DE10347595A1 - Motor cycle, with height adjustment, has mechanisms to extend the front and real wheels with increasing speed operated by an electronic control from speed sensor signals - Google Patents

Abstract

The motor cycle has adjustment systems to extend and retract the front (10) and rear (11) wheels, according to the speed which is registered by a sensor. The wheel settings are operated by an electronic control to extend the wheels with an increase in speed in proportion with the higher speed over a slow pace. The wheels are retracted when the motor cycle is slowed down by braking.

Description

The The present invention relates to a motorcycle with a height-adjustable Suspension according to the generic term of claim 1.

From the DE 35 15 511 A1 is a motorcycle is known in which the rear swingarm is manually retractable in the state. When parking the motorcycle, the main stand is first pivoted down, the rear swing arm is extended and the main stand does not touch the ground initially. By retracting the rear swing arm, the motorcycle is lowered onto the downwardly pivoted main stand.

at the purchase decision for or against a motorcycle, especially for smaller riders, the seat height is a crucial Factor. Especially with heavier motorcycles namely the handling safety very important from the seat height affected. Modern motorcycles often have one height-adjustable Bench on. For smaller riders, however, are the lowest on some machines Seat position still too high. Especially at low speeds, When stopping and maneuvering it is important that the driver with your feet up the ground is coming.

at some motorcycles Although you can see the "extension length" of the front suspension and the rear suspension to adjust. If you set the motorcycle at a "low altitude", this may be for smaller ones Driver in stand or maneuvering be beneficial. In the normal Driving mode, however, the chassis of the motorcycle should be set to a certain "minimum height", to make sure that the bike does not turn when cornering with the footpegs or parts of the fairing or the frame on the road surface.

task The invention is to provide a motorcycle that has the above-mentioned problems does justice.

These The object is solved by the features of claim 1. advantageous Refinements and developments of the invention are the dependent claims remove.

starting point the invention was the idea to create a motorcycle with a landing gear its "height" automatically adapts to the current driving condition. At low speeds or in the state of the chassis should have a lower height as in normal driving.

outgoing From this very general idea, the basic principle of Formulate the invention as follows. A motorcycle with a height-adjustable Suspension according to the invention has a "first Adjusting device ", which is intended to extend and retract the rear wheel, and a "second Adjustment device "zum Extension and retraction of the front wheel is provided. For example, the "adjustment devices" can be around gas spring damper legs act, that is around struts, where both the suspension and the damping function is realized pneumatically. To extend the front wheel and the Rear wheel air is pumped into the struts, for which one Compressor can be provided. There is also a speed sensor provided with the current driving speed of the motorcycle is measured. The speed sensor generates one of the instantaneous speeds corresponding speed signal. To control the first and the second adjusting device, an electronic control system is provided. The control electronics has u. a. an operating state, the in the following as "active Operating condition " becomes. In active operating state, the control electronics controls the first and the second adjusting device in response to the speed signal on, that is from the instantaneous speed of the motorcycle. An important feature The invention is that at speeds above a predetermined "slow speed" lie, the front wheel and the rear wheel be extended further or extended further are considered at speeds below the slow speed What, for example, in shunting or in the state of the case is.

The The basic principle described above is very general. The speed called "slow speed" may be a discrete speed value, e.g. 25 km / h, 30km / h etc. alternative This can also be at the "slow speed" to a speed range for example, 25 km / h ± 5 km / h. Furthermore, it can be provided that the driver consists of several preset "slow speeds" can select or a "slow speed" depending from his personal Driving style, of the driving situation, that is, whether a pillion or a socialist mitfährt or not, can program.

A motorcycle with such a suspension offers, in particular, smaller drivers the advantage of a very low "seat height" in driving situations where foot support is required or may be required, at higher speeds the front and rear wheels are automatically controlled by the control electronics extended, causing the seat height ent speaking enlarged. Even in normal driving, the driver has compared to a conventional chassis, which is set to a normal ride height, no loss of comfort.

To a development of the invention can be provided that after At start of the engine of a motorcycle the steering electronic standard in active Operating state is.

Further can be provided that after the start of the engine of the motorcycle at speeds below the "slow speed" the front wheel and the rear wheel in the active operating state of the control electronics respectively on a "first Extension length "are extended, the first extension length smaller than the one for the front wheel and the rear wheel each have the maximum extension length available.

at the first extension length it may, for example, be a "middle" extension state and the rear wheel are then neither fully extended nor fully retracted. From It is advantageous if the first extension length is selected so that the driver at set first extension length the front wheel and the rear wheel reach the ground well with his feet can. Of course can also be provided here; that the first extension length adjustable, programmable or selectable from a plurality of predefined values, then that a driver is the one for him optimal first extension length choose can.

To a development of the invention, when the control electronics in active mode, the front wheel and the rear wheel at speeds above the slow speed extended a "second" extension length. The second extension length the front wheel is larger as the first extension length of the front wheel and, accordingly, the second extension length of Rear wheel larger than the first extension length the rear wheel.

The second extension length For example, the maximum possible extension length of Be front wheel and the rear wheel. Alternatively, it may be provided be that the driver according to his needs a second extension length for the Program the front wheel and the rear wheel or set it to default Select values can.

As already indicated above, "can" the control electronics in the active operating state, i. the control electronics can take at least one more operating state. After a Development of the invention, the control electronics another Operating state, which is referred to in the following "inactive mode". For switching from the active to the inactive operating state and conversely, a manually operable by the driver switch is provided hereinafter also referred to as "first Switch "designated becomes.

If the driver the control electronics in the inactive operating state switches, then wants he automatic height adjustment of the chassis. For security reasons, it is therefore intended that when switching to the inactive operating state of the control electronics the front wheel and the rear wheel extended to a certain minimum height become. In inactive mode, the front wheel and the Rear wheel extended at least as far as in active operating state at speeds greater than are the "slow speed", for example can be provided that when switching to the inactive operating state the front wheel and the rear wheel are each extended to their maximum "extension length". Alternatively, it can be provided that the driver also this extension lengths the front wheel and the rear wheel when switching to the inactive Operating state can be set, set yourself, program or from preset values.

Further may be a display device, for example, a warning lamp or a Status light can be provided, which indicates whether the control electronics is in active or inactive state. For example, can a warning lamp is provided, which lights up red when the Control electronics is in the active state and green, when she is in an inactive state, or vice versa.

The explained above Suspension settings primarily related to normal driving, the shunting operation and temporary stop. For parking or parking the motorcycle can additionally be provided that the chassis is still lower than this in the above mentioned first extension state is the case.

This can be a manually operated switch be provided with the front wheel and the rear wheel at a standstill Motorcycle retracted even further and the seat height lowered even further can than this at the first extended state or in the active state at speeds below the slow speed of the case is. This switch will also be referred to as a "second switch" below.

Out security can be provided that the second switch is only active, and further retraction of the front wheel and the rear wheel only then possible is when the bike is standing and / or when the engine of the motorcycle is off.

To A development of the invention provides a warning device, indicating when the motorcycle after the operation of the second switch in "parking position", that is when the Front wheel and the rear wheel are retracted further than this active operating state of the control electronics at speeds below the slow speed is the case.

Further can be provided that by re-pressing the second switch the front wheel and the rear wheel are extended again so far can, as in active mode at speeds below slow speed is the case, i. when the bike is in active operating state of the control electronics is stopped.

Further can be a main stand be provided, which is unfoldable when the motorcycle is stationary, if the front wheel and the rear wheel extended to at least the first extension length are. With the motorcycle stationary and / or with the engine off then by pressing the second switch the front wheel and the rear wheel are retracted so far that the motorcycle comes to stand on the main stand. In difference to conventional main stands, at which the motorcycle must be lifted when unfolding the main stand can the main stand be unfolded practically without significant effort and subsequently can the motorcycle by pressing of the second switch are lowered onto the main stand.

alternative or in addition to a main stand can on the motorcycle underside in the area between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the motorcycle "Aufstandselemente" be provided. For example, you can at the bottom of the oil pan be provided of the motorcycle three or more rubber elements. In this Case would be conceivable that by pressing the second switch the front wheel and the rear wheel retracted so far be that the bike is directly on the bottom the motorcycle provided riot control elements is parked. This has the advantage that the bike has a very secure footing and also can not be pushed away easily what the theft security clearly improved.

Provided the bike has a kickstand, can for security reasons be provided that the front wheel and the rear wheel starting from the first extension length by pressing the second switch are only retractable when the side stand folded is.

To a development of the invention is provided that in the active Operating state of the control electronics the speed with which the front wheel and the rear wheel are retracted, from the deceleration of the Motorcycle depends. For example, it may be provided that during braking operations, at which the delay of the motorcycle is less than a predetermined value, the front wheel and the rear wheel are retracted slower than at very strong Braking or full braking when exceeding a predetermined deceleration value becomes. This can ensure that the landing gear too with strong braking or with full braking sufficiently fast is lowered sufficiently far, so that the driver safely with the Feet the Ground can reach as soon as the vehicle is slow speed below.

In addition, can be provided that not only depending on the delay of the Motorcycles are provided different discrete "entry speeds", but that the retraction speed of the front wheel and the rear wheel, the is called the lowering speed of the chassis by the control electronics dependent on from the momentary delay of the motorcycle is controlled.

in the The following are the in different suspension states for disposal standing adjustment functions closer explained.

Motorcycle is completely lowered on riot elements or center stand

If the bike is parked, that is when it is completely drained, must after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine first the second switch is actuated , whereby the front wheel and the rear wheel in the first extended state be brought and the motorcycle in the active operating state of the control electronics is raised. In parking position prevents a safety function, that a gear can be engaged while the engine is running.

Motorcycle should be parked become

• • wenn sich die Steuerelektronik im aktiven Betriebszustand befindet und das Motorrad angehalten wird, dann sind das Vorderrad und das Hinterrad auf die erste Ausfahrlänge ausgefahren, was ein Abstellen des Motorrads durch Ausklappen der Seitenstütze ermöglicht.
• • Nach Anhalten des Motorrads und gegebenenfalls nach dem Abstellen des Motors können das Vorderrad und das Hinterrad durch Betätigen des zweiten Schalters weiter eingefahren werden, bis das Motorrad auf dem Hauptständer bzw. auf an der Unterseite des Motorrads vorgesehenen Aufstandselementen aufsitzt. Aus Sicherheitsgründen kann vorgesehen sein, dass der zweite Schalter zum weiteren Ablassen des Motorrads nur dann aktiv ist, wenn die Zündung ausgeschaltet ist oder sich der Zündschlüssel in der R-Stellung (erste Zündschlüsselstellung) befindet. Ferner kann vorgesehen sein, dass beim Absenken des Motorrads das Vorderrad und das Hinterrad zunächst schnell eingefahren werden und dass kurz vor dem Aufsetzen des Motorrads auf dem Hauptständer bzw. auf den an der Unterseite des Motorrads vorgesehenen Aufstandselementen die Einfahrgeschwindigkeit des Vorderrads und des Hinterrads verringert wird, was ein sanftes Aufsetzen ermöglicht.

To park the motorcycle, the driver has two options:

• • When the control electronics are in active mode and the motorcycle is stopped, the front and rear wheels are extended to the first extension length, allowing the motorcycle to be parked by unfolding the side support.
• • After stopping the motorcycle and, if necessary, stopping the engine, the front and rear wheels can be retracted by pressing the second button until the motorcycle is parked on either the main stand or on the underside of the motorcycle stance elements. For safety reasons, it may be provided that the second switch for further lowering of the motorcycle is only active when the ignition is switched off or the ignition key is in the R position (first ignition key position). Furthermore, it can be provided that, when the motorcycle is lowered, the front wheel and the rear wheel are first retracted quickly and that the retraction speed of the front wheel and of the rear wheel is reduced shortly before the motorcycle is placed on the main stand or on the uprising elements provided on the underside of the motorcycle , which allows a gentle touchdown.

There the chassis when the vehicle is stationary or when the engine is still can be lowered further (parking position), the driver and the passenger very easy to get off.

Motorcycle is located in the first extended state

• • Der Fahrer betätigt den ersten Schalter, wodurch die Steuerelektronik in den inaktiven Betriebszustand geschaltet wird. Durch Umschalten in den inaktiven Betriebszustand werden das Vorderrad und das Hinterrad weiter ausgefahren und zwar auf eine „maximale Ausfahrlänge" oder auf eine vom Fahrer individuell programmierte oder ausgewählte Ausfahrlänge.
• • Alternativ dazu werden das Vorderrad und das Hinterrad auch dann weiter ausgefahren, wenn der Fahrer losfährt und über die Langsamfahrgeschwindigkeit hinaus beschleunigt. In diesem Zustand wird weiter angezeigt, dass sich die Steuerelektronik im aktiven Zustand befindet.

When the motorcycle has been raised from the park position to the first extended state, there are two ways to raise the motorcycle further, namely:

• • The driver operates the first switch, which causes the control electronics to go into inoperative mode. By switching to the inoperative mode, the front wheel and the rear wheel are extended further to a "maximum extension length" or to an individually programmed or selected extension length by the driver.
• • Alternatively, the front and rear wheels continue to extend even when the driver drives off and accelerates past the slow speed. In this state, it is further indicated that the control electronics is in the active state.

Motorcycle is half lowered on the side support.

The Front wheel and the rear wheel are on the first extension length of the active operating state extended. For security reasons with the side support folded out the second switch, which further lowers the motorcycle in the parking state is provided disabled. That is, at unfolded side support is not another lowering of the motorcycle in the park state possible. To Starting the engine and folding the side support has the driver the opportunity through Actuate the first switch the control electronics in the inactive operating state to switch over and thereby fully extend the front wheel and the rear wheel.

driving

It can be provided that after starting the engine, the control electronics by default in the active mode switches and the front wheel and the rear wheel extended to the first extended state. This extension state is maintained as long as the slow speed not yet reached. If the bike continues to accelerate, so the front wheel and the rear wheel to the second extended state or extended to the maximum extension state. Decreases the speed of the motorcycle back below the slow speed, so the front wheel and the rear wheel are retracted again, until the first extended state is reached.

in the Following we explained the invention in connection with the drawing. It demonstrate:

1 a very schematic representation of the height-adjustable chassis according to the invention;

2 - 4 different extension states of the chassis.

1 shows a schematic representation of a height-adjustable chassis 1 with a first adjustment 2 and a second adjusting device 3 , The adjusting device 2 is for retracting and extending the front wheel, the adjustment 3 for extending and retracting the rear wheel (not shown). At the adjustment 2 . 3 it may be, for example, pneumatically acting gas spring damper. The adjusting devices 2 . 3 are over fluid lines 4 . 5 with an associated Verstellaktuatorik 6 . 7 connected. The adjustment actuator 6 that of the adjusting device 2 is assigned and the Verstellaktuatorik 7 that of the adjusting device 3 is assigned by an electronic control system 8th driven. The control electronics 8th is with a speed sensor 9 connected, which measures the speed of the motorcycle.

The control electronics 8th is either in an active or inactive operating state. In inactive mode, the adjustment 2 . 3 extended to a suitable for normal driving extension length. In active operating state drives the control electronics 8th , the adjusting devices 2 . 3 depending on the speed of the motorcycle on or off. Below a predetermined slow speed of, for example, 25 km / h or 30 km / h, the adjustment 2 . 3 to a predetermined With the "short extension length", the seat is so high that the driver can reach the ground with his feet, which is important, for example, when maneuvering or stopping at traffic lights. When exceeding the predetermined slow speed, the adjustment 2 . 3 extended to a suitable for normal driving extension length.

The 2 - 4 show different states of extension of the front wheel 10 or the rear wheel 11 , 2 shows a condition in which the front wheel 10 and the rear wheel 11 are each extended relatively far, resulting in a relatively high seating position for the driver, which is suitable for normal driving.

3 shows a chassis height suitable for low speeds or for short stops. The front wheel 10 and the rear wheel 11 have continued here, so that the driver can effortlessly reach the ground with his feet.

4 shows a parking position. Here are the front wheel 10 and the rear wheel 11 retracted so far that the motorcycle sits with its underside in the area of the oil sump on the road and is very safely parked. Another advantage is that the motorcycle is very anti-theft, as it can not be pushed away easily.

Claims (20)

Motorcycle with height-adjustable chassis, with a first adjustment device ( 2 ), which for extending and retracting the rear wheel ( 11 ), characterized in that a second adjusting device ( 3 ) for extending and retracting the front wheel ( 10 ), a speed sensor ( 9 ), is provided for measuring the speed of the motorcycle, wherein the speed sensor generates a speed signal corresponding to the speed, control electronics ( 8th ) for driving the first and the second adjusting device ( 2 . 3 ) is provided, wherein the control electronics ( 8th ) has an active operating state in which the control electronics ( 8th ) the first and the second adjusting device ( 2 . 3 ) in response to the speed signal, such that at speeds above a slow speed, the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) are extended further than at speeds below the slow speed. Motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein after starting the engine of the motorcycle, the control electronics ( 8th ) is in active operating state by default. Motorcycle according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein after starting the engine of the motorcycle at speeds below the slow speed, the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) are each extended to a first extension length, wherein the first extension length is smaller than a maximum extension length of the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ). Motorcycle according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) are extended at speeds above the slow speed to a second extension length, wherein the second extension length is greater than the associated first extension length of the front wheel ( 10 ) or the rear wheel ( 11 ). Motorcycle according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a first switch is provided with which between the active operating state and an inactive operating state of the control electronics ( 8th ) can be switched, whereby by switching to the inactive operating state, the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) are extended at least as far as is the case in the active operating state at speeds above the slow speed. Motorcycle according to claim 5, wherein a first display device is provided, which indicates whether the control electronics ( 8th ) is in the active or inactive state. Motorcycle according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a second switch is provided, by the actuation of the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) can be retracted even further than is the case in the active operating state at speeds below the slow speed. Motorcycle according to claim 7, wherein a warning device is provided, which indicates that after the actuation of the second switch, the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) are retracted further than is the case in the active operating state at speeds below the slow speed. Motorcycle according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein by re-pressing the second switch, the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) can be extended again as far as in the active operating state at speeds below the slow speed of the case. Motorcycle according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the further retraction of the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) provided second switch is only active and further retraction is only possible when the motorcycle is stationary. Motorcycle according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the for further retraction of the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) provided second switch is only active and further retraction is only possible when the engine of the motorcycle is turned off. Motorcycle according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the motorcycle has a main stand, which is folded down when the motorcycle is down, and that by operating the second switch, the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) so far retractable that the motorcycle is on the main stand. Motorcycle according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein by operating the second switch the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) so far as are retractable, that the motorcycle on riot elements in the area between the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) are provided on the underside of the motorcycle, can be parked on the road. Motorcycle according to claim 13, wherein at the bottom of the motorcycle three riot control elements are provided. Motorcycle according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the riot elements at the bottom of an oil pan of the motorcycle are arranged. Motorcycle according to one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the motorcycle has a side stand and the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) are only retractable by operating the second switch, when the side stand is collapsed. Motorcycle according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a deceleration sensor is provided, which measures the deceleration of the motorcycle during braking, wherein the control electronics ( 8th ) when the speed is slower than the speed at which the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ), depending on the delay controls. Motorcycle according to claim 17, wherein the control electronics ( 8th ) the retraction of the front wheel ( 10 ) and the rear wheel ( 11 ) so that the entry speed is greater with a strong deceleration than with a slow deceleration. Motorcycle according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the slow speed is a discrete speed value. Motorcycle according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the slow speed is a predetermined speed range.