Front fork assembly and vehicle

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of vehicle parts technology, and more particularly to a front fork assembly and a vehicle. The front fork assembly includes a connecting seat, a rotating mechanism, a shock absorber, and front fork legs. The rotating mechanism has a first connection point, a second connection point, and a third connection point located between the first and second connection points, the third connection point being outside the line connecting the first and second connection points. The first connection point of the rotating mechanism is rotatably connected to the connecting seat, the third connection point is rotatably connected to the front fork legs, one end of the shock absorber is rotatably connected to the connecting seat, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connection point of the rotating mechanism. The vehicle includes the aforementioned front fork assembly. This utility model provides a front fork assembly and a vehicle to alleviate the technical problem of poor shock absorption in existing vehicle front fork assemblies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle parts technology, and in particular to a front fork assembly and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In bicycles or electric vehicles, the front fork assembly is located at the front. Its upper end is connected to the handlebar assembly, and its lower end is connected to the front wheel assembly, forming the vehicle's steering system.

[0003] A front fork assembly typically includes a column for connecting to the handlebar assembly, two shock absorbers connected to the column via connectors, and fork legs mounted below the shock absorbers for connecting to the front wheel assembly. During riding, when encountering obstacles, the obstacle acts on the front wheel assembly, causing force to be transmitted through the fork legs to the shock absorbers, which then compress and absorb the shock, reducing the bumps experienced by the rider. The shock absorption capacity of the front fork assembly directly affects riding comfort and handling stability, making it a crucial indicator in vehicle design. However, current technology for bicycles and electric vehicles still has room for improvement, as the shock absorption performance is not ideal.

[0004] Therefore, this application provides a new front fork assembly and vehicle to address the above-mentioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a front fork assembly to at least alleviate the technical problem of poor shock absorption in the front fork assembly of vehicles in the prior art.

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is also to provide a vehicle to further alleviate the technical problem of poor shock absorption effect of the front fork assembly in the prior art.

[0007] Based on the aforementioned first objective, this utility model provides a front fork assembly, which includes a connecting seat, a rotating mechanism, a shock absorber, and front fork legs;

[0008] The rotating mechanism is provided with a first connection point, a second connection point, and a third connection point located between the first connection point and the second connection point. The third connection point is located outside the line connecting the first connection point and the second connection point.

[0009] The first connection point of the rotating mechanism is rotatably connected to the connecting seat, the third connection point is rotatably connected to the front fork leg, one end of the shock absorber is rotatably connected to the connecting seat, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connection point of the rotating mechanism;

[0010] When the fork leg vibrates, the fork leg drives the rotating mechanism to rotate relative to the connecting seat through the third connection point, so as to reduce the distance between the connecting seat and the second connection point, thereby compressing the shock absorber.

[0011] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism includes two connecting rods connected by a fork shoulder. The first connection point is located on the fork shoulder, and the second and third connection points are both located on the connecting rod.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting rod includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion connected to the first rod portion and bent relative to the first rod portion. The end of the first rod portion away from the second rod portion is connected to the fork shoulder. The third connection point is disposed at the connection between the first rod portion and the second rod portion, and the second connection point is disposed at the end of the second rod portion away from the first rod portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting seat is provided with a first connecting part, and the first connecting point of the rotating mechanism is rotatably connected to the first connecting part;

[0014] And / or, the connecting seat is provided with a second connecting part, and the shock absorber is rotatably connected to the second connecting part.

[0015] Furthermore, the fork assembly also includes a guide rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting seat, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the fork leg;

[0016] When the rotating mechanism rotates relative to the connecting seat, the guide rod rotates simultaneously relative to the connecting seat.

[0017] Furthermore, the connecting seat is provided with a third connecting part, and the guide rod is rotatably connected to the third connecting part.

[0018] Furthermore, along the extending direction of the fork leg, the fork leg includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end disposed opposite to each other, the second connecting end being used to connect to the wheel assembly;

[0019] The first connecting end is provided with a first end head, and the guide rod is rotatably connected to the first end head.

[0020] Furthermore, the first connecting end is also provided with a second end, the first end and the second end are spaced apart, and the third connecting point of the rotating mechanism is rotatably connected to the second end.

[0021] Furthermore, the fork assembly also includes a column disposed on the connector, the column being used to mount the handlebar assembly.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the front fork assembly of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0023] In the prior art, when the wheel assembly encounters an obstacle, the obstacle causes the wheel assembly to rotate while simultaneously exerting an upward force, causing the fork legs to move, including twisting rotation and upward movement. These movements are transmitted to the shock absorber. The upward movement force compresses the shock absorber to absorb shock, while the twisting rotation force causes the shock absorber to twist and deform slightly. On the one hand, the fork assembly cannot absorb the twisting rotation force, affecting riding comfort and handling stability. On the other hand, the twisting rotation force also increases the risk of permanent deformation and breakage of the shock absorber.

[0024] To address the above technical issues, in this embodiment, when the wheel assembly encounters an obstacle, the obstacle causes the wheel assembly to rotate while simultaneously being subjected to an upward force. This upward force causes the fork leg to drive the rotating mechanism to rotate relative to the connecting seat through the third connection point, thereby reducing the distance between the connecting seat and the second connection point. This allows the shock absorber to compress and absorb shock while rotating relative to the connecting seat.

[0025] In this configuration, when the fork leg is subjected to vibration, the rotating mechanism drives the shock absorber to rotate relative to the connecting seat, adapting to the rotational force on the fork leg. Simultaneously, the shock absorber compresses and absorbs shock, reducing the bumps caused by the upward force and improving comfort. Specifically, the rotation of the fork leg causes the rotating mechanism to drive the shock absorber, releasing the rotational force of the fork leg during the rotation of both the mechanism and the shock absorber. This means the rotational force is released before being transmitted to the connecting seat, thus preventing it from acting on the shock absorber and reducing the risk of permanent deformation and breakage. Furthermore, the rotational force is not transmitted to the connecting seat and reaches the rider, affecting riding comfort. In addition, the fork assembly in this embodiment simultaneously dampens vibrations from the fork leg through both rotational damping by the rotating mechanism and vertical damping by the shock absorber, increasing the damping travel and improving riding comfort.

[0026] Based on the second objective mentioned above, this utility model provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned front fork assembly.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the vehicle of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0028] By installing the aforementioned front fork assembly inside the vehicle, the vehicle thus possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned front fork assembly, which will not be elaborated upon here. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the front fork assembly provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of the front fork assembly;

[0032] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the front fork assembly provided in an embodiment of this utility model (rotating mechanism and shock absorber not shown).

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of the front fork assembly;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism of the front fork assembly provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 1-Connecting seat; 11-First connecting part; 12-Second connecting part; 13-Third connecting part;

[0037] 2-Rotating mechanism; 21-First connection point; 22-Second connection point; 23-Third connection point; 24-Connecting rod; 241-First rod section; 242-Second rod section; 25-Fork shoulder;

[0038] 3-Shock absorber;

[0039] 4-Front fork leg; 41-First end; 42-Second end;

[0040] 5-Guide rod;

[0041] 6-Column. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] Please see Figure 1 and combined Figure 2 and Figure 5 This embodiment provides a front fork assembly, which includes a connecting seat 1, a rotating mechanism 2, a shock absorber 3, and a front fork leg 4. The rotating mechanism 2 is provided with a first connection point 21, a second connection point 22, and a third connection point 23 located between the first connection point 21 and the second connection point 22. The third connection point 23 is located outside the line connecting the first connection point 21 and the second connection point 22. The first connection point 21 of the rotating mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to the connecting seat 1, and the third connection point 23 is rotatably connected to the front fork leg 4. One end of the shock absorber 3 is rotatably connected to the connecting seat 1, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connection point 22 of the rotating mechanism 2.

[0047] When the front fork leg 4 vibrates, the front fork leg 4 drives the rotating mechanism 2 to rotate relative to the connecting seat 1 through the third connection point 23, so that the distance between the connecting seat 1 and the second connection point 22 is reduced, thereby compressing the shock absorber 3.

[0048] It should be noted that the front fork assembly of this embodiment can be used in vehicles such as bicycles, electric two-wheelers, electric tricycles, or electric motorcycles. The upper part of its connecting seat 1 is used to connect the handlebar assembly of the vehicle, and the end of the front fork leg 4 away from the rotating mechanism 2 is used to connect the wheel assembly.

[0049] In the prior art, when the wheel assembly encounters an obstacle, the obstacle causes the wheel assembly to rotate while simultaneously exerting an upward force, causing the fork legs to move, including twisting rotation and upward movement. These movements are transmitted to the shock absorber. The upward movement force compresses the shock absorber to absorb shock, while the twisting rotation force causes the shock absorber to twist and deform slightly. On the one hand, the fork assembly cannot absorb the twisting rotation force, affecting riding comfort and handling stability. On the other hand, the twisting rotation force also increases the risk of permanent deformation and breakage of the shock absorber.

[0050] To address the above technical issues, in this embodiment, when the front fork assembly and wheel assembly encounter an obstacle, the obstacle causes the wheel assembly to rotate while simultaneously being subjected to an upward force. This upward force causes the front fork leg 4 to drive the rotating mechanism 2 to rotate relative to the connecting seat 1 via the third connection point 23, thereby reducing the distance between the connecting seat 1 and the second connection point 22. This allows the shock absorber 3 to compress and absorb shock while rotating relative to the connecting seat 1.

[0051] In this configuration, when the fork leg 4 is subjected to vibration, the rotating mechanism 2 drives the shock absorber 3 to rotate relative to the connecting seat 1 to adapt to the rotational force on the fork leg 4. At the same time, the shock absorber 3 compresses and absorbs shock to reduce the bumps caused by the upward force and improve comfort. Specifically, the rotation of the fork leg 4 causes the rotating mechanism 2 to drive the shock absorber 3 to rotate, so that the rotational force of the fork leg 4 is released during the rotation of the rotating mechanism 2 and the shock absorber 3. That is, the rotational force is released before it is transmitted to the connecting seat 1, so the rotational force will not act on the shock absorber 3, reducing the risk of permanent deformation and breakage of the shock absorber 3. At the same time, the rotational force will not be transmitted to the connecting seat 1 and reach the rider, thus affecting riding comfort. In addition, the fork assembly of this embodiment achieves shock absorption of the fork leg 4 simultaneously through the rotational damping of the rotating mechanism and the vertical damping of the shock absorber 3, increasing the damping stroke and improving riding comfort.

[0052] Preferably, please refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism 2 includes two connecting rods 24. The two connecting rods 24 are connected by a fork shoulder 25. The first connection point 21 is located on the fork shoulder 25, and the second connection point 22 and the third connection point 23 are both located on the connecting rod 24.

[0053] It should be noted that the fork assembly generally includes two fork legs 4. That is, the fork assembly in this embodiment includes two connecting rods 24 through the rotating mechanism 2 to connect the two fork legs 4 respectively, and is equipped with two shock absorbers 3 so that each fork leg 4 has a shock absorption function.

[0054] Preferably, please refer to Figure 5In this embodiment, the connecting rod 24 includes a first rod portion 241 and a second rod portion 242 connected to the first rod portion 241 and bent relative to the first rod portion 241. The end of the first rod portion 241 away from the second rod portion 242 is connected to the fork shoulder 25. The third connection point 23 is disposed at the connection between the first rod portion 241 and the second rod portion 242. The second connection point 22 is disposed at the end of the second rod portion 242 away from the first rod portion 241.

[0055] With this configuration, the line connecting the first connection point 21 and the second connection point 22 is located outside the link 24, and the third connection point 23 is located on the link 24, thus achieving the goal that the third connection point 23 is located outside the line connecting the first connection point 21 and the second connection point 22.

[0056] Therefore, when the fork leg 4 is subjected to force, the connecting rod 24 rotates relative to the connecting seat 1 through the third connection point 23. At the same time, the connecting rod 24 also rotates relative to the fork leg 4. At this time, the second rod part 242 gradually approaches the connecting seat 1, so that the second connection point 22 on the second rod part 242 also gradually approaches the connecting seat 1. As a result, the shock absorber 3 connected between the connecting seat 1 and the second connection point 22 is gradually compressed to absorb vibration.

[0057] Preferably, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, optionally, the connecting seat 1 is provided with a first connecting part 11, and the first connecting point 21 of the rotating mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to the first connecting part 11; or the connecting seat 1 is provided with a second connecting part 12, and the shock absorber 3 is rotatably connected to the second connecting part 12.

[0058] Preferably, the connecting seat 1 is provided with a first connecting part 11, the first connecting point 21 of the rotating mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to the first connecting part 11, and the connecting seat 1 is provided with a second connecting part 12, the shock absorber 3 is rotatably connected to the second connecting part 12.

[0059] For example, a first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the first connecting part 11, and a first rotating hole is provided on the first connecting point 21 of the rotating mechanism 2. The first rotating hole is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and can rotate relative to the first rotating shaft, thereby realizing the rotation of the rotating mechanism 2 relative to the connecting seat 1. A second rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the second connecting part 12, and a second rotating hole is provided on the shock absorber 3. The second rotating hole is sleeved on the second rotating shaft and can rotate relative to the second rotating shaft, thereby realizing the rotation of the shock absorber 3 relative to the connecting seat 1.

[0060] Preferably, please refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the fork assembly also includes a guide rod 5, one end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting seat 1 and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the fork leg 4; when the rotating mechanism 2 rotates relative to the connecting seat 1, the guide rod 5 rotates relative to the connecting seat 1 at the same time.

[0061] It should be noted that when the fork leg 4 vibrates, the fork leg 4 drives the rotating mechanism 2 to rotate relative to the connecting seat 1. At the same time, the fork leg 4 also rotates relative to the connecting seat 1. The guide rod 5 provides guidance for the rotation of the fork leg 4 relative to the connecting seat 1, thereby making the rotation of the fork leg 4 more stable, and thus making the rotation of the rotating mechanism 2 driven by the fork leg 4 more stable.

[0062] Preferably, please refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, a third connecting part 13 is provided on the connecting seat 1, and the guide rod 5 is rotatably connected to the third connecting part 13.

[0063] For example, a third rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the third connecting part 13, and a third rotating hole is provided on the guide rod 5. The third rotating hole is sleeved on the third rotating shaft and can rotate relative to the third rotating shaft, so that the guide rod 5 can rotate relative to the connecting seat 1.

[0064] Preferably, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, along the extending direction of the front fork leg 4, the front fork leg 4 includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end disposed opposite to each other, the second connecting end being used to connect the wheel assembly; wherein, the first connecting end is provided with a first end 41, and the guide rod 5 is rotatably connected to the first end 41.

[0065] Furthermore, the first connecting end is also provided with a second end 42, the first end 41 and the second end 42 are spaced apart, and the third connecting point 23 of the rotating mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to the second end 42.

[0066] This configuration allows the first connecting end of the fork leg 4 to connect to both the rotating mechanism 2 and the guide rod 5 simultaneously, while preventing interference between the rotating mechanism 2 and the guide rod 5, thus ensuring the normal operation of the fork assembly.

[0067] Preferably, please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the fork assembly also includes a column 6 disposed on the connecting seat 1, the column 6 being used to install the handlebar assembly.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] Embodiment 2 provides a vehicle that includes a front fork assembly as described in Embodiment 1. The technical features of the front fork assembly disclosed in Embodiment 1 are also applicable to this embodiment, and the technical features of the front fork assembly disclosed in Embodiment 1 will not be described again.

[0070] The vehicle provided in this embodiment includes the aforementioned front fork assembly. The vehicle in this embodiment can be a bicycle, an electric two-wheeler, an electric tricycle, or an electric motorcycle, etc. The upper part of the connecting seat 1 of the front fork assembly is used to connect the handlebar assembly, and the end of the front fork leg 4 away from the rotating mechanism 2 is used to connect the wheel assembly.

[0071] The vehicle of this embodiment has the advantages of the front fork assembly of Embodiment 1, which have been described in detail in Embodiment 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A front fork assembly, characterized by, Includes a connecting seat (1), a rotating mechanism (2), a shock absorber (3), and a front fork leg (4); The rotating mechanism (2) is provided with a first connection point (21), a second connection point (22) and a third connection point (23) located between the first connection point (21) and the second connection point (22). The third connection point (23) is located outside the line connecting the first connection point (21) and the second connection point (22). The first connection point (21) of the rotating mechanism (2) is rotatably connected to the connecting seat (1), the third connection point (23) is rotatably connected to the front fork leg (4), one end of the shock absorber (3) is rotatably connected to the connecting seat (1), and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connection point (22) of the rotating mechanism (2); When the fork leg (4) vibrates, the fork leg (4) drives the rotating mechanism (2) to rotate relative to the connecting seat (1) through the third connection point (23), so that the distance between the connecting seat (1) and the second connection point (22) is reduced, thereby compressing the shock absorber (3).

2. The fork assembly of claim 1, wherein, The rotating mechanism (2) includes a connecting rod (24), and there are two connecting rods (24). The two connecting rods (24) are connected by a fork shoulder (25). The first connection point (21) is located on the fork shoulder (25), and the second connection point (22) and the third connection point (23) are both located on the connecting rod (24).

3. The fork assembly of claim 2, wherein, The connecting rod (24) includes a first rod portion (241) and a second rod portion (242) connected to the first rod portion (241) and bent relative to the first rod portion (241). The end of the first rod portion (241) away from the second rod portion (242) is connected to the fork shoulder (25). The third connection point (23) is located at the connection between the first rod portion (241) and the second rod portion (242). The second connection point (22) is located at the end of the second rod portion (242) away from the first rod portion (241).

4. The fork assembly of claim 1, wherein, The connecting seat (1) is provided with a first connecting part (11), and the first connecting point (21) of the rotating mechanism (2) is rotatably connected to the first connecting part (11); And / or, the connecting seat (1) is provided with a second connecting part (12), and the shock absorber (3) is rotatably connected to the second connecting part (12).

5. The fork assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The fork assembly also includes a guide rod (5), one end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting seat (1), and the other end is rotatably connected to the fork leg (4); When the rotating mechanism (2) rotates relative to the connecting seat (1), the guide rod (5) rotates relative to the connecting seat (1) at the same time.

6. The fork assembly of claim 5, wherein, The connecting seat (1) is provided with a third connecting part (13), and the guide rod (5) is rotatably connected to the third connecting part (13).

7. The fork assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the extending direction of the fork leg (4), the fork leg (4) includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end disposed opposite to each other, the second connecting end being used to connect to the wheel assembly; The first connecting end is provided with a first end (41), and the guide rod (5) is rotatably connected to the first end (41).

8. The fork assembly of claim 7, wherein, The first connecting end is also provided with a second end (42), the first end (41) and the second end (42) are spaced apart, and the third connecting point (23) of the rotating mechanism (2) is rotatably connected to the second end (42).

9. The fork assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The fork assembly also includes a column (6) disposed on the connector (1), the column (6) being used to mount the handlebar assembly.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes the fork assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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