Motorcycle with improved windshield

Abstract

A motorcycle (100) comprising a steerable front wheel (101) and a rear drive wheel and a fairing with a windshield (1), the windshield (1) comprising a housing (2) defining an outer shape of the windshield (1), the housing (2) further defining an internal volume (3) in which there is at least partially disposed a handle (104) connected to the front wheel (101) via a suspension (105), the windshield (1) further comprises at least one air channel portion (4) arranged in said interior volume, the air channel portion (4) comprising an inlet mouth (5) arranged in a bottom portion of the windshield (1) and an outlet mouth (6) arranged in a top portion of the windshield (1) and close to a top edge (7) of the windshield (1). The inlet mouth (5) faces the front wheel (101), preferably the inlet mouth (5) is directed towards the ground (G).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motorcycles. Preferably, the invention relates to so-called "street" motorcycles or "road" motorcycles. Even more preferably, the invention relates to racing motorcycles, in particular motorcycles used in top-level competitions, such as for example in MotoGP. TM motorcycle. Background Art

[0002] It is known in the art that when a vehicle moves forward, the front of the vehicle resists air resistance. The wider or taller the front of the vehicle, the greater the air resistance generated. The more aerodynamic the front of the vehicle, the less air resistance it exerts.

[0003] On motorcycles, it is known to provide a tapered fairing to improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. In particular, the windshield of a motorcycle, especially a road motorcycle, is tapered and pointed to better cut through the air.

[0004] However, the front of the motorcycle is a surface that air strikes during forward travel of the vehicle, and this accumulation of air on the front of the motorcycle causes an increase in air pressure, leading to numerous negative effects.

[0005] On road motorcycles, air tends to accumulate particularly in the area below the windscreen and behind the front wheel, ie in front of the bottom part of the front fairing where the radiator is typically located.

[0006] This increase in air pressure in front of the radiator has a beneficial effect on the radiator because it forces air through the radiator, thereby increasing the cooling effect of the radiator. Conversely, an excessive overpressure in this area of ​​the motorcycle can also have undesirable effects.

[0007] In practice, the overpressure generated in the area below the windshield and in front of the radiator tends to diffuse where the openings are located. In this regard, it is known to introduce air intakes in the bottom portion of the fairing to vent this overpressure. An example of this is provided by EP 2 311 717 B1, in which air is transferred from the area around the front wheel to the sides of the motorcycle.

[0008] This excess pressure also tends to flow through the open spaces in the fairing that allow the fork to travel, i.e., the space where the fork rotates around the steering sleeve. Air enters through these openings and hits the instrument panel and the rider, causing problems for the vehicle and its handling.

[0009] In this regard, it is known to close these channels with the aid of plates that prevent air from passing from this overpressure zone to the inside of the windshield. An example of this is provided by US Pat. No. 8,177,250 B2, in which the front fork is provided with a plate that, in conjunction with the fairing, closes the fork passage hole, thereby preventing the passage of air, water, and dirt. However, closing this channel does not solve the problem of overpressure, which therefore has no outlet, thus slowing the motorcycle down.

[0010] In view of the above related art, there is a need in the latest generation of sports motorcycles to reduce this overpressure, thereby improving the performance of the motorcycle and the comfort of the rider. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to address the shortcomings of the related art by means of a motorcycle comprising a steerable front wheel and a rear drive wheel, and a fairing equipped with a windshield. The windshield comprises a housing defining the windshield's exterior shape and an interior volume, at least partially housing a handlebar connected to the front wheel via a suspension. The windshield also comprises at least one air channel disposed within the volume. The air channel comprises an inlet nozzle located in the bottom portion of the windshield and an outlet nozzle located in the top portion of the windshield, near its top edge. This type of windshield reduces air overpressure in the area in front of the vehicle, and particularly in the area below the windshield and behind the front suspension. In this area, air is drawn in through the air channel, rather than simply delivered, because the air outlet is located in an area of ​​the motorcycle where low air pressure is present. This suction effect reduces air overpressure below the windshield.

[0012] The inlet mouth may face the front wheels, preferably the inlet mouth is directed towards the ground. Such positioning of the inlet mouth allows overpressure air to be sucked in from the area below the wind deflector.

[0013] Advantageously, the outlet nozzle can be arranged on the outer surface of the housing so that the air flows outward relative to the outer surface. The outlet nozzle designed in this way allows the airflow sweeping over the outer surface of the windshield to be utilized and an even stronger suction effect to be generated in the channel portion, because the airflow flowing on the outer surface of the windshield is accelerated, thereby entraining the airflow flowing in the air channel portion at the location where the airflow flowing on the outer surface of the windshield meets the airflow flowing in the air channel portion.

[0014] In particular, the outlet mouth may be shaped so that the air flows out tangentially with respect to the outer face of the housing.Shaping the outlet mouth so that the outflow from the air passage portion is tangential to the outer face of the housing enhances the above-mentioned suction effect.

[0015] Preferably, the windshield may include a spoiler, which may be fixed to a bottom portion of the windshield. In a motorcycle provided with a spoiler, overpressure generated in the area around the front wheel may cause vibrations or abnormal aerodynamic behavior at the spoiler, thereby deteriorating the stabilizing function of the spoiler.

[0016] In particular, the lower wing profile can be continuous with the air channel profile. By providing the air channel portion to be fluidly continuous with the wing of the spoiler, the pressure on the outer edge of the wing is optimized, thereby increasing the downforce of the wing itself.

[0017] Advantageously, the air channel portion can have a tubular shape and be attached to the housing. The laterally closed shape of the channel portion allows avoiding leakage or turbulence within the channel portion, thereby optimizing the function of the channel portion itself.

[0018] Preferably, the wind deflector may include two air channel portions that are symmetrically arranged about a median longitudinal vertical plane of the motorcycle. The symmetrical arrangement of the air channel portions avoids the formation of areas of different pressure in front of the motorcycle, which could cause instability when the motorcycle is traveling at high speeds.

[0019] In particular, the windshield may include a transparent windshield, and the outlet nozzle may be arranged close to the transparent windshield. This particular arrangement of the outlet of the air channel portion allows the air drawn in through the channel portion to be delivered over the shoulders of a rider when he / she leans over the motorcycle and the motorcycle is traveling at high speed.

[0020] Advantageously, the at least one air channel portion may comprise one inlet mouth and two outlet mouths.This particular shape of the air channel portion is an alternative shape of the air channel portion in one or two separate air channel portions.

[0021] These and other advantages will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments given in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the attached figure:

[0023] Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a motorcycle and in particular a windshield of the motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2shows an axonometric view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention and in particular of a wind deflector thereof including a spoiler;

[0025] Figure 3 shows an axonometric bottom view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 shows an axonometric bottom view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a front view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 shows a side view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 shows a side view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a side view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the windshield of the motorcycle is particularly highlighted;

[0031] Figure 9 shows a schematic cut-away side view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein in particular a windshield of the motorcycle is highlighted;

[0032] Figure 10 A schematic cut-away side view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein in particular a windshield of the motorcycle is highlighted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description of one or more embodiments of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar elements. The subject matter of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures, or features of the solutions described below may be combined in any manner.

[0034] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 1 and 2. The motorcycle is shown as a whole by reference numeral 100. In the other figures, the motorcycle is also indicated by reference numeral 100, but only some elements of the motorcycle are shown, such as the windshield 1 which is a main component of the present invention.

[0035] The present invention can be applied to a motorcycle 100 having a front spoiler or to a motorcycle 100 not having a front spoiler. In the first case, the motorcycle is a racing motorcycle, which is referred to in this application document as a racing motorcycle. Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 10 In the second embodiment, the motorcycle is a high performance road motorcycle, which is referred to in this application document as Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 Figure 7 and Figure 9 A first embodiment is depicted.

[0036] In the drawings, some elements are shown with solid lines or dotted lines to make the shapes and arrangements of other technical features of the present invention clearer.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 , shows a windshield 1 in which a shell 2 defines the outer appearance of the windshield. The shell 2 has an outer face 2A, which is visible in this figure and has a tapered shape, which gives the windshield 1 unique aerodynamic properties. The shell 2 defines an inner volume 3, in which a handlebar 104 connected to a front wheel 101 via a suspension 105 is at least partially located.

[0038] The windshield 1 also includes a cold air intake 10 for the engine 106. The duct allowing the intake air from the cold air intake 10 to be conveyed to the engine 106 is located at Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 Not shown.

[0039] An additional opening 11 for a camera is provided above the cold air inlet 10. This aspect indicates that the motorcycle 100 shown is a racing motorcycle, preferably intended for use in MotoGP. TM Used in tournaments.

[0040] A pitot tube 12 is provided above the cold air intake 10. The pitot tube 12 is used to measure the air velocity in front of the vehicle, which air velocity is primarily caused by the vehicle's forward motion due to its driving force, and may have a component related to the wind, as well as a component caused by the vehicle moving in front of the motorcycle 100. The presence of this device also indicates that the motorcycle 100 shown is a racing motorcycle, preferably intended for use in MotoGP. TM Used in tournaments.

[0041] Figure 1The windshield 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes at least one air channel portion 4 therein, which is arranged in the inner volume portion 3. The air channel portion 4 has an inlet nozzle 5 and an outlet nozzle 6, with the inlet nozzle 5 being arranged in the bottom portion of the windshield 1 and the outlet nozzle 6 being arranged in the top portion of the windshield 1. The terms "top portion" and "bottom portion" refer to the parts of the element specific to the windshield 1 relative to the ground G and assuming that the motorcycle 100 is in an upright, non-turned position.

[0042] In particular, two air passage portions 4 are provided, the extensions of the two air passage portions 4 being schematically shown by dashed lines, and the two air passage portions 4 being symmetrical with respect to the center plane M of the motorcycle 100. Figure 5 is better shown in .

[0043] Entrance 5 Figure 1 The inlet nozzle 5 is not clearly visible in the Figure 3 or Figure 9 Be seen better, Figure 3 and Figure 9 The motorcycle 100 is depicted as viewed from below.

[0044] The outlet mouth 6 is arranged on the housing 2 of the wind deflector 1 close to the upper edge 7 of the wind deflector 1 .

[0045] like Figure 5 As better shown in FIG, the outlet mouths 6 are arranged on the right and left sides of the motorcycle 100 and are symmetrical about a centerline plane M, ie a longitudinal vertical plane dividing the motorcycle 100 into two almost symmetrical parts.

[0046] like Figure 9 As best shown in FIG, the outlet nozzle 6 is also shaped so that the outflow from the nozzle is tangential to the nozzle itself and is generally parallel to the airflow sweeping over the outer face 2A of the housing 2. In particular, the rear edge of the outlet nozzle 6 is generally coplanar with the outer face 2A of the housing 2, while the front edge of the outlet nozzle 6 forms a point with the outer face 2A of the housing 2. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the front edge of the outlet nozzle 6 can be shaped to produce a slightly outwardly protruding curvature, thereby accelerating the airflow sweeping over the outer face of the housing 2 and enhancing the suction effect in the air channel portion 4.

[0047] The air passage portion 4 is generally tubular, as can be seen in Figure 1 Through the air inlet 10 and in Figure 9 The air channel portion 4 extends behind the housing 2 and is rigidly connected to the housing 2 .

[0048] As in Figure 9As can be seen in FIG, the inlet mouth 5 faces the wheel 101 and is therefore directed towards the ground G. The inlet mouth 5 is shaped so that the air inlet direction into the air channel portion 4 is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the front suspension 105 .

[0049] The front suspension 105 is typically a telescopic fork connected at the bottom to the front wheel 101 and at the top to the handlebars 104. The fork is also hinged to the frame (not shown) to allow the front wheel 101 to be steered.

[0050] The front suspension 105 or fork is able to rotate relative to the rest of the motorcycle 100. For this purpose, Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the fork moves in a slot 108 formed in the fairing 103. Figure 9 As better shown in FIG, through these slots 108, the overpressure air below the windshield 1 can flow out and thus hit the instrument 110, for example, the speedometer, and the rider 200. In order to prevent this airflow from entering the area below the windshield 1 into the inner volume 3 of the windshield 1, Figure 9 The closing plate 109 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the front suspension 105 so as to slide onto the fairing 103 and in particular onto the inner wall of the bottom of the wind deflector 1 .

[0051] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in , during forward travel of the motorcycle 100, particularly during forward travel at high speed, air impacting the motorcycle strikes the front of the motorcycle 100 and generates an overpressure region HP in the region below the windshield 1 and in front of the radiator 107.

[0052] The air that hits the windshield 1 is divided and dispersed by flowing on the outer surface 2A of the windshield 1. A low-pressure area LP is formed near the upper edge 7 of the housing 2, and in particular, the low-pressure area LP is at a lower pressure than the aforementioned overpressure area located below the windshield.

[0053] The terms "overpressure" and "low pressure" should be understood as being interrelated. The pressure in the overpressure region HP is greater or much greater than the pressure in the low pressure region LP.

[0054] For this reason, by placing the overpressure region HP in fluid communication with the low-pressure region LP by means of the air channel portion 4 and its inlet and outlet mouths 5, 6, a rather powerful and effective air suction effect is achieved, which tends to reduce the pressure in the aforementioned overpressure region HP.

[0055] With reference to the description of the first embodiment, the second embodiment will now be described in detail. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only by the presence of the spoiler 8. Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 10 , and is also referred to as the front spoiler 8. Therefore, what has been described so far with respect to the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment. In particular, Figure 1 What has been described also applies to Figure 2 ,about Figure 3 What has been described also applies to Figure 4 ,about Figure 7 What has been described also applies to Figure 6 , and already about Figure 9 What has been described also applies to Figure 10 .

[0056] The front spoiler 8 is fixed to the wind deflector 2 and in particular via Figure 2 The front spoiler 8 is fixed to the housing 2 of the windshield by means of the fixing means shown. The front spoiler 8 is intended to stabilize the motorcycle 100 and to generate a downforce effect on the front end of the motorcycle 100.

[0057] When the air pressure increases in the area below the wind deflector 1, the front spoiler 8 can no longer effectively flow the air over the front spoiler 8 and the downforce effect of the front spoiler 8 decreases. Figure 4 and Figure 10 As better shown in FIG, the present invention arranges the inlet mouth 5 of the air channel portion 4 behind the wing-shaped portion 8B. Therefore, the pressure generated on the outer edge of the lower profile 8A of the wing-shaped portion 8B is reduced due to the suction effect of the air channel portion 4, and the front spoiler 8 has a more effective performance.

[0058] Preferably, in order to maximize this effect, the lower profile 8A of the wing-shaped portion 8B of the front spoiler 8 is coplanar with the front inlet edge of the inlet mouth 5, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, this is to avoid separation of the liquid streamlines when the air flow moves from the front spoiler 8 to the air channel portion 4.

[0059] In both embodiments, air passage sections 4 are shown symmetrically arranged on the right and left sides of the motorcycle 100 and comprising respective inlet and outlet nozzles 5 and 6. In an embodiment not shown, the air passage sections 4 may start from a single common inlet nozzle and extend towards the two outlet nozzles.

[0060] According to an advantageous embodiment, the windshield 1 comprises a transparent windshield 9 , and the outlet mouth 6 is arranged close to the transparent windshield 9 .

[0061] In conclusion, it is obvious that the invention thus designed is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the invention; moreover, all the details are capable of being replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the number may vary according to technical requirements.

[0062] Key components:

[0063] 1 windshield

[0064] 2 Housing

[0065] 2A External surface (of the housing)

[0066] 3 Volume (inside the windshield)

[0067] 4 Air channel section

[0068] 4A (Air channel) contour

[0069] 5. Inlet nozzle (air channel part)

[0070] 6. Outlet nozzle (air channel)

[0071] 7 Top edge (of the housing)

[0072] 8 Spoilers

[0073] 8A Lower profile (of the spoiler)

[0074] 8B Wing (of the spoiler)

[0075] 9 Windshield

[0076] 10 Cold air inlet (of the engine)

[0077] 11 Opening for camera

[0078] 12 Pitot tube

[0079] 100 motorcycles

[0080] 101 front wheel

[0081] 102 rear wheel

[0082] 103 fairing

[0083] 104 handle

[0084] 105 front suspension

[0085] 106 engine

[0086] 107 Radiator

[0087] 108 suspension slots

[0088] 109 Closing plate

[0089] 110 Instruments

[0090] M midplane

[0091] G Ground

[0092] HP overvoltage area

[0093] LP Low pressure area.

Claims

1. A motorcycle (100), comprising a steerable front wheel (101), a rear drive wheel (102), and a fairing (103), wherein the fairing (103) has a windshield (1). The windshield (1) comprises a shell (2) which defines the outer shape of the windshield (1), the shell (2) also defining an inner volume (3) in which a handle (104) is at least partially arranged, the handle (104) being connected to the front wheel (101) via a suspension (105), The windshield member (1) further comprises at least one air passage portion (4) arranged in the inner volume portion (3), The air passage portion (4) comprises an inlet mouth (5) and an outlet mouth (6), wherein the inlet mouth (5) is arranged in the bottom portion of the windshield (1), and the outlet mouth (6) is arranged in the top portion of the windshield (1) and close to the top edge (7) of the windshield (1), wherein The inlet mouth (5) faces the front wheel (101), preferably, the inlet mouth (5) is pointed towards the ground (G).

2. The motorcycle (100) according to claim 1, wherein The outlet nozzle (6) is arranged on the outer surface (2A) of the housing (2) so that air flows outward relative to the outer surface (2A).

3. The motorcycle (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The outlet mouth (6) is shaped so that the air flows out tangentially with respect to the outer face (2A) of the housing (2).

4. The motorcycle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The wind deflector (1) comprises a spoiler (8) which is attached to a bottom portion of the wind deflector (1).

5. The motorcycle (100) according to claim 4, wherein The lower contour (8A) of the spoiler (8) is continuous with the contour portion (4A) of the air channel portion (4).

6. The motorcycle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The air passage portion (4) has a tubular shape, and the air passage portion (4) is attached to the housing (2).

7. The motorcycle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The windshield member (1) comprises two air passage portions (4), and the two air passage portions (4) are symmetrically arranged with respect to a middle longitudinal vertical plane (M) of the motorcycle (100).

8. The motorcycle (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The windshield (1) comprises a transparent windshield (9), and the outlet nozzle (6) is arranged beside the transparent windshield (9).

9. The motorcycle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the air channel portions (4) comprises an inlet nozzle (5) and two outlet nozzles (6).

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