Rectifier

Abstract

To simplify the structure of a rectifier.SOLUTION: In a rectifier 10, a moving plate 22 is moved when receiving a travel wind of a vehicle. A conveyance mechanism 28 conveys the movement of the moving plate 22 to a deflector 18. The deflector 18 is then rotated in a deployment direction A. Accordingly, the deflector 18 is rotated in the deployment direction A by the travel wind of the vehicle. This results in a simplified structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fairing device for suppressing the air flow to the front wheels of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In the vehicle fairing device described in Patent Document 1 below, a fairing member is stored in the vehicle body, and the fairing member is rotated in the fairing direction and deployed in front of the front wheels of the vehicle.

[0003] Here, in this vehicle fairing device, a motor rotates the fairing member in the fairing direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a fairing device that can simplify the configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The fairing device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a fairing body that is stored in the vehicle body and deployed in front of the front wheels of the vehicle by being moved in the deployment direction to suppress the air flow to the front wheels, a moving body that is moved by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle, and a transmission mechanism that decelerates and transmits the movement of the moving body to the fairing body so that the fairing body is moved in the deployment direction.

[0007] The fairing of the second aspect of the present invention is movable by rotation around the front side of the vehicle, stored in the vehicle body, and deployed to the front side of the front wheels of the vehicle by moving in the deployment direction to suppress the air flow to the front wheels, a fairing; a moving body that is moved by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle; and a transmission mechanism that transmits the movement of the moving body to the fairing so that the fairing is moved in the deployment direction.

[0008] The fairing of the third aspect of the present invention is the fairing of the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the fairing is acted upon by a moving force in the direction of storage in the vehicle body.

[0009] The fairing of the fourth aspect of the present invention is the fairing of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, and includes a holding mechanism that holds the fairing at a storage position in the vehicle body.

[0010] The fairing of the fifth aspect of the present invention is the fairing of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, and when the fairing is moved in the storage direction from the storage position in the vehicle body, the connection between the moving body and the fairing by the transmission mechanism is released.

[0011] The fairing of the sixth aspect of the present invention is the fairing of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, and a rack and a pinion that mesh with each other are provided in the transmission mechanism.

[0012] The fairing of the seventh aspect of the present invention is the fairing of any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, and the moving body is rotated around the direction of the traveling wind of the vehicle.

[0013] The fairing of the eighth aspect of the present invention is the fairing of any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, and includes a transmission gear provided in the transmission mechanism and provided on the rotation shaft of the fairing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] In the rectifying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the rectifying body is stored in the vehicle body, and by moving the rectifying body in the deployment direction, the rectifying body is deployed in front of the front wheels of the vehicle to suppress the air flow to the front wheels.

[0015] Here, the moving body is moved by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle, and the transmission mechanism decelerates and transmits the movement of the moving body to the rectifying body, so that the rectifying body is moved in the deployment direction. Therefore, since the rectifying body is moved in the deployment direction by the traveling wind of the vehicle, the configuration can be simplified.

[0016] In the rectifying device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the rectifying body is made movable by rotation around the front side of the vehicle, and the rectifying body is stored in the vehicle body. By moving the rectifying body in the deployment direction, the rectifying body is deployed in front of the front wheels of the vehicle to suppress the air flow to the front wheels.

[0017] Here, the moving body is moved by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle, and the transmission mechanism transmits the movement of the moving body to the rectifying body, so that the rectifying body is moved in the deployment direction. Therefore, since the rectifying body is moved in the deployment direction by the traveling wind of the vehicle, the configuration can be simplified.

[0018] In the rectifying device according to the third aspect of the present invention, a moving force in the direction of storing the rectifying body in the vehicle body is applied. Therefore, the rectifying body can be stored in the vehicle body by this moving force.

[0019] In the rectifying device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the holding mechanism holds the rectifying body at the storage position in the vehicle body. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rectifying body from being unnecessarily moved from the storage position.

[0020] In the rectifying device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the rectifying body is moved in the storage direction from the storage position in the vehicle body, the connection between the moving body and the rectifying body by the transmission mechanism is released. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the moving body from being moved by the movement of the rectifying body.

[0021] In the rectifying device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the rack and the pinion of the transmission mechanism are meshed with each other. Therefore, it is possible to convert between sliding and rotation between the moving body and the rectifying body.

[0022] In the rectifier of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the moving body is rotated around the direction of the traveling wind of the vehicle. Therefore, the installation space of the moving body can be reduced.

[0023] In the rectifier of the eighth aspect of the present invention, a transmission gear of a transmission mechanism is provided on the rotation shaft of the rectifying body. Therefore, unlike the case where a transmission gear is provided on the rectifying body, the configuration can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a front view of the vehicle 12 in the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the rectifying device 10 according to the present embodiment as seen from the front side of the vehicle and the left side of the vehicle. In the drawings, the front of the vehicle is indicated by an arrow FR, the left side of the vehicle is indicated by an arrow LH, and the upper side is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the rectifying device 10 according to the present embodiment is installed on the front side of the left front wheel 12B (left side of the vehicle) and the front side of the right front wheel 12B (right side of the vehicle) of the vehicle 12, and is disposed inside the front end portion of the vehicle body 12A.

[0027] Substantially rectangular ventilation holes 16 are formed at the left and right ends of the bumper 14 on the front side of the vehicle body 12A, and the ventilation holes 16 penetrate the bumper 14 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The ventilation holes 16 communicate with the inside of the vehicle body 12A, and when the vehicle 12 is running (moving forward), the running wind of the vehicle 12 passes through the ventilation holes 16 and enters the inside of the vehicle body 12A. A ventilation net 16A is provided on the front side of the vehicle of the ventilation holes 16, and the ventilation net 16A covers the entire front side of the vehicle of the ventilation holes 16. A large number of holes are formed in the ventilation net 16A, and the ventilation net 16A permits the running wind of the vehicle 12 to enter the ventilation holes 16 and suppresses the entry of foreign matters into the ventilation holes 16.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rectifying device 10 is provided with a substantially rectangular plate-shaped deflector 18 as a rectifying body, and the deflector 18 is disposed on the vehicle front side of the front wheel 12B. A columnar rotating shaft 18A is fixed to the vehicle front end of the deflector 18, and the rotating shaft 18A protrudes to the left and right of the vehicle of the deflector 18. The rotating shaft 18A is rotatably supported by the vehicle body 12A, and the deflector 18 is rotatable (movable) in the deployment direction A and the storage direction B (see FIG. 2 etc.) integrally with the rotating shaft 18A about the rotating shaft 18A. The deflector 18 is disposed at the storage position (the position in FIG. 2), and the deflector 18 is stored in the vehicle body 12A and does not protrude below the vehicle body 12A. The deflector 18 is rotated in the deployment direction A to be deployable, whereby the deflector 18 protrudes below the vehicle body 12A (see FIG. 1).

[0029] On the upper side of the deflector 18, a holding plate 20 having a substantially L-shaped cross-section as a holding body constituting a holding mechanism (see FIG. 3) is provided, and the holding plate 20 is fixed to the vehicle body 12A. The upper wall of the holding plate 20 extends forward of the vehicle, and the rear wall of the vehicle of the holding plate 20 extends downward. A holding protrusion 20A having a semi-circular cross-section is integrally formed near the vehicle front end of the upper wall of the holding plate 20. The holding protrusion 20A protrudes downward and extends in the vehicle left-right direction. A holding hole 20B is formed in the upper wall of the holding plate 20 on the vehicle front side of the holding protrusion 20A. The holding protrusion 20A is open downward and extends in the vehicle left-right direction.

[0030] Below the holding plate 20, a moving plate 22 in the shape of a substantially L-shaped plate in cross-section as a moving body is provided. The vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22 extends upward, and the lower side wall of the moving plate 22 extends rearward of the vehicle. A substantially cylindrical moving shaft 22A is integrally provided on the vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22, and the moving shaft 22A extends rearward of the vehicle. The moving shaft 22A penetrates through the vehicle rear side wall of the holding plate 20, and the moving shaft 22A is made movable in the vehicle front-rear direction and tiltable in the vertical direction with respect to the holding plate 20, so that the moving plate 22 is made movable in the vehicle front-rear direction and tiltable in the vertical direction with respect to the holding plate 20. An annular plate-shaped locking plate 24 is fixed to the vehicle rear side end of the moving shaft 22A. By the locking plate 24 being locked from moving to the vehicle front side by the vehicle rear side wall of the holding plate 20, the movement of the moving shaft 22A to the vehicle front side is locked, and the movement of the moving plate 22 to the vehicle front side is locked.

[0031] The moving shaft 22A is inserted into a storage spring 26 (coil spring) as a biasing member constituting a holding mechanism. The storage spring 26 is stretched between the vehicle rear side wall of the holding plate 20 and the vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22, and restricts the tilting of the moving plate 22 in the vertical direction. The upper end surface of the vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22 is curved convexly upward in the vehicle front-rear direction. By the upper end surface of the vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22 being fitted into the holding hole 20B of the holding plate 20, the movement of the moving plate 22 in the vehicle front-rear direction is restricted, and the moving plate 22 is held by the holding plate 20. The vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22 is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the ventilation hole 16 of the bumper 14. The moving plate 22 is made movable rearward of the vehicle by receiving the running wind of the vehicle 12 that enters the ventilation hole 16 through the vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22. When the moving plate 22 is moved rearward of the vehicle, the storage spring 26 is compressed in the axial direction (vehicle front-rear direction) to bias the moving plate 22 to the vehicle front side.

[0032] A transmission mechanism 28 is provided between the deflector 18 and the moving plate 22.

[0033] On the lower surface of the lower side wall of the moving plate 22, a first gear 30 (see FIG. 3) is formed. The first gear 30 is racked and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Below the first gear 30, a second gear 32 is meshed. The second gear 32 is a pinion (spur gear) and is rotatably supported within the vehicle body 12A about a cylindrical central axis 34. The axial direction of the second gear 32 (the axial direction of the central axis 34) is in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the second gear 32 rotates integrally with the central axis 34.

[0034] On the central axis 34, on the left side (or the right side) of the vehicle of the second gear 32, a third gear 36 (spur gear, see FIG. 4) is rotatably supported. The third gear 36 is restricted from moving to the left of the vehicle, and a plurality of recesses 36A are formed on the right side surface of the vehicle to constitute a restricting mechanism. The plurality of recesses 36A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the third gear 36. The recesses 36A are open to the right side of the vehicle and the inner side in the radial direction of the third gear 36, and the surface on the outer side in the radial direction of the third gear 36 is inclined in the direction of the outer side in the radial direction of the third gear 36 as it faces the right side of the vehicle. The cross-section of the recess 36A in the circumferential direction of the third gear 36 is trapezoidal, and the dimension of the recess 36A in the circumferential direction of the third gear 36 increases as it faces the right side of the vehicle.

[0035] On the central axis 34, on the right side of the vehicle of the third gear 36, a substantially disk-shaped restricting plate 38 as a restricting body constituting the restricting mechanism is coaxially and integrally rotatably supported. The restricting plate 38 is movable in the lateral direction of the vehicle (the axial direction of the central axis 34), and a plurality of convex portions 38A are formed on the left side surface of the vehicle. The plurality of convex portions 38A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the restricting plate 38. The convex portions 38A protrude to the left side of the vehicle, and the surface on the outer side in the radial direction of the restricting plate 38 is inclined in the direction of the inner side in the radial direction of the restricting plate 38 as it faces the left side of the vehicle. The cross-section of the convex portion 38A in the circumferential direction of the restricting plate 38 is trapezoidal, and the dimension of the convex portion 38A in the circumferential direction of the restricting plate 38 decreases as it faces the left side of the vehicle. The convex portion 38A is inserted into the recess 36A of the third gear 36, and the convex portion 38A is fitted in the recess 36A in the radial and circumferential directions of the third gear 36.

[0036] On the right side of the vehicle of the limiting plate 38 on the central axis 34, a limiting spring 40 (compression coil spring), which is a limiting biasing member constituting a limiting mechanism, is inserted therein, and the limiting spring 40 biases the limiting plate 38 to the left side of the vehicle. The limiting spring 40 restricts the separation of the convex portion 38A of the limiting plate 38 from the concave portion 36A of the third gear 36 by the biasing force. As a result, the third gear 36 is arranged coaxially with the central axis 34 and can rotate integrally with the second gear 32, the central axis 34, and the limiting plate 38. The diameter (number of teeth) of the third gear 36 is smaller than that of the second gear 32. When the second gear 32 and the third gear 36 rotate integrally, the third gear 36 is decelerated with respect to the second gear 32.

[0037] A substantially curved plate-shaped fourth gear 42 (internal gear) is engaged with the third gear 36, and the fourth gear 42 is integrated with the deflector 18. The fourth gear 42 extends upward from the deflector 18, and the fourth gear 42 is curved around the rotation axis 18A of the deflector 18.

[0038] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0039] In the rectifying device 10 having the above configuration, the upper end surface of the vehicle front side wall of the moving plate 22 is fitted into the holding hole 20B of the holding plate 20, and the movement of the moving plate 22 in the vehicle front-rear direction is restricted. The deflector 18 is arranged at the storage position and stored in the vehicle body 12A.

[0040] When the vehicle 12 is traveling (moving forward) at high speed, the traveling wind of the vehicle 12 passes through the ventilation holes 16 of the bumper 14 of the vehicle body 12A, and the front vehicle side wall of the moving plate 22 receives the traveling wind of the vehicle 12. Thus, against the biasing force of the storage spring 26, the upper end surface of the front vehicle side wall of the moving plate 22 gets over the holding projection 20A of the holding plate 20, and the moving plate 22 is moved to the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, in the transmission mechanism 28, the first gear 30 of the moving plate 22 is moved to the rear side of the vehicle, and the second gear 32, the central shaft 34, the limiting plate 38, and the third gear 36 are integrally rotated. As a result, the fourth gear 42 is rotated in the deployment direction A, and the deflector 18 is rotated in the deployment direction A about the rotation shaft 18A. Thereby, the deflector 18 is deployed in front of the front wheel 12B below the vehicle body 12A, and by suppressing the traveling wind of the vehicle 12 to the front wheel 12B, an increase in air pressure on the front vehicle side of the front wheel 12B is suppressed, and the air resistance and lift of the vehicle 12 are suppressed.

[0041] Here, as described above, the moving plate 22 is moved by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, and the transmission mechanism 28 transmits the movement of the moving plate 22 to the deflector 18, and the deflector 18 is rotated in the deployment direction A. Therefore, since the deflector 18 is rotated in the deployment direction A by the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, the necessity of providing a motor can be reduced, the configuration of the rectifying device 10 can be simplified, and the cost of the rectifying device 10 can be reduced. Moreover, by not providing a motor, the control board and electrical wiring for the motor can be made unnecessary, and the cost of the rectifying device 10 can be effectively reduced.

[0042] Also, when the moving plate 22 is moved and the deflector 18 is rotated, the third gear 36 is decelerated with respect to the second gear 32, and the rotation of the deflector 18 is decelerated with respect to the movement of the moving plate 22, so that the load for rotating the deflector 18 with respect to the load for moving the moving plate 22 is increased. Therefore, when the deflector 18 is deployed, even when not only the front vehicle side wall of the moving plate 22 but also the deflector 18 receives the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, it is possible to suppress the deflector 18 from being rotated in the storage direction B by the traveling wind of the vehicle 12.

[0043] Furthermore, when the moving plate 22 is moved to the rear side of the vehicle and the deflector 18 is rotated in the deployment direction A, the storage spring 26 applies a biasing force (moving force) to the moving plate 22 in the front side direction of the vehicle. For this reason, when the vehicle 12 is traveling (moving forward) or stopped at a low speed, the moving plate 22 is moved to the front side of the vehicle by the biasing force of the storage spring 26, so that the upper end surface of the front side wall of the vehicle of the moving plate 22 gets over the holding projection 20A of the holding plate 20 and is fitted into the holding hole 20B of the holding plate 20. Thereby, in the transmission mechanism 28, the first gear 30 of the moving plate 22 is moved to the front side of the vehicle, and the second gear 32, the central shaft 34, the limiting plate 38, and the third gear 36 are integrally rotated, so that the fourth gear 42 is rotated in the storage direction B, and the deflector 18 is rotated in the storage direction B about the rotation shaft 18A. Therefore, the deflector 18 can be rotated (returned) to the storage position by the biasing force of the storage spring 26, and the deflector 18 can be stored in the vehicle body 12A with a simple configuration.

[0044] Also, due to the biasing force of the storage spring 26, the upper end surface of the front side wall of the vehicle of the moving plate 22 is fitted into the holding hole 20B of the holding plate 20, and the movement of the moving plate 22 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is restricted, so that the deflector 18 is held in the storage position. For this reason, when the vehicle 12 is traveling (moving forward) at a low speed, it is possible to suppress the deflector 18 from being unnecessarily rotated in the deployment direction A from the storage position, and it is possible to suppress the rattling of the deflector 18.

[0045] Furthermore, in the transmission mechanism 28, the first gear 30 (rack) of the moving plate 22 and the second gear 32 (pinion) are meshed with each other. For this reason, it is possible to convert the slide of the moving plate 22 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the rotation of the deflector 18.

[0046] Also, for example, when an external force equal to or greater than a predetermined load in the storage direction B acts on the deflector 18 due to an obstacle on the road (including when the deflector 18 is arranged at the storage position), in the transmission mechanism 28, the convex portion 38A of the limiting plate 38 is disengaged from the concave portion 36A of the third gear 36 against the biasing force of the limiting spring 40, and the connection between the moving plate 22 and the deflector 18 by the transmission mechanism 28 is released. As a result, the rotation of the third gear 36 with respect to the limiting plate 38 is allowed, and the rotation of the deflector 18 in the storage direction B is allowed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of the moving plate 22 to the front side of the vehicle due to the rotation of the deflector 18 in the storage direction B, and to suppress damage to the transmission mechanism 28.

[0047] Furthermore, the deflector 18 is rotatable about the rotation axis 18A on the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, when an external force acts on the deflector 18 due to an obstacle on the road during the running (forward movement) of the vehicle 12, the deflector 18 can easily rotate in the storage direction B.

[0048] In addition, in the present embodiment, the third gear 36 (transmission gear) may be coaxially and integrally rotatably fixed to the rotation axis 18A of the deflector 18, and the third gear 36 and the second gear 32 may be connected via an intermediate gear (spur gear). Furthermore, the diameter (number of teeth) of the third gear 36 may be made larger than the diameter (number of teeth) of the second gear 32. Thereby, the fourth gear 42 can be made unnecessary, and the configuration of the transmission mechanism 28 can be simplified.

[0049] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the main part of the rectifying device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left side of the vehicle, and FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the main part of the rectifying device 50 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle (a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5).

[0050] The rectifying device 50 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment described above, but is different in the following points.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the rectifying device 50 according to the present embodiment, a propeller 52 as a moving body is provided in the vehicle body 12A, and a substantially cylindrical support shaft 52A is coaxially provided on the propeller 52. The support shaft 52A is rotatably (movable) supported in the vehicle body 12A, and the axial direction is in the vehicle front-rear direction (the direction of the traveling wind of the vehicle 12). The front end portion of the support shaft 52A on the vehicle front side is rotatably supported by the bumper 14 of the vehicle body 12A. A plurality of plate-shaped blades 52B are integrally and rotatably fixed to the outer periphery of the support shaft 52A. The plurality of blades 52B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the propeller 52 and are inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the propeller 52. The upper blade 52B of the propeller 52 is arranged on the vehicle rear side of the ventilation hole 16 of the bumper 14. The traveling wind of the vehicle 12 in which the upper blade 52B of the propeller 52 enters the ventilation hole 16 is received, and the propeller 52 is made rotatable.

[0052] A first gear 30 of the transmission mechanism 28 is coaxially fixed to the rear end portion of the support shaft 52A on the vehicle rear side. The first gear 30 is a bevel gear and is integrally rotatable with the support shaft 52A. A second gear 32 is meshed with the right side (it may be the left side of the vehicle) of the first gear 30. The second gear 32 is a bevel gear. The central axis 34 of the second gear 32 is inserted into a storage spring 26 (torsion coil spring). One end portion of the storage spring 26 is locked to the vehicle body 12A, and the other end portion of the storage spring 26 is locked to the second gear 32. When the propeller 52 is rotated by the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, the first gear 30 and the second gear 32 are rotated, and the storage spring 26 is torsionally deformed.

[0053] A third gear 36 (spur gear, see FIG. 7(A)) is coaxially fixed to the central axis 34, and the third gear 36 is integrally rotatable with the central axis 34. When the first gear 30, the second gear 32, and the third gear 36 are rotated, the third gear 36 is decelerated with respect to the first gear 30.

[0054] The deflector 18 (see FIG. 7(A)) is substantially in the shape of a curved rectangular plate. The deflector 18 is supported so as to be rotatable (slidable) about a rotation center axis parallel to the left-right direction of the vehicle on the front side of the vehicle, and is curved along the rotation direction. A fourth gear 42 (internal gear) is formed on the front side surface of the vehicle of the deflector 18, and the fourth gear 42 extends in the rotation direction of the deflector 18. The fourth gear 42 is not formed at the lower part of the front side surface of the vehicle of the deflector 18, and the third gear 36 meshes with the lower end of the fourth gear 42. At the lower end portion of the deflector 18, a triangular prism-shaped engaging projection 18B as a held portion is integrally provided. The engaging projection 18B protrudes to the rear side of the vehicle and extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0055] On the rear side of the vehicle of the deflector 18, a leaf spring 54 having a substantially L-shaped cross-section as a return member constituting a holding mechanism is provided. The upper side wall of the leaf spring 54 extends to the rear side of the vehicle and is fixed to the vehicle body 12A. The front side wall of the vehicle of the leaf spring 54 extends downward and is curved along the deflector 18. The front side wall of the vehicle of the leaf spring 54 is elastically tiltable to the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the upper side wall of the leaf spring 54.

[0056] Below the leaf spring 54, a holding piece 56 having a substantially rectangular plate shape as a holding member constituting a holding mechanism is provided. The holding piece 56 is arranged parallel to the lower end surface of the front side wall of the vehicle of the leaf spring 54. The rear side portion of the vehicle of the holding piece 56 is fixed to the vehicle body 12A, and the holding piece 56 is elastically tiltable in the vertical direction. The front side end of the vehicle of the holding piece 56 extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle in the vicinity of the lower side of the front side wall of the vehicle of the leaf spring 54, and the front side end surface of the vehicle of the holding piece 56 is curved convexly in the vertical direction. The engaging projection 18B of the deflector 18 is fitted between the front side wall of the vehicle of the leaf spring 54 and the holding piece 56. Thereby, the rotation of the deflector 18 from the storage position to the deployment direction A and the storage direction B is restricted, and the deflector 18 is held by the leaf spring 54 and the holding piece 56.

[0057] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0058] In the rectifier 50 configured as described above, the engaging projection 18B of the deflector 18 is fitted between the vehicle front side wall of the leaf spring 54 and the holding piece 56, restricting the rotation of the deflector 18 in the deployment direction A and the storage direction B. The deflector 18 is arranged at the storage position and stored in the vehicle body 12A.

[0059] When the vehicle 12 travels (moves forward) at high speed, the traveling wind of the vehicle 12 passes through the ventilation holes 16 of the bumper 14 of the vehicle body 12A, and the blades 52B of the propeller 52 receive the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, causing the propeller 52 to rotate against the biasing force of the storage spring 26. For this reason, in the transmission mechanism 28, the first gear 30 of the propeller 52 rotates, and the second gear 32, the central shaft 34, and the third gear 36 rotate integrally, causing the engaging projection 18B of the deflector 18 to overcome the holding piece 56 due to the elastic tilting of the holding piece 56, and the fourth gear 42 of the deflector 18 rotates in the deployment direction A (see Fig. 7(B)). As a result, the deflector 18 is deployed on the vehicle front side of the front wheel 12B below the vehicle body 12A, suppressing the traveling wind of the vehicle 12 to the front wheel 12B, thereby suppressing an increase in air pressure on the vehicle front side of the front wheel 12B and suppressing the air resistance and lift of the vehicle 12.

[0060] Here, as described above, the propeller 52 is rotated by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, and the transmission mechanism 28 transmits the rotation of the propeller 52 to the deflector 18, causing the deflector 18 to rotate in the deployment direction A. Therefore, since the deflector 18 is rotated in the deployment direction A by the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, the need to provide a motor can be reduced, the configuration of the rectifier 50 can be simplified, and the cost of the rectifier 50 can be reduced. Moreover, by not providing a motor, the control board and electrical wiring for the motor can be made unnecessary, effectively reducing the cost of the rectifier 50.

[0061] Also, when the propeller 52 rotates and the deflector 18 rotates, the third gear 36 is decelerated with respect to the first gear 30, and the rotation of the deflector 18 is decelerated with respect to the rotation of the propeller 52, so that the load for rotating the deflector 18 is increased with respect to the load for rotating the propeller 52. Therefore, even when the deflector 18 is deployed and both the propeller 52 and the deflector 18 are affected by the traveling wind of the vehicle 12, it is possible to suppress the deflector 18 from rotating in the storage direction B due to the traveling wind of the vehicle 12.

[0062] Furthermore, when the propeller 52 rotates and the deflector 18 rotates in the deployment direction A, the storage spring 26 applies a biasing force (moving force) in the storage direction B to the deflector 18. Therefore, when the vehicle 12 travels (moves forward) or stops at a low speed, the storage spring 26 causes the propeller 52, the first gear 30, the second gear 32, the central shaft 34, and the third gear 36 to rotate while the fourth gear 42 of the deflector 18 rotates in the storage direction B. As a result, the engaging projection 18B of the deflector 18 overrides the holding piece 56 due to the elastic tilting of the holding piece 56 and is fitted between the vehicle front side wall of the leaf spring 54 and the holding piece 56. Thereby, the deflector 18 can be rotated (returned) to the storage position by the biasing force of the storage spring 26, and the deflector 18 can be stored in the vehicle body 12A with a simple configuration.

[0063] Also, since the engaging projection 18B of the deflector 18 is fitted between the vehicle front side wall of the leaf spring 54 and the holding piece 56 and the rotation of the deflector 18 in the deployment direction A and the storage direction B is restricted, the deflector 18 is held in the storage position. Therefore, when the vehicle 12 travels (moves forward) at a low speed, it is possible to suppress the deflector 18 from rotating unnecessarily in the deployment direction A from the storage position and to suppress the play of the deflector 18.

[0064] Furthermore, the propeller 52 rotates around the vehicle front-rear direction (the direction of the traveling wind of the vehicle 12). Therefore, the installation space of the propeller 52 can be reduced.

[0065] Further, when the deflector 18 is disposed at the storage position, for example, if an external force greater than a predetermined load in the storage direction B acts on the deflector 18 due to an obstacle on the road, the engaging projection 18B of the deflector 18 elastically tilts the vehicle front side wall of the leaf spring 54 toward the vehicle rear side, and the deflector 18 is rotated in the storage direction B. As a result, in the transmission mechanism 28, the meshing between the fourth gear 42 and the third gear 36 of the deflector 18 is disengaged, and the connection between the propeller 52 and the deflector 18 by the transmission mechanism 28 is disengaged (see FIG. 7(B)). Therefore, rotation of the propeller 52 due to rotation of the deflector 18 in the storage direction B can be suppressed, and damage to the transmission mechanism 28 can be suppressed. Moreover, when the action of the external force on the deflector 18 is released, the elastic tilting force of the vehicle front side wall of the leaf spring 54 toward the vehicle front side acts on the engaging projection 18B of the deflector 18, so that the deflector 18 can be rotated in the deployment direction A and disposed (returned) to the storage position.

[0066] Furthermore, the deflector 18 is rotatable about the rotation center axis on the vehicle front side. Therefore, when an external force acts on the deflector 18 due to an obstacle on the road during traveling (forward movement) of the vehicle 12, the deflector 18 can easily rotate in the storage direction B.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second gear 32 and the third gear 36 may be a single gear (for example, a spur gear). Thereby, the configuration of the transmission mechanism 28 can be simplified.

[0068] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the opening / closing member (shutter) may be electrically operated to open and close the ventilation hole 16 of the bumper 14. In this case, for example, when the vehicle 12 is stopped, the opening / closing member closes the ventilation hole 16 of the bumper 14, so that movement of the moving plate 22 or rotation of the propeller 52 due to natural strong wind or the like to deploy the deflector 18 can be suppressed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0069] 10... Rectifying device, 12... Vehicle, 12A... Vehicle body, 12B... Front wheel, 18... Deflector (rectifying fluid), 18A... Rotating shaft, 20... Holding plate (holding mechanism), 22... Moving plate (moving body), 26... Storage spring (holding mechanism), 28... Transmission mechanism, 30... First gear (rack), 32... Second gear (pinion), 36... Third gear (transmission gear), 50... Rectifying device, 52... Propeller (moving body), 54... Leaf spring (holding mechanism), 56... Holding piece (holding mechanism)

Claims

1. A fairing that is stored in the vehicle body and is deployed in front of the front wheels of the vehicle by being moved in the deployment direction to suppress the air flow to the front wheels; A moving body that is moved by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle; A transmission mechanism that decelerates and transmits the movement of the moving body to the fairing so that the fairing is moved in the deployment direction; A rectifying device comprising the above.

2. A fairing that is movably rotated about the front side of the vehicle, is stored in the vehicle body, and is deployed in front of the front wheels of the vehicle by being moved in the deployment direction to suppress the air flow to the front wheels; A moving body that is moved by receiving the traveling wind of the vehicle; A transmission mechanism that transmits the movement of the moving body to the fairing so that the fairing is moved in the deployment direction; A rectifying device comprising the above.

3. The rectifying device according to Claim 1, wherein a moving force in the direction of storing the fairing in the vehicle body is applied to the fairing.

4. The rectifying device according to Claim 1, further comprising a holding mechanism that holds the fairing in the storage position in the vehicle body.

5. The rectifying device according to Claim 1, wherein when the fairing is moved in the storage direction from the storage position in the vehicle body, the connection between the moving body and the fairing by the transmission mechanism is released.

6. The rectifying device according to Claim 1, wherein a rack and a pinion that mesh with each other are provided in the transmission mechanism.

7. The rectifying device according to Claim 1, wherein the moving body is rotated around the direction of the traveling wind of the vehicle.

8. The rectifying device according to Claim 1, further comprising a transmission gear provided in the transmission mechanism and provided on the rotation shaft of the fairing.

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