Tilting vehicle with a vehicle fairing

Abstract

A tilting vehicle (10) is provided, with a vehicle fairing (14), which comprises at least one first fairing element (16A), and with a heat source (17) which, during operation of the tilting vehicle (10), causes an air mass flow (L) flowing through the tilting vehicle to be heated, wherein the first fairing element (16A), at least in a closure position (V), is arranged at least in sections downstream of the heat source (17) and partially or completely closes an air outlet opening (18) of the air mass flow (L) from the tilting vehicle (10), wherein the first fairing element (16A) is designed to be movable between the closure position (V) and at least one opening position (O), in which the air outlet opening (18) is open in relation to a surrounding environment.

Description

[0001] Tilting vehicle with vehicle cladding

[0002] The invention relates to a tilting vehicle with a vehicle cladding.

[0003] Particularly for tilting vehicles, such as motorcycles or scooters, which are designed to achieve high speeds, optimal aerodynamics play a crucial role. For this purpose, the fairing, also known as the body, is designed to be as closed as possible, at least in the front area of ​​the vehicle and, if necessary, also in the (front) side areas, in order to achieve a largely smooth outer surface. This creates a laminar airflow in these areas and thus ensures a low drag coefficient for the entire vehicle.

[0004] At the same time, such front and side panels reduce the cooling airflow through the vehicle. This is particularly noticeable at lower speeds. While at high speeds, a large air mass flow still flows through the tilting vehicle due to the strong airflow, thus ensuring sufficient cooling, this cooling effect is significantly reduced at low speeds or is completely eliminated when stationary, such as in traffic jams.

[0005] At the same time, in these situations, the aerodynamic advantage of the closed fairing is lost due to the low or nonexistent vehicle speed, resulting in a buildup of heat, such as engine waste heat, within the vehicle. This heat buildup leads to increased thermal stress for the driver, but can also reduce the vehicle's performance or even lead to thermal damage to components. The active cooling fan typically found in such vehicles can reduce heat buildup, but cannot prevent it in all situations.

[0006] An object of the invention is therefore to improve cooling in a tilting vehicle with vehicle cladding.

[0007] This object is achieved with a tilting vehicle according to the subject matter of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims.

[0008] Accordingly, a tilting vehicle is proposed, comprising a. a vehicle panel comprising at least a first panel element, b. a heat source which, during operation of the tilting vehicle, heats an air mass flow flowing through the tilting vehicle, wherein the first panel element is arranged, at least in a closed position, at least partially downstream behind the heat source and (at least in this closed position) partially or completely closes an air outlet opening for the air mass flow from the tilting vehicle. Furthermore, the first panel element is designed to be movable between the closed position and at least one open position in which the air outlet opening is open to the environment.

[0009] A tilting vehicle is understood to mean motorcycles or motorcycle-like motor vehicles, such as scooters, in particular two-, three- or four-wheeled scooters, tilting trikes, quads or the like.

[0010] The vehicle paneling can, for example, form a paneling of a front area of ​​the tilting vehicle and / or at least a section of the side paneling of the tilting vehicle. For example, the side paneling can be a front side paneling that covers at least one front side area of ​​the tilting vehicle. In particular, this front side paneling can be designed to cover a side area located (in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) in front of the driver (relative to a typical operating or usage position of the driver).

[0011] At least while driving (hereinafter also referred to as operation), the tilting vehicle is subjected to an air mass flow. This air mass flow can be generated, for example, by a wind generated by the movement of the tilting vehicle. This air mass flow flows through at least an interior section of the tilting vehicle. The air also flows against and / or through the heat source, causing a heat exchange from the heat source to the air mass flow. This heat exchange cools the heat source and consequently leads to a heating of the air mass flow.

[0012] The heated air mass flow is then discharged from the tilting vehicle through one or more air outlet openings. At least one air outlet opening can be the air outlet opening that can be closed by the movable first trim element. In any case, the one or more air outlet openings can each be configured as defined openings on the tilting vehicle, for example, as a recess in the vehicle trim, and / or defined by areas without vehicle trim, through which the air mass flow can escape into the environment.

[0013] The first cladding element, or at least a portion of the first cladding element, is arranged downstream of the heat source in the flow direction of the air mass flow. This arrangement can be achieved, for example, by arranging the first cladding element at least partially (relative to a longitudinal direction of the tilting vehicle) behind the heat source, so that the heated air mass flow can flow from the heat source to the first cladding element. In a vertical direction of the tilting vehicle, the first cladding element can be arranged in any desired position, i.e., below, at the same height as, or above the heat source.

[0014] As described, the first covering element is designed to be movable and can be moved accordingly between the closed position and the at least one open position, i.e., the one or more open positions. When the first covering element is in the closed position, the associated air outlet opening is closed by the first covering element. This can, for example, be a merely partial closure or a complete closure of this air outlet opening.

[0015] In this way, closing the air outlet reduces or even eliminates any negative impact of the air outlet on the aerodynamic properties of the tilting vehicle. In particular, the geometry of the air outlet prevents or at least reduces the risk of airflow around the tilting vehicle being separated, and / or turbulence can be avoided or at least reduced. The improved aerodynamics thus minimizes air resistance, allowing the tilting vehicle to operate more efficiently and achieve higher top speeds.

[0016] To avoid the risk of heat buildup within the tilting vehicle due to the closed air outlet opening, the first cladding element can be moved, if necessary, into at least one opening position in which the air outlet opening is open to the surroundings. This can be a partial opening or a complete opening of the air outlet opening.

[0017] Of course, instead of a single opening position, several different opening positions are also possible, which differ, for example, in their degree of opening. In each case, the one or more opening positions differ from the closed position in that the air outlet opening is wider open in the respective open position than in the closed position. In the case of multiple opening positions, for example, a stepwise or continuous adjustment is possible.

[0018] If the first fairing element is in at least one open position, the heated air mass flow can exit the tilting vehicle through the air outlet opening, thus ensuring appropriate heat dissipation. This can be supported by an external airflow around the tilting vehicle, creating a suction effect and thus additionally driving the air mass flow. Depending on the selected position, the movable first fairing element can either achieve particularly advantageous aerodynamics or create the largest possible air outlet opening to provide increased cooling when needed.

[0019] According to an advantageous development, the first trim element can be arranged adjacent to at least one second trim element of the vehicle trim in the closed position. Adjacency can be achieved, for example, by the respective trim elements directly adjoining one another. Thus, the respective end faces of both trim elements can be arranged facing one another, preferably abutting one another, or at least spaced apart by a gap. Alternatively, an overlapping arrangement in the edge regions of the adjacent trim elements can be provided for this purpose.

[0020] Furthermore, the at least one second cladding element can be firmly or rigidly connected to other sections of the vehicle cladding and / or to the remaining tilting vehicle, for example, to a vehicle structure. Thus, the vehicle cladding, which influences the aerodynamics of the tilting vehicle, is formed jointly by (vehicle-)fixed sections of the vehicle cladding and the movable first cladding element, at least in the aforementioned closed position.

[0021] For example, in the closed position, an outer surface of the first cladding element and an outer surface of the at least one second cladding element can form a continuous, closed outer surface of the vehicle cladding. This allows a smooth, shared surface of the vehicle cladding to be formed, enabling an aerodynamically advantageous external flow around the tilting vehicle in this area. Due to the smooth design, this flow can adhere to the vehicle cladding in a laminar manner, achieving the lowest possible air resistance. Flow separation and the corresponding formation of turbulence, which would otherwise increase air resistance, can be avoided or at least reduced at this point.The continuous, closed outer surface should also be present if a joint is provided between the two cladding elements, for example a joint with a joint width of maximum 10 mm, preferably maximum 5 mm.

[0022] For example, the heat source mentioned can be a heat exchanger, a motor, an energy storage device, an electronic component, or a component of an exhaust system. The heat exchanger can, for example, be the heat exchanger of an engine cooling circuit, which is provided for cooling the engine of the tilting vehicle, in particular the drive motor, and through which the air mass flow flows. Alternatively or additionally, a heat source can also be formed by the engine itself, in particular the drive motor. In this case, the engine can be either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, each of which is designed to drive the tilting vehicle, i.e., as a drive motor.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the other components mentioned can also be provided as a heat source and can be flowed around and / or through by the air mass flow for heat exchange with the latter.

[0024] Furthermore, the tilting vehicle can have an air inlet opening which is aligned in the vehicle's longitudinal direction for introducing the air mass flow by means of a headwind.

[0025] Furthermore, the first trim element can be connected to an actuating device designed to move the first trim element between the closed position and the at least one open position. The actuating device can be rigidly connected to the vehicle structure, such as a vehicle frame or another supporting structural component, on the vehicle side. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating device can be connected to the second trim element and thus be supported on the vehicle side.

[0026] For example, the actuating device can comprise a rail arrangement and / or a pivoting device and / or a folding device. Of course, other actuating devices that enable a corresponding movement of the first cladding element can also be used. The actuating device can be controlled, for example, depending on a speed of the tilting vehicle and / or one or more temperature measurements. A temperature measurement can be used, for example, as an ambient temperature and / or a temperature of the air mass flow and / or a temperature of the heat source.

[0027] For example, the control system can be configured such that at higher speeds the first trim element is moved into the closed position. A higher speed can be considered to be, for example, a speed above 50 km / h, preferably above 100 km / h. In this way - as already described above - the aerodynamics can be improved, which becomes more effective with increasing vehicle speed. Nevertheless, due to the high dynamic pressure that occurs at corresponding vehicle speeds, a sufficiently high air mass flow can be ensured, so that sufficient airflow through the vehicle and thus a sufficient cooling effect is achieved despite the air outlet opening being closed. For example, a threshold speed can be defined above which the first trim element is moved into the closed position. The threshold can, for example, be at or above 50 km / h.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the control can be configured such that the first panel element is moved into one or more of the opening positions at lower speeds. A lower speed can be considered, for example, a speed value below the above-mentioned "higher speed," preferably below 50 km / h.

[0029] As vehicle speed decreases, the beneficial effect of the aerodynamics diminishes. The negative impact on the airflow around the tilting vehicle, and thus on the drag coefficient, due to the fully or at least partially open air outlet is thus less than at higher speeds. Accordingly, in these cases, the focus can be placed on a favorable airflow through the tilting vehicle. The heated air mass flow flowing through the tilting vehicle can escape from the open air outlet into the environment, thus providing improved cooling. The invention is explained in more detail below using two exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. They show:

[0030] Fig. 1 : a first schematically illustrated side view of a tilting vehicle according to the description with a first cladding element in a closed position, and

[0031] Fig. 2: a second side view of the tilting vehicle with the first cladding element in an opening position,

[0032] Fig. 3: an alternative embodiment to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2

[0033] Tilting vehicle.

[0034] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a tilting vehicle 10 designed as a motorcycle. This 10 comprises a rear wheel 12 driven by a drive motor 11 and a steerable front wheel 13. In addition, the tilting vehicle 10 has a vehicle fairing 14, which comprises a fairing 15 of a front region of the tilting vehicle 10 and an at least partially side fairing 16 of the tilting vehicle 10. The side fairing 16 is formed by a front side fairing, which covers a front side region of the tilting vehicle 10, i.e. a side region that is arranged in front of a driver with respect to a usual operating position or usage position of the driver.

[0035] The vehicle panel 14 comprises a first panel element 16a and a second panel element 16b, which together are part of the side panel 16.

[0036] The tilting vehicle 10 also includes a heat source 17, which, during operation of the tilting vehicle 10, heats an air mass flow L flowing through the tilting vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat source 17 is formed by a heat exchanger of an engine cooling circuit, which is provided for cooling the drive motor 11 and, during operation, i.e., while driving, is flowed through by the air mass flow L generated by a relative wind F. This air mass flow L enters the tilting vehicle 10 by means of the relative wind F through an air inlet opening 19, which is arranged pointing in the vehicle's longitudinal direction x, and flows through an interior section of the tilting vehicle 10. In this case, the air also flows through the heat exchanger 17, so that a heat exchange from the heat source 17 to the air mass flow L is effected. This heat exchange cools the heat source 17 and accordingly leads to a heating of the air mass flow L.

[0037] The first cladding element 16a is designed to be movable between a closed position V and an open position O, in which a (first) air outlet opening 18 for the air mass flow L from the tilting vehicle 10 is open to an environment U.

[0038] The first cladding element 16a is arranged downstream behind the heat source 17 in the closed position V. This arrangement, which is merely an example, is achieved, as shown, in that the first cladding element 16a is arranged at least partially (relative to the longitudinal direction x of the tilting vehicle 10) behind the heat source 17, so that the heated air mass flow L can flow from the heat source 17 to the first cladding element 16a. In a vertical direction z of the tilting vehicle 10, the first cladding element 16a is also arranged, for example, above the heat source 17. However, an arrangement below the heat source 17 or at the same height is also possible.

[0039] In this closed position V, the first cladding element 16a at least partially closes the first air outlet opening 18 for the air mass flow L from the tilting vehicle 10. Alternatively, a complete closure could also be provided.

[0040] In addition to the first air outlet opening 18, further air outlet openings 18a are provided through which portions of the heated air mass flow L are discharged from the tilting vehicle. While the first air outlet opening 18 is configured, for example, as defined openings (here, for example, in the form of a recess) in the vehicle trim 14, the further air outlet openings 18a are also defined, for example, by areas without vehicle trim 14, through which the air mass flow L can escape into the environment U.

[0041] If the first cladding element 16a is arranged in the closed position V, thereby closing the first air outlet opening 18, the disruption of the outer airflow surrounding the tilting vehicle 10 due to the lack of an open air outlet opening 18 can be prevented or at least reduced. Turbulence is also avoided or at least reduced. The improved aerodynamics thus minimize air resistance, thus enabling more efficient operation of the tilting vehicle 10 and the achievement of higher top speeds.

[0042] To avoid the risk of heat buildup within the tilting vehicle 10 due to the closed air outlet opening 18, the first cladding element 16a can, if necessary, be moved into the opening position O, in which the first air outlet opening 18 is (partially or completely) open to the environment U. Of course, instead of a single opening position O, several different opening positions are also possible, which differ, for example, in their degree of opening.

[0043] If the first cladding element 16a is in the opening position O, the heated air mass flow L can accordingly (in addition to the further air outlet openings 18a) also (at least with a portion) exit from the tilting vehicle 10 through the first air outlet opening 18 and thus ensure appropriate heat dissipation.

[0044] With the help of the movable first cladding element 16a, depending on the selected position, either particularly advantageous aerodynamics can be achieved or the first air outlet opening 18 can be opened for an improved cooling effect if required.

[0045] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the first trim element 16a is arranged in the closed position V adjacent to the second trim element 16b of the vehicle trim 14. In the illustrated embodiment, this means that the respective trim elements 16a, 16b directly adjoin one another. Thus, the respective end faces of both trim elements 16a, 16b can be arranged facing one another, preferably abutting one another, or at least spaced apart by a gap. Alternatively, an overlapping arrangement in the edge regions of the respectively adjacent trim elements 16a, 16b can be provided for this purpose.

[0046] The second trim element 16b is fixedly or rigidly connected to other sections of the vehicle trim 14 and / or to the rest of the tilting vehicle 10, for example, to a vehicle structure. In this case, the vehicle trim 14 is thus formed jointly by (vehicle-)fixed trim elements, at least the second trim element 16b, and the movable first trim element 16a.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, an outer surface of the first cladding element 16a (in closed position V) and an outer surface of the second cladding element 16b form a continuous, closed outer surface of the vehicle cladding 14, which additionally improves the already described, aerodynamically advantageous outer flow around the tilting vehicle 10 in this area.

[0048] Of course, the continuous, closed outer surface can also be present if a joint is provided between the two cladding elements 16a, 16b. For example, this joint can have a maximum width of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 5 mm.

[0049] In addition, the first trim element 16a is connected to an actuating device 20, which is designed to move the first trim element 16a between the closed position V and the open position O. The actuating device 20 is, for example, rigidly connected to the vehicle structure, such as a vehicle frame or another supporting structural component, on the vehicle side. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating device 20 can be connected to the second trim element 16b and thus supported on the vehicle side.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating device 20 comprises a rail arrangement that enables lateral displacement B of the first cladding element 16a. Of course, the actuating device 20 may alternatively or additionally comprise a pivoting device and / or a folding device, or other actuating devices that enable a corresponding movement of the first cladding element 16a.

[0051] The actuating device 20 can be controlled, for example, as a function of a speed of the tilting vehicle 10 and / or one or more temperature measurement values.

[0052] Instead of a motorcycle, the tilting vehicle 10 can also be a motorcycle-like motor vehicle, such as a scooter, in particular a two-, three- or four-wheeled scooter, a scooter, a tilting trike, quad or the like.

[0053] In Fig. 2, the first embodiment of the first trim element 16a, already visible in Fig. 1, is shown again in isolation in the opening position O. Here, the first trim element 16a is arranged behind the second trim element 16b in the vehicle width direction y. Thus, in this position, the first trim element 16a is positioned inside the tilting vehicle 10. Thus, in the opening position O, it is at least partially concealed from the outside behind the second trim element 16b.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment to the embodiment of the tilting vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the first cladding element 16a is also in the opening position O. However, in the embodiment shown, the first cladding element 16a is arranged in the opening position O in front of the second cladding element 16b in the vehicle width direction y and thus outside the tilting vehicle 10. In this way, it is not concealed in the opening position O, but rather itself conceals at least part of the second cladding element 16b or the side cladding 16. Otherwise, this embodiment of the tilting vehicle 10 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, so that for all features of the tilting vehicle 10, reference is made to the description there. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are used for the corresponding features and components.It is understood for all Figures 1 to 3 shown that the concealed side of the vehicle (right side of the vehicle), which is not shown for reasons of the representation perspective, can be designed at least essentially as a mirror image of the side of the vehicle shown (left side of the vehicle).

Claims

Patent claims 1. Tilting vehicle (10) with a. a vehicle fairing (14) comprising at least a first fairing element (16a), b. a heat source (17) which, during operation of the tilting vehicle (10), causes a heating of an air mass flow (L) flowing through the tilting vehicle (10), wherein the first fairing element (16a) is arranged at least in a closed position (V) at least sectionally downstream of the heat source (17) and partially or completely closes an air outlet opening (18) for the air mass flow (L) from the tilting vehicle (10), characterized in that the first fairing element (16a) is movably designed between the closed position (V) and at least one opening position (O) in which the air outlet opening (18) is open to an environment (U).

2. Tilting vehicle (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first fairing element (16a) is arranged in the closed position (V) adjacent to at least one second fairing element (16b) of the vehicle fairing (14), 3. Tilting vehicle (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that in the closed position (V) an outer surface of the first trim element (16a) and an outer surface of the at least one second trim part (16b) form a continuous, closed outer surface of the vehicle trim (14).

4. Tilting vehicle (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the heat source (17) is a heat exchanger, a motor, an energy storage device, an electronic component or a component of an exhaust system. Tilting vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tilting vehicle (10) has an air inlet opening (19) which is oriented in a longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle to introduce the air mass flow (L) by means of a driving airflow (F). Tilting vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first fairing element (16a) is connected to an actuating device (20) which is designed to move the first fairing element (16a) between the closed position (V) and the at least one open position (O). Tilting vehicle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuating device (20) comprises a rail arrangement and / or a pivoting device and / or a folding device.Tilting vehicle (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the actuating device (20) is controlled depending on the speed of the tilting vehicle (10) and / or a temperature measurement. Tilting vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the vehicle fairing (14) forms a fairing of a front area of ​​the tilting vehicle (10) and / or at least a partial side fairing (16) of the tilting vehicle (10).

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