Vehicles equipped with radiator mud flaps

Abstract

The multi-wheel rolling vehicle (100) comprises two front steerable wheels (20R, 20L) spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, at least one rear drive steerable wheel (30), and a radiator (10) disposed behind and between the front wheels (20R, 20L) when the front wheels (20R, 20L) are not steered and the vehicle (100) is in an upright position and the vehicle (100) is observed from the front. The radiator (10) is disposed on the left side of the right wheel (20R), the right side of the left wheel (20L), the ground (G), and the front The mud flap (1) comprises a radiator (10) disposed in a space (S) defined between a line (L) connecting high points (70) of the rings (20R, 20L), and a mud flap (1) disposed in front of the radiator (10) so as to at least partially cover the radiator (10), the mud flap (1) comprising a finned body (2) made of a plurality of fins (3) configured to at least partially cover the radiator (10), and a protrusion (4) disposed on a lower portion of the finned body (2). The protrusion (4) is formed so as to protrude forward relative to the finned body (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motorcycles, i.e. riding saddle-type vehicles of the rolling type, i.e. riding saddle-type vehicles with a rolling motion about a central axis extending longitudinally along the vehicle. Rolling motorcycles are usually three- or four-wheeled motorcycles with two front steering wheels and one or two rear driving wheels. The rolling motion allows the motorcycle to lean while traveling, for example while traveling around a curve. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, it is generally known to place the engine radiator behind or at the front wheel of the vehicle. In vehicles with two aligned wheels, such as motorcycles, the placement of the engine radiator behind the front wheel has been known for decades; one need only mention, for example, all road racing motorcycles. In multi-wheeled vehicles, especially three-wheeled vehicles, it is likewise known to place the radiator behind and in the center of the wheel. Examples of this are provided by EP 2889210 A1 and by the four-wheeled brand vehicle model YB250ZKT published in 2011.

[0003] In this type of three-wheeled vehicle, when the two front wheels roll on wet ground, water, dirt and mud splash up from the side walls of the wheels and radiate outwards from each wheel. Therefore, the water splash from both wheels converges in the central zone of the vehicle. Therefore, if the radiator is located behind and between the front wheels, the flow of splash that hits the radiator will be very large.

[0004] There is therefore a very high risk of dirt and debris reaching the radiator, a problem which has traditionally been solved by placing the radiator behind a protective grid, slightly set back from it and / or elevated above ground level to reduce the risk of the radiator becoming dirty and therefore less efficient. However, this solution restricts the airflow through the radiator, affecting its performance.

[0005] Furthermore, three-wheeled vehicles, especially rolling vehicles, are less aerodynamic than two-wheeled vehicles, and therefore vibrations increase above a certain speed. These vibrations can be unpleasant for the driver, especially on long journeys. It is known to dampen vibrations by hydraulic dampers, such as those described in CN102092435, but these solutions are expensive and subject to ambient temperature changes that alter the viscosity of the liquid flowing through the hydraulic damper.

[0006] It is also known in the prior art to place fins under the radiator to protect the radiator from dirt and mud from the front wheels of the vehicle. Examples of this are described in JP2004-338467 and JPS50-115354U. These documents teach placing the radiator behind the front wheels and therefore in a position where the radiator is more likely to become contaminated by mud and dirt from the front wheels.

[0007] Thus, the prior art -Easy and cheap to manufacture; -Quick maintenance; - Protects the radiator from splashes of water, debris and mud that can affect the efficiency of the radiator; -It does not provide a solution to improve vehicle stability at high speeds. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by a multi-wheeled vehicle comprising two front steered and steered wheels spaced apart from each other along the left-right direction, at least one rear driven and steered wheel, a radiator arranged behind and between the front steered wheels, and a mud flap arranged in front of the radiator so as to at least partially cover it. The mud flap comprises a fin body with a plurality of fins and configured to at least partially cover the radiator, and a protrusion arranged at the bottom of the fin body. The protrusion is formed so as to protrude forward relative to the fin-like body. When the front wheels are not steered and the vehicle is in an upright position and the vehicle is observed from the front, the radiator is located in the space defined between the left side of the right wheel, the right side of the left wheel, the ground, and a line connecting the high point of the front wheels. A radiator arranged in this way receives the maximum airflow from the forward motion of the vehicle, but is conversely more exposed to mud, water, and debris sprayed from the front wheels. "This is especially true when the vehicle is steering and / or rolling. Positioned and shaped in this way, the mudflaps significantly reduce the amount of water, debris and mud that is sprayed from the front wheels towards the center plane of the vehicle. Additionally, the mudflap protrusions help stabilize the vehicle at high speeds, acting as a stabilizing spoiler."

[0009] In particular, the leading edge of the mud flap projection can extend within the contour of one of the front wheels when the vehicle is viewed from the side. This particular arrangement of the mud flap makes it possible to significantly reduce the volume of water, debris and mud that is thrown off by the wheels and that would otherwise reach the radiator.

[0010] Preferably, the protrusion has a length in the front-to-rear direction that is at least twice as long as the length in the front-to-rear direction of one or more of the fins, and this shape allows the protrusion to protect the fins and the radiator from most splashes from below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In a first configuration, the projection and the finned body may form a single piece so as to simplify assembly and inspection of the mudflap.

[0012] Alternatively, the protrusions and the finned body are two separate parts. By separating the protrusions from the finned body in this manner, a geometrically simpler part can be produced.

[0013] Advantageously, said projections may be substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape when viewed from below the mudflap, which, in addition to better deflecting air and spray to the sides of the mudflap, also makes it possible to facilitate front steering wheel movement, as will become apparent below.

[0014] Preferably the fins may be inclined relative to the finned body. Such an arrangement of fins may protect the radiator from dirt and stones.

[0015] In particular, each fin of the plurality of fins is oriented upwards, such that the leading edge of the fin is above the trailing edge of the fin. This special inclination of the fins provides better protection for the radiator against splashes of water, debris and mud from below. Advantageously, the fins can be interconnected by ribs oriented in a vertical direction. These ribs can increase the stiffness of the mud flap, reducing the risk of the flap breaking due to vibrations or impacts.

[0016] These and other advantages will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments, given in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] In the drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective side view of a vehicle equipped with a mud flap according to the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mud flap according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of a mudflap according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a mud flap according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a vehicle equipped with a mud flap according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of a vehicle equipped with a mud flap according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings identify equal or similar elements. The subject matter of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures, or features of the solutions described below can be combined with each other in any manner.

[0019] In figures 2, 3 and 4 a mudflap is designated by the reference numeral 1. The mudflap 1 shown in the figures has a finned body 2 with fins 3 and protrusions 4.

[0020] The finned body 2 is substantially frame-shaped and has a number of horizontal fins 3 extending parallel to one another.

[0021] The fins 3 are connected at their ends to the finned body 2 and to each other by vertically extending ribs 5 .

[0022] The fins 3 and ribs 5 together with the finned body 2 form a ventilation grid.

[0023] The mud flap 1 is shaped to at least partially cover the radiator 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 6. Thus, air intended to circulate around the radiator 10, and in particular the fins of the radiator 10, passes through the mud flap 1.

[0024] Thus, the mud flap 1 functions as a ventilation and protective grid for the radiator 10 and as a deflector of water, debris and mud splash from the front wheels 20R, 20L, as shown in FIG.

[0025] The splash prevention function is mainly provided by the projections 4.

[0026] The projections 4 appear as extensions of parts of the finned body 2 .

[0027] Alternatively, the projections 4 may be separate and independent parts from the finned body 2. In the latter case (not shown), the finned body 2 and the projections 4 may be connected together via connecting means, for example screws.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the projection 4 is a protrusion that projects forward from the finned body 2. In fact, the two elements, the finned body 2 and the projection 4, are integral with each other.

[0029] The protrusion 4 is longer than the fin 3 and projects forward therefrom.

[0030] The protrusions 4 may have a longitudinal length that is twice or at least twice as long as one or all of the fins 3, as shown in FIG.

[0031] The projections 4 are located at the bottom of the finned body 2 as they must be protected from splashes from below.

[0032] The fins 3 are inclined relative to the finned body 2. In particular, the fins 3 are inclined upwards, i.e. the trailing edge 3B of a fin 3 is located lower than the leading edge 3F of the same fin 3. The terms trailing edge and leading edge refer to the normal flow direction of the airflow over the finned body 2 of the mudguard flap 1 during forward motion of the vehicle 100.

[0033] The fins 3 are angled upward to further limit the ingress of water, debris or mud into the radiator 10. The combination of the protrusions 4 and the upwardly angled fins 3 provides complete protection for the radiator 10 from splashes of water, debris and mud.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, when the vehicle 100 is viewed from the side, the mud flap 1 is located in front of the radiator 10 and at least partially covers it.

[0035] As the vehicle 100 moves forward, water, debris and mud are thrown off by the front wheels 20R, 20L and any that is not blocked by the mudguard 50 impacts the projections 4 as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0036] In order to maximize the protective effect of the projection 4, the projection 4 extends forward until it reaches the inside of the contours 40 of the front wheels 20R, 20L.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 5, when observing the mudflap 1 from below, its projections 4 are substantially triangular in shape, but can also have a trapezoidal shape.

[0038] This shape allows the wheels to be steered and tilted without hitting the protrusion 4. The shape of the protrusion 4 is therefore a geometric trade-off between the space for action and movement of the front wheels 20R, 20L, shown in dashed lines in Figure 5, and the need to protect the radiator 10 from splashes.

[0039] The vehicle 100 shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 is a three-wheel vehicle having two front wheels 20R, 20L and one rear drive wheel 30.

[0040] The vehicle 100 has an articulated quadrilateral mechanism (not shown) which allows the frame to roll relative to the ground, as occurs with a conventional type motorcycle.

[0041] Further details regarding the kinematic mechanisms enabling roll of the vehicle 100 are described in patent EP1561612A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Although the multi-wheeled vehicle 100 shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6 is a three-wheeled vehicle, the vehicle 100 may similarly be configured with two rear drive wheels and two front steering wheels, or may be configured to be non-rolling, i.e., not tilting the frame relative to the ground like a conventional motorcycle, unlike the vehicle 100 of Figures 1, 5, and 6.

[0043] Because the vehicle 100 is configured with two front steered wheels 20R, 20L, the angle of incidence of the wheels with respect to the ground is constantly changing, making it difficult to catch water, debris, mud, etc. from the front wheels 20R, 20L.

[0044] In such a situation, the mudguard 50 becomes ineffective and the radiator 10 is more likely to become soiled with mud and debris. However, as shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6, it is optimal to place the radiator 10 between and behind the front wheels 20R, 20L, because air flows freely between the wheels 20R, 20L and the radiator 10 is closer to the engine 60. As shown in Figure 6, the radiator 10 is between the wheels 20R, 20L and is not covered by the wheels 20R, 20L. In reality, the radiator 10 is not located behind the wheels 20R, 20L when observing the vehicle 100 from the front. Specifically, the radiator 10 is located in a space S surrounded by the inner side of the wheels 20R, 20L, the ground G, and an ideal line L connecting the upper ends of the wheels 20R, 20L. In this position, the radiator 10 receives more air because it is not blocked by the wheels 20R, 20L. Therefore, in a three or four wheel rolling vehicle, it is preferred to place the radiator 10 behind and midway between the front wheels 20R, 20L. Thus, the mud flap 1 of the present invention can protect the placement of the radiator 10 behind the wheels without limiting its functionality or efficiency.

[0045] In fact, the mudflap 1 of the present invention allows the radiator 10 to be located immediately aft of the finned body 2 of the mudflap 1, without having to be located further aft therefrom. Thus, the air flowing through the radiator 10 is maximized and substantially coincides with the air flowing through the finned body 2 and its fins 3.

[0046] Moreover, the protrusion 4 has a further beneficial effect: due to its extension it can also act as a spoiler, improving the aerodynamics and downforce of the vehicle 100. The spoiler downforce created by the protrusion 4 allows the front wheels of the vehicle 100 to be lowered when travelling at high speeds, thus improving grip on the ground and reducing vibrations that may cause instability of the vehicle 100.

[0047] In conclusion, it is clear that the invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications or variations, all of which are within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements. In practice, the amount can be varied according to technical needs.

Claims

1. A multi-wheel rolling vehicle (100), Two rolling type steering front wheels (20R, 20L) arranged at an interval along the left-right direction; At least one driving rolling type rear wheel (30); a radiator (10) disposed behind the two front wheels (20R, 20L) and between the two front wheels (20R, 20L) when the two front wheels (20R, 20L) are not steered, the vehicle (100) is in an upright position, and the vehicle (100) is observed from the front, the radiator (10) being disposed in a space (S) defined between a left side of the right wheel (20R) of the two front wheels (20R, 20L), a right side of the left wheel (20L) of the two front wheels (20R, 20L), the ground (G), and a line (L) connecting a high point (70) of the two front wheels (20R, 20L); a mud flap (1) disposed in front of the radiator (10) so as to at least partially cover the radiator (10); The mud flap (1) is a finned body (2) having a plurality of fins (3) configured to at least partially cover the radiator (10); a protrusion (4) disposed at the bottom of the finned body (2); The vehicle (100) is configured such that the protrusion (4) protrudes forward relative to the finned body (2).

2. 2. A vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein a leading edge (4') of the protrusion (4) of the mud flap (1) extends within a contour (40) of one of the two front wheels (20R, 20L) when the vehicle (100) is observed from one side.

3. 3. A vehicle (100) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the protrusion (4) has a longitudinal length that is at least twice as long as the longitudinal length of one or more of the plurality of fins (3).

4. 2. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the protrusion (4) and the finned body (2) are integral.

5. 2. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the protrusion (4) and the finned body (2) are two separate parts.

6. 2. The vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (4) is substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape when the mud flap (1) is viewed from below.

7. 2. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the fins (3) are inclined relative to the finned body (2).

8. 8. A vehicle (100) as described in claim 7, wherein each fin (3) of the plurality of fins (3) is oriented upward so that a leading edge (3F) of the fin (3) is located above a trailing edge (3B) of the fin (3).

9. 2. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fins (3) are connected to one another by vertically oriented ribs (5).

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