WO2015159197A1

WO2015159197A1 - Impact detection device

Info

Publication number: WO2015159197A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/052665
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lino Dainese
Original assignee: Dainese S.P.A.
Priority date: 2014-04-14
Filing date: 2015-04-13
Publication date: 2015-10-22

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for positioning an impact protection device (12). The impact protection device (12) is mounted so as to be protected by or by means of a shell or panel (20, 22) which is fixed to or made as one piece with a fender (25) of the vehicle wheel.

Description

IMPACT DETECTION DEVICE

The present disclosure relates in general to the detection of impacts in a vehicle, for example a wheeled vehicle, with particular but not exclusive reference to the sector of motorcycles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the positioning of an impact detection device on a motorcycle designed to allow activation of an automatic impact protection system.

In the sector of motorcycles and in particular clothing for motorcyclists automatic impact protection systems generally associated with jackets and one-piece suits are becoming increasingly widespread. The automatic protection systems generally comprise a plurality of airbags which can be activated automatically in the event of an accident in order to protect the motorcyclist from falls and/or the impact with other vehicles.

At present automatic protection systems of the wireless type are increasingly more common, activation of the airbags being managed by a remote control unit which is connected to an impact detection device comprising one or more accelerometers. The accelerometers of the detection device are able to detect the accelerations of the motorcycle during travel and in particular the negative accelerations which affect the vehicle in the event of an impact. The electric signals generated by the accelerometers are sent to the control unit which, when a predetermined deceleration threshold is exceeded, activates the airbags.

The impact detection device is generally mounted on the motorcycle and in particular in the vicinity of the axis of the front wheel. This arrangement is considered to be the most suitable for detecting the accelerations acting on the motorcycle and in particular the negative accelerations in the event of an accident.

The abovementioned automatic protection systems are associated with articles of clothing for motorcyclists which are sold separately from the motorcycle and which comprise both "internal" elements incorporated in the clothing, for example the airbags and a receiving control unit, and "external" units to be mounted on the motorcycle, for example the impact detection device and a transmitting control unit. One of the main problems of the automatic protection systems is that of their capacity to distinguish in real time the behaviour of the motorcycle during normal travel, including also racing conditions, from the behaviour which occurs as a result of an impact.

Another problem is that of assembling and adapting the "external" elements of an automatic protection system to motorcycle models which are different from each other and in particular that of positioning the impact detection device. If in fact the transmitting control unit may be hidden underneath the saddle or housed in the control panel of a motorcycle, the impact detection device must be located in position which allows reliable detection of the impact.

There therefore exists the need to provide a method for positioning an impact detection device, also on any motorcycle, which allows continuous detection of the accelerations acting on the motorcycle as well as determination, as rapidly as possible, of the impact situations, without the risk of damage, for example during racing conditions, or when riding on rough or stony ground.

Said objects and/or further advantages are achieved by means of a positioning method and a respective assembly, the main characteristic features of which are respectively specified in the associated independent claims, while other characteristic features are specified in the remaining claims.

A proposed solution forming the basis of the present disclosure consists in protecting the impact detection device by means of a protective shell or panel which is fixed to, or made as one piece with, the fender of a wheeled vehicle. Basically, in accordance with the present disclosure, the impact protection device is protected by a shell body which forms part of, or is fixed to, the fender.

In connection with the present disclosure the term "fender" is understood as meaning a shaped part which may be made of metal or plastic which covers the wheel of a vehicle in order to protect it from spray, mud or water or stones or other objects which are propelled upwards by the wheel of the vehicle during use. Preferably, when viewed from one side of the wheel, the shape of the fender defines a profile which is curved or similar to a circle arc. In this way, the arrangement protected by shell or panel allows both constant detection in protected conditions and at the same time may be easily adapted to motorcycle models which differ from each other. It is sufficient, in fact, to mount the detection device on a respective support so that it is protected by the aforementioned protective shell or panel which is fixed to, and/or forms one piece with, the fender.

More particularly, the shell or panel is associated with a support bracket which is in turn fixed to and/or mounted on a corresponding leg/prong of the fork. The support bracket supports the impact protection device. Even more particularly, the method and assembly envisage that the impact detection device or each impact detection device is mounted on a support bracket which is rigidly fixed to the fork so as to be covered or protected, at the same time, by the shell or panel. The latter may be fixed to the fender of the front wheel or may be part of the fender of the front wheel.

Preferably, the shell and/or each shell is also connected or fixed, on the one hand, to the respective support bracket on which the impact detection device is mounted and, on the other hand, to the fender or forms part of the fender. In other words, preferably, in order to allow stable positioning of the detection device, the shell or panel is fixed to the support bracket which is, in turn, fixed to a foot of the fork. Basically, the shell is fixed to a respective prong of the fork by means of the support bracket. Consequently the bracket has an end or terminal zone which carries the impact detection device and has only one end fastened to the fork.

In one embodiment it is envisaged positioning two detection devices which are identical to each other, each one being mounted laterally with respect to or on one side of the fender, for example in the proximity of the rod-like elements of the fork of the motorcycle, in mirror-symmetrical positions with respect to a longitudinal centre plane of the front wheel. Each detection device is protected by a respective protective shell or panel.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shell or panel extends on one side of the fender. Namely, looking at the front wheel of the vehicle and the fender which is arranged above the wheel, the aforementioned shell or panel extends, on the right and/or left, from the fender downwards, towards the hub. In other words, looking at the wheel on one side, or looking frontally at the spokes of the wheel, the shell or panel may take the form of a lug or element which projects with respect to the arched profile defined by the fender towards the hub, so as to occupy the smallest amount of space possible on one side of the wheel.

On the basis of the geometrical arrangements indicated above it follows also that, in the aforementioned embodiments, the detection device is located between an axis of the wheel hub and the fender and is protected by a portion of small extension projecting from the fender.

The shell or panel, together with the fender to which it is fixed, ensures protection from any situation of possible damage or deterioration which may affect the impact detection device and which may arise, for example, in the case of stones or particles being scattered during riding of the motorcycle or when the motorcycle is washed in a washing plant and/or is subject to a brushing action or strong jet of water or similar possible impacts which may affect the impact device or each impact device and which could adversely affect the efficiency during detection.

In one embodiment, in the case of some motorcycle models, the two shells are joined together as a single shell which straddles the fender in a top zone of the fender between the two prongs of the fork (and therefore may not be formed as one piece with the fender) and which extends on one and/or both sides of the fender defining the two shells. Basically the single shell may be arranged above the fender, without modifying the form of the latter.

Alternatively, the two shells may be fixed directly to the fender by means of conventional fixing means.

Alternatively the two shells are made as one piece with the fender and therefore each form a lateral extension of the fender.

In one embodiment, the impact detection device or each impact detection device is arranged opposite, at a distance from the facing fork, a corresponding leg/prong of the fork, in a slightly advanced position. This position facilitates assembly of the detection device. Consequently the support bracket extends in an oblique direction from the leg/prong of the fork in a forwards direction, namely towards the forwards/front zone of the front wheel.

Consequently, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shell or panel is located shifted forwards with respect to a respective leg or prong of the front fork of the motorcycle.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support bracket includes two parts, a first part of which is fixed to the foot or base of the prong of the fork and fixed to the respective shell or panel, and an upper second part of which is fixed by means of screws or similar fixing means to the first part. Preferably, each impact detection device is mounted on the upper second part of the respective support bracket.

As a result of the two-part structure of the support bracket the position of the impact detection device may be adjusted in a precise and controlled manner. In fact, the first part of the support bracket may be mounted beforehand on the foot of the fork, for example welded as one piece, and then fixed to the respective shell or panel. The impact detection device may then be mounted on the second part, independently of the fork. Then, the group formed by the impact detection device and by the second part may be fixed to the first part which, as mentioned, is fixed beforehand to the foot of the fork. The device may then be fixed in a practical manner on the outer side of the fork.

The support bracket may be made of suitable material, for example metallic material, in order to ensure stable positioning of the impact detection device.

Further characteristic features and modes of use forming the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of a number of preferred examples of embodiment thereof, provided by way of a non-limiting example. It is evident, however, that each example of embodiment may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is not required that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed.

It should also be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes all the possible combinations of embodiments indicated and described with reference to the following detailed description.

Reference will be made to the figures of the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

- Figure 2 is a plan view of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

- Figure 3 is a side view of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the assembly is shown without a protective shell or panel.

With reference to the figures, the reference number 10 denotes an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Even more particularly, the assembly 10 includes an impact detection device indicated by the reference number 12. The impact detection device 12 may comprise known technology and may be an accelerometer, for example that described in the international patent applications WO2013/076694 and WO2013/076695 Al in the name of the proprietor of the present application.

The assembly 10 also includes a fender 25 and a pair of protective shells or panels 20, 22 which extend downwards from a right-hand side and a left-hand side of the fender 25.

The fender 25 is designed to cover the front wheel of a motorcycle. The shell or panel 20, 22 may be made of the same metallic or plastic material as the fender 25.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the impact detection device 12 is protected by a respective protective shell or panel 20, 22.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective shell or panel 20, 22 is arranged on one flank or side of the fork, in a spaced relationship with respect to the prong or rod-like element of the fork 14. Even more particularly, the protective shell or panel 20, 22 is arranged shifted forwards, and therefore in front, with respect to the prong or rod-like element of the fork 14.

In other words, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the protective panel 20, 22 is located in front, in a more advanced position towards a front zone of the motorcycle, with respect to the respective prong of the fork.

Even more particularly, in one embodiment of the present disclosure such as that shown in the drawings, the assembly includes, in addition to the protective shell or panel 20, 22, also a support bracket 30, 32. The support bracket 30, 32 is fixed, on the one hand, to a respective rod-like element 13a, 13b of the fork 14 supporting the wheel and, on the other hand, to the protective shell or panel 20, 22.

Even more particularly, the method and assembly envisage that the impact detection device or each impact detection device 12 is mounted on the support bracket 30, 32 so as to be covered or protected by the protective shell or panel 20, 22.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, such as that shown in the drawings, the assembly 10 includes a pair of protective shells or panels 20, 22. In particular, a shell 20, for example the right-hand shell, is fixed to, or forms one piece with, a respective right-hand side of the fender 25 of the front wheel and the other shell 22, i.e. the left-hand shell, is fixed to, or forms one piece with, a respective left-hand side of the fender 25 of the front wheel.

Even more particularly, in one embodiment such as that visible in the drawings, the assembly 10 may comprise two detection devices 12, which are identical to each other and mounted laterally with respect to or on one side of each of the rod-like elements 13a, 13b of the fork 14 of the motorcycle, for example the left-hand and right- hand stems, in mirror-symmetrical positions with respect to a longitudinal centre plane of the wheel. Owing to this mirror-symmetrical arrangement it is possible to obtain redundancy characteristics during detection of the accelerations.

It is pointed out moreover that each shell 20, 22 protects on its inner side, facing the wheel, the detection device 12. The two aforementioned impact detection devices 12 protected by the respective shell are therefore provided, i.e. a right-hand sensor and a left-hand sensor, each of which is able to detect, for example, an acceleration.

In the continuation of the description, for the sake of illustrative clarity, on some occasions reference is made to a single detection device 12 and/or to a single shell, it being understood that, considering the mirror-symmetrical arrangement, the same description is also applicable to the other detection device 12.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, such as that shown in the drawings, each shell 20, 22 has a slightly curved form and is in fact located slightly shifted forwards with respect to a respective leg or prong of the front fork 14 of the motorcycle. It follows that, in accordance with this embodiment, each impact detection device 12 is located on a front side of the front wheel, in a slightly advanced position. It is also pointed out that the impact detection device 12 is situated opposite at a distance from the fork 14, practically facing and more advanced with respect to a corresponding leg/prong 13a, 13b of the fork 14.

Owing to this symmetrical and stable arrangement on opposite sides of the front wheel it is possible to ensure accurate detection which may take into account a steering component, namely taking into account the components of the acceleration signals resulting from steering of the motorcycle.

As mentioned above, each shell or panel 20, 22 is fixed, moreover, to a support bracket 30, 32 which is in turn fixed to the foot 40 of the fork. Basically, the support bracket 30, 32 is fixed, on the one hand, to the shell or panel 20, 22 described above and, on the other hand, to the base of the respective prong of the fork 14.

As a result each shell or panel 20, 22 is not fixed directly onto the fork 14, but is supported by the latter by means of the respective support bracket 30, 32. A respective detection device is mounted on the support bracket 30, 32.

It is pointed moreover that also the support brackets 30, 32 are symmetrical, namely they are in a symmetrical position with respect to a longitudinal vertical plane which crosses the vehicle in a middle position. Even more particularly, the brackets are arranged obliquely, forwards with respect to the respective prong 13a, 13b of the fork 14.

Even more particularly, for constructional and assembly purposes, the support bracket 30, 32 includes two parts, a first part 35, 36 of which is fixed to the foot 40 of the prong 13 a, 13b of the fork and fixed, by means of screws or similar fixing means, to the respective shell or panel 20, 22, and an upper second part 37, 38 of which is fixed by means of screws or similar fixing means to the first part 35, 36.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, such as that shown in the drawings, each impact detection device 12 is mounted on the upper second part 37, 38 of the respective support bracket 30, 32 and is provided with a connector for connection with a control unit (not visible in the drawings). Owing to the two-part structure of the support bracket 30, 32 it is possible to adjust in a precise and controlled manner the position of the impact detection device 12. In fact, the first part 35, 36 of the support bracket 30, 32 may be mounted beforehand on the foot 40 of the fork and then fixed to the respective shell or panel 20, 22.

The impact detection device 10 may then be mounted on the second part 37, 38, independently of and far from the fork 14 or the shell or panel 20, 22. Subsequently, the group formed by the impact detection device 12 and the second part 37, 38 may be fixed to the first part 35, 36 which is, as mentioned, fixed beforehand to the foot 40 of the fork 14.

The embodiments of the present disclosure described and illustrated here constitute only examples which may have numerous variants. For example, it is possible to fix the shells 20, 22 directly to the fender by means of known means. Furthermore, it is possible to form each shell and the respective support bracket as one piece, so as to form a single support for the detection device 12.

Moreover, it is possible to use the detection device according to the present disclosure also in combination with "external" elements such as air bags and receiving control units arranged on the motorcycle or, more generally on a wheeled vehicle, and not exclusively in the garments worn by the motorcyclist.

Claims

1. Positioning method for positioning an impact detection device (10) on a wheeled vehicle, wherein the positioning method involves protecting the impact detection device (12) by a protective shell or panel (20, 22) fixed to, or made as one piece with, a fender (25) of the vehicle wheel, wherein the impact detection device is mounted on a support bracket (30, 32) which is fixed to a respective prong or rod-like element (13a, 13b) of the fork (14) supporting the wheel.

2. Positioning method according to claim 1, wherein the shell or panel (20, 22) is arranged laterally with respect to, or on one side of, a fork (14) supporting a wheel of a vehicle, in a spaced relationship with respect to the prong or rod-like element (13a, 13b) of the fork (14).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two detection devices (12) which are identical to each other are mounted laterally with respect to, or on one side of, each of the rod-like elements (13a, 13b) of the fork (14) of the vehicle in mirror-symmetrical positions with respect to a longitudinal centre plane of the vehicle wheel and protected by respective protective shells or panels (20, 22).

4. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said support bracket (30, 32) is fixed to the protective shell or panel (20, 22).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shell or panel (20, 22) is an element which extends or projects in the manner of a lug from one side of the fender (25), from the fender (25) towards an axis or hub of the wheel.

6. Method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the support bracket (30, 32) is fixed to a base (40) of the prong (13a, 13b) of the fork and has an opposite free end.

7. Positioning method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shell or panel (20, 22) is arranged shifted forwards with respect to a respective prong or leg (13a, 13b) of the front fork (14) of the motorcycle.

8. Positioning method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shell or panel (20, 22) or each protective shell panel (20, 22) is located on one side of the fender (25).

9. Positioning method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impact detection device (12) is positioned in front of a respective rod-like element (13a, 13b) of the fork.

10. Positioning method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the impact detection device (12) is positioned on an inner side of the protective shell or panel (20, 22).

11. Assembly comprising an impact detection device (12) and a fender (25) of a wheel of a vehicle, wherein said impact detection device (12) is protected by, or by means of, a respective shell or panel (20, 22), said shell or panel (20, 22) being fixed to, or made as one piece with, the fender (25), wherein the assembly includes a support bracket (30, 32) fixed to a respective prong or rod-like element (13a, 13b) of the fork (14) and wherein the support bracket (30, 32) supports the impact protection device (12).

12. Assembly according to claim 11, wherein the protective shell or panel (20, 22) is arranged in front of a respective leg or prong (13a, 13b) of the front fork (14) of the motorcycle.

13. Assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the shell or panel (20, 22) is in a spaced relationship with respect to one of the prongs or rod-like elements (13a, 13b) of the fork (14).

14. Assembly according to claim 11, 12 or 13, comprising two shells or panels, each of the shells or panels being arranged on one side of the fender (25) in mirror- symmetrical positions with respect to a longitudinal central plane of the wheel.

15. Assembly according to claim 14, comprising two impact detection devices, each of which is protected by a respective shell or panel (20, 22).

16. Assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the protective shell or panel is an element which extends or projects in the manner of a lug from one side of the fender (25), from the fender (25) towards an axis or hub of the wheel.

17. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the support bracket (30, 32) is fixed to the base (40) of the respective prong (13a, 13b) of the fork (14).

18. Assembly according to claim 17, wherein the support bracket (30, 32) is arranged or oriented obliquely forwards from the base (40) of the respective prong (13a, 13b) and has a free end for supporting the impact detection device (12).

19. Assembly according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the support bracket (30, 32) includes two parts, a first part (35, 36) of which is fixed to the foot or base (40) of the prong of the fork and fixed to the respective shell (20, 22), and an upper second part (37, 38) of which is fixed by screws or similar fastening means to the first part (35, 36).

20. Assembly according to claim 19, wherein one or each impact detection device (12) is mounted on the upper second part (37, 38) of the respective support bracket (30, 32).

21. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 20, wherein a first left-hand shell or panel is fixed to, or forms one piece with, a respective right-hand side of the fender (25) and the other shell or panel (22), i.e. the left-hand shell or part, is fixed to, or forms one piece with, a respective left-hand side of the fender (25) of the front wheel.

22. Assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the protective shell or panel (20, 22), or each protective shell or panel (20, 22), protects the impact detection device (12) on its inner side, facing the wheel.

23. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 22, wherein the support bracket (30, 32) is fixed to the protective shell or panel (20, 22).

24. Wheeled vehicle comprising an impact detection device (10), wherein said detection device (10) is arranged in accordance with a positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or comprising an assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 23.