A bicycle fork and a bicycle

Abstract

This utility model discloses a bicycle front fork and a bicycle. The bicycle front fork includes fork legs and a linear motor disposed in the fork legs. The fork legs include an inner tube and an outer tube, with the inner tube sliding along the outer tube. The linear motor includes a primary part and a secondary part. The primary part is disposed in the inner tube and includes a first bracket fixed in the inner tube and multiple coils. The first bracket has multiple winding frames arranged axially, and the multiple coils are horizontally wound in the multiple winding frames. The middle of the multiple winding frames has sequentially connected cavities for the movement of the secondary part. The secondary part is disposed in the outer tube and includes a second bracket fixed on the outer tube and a permanent magnet disposed on the second bracket. When the inner tube slides towards the outer tube, the coils can cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet, generating a force that drives the inner tube away from the outer tube. In this utility model, the interaction between the primary and secondary parts of the linear motor creates a shock absorption effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of bicycle technology, specifically relating to a bicycle front fork and a bicycle. Background Technology

[0002] The bicycle fork is a crucial component connecting the frame and the front wheel, affecting not only the bicycle's stability and handling but also transmitting shocks and vibrations. To achieve a more comfortable riding experience and higher safety, bicycle forks incorporate shock-absorbing devices. Currently, most commercially available bicycle fork shock absorbers use air springs, which work by utilizing compressed air (usually a negative and positive air chamber structure) sealed within the fork legs as an elastic medium. These chambers are separated by valves and pistons. However, their internal structure is complex, requiring extremely high sealing standards and regular maintenance. Furthermore, air pressure is affected by environmental conditions such as altitude and temperature; for example, it may harden at low temperatures (and vice versa at high temperatures).

[0003] Some bicycles use coil springs as a shock absorber in their front forks. The working principle is to use a physical coil spring (usually made of steel or titanium alloy) to provide support. The compression force is proportional to the stroke, resulting in a direct response, simple structure, and relatively low sealing requirements. However, these are typically heavy, and the support force needs to be adjusted by changing springs of different pressure ratings. The spring stiffness is either not adjustable or has a limited adjustment range. Furthermore, the rebound force at the end of the stroke increases significantly, making it less smooth in handling large impacts and exhibiting weak immediate response to vibrations. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a bicycle front fork that uses a linear motor as a shock absorption device, which solves the technical problems of bicycle front forks being slow to respond to small vibrations and being affected by altitude and temperature.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of this application, the present invention provides a bicycle front fork, comprising fork legs for supporting a wheel and a linear motor disposed within the fork legs; the fork legs include an inner tube and an outer tube sleeved together, the inner tube being slidable along the outer tube; the linear motor includes a primary portion and a secondary portion; the primary portion is disposed within the inner tube, the primary portion including a first bracket disposed axially along the inner tube and fixed within the inner tube, and a plurality of coils, the first bracket having a plurality of hollow winding frames sequentially disposed axially, the plurality of coils being horizontally wound within the plurality of winding frames, the middle portions of the plurality of winding frames having sequentially connected cavities, the cavities being for movement of the secondary portion; the secondary portion is disposed within the outer tube, the secondary portion including a second bracket disposed axially along the outer tube and fixed on the outer tube, and a permanent magnet disposed on the second bracket; when the inner tube slides toward the direction closer to the outer tube, the coils can cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet to generate a force driving the inner tube away from the outer tube.

[0006] Furthermore, the winding frame is a ring structure, with multiple winding frames stacked sequentially along the axial direction. A ring-shaped winding cavity is horizontally arranged in the winding frame, and the coil is horizontally wound in the ring-shaped winding cavity. The cavity is formed in the middle of the winding frame, and the cavities of each winding frame are connected sequentially along the axial direction.

[0007] Furthermore, the winding frame includes a bottom wall and an annular inner wall and an annular outer wall disposed on the bottom wall. The annular winding cavity is formed between the bottom wall, the annular inner wall and the annular outer wall. A through hole is provided on the bottom wall, and the annular inner wall surrounds the through hole to form the cavity.

[0008] Furthermore, multiple permanent magnets are provided, each permanent magnet having a cylindrical structure. The second support also has a cylindrical structure, and multiple cylindrical mounting positions are provided on the second support for embedding the permanent magnets. The cylindrical mounting positions are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the second support.

[0009] Furthermore, the second bracket is also provided with multiple isolation plates, which separate adjacent cylindrical mounting positions.

[0010] Furthermore, one end of the outer tube is a sealed end and the other end is a first open end. The end of the inner tube near the sealed end is a second open end. The second open end of the inner tube extends into the interior of the outer tube along the first open end. One end of the second bracket is fixed to the sealed end, and the other end of the second bracket extends into the interior of the inner tube from the second open end.

[0011] Furthermore, a separator is fixedly connected in the cavity of the inner tube, and the bicycle fork also includes an elastic element. One end of the elastic element abuts against the sealing end, and the other end abuts against the separator. The separator has a clearance hole for the second bracket to move.

[0012] Furthermore, the bicycle fork also includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet being fixed to the inner tube and the second magnet being fixed to the outer tube, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are magnetically repulsive.

[0013] Furthermore, the first magnet is fixed to the separator, and the second magnet is fixed to the sealing end.

[0014] According to another aspect of this application, the present invention also provides a bicycle, including a bicycle fork as described above.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the bicycle front fork of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: A linear motor is installed in the fork legs of a bicycle front fork. The primary part of the linear motor is located in the inner tube, and the secondary part is located in the outer tube. When the wheel encounters an obstacle on the road, an upward impact force is generated. This impact force pushes the outer tube upward, while the inner tube moves downward relative to the outer tube. The primary part in the inner tube cuts the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet in the secondary part, generating a current in the coil of the primary part. When the coil is energized, it generates an electromagnetic field, which repulses the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, producing an upward force on the inner tube, thus creating a shock absorption effect. Compared with existing shock absorption technologies, this invention, by using linear motor shock absorption technology, improves the bicycle front fork's immediate response to vibration and enhances its adaptability to complex environments such as various temperatures and altitudes. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bicycle front fork provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle front fork provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linear motor for a bicycle front fork provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a secondary part of a bicycle front fork provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the inner tube structure of a bicycle front fork provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of another bicycle front fork provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0018] in: 1. Fork leg; 2. Linear motor; 3. Inner tube; 4. Outer tube; 5. Primary part; 6. Secondary part; 7. First support; 8. Coil; 9. Winding frame; 10. Second support; 11. Permanent magnet; 12. Annular winding cavity; 13. Bottom wall; 14. Annular inner wall; 15. Annular outer wall; 16. Through hole; 17. Isolation plate; 18. Sealing end; 19. Separator; 20. Elastic element; 21. Clearance hole; 22. First magnet; 23. Second magnet; 24. Cylindrical mounting position. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model to achieve its intended purpose, the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects according to this utility model application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the following description, different "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments can be combined in any suitable form.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be clarified that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence; the terms "vertical," "lateral," "longitudinal," "front," "back," "left," "right," "up," "down," "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model, and do not mean that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or position, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0021] 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] This embodiment provides a bicycle front fork, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the device includes two symmetrically arranged fork legs 1 for supporting the wheels and a linear motor 2 disposed within the fork legs 1. Each fork leg 1 includes a sleeved inner tube 3 and an outer tube 4, with the inner tube 3 sliding along the outer tube 4. The linear motor 2 is a transmission device that directly converts electrical energy into linear motion mechanical energy without requiring any intermediate conversion mechanisms (such as gears or lead screws). It eliminates all mechanical transmission links, achieving "zero" transmission error in force and motion, and providing a more sensitive and smoother response to vibrations.

[0023] The linear motor 2 includes a primary part 5 and a secondary part 6. The primary part 5 is disposed in the inner tube 3 and includes a first support 7 arranged axially along the inner tube 3 and fixed in the inner tube 3 and a plurality of coils 8. The first support 7 has a plurality of hollow winding frames 9 arranged axially. The plurality of coils 8 are horizontally wound in the plurality of winding frames 9. The middle of the plurality of winding frames 9 has cavities that are connected in sequence, and the cavities allow the secondary part 6 to move.

[0024] The secondary part 6 is disposed in the outer tube 4. The secondary part 6 includes a second bracket 10 disposed along the axial direction of the outer tube 4 and fixed on the outer tube 4, and a permanent magnet 11 disposed on the second bracket 10. When the inner tube 3 slides toward the direction closer to the outer tube 4, the coil 8 can cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 11 to generate a force that drives the inner tube 3 away from the outer tube 4.

[0025] The primary section 5 includes multiple coils 8, and the secondary section 6 includes a permanent magnet 11. When the bicycle's front wheel is impacted, the outer tube 4 moves upward, and the inner tube 3 moves downward relative to the outer tube 4. This causes the coils 8 to cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 11, generating a current. The current generates a magnetic field, and the resulting electromagnetic field interacts with the existing magnetic field, thus creating a force that drives the inner tube 3 away from the outer tube 4, thereby forming the first layer of shock absorption. The generation of the electromagnetic force is almost instantaneous, which allows the linear motor to respond extremely quickly and accurately to high-frequency, minute vibrations (such as rough road surfaces), and to adjust in real time according to road conditions. Furthermore, the operation is unaffected by environmental conditions such as temperature and altitude.

[0026] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, the winding frame 9 has a ring structure, and multiple winding frames 9 are stacked sequentially along the axial direction. A ring-shaped winding cavity 12 is horizontally arranged in the winding frame 9, and the coil 8 is horizontally wound in the ring-shaped winding cavity 12. The cavity is formed in the middle of the winding frame 9, and the cavities of each winding frame 9 are sequentially connected along the axial direction. More specifically, the winding frame 9 includes a bottom wall 13 and an annular inner wall 14 and an annular outer wall 15 disposed on the bottom wall 13. The annular winding cavity 12 is formed between the bottom wall 13, the annular inner wall 14, and the annular outer wall 15. A through hole 16 is provided on the bottom wall 13, and the annular inner wall 14 surrounds the through hole 16 to form a cavity.

[0027] The annular inner wall 14, bottom wall 13, and annular outer wall 15 of the winding frame 9 together form an annular winding cavity 12. The upper end of the annular winding cavity 12 has an opening, and the bottom wall 13 is opposite to the upper opening. The coil 8 is horizontally wound into the annular winding cavity 12 from the opening. The winding frame 9 has a through hole along the axial direction. Multiple winding frames 9 are stacked along the axial direction, and the through cavities in the middle are interconnected to form a cylindrical cavity with a through hole along the axial direction. The secondary part of the linear motor can move in the cavity.

[0028] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, multiple permanent magnets 11 are provided, each with a cylindrical structure. The second support 10 is also a cylindrical structure, and it has multiple cylindrical mounting positions 24 for embedding the permanent magnets 11. These cylindrical mounting positions 24 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the second support 10. More specifically, the second support 10 also includes multiple partition plates 17, which separate adjacent cylindrical mounting positions 24. Multiple permanent magnets 11 are mounted on the second support 10, forming a unified secondary part 6, which is then fixedly connected to the outer tube 4. This arrangement of the linear motor offers the advantages of a compact structure and space saving.

[0029] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, one end of the outer tube 4 is a sealed end 18, and the other end is a first open end. The end of the inner tube 3 near the sealed end 18 is a second open end. The second open end of the inner tube 3 extends into the interior of the outer tube 4 along the first open end. One end of the second support 10 is fixed to the sealed end 18, and the other end of the second support 10 extends into the interior of the inner tube 3 from the second open end. That is, the inner tube 3 is fitted inside the outer tube 4 and can move axially relative to the outer tube 4 inside the outer tube 4. Both the inner tube 3 and the outer tube 4 have cavities. Since the second open end of the inner tube 3 is inserted into the outer tube 4 from the first open end of the outer tube 4, the cavities of the inner tube 3 and the outer tube 4 are connected, which facilitates the installation of a linear motor inside and the relative movement of the primary and secondary parts of the linear motor.

[0030] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, a separator 19 is fixedly connected to the cavity of the inner tube 3. The bicycle fork also includes an elastic element 20, one end of which abuts against the sealing end 18, and the other end against the separator 19. The separator 19 has a clearance hole 21 for the second support 10 to move. When the inner tube 3 moves towards the outer tube 4, the elastic element 20 is compressed, thereby producing a second layer of shock absorption. More specifically, the elastic element 20 is a coil spring, and the second support 10 and the permanent magnet 11 can freely pass through the hollow part in the middle of the coil spring.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the bicycle front fork also includes a first magnet 22 and a second magnet 23. The first magnet 22 is fixed to the inner tube 3 and moves with the movement of the inner tube 3. The second magnet 23 is fixed to the outer tube 4 and moves with the movement of the outer tube 4. The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 are magnetically repulsive. Because of this magnetic repulsion, when the inner tube 3 and the outer tube 4 are relatively close, a third layer of shock absorption is generated. In other words, this invention can simultaneously achieve linear motor shock absorption, elastic element shock absorption, and magnetic shock absorption, for a total of three layers of shock absorption. Compared to traditional single shock absorption functions, this invention can achieve multi-dimensional shock absorption effects through multiple shock absorption functions, and has stronger adaptability.

[0032] More specifically, to facilitate fixing and select a suitable installation distance, the first magnet 22 is fixed to the separator 19, specifically on the side of the separator 19 facing the sealing end 18, and the second magnet 23 is fixed to the sealing end 18, specifically on the side of the sealing end 18 facing the separator 19. The change in the relative distance between the two produces a shock-absorbing effect. In other embodiments, the first magnet 22 can also be fixed in other positions, such as inside the separator 19 or on the side of the separator 19 away from the sealing end 18, or even on the side wall of the inner tube 3. The second magnet 23 can also be set in other positions, as long as the positions of the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 correspond and the distance is appropriate, the installation is stable, and it does not affect the normal relative sliding between the inner tube 3 and the outer tube 4.

[0033] In one embodiment, coil 8 is electrically connected to a battery. The battery can be located on the bicycle fork or in other parts of the bicycle. When the road conditions are bumpier, the battery can supply power to coil 8 of the primary part 5 of the linear motor, thereby generating a greater upward force on the inner tube 3, increasing the rigidity of the entire bicycle fork for better shock absorption. At the same time, the damping force can be controlled by controlling the current.

[0034] This invention also enables precise control of the damping experienced by the bicycle front fork. By incorporating sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, it rapidly monitors road impacts, bicycle posture, pedaling frequency, braking action, and wheel lift-off status. A processor, based on preset algorithms and riding modes, controls the driving torque of the linear motor to instantly adjust traction, pedaling efficiency, and shock absorption. Upon encountering bumps, it instantly switches to an open state, providing full-stroke shock absorption performance and maximizing tire grip and comfort.

[0035] In this invention, when the inner tube 3 moves upward, the elastic element 20 resets, the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 repel each other, generating an upward force that pushes the inner tube 3 back to its original position. The primary part 5 of the linear motor 2 also moves relative to the secondary part 6 and generates electricity, producing a downward force on the inner tube 3, which can also achieve a rebound and shock absorption effect. Similarly, during severe bumps, the battery can reverse the current to the coil 8 of the linear motor 2 to generate a greater downward force, thus creating a better shock absorption effect.

[0036] This utility model also provides a bicycle, comprising a bicycle front fork, frame, handlebars, wheels, seat, and chainring. The bicycle front fork is the same as the one described in the above embodiments. The other parts are not the inventive points of this utility model, so their structure and working principle will not be described in detail here.

[0037] In summary, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the aforementioned advantageous technical features can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A bicycle front fork, characterized in that, The device includes a fork leg for supporting a wheel and a linear motor disposed within the fork leg; the fork leg includes an inner tube and an outer tube that are sleeved together, the inner tube being slidable along the outer tube; the linear motor includes a primary part and a secondary part; the primary part is disposed in the inner tube, and includes a first bracket disposed along the axial direction of the inner tube and fixed within the inner tube, and multiple coils, the first bracket having multiple hollow winding frames arranged sequentially along the axial direction, the multiple coils being horizontally wound in the multiple winding frames, the middle of the multiple winding frames having sequentially connected cavities, the cavities being for the movement of the secondary part; the secondary part is disposed in the outer tube, and includes a second bracket disposed along the axial direction of the outer tube and fixed on the outer tube, and a permanent magnet disposed on the second bracket; when the inner tube slides toward the direction closer to the outer tube, the coils can cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet to generate a force driving the inner tube away from the outer tube.

2. A bicycle front fork according to claim 1, characterized in that, The winding frame is a ring structure, and multiple winding frames are stacked sequentially along the axial direction. A ring-shaped winding cavity is horizontally arranged in the winding frame, and the coil is horizontally wound in the ring-shaped winding cavity. The cavity is formed in the middle of the winding frame, and the cavities of each winding frame are connected sequentially along the axial direction.

3. A bicycle front fork according to claim 2, characterized in that, The winding frame includes a bottom wall and an annular inner wall and an annular outer wall disposed on the bottom wall. The annular winding cavity is formed between the bottom wall, the annular inner wall and the annular outer wall. A through hole is provided on the bottom wall, and the annular inner wall surrounds the through hole to form the cavity.

4. A bicycle front fork according to claim 1, characterized in that, The permanent magnet is provided in multiple forms, and the permanent magnet has a cylindrical structure. The second support is also a cylindrical structure, and the second support has multiple cylindrical mounting positions for embedding the permanent magnet. The cylindrical mounting positions are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the second support.

5. A bicycle front fork according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second bracket is also provided with multiple isolation plates, which separate adjacent cylindrical mounting positions.

6. A bicycle front fork according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the outer tube is a sealed end, and the other end is a first open end. The end of the inner tube near the sealed end is a second open end. The second open end of the inner tube extends into the interior of the outer tube along the first open end. One end of the second bracket is fixed to the sealed end, and the other end of the second bracket extends into the interior of the inner tube from the second open end.

7. A bicycle front fork according to claim 6, characterized in that, A separator is fixedly connected in the cavity of the inner tube. The bicycle fork also includes an elastic element. One end of the elastic element abuts against the sealing end, and the other end abuts against the separator. The separator has a clearance hole for the second bracket to move.

8. A bicycle front fork according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bicycle fork also includes a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet is fixed to the inner tube, and the second magnet is fixed to the outer tube. The first magnet and the second magnet are magnetically repulsive.

9. A bicycle front fork according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first magnet is fixed to the separator, and the second magnet is fixed to the sealing end.

10. A bicycle, characterized in that, Including the bicycle fork as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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