Rideable saddle-mounted vehicles including optical indication devices

Abstract

A rideable saddle-type vehicle (1) includes: - a body (2, 3, 4) extending along a longitudinal axis (L-L) and having a front portion (2), a rear portion (4), and a middle portion (3) between the front portion (2) and the rear portion (4); - at least one front wheel (6) and at least one rear wheel (7); - an engine (8) operatively connected to at least one of the wheels (6, 7); - an optical indicating device (15) attached to the body (2, 3, 4); - an authorization system (100) for authorization... The system is adapted to receive a radio signal (S1) transmitted by a remote control device (200) to authorize the vehicle (1) to ignite, wherein the authorization system (100) includes a manual control device (101) that, upon receiving the radio signal (S1), can be moved by a user from a locking configuration (P0) to at least one unlocking configuration (P1, P2), wherein the authorization system (100) includes an electronic control unit (102) operatively connected to the optical indicator device (15) to turn the optical indicator device on and off. The electronic control unit (102) is configured to turn on the optical indicator device (15) after receiving the radio signal (S1), and the electronic control unit is configured to turn off the optical indicator device (15) when one of the following conditions is met: - a period of time has elapsed since the optical indicator device (15) was turned on, and the manual control device (101) has not moved from the locking structure (P0) to the at least one unlocking structure (P1, P2) or has not moved toward the at least one unlocking structure; - the manual control device (101) has moved from the locking structure (P0) to the at least one unlocking structure (P1, P2) and / or toward the at least one unlocking structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of land transport vehicles, and particularly to rideable saddle vehicles including optical indicating devices. Background Technology

[0002] Optical lighting systems that allow for the safe use of rideable saddle-mounted vehicles (such as motorcycles) have been installed on motorcycles for a long time. Motorcycles are actually equipped with headlights, taillights, turn signals, etc. The headlight allows the ground area in front of the motorcycle to be illuminated, making the motorcycle visible to people or vehicles in front of it. The taillight allows people or vehicles behind the motorcycle to see it and allows a signal to activate the braking system.

[0003] There are certain types of rideable saddle-mounted vehicles, such as some motorcycles, that can be started with the consent of a keyless entry system, which typically does not require a hardware ignition key. In this type of vehicle, the ability to start the vehicle is achieved via a radio remote control device, through which the user actually sends a radio start signal. However, for the user, in conditions of low or no outdoor lighting, it may be difficult to accurately determine whether the vehicle can be started after sending the start signal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a rideable saddle-type vehicle that can at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the vehicles described above with reference to the prior art.

[0005] Another objective of this specification is to provide a vehicle that an observer can more easily identify in low-light conditions or in darkness.

[0006] These and other objectives are achieved by the rideable saddle-type vehicle as generally defined in this application. This application also defines alternative preferred embodiments and advantageous embodiments of the aforementioned vehicle.

[0007] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of specific embodiments provided as examples and not as limiting in any way, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are briefly described below. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A non-limiting plan side view of an embodiment of a rideable saddle-type vehicle including an optical indicating device is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A floor plan of a rideable saddle-type vehicle.

[0010] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The front view of a rideable saddle-type vehicle.

[0011] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Functional block diagram of an example embodiment of an authorized control system for a rideable saddle-type vehicle.

[0012] Figure 5 A top view of the rideable saddle-mounted vehicle is shown, along with an associated enlarged view of the backlit logo / trademark.

[0013] Figure 6 A side view is shown, schematically illustrating the passive identification of a remote control device.

[0014] Figure 6A It shows that in such Figure 6 The diagram shows a housing obtained from the vehicle body, into which a remote control device can be inserted. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Use the same reference numerals to denote similar or equivalent elements in the figures.

[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of a rideable saddle-mounted vehicle 1, which in a particular example (but without being limited thereto) includes a two-wheeled motorcycle, particularly a two-wheeled scooter, having a front wheel 6 and a rear wheel 7.

[0017] In this manual, reference will be made to a common motorcycle 1, which means that the following description is generally applicable to any type of rideable saddle-mounted vehicle, including:

[0018] -Main body 2, 3, 4;

[0019] - At least two wheels 6 and 7, which are constrained to the main body 2, 3 and 4;

[0020] - Engine 8, such as a thermal engine, electric motor, or hybrid motor, is constrained to bodies 2, 3, 4 and operatively connected directly or indirectly to at least one of the two wheels 6, 7.

[0021] The main body 2, 3, and 4 of the motorcycle 1 extends along a longitudinal axis LL parallel to the drive axis of the motorcycle 1, and the main body has a front portion 2, a rear portion 4, and a middle portion 3 between the front portion 2 and the rear portion 4. For example, the middle portion 3 includes a foot pedal 5.

[0022] Conveniently, the motorcycle 1 (especially the tail section 4) includes a seat 41 and a support portion 43 of the seat 41, and a foot pedal 5 connects the support portion 43 of the seat 41 to the front section 2 of the motorcycle 1.

[0023] In this example, the front section 2 includes a front hood 21, a steering handle 22, a front wheel 6, a front fender 26, and a front suspension 25. The front section 2 preferably includes a control panel 24, for example, the control panel 24 is integrated into the steering handle 22.

[0024] In this example, the rear 4 includes a luggage rack 42, a rear suspension 45, a rear wheel 7, a traction engine 8, a rear fender 44, and an exhaust pipe 46.

[0025] The motorcycle 1 includes at least one headlight 12 fixed to the front portion 2 and at least one taillight 14 fixed to the rear portion 4. When the handlebars 22 are not turned, i.e., when the front wheel 6 and rear wheel 7 are aligned along the longitudinal axis LL, the headlight 12 therefore emits a beam of light primarily oriented along the longitudinal axis LL to illuminate the portion of the motorcycle 1 located in front of it. The taillight 14 emits diffuse (i.e., non-directional) light radiation.

[0026] The motorcycle 1 also includes an optical indicator device 15, which is fixed to the main body 2, 3, 4, and preferably fixed to the front part 2.

[0027] The motorcycle 1 also includes an authorization control system 100 (or simply authorization system 100), which is adapted to receive a radio signal S1 transmitted by a remote control device 200 to authorize the ignition of the vehicle 1. The authorization system 100 includes a manual control device 101, which, upon receiving the radio signal S1, can be moved by a user from a locking configuration P0 to at least one unlocking configuration P1, P2. The authorization system 100 includes an electronic control unit 102, which is operatively connected to an optical indicator device 15 to turn the optical indicator device 15 on and off.

[0028] For example, remote control device 200 is adapted and configured to transmit the radio signal S1 by operating (e.g., pressing or touching) manual control button 202.

[0029] For example, the authorization system 100 includes a radio communication interface 13, which is operatively connected to or integrated into the electronic control unit 102 to receive radio signals S1 through the interface 13.

[0030] The electronic control unit 102 is configured to turn on the optical indicating device 15 after receiving the radio signal S1, and the electronic control unit 102 is configured to turn off the optical indicating device 15 when one of the following conditions is met:

[0031] - A period of time has elapsed since the optical indicator device 15 was turned on, and the manual control device 101 has not moved from the locking configuration P0 to the at least one unlocking configuration P1, P2 or has not moved toward the at least one unlocking configuration P1, P2;

[0032] - The manual control device 101 moves from the locking configuration P0 to at least one unlocking configuration P1, P2 or toward at least one unlocking configuration P1, P2.

[0033] The time interval is preferably less than or equal to 60 seconds, for example less than 30 seconds, for example, the time interval is between 10 seconds and 20 seconds (including the extreme values ​​of 10 seconds and 20 seconds).

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking configuration P0 corresponds to the locking position P0 of the manual control device 101, and at least one unlocking configuration corresponds to at least one unlocking position P1, P2 of the manual control device 101.

[0035] According to advantageous embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the optical indicating device 15 bears at least the logo or trademark of the motorcycle 1 or its manufacturer.

[0036] Preferably, the optical indicating device 15 includes at least one optical backlight, such as a light source suitable for providing backlighting for the logo or trademark. For example, the light source includes an LED or an LED array. The optical indicating device 15 emits a light beam 15' ( Figure 6 The beam is projected outward and illuminates the surrounding environment, making it visible to the user from a distance. Specifically, the optical indicating device 15 emits a beam 15' whose extension range corresponds to the extension range of the produced logo / trademark. Figure 5 The enlarged view shows two variations of the backlit trademark, which are characterized by, for example, text identifying the manufacturer, or by a backlit symbol or logo.

[0037] Again, in Figure 5In this configuration, the optical indicator 15 is mounted on the steering handle 22, specifically below the control panel 24 of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the optical indicator 15 faces the rear 4 of the vehicle 1. Thus, in this configuration, the optical indicator 15 is clearly visible when the user approaches the vehicle 1 to start it. As described above, the optical indicator 15 illuminates with a fixed light after receiving and confirming the signal S1. Specifically, the optical indicator 15 gradually turns on until a fixed beam of light is generated. Once this condition is met, the optical indicator 15 turns off, accompanied by a gradual reduction in the beam of light.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, the aforementioned optical indicating device 15 is a spatially separate device from and distinct from the headlight 12 and / or taillight 14 and / or other lighting and / or signaling devices (such as turn signals and / or hazard lights or warning lights or indicators disposed on the control panel 24) on the motorcycle 1. Preferably, the optical indicating device 15 is spatially separate from the manual control device 101.

[0039] According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment, again as Figure 5 As shown, the optical indicator 15 is fixed to and / or integrated into the front part 2 of the motorcycle 1, for example, the optical indicator 15 is attached to and / or integrated into the front cover 21. More preferably, as in the example shown in the figures, the optical indicator 15 is arranged on the wall of the front part 2 (e.g., the front cover 21), facing in the opposite direction to the rear part 4. In this case, the optical indicator 15 is a backlit logo or symbol of the vehicle manufacturer.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the manual control device 101 includes a knob 111, and a locking configuration P0 and at least one unlocking configuration P1, P2 correspond to a plurality of positions of the knob 111 that are angularly spaced from each other.

[0041] For example, the authorization system 100 prevents the knob 111 from rotating in the locking configuration P0. To this end, the authorization system 100 includes a locking element 105, such as a pin or piston, which engages with the knob 111 in the locking configuration P0 to prevent rotation of the knob. For example, the locking element 105 in the locking configuration is at least partially inserted into a housing 106 defined in the knob 111. The locking element 105 is adapted and configured to be moved by an electronic control unit 102, and the authorization system 100 includes, for example, a linear motor (e.g., a solenoid linear motor), wherein the pin or piston is a movable device and is therefore capable of taking a forward position engaged in the housing 106 and a rearward position disengaged from the housing 106.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the motorcycle 1 includes a rechargeable battery 50 adapted to power an authorization system 100, and an optical indicator device 15 powered by the rechargeable battery 50 via the authorization system 100 when it is turned on. In other words, the rechargeable battery 50 powers the authorization system 100, and the authorization system 100 powers the optical indicator device 15 when it is turned on. This facilitates allowing the optical indicator device 15 to be powered independently of the rest of the motorcycle 1's onboard electrical system. According to an advantageous embodiment, the motorcycle 1 includes an ECU 51 (Engine Control Unit), which can be powered by the rechargeable battery 50, and the authorization system 100 prevents the rechargeable battery 50 from powering the ECU 51 when the manual control device 101 is in a locked configuration P0. For example, the authorization system 100 or motorcycle 1 includes a switch 52, which can be electronically controlled by the electronic control unit 102 to interrupt or allow power supply from the rechargeable battery 50 to the ECU 51, and obviously, when the manual control device 101 is in the locked configuration P0, the switch interrupts power supply to the ECU 51.

[0043] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electronic control unit 102 of the authorization system 100 is preferably a separate unit spatially separated from the ECU 51. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 102 can be powered by the rechargeable battery 50 even when power supply to the ECU 51 is interrupted or disabled.

[0044] According to a possible embodiment, the motorcycle 1 includes a steering handlebar 22 locking device (i.e., a steering lock) operatively connected to the authorization system 100, such that the locking device is locked when the manual control device 101 adopts a locking configuration P0, and unlocked when the manual control device 101 adopts at least one unlocking configuration P1, P2. In one embodiment, for example, the manual control device 101 may be adapted and configured to adopt a first unlocking configuration P1 and a second unlocking configuration P2. The steering lock is active in the locking configuration P0. Switching from the locking configuration P0 to the first unlocking configuration P1 deactivates the steering lock. In this configuration, it may be specified that the motorcycle 1 cannot be started, especially the towing engine 8 cannot be ignited. For example, the motorcycle 1 may only be ignited if the manual control device 101 is further operated to adopt the second unlocking configuration P2. For example, in this unlocking configuration P2, the user can activate the ignition button 23 of the motorcycle 1 to start the engine 8. The ignition button 23 is operatively connected to the ECU 51, for example, located on the handlebar 22.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, the motorcycle 1 includes a twilight sensor 150 operatively connected to an electronic control unit 102, and the electronic control unit 102 is programmed and configured to keep the optical indicating device 15 off when a given level of ambient light is detected. Conveniently, the twilight sensor 150 is integrated into the optical indicating device 15.

[0046] The following describes an example of the unrestricted operation of the authorized control system 100 of motorcycle 1.

[0047] When the motorcycle 1 is off and parked, the manual control device 101 is in a locked configuration P0, and for example, the knob 111 is in the locked position P0. In this configuration P0, the authorization system 100 can be configured to prevent power supply from the rechargeable battery 50 to the ECU 51, or otherwise prevent the motorcycle 1 from being started. If the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a steering lock, the steering lock can be configured to be locked in the locking configuration P0, i.e., preventing the steering handlebar 22 from rotating about the steering axis.

[0048] An authorized user of a remote control device 200 that is logically paired with an authorized system 100 operates the remote control device 200 to transmit radio signals S1.

[0049] Upon receiving radio signal S1, the authorization system 100 activates the optical indicator device 15 and enables the manual control device 101 to move. Activation of the optical indicator device 15 allows the user to clearly see and identify the correct start of the vehicle 1. After activation, the user can move the manual control device 101 to enter unlocking configurations P1 and P2. Specifically, if the motorcycle 1 includes a steering lock device, the user can bring the manual control device 101 to unlocking configuration P1, in which the steering lock device is unlocked. For example, it can be specified that in this configuration P1, the optical indicator device 15 remains active. It can be further specified that in this configuration, the authorization system 100 continues to prevent power supply from the rechargeable battery 50 to the ECU 51, or otherwise continues to prevent the ignition of the motorcycle 1.

[0050] Starting from the unlocked configuration P1, the user can further move the manual control device 101 to the unlocked configuration P2, in which the optical indicator device 15 is turned off. It can be specified that in this configuration P2, the authorization system 100 enables the ECU 51 to be powered by the rechargeable battery 50, or otherwise enables the motorcycle 1 to be ignited, thereby allowing, for example, the user to ignite the towing engine 8.

[0051] On the other hand, if a preset time interval has elapsed after the radio signal S1 has been transmitted and the optical indicator device 15 has been turned on, for example, 10s or 20s, and the user has not moved the manual control device 101 from the locked position P0 to the unlocked positions P1 or P2, the authorization system will turn off the optical indicator device 15 and prevent the manual control device 101 from moving from the locked position P0 to the unlocked positions P1 or P2.

[0052] The above example relates to the case where the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a steering lock. On the other hand, in the absence of a steering lock device, an intermediate unlocking mechanism P1 may not be provided, and the manual control device 101 may be able to switch from a locking mechanism P0 to a single unlocking mechanism P2, in which the motorcycle 1 can be ignited, i.e., the ignition and use of the motorcycle 1 may be authorized.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control unit 102 is configured to intermittently activate the optical indicating device 15 after a failure to identify the remote control device 200. Specifically, the electronic control unit 102 does not receive radio signal S1. This is, for example, if the remote control device 200 has a low battery or low power, preventing it from properly transmitting signals. However, in other cases, the electronic control unit 102 may not receive or identify signals due to radio transmission interference (radio interference).

[0054] Specifically, the electronic control unit 102 is programmed to allow access via reading the proximity signal 201 from the remote control device 200. Figure 5 The remote control device 200 is passively authenticated. When this occurs, the user can identify the remote control device 200 by bringing it close to a reading area in which the transponder 215 is located. The proximity of the remote control device 200 to the body area (where the transponder 215 is located) allows the reception of the proximity signal 201, and thus allows subsequent unlocking and starting operations of the motorcycle 1.

[0055] Specifically, the transponder 215 is concealed and arranged behind the body from the side opposite to the manual control device 101, for example, in the front facing the seat. Specifically, the body includes an identification element that allows the user to easily locate the reading area using the transponder 215. The identification element is preferably an embossed symbol or printed on the body, which identifies the presence of the transponder 215 behind it. Alternatively, the identification element includes a light, such as an LED light that illuminates the identification element from behind.

[0056] exist Figure 6 and Figure 6AIn the illustrated variant embodiment, a housing 210 is provided, which includes a transponder 215. The housing 210 is configured to at least partially receive the remote control device 200. Specifically, the housing 210 includes an opening 211 and is shaped to at least partially achieve form coupling with the remote control device 200. The housing 210 is preferably arranged within a portion of the body of the motorcycle 1, such as the tail section 4, in a partially concealed position while still accessible to the user. For example, the seat may be located on the side of the motorcycle 1, in the tail section 4, below the side fairing, and therefore not visible from the outside. However, the user can simultaneously access the housing 210 by reaching under the fairing and inserting the remote control device 200 into it. Figure 6A ).

[0057] Based on the above explanation, it can be understood how the above-described type of rideable saddle-mounted vehicle 1 allows the achievement of the objectives indicated by reference to the prior art.

[0058] In fact, thanks to the optical indicator device 15, even in dimly lit conditions or in darkness, authorized users can determine whether a vehicle can be started after a radio enable signal has been sent. Furthermore, in dimly lit conditions or in darkness, the optical indicator device allows users to immediately identify their vehicle.

[0059] Without prejudice to the principles of the invention or without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, embodiments and structural details may vary extensively with respect to the above description disclosed by means of non-limiting examples.

Claims

1. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) comprising: - a main body (2, 3, 4) extending along a longitudinal axis (L-L) and having a front portion (2), a rear portion (4) and an intermediate portion (3) between the front portion (2) and the rear portion (4); - at least one front wheel (6) and at least one rear wheel (7); - an engine (8) operatively connected to at least one of the wheels (6, 7); - an optical indication device (15) attached to the main body (2, 3, 4); - an authorization system (100) adapted to receive a radio signal (SI) emitted by a remote control device (200) to authorize the vehicle (1) to be started, wherein the authorization system (100) comprises a manual control device (101) which, after reception of the radio signal (SI), can be moved by a user from a locked configuration (P0) to at least one unlocked configuration (PI, P2), wherein the authorization system (100) comprises an electronic control unit (102) operatively connected to the optical indication device (15) to switch it on and off; wherein the electronic control unit (102) is configured to switch the optical indication device (15) on after reception of the radio signal (SI) and is configured to switch the optical indication device (15) off when one of the following conditions is met: - a time interval has elapsed since the optical indication device (15) was switched on without the manual control device (101) being moved from the locked configuration (P0) to the at least one unlocked configuration (PI, P2) or towards the at least one unlocked configuration; - the manual control device (101) is moved from the locked configuration (P0) to the at least one unlocked configuration (PI, P2) or towards the at least one unlocked configuration, wherein the optical indication device (15) bears a logo or a trademark of the vehicle (1) or of a vehicle manufacturer and wherein the optical indication device (15) comprises at least one optical backlight of the logo or of the trademark, and wherein the electronic control unit (102) is configured to switch the optical indication device (15) on intermittently after a failure to identify the remote control device (200) and is programmed to allow passive authentication of the remote control device (200) by reading a proximity signal (201) of the remote control device (200).

2. The rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 1, comprising a transponder (215) provided on the main body (2, 3, 4) for reading the proximity signal (201) of the remote control device (200).

3. The ride-on saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein, A housing (210) is provided, comprising said transponder (215), into which said remote control device (200) can be at least partially inserted.

4. The rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said optical indication device (15) is arranged on a handle at said front portion (2) and faces said rear portion (4).

5. The rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said optical indication device (15) is arranged on a wall of said front portion (2) and faces in a direction opposite to said rear portion (4).

6. The rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said manual control device (101) comprises a knob (111), and wherein said locked configuration (P0) and said at least one unlocked configuration (P1, P2) correspond to a plurality of positions of said knob (111) angularly spaced from each other.

7. The rideable saddle-type vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a rechargeable battery (50) adapted to power the authorization system (100), and wherein, Said optical indication device (15) is powered by said rechargeable battery (50) when switched on by said authorization system (100).

8. The rideable saddle-type vehicle (1) according to claim 7, comprising an engine control unit, ECU, (51), which ECU is powerable by the rechargeable battery (50), and wherein, Said authorization system (100) inhibits the supply of power from said rechargeable battery (50) to said ECU (51) when said manual control device (101) is in said locked configuration (P0).

9. The rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said front portion (2) comprises a steering handle (22), and wherein said vehicle (1) comprises a steering lock device operatively connected to said authorization system (100), so that said steering lock device assumes a locked state when said manual control device (101) assumes said locked configuration (P0), and assumes an unlocked state when said manual control device (101) assumes said at least one unlocked configuration (P1, P2).

10. The rideable saddle-type vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a low-light sensor (150) operatively connected to the electronic control unit (102) and wherein, Said electronic control unit (102) is programmed and configured to keep said optical indication device (15) off when a given degree of ambient lighting is detected.

11. The rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said rideable saddle vehicle (1) is a motorcycle.

12. The rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein, Said vehicle is a scooter.

Images