Scooter-type vehicle comprising actuation system provided with guide member
By designing the ring structure of the guide member, pull member and first cable in the actuation system, the problem of restriction of the actuation system when adjusting the relative position of the tubular assembly is solved, and more flexible and user-friendly vehicle operation is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380067206.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-20
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-25
AI Technical Summary
When the existing vehicles adjust the relative position of the tubular assembly, the control device of the actuation system is limited and cannot be installed on the moving second tube, resulting in complex and unfriendly actuation.
An actuation system is designed, including a guide member, a pull member and a first cable, through the translational movement of the guide member and the pull member, the annular structure of the first cable is used to enable the actuable element when it is not directly acted thereon.
The adjustment of the relative position of the second tube relative to the first tube without affecting the actuation of the actuable element is achieved, allowing the control device to be installed on the second tube, reducing the complexity and risk of user operation.
Smart Images
Figure CN119894761A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of wheeled vehicles, such as scooters or bicycles, that allow a user to move around. More precisely, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a tubular assembly, such as a head tube, having a first tube and a second tube, the second tube being movable in translation relative to the first tube. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an actuation system that actuates an actuatable element, such as a brake, associated with a wheel and having a brake arm or a locking device configured to allow or prevent relative pivoting of two parts of a frame of a bicycle or scooter. Background Art
[0002] Known vehicles include an actuatable element but without any remote actuation system, such as a scooter equipped with a locking device located at the hinge. The user must then manually actuate the actuatable element by acting directly on the actuatable element, with the risk of soiling his hands or injuring himself.
[0003] There are also known vehicles, such as scooters, which include an actuatable element, such as a brake or a device for locking the relative pivoting of two parts of the frame of the vehicle to fold the vehicle, and an actuation system for actuating the actuatable element. The actuation system includes a control device equipped with a control lever and a cable connecting the control lever to the actuatable element. These vehicles also include a tubular assembly, which includes a first tube and a second tube, the first tube being fixed relative to the actuatable element. The second tube is movable relative to the first tube and the actuatable element. The tubes may constitute the downtube and the top tube of the head tube of a scooter, or the seat tube and the seat post of a bicycle.
[0004] One drawback of these vehicles is that they do not allow the control device to be mounted on the second tube, which can be moved in translation relative to the first tube and the actuatable element, or on any other element fixed to the second tube. In particular, the position of the control device must be fixed relative to the actuatable element in order not to compromise the actuation of the actuatable element, in particular during adjustment of the relative position of the second tube relative to the first tube.
[0005] Mounting the control device on the second tube also presents the risk that, during adjustment of the relative position of the second tube with respect to the first tube, tension on the cable may result in an undesired actuation of the actuatable element. This may result in unintended braking or untimely folding of the vehicle.
[0006] These vehicles therefore require the control device to be mounted on the first tube in order to maintain the possibility of adjusting the position of the second tube relative to the first tube.
[0007] These vehicles therefore cannot use the control devices mounted on the handlebars of, for example, a bicycle or a scooter. Therefore, the actuation of the actuatable element is complicated and the vehicle is not particularly user-friendly. Summary of the invention
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.
[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle, for example a scooter type vehicle, comprising:
[0010] a tubular assembly extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a first tube and a second tube, the second tube being mounted in such a way as to be movable in translation relative to the first tube in said longitudinal direction;
[0011] at least one actuatable element capable of being in at least one actuated position and a non-actuated position, the vehicle further comprising an actuation system comprising:
[0012] a guide member attached to the second tube to extend at least partially within the second tube;
[0013] a pulling member mounted in such a way as to be movable in translation in the second tube between a rest position and a pulling position, the pulling member being arranged between the guide member and a first end of the second tube opposite the first tube, the pulling member being remote from the guide member as seen in the longitudinal direction;
[0014] at least a first cable having a first end piece fixed relative to the first tube and a second end piece connected to the actuatable element, the first cable forming a loop around the guide member and the pulling member such that it comprises a first strand extending between the first end piece and the guide member, a second strand extending between the guide member and the pulling member, and a third strand extending between the pulling member and the actuatable element;
[0015] a control device configured to bring the pulling member into the pulling position when actuated, whereby the pulling member applies a pulling force to the third strand of the first cable, thereby bringing the actuatable element into the actuated position,
[0016] The pulling member and the guide member are configured to be displaced along the first cable when the second tube is translationally displaced relative to the first tube.
[0017] Without limitation, the vehicle may be a scooter or a bicycle. If the bicycle is a scooter, it advantageously comprises a head tube, which comprises said tubular assembly. Then, the first tube and the second tube form a lower tube and an upper tube of the head tube, respectively. If the vehicle is a bicycle, said tubular assembly may comprise a seat tube and a seat post, or two tubes of a frame or a steering member of a bicycle.
[0018] Preferably, but not limiting, the actuatable element is a locking device associated with an articulation between two parts of the frame of the vehicle, the locking device comprising a locking member. Such an articulation may be provided between the pedal and the head tube of the scooter. Such a locking device prevents the parts of the frame of the vehicle from pivoting relative to each other when it is not actuated, and allows them to pivot relative to each other when it is actuated.
[0019] Alternatively and still not limiting, the actuatable element may be a brake associated with a wheel of the vehicle and which, when actuated by the tension applied by the first cable, may brake the wheel, the brake comprising, for example, a brake arm and / or a brake pad.
[0020] Preferably, the actuatable element is fixed relative to the first tube.The actuatable element is preferably attached to a frame of the vehicle.
[0021] The actuation system is configured to bring the actuatable element into the actuation position. The vehicle actuation system according to the invention allows the user to bring the actuatable element into the actuation position without having to act directly on the actuatable element. The risk of getting your hands dirty or hurting yourself is thus reduced.
[0022] The guide member is attached to the second tube and is displaced in translation along the longitudinal direction relative to the first tube during a translation displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube in said longitudinal direction.
[0023] Preferably, the guide member is attached at a second end of the second tube opposite to said first end.
[0024] Preferably, the pulling member is movable in translation in the second tube along said longitudinal direction.When the pulling member is displaced between the rest position and the pulling position, the pulling member performs a relative translation movement with respect to the guide member.
[0025] The pulling member is arranged in the second tube, so there is no risk of being damaged and it is not bulky. There is also no risk of the user being pinched by the pulling member.
[0026] Preferably, the first cable extends at least partially within the first tube, more preferably substantially within the first tube. Within the first tube, the first cable extends substantially along said longitudinal direction.
[0027] Without limitation, the first end piece of the first cable may be directly attached to the first tube.Alternatively but without limitation, the first end piece of the first cable may be indirectly attached to the first tube, for example mounted on a mounting element attached to said first tube.
[0028] Without limitation, the first end piece of the first cable can be attached at an end portion or at an intermediate portion of the first tube.
[0029] Without limitation, the pulling member may be mounted directly on the second tube. Alternatively, the pulling member may be mounted on an additional element fixed to the second tube.
[0030] The guiding member and the pulling member interact with a portion of the first cable located between the first end piece and the second end piece of the first cable to form the loop.
[0031] Preferably, the tension in the first strand, the second strand, and the third strand is substantially the same regardless of the tension applied to the first cable.
[0032] When the control device is actuated, it moves the pulling member in translation relative to the second tube and brings it from its rest position to its pulling position. When the pulling member is brought from the rest position to the pulling position, the pulling member is advantageously displaced towards the first end of the second tube. When the pulling member is brought into the pulling position, the pulling member is advantageously moved away from the guide member.
[0033] When the pulling member is brought to its pulling position, the pulling member is displaced along the first cable so that the size of the loop increases. The length of the first strand remains substantially constant. On the other hand, the length of the second strand of the first cable increases and the length of the third strand of the third cable decreases. Together, during the displacement of the pulling member to its pulling position and with the first end piece of the first cable fixed relative to the first cable, the pulling member exerts a pulling force on the third strand, which in turn exerts a pulling force on the actuatable element, thereby placing the actuatable element in the actuated position. This makes it possible to unlock the articulated structure or to brake it, depending on the type of actuatable element included in the vehicle.
[0034] As a non-limiting example, if the pulling member is displaced by 10 millimeters in the direction of its pulling position, the length of the second strand increases by approximately 10 millimeters, while the length of the third strand decreases by approximately 10 millimeters. The third strand also undergoes a displacement of approximately 10 millimeters at the second end piece of the cable connected to the actuatable element. It results in a pulling force being applied to the actuatable element.
[0035] The third strand of the first cable is pulled in response to the displacement of the pulling member. In other words, the pulling member applies tension to the third strand of the first cable as the length of the third strand decreases and the length of the second strand increases.
[0036] Unlike vehicles of the prior art, in which the actuatable elements (brakes, locking elements of the articulated structure) are brought into the actuated position by a pulling force applied directly by a control device to the first end part of the cable, the actuatable elements of the vehicle according to the invention are brought into the actuated position by a pulling member which is displaced by the control device and which applies a pulling force to the middle part of the first cable.
[0037] The pulling force applied to the first cable by the pulling member is preferably directed toward the first end of the second tube.
[0038] The user can adjust the relative position of the second tube relative to the first tube by displacing the second tube translationally relative to the first tube. One benefit is, for example, adjusting the height of a handlebar mounted at the first end of the second tube.
[0039] When the pulling member remains in the rest position and is not brought into the pulling position by the control device, it is fixed relative to the second tube. Therefore, a translational displacement of the second tube causes a common translational displacement of the pulling member.
[0040] During the relative displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube, the pulling member and the guiding member slip or slide along the first cable. Therefore, during this displacement of the second tube, the tension of the first strand, the second strand and the third strand remains substantially constant.
[0041] During the relative displacement of the second tube with respect to the first tube, the pulling member and the guiding member enable the loop formed by the first cable to be displaced along said first cable, keeping the size of the loop substantially constant. In particular, the length of the second strand remains substantially constant.
[0042] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, during the relative displacement of the second tube with respect to the first tube, the pulling member and the guide member are displaced along the first cable without exerting any pulling force on said first cable and therefore without bringing the actuatable element into the actuated position, the control device being considered not to be actuated simultaneously.
[0043] The vehicle according to the invention thus makes it possible to adjust the relative position of the second tube relative to the first tube, without affecting the actuation of the actuatable element, regardless of where the control device is located on the vehicle. The vehicle thus allows the control device to be mounted on the second tube. The vehicle according to the invention also makes it possible to adjust the relative position of the second tube relative to the first tube, without causing any undesired actuation of the actuatable element, even if the control device is mounted on the second tube. Furthermore, the actuatable element can be placed in the actuated position regardless of the relative position of the second tube relative to the first tube. In other words, the actuation of the actuatable element and the adjustment of the relative position of the second tube relative to the first tube are decorrelated and do not interfere with each other.
[0044] Thanks to the invention, the control means can be remote and mounted on the second tube or on any other part of the vehicle fixed to the second tube (e.g. on the handlebars of the vehicle). The vehicle then allows actuation of the actuatable element regardless of the relative position of the second tube with respect to the first tube. One benefit is that it facilitates placing the actuatable element in the actuated position by making the control means more accessible to the user without having to operate the actuatable element directly. The risk of injury or soiling of the user is reduced.
[0045] Preferably, during said relative translational displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube, said pulling member and said guiding member remain at a constant distance from each other, seen in said longitudinal direction. Thus, the length of the second strand of the first cable remains constant. An advantage is that during said relative displacement, the tension of the first cable is not changed and no pulling force is applied to the third strand of the first cable, thereby reducing the risk of the actuatable element being placed in an actuated position in an inopportune manner.
[0046] Advantageously, when the pulling member is brought into the pulling position, the pulling member is displaced towards the first end of the second tube such that the distance between the pulling member and the guide member increases. When the pulling member is brought into the actuating position, the pulling member is moved away from the guide member such that the size of the loop formed by the first cable increases. The pulling member is advantageously moved away from the guide member.
[0047] Advantageously, the pulling member comprises a contact surface against which the first cable is pressed, the contact surface being configured to be displaced along the first cable during relative displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube. One benefit is improved guidance of the pulling member along the displacement of the first cable. The contact surface is preferably curved, more preferably cylindrical or semi-cylindrical.
[0048] Preferably, the pulling member comprises a pulley configured to interact with the first cable, the pulley pivoting inside the second tube about a pulley axis transverse to the longitudinal direction. During displacement of the pulling member along the first cable, the pulley pivots about its pulley axis, which reduces the friction between the pulling member and the first cable. The effort required to displace the second tube relative to the first tube is thus reduced.
[0049] Preferably, the guide member comprises a guide surface against which the first cable is pressed, the guide surface being configured to be displaced along the first cable during the relative displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube. In other words, the first cable slides over the guide surface during the displacement of the guide member along the first cable. One benefit is improved guidance of the guide member along the displacement of the first cable.
[0050] Preferably, the guide surface is curved, more preferably convex, the convexity preferably being oriented towards the first tube or towards the second end of the second tube.
[0051] Advantageously, the guide member comprises a semi-cylindrical guide component. In other words, the guide component is advantageously in the shape of a semi-cylinder. The guide surface is at least partially formed on the guide component. The guide surface formed on the guide component is curved, and the first cable pressed against the guide surface follows the curvature of the guide surface.
[0052] One benefit is that the guidance of the guide member along the displacement of the first cable is improved, while the wear of the first cable sliding over the guide member, more precisely on said guide surface, is reduced.
[0053] Advantageously, the actuation system comprises a return device configured to bring the pulling member from the pulling position to the rest position when the control device is not actuated. One benefit is to avoid the pulling member from staying in the pulling position and thus the actuatable element from staying in the actuating position, with the risk of, for example, undesired braking or folding.
[0054] The return device may include a spring provided between the pulling member and a pressing portion provided in the second tube.
[0055] Preferably, the first tube comprises a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite to the second tube, and the first end part of the first cable is attached in an attachment area provided at the first end of the first tube. Preferably, the first tube comprises the attachment area. Optionally and non-limitingly, the vehicle may comprise a mounting element, the mounting element being mounted on the first tube and comprising the attachment area.
[0056] The attachment area is advantageously provided at the upper end of the first tube.
[0057] It will be appreciated that said attachment region extends between the guide member and the first end of the second tube, seen in said longitudinal direction.
[0058] Preferably, the second tube is mounted in such a way that it can move in translation within the first tube.
[0059] Advantageously, the vehicle comprises a clamping element attached to the first tube and configured to assume a clamping position, in which it clamps the first tube to the second tube to prevent translational movement of the second tube relative to the first tube, and a release position, in which it allows translational movement of the second tube within the first tube.
[0060] The clamping element advantageously comprises an annular part within which the second tube and the first tube extend.The clamping element preferably comprises a clamping member configured to clamp said annular part on the first tube.
[0061] The clamping element is preferably attached at a first end of the first tube, preferably forming an upper end of the first tube.
[0062] Preferably, the first end piece of the first cable is mounted on the clamping element.Then, the first end piece is indirectly attached to the first tube via the clamping element.
[0063] Alternatively but not limiting, the first end piece of the first cable may be mounted directly on the first tube.
[0064] Advantageously, the control device comprises a control member and a second cable, the second cable having a first end part connected to the control member and a second end part connected to the pulling member. When the control member is actuated, the control member applies a pulling force to the second cable, by which the pulling member is brought from the rest position to the pulling position. Thus, the control member can be remote, facilitating control of the actuation and improving the user-friendliness of the vehicle.
[0065] Preferably, the second cable extends entirely within the second tube.
[0066] Preferably, but not limitingly, the control member is mounted on the second tube or on a part of the vehicle fixed to the second tube.
[0067] Without limitation, the control member may include a lever or a pivoting handle.
[0068] Preferably, the vehicle comprises a pedal and a head tube, the head tube comprising the tubular assembly, the head tube being pivotably mounted relative to the pedal along a folding axis transverse to the longitudinal direction between at least one folded position and an unfolded position, the actuatable element being configured to prevent pivoting of the head tube relative to the pedal when it is in the non-actuated position and to allow pivoting of the head tube relative to the pedal about the folding axis when it is in the actuated position.
[0069] The actuatable element is then formed by means for locking the pivoting of the head tube relative to the pedal.
[0070] The vehicle is preferably a scooter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0071] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0072] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1A vehicle equipped with an actuation system according to the present invention is shown;
[0073] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a side view of a vehicle;
[0074] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an actuation system of a vehicle, with the pulling member in a static position;
[0075] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of an actuation system of a vehicle, with the pulling member in a static position;
[0076] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an actuation system of a vehicle, with the pulling member being in a static position;
[0077] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A side view of a control device of a vehicle in a non-actuated position;
[0078] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 a side view of an actuatable element of a vehicle in a non-actuated position;
[0079] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side view of a control device of a vehicle in an actuated position;
[0080] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an actuation system of a vehicle of FIG. 1 , wherein the pulling member is in a pulling position;
[0081] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation system with the pulling member in a pulling position;
[0082] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 a side view of an actuatable element of a vehicle in an actuated position;
[0083] [ Fig.12 ] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 , the second tube having been displaced and pushed into the first tube; and
[0084] [ Fig.13 ] Fig.13 Shows Figure 1 In an actuation system of a vehicle, the second tube has been displaced and pushed into the first tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0085] The invention relates to a vehicle, such as a scooter or a bicycle, comprising an actuation system enabling an actuable element to be actuated.
[0086] Will refer to Figures 1 to 13 A non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention is described. In this non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle is a scooter.
[0087] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to the invention is shown, in this case a scooter 10, comprising an actuation system 30. The scooter comprises a pedal 12, on which a user can place his feet. The scooter further comprises a head tube 14 extending in a longitudinal direction Y. The head tube 14 comprises a tubular assembly 17 extending in said longitudinal direction Y. The tubular assembly 17 comprises a first tube 16 forming a lower tube and a second tube 18 forming an upper tube. The second tube 18 is mounted in a manner movable in translation in the first tube 16 in said longitudinal direction Y.
[0088] The second tube has a first end 18a opposite to the first tube, and the first end is provided with the handlebar 15. The first end 18a forms the upper end of the second tube. Figure 3 As shown, the second tube 18 also has a second end 18b opposite to the first end 18a and extending inside the first tube 16. Figure 2 , it can be seen that the first tube 16 has a first end 16a, forming the upper end of the first tube. The first tube 16 also has a second end 16b opposite the first end 16a and opposite the second tube 18. The second end 16b forms the lower end of the first tube 16 and is equipped with a front wheel 25a. The vehicle also includes a rear wheel 25b.
[0089] Reference Figure 3, it can be seen that the head tube 14 is equipped with a clamping element 50, which comprises a clamping portion 54 and a rod 52. The clamping element 50 is mounted on the first tube 16 at its first end 16a, so that the clamping portion clamps said first tube. The clamping element 50 is configured to adopt a clamping position in which the clamping portion 54 clamps the first tube 16 to the second tube 18, in such a way as to prevent the second tube 18 from being displaced in translation relative to the first tube 16. One benefit is that the height adjustment of the second tube and thus of the handlebar 15 is maintained. The clamping element 50 is also configured to adopt a release position in which the clamping portion 54 does not clamp the first tube, thereby allowing the second tube 18 to be displaced in translation relative to the first tube 16. One benefit is that the height adjustment of the second tube and thus of the handlebar 15 is allowed. The rod 52 makes it possible to move the clamping element 50 from the clamping position to the release position and vice versa.
[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, the head tube 14 further comprises a connecting part 20, which comprises a sleeve 22. The first tube 16 is pivotally mounted in the sleeve 22. The connecting part 20 further comprises a first hinge part 24, which is configured to interact with the second hinge part 13 of the pedal 12. The first hinge part 24 and the second hinge part 13 form an articulated structure 24, 13, allowing the connecting part 20 (more generally allowing the head tube 14) to pivot relative to the pedal 12 about a folding axis X. The folding axis X is transverse to the longitudinal direction Y of the head tube and extends substantially horizontally.
[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, according to the invention, the scooter 10 is equipped with an actuable element 26 which, in this non-limiting example, forms a means for locking the articulated structures 24, 13. The actuable element 26 can be actuated by a tension applied to it. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the actuable element 26 can also be a brake associated with a wheel of the vehicle and having a brake arm and capable of braking the wheel when actuated by a tension applied by a cable.
[0092] The actuatable element 26 is arranged at the articulation structure 24, 13 and extends partly inside the connecting part 20. The actuatable element 26 is movable in translation in the direction of the actuating part between a non-actuated position or locking position, in which the actuatable element locks the articulation structure and prevents the pivoting of the head tube 14 relative to the pedal 12, and an actuated position or unlocked position, in which the actuatable element releases the articulation structure 24, 13 and allows the pivoting of the head tube 14 relative to said pedal 12 about said folding axis X. In the actuated position, the actuatable element 26 allows the head tube 14 of the scooter to be folded or unfolded.
[0093] A spring 27 interacts with the actuatable element 26. Said spring 27 is configured to exert a return force on the actuatable element 26, aiming to keep it in the non-actuated position or to bring it into the non-actuated position.
[0094] According to the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 10 further comprises an actuation system 30 on which the first and second tubes are shown transparent by dashed lines. The actuation system 30 is configured to actuate the actuatable element 26 to bring the actuatable element into an actuated position.
[0095] The actuation system 30 includes a guide member 34 attached within the second tube 18. Figure 3 As shown, the guide member 34 includes a substantially cylindrical main body part 36, which is configured to be attached inside the second tube 18 and extends along the longitudinal direction Y. More specifically, the main body part 36 extends inside the second tube 18 at the second end 18b of the second tube. The guide member 34 also includes a male guide part 38, which is semi-cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, and radially extends from the main body part 36 toward the second end 16b of the first tube 16. The guide part 38 radially protrudes from the second end 18b of the second tube 18 and extends outside the second tube 18.
[0096] In the side view showing the guide member Figure 4 34, it can be seen that the guide member 34 has a groove 41. The groove 41 has a first groove portion 41a, which is formed in the side wall of the main part 36 of the guide member and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction Y. The groove 41 also has a second groove portion 41b, which is formed in the edge of the guide part 38 of the guide member and describes a semicircular trajectory. The groove 41 defines a guide surface 42.
[0097] The actuation system 30 further comprises a pulling member 44, in particular Figure 3 and Figure 5 The pulling member 44 is different from the guide member 34 and extends between the guide member and the first end 18a of the second tube 18. The pulling member 44 includes a mounting part 46, which is mounted in a manner that it can move in translation or slide in the second tube 18 along the longitudinal direction Y. The pulling member 44 also includes a pulley 48, which is arranged at the second tube 18. Figure 3 or Figure 5. The pulley 48 is mounted in a pivotable manner relative to the mounting part 46 about a pulley axis Z transverse to the longitudinal direction Y. More precisely, the mounting part 46 comprises a first wall 47 and a second wall 49 parallel to each other. The pulley 48 is pivotably mounted between the first wall 47 and the second wall 49. It will be appreciated that, given that the pulley 48 is mounted on the mounting part 46, the pulley 48 can also be moved in translation in the second tube 18 along the longitudinal direction Y. The pulley 48 has a channel 56 defining a contact surface 58.
[0098] The pulling member 44 is arranged in the second tube 18 between the first end 18a and the second end 18b of the second tube or between the guide member 36 and the first end 18a of the second tube. Seen in the longitudinal direction Y, the pulling member is also arranged at a distance from the guide member.
[0099] The actuation system 30 further includes a first cable 60, the complete path of which is as follows: Figure 2 As shown. The first cable has a first end member 60a and a second end member 60b. In this non-limiting example, the first end member 60a of the first cable is equipped with a cable head. Figure 5 As shown, the first end piece 60a of the first cable 60 is attached to the clamping portion 54 of the clamping element 50 in an attachment area 61 at the first end 16a of the first tube 16. Thus, the first end piece 60a of the first cable 60 is fixed relative to the first tube 16, even if it is not directly fixed to the first tube.
[0100] The attachment member is located above the guide member 34 and above the pulling member 44. The attachment member is also located between the pulling member and the first end 18a of the second tube.
[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the second end piece 60 b of the first cable 60 is connected to the actuatable element 26 .
[0102] Reference again Figure 5 , it can be seen that the first cable 60 also forms a loop 62 around the guide member 34 and the pulling member 44. More precisely, the first cable 60 extends partially within the groove 41 of the guide member 34 and interacts with the guide surface 42 against which the first cable 60 is pressed. The cable also extends partially within the channel 56 of the pulley 48 and interacts with the contact surface 58 against which the cable is pressed.
[0103] The first cable 60 comprises a first strand 64 extending between the first end part 60a of the first cable and the guide member 34, or between the attachment area 61 and the guide member 34. The first strand 64 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction Y and extends along the main part 36 of the guide member. Figure 4As shown, the first cable 60 enters the groove 41 at the guide part 38 and comes out of the groove at the upper surface 36a of the main part of the guide member 34. Figure 4 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the first cable 60 is not shown.
[0104] The first cable 60 further comprises a second strand 66 extending between the guide member 34 and the pulley 48 of the pulling member 44. The second strand 66 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction Y and parallel to the first strand 64. The first cable further comprises a third strand 68 extending between the pulling member 44 and the actuatable element 26.
[0105] Regardless of the tension applied to the first cable 60, the tension in the first strand 64, the second strand 66, and the third strand 68 is substantially the same.
[0106] The actuation system 30 also includes Figure 6 The control device 70 shown. The control device 70 comprises a control member 72, which comprises a rod 73. The control member 72 is pivotably mounted relative to the first end 18a of the second tube 18 about a control axis W transverse to the longitudinal direction Y. Without being limiting and without departing from the scope of the present invention, the control device, more precisely the control member, can also be mounted on the second tube 18 or on the first tube 16.
[0107] The control device further includes a second cable 74 having a first end portion 74a connected to the control member 72 and a second end portion 74b connected to the pulling member 44. More specifically, the first end portion 74a of the second cable 74 has a cable head attached to the control member 72. Figure 5 As shown, the second end piece 74 b of the second cable 74 has a cable head attached to the pulling member 44 .
[0108] The second cable extends completely within the second tube 18 and extends substantially along the longitudinal direction Y.
[0109] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, without actuating the control device, the pulling member 44 is in a rest position and the actuatable element 26 is not actuated. The distance L between the pulling member 44 and the guide member 34 is minimal. Likewise, the length L1 of the second strand 66 of the first cable 60 is minimal.
[0110] Now refer to Figures 8 to 11 Actuation of an actuatable element is described.
[0111] In order to actuate the actuatable element 26 to unlock the articulations 24, 13 and to allow the head tube 14 to be folded relative to the pedals 12, or in other words to fold the scooter 10, the user actuates the control member 72 of the control device 70. To this end, Figure 8 As shown, it pivots the lever 73 about the control axis W, thereby pivoting the control member 72 about the control axis W. The user can easily operate the control device which is mounted on the handlebar and is therefore easily accessible.
[0112] The control member 72 then pulls the second cable 74. Thus, the second cable 74 applies a pulling force to the pulling member 44, which is directed toward the first end 18a of the second tube 18 along the longitudinal direction Y. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the pulling member 44 is displaced translationally in the second tube 18 along the longitudinal direction Y toward the first end 18a of the second tube. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 At the same time, the guide member 34 remains stationary, attached to the second end 18 b of the second tube 18 . The pulling member 44 is thus moved away from the guide member 34 until the two are separated by a distance L′ greater than the distance L. The pulling member 44 is displaced along the first cable 60 .
[0113] The length of the first strand 64 of the first cable 60 remains constant, while the length of the second strand 66 increases, and the length of the third strand 68 decreases. The size of the loop 62 around the guide member 34 and the pulling member 44 increases. When the pulling member is brought into the pulling position, the pulling member 44 applies a pulling force to the third strand 68 of the first cable 60. In other words, the pulling member 44 applies a pulling force to a portion of the first cable located between the first end piece 60a and the second end piece 60b.
[0114] like Fig.11 As shown, the third strand 68 of the first cable 60 pulls the actuatable element 26 so that the actuatable element 26 is displaced in translation in the direction of the sleeve 22 within the connecting part 20. The actuatable element 26 is then brought into the actuated position and releases the articulations 13, 24, allowing the head tube 14 to pivot relative to the pedal 12. This makes it possible to place the head tube in the folded position.
[0115] When the user lets go of the lever 73 and no longer actuates the control member 72, the second cable 74 no longer pulls the pulling member 44, which no longer exerts any pulling force on the first cable 60. The first cable 60 no longer pulls the actuatable element 26. The spring 27 exerts a return force on the actuatable element 26, which is brought into a non-actuated position or locked position, in which it blocks the pivoting of the head tube 14. The actuatable element pulls the first cable 60, which exerts a pulling force on the pulling member 44 towards the second end 16b of the first tube. The pulling member is displaced in translation towards the guide member 34 and is brought into a rest position.
[0116] The spring 27 thus forms a return device 27 configured to bring the pulling member 44 from the pulled position to the rest position when the control device 70 is not actuated.
[0117] The operation of adjusting the relative position of the second tube 18 with respect to the first tube 16 will now be described. In this non-limiting example, the adjustment of the position of the second tube 18 makes it possible to adjust the height of the handlebar 15 of the scooter 10.
[0118] According to the invention, the pulling member 44 and the guiding member 34 are configured to be displaced along the first cable 60 when the second tube is displaced in translation relative to the first tube.
[0119] To adjust the relative position of the second tube with respect to the first tube, the user actuates the lever 52 so as to move the clamping element 50 from the clamping position to the releasing position. Thus, the clamping element 50 no longer clamps the first tube 16 to the second tube 18. The user can then displace the second tube 18 translationally relative to the first tube 16 along the longitudinal direction Y.
[0120] In this non-limiting example, Fig.12 As shown, the second tube 18 is displaced towards the second end 16b of the first tube and is thus pushed further into the first tube 16. This adjustment makes it possible to lower the height of the handlebar 15 of the scooter.
[0121] During the relative translational displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube, the guide member 34 and the pulling member 44, both mounted on the second tube, perform the same translational movement. Fig.13 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the distance L, which corresponds to the distance between the guide member and the pulling member when the pulling member is in the rest position, remains constant. During this relative translational displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube, the pulling member 44 and the guide member 34 are displaced or slide along the first cable 60. The first cable slides over the guide surface 42 in the groove 41 of the guide member 34. Furthermore, the pulley 48 pivots along its pulley axis Z and is displaced along said first cable 60.
[0122] Thus, the tension of the first strand 64, the second strand 66, and the third strand 68 of the first cable remains substantially constant. In addition, the length L1 of the second strand 66 remains constant. The length of the first strand 64 increases, while the length of the third strand 68 decreases, so that the size of the loop 62 remains constant.
[0123] During the relative displacement of the second tube 18 with respect to the first tube 16, the tension of the first cable does not change and no pulling force is exerted on the third strand 68, so that the adjustment of the relative position of the second tube does not generate any pulling force on the actuatable element 26. The pulling device 44 also remains in the static position and the control device 70 is considered to be not actuated.
[0124] Thus, the actuatable element 26 can be actuated by the actuation system 30, as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 Described in detail.
[0125] The present invention enables the relative position of the second tube 18 to be adjusted with respect to the first tube 16 without affecting or interfering with the actuation of the actuatable element 26. The actuation system 30 ensures effective actuation of the actuatable element 26 regardless of the relative position of the second tube with respect to the first tube. The adjustment of the relative position of the second tube 18 with respect to the first tube also does not cause any undesired actuation of the actuatable element 26, thereby ensuring the safety of the user. Thus, the present invention allows the control device 70 to be mounted on the second tube 18, or on the handlebar 15 fixed to the second tube, without affecting the actuation of the actuatable element 26 or the safety of the user. Likewise, the actuation of the actuatable element does not affect the adjustment of the position of the second tube with respect to the first tube.
Claims
1. A vehicle (10), for example of the scooter type, comprising: a tubular assembly (17) extending along a longitudinal direction (Y) and comprising a first tube (16) and a second tube (18), the second tube being mounted in such a way as to be movable in translation relative to the first tube along the longitudinal direction; at least one actuatable element (26) which is capable of assuming at least one actuated position and one non-actuated position, The vehicle also includes an actuation system (30), the actuation system comprising: a guide member (34) attached to the second tube to extend at least partially within the second tube; a pulling member (44) mounted in such a way that it can be moved in translation inside the second tube between a rest position and a pulling position, the pulling member being arranged between the guide member and a first end of the second tube opposite the first tube, remote from the guide member as seen in the longitudinal direction; at least a first cable (60) having a first end piece (60a) fixed relative to the first tube and a second end piece (60b) connected to the actuatable element, the first cable forming a loop (62) around the guide member and the pulling member so that it comprises a first strand (64) extending between the first end piece and the guide member, a second strand (66) extending between the guide member and the pulling member and a third strand (68) extending between the pulling member and the actuatable element; a control device (70) configured to bring the pulling member into the pulling position when actuated, whereby the pulling member applies a pulling force to the third strand of the first cable, thereby bringing the actuatable element into the actuated position, The pulling member and the guiding member are configured to be displaced along the first cable when the second tube is displaced translationally relative to the first tube.
2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein during a relative translational displacement of the second tube (18) relative to the first tube (16), the pulling member (44) and the guide member (34) maintain a constant distance from each other, seen in the longitudinal direction (Y).
3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the pulling member (44) is brought into the pulling position, the pulling member is displaced toward the first end (18a) of the second tube (18) so that the distance between the pulling member and the guide member (34) increases.
4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pulling member (44) comprises a contact surface (58) against which the first cable (60) is pressed, the contact surface being configured to be displaced along the first cable during a relative displacement of the second tube (18) relative to the first tube (16).
5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pulling member (44) comprises a pulley (48) configured to interact with the first cable (60), the pulley pivoting inside the second tube (18) about a pulley axis (Z) transverse to the longitudinal direction (Y).
6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide member (34) comprises a guide surface (42) against which the first cable (60) is pressed, the guide surface being configured to be displaced along the first cable during a relative displacement of the second tube (18) relative to the first tube (16).
7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the guide member (34) is attached at a second end (18b) of the second tube (18) opposite to the first end (18a).
8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the guide member (34) comprises a semi-cylindrical guide part (38).
9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuation system (30) comprises a return device configured to bring the pulling member (44) from the pulling position to the rest position when the control device (70) is not actuated.
10. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first tube (16) comprises a first end (16a) and a second end (16b), the second end being opposite to the second tube (18), and the first end part (60a) of the first cable (60) is attached at an attachment area (61) provided at the first end of the first tube.
11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second tube (18) is mounted so as to be movable in translation within the first tube (16).
12. The vehicle according to claim 11, comprising a clamping element (50) attached to the first tube (16) and configured to assume a clamping position and a release position, in which the clamping element clamps the first tube to the second tube (18) to prevent translational displacement of the second tube relative to the first tube, and in which the clamping element allows translational displacement of the second tube within the first tube.
13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the first end piece (60a) of the first cable (60) is mounted on the clamping element (50).
14. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control device (70) comprises a control member (72) and a second cable (74), the second cable having a first end part (74a) connected to the control member and a second end part (74b) connected to the pulling member (44).
15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the control member (72) comprises a rod mounted at the first end (18a) of the second tube (18).
16. A vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a pedal (12) and a head tube (14), the head tube including the tubular assembly (17), the head tube being pivotally mounted relative to the pedal along a folding axis transverse to the longitudinal direction between at least one folded position and an unfolded position, the actuatable element being configured to prevent pivoting of the head tube relative to the pedal when it is in the non-actuated position and to allow pivoting of the head tube relative to the pedal about the folding axis when it is in the actuated position.