Balance system for saddle-type vehicles

Abstract

This subject matter relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a balancing system for balancing a vehicle using only two or three wheels. The saddle-type vehicle (100) includes a head tube (106), a first frame member (107) extending obliquely rearward from the head tube (106) along the vehicle's longitudinal axis (MN), one or more second frame members (108) extending rearwardly and upward from the first frame member (107) along the vehicle's longitudinal axis (MN), a central frame (111), and a support structure (201) extending downward from the central frame member (111) for stabilizing the vehicle (100), the balancing system (202) being supported by the support structure (201).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This topic relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More specifically, but not exclusively, it relates to a balancing system for balancing vehicles that use only two or three wheels. Background Technology

[0002] Developing countries are increasingly reliant on two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles. In such economies, most people depend more on two-wheeled vehicles as a means of transportation. However, many users are unwilling or unable to operate a motorcycle like a scooter. Such users include older members of society, shorter individuals, and amateur riders. These individuals are unable to balance a two-wheeled vehicle on their own due to safety concerns in the event of a collision and the skill required to maintain vehicle stability during use. Ideally, a two-wheeled vehicle should be upright. However, there is always a small amount of unbalanced weight on the right or left side of the vehicle. Therefore, depending on the unbalanced weight on the corresponding side of the vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle tends to lean to the right or left. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Detailed embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings of a saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle. In all the drawings, the same numbers are used to refer to similar features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of this subject matter is depicted.

[0005] Figure 2 An exemplary vehicle employing a balancing system according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 A portion of the balancing system attached to the vehicle frame assembly is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 A top view of a saddle-type vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0008] Figure 5a The components of a balancing system according to one aspect of this topic are shown.

[0009] Figure 5b An exploded view of a balanced system according to one aspect of the invention is shown.

[0010] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the equilibrium system taken by the vertical axis VX is shown.

[0011] Figure 7a A perspective view of the flywheel of a balancing system according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 7b It shows along Figure 7a The cross-sectional view of the flywheel of the balancing system, taken along the axial direction, is shown.

[0013] Figure 8 An exploded view of the housing components of a balancing system according to one aspect of the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Unlike four-wheeled vehicles, small-capacity vehicles like two-wheelers (especially) and three-wheelers are prone to imbalance. For example, in two-wheelers, the lower the speed, the greater the imbalance. Due to the instability of two-wheeled vehicles along the roll direction, especially at low speeds, many accidents occur. As mentioned earlier, people struggle to maintain balance in two-wheeled vehicles under traffic conditions. If the two-wheeler is heavy, the difficulty of balancing it increases. Two-wheeler accidents can be fatal to the user and also damage the vehicle. This poses a safety threat to two-wheeler users.

[0015] Two-wheeled vehicles are inherently unstable in the lateral direction. This causes the vehicle to tip over at low speeds. As the vehicle's weight increases, balancing it becomes increasingly difficult. This instability of two-wheeled vehicles makes ordinary people struggle in traffic.

[0016] In conventional two-wheeled vehicles, riders find it difficult to balance at low speeds. To balance a two-wheeled saddle-mounted vehicle, the rider needs to apply the correct steering torque to prevent the vehicle from tipping over at extremely low speeds. This physical phenomenon also applies to simple bicycles.

[0017] Self-balancing systems are known in the art for balancing vehicles. Most existing systems use multiple flywheels to balance the vehicle. In known technologies, two gyroscopes are used in two-wheeled vehicles for balance. The control system controls the angle and speed of the gyroscopes based on the motorcycle's tilt angle. The system has multiple flywheels (control torque gyroscopes - CMGs), and the motors driving the flywheels have three degrees of freedom to balance the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0018] In another known technique, the control system is configured such that the speed and angular position of the vehicle are taken as inputs to control the speed and angular position of one of the flywheels to balance the motorcycle.

[0019] However, these known systems occupy a significant amount of space in vehicle layout. If implemented in two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, these systems could take up substantial space, impacting usable space for the user. In two-wheeled vehicles, any additional systems would make the vehicle appear bulky. Furthermore, existing systems are overly complex and expensive.

[0020] In some systems known in the prior art, the overall width or height of the vehicle is affected by the balancing system, making them impractical for regular use. There are challenges in providing balancing systems for vehicles such as two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles.

[0021] Furthermore, among known technologies, some other systems use front steering to balance and keep the two-wheeled vehicle stationary at lower speeds. These systems struggle to balance the vehicle under high-impact shocks. This type of system requires heavier control actuators. One existing system incorporates a device to increase the vehicle's caster angle to cope with higher impacts and balance when stationary. This makes the system overly complex, creates manufacturability issues, and increases costs. These types of systems also require a heavy-duty motor mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle's steering mechanism. Other existing systems use expensive sensors and controllers to estimate and balance the roll angle. Most known systems result in delayed vehicle stabilization. Riders perceive this delay, and as a result, they feel stressed and lose confidence, which is undesirable.

[0022] Therefore, there is a need for a cost-effective, simple, and compact system for balancing two-wheeled vehicles that overcomes all the aforementioned problems and limitations, as well as other issues with existing technologies.

[0023] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art. There is a need for a compact and easily integrated system.

[0024] In view of the above objectives, the present invention discloses an improved balancing system for saddle-type vehicles. The balancing system provides an output in the form of a reaction torque opposite to the vehicle's roll direction to prevent the vehicle from tipping over, thereby stabilizing the saddle-type vehicle in the roll direction.

[0025] One object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle with a balancing system that provides a reaction torque to the vehicle to stabilize it in the lateral direction and to keep it upright even at low speeds.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle includes a balancing system. The balancing system includes a housing member configured to support other components of the balancing system. The balancing system includes a flywheel rotatably supported within the housing member. The housing member is rotatable about a first axis. A first drive member is configured to provide rotational movement to the housing member. The flywheel is rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is along the axial direction of the flywheel. A second drive member is configured to provide rotational movement to the flywheel.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first driving member and the second driving member are fixedly supported by the housing member.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second drive member is configured to rotate the flywheel at a predetermined number of revolutions per minute (RPM).

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the flywheel and the second drive component are substantially housed within the housing component.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the balancing system is mounted on the vehicle's frame assembly.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly of a saddle-type vehicle includes a head tube and a first frame member extending rearward from the head tube at an angle. The first frame member extends rearward along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Furthermore, one or more second frame members extend rearward and upward from the first frame. The one or more second frame members extend rearward along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, the central space in the vehicle is defined by a central frame member of the frame assembly. The central frame member is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle between the first frame member and one or more second frame members. The central frame member is lower than the first frame member and one or more second frame members.

[0033] The vehicle's frame assembly includes a support structure extending downwards from the central frame member. The support structure is configured to support one or more vehicle components. For example, one or more vehicle components include a balance system, control arms, etc.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the support structure includes a first arm, a second arm, and a connecting arm. The first arm is configured to extend downward from a first joint of a first frame member. The second arm is configured to extend downward from a second joint of one or more second frame members. The connecting arm is configured to connect the ends of the first arm and the second arm along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0035] According to one aspect of this subject matter, the first and second arms are configured to extend downward from the central frame member and perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The connecting arm is positioned below and parallel to the central frame.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support structure is configured to rotatably support the balancing system. When viewed from the side, the support structure is U-shaped.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, the flywheel is cylindrical in shape. The flywheel is cylindrical, solid at its center, and includes open end sides opposite to the central sides. The portion between the center of the flywheel and the open end sides is hollow. The flywheel includes a flywheel shaft extending through its axis. One of the hollow portions of the flywheel is configured to accommodate a portion of a second drive member.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, one side of the flywheel shaft is rotatably attached to the housing member, and the other side of the flywheel shaft is rotatably attached to the output shaft of the second drive member.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing member includes one or more faces. During assembly, the one or more faces of the housing member form a partially cubic structure. The one or more faces of the housing member include a plurality of vent holes. The plurality of vent holes serve as openings for air to enter the interior of the housing member. Atmospheric air entering the housing member through the vent holes carries away heat generated by a second driving member disposed inside the housing member.

[0040] The hollow portion in the flywheel is configured to reduce its size. This significantly reduces the flywheel's weight and makes it more compact. The compact flywheel is easy to install inside the housing component. The compact size of the flywheel necessitates a correspondingly compact housing component. Therefore, a compact balancing component is achieved. When assembled in a vehicle, the compact balancing component is almost within the width of the vehicle. Encapsulating the compact balancing component within the width of the vehicle is also easier.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of vent holes in the housing component are configured to reduce the total weight of the housing component.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flywheel is made of solid metal.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, the balancing system is positioned at the center of the vehicle along the vehicle's lateral axis, thereby providing compactness and weight balance along the vehicle's lateral direction.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the balancing system is located at the lower part of the vehicle. This location has a lower center of gravity, thus improving the vehicle's balance.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, a saddle-type vehicle includes a controller configured to process inputs from one or more sensors to detect the vehicle's roll angle. Therefore, the controller is configured to operate a balancing system as needed to balance the vehicle.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the flywheel rotates about a second axis. For example, the second axis is parallel to the vehicle's lateral axis. A second drive member is configured to rotate the flywheel at a predetermined speed (rpm). The flywheel always rotates at the predetermined speed (rpm). Under low-speed and unstable conditions, the vehicle tends to roll along the vehicle's roll direction. A controller is configured to detect the vehicle's roll angle and accordingly enable the housing member to rotate and move. The housing member is configured to rotate about a first axis. For example, the housing member is configured to rotate about a vertical axis. Depending on the rotation direction of the flywheel and the housing member, a reaction torque is generated along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. As a result, the reaction torque required to balance the vehicle is generated.

[0047] The arrows in the upper right corner of the image depict directions relative to the vehicle, with arrow F indicating forward, arrow R indicating backward, arrow Up indicating upward, and arrow Dw indicating downward.

[0048] The overview provided above explains the essential features of the invention and does not limit its scope. The essence and further features of the invention will become clearer from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The subject matter is further described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the specification and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the subject matter. Various arrangements can be designed, although they are not explicitly described or shown herein, but these arrangements incorporate the principles of the subject matter. Furthermore, all statements and specific examples listing the principles, aspects, and examples of the subject matter herein are intended to include their equivalents.

[0049] Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of this subject matter is depicted. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly 105 (schematically shown in dashed lines) including a head tube 106 and a first frame member 107 extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 106. The first frame member 107 may include one or more main tubes, and one or more second frame members 108 extending rearwardly at an angle from the rear of the first frame member 107. The one or more second frame members 108 may include one or more rear frames of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a central portion 109 defined by a central frame member 111 of the frame assembly 105. However, aspects of this subject matter are not limited to the illustrated layout of the vehicle 100.

[0050] Furthermore, the handlebar assembly 110 is connected to the front wheel 115 via one or more front suspensions 120. A steering shaft (not shown) connects the handlebar assembly 110 to the front suspension 120, and the steering shaft is rotatably journal-connected about the head tube 106. The engine assembly E is mounted to the frame assembly 105. The engine assembly E may also include or be mounted on the wheel hub or mounted near the internal combustion engine (ICengine). In the illustrated embodiment, the engine E is disposed below at least a portion of one or more second frame members 108. However, in an alternative embodiment, the power unit may be fixedly disposed in front of and below the main tube 107. The engine assembly E is functionally connected to the rear wheel 130 via a drivetrain (not shown). The vehicle may include one or more rear wheels. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes an exhaust system that helps dissipate exhaust gases from the engine assembly. The exhaust system 200 includes a muffler 135 mounted to the vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the muffler 135 is disposed toward a lateral side of the vehicle 100.

[0051] Furthermore, the rear wheel 130 is connected to the frame assembly 105 via one or more rear suspensions (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the engine assembly E is pivotally mounted to the frame assembly 105 via a toggle link 150, etc. The seat assembly 140 is supported by the frame assembly 105 and is positioned behind the step portion 109.

[0052] Furthermore, vehicle 100 includes a front fender 155 covering at least a portion of the front wheels 115. In this embodiment, a floor 145 is disposed at the step portion 109 and supported by a first frame member 107 and a pair of floor frames (not shown). In this embodiment, a fuel tank (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 140 and behind the utility box. A rear fender 160 covers at least a portion of the rear wheels 130. Vehicle 100 includes a plurality of electrical / electronic components, including headlights 165, taillights (not shown), a battery (not shown), a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), and a starter motor (not shown). Additionally, vehicle 100 may include a synchronized braking system and an anti-lock braking system.

[0053] Vehicle 100 includes multiple panels, including a front panel 170 located in front of head tube 106 and a leg guard 171 located behind head tube 106. Rear panel assembly 172 includes a right side panel and a left side panel, which are located below seat assembly 140 and extend rearward from the rear of floor 145 toward the rear of vehicle 100. Rear panel assembly 172 encloses a utility box located below seat assembly 140. Similarly, rear panel assembly 172 partially encloses engine assembly E. Likewise, a muffler 135 of the exhaust system is coupled to the exhaust side of the internal combustion engine, and in this embodiment, the muffler 135 is positioned toward a lateral side of vehicle 100.

[0054] Figure 2 An exemplary vehicle employing a balancing system according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. According to an embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly 105. The frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 106 and a front frame portion 107 extending rearwardly from the head tube 106 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis MN.

[0055] Frame assembly 105 includes a rear frame portion 108 extending rearward and upward along the vehicle's longitudinal axis MN from the front frame portion 107. Frame assembly 105 includes a central frame portion 111 disposed between the front frame portion 107 and the rear frame portion 108. The central frame portion 111 is lower than the front frame portion 107 and the rear frame portion 108. Furthermore, frame assembly 105 includes a support structure 201 extending downward from the central frame portion 111. The support structure 201 is configured to support one or more vehicle components 202, 207.

[0056] One or more vehicle components include a balance system 202 and a swing arm 207. A central frame portion 111 is disposed between a first joint 107a of the front frame portion 107 and a second joint 108a of the rear frame portion 108.

[0057] The support structure 201 includes a first arm 201a, a second arm 201b, and a connecting arm 201c. The first arm 201a extends substantially downward from a first joint 107a. The second arm 201b extends substantially downward from a second joint 108a, and the connecting arm 201c is configured to engage the first arm end 201ax and the second arm end 201bx along the vehicle's longitudinal axis MN.

[0058] The first arm 201a and the second arm 201b are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis MN of the vehicle, and the connecting arm 201c is disposed below the central frame portion 111 and substantially parallel to the central frame portion 111.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support structure 201 is configured to rotatably support a balance system 202 of one or more vehicle components 202, 207.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the balancing system 202 is configured to rotate, and the rotational movement is provided by the first driving member 204.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second arm 201b includes a bracket 201d. The bracket 201d is fixedly attached to the second joint 108a. The bracket 201d is configured to receive a portion of the swing arm 207.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first drive member 204 includes a connector 204a. The connector is configured to securely attach the output shaft (not shown) of the first drive member 204 to the balancing system 202.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the balancing system 202 is disposed at the lower part of the vehicle 100. At this location, the vehicle's center of gravity is lower. Therefore, as disclosed in the present invention, the balancing system 202, located at the lower part, enables vehicle balance. In this embodiment, the balancing system 202 is positioned closer to the vehicle's center of gravity. Therefore, vehicle balance is relatively easier to achieve.

[0064] Figure 3A portion of a balancing system attached to a vehicle frame assembly is shown. According to an embodiment of the invention, a first drive member 204 is attached to a central frame portion 111. Specifically, the first drive member 204 is attached to a mounting structure 206, which is also attached to the central frame portion 111. In this embodiment, the mounting structure 206 is supported by a flat member 206a. The flat member 206a is fixedly attached to the central frame portion 111. The flat member 206a is a flat structure configured to stably support the first drive member 204. The first drive member 204 is configured to provide the desired rotational movement to the balancing system 202. The first drive member 204 is stably mounted on the central frame portion 111, enabling stable operation of the first drive member 204. Therefore, the balancing system 202 is able to receive the desired rotational movement from the first drive member 204 without any delay from the output shaft (not shown) of the first drive member 204.

[0065] Figure 4 A top view of a saddle-type vehicle according to one aspect of the invention is shown. The balancing system 202 is substantially disposed at the longitudinal center of the vehicle and at the center of the transverse axis (TR) along the lateral direction of the vehicle 100. The transverse axis (TR) is located above and at the center of the central frame member 111. According to one aspect of the subject matter, the balancing system 202 is configured with a second width W2. The vehicle is configured to have a first width W1. The first width W1 is configured to be more than twice the second width W2. The first width W1 < 1 / 2 W2. The balancing system 202 is thus configured as a compact unit and is easily encapsulated in a saddle-type vehicle. The balancing system 202 according to the subject matter can be accommodated within the available space of the vehicle layout and is easily encapsulated among other vehicle components within the vehicle.

[0066] Figure 5aComponents of a balancing system according to one aspect of this subject matter are shown. The balancing system 202 includes a housing member 209. In an embodiment, the balancing system 202 is a partial cuboid. The balancing system includes a flywheel 202b. The flywheel 202b is housed and mounted inside the housing member 209. The flywheel 202b is rotatably supported within the housing member 209. In an embodiment, the flywheel 202b is rotatable about a second axis (not shown). The second axis is parallel to the transverse axis TR along the lateral direction of the vehicle. The housing member 209 is rotatable about a third axis (e.g., a vertical axis VX). A first drive member 204 is configured to provide rotational movement to the housing member 209. Whenever needed, particularly whenever a roll angle of the vehicle is detected, the first drive member 204 provides the desired rotational movement to the housing member 209. The rotational movement of the flywheel 202b at a predetermined speed (rpm) along the vehicle transverse axis TR and the rotational movement of the housing member 209 enable the balancing system to generate the desired reaction torque about the third axis (e.g., about the vehicle's longitudinal axis MN). The generated reaction torque is configured to balance the vehicle and bring it back to a stable state. The compact balancing system 202 and the stable mounting of the first drive member 204 are configured to provide the required reaction torque to the vehicle 100 even with the slightest roll in the roll direction. The principle of the gyroscope is thus implemented to achieve the desired balancing reaction torque to counteract the roll of the vehicle.

[0067] Figure 5b An exploded view of a balancing system according to one aspect of the invention is shown. A flywheel 202b is configured to house a portion of a second drive member 208. The flywheel 202b and a portion of the second drive member 208 housed within the flywheel 202b are supported by and disposed within a housing member 209.

[0068] In another embodiment, the housing component 209 is a cuboid, including a first side surface 209l, a second side surface 209rt, a front surface 209f, a rear surface 209r, a top surface 209t, and a bottom surface 209b.

[0069] In one embodiment, a first side surface 209l is located on the right side of the housing member 209. The first side surface 209l includes a first rotation enabling member 202lx. The first rotation enabling member 202lx is configured to support a portion of the flywheel shaft 202bx of the flywheel 202b. The first rotation enabling member 202lx is configured to provide rotational movement to the flywheel 202b about the transverse axis TR of the vehicle 100. A second side surface 209rt is located on the left side of the housing member 209. The second side surface 209rt is configured to support a second drive member 208, and its top surface 209t is configured to receive a portion of the first drive member 204.

[0070] In another embodiment, the first drive member 204 is coupled to a gearbox 205. The gearbox 205 is configured to function as a torque amplifier. In yet another embodiment, the gearbox 205 is configured to change the output direction of the output via the output shaft of the first drive member 204 to the connector 204a.

[0071] In embodiments of this subject, the housing member 209 includes one or more surfaces 209l, 209r, 209f, 209r, 209t, and 209b, which are configured to include a plurality of vent holes 212.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second side 209rt includes a flywheel receiving portion 209rx. The flywheel receiving portion 209rx is configured to detachably receive the flywheel 202b. In another embodiment, the flywheel includes a flywheel shaft 202bx. One end of the flywheel shaft 202bx is received by a shaft receiving member 209bxas. The shaft receiving member 209bxas is detachably attached to the flywheel receiving portion 209rx.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the output shaft 204b of the first drive member 204 is rotatably attached to one end of the connector 204a. The other end of the connector 204a is rigidly attached to the top surface 209t of the housing member 202.

[0074] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the balancing system taken along the vertical axis VX. A first drive member 204 is configured to enable rotational movement of the housing member 209. The first drive member includes an output shaft 204b connected to the housing member 209 via a connector 204a. The connector at one end includes a second rotation-enabling member 206ax. The second rotation-enabling member 206ax enables the connector 204b to rotate. The other end of the connector 204a is rigidly attached to the top surface 209t of the housing member 209. Rotational movement is generated and transmitted to the housing member 209 via the connector 204a.

[0075] In embodiments of this subject matter, a second drive member 208 is housed within a flywheel 202b. The flywheel 202b, together with the second drive member 208, is rotatably attached to a housing member 209. Specifically, a flywheel receiving portion 209rx is configured to permanently receive the second drive member 208. The second drive member includes a second output shaft 208a coupled to the flywheel shaft 202bx. The flywheel shaft 202bx is provided with rotational movement by a third rotationally enabling member 209ry. One end of the flywheel shaft 202bx is rotatably attached to a first side surface 209l of the housing member 209. The other end of the flywheel shaft 202b is coupled to the second shaft member 208a. Thus, rotational movement output from the second drive member 208 is transmitted to the flywheel 202b via the flywheel shaft 202bx.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the invention, one or more surfaces 209l, 209rt, 209t, 209b, 209f, 209r are detachably attached to each other to form a cubic structure. The bottom surface 209b is configured to be attached to a bottom mounting structure 210. The bottom mounting structure 210 includes a bottom rotation enabling member 210a. The bottom rotation enabling member 210a is configured to allow the housing member 209 to rotate. In an embodiment, the bottom mounting structure 210 is supported by a support structure 201 (such as...). Figure 2 The connecting arm (as shown) Figure 2 The 201c support shown.

[0077] The second drive member 208 is configured to provide a predetermined rotational speed (rpm) to the flywheel 202b. The flywheel 202b can rotate about the transverse axis TR. This allows the housing member 209 to rotate via the first drive member 204. The housing member 209 is allowed to rotate whenever the controller (not shown) detects any roll angle deviation of the vehicle relative to its longitudinal axis. According to the principle of the gyroscopic effect, the rotation of the flywheel 202b and the housing member 209 respectively generates a reaction torque in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axes of the flywheel 202b and the housing member 209. However, in this subject matter and Figure 6 In this context, the axis along which the reaction torque is generated is along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and can only be described as a point at the center of the balance system 202.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, a second drive member 208 is inserted into the flywheel 202b. The second drive member 208 is inserted such that it occupies most of the available hollow space in half of the flywheel 202b. As a result of the above configuration, the resulting balance system 202 is compact and lightweight compared to conventional balance systems and balance systems mentioned in the prior art, and the width of the balance system 201 is significantly reduced. The compact and lightweight balance system can be easily adapted to saddle-type vehicles without requiring much modification to the existing layout of the vehicle.

[0079] In addition to its compact design, the flywheel 202b can be mounted in the center of the vehicle and in the lower part of the vehicle. With the current configuration, the center of gravity is quite low. Compared to conventional vehicles, the vehicle's roll or overturning balance is improved, especially at low speeds.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the flywheel 202b is configured to receive a majority of the second drive member 208. The flywheel 202b includes one or more hollow portions H1 and H2 (as shown in FIG. 7). The one or more hollow portions H1 and H2 are capable of accommodating 3 / 4 of the total length of the second drive member 208 along the transverse axis TR of the vehicle 100.

[0081] In the embodiments, as explained above, a high-density material is preferably selected to configure the flywheel 202b. Compared to conventional balancing systems that include a solid cylinder as the flywheel, the ratio of the balancing torque (inertial mass torque) to the mass of the flywheel 202b is improved according to this subject matter. This aspect of the invention is further explained with reference to the mathematical representation in the following paragraphs. The ratio of the balancing torque to the mass of a conventional solid cylinder used as a flywheel is:

[0082]

[0083] (Mass) 实心圆柱体 =ρ×π×h×r 2

[0084]

[0085] in,

[0086] ρ – density of the cylindrical material.

[0087] r – the radius of the cylinder, and

[0088] h – the height of the cylinder.

[0089] However, the ratio of the balancing torque to the mass of flywheel 202b is

[0090]

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] r o >r i

[0094] in,

[0095] ρ - density of the cylindrical material.

[0096] r o -Outer radius of the cylinder

[0097] r i - The inner radius of the cylinder, and

[0098] h - Height of the cylinder

[0099] Now, if the outer diameter of the cavity and the outer diameter of the flywheel are the same, (i.e.) r o =r, then

[0100] Therefore, a flywheel comprising one or more hollow sections H1 and H2, configured with high-density material, is ideal because it has a high torque-to-mass ratio. Thus, a hollow flywheel made of high-density material is chosen because of its high torque-to-mass ratio.

[0101] According to an embodiment of this subject matter, the ratio of the outer radius ro of the flywheel 202b to its width w varies in the range of 0.1 to 1.5.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the package volume of the flywheel 202b to the rotational speed of the second drive member 208 is in the range of 4 to 7. According to this subject matter, the ratio described above is configured to generate the required reaction torque to stabilize the vehicle.

[0103] Figure 7a A perspective view of a flywheel in a balancing system according to one aspect of the invention is shown. The flywheel 202b shown is a bowl-shaped structure with two open ends on opposite sides. The flywheel 202b includes a flywheel shaft 202bx extending along the axis of the flywheel 202b. The flywheel shaft 202bx allows the flywheel 202b to be mounted to a second drive member (not shown) and a first rotation enabling member (not shown), wherein, according to an embodiment, the rotation enabling member is a bearing.

[0104] Figure 7b It shows along Figure 7a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the flywheel of the balancing system taken in the axial direction. According to an embodiment of the invention, the flywheel 202b includes a solid central portion 301 and open end sides 302, 303 disposed opposite to the two sides of the central portion 301.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flywheel 202b is configured such that each of the central portion 301 and the open end sides 302, 303 includes one or more hollow portions H1, H2 located therebetween.

[0106] One or more hollow portions H1, H2 allow for the reception of a portion of a second drive member (not shown) and reduce the weight of the flywheel 202b. The compact flywheel 202b thus obtained according to the invention is suitable for use in saddle-type vehicles.

[0107] Figure 8An exploded view of the housing component of a balancing system according to one aspect of the invention is shown. The housing component 209 includes one or more surfaces. In one embodiment, the first surface 209l and the second surface 209rt each include a plurality of vent holes 212. In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of vent holes 212 are openings. The plurality of vent holes 212 are configured to receive atmospheric air. During vehicle operation, atmospheric air entering the plurality of vent holes 212 tends to cool a second drive component (not shown) housed and mounted inside the housing component 209. As a result, the durability and reliability of the balancing system 202 are increased.

[0108] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It should be understood that aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.

[0109] Figure label:

[0110] 100 saddle-type vehicle 30201c joint arm

[0111] 105 Frame Components 201d Bracket

[0112] 106 head tube 202, 207 or one or more vehicle components

[0113] 107 Front frame section 201ax First arm end

[0114] 107a First joint 201bx Second arm end

[0115] 108 Second Frame Part 35202 Balance System

[0116] 108a Second joint 202b Flywheel

[0117] 109 Central section 202bx flywheel shaft

[0118] 110 Handlebar Assembly 202lx First Rotation Enabler

[0119] 111 Stepping Frame 204 First Driving Component

[0120] 115 front wheel 40204a coupling

[0121] 120 One or more front suspension 204b output shafts

[0122] 130 rear wheel 206 mounting structure

[0123] 135 Muffler 206a Flat component

[0124] 140 Seat assembly 206ax Third rotation enabling component

[0125] 145 floor 45207 swing arm

[0126] 150 Toggle Linkage 208 Second Drive Component

[0127] 155 Front baffle 209 Housing component

[0128] 160 rear bumper 209L First side view

[0129] 165 Headlights 209rt Second Side View

[0130] 170 front panel 50209f front

[0131] 171 shin guards 209r (back)

[0132] 172 Rear panel assembly 209rx flywheel receiver section

[0133] 200 Exhaust system 209t Top surface

[0134] 201 Support structure 209b Bottom surface

[0135] 201a First Arm 55209ry Third Rotation Enabler

[0136] 201b Second Arm 212 Multiple Vent Holes

[0137] E Engine Components

[0138] MN Vehicle longitudinal axis

[0139] TR horizontal axis

[0140] W1 First Width

[0141] W2 Second Width

[0142] VX vertical axis

[0143] H1, H2 or one or more hollow parts.

Claims

1. A balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100), the balancing system (202) comprising: The outer shell component (209) is rotatable about the first axis (VX); A flywheel (202b) is rotatable about a transverse axis (TR) and is housed inside the housing member (209); A first drive member (204) is configured to enable the outer shell member (209) to rotate and move; The second drive member (208) is configured to enable the flywheel (202b) to rotate. The flywheel (202b) includes one or more hollow portions (H1 and H2); and The balancing system (202) is rotatably supported by the support structure (201) of the saddle-type vehicle (100); The outer casing component (209) includes one or more faces (209l, 209r, 209f, 209r, 209t, and 209b), said one or more faces (209l, 209r, 209f, 209r, 209t, and 209b) configured to include a plurality of vent holes (212), wherein said outer casing component (209) is a cuboid including a first side surface (209l), a second side surface (209rt), a front surface (209f), a rear surface (209r), a top surface (209t), and a bottom surface (209b). When viewed from the top of the vehicle, the first side (209l) is located on either the right or left side of the housing member (209), and the first side (209l) includes a first rotation enabling member (202lx). The first rotation enabling member (202lx) is configured to support a portion of the flywheel shaft (202bx) of the flywheel (202b). The first rotation enabling member (202lx) is configured to provide rotational movement to the flywheel (202b) about the transverse axis (TR) of the vehicle (100). The second side (209rt) is located on the left side of the housing member (209), and the second side (209rt) is configured to support the second drive member (208). The top surface (209t) is configured to receive a portion of the first drive member (204).

2. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more hollow portions (H1 and H2) are capable of receiving most of the second drive member (208).

3. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first drive member (204) is connected to the gearbox (205).

4. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more hollow portions (H1 and H2) are capable of receiving 3 / 4 of the total length of the second drive member (208) along the transverse axis (TR) of the vehicle (100).

5. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flywheel (202b) is configured with an outer radius (r) o ) and width (w), the outer radius (r) o The ratio of the width (w) to the width (w) varies in the range of 0.1 to 1.

5.

6. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flywheel (202b) is configured with an encapsulation volume (V), and the second drive member (208) is configured with a rotational speed (w), wherein a second ratio of the encapsulation volume (V) to the rotational speed (w) is in the range of 4 to 7.

7. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flywheel (202b) includes a solid central portion (301) and open end sides (302, 303) disposed opposite to the two sides of the central portion (301).

8. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein, Each of the central portion (301) and the open end sides (302, 303) includes one or more hollow portions (H1 and H2) located between them.

9. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The balancing system (202) includes a flywheel (202b) rotatably supported by a housing member (209), and the balancing system (202) includes a first drive member (204) configured to enable the housing member (209) to rotate and a second drive member (208) configured to enable the flywheel (202b) to rotate.

10. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The top surface (209t) is configured to rotatably support the output shaft of the first drive member (204), and the top surface (209t) is rotatably attached to the connecting arm (201c).

11. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The first drive component (204) is mounted on the mounting structure (206), which is supported by the central frame portion (111) of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

12. The balancing system (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The first drive member (204) and the second drive member (208) are fixedly attached to the housing member (209).

13. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising a balancing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, said saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising: Head tube (106); The front frame portion (107) extends obliquely rearward from the head tube (106) along the vehicle's longitudinal axis (MN); The rear frame portion (108) extends rearward and upward along the longitudinal axis (MN) of the vehicle from the front frame portion (107); A central frame portion (111) is disposed between the front frame portion (107) and the rear frame portion (108), the central frame portion (111) being configured to be lower than the front frame portion (107) and the rear frame portion (108); and The support structure (201) extends downward from the central frame portion (111). The balancing system (202) is used to stabilize the vehicle (100).

14. The saddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The support structure (201) is configured to support the swing arm (207).

15. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The central frame portion (111) is disposed between the first joint portion (107a) and the second joint portion (108a), the first joint portion (107a) joining the front frame portion (107) and the central frame portion (111), and the second joint portion (108a) joining the central frame portion (111) and the rear frame portion (108).

16. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The support structure (201) includes a first arm (201a), a second arm (201b), and a connecting arm (201c), the first arm (201a) extending downward from the first connecting portion (107a), the second arm (201b) extending downward from the second connecting portion (108a), and the connecting arm (201c) configured to engage the first arm end (201ax) and the second arm end (201bx) which are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (MN) of the vehicle.

17. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The first arm (201a) and the second arm (201b) are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (MN) of the vehicle, and the connecting arm (201c) is disposed below the central frame portion (111) and substantially parallel to the central frame portion (111).

18. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The support structure (201) is configured to rotatably support the balancing system (202), wherein the balancing system (202) is substantially located at the longitudinal center of the vehicle (100).

19. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The vehicle (100) includes a first width W1, and the balancing system (202) includes a second width W2, wherein the first width W1 < 1 / 2W2.

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