Aerodynamic accessory

Abstract

An aerodynamic accessory (1) comprising: a mounting base (61); a fixed portion (2) having an upper surface (2U), a lower surface (2L), a leading edge (2F) and a trailing edge (2R); and a movable part (3) provided with a front reflective surface (31); the movable part (3) is hinged to the fixed part (2) at one of its leading or trailing edge such that it can rotate about a corresponding hinge axis (A32) such that the movable part (3) can assume a closed position, in which its rear surface (310) opposite the reflective surface (31) is close to the lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2), and an open position, in which the rear surface (310) opposite the reflective surface (31) is close to the lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2). The rear surface (310) is spaced apart from the lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2) and the front reflective surface (31) is visible; the mounting base (61) comprises a joint (6) which allows the aerodynamic accessory (1) to be oriented according to various use positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerodynamic accessory for a motorcycle and a kit of aerodynamic accessories.

[0002] More specifically, this type of aerodynamic accessory according to the invention can be used not only to generate aerodynamic downforce, but also as a rearview mirror. Background Technology

[0003] EP3988436A1 discloses a convertible rearview mirror for motorcycles, comprising a fixed portion that can be attached to a vehicle surface and a movable portion provided with a reflective surface. The movable portion is connected to the fixed portion via a suitable connector, allowing it to rotate to a first position where the reflective surface is used and a second position where the reflective surface is not visible to the user. The movable portion has an aerodynamic cross-sectional shape that generates downforce when in the second position, i.e., when the reflective surface is unavailable.

[0004] DE202017001980U1 discloses an adjustable rearview mirror housing.

[0005] EP2033886A2 discloses a rearview mirror for a motorcycle, which includes a portion connected to the motorcycle frame, the portion being configured to have a retracted position and an extended position.

[0006] EP3072791A1 discloses an aerodynamic accessory for a motorcycle, which has a housing at one end for accommodating a rearview mirror. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to provide an aerodynamic accessory for motorcycles that can generate aerodynamic downforce when used in racing, particularly on the front side of a motorcycle equipped with such an accessory, and simultaneously provide a reflective surface that can be used as a rearview mirror when driving on the road without compromising the resulting downforce.

[0008] According to the present invention, this result has been achieved by employing the concept of providing an aerodynamic accessory having the features described in claim 1. Other features of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] Thanks to this invention, an accessory can be provided with a structurally and mechanically simplified structure that functions as an aerodynamic force generator required when driving a motorcycle at high speed, such as on a racetrack, while also being equipped with a rearview mirror to meet the needs of driving on open traffic roads. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Through the following description and accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will be able to better understand these and other advantages and features of the present invention. These descriptions and drawings are provided by way of example only and should not be considered as limiting, wherein:

[0011] - Figures 1 to 3 These are three perspective views of the aerodynamic accessory according to the invention in its first use configuration;

[0012] - Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of the aerodynamic attachments in the second-use configuration;

[0013] - Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 An exploded perspective view of the aerodynamic attachments shown;

[0014] - Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 4 Another exploded perspective view of the aerodynamic attachment shown;

[0015] - Figure 7 and Figure 8 It shows Figures 1 to 6 Possible applications of the aerodynamic accessories shown;

[0016] - Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another embodiment of the aerodynamic accessory according to the invention is shown;

[0017] - Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates the airflow around the aerodynamic accessory according to the invention when the reflective surface is in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following description provides possible examples of implementing aerodynamic accessories according to the present invention.

[0019] Referring to the accompanying exemplary drawings, the aerodynamic accessory 1 according to the invention includes a fixed portion 2 and a movable portion 3. The fixed portion 2 is adapted to be attached to the surface of a motorcycle MC at a predetermined position. The movable portion 3 is hinged to the fixed portion 2 along one side 30 and is provided with a front reflective surface 31. The fixed portion 2 has a front edge or leading edge 2F and a rear edge or trailing edge 2R. In use, the fixed portion 2 of the aerodynamic accessory 1 has a rear side or upper surface 2U and a ventral side or lower surface 2L.

[0020] For example, the side surface 30 of the movable portion 3 may be formed by a tubular protrusion at a discontinuity 2D located at the trailing edge 2R of the fixed portion 2, and connected to the fixed portion by means of a threaded pin 32 oriented longitudinally relative to the trailing edge 2R. This threaded pin passes through the tubular protrusion 30 and through two coaxial holes 2H formed on the trailing edge 2R, located on opposite sides of the discontinuity. In other words, in this example, the trailing edge 2R of the fixed portion 2 has a recess 2D, within which the tubular protrusion 30 of the movable portion 3 is located, and the pin 32 connects the movable portion 3 to the fixed portion 2 by axially passing through the tubular protrusion 30 and the trailing edge 2R of the fixed portion 2. Therefore, the side surface 30 of the movable portion 3 forms an element of the trailing edge of the fixed portion 2 by occupying the space bounded by the recess 2D. Figure 4 In the attached drawing, the reference numeral "A32" indicates the axis of the hinged connection achieved by pin 32.

[0021] The rotation of the movable part 3 about its side 30 determines its positioning in the extended and closed positions. In the extended position, the reflective surface 31 is visible to the driver, thus functioning as a rearview mirror. Correspondingly, in the closed position, the reflective surface is close to the ventral surface 2L of the fixed part 2.

[0022] The driver can select the opening angle of the movable part 3 relative to the fixed part 2 according to his own needs. This angle is maintained by the same pin 32, which also serves as a friction element, allowing the resistance to the opening and closing movement of the movable part 3 to be adjusted according to its tightness.

[0023] exist Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 In the middle, the movable part 3 is close to the ventral surface 2L of the fixed part 2, that is, in the closed position, while... Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 8 In the middle, it is in the extended position.

[0024] The extended or open position of the movable part 3 is the position used by the driver when driving on an open road where the rearview mirror is needed.

[0025] The retracted position of movable part 3 is particularly useful when driving on a track where the use of rearview mirrors is not mandatory.

[0026] Aerodynamic Attachment 1 is configured to generate aerodynamic forces, particularly downforce, when surrounded by airflow associated with the motion of the motorcycle.

[0027] To facilitate the hinged connection between the movable part 3 and the fixed part 2, the rear edge 2R of the fixed part 2 is preferably thicker than the front edge 2F. The downforce function of the aerodynamic accessory 1 is also ensured by its proper fitting with the surface of the motorcycle on which the aerodynamic accessory is mounted.

[0028] In principle, according to the present invention, the movable part 3 can also be hinged to the leading edge 2F of the fixed part. However, it is preferred to install the movable part 3 by means of a hinged connection with the trailing edge 2R, because during vehicle movement, in this case, the airflow flowing over the movable part 3 helps maintain the open position of the movable part.

[0029] Preferably, the ventral surface 2L of the fixed portion 2 has a recess 2V, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the movable portion 3, such that in the approach position, the rear surface 310 of the movable portion 3, i.e., the surface opposite to the reflective surface 31, is located inside the recess 2V. Therefore, in the approach position, the movable portion 3 can be accommodated in the recess 2V, and the reflective surface 31 forms part of the ventral surface 2L of the fixed portion 2.

[0030] Preferably, a recess 2N is also formed on one side of the recess 2V to facilitate the user's rotation of the movable part 3. Due to the presence of the recess 2N, even when wearing gloves, the user can more easily insert their fingers into it and grasp the movable part 3. Preferably, the recess 2N is formed on one side 2Z of the recess 2V, which is close to the outer lateral edge 2E of the fixed part 2.

[0031] For example, the fixing part 2 can be installed on the fairing 4 of the motorcycle MC.

[0032] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example, two aerodynamic attachments 1 according to the invention are used, which are mounted on the fairing 4 in a laterally symmetrical position relative to the windshield 5.

[0033] For example, the fixing part 2 can be connected to the fairing 4 by means of a ball joint 6, which is constrained to one end 20 of the same fixing part 2, so that the fixing part 2 can be oriented relative to the fairing 4 as needed by the driver.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the ball joint 6 has a rod portion 60 internally and axially threaded, and secured to a base 61 by means of a screw 62 screwed into the internal thread of the rod portion 60 on the opposite side. The base 61 has a seat portion 63 for the rod portion 60. In this example, the base 61 has two through holes 64 formed on the opposite side of the seat portion 63, which can be used to mount the aerodynamic accessory 1 onto the fairing 4 by means of two corresponding screws (not visible in the drawings). Similarly, the end portion 20 of the fixing portion 2 has a seat portion 21 adapted to receive the spherical head 65 of the joint 6. The ball joint 6 is finally secured to the end portion 20 by means of a forming block 66, which is secured to the end portion 20 of the fixing portion 2 by means of a screw 67 intended to screw into a corresponding hole 22 formed on the side of the seat portion 21. In this way, a system for connecting aerodynamic accessory 1 to the motorcycle MC is realized, which is particularly simple in terms of structure and assembly.

[0035] The ball joint connection allows the aerodynamic accessory 1 to be oriented in multiple different orientations according to the driver's above-mentioned requirements.

[0036] To facilitate the use of the ball joint described above, the end 20 of the fixed portion 2 is bent downwards relative to the back and front surfaces of the fixed portion. In this way, a receiving area is provided for the ball joint, which is appropriately spaced from the area in the fixed portion 2 where the movable portion 3 is connected.

[0037] Preferably, the fixed portion 2 is widened at a predetermined distance from the end 20 connected to the ball joint 6. Preferably, the movable portion 3 is hinged to the wider portion of the fixed portion 2. In other words, preferably, the area of ​​the first region of the fixed portion 2 is larger than the area of ​​the second region to which the movable portion 3 is hinged.

[0038] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the aforementioned base 61 includes an arm that can be attached to the motorcycle handlebars via an attachment 610 known per se. However, as described in the previous example, this example also contemplates using a ball joint 6 to connect the base 61 to one end 20 of the fixed portion 2.

[0039] It should be understood that the connection between the aerodynamic accessory 1 and the motorcycle can be any other type.

[0040] Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates the airflow AF flowing over the aerodynamic accessory 1 in the following configuration, i.e., the movable part 3 is open when the vehicle is in motion. Figure 11The diagram in the figure emphasizes the fact that opening the movable part 3 does not significantly change the downforce generated by the fixed part 2, because in the open position, the movable part 3 is shielded from aerodynamics by the fixed part 2.

[0041] In other words, given the position of the inclined aerodynamic accessory 1 mounted on the motorcycle with its leading edge facing down, when the movable part 3 is in the open position, it is located in the aerodynamic shadow area downstream of the fixed part 2 relative to the airflow AF.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a kit comprising two aerodynamic attachments 1 constructed as described above, wherein one attachment is mounted on the right side of the motorcycle and the other on the left side.

[0043] As can be clearly seen from the above description, more generally, the aerodynamic annex 1 according to the present invention includes:

[0044] - Mounting base 61;

[0045] - Fixed portion 2, having an upper surface 2U, a lower surface 2L, a leading edge 2F, and a trailing edge 2R; and

[0046] -The movable part 3 is provided with a front reflective surface 31;

[0047] in,

[0048] - The movable part 3 is hinged to the fixed part 2 at one of its leading or trailing edges, thereby enabling it to rotate about the corresponding hinge axis A32. This allows the movable part 3 to be in a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, its rear surface 310, opposite the reflective surface 31, is close to the lower surface 2L of the fixed part 2. In the open position, its rear surface 310 is spaced apart from the lower surface 2L of the fixed part 2, and the front reflective surface 31 is visible.

[0049] - Mounting base 61 includes connector 6, which allows the aerodynamic accessory 1 to be oriented according to various usage locations.

[0050] It is also evident from the above description that the aerodynamic accessory according to the present invention may have one or more of the following additional features, and these features may also be combined with each other:

[0051] - The rear edge 2R of the fixed part 2 has a recess 2D, in which the tubular protrusion 30 of the movable part 3 is located, and the pin 32 passes axially through the tubular protrusion 30 and the rear edge 2R of the fixed part 2 along the hinge axis A32, connecting the movable part 3 and the fixed part 2.

[0052] - The tubular protrusion 30 forms part of the rear edge 2R of the fixed part 2.

[0053] - The lower surface 2L of the fixed part 2 has a recess 2V, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the movable part 3, such that in the closed position, the rear surface 310 of the movable part 3 is located inside the recess 2V.

[0054] - The connector 6 is composed of a ball joint located in one end 20 of the fixed part 2.

[0055] - The end 20 of the fixed part 2 is bent downward.

[0056] - The first area of ​​the fixed part 2 is greater than the second area of ​​the movable part 3 at which it is hinged.

[0057] - In the open position, the movable part 3 is shielded from an aerodynamic perspective by the fixed part 2.

[0058] However, in practice, the implementation details may vary in an equivalent manner for the various elements described and shown, without departing from the idea of ​​the adopted solution, and thus still remaining within the protection limits granted by this patent pursuant to the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerodynamic accessory (1), comprising: - Mounting base (61); - A fixing part (2), the fixing part (2) having an upper surface (2U), a lower surface (2L), a leading edge (2F) and a trailing edge (2R); and - Movable part (3), the movable part (3) is provided with a front reflective surface (31); in, - The movable part (3) is hinged to the fixed part (2) on one of its front or rear edges, thereby enabling it to rotate about the corresponding hinge axis (A32) so that the movable part (3) can be in a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, its rear surface (310) opposite the reflective surface (31) is close to the lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2). In the open position, its rear surface (310) is spaced apart from the lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2), and the front reflective surface (31) is visible. as well as - The mounting base (61) includes a connector (6) that allows the aerodynamic accessory (1) to be oriented according to various usage positions.

2. The aerodynamic accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear edge (2R) of the fixed part (2) has a recess (2D), the tubular protrusion (30) of the movable part (3) is located in the recess, and a pin (32) passes axially along the hinge axis (A32) in the tubular protrusion (30) and the rear edge (2R) of the fixed part (2) to connect the movable part (3) to the fixed part (2).

3. The aerodynamic accessory according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tubular protrusion (30) forms part of the rear edge (2R) of the fixing portion (2).

4. The aerodynamic accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower surface (2L) of the fixed part (2) has a recess (2V) whose shape corresponds to the shape of the movable part (3) such that in the closed position, the rear surface (310) of the movable part (3) is located inside the recess (2V).

5. The aerodynamic accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (6) is composed of a ball joint located at one end (20) of the fixed part (2).

6. The aerodynamic accessory according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end (20) of the fixed part (2) is bent downward.

7. The aerodynamic accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first area of ​​the fixed part (2) is greater than the second area of ​​the movable part (3) at which it is hinged.

8. The aerodynamic accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the open position, the movable part (3) is blocked from an aerodynamic angle by the fixed part (2).

9. A kit comprising two aerodynamic accessories (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

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