Roll-related reactive system

• US 7,497,525 B2
• Filed: 05/26/2006
• Issued: 03/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Incorporated (Bombardier Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Incorporated (Bombardier Incorporated)
• Inventors: Mercier, Daniel, Berthiaume, Yves, Biron, Remy, Massicotte, Alain
• Primary Examiner(s): Siconolfi; Robert A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hsiao; James K
• Application Number:
  US11/420,636
• Publication Number:
  US 20060273655A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,012 Days
• Field of Search: 303/9.62, 303/9.64, 188/186, 188/72.9, 188/72.6, 188/106.F, 188/106.P, 188/161
• US Class Current: 303/9.71
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/122 Trikes
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/0511 Roll angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/215 by applying a braking action on each wheel individually
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/22 Braking, stopping
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2230/03 Overturn, rollover
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/1706 for single-track vehicles, e.g. motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/17554 specially adapted for enhancing stability around the vehicles longitudinal axle, i.e. roll-over prevention road vehicle drive control systems for roll-over prevention otherwise than by controlling a particular sub-unit B60W30/04
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/243 for roll-over protection
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/261 specially adapted for use in motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/52 Torque sensing, i.e. wherein the braking action is controlled by forces producing or tending to produce a twisting or rotating motion on a braked rotating member
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 61/065 with single rear wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/027 Motorcycles with three wheels specially adapted for disabled riders B62K5/023
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/05 characterised by a single rear wheel

Abstract

A three-wheeled vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel is provided with a roll-related reactive system. The roll-related reactive system provides braking of at least one of the front wheels independent of braking initiated by an operator of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A three-wheeled vehicle, comprising:

a frame having a front portion and a rear portion defining a longitudinal axis;

an engine supported by the frame;

a seat supported by the frame;

a front suspension connected to the front portion of the frame;

two front wheels supported by the front suspension and laterally spaced from one another, each wheel having a tire mounted thereon that is suitable for road use;

a rear suspension connected to the rear portion of the frame;

one rear wheel supported by the rear suspension and operatively connected to the engine, the rear wheel having a tire mounted thereon that is suitable for road use and being centered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;

a braking system operatively connected to the wheels, the braking system comprising two front brakes operatively connected to the two front wheels, and a rear brake operatively connected to the rear wheel;

a rear disc operatively connected to the rear wheel;

an actuator operatively connected to the rear brake for generating a torque when actuated, the actuator including an electro-magnet and a mechanical link supporting the electro-magnet, the mechanical link being operatively connected to at least one of the two front brakes; and

a roll detection system signaling the electro-magnet to actuate when the roll detection system detects a roll of the vehicle about the longitudinal axis above a predetermined threshold, actuation of the electro-magnet causing the rear brake to contact the rear disc thereby causing the mechanical link to move, and movement of the mechanical link causing actuation of the at least one of the two front brakes.

2. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein movement of the mechanical link displaces a fluid from a hydraulic cylinder of the braking system.

3. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a steering sensor operatively connected to the steering system, wherein the steering sensor is in communication with the roll detection system and prevents the roll detection system from causing the actuator to actuate under predetermined conditions.

4. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the seat type is selected from a group consisting of a straddle type seat and a recumbent type seat.