various figures. The figures of the drawings are not to scale.

[0014] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding mechanism provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism from another perspective provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism from another perspective provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism from another perspective provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] Figure 7 is an assembly schematic diagram of a wrench and related assembly components provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] Figure 8 is an assembly schematic diagram of the wrench and related assembly components from another perspective provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the wrench and related assembly components provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0023] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a U-shaped connecting plate provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] Figure 11is a structural schematic view of a support frame provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 12 is a structural schematic view of a locking part provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 13 is a structural schematic view of a shell provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Reference signs:

[0028] 10: U-shaped connecting plate; 101: U-shaped connecting plate opening; 102: stop block; 103: limiting notch; 104: first curved section; 105: second curved section;

[0029] 20: support frame; 201: limiting groove; 202: inclined surface guiding structure; 203: arc-shaped guiding groove; 204: first rotating shaft;

[0030] 30: wrench; 301: gripping part; 302: mounting table; 303: through hole; 304: hollow chamber; 305: hollow part; 306: stop boss; 307: limiting shaft; 308: second rotating shaft;

[0031] 40: locking part; 401: connecting plate; 402: groove; 403: pressing part; 404: stop part; 405: guiding and matching structure;

[0032] 50: tension spring; 60: spring; 70: shell; 701: accommodating cavity; 702: limiting column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0034] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the description and claims of the present disclosure and the above drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily indicate a specific order or a chronological sequence. It should be understood that the data thus used can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented. In addition, the terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "back" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and its embodiments, and are not used to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to have a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. In addition, in addition to indicating the orientation or positional relationship, the above-mentioned terms can also be used to indicate other meanings, for example, the term "upper" can also be used to indicate a certain dependent relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In addition, the terms "set", "connected", "fixed" should be broadly understood. For example, "connected" can be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally configured; can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two devices, elements or components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the term "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the character " / " represents a "or" relationship between the preceding and following objects. For example, A / B represents: A or B.

[0039] The term "and / or" is a description of the association between objects, which means that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B, the three relationships.

[0040] It should be noted that the embodiments in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0041] In combination Figures 1 to 13As shown, the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a U-shaped connecting plate 10, a support frame 20 and a wrench 30. The first end of the support frame 20 is arranged in the U-shaped connecting plate 10 and is rotationally connected with the U-shaped connecting plate 10. The first end of the wrench 30 is rotationally connected with the first end of the support frame 20. The support frame 20 is provided with a limiting groove 201 on the side wall away from the opening 101 of the U-shaped connecting plate. The wrench 30 is inserted into the limiting groove 201, and the inner side wall of the wrench 30 is provided with a locking part 40. When the locking part 40 is fixedly connected with the limiting groove 201, the support frame 20 is fixed relative to the U-shaped connecting plate 10, and the folding mechanism is in an open state. When the locking part 40 is separated from the limiting groove 201, the support frame 20 rotates in the direction away from the opening 101 of the U-shaped connecting plate 10 and abuts against the U-shaped connecting plate 10, and the folding mechanism is in a folded state.

[0042] The folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is rotationally connected by the U-shaped connecting plate 10, the support frame 20 and the wrench 30, and the folding mechanism is stably switched between the open state (the support frame 20 is fixed relative to the U-shaped connecting plate 10) and the folded state (the support frame 20 abuts against the U-shaped connecting plate 10 after being rotated) by the connection / separation state of the locking part 40 and the limiting groove 201. The structure directly restricts the relative movement of the components by mechanical limiting, ensures reliable connection in the open state and smooth action in the folded state, meets the basic functional requirements of the folding mechanism, and is simple in structure and safe and reliable.

[0043] In the open state, the locking part 40 is fixedly connected with the limiting groove 201, so that the support frame 20 is fixed relative to the U-shaped connecting plate 10, thereby providing stable structural support for application scenarios such as electric scooters.

[0044] The hand-triggered wrench 30 operation mode reduces the possibility of accidental touch during riding compared with the foot pedal trigger mechanism of some existing market folding frame solutions, reduces the risk of danger to the rider, meets the requirements of safe and reliable structure, and has obvious cost advantage.

[0045] The state switching is realized by the direct cooperation of the locking part 40 and the limiting groove 201, the operation logic is clear, the folding and unfolding processes are simple and convenient, and complex operation steps are not required, thereby improving the user experience.

[0046] Compared with the vertical pipe folder solution, the structure design does not need to excessively pursue miniaturization and high-precision components, and is conducive to controlling the overall cost while ensuring strength and reliability, thereby having obvious cost advantage.

[0047] Optionally, the top edge of the U-shaped connecting plate 10 is configured with a limiting gap 103, and the first end of the wrench 30 is provided with a limiting shaft 307 perpendicular to the rotation plane of the wrench 30, which can be embedded in the limiting gap 103; when the locking part 40 is fixedly connected with the limiting groove 201, the limiting shaft 307 is embedded in the limiting gap 103 to double-fix the support frame 20 and the U-shaped connecting plate 10.

[0048] On the basis of the connection between the locking part 40 and the limiting groove 201, the embedding of the limiting shaft 307 and the limiting gap 103 is added to form the double limiting of the “locking part 40-limiting groove 201” and the “limiting shaft 307-limiting gap 103”. The double-fixing structure further improves the connection stability of the support frame 20 and the U-shaped connecting plate 10 in the unfolded state, reduces the risk of single limiting failure, enhances the overall safety of the mechanism, and is especially suitable for scenes such as electric scooters that need to bear weight and resist vibration.

[0049] During folding, the limiting shaft 307 is disengaged from the limiting gap 103 along the preset path, which cooperates with the action of the locking part 40 disengaging from the limiting groove 201 to ensure that the support frame 20 rotates in an orderly manner away from the opening 101 of the U-shaped connecting plate, avoiding jamming or misalignment between components, making the folding operation smooth and labor-saving.

[0050] Optionally, an arc-shaped guide groove 203 is configured on the side wall of the support frame 20 intersecting with the side wall where the limiting groove 201 is located, and the center of the arc-shaped guide groove 203 faces the side where the limiting groove 201 is located; the limiting shaft 307 is provided in the arc-shaped guide groove 203, and when the locking part 40 is disengaged from the limiting groove 201, the wrench 30 rotates relative to the support frame 20 and drives the limiting shaft 307 to slide along the arc-shaped guide groove 203; when the limiting shaft 307 slides to the end of the arc-shaped guide groove 203, the limiting shaft 307 is disengaged from the limiting gap 103, so that the support frame 20 can rotate and fold relative to the U-shaped connecting plate 10.

[0051] The arc-shaped guide groove 203 provides a sliding path for the limiting shaft 307, ensuring that the limiting shaft 307 moves along the preset trajectory when the wrench 30 rotates, avoiding component jamming. When the locking part 40 is disengaged from the limiting groove 201, the limiting shaft 307 slides along the arc-shaped guide groove 203 to the end and then disengages from the limiting gap 103, so that the rotating and folding action of the support frame 20 is carried out in an orderly manner, reducing the operation resistance and improving the smoothness of the folding process, while preventing unexpected collision or wear between components through guidance and restraint.

[0052] Optionally, the wrench 30 and the support frame 20 are rotationally connected through a second rotation shaft 308, and the center of the arc-shaped guide groove 203 is provided on the same side as the second rotation shaft 308, so that when the wrench 30 rotates relative to the support frame 20 with the second rotation shaft 308 as the connection point, the limiting shaft 307 slides along the arc-shaped guide groove 203.

[0053] The center of the arc-shaped guide groove 203 is arranged on the same side as the second rotating shaft 308, so that when the wrench 30 rotates around the second rotating shaft 308 as the fulcrum, the sliding track of the limiting shaft 307 completely matches the arc-shaped guide groove 203, avoiding jamming or structural stress concentration caused by track deviation. This design ensures more coordinated relative movement of the wrench 30 and the support frame 20, reduces mechanical wear, and prolongs the service life of the mechanism.

[0054] For example, the wrench 30 extends into the support frame 20 from the limiting groove 201, and part of the structure (the first end of the wrench 30) is located in the support frame 20. The limiting shaft 307 and the second rotating shaft 308 extend from the support frame 20.

[0055] For example, the wrench 30 can be covered outside the support frame 20, that is, it can be understood that the first end of the wrench 30 has a U-shaped structure, which is covered outside the support frame 20. The limiting shaft 307 and the second rotating shaft 308 pass through the wrench 30 and the support frame 20.

[0056] Optionally, the support frame 20 is a frame structure, and the support frame 20 is provided with arc-shaped guide grooves 203 on opposite sides. The two ends of the limiting shaft 307 pass through the arc-shaped guide grooves 203 on the two sides of the support frame 20 to improve stability.

[0057] The support frame 20 is provided with arc-shaped guide grooves 203 on both sides, and the limiting shaft 307 passes through both ends to make the limiting shaft 307 bear force evenly and avoid tilting or deformation caused by unilateral force. This structure improves the stability of the connection between the wrench 30 and the support frame 20, especially during folding or opening, effectively resisting lateral force, ensuring accurate movement track of components, and enhancing overall rigidity.

[0058] Optionally, the U-shaped connecting plate 10 is rotationally connected to the support frame 20 through the first rotating shaft 204; further comprising: a tension spring 50, one end of which is connected to the limiting shaft 307, and the other end is connected to the first rotating shaft 204.

[0059] The tension spring 50 connects the limiting shaft 307 and the first rotating shaft 204 to provide continuous tension when the mechanism is in a folded or open state. In the open state, the tension spring 50 can assist the locking part 40 to maintain the clamping with the limiting groove 201, reducing the risk of accidental disengagement; in the folded state, the tension spring 50 restricts the relative position of the components, reducing the vibration and abnormal sound during transportation, and improving user experience.

[0060] Optionally, the U-shaped connecting plate 10 is provided with a stop block 102 at the opening. When the support frame 20 and the U-shaped connecting plate 10 are relatively fixed and in an open state, the stop block 102 abuts against the support frame 20 to provide support.

[0061] The stopper 102 at the opening 101 of the U-shaped connecting plate abuts against the support frame 20 in the unfolded state, providing additional support for the support frame 20 and sharing the stress of the locking portion 40 and the limiting shaft 307. This design can reduce the load of the core limiting components, avoid deformation or failure caused by long-term use, and enhance the structural strength and reliability of the mechanism in load-bearing scenarios such as cycling.

[0062] Optionally, the top edge of the U-shaped connecting plate 10 comprises a first curved section 104 and a second curved section 105 connected to each other, and the centers of the first curved section 104 and the second curved section 105 are arranged away from each other; wherein the first curved section 104 is connected to the opening edge of the limiting notch 103, and the center of the first curved section 104 is arranged away from the opening direction of the limiting notch 103.

[0063] The first curved section 104 and the second curved section 105 of the top edge of the U-shaped connecting plate 10 are designed with their centers away from each other, which makes the transition between the limiting notch 103 and the edge smooth. The first curved section 104 is connected to the opening edge of the limiting notch 103 and its center is arranged away from the opening direction, which can guide the limiting shaft 307 to smoothly embed or disengage from the notch, reduce the jamming feeling during operation, and enhance the structural strength of the edge to avoid stress concentration and breakage.

[0064] Optionally, the wrench 30 comprises a gripping portion 301 as the second end of the wrench 30, and a mounting table 302 extending outwardly from the inner side wall of the gripping portion 301 and configured with a through hole 303 perpendicular to the table surface; wherein part of the locking portion 40 is arranged in the through hole 303, and the locking portion 40 can move up and down along the axial direction of the through hole 303, so that when the locking portion 40 moves downward, it is released from the limiting stop of the limiting groove 201.

[0065] The structure of the gripping portion 301 and the mounting table 302 of the wrench 30 allows the locking portion 40 to move axially along the through hole 303, so that the user can release the locking portion 40 from the clamping of the limiting groove 201 by pressing operation. This design simplifies the folding operation process, eliminates the need for complex actions to trigger folding, and improves the operation convenience; at the same time, the movement path of the locking portion 40 is constrained by the through hole 303, ensuring accurate action and reducing the risk of misoperation.

[0066] Optionally, when the locking portion 40 is fixedly clamped with the limiting groove 201, the inner side wall of the gripping portion 301 is spaced apart from the outer side wall of the support frame 20 by a predetermined distance, so that the user can move the wrench 30.

[0067] In the unfolded state, the inner side wall of the gripping portion 301 is spaced apart from the outer side wall of the support frame 20 by a predetermined distance, providing operation space for the user to move the wrench 30, avoiding hand injury or operation difficulty due to insufficient space. This design improves the human-machine interaction experience, making the folding operation more labor-saving and safe.

[0068] Optionally, in the case of the locking portion 40 being fixedly connected with the limiting groove 201, part of the installation table 302 is embedded in the limiting groove 201 and is arranged away from the side wall of the limiting groove 201.

[0069] Part of the installation table 302 is embedded in the limiting groove 201 and is arranged away from the side wall, without affecting the function of the locking portion 40, the contact area of the wrench 30 and the support frame 20 is increased, and the connection stability is improved. The avoidance design can avoid rigid collision or friction between components, reduce wear, and at the same time make the structure more compact and save space.

[0070] Optionally, the locking portion 40 comprises a connecting plate 401 arranged in parallel below the installation table 302, a pressing portion 403 arranged at one end of the connecting plate 401 and penetrating the through hole 303, and a stop portion 404 arranged at the other end of the connecting plate 401 and located outside the installation table 302, extending into the limiting groove 201 and forming a limiting stop with the limiting groove 201.

[0071] The connecting plate 401, the pressing portion 403 and the stop portion 404 of the locking portion 40 are designed in one piece, and the stop portion 404 is driven to move up and down by the pressing portion 403, realizing the connection or disconnection with the limiting groove 201. The structure has clear division of labor, the pressing operation is directly transmitted to the stop portion 404, and the response is rapid; the stop portion 404 is located outside the installation table 302, ensuring effective contact with the limiting groove 201 and improving the locking reliability.

[0072] Optionally, the edge of the limiting groove 201 is structured with a slope guide structure 202, and the top edge of the stop portion 404 is structured with a guide matching structure 405 matched with the slope structure, so that the stop portion 404 enters the support frame 20 through the limiting groove 201.

[0073] The slope guide structure 202 of the limiting groove 201 is matched with the guide matching structure 405 of the stop portion 404, so that the stop portion 404 is automatically aligned by the slope guide when entering the limiting groove 201, reducing the jamming. This design reduces the requirement for the machining precision of parts, while ensuring smooth locking of the locking portion 40 and improving the smoothness of the mechanism operation.

[0074] Optionally, the wrench 30 is structured with a hollow chamber 304 below the installation table 302, and a side wall surrounding the hollow chamber 304 is arranged inclined from the holding portion 301 to the support frame 20; further comprising a spring 60 located in the hollow chamber 304, one end of which abuts against the connecting plate 401, and the other end of which abuts against the side wall of the hollow chamber 304, for driving the connecting plate 401 to move upward and reset.

[0075] The spring 60 in the hollow chamber 304 provides a reset force for the locking part 40. After pressing the locking part 40, the spring 60 can drive it to automatically rebound to the locking position without manual reset. This design simplifies the operation steps, ensures that the locking part 40 always remains in the clamping state with the limiting groove 201 in the non-pressed state, prevents accidental unlocking, and enhances safety.

[0076] Optionally, the bottom surface of the connecting plate 401 is configured with a groove 402, and the end of the spring 60 is embedded in the groove 402 to limit the spring 60.

[0077] The groove 402 on the bottom surface of the connecting plate 401 limits the end of the spring 60, preventing the spring 60 from deviating or falling off during extension and contraction, and ensuring that the spring 60 exerts a stable force on the locking part 40. This design improves the reliability of the spring 60 in operation, avoids locking failure caused by mispositioning of the spring 60, and prolongs the service life of the mechanism.

[0078] Optionally, it also includes a shell 70 placed in the hollow chamber 304 and detachably connected with the side wall of the hollow chamber 304; wherein the shell 70 is configured with a containing cavity 701, and the top is open, the spring 60 is inserted into the containing cavity 701 from the top, and the end of the spring 60 abuts against the bottom wall of the containing cavity 701.

[0079] The containing cavity 701 in the shell 70 provides installation space for the spring 60, and the shell 70 is detachably connected with the side wall of the hollow chamber 304, which facilitates the installation, maintenance and replacement of the spring 60. This design reduces the cost of later maintenance, and at the same time protects the spring 60 through the shell 70, reducing the influence of external dust or foreign matter on the spring 60.

[0080] Optionally, the shell 70 and the side wall of the hollow chamber 304 are detachably connected by screws, and the connection position of the two is located on the inner side of the wrench 30.

[0081] The shell 70 and the side wall of the hollow chamber 304 are connected on the inner side of the wrench 30 by screws, avoiding the exposure of the connection structure to affect the appearance or operation. The inner side connection method can protect the screws from loosening caused by external force impact, improve the connection stability, and at the same time simplify the external structure, making the wrench 30 easier to hold.

[0082] Optionally, the bottom wall of the containing cavity 701 of the shell 70 is configured with a limiting column 702, and the spring 60 is sleeved on the limiting column 702 to limit the displacement of the spring 60.

[0083] The limiting column 702 on the bottom wall of the containing cavity 701 of the shell 70 is provided for the spring 60 to be sleeved, further restricting the extension and contraction trajectory of the spring 60, preventing the spring 60 from deviating or twisting laterally. This design ensures that the force of the spring 60 is stably transmitted to the locking part 40 along the axial direction, improving the accuracy and reliability of the reset of the locking part 40.

[0084] Optionally, the shell 70 is configured with an opening on the side wall of the accommodating cavity 701, so as to observe the spring 60 in the accommodating cavity 701; wherein the opening is towards the inside of the wrench 30, so as to close the inside of the wrench 30 by the limiting groove 201 or the support frame 20 in the case that the locking portion 40 is clamped and fixed with the limiting groove 201, to avoid foreign matters from entering the accommodating cavity 701 and affecting the deformation of the spring 60.

[0085] The opening on the side wall of the shell 70 is towards the inside of the wrench 30, which is closed by the limiting groove 201 or the support frame 20 in the locking state, so as to facilitate the observation of the state of the spring 60 and prevent foreign matters from entering the accommodating cavity 701. This design balances the maintainability and protection, and avoids the locking failure caused by the foreign matters affecting the deformation of the spring 60.

[0086] Optionally, the limiting column 702, the spring 60 and the groove 402 are coaxially arranged.

[0087] The coaxial arrangement of the limiting column 702, the spring 60 and the groove 402 ensures that the force of the spring 60 is accurately transmitted to the locking portion 40 along the axial direction, avoids the tilting or jamming of the locking portion 40 caused by eccentric force, improves the stability of the action of the locking portion 40, reduces mechanical loss, and prolongs the service life of the mechanism.

[0088] Optionally, the wrench 30 is further configured with a plurality of hollow portions 305, so as to reduce the weight of the wrench 30 while ensuring the structural strength of the wrench 30.

[0089] The plurality of hollow portions 305 of the wrench 30 reduce the weight while ensuring the structural strength, make the folding operation more labor-saving, reduce the overall weight of the electric scooter, and improve the portability. The hollow structure can also save materials and reduce production costs, which conforms to the trend of lightweight design.

[0090] Optionally, the edge of the first end of the wrench 30 is configured with a stop boss 306, which abuts against the inner side wall of the support frame 20 in the case that the locking portion 40 is clamped and fixed with the limiting groove 201, so as to cooperate with the locking portion 40 to limit the rotation angle of the wrench 30 and the position relative to the support frame 20.

[0091] The stop boss 306 of the first end of the wrench 30 abuts against the inner side wall of the support frame 20 in the open state, and cooperates with the locking portion 40 to limit the rotation angle and position of the wrench 30. In this way, it helps to prevent structural damage caused by excessive rotation of the wrench 30, and ensures the accurate clamping position of the locking portion 40 and the limiting groove 201, and improves the overall stability of the mechanism.

[0092] Exemplarily, the action flow of the folding mechanism in folding is as follows:

[0093] Initial state: folding mechanism is in the open state, the support frame 20 is opposite fixed with the U-shaped connecting plate 10, the locking part 40 of the wrench 30 is clamped and fixed with the limiting groove 201 of the support frame 20, the limiting shaft 307 of the first end of the wrench 30 is embedded in the limiting notch 103 at the top of the U-shaped connecting plate 10 (double limiting), the tension spring 50 is in a natural or pre-tightened state.

[0094] Trigger unlocking action: the user holds the handle part 301 of the wrench 30, presses the locking part 40 (pressing part 403) on the inner side of the wrench 30, so that the locking part 40 moves downward along the through hole 303 against the restoring force of the spring 60, and the clamping of the locking part 40 and the limiting groove 201 is released.

[0095] Limiting shaft 307 is separated from limiting notch 103: as the locking part 40 is separated from the limiting groove 201, the user moves the wrench 30 (rotates around the second rotating shaft 308 of the wrench 30 and the support frame 20 as the fulcrum), which drives the limiting shaft 307 to slide along the arc-shaped guide groove 203 on the side wall of the support frame 20 (the center of the arc-shaped guide groove 203 is on the same side as the second rotating shaft 308, which ensures that the sliding track matches); when the limiting shaft 307 slides to the end of the arc-shaped guide groove 203, it is completely separated from the limiting notch 103 of the U-shaped connecting plate 10, and the double limiting is released.

[0096] Support frame 20 rotates and folds: after the limiting constraint is released, the support frame 20 rotates around the first rotating shaft 204 of the U-shaped connecting plate 10 in the direction away from the opening 101 of the U-shaped connecting plate; in this process, the tension spring 50 (one end connected to the limiting shaft 307 and the other end connected to the first rotating shaft 204) is gradually stretched, generating a constraint tension.

[0097] Folding state locking: the support frame 20 rotates to the position where it abuts against the U-shaped connecting plate 10, completing the folding; at this time, the constraint tension of the tension spring 50 keeps the wrench 30 and related components stable, avoiding harsh noises caused by vibration during carrying, moving or transporting.

[0098] For example, the action flow of the folding mechanism in the open state is as follows:

[0099] Initial state: the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the support frame 20 rotates away from the opening 101 of the U-shaped connecting plate 10 and abuts against the U-shaped connecting plate 10, the locking part 40 of the wrench 30 is separated from the limiting groove 201 of the support frame 20, the limiting shaft 307 is separated from the limiting notch 103 of the U-shaped connecting plate 10, and the tension spring 50 is in a stretched or pre-tightened state to constrain the position of the components.

[0100] Trigger unfolding action: in operation, only need to hold the support frame 20 (or the handle connected with the support frame) and push it in the direction of the opening 101 of the U-shaped connecting plate (the support frame 20 rotates around the rotating connection point of the U-shaped connecting plate 10), so that the support frame 20 gradually moves from the folded state to the open state.

[0101] Limiting shaft preliminary alignment: As the support frame 20 rotates, the limiting shaft 307 moves along the top edge of the U-shaped connecting plate under the tension of the tension spring 50 until it is clamped into the limiting notch 103 of the U-shaped connecting plate 10.

[0102] Locking portion 40 preliminary alignment: As the support frame 20 rotates, the limiting slot 201 on the side wall away from the U-shaped connecting plate opening 101 gradually aligns with the locking portion 40 inside the wrench 30 under the tension of the tension spring 50. The locking portion 40 moves downward along the through hole of the wrench 30, gradually approaching the clamping position, guided by the inclined surface guide structure 202 of the limiting slot 201 edge. The locking portion 40 is locked with the wrench 30 under the restoring force of the spring 60.

[0103] Double limiting automatic locking: When the support frame 20 is rotated to the fixed open position relative to the U-shaped connecting plate 10, the locking portion 40 is completely embedded in the limiting slot 201, realizing the clamping and fixing of "locking portion 40-limiting slot 201"; at the same time, the limiting shaft 307 of the first end of the wrench 30 (perpendicular to the rotation plane of the wrench 30) slides along the arc-shaped guide slot 203 of the support frame 20, and is embedded into the limiting notch 103 of the top edge of the U-shaped connecting plate 10, forming a double fixation with the locking portion 40, and realizing one-step unfolding.

[0104] Open state stability: After the locking portion 40 is clamped with the limiting slot 201 and the limiting shaft 307 is embedded with the limiting notch 103, the support frame 20 is fixed relative to the U-shaped connecting plate 10, and is in an open state. At this time, the stop block 102 at the U-shaped connecting plate opening 101 abuts against the support frame 20, providing additional support force to ensure the structural stability of the mechanism when bearing (such as riding), and completing the opening process.

[0105] The application also provides an electric scooter, comprising a vehicle chassis and the above-mentioned folding mechanism, wherein the vehicle chassis is fixedly connected with the U-shaped connecting plate 401.

[0106] The electric scooter is fixedly connected with the U-shaped connecting plate 10 through the vehicle chassis, integrates the above-mentioned folding mechanism, has the advantages of safe and reliable structure, prevention of accidental touch during riding, convenient operation, one-step folding / unfolding, automatic locking of safety lock, etc. Compared with the existing scheme, the vehicle frame folding design has higher strength, the hand trigger operation avoids the risk of accidental touch by the foot, and the cost advantage is obvious, thereby improving the commuting portability and use safety of the electric scooter.

[0107] The above description and drawings suffice to fully enable one skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments can include structural and other changes. The embodiments are merely representative of possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operations can be varied. Portions and features of some embodiments can be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the drawings, and can be varied in a variety of ways. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims appended hereto, and the embodiments described above should be construed as exemplary and non-limiting.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that, include: U-shaped connecting plate; The support frame has its first end placed inside the U-shaped connecting plate and rotatably connected to the U-shaped connecting plate; The first end of the wrench is rotatably connected to the first end of the support frame; Among them, the support frame has a limiting groove on the side wall away from the opening of the U-shaped connecting plate, the wrench is inserted into the limiting groove, and the inner side wall of the wrench is provided with a locking part. When the locking part is engaged and fixed with the limiting groove, the support frame and the U-shaped connecting plate are fixed relative to each other and are in an open state; when the locking part is disengaged from the limiting groove, the support frame rotates in a direction away from the opening of the U-shaped connecting plate and abuts against the U-shaped connecting plate, and the support frame and the U-shaped connecting plate are in a folded state.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top edge of the U-shaped connecting plate is constructed with a limiting notch, and the first end of the wrench is located on a limiting shaft perpendicular to the plane of wrench rotation. The limiting shaft can be fitted into the limiting notch. With the locking part and the limiting groove locked together, the limiting shaft is fitted into the limiting notch to fix the support frame and the U-shaped connecting plate with double limiting.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, An arc-shaped guide groove is constructed on the side wall of the support frame that intersects with the side wall where the limiting groove is located, and the center of the arc-shaped guide groove faces the side where the limiting groove is located; the limiting shaft passes through the arc-shaped guide groove. When the locking part disengages from the limiting groove, the wrench rotates relative to the support frame and drives the limiting shaft to slide along the arc-shaped guide groove; when the limiting shaft slides to the end of the arc-shaped guide groove, the limiting shaft disengages from the limiting notch so that the support frame can rotate and fold relative to the U-shaped connecting plate.

4. The folding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wrench and the support frame are rotatably connected by a second rotating shaft. The center of the arc-shaped guide groove is set on the same side as the second rotating shaft so that when the wrench rotates relative to the support frame and the second rotating shaft as the connection point, the limiting shaft slides along the arc-shaped guide groove.

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The U-shaped connecting plate and the support frame are rotatably connected via a first rotating shaft; it also includes: The tension spring is connected at one end to the limiting shaft and at the other end to the first rotating shaft.

6. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Wrenches include: The grip section is the second end of the wrench; The mounting platform is formed by extending outward from the inner wall of the grip, and the mounting platform has a through-hole perpendicular to the platform surface. The locking part is inserted through the through opening, and the locking part can move up and down along the axial direction of the through opening so that when the locking part moves down, it releases the limiting stop with the limiting groove.

7. The folding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking part includes: The connecting plate is positioned parallel to the bottom of the mounting platform; The pressing part is located at one end of the connecting plate and passes through the through opening; The stop is located at the other end of the connecting plate and on the outside of the mounting platform. It extends into the limiting groove and forms a limiting stop with the limiting groove.

8. The folding mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The wrench has a hollow cavity constructed below the mounting platform, and one side wall enclosing the hollow cavity is inclined from the grip towards the support frame; it also includes: A spring, located inside the hollow cavity, with one end abutting against the connecting plate and the other end abutting against the side wall of the hollow cavity, is used to drive the connecting plate to move upward and reset.

9. The folding mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The shell is placed inside the hollow cavity and is detachably connected to the side wall of the hollow cavity; The housing has a receiving cavity with an opening at the top. A spring is inserted into the receiving cavity from the top, and the end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity.

10. An electric scooter, characterized in that, Includes a chassis and a folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The chassis is fixedly connected to the U-shaped connecting plate.

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