US20010004036A1 - Damping apparatus for bicycle forks - Google Patents
Damping apparatus for bicycle forks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010004036A1 US20010004036A1 US09/776,485 US77648501A US2001004036A1 US 20010004036 A1 US20010004036 A1 US 20010004036A1 US 77648501 A US77648501 A US 77648501A US 2001004036 A1 US2001004036 A1 US 2001004036A1
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- Prior art keywords
- piston
- compression
- damping
- damping apparatus
- rebound
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/06—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using both gas and liquid
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- 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
- B62K25/06—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms
- B62K25/08—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/10—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using liquid only; using a fluid of which the nature is immaterial
- F16F9/14—Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect
- F16F9/16—Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect involving only straight-line movement of the effective parts
- F16F9/22—Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect involving only straight-line movement of the effective parts with one or more cylinders each having a single working space closed by a piston or plunger
- F16F9/26—Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect involving only straight-line movement of the effective parts with one or more cylinders each having a single working space closed by a piston or plunger with two cylinders in line and with the two pistons or plungers connected together
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/32—Details
- F16F9/34—Special valve constructions; Shape or construction of throttling passages
- F16F9/348—Throttling passages in the form of annular discs or other plate-like elements which may or may not have a spring action, operating in opposite directions or singly, e.g. annular discs positioned on top of the valve or piston body
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to a damping apparatus for use with bicycle forks, the apparatus of the type that provides fluid damping.
- Conventional bicycle forks connect a front wheel of a bicycle to a bicycle frame so that the rider can rotate the front wheel and steer the bicycle.
- the bicycle fork typically includes a fork steerer tube that is easily rotated by handlebars.
- the steerer tube is coupled to a fork crown that extends across the top of the bicycle wheel.
- Two blades extend from opposing ends of the fork crown on opposite sides of the wheel to securely attach the crown to opposite sides of an axle of the front bicycle wheel.
- Bicycle forks are not only used to steer bicycles, but they are also used to absorb various loads that are experienced by a front wheel of the bicycles. See, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,401 to Bradbury.
- These conventional bicycle forks are known to include inner and outer telescoping members that are compressible toward one another and expandable away from one another to absorb shock.
- a bicycle fork having a damping apparatus.
- the damping apparatus comprises a cylinder, a shaft, damping fluid, and a piston.
- the cylinder defines a chamber within which the shaft is disposed.
- the damping fluid is located in the chamber.
- the piston is also disposed in the chamber and is coupled with the shaft.
- the piston is movable relative to the shaft between first and second positions.
- the piston also has a fluid flow aperture disposed there through and a valve structure associated with the piston.
- the valve structure is movable between engaged and disengaged positions. The fluid flow aperture is occluded when the valve structure is engaged and is exposed when the valve structure is disengaged.
- the piston is movable from the first position to the second position as a result of an external force being applied to the fluid which acts on the piston.
- the fluid is caused to move through the fluid flow aperture and move the valve structure to the disengaged position.
- Further illustrative embodiments comprise a bias member associated with the piston, the shaft including first and second apertures in communication with each other with each aperture positioned on opposed sides of the piston. The first aperture is occluded when the piston is in the first positioned and is exposed when the piston is in the second position.
- a damping apparatus comprising a cylinder, a damping fluid and a floating piston.
- the cylinder defines a chamber.
- the damping fluid is located in the chamber.
- the floating piston disposed in the chamber and is positioned adjacent the fluid.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle fork that includes the damping apparatus of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the damping apparatus showing the damping apparatus having an upper leg formed for slidable extension into a lower leg, compression piston unit mounted in the upper leg, a rebound piston unit mounted on the lower leg and extending into the upper leg, and an oil bath situated in the upper leg between the compression and rebound piston units;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the compression piston unit showing a coupler, a shim stack, a compression piston, a movable valve, a shaft, and a needle formed to extended into the coupler;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of the rebound piston unit showing a coupler, a shim stack, a rebound piston, a movable valve, a shaft, and a needle formed to extend into the coupler;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rebound piston taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of the damping apparatus showing compression of the upper leg into the lower leg
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of the damping apparatus showing the upper leg as it moves out from the lower leg to an extended position
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the damping apparatus of the present invention showing a compression piston unit and an adjustable rebound piston unit;
- FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the damping apparatus of the present invention showing a compression piston unit and a rebound piston unit;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrammatic illustrations of another embodiment of the damping apparatus of the present invention showing the action of the rebound piston blow-off valve on low velocity and high velocity compression strokes;
- FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a compression piston unit for a damping apparatus according to the present invention
- FIG. 13 illustrates the compression piston unit of FIG. 12 when a compression force is applied to the damping apparatus.
- FIG. 14 is another alternative embodiment of a compression piston unit for a damping apparatus according to the present invention.
- FIG. 15 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 14 when a compression force is applied to the damping apparatus
- FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of another embodiment of a damping apparatus according to the present invention.
- a damping apparatus 10 is formed for use in a suspension bicycle fork 12 mounted between a bicycle frame (not shown) and a front wheel axle (not shown).
- the bicycle fork 12 includes a steerer tube 14 , a crown 16 , two parallel fork legs 18 , 19 and two brake flanges 20 .
- Each brake flange 20 has a brake arch receiver 22 at one end for mounting a brake arch (not shown) thereon and a rim brake post receiver 24 at the other end for mounting a brake post (not shown).
- Each fork leg 18 , 19 has an upper end 26 and a lower end 28 .
- the damping apparatus 10 of the present invention is formed for use with one of the fork legs 18 , 20 and includes an upper leg 30 and a lower leg 32 that slide relative to one another.
- the damping apparatus 10 also includes a compression piston unit 38 coupled to the upper leg 30 , a rebound piston unit 40 coupled to the both the upper and lower legs 30 , 32 , and an oil bed cartridge 42 engaging the compression and rebound piston unit 38 , 40 . See FIG. 2.
- the oil is free to flow in the lower leg between the inner and outer ends 46 , 44 .
- the upper leg 30 of the damping apparatus 10 is preferably the upper end 26 of the fork leg 18 .
- the upper leg 30 has an outer end 44 coupled to the crown 16 , an opposite inner end 46 , and a center portion 48 being formed to define a cavity 50 between the opposite ends 44 , 46 .
- the center portion 48 of the upper leg 30 includes an interior face 52 having threads 54 formed at both the outer and inner ends 44 , 46 .
- the lower leg 32 of the damping apparatus 10 is preferably the lower end 28 of the fork leg 18 . See FIG. 1.
- the lower leg 32 has a top end 56 , an opposite bottom end 58 , and a generally cylindrical side wall 60 defining a chamber 62 between the top and bottom ends 56 , 58 .
- the top end 56 of the lower leg 32 forms a rim 64 having a diameter sized to receive the inner end 46 and the center portion 48 of the upper leg 30 therethrough. See FIG. 2.
- the outer diameter of the upper leg 30 fits the inner diameter of the lower leg 32 so that the upper leg 30 is slidably engaged with the lower leg 32 .
- the ability of the upper leg 30 to slide into the lower leg 32 is affected by the compression piston unit 38 .
- the ability of the upper leg 30 to slide out of the lower leg 32 is affected by the rebound piston unit 40 .
- the compression piston unit 38 includes a compression shaft 66 and the rebound piston unit 40 includes a rebound shaft 68 .
- the shafts 66 , 68 each have opposite ends 78 , 80 , an internal face 70 defining a passage 72 , and an external face 74 . Threads 75 extend about the internal face 70 at the second end 80 and threads 76 extend about the external face 74 at the first end 78 . See FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG.
- the shaft 66 of the compression piston unit 38 has a length suitable to position its second end 80 within the cavity 50 of the upper leg 30 .
- the compression piston unit 38 includes a compression coupler 82 coupled to the second end 80 of the shaft 66 .
- the shaft 68 of the rebound piston unit 40 has a length that is less than the length of the compression shaft 66 , but sufficient to position its second end 80 within the cavity 50 .
- the rebound piston unit 40 includes a rebound coupler 84 coupled to the second end 80 of the rebound shaft 68 situated within the cavity 50 .
- the compression piston unit 38 includes a fork cap 86 coupled to the first end 78 of the shaft 66 opposite the coupler 82 .
- This cap 86 includes a threaded aperture 88 therethrough that corresponds with the threads 76 on the external face 74 of the shaft 66 .
- the fork cap 86 also includes an exterior surface 90 with threads 92 extending about the circumference of the surface 90 .
- the threads 54 at the outer end 44 of the upper leg 30 correspond with the threads 92 formed on the exterior surface 90 of the fork cap 86 .
- the compression piston unit 38 is securely mounted in the cavity 50 of the upper leg 30 .
- An end plug 94 is secured in the inner end 46 of the upper leg 30 .
- the end plug 94 is sized for extension into the cavity 50 of the upper leg 30 and includes a side wall 96 having threads 98 thereon that correspond to the threads 54 on the interior face 52 of the upper leg 30 .
- the end plug 94 includes an aperture 100 therethrough that is sized for slidable extension of the rebound shaft 68 therethrough.
- individual tubular seals 102 are situated on the fork cap 86 and at the bottom end 58 of the lower leg 32 . Each seal 102 is formed to have an aperture 104 therethrough that is sized to snugly receive the respective shafts 66 , 68 therein.
- the couplers 82 , 84 of the respective compression and rebound piston units 38 , 40 are formed similarly to one another.
- Each coupler 82 , 84 is barbell-shaped when assembled and has opposite disc-shaped ends 106 , 108 and a cylindrical hollow post 110 extending between the disc-shaped ends 106 , 108 . See FIGS. 3 and 4.
- the outer disc 106 of each of the barbell-shaped coupler 82 , 84 is mounted on the second end 80 of the respective shafts 66 , 68 and the opposite inner disc 108 extends into the cavity 50 of the upper leg 30 .
- the outer and inner discs 106 , 108 are shallow in width and circular in plan view.
- each coupler 82 , 84 has a first circle 112 engaging the second end 80 of the respective shafts 66 , 68 and a second circle 114 engaging the hollow post 110 .
- the inner discs 108 each have a third circle 116 engaging the hollow post 110 and a fourth opposite circle 118 .
- a radially outer peripheral surface 120 extends between the first circle 112 and the second circle 114 and a radially outer sidewall 122 extends between the third circle 116 and the fourth circle 118 respectively.
- the outer and inner discs 106 , 108 are each formed to include a central oil flow aperture 124 extending through the first and second circles 112 , 114 and the third and fourth circles 116 , 118 respectively.
- the central oil flow apertures 124 in each disc 106 , 108 are in fluid communication with one another via the hollow post 110 extending between the outer and inner discs 106 , 108 .
- the sidewall 122 of the inner discs 108 are each formed to include four spaced-apart peripheral oil flow apertures 126 , each in communication with the central oil flow aperture 124 .
- the hollow post 110 includes dual apertures 127 extending therethrough generally perpendicular to the central oil flow aperture 124 .
- the outer discs 106 each include two oil flow slots 128 in communication with the central oil flow aperture 124 .
- the oil flow slots 128 are generally aligned with the dual apertures 127 and are positioned in a linear relation to one another through the fourth circle 118 and the sidewall 122 of the outer discs 106 .
- the hollow post 110 of the barbell-shaped couplers 82 , 84 is preferably integral with the inner disc 108 .
- the end of the hollow post 110 extending away from the inner disc 108 preferably includes threads 130 that are sized for engagement with the threads 75 on the internal face 70 of each shaft, 66 , 68 .
- a stationary compression piston 134 and a moveable rebound piston 136 are press-fit on the hollow post 110 between the discs 106 , 108 .
- the compression piston 134 and the rebound piston 136 each include a mounting aperture 138 that is sized for extension of the hollow post 110 therethrough.
- the hollow posts 110 each extend through the mounting aperture 138 of the respective pistons 134 , 136 .
- a spacer 132 is positioned on the post 110 to securely fasten the respective pistons 134 , 136 in place.
- the spacer 132 on the post 110 of the coupler 82 mounts the piston 134 adjacent the outer disc 106 . See FIGS. 2 and 3.
- the spacer 132 on the post 110 of the coupler 84 mounts the piston 136 adjacent the inner disc 108 . See FIGS. 2 and 4.
- the compression and rebound pistons 136 , 138 have the same configuration and each have a first face 140 more proximal to the inner disc 108 and an opposite face 142 more proximal to the outer disc 110 in the assembled damper apparatus 10 .
- a radially outer peripheral surface or sidewall 144 of each piston 136 , 138 extends between the opposite faces 142 .
- the diameter of the peripheral surface 144 is sized to fit the inner diameter of the upper leg 30 . See FIG. 2.
- oil 42 is substantially blocked from flowing between the side wall 144 of the pistons 136 , 138 and the interior face 52 of the upper leg 30 during compression or extension between the upper and lower legs 30 , 32 .
- the pistons 136 , 138 are each formed to include three spaced-apart slots 146 extending through the opposing faces 140 , 142 . See, for example FIG. 5.
- three angled apertures 148 are situated through the opposing faces 140 , 142 in a spaced-apart relationship to one another between the three slots 146 .
- the apertures 148 are defined by opposite mouths 150 , 152 .
- the apertures 148 are angled in a manner that positions the first mouth 150 through the first face 140 of the pistons 136 , 138 adjacent the mounting aperture 148 and the opposite step-up mouth 152 in a position that overlaps the second face 142 and the outer periphery 144 . It is understood that greater than or less than three slots 146 or apertures 148 may extend through the pistons 134 , 136 so long as there is at least one slot or aperture therethrough.
- the compression piston 134 is formed to be mounted on the hollow post 110 of the coupler 82 adjacent the outer disc 106 .
- a movable valve 154 is positioned on the hollow post 110 between the face 142 of the piston 134 and the inner disc 108 .
- a spring 156 normally biases the valve 154 against the first face 140 of the piston 134 .
- the movable valve 154 preferably has a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of the inner disc 108 . Thus, the diameter of the movable valve 154 is sufficient only to cover the mouths 150 of the three apertures 148 .
- a shim 158 is positioned on the hollow post 110 between the second face 142 of the piston 134 and the outer disc 106 of the coupler 82 .
- the shim 158 has a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of the piston 134 .
- the shim 158 substantially covers the spaced-apart slots 146 , but leaves the step-up mouths 152 of the apertures 148 open.
- the apparatus 10 includes a shim stack 159 between the piston 134 and disc 106 .
- the stack 159 includes shims 158 , 161 , 163 , 169 that decrease in size as they are stacked from the piston 134 to the outer disc 106 . It is understood that the number, order, and size of shims in the stack 159 may be varied to accommodate riders of different weight and to alter the compression damping of the apparatus 10 .
- the shim 158 is not movable and although the moveable valve 154 does not cover the three slots 146 , the shim 158 permanently blocks three spaced-apart slots 146 extending through the piston 134 from oil flow therethrough. Importantly, the mouth 152 of the three apertures 148 remains open through the second face 142 . The three apertures 148 are opened through the first face 140 , of the piston 134 , however, only when the fluid flow pressure is such that the valve 154 is moved against the spring 156 toward disc 108 .
- the rebound piston 136 is mounted on the hollow post 110 of the coupler 84 adjacent the outer disc 106 .
- a movable valve 160 is positioned on the hollow post 110 between the outer disc 106 and the piston 136 and is normally biased against the second face 142 of the piston 136 by a spring 162 .
- This movable valve 160 has a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of the piston 136 .
- the moveable valve 160 selectively covers the three spaced-apart slots 146 .
- a shim 164 is positioned on the hollow post 110 between the first face 140 of the piston 136 and the inner disc 108 of the coupler 84 .
- the shim 164 has a diameter that is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the inner disc 108 . Thus, the shim 164 only covers the mouths 150 of the three apertures 148 . The shim 164 is pressed against the piston 136 and therefore covers the mouths 150 of the three angled apertures 148 .
- a shim stack 165 is situated between the piston 136 and the disc 108 .
- the shim stack 165 includes shim 164 and shim 167 . Shim 167 has a diameter that is less than shim 164 . It is understood that the number, order, and size of shims in stack 165 may be changed to manipulate the stiffness of the rebound.
- the damping apparatus 10 of the present invention further includes a compression adjustment mechanism 166 and a rebound adjustment mechanism 168 .
- the mechanisms 166 , 168 each cooperate with the respective couplers 82 , 84 .
- Each of the adjustment mechanisms 166 , 168 include a needle 170 having a pointed end 172 , an opposite end 174 , a cylindrical side wall 176 extending between the ends 172 , 174 , and a knob 178 coupled to the opposite end 174 of the needle 170 .
- the pointed end 172 of the needle 170 is positioned adjacent the respective coupler 82 , 84 and the knob 178 is coupled to the opposite end 174 of the needle 170 by a screw 180 .
- the passage 72 in each of the shafts 66 , 68 of the compression and the rebound units 38 , 40 is sized to receive the needle 170 therein.
- the passage 72 is formed to include a first section 182 having a first diameter sized to receive the side wall 176 of the needle 170 therein and a second section 188 extending from the first section 182 .
- grease or oil is provided in the passage 72 to provide lubrication for manipulating the needle 170 in the first section 182 of the passage 72 .
- the third section 188 is formed to have a diameter that is greater in size than the diameter of the first section 182 .
- the third section 188 is sized to receive the knob 178 therein and includes threads 190 about its periphery that are formed to correspond with the threads 181 on the needle 170 .
- the compression piston unit 38 allows a user to adjust the stiffness of the bicycle fork 12 . This adjustment is achieved by turning the knob 178 of the compression adjustment mechanism 166 .
- the knob 178 selectively drives the needle 170 up or down in the passage 72 to adjust the positing of the pointed end 172 of the needle 170 in the hollow post 110 of the coupler 82 . This relative positioning alters the flow diameter of the oil flow aperture 124 and thus the ability of the oil 42 to flow through the piston 134 .
- Adjustment of the knob 178 reduces the flow of fluid through the compression piston 134 for small bumps and thus stiffens the compression response of the bicycle fork 12 .
- the oil flow aperture 148 remains open, however, so with large bumps, the upward pressure of the lower leg 32 as shown by arrow 192 forces the flow through the apertures 127 and past the compression piston 134 as shown by arrows 202 . See FIG. 6.
- the upper leg 30 moves into the outer leg 32 and thus absorbs the shock of the large bump.
- the rebound piston 136 beneficially allows the user to individually adjust the speed/stiffness of the rebound of the bicycle fork 12 .
- This adjustment is achieved by turning the knob 178 of the rebound adjustment mechanism 166 .
- Turning the rebound assembly knob 178 drives the needle 170 up or down in the passage 72 to adjust the positioning of the pointed end 172 of the needle 170 in the hollow post 110 of coupler 84 .
- the extent to which the needle 170 is positioned in the post 110 alters the flow diameter of the aperture 124 and thus the rate of fluid flow through the coupler 84 . Therefore, as the needle 170 is adjusted to reduce the diameter of the aperture 124 , fluid slowed as it passes into the two oil flow slots 128 in the outer disc 106 of the coupler 84 thus slowing the rebound of the fork 12 .
- the relative positioning of the compression coupler 82 and the rebound coupler 84 within the cavity 50 of the upper leg 30 in the assembled damping apparatus 10 creates three flow zones within the cavity 50 .
- the first normal zone 194 is situated in the cavity 50 between the inner disc 108 of the compression coupler 82 and the inner disc 108 of the rebound coupler 84 .
- the second compression zone 196 is situated between the second face 142 of the piston 134 and the fork cap 86 mounted in the outer end 44 of the upper leg 30 .
- the third rebound zone 198 is situated between the second face 142 of the rebound piston 136 and the inner end 46 of the upper leg 30 . It is understood that the volumetric size of the second compression zone 196 is constant, but the volumetric size of the first normal zone 198 and the third rebound zone 198 vary depending upon the relative positioning of the upper leg 30 within the chamber 62 of the lower leg 32 .
- the rebound piston 136 does not substantially effect this compression damping.
- the rebound piston 136 and the movable valve 160 cooperate to act as a blow-off valve to eliminate a vacuum effect within the cavity 50 .
- the piston 136 and valve 160 serve to minimize the effect of the rebound piston 136 on the compression damping.
- oil flow into the spaced-apart slots 146 in the first face 140 of the rebound piston 136 forces the movable valve 160 to move against spring 162 away from the second face 142 of the piston 136 . Oil is free to flow, as shown by arrow 200 into the third rebound zone 198 as the upper leg 30 moves into the chamber 62 of the lower leg 32 .
- a compression spring (not shown) in the opposite fork leg 19 presses on the lower leg 32 away from the crown 16 .
- This movement is transferred to the first fork leg 18 through the dropouts 34 that are commonly mounted on a bicycle wheel (not shown).
- the speed at which the compression spring (not shown) is able to press the lower leg 32 away from the crown 16 is adjusted by the rebound adjustment mechanism 168 in the lower leg 32 of fork leg 18 .
- Rebound damping is achieved by oil transferring from one side of the rebound piston unit 40 to the other. See arrows 205 .
- the movable valve 160 is pressed against the second face 142 of the piston 136 during the expansion stroke. See FIG. 7.
- the compression piston 134 and the movable valve 154 cooperate to act as a blow-off valve and permit rapid fluid flow through the spaced-apart apertures 148 in the piston 134 .
- Oil flow into the apertures 148 in the second face 142 of the compression piston 134 forces the movable valve to move against spring 156 away from the first face 140 of the piston 134 .
- Oil is free to flow as shown by arrow 203 back in to the first flow zone 194 as the upper leg 30 moves out of the chamber 62 of the lower leg 32 .
- a damping apparatus 210 in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, includes an upper leg 230 that is formed for slidable extension into the lower leg 32 . See FIG. 8.
- the upper leg 230 includes opposite ends 244 , 246 , a center portion 248 that is formed to include an interior face 252 that defines a cavity 250 and that forms a valve seat 253 thereon.
- the damping apparatus 210 also includes a compression piston unit 238 situated within the cavity 250 of the upper leg 230 and the adjustable rebound piston unit 40 illustrated in FIGS. 2.
- the unit 40 is coupled to the lower leg 32 and formed to extend into the cavity 250 of the upper leg 230 .
- the cavity 250 of the upper leg 230 is formed in three zones 252 , 254 , 256 that correspond generally with the normal first flow zone 194 , the second compression zone 196 , and the third rebound zone 198 respectively of the apparatus 10 .
- the compression piston unit 238 is semi-press fit against the valve seat 253 in the first zone 252 and the rebound piston unit 40 .
- the compression unit 238 includes a compression coupler 282 having a compression piston 240 and shim stack (not shown) mounted thereon.
- the compression coupler 282 is formed in the same manner as coupler 82 , except that coupler 82 has threads 130 for secure engagement with the shaft 66 .
- the apparatus 210 In operation, upon experiencing the force of a bump, the lower leg 32 moves over the center portion 244 of the upper leg 230 . This movement forces the rebound shaft 68 into the cavity 250 toward the valve seat 253 and the oil 42 to flow through the compression piston unit 238 as previously described into the compression zone 254 . Since the apparatus 210 lacks a compression adjustment mechanism, the amount of compression damping cannot be adjusted by the bicycle rider. The apparatus 210 does, however, include the rebound adjustment mechanism 168 . Thus, the oil freely flows through the slots 146 formed in the rebound piston 136 as previously described into the third zone 256 during compression of the apparatus 210 . During expansion movement, however, the oil 42 must flow substantially through the central oil flow aperture 124 of the coupler 84 . The speed of this flow is altered by driving the needle into and out of the passage 72 of the shaft 68 .
- a damping apparatus 310 is provided that includes the upper leg 230 that is formed for slidable extension into the lower leg 32 . See FIG. 9.
- the upper leg 230 is formed as previously described and the compression piston unit 238 is semi-press fit against seat 253 within the first zone 252 of the cavity 250 .
- the damping apparatus 310 also includes a rebound piston unit 340 coupled to the lower leg 32 and formed to extend into the cavity 250 of the upper leg 230 .
- the rebound piston unit 340 includes the coupler 40 , the rebound shaft 68 , and the rebound piston 136 as previously described.
- the shaft 68 is solid. It is understood however that the central oil passage 124 through the outer disc 108 could also be sealed to prevent oil therethrough. Since the apparatus 310 lacks a compression adjustment mechanism and a rebound adjustment mechanism, the bicycle rider will not have the ability to adjust the amount of compression damping or rebound damping without dissembling the apparatus or changing the weight of the oil.
- the damping system of the present invention is designed with the compression spring (not shown) in one leg of the fork 19 and the damping apparatus 10 in the other leg 18 , but a fork 12 can be designed to work with springs on both legs 18 , 19 by mounting an external spring (not shown), similar to a rear shock, or by mounting the springs underneath the inner leg 30 , inside the chamber 62 outer leg 32 .
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the operation of the rebound piston unit when a flexible valve 160 is utilized.
- a compression force indicated by arrow 192
- damping fluid will pass through slots 146 and push valve 160 against spring 162 .
- valve 160 will not fully compress spring 162 , as moving valve 160 part way along post 110 of coupler 84 provides sufficient blow-off on the compression stroke.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment of a compression piston unit.
- a shaft 366 b is disposed within shaft 366 a .
- Shaft 366 b terminates in a first stop 366 c .
- a passage 366 d extends along the interior of shaft 366 b and includes a lower aperture 366 e and an upper aperture 366 f .
- the longitudinal axis of passage 366 d is generally parallel to and generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of shaft 366 a and 366 b .
- Apertures 366 e and 366 f are generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of passage 366 d .
- Needle 370 extends down through shaft 366 b and is adjustable with respect to aperture 366 f in a manner similar to that described above for needle 170 in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
- a second stop 366 g is attached to the lower end of shaft 366 a .
- Stop 366 g can be secured to shaft 366 a in any number of ways, including threading it into shaft 366 a .
- a spring 356 b is disposed about stop 366 g .
- Piston 334 includes slots 346 (not shown) and apertures 348 (also not shown) corresponding to slots 146 and apertures 148 in the embodiment of FIG. 3.
- a central bore is provided through lock nut 306 , disk 308 , post 310 , piston 334 , valve 354 and the various shims in shim stack 359 to accommodate shaft 366 b .
- disk 308 includes a tapered inner area 308 a .
- Disk 308 may be provided with oil flow apertures corresponding to apertures 126 of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
- An o-ring or similar seal 334 a is provided in piston 334 and rides along shaft 366 b , as described below.
- piston 334 In its initial, uncompressed state, piston 334 is at the lower end of shaft 366 b such that disk 308 rests on stop 366 c .
- a compression force as indicated by arrow 192 , is applied to the lower leg (not shown), the lower leg and its rebound shaft will enter upper leg 330 thereby displacing damping fluid upwardly.
- piston 334 and the other components joined by coupler 382 begin to rise along shaft 366 b .
- the tapered area 308 a within disk 308 slowly exposes aperture 366 e , thereby allowing damping fluid to flow within passage 366 d and through aperture 366 f .
- damping fluid also continues to flow in aperture 366 e , through passage 366 d and out aperture 366 f .
- the compression damping can be controlled in various ways, as by adjusting needle 370 .
- compression damping can be adjusted by shortening or lengthening stop 366 g such that lock nut 306 engages it earlier or later in the compression stroke.
- shafts 366 b of various lengths can be utilized, thereby again effectively controlling when in the compression stroke lock nut 306 will engage stop 366 g.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 show yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 12 and 13 in that a stop 466 a is attached to the lower end of shaft 366 a and supports a stationary compression piston 434 and its associated components.
- a passage 410 a extends through disk 408 , post 410 and disk 406 .
- Passage 410 a has an aperture 410 b at one end thereof and an aperture 410 c at the other end.
- Disk 408 may be provided with openings corresponding to oil flow apertures 126 in the embodiment of FIG. 3.
- Piston 434 includes slots 446 (not shown) and apertures 448 (not shown).
- a needle or set screw 410 e is provided in disk 406 transverse to the axis of passage 410 a . Needle or set screw 410 e may be used to adjust the amount of bleed through aperture 410 c in a manner similar to the use of needle 370 .
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/081,157, filed May 18, 1998, entitled DAMPING APPARATUS FOR BICYCLE FORKS, the complete disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
- The present invention is directed to a damping apparatus for use with bicycle forks, the apparatus of the type that provides fluid damping.
- Conventional bicycle forks connect a front wheel of a bicycle to a bicycle frame so that the rider can rotate the front wheel and steer the bicycle. The bicycle fork typically includes a fork steerer tube that is easily rotated by handlebars. The steerer tube is coupled to a fork crown that extends across the top of the bicycle wheel. Two blades extend from opposing ends of the fork crown on opposite sides of the wheel to securely attach the crown to opposite sides of an axle of the front bicycle wheel.
- Bicycle forks are not only used to steer bicycles, but they are also used to absorb various loads that are experienced by a front wheel of the bicycles. See, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,401 to Bradbury. These conventional bicycle forks are known to include inner and outer telescoping members that are compressible toward one another and expandable away from one another to absorb shock.
- In rough terrain, however, these telescoping bicycle forks often rebound too rapidly after hitting a large bump. Some bicycle riders have also found that traditional telescoping bicycle forks compress too rapidly upon hitting small bumps. Therefore, manufacturers of bicycle forks have developed damping apparatuses that have damping mechanisms for controlling the relative movement between the telescoping members. See, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,401. Although bicycle riders have embraced damping bicycle forks, as riders maneuver their bicycles over rougher terrain for longer lengths of time heat build-up within the damping fluid can cause some traditional forks to “seize” due to pressure buildup in a closed system. This undesirable result has led some riders to use a damping apparatus that allows the damping oil to freely circulate between the two telescoping legs. Such an apparatus, however adds unnecessary weight to the bicycle and is difficult to dissemble. It would be beneficial to provide a damping apparatus that is incorporated into a bicycle fork that provides individual compression damping and rebound damping.
- Accordingly, one illustrative embodiment provides a bicycle fork having a damping apparatus. The damping apparatus comprises a cylinder, a shaft, damping fluid, and a piston. The cylinder defines a chamber within which the shaft is disposed. The damping fluid is located in the chamber. The piston is also disposed in the chamber and is coupled with the shaft. The piston is movable relative to the shaft between first and second positions. The piston also has a fluid flow aperture disposed there through and a valve structure associated with the piston. The valve structure is movable between engaged and disengaged positions. The fluid flow aperture is occluded when the valve structure is engaged and is exposed when the valve structure is disengaged. The piston is movable from the first position to the second position as a result of an external force being applied to the fluid which acts on the piston. When the piston is in the second position, the fluid is caused to move through the fluid flow aperture and move the valve structure to the disengaged position. Further illustrative embodiments comprise a bias member associated with the piston, the shaft including first and second apertures in communication with each other with each aperture positioned on opposed sides of the piston. The first aperture is occluded when the piston is in the first positioned and is exposed when the piston is in the second position.
- Another illustrative embodiment of the bicycle fork provides a damping apparatus comprising a cylinder, a damping fluid and a floating piston. The cylinder defines a chamber. The damping fluid is located in the chamber. The floating piston disposed in the chamber and is positioned adjacent the fluid.
- Additional features and advantages of the apparatus will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed descriptions exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the apparatus as presently perceived.
- The illustrative apparatus will be described hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings, which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle fork that includes the damping apparatus of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the damping apparatus showing the damping apparatus having an upper leg formed for slidable extension into a lower leg, compression piston unit mounted in the upper leg, a rebound piston unit mounted on the lower leg and extending into the upper leg, and an oil bath situated in the upper leg between the compression and rebound piston units;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the compression piston unit showing a coupler, a shim stack, a compression piston, a movable valve, a shaft, and a needle formed to extended into the coupler;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of the rebound piston unit showing a coupler, a shim stack, a rebound piston, a movable valve, a shaft, and a needle formed to extend into the coupler;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rebound piston taken along line5-5 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of the damping apparatus showing compression of the upper leg into the lower leg;
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of the damping apparatus showing the upper leg as it moves out from the lower leg to an extended position;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the damping apparatus of the present invention showing a compression piston unit and an adjustable rebound piston unit;
- FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the damping apparatus of the present invention showing a compression piston unit and a rebound piston unit;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrammatic illustrations of another embodiment of the damping apparatus of the present invention showing the action of the rebound piston blow-off valve on low velocity and high velocity compression strokes;
- FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a compression piston unit for a damping apparatus according to the present invention;
- FIG. 13 illustrates the compression piston unit of FIG. 12 when a compression force is applied to the damping apparatus.
- FIG. 14 is another alternative embodiment of a compression piston unit for a damping apparatus according to the present invention;
- FIG. 15 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 14 when a compression force is applied to the damping apparatus; and
- FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of another embodiment of a damping apparatus according to the present invention.
- Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates several embodiments of the apparatus, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the apparatus in any manner.
- A
damping apparatus 10 is formed for use in asuspension bicycle fork 12 mounted between a bicycle frame (not shown) and a front wheel axle (not shown). Thebicycle fork 12 includes asteerer tube 14, acrown 16, twoparallel fork legs brake flanges 20. Eachbrake flange 20 has abrake arch receiver 22 at one end for mounting a brake arch (not shown) thereon and a rim brakepost receiver 24 at the other end for mounting a brake post (not shown). Eachfork leg upper end 26 and alower end 28. The upper ends 26 of thefork legs crown 16 and the lower ends 28 of each of thefork legs dropout 34 that has a wheelaxle catch portion 36 thereon. The dampingapparatus 10 of the present invention is formed for use with one of thefork legs upper leg 30 and alower leg 32 that slide relative to one another. The dampingapparatus 10 also includes acompression piston unit 38 coupled to theupper leg 30, arebound piston unit 40 coupled to the both the upper andlower legs oil bed cartridge 42 engaging the compression and reboundpiston unit - The
upper leg 30 of the dampingapparatus 10 is preferably theupper end 26 of thefork leg 18. Theupper leg 30 has anouter end 44 coupled to thecrown 16, an oppositeinner end 46, and acenter portion 48 being formed to define acavity 50 between the opposite ends 44, 46. Illustratively, thecenter portion 48 of theupper leg 30 includes aninterior face 52 havingthreads 54 formed at both the outer and inner ends 44, 46. Thelower leg 32 of the dampingapparatus 10 is preferably thelower end 28 of thefork leg 18. See FIG. 1. Thelower leg 32 has atop end 56, an oppositebottom end 58, and a generallycylindrical side wall 60 defining achamber 62 between the top and bottom ends 56, 58. Thetop end 56 of thelower leg 32 forms arim 64 having a diameter sized to receive theinner end 46 and thecenter portion 48 of theupper leg 30 therethrough. See FIG. 2. The outer diameter of theupper leg 30 fits the inner diameter of thelower leg 32 so that theupper leg 30 is slidably engaged with thelower leg 32. - The ability of the
upper leg 30 to slide into thelower leg 32 is affected by thecompression piston unit 38. In contrast, the ability of theupper leg 30 to slide out of thelower leg 32 is affected by therebound piston unit 40. Thecompression piston unit 38 includes acompression shaft 66 and therebound piston unit 40 includes arebound shaft 68. Theshafts internal face 70 defining apassage 72, and anexternal face 74.Threads 75 extend about theinternal face 70 at thesecond end 80 andthreads 76 extend about theexternal face 74 at thefirst end 78. See FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 2, theshaft 66 of thecompression piston unit 38 has a length suitable to position itssecond end 80 within thecavity 50 of theupper leg 30. In addition, thecompression piston unit 38 includes acompression coupler 82 coupled to thesecond end 80 of theshaft 66. Theshaft 68 of therebound piston unit 40 has a length that is less than the length of thecompression shaft 66, but sufficient to position itssecond end 80 within thecavity 50. Therebound piston unit 40 includes arebound coupler 84 coupled to thesecond end 80 of therebound shaft 68 situated within thecavity 50. - As shown in FIG. 2, the
compression piston unit 38 includes afork cap 86 coupled to thefirst end 78 of theshaft 66 opposite thecoupler 82. Thiscap 86 includes a threadedaperture 88 therethrough that corresponds with thethreads 76 on theexternal face 74 of theshaft 66. Thefork cap 86 also includes anexterior surface 90 withthreads 92 extending about the circumference of thesurface 90. Thethreads 54 at theouter end 44 of theupper leg 30 correspond with thethreads 92 formed on theexterior surface 90 of thefork cap 86. Thus, thecompression piston unit 38 is securely mounted in thecavity 50 of theupper leg 30. - An end plug94 is secured in the
inner end 46 of theupper leg 30. The end plug 94 is sized for extension into thecavity 50 of theupper leg 30 and includes aside wall 96 havingthreads 98 thereon that correspond to thethreads 54 on theinterior face 52 of theupper leg 30. In addition, theend plug 94 includes anaperture 100 therethrough that is sized for slidable extension of therebound shaft 68 therethrough. Moreover, individualtubular seals 102 are situated on thefork cap 86 and at thebottom end 58 of thelower leg 32. Eachseal 102 is formed to have anaperture 104 therethrough that is sized to snugly receive therespective shafts - The
couplers piston units coupler hollow post 110 extending between the disc-shaped ends 106, 108. See FIGS. 3 and 4. Theouter disc 106 of each of the barbell-shapedcoupler second end 80 of therespective shafts inner disc 108 extends into thecavity 50 of theupper leg 30. The outer andinner discs outer disc 106 of eachcoupler first circle 112 engaging thesecond end 80 of therespective shafts second circle 114 engaging thehollow post 110. Theinner discs 108 each have athird circle 116 engaging thehollow post 110 and a fourthopposite circle 118. A radially outerperipheral surface 120 extends between thefirst circle 112 and thesecond circle 114 and a radiallyouter sidewall 122 extends between thethird circle 116 and thefourth circle 118 respectively. - As best shown in FIG. 2, the outer and
inner discs oil flow aperture 124 extending through the first andsecond circles fourth circles oil flow apertures 124 in eachdisc hollow post 110 extending between the outer andinner discs sidewall 122 of theinner discs 108 are each formed to include four spaced-apart peripheraloil flow apertures 126, each in communication with the centraloil flow aperture 124. Thehollow post 110 includesdual apertures 127 extending therethrough generally perpendicular to the centraloil flow aperture 124. In addition, theouter discs 106 each include twooil flow slots 128 in communication with the centraloil flow aperture 124. Theoil flow slots 128 are generally aligned with thedual apertures 127 and are positioned in a linear relation to one another through thefourth circle 118 and thesidewall 122 of theouter discs 106. - The
hollow post 110 of the barbell-shapedcouplers inner disc 108. The end of thehollow post 110 extending away from theinner disc 108 preferably includesthreads 130 that are sized for engagement with thethreads 75 on theinternal face 70 of each shaft, 66, 68. Astationary compression piston 134 and amoveable rebound piston 136 are press-fit on thehollow post 110 between thediscs compression piston 134 and therebound piston 136 each include a mountingaperture 138 that is sized for extension of thehollow post 110 therethrough. Thehollow posts 110 each extend through the mountingaperture 138 of therespective pistons spacer 132 is positioned on thepost 110 to securely fasten therespective pistons spacer 132 on thepost 110 of thecoupler 82 mounts thepiston 134 adjacent theouter disc 106. See FIGS. 2 and 3. Thespacer 132 on thepost 110 of thecoupler 84 mounts thepiston 136 adjacent theinner disc 108. See FIGS. 2 and 4. - The compression and rebound
pistons first face 140 more proximal to theinner disc 108 and anopposite face 142 more proximal to theouter disc 110 in the assembleddamper apparatus 10. A radially outer peripheral surface orsidewall 144 of eachpiston peripheral surface 144 is sized to fit the inner diameter of theupper leg 30. See FIG. 2. Thus,oil 42 is substantially blocked from flowing between theside wall 144 of thepistons interior face 52 of theupper leg 30 during compression or extension between the upper andlower legs pistons slots 146 extending through the opposing faces 140, 142. See, for example FIG. 5. In addition, threeangled apertures 148 are situated through the opposing faces 140, 142 in a spaced-apart relationship to one another between the threeslots 146. Theapertures 148 are defined byopposite mouths apertures 148 are angled in a manner that positions thefirst mouth 150 through thefirst face 140 of thepistons aperture 148 and the opposite step-upmouth 152 in a position that overlaps thesecond face 142 and theouter periphery 144. It is understood that greater than or less than threeslots 146 orapertures 148 may extend through thepistons - As best shown in FIG. 3, the
compression piston 134 is formed to be mounted on thehollow post 110 of thecoupler 82 adjacent theouter disc 106. Amovable valve 154 is positioned on thehollow post 110 between theface 142 of thepiston 134 and theinner disc 108. Aspring 156 normally biases thevalve 154 against thefirst face 140 of thepiston 134. Themovable valve 154 preferably has a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of theinner disc 108. Thus, the diameter of themovable valve 154 is sufficient only to cover themouths 150 of the threeapertures 148. A shim 158 is positioned on thehollow post 110 between thesecond face 142 of thepiston 134 and theouter disc 106 of thecoupler 82. The shim 158 has a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of thepiston 134. Thus, the shim 158 substantially covers the spaced-apartslots 146, but leaves the step-upmouths 152 of theapertures 148 open. Preferably theapparatus 10 includes a shim stack 159 between thepiston 134 anddisc 106. The stack 159 includesshims piston 134 to theouter disc 106. It is understood that the number, order, and size of shims in the stack 159 may be varied to accommodate riders of different weight and to alter the compression damping of theapparatus 10. - The shim158 is not movable and although the
moveable valve 154 does not cover the threeslots 146, the shim 158 permanently blocks three spaced-apartslots 146 extending through thepiston 134 from oil flow therethrough. Importantly, themouth 152 of the threeapertures 148 remains open through thesecond face 142. The threeapertures 148 are opened through thefirst face 140, of thepiston 134, however, only when the fluid flow pressure is such that thevalve 154 is moved against thespring 156 towarddisc 108. - Referring now to FIG. 4, the
rebound piston 136 is mounted on thehollow post 110 of thecoupler 84 adjacent theouter disc 106. Amovable valve 160 is positioned on thehollow post 110 between theouter disc 106 and thepiston 136 and is normally biased against thesecond face 142 of thepiston 136 by aspring 162. Thismovable valve 160 has a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of thepiston 136. Thus, themoveable valve 160 selectively covers the three spaced-apartslots 146. Ashim 164 is positioned on thehollow post 110 between thefirst face 140 of thepiston 136 and theinner disc 108 of thecoupler 84. Theshim 164 has a diameter that is substantially equivalent to the diameter of theinner disc 108. Thus, theshim 164 only covers themouths 150 of the threeapertures 148. Theshim 164 is pressed against thepiston 136 and therefore covers themouths 150 of the threeangled apertures 148. In preferred embodiments, ashim stack 165 is situated between thepiston 136 and thedisc 108. Theshim stack 165 includesshim 164 andshim 167.Shim 167 has a diameter that is less thanshim 164. It is understood that the number, order, and size of shims instack 165 may be changed to manipulate the stiffness of the rebound. - The damping
apparatus 10 of the present invention further includes acompression adjustment mechanism 166 and arebound adjustment mechanism 168. Themechanisms respective couplers adjustment mechanisms needle 170 having apointed end 172, anopposite end 174, acylindrical side wall 176 extending between theends knob 178 coupled to theopposite end 174 of theneedle 170. Illustratively, thepointed end 172 of theneedle 170 is positioned adjacent therespective coupler knob 178 is coupled to theopposite end 174 of theneedle 170 by ascrew 180. It is understood, however that pins, rivets, staples, adhesives, and other well known attachment means may be used to coupled theknob 178 to theneedle 170. Illustratively, spaced-apartseals 183 are situated on theside wall 176 threads 181 extend about thecylindrical side wall 176 of theneedle 170. - The
passage 72 in each of theshafts rebound units needle 170 therein. Thepassage 72 is formed to include a first section 182 having a first diameter sized to receive theside wall 176 of theneedle 170 therein and a second section 188 extending from the first section 182. In preferred embodiments, grease or oil is provided in thepassage 72 to provide lubrication for manipulating theneedle 170 in the first section 182 of thepassage 72. The third section 188 is formed to have a diameter that is greater in size than the diameter of the first section 182. The third section 188 is sized to receive theknob 178 therein and includes threads 190 about its periphery that are formed to correspond with the threads 181 on theneedle 170. - The
compression piston unit 38 allows a user to adjust the stiffness of thebicycle fork 12. This adjustment is achieved by turning theknob 178 of thecompression adjustment mechanism 166. Theknob 178 selectively drives theneedle 170 up or down in thepassage 72 to adjust the positing of thepointed end 172 of theneedle 170 in thehollow post 110 of thecoupler 82. This relative positioning alters the flow diameter of theoil flow aperture 124 and thus the ability of theoil 42 to flow through thepiston 134. - Adjustment of the
knob 178 reduces the flow of fluid through thecompression piston 134 for small bumps and thus stiffens the compression response of thebicycle fork 12. Theoil flow aperture 148 remains open, however, so with large bumps, the upward pressure of thelower leg 32 as shown byarrow 192 forces the flow through theapertures 127 and past thecompression piston 134 as shown byarrows 202. See FIG. 6. Thus, theupper leg 30 moves into theouter leg 32 and thus absorbs the shock of the large bump. - The
rebound piston 136 beneficially allows the user to individually adjust the speed/stiffness of the rebound of thebicycle fork 12. This adjustment is achieved by turning theknob 178 of therebound adjustment mechanism 166. Turning therebound assembly knob 178 drives theneedle 170 up or down in thepassage 72 to adjust the positioning of thepointed end 172 of theneedle 170 in thehollow post 110 ofcoupler 84. The extent to which theneedle 170 is positioned in thepost 110 alters the flow diameter of theaperture 124 and thus the rate of fluid flow through thecoupler 84. Therefore, as theneedle 170 is adjusted to reduce the diameter of theaperture 124, fluid slowed as it passes into the twooil flow slots 128 in theouter disc 106 of thecoupler 84 thus slowing the rebound of thefork 12. - The relative positioning of the
compression coupler 82 and therebound coupler 84 within thecavity 50 of theupper leg 30 in the assembled dampingapparatus 10 creates three flow zones within thecavity 50. The firstnormal zone 194 is situated in thecavity 50 between theinner disc 108 of thecompression coupler 82 and theinner disc 108 of therebound coupler 84. Thesecond compression zone 196 is situated between thesecond face 142 of thepiston 134 and thefork cap 86 mounted in theouter end 44 of theupper leg 30. Thethird rebound zone 198 is situated between thesecond face 142 of therebound piston 136 and theinner end 46 of theupper leg 30. It is understood that the volumetric size of thesecond compression zone 196 is constant, but the volumetric size of the firstnormal zone 198 and thethird rebound zone 198 vary depending upon the relative positioning of theupper leg 30 within thechamber 62 of thelower leg 32. - In operation, when the
bicycle fork 12 encounters a bump force, thelower leg 32 is forced upwardly as shown byarrow 192. This upwardly movement forces theupper leg 30 into thechamber 62 of thelower leg 32, causing therebound piston 136 to move toward thestationary compression piston 134 within thecavity 50 of theupper leg 30. Movement of therebound piston 136 toward thecompression piston 134 reduces the volumetric size of the firstnormal zone 194, forcing theoil bath 42 to displace to make room for therebound shaft 68. Theoil 42 is displaced through the peripheral and centraloil flow apertures inner disc 108 and out from theaperture 127 into thesecond compression zone 196, creating compression damping as shown byarrows 202. - The
rebound piston 136 does not substantially effect this compression damping. On a compression stroke of thefork leg 18, as shown byarrow 192, therebound piston 136 and themovable valve 160 cooperate to act as a blow-off valve to eliminate a vacuum effect within thecavity 50. Thepiston 136 andvalve 160 serve to minimize the effect of therebound piston 136 on the compression damping. As shown in FIG. 6, oil flow into the spaced-apartslots 146 in thefirst face 140 of therebound piston 136 forces themovable valve 160 to move againstspring 162 away from thesecond face 142 of thepiston 136. Oil is free to flow, as shown byarrow 200 into thethird rebound zone 198 as theupper leg 30 moves into thechamber 62 of thelower leg 32. - When compression force is relieved, a compression spring (not shown) in the
opposite fork leg 19 presses on thelower leg 32 away from thecrown 16. This movement is transferred to thefirst fork leg 18 through thedropouts 34 that are commonly mounted on a bicycle wheel (not shown). The speed at which the compression spring (not shown) is able to press thelower leg 32 away from thecrown 16 is adjusted by therebound adjustment mechanism 168 in thelower leg 32 offork leg 18. - Rebound damping is achieved by oil transferring from one side of the
rebound piston unit 40 to the other. See arrows 205. Themovable valve 160 is pressed against thesecond face 142 of thepiston 136 during the expansion stroke. See FIG. 7. During expansion an stroke thecompression piston 134 and themovable valve 154 cooperate to act as a blow-off valve and permit rapid fluid flow through the spaced-apart apertures 148 in thepiston 134. Oil flow into theapertures 148 in thesecond face 142 of thecompression piston 134 forces the movable valve to move againstspring 156 away from thefirst face 140 of thepiston 134. Oil is free to flow as shown byarrow 203 back in to thefirst flow zone 194 as theupper leg 30 moves out of thechamber 62 of thelower leg 32. - In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a damping
apparatus 210 is provided that includes anupper leg 230 that is formed for slidable extension into thelower leg 32. See FIG. 8. Theupper leg 230 includes opposite ends 244, 246, acenter portion 248 that is formed to include aninterior face 252 that defines acavity 250 and that forms avalve seat 253 thereon. The dampingapparatus 210 also includes acompression piston unit 238 situated within thecavity 250 of theupper leg 230 and the adjustablerebound piston unit 40 illustrated in FIGS. 2. Theunit 40 is coupled to thelower leg 32 and formed to extend into thecavity 250 of theupper leg 230. - The
cavity 250 of theupper leg 230 is formed in threezones first flow zone 194, thesecond compression zone 196, and thethird rebound zone 198 respectively of theapparatus 10. Thecompression piston unit 238 is semi-press fit against thevalve seat 253 in thefirst zone 252 and therebound piston unit 40. Thecompression unit 238 includes acompression coupler 282 having acompression piston 240 and shim stack (not shown) mounted thereon. Thecompression coupler 282 is formed in the same manner ascoupler 82, except thatcoupler 82 hasthreads 130 for secure engagement with theshaft 66. - In operation, upon experiencing the force of a bump, the
lower leg 32 moves over thecenter portion 244 of theupper leg 230. This movement forces therebound shaft 68 into thecavity 250 toward thevalve seat 253 and theoil 42 to flow through thecompression piston unit 238 as previously described into thecompression zone 254. Since theapparatus 210 lacks a compression adjustment mechanism, the amount of compression damping cannot be adjusted by the bicycle rider. Theapparatus 210 does, however, include therebound adjustment mechanism 168. Thus, the oil freely flows through theslots 146 formed in therebound piston 136 as previously described into thethird zone 256 during compression of theapparatus 210. During expansion movement, however, theoil 42 must flow substantially through the centraloil flow aperture 124 of thecoupler 84. The speed of this flow is altered by driving the needle into and out of thepassage 72 of theshaft 68. - In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a damping
apparatus 310 is provided that includes theupper leg 230 that is formed for slidable extension into thelower leg 32. See FIG. 9. Theupper leg 230 is formed as previously described and thecompression piston unit 238 is semi-press fit againstseat 253 within thefirst zone 252 of thecavity 250. The dampingapparatus 310 also includes arebound piston unit 340 coupled to thelower leg 32 and formed to extend into thecavity 250 of theupper leg 230. - The
rebound piston unit 340 includes thecoupler 40, therebound shaft 68, and therebound piston 136 as previously described. In preferred embodiments, theshaft 68 is solid. It is understood however that thecentral oil passage 124 through theouter disc 108 could also be sealed to prevent oil therethrough. Since theapparatus 310 lacks a compression adjustment mechanism and a rebound adjustment mechanism, the bicycle rider will not have the ability to adjust the amount of compression damping or rebound damping without dissembling the apparatus or changing the weight of the oil. - Ideally, the damping system of the present invention is designed with the compression spring (not shown) in one leg of the
fork 19 and the dampingapparatus 10 in theother leg 18, but afork 12 can be designed to work with springs on bothlegs inner leg 30, inside thechamber 62outer leg 32. - FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the operation of the rebound piston unit when a
flexible valve 160 is utilized. As shown in FIG. 10, when a compression force, indicated byarrow 192, causes a relatively low velocity movement oflower leg 32 on a compression stroke, damping fluid will pass throughslots 146 and pushvalve 160 againstspring 162. For these low velocity movements,valve 160 will not fully compressspring 162, as movingvalve 160 part way alongpost 110 ofcoupler 84 provides sufficient blow-off on the compression stroke. - On high velocity movements of
lower leg 32 on the compression stroke, damping fluid will flow throughslots 146 as shown andpress valve 160 against extendedwalls 106 a, which have been added todisc 106. As the pressure of the damping fluid againstvalve 160 increases,valve 160 will flex as shown, thereby providing smoother compression damping. - FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment of a compression piston unit. In this embodiment, a
shaft 366 b is disposed withinshaft 366 a.Shaft 366 b terminates in afirst stop 366 c. Apassage 366 d extends along the interior ofshaft 366 b and includes alower aperture 366 e and anupper aperture 366 f. The longitudinal axis ofpassage 366 d is generally parallel to and generally coincident with the longitudinal axis ofshaft Apertures passage 366 d.Needle 370 extends down throughshaft 366 b and is adjustable with respect toaperture 366 f in a manner similar to that described above forneedle 170 in the embodiment of FIG. 2. Asecond stop 366 g is attached to the lower end ofshaft 366 a. Stop 366 g can be secured toshaft 366 a in any number of ways, including threading it intoshaft 366 a. Aspring 356 b is disposed aboutstop 366 g.Piston 334 includes slots 346 (not shown) and apertures 348 (also not shown) corresponding toslots 146 andapertures 148 in the embodiment of FIG. 3. A central bore is provided throughlock nut 306,disk 308,post 310,piston 334,valve 354 and the various shims inshim stack 359 to accommodateshaft 366 b. Note thatdisk 308 includes a taperedinner area 308 a.Disk 308 may be provided with oil flow apertures corresponding toapertures 126 of the embodiment of FIG. 3. An o-ring orsimilar seal 334 a is provided inpiston 334 and rides alongshaft 366 b, as described below. - In its initial, uncompressed state,
piston 334 is at the lower end ofshaft 366 b such thatdisk 308 rests onstop 366 c. As a compression force, as indicated byarrow 192, is applied to the lower leg (not shown), the lower leg and its rebound shaft will enterupper leg 330 thereby displacing damping fluid upwardly. As this occurs,piston 334 and the other components joined by coupler 382 begin to rise alongshaft 366 b. As this occurs, the taperedarea 308 a withindisk 308 slowly exposesaperture 366 e, thereby allowing damping fluid to flow withinpassage 366 d and throughaperture 366 f. Note that aspiston 334 rises,valve 354 remains againstpiston 334 and seals off apertures 348 (not shown). Likewise, the members ofshim stack 359 remain disposed over slots 346. As the damping fluid continues to rise,piston 334 will eventually raise to the point wherelock nut 306 abuts stop 366 g. At this point, an increase in the damping fluid pressure will cause damping fluid to flow through slots 346 and past the shims instack 359, as shown. Note that damping fluid also continues to flow inaperture 366 e, throughpassage 366 d and outaperture 366 f. The compression damping can be controlled in various ways, as by adjustingneedle 370. Similarly, compression damping can be adjusted by shortening or lengthening stop 366 g such thatlock nut 306 engages it earlier or later in the compression stroke. Alternatively,shafts 366 b of various lengths can be utilized, thereby again effectively controlling when in the compressionstroke lock nut 306 will engage stop 366 g. - FIGS. 14 and 15 show yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 12 and 13 in that a
stop 466 a is attached to the lower end ofshaft 366 a and supports astationary compression piston 434 and its associated components. Apassage 410 a extends throughdisk 408,post 410 anddisk 406.Passage 410 a has anaperture 410 b at one end thereof and anaperture 410 c at the other end.Disk 408 may be provided with openings corresponding tooil flow apertures 126 in the embodiment of FIG. 3.Piston 434 includes slots 446 (not shown) and apertures 448 (not shown). A needle or setscrew 410 e is provided indisk 406 transverse to the axis ofpassage 410 a. Needle or setscrew 410 e may be used to adjust the amount of bleed throughaperture 410 c in a manner similar to the use ofneedle 370. - In this embodiment, as a compression force, indicated by
arrow 192, is applied, the damping fluid will rise withinleg 330 and flow fromaperture 410 b throughpassage 410 a and outaperture 410 c. Likewise, damping fluid will flow past the shims instack 459. As fluid flows to the same side ofpiston 434 aspiston 334,piston 334 will rise alongshaft 366 a in the manner described with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13. As this occurs,aperture 366 e will be exposed and damping fluid will flow from that aperture throughpassage 366 d and outaperture 366 f. Whenpiston 334 has reached its maximum range of travel (FIG. 15), oil will flow throughpiston 334 and past the shims instack 359, as described above. Again, by adjusting the length ofshaft 366 a and the lengths ofstops compression piston assemblies - Although the apparatus has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the illustrative apparatus and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described by the claims which follow.
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/776,485 US6360858B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2001-02-02 | Damping apparatus for bicycle forks |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US08/725,409 US5848675A (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1996-10-03 | Damping apparatus for bicycle forks |
US09/081,157 US6241060B1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1998-05-18 | Oil damped fork |
US09/776,485 US6360858B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2001-02-02 | Damping apparatus for bicycle forks |
Related Parent Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/725,409 Continuation US5848675A (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1996-10-03 | Damping apparatus for bicycle forks |
US09/081,157 Continuation US6241060B1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1998-05-18 | Oil damped fork |
US09/081,157 Continuation-In-Part US6241060B1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1998-05-18 | Oil damped fork |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010004036A1 true US20010004036A1 (en) | 2001-06-21 |
US6360858B2 US6360858B2 (en) | 2002-03-26 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/725,409 Expired - Lifetime US5848675A (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1996-10-03 | Damping apparatus for bicycle forks |
US09/776,485 Expired - Lifetime US6360858B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2001-02-02 | Damping apparatus for bicycle forks |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/725,409 Expired - Lifetime US5848675A (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1996-10-03 | Damping apparatus for bicycle forks |
Country Status (2)
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US (2) | US5848675A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0834448A3 (en) |
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US20060090973A1 (en) * | 2004-10-28 | 2006-05-04 | Michael Potas | Valve system controlled by rate of pressure change |
US20100025957A1 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2010-02-04 | Shimano Inc. | Bicycle suspension system |
US20110084464A1 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2011-04-14 | Shimano Inc. | Adjustable bicycle suspension system |
ITMI20100698A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-24 | Crc Ct Ricerche Cagiva S A | MOTORCYCLE OR SIMILAR WITH FRONT FRONT CHANGABLE IN ITS OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS |
US20140062056A1 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2014-03-06 | Dt Swiss Inc. | Suspension fork, in particular for a bicycle |
US20140062057A1 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2014-03-06 | Dt Swiss Inc. | Suspension fork, in particular for a bicycle |
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2001
- 2001-02-02 US US09/776,485 patent/US6360858B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060090973A1 (en) * | 2004-10-28 | 2006-05-04 | Michael Potas | Valve system controlled by rate of pressure change |
US20100025957A1 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2010-02-04 | Shimano Inc. | Bicycle suspension system |
US7900947B2 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2011-03-08 | Shimano Inc. | Bicycle suspension system |
US20110084464A1 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2011-04-14 | Shimano Inc. | Adjustable bicycle suspension system |
US8256787B2 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2012-09-04 | Shimano Inc. | Adjustable bicycle suspension system |
ITMI20100698A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-24 | Crc Ct Ricerche Cagiva S A | MOTORCYCLE OR SIMILAR WITH FRONT FRONT CHANGABLE IN ITS OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS |
US20140062056A1 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2014-03-06 | Dt Swiss Inc. | Suspension fork, in particular for a bicycle |
US20140062057A1 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2014-03-06 | Dt Swiss Inc. | Suspension fork, in particular for a bicycle |
US8910963B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2014-12-16 | Dt Swiss, Inc. | Suspension fork, in particular for a bicycle |
US8939459B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2015-01-27 | Dt Swiss, Inc. | Suspension fork, in particular for a bicycle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0834448A3 (en) | 1998-11-11 |
EP0834448A2 (en) | 1998-04-08 |
US6360858B2 (en) | 2002-03-26 |
US5848675A (en) | 1998-12-15 |
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