A bicycle fork and a bicycle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a bicycle front fork and bicycle, bicycle front fork, including fork leg and set up in the linear motor of fork leg, fork leg includes the sleeve connection of inner tube and outer tube, and inner tube can slide along the outer tube, linear motor includes primary part and secondary part, primary part sets up in the inner tube, and primary part includes the first support and a plurality of coils along the inner tube axial arrangement and fixed in the inner tube, and first support is provided with a plurality of open winding ends along the axial interval, and a plurality of coils are correspondingly wound on a plurality of winding ends, secondary part sets up in the outer tube, and secondary part includes the second support and permanent magnet set up on the second support along the outer tube axial arrangement and fixed on the outer tube, when the inner tube slides towards the direction close to the outer tube, and coil can cut the magnetic induction line of permanent magnet and produce the driving force of the inner tube away from the outer tube, in the utility model, the effect of avoiding shock is formed through the interaction of primary part and secondary part of linear motor.

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 front fork is the skeleton of the front wheel, and the front fork suspension is the vehicle's suspension system. The front fork suspension is a buffer system connecting the wheel and frame with the rider, absorbing shocks, maintaining traction, and improving handling. Currently, most bicycle front fork suspensions on the market use air springs. Their working principle is: compressed air (usually a negative and positive air chamber structure) sealed within the fork legs is used as the elastic medium. The air chambers are separated by valves and pistons. However, its internal structure is complex, requiring extremely high sealing 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 mechanical shock absorber in their front fork cushioning system. 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 systems are typically heavy, and the support force needs to be adjusted by replacing springs with different spring weights. 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 open winding ends spaced apart axially, the plurality of coils being wound correspondingly on the plurality of winding ends; 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, 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] Furthermore, the elastic element is a coil spring.

[0009] Furthermore, the first support includes two symmetrical coil frames, the two coil frames are located on the side of the separator away from the second open end, and a gap is left between the two coil frames for the second support to move, and the winding end is disposed on the side of the coil frame facing the gap.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Furthermore, the first magnet is fixed to the separator, and the second magnet is fixed to the sealing end.

[0012] Furthermore, the coil is electrically connected to the battery.

[0013] In some embodiments, a plurality of permanent magnets are provided, the second support is flat, and the permanent magnets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flat side of the second support along the axial direction of the second support.

[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 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner tube structure of a bicycle front fork provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This 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 6 This is a perspective view of a linear motor (second bracket not shown) for a bicycle front fork provided in an embodiment of this utility model; 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 end; 10. Second support; 11. Permanent magnet; 12. Sealing end; 13. Separator; 14. Elastic element; 15. Clearance hole; 16. Coil frame; 17. First magnet; 18. Second magnet. 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 fork legs 1 for supporting the wheels and a linear motor 2 disposed within the fork legs 1. Each fork leg 1 includes an inner tube 3 and an outer tube 4 that are sleeved together, with the inner tube 3 sliding along the outer tube 4. A linear motor is a motor that eliminates the need for a rotating mechanism and transmission chains (such as lead screws or gears), enabling the load to move linearly directly.

[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. The primary part 5 includes a first bracket 7 arranged along the axial direction of the inner tube 3 and fixed in the inner tube 3, and a plurality of coils 8. The first bracket 7 has a plurality of open winding ends 9 spaced apart along the axial direction, and the plurality of coils 8 are wound on the plurality of winding ends 9 respectively.

[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 to 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, which 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 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, one end of the outer tube 4 is a sealed end 12, and the other end is a first open end. The end of the inner tube 3 near the sealed end 12 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 12, 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 sleeved 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, thereby facilitating the installation of a linear motor inside and the relative movement of the primary and secondary parts of the linear motor.

[0027] like Figures 3-4 As shown, a separator 13 is fixedly connected to the cavity of the inner tube 3. The bicycle fork also includes an elastic element 14, one end of which abuts against the sealing end 12, and the other end abuts against the separator 13. The separator 13 has a clearance hole 15 for the second bracket 10 to move. When the inner tube 3 moves toward the outer tube 4, the elastic element 14 is compressed, thereby producing a second layer of shock absorption.

[0028] In one embodiment, the elastic element 14 is a coil spring. The second support 10 and the permanent magnet 11 can freely pass through the hollow portion in the middle of the coil spring.

[0029] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-6As shown, the first support 7 includes two symmetrical coil holders 16, located on the side of the separator 13 away from the second open end. A gap is left between the two coil holders 16 for the second support 10 to move. Winding ends 9 are located on the side of the coil holders 16 facing the gap. The two coil holders 16 are fixed within the cavity of the inner tube 3. Each coil holder 16 has multiple radially arranged winding ends 9, and coils 8 are wound around these winding ends 9. The axis of the coils 8 is perpendicular to the axis of the inner tube 3. The arrangement of two sets of symmetrical coils improves the mechanical performance, stability, and reliability of the linear motor.

[0030] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the bicycle front fork also includes a first magnet 17 and a second magnet 18. The first magnet 17 is fixed to the inner tube 3 and moves with the movement of the inner tube 3. The second magnet 18 is fixed to the outer tube 4 and moves with the movement of the outer tube 4. The first magnet 17 and the second magnet 18 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 achieved due to the magnetic repulsion between the first magnet 17 and the second magnet 18. In other words, this invention can simultaneously achieve linear motor shock absorption, elastic element shock absorption, and magnetic shock absorption, resulting in 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, thus possessing stronger adaptability.

[0031] More specifically, to facilitate fixing and select a suitable installation distance, the first magnet 17 is fixed to the separator 13, specifically on the side of the separator 13 facing the sealing end 12, and the second magnet 18 is fixed to the sealing end 12, specifically on the side of the sealing end 12 facing the separator 13. The change in the relative distance between the two produces a shock-absorbing effect. In other embodiments, the first magnet 17 can also be fixed in other positions, such as inside the separator 13 or on the side of the separator 13 away from the sealing end 12, or even on the side wall of the inner tube 3. The second magnet 18 can also be set in other positions, as long as the positions of the first magnet 17 and the second magnet 18 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In one embodiment, multiple permanent magnets 11 are provided, and the second support 10 is flat. The permanent magnets 11 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flat surface of the second support 10 along its axial direction. The permanent magnets 11 are thin-plate magnets, and the second support 10 is a flat cuboid. The permanent magnets 11 are symmetrically fixed on the flat surface of the second support 10, so that the coil can uniformly and stably cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnets, resulting in a more stable force.

[0035] In this invention, when the inner tube 3 moves upward, the elastic element 14 resets, the first magnet 17 and the second magnet 18 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 better shock absorption.

[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 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 in the inner tube, and a plurality of coils, the first bracket having a plurality of open winding ends spaced apart along the axial direction, and the plurality of coils being wound on the plurality of winding ends respectively; 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 fork as defined in claim 1, wherein 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.

3. A bicycle front fork according to claim 2, 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.

4. A bicycle front fork according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is a coil spring.

5. A bicycle front fork according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first support includes two symmetrical coil frames, which are located on the side of the separator away from the second open end. A gap is left between the two coil frames to allow the second support to move. The winding end is located on the side of the coil frame facing the gap.

6. A bicycle front fork according to claim 3, 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.

7. A bicycle front fork according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first magnet is fixed to the separator, and the second magnet is fixed to the sealing end.

8. A bicycle front fork according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coil is electrically connected to the battery.

9. A bicycle front fork according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple permanent magnets are provided, the second support is flat, and the permanent magnets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flat side of the second support along the axial direction of the second support.

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

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