EP1727729A1 - Ensemble suspension pour cycles - Google Patents

Ensemble suspension pour cycles

Info

Publication number
EP1727729A1
EP1727729A1 EP05728184A EP05728184A EP1727729A1 EP 1727729 A1 EP1727729 A1 EP 1727729A1 EP 05728184 A EP05728184 A EP 05728184A EP 05728184 A EP05728184 A EP 05728184A EP 1727729 A1 EP1727729 A1 EP 1727729A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
frame
shock absorber
assembly
stage
wheel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05728184A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1727729A4 (fr
Inventor
Rolando Cruz Alonzo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EVANS, DAVID
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from NZ531898A external-priority patent/NZ531898A/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1727729A1 publication Critical patent/EP1727729A1/fr
Publication of EP1727729A4 publication Critical patent/EP1727729A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K25/28—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay
    • B62K25/286—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay the shock absorber being connected to the chain-stay via a linkage mechanism
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K25/12—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg
    • B62K25/14—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with single arm on each fork leg
    • B62K25/20—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with single arm on each fork leg for rear wheel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to suspension assemblies for cycles. More particularly it relates to two-stage suspension assemblies for bicycles.
  • the invention broadly consists in a two-stage suspension assembly having a driven wheel rotatably mounted thereon, for use on cycle frame having a pedal assembly mounted thereon, the suspension assembly being pivotally mounted on the frame, there being an endless flexible driving linkage between the pedal assembly and the driven wheel, the suspension assembly comprising: a first stage resiliently linked to the main frame so as to allow a first degree of driven wheel travel whereby the driven wheel may be displaced upwardly relative to the surface it is travelling over without substantially increasing the distance between the driven wheel and the pedal assembly, and a second stage resiliently linked to the main frame and pivotally linked to the first stage so as to allow a second degree of driven wheel travel whereby the driven wheel may be displaced a further distance upwardly relative to the surface it is riding over and whereby the distance between the axis of rotation of the driven wheel and the pedal assembly may be increased; wherein, in operation, when no pedalling force is applied to the pedal assembly, both the first and second stages are active, and when pedalling force is applied to the pedal assembly, the second stage is substantially in
  • the first stage comprises: a swing arm having a wheel end and a frame end; a support arm having a suspension end and a frame end; and a first shock absorber having a first and second end; wherein the rear wheel is rotatably mounted on the wheel end of the swing arm; the suspension end of the support arm is pivotally mounted on the swing arm at a first pivot point not adjacent the frame end thereof and the first end of the first shock absorber is mounted on the swing arm at the position other than adjacent the wheel end thereof; and wherein the frame end of the support arm is pivotally mounted on the main frame at a second pivot point adjacent the pedal assembly, and wherein the second end of the first shock absorber is mounted on the main frame at a position not adj acent said pedal assembly.
  • the second stage comprises: a second shock absorber having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second shock absorber is mounted on the frame end of the swing arm and the second end of the second shock absorber and the frame end of the support arm are pivotally mounted on the main frame forming the second pivot point adjacent the pedal assembly.
  • the first end of the first shock absorber is mounted at the first pivot point.
  • the frame end of the swing arm, the first pivot point and the second pivot point are in a N-shape arrangement, wherein the second pivot point forms the apex of the V.
  • the spring rate of the first shock absorber is different from the spring rate of the second shock absorber.
  • the spring rate of the first shock absorber is the same as the spring rate of the second shock absorber.
  • the displacement provided by the first suspension assembly is less than the displacement provided by the second suspension assembly.
  • the displacement provided by the first suspension assembly is more than the displacement provided by the second suspension assembly.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is, in combination, a two-stage driven wheel suspension assembly, a cycle frame and a driving assembly;
  • the suspension assembly comprising: a swing arm having a wheel end and a frame end, a driven wheel having a hub, being mounted on the wheel end of the swing arm; a support arm having a suspension end and a frame end, pivotally mounted at its frame end on the cycle frame and pivotally mounted at or adjacent to its suspension end on the swing arm at a position not adjacent either the wheel end or the frame end thereof, a first shock absorber having one end mounted either on the support arm at or adjacent its suspension end or on the swing arm, and its other end mounted on the cycle frame, and a second shock absorber having one end mounted on the frame at or adjacent to the frame end of the support arm and its other end mounted on the swing arm, adjacent the frame end thereof:
  • the driving assembly comprising: a pedal driven sprocket or pulley wheel mounted on the cycle frame adjacent to the position where the frame end of the support arm is mounted, a drive receiving
  • an idler gear mounted on the support arm over which the endless flexible driving linkage is engaged.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2A to 2C and 3A to 3C.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle frame incorporating a two-stage suspension assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 2A to 2C are side views of a bicycle incorporating a two-stage suspension assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the available travel when no pedalling forces are applied;
  • Figures 3A to 3C are side views of the two-stage suspension assembly of the embodiment in Figures 2A to 2C showing the available travel when pedalling forces are applied;
  • Figure 4 is a side view of another alternative construction according to the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figures 2A to 2C and 3 A to 3 C showing alternative pivot point areas;
  • FIGS 6 to 8 are side views of other alternative constructions according to the invention.
  • Figure 9 is a side view of a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
  • cycle refers to pedal driven cycles. Included in this term are bicycles, tricycles, quad-cycles or the like.
  • shock absorber as used herein is not limited to a device for damping sudden and rapid motion. It includes cooperating springs and spring assemblies used in cycle suspensions, whereby mechanical coil springs, pneumatic chambers, and hydraulic circuits are utilised individually or in combination.
  • endless flexible driving linkage includes not only a conventional endless chain which transmits drive from a pedal driven sprocket to a wheel driving sprocket, but also any other drive transmitting arrangement having a driving and a driven pulley wheel and an endless belt transmitting drive from one to the other.
  • pedal assembly includes not only a conventional pedal and sprocket assembly common to bicycles but any other pulley wheel and pedal assembly by which drive may be transmitted through an endless belt to a driven pulley wheel, which in turn drives the cycle on which it is mounted.
  • the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings illustrate only the main frame and the two-stage suspension assembly.
  • the pedal assembly, wheels and chain are shown in ghost or outline.
  • the sprocket wheels forming a part of pedal assembly, which transmit drive force to the chain to pull the driven wheel, the sprockets on the driven wheel which receive drive force from the chain - including shifting mechanisms and devices that take up chain slack are conventional to the art and are not included.
  • the two-stage suspension assembly is shown generally by the arrow 10.
  • the rear or driven wheel 12 is mounted on suspension assembly 10.
  • the suspension assembly 10 is pivotally mounted on main frame 14.
  • a pedal assembly 15 is mounted on frame 14.
  • a driven sprocket 13 forms a part of the hub of rear wheel 12.
  • Chain 17 is mounted on sprocket 13 of pedal assembly 15.
  • the axis of rotation of sprocket 13 is shown as 32. That of pedal assembly 15 is shown as 34.
  • the embodiment in Figure 1 shows the suspension assembly 10 on a mountain bike main frame 14.
  • the suspension assembly 10 may similarly be installed onto other pedalling-based cycles, such as, but not limited to, road bikes, tandem bikes, freestyle bicycles, bicycle motocross (BMX) and recumbent vehicles with two wheels or more.
  • BMX bicycle motocross
  • the suspension assembly 10 comprises a swing arm 20, a support arm 26 such as a boss link, and a first shock absorber 22.
  • the swing arm 20 has a wheel end 16, where the rear wheel 12 is rotatably mounted, and a frame end 18.
  • the support arm 26 has a suspension end 19 and a frame end 21.
  • the suspension end 19 of the support arm 26 and one end of the first shock absorber 22 are mounted on swing arm 20 at a first pivot point 24. Pivot point 24 is remote from both the wheel end 16 and the frame end 18, but its precise location can be varied according to the lengths of travel desired in first and second shock absorbers 22 and 28.
  • the other end of the first shock absorber 22 is mounted at mounting point 25 on main frame 14.
  • the frame end 21 of supporting arm 26 is pivotally mounted on main frame 14 at a second pivot point 30 adjacent the pedal assembly 15.
  • the mounting position of second pivot point 30 on the main frame 14 can be altered to suit the level of shock absorbance required or to adapt the suspension assembly 10 to a variety of bicycle frames, which may have different frame structures.
  • Second shock absorber 28 is pivotally mounted at one end on main frame 14 at second pivot point 30.
  • the other end of the second shock absorber 28 is pivotally mounted on swing arm 20 adjacent its frame end 18 at pivot point 29.
  • the construction of the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 2A to 2C and 3 A to 3C is substantially the same as the one in figure 1.
  • the shock absorbers 22 and 28 are shown with coil springs in this embodiment.
  • the structure of the main frame 14 is also different to that shown in Figure 1.
  • the shock resistance of the first shock absorber may be different to the shock resistance of the second shock absorber.
  • the shock resistances could be substantially similar.
  • Different types of shock absorbers may be utilised in each of the first and second stages. Either coil-shock or air-shock absorbing units may be utilised in matched pairs or in unmatched combinations.
  • a short travel shock absorber could be employed in the first stage, so that the likelihood of pedalling energy being dissipated through pedal-induced bobbing in the first stage can be further reduced, if required.
  • an extension strut 35 is used to allow the relocation of the first shock absorber 22 to an alternative position while still keeping its first end intrinsically mounted on pivot point 24. This will permit narrower designs for the swing arm 20, and alternative designs for the main frame 14. When extension strut 35 is forked it will also allow uninterrupted seat tubes to be incorporated into the main frame 14 design, if required.
  • pivot points 30 and 24 may be relocated anywhere within their respective variable areas of constraint.
  • the first stage pivot 30 may be relocated anywhere inside the dotted square area 36 adjacent pedal assembly 15, and the second stage pivot 24 anywhere inside the dotted elliptical area 38.
  • the embodiment in Figure 6 is one variant example of the invention when pivot points and shock absorber mounting points are relocated.
  • the second stage pivot point 24 has been relocated further back along swing arm 20.
  • the support arm 26 is forked in order to clear the rear wheel 12.
  • the first end of the first shock absorber 22 has been removed from its original mounting point 24 and relocated to a new point 37 at the top-forward end of a reconfigured swing arm 20.
  • This configuration has a lower linkage ratio and the relationship between the first 22 and second 28 shock absorbing units becomes more sequential rather than simultaneous in behaviour.
  • This embodiment reduces the overall wheel travel, but further accentuates pedaling efficiency.
  • This variant functions in exactly the same manner as the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3.
  • FIG 7 is another variant of the invention.
  • Support arm 26 extends beyond pivot point 24 where it ends in the other embodiments shown.
  • the first end of the first shock absorber 22 has been removed from its original mounting point 24 (shown in Figures 1 to 4) and relocated to a new mounting point 39 on the extended upper portion of the support arm 26.
  • Figure 6, 7 and 8 are further examples of the variable areas of constraint depicted in Figure 5. Any combination of two or more variant examples from Figures 6, 7 and 8 including the use of a strut 35 as shown in Figure 4, regardless of where the pivot points may be, are also within the scope of the present invention.
  • idler gear 41 is rotatably mounted on support arm 26. It is mounted between the pivot points at either end of support arm 26, but the precise location is variable.
  • the upper lap of chain 17 passes over idler gear 41.
  • idler gear moves inwardly or outwardly along its bearing axis to serve as a front derailleur mechanism if more than one chain ring is utilized in the pedal assembly 15.
  • the first shock absorber 22 absorbs most of the impact before transferring any remaining impact forces to the second stage. It is possible to design the first stage and the second stage so that they are compressed simultaneously rather than sequentially.
  • FIG. 3B The configuration illustrated in Figure 3B is identical to that in Figure 2A. Impact forces in the direction of arrow A have pivoted the support arm 26 in the direction of arrow B. When shock absorber 22 has reached the end of its travel the support arm 26 cannot pivot any further in a clockwise direction about pivot point 30. Shock absorber 28 remains extended.
  • Figure 3C illustrates how the anti-bob mechanism operates when a cyclist is pedalling.
  • any slack in the upper lap of chain 17 is taken up.
  • the pedalling force causes the centre 32 of the rear wheel to be pulled in the direction of the centre 34 of pedal assembly 15 as illustrated by the arrows E and F.
  • This has the effect of pivoting swing arm 20 in a counter-clockwise direction about pivot point 24.
  • This at the same time, has the effect of pulling the ends of second shock absorber 28 apart (illustrated by the arrow G-H) to the limit of their travel.
  • the second stage of the suspension assembly is inactivated.
  • idler gear 41 shown in Figure 9 The purpose of idler gear 41 shown in Figure 9 is to minimise chain stretch.
  • Chain stretch is the length variance of the load bearing, top portion of chain 17 when the bicycle is being pedalled while it simultaneously goes through its suspension movement. While the distance between the axis of wheel rotation 32 and the axis of rotation of the pedal assembly 34 still does increase during the operation of the second stage, idler gear 41 minimises chain stretch.
  • One consequence of chain stretch is that when a rider pedals while the second stage moves toward its fully contracted position (as in Figure 2c) this results in a back-pedal sensation from the pedal, which is considered undesirable by some riders.
  • the main advantage the suspension of the invention is to increase the amount of wheel travel and shock absorption plushness in a bicycle rear suspension - but at the same time achieving a high and practical level of pedalling efficiency, whether the cyclist is in a sitting or standing position.
  • This is achieved by harnessing a compounded characteristic from two co-dependent suspension stages, each with their respective shock absorber unit and linkage movements, whereby the dominant behaviour of either stage may be selected by the application or withdrawal of pedal drive force.
  • the transition between stages is seamless and essentially automatic, not requiring further decisions or switching operations from the rider when in use.
  • the invention is most useful for (but not restricted to) bicycles requiring extremely long suspension travel.
  • the shock resistance of the first shock absorber may be different to the shock resistance of the second shock absorber.
  • the shock resistances could be substantially similar.
  • different forms of the shock absorbers may be utilised in each of the first and second stages. For example, a short travel shock absorber could be employed in the first stage, so that there is a reduced likelihood of pedalling energy being dissipated through pedal-induced bobbing in the first stage.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une suspension de roue motrice bi-étagée (10) comprenant un premier étage (22) accouplé de manière élastique à un cadre principal (14) et permettant un premier degré de déplacement de la roue motrice (12), ainsi qu'un deuxième étage (28) accouplé de manière élastique à un cadre principal (14) et relié pivotant au premier étage (22), permettant un deuxième degré de déplacement de la roue motrice (12). Ce deuxième étage (28) n'est pas activé durant l'actionnement des pédales à cause de la tension dans une liaison souple (17) entre la roue motrice (12) et le pédalier (15), évitant ainsi le mouvement de la roue arrière suivant le rythme du mouvement des pédales.
EP05728184A 2004-03-23 2005-03-10 Ensemble suspension pour cycles Withdrawn EP1727729A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ531898A NZ531898A (en) 2004-03-23 2004-03-23 Cycle suspension assembly
US11/032,219 US7395892B2 (en) 2004-03-23 2005-01-11 Cycle suspension assembly
PCT/NZ2005/000041 WO2005090149A1 (fr) 2004-03-23 2005-03-10 Ensemble suspension pour cycles

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1727729A1 true EP1727729A1 (fr) 2006-12-06
EP1727729A4 EP1727729A4 (fr) 2009-01-21

Family

ID=34993554

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05728184A Withdrawn EP1727729A4 (fr) 2004-03-23 2005-03-10 Ensemble suspension pour cycles

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1727729A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP2007530345A (fr)
AU (1) AU2005223714A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2560971A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005090149A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1799534B1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2014-08-27 Yeti Cycling LLC Systeme de suspension arriere pour une bicyclette
US9102378B2 (en) 2010-08-20 2015-08-11 Yeti Cycling, Llc Link suspension system
US9821879B2 (en) 2010-08-20 2017-11-21 Yeti Cycling, Llc Reciprocating rail movement suspension system
US10766563B2 (en) 2013-01-16 2020-09-08 Yeti Cyclying, Llc Rail suspension with integral shock and dampening mechanism
WO2018170505A1 (fr) 2017-03-17 2018-09-20 Yeti Cycling, Llc Liaison de suspension de véhicule
US10926830B2 (en) 2017-07-07 2021-02-23 Yeti Cycling, Llc Vehicle suspension linkage

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5611557A (en) * 1994-05-02 1997-03-18 Farris; Mark S. Bicycle suspension system
US6131934A (en) * 1998-12-18 2000-10-17 Sinclair; Christopher Jeffery Bicycle rear suspension system
ES2164601B1 (es) * 2000-04-14 2003-05-16 Rotor Componentes Tecnologicos Suspension trasera progresiva para bicicletas con configuracion de cuadrilatero de doble bucle deformable.

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
No further relevant documents disclosed *
See also references of WO2005090149A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005090149A1 (fr) 2005-09-29
JP2007530345A (ja) 2007-11-01
AU2005223714A1 (en) 2005-09-29
EP1727729A4 (fr) 2009-01-21
CA2560971A1 (fr) 2005-09-29

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