Wheel suspension locking system and two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel suspension locking system (1) for a two-wheeled vehicle (2), preferably a motorcycle, comprising a chassis (3), a swingarm (4) which carries a wheel (5), and a rear wheel suspension (6), the swingarm (4) being connected, in particular in an articulated manner, to the chassis (3), and the rear wheel suspension (6) being positioned between the swingarm (4) and the chassis (3), wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) comprises a locking element (7), the locking element (7) being designed in such a way that it locks a relative movement (8) of the chassis (3) and the swingarm (4), in particular a relative movement (8) of the chassis (3) and the swingarm (4) towards one another.

Description

[0001] Wheel suspension locking system and two-wheeled vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a wheel suspension locking system for a two-wheeled vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] The invention further relates to a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a wheel suspension locking system and a method for activating a wheel suspension locking system.

[0004] Two-wheeled vehicles, particularly motorcycles, are typically designed with a rear wheel supported by a swingarm connected to the vehicle's chassis. The chassis is supported and raised by the swingarm by means of a suspension, such as a rear shock absorber. When the suspension is functioning properly, the chassis is lifted and separated from the swingarm, so that the chassis and swingarm assume a preferred position relative to each other, and so that the wheel is freely rotatable.

[0005] A problem arises when the suspension fails, as the chassis can drop downward and / or toward the swingarm and wheel. The chassis can then, for example, lock the wheel or strike the swingarm or other parts of the motorcycle.

[0006] A particularly unpleasant situation can arise if the vehicle is parked for a while, especially on a side stand, and the rear suspension fails, e.g. if a spring breaks, an air circuit and / or an air shock absorber leaks, as the chassis then drops towards the swing arm and wheel. A major problem with a dropped chassis is that the vehicle's center of gravity changes, which can cause the vehicle to tip over. As most vehicles are heavy, it can be a challenge for a vehicle user to lift the vehicle or its chassis. In addition, if the vehicle tips over, the vehicle can damage other things, such as cars parked alongside the vehicle.

[0007] Unfortunately, the state of the art, e.g. in EP 3144164 A1 or EP 3144165 A1, only provides solutions for wheel suspension locking systems for suspension forks, where the wheel suspension is locked to a vehicle front and the center of gravity cannot be maintained.

[0008] Accordingly, Wheelab Sri invented the present invention on behalf of and in collaboration with the Applicant with the aim of providing a wheel suspension locking system applicable to a suspension at the rear of a vehicle and with which it can be ensured that the center of gravity of the vehicle remains in a preferred position.

[0009] This object is achieved by a wheel suspension locking system having the features of claim 1. The invention accordingly provides a two-wheeled vehicle comprising such a wheel suspension locking system according to claim 14, and furthermore a method for activating such a wheel suspension locking system according to claim 16.

[0010] One of the essential advantages of the invention is that it is designed to be used for a rear wheel suspension, for example for a rear shock absorber, in particular an air shock absorber.

[0011] The invention also advantageously allows a preferred position of the vehicle's center of gravity to be maintained. This is particularly useful for a parked vehicle, as it prevents the vehicle from tipping over due to a change in the position of the center of gravity. The invention is particularly useful for a motorcycle with rear air suspension and when parked on a side stand.

[0012] The wheel suspension locking system comprises at least one locking element.

[0013] It is also possible to use two or more locking elements. This could be provided, for example, for redundancy reasons and / or to accommodate the variety of geometries of chassis, swingarms, or other vehicle parts for which the present wheel suspension locking system can be used.

[0014] The locking element is designed to block relative movement between the chassis and the swing arm, in particular relative movement when the chassis and the swing arm move towards each other.

[0015] Preferably, the locking element blocks or prevents relative movement of the chassis and swing arm toward each other. The locking element can then be understood as a blocking element that can be wedged between the chassis and swing arm.

[0016] It is also conceivable for the locking element to lock a position of the chassis and the swing arm at a distance from each other, in particular allowing a predefined distance between the chassis and the swing arm to be maintained. Such a feature can be useful when the vehicle is lifted, for example by a crane or the like.

[0017] The suspension locking system is designed to work with a single-sided and / or double-sided swingarm. The invention can be used as original equipment for a vehicle, preferably designed to be compatible with a rear suspension.

[0018] The invention can be used as an accessory for a vehicle, which is preferably designed to be suitable for different vehicle types, in particular with regard to the design of the chassis and / or the swing arm of the vehicle.

[0019] In particularly preferred embodiments, the locking element according to the invention is separate from the wheel suspension system.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the appended claims.

[0021] Preferably, the wheel suspension locking system is designed such that the locking element can move at least between a locked position in which the locking element blocks the relative movement of the chassis and the swing arm, and a released position in which the locking element is mounted such that the chassis and the swing arm can move freely relative to each other and / or such that the wheel carried by the swing arm can move freely.

[0022] The locked position is preferred when the vehicle is parked .

[0023] The released position is preferably used when the vehicle is in motion and / or being moved.

[0024] In the released position, the locking element is preferably positioned next to the chassis, for example next to, adjacent to and / or parallel to at least one frame strut of the chassis, in particular between the frame struts of the chassis.

[0025] It is also possible that the locking element in the released position is positioned next to, adjacent to and / or parallel to the swing arm, preferably aligned parallel to the contour of the swing arm.

[0026] In the released position, the locking element is stowed away and does not block the relative movement of the chassis and swing arm, preferably no moving part such as the rear wheel of the vehicle.

[0027] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the wheel suspension locking system is designed such that the locking element moves at least rotationally relative to the chassis.

[0028] In a preferred variant , the locking element is pivotally connected to the chassis and configured to rotate between the locked and released positions .

[0029] It is also possible that the wheel suspension locking system is designed such that the locking element is configured to move at least rotationally relative to the swing arm.

[0030] In one variant, the locking element is pivotally connected to the rocker and configured to rotate between the locked and released positions.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wheel suspension locking system comprises at least one energy storage device which is designed in such a way that it brings the locking element into the locked position and / or into the released position.

[0032] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one energy storage device is designed such that it brings the locking element into the released position.

[0033] In a preferred variant, the at least one energy storage device comprises at least one spring, preferably a coil spring, which retracts the locking element.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one energy storage device comprises at least two springs, in particular for redundancy.

[0035] It is also conceivable that the locking element is configured to move linearly between the locked position and the released position.

[0036] It is possible that the at least one energy storage device comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder, in particular if the locking element is configured to move linearly.

[0037] In a preferred variant, the wheel suspension locking system comprises at least one actuator, preferably a Bowden cable for actuating the locking element.

[0038] Preferably, the actuator is designed to move the locking element into the locked position.

[0039] In a preferred variant, the actuator is configured to be activated automatically, preferably mechanically.

[0040] It is also conceivable that the at least one actuator is or comprises a preferably lockable and / or electric linear actuator, such as a spindle drive. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator, which preferably comprises a Bowden cable, is designed such that it can be mounted on a stand of a vehicle and / or wherein the locking element can be actuated by a movement of the stand.

[0041] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one energy storage device is designed such that it releases the locking element only after the chassis and the rocker arm have been moved away from each other. In other words, the locking element is preferably configured such that, after the actuator has been released, it remains in the locked position until the distance between the chassis and the rocker arm has increased sufficiently to release or release the locking element.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one energy storage device is designed such that it moves the locking element but does not necessarily lift the chassis.

[0043] In one variant, the wheel suspension locking system comprises at least one fastening element configured to be attached to the chassis and / or swing arm, preferably to the chassis, and to support the locking element. A fastening element may be useful when the chassis does not provide suitable support for the locking element to fulfill its purpose and / or function properly.

[0044] Preferably, the fastening element and the locking element are connected to one another in an articulated manner.

[0045] It is also possible for the wheel suspension locking system to comprise additional elements or intermediate elements such as beams, struts, etc. for attaching and / or supporting the locking element to the chassis and / or swing arm.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a Bowden cable.

[0047] In a preferred variant , the Bowden cable is attached to the fastening element , and the fastening element is configured to transmit actuation of the Bowden cable to the locking element , preferably to move the locking element into the locked position .

[0048] It is also conceivable that the wheel suspension locking system comprises a lever, preferably manually operable, for actuating the locking element, preferably to move the locking element into the locked position.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element can be actuated exclusively mechanically. This can be useful when the vehicle is shut down and / or parked, since the wheel suspension locking system is then independent of any other system of the vehicle, in particular independent of an electrical system.

[0050] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking element comprises or consists of a U-shaped element, in particular to avoid collisions with the wheel and / or any other parts of the vehicle, for example a fender. This variant can be useful for use with a double-sided swing arm.

[0051] The locking element may be an integrally designed U-shaped

[0052] element, wherein preferably two ends of the U-shaped

[0053] Elements act as supports carried by a swing arm when the locking element is in the locked position.

[0054] The locking element can also be designed so that only a single section of it is supported by the swing arm. This variant of the locking element, which can be asymmetrical, can be used, for example, with a single-sided swing arm.

[0055] In a variant of the wheel suspension locking system, the wheel suspension locking system comprises at least one support element which is designed to support the locking element in the locked position and is attached to the chassis and / or to the swing arm.

[0056] The at least one support element can, for example, be configured to be suitable for different vehicles, in particular for different distances between the chassis and the swing arm and / or for different geometries of the chassis or its struts, so that the locking element fulfills its purpose. This is particularly useful when the invention is used as an accessory, since it may need to be adapted to a specific vehicle in order to function as intended.

[0057] Preferably, the at least one support element is made of plastic, for example when a lightweight element is required.

[0058] However, at least one support element may be made of metal, e.g. to make it more robust.

[0059] In a preferred variant, the wheel suspension locking system comprises a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance between the chassis and the swing arm, wherein the measured distance is preferably fed into an electronic system which actuates the wheel suspension locking system based on the measured distance.

[0060] It is possible that the suspension locking system is configured to be activated when the distance between the chassis and the swing arm reaches a certain threshold.

[0061] For example, the suspension locking system can be activated when the distance reaches a minimum threshold and / or released when the distance reaches a maximum threshold.

[0062] In one variant, the wheel suspension locking system comprises an interface for exchanging information with the electronic system, the interface being particularly suitable for exchanging data obtained from the distance measuring unit.

[0063] It is also possible for the wheel suspension locking system to be operable in dependence on measurements from an air pressure measuring unit and / or a sensor detecting the position of a stand, preferably using the electronic system for data exchange.

[0064] According to claim 14, the invention comprises a two-wheeled vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, comprising a chassis, a swing arm which carries a wheel and is connected to the chassis, in particular in an articulated manner, a rear wheel suspension, preferably an air suspension, such as an air shock absorber, and the wheel suspension locking system.

[0065] An air shock absorber is preferably a piston-cylinder unit comprising a spring system and a damping system, wherein the spring system comprises at least one air chamber which contains compressed

[0066] Air is used as a spring to produce a spring-like response.

[0067] Preferably the damping system is operated hydraulically.

[0068] In a preferred variant, the air suspension is provided with air by a compressor unit.

[0069] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the vehicle, the vehicle comprises a stand, wherein the locking element can be actuated by a movement of the stand.

[0070] The stand is preferably a side stand on which the motorcycle rests when parked.

[0071] According to claim 16, the invention further comprises a method for activating the wheel suspension locking system for a vehicle which comprises a stand, the method comprising unfolding the stand for parking the vehicle, wherein the locking element is moved into a locked position such that a relative movement between the chassis and the swing arm, in particular a relative movement of the chassis and the swing arm to each other, is locked.

[0072] Further details and advantages of the present invention are described below by means of the figures and their specific description.

[0073] Fig . 1 shows a two-wheeled vehicle with a first

[0074] Variant of a wheel suspension locking system,

[0075] Fig . 2 shows a two-wheeled vehicle with a second

[0076] Variant of a wheel suspension locking system,

[0077] Fig . 3 shows a two-wheeled vehicle with a third

[0078] Variant of a wheel suspension locking system, and Fig. 4 shows a variant of the locking element. Fig. 1 shows a two-wheeled vehicle 2, in particular a motorcycle, with a first variant of a wheel suspension locking system 1.

[0079] The two-wheeled vehicle 2 comprises a chassis 3, a swing arm 4 carrying a wheel 5 and a rear wheel suspension 6, in particular an air suspension, wherein the swing arm 4 is in particular connected in an articulated manner to the chassis 3 and wherein the rear wheel suspension 6 is positioned between the swing arm 4 and the chassis 3.

[0080] The wheel suspension locking system 1 comprises a locking element 7 which is designed such that it blocks a relative movement 8 of the chassis 3 and the swing arm 4, in particular a relative movement 8 of the chassis 3 and the swing arm 4 to one another.

[0081] In this variant, the wheel suspension locking system 1 is designed such that the locking element 7 can move at least between a locked position 9, in which the locking element 7 blocks the relative movement 8 of the chassis 3 and the swing arm 4, and a released position 10, wherein the locking element 7 is stored or stowed in the released position 10 such that the chassis 3 and the swing arm 4 can move freely relative to one another.

[0082] In this variant, the locking element 7 moves at least rotationally relative to the chassis 3 .

[0083] In this variant, the wheel suspension locking system 1 comprises at least one fastening element 14 fastened to the chassis 3 and carrying the locking element 7, wherein the fastening element 14 and the locking element 7 are preferably connected to one another in an articulated manner. It is also possible for the locking element 7 to be mounted on the swing arm 4 and / or for it to rotate relative to the swing arm 4 and / or for the fastening element 14 to be fastened to the swing arm 4.

[0084] Fig. 2 shows a two-wheeled vehicle 2 with a second variant of a wheel suspension locking system 1, wherein the locking element 7 is purely mechanically operable.

[0085] In this variant, the wheel suspension locking system 1 comprises at least one energy storage device 11 which is designed to bring the locking element 7 into the locked position 9, wherein the at least one energy storage device 11 comprises at least one tension spring, preferably at least two tension springs.

[0086] Fig. 2 further shows an intermediate position 16 of the locking element 7 between the locked position 9 and the released position 10. From this, it can be deduced that the locking element 7 preferably comprises or consists of such a U-shaped element, wherein the locking element 7 is configured such that it moves sideways and does not collide with a wheel 4, a fender or the like.

[0087] In this variant, the wheel suspension locking system 1 comprises at least one actuator 12, which preferably comprises a Bowden cable, for actuating the locking element 7, preferably for moving the locking element 7 into the locked position 9.

[0088] In this variant, the actuator 12 is designed such that it can be or is mounted on the stand 13 of the vehicle 2 and / or wherein the locking element 7 can be actuated by a movement of the stand 13. In this variant, the at least one energy storage device 11 is designed such that it releases the locking element 7 only after the chassis 3 and the rocker arm 4 have been moved away from each other.

[0089] From Fig. 2 it can be deduced that the method for activating a wheel suspension locking system 1 according to the variant shown in Fig. 2 comprises unfolding the stand 13 for parking the vehicle 2 by moving the locking element 7 into the locked position 9 such that a relative movement 8 between the chassis 3 and the swing arm 4, in particular a relative movement 8 of the chassis 3 and the swing arm 4 to each other, is blocked.

[0090] Fig. 3 shows a two-wheeled vehicle 2 with a third variant of a wheel suspension locking system 1.

[0091] This variant differs from the variant of FIG. 1 in that the wheel suspension locking system 1 comprises at least one support element 15 which is designed to carry the locking element 7 in the locked position 9 and is mounted on the swing arm 4.

[0092] If the locking element 7 were to be connected, in particular in an articulated manner, to the rocker, the at least one support element 15 can be mounted on the chassis 3.

[0093] Fig. 4 shows a view of a variant of the wheel suspension locking system 1 from a rear of the vehicle 2, showing the swing arm 4, the wheel 5 of the vehicle 2, a variant of the locking element 7 and support elements 15 for supporting the locking element 7.

[0094] This preferred variant of the locking element 7 consists of or comprises a U-shaped element which is hinged to a fastening element 14, wherein the

[0095] Fastening element 14 can be mounted on the chassis 3.

[0096] Reference symbol list

[0097] 1 Wheel suspension relocation system

[0098] 2 two-wheeled vehicle

[0099] 3 chassis

[0100] 4 swingarm

[0101] 5 wheel

[0102] 6 Rear suspension

[0103] 7 Locking element

[0104] 8 Relative motion

[0105] 9 locked position

[0106] 10 released position

[0107] 11 Energy storage

[0108] 12 Actuator

[0109] 13 stands

[0110] 14 Fastening element

[0111] 15 support element

[0112] 16 Intermediate position

Claims

Patent claims 1. A wheel suspension locking system (1) for a two-wheeled vehicle (2), preferably a motorcycle, having a chassis (3), a swing arm (4) carrying a wheel (5), and a rear wheel suspension (6), wherein the swing arm (4) is connected, in particular in an articulated manner, to the chassis (3), and wherein the rear wheel suspension (6) is positioned between the swing arm (4) and the chassis (3), wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) comprises a locking element (7), characterized in that the locking element (7) is designed in such a way that it enables a relative movement (8) of the chassis (3) and the swing arm (4), in particular a Relative movement (8) of the chassis (3) and the swing arm (4) towards each other, locked.

2. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) is designed such that the locking element (7) can move at least between a locked position (9) and a released position (10), wherein the locking element (7) in the locked position (9) locks the relative movement (8) of the chassis (3) and the swing arm (4), and wherein the locking element (7) is stowed in the released position (10) so that the chassis (3) and the swing arm (4) can move freely relative to each other.

3. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) is designed such that the locking element (7) moves at least rotationally relative to the chassis (3).

4. The wheel suspension locking system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) comprises at least one energy storage device (11) which is designed to bring the locking element (7) into the locked position (9) and / or into the released position (10).

5. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one energy storage device (11) comprises at least one spring, preferably at least two springs.

6. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) comprises at least one actuator (12), preferably a Bowden cable, for actuating the locking element (7), preferably for moving the Locking element (7) into the locked position (9).

7. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the actuator (12) is designed such that it can be mounted on a stand (13) of the vehicle (2) and / or wherein the locking element (7) can be actuated by a movement of the stand (13).

8. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the at least one energy storage (11) is designed in such a way that it only releases the locking element (7) when the chassis (3) and the rocker (4) have been moved away from each other.

9. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) comprises at least one fastening element (14) which is designed such that it can be attached to the chassis (3) and / or to the swing arm (4) and which Locking element (7), wherein preferably the fastening element (14) and the locking element (7) are connected to one another in an articulated manner.

10. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (7) is purely mechanically operable.

11. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (7) comprises or consists of a U-shaped element.

12. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) comprises at least one support element (15) which is designed such that it supports the locking element (7) in the locked position (9) and can be mounted on the chassis (3) and / or the swing arm (4).

13. The wheel suspension locking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel suspension locking system (1) comprises a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance between the chassis (3) and the swing arm (4), preferably to supply the measured distance to an electronic system which actuates the wheel suspension locking system (1) based on the measured distance.

14. A two-wheeled vehicle (2), preferably a motorcycle, comprising a chassis (3), a swing arm (4) carrying a wheel (5) and connected to the chassis (3), a rear wheel suspension (6), preferably an air suspension, and a wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. The two-wheeled vehicle (2) according to claim 14, wherein the Vehicle (2) comprises a stand (13) and wherein the Locking element (7) can be actuated by a movement of the stand (13).

16. A method for activating a wheel suspension locking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for a two-wheeled vehicle (2), preferably according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a stand (13), the method comprising the following steps: - unfolding the stand (13) to park the vehicle (2); - Moving the locking element (7) into a locked position (9) so that a relative movement (8) between the chassis (3) and the rocker (4), in particular a Relative movement (8) of the chassis (3) and the swing arm (4) to each other, is locked.

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