Front fork folding structure and folding bicycle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a front fork folding structure and a folding bicycle. The front fork folding structure comprises a front fork assembly provided with a first transverse shaft tube; the handlebar mounting pipe is provided with a second transverse shaft pipe, and a second limiting groove is formed in the inner wall of the second transverse shaft pipe; a rotating shaft; the sliding block is limited on the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is provided with a first position and a second position which can be switched; the elastic piece is arranged at one end of the sliding block; when the sliding block is located at the first position on the rotating shaft, the sliding block is matched with the second limiting groove in a limiting mode to conduct axial rotating locking. And when the sliding block is located at the second position on the rotating shaft, the sliding block is separated from the second limiting groove for axial rotation unlocking, so that the front fork assembly can be rotationally folded or folded and unfolded relative to the handlebar mounting pipe. The device has the advantages of simple overall structure, reliable structure, convenience in assembly, easiness in operation and use and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of folding bicycles, in particular to a front fork folding structure and a folding bicycle. Background Art

[0002] A foldable bike is a foldable means of transportation. Specific products include foldable bicycles, foldable scooters, foldable balance bikes, etc. When not in use, the foldable bike can be folded to reduce its size, making it easier to carry or store.

[0003] The front fork assembly of a folding bicycle is a component that connects the front wheel and the handlebar. In order to make the folding bicycle smaller in size after folding, the prior art usually provides a folding mechanism at the connection between the front fork assembly and the frame. Although the folding mechanisms of the prior art have different structures, either the folding mechanism is not firm and easily causes the handlebar to shake, or the structure of the folding mechanism is relatively complex, which is not convenient for processing, installation and operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and provides a front fork folding structure and a folding bicycle.

[0005] The utility model provides a front fork folding structure, which comprises:

[0006] A front fork assembly 3 having a first transverse axis tube 32 at its upper end;

[0007] The handlebar mounting tube 4 has a second transverse tube 41 at its lower end, and the inner wall of the second transverse tube 41 is provided with a second limiting groove 42;

[0008] A rotating shaft 5, wherein a first end of the rotating shaft 5 is fixedly connected to the first transverse axis tube 32, and a second end of the rotating shaft 5 is rotatably connected to the second transverse axis tube 41;

[0009] The slider 6 is limited on the rotating shaft 5. The slider 6 can only move in the direction of the central axis of the rotating shaft 5. The slider 6 has a switchable first position and a second position on the rotating shaft 5.

[0010] An elastic member, provided at one end of the slider 6;

[0011] When the slider 6 is at the first position on the rotating shaft 5, the elastic member pushes the slider 6 to insert into the second limiting groove 42, so that the slider 6 and the second limiting groove 42 are limitedly matched to lock the axial rotation between the rotating shaft 5 and the second transverse axis tube 41;

[0012] When the slider 6 is in the second position on the rotating shaft 5 , the slider 6 is separated from the second limiting groove 42 to unlock the axial rotation between the rotating shaft 5 and the second transverse axis tube 41 , so that the front fork assembly 3 can be rotated and folded or folded and unfolded relative to the handlebar mounting tube 4 .

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the first transverse axis tube 32 is sleeved in the second transverse axis tube 41 .

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the slider 6 is a spline sleeve sleeved on the rotating shaft 5, and has a plurality of external splines evenly spaced apart; the second limiting groove 42 corresponds to a spline groove.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, a first limiting groove 33 is provided on the inner wall of the first transverse axis tube 32 ; when the slider 6 is in the second position on the rotating shaft 5 , the slider 6 is inserted into the first limiting groove 33 and cooperates with the first limiting groove 33 .

[0016] In some preferred embodiments, a sliding groove 51 is provided on the rotating shaft 5, and the sliding block 6 is connected to the rotating shaft 5 through a limiting member whose end extends to the sliding groove 51; when the limiting member is located in the sliding groove 51 away from the end of the first transverse axis tube 32, the sliding block 6 is in a first position on the rotating shaft 5, and when the limiting member is located in the sliding groove 51 close to the end of the first transverse axis tube 32, the sliding block 6 is in a second position on the rotating shaft 5.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, the first end of the rotating shaft 5 is fixedly connected to the first transverse axis tube 32 through a screw element 71; the rotating shaft 5 is arranged to pass through the second transverse axis tube 41, and the second end of the rotating shaft 5 has a limiting end cap 52 to prevent the rotating shaft 5 from slipping out of the second transverse axis tube 41.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, the front fork folding structure further includes an operating key 8 disposed on the second transverse axis tube 41 , and the operating key 8 is fixedly connected to the slider 6 , so that the slider 6 can be switched from the first position to the second position on the rotating shaft 5 through the operating key 8 .

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the second end of the rotating shaft 5 is tubular; the operating key 8 has a connecting rod 81, which is inserted into the second end of the rotating shaft 5, and the connecting rod 81 is fixedly connected to the slider 6 by a limiting member passing through a sliding groove 51 opened on the rotating shaft 5.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments, the limiting member is a fixed column or a pull rope.

[0021] The utility model also discloses a folding bicycle, which has the front fork folding structure.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The front fork folding structure utilizes a rotating shaft to coaxially connect the first transverse axis tube of the front fork assembly with the second transverse axis tube of the handlebar mounting tube, so that the connection between the front fork assembly and the handlebar mounting tube is firm, and the front fork assembly can be rotated relative to the handlebar mounting tube according to the rotating shaft to achieve folding or unfolding; at the same time, by arranging a slider and an elastic member on the rotating shaft, the slider cooperates with the second limit groove on the inner wall of the second transverse axis tube under the action of the elastic member, and the axial rotation between the rotating shaft and the second transverse axis tube is locked or unlocked, so that the front fork folding structure is in a structurally reliable locked state, and can be switched to an unlocked state as needed when folding or unfolding is required, and has the advantages of simple overall structure, reliable structure, convenient assembly and easy operation and use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of a folding bicycle.

[0025] Figure 2 It is one of the decomposed structural diagrams of the front fork folding structure.

[0026] Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the decomposed structure of the front fork folding structure.

[0027] Figure 4 This is the third schematic diagram of the decomposed structure of the front fork folding structure.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the handlebar mounting tube.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the front fork folding structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to further explain the technical means and effects adopted by the present application to achieve the predetermined purpose, the specific implementation methods, structures, features and effects of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the following description, different "one embodiment" or "embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, specific features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments may be combined in any suitable form.

[0031] The utility model discloses a folding vehicle, and specific products include a folding bicycle, a folding scooter, a folding balance vehicle, etc. The accompanying drawings of the present application are described by taking a folding bicycle as an example.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the front fork assembly 3 of the folding bicycle is connected between the front wheel 1 and the handlebar mounting tube 4, the top end of the handlebar mounting tube 4 is used to mount the handlebars; and the upper end of the handlebar mounting tube 4 is inserted into the frame head tube 21 of the frame 2, so that the handlebar mounting tube 4 can rotate relative to the frame head tube 21 to meet the user's need to rotate the direction of the front wheel 1 through the handlebars.

[0033] A front fork folding structure is provided between the front fork assembly 3 and the handlebar mounting tube 4 . The front fork folding structure can ensure a firm connection between the front fork assembly 3 and the handlebar mounting tube 4 , while allowing the front fork assembly 3 to be rotated and folded relative to the frame 2 .

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the front fork folding structure includes: a front fork assembly 3, whose upper end has a first transverse axis tube 32, and whose lower end has a shaft sleeve 31, and is rotatably connected to the axle 11 of the front wheel 1 through the shaft sleeve 31; a handlebar mounting tube 4, whose upper end is used to install the handlebar (not shown in the figure), and whose lower end has a second transverse axis tube 41, and the inner wall of the second transverse axis tube 41 is provided with a second limiting groove 42; a rotating shaft 5, the first end of the rotating shaft 5 is fixedly connected to the first transverse axis tube 32, and the second end of the rotating shaft 5 is rotatably connected to the second transverse axis tube 41.

[0035] The first transverse tube 32 is sleeved in the second transverse tube 41 , and the rotating shaft 5 passes through the first transverse tube 32 , so that the rotating shaft 5 , the first transverse tube 32 and the second transverse tube 41 are coaxially arranged with the central axis AA′ of the rotating shaft 5 .

[0036] Furthermore, the first end of the rotating shaft 5 is fixedly connected to the first transverse axis tube 32 via a screw element 71 , and a decorative cover 72 is provided at the first end of the rotating shaft 5 to cover the screw element 71 , so that the overall appearance of the front fork assembly 3 is beautiful.

[0037] The second end of the rotating shaft 5 is rotatably connected to the second transverse tube 41. The second end of the rotating shaft 5 passes through the second transverse tube 41 and has a limiting end cap 52 to prevent the rotating shaft 5 from slipping out of the second transverse tube 41.

[0038] That is to say, the front fork assembly 3 and the rotating shaft 5 are an integral structure, and the two rotate synchronously. The front fork assembly 3 can rotate axially relative to the second transverse axis tube 41 of the handlebar mounting tube 4 about the central axis A-A' of the rotating shaft 5, so that the front fork assembly 3 drives the front wheel 1 to rotate relative to the frame 2 as a whole, so that the front fork assembly 3 drives the front wheel 1 to be folded onto the frame 2 as a whole.

[0039] further Figure 2-Figure 6As shown, the front fork folding structure includes: a slider 6, which is limited on the rotating shaft 5, and the slider 6 can only move in the direction of the central axis A-A' of the rotating shaft 5. The slider 6 has a switchable first position and a second position on the rotating shaft 5; an elastic member (not shown in the figure), which is arranged at one end of the slider 6 and is used to generate an elastic force for the slider 6 toward the second limiting groove 42.

[0040] The elastic member is preferably a spring, which is sleeved on the first end of the rotating shaft 5 , so that the elastic member is limited in the first transverse axis tube 32 .

[0041] The rotating shaft 5 is provided with a sliding groove 51, and the sliding block 6 is connected to the rotating shaft 5 through a limiting member whose end extends to the sliding groove 51. When the limiting member is located in the sliding groove 51 and away from the end of the first transverse axis tube 32, the sliding block 6 is in a first position on the rotating shaft 5, and when the limiting member is located in the sliding groove 51 and close to the end of the first transverse axis tube 32, the sliding block 6 is in a second position on the rotating shaft 5.

[0042] When the slider 6 is in the first position on the rotating shaft 5, the elastic member pushes the slider 6 to insert into the second limiting groove 42, so that the slider 6 and the second limiting groove 42 are limited and matched, and the rotating shaft 5 and the second transverse axis tube 41 are axially rotated and locked to limit the axial rotation of the rotating shaft 5 relative to the second transverse axis tube 41. At this time, the front fork assembly 3 is locked relative to the handlebar mounting tube 4 and cannot rotate according to the rotating shaft 5. Therefore, when the front fork assembly 3 is in a folded state or a non-folded and unfolded state, the front fork folding structure is in a stable and reliable locking state through the elastic member to make the slider 6 and the second limiting groove 42 limited and matched, that is, Figure 6 shown.

[0043] exist Figure 6 On the basis of the state shown, the slider 6 is moved to the left along the central axis A-A' direction of the rotating shaft 5. When the slider 6 moves from the first position to the second position on the rotating shaft 5, the slider 6 is separated from the second limiting groove 42, and the axial rotation between the rotating shaft 5 and the second transverse axis tube 41 is unlocked. At this time, the rotating shaft 5 can be axially rotated relative to the second transverse axis tube 41, so that the front fork assembly 3 can be rotated and folded or folded and unfolded relative to the handlebar mounting tube 4 (or the frame 2).

[0044] In addition, a first limiting groove 33 is provided on the inner wall of the first transverse axis tube 32 ; when the slider 6 is at the second position on the rotating shaft 5 , the slider 6 is inserted into the first limiting groove 33 and is limitedly matched with the first limiting groove 33 .

[0045] In some preferred embodiments, the slider 6 is a spline sleeve sleeved on the rotating shaft 5, and has a plurality of external splines evenly spaced; the first limit groove 33 and the second limit groove 42 are both corresponding to spline grooves. By setting an appropriate number of external splines, when the front fork assembly 3 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state relative to the handlebar mounting tube 4 (or the frame 2), or when the front fork assembly 3 is folded and unfolded from the folded state, when the front fork assembly 3 rotates a predetermined angle, it can be ensured that the spline sleeve can form a limit fit with the first limit groove 33 and the second limit groove 42, thereby improving the reliability of the front fork folding structure.

[0046] In order to facilitate pushing the slider 6 from the first position of the rotating shaft 5 to the second position, the front fork folding structure further includes an operation key 8. The operation key 8 is arranged on the second transverse axis tube 41, and the operation key 8 is fixedly connected to the slider 6, so that the slider 6 is switched from the first position to the second position on the rotating shaft 5 through the operation key 8.

[0047] Specifically, the second end of the rotating shaft 5 is configured to be tubular; the operating key 8 has a connecting rod 81, which is inserted into the second end of the rotating shaft 5, and the connecting rod 81 is fixedly connected to the slider 6 by a stopper passing through a sliding groove 51 provided on the rotating shaft 5. Therefore, when an external force that overcomes the elastic member exerting on the slider 6 is applied to the operating key 8, the external force can push the slider 6 from the first position of the rotating shaft 5 to the second position.

[0048] The limiting member is generally a fixed column or a pull rope. A first fixing hole 811 is provided on the connecting rod 81, and one end of the fixed column or the pull rope is fixedly connected to the operation key 8 through the first fixing hole 811, and the other end of the fixed column or the pull rope passes through the sliding groove 51 and is connected to the second fixing hole of the slider 6. The end of the pull rope can also extend to the handlebar, and a pull rope controller is provided on the handlebar to adjust the length of the pull rope, so as to operate the operation key 8 using the pull rope.

[0049] Figure 1 The state shown is that the front fork assembly 3 is in a non-folded and unfolded state relative to the frame 2. At this time, the front fork folding structure is in a state as shown in FIG. Figure 6The self-locking state shown. If the front fork assembly 3 needs to be rotated and folded relative to the handlebar mounting tube 4 (or the frame 2), an external force is applied to the operation key 8 to allow the slider 6 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member, and the operation key 8 drives the slider 6 to be pushed from the first position of the rotating shaft 5 to the second position, so that the slider 6 is disengaged from the second limiting groove 42 of the second transverse axis tube 41 to release the axial rotation lock between the rotating shaft 5 and the second transverse axis tube 41. At this time, the front fork assembly 3 can be rotated relative to the handlebar mounting tube 4 according to the rotating shaft 5 to fit with the frame 2 as needed, so that the front fork assembly 3 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state. Then, when the external force applied to the operation key 8 is cancelled, the slider 6 is pushed back to the first position from the second position on the rotating shaft 5 under the action of the elastic member, and the slider 6 is reinserted into the second limiting groove 42 and the two resume the limiting matching relationship, so that the rotating shaft 5 and the second transverse axis tube 41 are rotated and locked, so as to lock the front fork assembly 3 in the folded state. When folding and unfolding are required, similar folding operations are performed as described above, and will not be described one by one. It can be seen that the operation of the front fork folding structure is very simple and convenient for users to use.

[0050] The overall structure of the folding front fork structure is simple and easy to assemble. During assembly, the first end of the rotating shaft 5 is first inserted from the second transverse axis tube 41 of the handlebar mounting tube 4, the operating key 8 is inserted into the second end of the rotating shaft 5, the slider 6 is limitedly assembled on the rotating shaft 5, and the slider 6 is fixedly connected to the operating key 8 by a limiter; then the elastic member is sleeved on the first end of the rotating shaft 5, and the first transverse axis tube 32 of the front fork assembly 3 is sleeved in the second transverse axis tube 41, and finally the first end of the rotating shaft 5 is fixedly connected to the first transverse axis tube 32 by a screwing element 71, and a decorative cover 72 is provided at the first end of the rotating shaft 5 to cover the screwing element 71.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A front fork folding structure, characterized in that: include: A front fork assembly (3) having a first transverse axis tube (32) at its upper end; A handlebar mounting tube (4), the lower end of which has a second transverse axis tube (41), and the inner wall of the second transverse axis tube (41) is provided with a second limiting groove (42); A rotating shaft (5), wherein a first end of the rotating shaft (5) is fixedly connected to the first transverse axis tube (32), and a second end of the rotating shaft (5) is rotatably connected to the second transverse axis tube (41); A slider (6) is limited on the rotating shaft (5), the slider (6) can only move in the direction of the central axis of the rotating shaft (5), and the slider (6) has a switchable first position and a second position on the rotating shaft (5); An elastic member, arranged at one end of the slider (6); When the slider (6) is in the first position on the rotating shaft (5), the elastic member pushes the slider (6) to insert into the second limiting groove (42), so that the slider (6) and the second limiting groove (42) are limitedly matched to lock the axial rotation between the rotating shaft (5) and the second transverse axis tube (41); When the slider (6) is in the second position on the rotating shaft (5), the slider (6) is separated from the second limiting groove (42) to unlock the axial rotation between the rotating shaft (5) and the second transverse axis tube (41), so that the front fork assembly (3) can be rotated and folded or folded and unfolded relative to the handlebar mounting tube (4).

2. The front fork folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transverse axis tube (32) is sleeved in the second transverse axis tube (41).

3. The front fork folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slider (6) is a spline sleeve sleeved on the rotating shaft (5), and has a plurality of external splines arranged at even intervals; the second limiting groove (42) corresponds to a spline groove.

4. The front fork folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the first transverse axis tube (32) is provided with a first limiting groove (33); when the slider (6) is in the second position on the rotating shaft (5), the slider (6) is inserted into the first limiting groove (33) and is limitedly matched with the first limiting groove (33).

5. The front fork folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sliding groove (51) is provided on the rotating shaft (5), and the sliding block (6) is connected to the rotating shaft (5) in a limiting manner via a limiting member whose end extends to the sliding groove (51); when the limiting member is located in the sliding groove (51) away from the end of the first transverse axis tube (32), the sliding block (6) is in a first position on the rotating shaft (5); and when the limiting member is located in the sliding groove (51) close to the end of the first transverse axis tube (32), the sliding block (6) is in a second position on the rotating shaft (5).

6. The front fork folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the rotating shaft (5) is fixedly connected to the first transverse axis tube (32) via a screw element (71); the rotating shaft (5) is arranged to pass through the second transverse axis tube (41), and the second end of the rotating shaft (5) has a limiting end cap (52) to prevent the rotating shaft (5) from falling out of the second transverse axis tube (41).

7. The front fork folding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It also includes an operating key (8) arranged on the second transverse axis tube (41), the operating key (8) being fixedly connected to the slider (6) so that the slider (6) can be switched from a first position to a second position on the rotating shaft (5) through the operating key (8).

8. The front fork folding structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second end of the rotating shaft (5) is tubular; the operating key (8) has a connecting rod (81), the connecting rod (81) is inserted into the second end of the rotating shaft (5), and a limiting member passes through a sliding groove (51) formed on the rotating shaft (5) to fix the connecting rod (81) and the sliding block (6) together.

9. The front fork folding structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The limiting member is a fixed column or a pull rope.

10. A folding bicycle, characterized in that: The invention has a front fork folding structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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