Straddle type vehicle with detection unit

Abstract

A straddle-type vehicle is described that includes a tail light disposed on a rear carriage and a support bracket attached to the rear carriage and disposed above the tail light, the support bracket having a shape that defines at least one grip portion for an occupant. A radar is provided that is arranged on the rear carriage and configured to detect the presence of other vehicles in the rear area, the radar being directly or indirectly connected to the support bracket and being arranged according to a side view of the vehicle below the support bracket, between said support bracket and said tail light, and at a position of a cantilever extending longitudinally towards the rear carriage relative to the tail light.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention applies to the field of two or three wheeled straddle type vehicles, and in particular to straddle type vehicles equipped with a radar for detecting the presence of other vehicles around them while they are moving. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to arrange one or more detection or radar devices on a straddle type vehicle, such as a two or three wheeled motorcycle or scooter.

[0003] Indeed, motorcycles are at a higher risk of being hit by a following vehicle than other vehicles, such as, for example, cars, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the driver of the vehicle of the presence of other vehicles or cars following or approaching the motorcycle, so that the driver is informed of the situation surrounding the motorcycle and can proactively and proactively react to potentially dangerous situations that may arise, for example by relevant driving maneuvers.

[0004] In this particular application, the location of the radar device on the vehicle and its functional efficiency are important in order to make the information transmitted to the driver as accurate as possible.

[0005] It is known to mount radar devices at various locations on a vehicle, for example US20210001945A1 describes a radar device applied to the rear wheel of a motorcycle.

[0006] In particular, the device is arranged in the tail of the rear wheel at a position between the taillight of the vehicle and a support for receiving the vehicle's license plate, the license plate support extending from the rear carriage, in particular from a part of the tail of the rear carriage, so as to be continuous with the rear carriage.

[0007] However, this position partially blocks the radar's view - in fact, the extension of the license plate support limits the instrument's field of view, reducing its efficiency.

[0008] WO2019186942A1 provides a detection unit arranged in a rear optical unit of a headlight, where the detection unit is integrated with the optical unit and therefore hidden, in this embodiment the detection unit can be influenced when activated by the activation of a light source of the headlight, for example a stop lamp. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, a need is felt to overcome the shortcomings of the known art solutions.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a straddle-type vehicle equipped with at least one detection unit making it possible to optimize the efficiency of the radar device so as to increase its field of view.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a straddle-type vehicle equipped with at least one detection unit which makes it possible to reduce the device's shortcomings and the occurrence of false signals.

[0012] These and other objectives are: a tail light disposed on the rear carriage, the tail light configured to emit a light beam toward the rear of the vehicle; a support bracket arranged on the rear carriage and having at least one grip portion for a passenger, the support bracket being arranged above the tail light in a side view of the vehicle; A radar is disposed on the rear carriage and configured to detect the presence of other vehicles in a rear area; the radar is directly or indirectly connected to the support bracket at a predetermined position in a side view of the vehicle; This is achieved by a straddle-type vehicle having a configuration in which a rear carriage-side tail light is cantilevered beneath the support bracket and between the support bracket and the tail light.

[0013] In particular, the radar is arranged in a cantilevered manner on the rear carriage along the longitudinal extension of the vehicle.

[0014] This allows the radar, located on the rear carriage, which protrudes in a cantilevered manner relative to the taillight, to have a completely free field of view that is not blocked by other components. The radar is therefore located at the furthest position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but its longitudinal dimensions are generally small. Furthermore, in this position, the radar is protected and blocked by the support bracket, which protects it from above and also laterally from possible impacts and damage. This positioning makes it unnecessary to modify the vehicle, both in terms of frame and / or fairing parts and shapes.

[0015] In particular, the cantilevered position of the radar relative to the taillight defines an open space below the radar, extending longitudinally between the distal end of the taillight and the distal end of the radar, and vertically perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between the bottom end of the radar and at least the bottom end of the taillight.

[0016] This provides free space below the radar, both longitudinally and laterally, which avoids radiation interference of signals towards rear vehicles and improves radar detection, especially of vehicles following the motorcycle and close to the motorcycle itself.

[0017] In particular, the support bracket defines a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion opposed to each other in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0018] In particular, the support bracket extends longitudinally between a first end connected to a rear carriage frame section of the vehicle and a second end opposite the first end that is cantilevered relative to the tail light, the tail light being disposed in the rear carriage tail section of the vehicle, the support bracket being directly or indirectly connected to the rear carriage tail section of the vehicle and cantilevered relative thereto and correspondingly relative to the tail light.

[0019] In particular, at the second end, below the support bracket, an accommodation space is defined between the support bracket and the tail light. A detection unit, in particular a radar, is arranged in said accommodation space. In other words, such accommodation space is defined in the area below the support bracket that projects relative to the tail part of the rear carriage and the tail light. The latter is integrated in a fairing that covers the rear carriage of the vehicle and defines the aforementioned rear carriage tail part.

[0020] This means that in a side view of a vehicle with straight-wheel configuration, the radar is positioned beyond the end of the rear carriage tail section, i.e. cantilevered relative to the rear carriage tail section, in a longitudinal direction toward the rear vehicle.

[0021] The rear carriage tail, or simply the rear carriage, is essentially the rear frame and / or fairing of the vehicle that extends above the rear wheels. In other words, the rear carriage tail is the rear end of the vehicle that extends above the rear wheels and supports the tail lights. The tail lights face the rear area of ​​the vehicle body and project light thereto.

[0022] Tail light means an optical unit integrated into the rear carriage frame portion and including at least one light source for making the vehicle visible at night and further including a stop light selectively activated when the brakes are applied.

[0023] Furthermore, the optical unit preferably also includes direction indicator lights.

[0024] In a first embodiment, the radar is mounted on the rear carriage tail section below the support bracket and between the support bracket and the tail light in the position defined above. In this case, the radar is integrally arranged with the rear carriage tail section of the vehicle and is therefore directly connected to the rear carriage tail section.

[0025] In a second, more advantageous embodiment, the radar is arranged on the support bracket. In this case, the radar is arranged to be integral with the support bracket and is therefore directly connected to the support bracket. The support bracket and the radar are therefore integral. In this case, as will be described in more detail below, the support bracket with the integrated radar can form an accessory that can be retrofitted to an existing vehicle.

[0026] In both of the above-mentioned embodiments, the radar can be supported by the support bracket and / or the rear carriage frame part, or by fastening including a combination of a joint on the support bracket and the rear carriage frame part. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the movement of the detection cone due to vibration during driving, and to improve the mounting rigidity of the radar to the vehicle.

[0027] Furthermore, by positioning the radar as described above, it is possible to reduce false detections due to, for example, the shape of the road (the influence of the road surface), and at the same time ensure a wide field of view.

[0028] Moreover, such a configuration protects the radar arrangement from at least the influences of water, dust, etc., and thus has the advantage of being impermeable and dirt-resistant.

[0029] According to another advantageous aspect, the radar is disposed at a protruding position relative to all other rear carriage frame parts of the vehicle, thereby improving its detection efficiency, and as a result, false detections caused by other parts of the vehicle (e.g., license plate) by the radar are substantially zero, improving the reliability of detection.

[0030] Advantageously, the radar comprises a detection screen, said detection screen being arranged according to a longitudinal extension axis in the longitudinal direction of the straddle-type vehicle at a position at least equal to the end position of the rear license plate or to a part of the rear carriage frame.

[0031] This reduces false detections caused by the influence of other parts of the vehicle, ensuring improved detection performance and a wider radar field of view.

[0032] Advantageously, the accommodation space consists in particular of a box-shaped container with at least one open rear side, the container having a shape for accommodating the detection unit while keeping its detection screen visible and facing the rear of the vehicle, whereby the box-shaped container covers and protects the radar, thus integrating it in a hidden manner and leaving only the detection screen visible.

[0033] In this embodiment, the various cables of the radar can be arranged inside the box-shaped container, so that the exterior appearance of the motorcycle can be kept neat and compact.

[0034] Preferably, the box-like container is integrally attached to the support bracket with its underside facing the ground in use, whereby the box-like container is fixed to at least the upper part of the support bracket and is integral thereto. Alternatively or in combination, the box-like container can be connected and fixed to the rear carriage frame part.

[0035] In particular, the support bracket comprises a support plate extending symmetrically on opposite sides of the longitudinal direction and arranged at the second end, and a box-like container is formed to be coupled at its upper portion to the support plate so as to house and protect the radar, whereby the upper support plate forms an upper wall of the box-like container to which it is fixed.

[0036] Preferably, means for adjusting the position of the radar can be provided, which allows its position to be adjusted relative to other parts of the vehicle, for example a sliding guide can be provided, which allows movement not only in the longitudinal direction but also, simultaneously or alternatively, in the vertical direction.

[0037] The regulating means may be actuated and controlled by the vehicle control unit itself. In particular, a moving actuator is provided that can adjust the position of the radar as it moves along the sliding guide.

[0038] The arrangement of the radar positioning means thereby makes it possible to adjust its position in order to improve its detection efficiency, for example as a function of the load present on the motorcycle, which may be necessary, for example, when the vehicle attitude changes, for example when there is a passenger or not, when there is auxiliary cargo such as suitcases or luggage, etc. In addition to the vehicle attitude and thus the incidence and relative position of the radar changing, the radar may partially occlude the detection cone of the instruments, and the position adjustment allows the radar to be placed in a more efficient position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] Further advantages and additional features of the present invention will be highlighted by the following description of some embodiments, given as non-limiting examples with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a straddle type vehicle, in particular a scooter, equipped with a radar arranged on the rear carriage according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of a straddle type vehicle, in particular the scooter of FIG. 1, equipped with a detection unit according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the rear carriage of a motorcycle, in particular a scooter, showing the arrangement of a radar according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a means for adjusting the position of the radar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] In the accompanying drawings, equal or similar elements are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a straddle type vehicle 1, such as a scooter, is shown.

[0042] In the attached drawings an embodiment of a motorcycle 1 is shown which in particular examples is embodied, without introducing any limitations, by a motorcycle 1, in particular by a two-wheeled scooter having a front wheel 5 and a rear wheel 6, or also by a three-wheeled tricycle having at least two steered and tilting front wheels, or by a four-wheeled tricycle having at least two pairs of steered and tilting wheels.

[0043] In the following, reference will be made to a general motorcycle 1, meaning that the following description is generally applicable to any type of L-category motorcycle 1 comprising a motorcycle body 2,3,4, at least two wheels 5,6 bound to the motorcycle body 2,3,4, and a traction motor 7, e.g. a thermal and / or electric or hybrid motor, bound to the motorcycle body 2,3,4 and operatively connected to at least one of the two wheels 5,6. The motorcycle body thus comprises a front part 2, a middle part 3 with a saddle 15, and a rear part or rear carriage 4.

[0044] The motorcycle 1 further includes a tail light 20 arranged on the rear carriage 4. The tail light 20, hereinafter also referred to as the light 20, is shaped to project a light beam rearward.

[0045] There is also a passenger support bracket 50 located above the tail light 20. The support bracket 50 defines a side grip portion 52 for a passenger on the motorcycle 1 who sits behind the rider.

[0046] A radar 30 is also provided for detecting the presence of another vehicle behind the motorcycle 1. The radar 30 is connected directly or indirectly to the support bracket 50.

[0047] According to a side view of the vehicle (see Figs. 1 and 3), the radar 30 is located below the support bracket 50 and between the support bracket 50 and the tail light 20. The radar 30 is disposed on the side of the rear carriage 4 in a cantilever manner relative to the tail light 20 along the longitudinal direction L (Fig. 2). In other words, the radar 30 is disposed on the rear carriage 4 in a cantilever manner along the longitudinal extension direction L of the vehicle.

[0048] Thereby, the radar 30 is located more distal to the rear carriage in the longitudinal direction L, while being included in the overall length of the motorcycle measured between the fore and rear carriages of the motorcycle. In this position, the radar 30 is below the support bracket 50, in particular below the support plate 53 (FIG. 2) of the support bracket 50. The support surface 50' thus protects the radar 30 not only on the sides but also on the top, the latter being of a larger lateral size, so that the radar 30 is protected not only from dirt and bad weather, but also from possible impacts and damage. It should be noted that this positioning of the radar 30 does not require any structural modification of the vehicle, both in the components or shape of the frame and / or fairing, or in the support bracket 50. In a further structural aspect, the support bracket 50 laterally embraces the rear carriage frame part 32' on the opposite side, so that the grip part 52 is placed in the rear saddle part 41 that accommodates the occupant.

[0049] 1 and 3, which contributes to optimizing its detection, the cantilevered position of the radar 30 relative to the tail light 20 defines a free space S below the radar 30 itself. In particular, the free space S is in the longitudinal direction L between the distal end 20d of the tail light 20 and the distal end 30d of the radar 30; and In a vertical direction V perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, between the lower end 30i of the radar 30 and at least the lower end 20i of the tail light 20.

[0050] Thereby, the free space S below the radar 30, both in the longitudinal direction L and in the vertical direction V, avoids radiation interference of the signal 31 towards the rear carriage. This particular solution allows the radar 30 to optimize the detection of other following vehicles, either at a short distance or in a lateral space partially adjacent to the motorcycle. In other words, the free space S allows the radar 30 to widen the field of view, in particular the field of view of the radar cone 31' (Fig. 2), both along the longitudinal direction L (since it is close to 180°) and in the longitudinal direction V (Fig. 1). This means a wider detection range, which is useful, for example, in situations with high traffic and many small vehicles, such as bicycles.

[0051] In particular, the support bracket 50 extends longitudinally in a direction L between a first end 51 which is connected to the vehicle rear carriage frame portion 32' (Figure 1) and a second end 51' opposite the first end 51 which is cantilevered relative to the vehicle rear carriage 4, in particular the tail light 20.

[0052] At the second end 51 ′, an accommodation space 35 is defined between the support bracket 50 and the tail light 20 .

[0053] In particular, the radar 30 is arranged in the accommodation space 35. Thereby, the radar 30 is arranged in a cantilever manner with respect to the rear carriage 4 in the side view of the vehicle (FIGS. 1 and 3). By rear carriage 4 is meant the tail of the motorcycle, i.e. the rear end of the vehicle that extends above the rear wheel 6 and supports the tail light 20.

[0054] Therefore, in a side view, from top to bottom, the radar 30 is located between the support bracket 50 and the tail light 20.

[0055] The storage space 35 is open forward on a surface facing the rear carriage of the vehicle. The storage space 35 is shaped to accommodate the detection unit 30 such that the detection screen of the device is disposed on the open surface of the storage space and faces the rear carriage of the vehicle.

[0056] For example, the containment space consists of a box-like container 45, open to a face 45' (FIG. 1), capable of containing and protecting the radar 30. The only visible part of the instrument is therefore the instrument's detection screen 30'.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the box-like container 45 is integrally attached to a support bracket 50 with its underside facing the ground T in use.

[0058] From a construction point of view, the support bracket 50 extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle and is symmetrical on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal direction L (FIG. 2). The support bracket 50 further comprises a support plate 53 arranged at its rear end 51'. The support plate 53 is shaped to accommodate a top box (not shown) which is removably fixed thereto by dedicated connecting means.

[0059] The support plate 53 thus defines a base and a cover thereover for the radar 30. The box-like container 45 can thus be configured to couple at its top to the support plate 53 so as to house and protect the radar 30.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the radar 30 is cantileveredly coupled to the rear carriage 4, and in particular to the rear carriage frame portion 32'. In this case, the radar 30 is positioned integral with the rear carriage frame portion 32' of the vehicle, at a location below the passenger support bracket 50.

[0061] In the first aspect of the present invention, the radar 30 is supported by a support bracket 50 directly connected to the rear carriage frame portion 32', thereby improving the mounting rigidity of the radar 30 relative to the vehicle and suppressing fluctuations in the detection angle due to vibrations occurring during driving.

[0062] Advantageously, in a side view, the radar 30 is arranged such that its rear end is located at a position at least equal to the end position of the support bracket 50 in the vehicle longitudinal direction according to the longitudinal extension direction of the motorcycle 1. Thus, the radar 30 is on the rear carriage 4 and protrudes toward the tail light 20, or is at least in line when viewed from the side with the end 51' of the support bracket 50 facing the rear carriage 4. Thus, the radar 30 is also substantially in line with the rear fender and / or the license plate of the vehicle when also viewed from the side. This positional relationship allows the radio waves 31 to propagate without hitting other vehicle parts or portions on the rear carriage. As described above, this device can reduce false detections due to the influence of other vehicle components, and ensure improved detection performance due to the expansion of the field of view of the radar 30.

[0063] In other words, the radar 30 is disposed at a protruding position relative to all other parts of the rear carriage 4 of the vehicle, thereby improving its detection efficiency. As a result, false detection by the radar 30 due to the influence of other members of the vehicle (e.g., a license plate) is substantially reduced to zero, making detection more reliable.

[0064] In another configuration, as shown in Fig. 1, a damping element 33 is provided adapted to damp vibrations of the radar 30 during travel. For example, rubber elements are arranged around the radar 30, for example both at the bottom and at the top. Such a damping element 33 allows to reduce vibrations transmitted to the radar 30 during travel, which in turn increases the stability of the radar 30 and therefore ensures a more reliable performance.

[0065] In another advantageous embodiment, diagrammatically shown in Figure 3A, means can be provided for adjusting the position of the radar 30. The position adjustment means make it possible to adjust the position of the radar 30 relative to the support bracket 50 and also to adjust the position of the radar 30 relative to the rear carriage 4 of the vehicle.

[0066] For example, by providing a sliding guide 74 that allows vertical or horizontal movement or rotation, the radar 30 can be moved in the vertical direction L and, simultaneously or alternatively, can also be moved in the vertical direction V to adjust its height position.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, said adjustment means 70 may consist of an actuator 52, controlled by a control unit, e.g. the ECU of the vehicle itself. A button may be provided on the handlebars of the vehicle, which allows for example its movement.

[0068] In particular, the position adjustment is of the type actuated by an actuator 72 capable of displacing the radar 30 which moves along a sliding guide 74 .

[0069] The above description of one or more specific embodiments may illustrate the invention from a conceptual point of view, so that others using the prior art may modify and / or adapt the embodiments in various applications without further study and without departing from the concept of the invention, and it is therefore understood that such adaptations and modifications correspond as equivalents of the specific embodiments. The means and materials for carrying out the various functions described may be of various natures without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terms used are merely descriptive and therefore have a non-limiting purpose.

Claims

1. A straddle-type vehicle (1), A taillight (20) is positioned on the rear carriage (4), A support bracket (50) is attached to the rear carriage (4) and positioned above the taillight (20), and has a shape that defines at least one grip portion (52) for a passenger, The vehicle comprises a radar (30) positioned on the rear carriage (4) and configured to detect the presence of other vehicles in the rear region of the straddle-type vehicle (1), The radar (30) is directly or indirectly connected to the support bracket (50) and, in a side view of the vehicle, is cantilevered below the support bracket (50) and between the support bracket (50) and the taillight (20), with respect to the taillight (20) in a longitudinal direction (L) toward the rear carriage (4), in a straddle-type vehicle (1).

2. The cantilevered position of the radar (30) relative to the taillight (20) defines an open space (S) below the radar (30), This open space (S) is The distance between the distal end (20d) of the taillight (20) and the distal end (30d) of the radar (30) extends in the longitudinal direction (L), The straddle vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lower end (30i) of the radar (30) extends in a vertical direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) between the lower end (30i) of the radar (30) that extends to at least the lower end (20i) of the taillight (20).

3. The straddle-type vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the radar (30) is positioned on the support bracket (50).

4. The support bracket (50) extends along the longitudinal direction (L) between a first end (51) connected to the rear carriage frame portion (32') of the vehicle and a second end (51') opposite the first end (51) and cantilevered to the rear carriage frame portion (32'). At the second end (51'), a housing space (35) is defined at a position in the vertical direction (V) between the support bracket (50) and the taillight (20). The straddle-type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the radar (30) is located in the housing space (35).

5. The aforementioned storage space (35) has a box-shaped container (45), The box-shaped container (45) has one side (45') open, and can house the radar (30) facing the rear of the vehicle while keeping the cover (30') of the radar (30) visible. The straddle vehicle (1) according to claim 4, wherein the box-shaped container (45) is integrally attached to the lower surface (54) of the support bracket (50) that faces the ground (T) when in use.

6. The support bracket (50) extends symmetrically to the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) when the straddle-type vehicle (1) is viewed from above, and has a support plate (53) positioned at the second end (51'). The straddle vehicle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the box-shaped container (45) is shaped to be connected to the support plate (53) at the top of the box-shaped container (45) so as to house and protect the radar (30).

7. The straddle vehicle (1) according to claim 6, wherein the radar (30) is configured such that, when the straddle vehicle (1) is viewed from the side, the cover (30') is positioned substantially to coincide with the second end (51') of the support bracket (50) with respect to the longitudinal direction (L).

8. Damping means are provided, The damping means includes a damping element (33) adapted to dampen vibrations of the radar (30) while it is in motion. The straddle-type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the damping element (33) is a rubber element interposed around the radar (30).

9. A position adjustment means (70) is provided for adjusting the position of the radar (30), The straddle vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the position adjustment means (70) has a slide guide (74) that allows the radar (30) to move in the longitudinal direction (L) and / or the vertical direction (V).

10. The straddle vehicle (1) according to claim 9, wherein the position adjustment means (70) has an actuator (72) controlled by a control unit (ECU) that can adjust the position of the radar (30) moving along the slide guide (74).

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