Straddle-type vehicle

Abstract

To provide a straddle-type vehicle that can effectively adjust travel wind passing through a gap between a front cowl and a side cowl by contriving component shapes.SOLUTION: In a straddle-type vehicle (1) that includes: a front cowl (9) covering front and side portions of a vehicle body; and side cowls (12) each disposed to be overlapped with the front cowl (9) while having a predetermined gap (G) on an outer side of the front cowl in a vehicle width direction, a wind guide part (51) extending in a front-rear direction is disposed in the gap (G). A front portion of the wind guide part (51) includes: a first inclination (55) including upward toward a vehicle body rear side; and a second inclination (54) inclined from a rear portion of the first inclination (55) obliquely upward toward the vehicle body rear side. Recessed portions or protruded portions (60, 70) are formed at the first inclination (55).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle, and more particularly to a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a front cowl and a side cowl for rectifying wind received from the front of the vehicle body while the vehicle is traveling. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Saddle-type vehicles have been known that have a front cowl that supports a headlight and covers the front and side portions of the vehicle body, and a side cowl that is disposed on top of the front cowl on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a predetermined gap is provided between a front cowl and a side cowl, and running wind is allowed to pass through this gap to reduce the frontal projection area of ​​the vehicle body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-98362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when gaps are provided between the cowls as in the configuration of Patent Document 1, depending on the shape of the surrounding components, the amount of road airflow passing through the gap between the front cowl and the side cowl increases, and this tends to flow along the surface of the fuel tank located above and behind the side cowl. Therefore, there has been a demand for actively separating this road airflow to improve responsiveness when the vehicle is leaning. If road airflow enters the gap, the passing airflow becomes faster. In this case, it becomes difficult for the road airflow to separate from the vehicle surface, so measures to slow the flow velocity of the passing road airflow were necessary. While widening this gap (increasing the flow path area) or filling the gap could be considered to block the flowing airflow or slow the flow velocity, these measures would result in an increase in the frontal projection area.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above and to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can effectively straighten the airflow passing through the gap between the front cowl and the side cowl by using an ingenious component shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle (1) having a front cowl (9) covering the front and side parts of the vehicle body, and side cowls (12) arranged on top of the front cowl (9) with a predetermined gap (G) on the outside in the vehicle width direction, wherein a wind guide section (51) extending in the fore-and-aft direction is provided in the gap (G), the front part of the wind guide section (51) has a first inclined section (55) inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle body, and a second inclined section (54) inclined from the rear part of the first inclined section (55) toward the rear and upward of the vehicle body, and a first feature is that a concave or convex section (60, 70) is formed in the first inclined section (55).

[0008] Furthermore, the air guidance section (51) has a third inclined section (56) oriented in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body at the rear of the first inclined section (55) and / or the second inclined section (54), and the second inclined section (54) is made of a plate-shaped member, and the rear end of the second inclined section (54) and the front end of the third inclined section (56) are spaced apart in the vertical direction, which is a second feature of the air guidance section (51).

[0009] A third feature is that a front flow path (W1) that guides the traveling wind (W) rearward and upward is formed between the outer surface (9b) of the front cowl (9) in the vehicle width direction, the inner surface (12a) of the side cowl (12) in the vehicle width direction, and the upper surface of the air guide section (51), and the front cowl (9) is formed with a bulging edge (9a) that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward and is located above and outside the front flow path (W1) in the vehicle width direction.

[0010] A fourth feature is that the angle (θ2) formed between the outer side surface (9b) of the front cowl (9) in the vehicle width direction and the first inclined portion (55) is an acute angle.

[0011] Furthermore, a fifth feature is that the air guide portion (51) stands outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface (9b) of the front cowl (9) in the vehicle width direction, and the second inclined portion (54) is shaped so that its vehicle width dimension becomes smaller as it extends rearward.

[0012] A sixth feature is that a duct (D) for guiding the traveling wind (W) downward is formed below the air guide portion (51), and a through hole (9c) is formed in the front cowl (9) at a position closer to the front of the rear flow path (51).

[0013] A seventh feature is that at least a part of the recessed or protruding portion (60, 70) is provided on the upper surface of the second inclined portion (54).

[0014] An eighth feature is that the recessed or protruding portion (60, 70) is a depression consisting of a descending surface (61, 71) having a smaller inclination angle than the upper surface of the air guide portion (51) and an upright portion (62, 72) that stands upright from the rear end of the descending surface (61, 71).

[0015] A ninth feature is that the angle (θ1) formed between the upper surface of the air guide part (51) and the standing parts (62, 72) is approximately a right angle.

[0016] Furthermore, a tenth feature is that the upright portions (62, 72) are oriented in the vehicle width direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the first feature, in a saddle-type vehicle (1) having a front cowl (9) covering the front and side parts of the vehicle body, and side cowls (12) arranged on top of the front cowl (9) with a predetermined gap (G) formed on the outside in the vehicle width direction, an air guide section (51) extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided in the gap (G), and the front part of the air guide section (51) has a first inclined section (55) inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle body and a second inclined section (54) inclined from the rear part of the first inclined section (55) toward the rear and upper part of the vehicle body, and the first inclined section (55) is formed with a concave or convex section (60, 70). Therefore, the first inclined section provided in the air guide section guides the traveling wind flowing through the gap between the front cowl and the side cowl rearward and upward, and the traveling wind flowing along the first inclined section is temporarily separated by the concave or convex section, and then dispersed rearward and upper by the second inclined section. This allows the wind to quickly separate upward from the upper part of the airflow guidance section, thereby improving responsiveness, particularly when the vehicle body is banked during cornering.

[0018] According to a second feature, the airflow guidance section (51) has a third inclined section (56) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body at the rear of the first inclined section (55) and / or the second inclined section (54), the second inclined section (54) being made of a plate-like member, and the rear end of the second inclined section (54) and the front end of the third inclined section (56) being spaced apart in the vertical direction, so that the third inclined section is not continuous with the first inclined section and the second inclined section (being spaced apart in the vertical direction), thereby promoting separation of the traveling wind. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the concave or convex sections are made larger, for example, by providing the second inclined section and the third inclined section made of a plate-like member, it is possible to efficiently separate the traveling wind with less material.

[0019] According to the third feature, a front flow path (W1) that guides the traveling wind (W) rearward and upward is formed between the outer surface (9b) of the front cowl (9) in the vehicle width direction, the inner surface (12a) of the side cowl (12) in the vehicle width direction, and the upper surface of the air guide section (51), and the front cowl (9) is formed with a bulging edge (9a) that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward and is located above and outside the front flow path (W1) in the vehicle width direction, and the front flow path (W1) extends at an angle outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward. Therefore, the shape of the front flow path and the shape of the bulging edge make it difficult for the traveling wind passing through the front flow path to hit the driver, thereby making it possible to improve the comfort of the driver.

[0020] According to the fourth feature, since the angle (θ2) formed between the vehicle width direction outer surface (9b) of the front cowl (9) and the first inclined portion (55) is an acute angle, the vehicle width direction outer surface of the front cowl is more likely to receive the traveling wind, and the traveling wind can be efficiently introduced into the front flow path.

[0021] According to a fifth feature, the airflow guidance portion (51) extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle width direction outer surface (9b) of the front cowl (9). The second inclined portion (54) is shaped so that its vehicle width dimension decreases toward the rear. This increases the distance over which the traveling wind flowing along the vehicle width direction outer surface of the front cowl is guided, while reducing the amount of material constituting the second inclined portion. Furthermore, the gap between the second inclined portion and the rear surface of the side cowl increases toward the rear, allowing a portion of the traveling wind to flow from the front flow path to the rear flow path. Changing the shape of the second inclined portion also makes it easy to adjust the amount of traveling wind flowing into the rear flow path. Furthermore, because the gap between the second inclined portion and the rear surface of the side cowl is narrower at a position closer to the front, the flow velocity of the traveling wind flowing through the front flow path increases, allowing the traveling wind to be more efficiently guided rearward.

[0022] According to the sixth feature, a duct (D) that guides the traveling wind (W) downward is formed below the air guidance section (51), and a through-hole (9c) is formed in the front cowl (9) at a position closer to the front of the rear flow path (51). Therefore, by providing the through-hole in the front cowl, negative pressure generated at a position closer to the front of the rear flow path is reduced, and the traveling wind can be efficiently directed rearward.

[0023] According to the seventh feature, at least a part of the recessed or protruding portion (60, 70) is provided on the upper surface of the second inclined portion (54). Therefore, the recessed or protruding portion is positioned closer to the rear of the air guide portion, so that the traveling wind can be separated more efficiently.

[0024] According to the eighth feature, the concave or convex portion (60, 70) is a depression consisting of a descending surface (61, 71) having a smaller inclination angle than the upper surface of the air guide portion (51) and an upright portion (62, 72) that stands upward from the rear end of the descending surface (61, 71). Therefore, the upright portion changes the course of the traveling wind flowing along the descending surface upward, thereby making it possible to effectively separate the traveling wind.

[0025] According to the ninth feature, the angle (θ1) formed between the upper surface of the air guide section (51) and the standing sections (62, 72) is approximately a right angle, so that the course of the traveling wind flowing along the descending surface is changed to approximately directly upward by the standing sections, thereby making it possible to more effectively separate the traveling wind.

[0026] According to the tenth feature, since the upright portions (62, 72) are oriented in the vehicle width direction, the traveling wind flowing through the front flow passages that extend rearward at an incline outward in the vehicle width direction is guided outward in the vehicle width direction and made to collide with the rear surface of the side cowl, thereby preventing the separated traveling wind from returning to the upper surface of the wind guidance portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged front view of the motorcycle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the motorcycle of FIG. 3 with a side cowl removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged left side view of the motorcycle with the side cowl removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the air guidance section on the right side in the vehicle width direction as viewed from the front right. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view of the motorcycle 1. The motorcycle 1 is a saddle-ride type vehicle that travels by transmitting the driving force of a power unit P, which is an integrated combination of an internal combustion engine and a transmission, to a rear wheel WR via a drive chain 23.

[0029] A head pipe F1 that rotatably supports a steering stem (not shown) is provided at the front end of a pair of left and right main frames F2 that make up the body frame F. A top bridge 6 and a bottom bridge 13 that support a pair of left and right front forks 14 are fixed to the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the steering stem.

[0030] A front wheel WF is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 14. A front fender 15 is attached to the front fork 14, covering the upper part of the front wheel WF. Steering handlebars 3 supporting a pair of left and right rearview mirrors 4 are fixed to the upper part of the top bridge 6. A pair of left and right knuckle guards 5 are disposed in front of the grip portions of the steering handlebars 3. A front cowl 9 having an opening through which the headlight 11 faces is disposed in front of the head pipe F1, and a pair of left and right side cowls 12 are disposed on the outer sides of the front cowl 9 in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] A windscreen 8 is supported on the upper part of the front cowl 9, and a meter device 7 is disposed behind the windscreen 8. A pair of left and right front flasher lamps 10, which function as turn signals, sidelights, hazard lights, etc., are supported in mounting holes provided in the front cowl 9. A duct D (described later) and an exhaust port 17 for the airflow flowing in from the front of the vehicle are provided near the rear of the side cowls 12. A radiator 32 is disposed in front of the power unit P, and an inner cowl 30, shaped to surround the edge of the radiator 32, is disposed inside the side cowl 12 in the vehicle width direction. A pair of left and right air intake ports 31, each with a plurality of louvers, are provided near the upper part of the inner cowl 30.

[0032] A fuel tank 2 is disposed on top of the main frame F2. A pair of left and right pivot frames F4 supporting a pivot 18 that pivotally supports a swing arm 22 so that it can swing freely are connected to the lower rear end of the main frame F2, which extends rearward and downward from the head pipe F1. A pair of left and right step bars 20 on which the rider places their feet are attached to the pivot frames F4. A shift pedal 19 and a side stand 21 are supported at positions near the bottom of the pivot frame F4 on the left side in the vehicle width direction. A brake pedal 37 is disposed in front of the step bar 20 on the right side in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] The power unit P, which is fitted with an exhaust pipe 16 that sends combustion gases from the internal combustion engine to a muffler 33 on the right side in the vehicle width direction, is suspended between a pair of left and right hanger frames F3 that extend rearward and downward from a position near the bottom of the head pipe F1, and a pivot frame F4. The swing arm 22 that rotatably supports the rear wheel WR is suspended from the main frame F2 at a position near the front of the swing arm 22 by a rear cushion 35. The rear frame F5 extends rearward and upward from the main frame F2 and supports a seat 29 on which a rider sits, and a rear cowl 28 that supports a grip bar 27 and a taillight device 24. A rear fender 24 that supports a pair of left and right rear flashers 24 is attached to the lower rear end of the rear cowl 28.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged front view of the motorcycle 1. Fig. 4 is a front view showing the motorcycle 1 of Fig. 3 with the side cowls 12 removed. The same reference numerals as those used above indicate the same or equivalent parts. The front cowl 9 and the side cowls 12 disposed on the outer sides of the front cowl 9 in the vehicle width direction can each be formed from a thin plate member made of synthetic resin or the like. The front end of the side cowl 12 is fixed to the front cowl 9 by a fastening member such as a screw.

[0035] A predetermined gap G is provided between the front cowl 9 and the side cowls 12. A standing portion 50 is disposed in the gap G, standing outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 in the vehicle width direction. A duct D is provided below the standing portion 50, and is provided between the front cowl 9 and the side cowls 12 and introduces airflow from the front while the vehicle is traveling. The front cowl 9 is formed with a bulging edge 9a that slopes upward and rearward and juts outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] Referring also to FIG. 4, an air guide section 51 is formed on the upper surface of the upright section 50 to guide the traveling wind introduced through the gap G in an upward and rearward direction. The upper ends of the side cowls 12 are located below the upper end of the front cowl 9, and the air guide section 51 is disposed below the upper end of the side cowl 12. The air guide section 51 is shaped to slope upward and rearward and to slope outward in the vehicle width direction. The traveling wind introduced through the gap G passes through a front flow path W1 (see FIG. 5) formed between the outer side surface 9b of the front cowl 9 in the vehicle width direction, the inner side surface 12a of the side cowl 12 in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 7), and the upper surface of the air guide section 51, and is then guided upward and rearward. The front flow path W1 passes through a generally U-shaped space that is open at the top.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged left side view of the motorcycle 1 with the side cowl 12 removed. The same reference numerals as those used above indicate the same or equivalent parts. The traveling wind W received by the motorcycle 1 from the front is rectified by several flow paths and directed rearward. The traveling wind W introduced through the gap G between the front cowl 9 and the side cowl 12 is guided rearward and upward by a front flow path W1 that passes above the upright portion 50. A rear flow path W2 is formed behind the upright portion 50 to guide the traveling wind W rearward. A lower flow path W3 is formed below the upright portion 50 to guide the traveling wind W introduced from the duct D rearward and downward. Furthermore, a hot air flow path W4 is formed below the lower flow path W3 to guide the traveling wind W introduced through the intake port 31 of the inner cowl 30, together with air warmed by the radiator 32, rearward and downward.

[0038] The bulging edge 9a of the front cowl 9 is located above the front passage W1 and outboard in the vehicle width direction. The front cowl 9 also has a through-hole 9c elongated in the fore-and-aft direction at a position toward the front of the rear passage W2. A communication hole 9d communicating with the duct D is formed below the through-hole 9c. The communication hole 9d is connected to the rear of the rear passage W2. The lower passage W2, through which the airflow introduced from the duct D passes, branches into an upward flow toward the communication hole 9d and a downward flow toward the radiator 32. The upward flow toward the communication hole 9d merges with the rear of the rear passage W2. This allows the airflow to be drawn more actively from the duct D. A fastening member 53, such as a screw, that supports the front cowl 9 to the vehicle body is threadedly engaged with a position toward the rear of the upright portion 50.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the air guide section 51 on the right side in the vehicle width direction, as viewed from the front right. The same reference numerals as those used above indicate the same or equivalent parts. A first inclined section 55 is provided at the front of the air guide section 51, inclining rearward and upward from the front end of the air guide section 51 in a side view of the vehicle body. A second inclined section 54 is provided at the rear of the air guide section 51, inclining rearward and upward in a side view of the vehicle body. The first inclined section 55 is provided with a front recess 60 and a rear recess 70, which function as recesses or protrusions that separate the traveling wind W flowing along the upper surface of the air guide section 51 through the front flow path W1, i.e., the traveling wind W passing through the front flow path W1, upward. A locking member 52 for securing the side cowl 12 to the front cowl 9 is disposed below the first inclined section 55.

[0040] The front recess 60 and the rear recess 70 serving as shape changing portions are configured as recesses each including a descending surface 61, 71 having a smaller inclination angle than the upper surface of the airflow guidance portion 51, and an upright portion 62, 72 rising upward from the rear end of the descending surface 61, 71. In this embodiment, the front recess 60 is formed in a position closer to the front of the first inclined portion 55, and the rear recess 70 is formed in a position closer to the rear of the first inclined portion 55 and slightly overlapping the second inclined portion 54. Here, if there were only one shape changing portion, a portion of the traveling wind that has been separated upward by the shape changing portion would likely approach the surface of the airflow guidance portion 51 again at the rear thereof. However, in this embodiment, by providing two shape changing portions at the front and rear, even if a portion of the traveling wind that has been separated upward by the front recess 60 approaches the surface of the airflow guidance portion 51 again, the rear recess 70 can efficiently separate the wind upward.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second inclined portion 54 provided at the rear of the air guide portion 51 is made of a plate-like member and has a shape extending in the extension direction of the first inclined portion 55 so as to be spaced upward from the rear flow passage W2. This makes it possible to efficiently disperse the traveling wind separated by the front recess 60 and the rear recess 70 in an upward and rearward direction.

[0042] A third inclined portion 56 made of a plate-like member standing outward in the vehicle width direction is provided above the through-hole 9c. The front end of the third inclined portion 56 is disposed at a position spaced apart in the vertical direction from the rear end of the second inclined portion 54. This provides the first inclined portion 55 and the second inclined portion 54 extending in the same direction as the first inclined portion 55, and the third inclined portion 54 is not continuous with the first inclined portion 55 and the second inclined portion 54 (is spaced apart in the vertical direction), which promotes separation of the running wind.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. The same reference numerals as those described above indicate the same or equivalent parts. As described above, the front flow passage W1 is shaped to extend at an angle outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward, in accordance with the shape of the air guide section 51. This prevents the rider from being hit by the wind passing through the front flow passage, thereby improving rider comfort. Furthermore, the bulging edge 9a of the front cowl 9 is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the front flow passage W1 in a plan view of the vehicle body. This prevents the air guide section 51 from being hidden by the bulging edge 9a in a plan view of the vehicle body, thereby improving the appearance of the motorcycle 1. Furthermore, the air guide section 51 is hidden by the front cowl 9 and the side cowl 12 in the side view, plan view, rear view, and bottom view of the vehicle body, thereby improving the appearance in all directions.

[0044] The second inclined portions 54 serving as guide plates have a widthwise dimension that decreases rearward relative to the front cowl 9, and the smaller the dimension, the farther the vehicle widthwise outer ends of the second inclined portions 54 are from the side cowls 12. This allows the amount of material constituting the second inclined portions 54 to be reduced while increasing the distance over which the traveling wind flowing along the vehicle widthwise outer surfaces of the front cowl 9 is guided. The gap between the second inclined portions 54 and the rear surfaces of the side cowls 12 also increases rearward, allowing a portion of the traveling wind passing through the front-side flow passage W1 to flow into the rear-side flow passage W2. Because the gap between the second inclined portions 54 and the rear surfaces of the side cowls 12 is narrower near the front, the gap is smaller near the front (because the second inclined portions 54 are inclined rearward and upward, i.e., downward in the vertical direction). This increases the flow velocity of the traveling wind near the through holes 9c, allowing the traveling wind inside the cowl to be drawn out.

[0045] Furthermore, while the front flow passage W1 extends rearward at an angle outward in the vehicle width direction, the upright portions 62, 72 are oriented at an angle close to the vehicle width direction. This allows the traveling wind flowing through the front flow passage W1 to be guided outward in the vehicle width direction and collide with the vehicle width direction inner surface 12a, which is the back surface of the side cowl 12, thereby preventing the separated traveling wind from returning to the upper surface of the air guide portion 51. Furthermore, the front recess 60 and the rear recess 70 are formed so as not to come into contact with the vehicle width direction outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9. This makes the front recess 60 and the rear recess 70 even more difficult to see from the outside.

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. The same reference numerals as those used above indicate the same or equivalent parts. The standing portion 50, which is integrally molded with the front cowl 9, has a hollow structure. The upper surface of the air guide portion 51 has a gently curved shape that is convex upward and forward from the front end of the first inclined portion 55 to the rear end of the second inclined portion 54.

[0047] The upright portions 62, 72 of the front recess 60 and the rear recess 70 are inclined slightly forward with respect to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 formed between the upper surface of the airflow guidance section 51 and the upright portions 62, 72 is configured to be approximately a right angle. As a result, the upright portions 62, 72 change the course of the traveling wind flowing along the descending surfaces 61, 71 to approximately directly upward, making it possible to more effectively separate the traveling wind.

[0048] Furthermore, since the through-hole 9c is formed in the front cowl 9 at a position closer to the front of the rear flow path W2 (see FIG. 5), the negative pressure generated at the position closer to the front of the rear flow path W2 is reduced, and the wind generated while traveling can be efficiently directed rearward.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7 . FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 5 . The same reference numerals as those in the above sections indicate the same or equivalent parts. As described above, the upright portions 50 are hollow, and the side surfaces of the upright portions 50 abut against the vehicle widthwise inner surfaces 12a of the side cowls 12. The upper ends of the side cowls 12 are provided with folded-back portions 12b that are turned inward in the vehicle width direction, preventing the traveling wind passing through the front-side flow passage W1 from escaping upward. In addition, in this embodiment, the first inclined portions 55 are inclined slightly downward toward the vehicle widthwise outer side to facilitate demolding of the front cowl 9, which is produced by injection molding using a mold. In this embodiment, the angle θ2 formed between the vehicle widthwise outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 and the first inclined portions 55 is an acute angle. This makes it easier for the vehicle widthwise outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 to receive the traveling wind, thereby enabling the traveling wind to be efficiently introduced into the front-side flow passage W1.

[0050] As described above, the cowl structure according to the present invention includes an air guide section 51 that is disposed in the gap G between the front cowl 9 and the side cowl 12 and extends in the fore-and-aft direction, and a first inclined section 55 that inclines rearward and upward as viewed from the side of the vehicle is provided at the upper part of the air guide section 51, and a second inclined section 54 that inclines rearward and upward as viewed from the side of the vehicle is provided at the rear of the air guide section 51, and shape changing sections 60, 70 are formed in the first inclined section 55 to separate upward the traveling wind W that flows along the upper surface of the air guide section 51. Therefore, the first inclined section 55 provided in the air guide section 51 guides the traveling wind W that flows through the gap G between the front cowl 9 and the side cowl 12 rearward and upward, and the traveling wind W that flows along the first inclined section 55 can be temporarily separated by the shape changing sections 60, 70 and then dispersed rearward and upward by the second inclined section 54. As a result, for example, if the traveling wind W flowing along the air guide section 51 does not separate up to the rear end of the air guide section 51, this traveling wind W may affect the handling stability of the vehicle body; however, by causing the traveling wind W to quickly separate upward from the top of the air guide section 51, it is possible to improve handling stability, particularly when the vehicle body is banked during cornering.

[0051] In addition, behind the air guidance section 51, there is a rear flow path W2 that is oriented in the fore-and-aft direction and guides the traveling wind W rearward, and the second inclined section 54 is made of a plate-like member and has a shape that extends along the extension direction of the first inclined section 55 so as to be spaced upward from the rear flow path W2.Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the shape-changing sections 60, 70 are made even larger to promote the separation of the traveling wind, by providing the second inclined section 54 made of a plate-like member, it is possible to efficiently separate the traveling wind W with less material.

[0052] In addition, a front flow path W1 that guides the traveling wind W in a rearward and upward direction is formed between the outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 in the vehicle width direction, the inner surface 12a of the side cowl 12 in the vehicle width direction, and the upper surface of the air guide section 51, and the front cowl 9 is formed with a bulging edge 9a that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward and is located above and outside the front flow path W1 in the vehicle width direction, and the front flow path W1 extends at an angle outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward, so that the shape of the front flow path W1 and the shape of the bulging edge 9a make it less likely that the traveling wind passing through the front flow path W1 will hit the driver, thereby increasing the comfort of the driver.

[0053] In addition, since the angle θ2 formed between the vehicle width direction outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 and the first inclined portion 55 is an acute angle, the vehicle width direction outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 can easily receive the traveling wind W, making it possible to efficiently introduce the traveling wind W into the front flow path W1.

[0054] Furthermore, the air guide section 51 is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 in the vehicle width direction, and the second inclined portion 54 is shaped so that its vehicle width dimension decreases toward the rear. This makes it possible to reduce the material constituting the second inclined portion 54 while increasing the distance over which the traveling wind W flowing along the outer surface 9b of the front cowl 9 is guided. Furthermore, the gap between the second inclined portion 54 and the rear surface of the side cowl 9 increases toward the rear, allowing a portion of the traveling wind W to flow from the front-side flow path W1 to the rear-side flow path W2. Furthermore, by changing the shape of the second inclined portion 54, the amount of traveling wind W flowing into the rear-side flow path W2 can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, because the gap between the second inclined portion 54 and the rear surface of the side cowl 9 is narrower at a position closer to the front, the flow velocity of the traveling wind flowing through the front-side flow path W1 increases, making it possible to more efficiently guide the traveling wind W rearward.

[0055] In addition, a duct D is formed below the air guidance section 51 to guide the traveling wind W downward, and a through hole 9c is formed in the front cowl 9 at a position closer to the front of the rear flow path 51. Therefore, by providing the through hole 9c in the front cowl 9, the negative pressure generated at a position closer to the front of the rear flow path W2 is reduced, and the traveling wind W can be efficiently directed rearward.

[0056] Furthermore, since at least a portion of the shape-changing portions 60, 70 is provided on the upper surface of the second inclined portion 54, the shape-changing portions 60, 70 are positioned closer to the rear of the airflow guidance portion 51, so that the traveling wind W can be separated more efficiently.

[0057] Furthermore, the shape-changing sections 60, 70 are recesses consisting of descending surfaces 61, 71 with a smaller inclination angle than the upper surface of the air guide section 51, and upright sections 62, 72 that rise upward from the rear ends of the descending surfaces 61, 71. Therefore, the traveling wind W flowing along the descending surfaces 61, 71 can be changed in direction upward by the upright sections 62, 72, thereby making it possible to effectively separate the traveling wind W.

[0058] Furthermore, since the angle θ1 formed between the upper surface of the air guide section 51 and the standing sections 62, 72 is approximately a right angle, the running wind W flowing along the descending surfaces 61, 71 is changed in course to approximately directly upwards by the standing sections 62, 72, making it possible to more effectively separate the running wind W.

[0059] Furthermore, since the upright portions 62, 72 are oriented in the vehicle width direction, the traveling wind W flowing through the front flow path W1, which extends rearward at an angle outward in the vehicle width direction, is guided outward in the vehicle width direction and made to collide with the rear surface of the side cowl 12, thereby preventing the detached traveling wind W from returning to the upper surface of the air guide portion 51.

[0060] The configuration of the motorcycle, the shape and structure of the front cowl and side cowl, the shape of the air guide section, the shape and arrangement of the shape-changing section, and the shapes of the front and rear flow passages are not limited to those described in the above embodiments and can be variously modified. For example, the upright portion on which the air guide section is provided may be provided separately from the front cowl or may be integrally molded with the side cowl. Furthermore, the shape-changing section is not limited to the recess described above, but may be a plate-like member or a bulge portion erected upward, and the number of such may be one or more. Furthermore, the shape of the upper surface of the air guide section may be entirely curved or may have two flat portions before and after the bent portion. Furthermore, the shape-changing section may be eliminated and only the second inclined portion may be used, or the air guide section may be oriented horizontally or approximately horizontally. The cowl structure according to the present invention can be applied not only to motorcycles but also to various vehicles such as straddle-type three-wheeled vehicles and four-wheeled vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1...motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle), 9...front cowl, 9a...bulging edge, 9b...outer surface of front cowl in the vehicle width direction, 9c...through hole, 12...side cowl, 12a...inner surface of side cowl in the vehicle width direction, 51...air guide section, 54...second inclined section, 55...first inclined section, 56...third inclined section, 60, 70...recess (shape-changing section), 61, 71...downward surface, 62, 72...standing section, θ1...angle formed between upper surface of air guide section and standing section, θ2...angle formed between outer surface of front cowl in the vehicle width direction and first inclined section, G...gap, D...duct W...road wind, W1...front flow path, W2...rear flow path

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle (1) having a front cowl (9) covering the front and side portions of a vehicle body, and side cowls (12) disposed on the outside of the front cowl (9) in the vehicle width direction, with a predetermined gap (G) therebetween, An air guide section (51) extending in the front-rear direction is provided in the gap (G), a front portion of the air guide portion (51) having a first inclined portion (55) inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle body, and a second inclined portion (54) inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle body from a rear portion of the first inclined portion (55); A saddle-type vehicle characterized in that the first inclined portion (55) is formed with a recess or a protrusion (60, 70).

2. The air guide section (51) has a third inclined section (56) oriented in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body at the rear of the first inclined section (55) and / or the second inclined section (54), The second inclined portion (54) is made of a plate-like member, 2. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a rear end of the second inclined portion (54) and a front end of the third inclined portion (56) are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

3. a front flow passage (W1) having an open end at an upper portion is formed by an outer surface (9b) of the front cowl (9) in the vehicle width direction, an inner surface (12a) of the side cowl (12) in the vehicle width direction, and an upper surface of the air guide section (51); The front cowl (9) is formed with a bulging edge (9a) that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward and is located above and outside the front flow path (W1) in the vehicle width direction, 3. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the front flow passage (W1) extends at an incline outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward.

4. 4. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein an angle (θ2) formed between an outer surface (9b) in the vehicle width direction of the front cowl (9) and the first inclined portion (55) is an acute angle.

5. The air guide portion (51) is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface (9b) of the front cowl (9) in the vehicle width direction, 5. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the second inclined portion (54) is shaped so that its dimension in the vehicle width direction decreases toward the rear.

6. 3. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, wherein a through-hole (9c) is formed in the front cowl (9) at a position closer to the front of the rear flow passage (51).

7. 3. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the recessed or protruding portion (60, 70) is provided on an upper surface of the second inclined portion (54).

8. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the concave or convex portion (60, 70) is a recess consisting of a descending surface (61, 71) having a smaller inclination angle than the upper surface of the air guide portion (51), and an upright portion (62, 72) that stands upward from the rear end of the descending surface (61, 71).

9. 9. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 8, wherein an angle (θ1) formed between an upper surface of the air guide portion (51) and the upright portion (62, 72) is approximately a right angle.

10. 10. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the upright portions (62, 72) are oriented in the vehicle width direction.

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