Integral brake-by-wire brake system for motorcycles, control method for an integral brake system for motorcycles, and related motorcycles

Abstract

A brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8), comprising at least a first brake (12) associated with a front wheel of the motorcycle (8), at least a first electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (16) operatively connected to the first brake (12), at least a first manual actuation command (20) associated with the at least first brake (12) and corresponding to the at least first brake (12) for transmitting a brake request from a user, and at least a second brake (24) associated with a rear wheel of the motorcycle (8). The system (4) comprises at least a second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (28) operatively connected to the second brake (24), at least a second manual actuation command (32) associated with the at least one second brake (24) and corresponding to the at least one second brake (24) for transmitting a brake request from a user, and a control unit (36) operatively connected to the first manual actuation command (20), the second manual actuation command (32), and the first and second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators (16, 28). The control unit (36) is programmed to receive a braking request from a user following activation of at least one of said manual actuation commands (20, 32); interpret said braking request as a function of which or how many actuation commands have actually been actuated and / or the intensity of such actuation given by the stroke and / or actuation force or pressure of the corresponding manual actuation commands (20, 32); and activate at least one of said electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators (16, 28) to obtain a deceleration of the motorcycle (8) as a function of said braking request, independently of the effective activation of the corresponding manual actuation commands (20, 32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integral brake-by-wire (BBW) brake system for a motorcycle, a control method for an integral brake system for a motorcycle, and a related motorcycle equipped with the brake system.

Background Art

[0002] Integral brake systems are classified into hydraulic brake systems and electro-hydraulic brake systems.

[0003] In the former type, the actuation applied by the driver to the lever / pedal control is transmitted to the front / rear wheels via one of two hydraulic lines and converted into a braking force for a single wheel. In this case, the driver has to self-adjust the pressure applied to the actuator in order to limit the braking distance, increase the brake pressure on the wheel as quickly as possible, avoid wheel lock, and ensure a certain stability of the vehicle. In this configuration, there are limitations in terms of stability and comfort.

[0004] Depending on whether the actuator control acts only on the rear wheel or on both wheels, it may be a single CBS or a dual CBS. In these systems, in the absence of ABS control, a preset fixed braking force distribution is applied, which clearly has limitations in terms of safety and driving comfort.

[0005] Furthermore, to maintain a constant level of stability, some ABS hydraulic brake systems actively adjust pressure under certain conditions, freeing the wheels and reducing pressure to allow for acceleration again if there is a risk of locking. According to the embodiment, this stability is lateral and / or longitudinal stability. ABS systems include two-circuit, single CBS ABS, and dual CBS ABS. In all three cases, the ABS is located between the control unit and the wheel brake and is monitored by wheel speed sensors. In the case of single CBS ABS and dual CBS ABS, one (or two) modulators are added, connected to the rear (and front) wheels. They may also feature a boost function to enhance braking comfort.

[0006] Currently, electronically controlled hydraulic braking systems are only partially implemented, either at the front or rear, depending on which wheel (front / rear or rear-front) controls the actuator. Electronic braking systems can further shorten braking distances through the distribution of electric braking force, resulting in improved safety, driving comfort, and reduced pitching. [Overview of the project]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in this field to provide a braking system that can solve the technical shortcomings mentioned by referring to prior art.

[0008] This requirement is met by the brake system according to claim 1.

[0009] In particular, this need is met by a motorcycle braking system consisting of the following components:

[0010] At least one first brake associated with the front wheel of the motorcycle.

[0011] At least one first electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator operatively connected to the first brake.

[0012] At least one first manual actuation command for transmitting a brake request from a user, associated with and corresponding to the at least one first brake.

[0013] At least one second brake associated with the rear wheel of the aforementioned motorcycle.

[0014] At least a second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator operably connected to the second brake.

[0015] At least two manual actuation commands for transmitting a brake request from a user, associated with and corresponding to the at least one second brake.

[0016] A control unit operably connected to the first manual operation command, the second manual operation command, and the first and second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators.

[0017] The control unit is programmed as follows:

[0018] The system receives a braking request from the user following the execution of at least one of the aforementioned manual activation commands.

[0019] The braking request is interpreted as a function of which actuation commands were actually actuated, or how many actuation commands were actually actuated, and / or the intensity of such actuation given by the stroke and / or actuation force or pressure of the corresponding manual actuation command.

[0020] Regardless of the effective operation of the corresponding manual actuation command, at least one of the electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators is activated to obtain deceleration of the motorcycle as a function of the braking request.

[0021] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit is programmed to perform the distribution of braking force between the first and second electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuators as a function of the mass of the motorcycle, the speed of the motorcycle, and / or the weight distribution before and after the motorcycle, and / or the bending angle of the motorcycle.

[0022] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit is programmed to perform the distribution of braking force between the first and second electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuators even when a single manual operation command is actuated.

[0023] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit is programmed to perform the actuation of only the first electro-hydraulic actuator or electromechanical actuator when only the second manual operation command is actuated.

[0024] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit is programmed to actuate only the second electro-hydraulic actuator or electromechanical actuator when only the first manual operation command is actuated.

[0025] According to a possible embodiment, the first brake and the second brake consist of disk brakes.

[0026] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit converts the signal resulting from the actuation of each manual operation command into an overall deceleration requirement of the motorcycle.

[0027] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit converts the signal transmitted from the actuation of each manual operation command into a requirement for the braking force applied to each braking device or at least one braking device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of its preferred non-limiting embodiments.

[0029] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motorcycle constituting a braking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Elements or parts of elements common to the embodiments described below are denoted by the same reference numerals.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring to the above figure, reference numeral 4 generally indicates a braking system for a motorcycle 8.

[0032] The braking system 4 for the motorcycle 8 includes at least a first brake 12 associated with the front wheel of the motorcycle 8, at least a first electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuator 16 operatively connected to the first brake 12, and at least a first manual operation command 20 associated with the at least first brake 12 for transmitting a corresponding brake request from a user.

[0033] The first brake 12 is, for example, a disc brake with a fixed or floating caliper, but may also be a drum brake.

[0034] The first manual operation command 20 may be, for example, a lever typically hinged to the handlebar of the motorcycle, or a pedal hinged to a point on the motorcycle frame near the corresponding foot support pedal.

[0035] The expression "a first manual actuation command 20 associated with and corresponding to at least one first brake 12" means that the first manual actuation command 20 is provided for the preferential (but not unique) actuation of a particular brake, for example, the first brake 12. This means, for example, that the first manual actuation command 20 is, for example, a handlebar lever located on the left side to enable preferential actuation of the first brake 12 which is operationally coupled to the front wheel of the vehicle. In any case, as will be better described below, the actuation of the first brake 12 following the actuation of the first manual actuation command 20 is neither direct, unique, nor automatic. That is, following the actuation of the first manual actuation command 20, the brake system can intervene only by partially acting the first brake 12, or by acting the second brake 24 in addition to or instead of the first brake 12.

[0036] The first actuator 16 comprises, for example, an electric motor and, preferably, transmission means for a direct or indirect connection between the electric motor and the braking mechanism of the first brake 12, such as a piston and pads in a known manner. In the case of an electrohydraulic actuator, the electric motor directly or indirectly pressurizes the brake fluid, which in turn acts on the braking mechanism of the first brake 12, such as a piston and pads, in a known manner.

[0037] The brake system 4 for the motorcycle 8 comprises at least a second brake 24 associated with the rear wheel of the motorcycle 8, at least a second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator 28 operatively connected to the second brake 20, and at least a second manual actuation command 32 associated with the at least one second brake 24 and corresponding for transmitting a brake request from the user.

[0038] The second brake 24 may be, for example, a disc brake with a fixed or floating caliper, but it may also be a drum brake.

[0039] The second manual operation command 32 may be, for example, a lever typically hinged to the handlebars of a motorcycle, or a pedal hinged to a point on the motorcycle frame near a corresponding foot support pedal.

[0040] The phrase "a second manual actuation command 32 associated with at least one second brake 24' and corresponding thereto" means that the second manual actuation command 32 is provided to preferentially actuate (but not uniquely) a particular brake, for example, the second brake 24. This means, for example, that the second manual actuation command 32 is a pedal provided to enable preferential actuation of the second brake 24 which is operationally linked to the rear wheel of the motorcycle. In any case, as will be explained in detail below, the actuation of the second brake 24 following the actuation of the second manual actuation command 32 is neither direct, unique, nor automatic. That is, following the actuation of the second manual actuation command 32, the brake system can intervene only by partially acting the second brake 24, or by acting the second brake 24 in addition to, or by also acting the first brake 12.

[0041] The second actuator 28 comprises, for example, an electric motor and, preferably, transmission means for a direct or indirect connection between the electric motor and the braking mechanism of the second brake 24, such as a piston and pads in a known manner. In the case of an electrohydraulic actuator, the electric motor directly or indirectly pressurizes the brake fluid, which in turn acts on the braking mechanism of the second brake 24, such as a piston and pads, in a known manner.

[0042] The brake system 4 further comprises a first manual operation command 20, a second manual operation command 32, and a control unit 36 ​​operably connected to the first and second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators 16, 28.

[0043] In particular, the control unit 36 ​​is programmed as follows:

[0044] The system receives a braking request from the user following the activation of at least one of the manual activation commands 20, 32.

[0045] The braking request is interpreted as a function of which actuation commands were actually actuated, or how many actuation commands were actually actuated, and / or the intensity of such actuation given by the stroke and / or actuation force or pressure of the corresponding manual actuation commands 20,32.

[0046] Regardless of the effective operation of the corresponding manual actuation commands 20, 32, at least one of the electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators 16, 28 is activated to obtain deceleration of the motorcycle 8 as a function of the braking request.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit 36 ​​is programmed to distribute braking force between the first and second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators 16, 28 as a function of the mass of the motorcycle 8, the speed of the motorcycle 8, and / or the bending angle of the motorcycle 8.

[0048] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit 36 ​​is programmed to distribute braking force between the first and second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuators 16 and 28, even when a single manual actuation command 20 or 32 is activated.

[0049] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit 36 ​​is programmed to operate only the first electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuator 16 when only the second manual operation command 32 is activated.

[0050] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit 36 ​​is programmed to operate only the second electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuator 28 when only the first manual operation command 20 is activated. In general, the control unit 36 ​​can convert the signals resulting from the operation of each manual operation command 20, 32 into an overall deceleration request for the motorcycle 8, which is carried out by appropriately operating the respective first and second actuators 16, 28, regardless of the actual distribution imposed by the manual operation performed by the user.

[0051] The control unit 36 ​​may also be configured to convert signals resulting from the operation of each manual operation command 20, 32 into requests for braking force to be applied to each or at least one of the braking devices 12, 24.

[0052] Next, the operation of the brake system according to the present invention will be described.

[0053] The braking system described is implemented by creating a decoupling between the driver's braking request in response to a command (lever or brake) and the vehicle's braking force.

[0054] In this way, the driver's braking request, which is transmitted to a manual operating command 20, 32 such as a brake lever or pedal, is acquired by an electronic system, i.e., a control unit 36.

[0055] Such a control unit 36 ​​processes a request from a braking request or command, and then drives the actuators 16, 28 to generate braking forces for the front and rear.

[0056] Such braking forces can be generated by electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuators, as can be seen.

[0057] The control unit 36 ​​requests and activates braking force so that a favorable distribution of brakes between the front brake and the rear brake is utilized.

[0058] Compared to systems described in the prior art, this system enables the following by completely separating the driver's request from the operation of the braking force:

[0059] By controlling both the front and rear axle brakes with a single command as needed, driver comfort is improved and vehicle operation is simplified.

[0060] An optimal distribution can be obtained that can adapt to various driving conditions (e.g., vehicle weight and vehicle turning angle).

[0061] If necessary, it allows the use of different commands to activate full braking of the vehicle without interaction between commands or a decrease in the feel of the commands.

[0062] As can be understood from the description, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0063] In particular, the present invention provides an integrated electro-hydraulic or electromechanical braking system for motorcycles, in which decoupling between operation in response to driver commands and the generation of braking force enables a combined braking function (combined braking system) on both axles, maximizing vehicle deceleration and ensuring a high level of comfort for the driver.

[0064] Furthermore, depending on the driving conditions, grip conditions, and road surface incline level, the electronically controlled braking system calculates the optimal braking force distribution curve between the front and rear axles, ensuring comfortable braking (the possibility of braking with little or no force applied to the command, or braking with a single command) while simultaneously maximizing braking performance by making full use of the grip of both wheels.

[0065] Therefore, regardless of the manual operation commands actually used by the user, it is possible to efficiently control the braking stability of the motorcycle according to the dynamic parameters of the vehicle itself.

[0066] Furthermore, the entire motorcycle braking system can be controlled using a single command (lever, pedal, or other input).

[0067] Those skilled in the art may make several modifications and alterations to the above-described lighting and / or signaling devices, as well as the method of assembling such devices, to meet certain incidental needs, all of which fall within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8), A first brake (12) related to the front wheel of the motorcycle (8), A first electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuator (16) is operatively connected to the first brake (12), A first manual operation command (20) is associated with and corresponds to the first brake (12) and transmits a brake request from the user, A second brake (24) associated with the rear wheel of the motorcycle (8), A second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (28) is operatively connected to the second brake (24), A second manual operation command (32) is associated with and corresponds to the second brake (24) and transmits a brake request from the user, The system comprises a first manual operation command (20), a second manual operation command (32), a first electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (16), and a control unit (36) operably connected to the second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (28). The control unit (36) is Following the execution of at least one of the first manual activation command (20) and the second manual activation command (32), a braking request is received from the user. The braking request is interpreted as a function of which actuation commands were actually actuated, or how many actuation commands were actually actuated, and / or the intensity of such actuation given by the stroke and / or actuation force or pressure of the corresponding manual actuation command. - The program is configured to activate at least one of the first electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (16) and the second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (28), independently of the effective operation of the corresponding manual actuation commands (20, 32), in order to obtain deceleration of the motorcycle (8) as a function of the brake request, A brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8), wherein the control unit (36) is programmed to distribute braking force between the first electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (16) and the second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (28) as a function of the mass of the motorcycle (8), the speed of the motorcycle (8), and / or the front-to-rear weight distribution of the motorcycle (8), and / or the turning angle of the motorcycle (8).

2. The brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (36) is programmed to distribute braking force between the first electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (16) and the second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (28) even when either the first manual operation command (20) or the second manual operation command (32) is activated.

3. The brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (36) is programmed to activate only the first electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (16) when only the second manual operation command (32) is activated.

4. The brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the control unit (36) is programmed to activate only the second electrohydraulic or electromechanical actuator (28) when only the first manual operation command (20) is activated.

5. A brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first brake (12) and the second brake (24) have disc brakes.

6. The brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (36) converts signals resulting from the operation of the first manual operation command (20) and the second manual operation command (32) into an overall deceleration request for the motorcycle (8).

7. A brake system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit (36) converts signals resulting from the operation of the first manual operation command (20) and the second manual operation command (32) into requests for braking force to be applied to each of the first brake (12) and the second brake (24), or to at least one of the first brake (12) and the second brake (24).

8. A motorcycle comprising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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