CN1318022A - Suspension system for bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Suspension system for a bicycle has a damper assembly coupled to a first portion of the bicycle and includes a hydraulic damper made of polyurethane material. The damper assembly has an outer casing from which extends an arm for applying a torque to the damper. The arm may be segmented or include a series of apertures for coupling to the second portion of the cycle so that the effective length of the arm and the torque applied to the damper can be adjusted to suit the rider's requirements. A link couples the arm to the second portion of the bicycle and the link maybe adjustable in length so that the bicycle geometry can be adjusted.

Description

The suspension of bicycle

The present invention relates to the suspension of bicycle, this suspension will be contained on the vehicle frame of bicycle, so that improve performances such as traveling comfort, safety.As described in following specification sheets, this suspension can be used for other structure that wheel is arranged, for example motor bike and wheelchair.

In bicycle that suspension is packed into, bicycle rack must have the frame part of two energy relative motions.Usually, first parts link to each other with the front-wheel or the previous section of bicycle, and second parts link to each other with the trailing wheel or the aft section of bicycle.Suspension is contained between two frame parts, and comprises shock absorber.Like this, can absorb the suffered impact of vehicle frame, perhaps guide this impact in some way, thereby make the suffered impact of jockey reduce to minimum.

In bicycle, common vibration damping form comprises the collapse coil spring that is installed on the axle, and this axle is connected with frame part and is pressed on the piston.The characteristic of this spring can be chosen to bigger or less impact resistance, and this piston can optionally link to each other with hydraulic pressure or pneumatics, perhaps links to each other with actuator, so that apply prestress or change movement of springs speed to spring.But, the movement of springs scope is very limited, therefore according to cyclist's weight and this cyclist the landform that will pass through by bike to regulate the comformability of this assembly sensitieness very little.

Have realized that in the motor bike industry the above-mentioned shock absorber that comprises the collapse coil spring has the limited shortcoming of longitudinal travel.The US2596411 that authorizes Jordan provides a kind of suspension, and in this suspension, the preceding driving fork of torque tube and motor bike is connected, and comprise be installed on the arm that extends from front wheel spindle spool.The rubber-like part is contained on the axle and is used for the driving fork is separated with front-wheel.The adjustable attaching parts of a hydraulic pressure makes the end away from torque tube of this arm be connected with the driving fork, so that increase the elasticity of torque tube.

Similarly, in authorizing the US5487443 of Therm, torque tube extends between the vehicle frame pole of main car frame.One end of this torque tube is fixed on the main car frame, and the other end is by " captive nut " or lining and rotatably be connected on the main car frame.Moment of torsion lever arm and swivel nut attaching parts make this torque tube with the back vehicle frame or the swing arm that is used to install trailing wheel be connected.Preferably, between main car frame and back vehicle frame, be furnished with the auxiliary damper that absorbs linear vibration.

If cycle frame is not done big adjustment, such torque tube cycle frame of can not packing into well.And the sensitieness of this torque tube is limited, can not be adjusted to the corresponding selection that is fit to cyclist's needs and is fit to rigid suspended or flexible suspension.

The US4913255 that authorizes Takayanagi etc. provides a kind of shock absorber that is used for motor bike, comprise a rotary-type hydraulic damper and a swivel nut, this swivel nut is connecting the arm that links to each other and link to each other with the back vehicle frame of swing arm or supporting wheels with axle or hydraulic damper housing.

In this patent,, can change the rotating speed of this rotary-type hydraulic damper, thereby regulate the absorption capacity characteristic curve of this shock absorber by changing the length of swivel nut attaching parts.But, this rotary-type hydraulic damper is very expensive and manufacture complicated.This suspension is also very heavy, has obviously increased the weight of bicycle.

The present invention of applicant will overcome above-mentioned shortcoming with simple effective method.

In simple embodiment, the invention provides a kind of hydraulic damper, comprise the cylinder of the polyurethane material on the axle that is installed in tooth, this axle mounting that tooth is arranged is in the first of bicycle rack.This polyurethane shock absorber is by being bearing in the housing on this shock absorber external peripheral surface and being bearing in the opposite end of this shock absorber and preventing that this shock absorber longitudinal travel and the lateral support member of flow (f1ow) from limiting.When being in hydrostatic state, can utilize the characteristic of polyurethane well.

Preferably, this housing has an arm that radially extends to the axis of axle, and this arm can be divided into two parts, so the effective length of arm can be adjusted.Preferably, the moment that causes acting on the shock absorber owing to the power of pre-sizing can change, so that change the damping force characteristics of this shock absorber.

It is adjustable making the length of the attaching parts that this arm links to each other with the second portion of bicycle rack, so that can both keep the geometric configuration of this bicycle when needed for the arbitrarily selected structure of this arm portion.Also can select, provide can on bicycle rack, slide and be used to support this shaft support so that the variation of compensation bicycle geometric configuration.

Introduce the preferred embodiments of the present invention and version thereof below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is the lateral plan of bicycle that comprises the suspension of prior art, and the suspension of the prior art is contained on the bicycle rack of the first kind;

Fig. 2 is and the similar view of Fig. 1, the suspension of expression first embodiment of the invention, and this suspension is contained on the bicycle rack of second type;

Fig. 3 is and the similar view of Fig. 1, and expression is contained in the second embodiment of the invention on the bicycle rack of type shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is (amplification) part sectional view of the suspension systems components in the presentation graphs 3, and wherein, a kind of optional structure is represented by empty outline line;

Fig. 5 is the birds-eye view of parts shown in Figure 4, and the swivel nut attaching parts of itself and mounting bracket and elongation fully links;

Fig. 6 is and the similar view of Fig. 5 to be illustrated in an optional embodiment of the rotary shock absorber of this suspension one end;

Fig. 7 is the lateral plan that the third embodiment of the invention of regular length attaching parts is arranged;

Fig. 8 is the lateral plan of suspension shown in Figure 4, has wherein represented to be used to form the dynamic change of position of housing of the rotary shock absorber of this suspension part with empty outline line;

Fig. 9 is the cutaway view along the line 9-9 among Fig. 8 of rotary shock absorber;

Figure 10 is the diagrammatic side view of a part that comprises the bicycle of damper assembly, and this damper assembly forms the part of suspension of the present invention;

Figure 11 is the cutaway view of the damper assembly of Figure 10;

Figure 12 (Figure 11 next door) is the assembly drowing of the damper assembly of expression Figure 11; And

Figure 13 (Figure 12 next door) is the lateral plan that forms the mounting bracket of the part of suspension among Figure 10.

In prior art shown in Figure 1, the ordinary bicycle frame of suspension type bicycle is by reference number 10 expressions, this vehicle frame 10 comprises can be with respect to the previous section 12 of aft section 14 self-movements, and this previous section 12 and aft section 14 support front-wheel 16 and trailing wheel 18 respectively.

The previous section 12 of bicycle rack 10 comprises: main car frame 20, the head tube 22 of front end are installed on this main car frame 20; The crossbeam 24 that extends back; And upwardly extending seat tubes 26.The aft section 14 of bicycle rack 10 comprises: a pair of upwardly extending seat stay 28 (among Fig. 1 only visible); The a pair of chain pole 30 that extends back, this chain pole 30 articulates with the bottom of seat tubes 26 and main car frame 20; The a pair of stabiliser that extends substantially vertically 32, this stabiliser 32 make seat stay 28 be connected with chain pole 30.Sprocket wheel 34 is installed in the joint between seat tubes 26 and the main car frame 20 in normal way, so that drive by pedal 36.

In the suspension gear of diagram prior art, collapse coil spring 38 is installed on the axle that extends between seat stay 28 front ends and the support 40, and this support 40 makes crossbeam 24 be connected with main car frame 20.In this illustrated embodiment, compression spring 38 has prestress, and has only occupied the part of this shaft length.The maximum displacement of this compression spring 38 is by arrow 42 expressions, and this maximum displacement is equivalent to this length.

In use, the as shown in arrow 44 of trailing wheel 18 will show as the displacement forward of coil spring 38 to top offset, and the respective change of spacing is as shown in arrow 46 between sprocket wheel 34 and the ground.

An optional embodiment of bicycle rack 46 as shown in Figure 2, identical parts are represented with identical label.Can see that in the bicycle rack of the type, the bottom of seat tubes 26 is by brachymemma, so that the direct aft section 14 of installation vehicle frame below this seat tubes 26, and make the displacement of aft section 14 of vehicle frame can not be subjected to the interference of seat tubes 26.A kind of optional triangular supports 48 is welded on crossbeam 24 and the main car frame 20, so that an end of supporting suspension 50.Suspension 50 is made according to an embodiment of the invention below will introducing in detail.

In Fig. 3, totally with label 52 expressions, it is contained on the sort of bicycle rack 10 shown in Figure 1 the suspension of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Figure 4 and 5 are enlarged drawings of this suspension 52, introduce each parts below with reference to them.(as figure) from left to right, these parts comprise damper assembly 54, segment arm 56 and swivel nut attaching parts 58.

This damper assembly 54 comprises that one is positioned at the hollow shaft 60 at center, this hollow shaft 60 extends at the Width of bicycle rack 10, and tapped bore 62 is arranged, so that fastener 64 (Fig. 5) is installed, this fastener 64 is installed in axle 60 on each side 66,68 of bifurcated stent 70.The position of support 70 as shown in Figure 3, at this place, support 70 is welded on the main car frame 20 and upwards extends towards crossbeam 24.Should be known in that this support 70 also can be varied to the form of support 40 (Fig. 1) and support 48 (Fig. 2).For the sake of simplicity, this support 70 and fastener 64 have been omitted among Fig. 4.

The outer end of axle 60 comprises the part that diameter reduces, and can see clearlyer in the cutaway view of Fig. 9.The larger-diameter part of axle 60 has the outside face that tooth is arranged by label 72 expressions.The shape on this surface 72 needs careful formation, and to avoid occurring sharp object, this sharp object will cut or tear the hydraulic damper 74 at this 60 exterior polyurethane material.

Hydraulic damper 74 is the hollow cylinder form of the opening that longitudinal extension is arranged, installation shaft 60 in the opening of this longitudinal extension, and this hydraulic damper 74 is defined between axle 60 and the body skin 76.This housing 76 has a breach 77, and shown in be formed with a pair of lug 78 that radially extends near the breach 77.The hole 79 that is formed in the lug 78 is used for hold-down bolt 80, and lug 78 is pressed on together by this bolt 80, so that clamp this body skin 76, thereby this body skin 76 is cooperated with the outer cylinder surface of polyurethane hydraulic damper 74.The inside face 82 of this housing 76 also has tooth, it be suitable for axle 60 tooth surface 72 this polyurethane material of mold pressing on the spot arranged, and between this housing and axle, form intermediate gear.The inside face that shall also be noted that housing 76 is being smooth near lug 78 places, thereby polyurethane material can not clamp-oned in the breach 77 and between the lug 78, also prevent this polyurethane material of extruding between lug simultaneously.

The polyurethane material that constitutes hydraulic damper 74 is also limited by a pair of supporting member 84,86, supporting member 84,86 is with respect to the axis of axle 60 and lateral arrangement, and the opposite end of support hydraulic shock absorber 74, this supporting member 84,86 is used to prevent the displacement vertically of this polyurethane material and flow to outside the damper assembly 54.In Fig. 9, can more clearly see, supporting member 84,86 respectively comprises an annular disk that centre hole is arranged, this centre hole is used for the part than minor diameter of installation shaft 60, and withstands and be formed at this smaller diameter portion of 60 and the shaft shoulder between the dividing than large-diameter portion of tooth is arranged.Annular lip 88 is formed on the inside face of supporting member 84,86, and is arranged in the mating groove 90 that is formed at body skin 76, so that seal this assembly and prevent dust and analogue enters the inside of this assembly.The preferred material that constitutes supporting member is Delrin ^TMOr Addiprene ^TMThe plastics of the 75 D Shore hardness of 750D, polyurethane is the Addiprene of Shore hardness between 80A to 90A preferably ^TML-100 or Vibrathane ^TMB60 2.

Body skin 76 has the arm 56 that radially extends, and this arm that radially extends 56 is opened with lug 78 angle intervals.Arm 56 be divided into form the first arm part 92 (Fig. 5) of one with housing 76 and by detouchable fastener 96 and with this first arm part 92 bonded assembly second arm portion 94 rotatably.Can also see, the mating surfaces toothing of the first arm part 92 and second arm portion 94 so that in the certain angle position positive engagement each other.The variation of angle position is represented that by the dotted line among Fig. 4 the scope of this angle position is between dotted line 97 and dotted line 99.

The external freedom end of this second arm portion 94 is bifurcateds, so that an end of swivel nut attaching parts 58 is installed between this forked section.The Pivot 98 that passes these second arm portion, 94 divergent ends and swivel nut attaching parts 58 is by back-up ring Circlip ^TM100 are held in place.Like this, the arm 56 of swivel nut attaching parts 58 and this segmentation is with regard to pivotal joint.

The length of this swivel nut attaching parts 58 is adjustable, and it comprises outer sleeve 102 and thread rod 104,106, the negative thread engagement of two opposite ends of this thread rod 104,106 and sleeve 102.By using friction handle 108 these sleeves 102 of rotation that constitute by the polyurethane material annular disk, can change the length of this attaching parts 58.Should also be appreciated that, also can make sleeve 102 rotations with the device different with handle 108.Away from the thread rod 106 of damper assembly 54 by threaded exterior end is arranged bolt 110 and attaching nut 112 and with seat stay 28 pivotal joints of a part that constitutes bicycle rack 10 aft section 14.

Introduce the dynamic duty situation of suspension of the present invention below with reference to Fig. 8.Any vibration (for example when trailing wheel 18 runs into obstacle) that passes to bicycle all will show as the displacement forward of the swivel nut attaching parts 58 shown in arrow 114, so that arrive position shown in empty outline line among Fig. 8.Axial motion by arrow 114 expressions is very big, and this is in order to illustrate, should be known in fact that the angle displacement of body skin 76 and segment arm 56 should be 15-60 ° fully.According to wall thickness, the polyurethane material that constitutes the hydraulic damper 74 in the damper assembly 54 reach before its pulling strengrth limit (approximately 8000p.s.i) can displacement 90 ° camber line.In fact, act on the about 600p.s.i of maximum stress on this polyurethane material.

The low-angle displacement that should be known in polyurethane material just can make the outer end of segment arm 56 that sizable miles of relative movement is arranged.This is very favourable for cross-country driving, because for cross-country driving, wheel spacing shown in Fig. 3 arrow 116 needs often to change adapting to ground-surface fluctuating, thereby makes this bicycle to advance well.

The characteristic of polyurethane is like this, and the displacement shown in arrow 114 can be opposite with direction shown in Figure 8, and this hydraulic damper 74 will be worked equally well, thereby can absorb formed impulsive force.Therefore, suspension of the present invention can in response to the power that shown in arrow 117, makes progress and shown in arrow 119 downward power (Fig. 3) and vibration damping.

Polyurethane can not be pressed substantially, and it has constant relatively volume, so it has the characteristic that is different from rubber under the situation of torsional load.When bolt 80 is tightened so that the lug 78 on the body skin 76 when closed, polyurethane hydraulic damper 74 is limited between supporting member 84 and 86, place then under the initial static pressure and be full of cavity in the housing 76 fully, this determined polyurethane material and corresponding component be, spools 60 and body skin 76 between tack.When torsional load acted on the housing 76, the adhesiveness between polyurethane and the axle that adjoins and the surface of housing increased, especially as shown in the figure when parts have tooth arranged or fitfull when surperficial.Therefore, along with the increase of the load that is acted on, the aseismicity of polyurethane in fact also increases.Usually, the polyurethane hydraulic damper separates, and can take out as required, change or be shaped again.When polyurethane during not from the surrounding structure higher slice, if the power of effect has surpassed its pulling strengrth, the manifestation of its infringement is tearing of polyurethane material or separates.This infringement can temporarily weaken this hydraulic damper 74, but this shock absorber can continue to work well, because near the coalescent formation bonding of the material the breach, if therefore keep this hydrostatic load, self can effectively repair this shock absorber.

In structure shown in Figure 8, when the effective length maximum of segment arm 56 and swivel nut attaching parts 58 meet at right angles with this segment arm 56, act on the moment maximum on the hydraulic damper 74.When needs make damping maximum, for example, need to adopt such structure for lightweight cyclist or will on the road surface of jolting especially, ride the time.

Should also be appreciated that, when body skin 76 during with respect to the change in angular position of axle 60, also can keep this same structure segment arm 56 and and swivel nut attaching parts 58 between relative position.At this moment part is represented by the empty outline line position of the lug 78 of Fig. 4.

Should also be appreciated that, can make mechanical characteristics the most favourable in real outline line position (5 o ' clock position) shown in Figure 8, and when thereby the load of effect increased when making body skin 76 position shown in the solid line from Fig. 8 move to empty outline line position (6 o ' clock position), this suspension will become harder or counteraction is littler.

On the contrary, when the initial position of body skin 76 and segment arm 56 during at 4 o ' clock positions, the suffered resistance of the power that applies continuously reduces gradually, and this suspension will become more soft more can stand (forgiving).

Return Fig. 4, can see, by changing the relative angle between first and second arm portions 92,94, effective length that can regulating arm 56.The position range of second arm portion 94 is restricted to an end by the latched position shown in the dotted line 97, and the other end is by shown in the dotted line 99 or prop up bicycle rack 20.Should also be appreciated that arm 56 has maximum effective length when being in as shown in phantom in Figure 4 position (6 o ' clock position), when this second arm portion 94 was in other radial position place, the effective length of arm 56 reduced.

Therefore, the relative position of arm can be adjusted according to landform of being estimated and cyclist's body weight.For example, lightweight cyclist may trend towards need be softer suspension, therefore can by near 6 o'clock direction increase the effective length of arm 56, at this moment two arm positions become 180 ° of angles and align.But, as the cyclist that the landform of riding is stone or when jolting very much, can consider to adopt minimum rigidity, therefore, the cyclist can select to make suspension that medium responsibility is arranged, and therefore the relative angle between first and second arm portions is greatly about 4 o ' clock positions.

Can see clearly that from Fig. 4 graphic two kinds of profiles show that when arm portion 94 moved to dotted line position, second arm portion 94 increased gradually with the spacing of seat stay 28.When the cyclist wishes to make the vehicle frame of bicycle static, need the length of Adjusting bolt Adjusting screw attaching parts 58.When the length of this swivel nut attaching parts 58 is not regulated, the previous section 12 of bicycle rack 10 and the relative position of aft section 14 will change, and the variation of this geometric configuration corresponding make shown in arrow among Fig. 3 116 and ground between spacing change, thereby the center of gravity of this bicycle is moved.

In Fig. 3, comprise that the short bicycle of suspension shown in Figure 4 52 and swivel nut attaching parts 58 represents with real outline line, and the long identical bicycle of swivel nut attaching parts length is represented with empty outline line.This demonstrates, as long as operation swivel nut 58 just can have very big influence to the geometric configuration of bicycle to change its length.As like bicycle the people expected, the commonality of this adjusting makes the cyclist to ride on various landform assertorically, and the safety of not fearing to endanger the cyclist, because the center of gravity of this bicycle can raise or reduce as required.

Should be known in that swivel nut attaching parts 58 can extend enough distances, thereby make this swivel nut attaching parts reach seat tubes 26.In the bicycle of type shown in Figure 3, seat tubes 26 extends downwardly into sprocket wheel 34 from the seat, and seat stay 28 extends to the front of seat tubes 26 forward, and seat stay 28 couples together by bolt 110 in the front of seat tubes 26.58 elongations of swivel nut attaching parts continue rotary handle 108 so that will make seat stay 28 against living seat post, as shown in the figure.By make arm 56 away from seat tubes 26 to take the forward position shown in empty outline line among Fig. 8, then can apply prestress to rotary shock absorber 54.

Introduce simple change of the present invention below with reference to remaining accompanying drawing.Suspension with label 50 expressions among Fig. 2 comprises damper assembly 54 and adjustable swivel nut attaching parts 58, and also has arm 56, but this arm 56 is not segmentations.In this embodiment of the invention, it is constant that the effective length of arm keeps, and moment of torsion acts on the hydraulic damper 74 by this effective length, and therefore, obtaining the required power of desirable effectiveness in vibration suppression can not regulate at an easy rate.But, as described in earlier in respect of figures 8, body skin 76 can be regulated with respect to the radial position of axle 60, therefore can select desirable degree of damping, like this, it can begin harder relatively, deliquescing then (degree of damping reduction) or beginning are softer, hardening then (degree of damping increase).When selecting body skin 76 with respect to the initial position of axle 50, the user must consider, when the cyclist is sitting on the bike saddle, because cyclist's weight transmitting is given vehicle frame, therefore causes forming initial radial displacement or sagging.

In of the present invention another kind of variation the shown in Figure 10, totally the suspension by reference number 140 expressions is contained on the bicycle rack, and this bicycle rack has the previous section 142 and the aft section 144 that can move relative to each other.This previous section 142 comprises upwardly extending seat tubes 146, crossbeam 148 and main car frame part 150, and the head tube (not shown) is contained on this main car frame part 150, so that supporting vertical handgrip and front-wheel.The aft section 144 of bicycle rack comprises a pair of upwardly extending seat stay 152 (only having shown) and a pair of chain pole 154 that extends back (only having shown), one end of this chain pole 154 and the bottom pivotal joint of seat tubes 146, the other end is connected with corresponding seat stay 152.

Seat stay 152 and chain pole 154 can be respectively rotatably with the wheel hub (not shown) bonded assembly separate elements of trailing wheel 156, also can be one, as shown in the figure.

Suspension 140 is connected on the previous section 142 of bicycle rack the front end of seat stay 152, and it comprises mounting bracket 158 and damper assembly 160, and this mounting bracket 158 is fixed on the seat tubes 146, and is for example fixing by welding.Because this support 158 extends back from seat tubes 146, and seat stay 152 can be regarded self as the aft section 144 bonded assembly attaching partss with bicycle rack, therefore do not needed independent attaching parts that damper assembly 160 is linked to each other with the aft section 144 of bicycle rack.

According to the present invention, shown in Figure 11 was detailed, damper assembly 160 comprised body skin 162, and this body skin 162 has the arm 164 that is integrally formed, and this arm 164 is stretched from an epitaxial lateral overgrowth of this housing 162.This arm 164 is transverse to the rotation axis of being determined by axle 166, and this axle 166 rotatably is connected with body skin 162 and is fixed on the support 158 by connecting element 163.The free end of arm 164 is bifurcated (seeing Figure 12) so that the tongue stretch out from seat stay 152 is installed, form on the bifurcated termination of arm 164 porose 170,172 so that install and seat stay 152 bonded assembly Pivots 168.One end of this Pivot 168 has a circular groove that is used to install back-up ring CirclipTM 174, and the other end has a head 176, thereby Pivot 168 is fixed on the arm 164.

The hydraulic damper 178 that comprises the polyurethane material lining is installed between body skin 162 and the axle 166, and the Shore durometer level of this polyurethane material is from 80A to 90A, and its chemical nature is suitable for desirable purposes.

Different with the damper assembly among Fig. 4, body skin 162 does not have breach, and it can not clamp polyurethane.In order to limit this polyurethane shock absorber 178 and to apply the suitable hydrostatic required power of generation to this polyurethane, the size of these parts is very accurate, and assembles under pressure.The size of shock absorber 178 is excessive, surpassed the radial spacing between the inner chamber of axle 166 and body skin 162, and this shock absorber is put into body skin 162 earlier.Then axle 166 is inserted in the longitudinal extension opening that is formed in the polyurethane lining, thereby make polyurethane material and body skin 162 and axle 166 closed contacts, and protruding under pressure, to such an extent as to protrude into the tooth surface that has that tooth surface and axle 166 are arranged just over body skin 162 in-to-ins.Because axle 166 is inserted relatively difficulty of shock absorbers 178, therefore can use the dishwasher detergent of 5-10% volume to add the lubricant of water.

This polyurethane shock absorber 178 is limited in the body skin 162 by the lateral support member 180 of a pair of disk-form ringwise like this, and this annular disk is of a size of the radial spacing between the inner chamber of bridge joint axle 166 and body skin 162.The centre hole 182 that is formed in the supporting member 180 is used for installation shaft 166, and this supporting member 180 is arranged in two opposite ends of axle.As previously mentioned, supporting member 180 can be by Delrin ^TMMake, perhaps made by harder polyurethane material, for example Shore hardness is the Addiprene of 75D ^TMLF 750D..Also can select, second pair of ring-shaped bearing piece 184 is arranged on this first pair of supporting member 180 and between described supporting member 180 and mounting bracket 158, so that make the friction force between damper assembly 160 and the mounting bracket 158 reduce to minimum.

Fastener 163 is installed by the hole 186 that is formed on the mounting bracket 158, and an end of this fastener 163 has screw thread and is installed in and is formed in the tapped bore 188 of axle in 166.Like this, just effect has pressure, so that polyurethane shock absorber 178 is limited to body skin 162 inside, thereby prevents this polyurethane material displacement vertically and mobile.

In the embodiment of suspension shown in Figure 6 118, represent with like numerals will with similar parts shown in Figure 5.Its only variation is, damper assembly 54 comprises second pair of supporting member 120,122, and this second pair of supporting member 120,122 is arranged in the respective side 66,68 of support 70 and near between the supporting member 84,86 of body skin 76.This second pair of supporting member 120,122 is preferably made by the material that is different from supporting member 84,86, and body skin 76 and support 70 are separated, and like this, does not have and hinders the friction force of this body skin 76 around interior axle 60 motions.In addition, a plurality of supporting member dishes provide flexibility to (84,86) and (120,122), the parts of this suspension can be contained on the support when changing with the width of relevant bicycle rack with the spacing between the convenient side 66,68.

As what introduced with reference to figure 4, the relative angle between first and second arm portions 92,94 can be regulated, and applies the required power of predetermined torque so that change to hydraulic damper 74.Like this, when second arm portion 94 away from the termination of rotary shock absorber 54 and the spacing between the seat stay 28 fixedly the time, the previous section 12 of bicycle rack 10 and the relative position of aft section 14 also can change.

In optional embodiment as shown in Figure 7, identical parts represent that with identical label the attaching parts 130 of regular length makes second arm portion 94 be connected with seat stay 28.When the geometric configuration impassabitity of bicycle rack is selected the different angles position of part 92,94 and when changing, damper assembly 54 is installed on the support 132, and this support is slidably mounted on the crossbeam 24, shown in directional arrow 134.This support 132 comprises upper part 134 and lower part 136, and crossbeam 24 is installed between the top and the bottom, and this support 132 has the mating flanges of being fixed by suitable fasteners 138, so that at select location support 132 is fixed on the crossbeam 24.Therefore, shown in arrow 136, when the first arm part 92 is taken up firmware 96 rotations, make loose support 132 on crossbeam 24, slide, behind the support fix in position, just can keep the relative position of attaching parts 130 and seat stay 28.

Should be known under the situation that does not break away from the principle of the present invention that limits by attached claim, can carry out multiple variation the above embodiment of the present invention.But the invention provides a kind of simple structure that is used to hang the parts of relative motion, this simple structure is easy to regulate, and the weight of associated components is excessively increased.These parts do not need to lubricate, and do not need repairing relatively.Although present embodiment is introduced with reference to bicycle, but should be known in does not have dimensional restriction to parts, and the thick polyurethane torsion spring of 20mm is suitable for bicycle, also be easy to draw the thick polyurethane torsion spring of 12-15cm and can be used safely in very heavy bicycle, for example motor bike.Just as is known to the person skilled in the art, associated components need carry out corresponding change, and this also within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (6)

1. A suspension system (52) for a bicycle (10) having first (12) and second (14) relatively movable frame sections, the suspension system comprising: a shock absorber assembly (54), the shock absorber assembly (54) including: a shaft (60), the shaft (60) defines the axis of rotation, and is adapted to be connected with said first frame portion (12) ; a hydraulic shock absorber (74), the hydraulic shock absorber (74) includes a polyurethane material bushing with a longitudinally extending opening for mounting the shaft (60) passing therethrough; an outer shell (76 ), the outer casing (76) is rotatably connected with the shaft (60), the polyurethane material bushing is arranged between the outer casing (76) and the shaft (60), and the outer casing (76) is supported on On the outer surface of the polyurethane bushing, such that the polyurethane material is in intimate contact with the shaft (60) and the housing (76); and at least one pair of bearings (84, 86), the pair of bearings (84 , 86) are transverse to the axis of rotation and are supported on the opposite ends of the polyurethane material bushing, the supports (84, 86) are used to limit the polyurethane material and prevent the polyurethane material from displacement and flow along the axis, so that the polyurethane is under static pressure; a segmented arm (56) comprising: a first arm portion (92) extending outwardly from said outer housing (76) and transverse to said said axis of rotation; and a second arm portion (94) rotatably connected to the first arm portion (92), said first and second arm portions (92, 94 ) relative to a selected angle which determines the effective arm length for applying torque to said hydraulic shock absorber (74); and a connecting member (58), the first end of which connecting member (58) is rotatably connected to said second arm portion (94), and the second end of said connecting member (58) is rotatably connected to said second arm portion (94); The frame sections (14) are connected. 2. The suspension system (52) according to claim 1, wherein: the connecting member (58) has a length adjusting device (102, 104, 106) in order to change the length of the connecting member. 3. Suspension system according to claim 1, having a mounting bracket (70) for supporting said axle (60) and connecting with said first frame part (12). 4. The suspension system of claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket (132) is slidably mounted on the first frame portion (12). 5. A suspension system (140) for a bicycle having first (142) and second (144) relatively movable frame sections, the suspension system comprising: a shock absorber assembly (160), the shock absorber assembly (160) comprising: a shaft (166) defining an axis of rotation and coupled to said first frame portion (142); a a hydraulic shock absorber (178) comprising a polyurethane material bushing having a longitudinally extending opening for mounting a shaft (166) therethrough; an outer housing (162), The outer casing (162) is rotatably connected with the shaft (166), the polyurethane material bushing is arranged between the outer casing (162) and the shaft (166), and the outer casing (162) is supported on the polyurethane the outer surface of the bushing, such that the polyurethane material is in intimate contact with the shaft (166) and the housing (162); and at least one pair of bearings (180, 184) that ) is arranged transversely to the axis of rotation and is supported at opposite ends of the polyurethane material bushing, the supports (180, 184) are used to confine the polyurethane material and prevent the polyurethane material from axially displacing and flowing, such that , the polyurethane is under static pressure; and an arm (164) extending outwardly from said outer housing (162) and disposed transversely to said axis of rotation, said arm (164) having a free end which is connected to said A second frame section (144) is connected. 6. A suspension system (50) for a bicycle (46) having first (12) and second (14) relatively movable frame sections, the suspension system comprising: a shock absorber assembly (54), the shock absorber assembly (54) comprising: a shaft (60), the shaft (60) defining the axis of rotation, and connected to said first frame portion (12); a a hydraulic shock absorber (74) comprising a polyurethane material bushing having a longitudinally extending opening for mounting the shaft (60) therethrough; an outer housing (76), The outer casing (76) is rotatably connected with the shaft (60), the polyurethane material bushing is arranged between the outer casing (76) and the shaft (60), and the outer casing (76) is supported on the polyurethane the outer surface of the bushing so that the polyurethane material is in close contact with the shaft (60) and the housing (76); and at least one pair of supports (84, 86), (120, 122) that support A member is arranged transversely to said axis of rotation and is supported at opposite ends of said polyurethane material bushing, said support members (84, 86), (120, 122) serving to confine the polyurethane material and prevent displacement of the polyurethane material along the axis and flow such that the polyurethane is under static pressure; an arm (56) extending outwardly from said outer housing (76) and disposed transverse to said axis of rotation; and a link (58) having a first end rotatably connected to said arm (56) and a second end of said link (58) rotatably connected to said second frame portion (14) CONNECTION.

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