Fork-shaped piece for vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fork for a vehicle, in particular for a robotic bicycle, comprising a fork shaft, which extends along a rotational axis and ends in a lower section, which has an opening coaxially with respect to the rotational axis, an auxiliary element, in particular a dragging device or a strapping device, is arranged or can be arranged on the opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a fork for a vehicle, in particular for a motorized vehicle, and to a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles, for example motorized vehicles, in particular motorcycles, can have to be transported, for example on a trailer or the like. For this purpose, these vehicles are usually tied or secured accordingly. The tying is usually effected indirectly via the handlebars of the vehicle. Such a solution is shown, for example, in US 2003 / 0103831 A1, which discloses a handlebar plug provided with a strap or tie. These handlebar plugs can be inserted into the handlebars of a corresponding vehicle in order to then tie the vehicle. A disadvantage here is that forces are introduced into the handlebars via such a device, which handlebars are not designed for said forces. If such a strap or tie is guided around a frame or the like, undesired damage, for example paintwork or the like, can occur. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore the task of the present invention to provide a fork for a vehicle, in particular for a motorized vehicle, and a vehicle, in particular to provide a practical solution in order to allow a reliable tying / locking of a corresponding vehicle.

[0004] The task is solved by a fork according to claim 1 and by a vehicle according to claim 9. Further advantages and features result from the dependent claims and the description and the figures.

[0005] According to the invention, a fork for a vehicle, in particular for a machine bicycle, comprises a fork shaft which extends along an axis of rotation and ends in a lower section which has an opening coaxially to the axis of rotation, an auxiliary element, in particular a towing device or a strapping device, being arranged or arrangeable on the opening. The fork shaft is typically a hollow tube which has a constant outer diameter along the axis of rotation or also a varying outer diameter. The same applies to the inner diameter, which can also be formed constantly or variably. The inner diameter can, but does not have to be, circular. The axis of rotation is the axis about which the fork shaft (in the mounted state) rotates. It is expedient if the lower section is designed directly for arranging a towing device or a strapping device. To this end, the opening is specified, which is preferably oriented in alignment with the axis of rotation of the fork shaft. The fork shaft is formed for arranging in a corresponding control tube of the respective vehicle. The vehicle is, according to a preferred embodiment, a motor vehicle, for example a machine bicycle, for example a moped or in particular a motorcycle. However, it can also be understood as a multi-track vehicle, for example a four-wheeler or an LNM vehicle (leaning multi-wheeler), in addition thereto. The vehicle of the type in question can also be a bicycle, with or without a booster motor (for example an electric motor).

[0006] The respective fork is typically formed differently in connection with the application. Double bridge forks are generally used in machine bicycles, for example motorcycles. Bicycles usually have forks with only one bridge, double bridge forks are also generally used in the sports / field sector. The fork can also be a Telelever fork. It is not important for the invention whether the fork is sprung.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the opening is formed directly or indirectly in the fork shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the opening can also be formed or arranged in a fork bridge, in particular in the lower fork bridge in the case of a double bridge fork. It is expedient if, as a result, a force introduction can be achieved which is completely problem-free for the respective vehicle or fork.

[0008] It is expedient if the opening has one or more engagement elements for form- and / or force-locked fixing, in particular for form- and / or force-locked locking or screwing in of the auxiliary element. It is expedient if the auxiliary element can be screwed into the opening.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the opening has a correspondingly formed internal thread. The invention can be implemented particularly simply, in particular when the fork shaft is used directly for fixing or arranging the auxiliary element, since the fork shaft is typically hollow anyway. The fork shaft therefore only needs to be provided with the respective thread afterwards.

[0010] Typically, the diameter of the internal thread is in the range of M14 - M20, in particular M16, when it comes to forks for motorcycles. In the case of bicycles, the internal thread is correspondingly smaller.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the auxiliary element is fixed on the opening, in particular screwed in there. Suitably, the opening or the auxiliary element provided there is accessible without any cover or mounting having to be removed. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary element is accessible on the lower fork bridge or on the only fork bridge. Suitably, therefore, no cover and / or mounting has to be removed in order to provide the auxiliary element. The provision of the auxiliary element can advantageously be achieved very quickly, since the auxiliary element only has to be screwed in. Suitably, the auxiliary element is also automatically centred in the centre, so that a good accessibility or in particular force distribution from both sides can be achieved. According to an embodiment, the cover or mounting comprises a cover element which is designed to cover the opening when the auxiliary element is not mounted. The cover element is suitably configured to be removable, in particular for example turnable, in order to provide the auxiliary element.

[0012] It is mentioned here that instead of the opening being provided with an internal thread, other fixing possibilities can also be considered. Thus, for example, a plug-in system can be used which can be loosened and locked in a suitable manner. In principle, it is suitable if the auxiliary element is provided or providable form- and / or force-locked.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary element is configured as a lashing eye which comprises at least one fixing opening. The fixing opening is designed for example to provide or thread through one or more straps, belts or the like. The lashing eye is suitably configured from a metal material.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the auxiliary element or generally the auxiliary element comprises a fixing section for coaction with the opening, which fixing section is according to an embodiment rotatable relative to the fixing opening. Thus, it is suitable if the fixing opening can be rotated relative to the fork when the lashing eye or the auxiliary element is provided in the fork.

[0015] The invention also relates to a machine pedal vehicle comprising a fork according to the invention. Possible ways and types of machine pedal vehicles have already been mentioned. Furthermore, what has been explained for the fork applies analogously and correspondingly.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the machine scooter has an arrangement area, in particular a plug-in location, which is designed for holding the auxiliary element. Suitably, the auxiliary element can thus be carried (always) in a suitable glove compartment / arrangement area / on-board tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Further advantages and features result from the following description of embodiments of the fork with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic view of a fork is shown in a side view;

[0020] Figure 2 A known fork is shown in a front view; Figure 1 A known fork is shown in a front view; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 A fork 10 is shown in a schematic view, which comprises two fork blades 14, which are connected with a fork axle 12 via a lower fork bridge 16 and an upper fork bridge 18. The fork axle 12 extends along a rotation axis D. The fork axle 12 constitutes for being arranged in a control tube, not shown here, of a respective vehicle. The fork axle 12 has a lower section 20, advantageously in or on which an opening 22 is constituted for arranging an auxiliary element. The fork 10 shown here schematically is for example a fork provided for being applied in a motorcycle.

[0022] Figure 2 A known fork 10 is shown in a front view, i.e. rotated by 90° with respect to Figure 1 A known fork is shown in a front view; Figure 1 A known fork is shown in a front view; A known fork is shown in a front view;

[0023] List of reference signs

[0024] 10 fork

[0025] 12 fork shaft

[0026] 14 fork blade

[0027] 16 lower fork bridge

[0028] 18 upper fork bridge

[0029] 20 lower section

[0030] 22 opening

[0031] 40 auxiliary element

[0032] 42 fixing section

[0033] 44 fixing opening

[0034] D axis of rotation

Claims

1. A fork (10) for a vehicle, in particular for a machine bicycle, comprising a fork shaft (12) which extends along an axis of rotation (D) and ends in a lower section (20) which has an opening (22) coaxially to the axis of rotation (D), a supplementary element (40), in particular a towing device or a lashing device, being arranged or arrangeable on the opening.

2. The fork (10) according to claim 1, wherein The opening (22) has an engagement element for form- and / or force- locking fixing, in particular for form- and / or force- locking locking or screwing in, of the supplementary element (40).

3. The fork (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The opening (22) has an internal thread.

4. The fork (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The diameter of the internal thread is in the range of M14 - M20, in particular M16.

5. The fork (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The supplementary element (40) is fixed on the opening (22).

6. The fork (10) according to claim 5, wherein The fork comprises a fork bridge (16), in particular a lower fork bridge, on which a cover element is arranged, the supplementary element (40) being accessible.

7. The fork (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The supplementary element (40) is configured as a lashing eye, the lashing eye comprising at least one fixing opening (44).

8. The fork (10) according to claim 7, wherein The lashing eye comprises a fixing section (42) for cooperation with the opening (22), the fixing section being rotatable relative to the fixing opening (44).

9. A vehicle, in particular a machine bicycle, comprising a fork (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein, The vehicle comprises an arrangement region, in particular a plug-in position, which is designed for holding the supplementary element (40).

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