TILT VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tilting vehicle with at least one vehicle component, such as a swing arm or handlebar, which has a receiving section, and with at least one lighting unit, which has a head section in or on which at least one display means is arranged, which comprises a foot section and which has a joining section arranged on the foot section, which runs parallel to the receiving section of the vehicle component and with which the lighting unit is fixed to the receiving section of the vehicle component, wherein the lighting unit can be fixed to the receiving section along a joining direction running transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the tilting vehicle.

[0002] In the case of tilting vehicles, particularly motorcycles, it is common practice to fix functionally integrated indicator lights in a rear area of a frame.

[0003] The vehicle frame can include a swing arm in this area, which is sprung and damped relative to the rest of the vehicle frame. This makes it possible to dampen and cushion road surface excitations, thereby reducing the risk of damage or reducing the service life of the functionally integrated indicator light.

[0004] A tilting vehicle of this type is known from JP S61 106493 U.

[0005] An object of an embodiment of an invention is to propose a tilting vehicle in which the service life of a functionally integrated indicator light is increased, in particular when it is attached to an unsprung and undamped vehicle component.

[0006] This object is achieved in a tilting vehicle mentioned at the outset by at least one reinforcing means which is fixed to the receiving section of the vehicle component, wherein it rests in a surface-to-surface manner at least in sections transversely to the joining direction on a coupling surface of the foot section of the lighting unit and wherein it surrounds the foot section circumferentially at least in sections, and wherein the lighting unit comprises its longest extent in a direction parallel to the joining direction.

[0007] Because the tilting vehicle comprises a reinforcement element that is secured to the receiving section of the vehicle component and, at least in sections, lies in full contact with a coupling surface of the base section of the lighting unit transversely to the joining direction, and surrounds the base section at least in sections on the periphery, the lighting unit is supported and reinforced by the reinforcement element, particularly in the area of the base section. This reduces the risk of the lighting unit breaking off, particularly in the area of the base section, and increases the service life of the lighting unit.

[0008] The vehicle component can be a swing arm. This can be damped and sprung or undamped and unsprung. In particular, the swing arm can be located in the area of the vehicle's rear.

[0009] The lighting unit can be any functional unit designed to display information to other road users, particularly those following the tilting vehicle, via the display. The display can then comprise a light, particularly a headlight, or a repeating flashing light, or a screen or display.

[0010] In one embodiment of the tilting vehicle, the lighting unit comprises a repeating flashing light functionally integrated in the tilting vehicle, which is fixed in an unsprung and undamped manner to a vehicle component designed as a frame-fixed swing arm.

[0011] A tilting vehicle is understood to mean bicycles, motorcycles or motorcycle-like motor vehicles, such as scooters, in particular two-, three- or four-wheeled scooters, tilting trikes, quads or the like.

[0012] It is conceivable for the reinforcement to be applied only to the base section of the lighting unit, in particular over a large area. Reinforcing the lighting unit with the reinforcement can be improved if the reinforcement is secured to the base section of the lighting unit, in particular by means of a form-fitting, material-fitting, and / or force-fitting connection.

[0013] If the reinforcing means is fixed to the base portion of the lighting unit by means of a material bond, the reinforcing means may be welded, soldered, glued or the like to the lighting unit.

[0014] If the reinforcement means is fixed to the lighting unit in a form-fitting manner, a rear grip with respect to the respective direction of movement can be formed at least in the directions in which a movement amplitude of the lighting unit is to be expected during operation of the tilting vehicle.

[0015] If the reinforcing means is fixed to the lighting unit in a force-fitting manner, reinforcement can be achieved due to the friction prevailing between the reinforcing means and the lighting unit.

[0016] In a further development of the latter embodiments, it proves to be advantageous if the reinforcing means comprises at least one elastically bendable fixing element which, when the reinforcing means is transferred along a coupling direction, can be displaced into a coupled arrangement transversely to the coupling direction and, in the coupled arrangement, can be automatically moved into the non-displaced arrangement and, in the coupled arrangement, engages behind a recess on the base section of the lighting unit with respect to the coupling direction.

[0017] If the reinforcement comprises at least one elastically flexible securing element, the reinforcement can be easily clipped to the base section of the lighting unit. The elastically flexible securing element is displaced transversely to the coupling direction when the reinforcement is transferred along the coupling direction. Upon reaching the coupled arrangement, it automatically snaps back into the non-displaced arrangement and engages behind the base section at the recess. This allows the reinforcement and lighting unit to be easily coupled to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0018] In order to further improve the securing of the reinforcing means to the lighting unit, in one embodiment of the tilting vehicle the reinforcing means comprises at least two securing elements and the foot section of the lighting unit comprises at least two recesses, wherein in the coupled arrangement the foot section is arranged between the two securing elements and wherein the two securing elements have a U-shaped or clamp-like cross-section, and / or wherein the at least two securing elements comprise at the respective free ends a hook-like section which extends in the direction of the free end of the opposite securing element and which, in the coupled arrangement, rests against the respective recess of the foot section.

[0019] The at least one securing element can extend parallel to the direction of travel of the tilting vehicle over its longest extent. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which the securing element extends parallel or obliquely to the vertical or transverse axis.

[0020] In addition, a positive and / or non-positive connection transverse to the coupling direction can be ensured in a simple manner if the at least one fixing element of the reinforcing means comprises at least one projection extending in the direction of the coupling surface of the foot section on the side facing the coupling surface of the foot section and / or if the at least one foot section comprises at least one recess in the coupling surface on the side facing the fixing element of the reinforcing means, which recess is designed to correspond, in particular complementarily, to the projection of the fixing element and in which the projection is arranged to engage in the joined arrangement.

[0021] Through the recess in the coupling surface of the base section of the lighting unit, the securing element with the at least one projection can be guided during transfer along the coupling direction. Furthermore, the at least one securing element is secured by the at least one projection by arranging the projection in the recess to prevent movement transverse to the coupling direction.

[0022] Furthermore, in further embodiments of the tilting vehicle, it is provided that the at least one fixing element comprises a plurality of projections arranged, in particular parallel to one another, and the foot section comprises a plurality of recesses arranged, in particular parallel to one another, wherein in the joined arrangement, a projection is arranged in each recess so as to engage therein.

[0023] In order to fix the reinforcing means to the vehicle component in a simple manner, it proves to be advantageous if the reinforcing means comprises a coupling section running parallel to the receiving section of the vehicle component, which coupling section comprises at least one opening through which the reinforcing means can be releasably fixed to the receiving section of the vehicle component by a fixing means.

[0024] The at least one fixing means may comprise, for example, a screw or a bolt which can be inserted through the opening of the coupling portion of the reinforcing means and can be fixed by a nut on the side of the receiving portion of the vehicle component facing away from the reinforcing means.

[0025] Furthermore, the lighting unit can be easily fixed to the vehicle component if the joining section of the lighting unit comprises at least one recess through which the lighting unit can be releasably fixed to the receiving section of the vehicle component by a further fixing means and / or if the joining section of the lighting unit projects beyond the coupling surface of the base section in the joined arrangement in the direction of the reinforcing means.

[0026] Here, too, the fixing means can comprise a screw or bolt, by means of which the joining section of the lighting unit can be fixed with a nut on the side of the receiving section of the vehicle component facing away from the lighting unit. Because the joining section of the lighting unit projects beyond the coupling surface of the base section in the joined arrangement toward the reinforcing means, the base section can be dimensioned independently of the joining section.

[0027] In principle, it is conceivable that when joining the lighting unit and the reinforcement means to the receiving section of the vehicle component, the lighting unit is first secured to the receiving section, followed by the reinforcement means. In this case, the reinforcement means can cover the joining section of the lighting unit, viewed transversely to the joining direction, in the joined arrangement, or at least partially overlap it.

[0028] In order to be able to arrange the lighting unit independently of the arrangement of the reinforcing means on the receiving section of the vehicle component, a further development of the tilting vehicle provides that the reinforcing means comprises a continuous free space between the two fixing elements, which overlaps with the joining section of the lighting unit and through which the joining section of the lighting unit is at least partially accessible from the outside, in particular in the region of the recess.

[0029] The clearance allows the fastening element to be inserted through the recess of the joining section of the lighting unit and screwed in place. Furthermore, it allows the reinforcement element and lighting unit to be joined together before being secured to the receiving section of the vehicle component. This allows the lighting unit and reinforcement element to be pre-assembled and, in the pre-assembled arrangement, secured individually or jointly to the receiving section of the vehicle component.

[0030] In order to improve force absorption or springing or damping by the reinforcing means, the reinforcing means of an embodiment of the tilting vehicle comprises at least one rib-like support element which extends from the at least one fixing element to the coupling section and which comprises a wedge-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to a plane running through the joining direction.

[0031] The tilting vehicle can be designed to be compact if the reinforcing means, in particular the at least one fixing element, the at least one coupling section and / or the at least one support element, form a common one-piece component, in particular an injection-molded component.

[0032] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the appended patent claims, from the drawings and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the tilting vehicle.

[0033] The drawing shows: Figure 1A perspective rear view of an embodiment of a partial area of the tilting vehicle; Figure 2A perspective front view of the embodiment according to Figure 1 ; Figure 3A perspective rear view of the embodiment according to Figure 1 without enhancers.

[0034] The figures show a section of a tilting vehicle designated overall by reference numeral 2 (only part of which is shown in the figures). The tilting vehicle 2 comprises at least one vehicle component 4, which in the embodiment shown in the figures comprises a rocker arm 6. The vehicle component 4 comprises a receiving section 8.

[0035] Furthermore, the tilting vehicle 2 comprises a lighting unit 10 having a head section 12 in or on which at least one display means 14 is arranged. Furthermore, the lighting unit 10 comprises a base section 16 and a joining section 18 arranged on the base section 16, with which the lighting unit 10 is fixed to the receiving section 8 of the vehicle component 4.

[0036] The lighting unit 10 can be fixed to the receiving section 8 along a joining direction 20 extending transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the tilting vehicle 2. Furthermore, the lighting unit 10 extends parallel to the joining direction 20 along its longest extent.

[0037] Furthermore, the tilting vehicle 2 comprises a reinforcement means 22, which is fixed to the receiving section 8 of the vehicle component 4. The reinforcement means 22 rests transversely to the joining direction 20 in sections in contact with a coupling surface 24 of the base section 16 of the lighting unit 10 and surrounds the base section 16 at least in sections on the circumference.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the reinforcing means 22 comprises two elastically bendable securing elements 26, which, in a coupled arrangement, form a rear grip with respect to a coupling direction 30 on a recess 28 of the base section 16 of the lighting unit 10. A hook-like section 32 is formed on the securing elements 26, which, in the joined arrangement, rests against the respective recess 28 of the respective base section 16.

[0039] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the reinforcing means 22 comprises a plurality of projections 34 which extend parallel to the coupling direction 30 and which engage in corresponding, in particular complementary, recesses 36 in the coupling surface 24 of the base section 16 of the lighting unit 10.

[0040] In addition, the reinforcing means 22 comprises a continuous free space 38 between the two fixing elements 26, through which the joining section 18 of the lighting unit 10 is accessible from the outside. As shown in Figure 3 As can be seen, a fixing means 40 can be arranged on the joining section 18 of the lighting unit 10 even if the reinforcing means 22 is already coupled to the lighting unit 10.

[0041] In order to fix the reinforcing means 22 to the receiving section 8 of the vehicle component 4, the reinforcing means 22 comprises a coupling section 42 which comprises at least one opening 44 through which a fixing means 40 can be inserted and fixed to the receiving section 8 of the vehicle component 4 is made possible.

[0042] To increase the absorption of forces from the combination of lighting unit 10 and reinforcement means 22, the reinforcement means 22 comprises at least one rib-like support element 46, which extends from the at least one securing element 26 to the coupling section 42. The mode of operation of the tilting vehicle according to the invention is briefly described below: Before arranging the lighting unit 10 on the vehicle component 4, the reinforcement means 22 is attached to the lighting unit 10. By pressing the reinforcement means 22 along the coupling direction 30, the two securing elements 26 of the reinforcement means 22 are elastically displaced transversely to the coupling direction 30 and, upon reaching the recesses 28 on the base section 16, engage with the lighting unit 10.In this way, both the lighting unit 10 and the reinforcing means 22 are joined via fixing means 40 by screwing the joining section 18 of the lighting unit 10 and joining the coupling section 42 of the reinforcing means 22 to the receiving section 8 of the vehicle component 4. List of reference symbols

[0043] 2Tilt vehicle 4Vehicle component 6Swing arm 8Receiving section 10Lighting unit 12Head section 14Indicating means 16Foot section 18Joining section 20Joining direction 22Reinforcing means 24Coupling surface 26Securing element 28Recess 30Coupling direction 32Hook-like section 34Protrusion 36Recess 38Free space 40Securing means 42Coupling section 44Opening 46Support element

Claims

1. Leaning vehicle (2), having at least one vehicle component (4), such as a swingarm (6) or handlebar, which has a receiving portion (8), and having at least one illumination unit (10) which comprises a head portion (12), in which or on which at least one indicating means (14) is arranged, and which comprises a foot portion (16) and which comprises a joining portion (18) which is arranged on the foot portion (16) and which runs parallel to the receiving portion (8) of the vehicle component (4) and with which the illumination unit (10) is fastened to the receiving portion (8) of the vehicle component (4), wherein the illumination unit (10) can be fastened to the receiving portion (8) along a joining direction (20) running transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the leaning vehicle (2), characterized by at least one reinforcing means (22) which is fastened to the receiving portion (8) of the vehicle component (4), wherein said reinforcing means lies at least in sections transversely to the joining direction (20) against a coupling surface (24) of the foot portion (16) of the illumination unit (10) so as to be in surface contact with said coupling surface, and wherein said reinforcing means circumferentially surrounds the foot portion (16) at least in sections, and wherein the illumination unit (10) comprises its longest extent in a direction parallel to the joining direction (20).

2. Leaning vehicle (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing means (22) is fastened, in particular in a form-fitting, integrally bonded and / or force-fitting manner, to the foot portion (16) of the illumination unit (10).

3. Leaning vehicle (2) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the reinforcing means (22) comprises at least one elastically bendable fastening element (26) which, upon transferring the reinforcing means (22) along a coupling direction (30), can be displaced into a coupled arrangement transversely to the coupling direction (30) and, in the coupled arrangement, can be automatically moved into the nondisplaced arrangement, and which, in the coupled arrangement, engages behind a recess (28) on the foot portion (16) of the illumination unit (10) with respect to the coupling direction (30).

4. Leaning vehicle (2) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the reinforcing means (22) comprises at least two fastening elements (26) and the foot portion (16) of the illumination unit (10) comprises at least two recesses (28), wherein, in the coupled arrangement, the foot portion (16) is arranged between the two fastening elements (26), and wherein the two fastening elements (26) have a U-shaped or clip-like cross section, and / or in that the at least two fastening elements (26) comprise at the respectively free ends a hook-like portion (32) which extends in the direction of the free end of the opposite fastening element (26) and which, in the coupled arrangement, lies against the respective recess (28) of the foot portion (16).

5. Leaning vehicle (2) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, on the side facing the coupling surface (24) of the foot portion (16), the at least one fastening element (26) of the reinforcing means (22) comprises at least one projection (34) extending in the direction of the coupling surface (24) of the foot portion (16) and / or in that, on the side facing the fastening element (26) of the reinforcing means (22), the at least one foot portion (16) comprises at least one aperture (36) in the coupling surface (24) which is formed in a corresponding, in particular complementary, manner to the projection (34) of the fastening element (26) and in which the projection (34) is arranged to engage in the joined arrangement.

6. Leaning vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing means (22) comprises a coupling portion (42) which runs parallel to the receiving portion (8) of the vehicle component (4) and which comprises at least one opening (44) by means of which the reinforcing means (22) can be releasably fastened to the receiving portion (8) of the vehicle component (4) by a fastening means (40).

7. Leaning vehicle (2) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the joining portion (18) of the illumination unit (10) comprises at least one cutout by means of which the illumination unit (10) can be releasably fastened to the receiving portion (8) of the vehicle component (4) by a further fastening means (40), and / or in that the joining portion (18) of the illumination unit (10) projects beyond the coupling surface (24) of the foot portion (16) in the joined arrangement in the direction of the reinforcing means (22).

8. Leaning vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing means (22) comprises, between the two fastening elements (26), a continuous clearance (38) which overlaps with the joining portion (18) of the illumination unit (10) and through which the joining portion (18) of the illumination unit (10) is externally accessible at least in part, in particular in the region of the cutout.

9. Leaning vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing means (22) comprises at least one rib-like supporting element (46) which extends from the at least one fastening element (26) to the coupling portion (42) and which comprises a wedge-shaped cross section in a plane running parallel to a plane through the joining direction (20).

10. Leaning vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing means (22), in particular the at least one fastening element (26), the at least one coupling portion (42) and / or the at least one supporting element (46), form a common one-piece component, in particular an injection-molded component.