A three-wheeled motorcycle with a radar device located between the front wheels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a saddle-riding motorcycle (1) having at least two steerable and rolling front wheels (4) and at least one rear drive wheel. The motorcycle (1) further comprises a main frame (2) supporting a power assembly, the frame (2) comprising a frame front part (2A) constituting a steering tube (11). The motorcycle of the present invention comprises a radar device (5) which is disposed between the front wheels (4) when the motorcycle (1) is viewed from a forward observation point and is disposed below a plane tangent to the front wheels (4) of the motorcycle (1) when the wheels are in a straight position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention is included in the product of a saddle-riding motorcycle, in particular in the product of a three-wheeled saddle-riding motorcycle, and in particular in the product of a three-wheeled motorcycle, with a radar device located between the front wheels, when the motorcycle is viewed from a forward observation point. [Background technology]

[0002] prior art In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for three-wheeled motorcycles, steered by two front wheels and driven by one rear wheel. In these vehicles, the two front wheels are connected to the vehicle frame in such a way that they tilt sideways with a rolling motion about an axis oriented according to the direction of travel.

[0003] In three-wheeled motorcycles, a linkage quadrilateral is provided between the two front wheels and the front of the frame to allow the front wheels to roll. Typically, the linkage quadrilateral comprises a pair of cross members, each of which is hinged to the frame in a centerline longitudinal plane so as to be able to swing about mutually parallel axes. The linkage quadrilateral also comprises a pair of uprights, each of which has two ends hinged to a corresponding one of the two cross members defining an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the cross members relative to the frame. The two uprights are directly or indirectly connected to the wheels so as to allow the wheels to be steered. The steering action is controlled by a steering system that is operatively independent of the linkage quadrilateral.

[0004] The three-wheeled motorcycle is also provided with a suspension assembly which includes, for each front wheel, a suspension interposed between the wheel itself and a corresponding upright of the quadrilateral, and for each front wheel, said suspension includes at least one shock absorber which allows the up and down movement of the corresponding front wheel relative to the quadrilateral.

[0005] Usually, motorcycles are fitted at the front with a protective shield that determines the aerodynamics of the motorcycle. In most cases, this shield is connected, directly or indirectly, to the frame of the motorcycle so that it follows the rolling movements. In more recent solutions, this shield is connected to one of two cross members so that it is released from the rolling movements. In this case, this shield does not change orientation with respect to the ground.

[0006] Many three-wheeled motorcycles also have a radar device mounted at the front, usually in a roughly central position on the shield from the front observation point of the motorcycle. The radar device is directly or indirectly connected to the motorcycle's control unit and informs the rider of the approach of other motorcycles and general obstacles.

[0007] However, mounting the radar device on the shield has several drawbacks, the main one being the difficulty of its design, and in particular of its shape. The shape of the shield must be as favorable as possible in terms of aerodynamic effect. To achieve this effect, the shield surface must be included, which in any case must be shaped to reduce friction with the air. The space available for mounting the radar device is therefore very limited, as is the unavoidable need to mount a headlight on the shield to illuminate the road while the motorcycle is in motion.

[0008] Considering the limited space available for the installation of the radar device, it is clear that the dimensions of the radar device must necessarily be limited. On the one hand, this aspect is negative in terms of the overall performance of the device. On the other hand, small dimensions make the device difficult to install and test. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] overview The main task of the present invention is to provide a three-wheeled motorcycle that overcomes or at least mitigates the above mentioned drawbacks. Within this task, a first object of the present invention is to provide a three-wheeled motorcycle in which the radar device is located in a position that does not affect the design of the shield and at the same time provides an optimal field of view. Another object is to provide a three-wheeled motorcycle that is reliable and easy to manufacture at a competitive cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The applicant has discovered that in motorcycles with straight wheels, the above tasks and objectives can be achieved by locating the radar device, released from the shield, in the space between the front wheels. Advantageously, in this space, a larger radar shield can be obtained, with a similar field of view as if it were located on the shield. Furthermore, because of the larger space available, the radar device can be of larger dimensions than would be permitted if it were located on the shield.

[0011] In particular, the task and objects are achieved by a three-wheeled saddle-riding motorcycle with two steerable, rolling front wheels and at least one driven rear wheel, said motorcycle further comprising a main frame supporting a power assembly, said frame including a front frame portion constituting a steering tube. The motorcycle of the present invention also comprises a rolling articulated quadrilateral connected to the front frame portion, said quadrilateral supporting the front wheel and allowing the front wheel to roll.

[0012] The motorcycle further includes a suspension assembly interposed between the front wheel and the pivot quadrilateral, allowing the front wheel to move up and down relative to the pivot quadrilateral. The motorcycle also includes a steering assembly configured to steer the front wheel, and a windshield connected directly or indirectly to the front frame or to the pivot quadrilateral.

[0013] The motorcycle according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a radar device that is independent of the windshield and is located between the front wheels when viewed from a forward observation point of the motorcycle, and further, the radar device is located below a surface that contacts the front wheels above the motorcycle when the wheels are in a straight position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the rotational quadrilateral comprises a lower cross member and an upper cross member hinged to the front of the frame to pivot about a first rotation axis that is parallel to one another and lies substantially on the centerline longitudinal plane of the motorcycle, in this embodiment, a radar device is connected to at least one of the cross members.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, in a straight wheel position of the motorcycle, the radar device is arranged in a longitudinal position between a first vertical plane tangent to the front wheel at the front and a second vertical plane tangent to the front wheel at the rear. According to a preferred embodiment, the radar device is arranged in the centre line longitudinal plane of the motorcycle.

[0016] According to a possible embodiment, the radar device is connected to the front of the frame such that it follows the rolling movement of the main frame. According to another embodiment, the radar device is connected to the lower cross member such that it does not follow the rolling movement of the main frame. According to another possible embodiment, the radar device is connected to the lower cross member at a hinge axis between the lower cross member and the front of the frame such that it does not follow the rolling movement of the main frame.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the radar device is supported by a support quadrilateral, the support quadrilateral comprising two connecting rods, of which a first connecting rod is rotatable about said hinge axis and a second connecting rod is hingedly connected to the lower cross member at a point different from said hinge axis, both connecting rods being hingedly connected to the radar device at respective points different from said hinge axis. According to a further embodiment, the radar device is arranged in a longitudinal position comprised between a distal part of the front shield and the front radiator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] Drawing List Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a motorcycle, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side view of a three-wheel rolling motorcycle according to the present invention. 2 and 3 are front views of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 when not rolling and when rolling, respectively. 4 and 5 are front views of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 without the protective shield, in the state of FIG. 2 and in the state of FIG. 3, respectively. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a possible embodiment of a motorcycle according to the invention, with a straight wheel configuration. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 6 in which the motorcycle is in a rolling configuration. 7 and 7B are schematic diagrams of another possible embodiment of a motorcycle according to the invention. 8 and 8B are schematic diagrams of a further embodiment of a motorcycle according to the invention. Like reference numbers and letters in the figures indicate like elements or components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Detailed Description With reference to the cited drawings, the invention relates to a three-wheeled saddle-riding motorcycle having two steerable front wheels 4, 4' and one rear drive wheel 9. In the remainder of this description, the saddle-riding motorcycle will be generically designated by the expression motorcycle 1.

[0020] In the present invention, the expressions "longitudinal direction" or "fore-and-aft direction" mean a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the motorcycle 1 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel, and the expressions "lateral direction" or "left-right" direction mean a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, i.e., a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel.

[0021] The terms "vertical" or "up-down" refer to directions perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions. The drawings include Cartesian reference axes representing a fore-aft direction FB, a up-down direction UD, and a left-right direction RL as defined above.

[0022] Thus, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral" and "vertical" refer respectively to the longitudinal direction, i.e. front to back FB, the lateral direction, i.e. right to left RL, and the vertical direction, i.e. up to down UD. The terms "forward", "left" and "up" refer to the directions indicated by the arrows F, L and U of the half lines shown in the figures, whereas the terms "rearward" (or "behind"), "right" and "down" refer to the directions indicated by the arrows B, R and D of the half lines opposite these. The expression centre line longitudinal plane MM shown in figures 4 and 5 is intended to indicate a plane containing a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction FB and containing the steering axis 110 (shown in figure 1) of the motorcycle 1. The expression longitudinal cross-sectional plane means a cross-sectional plane coinciding with the centre line longitudinal plane MM.

[0023] For the purposes of the present invention, the expression "straight-wheel motorcycle" is intended to indicate a condition in which the wheels of the motorcycle are vertical in an unsteered state, i.e. the centerline longitudinal plane is substantially vertical. The straight-wheel motorcycle condition is shown in Figures 2 and 4. In this condition, the suspension assembly can also be considered to be in an extended configuration.

[0024] The motorcycle 1 of the present invention comprises a main frame 2A-2B that extends mainly along the fore-aft direction FB. The main frame 2A-2B includes a frame front portion 2A and a frame rear portion 2B (not shown) that support a front end portion 30A and a rear end portion 30B of the motorcycle 1, respectively.

[0025] In particular, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "front end" denotes the part of the motorcycle 1 that is in front of a reference plane PRv that passes through the rearmost end points of the handlebars 12 of the motorcycle 1, said reference plane PRv passing through a point of the handlebars 12 that is closer to the rear wheel 9, while the term "rear end" is intended to denote the part of the motorcycle 1 that is behind this reference plane PRv.

[0026] The rear portion 30B of the main frame 2 supports the saddle 3 of the motorcycle 1 and a power assembly (not shown) designed to generate the driving force used to propel the motorcycle 1. The rear portion 30B of the frame supports a rear drive wheel 9 via a swing arm 45.

[0027] The front frame part 2A comprises a steering tube 11 in which a handlebar 12 is mounted. The handlebar 12 rotates around a steering axis 110 formed by the steering tube 11. A rotating articulated quadrilateral 10 (hereinafter quadrilateral 10) supporting the two front wheels 4, 4' of the motorcycle 1 is connected to the front frame part 2A. The quadrilateral 10 has a configuration known per se and comprises an upper cross member 10A and a lower cross member 10B centrally hinged to the front frame part 2A, which are arranged to rotate around corresponding longitudinal rotation axes 101, 102 (or hinge axes 101, 102) parallel to each other and lying on a centreline longitudinal plane MM. The quadrilateral 10 also comprises a right upright 7 and a left upright 7', each hinged to the upper cross member 10A for rotation about an upper pivot axis 201, 201' and to the lower cross member 10B for rotation about a lower pivot axis 202, 202'. The two cross members 10A, 10B extend in a transverse direction RL so as to be symmetrical with respect to the centerline longitudinal plane MM. The upper pivot axes 201, 201' and the lower pivot axes 202, 202' are therefore substantially symmetrical with respect to the centerline longitudinal plane MM. The movement of the two cross members 10A, 10B relative to the frame front 2A determines the deformation of the quadrilateral 10, which deformation occurs substantially parallel to a transverse plane, i.e. the transverse direction RL.

[0028] Associated with each upright 7, 7' of the quadrilateral 10 is a support element 6, 6' which directly or indirectly supports the corresponding front wheel 4, 4'. The support element 6, 6' is free to rotate relative to the corresponding upright 7, 7' so as to allow a steering movement of the front wheel 4, 4'. The term indirect is intended to indicate a situation in which another component is arranged between the upright 7, 7' and the corresponding front wheel 4, 4', which, together with the upright 7, 7', supports the wheel itself.

[0029] The motorcycle 1 further comprises a suspension assembly 70 interposed between the front wheels 4, 4' and the articulated quadrilateral 10, allowing the wheels to move up and down relative to the articulated quadrilateral 10. The suspension assembly 70 comprises a first suspension means 77 and a second suspension means 77' associated with the right front wheel 4 and the left front wheel 4', respectively. The expression "operatively associated" is intended to mean that the first suspension means 77 and the second suspension means 77' are interposed between the corresponding front wheel 4, 4' and the corresponding upright 7, 7', allowing the wheels to move up and down.

[0030] Also arranged at the front 30A of the motorcycle 1 is a steering assembly 60 for controlling the steering of the front wheels 4, 4'. The steering assembly 60 acts on two support elements 6, 6' causing their rotation relative to corresponding uprights 7, 7' of the quadrilateral 10. The steering assembly 60 is actuated by the rotation of the aforementioned handlebar of the motorcycle 1, which, as shown, is also part of the front end 30A.

[0031] The front part 30A of the motorcycle 1 is also provided with a front protective shield 40, which supports one or more headlights 49 for illuminating the road while the motorcycle is moving. With reference to figures 2 and 3, the front shield 40 can be connected to the frame front part 2A so as to follow the rolling movement of the main frames 2A-2B. Alternatively, the shield 40 can be connected to one of the two cross members 10A, 10B of a quadrilateral, in particular of a linking quadrilateral 10, according to the solution described in application IT102021000015341 in the name of the applicant.

[0032] The motorcycle 1 according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a radar device 5 arranged in the space between the front wheels 40 and below a reference plane P10 tangential to the upper surface of these front wheels 4'. For the purposes of the present invention, the position of the radar device 5 as defined above is evaluated in the condition of the motorcycle 1 with the wheels straight as defined above.

[0033] The term "unfixed" is intended to indicate a state in which the radar device 5 is not installed on the shield 40, and therefore, the radar device 5 is not fixed to the shield 40, i.e., the radar device 5 is not mounted on the front shield 40.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the radar device 5 is preferably arranged in a first vertical plane P1 which is in front of the front wheels 4, 4′. v and a second vertical plane P2 that contacts the front wheels 4, 4' at the rear. v Such a longitudinal position is determined for a motorcycle 1 with its wheels in a straight line.

[0035] 1, the windshield 40 has a distal portion 41 with respect to the steerer tube 11. Essentially, the windshield 40 starts from the steerer tube 11 and extends longitudinally forwards so as to overlap the front wheels 4, 4'. For the purposes of the present invention, the expression distal portion 41 of the windshield 40 means the portion which is furthest away longitudinally (direction FB) from the steerer tube 11. This distal portion 41 always has a lower end 41B, i.e. the lowest end (the end closest to the ground) in the vehicle position with the wheels straight.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the radar device 5 is arranged in a longitudinal position between the distal portion 41 of the windshield 40 and the front radiator 66, which is connected to the main frame 2A-2B at a longitudinal position rearward of the front wheels 4, 4'.

[0037] Moreover, in the front view, the radar device 5 is arranged in the space between the lower end 41B of the distal portion 41 and the front radiator 66 (Figures 2 and 3). Advantageously, this position of the radar device 5 in the front view allows it to be freely used at all times in any riding condition of the motorcycle 1, whether the motorcycle 1 is riding along a straight line (Figure 2) or when the motorcycle 1 is going around a curve (Figure 3), i.e. when rolling and / or steering.

[0038] Figures 6 to 8 are schematic diagrams showing possible embodiments of a motorcycle 1 according to the invention. In particular, each of these figures diagrammatically represents a possible support mode of the radar device 5 in the space between the front wheels 4, 4' as defined above.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 6, according to a possible embodiment, the radar device 5 is connected to one of the two cross members 10A, 10B of the connecting quadrilateral 10, preferably the lower cross member 10B. Preferably, the radar device 5 is rigidly connected to the lower cross member 10B so as to follow the movements of the latter. In particular, in this embodiment, the radar device 5 is not subjected to any rolling movements, as shown in FIG. 6B. In fact, due to the kinematics of the quadrilateral 10, such as the two cross members 10A, 10B, the radar device 5 also maintains the same orientation (substantially horizontal) with respect to the support surface PO of the motorcycle 1 and goes down or up (i.e. towards or away from said support surface PO) together with the cross member (10A or 10B) to which it is rigidly connected.

[0040] The radar device 5 may be connected to the cross member 10B via one or more support brackets 5B, as shown diagrammatically in Figures 6 and 6B. In particular, in a motorcycle 1 having straight wheels, the support bracket or brackets are configured such that the radar device 5 is operatively located in a central position or centerline plane MM.

[0041] 7 and 7B, according to another embodiment, the radar device 5 is connected to the frame front part 2A so as to remain integral therewith, so that the radar device 5 follows the frame front part 2A during rolling (see in particular FIG. 7B).

[0042] In this case, too, a support bracket 5B may be provided for connecting the radar device 5 to the frame front portion 2A, and the radar device 5 may be disposed on the center line plane MM. Alternatively, the radar device 5 may be directly attached to the frame front portion 2A by appropriately shaping the frame front portion 2A.

[0043] 8 and 8B, according to a further embodiment, the radar device 5 is connected to one of the cross members 10B at a hinge axis 101 formed between that cross member 10B and the frame front part 2A. In fact, also in this embodiment, the radar device 5 is freed from the frame 2A-2B of the motorcycle 1 and is therefore not exposed to rolling movements.

[0044] In a possible embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 8B, the radar device 5 is supported by a support quadrilateral 5C. In particular, the support quadrilateral 5C comprises two connecting rods 51, 52, of which a first connecting rod (51) rotates around a hinge axis 101 and a second connecting rod (52) is hinged to the lower cross member 10B at a point P1 different from the hinge axis 101. Both connecting rods 51, 52 are hinged to the radar device 5 at different points (P2 and P3 respectively) so as to form a quadrilateral configuration, in which the hinge points (101, P2) of the first connecting rod 51 lie on a line parallel to the line on which the hinge points (P1, P3) of the second connecting rod 52 lie.

[0045] As is evident from FIG. 8B, while the connecting quadrilateral 10 is deformed by the rolling of the motorcycle 1, the radar device 5 does not change orientation relative to the support surface PO of the motorcycle 1, as is the case with the cross-members 10A, 10B.

[0046] The motorcycle 1 according to the invention makes it possible to fully achieve the intended tasks and objectives. Advantageously, the position envisaged for the radar device 5 between the front wheels 4 does not affect the construction of the shielding, i.e. its design. Furthermore, it makes it possible to use a radar device of larger dimensions than those normally used in these motor vehicles. Furthermore, this position strengthens the shielding of the radar device and increases its efficiency.

[0047] Furthermore, it has the advantage that the forward field of view of the radar device 5 remains unaffected at all times whatever the rolling and / or steering configuration of the front wheel while the motorcycle is in motion. This feature optimises the detection of the radar device itself, and is not even partially obstructed by any part of the front end of the motorcycle.

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type motorcycle (1) having two front wheels (4, 4') and at least one rear wheel, The aforementioned saddle-ride type motorcycle (1) is: - Further comprising a main frame (2A-2B) supporting the power assembly, the frame (2A-2B) having a front frame (2A); - Further comprising a rotating connecting quadrilateral (10) connected to the front part (2A) of the frame, the rotating connecting quadrilateral (10) supports the first front wheel (4) and the second front wheel (4') to enable the rolling motion of the first front wheel (4) and the second front wheel (4'); - Further comprising a steering assembly (60) pivotably connected to the front part (2A) of the frame for controlling the steering of the front wheels (4, 4'); - Further comprising a suspension assembly (71, 71') provided between the front wheels (4, 4') and the rotating connecting quadrilateral (10) so that the front wheels (4, 4') can move up and down relative to the rotating connecting quadrilateral (10); - Further comprising a front shield (40) directly or indirectly connected to the front part of the frame (2A) or the rotating connecting quadrilateral (10), The motorcycle (1) is equipped with a radar device (5) which is not provided on the front shield (40), The radar device (5) is positioned between the front wheels (4, 4') when the motorcycle (1) is viewed from a forward observation point, and is positioned below a plane (P1o) that is in contact with the upper part of the front wheel (4) when the motorcycle (1) is in a straight position, in a saddle-ride type motorcycle.

2. The aforementioned rotational connecting quadrilateral (10) comprises a lower cross member (10B) and an upper cross member (10A), The lower cross member (10B) and the upper cross member (10A) are hinged to the frame (2A-2B) so as to pivot about a first axis of rotation (101, 102) which is parallel to each other and substantially located on the longitudinal plane (M-M) of the centerline of the motorcycle (1). The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the radar device (5) is connected to at least one of the cross members (10A, 10B).

3. In the motorcycle (1) with the wheel in a straight position, the radar device (5) has a first vertical surface (P1) that contacts the front wheel (4, 4') in front of it. v ) and the second vertical surface (P2) that contacts the front wheel (4, 4') at the rear. v The motorcycle according to claim 1, which is positioned in the longitudinal direction between )

4. The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radar device (5) is arranged in the longitudinal plane (M-M) of the centerline of the motorcycle (1).

5. The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radar device (5) is connected to the front part (2A) of the frame in accordance with the rolling motion of the main frame (2A-2B).

6. The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radar device (5) is connected to the lower cross member (10B) in such a manner that it does not follow the rolling motion of the main frame (2A-2B).

7. The motorcycle according to claim 6, wherein the radar device (5) is connected to the lower cross member (10B) at a hinge axis (101) between the lower cross member (10B) and the front part of the frame (2A) so as not to follow the rolling motion of the main frame (2A-2B).

8. The radar device (5) is supported by a support quadrilateral (5C), The support quadrilateral (5C) is equipped with two connecting rods (51, 52), of which the first connecting rod (51) is rotatable around the hinge axis (101), and the second connecting rod (52) is rotatable at a point different from the hinge axis (101) (P 1 ) are hinged to the lower cross member (10B), and both connecting rods (51, 52) are at different points (P 2 and P 3 The motorcycle according to claim 7, which is hinged to a radar device (5) by a )

9. The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radar device (5) is positioned between the distal portion (41) of the front shield (40) and the front radiator (66).

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