GB2613817A - A steering assembly for a scooter - Google Patents

A steering assembly for a scooter Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2613817A
GB2613817A GB2118186.2A GB202118186A GB2613817A GB 2613817 A GB2613817 A GB 2613817A GB 202118186 A GB202118186 A GB 202118186A GB 2613817 A GB2613817 A GB 2613817A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
steerer
cable
brake cable
steering assembly
handlebar
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB2118186.2A
Other versions
GB202118186D0 (en
GB2613817B (en
Inventor
Nyonyintono Christopher
Gallagher Michael
Roberts Theodore
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sirron Technologies Ltd
Original Assignee
Sirron Technologies Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sirron Technologies Ltd filed Critical Sirron Technologies Ltd
Priority to GB2118186.2A priority Critical patent/GB2613817B/en
Publication of GB202118186D0 publication Critical patent/GB202118186D0/en
Priority to PCT/EP2022/085992 priority patent/WO2023111103A1/en
Publication of GB2613817A publication Critical patent/GB2613817A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2613817B publication Critical patent/GB2613817B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K23/00—Rider-operated controls specially adapted for cycles, i.e. means for initiating control operations, e.g. levers, grips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K3/00—Bicycles
    • B62K3/002—Bicycles without a seat, i.e. the rider operating the vehicle in a standing position, e.g. non-motorized scooters; non-motorized scooters with skis or runners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J11/00—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps
    • B62J11/10—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps for mechanical cables, hoses, pipes or electric wires, e.g. cable guides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K15/00—Collapsible or foldable cycles
    • B62K15/006—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable
    • B62K15/008—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable foldable about 2 or more axes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J11/00—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps
    • B62J11/10—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps for mechanical cables, hoses, pipes or electric wires, e.g. cable guides
    • B62J11/13—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps for mechanical cables, hoses, pipes or electric wires, e.g. cable guides specially adapted for mechanical cables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K21/00—Steering devices
    • B62K21/18—Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K21/00—Steering devices
    • B62K21/18—Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems
    • B62K21/22—Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems adjustable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62L—BRAKES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES
    • B62L3/00—Brake-actuating mechanisms; Arrangements thereof
    • B62L3/02—Brake-actuating mechanisms; Arrangements thereof for control by a hand lever
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20396—Hand operated
    • Y10T74/20402—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable]
    • Y10T74/2045—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable] and sheath support, connector, or anchor

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

Abstract

A steering assembly for a scooter includes a steerer 40, a handlebar assembly attached to the steerer, a brake lever mounted to the handlebar assembly, and a brake cable extending from the brake lever and to an interior of the steerer 40. The steerer is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A cable guide 48,50 guides the brake cable through the interior of the steerer 40 as the steerer moves between the extended position and the retracted position. The cable guide is configured to turn the brake cable a direction substantially orthogonal to a sidewall of the steerer. A second guide (78, figure 2) on the handlebar may further control the cable.

Description

A STEERING ASSEMBLY FOR A SCOOTER
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a steering assembly for a scooter, and a scooter comprising such a steering assembly.
Background
Scooters, and in particular electrically powered scooters, are increasing in popularity in view of the desire for decarbonisation and alternative forms of urban transport to vehicles having internal combustion engines.
Summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a steering assembly for a scooter, the steering assembly comprising: a steerer; a handlebar assembly attached to the steerer; a brake lever mounted to the handlebar assembly; and a brake cable extending from the brake lever and to an interior of the steerer; wherein the steerer is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and the steering assembly comprises a cable guide for guiding the brake cable through the interior of the steerer as the steerer moves between the extended position and the retracted position, and the cable guide is configured to turn the brake cable from a first direction to a second direction substantially orthogonal to a sidewall of the steerer.
The steering assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention may be beneficial as the cable guide may lead to controlled movement of the steerer relative to the brake cable as the steerer moves between the extended position and the retracted position This may, for example, lead the to brake cable being guided to a known, desirable position, when the steerer is in the retracted position. In an arrangement absent the cable guide, the brake cable may leave the interior or the steerer in an uncontrolled manner when the steerer moves from the extended position to the retracted position, which may result in the brake cable being located in an unpredictable location when the steerer is in the retracted position.
In particular, the inventors of the present application have found that a brake cable that leaves the interior of the steerer in a direction generally parallel to the sidewall of the steerer may be more likely to behave in an uncontrolled manner during movement of the steerer from the extended position to the retracted position, and may be more likely to lead to the brake cable extending outside a boundary defined by the steering assembly, for example defined by the handlebar assembly and the steerer, when the steerer is in the retracted position.
In contrast, it has been found that use of the cable guide to turn the brake cable from the first direction to a second direction substantially orthogonal to a sidewall of the steerer may lead to a better controlled position of the brake cable during movement of the steerer from the extended position to the retracted position, for example with the result being that the brake cable is located within a boundary defined by the steering assembly, for example defined by the handlebar assembly and the steerer, when the steerer is in the retracted position. This may reduce a risk of the brake cable becoming a trip hazard or the like when the steerer is in the retracted position.
The steerer may comprise a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the handlebar assembly may be attached to the first end of the steerer, the steering assembly may comprise a wheel connection portion located at the second end of the steerer, and the cable guide may be located at the first end of the steerer. This may ensure that the brake cable leaves the steerer at a location remote from the wheel connection portion, which may result in less risk of the brake cable catching on a wheel mounted to the wheel connection portion.
As the cable guide is located at the first end of the steerer, and the wheel connection portion is located at the second end of the steerer, the cable guide may be used to guide the brake cable in a region remote from the wheel connection portion, which may reduce a risk of interaction of the brake cable with a wheel attached to the wheel connection portion in use.
The cable guide may be configured such that the brake cable leaves the interior of the steerer at the first end of the steerer, remote from the second end of the steerer, when the steerer moves between the extended position and the retracted position.
The cable guide may guide the brake cable such that the brake cable is located within a boundary defined by the steering assembly, for example defined by the handlebar assembly and the steerer, when the steerer is in the retracted position. This may reduce a risk of the brake cable becoming a trip hazard or the like when the steerer is in the retracted position.
The steerer may be movable between the extended position and the retracted position via telescopic motion, for example with the steerer comprising an upper portion telescopically received within a lower steerer. Such telescoping motion may provide a simple linear mechanism for movement of the steerer between the extended and retracted positions.
The first direction may be substantially parallel to the sidewall of the steerer. The first direction may comprise a direction within the interior of the steerer. The cable guide may be configured to turn the brake cable from the first direction to the second direction such that the brake cable leaves the interior of the steerer in the second direction The steerer may be substantially elongate in form, for example with the first direction comprising a longitudinal direction. The first direction may comprise a vertical direction when the steerer is utilised as part of a scooter in use, and the second direction may comprise a horizontal direction when the steerer is utilised as part of a scooter in use.
The steerer may be substantially cylindrical in form, and the cable guide may be configured such that the second direction is a substantially radial direction relative to the steerer.
The cable guide may comprise a plurality of discrete surfaces that define a path movable relative to the brake cable as the steerer moves between the extended position and the retracted position, and the plurality of discrete surfaces may be spaced apart such that, for a given portion of the brake cable, a first side of the brake cable is in contact with one of the discrete surfaces, and a second opposite side of the brake cable is not in contact with one of the discrete surfaces. In such a manner, the brake cable may be supported, for example within the interior of the steerer, such that there are regions of the brake cable that are not in direct contact with surfaces of the cable guide. This may provide reduced friction relative to an arrangement where the entire circumference of the brake cable is in contact with a surface along the length of the brake cable, for example relative to a cable guide comprising a cylindrical tube through which the brake cable extends, and hence may enable ease of movement of the cable guide, and the steerer, relative to the brake cable as the steerer moves between the extended and retracted positions.
At least one of the plurality of discrete surfaces may be curved, for example such that the brake cable is turned from the first direction to the second direction by the curved discrete surface. The plurality of discrete surfaces may comprise a curved surface disposed on a first side of the brake cable, a first substantially planar surface disposed on a second side of the brake cable, and a second substantially planar surface disposed on the second side of the brake cable, the curved surface located intermediate the first and second substantially planar surfaces. The first substantially planar surface may extend in the first direction, and the second substantially planar surface may extend in the second direction.
The steerer may comprise first and second opposing sides, the cable guide may be configured to guide the brake cable to leave the interior of the steerer on the first side, and the path may extend within the interior of the steerer on the second side. This may provide an increased radius for the brake cable to turn from the first direction to the second direction, which may result in reduced strain on the brake cable in use. The steerer may comprise a central longitudinal axis, with the first and second sides of the steerer determined relative to the central longitudinal axis, for example a first side relative to a plane through the central longitudinal axis and a second side relative to the plane through the central longitudinal axis.
The cable guide may be positioned both within the interior of the steerer and externally of the steerer. This may provide enhanced guiding of the brake cable compared to, for example, an arrangement where the cable guide is located solely within the interior of the steerer.
The cable guide may define a cylindrical region through which the brake cable leaves the interior of the steerer. This may provide enhanced guiding of the brake cable as it leaves the interior of the steerer compared to, for example, an arrangement where only a partially annular region is used. Furthermore, this may inhibit contact of the brake cable with edges of the steerer, which may result in reduced wear on the brake cable in use The cable guide may be located intermediate the steerer and the handlebar assembly, such that the cable guide acts as a spacer between the steerer and the handlebar assembly. Thus the cable guide may provide dual functionality of both guiding the cable and acting as a spacer, avoiding the need for a separate spacer and reducing component count and cost. The handlebar assembly may be attached to the steerer via the cable guide, for example indirectly attached with the cable guide as an intermediate component.
The cable guide may comprise first and second body parts separately formed from one another, for example formed during separate injection moulding processes.
This may provide for ease of manufacture of the cable guide, and/or ease of location of the brake cable relative the cable guide. For example, the first body part may be located in position on the steerer, with the brake cable placed relative to the first body part, and the second body part then subsequently placed in position on the steerer. This may, for example, be easier than threading the brake cable through a single monolithic component.
The first body part may comprise a lower body part, and the second body part may comprise an upper body part. The upper and lower body parts may comprise respective collars for location relative to an external surface of the steerer, and internal portions for location within the interior of the steerer. The steerer may comprise at least one slot through which the upper and lower body parts extend.
The brake cable may be at least partially disposed within a sheath. This may protect the brake cable from direct contact with the cable guide and/or the steerer, which may result is decreased wear on the brake cable in use. The brake cable, for example an outer surface of the brake cable, and the cable guide may together comprise a first coefficient of friction, and the sheath and the cable guide may together comprise a second coefficient of friction, the second coefficient of friction lower than the first coefficient of friction. This may facilitate movement of the cable guide, and hence the steerer, relative to the brake cable as the steerer moves between the extended and retracted positions in use.
The sheath may be formed of a relatively harder material than an outer surface of the brake cable. This may facilitate protection of the brake cable as the cable guide, and hence the steerer, move relative to the brake cable as the steerer 20 moves between the extended and retracted positions in use.
A portion of the brake cable that moves within the cable guide in use may be disposed within the sheath. This may protect the brake cable from direct contact with the cable guide and/or the steerer, which may result is decreased wear on the brake cable in use. This may also or alternatively facilitate movement of the cable guide, and hence the steerer, relative to the brake cable as the steerer moves between the extended and retracted positions in use.
The handlebar assembly may comprise first and second opposing ends, the brake lever may be mounted to one of the first and second ends of the handlebar assembly, and the cable guide may be configured such that the brake cable leaves the interior of the steerer in a direction toward the other of the second and first ends of the handlebar assembly. This may facilitate control of the brake cable such that such that the brake cable is located within a boundary defined by the steering assembly, for example defined by the handlebar assembly and the steerer, when the steerer is in the retracted position.
The handlebar assembly may comprise a central portion located between the first and second ends, with the central portion attached to the steerer. The central portion may be attached to the steerer via the cable guide, for example with the cable guide acting as a spacer between the steerer and the handlebar assembly. The central portion may comprise a cap that sits on top of the steerer. The cable guide may guide the brake cable to leave an upper end of the steerer and extend through a side surface of the cap.
The handlebar assembly may comprise first and second handlebar portions movable between a riding position substantially orthogonal to the steerer, and a stowed position substantially parallel to the steerer, and the brake lever may be mounted to one of the first and second handlebar portions. Such movable handlebar portions may facilitate a reduction of an envelope of the steering assembly, for example a reduction in a width of the steering assembly, which may facilitate transportation and/or storage of a scooter in which the steering assembly in utilised. Movement of the first and second handlebar portions between the riding position and the stowed position, and hence movement of the brake lever, may facilitate retention of the brake cable within a boundary defined by the steering assembly, for example defined by the handlebar assembly and the steerer, when the steerer is in the retracted position and the first and second handlebar portions are in the stowed position, i.e. when a scooter comprising the steering assembly is in a transport and/or storage configuration.
The handlebar assembly may comprise a guide loop for guiding the brake cable relative to the handlebar assembly. This may aid with retaining the brake cable in a desired position during movement of the first and second handlebar portions between the riding position and the stowed position. The brake lever may be mounted to one of the first and second handlebar portions, and the guide loop may be located on the other of the second and first handlebar portions.
The wheel connection portion may comprise a fork for receiving a wheel, and the steerer may be foldable relative to the fork between an upright position and a reclined position. This may facilitate reduction in size of an envelope of a scooter comprising the steering assembly, which may facilitate transportation and/or storage of a scooter in which the steering assembly in utilised.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a scooter comprising a steering assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The scooter may comprise a frame relative to which the steerer is movable to steer the scooter, and the steerer may be foldable relative to the frame, for example via folding of the steerer relative to the fork. This may facilitate reduction in size of an envelope of the scooter, which may facilitate transportation and/or storage of the scooter. The cable guide may then facilitate retention of the brake cable within the envelope of the scooter in the transportation and/or storage configuration.
The frame may comprise a first portion and a second portion pivotally connected to one another. This may enable a further reduction in size an envelope of the scooter, which may facilitate transportation and/or storage of the scooter. The cable guide may then facilitate retention of the brake cable within the envelope of the scooter in the transportation and/or storage configuration.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a scooter in a riding configuration; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a steering assembly of the scooter of Figure 1, with a steerer of the steering assembly in an extended position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cable guide for use in the steering assembly of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the cable guide of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cable guide of Figure 3 located in-situ on a steerer of the steering assembly of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the steering assembly of Figure 2 with the steerer in a retracted position; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the scooter of Figure 1 with the steerer in a reclined position; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the steering assembly of Figure 6 with first and second handlebar portions in a stowed position; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the scooter of Figure 1 in a transportation/storage configuration.
Detailed Description
A scooter 100 is illustrated in Figure 1, and comprises a frame 10, first 12 and second 14 wheels, first 16 and second 18 footplates, and a steering assembly 20.
The frame 10 comprises a main body 22 and a headtube 24. The main body 22 houses a battery pack (not shown). The main body 22 comprises first 21 and second 23 portions connected by a hinge 25, to enable folding of the main body 22 as will be discussed hereafter. The headtube 24 is substantially cylindrical and hollow in form.
The first wheel 12 is located at a first end 26 of the frame 10, below the headtube 24, and the second wheel 14 is located at a second opposite end 28 of the frame 10. The second wheel 14 comprises a hub which is mounted to the second end 28 of the frame 10. The hub is substantially hollow and houses an electric motor (not shown) which is driven by the battery pack in use to propel the electric motor.
The first 16 and second 18 footplates are located on respective first and second 5 sides of the main body 22 of the frame 10, and define platforms on which a user of the scooter 100 can place their feet in use. The first 16 and second 18 footplates are foldably mounted relative to the main body 22 of the frame 10.
The steering assembly 20 comprises a handlebar assembly 34, a steerer 36, and a fork 38.
The steerer 36 interconnects the handlebar assembly 34 and the fork 38. The steerer 36 comprises an upper portion 40, a lower portion 42, and a cable guide 44. The upper portion 40 is telescopically received within the lower portion 42, enabling the steerer to be moved between an extended position in which the upper portion 40 predominantly extends outwardly from the lower portion 42, and a retracted position in which the upper portion 40 is predominantly received within the lower portion 42. The upper 40 and lower 42 portions of the steerer 36 are both generally cylindrical and hollow in form. The upper portion 40 comprises a slot 46 formed therein. The upper portion 40 of the steerer 36 defines a first, upper, end 49 of the steerer, and the lower portion 42 of the steerer 36 defines a second, lower, end 51 of the steerer 36.
The cable guide 44 is shown in more detail in Figures 3 to 5, and is located at the first, upper, end 49 of the steerer 36. The cable guide 44 comprises a first, lower, body portion 48 and a second, upper, body portion 50. The first 48 and second 50 body portions are each formed via injection moulding of an appropriate plastic material.
The first body portion 48 comprises a first collar 52 and the second body portion comprises a second collar 54. The first 52 and second 54 collars are mounted externally of the steerer 36, with the remainder of the first 48 and second 50 body portions of the cable guide 44 located internally within the steerer 36.
The first body portion 48 comprises first 56 and second 58 internal guide surfaces, and the second body portion 50 comprises a third 60 internal guide surface. Collectively, the first 56, second 58 and third 60 internal guide surfaces define a path P, schematically illustrated in dashed lines, for receiving a brake cable 76.
The first internal guide surface 56 is substantially linear in form, whilst the second 58 and third 60 internal guide surfaces are curved in form. The form of the internal guide surfaces 56,58,60 results in the path P turning from a direction substantially parallel to a sidewall 61 of the steerer 36, to a direction substantially orthogonal to the steerer 36, such that a brake cable 76 guided by the cable guide 44 in use leaves the interior of the steerer 36 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the steerer 36.
As can be seen from Figure 5, the first 56 and third 60 internal guide surfaces define a first side of the path P, whilst the second internal guide surface 58 defines a second, opposite, side of the path P. The first 56 and third 60 internal guide surfaces are spaced apart along the first side of the path P, with the second internal guide surface 58 located on the second side of the path P corresponding to a position intermediate the first 56 and third 60 internal guide surfaces. The second 58 and third 60 guide surfaces partially overlap to define a cylindrical portion 62 that acts to guide a brake cable in a direction orthogonal to the steerer 36 as it leaves the steerer 36.
The fork 38 comprises a pair of blades, each of which has a cut-out for receiving an axle of the first wheel 12. The fork thereby defines a wheel connection portion of the steering assembly 20. The fork 38 is attached to the second, lower, end 51 of the steerer 36, and is rotatably attached to the headtube 24 of the frame 10. In such a manner, the steering assembly 20 is free to rotate relative to the frame 10. The fork 38 rotates relative to the headtube 24 about a rotational axis. The first wheel 12 may therefore be steered left and right, using the handlebar assembly 34, about the rotational axis. The fork 38 is pivotally attached to the steerer 36, such that the steerer 36 can be folded relative to the fork 38, and hence relative to the frame 10, between an upright position and a reclined positions, as will be discussed in more detail hereafter. A lock 66 is provided for locking the steerer 36 in the upright position.
The handlebar assembly 34 comprises a first handlebar portion 68, a second handlebar portion 70, a central handlebar portion 72, a brake lever 74, a brake cable 76, and a guide loop 78.
The first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions are located either side of the central handlebar portion 72, with the central handlebar portion 72 attached to the first, upper, end 49 of the steerer 36 via the cable guide 44, which acts as a spacer. The first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions thereby extend either side of the steerer 36, with the first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions intended to be gripped by a user of the scooter 100 in use. The first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions are pivotally mounted to the central handlebar portion 72 via an appropriate pivoting mechanism. This enables the first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions to be movable between a riding position in which the first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions extend orthogonally outwardly from the steer 36 such that they can be gripped by a user, and a stowed position in which they extend parallel to the steerer 36, as will be discussed in more detail hereafter.
The brake lever 74 is mounted to the second handlebar portion 70, and is intended to be actuable by a user to provide a braking force, via the brake cable 76 to at least one of the first 12 and second 14 wheels. The brake cable 76 extends from the brake lever 74 to the appropriate one of the first 12 and second 14 wheels, via the interior of the steerer 36, with the brake cable 76 entering/leaving the interior of the steerer 36 via the cylindrical portion 62 of the cable guide 44, and being guided within the interior of the steerer 36 by the first 56, second 58 and third 60 internal guide surfaces of the cable guide 44. As seen in Figure 6, the brake cable 76 enters/exits the steerer 36 in a direction toward the first handlebar portion 68, before turning toward the brake lever 74. The guide loop 78 is located on the first handlebar portion 68 to guide the brake cable between the steerer 36 and the brake lever 74.
The brake cable 76 comprises a sheath 80 disposed over a portion of its length, and in particular over a portion of the length of the brake cable 76 that is guided by the cable guide 44 in use. The sheath 80 is formed of a relatively hard yet relatively low friction material compared to an outer surface of the brake cable 76, to enable sliding motion of the brake cable 76 along the path P defined by the cable guide 44; and to prevent damage to outer surface of the brake cable 76.
In use, the scooter 100 is propelled forwards whilst the user stands on the first 16 and/or second 18 footplates, and steers using the first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions. In this particular example, the scooter 100 is propelled by the electric motor and powered by the battery pack. However, the scooter 100 may be propelled by other means For example, the scooter 100 may be unpowered and propelled by the user.
When the scooter 100 is not needed by a user, the scooter may be placed in a transportation/storage configuration, as will now be described.
In particular, a user can reduce an overall size of the envelope of the scooter 100 when placing the scooter 100 in the transportation/storage configuration by folding the first 21 and second 23 portions of the main body 22 about the hinge 25, with such a configuration shown in Figure 9, and/or by folding the first 16 and second 18 footplates relative to the main body 22.
The steerer 36 can be moved from its extended position to its retracted position via telescoping movement of the upper portion 40 of the steerer 36 toward the lower portion 42 of the steerer. As the brake cable 76 has a fixed length, and as the brake cable 76 extends within the interior of the steerer 36 when the steerer 36 is moved from its extended position to its retracted position more of the brake cable 76 exits the interior of the steerer via the cylindrical portion 62defined by the cable guide 44.
It has been found that use of the cable guide 44 may lead to controlled movement of the steerer 36 relative to the brake cable 76 as the steerer 36 moves between the extended position and the retracted position. This may, for example, lead the to brake cable 76 being guided to a known, desirable position, when the steerer 36 is in the retracted position. In an arrangement absent the cable guide 44, the brake cable 76 may leave the interior or the steerer 36 in an uncontrolled manner when the steerer 36 moves from the extended position to the retracted position, which may result in the brake cable 76 being located in an unpredictable location when the steerer 36 is in the retracted position.
Instead, here the cable guide 44 results in the brake cable 76 being located within a boundary defined by the steering assembly 20, i.e. defined by the handlebar assembly and the steerer, when the steerer 36 is in the retracted position. This may reduce a risk of the brake cable 76 becoming a trip hazard or the like when the steerer 36 is in the retracted position. As the cable guide 44 is located at the first, upper, end 49 of the steerer 36, and the fork 38 is located at the second, lower, end 51 of the steerer 36, the cable guide 44 may be used to guide the brake cable 76 in a region remote from the fork 38, which may reduce a risk of interaction of the brake cable 76 with the first wheel 12 in use.
The first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions can be pivoted from the riding position to the stowed position, either prior to or after the steerer 36 has been moved from the extended position to the retracted position. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 8. The cable guide 44 and the guide loop 78 act to maintain the brake cable 76 within the boundary B defined by the steering assembly 20 when the first 68 and second 70 handlebar portions are in the stowed position.
To further reduce an overall size of an envelope of the scooter 100 when placing the scooter 100 in the transportation/storage configuration, the steerer 36, and in particular the lower portion 42 of the steerer can be folded relative to the fork 38 from an upright position generally orthogonal to the frame 10, to a reclined position generally parallel to the frame. The brake cable 76 remains within the boundary defined by the steering assembly 20, and hence within the envelope of the scooter 100, via use of the cable guide 44 when in such a configuration.
A user can further reduce an overall size of the envelope of the scooter 100 when placing the scooter 100 in the transportation/storage configuration by folding the first 21 and second 23 portions of the main body 22 about the hinge 25, with such a configuration shown in Figure 9, and/or by folding the first 16 and second 18 footplates relative to the main body 22. In each of these configurations, the brake cable 76 remains within the boundary defined by the steering assembly 20, and hence within the envelope of the scooter 100, via use of the cable guide 44.
In the manner described above, the scooter 100 can be placed in a 10 transportation/storage configuration by a user where an envelope of the scooter 100 is of reduced size. When doing so, the brake cable 76 can be controlled to remain within the envelope of the scooter 100 via use of the cable guide 44.
Whilst the handlebar assembly 34 is described as being attached to the steerer 36 by the central handlebar portion 72, it will be appreciated that other examples where at least a portion of the handlebar assembly 34 are integrally formed with the steerer 36 are also envisaged.
The cable guide 44 has been described above with the internal guide surfaces 20 56,58,60 as static surfaces. However, other embodiments are also envisaged where movable surfaces, for example rollers or the like, are utilised to guide the brake cable 76.
Although described above in relation to embodiments where various components of the scooter can be folded relative to other components, it will be appreciated that use of the cable guide 44 described herein may find utility in any arrangement where the steerer 36 is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, with the brake cable being located within an interior of the steerer 36. It will further be appreciated that the cable guide may be utilised that the steering assembly 20 described herein may be utilised for vehicles other than scooters, for
example bicycles.

Claims (17)

  1. Claims A steering assembly for a scooter, the steering assembly comprising: a steerer; a handlebar assembly attached to the steerer; a brake lever mounted to the handlebar assembly, and a brake cable extending from the brake lever and to an interior of the steerer; wherein the steerer is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and the steering assembly comprises a cable guide for guiding the brake cable through the interior of the steerer as the steerer moves between the extended position and the retracted position, and the cable guide is configured to turn the brake cable from a first direction to a second direction substantially orthogonal to a sidewall of the steerer.
  2. 2. A steering assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the cable guide comprises a plurality of discrete surfaces that define a path movable relative to the brake cable as the steerer moves between the extended position and the retracted position, and the plurality of discrete surfaces are spaced apart such that, for a given portion of the brake cable, a first side of the brake cable is in contact with one of the discrete surfaces, and a second opposite side of the brake cable is not in contact with one of the discrete surfaces.
  3. 3. A steering assembly as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the steerer comprises first and second opposing sides, the cable guide is configured to guide the brake cable to leave the interior of the steerer on the first side, and the path extends within the interior of the steerer on the second side.
  4. 4. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide is positioned both within the interior of the steerer and externally of the steerer.
  5. 5. A steering assembly as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the cable guide defines a cylindrical region through which the brake cable leaves the interior of the steerer.
  6. 6. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide is located intermediate the steerer and the handlebar assembly, such that the cable guide acts as a spacer between the steerer and the handlebar assembly.
  7. 7. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide comprises first and second body parts separately formed from one another.
  8. 8. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake cable is at least partially disposed within a sheath.
  9. 9. A steering assembly as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the sheath is formed of a relatively harder material than an outer surface of the brake cable.
  10. 10. A steering assembly as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein a portion of the brake cable that moves within the cable guide in use is disposed within the sheath.
  11. 11. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handlebar assembly comprises first and second opposing ends, the brake lever is mounted to one of the first and second ends of the handlebar assembly, and the cable guide is configured such that the brake cable leaves the interior of the steerer in a direction toward the other of the second and first ends of the handlebar assembly.
  12. 12. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handlebar assembly comprises first and second handlebar portions movable between a riding position substantially orthogonal to the steerer, and a stowed position substantially parallel to the steerer, and the brake lever is mounted to one of the first and second handlebar portions.
  13. 13. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handlebar assembly comprises a guide loop for guiding the brake cable relative to the handlebar assembly.
  14. 14. A steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel connection portion comprises a fork for receiving a wheel, and the steerer is foldable relative to the fork between an upright position and a reclined position.
  15. 15. A scooter comprising a steering assembly as claimed in any preceding claim
  16. 16. A scooter as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the scooter comprises a frame relative to which the steerer is movable to steer the scooter, and the steerer is foldable relative to the frame.
  17. 17. A scooter as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the frame comprises a first portion and a second portion pivotally connected to one another.
GB2118186.2A 2021-12-15 2021-12-15 A steering assembly for a scooter Active GB2613817B (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2118186.2A GB2613817B (en) 2021-12-15 2021-12-15 A steering assembly for a scooter
PCT/EP2022/085992 WO2023111103A1 (en) 2021-12-15 2022-12-14 A steering assembly for a scooter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2118186.2A GB2613817B (en) 2021-12-15 2021-12-15 A steering assembly for a scooter

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202118186D0 GB202118186D0 (en) 2022-01-26
GB2613817A true GB2613817A (en) 2023-06-21
GB2613817B GB2613817B (en) 2024-04-24

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GB2118186.2A Active GB2613817B (en) 2021-12-15 2021-12-15 A steering assembly for a scooter

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GB (1) GB2613817B (en)
WO (1) WO2023111103A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20104211U1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2001-10-11 Kellner Franz Shoulder strap
US20040188976A1 (en) * 2003-03-26 2004-09-30 John Schmider Bicycle having internally routed control cables
US20130154234A1 (en) * 2010-08-12 2013-06-20 Douglas Gregg Shadwell Apparatus and Method for Routing Bicycle Control Cables
US20180118300A1 (en) * 2016-10-31 2018-05-03 Su-Ying Lin Bicycle front fork with grooves for receiving control cables

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2427250Y (en) * 2000-06-09 2001-04-25 蔡水德 Handle type braking structure of skate-board
CN202574532U (en) * 2012-04-12 2012-12-05 东莞市欧标实业有限公司 Brake apparatus of pedal scooter
CN211167210U (en) * 2019-08-29 2020-08-04 常州摩本智能科技有限公司 Electric scooter

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20104211U1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2001-10-11 Kellner Franz Shoulder strap
US20040188976A1 (en) * 2003-03-26 2004-09-30 John Schmider Bicycle having internally routed control cables
US20130154234A1 (en) * 2010-08-12 2013-06-20 Douglas Gregg Shadwell Apparatus and Method for Routing Bicycle Control Cables
US20180118300A1 (en) * 2016-10-31 2018-05-03 Su-Ying Lin Bicycle front fork with grooves for receiving control cables

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WO2023111103A1 (en) 2023-06-22
GB202118186D0 (en) 2022-01-26
GB2613817B (en) 2024-04-24

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