JPH05147568A - Vehicular device used both for operation and bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To fix and joint a steering tube relatively to a head tube by including a pressure mean generating force in the diameter direction between the smooth outer peripheral surface of the steering tube and a second race and applying force in the major axis direction toward a first race. CONSTITUTION: A connection part 35 applies downward force to the upper surface 71 of a compression ring 67. An adjusting nut 79 holds a projected tube 37 on the outer circumference of a steering tube 33 in the axial direction, and pushes the compression ring 67 toward a lower bearing device 49 to surely engage it between the lower bearing device 49 and a second race 59. The compression ring 67 is pressed downward, so that the contact surface 75 of the compression ring 67 generates the force in the major axis direction and gives the force in the diameter direction to the contact surface 63 of the second race 59 of an upper bearing device. Reacting to this, the second race 59 gives the opposite equal force to the compression ring 67, so that the compression ring 67 presses the steering tube 33.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering and bearing device for a vehicle, in which a front wheel of a traveling vehicle having wheels such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a bicycle and a handlebar are mounted on and connected to a vehicle frame.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional bicycle, a front wheel and a handlebar are steerer tubes.
There was one that was combined with. The steering tube penetrates the head tube connected to the bicycle frame, and the operation of ball bearings at the upper and lower ends of the head tube allows the steering tube to rotate inside the head tube. There is.

The upper end of the steering tube is threaded on the outer surface, and a lock nut with internal threads is placed on the steering tube, the lock nut lowering the upper bearing race of the upper bearing device. The nut is tightened until it locks against the bearing race.

[0004]

However, with this device, it is difficult to adjust the pre-load applied to the bearing in advance, and in addition, since the conventional device includes a large number of parts, it has the drawback of being complicated and heavy. there were. Further, the lock nut may be loosened in an extremely short time due to traveling of many bicycles such as bicycle traveling in mountainous areas and freestyle traveling. Furthermore, the cost of manufacturing the above devices is relatively high and other deficiencies were known to those skilled in the art.

[0005]

A feature of the vehicle steering and bearing device of the present invention is a vehicle steering and bearing device, which comprises: a head tube coupled to a vehicle frame; a cylindrical shape. A steering tube which has a thread on the non-external surface side and has a smooth outer peripheral surface, which connects between a vehicle wheel and a handlebar, and which penetrates the head tube;
A bearing device that allows the steering tube to rotate within the head tube, the bearing device comprising first and second bearing devices.
Races, the first race being connected to the head tube and the second race being held in spaced relation to the outer circumference of the steering tube; between the smooth outer circumference of the steering tube and the second race. It includes a pressure means between which to exert a radial force and to exert a longitudinal force towards the first race.

A vehicle steering and bearing device comprising: a head tube coupled to a vehicle frame; a cylindrical shape, having a screw on the non-external surface side, a smooth outer peripheral surface and a front surface of the vehicle. A steering tube having a long axis connected to a wheel and penetrating the head tube; a first enabling the steering tube to rotate inside the head tube
A bearing device having a second bearing device at a second end of the head tube, the bearing device having first and second races, the first race being coupled to the head tube and the second race. Is held at a distance on the outer circumference of the steering tube, and forms an angled tapered contact surface on the long axis of the steering tube; and the device further comprises a smooth outer circumference of the steering tube. A compression ring on the surface for abutting the second bearing device, the compression ring having a tapered contact surface and abutting the contact surface of the second race of the second bearing device; The device includes a second for the compression ring.
It has an adjusting nut for applying a longitudinal force in the direction of the bearing device.

A vehicle steering and bearing device for connecting a combination of a front wheel and a set of handlebars to a two-wheel vehicle frame, the device comprising: a head tube connected to the vehicle frame; A steering tube that has a smooth outer peripheral surface and a long axis that connects to the front wheels and that penetrates the head tube; is located at the first end of the head tube, and the steering tube can rotate inside the head tube. A first bearing device having a second bearing device at a second end of the head tube, the bearing device having first and second races, the first race being coupled to the head tube. , The second race being held spaced around the steering tube and forming a tapered contact surface at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the steering tube; Dual bearing device On the smooth outer peripheral surface of the steering tube, there is a compression ring above the second bearing device, the compression ring having a tapered contact surface and the contact surface being the second race of the second bearing device. The contact surface of the vehicle, and the compression ring has a notch, so that the compression ring is urged by the steering tube when a longitudinal force is applied thereto; The steering and bearing device for vehicle has an adjusting nut for applying a longitudinal force to the compression ring in the direction of the second bearing device; and the steering and bearing device for vehicle is further connected to the handlebar at one end. A steering tube extending through the coupling portion and the coupling portion being located between the adjusting nut and the steering tube; the steering and bearing device for a vehicle further comprising: Rudder Ri in that it has a locking means for connecting to the tube.

A vehicle steering and bearing device for a two-wheeled vehicle, the device comprising: a head tube connected to a vehicle frame; a steering tube connected to a fork of a front wheel of the vehicle. The tube passes through the head tube at a distance; a lower bearing device that is coupled between the head tube and the steering tube to allow the head tube to rotate relative to the steering tube; the head A superordinate bearing device coupled to the tube and held at a distance in the steering tube, the inner diameter of the superordinate bearing device being larger than the outer diameter of the steerer tube; A compression member engageable in the space between the device and the steering tube, the compression member comprising a higher bearing device when engaged in the space between the upper bearing device and the steering tube. While fixed to the steering tube,
Maintaining its rotatability; an extension tube connecting the handlebar to the steering tube, said tube resting on a compression member fitted over the steering tube; steering tube above the extension tube A locking adjusting member fixed to the upper end of the steering adjusting member, the locking adjusting member being axially movable toward the overhanging tube, holding the steering tube in the axial direction and at the same time compressing against the upper bearing device. The point is to compress the member and engage the compression member between the upper bearing device and the steering tube.

[0009]

In the vehicle steering and bearing device of the present invention, there is a head tube connected to the vehicle frame, and the steering tube connects between the front wheel of the vehicle and the handlebar, and the inside of the head tube is Penetrates. The two bearing devices make the steering tube rotatable inside the head tube.

The upper bearing device has two races (rac).
e), the first race connects to the head tube,
The second race has a tapered contact surface at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the steering tube. A compression ring is mounted over the steering tube above the second race. The ring also has a contact surface that abuts the contact surface of the second race, and has one or more ring cuts so that it acts elastically to compress the steering tube. It has become.

An adjusting nut with external threads is screwed onto the internal threads on the upper end of the steering tube. When the adjusting nut is screwed inwardly, it exerts a longitudinal force on the compression ring, and the tapered contact surface of the compression ring causes longitudinal and radial forces on the second race of the upper bearing device. Exert. In response, the second race exerts an equal and opposite force on the compression ring, which compresses the steering tube inward. In this way, the locking action of the steering tube by the compression ring is established.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The vehicle steering and bearing device of the present invention is intended to be used in a traveling vehicle having wheels.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic external view of the device of the present invention mounted on a motorcycle 11. However, it can be used in a three-wheeled vehicle.
In FIG. 1, 13 is a front wheel, 15 is a handlebar, 1
7 is the front part of the bicycle frame structure. In the frame structure 17,
A horizontal upper tube 19 and a head tube 21 welded to the upper tube 19 are included. The lower tube 23 extends rearward and downward from the head tube 21 and under the upper tube 19. The pair of fork branches 25 and 27 are bolted to the wheel axle 29 of the front wheel 13, and the upper end of the pair of fork branches 25 and 27 has a fork center portion 31.
Is bound to.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the steering tube 33 extends upward from the central portion 31 of the fork, penetrates the head tube 21, and penetrates a connecting tube 35 connected to the rear end of the overhanging tube 37. The connecting tube 35 is locked to the steering tube 33 by two bolts 39 and 41. Therefore, the overhang tube 37
It is possible to adjust and replace.

The handlebar 15 has an overhanging tube 37.
Through the second connecting tube 43 at the other end. Second
Since the connecting tube 43 has a bolt 45,
It is possible to replace the handlebar 15 and adjust the attachment. Therefore, the two handlebars 15 are connected to the front wheel 13, and the front wheel 13 is operated by the handlebar 15.
The steering tube 33 is different from the head tube 21.
When the handlebar 15 is rotated, it must be mounted so as to rotate relative to the head tube 21. In order to achieve this purpose, a lower bearing device 47 and an upper bearing device 49 provided at both upper and lower ends of the head tube are provided between the steering tube 33 and the head tube 21 so that the steering tube is centered on the head tube. A mechanism is created that allows rotation freedom. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower bearing device 47 has a first race 51 and a second race 53, and a bearing ball 55 is housed between the first and second races. The first race 51 of the lower bearing device 47 is press-fitted inside the lower end of the head tube 21. As a result, the first race 51 is attached to the head tube 21.
And co-rotate with. The second race 53 of the lower bearing device 47 is externally fitted and press-contacted with the steering tube 33, whereby the second race 53 is attached to the steering tube 33.
And co-rotate with. First race 51 and second race 53
The relative rotation of is maintained by bearing balls 55.

The upper bearing device 49 is located at the upper end of the head tube 21, similarly has a first race 57, a second race 59, and a bearing ball 61 built therein. The relative rotation of the first race 57 and the second race 59 is maintained by the bearing balls 61. The first race 57 of the upper bearing device 49 is press-fitted inside the upper end of the head tube 21, and accordingly, the first race 57 is formed.
Rotates with the head tube 21.

The second race 59 of the upper bearing device 49
Is an annular contact surface 63, as shown enlarged in FIG.
And the surface 63 is a tapered surface that makes an angle with the long axis 65 of the steering tube 33 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 4, since the second race 59 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the steering tube 33, it is held at a distance from the steering tube 33. An annular compression ring 67 rests on the upper bearing device 49. This compression ring 67
As shown in FIG. 2, a slight cut 69 is formed in a part of the ring to provide compressibility. The compression ring 67 has an upper surface 71, an inner surface 73, and a tapered contact surface 75.
The taper of the contact surface 75 is equal to the taper of the contact surface 63 provided on the second race 59 of the upper bearing device with respect to the major axis of the steering tube 33. The contact surface 75 of the compression ring 67 is in contact with the contact surface 63 of the second race 59, and the upper surface 71 of the compression ring 67 is the overhang tube 37.
Is in contact with the lower end of the connecting tube portion 35.

At the upper end of the steering tube 33, there are second and third
As shown, the adjustment nut 79, which has internal threads and external threads 81, is screwed onto the top thread of the steering tube 33. The adjusting nut 79 has a head 83, which abuts on the upper end of the connecting portion 35 of the overhanging tube 33.
Therefore, the connecting portion 35 extends upward from the upper end of the steering tube 33, and the head 83 of the adjusting nut 79 and the steering tube 3 are connected.
3, a gap is left between the two and 3, as shown in FIG.

In assembling the vehicle steering and bearing device of the present invention, the head tube 21 is steered by the steering tube 33.
The upper bearing device 49 is attached to the upper end of the head tube 21. The compression ring 67 is then attached to the steering tube 33 and above the upper bearing device 49. Then, the connecting portion 35 of the overhanging tube 37 is attached to the steering tube 33 so as to be circumscribed and above the compression ring 67.

After mounting all parts, adjust nut 7
9 is screwed onto the upper end of the steering tube 33. When the adjusting nut 79 is screwed, the head 83 of the adjusting nut 79 contacts the upper end of the connecting portion 35 of the overhanging tube 37. Therefore,
Since the connecting portion 35 exerts a downward force on the upper surface 71 of the compression ring 67, the adjustment nut 79 holds the tube 33 that extends in the axial direction on the outer periphery of the steering tube 33 and moves the compression ring 67 toward the upper bearing device 49. To ensure that the compression ring 67 is engaged between the second race 59 of the upper bearing device 49 and the steering tube 33.

Since the compression ring 67 is pressed downward, the contact surface 75 of the compression ring 67 exhibits a force in the longitudinal direction and the contact surface 63 of the second race 59 of the upper bearing device 49.
Exerts a radial force on. In response to this, the second
The race exerts an equal and opposite force on the compression ring 67, which compresses the steering tube 33.
Thus, the head tube 21 and the two bearing devices 47,
49 is fixed between the central portion of the fork and the connecting portion 35.

Finally, the bolts 39 and 41 of the connecting portion 35 are tightened to fix the overhanging tube 37 to the steering tube 33. When the connecting portion 35 is fixed to the steering tube 33, the connecting portion 35 does not apply an upward force to the adjusting nut 79. Although the present invention has been described above based on one specific example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above specific example and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. That is self-evident. For example, various means could be used to create radial and longitudinal forces between the second bearing device and the steering tube. It may be part of the connection 35, or it may be separated. The compression ring 67 may be a collection of parts having multiple spacings or may be made of a combination of elastic and tough materials. The location of the bearing device may be changed in the assembly process. Other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0022]

The vehicle steering and bearing device of the present invention has several advantages over the prior art. In the design of the present invention, the overhang tube 37 is directly locked to the steering tube 33, so the coupling is lighter and stronger than in the prior art designs. Moreover, the device of the present invention is easier to assemble and adjust. Also, since there is no force acting on the adjusting nut 79, the nut 79 has little tendency to loosen. Further, the inner surface screw 77 of the steering tube 33
Does not exist in the high stress areas of the steering tube. Then, during assembly, the steering tube can be fixedly coupled to the head tube relatively to prevent lateral "play" or movement. In conclusion, the motorcycle of the invention is lighter and less expensive than the prior art.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a front end portion of a bicycle equipped with a vehicle steering / bearing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the vehicle steering / bearing device of the present invention.

3 is a side sectional view of the vehicle steering / bearing device of the present invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

4 is a partially enlarged view of the vehicle steering / bearing device of FIG.

[Explanation of Codes] 17 Frame 21 Head Tube 33 Steering Tube 49 Bearing Device 57 First Race 59 Second Race 67 Pressure Means 79 Pressure Means

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A steering and bearing device for a vehicle, comprising: a head tube coupled to a vehicle frame; a cylindrical shape, having a screw on a non-external surface side, and having a smooth outer peripheral surface,
A steering tube that connects between a vehicle wheel and a handlebar and penetrates a head tube; a bearing device that allows the steering tube to rotate inside the head tube; the bearing device comprising first and second Have a race of
The first race is connected to the head tube and the second race is held at a distance on the outer circumference of the steering tube; the radial circumference between the smooth outer circumference of the steering tube and the second race. Characterized in that it comprises pressure means for producing a force and exerting a longitudinal force towards the first race. 2. The vehicle steering and bearing device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure means further comprises a compression ring having a contact surface for contacting the contact surface of the second race, the contact surface being the steering wheel. The tube is tapered at an angle with respect to the long axis of the tube, and means for applying a force in the long axis direction to the compression ring is provided. 3. The vehicle steering / bearing device according to claim 2, wherein the means for applying a force in the longitudinal direction to the compression ring is an adjusting nut screwed with a steering tube. 4. The vehicle steering and bearing device of claim 3, wherein the device further comprises an overhanging tube connecting the handlebar and the steering tube; the overhanging tube has a connecting portion at one end, and The steering tube extends through the connecting part and the connecting part is located between the adjusting nut and the compression ring; and the device has a bolt for locking the connecting part to the steering tube. 5. The vehicle steering / bearing device according to claim 3, wherein the adjusting nut has an outer surface thread and is screwed into an inner surface thread of the steering tube. 6. A vehicle steering and bearing device, comprising: a head tube coupled to a vehicle frame; a cylindrical shape,
A steering tube that has a screw on the non-external surface side, has a smooth outer peripheral surface and a long axis that connects to the front wheels of the vehicle, and penetrates the head tube; the steering tube can rotate inside the head tube. A first bearing device having a second bearing device at a second end of the head tube, the bearing device having first and second races, the first race being coupled to the head tube. , The second race is held on the outer circumference of the steering tube at a distance,
And forming a tapered contact surface at an angle on the longitudinal axis of the steering tube; the device further comprises a compression ring on the smooth outer peripheral surface of the steering tube and abutting the second bearing device. The compression ring has a tapered contact surface and is in abutment with the contact surface of the second race of the second bearing device; the device is further oriented relative to the compression ring in the direction of the second bearing device. Must have an adjusting nut to apply a force in the long axis direction. 7. The vehicle steering and bearing device according to claim 6, wherein the compression ring has a notch so that the adjustment nut is compressed against the steering tube when a longitudinal force is applied thereto. To be. 8. The steering and bearing device for a vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a set of handlebars; an overhanging tube coupled to the handlebars and having a connecting portion at one end, and the steering tube comprising: Penetrate the connecting part and the connecting part is located between the adjusting nut and the steering tube. 9. A vehicle steering and bearing device for connecting a combination of front wheels and a set of handlebars to a two-wheel vehicle frame, the device comprising: a head tube connected to the vehicle frame;
A steering tube having a cylindrical shape, having a smooth outer peripheral surface and a long axis connected to the front wheels, and penetrating the head tube;
A first bearing arrangement at a first end of the head tube for allowing the steering tube to rotate within the head tube; a second bearing arrangement at a second end of the head tube, The bearing device has first and second races, the first race being connected to the head tube, the second race being held spaced around the outer circumference of the steering tube, and the longitudinal axis of the steering tube. Forming a tapered contact surface at an angle with respect to the steering ring and bearing device for a vehicle, which is on the smooth outer peripheral surface of the steering tube and above the second bearing device. Have
The compression ring has a tapered contact surface, the contact surface abuts the contact surface of the second race of the second bearing device, and the compression ring has a notch so that the compression ring is long. The steering tube is urged when an axial force is exerted; the vehicle steering and bearing device further applies a longitudinal force to the compression ring in the direction of the second bearing device. Further having an adjusting nut for adding; the vehicle steering and bearing device further comprising an overhanging tube coupled to the handlebar and having a connecting portion at one end, the steering tube passing through the connecting portion and adjusting the connecting portion. It is located between the nut and the steering tube; and the vehicle steering and bearing device also has locking means for connecting the overhanging tube to the steering tube. 10. A vehicle steering and bearing device for a two-wheel vehicle, comprising: a head tube connected to a vehicle frame; a steering tube connected to a fork of a front wheel of the vehicle, The tube passes through the head tube at a distance; a lower bearing device that is coupled between the head tube and the steering tube to allow the head tube to rotate relative to the steering tube; the head A superordinate bearing device coupled to the tube and held at a distance in the steering tube, the inner diameter of the superordinate bearing device being larger than the outer diameter of the steerer tube; A compression member that is engageable in the space between the device and the steering tube, the compression member engaging the upper bearing device when engaged in the space between the upper bearing device and the steering tube. While fixing it to the steering tube,
Maintaining its rotatability; an extension tube connecting the handlebar to the steering tube, said tube resting on a compression member fitted over the steering tube; steering tube above the extension tube A locking adjusting member fixed to the upper end of the steering adjusting member, the locking adjusting member being axially movable toward the overhanging tube, holding the steering tube in the axial direction and at the same time compressing against the upper bearing device. A member is squeezed to engage a compression member between the upper bearing device and the steering tube. 11. The vehicle steering and bearing device according to claim 10, wherein the compression member is a compression ring, and the member is a compression ring.
The upper surface of the upper bearing device and the outer peripheral surface of the steering tube are wedged directly to eliminate the gap between the upper bearing device and the steering tube by the action of the locking adjustment member.