SEAT-MOUNTED SADDLE VEHICLE

Abstract

Ride-on semi-trailer vehicle, which features: a panel (40) that covers a vehicle body from the sides; and a wing element (50) which is arranged on a side surface of the fairing (40), where the fairing (40) a front fairing (41) which covers the vehicle body from the front and the left and right sides at a front end section of the ride-on articulated vehicle, and the wing element (50) includes a wing section (51) which extends in the vehicle width direction from the fairing (40) to an outer side, characterized by the fact that the wing element (50) includes a mounting section (54) and an upper mounting section (55), wherein the mounting section (54) is attached to a base end section of the wing section (51) and is attached to a side surface of the front fairing (41), the upper mounting section (55) is positioned on the rear upper side of the mounting section (54), and the wing section (51) includes a front edge (51a) and a rear edge (51b), wherein the front edge (51a) is curved such that when the front edge (51a) extends outwards from a midpoint of the vehicle width direction, it is curved backwards, and When viewed from above, the width (A) of the wing section (51), which is a distance in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the front edge (51a) and the rear edge (51b), increases from the middle side in the vehicle width direction to the outside of the vehicle width direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ride-on semi-trailer vehicle. [Technical background]

[0002] A conventional design is a ride-on semi-trailer vehicle comprising a fairing and a wing element, wherein the fairing covers the vehicle body from the sides, and the wing element is arranged on the side surface of the fairing (see, for example, JP H4-201 792 A). In such a ride-on semi-trailer vehicle, as described in JP H4-201 792 A, downforce can be generated by the airflow along the wing element.

[0003] From JP 2018 - 202 932 A and its related patent EP 3 418 168 A1, a ride-on semi-trailer vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 is known. There, the front edge and the rear edge of the wing section extend parallel to each other in the vehicle width direction, wherein in the vehicle longitudinal direction the width between the front edge and the rear edge is constant along the vehicle width direction.

[0004] WO 2015 / 071 934 A1 depicts a motorcycle with a body and wings projecting from the side of the body. The wing has a structure for generating a force that pushes the body downwards from front to back along the upper surface of the wing as a result of the airflow.

[0005] The JP S59 - 91 982 U shows a motorcycle with a fairing covering the engine from the sides, from which wing-like elements curved upwards and laterally protrude. Similar wing-like elements are attached to the front fork.

[0006] JP 2017 197 028 A shows a motorcycle comprising a wing attached to the vehicle body and subjected to longitudinal airflow to generate downforce; and a vortex generation part that directs airflow in front of the wing and generates a vortex flow that swirls around an axis in an axial direction, which is a direction with a longitudinal component, and flows rearward along an underside of the wing.

[0007] The JP H05-170 157 A shows stabilizers provided on both side sections at the front of a motorcycle and mounted to rotate vertically, stabilizer actuators connected to the stabilizers to rotate the stabilizers, a sensor installed on the rear swingarm that detects the load acting on the rear wheel, and a stabilizer controller that compares the rear wheel load signal from the sensor with the preset value to actuate the stabilizer actuators and rotate the front sections of the stabilizers downwards. [Summary of the invention][Technical problem]

[0008] Meanwhile, when a wing element is arranged as in the conventional technique described above, there is a case where the wing element itself contributes to the rolling resistance of the semi-trailer truck. If the wing element is made small, the resulting downforce also decreases, even though the rolling resistance is reduced. It is therefore desirable to reduce the rolling resistance generated by the wing element and achieve effective downforce.

[0009] The present invention has been achieved in view of the circumstance described above, and its object is to reduce the driving resistance through the wing element and to achieve effective downforce in a ride-on semi-trailer vehicle equipped with a wing element. [Solution to the problem]

[0010] To solve the problem, a ride-on semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 1 is specified. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0011] A ride-on semi-trailer vehicle includes a fairing that covers a vehicle body from the sides; and a wing element arranged on a side surface of the fairing, wherein the wing element includes a wing section extending in the vehicle width direction from the fairing to an outside, and, when viewed in plan view, the width of the wing section increases in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle as the width extends from a side centered in the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] Because, according to this configuration, the width of the wing section is small in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at its midpoint, the drag from the airflow along the wing section near the surface of the fairing can be reduced. Furthermore, because the width of the wing section increases in the longitudinal direction as it moves outwards in the width direction, a large area of ​​the airflow striking the wing section directly from the front can be captured, ensuring strong downforce. Therefore, the wing element can reduce drag and efficiently generate downforce.

[0013] In the configuration described above, it is also possible that the wing section contains an inclined section which, when viewed in a side view of the vehicle, is inclined upwards towards the rear, and the inclination of the inclined section increases as the inclination goes from the middle side in the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, the driving resistance can be reduced by the wing element on the middle side of the wing section in the direction of vehicle width, and downforce can be efficiently ensured in a section on the outside in the direction of vehicle travel of the wing section.

[0015] In the configuration described above, it is also possible for the wing element to include an upper wing section and a side wall section, wherein the upper wing section extends outwards from the fairing in the vehicle width direction over the wing section, and wherein the side wall section extends upwards from an end section on the outside of the wing section in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the upper wing section.

[0016] According to this configuration, the airflow along the outer end of the wing section, in the vehicle width direction, can be channeled through the sidewall section, effectively ensuring downforce. Downforce can also be generated by the upper wing section, and the stiffness of the wing element can be improved by connecting the wing section, the sidewall section, and the upper wing section.

[0017] In the configuration described above, it is also possible that the width of the upper wing section in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, viewed from above, becomes larger when the width moves from the middle side in the vehicle width direction towards the outside.

[0018] According to this configuration, the driving resistance can be reduced by the upper wing section on the central side in the vehicle width direction of the upper wing section, and downforce can be effectively ensured on a section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the upper wing section.

[0019] In the configuration described above, it is also possible for the fairing to include a front fairing that covers the vehicle body from the front and left and right sides at a front end section of the ride-on semi-trailer vehicle, with the front fairing being inclined to the rear when viewed from a top view, extending outwards from a central section in the vehicle width direction, and the wing element being arranged as a pair to the left and right of the central section of the front fairing.

[0020] According to this configuration, downforce can be effectively ensured by the wing element and the driving resistance can be reduced by the wing element by using the airflow that flows rearward to the left and right of the central section of the front fairing.

[0021] In the configuration described above, it is also possible that a second wing element is arranged on the side surface of the fairing, with the second wing element being arranged in a position different from the first wing element.

[0022] According to this configuration, downforce can be ensured by the second wing element, which is positioned in a different location from the wing element, and downforce can be increased.

[0023] In the configuration described above, it is also possible for the second wing element to include a second wing section, a second upper wing section, and a second side wall section, wherein the second wing section extends from the fairing in the vehicle width direction to the outside, wherein the second upper wing section extends from the fairing above the second wing section in the vehicle width direction to the outside, and wherein the second side wall section extends upwards from an end section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the second wing section and is connected to the second upper wing section.

[0024] According to this configuration, the airflow flowing along the outer end of the second wing section, in the vehicle width direction, can be channeled through the second sidewall section, effectively ensuring downforce. Downforce can also be generated by the second upper wing section, and the stiffness of the second wing element can be improved by connecting the second wing section, the second sidewall section, and the second upper wing section.

[0025] In the configuration described above, it is also possible for the second wing element to be positioned behind the first wing element.

[0026] According to this configuration, downforce can be ensured by the second wing element by utilizing the airflow that flows on the rear side of the wing element.

[0027] In the configuration described above, it is also possible for the wing element to include an upper wing section and a side wall section, wherein the upper wing section extends outwards over the wing section, and wherein the side wall section extends upwards from an end section on the outside of the wing section in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the upper wing section, and the second side wall section is arranged on the outer side of the side wall section of the wing element in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] According to this configuration, downforce can be ensured by the second wing element by utilizing the airflow that flows on the outside of the vehicle width direction of the wing element. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to one embodiment of the present application. Fig. Figure 2 is a left side view showing the attachment state of one wing element and a second wing element in relation to a fairing. Fig. Figure 3 is a front view, showing the attachment status of the wing element and the second wing element in relation to the fairing from the front of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view, showing the fastening state of the wing element and the second wing element in relation to the fairing from the top. Fig. Figure 5 is a left side view of a wing element on the left side. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view, looking at the wing element on the left side from the front of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view, looking at the wing element on the left side from above. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 3. [Description of the details]

[0029] The following is an explanation of the present application with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom are the same as directions with respect to the vehicle body, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the marking FR in each drawing denotes the front of the vehicle, the marking UP the top of the vehicle, and the marking LH the left side of the vehicle.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The motorcycle 1 is a vehicle in which an engine 11 is mounted as a drive unit on a frame 10, a steering system 12 is mounted steerably at the front end of the frame 10, the steering system 12 carries a steerable front wheel 2, and a swing arm 13 is arranged at the rear of the frame 10, the swing arm 13 carrying a rear wheel 3. The motorcycle 1 is a ride-on vehicle, the rider of which sits straddling on a seat 14, and the seat 14 is arranged over a rear section of the frame 10.

[0032] The fuselage frame 10 contains a single head tube 15 positioned in the middle of the vehicle width, a pair of left and right main frames 16, a pair of left and right subframes 17, a pair of left and right pivot frames 18, a pair of left and right seat frames (not shown), and a pair of left and right node pieces 19.

[0033] The head tube 15 is located at the front end of the fuselage frame 10 and carries the steering system 12.

[0034] The main frame 16 extends from the upper section of the head tube 15 downwards to the rear.

[0035] The subframes 17 extend downwards from the lower section of the head tube 15 to the rear.

[0036] The steering frames 18 extend downwards from the rear end section of the main frames 16.

[0037] The seat frames extend from the rear end section of the main frames 16 to the rear and support the seat 14.

[0038] The node parts 19 vertically connect the front end section of the main frames 16 with the front end section of the subframes 17. The lower end section of the subframes 17 and the rear section of the main frames 16 are connected to each other by connecting sections 20 that extend forward and backward.

[0039] The steering system 12 comprises a steering shaft (not shown), a pair of left and right front fork legs 21, an upper bridge 22, a lower bridge 23, and a steering rod 24, wherein the steering shaft is pivotally mounted on the head tube 15, wherein the upper bridge 22 is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft and connects the upper sections of the left and right front fork legs 21, wherein the lower bridge 23 is attached to the lower end of the steering shaft and connects the left and right front fork legs 21, and wherein the steering rod 24 is attached to the upper section of the front fork legs 21.

[0040] The front wheel 5 is rotatably mounted on a front wheel axle 2a, which extends between the lower end sections of the left and right front fork legs 21.

[0041] The swing arm 13 is mounted vertically pivotable at its front end section by a pivot shaft 26, the pivot shaft 26 extending between the left and right pivot frames 18.

[0042] The rear wheel 3, as the drive wheel, is rotatably mounted on a rear wheel axle 3a, which is arranged at the rear end section of the swing arm 13.

[0043] The swing arm 13 is connected to the vehicle body by a damper unit 27.

[0044] The motor 11 is arranged between the subframe 17 and the pivot frame 18 under the main frame 16 and is mounted on the fuselage frame 10.

[0045] The engine 11 includes a crankcase 30 and a cylinder section 31, wherein the crankcase 30 accommodates a crankshaft (not shown) extending in the vehicle width direction (the transverse direction), with the cylinder section 31 extending upwards from the upper section of the crankcase 30.

[0046] A gearbox (not shown) is installed at the rear section of the crankcase 30, the gearbox reducing the rotation of the engine 11 and outputting it. An output force from the engine 11 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 by a drive chain (not shown) that extends between an output shaft 32 of the gearbox and the rear wheel 3.

[0047] An exhaust pipe 33 of the engine 11 extends downwards from an exhaust opening at the front of the cylinder section 31, runs under the crankcase 30 and extends to the rear.

[0048] An air filter box 35 of the intake system of the engine 11 is arranged between the left and right main frames 16 above the engine 11.

[0049] The intake air, which has been cleaned by the air filter box 35, flows through an intake channel (not shown) and into an intake opening of the cylinder section 31.

[0050] A fuel tank 37 is arranged above the rear section of the main frame 16 and is located, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, between the seat 14 and the air filter box 35.

[0051] The motorcycle 1 includes a fairing 40 as an external vehicle body component, which covers the vehicle body, such as the frame 10 and the engine 11.

[0052] The fairing 40 comprises a front fairing 41, a pair of left and right side fairings 42, a lower fairing 43, a cover 44, and a rear fairing 45, wherein the front fairing 41 covers the vehicle body from the front and the left and right sides at the front end section of the motorcycle 1, wherein the pair of left and right side fairings 42 covers the front section of the frame 10 and the engine 11 from the left and right sides, wherein the lower fairing 43 covers the engine 31 and the frame 11 from below, wherein the cover 44 covers the air filter box 35 from above, and wherein the rear fairing 45 covers the rear section of the vehicle body.

[0053] A front mudguard 47 is attached to the front fork legs 21.

[0054] An inlet pipe 48 is arranged at the front of the front fairing 41, with the inlet opening 48 facing the front of the vehicle. The inlet pipe 48 extends rearward along the inside of the front fairing 41 and is connected to the air filter box 35. Outside air is drawn into the inlet pipe 48, flows through the inlet pipe 48, and is supplied to the air filter box 45.

[0055] A measuring display 49 is arranged between the front fairing 41 and the head tube 15, the measuring display 49 showing information such as the vehicle speed.

[0056] The front fairing 41 covers the steering system 12 and the head tube 15 from the front, with the steering system 12 and the head tube 15 configuring the vehicle body. The front fairing 41 also covers electrical components, such as the gauge 49, the inlet pipe 48, component supports, and the like, which are located in front of the head tube 15, from the left and right sides. The electrical components, such as the gauge 49, the inlet pipe 48, and the component supports, and the like, configure the vehicle body.

[0057] The motorcycle 1 contains (first) wing elements 50 and second wing elements 80, wherein the wing elements 50 and the second wing elements 80 are arranged on the left and right side surfaces of the fairing 40.

[0058] The wing element 50 is attached to the side surface of the front fairing 41. The second wing element 80 is attached to the side surface of the side fairing 42.

[0059] Fig. Figure 2 is a left side view showing the fastening state of the wing element 50 and the second wing element 80 in relation to the fairing 40. Fig. Figure 3 is a front view, showing the attachment status of the wing elements 50 and the second wing elements 80 in relation to the fairing 40 from the front of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view, showing the attached state of the wing element 50 and the second wing element 80 in relation to the fairing 40 from above. Fig. Figure 4 shows only a section of the left side of motorcycle 1.

[0060] Relating to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 The front fairing 41 is a plate-like element which, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, is inclined upwards towards the rear.

[0061] The front fairing 41 is also a plate-like element that is curved in such a way that a section 41a located centrally in the direction of the vehicle's width generally becomes the front end section when viewed from above, extending over the entire vertical direction. This means that, viewed from above, the front fairing 41 is inclined rearward outwards in the direction of the vehicle's width from the central section 41a, which becomes the front end section of the front fairing 41.

[0062] The front fairing 41 includes an opening 41b at the lower end section of the middle section 41a, the opening 41b allowing the front end of the inlet pipe 48 to be exposed to the front.

[0063] A rear edge 41c of the front fairing 41 joins the front edge of the side fairings 42.

[0064] The front panel 41 is generally symmetrical to the left and right with respect to a center point 41d in the vehicle width direction. The center point 41d coincides with the center point of the panel 40 in the vehicle width direction. The left and right side panels 42 are also generally symmetrical to the left and right with respect to the vehicle center point 41d.

[0065] The wing elements 50 are arranged as a pair on the left and right with respect to the center 41d of the front fairing 41. The left and right wing elements 50 are generally symmetrical on the left and right.

[0066] More precisely, the wing elements 50 are arranged as a pair to the left and right of the opening 41b of the front fairing 41. The wing elements 50 are positioned behind the front end section of the front fairing 41. In the vertical direction of the vehicle, the position of the opening 41b and the position of the wing elements 50 overlap.

[0067] The second wing elements 80 are arranged as a pair on the left and right with respect to the center 41d. The left and right second wing elements 80 are generally symmetrical on the left and right.

[0068] The second wing elements 80 are arranged on the fairing 40 in positions different from those of the wing elements 50. The second wing elements 80 are located at the rear and below the wing elements 50.

[0069] Fig. Figure 5 is a left side view of the left wing element 50. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view when looking at the left wing element 50 from the front of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of the left wing element 50 from above. Since the left and right wing elements 50 are generally symmetrical, only the left wing element 50 is explained in detail here, and a detailed explanation of the right wing element 50 is omitted.

[0070] Relating to Fig. 2 to Fig. 7 the wing element 50 includes a (lower) wing section 51, an upper wing section 52 and a side wall section 53, wherein the wing section 51 extends from the side surface of the front fairing 41 to the outside in the vehicle width direction, wherein the upper wing section 52 extends from the side surface of the front fairing 41 over the wing section 51 to the outside in the vehicle width direction, wherein the side wall section 53 extends upwards from the end section of the outside in the vehicle width direction of the wing section 51 and is connected to the upper wing section 52.

[0071] The wing element 50 also includes a (lower) mounting section 54 and an upper mounting section 55, wherein the mounting section 54 is attached to the base end section of the wing section 51 and is attached to the side surface of the front fairing 41, and wherein the upper mounting section 55 is attached to the base end section of the upper wing section 53 and is attached to the side surface of the front fairing 41.

[0072] The mounting section 54 and the upper mounting section 55 are plate-like sections formed along the side surface of the front panel 41. Mounting section 54 has several mounting holes 54a. The upper mounting section 55 has several mounting holes 55a.

[0073] The wing element 50 is attached to the side surface of the front fairing 41 by fixing elements 54b ( Fig. 3) fastened, which are inserted into the respective fastening holes 54a, as well as fixing elements 54b ( Fig. 3), which are inserted into the respective mounting holes 55a.

[0074] More precisely, the fastening section 54 is attached to a section on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the side edge of the opening 41b and below the opening 41b in the front fairing 41.

[0075] The upper mounting section 55 is attached to a section on the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the side edge of the opening 41b of the front fairing 41 and is positioned on the rear upper side of the mounting section 54.

[0076] The wing section 51 is a plate-like section that extends from the mounting section 54 to the outside in the vehicle width direction and is arranged such that the plate thickness direction is vertically aligned.

[0077] Viewed from above, wing section 51 is curved backwards from the center side in the direction of the vehicle width to the outside in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0078] Viewed from above, the width A of wing section 51 gradually increases in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle as it extends outwards from the center side in the vehicle width direction. That is, the width A gradually increases from the mounting section 54a to the side wall section 53. The width A2 in the longitudinal direction at the outer end section of wing section 51 is greater than the width A1 in the longitudinal direction at the base end section of wing section 51.

[0079] Viewed from above, a front edge 51a of the wing section 51, extending from the center of the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction, is curved backwards.

[0080] The wing section 51 is designed such that the distance between the front edge 51a of the wing section 51 and a rear edge 51b of the wing section 51 increases when it moves from the center of the vehicle width direction, when viewed from above, to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0081] The wing section 51 includes an inner inclined section 51c and an outer inclined section 51d (inclined section), wherein the upper surface of the wing section 51, when viewed in a side view of the vehicle, has a rearward sloping position in the inner inclined section 51c, and wherein the upper surface of the wing section 51, when viewed in a side view of the vehicle, has a rearward rising position in the outer inclined section 51d.

[0082] The inner inclined section 51c is arranged on the base end section side of the wing section 51. The outer inclined section 51d is arranged between the inner inclined section 51c and the side wall section 53 and is located on the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the inner inclined section 51c.

[0083] The downward slope towards the rear of the inner inclined section 51c decreases so that it approaches the horizontal direction as it moves from the base end section side of the wing section 51 to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0084] The inner end of the outer inclined section 51d, in the direction of the vehicle's width, is connected to the outer end of the inner inclined section 51c, also in the direction of the vehicle's width. At the connecting section between the inner end of the outer inclined section 51d and the outer end of the inner inclined section 51c, the inclination of the wing section 51, when viewed from the side, is generally horizontal.

[0085] The upward slope of the rear of the outer inclined section 51d gradually increases as it moves from the inner end of the outer inclined section 51d, in the direction of vehicle width, to the outside in the direction of vehicle width.

[0086] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the front, the front edge 51a of the wing section 51 is inclined downwards when it goes from the center of the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0087] When viewed from the front, the front edge 51a of the wing section 51 is arranged above the rear edge 51b in the inner oblique section 51c, and is arranged below the rear edge 51b in the outer oblique section 51d.

[0088] This means that the wing section 51 is designed in such a way that it twists a plate element extending in the vehicle width direction around the longitudinal direction of the wing section 51.

[0089] The upper wing section 52 is a plate-like section that extends in the vehicle width direction from the upper mounting section 55 towards the outside and is arranged such that the plate thickness direction is aligned with the vertical direction.

[0090] The upper wing section 52 extends horizontally outwards in the vehicle width direction over the wing section 51 and generally overlaps the entire upper wing section 52 with a section at the front of the wing section 51 when viewed from above. The base end section of the upper wing section 52 is located on the outside of the base end section of the wing section 51 in the vehicle width direction. The upper wing section 52 extends outwards in the vehicle width direction to a position similar to that of the wing section 51.

[0091] Viewed from above, the width B of the upper wing section 52 generally increases in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle as it extends outwards from the center side in the vehicle width direction. That is, the width B gradually increases as it moves from the upper mounting section 55 towards the side wall section 53. The width B2 in the longitudinal direction at the outer end section of the upper wing section 52 is greater than the width B1 in the longitudinal direction at the base end section of the upper wing section 52.

[0092] Here, the width A of wing section 51 is greater overall than the width B of the upper wing section 52. The width A1 of wing section 51 is greater than the width B1 of the upper wing section 52. The width A2 of wing section 51 is greater than the width B2 of the upper wing section 52.

[0093] Viewed from above, a leading edge 52a of the upper wing section 52 is curved backwards when it extends from the center of the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0094] The upper wing section 52 is designed such that the distance between the front edge 52a of the upper wing section 52 and a rear edge 52b of the upper wing section 52 increases when, viewed from above, it moves from the center of the vehicle width direction towards the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0095] The leading edge 52a of the upper wing section 52 is positioned behind the leading edge 52a of the wing section 51. The trailing edge 52b of the upper wing section 52 is positioned in front of the trailing edge 51b of the wing section 51.

[0096] The upper wing section 52 includes an upper inclined section 52c, wherein the upper surface of the upper wing section 52, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, has a rearward-sloping position in the upper inclined section 52c. The upper inclined section 52c is arranged over the entire length of the upper wing section 52.

[0097] The upward slope towards the rear of the upper inclined section 52 gradually increases as it moves from the base end section side of the upper inclined section 52c to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0098] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the front, the rear edge 52b of the upper wing section 52 is arranged above the front edge 52a of the upper oblique section 52c.

[0099] The side wall section 53 is a plate-like section that extends vertically and is arranged such that the plate thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle width direction.

[0100] The side wall section 53 extends upwards from the end section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the wing section 51 and is connected to the end section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the upper wing section 52.

[0101] The lower end section of side wall section 53 is connected along its entire longitudinal direction at the outer end in the vehicle width direction to wing section 51. The upper end section of side wall section 53 is connected along its entire longitudinal direction at the outer end section in the vehicle width direction to the upper wing section 52. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the width in the longitudinal direction of the lower section of side wall section 53 is greater than the width in the longitudinal direction of the upper section of side wall section 53.

[0102] The side wall section 53 is inclined towards the outside in the direction of the vehicle width when it extends rearward from a front edge 53a of the side wall section 53. When viewed from the front, a rear edge 53b of the side wall section 53 is located on the outside in the direction of the vehicle width of the front edge 53.

[0103] When viewed in side and front view, the front edge 53a of the side wall section 53 generally extends vertically and connects the outer end of the front edge 51a of the wing section 51 with the outer end of the front edge 52a of the upper wing section 52.

[0104] The rear edge 53b of the side wall section 53 extends downwards from the outer end of the rear edge 53b of the upper wing section 52, is then bent backwards and is connected to the outer end of the rear edge 51b of the wing section 51.

[0105] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the front, the vertical distance H between the front edge 51a of the wing section 51 and the front edge 52a of the upper wing section 52 increases when it moves from the center side in the vehicle width direction to the outside.

[0106] It also fits, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows, when viewed in a side view of the vehicle, the upper wing section 52 extends to the entire length L of the wing section 51 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0107] Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 3. In Fig. 8 is a fixing element 84b described below, but not shown.

[0108] The left and right second wing elements 80 are generally symmetrical. Therefore, only the second wing element 80 on the left side is explained in detail here, and a detailed explanation of the second wing element 80 on the right side is omitted.

[0109] Relating to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 is the second wing element 80 along a lower edge 42a, when viewed in vehicle side view, arranged downwards towards the rear of the side panel 42.

[0110] The second wing element 80 comprises a second (lower) wing section 81, a second upper wing section 82, and a second side wall section 83, wherein the second wing section 81 extends outwards in the vehicle width direction from the side surface of the side panel 42, wherein the second upper wing section 82 extends outwards in the vehicle width direction from the side surface of the side panel 42 over the front of the second wing section 81, and wherein the second side wall section 83 extends upwards from the end section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the second wing section 81 and is connected to the second upper wing section 82.

[0111] The second wing element 80 also includes a second (lower) fastening section 84 and a second upper fastening section 85, wherein the second fastening section 84 is arranged on the base end section of the second wing section 81 and is attached to the side surface of the side panel 42, and wherein the second upper fastening section 85 is arranged on the base end section of the second upper wing section 82 and is attached to the side surface of the side panel 42.

[0112] The second fastening section 84 and the second upper fastening section 85 are plate-like sections formed along the side surface of the side panel 42. A plurality of fastening holes 84a are arranged in the second fastening section 84. A plurality of fastening holes 85a are arranged in the second upper fastening section 85.

[0113] The second wing element 80 is attached to the side surface of the side panel 42 by fixing elements 84b ( Fig. 3) fastened, which are inserted into the respective fastening holes 84a, as well as fixing elements 85b ( Fig. 3), which are inserted into the respective mounting holes 85a.

[0114] In particular, the second fastening section 84 is arranged behind and below the second upper fastening section 85.

[0115] The second wing section 81 is a plate-like section extending from the second mounting section 84 to the outside in the vehicle width direction and is arranged such that the plate thickness is aligned vertically. Viewed from above, the second wing section 81 generally extends straight outwards in the vehicle width direction.

[0116] When viewed from above, the width of the second wing section 81 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is generally the same over the entire length of the second wing section 81.

[0117] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the upper surface of the second wing section 81 is inclined upwards towards the rear.

[0118] The second upper wing section 82 is a plate-like section extending outwards from the second upper mounting section 85 in the vehicle width direction and is arranged such that the plate thickness direction is aligned with the vertical direction. Viewed from above, the second upper wing section 82 generally extends straight outwards in the vehicle width direction to a position similar to that of the second wing section 81, generally parallel to the second wing section 81.

[0119] When viewed from above, the width in the longitudinal direction of the second upper wing section 82 is generally the same over the entire length of the second upper wing section 82.

[0120] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the upper surface of the second upper wing section 82, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, is inclined backwards and upwards.

[0121] The second side wall section 83 is a plate-like section that extends vertically and is arranged such that the plate thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle width direction.

[0122] The second side wall section 83 extends upwards forwards from the end section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the second wing section 81 and is connected to the end section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the second upper wing section 82.

[0123] The second side wall section 83 is inclined outwards in the direction of the vehicle width when it extends rearwards from a front edge 83a of the second side wall section 83. When viewed from the front, a rear edge 83b of the second side wall section 83 is located on the outside in the direction of the vehicle width of the front edge 83a.

[0124] Relating to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the second wing element 80 is arranged such that it is offset downwards in relation to the wing element 50, so that it has a gap in the vertical direction in relation to the wing element 50.

[0125] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the front, the front edge 83a of the second side wall section 83 of the second wing element 80 is arranged such that it is offset outwards in the vehicle width direction by the distance G with respect to the front edge 53a of the side wall section 53 of the wing element 50.

[0126] Relating to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 The downdraft pressing the motorcycle 1 downwards is generated by the fact that the airflow W flows backwards through the space between the wing section 51 and the upper wing section 52 of the wing element 50, above the upper wing section 52 and below the wing section 51.

[0127] Downforce can be ensured on the central side of the wing element 50 in the vehicle width direction by directing the airflow W, which flows along the side surface of the front fairing 41, along the wing section 51. However, if downforce is to be increased here, the wing section 51 becomes a drag on the airflow W flowing along the side surface of the front fairing 41, and the driving drag tends to increase.

[0128] Because, according to the present design, the width A of the wing section 51 is small on the side centrally located in the vehicle's width direction, it is possible to prevent the wing section 51 from creating a drag on the airflow W flowing along the side surface of the front fairing 41, thus reducing the driving drag. Furthermore, because the width A of the wing section 51 increases in the vehicle's length direction as it extends outwards in the vehicle's width direction, a large area of ​​the airflow W, which directly impacts the wing section 51 from the front, is captured in a section on the outer side of the wing section 51 in the vehicle's width direction, ensuring strong downforce.

[0129] Also, because the upward slope of the outer inclined section 51d towards the rear of the wing section 51 increases as it moves outwards in the vehicle width direction, the downforce provided by the outer inclined section 51d becomes greater as it moves outwards in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, a strong downforce is ensured on a section on the outside in the vehicle width direction, while the drag is reduced on the side in the middle in the vehicle width direction.

[0130] The airflow W between wing section 51 and the upper wing section 52 also flows in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the inner surface of the side wall section 53, which generally extends vertically, thus preventing the airflow from flowing outwards in the vehicle width direction of the wing element 50. Therefore, the airflow W flows efficiently in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, ensuring efficient downforce generation.

[0131] Relating to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 The downforce is generated by the fact that the airflow W2 ( Fig. 2) from the front through a gap between the second wing section 81 and the second upper wing section 82 of the second wing element 80 and over and under the second wing element 80 and flows to the rear.

[0132] Since the second wing element 80, which is arranged behind the wing element 50, is offset downwards relative to the wing element 50, the forward airflow W flows directly into the second wing element 80 without passing through the wing element 50. Therefore, downforce can be efficiently generated by the second wing element 80.

[0133] As described above, according to embodiments to which the present invention is applied, the motorcycle 1 comprises the fairing 40, which covers the vehicle body from the sides, and at least one wing element 50, which is arranged on the side surface of the fairing 40, wherein the wing element 50 comprises the wing section 51, which extends outwards in the vehicle width direction from the fairing 40, and the width A of the wing section 51 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, when viewed in top view, increases from the middle side in the vehicle width direction towards the outside.

[0134] Because, according to this configuration, the width A of wing section 51 is small in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the midpoint of the wing section 51 in the vehicle width direction, the drag caused by the airflow W, which flows along the wing section 51 near the surface of the fairing 40, can be reduced. Furthermore, because the width of the wing section 51 increases towards the outside in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle width, the airflow W, which directly impacts the wing section 51 from the front, is captured by a large area in a section on the outside of the wing section 51 in the vehicle width direction, thus ensuring strong downforce. Therefore, the wing element 50 can reduce the driving drag and efficiently ensure downforce.

[0135] The wing section 51 also includes the outwardly inclined section 51d, which is inclined upwards to the rear when viewed in a side view of the vehicle, and the inclination of the outer inclined section 51 increases as it moves from the middle side in the vehicle width direction towards the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0136] According to this configuration, the driving resistance can be reduced by the wing element 50 on the middle side of the wing section 51 in the direction of the vehicle width, and the downforce can be efficiently ensured in a section on the outer side of the wing section 51 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0137] The wing element 50 also includes the upper wing section 52 and the side wall section 53, wherein the upper wing section 52 extends in the vehicle width direction from the fairing 40 over the wing section 51 to the outside, and wherein the side wall section extends upwards in the vehicle width direction from an end section on the outside of the wing section 51 and is connected to the upper wing section.

[0138] According to this configuration, the airflow W1, which flows along the outer end section of the wing section 51 in the vehicle width direction, can be guided through the sidewall section 53, thus ensuring efficient downforce. Downforce can also be ensured through the upper wing section 52, and the stiffness of the wing element 50 can be improved by connecting the wing section 51, the sidewall section 53, and the upper wing section 52.

[0139] The width B of the upper wing section 52 also increases in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, when viewed from above, from the middle side in the vehicle width direction towards the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0140] According to this configuration, the driving resistance can be reduced by the upper wing section 52 on the middle side of the upper wing section 52 in the direction of the vehicle width, and the downforce can be efficiently ensured in a section on the outer side of the upper wing section 52 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0141] The fairing 40 also includes the front fairing 41, which covers the vehicle body from the front and sides left and right at the front end section of the motorcycle 1, wherein the front fairing 41 is inclined to the rear when viewed from above, extending from the central section 41a in the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the wing element 50 is arranged in pairs to the left and right of the central section 41a of the front fairing 41.

[0142] According to this configuration, downforce can be efficiently ensured by the wing element 50 and the driving resistance can be reduced by the wing element 50 by utilizing the airflow that flows rearward to the left and right of the central section 41a of the front fairing 41.

[0143] The second wing element 80 is also arranged on the side surface of the fairing 40, and the second wing element 80 is arranged in a position different from the wing element 50.

[0144] According to this configuration, downforce can be ensured by the second wing element 80, which is located in a position different from the wing element 50, and downforce can be increased.

[0145] The second wing element 80 also includes the second wing section 81, the second upper wing section 82 and the second side wall section 83, wherein the second wing section 81 extends outwards in the vehicle width direction from fairing 40, wherein the second upper wing section 82 extends outwards in the vehicle width direction from fairing 40 over the second wing section 81, and wherein the second side wall section 83 extends upwards from an end section on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the second wing section 81 and is connected to the second upper wing section 82.

[0146] According to this configuration, the airflow W2, which flows along the outer end section in the vehicle width direction of the second wing section 81, can be guided by the second sidewall section 83, thus ensuring efficient downforce. Downforce can also be ensured by the second upper wing section 82, and the stiffness of the second wing element 80 can be improved by connecting the second wing section 81, the second sidewall section 83, and the second upper wing section 82.

[0147] The second wing element 80 is also arranged behind the wing element 50.

[0148] According to this configuration, downforce can be ensured by the second wing element 80 by utilizing the airflow W2 that flows at the rear of the wing element 50.

[0149] The second side wall section 83 is also arranged on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the side wall section 53 of the wing element 50.

[0150] According to this configuration, downforce can be efficiently ensured by the second wing element 80 by utilizing the airflow W that flows on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the wing element 50.

[0151] The above descriptions also illustrate one aspect to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to the above descriptions.

[0152] Although it has been explained in the above descriptions that the wing element 50 comprises the wing section 51, the upper wing section 52, and the side wall section 53, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the wing element may also comprise only a single wing section 51, without comprising the upper wing section 52 and the side wall section 53, and this wing section 51 may be arranged on the side surface of the panel 40.

[0153] Although the motorcycle 1 was described as an example in the above descriptions as a ride-on saddle vehicle, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can also be applied to a three-wheeled ride-on saddle vehicle comprising two front wheels or two rear wheels, as well as a ride-on saddle vehicle comprising four wheels or more. [List of reference symbols] 1 motorcycle (ride-on vehicle) 40 cladding 41 Front fairing 41a middle section 50 wing elements 51 Wing section 51d outer inclined section (sloping section) 52 upper wing section 53 Side wall section 80 second wing element 81 second wing section 82 second upper wing section 83 second side wall section A Width (width in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle wing section) B Width (width in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the upper wing section)

Claims

[1] Ride-on semi-trailer vehicle which has: a fairing (40) covering a vehicle body from the sides; and a wing element (50) arranged on a side surface of the covering (40), where the fairing (40) is a front fairing (41) covering the vehicle body from the front and the left and right sides at a front end portion of the ride-on saddle vehicle, and the wing element (50) includes a wing section (51) which extends in the vehicle width direction from the panel (40) to an outer side, characterized by , that the wing element (50) includes a fastening portion (54) and an upper fastening portion (55), the fastening portion (54) being attached to a base end portion of the wing portion (51) and being attached to a side surface of the front panel (41), the upper fastening section (55) is positioned on the rear upper side of the fastening section (54), and the wing portion (51) includes a front edge (51a) and a rear edge (51b), the front edge (51a) being curved so that when the front edge (51a) extends outward in the vehicle width direction from a center side of the vehicle width direction, it is curved rearward, and when viewed in plan view, a width (A) of the wing portion (51), which is a distance in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the front edge (51a) and the rear edge (51b), becomes larger from the middle side in the vehicle width direction to the outside of the vehicle width direction. [2] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the wing portion (51) includes a slanted portion (51d) which is inclined upwardly towards the rear when viewed in the vehicle side view, and the inclination of the inclined portion (51d) increases as the inclination goes from the middle side in the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction. [3] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wing member (51) includes an upper wing portion (52) and a side wall portion (53), the upper wing portion (52) extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the cowl (40) above the wing portion (51), the side wall portion (53) extending upward from an end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the wing portion (51) and being connected to the upper wing portion (52). [4] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, when viewed in plan view, a width (B) of the upper wing portion (52) in the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes larger as the width (B) goes from the vehicle width direction center side to the vehicle width direction outer side. [5] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front cowl (41) is inclined rearward as the front cowl (41) extends from a vehicle width direction center portion (41a) to the outside in the vehicle width direction when viewed in plan view, and the wing member (50) is arranged on the left and right of the center portion (41a) of the front cowl (41) as a pair. [6] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a second wing member (80) is arranged on the side surface of the cowl (40), the second wing member (80) being arranged at a different position from the wing member (50). [7] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the second wing member (80) includes a second wing portion (81), a second upper wing portion (82), and a second side wall portion (83), the second wing portion (81) extending from the cowl (40) to the outside in the vehicle width direction, the second upper wing portion (82) extending from the cowl above the second wing portion (81) to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the second side wall portion (83) extending upward from an end portion on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the second wing portion (81) and being connected to the second upper wing portion (82). [8] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the second wing member (80) is arranged rearwardly of the wing member (50). [9] The ride-on saddle vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the wing member (50) includes an upper wing portion (52) and a side wall portion (53), wherein the upper wing portion (52) extends outwardly above the wing portion (51), and wherein the side wall portion (53) extends upwardly from an end portion on the outer side of the wing portion (51) in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the upper wing portion (52), and the second side wall portion (83) is arranged on the outer side of the side wall portion (53) of the wing element (50) in the vehicle width direction. [10] Ride-on semi-trailer vehicle, which has: a fairing (40) covering a vehicle body from the sides; and a wing element (50) arranged on a side surface of the covering (40), wherein the wing element (50) includes a wing portion (51) extending in the vehicle width direction from the panel (40) to an outer side, and characterized by that, when viewed in plan view, a width (A) from a middle side in the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction becomes larger in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the wing portion (51) and a second wing element (80) is arranged on the side surface of the covering (40), wherein the second wing element (80) is arranged at a position different from the wing element (50).

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