Patent Description:
As for a tool for riding instead of walk such as a scooter, a handlebar and a scooter body are generally arranged to be foldable relative to each other. However, in the related art, the handlebar needs to be locked manually and cannot be locked automatically when the handlebar and the car body are unfolded. As a result, operations become complicated, and the handlebar has a risk of getting loosened easily by accident after being locked manually, leading to low safety.

<CIT> discloses the preamble of claim <NUM> and relates to an electric scooter which is provided with a damping structure provided with a damping assembly and a front-end damping spring; a folding mechanism which comprises a foldable structure, a male buckle structure and a female buckle structure; a sealing structure of a transverse handle which comprises an annular groove, a sealing ring is arranged in the annular groove, wire groove sealing strips are arranged on the transverse handle on the two sides of the forehead box, one end of each wire groove sealing strip is installed in a wiring groove in an installation hole, and the other end of each wire groove sealing strip is installed on an electrical element on the transverse handle.

<CIT> provides a folding joint and bicycle thereof, folding joint includes box leaf, lower box leaf, latch segment and quick detach handle, go up the box leaf with one side of lower box leaf through the pin j oint of pin joint axle together, the one end pin joint of latch segment is in go up the box leaf perhaps on the lower box leaf, the latch segment sets up relative one side of pin joint axle, the quick detach handle can swingingly set up go up the box leaf perhaps on the lower box leaf, be used for driving the latch segment swing, and then be in the same place the lock go up the box leaf with the locking is perhaps relieved in lower box of leaf locking.

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art to some extent.

The present invention is defined in the independent claim <NUM>, and preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. Any embodiment mentioned below that does not fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by independent claim <NUM> should be regarded as an example for understanding the present invention.

For this end, embodiments of a first aspect of the present invention propose a handlebar foldable mechanism. The handlebar foldable mechanism has the advantages that the mechanism can be automatically locked in an unfolded state and the mechanism does not tend to get loosened by accident after being locked.

Embodiments of a second aspect of the present invention further propose a tool for riding instead of walk.

The handlebar foldable mechanism according to the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention includes a base, a stem, a first locking assembly, a lever and a second locking assembly. The base is provided with a first snapping groove, the stem is connected to the base and is pivotable between an unfolded position and a folded position, the first locking assembly is pivotably connected to the stem and is configured to be engaged with the first snapping groove when the stem is pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position, the lever is pivotably connected with the base, the second locking assembly is mounted to the lever, and the second locking assembly is configured to be connected to at least one of the base and the stem when the stem is at the unfolded position.

According to the handlebar foldable mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the first locking assembly can be automatically engaged into the first snapping groove of the base when the stem is pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position, so that the stem can be locked, the relative fixation of the stem and the base in an unfolded state can be realized and the stem does not need to be locked by manual operations. Therefore, the stem can be locked conveniently. In addition, when the stem is pivoted to the unfolded position, the lever can be pivoted relative to the base, so that the first locking assembly can be further engaged into the first snapping groove and the stem can be further locked. The lever can be locked by the second locking assembly, so that the lever is prevented from being pivoted and thus the first locking assembly can be limited. In this way, the first locking assembly can be effectively prevented from being separated from the first snapping groove by accident, which otherwise will lead to folding of the stem, so that safety is enhanced.

According to the invention, the first locking assembly includes a tensioning rod and a first snap, the first snap is connected to the tensioning rod, the first snap is pivotably connected to the stem, and the tensioning rod is pivotably connected to the lever.

In some embodiments, the tensioning rod is provided with a cam cavity, a cam is arranged to a first end of the lever, the cam is pivotably connected to the base by a first pivot and arranged eccentrically relative to a central axis of the first pivot, and the cam is fitted in the cam cavity.

According to the invention, the first locking assembly further includes a threaded sleeve and a first bolt, an end of the tensioning rod is provided with external threads, the end of the tensioning rod is threadedly fitted in the threaded sleeve, the first snap is provided with a snap through hole, and the first bolt passes through the snap through hole to be threadedly fitted with the threaded sleeve.

According to the invention, the first locking assembly further includes a first spring, a step is arranged in the snap through hole, the first spring is arranged in the snap through hole, a first end of the first spring abuts against the first bolt, and a second end of the first spring abuts against the step.

In some embodiments, the first locking assembly further includes an adjusting nut, the adjusting nut is threadedly fitted with the tensioning rod and located on a side, away from the first snap, of the threaded sleeve.

In some embodiments, the second locking assembly includes a second snap and a second spring, the lever is provided with a slot, the stem is provided with a second snapping groove, the second snap is mounted to the lever and movable along the slot to be engaged into and separated from the second snap, the second spring is arranged in the slot, a first end of the second spring abuts against a wall of the slot, and a second end of the second spring abuts against the second snap.

In some embodiments, the second locking assembly further includes a slide knob, the slot is a through slot, the second snap is arranged on a first side of the slot, the slide knob is arranged on a second side of the slot and opposite to the second snap, and the second snap is connected to the slide knob.

In some embodiments, the slide knob includes a first abutting part, the first locking assembly includes a first limiting part, and the first limiting part is configured to be engaged with the first abutting part when the lever is pivoted to a preset position along a direction running away from the stem.

In some embodiments, the slide knob includes a second abutting part, the base is provided a second limiting part, and the second limiting part is configured to be engaged with the second abutting part when the lever is pivoted to a preset position along a direction running away from the stem.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism further includes a third snap, the third snap is mounted to the stem, and the second snapping groove is formed in the third snap.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism further includes a half-round head screw, the half-round head screw is mounted to the stem and a half-round head of the half-round head screw is spaced from the stem, and the second snapping groove is formed between the half-round head of the half-round head screw and the stem.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism further includes a limiting elastic member, a first end of the limiting elastic member is connected to the stem, and a second end of the limiting elastic member is configured to abut against the lever when the lever is pivoted to a preset position along a direction running away from the stem.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism further includes a lower connector, the lower connector is fixed to a lower end of the stem, the stem is pivotably connected to the base by the lower connector, and the stem is pivotably connected to the first locking assembly by the lower connector.

The tool for riding instead of walk according to the embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention includes the handlebar foldable mechanism in any one of the above embodiments.

In the tool for riding instead of walk according to the embodiments of the present invention, the stem can be automatically locked by the first snap when switched from the folded position to the unfolded position, and the stem can be further locked through pivoting the lever. At least two steps of operations are needed when the stem is pivoted from the unfolded position to the folded position, so that the stem is prevented from being switched by accident from the unfolded position to a folded state, and safety is enhanced.

In some embodiments, the tool for riding instead of walk is a scooter.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with examples of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments to be described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and aim to give explanations over the present invention, but should not be deemed to limit the present invention.

A handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present invention includes a base <NUM>, a stem <NUM>, a first locking assembly <NUM>, a lever <NUM> and a second locking assembly <NUM>. The base <NUM> is provided with a first snapping groove <NUM>, the stem <NUM> is connected to the base <NUM> and is pivotable relative to the base <NUM> between an unfolded position and a folded position. The first locking assembly <NUM> is pivotably connected to the stem <NUM>, and the first locking assembly <NUM> is engaged with the first snapping groove <NUM> when the stem <NUM> is pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position.

As shown in <FIG>, the stem <NUM> is erect at the unfolded position, a right portion of a lower end of the stem <NUM> is pivotably connected to a right portion of an upper end of the base <NUM>, the first locking assembly <NUM> is pivotably connected to a left portion of the lower end of the stem <NUM>, and the first snapping groove <NUM> with a leftward opening is formed in a left side of the base <NUM>. When the stem <NUM> is at the unfolded position, the first locking assembly <NUM> can be automatically engaged with the first snapping groove <NUM>, so that relative fixation of the stem <NUM> and the base <NUM> at the unfolded position is realized.

The lever <NUM> is pivotably connected to the base <NUM> and configured to lock the first locking assembly <NUM> in the first snapping groove <NUM> and to separate the first locking assembly <NUM> from the first snapping groove <NUM>. The second locking assembly <NUM> is mounted to the lever <NUM>, and the second locking assembly <NUM> can be connected to at least one of the base <NUM> and the stem <NUM> when the stem <NUM> is at the unfolded position, so that the lever <NUM> can be locked at the unfolded position and thus the pivoting of the lever <NUM> can be prevented.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lever <NUM> can be rotated along a direction relative to the base <NUM>, so that the first locking assembly <NUM> can be further engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM>. The lever <NUM> can also be rotated along an opposite direction relative to the base <NUM>, so that the first locking assembly <NUM> can be moved away from the first snapping groove <NUM> and can finally be separated from the first snapping groove <NUM>. After the first locking assembly <NUM> is further engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM>, the second locking assembly <NUM> can be connected to the base <NUM>, or can be connected to the stem <NUM>, or can be connected to the base <NUM> and the stem <NUM> at the same time, so that the lever <NUM> can be locked, and the lever <NUM> is prevented from being rotated by accident, which otherwise will cause the first locking assembly <NUM> to be separated from the first snapping groove <NUM>.

According to the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the first locking assembly <NUM> can be automatically engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM> of the base <NUM> when the stem <NUM> is pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position, so that the stem <NUM> can be locked, the relative fixation of the stem <NUM> and the base <NUM> in an unfolded state can be realized and the stem <NUM> does not need to be locked by manual operations. Therefore, the stem <NUM> can be locked conveniently. In addition, when the stem <NUM> is pivoted to the unfolded position, the lever <NUM> can be pivoted relative to the base <NUM>, so that the first locking assembly <NUM> can be further engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM> and the stem <NUM> can be further locked. The lever <NUM> can be locked by the second locking assembly <NUM>, so that the lever <NUM> is prevented from being pivoted by accident and thus the first locking assembly <NUM> can be limited. In this way, the first locking assembly <NUM> can be effectively prevented from being separated from the first snapping groove <NUM> by accident, which otherwise will lead to folding of the stem <NUM>, so that safety is enhanced.

For easy understanding, an arrow A in <FIG> indicates a left-right direction of the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM>, and an arrow B in <FIG> indicates an up-down direction of the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first locking assembly <NUM> includes a tensioning rod <NUM> and a first snap <NUM>, the first snap <NUM> is connected to the tensioning rod <NUM>, the first snap <NUM> is pivotably connected to the stem <NUM>, and the tensioning rod <NUM> is pivotably connected to the lever <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, an upper section of the first snap <NUM> is pivotably connected to the lower end of the stem <NUM> by a second pivot, a middle section of the first snap <NUM> is connected to the tensioning rod <NUM>, and a lower section of the first snap <NUM> is configured to be engaged with the first snapping groove <NUM> having the leftward opening. At the unfolded position, when the lever <NUM> is rotated anticlockwise relative to the base <NUM>, the tensioning rod <NUM> can be driven to move rightwards and thus the first snap <NUM> can be driven to rotate anticlockwise relative to the stem <NUM>. Therefore, the lower section of the first snap <NUM> is further engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM>. In this way, the stable fit between the first snap <NUM> and the first snapping groove <NUM> is further ensured, and locking effects between the stem <NUM> and the base <NUM> are better.

In some embodiments, the tensioning rod <NUM> is provided with a cam cavity <NUM>, a cam <NUM> is arranged to a first end of the lever <NUM>, the cam <NUM> is pivotably connected to the base <NUM> by a first pivot <NUM>, the cam <NUM> is arranged eccentrically relative to a central axis of the first pivot <NUM>, and the cam <NUM> is fitted in the cam cavity <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stem <NUM>, the base <NUM> and the cam <NUM> are pivotably connected with one another by the first pivot <NUM>, a first connecting arm <NUM> and a second connecting arm <NUM> are arranged to a lower end of the lever <NUM>, the first connecting arm <NUM> and the second connecting arm <NUM> are spaced in a width direction of the lever <NUM>, and the first connecting arm <NUM> and the second connecting arm <NUM> are provided with a first insertion hole <NUM> and a second insertion hole <NUM> into which the cam <NUM> is configured to be inserted and fitted respectively. A right end of the tensioning rod <NUM> is inserted between the first connecting arm <NUM> and the second connecting arm <NUM>, and the cam <NUM> passes through the first insertion hole <NUM>, the cam cavity <NUM> and the second insertion hole <NUM> to complete the pivotable connection of the tensioning rod <NUM> and the lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is pivoted on the first pivot <NUM> by the cam <NUM>, and the cam <NUM> is arranged eccentrically relative to the central axis of the first pivot <NUM>.

In this way, when the lever <NUM> is rotated anticlockwise relative to the stem <NUM> (rotating towards the stem <NUM>), a relative rotation happens between the lever <NUM> and the tensioning rod <NUM>, the tensioning rod <NUM> moves roughly rightwards under the fit of the cam <NUM> and the cam cavity <NUM>, and thus the lower section of the first snap <NUM> is pulled to move roughly rightwards together, so that the lower section of the first snap <NUM> is further engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM>. Vice versa, when the lever <NUM> is rotated clockwise relative to the stem <NUM> (rotating away from the stem <NUM>), the tensioning rod <NUM> moves roughly leftwards under the fit of the cam <NUM> and the cam cavity <NUM>, and thus the lower section of the first snap <NUM> is pushed to move roughly leftwards together, so that the lower section of the first snap <NUM> is separated from the first snapping groove <NUM>. In this way, the lever <NUM> can control the first snap <NUM> accurately and flexibly.

In some embodiments, the first locking assembly <NUM> further includes a threaded sleeve <NUM> and a first bolt <NUM>, a second end of the tensioning rod <NUM> is provided with external threads, the second end of the tensioning rod <NUM> is threadedly fitted in the threaded sleeve <NUM>, the first snap <NUM> is provided with a snap through hole <NUM>, and the first bolt <NUM> passes through the snap through hole <NUM> to be threadedly fitted with the threaded sleeve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first bolt <NUM> passes through the snap through hole <NUM> and is threadedly fitted in a left end of the threaded sleeve <NUM>, a nut of the first bolt <NUM> abuts against a left side face of the first snap <NUM>, and a left end of the tensioning rod <NUM> is threadedly fitted in a right end of the threaded sleeve <NUM>. In this way, by adjusting a length of a part of the first bolt <NUM> screwed into the threaded sleeve <NUM> and/or adjusting a length of a part of the tensioning rod <NUM> screwed into the threaded sleeve <NUM>, a distance between the first snap <NUM> and the first pivot <NUM> can be adjusted, and thus the degree of locking between the first snap <NUM> and the first snapping groove <NUM> can thus be adjusted.

In some embodiments, the first locking assembly <NUM> further includes a first spring <NUM>, a step <NUM> is arranged in the snap through hole <NUM>, the first spring <NUM> is arranged in the snap through hole <NUM>, a first end of the first spring <NUM> abuts against the first bolt <NUM>, and a second end of the first spring <NUM> abuts against the step <NUM> so as to press the first snap <NUM> towards the threaded sleeve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first spring <NUM> is fitted over the first bolt <NUM>, a left end of the first spring <NUM> abuts against the nut of the first bolt <NUM>, a right end of the first spring <NUM> abuts against the step <NUM> of the first snap <NUM>, and the first spring <NUM> keeps pushing the first snap <NUM> to rotate anticlockwise relative to the stem <NUM>. In a process of the stem <NUM> being pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position, the first snap <NUM> first abuts with the base <NUM> and then slides relative to the base <NUM>, so that the first snap <NUM> is pushed to rotate clockwise relative to the stem <NUM>, till that the first snap <NUM> is pushed by the first spring <NUM> to enter the first snapping groove <NUM> when the lower section of the first snap <NUM> faces the first snapping groove <NUM>. In this way, when the stem <NUM> is pivoted to the unfolded position, the first snap <NUM> is automatically engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM> under the action of the first spring <NUM>, so that manual operations are not needed, and the stem <NUM> can be locked more conveniently. In addition, under the action of the first spring <NUM>, the first snap <NUM> generally will not be moved relative to the base <NUM> after being engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM> and thus noise is not generated.

In some embodiments, the first locking assembly <NUM> further includes an adjusting nut <NUM>, the adjusting nut <NUM> is threadedly fitted with the tensioning rod <NUM> and located on a side, away from the first snap <NUM>, of the threaded sleeve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the adjusting nut <NUM> abuts against a right end face of the threaded sleeve <NUM>, so that the left end of the tensioning rod <NUM> is effectively prevented from being screwed out of the threaded sleeve <NUM> by accident, which otherwise will cause the engagement between the first snap <NUM> and the first snapping groove <NUM> to be loosen or even cause separation between the first snap <NUM> and the first snapping groove <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second locking assembly <NUM> includes a second snap <NUM> and a second spring <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is provided with a slot <NUM>, the stem <NUM> is provided with a second snapping groove <NUM>, the second snap <NUM> is mounted to the lever <NUM> and movable along the slot <NUM> to be engaged into and separated from the second snapping groove <NUM>, the second spring <NUM> is arranged in the slot <NUM>, a first end of the second spring <NUM> abuts against a wall of the slot <NUM>, and a second end of the second spring <NUM> abuts against the second snap <NUM>, so that the second snap <NUM> is pressed in a direction of being engaged into the second snapping groove <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a length direction of the slot <NUM> is roughly consistent with a length direction of the lever <NUM>, and the second snap <NUM> is slidably fitted to an inner side (a side facing the stem <NUM>) of the lever <NUM>. A part of the second snap <NUM> is movably received in the slot <NUM>. The second snapping groove <NUM> in the stem <NUM> has an upward opening, the first end of the second spring <NUM> abuts against a downward end wall of the slot <NUM>, the second end of the second spring <NUM> abuts against an upper side face of the second snap <NUM>, and the second spring <NUM> keeps pushing the second snap <NUM> to move downwards. At the unfolded position, when the lever <NUM> is rotated anticlockwise relative to the stem <NUM> to make the first snap <NUM> continue moving to be engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM>, the second snap <NUM> first abuts with the stem <NUM> and then the second snap <NUM> slides relative to the stem <NUM>, so that the second snap <NUM> is pushed to move upwards, till that the second snap <NUM> faces the second snapping groove <NUM>, and the second snap <NUM> is pushed by the second spring <NUM> to enter the second snapping groove <NUM>. In this way, the second snap <NUM> can be automatically engaged into the second snapping groove <NUM> under the action of the second spring <NUM>, and the lever <NUM> can be locked without manual operations.

It should be noted that after the second snap <NUM> and the second snapping groove <NUM> are engaged, the lever <NUM> is roughly erect. At this moment, the cam mechanism is located at a dead point position. Even if the second snap <NUM> is separated from the second snapping groove <NUM> by mistake, the lever <NUM> will not rotate anticlockwise relative to the stem <NUM> without being subject to an external force, so that the risk that the first snap <NUM> is separated out of the first snapping groove <NUM> by accident can be further reduced.

In some embodiments, the second locking assembly <NUM> further includes a slide knob <NUM>, the slot <NUM> is a through slot, the second snap <NUM> is arranged on a first side of the slot <NUM>, the slide knob <NUM> is arranged on a second side of the slot <NUM> and opposite to the second snap <NUM>, and the second snap <NUM> is connected to the slide knob <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the slide knob <NUM> is located on an outer side of the lever <NUM> (a side, facing away from the stem <NUM>, of the lever <NUM>) and a part of the slide knob <NUM> passes through the slot <NUM> and is connected to the second snap <NUM> by a second bolt <NUM>. At this moment, the second end of the second spring <NUM> abuts against an upper side face of the slide knob <NUM>. In this way, after the second snap <NUM> is engaged into the second snapping groove <NUM>, by pushing the slide knob <NUM> upwards, the second snap <NUM> can be driven to be separated from the second snapping groove <NUM>, so that the locking of the lever <NUM> can be relieved.

In some embodiments, the slide knob <NUM> includes a first abutting part <NUM>, the first locking assembly <NUM> includes a first limiting part <NUM>, and the first limiting part <NUM> is engaged with the first abutting part <NUM> when the lever <NUM> is pivoted to a preset position along a direction running away from the stem <NUM>, so that the lever <NUM> is prevented from continuing pivoting from the preset position along the direction running away from the stem <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first abutting part <NUM> is arranged on an end, facing the cam <NUM>, of the slide knob <NUM>, and the first limiting part <NUM> is arranged on the right end of the tensioning rod <NUM>. In a process of the stem <NUM> being pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position, the lever <NUM> first keeps still, an included angle between the stem <NUM> and the lever <NUM> increases gradually, and an included angle between the tensioning rod <NUM> and the lever <NUM> also increases gradually, so that the distance between the first snap <NUM> and the first pivot <NUM> increases gradually, till that the first abutting part <NUM> is engaged with the first limiting part <NUM>, and the lever <NUM> cannot be pivoted clockwise relative to the stem <NUM>. Afterwards, when the stem <NUM> continues pivoting towards the unfolded position, the lever <NUM> is pivoted together with the stem <NUM>, and the angle between the lever <NUM> and the stem <NUM> is kept unchanged. At this moment, the distance between the first snap <NUM> and the first pivot <NUM> is kept unchanged. After the stem <NUM> is pivoted to the unfolded position, the first snap <NUM> is automatically engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM>. In this way, the case that the first snap <NUM> cannot be automatically engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM> when the distance between the first snap <NUM> and the first pivot <NUM> is too long or too short at the unfolded position can be avoided.

When the stem <NUM> needs to be folded, the slide knob <NUM> is pushed upwards at first, so that the second snap <NUM> is separated from the second snapping groove <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is driven to rotate clockwise relative to the stem <NUM> till the first abutting part <NUM> is engaged with the first limiting part <NUM>. At this moment, the first snap <NUM> still keeps engaged with the first snapping groove <NUM>. Afterwards, the slide knob <NUM> is pushed upwards to make the first abutting part <NUM> get separated from the first limiting part <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is driven to continue rotating clockwise relative to the stem <NUM> till the first snap <NUM> is separated out of the first snapping groove <NUM>, and thus the stem <NUM> can be folded. In this way, through the engagement of the first abutting part <NUM> and the first limiting part <NUM>, the stem <NUM> is prevented from being folded forthwith after rotation of the lever <NUM>, and harm brought by the sudden folding of the stem <NUM> to human bodies can be avoided.

It should be noted that the preset position at which the lever <NUM> is located refers to a position when the distance between the first snap <NUM> and the first pivot <NUM> is a preset value. This position may be determined by taking the stem <NUM> as a reference, that is, a position passed by the lever <NUM> when pivoted together with the stem <NUM> can be set as the preset position.

In some embodiments, the slide knob <NUM> includes a second abutting part <NUM>, the base <NUM> is provided a second limiting part <NUM>, and the second limiting part <NUM> is engaged with the second abutting part <NUM> when the lever <NUM> is pivoted to a preset position along the direction running away from the stem <NUM>, so that the lever <NUM> is prevented from continuing pivoting from the preset position along the direction running away from the stem <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second abutting part <NUM> is arranged on an end, facing the cam <NUM>, of the slide knob <NUM> and has a roughly fork-shaped structure, and the second abutting part <NUM> can limit the lever <NUM> at the preset position by being engaged with the second limiting part <NUM> on the base <NUM>. Specifically, effects of engagement of the second abutting part <NUM> and the second limiting part <NUM> are the same with those of engagement of the first abutting part <NUM> and the first limiting part <NUM>, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> further includes a third snap <NUM>, the third snap <NUM> is mounted to the stem <NUM>, and the second snapping groove <NUM> is formed in the third snap <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the third snap <NUM> is fixed to a rightward wall face of the stem <NUM> by a third bolt <NUM>, a protrusion <NUM> extends from a top face of the third snap <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> and the stem <NUM> are spaced in the left-right direction, and the third snap <NUM> defines the second snapping groove <NUM> with the upward opening between the protrusion <NUM> and the stem <NUM>. An outer wall face of the protrusion <NUM> is a slope which can slide relative to the second snap <NUM> and push the second snap <NUM> to slide upwards, so as to sure that the second snap <NUM> can be finally engaged into the second snapping groove <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> further includes a half-round head screw <NUM>, the half-round head screw <NUM> is mounted to the stem <NUM> and a half-round head of the half-round head screw <NUM> is spaced from the stem <NUM>, and the second snapping groove <NUM> is formed between the half-round head of the half-round head screw <NUM> and the stem <NUM>. In this way, an outer end face of the half-round head of the half-round head screw <NUM> can also slide relative to the second snap <NUM> and push the second snap <NUM> to slide upwards, so as to sure that the second snap <NUM> can be finally engaged into the second snapping groove <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> further includes a limiting elastic member, a first end of the limiting elastic member is connected to the stem <NUM>, and a second end of the limiting elastic member abuts against the lever <NUM> when the lever <NUM> is pivoted to the preset position along the direction running away from the stem <NUM>, so that the lever <NUM> is prevented from continuing pivoting from the preset position along the direction running away from the stem <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the limiting elastic member is a leaf spring <NUM>, one end of the leaf spring <NUM> is fixed between the stem <NUM> and the second snap <NUM> by the third bolt <NUM>, and the other end of the leaf spring <NUM> is protruded beyond the lower end of the stem <NUM>. The lower end of the lever <NUM> is provided with a limiting face. When the relative pivoting happens between the lever <NUM> and the stem <NUM>, the other end of the leaf spring <NUM> can abut against the limiting face of the lever <NUM> so as to prevent clockwise rotation of the lever <NUM> relative to the stem <NUM> and thus to limit the lever <NUM> at the preset position. When the stem <NUM> needs to be folded, what should be done is to press the lever <NUM> hard to allow the lever <NUM> to continue rotating clockwise relative to the stem <NUM>, so that the first snap <NUM> can be driven to be separated out of the first snapping groove <NUM>, thus completing the folding of the stem <NUM>. In this way, by limiting the lever <NUM> with the leaf spring <NUM>, the stem <NUM> can be locked automatically when pivoted to the unfolded position, and the harm brought by the sudden folding of the stem <NUM> to human bodies when the stem <NUM> needs to be folded can be avoided.

It should be noted that the limiting elastic member may also be any one of a torsional spring, a compressed spring or a tension spring, as long as it can abut against the lever <NUM> to limit the lever <NUM> at the preset position.

In some embodiments, the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> further includes a lower connector <NUM>, the lower connector <NUM> is fixed to the lower end of the stem <NUM>, the stem <NUM> is pivotably connected to the base <NUM> by the lower connector <NUM>, and the stem <NUM> is pivotably connected to the first locking assembly <NUM> by the lower connector <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower connector <NUM> is fitted in the lower end of the stem <NUM> and they are fixed by a bolt. Both the first pivot <NUM> and the second pivot are fitted to the lower connector <NUM>, and the first snap <NUM> is pivotably connected to the lower connector <NUM> by the second pivot. Both the cam <NUM> of the lever <NUM> and the base <NUM> are pivotably connected to the lower connector <NUM> by the first pivot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second snap <NUM> is also fixed to the lower connector <NUM> by the third bolt <NUM> so as to fix the second snap <NUM> to the stem <NUM>.

It should be noted that, as shown in <FIG>, the lower connector <NUM> can also be fixed with the stem <NUM> by the half-round head screw <NUM>. In this case, the half-round head screw <NUM> forms the second snapping groove <NUM>, and also connects the lower connector <NUM> with the stem <NUM>, so that the structure of the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> is further simplified.

The handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> according to a specific example of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a base <NUM>, a stem <NUM>, a lower connector <NUM>, a first locking assembly <NUM>, a lever <NUM>, a second locking assembly <NUM>, a third snap <NUM> and a leaf spring <NUM>.

The base <NUM> is provided with a first snapping groove <NUM>, the lower connector <NUM> is fitted in a lower end of the stem <NUM> and is fixed by a bolt, and the lower connector <NUM>, the base <NUM> and the lever <NUM> are pivotably connected with one another by a first pivot <NUM>.

The first locking assembly <NUM> includes a first snap <NUM>, a first spring <NUM>, a first bolt <NUM>, a threaded sleeve <NUM>, an adjusting nut <NUM> and a tensioning rod <NUM>, the first snap <NUM> is pivotably connected by a second pivot, the first snap <NUM> is provided with a snap through hole <NUM>, and the first bolt <NUM> passes through the first spring <NUM> and the snap through hole <NUM> in sequence to be fitted with the threaded sleeve <NUM>. The tensioning rod <NUM> is threadedly fitted with an adjusting bolt and the threaded sleeve <NUM> in sequence, and the adjusting bolt abuts against a right end face of the threaded sleeve <NUM>. When the stem is at the unfolded position, the first snap <NUM> is engaged with the first snapping groove <NUM>.

The lower end of the lever <NUM> is provided with a first connecting arm <NUM> and a second connecting arm <NUM> spaced in a width direction, as well as a cam <NUM> inserted and fitted in a first insertion hole <NUM> in the first connecting arm <NUM> and a second insertion hole <NUM> in the second connecting arm <NUM>. A cam cavity <NUM> is formed in the right end of the tensioning rod <NUM>, the right end of the tensioning rod <NUM> is arranged between the first connecting arm <NUM> and the second connecting arm <NUM>. Afterwards, the cam <NUM> passes through the first insertion hole <NUM>, the cam cavity <NUM> and the second insertion hole <NUM>, so as to rotatably connect the tensioning rod <NUM> with the lever <NUM>.

The second locking assembly <NUM> includes a second snap <NUM>, a slide knob <NUM> and a second spring <NUM>, a slot <NUM> is formed in the lever <NUM>, the slot <NUM> is a through slot, the second snap <NUM> is located on a side, facing the stem <NUM>, of the lever <NUM>, the slide knob <NUM> is located on a side, facing away from the stem <NUM>, of the lever <NUM>, and a part of the slide knob <NUM> extends into the slot <NUM> and is connected to the second snap <NUM> by a second bolt <NUM>. A first end of the second spring <NUM> abuts against a downward end wall of the slot <NUM>, and a second end of the second spring <NUM> abuts against the slide knob <NUM>.

The third snap <NUM> is fixed on the lower connector <NUM> by a third bolt <NUM>, the third snap <NUM> forms a second snapping groove <NUM> with an upward opening, and the second snap <NUM> can be engaged with the second snapping groove <NUM>.

The upper end of the leaf spring <NUM> is fixed between the lower connector <NUM> and the third snap <NUM> by the third bolt <NUM>, and the lower end of the lever <NUM> is provided with a limiting face. When the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the stem <NUM> is at the unfolded position and the first locking assembly <NUM> is not locked by the lever <NUM>, the lower face of the leaf spring <NUM> abuts against the limiting face and the lever <NUM> cannot rotate clockwise relative to the stem <NUM> without being subject to an external force.

In the following, an operation process of the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> according to the specific example, which is shown in <FIG>, of the embodiments of the present invention, switching from the folded state to the unfolded state is briefly described.

At first, an operator rotates the stem <NUM> anticlockwise relative to the base <NUM>, the stem <NUM> drives the tensioning rod <NUM> to rotate, the lever <NUM> stands still, the tensioning rod <NUM> is rotated relative to the lever <NUM>, and the distance between the first snap <NUM> and the first pivot <NUM> gradually increases. Till the leaf spring <NUM> under the stem <NUM> abuts against the limiting face of the lever <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is rotated together with the stem <NUM>. At this moment, the distance between the first snap <NUM> and the first pivot <NUM> is kept unchanged. As the stem <NUM> and the lever <NUM> continue rotating, the first snap <NUM> abuts against the base <NUM> and slides relative to the base <NUM>, and the first snap <NUM> is rotated clockwise relative to the lower connector <NUM>, so that the stem <NUM> can smoothly arrive at the unfolded position. After the stem <NUM> arrives at the unfolded position, the first snap <NUM> just faces the first snapping groove <NUM>, and the first spring <NUM> allows the first snap <NUM> to be engaged into the first snapping groove <NUM>, so that the automatic locking of the stem <NUM> and the base <NUM> is completed.

Afterwards, the lever <NUM> is driven to rotate anticlockwise relative to the stem <NUM> and then drives the tensioning rod <NUM> and the first snap <NUM> to move roughly rightwards, so that the first snap <NUM> is further pressed into the first snapping groove <NUM>. Before the lever <NUM> is going to complete the locking of the first locking assembly <NUM>, the second snap <NUM> on the lever <NUM> abuts against and slides relative to the third snap <NUM> on the lower connector <NUM>, and the third snap <NUM> pushes the second snap <NUM> to move upwards. When the lever <NUM> completes the locking of the first locking assembly <NUM>, the second snap <NUM> just faces the second snapping groove <NUM>, the second spring <NUM> pushes the second snap <NUM> into the second snapping groove <NUM>, and the lever <NUM> is locked. In this way, a whole unfolding operation is completed.

A tool for riding instead of walk according to embodiments of a second aspect of the present invention includes the handlebar foldable mechanism <NUM> provided by any of the above embodiments.

According to the tool for riding instead of walk provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the stem <NUM> can be automatically locked by the first snap <NUM> when switched from the folded position to the unfolded position. At least two steps of operations are needed to relieve the locking between the stem <NUM> and the base <NUM>, so that safety is enhanced. In the end, when the stem <NUM> is switched from the unfolded position to the folded position, the stem <NUM> is prevented from falling down suddenly, so as not to bring harm to human bodies.

In some embodiments, the tool for riding instead of walk is a scooter. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may also be a bicycle, a balance car, etc..

It should be understood that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. indicate direction or position relationships shown based on the drawings, and are only intended to facilitate the description of the present invention and the simplification of the description rather than to indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific direction or constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore, shall not be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

In addition, the terms such as "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of description, rather than being understood to indicate or imply relative importance or hint the number of indicated technical features. Thus, the feature limited by "first" and "second" can explicitly or impliedly include one or more features. In the explanation of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality of is at least two, such as two, three, etc. unless otherwise clearly specified.

In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature includes that the first feature and the second feature come into direct contact or the first feature and the second feature come into indirect contact through an intermediary. Moreover, the first feature is "on", "above" and "over" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or just indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature is "under", "below" and "beneath" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or just indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

Claim 1:
A handlebar foldable mechanism (<NUM>), comprising:
a base (<NUM>) provided with a first snapping groove (<NUM>);
a stem (<NUM>) connected to the base (<NUM>) and pivotable between an unfolded position and a folded position;
a first locking assembly (<NUM>) pivotably connected to the stem (<NUM>) and configured to be engaged with the first snapping groove (<NUM>) when the stem (<NUM>) is pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position;
a lever (<NUM>) pivotably connected with the base (<NUM>) by a first pivot (<NUM>); and
a second locking assembly (<NUM>) mounted to the lever (<NUM>), and configured to be connected to at least one of the base (<NUM>) and the stem (<NUM>) when the stem (<NUM>) is at the unfolded position,
wherein the first locking assembly (<NUM>) comprises a tensioning rod (<NUM>) and a first snap (<NUM>), the first snap (<NUM>) is connected to the tensioning rod (<NUM>), and the tensioning rod (<NUM>) is pivotably connected to the lever (<NUM>),
wherein that the first snap (<NUM>) is pivotably connected to the stem (<NUM>) by a second pivot,
characterized in that
the first locking assembly (<NUM>) further comprises a threaded sleeve (<NUM>) and a first bolt (<NUM>), an end of the tensioning rod (<NUM>) is provided with external threads, the end of the tensioning rod (<NUM>) is threadedly fitted in the threaded sleeve (<NUM>), the first snap (<NUM>) is provided with a snap through hole (<NUM>), and the first bolt (<NUM>) passes through the snap through hole (<NUM>) to be threadedly fitted with the threaded sleeve (<NUM>),
wherein the first locking assembly (<NUM>) further comprises a first spring (<NUM>), a step (<NUM>) is arranged in the snap through hole (<NUM>), the first spring (<NUM>) is arranged in the snap through hole (<NUM>), a first end of the first spring (<NUM>) abuts against the first bolt (<NUM>), and a second end of the first spring (<NUM>) abuts against the step (<NUM>).