Side fairing and motorcycle equipped with it

Abstract

Side fairing and motorcycle fitted therewith. The invention relates to a side fairing (1) with an elongated, shell-type main element (2), comprising an external visible side (3) and an internal side opposite it, and a first wing element (9) extending from a first longitudinal side (6) of the main element (2) in a first direction (7), as well as a second wing element (10) extending from a second longitudinal side (12) of the main element (2) in a second direction (11) opposite to the first direction (7). The first (9) and second (10) wing elements each comprise an external visible side (13, 15) and an internal side opposite it. Between the main element (2) and the first wing element (9), a connecting element (69) is disposed to form two separate openings (70, 71) between the main element (2) and the first wing element (9). connected to each other by the connecting element (69). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Side fairing and motorcycle equipped therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a side fairing for a vehicle with an elongated shell-type main element, which has an external visible side and an internal side opposite it and a first wing element extending away from a first longitudinal side of the main element in a first direction and a second wing element extending away from a second longitudinal side of the main element in a second direction globally opposite to the first direction, in which the first and second wing elements each comprise an external visible side and an internal side opposite it.

[0002] A side fairing of this type was disclosed by German utility model DE 20 2021 104 406 U1 and is also commonly called a side spoiler. It is arranged on the two longitudinal sides of a motorcycle at the level of a heat exchanger and a fuel tank and therefore, in a corresponding side view of the two longitudinal sides of the motorcycle, covers the fuel tank or part of the fuel tank and extends from a seat or saddle of the motorcycle in the direction of travel of the motorcycle in the forward direction. When the motorcycle includes an internal combustion engine, the side spoiler also covers a heat exchanger laterally and also serves as a device for introducing cooling air into the heat exchanger.

[0003] Although the side fairing mentioned has proven itself in practice, there is still room for improvement, particularly with regard to the riding comfort and ease of use of a vehicle equipped with it, which may be an off-road motorcycle.

[0004] The objective of the present invention is therefore to make available an improved side fairing and, furthermore, to make available a motorcycle equipped with this side fairing.

[0005] To this end, the invention creates a side fairing for a vehicle with an elongated, shell-type main element, which has an external visible side and an internal side opposite it, and a first wing element extending from a first longitudinal side of the main element in a first direction, as well as a second wing element extending from a second longitudinal side of the main element in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction, wherein the first and second wing elements each comprise an external visible side and an internal side opposite it, in which, between the main element and the first wing element, a connecting element is disposed, so as to form, between the main element and the first wing element, two clearances separated from each other by the connecting element.

[0006] The side fairing according to the invention, which is also called a side spoiler, also comprises an elongated, shell-like main element that functions, with respect to the two wing elements provided, as a central piece on which the two wing elements are arranged and from which they extend. The main element and the two wing elements can be made of a plastic material, for example by means of an injection molding process, and this ensures that the main element and the two wing elements are formed as a single piece with each other.

[0007] Both the main element and the two wing elements have a visible side which is therefore on the outside when the side fairing is correctly arranged on the vehicle or motorcycle and which is oriented towards the observer or user looking at the side fairing.

[0008] The main element and the two wing elements also have an inner side opposite the visible side, which, when the side fairing is correctly positioned on the vehicle or motorcycle, corresponds to the body of the vehicle or motorcycle, and is therefore oriented, for example, towards the fuel tank. The fuel tank is thus at least partially covered on the outside by the side fairing according to the invention. Similarly, other components of the vehicle or motorcycle, along which the side fairing extends when correctly positioned on the vehicle or motorcycle, are also covered by the side fairing, at least in certain areas or locations.

[0009] In the correct arrangement of the side fairing on the vehicle or motorcycle, the second wing element is a wing element which is oriented in the direction of the vertical axis of the vehicle or motorcycle downwards, therefore in the direction of the road surface or the contact surface of the vehicle or motorcycle on which it is arranged.

[0010] When the observer or user looks towards the vehicle or motorcycle from the side, therefore on a side view of the vehicle or motorcycle, the second wing element of the side fairing arranged on the vehicle or motorcycle extends from the main element or central piece downwards, therefore towards the road surface or contact surface.

[0011] Due to the aforementioned design of the side fairing with a connecting element disposed between the first wing element and the main element, the advantages mentioned below are obtained. The mechanical stability of the side fairing is increased. The connecting element thus serves as a stiffening rib for the side fairing and as a support that improves the connection between the main element and The first wing element. This prevents the main element and the first wing element from bending easily. Thanks to this support function, the connecting element absorbs forces. When a person riding the motorcycle places their leg on the visible side of the first wing element, a compressive force is exerted on the first wing element towards the main element. This compressive force is absorbed by the connecting element.

[0012] The airflow exiting a motorcycle heat exchanger between the fuel tank and the side fairing is improved. The connecting element acts as a fin, guiding the air exiting the heat exchanger both along its inner and outer sides. This improves the airflow through the clearances and prevents the undesirable effect of hot exhaust air on the rider.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the main element, the first wing element, and the connecting element form a concave shape, the concave curvature being located on the visible side of the lateral fairing. Such a concave shape further improves the mechanical stability of the main element and the first wing element.

[0014] The concave shape, in particular, through interaction with the upper longitudinal edge of the main element and the lower longitudinal edge of the first wing element, allows for the formation of a channel-shaped portion of the side fairing. Compared to a smooth, and therefore uncurved, shape of the connecting element between the first wing element and the main element, this results in a further increase in mechanical stability, as is the case, for example, with a steel support having a U- or C-shaped cross-section (what is called a U-profile or a C-profile). Furthermore, the concave, and therefore channel-shaped, form further improves airflow along the connecting element.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second wing element is provided to have, at an end area distant from the main element, an end portion curved towards the inner side of the second wing element and, when the side fairing is arranged on the vehicle, the end portion of the second wing element is arranged adjacent to a lower end area of ​​a heat exchanger of the vehicle and the end area is designed at least partially as a reinforced end area.

[0016] When the side fairing is positioned on the motorcycle, the second wing element covers a lateral area of ​​the heat exchanger, and the curved end portion of the second wing element, in the direction of the motorcycle's vertical axis, comes under a lower end area of ​​the heat exchanger, so that the portion curved end extending towards the inner side of the second wing element extends in the direction of the vertical axis of the motorcycle to below a lower end area of ​​the heat exchanger and therefore also covers the lower end area of ​​the heat exchanger.

[0017] This configuration has the advantage that the lower end portion of the second wing element protects, on the one hand, the lower end area of ​​the heat exchanger, for example, against stones and other debris ejected upwards during vehicle operation. On the other hand, the inward curvature of the end portion ensures that a user seated on the vehicle or motorcycle cannot catch their legs, feet, or boots on the end portion of the second wing element.

[0018] When, contrary to the configuration according to the invention of the side fairing with a second wing element, with an end portion curved inwards, the end portion is made in a straight line, there is a risk that the user will catch, when operating the motorcycle off-road, with his legs or feet or boots, on the straight end portion and there is therefore a risk of the user falling with the motorcycle.

[0019] The configuration according to the invention of the side fairing makes it possible to eliminate this risk of falling, because the risk of the user getting caught, with his legs or his boots, on the lower end portion of the second wing element is eliminated.

[0020] The inward curvature of the end portion of the second wing element also ensures that, when positioned on the motorcycle, it also covers a fluid line fitting exiting from the lower side of the heat exchanger towards the side of the motorcycle and that stones or other objects, ejected upwards, which fly towards the fluid line fitting, are prevented, by the inwardly oriented end portion of the second wing element, from reaching the fluid line fitting.

[0021] It is also provided, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, that, when the side fairing is positioned on the vehicle, the end portion of the second wing element is arranged adjacent to a lower end area of ​​a heat exchanger of the vehicle. In other words, this means that the side fairing is configured so that the end portion of the second wing element is arranged adjacent to the lower end area of ​​the vehicle's heat exchanger, so that the wing element can completely cover the heat exchanger on its side and the inwardly curved end portion of the wing element covers the lower area of ​​the heat exchanger.

[0022] The reinforcement of the end zone can, for example, be achieved by increasing the thickness of the material. When the geometric dimensions, for example The longitudinal extension is simultaneously reduced, and the increased material thickness improves protection of the lower area of ​​the heat exchanger against dust and kicked-up stones, without increasing the weight of the side fairing. A further reduction in the geometric dimensions of the lower end area transversely to the direction of travel at the rear of the heat exchanger can further improve the exhaust of air leaving the heat exchanger.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the reinforced end area and / or parts of the first wing element and / or parts of the connecting element are made of a different material than other areas of the side fairing. This other material may, for example, be a material more impact-resistant or more abrasion-resistant than the material of the main element. An impact-resistant material further improves the protection of the lower area of ​​the heat exchanger. An abrasion-resistant material improves the resistance of the first wing element to the driver's leg resting on it. It may be a different colored material for aesthetic reasons.

[0024] The manufacture of a side fairing made of several materials is carried out using a multi-component injection molding process, for example a two-component injection molding process. This two-component injection molding process can be used, for example, when a first wing element, a reinforced end zone, and a connecting element are made of the same material.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, connecting elements extend from the main element to the connecting element and / or from the second wing element to the reinforced end zone and / or from the first wing element to the parts of the first wing element that are made of a different material. These connecting elements may, for example, be tabs that have a reduced material thickness compared to the rest of the main element and that protrude on the inner side of the main element. On the visible side, the reinforced end zone and / or the first wing element, with a similarly reduced material thickness at these locations, correspondingly overlap the main element. Overall, the material thickness of the side fairing remains the same at these locations as when the side fairing is made of a single material.

[0026] Providing connecting elements improves the adhesion of the reinforced tip area and / or the first wing element to the main element. Advantageously, connecting elements and corresponding locations on the reinforced tip area and / or the first wing element can be provided corresponding recesses and projections further improve the adhesion of the reinforced end area and / or the first wing element to the main element.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a front edge of the side fairing is concave when viewed from a third direction. As the concave curve extends against the direction of travel, the coverage of the heat exchanger by the side fairing is reduced. This improves airflow to the heat exchanger.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the end portion is generally curved along its entire longitudinal extension, running generally parallel to the second longitudinal side of the main element, towards the inner side of the second wing element. This configuration ensures that the end portion covers the heat exchanger along its entire longitudinal extension, as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the heat exchanger is thus fully protected.

[0029] More specifically, when using a motorcycle off-road, for example in enduro or motocross, the motorcycle often falls and the configuration according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that, when the motorcycle falls on its side during a fall, any irregularities protruding from the ground surface, for example stones or roots, cannot come into contact with the lower side or the lateral surface of the heat exchanger, because the motorcycle rests, by means of the second wing element and more particularly the curved end portion towards the inner side of the second wing element, against the ground surface and the aforementioned irregularities.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first wing element is provided to include, on the visible side, a surface area provided with a texture.

[0031] When the side fairing is placed on the motorcycle, the first wing element moves away from the main element in the direction of the vertical axis of the motorcycle upwards or upwards and inwards and the surface part with a texture on the visible side of the first wing element is therefore, in a side view of the motorcycle, above the main element, therefore in an area with which a motorcycle user often comes into contact with his outstretched leg during an off-road ride.

[0032] Such a riding position is adopted by the motorcycle user for example when turning sharply, i.e. a narrow curve and when, to stabilize the motorcycle, he puts his leg forward and out of the area on the longitudinal side of the motorcycle, which is very close to the surface on which the motorcycle is moving, because the motorcycle is leaning sharply.

[0033] When the leg rests on the texture of the first surface element, the probability of the leg inadvertently slipping off the first surface element is reduced. The user can therefore maintain their leg in the desired position without having to exert excessive force, as the texture prevents the leg from inadvertently slipping off the first surface element.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that between the second longitudinal side of the main element and the curved end portion, there is or is made a gap which allows an outlet of an airflow.

[0035] This gap allows the exit, in a simple manner and without great resistance to the flow, of cooling air drawn through the heat exchanger by a fan driven, for example, electrically, and thus ensures that the heat exchanger works with high efficiency and prevents possible overheating of a combustion engine even when the heat exchanger is partially fouled or covered, for example, by dirt during off-road use of the motorcycle.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the contour of the side fairing is also provided to be made without sharp edges and is curved towards the inner side of the main element and / or the wing element. This configuration without sharp edges, i.e., for example, this rounded configuration, of the edges of the contour of the side fairing prevents the motorcycle rider from getting caught, with their clothing, on any contour edges, and thus prevents the rider from catching on the side fairing. This design of the contour edges with a configuration curved towards the inward side also ensures that the contour edges or finishing edges are arranged on the inside, which reduces the risk of the rider getting caught on the side fairing with their clothing or boots.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the side fairing, with a longitudinal direction extending along the longitudinal sides of the main element, is also characterized in that the first wing element has a triangular tip extending in the longitudinal direction of the main element beyond the main element, which is designed as an air guide element. This ensures that, when the vehicle equipped with the side fairing is moving, the cooling air is guided, by means of the triangular tip, towards the heat exchanger and thus increases the efficiency of the heat exchanger. This is particularly advantageous when the vehicle is an off-road motorcycle, because during off-road use of such a motorcycle, it often happens that dirt, ejected by vehicles in front, in the form of Dirt or mud is thrown towards the vehicle behind them, and the dirt or mud settles on the heat exchanger. The triangular tip ensures that, even with such a partial reduction in the heat exchanger's surface area, a sufficient amount of cooling air reaches the heat exchanger and the motorcycle's thermal equilibrium remains stable.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second wing element is also arranged, when the side fairing is mounted on the vehicle, at a distance from a vehicle component adjacent to the end area. This ensures that the cooling air that has passed through the heat exchanger or that has been drawn through the heat exchanger by the fan located on the heat exchanger, can exit at the rear of the heat exchanger without significant flow resistance.

[0039] The invention also creates a motorcycle with a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a drive engine, wherein the motorcycle comprises at least one side fairing as described above. According to a particular embodiment of the motorcycle, the motorcycle, which includes a heat exchanger, is provided to have, on each of the two longitudinal sides of the motorcycle, a side fairing positioned at the level of the heat exchanger.

[0040] The invention is described in more detail with reference to the figures which show:

[0041] [Fig-1] is a side view of a side fairing according to an embodiment according to the present invention, which is intended to be placed on a right side of the motorcycle, in the direction of travel of a motorcycle;

[0042] [Fig.2] is a view of a side fairing according to the prior art as on the [Fig.l];

[0043] [Fig.3] is a top view of a pair of side fairings with the fairing right lateral already visible on [Fig.1] and [Fig.2] and the left lateral fairing, made symmetrically;

[0044] [Fig.4] is a representation of the side fairing according to [Fig.1], viewed from the side internal ;

[0045] [Fig.5] is an enlarged representation of the right side fairing fitted to the motorcycle, in order to explain the guidance of the cooling air obtained through the side fairing;

[0046] [Fig.6] is a representation which shows the right side fairing in another perspective that [Fig.4], on the internal side;

[0047] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional representation of the right-hand side fairing arranged at the level of a motorcycle heat exchanger;

[0048] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a motorcycle in right side view with a side fairing positioned on the motorcycle;

[0049] Fig. 1 represents a side view of a side fairing 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is designed to be positioned on a right side of a motorcycle, in the direction of travel of the motorcycle, as can also be seen in Fig. 8.

[0050] This side fairing 1 is also referred to as a side spoiler in the trade.

[0051] The side fairing 1 comprises an elongated main hull-type element 2, which presents an external visible side 3, which is visible in [Fig.1]. On the rear side 4 opposite the visible side 3, the main element presents an internal side 5 which is visible for example in [Fig.4] and [Fig.6].

[0052] From a first longitudinal side 6 of the main element 2, visible on [Fig.1], a first wing element 9 and a second wing element 10 move away, in a first direction 7, which corresponds, on the motorcycle 8 shown on [Fig.8], to the direction of the vertical axis H, in a direction 11 generally opposite to the first direction 7, from the main element 2, in particular from a second longitudinal side 12 of the main element 2.

[0053] The first wing element 9 comprises a visible side and an internal side 14 opposite the visible side 13, as can also be seen in [Fig. 4]. The second wing element 10 also comprises an external visible side 15 and an internal side 16, which is also visible in [Fig. 4].

[0054] The second wing element 10 includes, at the level of an end area 17, which is distant from the main element 2 and its second longitudinal side 12, an end portion 18, oriented in the direction of the inner side 16 of the second wing element 10 inwards, therefore curved towards the inner side 16 of the second wing element 10, which is visible in more detail on [Fig.5].

[0055] It is very clear that between the main element 2 and the first wing element 9, a connecting element 69 is arranged so that between the main element 2 and the first wing element 9, two clearances 70, 71 are formed, separated from each other by the connecting element 69. The connecting element 69 is arranged on an upper longitudinal edge 6 of the main element 2.

[0056] The aforementioned design of the side fairing 1 with a connecting element 69 disposed between the first wing element 9 and the main element 2 makes it possible to obtain the advantages mentioned below. The mechanical stability of the side fairing 1 is increased. The connecting element 69 thus serves as a stiffening rib for the side fairing 1 and as a support, which makes it possible to obtain a more stable connection between the main element 2 and the first wing element 9.

[0057] The use of the connecting element 69 prevents the main element 2 and the first wing element 9 from being easily bent. The support function allows the connecting element 69 to absorb forces. When a person driving The motorcycle 8 places its leg on the visible side 3 of the first wing element 9 or exerts, for the stabilization of the motorcycle, with its leg, pressure on the first wing element 9, a compression force is exerted on the first wing element 9 in the direction of the main element 2. This compression force is absorbed by the connecting element 69.

[0058] It is clearly seen that the second wing element 10 has, at an end area 17 distant from the main element 2, an end portion 18 curved towards the inner side 16 of the second wing element 10 and, when the side fairing 1, 25 is disposed on the vehicle 8, the end portion 18 of the second wing element 10 is disposed adjacent to a lower end area 28 of a heat exchanger 24 of the vehicle 8 and the end area 17 is made at least partially as a reinforced end area 73.

[0059] The reinforced end zone 73 may have parts of the end zone 17, but also parts of the rest of the second wing element 10 and also constitute the whole of the end zone 17.

[0060] The second wing element 10, with the end portion 18 curved towards the inner side 10, is particularly clearly shown in [Fig. 7]. It should be mentioned here, solely for the purpose of further explanation, that the side fairing 25 also includes an end portion 18 curved inwards on the second wing element 10, as well as a connecting element 89 and two clearances 90 and 91.

[0061] It is also provided that the reinforced end area 73 and / or parts of the first wing element 9 and / or parts of the connecting element 69 are made of a different material than the other parts of the side fairing 1. This other material may, for example, be a material more resistant to impact or abrasion than the material of the main element 2. An impact-resistant material further improves the protection of the lower area 28 of the heat exchanger 24. An abrasion-resistant material improves the resistance of the area of ​​the first wing element 9 with the texture 32, described below, to the driver's leg. For aesthetic reasons, this material may be a different color.

[0062] The manufacture of a side fairing 1 made of several materials is carried out using a multi-component injection molding process, for example a two-component injection molding process. This two-component injection molding process can, for example, be used when the first wing element 9, the reinforced end zone 73 and the connecting element 69 are made of the same material.

[0063] The side fairing 1 includes, on the upper side, in the area 33, the texture 32, already mentioned and the rib 50, clearly recognizable on the [Fig.4], serves for the arrangement on the heat exchanger 24 or on what is called the water box of the heat exchanger 24. Thanks to this arrangement of the side fairing 1 on the heat exchanger 24, the latter is protected, in the event of an accidental fall of the motorcycle 8 with contact with the ground, against the penetration of stones or other objects, from the side, into the water box or into the heat exchanger 24, which also reduces the risk of damage to the motorcycle during such a fall.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a view of a side fairing 1 according to the prior art, as described in the prior art mentioned in the introduction. The same reference numerals here designate components corresponding to those shown in Figure 1. Only the front edge 99, which is straight in the prior art of Figure 2, has been designated by a reference numeral different from the concave front edge 72 of the side fairing of the version shown in Figure 1.

[0065] Thanks to the concave shape of the front edge 72, the lateral protection of the heat exchanger shown in [Fig. 7] is reduced. This improves the introduction of air into the heat exchanger 24. In a direction of observation of the motorcycle not shown in the figures, against the direction of travel, from the front, compared to the version presented here, it is clear that, even in this direction of observation, the cross-section of the side fairing has been reduced on the side facing the heat exchanger 24. The introduction of air into the heat exchanger 24 is therefore further improved.

[0066] As shown in [Fig.8], the motorcycle 8 includes a seat 19 for the user or driver of the motorcycle and includes a fuel tank 20 and a drive motor 21 which, in the embodiment shown of the motorcycle 8, is designed as a combustion engine, but it can also be an electric motor which can be powered by a battery pack, not shown in more detail, which then replaces the fuel tank 20.

[0067] The motorcycle 8 also includes a chassis 22 which is also shown to illustrate the motorcycle shown by way of example.

[0068] In the represented embodiment of the motorcycle 8, the drive engine 21, in the form of a combustion engine, includes a heat exchanger 24, the rear comprising another side fairing 25, which is referred to, in the following days, as the left side fairing 25.

[0069] As can be seen in [Fig.8], the side fairing 1 - as well as the side fairing 25 - follow the shape of the fuel tank 20 and the seat 19 as well as the heat exchanger 24, as will be described in more detail later.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a pair of side fairings 1, 25, with side fairing 1 already described and side fairing 25, made with a mirror symmetry with respect to side fairing 1. In the arrangement shown here, the axis of symmetry 26 corresponds to the central longitudinal axis of the motorcycle 8. In addition to the axis of symmetry 26, a third viewing direction 74 is shown, which will be explained in detail below.

[0071] Because the side fairing 25 is made with a mirror symmetry with respect to the side fairing 1, the description given here of the characteristics and functions of the side fairing 1 is also valid for the side fairing 25.

[0072] In other words, this means that the side fairing 25 also includes a main element 2, as previously described and will be further described hereafter, and a first wing element 9 having the characteristics described here and a second wing element 10 having the characteristics described here.

[0073] [Fig. 1] shows that the first wing element 9 has, on the visible side 13, a surface area 33 with a texture 32, which is therefore arranged, in the direction of the vertical axis H of the motorcycle 8, when the side fairing 1, 25 is arranged on the motorcycle 8, in the direction of travel of the motorcycle, at the top on the side fairing 1, 25, as can also be seen in [Fig. 8].

[0074] The user or driver of the motorcycle 8, when taking, for example, a sharp turn with the motorcycle 8, removes his leg from the footrest of the motorcycle and stretches it forward, viewed in the direction of travel F, so that the driver's leg is at the height of the surface area 33 when the motorcycle takes the turn in an inclined position.

[0075] The driver can therefore place his outstretched leg on the surface area 33 of the side fairing 1, 25, which has texture 32, and texture 32 ensures, thanks to the roughness of the surface, that the leg can be held in this position without much effort by the driver, which makes the driver's task easier, because his effort to maintain this body position, often adopted in the spirit of off-road riding, is minimized.

[0076] [Fig.4] is a representation against the viewing direction of [Fig.3], which shows the right side fairing 1 from the inner side.

[0077] As can be clearly seen, the side fairing includes, on the inner side, a rib 50 connected, by material bonding, to the main element 2 and to the second wing element 10, which is designed for removable attachment to a coupling component of the motorcycle 8, in the form, for example, of the heat exchanger 24 already mentioned previously.

[0078] The longitudinal edge 6, shown in [Fig. 1], is designed as a longitudinal edge 36 stretched inwards. The connecting element is clearly recognizable 68 with the connecting element 69 and the linking element 67 of the first wing element 9 to a part of the first wing element 9 made of another material. It is also clearly seen that the linking element 78 is located between the reinforced end zone 73 and the rest of the zone of the second wing element 10.

[0079] The connecting element 68 is designed as a tab on the main element 2. On the inner side, the connecting element 69 is made flush with the surface of the main element 2. The thickness of the material is, however, reduced compared to the main element 2. On the outer side of the side fairing 1, the connecting element 68, with its outer side, is covered by the part, made of another material, of the first wing element 9. The part of the first wing element 9 disposed on the outer side of the connecting element 68 of the main element 2 is also made with a reduced material thickness, so that the thickness of the material of the side fairing at the level of the connecting element 68 is not or not significantly increased.

[0080] The connecting element 67 is made of the same material as the main element 2 and the area, adjacent to the main element 2, of the first wing element 9. However, the thickness of the material cannot be reduced as much as for the connecting element 68 made with a greater extension away from the main element 2. The connecting element 67 therefore extends inwards from the inner side of the first wing element 9.

[0081] The connecting element 78, arranged between the reinforced end zone 73 and the rest of the second wing element 10, is made in a similar manner to the connecting element 67.

[0082] This representation also shows that the front edge 72 of the side fairing 1 is concave. The side fairings 1, 25 are attached, for example, by means of devices as shown in detail in the utility model mentioned in the introduction to the description.

[0083] Figure 5 shows a representation of the right side fairing in its arrangement on motorcycle 8, in order to illustrate the guidance of the cooling air obtained by the side fairing 1, 25 according to the invention.

[0084] As can be clearly seen, the first wing element 9 has a triangular tip 57 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the main element 2, which is designed as an air guide element 58. As shown, the cooling airflow arriving, due to the movement of the motorcycle 8, on the front face of the motorcycle 8, is directed towards the heat exchanger 24 located behind the side fairing 1, 25, passes through it and exits through a gap 59, which is located between the rear edge of the side fairing and the adjacent component of the motorcycle 8, i.e., the components arranged below the lower side of the tank 21, in the direction on the side, so that the cooling airflow, represented by airflows 83 and 84, is improved compared to the configuration mentioned at the beginning.

[0085] Furthermore, the airflows 82 through the openings 71 and 81 and through the opening 70 are shown in [Fig. 5]. It is further described below that the connecting element 69 separating the openings 70 and 71 is not oriented parallel to the central longitudinal plane of the motorcycle 8, but is oriented outwards at its rear end. This outward orientation of the connecting element 69 directs the airflows 81 and 82 away from the rider, so as to prevent the rider from experiencing unwanted heating from the air exiting the heat exchanger 24.

[0086] Figure 6 shows another representation which shows the inside of the right side fairing 1 from a different perspective than that of Figure 4. The direction of observation is, in this view, generally horizontal, against the direction of travel and perpendicular to the third direction 74.

[0087] From this perspective, it is particularly evident that the upper longitudinal edge 36, extended inwards, of the main element 2 and the longitudinal edge 35, extended inwards, of the first wing element 9, together with the connecting element, form a concave area starting at the clearance 70, which narrows as it moves away from the clearance 70 towards the outer side of the side fairing 1, and therefore, when the side fairing 1 is mounted on the motorcycle, towards the rear in the direction of travel. Such a concave shape further improves the mechanical stability of the main element and the first wing element.

[0088] The concave shape of the connecting element 69 allows, more particularly, in interaction with the upper longitudinal edge 36, stretched inwards, of the main element 2 and the lower longitudinal edge 35, stretched inwards, of the first wing element 9, the formation of a channel-shaped area of ​​the side fairing 1, exiting the clearance 70.

[0089] Compared to a smooth, non-concave surface shape of the connecting element 69 between the first wing element 9 and the main element 2, this provides a further improvement in the mechanical stability of the side fairing 1 as described, for example, as a steel support with a U- or C-shaped cross-section (what is called a U-profile or a C-profile). The connecting element 69 thus serves as a support and / or a stiffening rib. Furthermore, the concave, and therefore channel-like, shape allows for better airflow along the connecting element 69.

[0090] From this perspective, the clearance 70 is particularly visible. At the level of the portion located at the front in the direction of travel, on the clearance 70, the upper longitudinal edge 36 of the main element 2 and the longitudinal edge The lower 35 of the first wing element 9 are stretched particularly far from the central longitudinal axis of the motorcycle. At the rear end area of ​​the connecting element 69, on the clearance 71, the upper longitudinal edge 36 of the main element 2 and the lower longitudinal edge 35 of the first wing element 9 are stretched inwards to a significantly lesser extent.

[0091] This means that the connecting element 69 is not oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis 26, but is, at its rear end on the clearance 71, further from this central longitudinal axis 26 than at its front end on the clearance 70. This arrangement of the connecting element 69 ensures that the airflows 81 and 82 of [Fig. 5] are not directed directly towards the body of the motorcycle rider 8, but are directed away from this body to the outside. The connecting element 69 therefore acts as a spoiler.

[0092] In this representation, we can also clearly see the reinforced end zone 73 of the end zone 17 of the second wing element 10 and the end portions 18 stretched inwards for the protection of the heat exchanger 24.

[0093] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional representation of the right side fairing 1 in its arrangement at the level of the heat exchanger 24 of the motorcycle 8.

[0094] It can be seen here that the end portion 18 is arranged adjacent to a lower end zone 28 of the heat exchanger, so that the end portion 18, and therefore the second wing element 10, covers and protects the heat exchanger 24 on the side.

[0095] The configuration of the wing element 10 with the inwardly directed end portion 18 curved inwards also makes it possible to reduce the gap 29 between the lower end area 28 of the heat exchanger 24 and the second wing element 10, so that the risk of foreign bodies penetrating this gap 29 is reduced and therefore these foreign bodies can no longer damage the connection of a fluid line with the drive motor 21.

[0096] The end portion 18 extends along its longitudinal extension which extends globally parallel to the second longitudinal side 12 of the main element 2, towards the interior 10 of the second wing element 2, so that the entire longitudinal extension area of ​​the heat exchanger 24 and the connection is covered and protected by the end portion 18. As described in the utility model mentioned in the introduction, the rib 50, with its passages, allows the side fairing 1 to be placed on the heat exchanger 24 respectively on the water box 55 surrounding the heat exchanger 24 and, in addition, the side fairing 1 covers the water box 55 on the side and protects it, as already described. In front of the heat exchanger, a protective grille 56 can be fitted which can be removably attached to the water box 55 using of fastening means, so as to reduce the risk that stones, earth or mud, ejected upwards, are ejected towards the front side, in the direction of travel F of the motorcycle 8, from the heat exchanger respectively towards the heat exchanger 24.

[0097] It can be seen, on [Fig.7], that the end portion 18 is curved inwards, therefore in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 26 visible on [Fig.3], which also shows a plane of symmetry of the two side fairings 1 and 25.

[0098] In the motorcycle 8, schematically represented in [Fig.8], the direction indicated by the arrow F corresponds to the direction of travel of the motorcycle 8 and the plane of symmetry extends perpendicularly to the surface of the road 27 along the central longitudinal axis 26.

[0099] Fig. 8 shows the motorcycle 8 in side view with the seat 19, the fuel tank 20, the drive engine 21, the chassis 22, the rear wheel 64 and the front wheel 65 as well as the side fairing 1.

[0100] It should be noted once again that the attachment of the side fairings 1, 25 to the motorcycle 8 is carried out by means of devices described in the prior art.

[0101] List of reference points

[0102] 1. Side fairing

[0103] 2. Main element

[0104] 3. Visible side

[0105] 4. Rear side

[0106] 5. Internal side

[0107] 6. First longitudinal side

[0108] 7. First direction

[0109] 8. Motorcycle

[0110] 9. First wing element [YES] 10. Second wing element

[0112] 11. Second direction

[0113] 12. Second longitudinal side

[0114] 13. Visible side of the first wing element

[0115] 14. Inner side of the first wing element

[0116] 15. Visible side of the second wing element

[0117] 16. Inner side of the second wing element

[0118] 17. End area of ​​the second wing element

[0119] 18. End portion

[0120] 19. Seat

[0121] 20. Fuel tank

[0122] 21. Drive motor

[0123] 22. Chassis

[0124] 24. Heat exchanger

[0125] 25. Side fairing

[0126] 26. Central longitudinal axis

[0127] 27. Roadway surface

[0128] 28. Lower end zone of the heat exchanger

[0129] 29. Interstice

[0130] 32. Texture

[0131] 33. Surface area

[0132] 35. Lower longitudinal edge

[0133] 36. Upper longitudinal edge

[0134] 50. Rib

[0135] 55. Water box

[0136] 56. Protective grille

[0137] 57. Point

[0138] 58. Air guide element

[0139] 59. Interstice

[0140] 64. Rear wheel

[0141] 65. Front wheel

[0142] 67. Connecting element

[0143] 68. Connecting element

[0144] 69. Connecting element

[0145] 70. Clearance

[0146] 71. Clearance

[0147] 72. Front edge of the side fairing

[0148] 73. Reinforced end zone

[0149] 74. Third direction

[0150] 78. Connecting element

[0151] 81. Lateral airflow

[0152] 82. Rear airflow

[0153] 83. Rear lower airflow

[0154] 84. Lower front airflow

[0155] 89. Connecting element

[0156] 90. Clearance

[0157] 91. Clearance

[0158] 99. Front edge of the side fairing in the prior art

[0159] H: direction of the vertical axis

[0160] F: direction of travel

[0161] L: longitudinal direction

Claims

Claims

1. Side fairing (1, 25) for a vehicle with an elongate shell-like main element (2), which comprises an outer visible side (3) and an inner side (5) opposite thereto and a first wing element (9) extending away from a first longitudinal side (6) of the main element (2) in a first direction (7) as well as a second wing element (10) extending away from a second longitudinal side (12) of the main element (2) in a second direction (11), generally opposite to the first direction (7), wherein the first (9) and second (10) wing elements each comprise an outer visible side (13, 15) and an inner side (14, 16) opposite thereto, characterized in that between the main element (2) and the first wing element (9) is arranged a connecting element (69), so as to form, between the main element (2) and the first wing element (9), two clearances (70, 71), separated from each other by the connecting element (69).

2. Side fairing (1, 25) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main element (2), the first wing element (9) and the connecting element (69) form a concave shape.

3. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the second wing element (10) has, at an end region (17) remote from the main element (2), an end portion (18) curved towards the inner side (16) of the second wing element (10) and, when arranging the side fairing (1, 25) on the vehicle (8), the end portion (18) of the second wing element (10) is arranged adjacent to a lower end region (28) of a heat exchanger (24) of the vehicle (8) and the end region (17) is designed at least partially as a reinforced end region (73).

4. Side fairing (1, 25) according to claim 3, characterized in that the reinforced end zone (73) and / or parts of the first wing element (9) and / or parts of the connecting element (69) are made of a different material than other parts of the side fairing (1, 25).

5. Side fairing (1, 25) according to claim 4, characterized in that connecting elements (67, 68, 78) extend from the main element (2) to the connecting element (69) and / or the second wing element (10) to the reinforced end area (73) and / or from the first wing element (9) to the parts of the first wing element (9) which are made of a different material.

6. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a front edge (72) of the side fairing is concavely curved, seen from a third direction (74).

7. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 6, taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the end portion (18) is curved generally along its entire longitudinal extension extending generally parallel to the second longitudinal side (12) of the main element (2), towards the internal side (16) of the second wing element (10).

8. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first wing element (9) comprises, on the visible side (13), a surface area (33) provided with a texture (32).

9. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 8, taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that between the second longitudinal side (12) of the main element (2) and the curved end portion (18), there is a gap (59) which allows an air flow (83, 84) to exit.

10. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the contour of the side fairing is designed without sharp edges and is curved towards the inner side (5, 14, 16) of the main element and / or the wing element (9, 10).

11. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 10, with a longitudinal direction extending along the longitudinal sides (6, 12) of the main element (2), characterized in that the first wing element (9) has a triangular tip (57) extending in the longitudinal direction of the main element (2), beyond the main element (2), which is designed as an air guiding element (58).

12. Side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 11, taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the second wing element (10) is arranged, when the side fairing (1, 25) is mounted on the vehicle (8), at a distance from a vehicle component adjacent to the end zone (17).

13. Motorcycle (8) with a front wheel (64), a rear wheel (65) and a drive motor (21), characterized by at least one side fairing (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Motorcycle (8) according to claim 13 comprising a heat exchanger (24), characterized by a side fairing (1, 25) arranged on each of the two longitudinal sides of the motorcycle (8) at the level of the heat exchanger (24).

Images