201029877 六、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明相關於摺疊式自行車。 【先前技術】 典型的摺疊式自行車包含簡單的鉸鏈機構，以容許自 行車的前半車體及後半車體相對於彼此橫向摺疊。然而， e 此種自行車典型上不易摺疊，並且需要有相當大的空間來 儲存。 提供克服上述這些問題中的一個或多個的摺疊式自行 車會很有利。 【發明內容】 於第一方面，本發明針對一種摺疊式自行車車架，其 包含前車架部份、後車架部份、及座椅部份。前車架部份 ® 、後車架部份、及座椅部份全部被可樞轉地連接在一起。 此摺疊式自行車車架可在使用位置與儲存位置之間移動。 於使用位置’前車架部份、後車架部份、及座椅部份被固 持於適合由使用者騎行的組態。於儲存位置，前車架部份 、後車架部份、及座椅部份被朝向彼此摺疊。 於第二方面’本發明針對結合有上述的摺疊式自行車 車架的摺疊式自行車。 於第三方面’本發明針對一種摺疊式自行車車架，其 包含則車架部份、後車架部份、座椅部份、及驅動連桿。 -5- 201029877 則車架部份、後車架部份、座椅部份、及驅動連桿全部被 可樞轉地連接在一起而形成連桿組。此摺叠式自行車車架 可在使用位置與儲存位置之間移動。於使用位置，前車架 部份、後車架部份、及座椅部份被固持於定位'成_爲適合由 使用者騎行的組態。於儲存位置，前車架部份、後車架部 份、及座椅部份被朝向彼此摺疊。 於第四方面，本發明針對一種摺疊式自行車車架，其 包含前車架部份、後車架部份、座椅部份、及驅動連桿。錄 前車架部份、後車架部份、座椅部份'及驅動連桿被連接 在一起成爲四桿連桿組。 於第五方面，本發明針對一種摺疊式自行車，其包含 前車架部份、後車架部份、及座椅部份，其中騎車者的重 量可輔助將自行車固持於使用位置，並且可抑制自行車摺 疊至儲存位置。 於第六方面’本發明針對一種摺疊式自行車，其包含 前車架部份、後車架部份'及座椅部份，其中前車架部份 ❹ 、後車架部份、及座椅部份可在其本身的重量之下從儲存 位置移動至使用位置。 在第六方面的特定實施例中’前及後車架部份可繞一 樞轉軸線從儲存位置被向上摺疊至使用位置，其中上述樞 轉軸線被水平地定位在前車輪與後車輪之間，其中與前車 輪相關聯的組件的重量具有在前車輪的旋轉軸線的後側的 質量中心’且其中與後車輪相關聯的組件的重量具有在後 車輪的旋轉軸線的前側的質量中心。 -6 - 201029877 以下會參考所附圖式以舉例方式敘述本發明。 【實施方式】 參考圖1，圖中顯示根據本發明的實施例的摺疊式自 行車10’其也可能被簡稱爲自行車10。摺疊式自行車10 形成及建構爲可容易地在圖1所示的使用位置與圖6所示 的儲存位置之間被摺疊及展開。於使用位置，摺疊式自行 φ車10形成及建構爲待由使用者（未顯示）騎行。於儲存 位置’自行車10形成及建構爲被儲存。 參考圖1，摺疊式自行車10包含前車架部份12、後 車架部份1 4、座椅部份i 6、驅動連桿1 8、車把部份2 0、 前車輪22、後車輪24、及鎖定裝置26。爲圖式的簡潔起 見’圖中未顯示可能包含例如曲柄及踏板、鏈條、前及後 鏈輪、及相關聯的換檔硬體的驅動系統，然而摺疊式自行 車10可包含此驅動系統。類似地，圖中未顯示可能包含 ®例如前及後制動器卡鉗、左及右手側車把安裝式桿件、及 相關聯的纜線的制動系統，然而摺疊式自行車1 〇可包含 此制動系統。 前車架部份1 2、後車架部份1 4、座椅部份1 6、驅動 連桿1 8、車把部份20、及鎖定裝置26組成摺疊式自行車 車架27。前車架部份12可包含前頂管元件28、連接於前 頂管元件28的頭管3〇、及前叉架32，其中前叉架32包 含可在頭管30中旋轉且從頭管3〇的頂部向上突出的柱底 座3 4 °車把部份20包含藉著車把部份鉸鏈3 8而可樞轉地 201029877 連接於柱底座34的車把柱36、及從車把柱36橫向延伸的 車把40。車把部份20可在車把使用位置（圖1 )與車把 儲存位置（圖6 )之間移動。於車把使用位置，車把40大 致上橫向於前車架部份12延伸，以供使用者在騎摺疊式 自行車10時抓握。車把部份20可藉由車把鎖定裝置42 而被鎖定於車把使用位置，其中車把鎖定裝置42可爲任 何合適類型的鎖定裝置。於車把儲存位置（圖6 )，車把 部份2 0大致上與前車架部份1 2並排地延伸。可設置車把 @ 部份扣持構件44，以將車把部份20扣持於車把儲存位置 。車把部份扣持構件44可具有任何適合用來扣持車把部 份20的結構。舉例而言，車把部份扣持構件44可爲可被 定位在前車架部份20上的磁鐵（圖1 )，以接收車把柱 36且因而將車把部份20固持於車把儲存位置。應可注意 在車把部份扣持構件44爲磁鐵的實施例中，車把柱3 6可 由可被磁鐵吸引的材料製成或是可裝配有可被磁鐵吸引的 材料。然而，合適的車把部份扣持構件44可具有任何其 © 他適合於將車把部份20扣持於定位成爲與前車架部份1 2 並排的結構。在車把部份扣持構件44爲磁鐵的實施例中 ，磁鐵可形成爲具有淺凹槽，以將車把柱3 6更穩固地固 持於定位。 車把部份鉸鏈3 8可界定樞轉軸線Ahph (最佳地顯示 在圖6中），而此樞轉軸線Ahph係被定向成爲容許車把 部份2 0如上所述地從車把使用位置（圖1 )樞轉至車把儲 存位置（圖6 )。如可在圖6中看見的，樞轉軸線Ahph -8- 201029877 可相對於水平向以適當的角度延伸，並且也可相對於前車 架部份1 2的縱向軸線以某一適當角度延伸。 前車輪22以任何合適的方式被安裝於前叉架32，例 如藉由速釋連接器、或藉由螺母及墊圈。 後車架部份1 4可包含後頂管元件46及後三角架48， 而後車輪24以任何合適的機構例如藉由速釋連接器或藉 由螺母及墊圈而附著於後三角架48。後頂管元件46與前 ®頂管元件2 8在樞轉連接部4 9處可樞轉地連接在一起，如 圖9中較清楚地顯示的，以用來繞頂管元件樞轉軸線Afr 樞轉’其中上述的樞轉連接部49 (頂管元件樞轉軸線Afr )係被定位於接近前頂管元件28及後頂管元件46各別的 下表面50及52之處。如圖9所示，在前頂管元件28上 有第一前/後頂管抵靠表面54，其在樞轉連接部49的上方 與在後頂管元件28上的第二前/後頂管抵靠表面56配合 。在圖9所示的實施例中，第一前/後頂管抵靠表面54爲 ^公表面’其被接收在具有母表面的第二前/後頂管抵靠表 面56內’因而可在使用期間曝露於橫向力時，將前及後 頂管元件2 8及46保持於接合及對準狀態。然而，或者也 可使第二前/後頂管抵靠表面56成爲公表面，而使第一前/ 後頂管抵靠表面54成爲母表面。當摺疊式自行車1〇處於 圖1所示的使用位置時，第一及第二前/後頂管抵靠表面 54及50 (圖1中未顯示）互相接合，且被鎖定裝置26固 持於接合狀態’其中鎖定裝置26可被定位於接近前及後 頂管元件28及46各別的上表面58及60之處。 -9- 201029877 在摺疊式自行車10從使用位置（圖1)移動至儲存位 置（圖6 )的期間，前及後頂管元件2 8及4 6朝向彼此繞 樞轉軸線Afr向下摺疊（圖9 )。參考圖1，在使用期間 ，來自地面的作用在前及後車輪22及24上以支撐自行車 1 0及騎車者（未顯示）的力傾向於分別於前及後頂管元件 28及46產生相對的力矩62及64。由於這些力矩62及64 ’前及後頂管元件28及46的下方部份處於拉伸狀態，而 前及後頂管元件28及46的上方部份處於壓縮狀態。藉著 φ 將樞轉連接部49定位在第一及第二前/後頂管抵靠表面54 及56的下方（圖9)，以及藉著將鎖定裝置26定位於接 近前及後頂管元件的上表面58及60之處（圖1)，可依 賴樞轉連接部49而非鎖定裝置26來抵抗作用在前及後頂 管元件28及46的下方部份上的拉伸力，而抵靠表面54 及56則抵抗作用在前及後頂管元件28及46的上方部份 上的壓縮力。 樞轉連接部49可形成及建構爲使得樞轉軸線Afr被 ❹ 定向成爲大致上或實質上水平，但是如圖1 〇所示相對於 摺疊式自行車10的橫向軸線Atrans有選定的角度，以容 許前及後車架部份〗2及14被摺疊在彼此的旁邊。 在一些實施例中，前及後車輪22及24的輪轂66及 68 (圖7)可能爲車輪22及24的最寬部位。當摺疊式自 行車10處於儲存位置時，可較佳地使車輪22及24被定 位成爲使得輪轂6 6及6 8幾近但是未精確地對準（圖6 ) 。較佳地，當處於儲存位置時，前及後車輪22及24中的 -10- 201029877 一個被定位在另一個的稍微前方。舉例而言，如圖6所示 ，前車輪22可在後車輪24的稍微前方。藉著將車輪22 及24定位成爲使輪轂66及68幾近對準，可相對於一個 車輪顯著地位於另一個車輪的前方的實施例而言，使車輪 22及24 —起於摺疊式自行車10的縱向方向佔據較小的尺 寸。藉著將車輪22及24定位成爲使得輪轂66及68未精 確地對準，可在橫向使車輪22及24較爲靠近在一起，使 φ得相對於輪轂66及68對準的實施例而言，於儲存位置的 摺疊式自行車1 〇的整體寬度被減小。 參考圖1，座椅部份1 6包含用來接收座椅總成70的 座椅支柱69，其中座椅總成70裝設於座椅支柱69中且可 藉著任何合適的機構而被固持於定位，例如藉著速釋連接 器、或藉著螺紋緊固件及螺母。座椅總成70包含椅柱70a 及座椅70b。座椅部份16藉著樞轉連接部71而被可樞轉 地安裝於後車架部份14，以可繞直接橫向於摺疊式自行車 Φ 10延伸的座椅部份樞轉軸線Asp (較清楚地顯示在圖8中 )樞轉。座椅部份16可另外包含第一座椅部份/後車架部 份抵靠表面72，其可與位在後車架部份14上的合適位置 處的第二座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面74接合，其中上 述的合適位置可例如在後頂管元件4 6上。樞轉連接部7 1 可被定位於接近後頂管元件46的上表面60且在第一及第 二座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面72及74的上方之處》 當摺疊式自行車10處於使用位置時（圖8)，第一及第二 座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面72及74互相接合。參考 -11 - 201029877 圖1，在使用期間，座椅7〇b上的騎車者（未顯示）的重 量在座椅支柱69上產生力矩，而此力矩由後車架部份14 抵抗。在圖1所示的實施例中，樞轉連接部71處於拉伸 狀態，而第一及第二座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面72及 7 4處於壓縮狀態。 如圖8中最清楚地顯75的，第一座椅部份/後車架部 份抵靠表面72可爲公表面，其接合成爲母表面的第二座 椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面74。此容許座椅部份1 6及後 @ 頂管元件4 6在使用期間抵抗可能發生的橫向力。或者， 第一座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面72可爲母表面，其接 合成爲公表面的第二座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面74。 藉著將樞轉連接部71定位在第一及第二座椅部份/後 車架部份抵靠表面72及74的上方，可在將摺疊式自行車 1 〇從使用位置（圖1 )摺疊至儲存位置（圖6 )時，使座 椅部份1 6及後車架部份1 4朝向彼此向上摺疊。 驅動連桿18具有可樞轉地連接於前車架部份12的第 φ 一端部7 6、及可樞轉地連接於座椅部份1 6的第二端部7 8 。結果’當前車架部份1 2與後車架部份1 4被朝向彼此措 疊時’前車架部份1 4將驅動連桿1 8向後驅動，而驅動連 桿1 8又驅動座椅部份1 6 ’以使座椅部份1 6繞樞轉連接部 7 1樞轉且相對於後車架部份1 4摺疊。 當摺疊式自行車10被措疊至儲存位置（圖6)且在車 輪22及24在地面上的情況之下被定向成爲大致上直立時 ’座椅部份16大致上或實質上直立地延伸。結果，座椅 -12- 201029877 70b可被使用成爲手柄，以在將經摺疊的摺疊式自行車1〇 沿著地面推移時，藉由此手柄來引導經摺疊的摺疊式自行 車10。 驅動連桿1 8、座椅部份1 6、前車架部份1 2、及後車 架部份1 4 一起形成四桿連桿組8 0。前車架部份1 2可被視 爲第一連桿，後車架部份1 4可被視爲第二連桿，座椅部 份1 6可被視爲第三連桿，而驅動連桿1 8可被視爲第四連 參桿。 參考圖1及8，鎖定裝置26將前車架部份12、後車 架部份1 4、及座椅部份1 6鎖定於使用位置。鎖定裝置2 6 可藉著將四桿連桿組8 0中的兩個可互相樞轉地連接的連 桿相對於彼此鎖定而作用，因而也鎖定四桿連桿組8 0中 的另外兩個連桿的相對位置。在如圖所不的實施例中，鎖 定裝置26將前及後車架部份12及14相對於彼此鎖定。 取代鎖定前及後車架部份12及14，鎖定裝置26或者也可 ® 將其他互相可樞轉地連接的連桿相對於彼此直接鎖定，例 如鎖定後車架部份1 4及座椅部份1 6。 鎖定裝置26可爲任何合適類型的鎖定裝置。鎖定裝 置26可包含第一臂82及第二臂84(圖9)。第一臂82 具有可樞轉地連接於前頂管元件2 8的第一端部。第二臂 84具有可樞轉地連接於後頂管元件46的第一端部。第— 臂82及第二臂84分別具有第二端部’且在其各別的第二 端部處互相可樞轉地連接。第二臂8 4具有鎖定舌片接合 表面86，用來與在前頂管元件28上的鎖定舌片（locking -13- 201029877 tab ) 8 8 (圖8 )接合。鎖定舌片8 8具有彈性，以容許鎖 定舌片接合表面86移動經過鎖定舌片88，並且鎖定舌片 8 8被朝向關閉位置偏壓，以捕捉鎖定舌片接合表面8 6， 且因而將前及後頂管元件28及46鎖定於抵靠狀態，而因 此鎖定前及後車架部份12及14，而此又將四桿連桿組80 鎖定於使用位置。鎖定舌片88可朝向其鎖定位置被偏壓 ，使得鎖定舌片8 8於鎖定位置被定位成爲可於使用位置 鎖定第二臂84。 · 手柄90被設置在後頂管元件46上，以在將自行車10 摺疊至儲存位置時供使用者握持，以及用來在有需要時攜 帶及抬起經摺疊的自行車10。手柄90被定向成爲離開後 頂管元件46的中心線，使得手柄90不會妨礙座椅部份1 6 朝向後頂管元件46的移動。 自行車10的摺疊被漸進式地顯示在圖1至圖6中。201029877 VI. Description of the Invention: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a folding bicycle. [Prior Art] A typical folding bicycle includes a simple hinge mechanism to allow the front half body and the rear half body of the bicycle to be laterally folded with respect to each other. However, such bicycles are typically not easily folded and require considerable space for storage. It would be advantageous to provide a folding bicycle that overcomes one or more of these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding bicycle frame that includes a front frame portion, a rear frame portion, and a seat portion. The front frame part ® , the rear frame part , and the seat part are all pivotally connected together. The folding bicycle frame is movable between a use position and a storage position. In the use position, the front frame portion, the rear frame portion, and the seat portion are held in a configuration suitable for riding by the user. In the storage position, the front frame portion, the rear frame portion, and the seat portion are folded toward each other. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding bicycle incorporating the above-described folding bicycle frame. In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding bicycle frame that includes a frame portion, a rear frame portion, a seat portion, and a drive link. -5- 201029877 The frame portion, the rear frame portion, the seat portion, and the drive link are all pivotally coupled together to form a linkage set. This folding bicycle frame can be moved between the use position and the storage position. In the position of use, the front frame portion, the rear frame portion, and the seat portion are held in a position that is suitable for riding by the user. In the storage position, the front frame portion, the rear frame portion, and the seat portion are folded toward each other. In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding bicycle frame that includes a front frame portion, a rear frame portion, a seat portion, and a drive link. The front frame part, the rear frame part, the seat part' and the drive link are connected together to form a four-bar linkage. In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding bicycle including a front frame portion, a rear frame portion, and a seat portion, wherein the weight of the rider assists in holding the bicycle in the use position, and Suppress the bicycle from folding to the storage position. In a sixth aspect, the invention is directed to a folding bicycle comprising a front frame portion, a rear frame portion and a seat portion, wherein the front frame portion ❹, the rear frame portion, and the seat The part can be moved from the storage position to the use position under its own weight. In a particular embodiment of the sixth aspect, the front and rear frame portions are foldable upwardly from a storage position to a use position about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is positioned horizontally between the front and rear wheels Wherein the weight of the component associated with the front wheel has a center of mass ' on the rear side of the axis of rotation of the front wheel and wherein the weight of the component associated with the rear wheel has a center of mass on the front side of the axis of rotation of the rear wheel. -6 - 201029877 The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Embodiment] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a folding bicycle 10' according to an embodiment of the present invention, which may also be referred to simply as a bicycle 10. The folding bicycle 10 is formed and constructed so as to be easily folded and unfolded between the use position shown in Fig. 1 and the storage position shown in Fig. 6. In the position of use, the folding self-propelled vehicle 10 is formed and constructed to be worn by a user (not shown). In the storage position, the bicycle 10 is formed and constructed to be stored. Referring to Figure 1, the folding bicycle 10 includes a front frame portion 12, a rear frame portion 14, a seat portion i6, a drive link 18, a handlebar portion 20, a front wheel 22, and a rear wheel. 24, and locking device 26. For the sake of simplicity of the drawings, the drive system, which may include, for example, cranks and pedals, chains, front and rear sprockets, and associated shifting hardware, is not shown, however the folding bicycle 10 may include such a drive system. Similarly, brake systems that may include ® front and rear brake calipers, left and right hand handlebar mounted levers, and associated cables are not shown, however, the folding bicycle 1 may include this brake system. The front frame portion 1 2, the rear frame portion 14 , the seat portion 16 , the drive link 18 , the handlebar portion 20 , and the locking device 26 constitute a folding bicycle frame 27 . The front frame portion 12 can include a front jacking member 28, a head tube 3A coupled to the front jacking member 28, and a front fork 32, wherein the front fork 32 includes a rotatable head tube 30 and a head tube 3 The top of the crucible protrudes upwardly from the base of the column. The 4° handlebar portion 20 includes a handlebar post 36 that is pivotally coupled to the post base 34 by a handlebar portion hinge 38 and laterally from the handlebar post 36. Extended handlebar 40. The handlebar portion 20 is movable between a handlebar use position (Fig. 1) and a handlebar storage position (Fig. 6). In the handlebar use position, the handlebar 40 extends generally transversely to the front frame portion 12 for the user to grasp while riding the folding bicycle 10. The handlebar portion 20 can be locked in the handlebar use position by the handlebar locking device 42, wherein the handlebar locking device 42 can be any suitable type of locking device. In the handlebar storage position (Fig. 6), the handlebar portion 20 extends substantially side by side with the front frame portion 12. A handlebar @ partial latching member 44 can be provided to hold the handlebar portion 20 in the handlebar storage position. The handlebar portion of the latching member 44 can have any structure suitable for holding the handlebar portion 20. For example, the handlebar portion of the latching member 44 can be a magnet (FIG. 1) that can be positioned on the front frame portion 20 to receive the handlebar post 36 and thereby retain the handlebar portion 20 to the handlebar. Storage location. It should be noted that in the embodiment where the handlebar portion of the latching member 44 is a magnet, the handlebar post 36 may be made of a material that can be attracted by the magnet or may be fitted with a material that can be attracted by the magnet. However, a suitable handlebar portion of the latching member 44 can have any structure that he is adapted to hold the handlebar portion 20 in position to be side by side with the front frame portion 12. In embodiments where the handlebar portion retaining member 44 is a magnet, the magnet can be formed with shallow grooves to more securely retain the handlebar post 36 in position. The handlebar portion hinge 38 can define a pivot axis Ahph (best shown in Figure 6), and the pivot axis Ahph is oriented to allow the handlebar portion 20 to be used from the handlebar position as described above. (Fig. 1) Pivot to the handlebar storage position (Fig. 6). As can be seen in Figure 6, the pivot axis Ahph -8 - 201029877 can extend at an appropriate angle with respect to the horizontal, and can also extend at a suitable angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the front frame portion 12. The front wheel 22 is mounted to the front fork 32 in any suitable manner, such as by an immediate release connector, or by a nut and washer. The rear frame portion 14 can include a rear top tube member 46 and a rear tripod 48, and the rear wheel 24 is attached to the rear tripod 48 by any suitable mechanism, such as by an immediate release connector or by a nut and washer. The rear top tube member 46 and the front top tube member 28 are pivotally coupled together at a pivotal connection portion 49, as shown more clearly in Figure 9, for pivoting the axis Afr about the top tube member. Pivoting 'where the above-described pivotal connection 49 (piping member pivot axis Afr) is positioned proximate to the respective lower surfaces 50 and 52 of the front jacking member 28 and the rear jacking member 46. As shown in Figure 9, there is a first front/rear top tube abutment surface 54 on the front top tube member 28, above the pivotal connection portion 49 and a second front/rear top on the rear top tube member 28. The tube fits against the surface 56. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the first front/rear top tube abutment surface 54 is a male surface 'which is received within the second front/rear top tube abutment surface 56 having a female surface' and thus The front and rear top tube members 28 and 46 are held in engagement and aligned when exposed to lateral forces during use. Alternatively, however, the second front/rear top tube abutment surface 56 may be a male surface such that the first front/rear top tube abutment surface 54 becomes the parent surface. When the folding bicycle 1 is in the use position shown in FIG. 1, the first and second front/rear top tube abutment surfaces 54 and 50 (not shown in FIG. 1) are engaged with each other and are held by the locking device 26 for engagement. State 'where the locking device 26 can be positioned adjacent the respective upper surfaces 58 and 60 of the front and rear header members 28 and 46. -9- 201029877 During the movement of the folding bicycle 10 from the use position (Fig. 1) to the storage position (Fig. 6), the front and rear jacking members 28 and 46 are folded downward toward each other about the pivot axis Afr (Fig. 9 ). Referring to Figure 1, during use, forces from the ground acting on the front and rear wheels 22 and 24 to support the bicycle 10 and the rider (not shown) tend to produce separately from the front and rear jacking members 28 and 46, respectively. Relative torques 62 and 64. Since the moments 62 and 64' are lower than the lower portions of the front and rear jacking members 28 and 46, the upper portions of the front and rear jacking members 28 and 46 are in compression. The pivotal connection 49 is positioned below the first and second front/rear top tube abutment surfaces 54 and 56 by φ (Fig. 9), and by positioning the locking device 26 adjacent the front and rear tube members Where the upper surfaces 58 and 60 (Fig. 1) can rely on the pivotal connection 49 instead of the locking device 26 to resist the tensile forces acting on the lower portions of the front and rear header members 28 and 46, The surfaces 54 and 56 resist the compressive forces acting on the upper portions of the front and rear header members 28 and 46. The pivotal connection 49 can be formed and constructed such that the pivot axis Afr is oriented substantially or substantially horizontally by the weir, but at a selected angle relative to the transverse axis Atrans of the folding bicycle 10 as shown in FIG. The front and rear frame sections 2 and 14 are folded next to each other. In some embodiments, the hubs 66 and 68 (Fig. 7) of the front and rear wheels 22 and 24 may be the widest portions of the wheels 22 and 24. When the folding bicycle 10 is in the storage position, the wheels 22 and 24 are preferably positioned such that the hubs 6 6 and 6 8 are nearly but not precisely aligned (Fig. 6). Preferably, when in the storage position, one of the -10-201029877 of the front and rear wheels 22 and 24 is positioned slightly forward of the other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the front wheel 22 can be slightly forward of the rear wheel 24. By positioning the wheels 22 and 24 such that the hubs 66 and 68 are nearly aligned, the wheels 22 and 24 can be used to fold the bicycle 10 with respect to the embodiment in which one wheel is significantly positioned forward of the other wheel. The longitudinal direction occupies a smaller size. By positioning the wheels 22 and 24 such that the hubs 66 and 68 are not precisely aligned, the wheels 22 and 24 can be brought closer together in the lateral direction so that φ is aligned with respect to the hubs 66 and 68. The overall width of the folding bicycle 1 于 in the storage position is reduced. Referring to Figure 1, the seat portion 16 includes a seat post 69 for receiving the seat assembly 70, wherein the seat assembly 70 is mounted in the seat post 69 and can be held by any suitable mechanism For positioning, for example by means of an immediate release connector, or by means of threaded fasteners and nuts. The seat assembly 70 includes a seat post 70a and a seat 70b. The seat portion 16 is pivotally mounted to the rear frame portion 14 by a pivotal connection 71 for pivoting the axis of the seat portion directly adjacent to the folding bicycle Φ 10 (cf. It is clearly shown in Figure 8) pivoting. The seat portion 16 can additionally include a first seat portion/rear frame portion abutment surface 72 that can be associated with a second seat portion/post at a suitable location on the rear frame portion 14. The frame portion is engaged against the surface 74, wherein the appropriate location described above can be, for example, on the rear top tube member 46. The pivotal connection portion 7 1 can be positioned proximate the upper surface 60 of the rear top tube member 46 and above the first and second seat portion/rear frame portions abutting surfaces 72 and 74" when folded When the bicycle 10 is in the use position (Fig. 8), the first and second seat portion/rear frame portions abutting surfaces 72 and 74 are engaged with each other. -11 - 201029877 Figure 1, during use, the weight of the rider (not shown) on the seat 7〇b produces a moment on the seat post 69 that is resisted by the rear frame portion 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the pivotal connection portion 71 is in a stretched state, and the first and second seat portion/rear frame portions abutting surfaces 72 and 74 are in a compressed state. As best seen in Figure 8, the first seat portion/rear frame portion abutment surface 72 can be a male surface that engages as a second seat portion/rear frame portion of the female surface. Abuts the surface 74. This allows the seat portion 16 and the rear@top tube member 46 to resist lateral forces that may occur during use. Alternatively, the first seat portion/rear frame portion abutment surface 72 can be a female surface that is joined to form a second seat portion/rear frame portion abutment surface 74 of the male surface. By positioning the pivotal connection portion 71 above the first and second seat portion/rear frame portion abutment surfaces 72 and 74, the folding bicycle 1 can be folded from the use position (Fig. 1). When the storage position (Fig. 6) is reached, the seat portion 16 and the rear frame portion 14 are folded upward toward each other. The drive link 18 has a first φ end portion 76 that is pivotally coupled to the front frame portion 12 and a second end portion 78 that is pivotally coupled to the seat portion 16. As a result, 'when the current frame portion 1 2 and the rear frame portion 14 are aligned toward each other', the front frame portion 14 drives the drive link 18 rearward, and the drive link 18 drives the seat again. The portion 16' is configured to pivot the seat portion 16 about the pivotal connection portion 7 1 and to fold relative to the rear frame portion 14. When the folding bicycle 10 is stacked to the storage position (Fig. 6) and is oriented substantially upright with the wheels 22 and 24 on the ground, the seat portion 16 extends substantially or substantially upright. As a result, the seat -12-201029877 70b can be used as a handle to guide the folded folding bicycle 10 by the handle when the folded folding bicycle 1 is pushed along the ground. The drive link 18, the seat portion 16, the front frame portion 1, and the rear frame portion 1 4 together form a four-bar linkage 80. The front frame portion 12 can be regarded as the first link, the rear frame portion 14 can be regarded as the second link, and the seat portion 16 can be regarded as the third link, and the drive link The rod 18 can be regarded as a fourth joint rod. Referring to Figures 1 and 8, the locking device 26 locks the front frame portion 12, the rear frame portion 14 and the seat portion 16 in the use position. The locking device 26 can act by locking the two pivotally connectable links of the four-bar linkage 80 relative to each other, thus also locking the other two of the four-bar linkages 80 The relative position of the connecting rod. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device 26 locks the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14 relative to one another. Instead of locking the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14, the locking device 26 can also directly lock other mutually pivotally connected links relative to each other, such as locking the rear frame portion 14 and the seat portion. 1 6 The locking device 26 can be any suitable type of locking device. The locking device 26 can include a first arm 82 and a second arm 84 (Fig. 9). The first arm 82 has a first end that is pivotally coupled to the front top tube member 28. The second arm 84 has a first end pivotally coupled to the rear top tube member 46. The first arm 82 and the second arm 84 each have a second end portion and are pivotally coupled to each other at their respective second ends. The second arm 84 has a locking tab engaging surface 86 for engaging a locking tab (locking - 13 - 201029877 tab ) 8 8 (Fig. 8) on the front jacking member 28. The locking tab 88 is resilient to allow the locking tab engagement surface 86 to move past the locking tab 88 and the locking tab 88 is biased toward the closed position to capture the locking tab engagement surface 86 and thus the front The rear jacking members 28 and 46 are locked in the abutment state, thereby locking the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14, which in turn locks the four-bar linkage 80 in the use position. The locking tab 88 can be biased toward its locked position such that the locking tab 88 is positioned in the locked position to lock the second arm 84 in the position of use. • A handle 90 is provided on the rear top tube member 46 for gripping by the user when the bicycle 10 is folded into the storage position, and for carrying and lifting the folded bicycle 10 when needed. The handle 90 is oriented to exit the centerline of the rear jacking member 46 such that the handle 90 does not interfere with the movement of the seat portion 16 toward the rear jacking member 46. The folding of the bicycle 10 is progressively shown in Figures 1 to 6.
爲摺疊車把部份20，使用者可將車把部份20解鎖（圖2 )’並且將車把部份20翻摺至其儲存位置（圖6及7) ， Q 使得車把部份2 0被車把部份扣持構件44扣持成爲與前車 架部份12並排（圖6 )。爲摺疊前及後車架部份12及14 以及座椅部份16，使用者可用一手握持手柄90，並且可 使用另一手將鎖定舌片88解鎖（圖3)。一旦鎖定舌片 88解鎖’使用者就可在手柄90上向上拉動以啓動前及後 車架部份12及14的摺疊。參考圖4，當前及後車架部份 12及〗4朝向彼此摺疊時，驅動連桿18驅動座椅部份16 以使座椅部份16繞樞轉連接部71旋轉。參考圖5，當使 -14 - 201029877 用者將後頂管元件46抬起至直立定向時，前車架部份1 2 在其本身的重量下朝向摺疊位置向下擺動，使得前車輪22 於摺疊位置被定位成爲大致上或實質上與後車輪24並排 (圖6)，而輪轂66與輪轂68處於接近對準但是較佳地 未完全對準的狀態。前車架部份1 2從圖5所示的位置的 移動將座椅部份1 6驅動至座椅部份1 6大致上與後頂管元 件46平行且疊靠後頂管元件46的位置，且因此使得座椅 Φ部份16處於大致上或實質上直立的定向。屆時，摺疊式 自行車10便處於儲存位置。使用者可藉著以一手放在座 椅7 0b上以引導自行車10而將摺疊式自行車10藉由其後 車輪24進行推移。可設置儲存位置鎖定裝置，以將自行 車1 〇鎖定於儲存位置。儲存位置鎖定裝置可爲鎖定裝置 2 6，其可例如形成及建構爲於相應於自行車1 0的使用位 置及儲存位置的兩個分開的位置鎖定。舉例而言，鎖定裝 置26可設置有第二鎖定舌片（未顯示），以在自行車10 ® 達到其儲存位置時捕捉擺動經過第二鎖定舌片的第一臂82 及第二臂84中的一個。或者，儲存位置鎖定裝置可爲分 開的鎖定裝置。 爲將自行車1 〇從儲存位置展開至使用位置，如果設 置有儲存位置鎖定裝置，則使用者在握持在座椅70b上的 情況下將儲存位置鎖定裝置解鎖。前及後車架部份12及 14會在其本身的重量下展開，並且會移動至其使用位置。 此是藉著摺疊式自行車1 0的各特徵的組合而達成。此種 特徵中的一個爲前及後車架部份12及14可從其儲存位置 -15- 201029877 繞樞轉軸線Afr向上摺疊至其使用位置。此種特徵的另一 個爲樞轉軸線A fr被水平地定位在前車輪與後車輪之間。 另外，與前車輪22相關聯的組件的重量，亦即前車架部 份12、車把部份20、及驅動連桿18的第一部份的重量， 具有位在前車輪22的旋轉軸線的後側的第一組合質量中 心。另外，與後車輪24相關聯的組件的重量，亦即後車 架部份1 4、座椅部份1 6、及驅動連桿1 8的第二部份的重 量，具有位在後車輪24的旋轉軸線的前側的第二組合質 @ 量中心。這些特徵的組合在從自行車10的儲存位置至使 用位置的實質上所有展開過程或路徑中徹頭徹尾地呈現。 結果，於上述的所有展開過程或路徑的全部期間，摺疊式 自行車10的元件的重量及組態均驅策前及後車架部份12 及14朝向其使用位置向上摺疊。 一旦前及後車架部份12及14達成其使用位置，鎖定 裝置26就將二者鎖定於使用位置。車把部份20可被升高 至其使用位置，並且被車把鎖定裝置42鎖定於使用位置。 @ 應注意甚至是在鎖定裝置26由於某些原因（例如， 鎖定裝置26的一或多個組件受損）而無法鎖定於使用位 置的情況中，如果必要，還是可以騎摺疊式自行車1 0。原 因之一在於座椅70b上的騎車者的重量在座椅部份16上 產生力矩，而此力矩將座椅部份16驅策於打開方向（圖1 所示的視圖中的順時針方向），此抑制座椅部份1 6被摺 疊（亦即，抑制座椅部份1 6於圖1所示的視圖中的逆時 針方向旋轉）。由於座椅部份1 6被固持於其使用位置（ -16- 201029877 顯示在圖1中），因此四桿連桿組80被固持於其使用位 置（顯示在圖1中）。 如果纜線操作式卡鉗制動器（未顯示）被設置於自行 車10，則纜線（未顯示）可被配置及在路徑上被安排成爲 使得纜線具有充分的長度，以防止在摺疊或展開自行車1 0 時必須拆接纜線。或者，可設置其他類型的制動器，例如 倒輪制動器（coaster brake )，以不需在摺疊或展開自行 φ車1 0時進行任何的拆卸或重新組裝。 此處所述的自行車10可成爲完整的單元販售，或是 自行車車架27可被販售而不帶有前及後車輪22及24以 及視情況而定的選定的其他組件，如果是已預期車輪22 及24以及任何此種其他的組件可由中間商或終端使用者 提供。 雖然以上的敘述涵蓋本發明的多個實施例，但是應可 瞭解在不離開附隨的申請專利範圔的應當有的意義之下， ® 本發明可有另外的修正及改變。 【圖式簡單說明】 圖1爲根據本發明的實施例的處於使用位置的摺疊式 自行車的立體圖。 圖2爲圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的立體圖’顯示車把 部份處於部份地摺疊的位置。 圖3爲圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的立體圖’顯示車把 部份處於部份地摺疊的位置，並且顯示前車架部份與後車 -17- 201029877 架部份彼此解鎖。 圖4爲圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的立體圖’顯示車把 部份處於進一步摺疊的位置，並且顯示前車架部份與後車 架部份處於部份地摺疊的位置。 圖5爲圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的立體圖，顯示車把 部份處於進一步摺疊的位置，並且顯示前車架部份與後車 架部份處於進一步摺疊的位置。 圖6爲圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的立體圖，顯示車把 @ 部份處於摺疊位置，並且顯示前車架部份與後車架部份處 於摺疊位置。 圖7爲從圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的另一觀察點的立 體圖’顯示車把部份處於摺疊位置，並且顯示前車架部份 與後車架部份處於摺疊位置。 圖8爲成爲圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的一部份的鎖定 裝置的放大立體圖’顯示鎖定裝置於使用位置被鎖定。 圖9爲成爲圖1所示的摺疊式自行車的一部份的鎖定 φ 裝置的放大立體圖’顯示於儲存位置時的鎖定裝置。 圖10爲圖8所示的鎖定裝置的一部份的立體圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 1 〇 :摺疊式自行車 1 2 :前車架部份 14 :後車架部份 1 6 :座椅部份 -18- 201029877 1 8 :驅動連桿 2 〇 :車把部份 22 :前車輪 2 4 :後車輪 26 :鎖定裝置 2 7 :摺疊式自行車車架 28 _·前頂管元件 _ 3 0 :頭管 32 :前叉架 3 4 :柱底座 3 6 :車把柱 3 8 :車把部份鉸鏈 4 0 :車把 42 :車把鎖定裝置 44 :車把部份扣持構件 .4 6 :後頂管元件 4 8 :後三角架 49 :樞轉連接部 50 :下表面 52 :下表面 54:第一前/後頂管抵靠表面 5 6 :第二前/後頂管抵靠表面 5 8 :上表面 60 :上表面 -19 - 201029877 62 :力矩 64 :力矩 6 6 :輪轂 6 8 :輪殺 6 9 :座椅支柱 7 〇 :座椅總成 7 0 a :椅柱 70b :座椅 _ 7 1 :樞轉連接部 72 :第一座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面 74 :第二座椅部份/後車架部份抵靠表面 76 :第一端部 7 8 :第二端部 8 0 :四桿連桿組 82 :第一臂 84 :第二臂 參 8 6 '·鎖定舌片接合表面 8 8 ·_鎖定舌片 90 :手柄To fold the handlebar portion 20, the user can unlock the handlebar portion 20 (Fig. 2)' and fold the handlebar portion 20 to its storage position (Figs. 6 and 7), Q making the handlebar portion 2 0 is held by the handlebar portion of the latching member 44 in parallel with the front frame portion 12 (Fig. 6). To fold the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14 and the seat portion 16, the user can hold the handle 90 with one hand and unlock the locking tab 88 with the other hand (Fig. 3). Once the locking tab 88 is unlocked, the user can pull up on the handle 90 to initiate folding of the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14. Referring to Figure 4, when the front and rear frame portions 12 and 4 are folded toward each other, the drive link 18 drives the seat portion 16 to rotate the seat portion 16 about the pivotal connection 71. Referring to Figure 5, when the user of -14, 290, 877 lifts the rear jacking member 46 to the upright orientation, the front frame portion 1 2 swings downwardly toward the folded position under its own weight such that the front wheel 22 is The folded position is positioned substantially or substantially parallel to the rear wheel 24 (Fig. 6), while the hub 66 and the hub 68 are in close proximity but preferably not fully aligned. The movement of the front frame portion 12 from the position shown in Figure 5 drives the seat portion 16 to the position of the seat portion 16 substantially parallel to the rear top tube member 46 and against the rear tube member 46. And thus the seat Φ portion 16 is in a substantially or substantially upright orientation. At that time, the folding bicycle 10 is in the storage position. The user can push the folding bicycle 10 by the rear wheel 24 by placing the hand on the seat 70b to guide the bicycle 10. A storage position locking device can be provided to lock the bicycle 1 于 to the storage position. The storage position locking device can be a locking device 2 6, which can be formed and constructed, for example, to be locked in two separate positions corresponding to the use position and storage position of the bicycle 10. For example, the locking device 26 can be provided with a second locking tab (not shown) to capture the first arm 82 and the second arm 84 that oscillate past the second locking tab when the bicycle 10® reaches its storage position. One. Alternatively, the storage position locking device can be a separate locking device. To deploy the bicycle 1 〇 from the storage position to the use position, if the storage position locking device is provided, the user unlocks the storage position locking device while holding the seat 70b. The front and rear frame sections 12 and 14 will unfold under their own weight and will move to their position of use. This is achieved by a combination of the features of the folding bicycle 10 . One such feature is that the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14 can be folded up from their storage position -15-201029877 about the pivot axis Afr to their position of use. Another feature of this feature is that the pivot axis A fr is positioned horizontally between the front and rear wheels. Additionally, the weight of the components associated with the front wheel 22, that is, the weight of the front frame portion 12, the handlebar portion 20, and the first portion of the drive link 18, has an axis of rotation that is located on the front wheel 22. The first combined mass center on the back side. In addition, the weight of the assembly associated with the rear wheel 24, that is, the weight of the rear frame portion 14 , the seat portion 16 , and the second portion of the drive link 18 , has a position on the rear wheel 24 . The second combined mass @ quantity center of the front side of the axis of rotation. The combination of these features is presented in abundance throughout virtually all deployment processes or paths from the storage location of the bicycle 10 to the location of use. As a result, the weight and configuration of the components of the folding bicycle 10 during the entire deployment process or path described above urges the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14 to fold upward toward their use position. Once the front and rear frame portions 12 and 14 reach their position of use, the locking device 26 locks the two in the use position. The handlebar portion 20 can be raised to its position of use and locked by the handlebar locking device 42 in the use position. @ It should be noted that even in the event that the locking device 26 cannot be locked in the use position for some reason (e.g., one or more components of the locking device 26 are damaged), the folding bicycle 10 can be rided if necessary. One of the reasons is that the weight of the rider on the seat 70b produces a moment on the seat portion 16, which urges the seat portion 16 in the opening direction (clockwise in the view shown in Figure 1). This inhibits the seat portion 16 from being folded (i.e., inhibits the seat portion 16 from rotating counterclockwise in the view shown in Fig. 1). Since the seat portion 16 is held in its use position (-16-201029877 is shown in Fig. 1), the four-bar linkage 80 is held in its use position (shown in Fig. 1). If a cable operated caliper brake (not shown) is provided to the bicycle 10, a cable (not shown) can be configured and arranged on the path such that the cable has sufficient length to prevent folding or unfolding of the bicycle 1 The cable must be disconnected when 0. Alternatively, other types of brakes, such as a coaster brake, can be provided to eliminate any disassembly or reassembly when folding or unfolding the self-propelled vehicle. The bicycle 10 described herein can be sold as a complete unit, or the bicycle frame 27 can be sold without the front and rear wheels 22 and 24, as well as selected other components as appropriate, if It is contemplated that wheels 22 and 24, as well as any such other components, may be provided by an intermediary or end user. While the above description covers various embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention may be modified and changed without departing from the scope of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a folding bicycle in a use position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the folding bicycle of Figure 1 showing the handlebar portion in a partially folded position. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the folding bicycle of Figure 1 showing the handlebar portion in a partially folded position and showing that the front frame portion and the rear vehicle portion -17-201029877 are partially unlocked from each other. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the folding bicycle of Figure 1 showing the handlebar portion in a further folded position and showing the front frame portion and the rear frame portion in a partially folded position. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the folding bicycle of Figure 1 showing the handlebar portion in a further folded position and showing the front frame portion and the rear frame portion in a further folded position. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the folding bicycle of Figure 1 showing the handlebar@ portion in a folded position and showing the front frame portion and the rear frame portion in a folded position. Figure 7 is a perspective view of another perspective view from the folding bicycle of Figure 1 showing the handlebar portion in a folded position and showing the front frame portion and the rear frame portion in a folded position. Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking device which is part of the folding bicycle shown in Fig. 1. The display locking device is locked in the use position. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the locking device of the locking φ device which is a part of the folding bicycle shown in Fig. 1 when it is displayed in the storage position. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the locking device shown in Figure 8. [Main component symbol description] 1 〇: Folding bicycle 1 2 : Front frame part 14 : Rear frame part 1 6 : Seat part -18- 201029877 1 8 : Drive connecting rod 2 〇: handlebar part Part 22: Front wheel 2 4: Rear wheel 26: Locking device 2 7 : Folding bicycle frame 28 _· Front top tube element _ 3 0 : Head tube 32: Front fork frame 3 4: Column base 3 6 : Handlebar Column 3 8 : handlebar part hinge 40: handlebar 42: handlebar locking device 44: handlebar part holding member. 4 6: rear jacking element 4 8: rear tripod 49: pivotal connection 50 Lower surface 52: lower surface 54: first front/rear top tube abutment surface 5 6 : second front/rear top tube abutment surface 5 8 : upper surface 60 : upper surface -19 - 201029877 62 : moment 64 : Torque 6 6 : Hub 6 8 : Wheel 6 9 : Seat strut 7 〇: Seat assembly 7 0 a : Seat column 70b : Seat _ 7 1 : Pivot connection 72 : First seat part / Rear frame portion abutment surface 74: second seat portion/rear frame portion abutment surface 76: first end portion 7 8 : second end portion 80: four-bar linkage group 82: first Arm 84: second arm stalk 8 6 '·locking tongue engaging surface 8 8 · _ locking tongue 90 : hand handle
Afr :頂管元件樞轉軸線 Ahph :樞轉軸線 Along :縱向軸線 A s p :座椅部份樞轉軸線 A t r a n s :橫向軸線 -20-Afr: jacking element pivot axis Ahph: pivot axis Along: longitudinal axis A s p : seat part pivot axis A t r a n s : transverse axis -20-