WO2007070958A1

WO2007070958A1 - Steering dampener

Info

Publication number: WO2007070958A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001958
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Comming
Original assignee: Mark Comming
Priority date: 2005-12-23
Filing date: 2006-12-22
Publication date: 2007-06-28

Abstract

A steering dampener having multiple selectable dampening characteristics. The steering damper device (1) provides a steering dampener having adjustable dampening properties, including flexible and adjustable return to center dampening properties. This steering damper device (1) is designed to be fitted to the steering column by means of bracket (2). A front plate (3) includes a first 'away from center' dampening control (4) which is a rotatable knob which is coupled to a fluid control unit (6). The rotation of knob (4) thereby initially provides adjustable away from center and corresponding return to center properties. A second 'return to center' steering control knob (5) is provided for controlling a separate hydraulic circuit that adjusts the return to center operations of the steering column. The control (5) is coupled to a fluid control unit (12), and rotation of the return to center control (5), alters the flow though hole (13). On the bottom surface of the front plate (3) there is formed a primary dampening oil channel (20) and return to center oil channel (21). Each channel aids the flow of fluid from the corresponding fluid control unit.

Description

TITLE: STEERING DAMPENER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of steering dampeners (also known as stabilizers) for motorcycles, bicycles or the like and, in particular, discloses an improved form of steering dampener having adjustable dampening controls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVETION

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0003] Steering dampeners for motorcycles, 4 wheel quad motorcycles, jetski, watercraft, push bikes or the like are well known. Dampeners are normally utilised to suppress sideways pivoting movement of the steering column so as to aid steering capabilities especially when traversing an unevenly surfaced road. These devices normally operate by means of fluid transmission from a first cavity to a second cavity with the fluid being transmitted under pressure. In use, the steering dampener devices normally act to suppress rapid sideways rotation of the front steering column. Hence, they are normally fitted on or to the front steering column and act to prevent relative sideways rotation thereof. [0004] A number of issues have arisen from use of such devices. Whilst it is accepted that initial unwanted rapid sideways rotation of the steering column are ideally suppressed, there is some controversy on the desirable "return to center" machinations of the steering column. A first school of thought says that the return to center should be also suppressed. A second school of thought teaches that the return to center should be quite rapid and un-damped. This allows the motorcycle rider different levels of control. [0005] In motorcycle racing and high end sports, the properties of the steering dampener can become increasingly important.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [0007] It is an object of the present invention in its preferred form to provide for a steering dampener having multiple selectable dampening characteristics. Preferably the dampening properties are flexible and adjustable. More preferably the dampening properties are flexible and adjustable return to center dampening properties. [0008] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering dampener having multiple selectable return to center dampening characteristics. More preferably the multiple selectable dampening characteristics also include multiple selectable away from center dampening characteristics. Most preferably the multiple selectable dampening characteristics are independently selectable. [0009] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering dampener for attachment to a vehicle between the steering column and the main body of the vehicle. Preferably the steering dampener provides dampening of the relative rotational movements between the steering column and the main body of the vehicle. More preferably the steering dampener includes a first control mechanism, for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the return to center dampening characteristics of the steering column in return to center steering operation. Most preferably the steering dampener further includes a second control mechanism for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the away from center damping characteristics of said steering column in an away from center operation.

[0010] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering dampener for attachment to a motorcycle between the steering column and the main body of the cycle, or the like. Preferably the steering dampener provides dampening of the relative rotational movements between the steering column and the body. More preferably the steering dampener including: a first control mechanism, for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the return to center dampening characteristics of the steering column in return to center steering operations. [0011] Most preferably, the dampener also includes a second control mechanism for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the degree of dampening of away from center movements of the steering column relative to the main body of the cycle. [0012] The steering dampening characteristics are preferably implemented by fluid flow between a first and second cavity. Preferably the dampening characteristics are selected by adjusting fluid flow characteristics between the first and second chamber. More preferably the control mechanism utilises a series of flow apertures of different dimensions to provide different return to center dampening characteristics of the steering dampener. Most preferably the flow apertures are formed on a rotatable plate, which is rotatable by operation of the control mechanism. [0013] Ideally, the steering dampener is suitable for fitting to a motorcycle, a bicycle, a tricycle, a 4 wheel quad motorcycles, a jetski, a watercraft or a push bike or the like. [0014] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided in a steering dampener device, a method of providing adjustable return to center dampening characteristics the method including the step of: providing an adjustable mechanism for providing adjustable fluid flow characteristics between a first and second

chamber of the dampener device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 illustrate various exploded views of the preferred embodiment; [0017] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrate various partial assembled views in part section of the preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a steering dampener which firstly includes adjustable dampening properties for moving away from center and secondly include adjustable dampening properties for the return to center operation of the steering column. [0019] The device of the preferred embodiment can be created using standard Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting of aluminium performs to form the various parts.

[0020] An example of such an arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, each showing an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of a steering dampener device 1 from different angles. [0021] This steering damper device 1 is designed to be fitted to the steering column by means of bracket 2. A front plate 3 includes a first "away from center" dampening control 4 which is a rotatable knob which is coupled to a fluid control unit 6 which has various sized holes form therethrough, through which fluid flows in a first hydraulic circuit to provide for initial away from center and return from center hydraulic dampening properties via aperture 7. The rotation of knob 4 thereby initially provides adjustable away from center and corresponding return to center hydraulic properties. [0022] The front plate 3 is mounted on base plate 9 by means of a series of screws e.g. 10.

[0023] A second "return to center" steering control knob 5 is provided for controlling a separate hydraulic circuit to provided adjustable return to center operations of the steering column. This control 5 can have a number of settings including light, medium and hard for the level of dampening for return to center operations of the steering column. The control 5 is coupled to a fluid control unit 12. The fluid control unit 12 has a series of constriction holes therein controlling the rate of fluid flowing along channel 13. Rotation of the return to center control 5 results in corresponding rotation of the fluid control unit 12 which includes a series of holes and which constrict the flow down hole 13. A biasing element including spring and ball bearing 17 is provided to slightly bias the unit 12.

[0024] On the bottom surface of the front plate 3 there is formed a primary dampening oil channel 20 and return to center oil channel 21. Each channel aids the flow of fluid from the corresponding fluid control unit. [0025] While the fluid control unit is shown having two holes, obviously other arrangements are possible with other hole sizings and number of holes being available. [0026] O-rings, eg. 23 are provided for fluidic seal. Access hole 24 is provided for oil replacement.

[0027] Turning now to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, there is shown an assembled view partly in section of the steering dampener with the front plate 3 removed so as to illustrate the internal operation of the device. When undertaking return to center operations, fluid flows through the hole 30, along the channel 31, and then along the return to center cross oil channel 32 and through the one way non-return valve 33. A plug 34 is provided to plug the channel after it has been formed.

[0028] By way of expansion on the above discussion, the steering dampener's operations are based around the chamber 16 which is filled with a fluid such as oil.

Inside the chamber is a moveable vane 14 which is interconnected to the steering column and rotates with the steering column. The vane 14 thereby rotates within the chamber around steering column interconnection and the fluid moves from one side of the chamber to the other side of the chamber by means of a pathway which is constricted by means of fluid control unit 12 which has a series of adjustable apertures. The operation of such steering devices being known in the art.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment, the return to center dampening is controlled by a further fluid flow control mechanism. This mechanism includes first aperture 35 and second aperture 36 which are interconnect with the return to center control unit 30. [0030] In the column 36, a small ball bearing 18 is placed so as to act as a one way fluid valve through the column 33. Hence, flow is generally constricted to one way flow along a column 33.

[0031] The above-mentioned hydraulic circuit design has meant that three different steering dampener/stabilizers are provided by this one embodiment. The three different steering dampener/stabilizers provided by this one embodiment include the following: (a) by setting the "return to center" adjuster 5 such that the largest sized associated orifice is open, there is provided a unit that dampens as per the setting on primary adjuster 4 on the "away from center" stroke and has 5% of maximum dampening on "return to center" stroke. This setting is desirable for use when the vehicle encounters large jumps and periods where it is airborne as is the case in motocross and supercross;

(b) by setting the "return to center" adjuster 5 such that the medium sized associated orifice is open, there is provided a unit that dampens as per setting on primary adjuster 4 on the "away from center" stroke and has 50% of maximum dampening on the "return to center" stroke. This setting is desirable for use when the vehicle is encountering sand with mounds that periodically cause the vehicle to become airborne as is the case in desert racing;

(c) by setting the "return to center" adjuster 5 such that no associated orifice is open, there is provided a unit that dampens as per setting on primary adjuster 4 on both the "away from center" and "return to center" stroke. This setting is desirable for use when the vehicle encounters rocky terrain that causes the front wheel/wheels to be deflected from the rider/drivers hands as is the case in cross country use. [0032] The design described above, is not limited to three possible modes. The design can each have multiple differing "return to center " and "away from center" settings available. This makes the design very versatile and enables the rider/driver to find the right setting for all kinds of terrain that is encountered. [0033] The foregoing describes a preferred form of the present invention. Modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0034] Thus, while there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0036] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0037] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". [0038] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with

each other.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

1. A steering dampener having multiple selectable dampening characteristics, wherein said multiple selectable dampening characteristics include multiple selectable return to center damping characteristics.

2. A steering dampener according to claim 1 , wherein said multiple selectable dampening characteristics include multiple selectable away from center damping characteristics.

3. A steering dampener according to claim 2 wherein the multiple selectable dampening characteristics are independently selectable.

4. A steering dampener according to any one of claim 1 to 3 for use on a vehicle, wherein said steering dampener is coupled to a steering column of said vehicle and a main body of said vehicle.

5. A steering dampener according to claim 4, wherein said steering dampener comprises: a first control mechanism, for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the return to center dampening characteristics of said steering column in a return to center steering operation.

6. A steering dampener according to any one of claims claim 2 to 5 wherein said steering dampener comprises: a second control mechanism for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the away from center damping characteristics of said steering column in an away from center operation.

7. A steering dampener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dampening characteristics are implemented by fluid flow between a first and second cavity.

8. A steering dampener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said multiple selectable dampening characteristics are selected by adjusting fluid flow characteristics between a first and second chamber of said steering dampener.

9. A steering dampener according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein said first control mechanism utilizes a series of flow apertures of different dimensions to provide different return to center dampening characteristics of said steering dampener.

10. A steering dampener as claimed in claim 9 wherein said flow apertures are formed on a rotatable plate which is rotatable by operation of said first control mechanism.

11. A steering dampener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said steering dampener is fitted to a vehicle between a steering column of said vehicle and main body of said vehicle.

12. A steering dampener having multiple selectable return to center dampening characteristics.

13. A steering dampener for attachment to a motorcycle between a steering column and the main body of a vehicle so as to provide dampening of relative rotational movements therebetween, said steering dampener including: a first control mechanism, for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the return to center dampening characteristics of said steering column in return to center steering operations.

14. A steering dampener according to any one of claim 12 or claim 13 further

comprising: a second control mechanism for controlling, in a user adjustable manner, the

degree of dampening of away from center movements of a steering column

relative to the main body of a vehicle.

15. A steering dampener as claimed in claim 13 wherein the steering dampening

characteristics are implemented by fluid flow between a first and second cavity and said first control mechanism utilizes a series of flow apertures of different

dimensions to provide different return to center dampening characteristics of said steering dampener.

16. A steering dampener as claimed in claim 15 wherein said flow apertures are formed

on a rotatable plate which is rotatable by operation of said first control mechanism.

17. A steering dampener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said steering dampener is fitted to a motorcycle, a bicycle, a tricycle, a 4 wheel quad

motorcycles, a jetski, watercraft or a push bike.

18. In a steering dampener device, a method of providing adjustable return to center dampening characteristics the method including the step of:

providing an adjustable mechanism for providing adjustable fluid flow

characteristics between a first and second chamber of the dampener device.

19. A steering dampener device, substantially as herein described with reference to any

one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings

and or examples.

20. A method of dampening steering, substantially as herein described with reference to

any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying

drawings and examples.