Motorcycle with radar device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motorcycle comprising a radar device arranged to detect the presence of a close or approaching vehicle (2) in at least a first zone (BSD, BSD') on each side of the motorcycle (1) characterised by its blind spots and in at least a second zone (LCA, LCA') adjacent to said first zone (BSD, BSD') rearward with respect to the direction of travel of said motorcycle (1). Said radar device (16) comprises at least one sensor (161) and at least one controller (162) arranged to determine the presence of said vehicle in one of said zones (BSD, BSD, LCA, LCA') based on the signals transmitted by said sensor elements (161). According to the invention, a controller (162) is directly or indirectly connected to a monitor (13) of the dashboard (12) of the motorcycle (1) and decides to illuminate at least one of the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132') of said monitor (13) upon detecting the presence of said vehicle in one of said zones (BSD, BSD', LCA, LCA').

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Technical Field The present invention is included in the product of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle, in particular the present invention relates to a motorcycle equipped with a radar device, which generates warnings that are displayed directly on a monitor mounted on the dashboard of the motorcycle. [Background technology]

[0002] Latest Technology Two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles are known to use radar devices to detect the presence of nearby vehicles and limit the risk of collision. In most cases, two devices are used, one on each long side of the motorcycle. Specifically, each device is installed on the rearview mirror and is configured to detect the presence of vehicles in zones that usually correspond to blind spots, i.e. zones adjacent to the motorcycle that are not within the field of view of the rearview mirror. Each of these devices is connected to warning lights that are usually installed on the rearview mirror. In each mirror, these warning lights are activated / illuminated when the radar device detects the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot that corresponds to that mirror. These warning lights thus provide a visual warning to the driver, who is aware that a lateral movement of the motorcycle, such as a lane change, may lead to a collision with the vehicle that is being signaled. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The applicant realised that the visual warning from the warning light requires the driver to look at the rear-view mirror and therefore to divert his attention from the road, even for a short time. This condition is particularly dangerous when driving on a busy road. In the case of a motorcycle, i.e. a vehicle that does not have a protective frame around the driver, even a slight diversion of attention can be fatal.

[0004] overview SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The main aim of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle which overcomes or at least mitigates the above mentioned drawbacks. In this goal, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-riding motorcycle that alerts the driver to the presence of nearby or approaching vehicles without diverting the driver's attention from driving the motorcycle. Another object is to provide a motorcycle that is reliable and easy to manufacture at a competitive cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Applicant has discovered that the above goals and objectives may be accomplished by using a radar device that, upon detecting a vehicle near the motorcycle, directly or indirectly illuminates a portion of a monitor mounted on the motorcycle's dashboard. The central location of the dashboard or monitor provides a visual warning that the driver can see without having to look to the mirrors, i.e., take their eyes off the road.

[0006] In particular, said aims and intended objects are achieved by a motorcycle comprising a dashboard equipped with a monitor and a radar device arranged to detect the presence of a close or approaching vehicle in at least a first zone, on each side of the motorcycle, characterized as its blind spot and in at least a second zone adjacent to the first zone rearward with respect to the direction of travel of the motorcycle, said radar device comprising at least one sensor and at least one controller for determining the presence of a vehicle in one of said zones based on signals transmitted by said sensor elements.

[0007] According to the invention, the controller is directly or indirectly connected to the monitor and decides to illuminate at least one of the predetermined portions of the monitor when it detects the presence of a vehicle in one of the zones it manages.Furthermore, the controller estimates the potential presence of a vehicle in a third zone adjacent to and in front of the first zone in relation to the direction of travel of the motorcycle, and the controller decides directly or indirectly to illuminate the predetermined portion or to illuminate a further predetermined portion of the monitor relative to the predetermined portion based on the speed of the vehicle.Preferably, the speed of the vehicle is measured in the first zone at the limit closest to the motorcycle.

[0008] According to one possible embodiment, the controller is directly connected to the monitor and directly decides to illuminate at least one of the predetermined portions of the monitor when a vehicle is present in one of the zones. According to another embodiment, the motorcycle comprises a monitor control and a communication bus connecting a controller to said control, said communication bus transmitting an alarm signal generated by the controller to the control of a vehicle presence in one of said zones, said control controlling the illumination of at least one of said predetermined portions of the monitor based on said alarm signal.

[0009] According to one embodiment, at least one left portion of the monitor is illuminated when the presence of a vehicle is detected in the first or second zone, said zone being considered to be on the left side of the motorcycle, and at least one right portion of the monitor is illuminated when the presence of a vehicle is detected in the first or second zone, said zone being considered to be on the right side of the motorcycle.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the at least one brightened light in said predetermined portion of the monitor is fixed. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one brightened light in said predetermined portion of the monitor is intermittent. According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the predetermined portions of the monitor illuminates with a first color when the radar device detects the presence of a vehicle in a first zone and illuminates with a second color, different from the first color, when the radar device detects the presence of a vehicle in a second zone.

[0011] According to one embodiment, depending on the distance between the vehicle and said motorcycle, the controller varies the surface, color and / or intermittency of the illumination of at least one of said predetermined portions of the monitor. According to one embodiment, said sensor element is located on the centerline plane of the motorcycle and at the rear end of the motorcycle, preferably near the tail light. According to a preferred embodiment, the portion of the monitor for informing the driver of the risk of a collision is positioned adjacent to the edge of the monitor, thereby not interfering graphically or visually with viewing of other vehicle instruments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] Drawing List Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description of a particular preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiment of a motorcycle, which is described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the operation of a motorcycle radar device according to the present invention. 2 and 3 respectively relate to a first and a second embodiment of a component group according to the invention. 4 and 5 are diagrams of possible methods for illuminating a motorcycle dashboard monitor according to the present invention.

[0014] Like numbers and reference characters in the figures indicate like elements or components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Detailed Description As can be seen with reference to the above figures, the present invention relates to a saddle ride vehicle, which means any motorcycle or moped having at least two wheels, i.e. at least one rear wheel and one front wheel. A three-wheeled motorcycle, having two front steering wheels and one rear drive wheel, or alternatively one front steering wheel and two rear drive wheels, is also included in this definition. In the remainder of the description, the saddle ride vehicle is generally referred to as motorcycle 1. In the remainder of the description, reference is also made to two-wheeled motorcycles, but the following discussion also applies to three-wheeled motorcycles, which are in particular three-wheeled devices with two tilting front steering wheels and one rear drive wheel.

[0016] The motorcycle 1 according to the invention comprises a frame supporting at least one drive wheel via a rear suspension. At least one front wheel is in turn pivotally connected to the front of the frame via a steering column. A dashboard 12 including a monitor 13, preferably using (but not limited to) LED technology, is mounted on the steering column.

[0017] According to the invention, the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a radar device 16, which is configured for detecting, for each of the longer sides 10, 20 of the motorcycle 1, the presence of a target vehicle 2 located near or approaching the motorcycle 1. In particular, the radar device 16 is configured for detecting, for each of the sides 10, 20, the presence of a target vehicle in a first zone BSD, BSD' (which constitutes the blind spot of the motorcycle 1) and in a second zone LCA, LCB' adjacent to and located behind the first zone BSD, BSD. The term "rear" is intended to indicate that the second zone LCA, LCA' extends from the first zone BSD, BSD' in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the motorcycle 1 (Figure 1).

[0018] For purposes of the present invention, the left longer side 10 (or left side 10) and the right longer side 20 (or right side 20) are identified relative to the longitudinal centerline plane PM, where the terms "right" and "left" correspond, respectively, to the "right" and "left" of a driver sitting in the saddle of a motorcycle in a driving position.

[0019] For purposes of the present invention, the terms "target vehicle 2" or "vehicle 2" are intended to denote a typical three or four wheeled motor vehicle (car, truck, etc.) or a typical two or three wheeled motorcycle detectable by radar device 16.

[0020] The radar device 16 includes at least one sensor 161 and at least one controller 162 (Figure 2), which determines based on what is detected by the sensor 161 whether a target vehicle 2 is present in the monitoring zones BSD, BSD', LCA, LCA' defined above. According to the present invention, the controller 162 is directly or indirectly connected to the monitor 13 for deciding to illuminate at least one of the predetermined portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13 when the controller 162 determines that a target vehicle 2 is present in one of the two monitoring zones BSD, BSD', LCA, LCA' on at least one of the two sides 10, 20 of the motorcycle 1.

[0021] Illuminating at least one of said predetermined portions 131, 131', 132, 132' constitutes an alarm that alerts the driver to the presence of a target vehicle in a "blind spot" zone (first zone BSD, BSD') and / or the approach of a target vehicle (second zone LCA, LCA'). In effect, the illumination of the predetermined portions 131, 131', 132, 132' visually alerts the driver to the presence of a target vehicle 2 that may collide with the motorcycle 1 if, for example, the driver decides to change lanes. Preferably, the predetermined portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13 for informing the driver of the risk of a collision are positioned adjacent to an edge of the monitor itself (designated 13A in Figures 2 and 3) so as not to obstruct viewing of other vehicle instruments and so as not to interfere graphically and visually.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a motorcycle 1, in which, according to a preferred embodiment, a radar device 16 is mounted at the rear end of the motorcycle 1, preferably on the longitudinal centerline plane PM, and more preferably near the taillight. The controller 162 of the radar device 16 identifies, for each longer side 10, 20 of the motorcycle 1, two surveillance zones BSD, BSD', LCA, LCA' within a grid identified by reference lines parallel and perpendicular to the centre line plane PM.

[0023] In particular, the controller 162 considers, for each side (right and left) of the motorcycle 1, a first longitudinal line F, F' and a second longitudinal line G, G' parallel to the longitudinal centerline plane PM. The first longitudinal line F, F' is considered to be at a lateral distance X1 from the longitudinal centerline plane PM of the motorcycle 1. The second longitudinal line G, G' is considered to be at a lateral distance X2 from the first longitudinal line F, F' located on the same side.

[0024] The controller 162 takes into account a first reference horizontal line C that crosses the seat at the position where the driver sits, a second horizontal line N that touches the motorcycle 1 at the position where the radar device 16 is located, a third horizontal line B that is at a first distance Y1 from the second horizontal line N, and a fourth horizontal line A that is at a second distance Y2 from the third horizontal line B.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, for each side (right and left) of the motorcycle 1, the controller 162, after receiving signals from the sensor elements 161, determines that a target vehicle is present in the zones BSD, BSD' if the target vehicle is identified between the two horizontal lines B and N and between the two vertical lines FG-F'G'. The controller 162 determines that a vehicle is present in the zones LCA, LCA' if a vehicle is detected at a position behind the horizontal line B between the two vertical lines FG-F'G' and the time to a possible collision with the motorcycle 1 is estimated to be less than a predetermined value (e.g. less than 2 seconds).

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor element 161 is configured to scan a cone space defined by a horizontal angle between 150° and 170° and a vertical angle between 60° and 70°.

[0027] According to the invention, the controller 162 considers, for each side 10, 20 of the motorcycle 1, a third zone SIDE, SIDE' comprised between the first horizontal line C, the second horizontal line N and the two vertical lines FG-F'G'. The third zone SIDE, SIDE' is therefore adjacent to the first zone BSD, BSD' and extends in front of this zone according to the direction of travel of the motorcycle 1. According to the speed detected when passing through the first zone BSD, BSD', the controller 162 predicts the presence of a target vehicle 2 in the third zone SIDE, SIDE'. As a result of this prediction, the controller 162 decides, directly or indirectly, to illuminate the portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13.

[0028] Preferably, the controller 162 evaluates the speed difference occurring between the target vehicle 2 and the motorcycle 1 when the target vehicle 2 passes through the first zone BSD, BSD'. If said speed difference is greater than a predefined value at the end of the first zone BSD, BSD' (i.e. when the target vehicle 2 is substantially on the second horizontal line NN), the controller 162 decides, directly or indirectly, to illuminate said portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13. Indeed, in such a situation (vehicle 2 shown in dashed line in FIG. 1), the controller 162 presumes that the target vehicle 2 will soon enter the third zone SIDE, SIDE'. Conversely, if such a speed difference is indicative of a deceleration of the target vehicle 2, the controller 162 does not generate a visual warning indicating the entry into the third zone SIDE, SIDE'.

[0029] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a controller 162 is directly connected to the monitor 13 and directly determines to light up the portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13. In this embodiment, there is a direct connection (e.g., via a cable) between the controller 162 and the monitor 13, and an electrical signal S1 generated by the controller 162 determines to light up the portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 2, the monitor 13 has a reference plane P RIF 1, a left half 13-1 and a right half 13-2 are identified that are symmetrical with respect to the left side 10 of the motorcycle 1. Preferably, the controller 162 determines to illuminate at least one portion 131 of the left half 13-1 of the monitor 13 when a presence of a vehicle is detected in the first zone BSD or the second zone LCA associated with the left side 10 of the motorcycle 1. In contrast, the controller 162 determines to illuminate at least one portion 132 of the right half 13-2 of the monitor 13 when a presence of a target vehicle is detected in the first zone BSD'' or the second zone LCA' associated with the right side 20 of the motorcycle 1.

[0031] 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention, in which a controller 162 is indirectly connected to the monitor 13 via the control unit 50 of the monitor. In this embodiment, a communication bus 18 is provided for transferring an alarm signal generated by the controller 162 to the control unit 50, the alarm signal being indicative of the presence of a vehicle in any of the zones BSD, BSD', LCA, LCA' monitored by the radar device 16. The control unit 50 processes the received alarm signal and controls the illumination of the portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13.

[0032] Preferably, when the warning signal generated by the controller 162 indicates the presence of a target vehicle in any of the zones BSD, LCA monitored on the left side 10 of the motorcycle 1, the control unit 50 controls the illumination of at least one portion 131 of the left half 13-1 of the monitor 13. When the warning signal generated by the controller 162 indicates the presence of a target vehicle in any of the zones BSD', LCA' monitored on the right side 20 of the motorcycle 1, the control unit 50 controls the illumination of at least one portion 132 of the right half 13-2 of the monitor 13.

[0033] Various implementation modes of the visual warning, i.e., various modes of illuminating the monitor 13, are described below. In particular, each of the described modes can be implemented regardless of whether the controller 162 directly or indirectly decides to illuminate one or more of the portions 131, 131', 132, 132' of the monitor 13. Such implementation modes are described with reference to the left half 13-1 of the monitor 13, where the controller 162 illuminates one or more of the predetermined portions 131, 131' when the controller 162 determines or predicts the presence of a vehicle in any of the zones BSD, LCA, SIDE associated with the left side 10 of the motorcycle 1. However, the following considerations also apply with reference to the right half 13-2 of the monitor 13, i.e., the zones BSD', LCA', SIDE' associated with the right side 20 of the motorcycle 1.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the enable mode, the controller 162 decides to light up at least two of the predetermined portions 131, 131' of the left half 13-1 of the monitor 13, each of the predetermined portions 131, 131' corresponding to a monitoring zone BSD, LCA of the left side 10. As illustrated in Figure 4, such portions 131, 131' can be distinguished with equal or different extents. Alternatively, the portions 131, 131' can be partially overlapping with different extents, as illustrated as an alternative in Figure 5. In this second case, for example, the first portion 131 has a larger extent and is lighted up if the target vehicle 2 is detected in the zone BSD close to the motorcycle 1. The second portion 131' has a smaller extent and is lighted up if the target vehicle 2 is detected in the second monitoring zone LCA.

[0035] In this case, during normal driving of the motorcycle 1, the radar device 16 will first detect a target vehicle 2 approaching the motorcycle 1 in the second zone LCA, so the controller 162 will decide to illuminate the second portion 131'. Then, as soon as the target vehicle 2 enters the first zone BSD, the controller 162 will decide to illuminate the first portion 131. The wider spread of the first portion 131 provides an even more obvious visual warning to the driver.

[0036] In a possible implementation mode, the brightened light of the predetermined portion 131, 131' may be fixed or intermittent. For example, the brightened light may be intermittent when the target vehicle 2 is detected in the zone LCA, i.e. when the target vehicle 2 is further away from the motorcycle 1. Continuing with this example, the brightened light may be continuous when the target vehicle 2 is detected to have entered a blind zone (first zone BSD), i.e. when the target vehicle 2 approaches the motorcycle 1 and / or when the target vehicle 2 is detected in the third zone SIDE.

[0037] In another possible implementation mode, the brightened light may still be intermittent, but may vary in frequency depending on the zone LCA, BSD, SIDE in which the target vehicle 2 is detected.

[0038] In a possible implementation mode, which can be combined with the previous one, a certain portion 131, 131' of the monitor 13 is illuminated with a certain color depending on the zone BSD, LCA, SIDE in which the target vehicle 2 is detected or expected. In other words, a specific lighting color may be provided depending on each monitored zone BSD, LCA, SIDE. For example, for the first zone BSD and the third zone SIDE, the color red may be provided, which is characterized by an increased danger due to the proximity of the target vehicle 2 to the motorcycle 1.

[0039] In a further implementation mode, the predetermined portion 131, 131', 132, 132' is illuminated instantly or gradually depending on the monitoring zone in which the controller 162 determines the presence of the target vehicle 2. The term "instantaneous" is intended to indicate a state in which the entire zone of the predetermined portion 131, 131', 132, 132' is illuminated in the same way immediately. On the other hand, the term "gradual" indicates a state in which the zone of the portion is illuminated gradually from a zero value to its full state. For example, the predetermined portion 131, 131', 132, 132' can be illuminated instantly if the target vehicle 2 is detected in the first zone BSD or if the controller 162 predicts that the target vehicle 2 is in the third zone SIDE. In a possible variant, when the controller 162 determines that a target vehicle 2 is present in the second zone LCA, the specific portions 131, 131', 132, 132' may be gradually brightened, i.e., gradually brightened as the target vehicle 2 approaches the first zone BSD.

[0040] The motorcycle 1 according to the invention makes it possible to fully achieve the intended goals and objectives: in particular, the radar device provides a visual warning that the driver can immediately perceive without having to take his eyes off the road.

Claims

1. A saddle-riding motorcycle (1) having a dashboard (12) with a monitor (13) and a radar device (16), the radar device is adapted to detect the presence of a nearby or approaching vehicle (2) in at least a first zone (BSD, BSD') on each side of the motorcycle (1), characterized by its blind spot, and in at least a second zone (LCA, LCA') adjacent to the first zone (BSD, BSD') and rearward in relation to the direction of travel of the motorcycle (1); the radar device (16) comprises at least one sensor (161) and at least one controller (162) for determining the presence of the vehicle (2) in one of the zones (BSD, BSD, LCA, LCA') based on a signal transmitted by the sensor (161); the controller (162) is directly or indirectly connected to the monitor (13) and determines, upon detecting the presence of the vehicle (2) in one of the zones (BSD, BSD', LCA, LCA'), to illuminate at least one of the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132') of the monitor (13); The controller (162) estimates the potential presence of the vehicle (2) in a third zone (SIDE) adjacent to the first zone (BSD, BSD') in front of the motorcycle (1) in the direction of travel; The controller (162) directly or indirectly determines, based on the speed (V) of the vehicle (2), to illuminate the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132') or to illuminate a further predetermined portion of the monitor (13) relative to the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132').

2. 2. The motorcycle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the speed of the vehicle (2) is detected when the vehicle (2) enters the third zone (SIDE).

3. 2. The motorcycle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (162) is directly connected to the monitor (13) and directly determines to illuminate at least one of the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132') of the monitor (13) when the vehicle (2) is present in one of the zones (BSD, LCA, SIDE).

4. The motorcycle (1) comprises a control unit (50) of the monitor (13) and a communication bus (18) connecting the controller (162) to the control unit (50); The communication bus (18) transmits an alarm signal generated by the controller (162) to the control unit (50) indicating the presence of the vehicle (2) in one of the zones (BSD, LCA), The motorcycle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (50) controls the illumination of at least one portion of the monitor (13) based on the warning signal (S).

5. - when the presence of the vehicle (2) is detected in the first zone (BSD) or the second zone (LCA), at least one left part (131, 131') of the monitor (13) is illuminated, whereby the zones (BSD, LCA) are considered to be on the left side (20) of the motorcycle (1); A motorcycle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one right portion (132, 132') of the monitor (13) lights up when the presence of the vehicle (2) is detected in the first zone (BSD') or the second zone (LCA'), wherein the zones (BSD', LCA') are considered to be on the right side (20) of the motorcycle (1).

6. 6. The motorcycle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the brightened light of at least one of the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132') of the monitor (13) is fixed or intermittent.

7. 6. The motorcycle (1) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132') of the monitor (13) lights up in a first color when the radar device (16) detects the presence of the vehicle (2) in the first zone (BSD, BSD'), and lights up in a second color different from the first color when the radar device (16) detects the presence of the vehicle (2) in the second zone (LCA, LCA').

8. The motorcycle (1) of claim 7, wherein the controller (162) changes the surface, color, and / or intermittency of lighting of at least one of the predetermined portions (131, 131', 132, 132') of the monitor (13) depending on the distance between the vehicle (2) and the motorcycle (1).

9. A motorcycle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor element (161) is arranged on the centerline plane (M) of the motorcycle (1) and at the rear end of the motorcycle (1), preferably near the taillight.

10. The motorcycle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined portion (131, 131', 132, 132') of the monitor (13) is disposed adjacent to an edge of the monitor (13).

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