vehicle

Abstract

To inhibit turbulent flow from occurring in a joint part of an exterior component.SOLUTION: A motor cycle 1 includes: a first exterior component 50 which receives travel wind; and a second exterior component 60 attached to the first exterior component 50. The second exterior component 60 includes a step part 70 at the upstream of at least a part of a travel wind passage of a joint part 65 joined to the first exterior component 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a cowl structure provided to cover the front part of the vehicle body. The cowl structure includes an aerodynamic device constituted by a front cowl and a side cowl. The aerodynamic device includes a lift generating section that generates a downforce, which is a downward lift force, by using the wind generated by the vehicle while it is traveling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Republished WO2015 / 071936 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a possibility that turbulence will occur at the joint between the cowl and the lift generating part, which will degrade the aerodynamic performance, so it is desirable to suppress the generation of turbulence at the joint between the exterior parts.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application aims to suppress the occurrence of turbulence at joints of exterior components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. (1) The vehicle according to the present invention is provided with a wind-absorbing device. a middle cowl (50) covering a side of a front portion of a vehicle body; and a winglet (60) extending outward in a vehicle width direction from a side surface of the middle cowl (50); In a vehicle (1) comprising: An outer surface of the winglet (60) is inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle and includes one surface (71) facing upward toward the vehicle, a joint (65) where a side surface of the middle cowl (50) and an inner portion of the winglet (60) in the vehicle width direction are joined extends toward the rear of the vehicle body and outward in the vehicle width direction, and the one surface (71) of the winglet (60) is provided with a step portion (70) located forward of the rear end of the joint portion (65), and the step portion (70) has an inclined portion (72) that extends along the joint portion (65) and is inclined with respect to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and a front edge portion (73) that extends from a front end of the inclined portion (72) toward the joint portion (65) so as to intersect at an acute angle. .

[0007] (2) In the vehicle described in (1) above ,beforeThe inclined portion (72) may be inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the traveling airflow channel.

[0009] ( 3 )the above( 1 ) or ( 2 In the vehicle described in ), the inclined portion (72) may be provided substantially parallel to the joint portion (65) extending linearly.

[0010] ( 4 )From (1) above ( 3 In the vehicle according to any one of the above, the step portion (70) is The winglet (60) of The above It may be a protrusion protruding from one surface (71).

[0012] ( 5 )From (1) above ( 4 ) in the vehicle described in The winglet (60) the air conditioner may include an outer member (80) in which the step portion (70) is provided, and an inner member (90) attached to the outer member (80), wherein the outer member (80) includes a front curved portion (81) that is provided upstream of the step portion (70) in the running air flow path and curves toward the front of the vehicle, and a rear curved portion (82) that is provided downstream of the step portion (70) in the running air flow path and curves toward the rear of the vehicle, and the inner member (90) may include a lower curved portion (91) that curves toward the bottom of the vehicle across a front mating portion (85) with the front curved portion (81) and a rear mating portion (87) with the rear curved portion (82).

[0013] ( 6 )the above( 5 ), the lower edge of the front curved portion (81) may be located lower in the vehicle than the front lower edge of the inner member (90) that runs along the front mating portion (85).

[0014] ( 7 )the above( 5 ) or ( 6), the lower edge of the rear curved portion (82) may be located higher on the vehicle than the rear lower edge of the inner member (90) that runs along the rear mating portion (87).

[0015] ( 8 )From (1) above ( 7 ) in the vehicle described in Between the middle cowl (50) and the winglet (60) A gap (66) may be formed in the inner wall of the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (1), a middle cowl covering a side of a front portion of a vehicle body; and winglets extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the side surfaces of the middle cowl. In a vehicle equipped with The outer surface of the winglet is inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle and includes one surface facing upward in the vehicle direction, and a joint where a side surface of the middle cowl and an inner portion of the winglet in the vehicle width direction are joined extends toward the rear of the vehicle body and outward in the vehicle width direction, and the one surface of the winglet is provided with a step portion further forward of the rear end of the joint, and the step portion has an inclined portion that extends along the joint and is inclined with respect to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and a front edge portion that extends from the front end of the inclined portion toward the joint so as to intersect at an acute angle. This provides the following effects: The step allows the wind to be separated, Middle cowl and Winglet Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flow of the gas into the joint between the gas and the joint. Middle cowl and winglet This can suppress the generation of turbulence at the joints of the 。 Furthermore, because the wind can be separated not only at the inclined portion of the step but also at the leading edge, it is possible to more effectively prevent the wind from flowing into the joint between the middle cowl and the winglet. This makes it easier for air pockets to form in the area along the joint. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint between the middle cowl and the winglet.

[0017] According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (2), , tilt The inclined portion is inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running airflow channel, thereby achieving the following effects. Compared to a case where the inclined portion is inclined so that the step becomes higher toward the downstream of the traveling airflow flow path, it is possible to more effectively separate the traveling airflow while minimizing air resistance. Therefore, while keeping air resistance to a minimum, Middle cowl and winglet This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of turbulence at the junction.

[0019] The present invention 3 According to the vehicle described in (1), the inclined portion is provided approximately parallel to the joint portion extending linearly, thereby achieving the following effects. In comparison with a case where the inclined portion is provided so as to intersect with the joint portion extending linearly, the air pocket can be more stably formed in the region along the joint portion. Middle cowl and winglet This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of turbulence at the junction.

[0020] The present invention 4 According to the vehicle described in Winglet The convex portion protruding from one surface of the plate has the following advantages. The step portion is a convex portion, so that the wind can be separated from the vehicle. Middle cowl and winglet It is possible to suppress the flow of the gas into the joint. Middle cowl and winglet This can suppress the occurrence of turbulence at the joint.

[0022] The present invention 5 According to the vehicle described in Winglet The airbag cover includes an outer member having a step portion, and an inner member attached to the outer member, the outer member having a front curved portion that is provided upstream of the step portion in the running air flow path and curves toward the front of the vehicle, and a rear curved portion that is provided downstream of the step portion in the running air flow path and curves toward the rear of the vehicle, and the inner member has a lower curved portion that curves toward the bottom of the vehicle between a front mating portion with the front curved portion and a rear mating portion with the rear curved portion, thereby achieving the following effects. The portions (the front curved portion, the rear curved portion, and the lower curved portion) located on the front and rear sides of the step portion can straighten the wind generated when the vehicle is traveling.

[0023] The present invention 6 According to the vehicle described in (1), the lower edge of the front curved portion is located lower on the vehicle than the front lower edge of the inner member that runs along the front mating portion, thereby achieving the following effects. In comparison with a case where the lower end edge of the front curved portion is provided higher on the vehicle than the front lower end edge of the inner member along the front mating portion, this makes it possible to prevent the wind from flowing into the front mating portion, thereby more effectively straightening the wind.

[0024] The present invention 7 According to the vehicle described in (1), the lower edge of the rear curved portion is located higher on the vehicle than the rear lower edge of the inner member that runs along the rear mating portion, thereby achieving the following effects. In comparison with a case where the lower end edge of the rear curved portion is provided below the rear lower end edge of the inner member along the rear mating portion, the flow of the traveling wind into the rear mating portion can be suppressed, and therefore the traveling wind can be rectified more effectively.

[0025] The present invention 8 According to the vehicle described in Between the middle cowl and the winglet The formation of the gap provides the following effects. Between the middle cowl and the winglet Due to the gap, Middle cowl and Winglet This allows the dimensional variation to be absorbed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicle front part of the motorcycle according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a left side portion of the cowl structure according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of separation of traveling wind caused by a step portion according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] 6 is an explanatory diagram of separation of traveling wind caused by a step portion, seen from a different perspective than that of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view including a cross section taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a right side view including a cross section taken along line IX-IX of FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a cross-sectional view including the XX section of FIG. 4. [Figure 11]11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of a CFD analysis according to an embodiment, in which Fig. 11A is a perspective view showing a shape with a step portion, and Fig. 11B is a CFD analysis image of the shape with the step portion. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a CFD analysis according to a comparative example, in which Fig. 12A is a perspective view showing a shape without a step portion, and Fig. 12B is a CFD analysis image of the shape without a step portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a motorcycle (an example of a saddle-type vehicle) will be described as an example of a vehicle. Directions such as front, rear, left and right in the following description are the same as those on the vehicle unless otherwise specified. In the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle, and a vehicle body left and right center line CL indicating the center position of the vehicle body left and right are shown in appropriate places.

[0028] <Motorcycles> 1, motorcycle 1 is a racer type motorcycle. Motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2 and a rear wheel 3, a front fork 4 supporting the front wheel 2, a swing arm 5 supporting the rear wheel 3, a body frame 6 supporting the front fork 4 and the swing arm 5, an engine 7 (internal combustion engine, prime mover) supported by the body frame 6, and a body cover 8.

[0029] The upper portions of the pair of left and right front forks 4 are supported by a head pipe 11 of the body frame 6 via a steering stem 10 so as to be steerable. A bar-type handlebar 12 is attached to the top bridge of the steering stem 10. A front fender 20 is provided between the left and right front forks 4.

[0030] The body frame 6 includes a head pipe 11, a pair of left and right main frames 15, a pair of left and right pivot frames 16, and a seat frame 17.

[0031] The head pipe 11 is inclined so that the upper end of the head pipe 11 is located further rearward than the lower end of the head pipe 11 in a side view of the vehicle. In a side view of the vehicle, the main frame 15 is inclined downward toward the rear from an upper rear portion of the head pipe 11. A rear end portion of the main frame 15 is connected to an upper end portion of a pivot frame 16 at a front-rear middle portion of the vehicle body.

[0032] The pivot frame 16 extends downward from the rear end of the main frame 15 in a side view of the vehicle. The seat frame 17 is connected to a rear portion of the main frame 15. The seat frame 17 is inclined upward and rearward from the rear portion of the main frame 15 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0033] A front end of a swing arm 5 is supported so as to be vertically swingable at the vertical center of the pivot frame 16. A rear wheel 3 is supported at the rear end of the swing arm 5.

[0034] The engine 7 is mounted on the inner side of the body frame 6. For example, the engine 7 is an in-line four-cylinder engine having a crankshaft parallel to the vehicle width direction (vehicle left-right direction). A fuel tank 30 is provided above the engine 7 and between the left and right main frames 15. A seat 31 is provided behind the main frames 15 and on the seat frame 17.

[0035] The body cover 8 is provided so as to cover the components (for example, the body frame 6 and the engine 7) of the motorcycle 1 from the outside. The body cover 8 includes a cowl structure 40 provided so as to cover the front part of the motorcycle 1 body.

[0036] <Cowl structure> 2 and 3, the cowl structure 40 is exposed in front of the vehicle in a front view of the vehicle. The outer shape of the cowl structure 40 has a shape that moves away from the front end side of the vehicle toward the rear side of the vehicle in the vertical direction of the vehicle and in the width direction of the vehicle. The cowl structure 40 includes a front cowl 41 that covers the upper front side of the vehicle body, a first exterior part 50 that receives wind while the vehicle is running, and a second exterior part 60 that is attached to the first exterior part 50.

[0037] The front cowl 41 covers components on the upper front side of the vehicle body (for example, the upper parts of the left and right front forks 4 and the steering stem 10) from the front of the vehicle. The outer surface of the front cowl 41 is inclined so as to be positioned higher on the vehicle as it approaches the rear of the vehicle. The outer surface of the front cowl 41 is curved toward the front and upper part of the vehicle.

[0038] A front opening 42 that opens to the front of the vehicle is formed in a front portion of the front cowl 41. In a front view of the vehicle, the front opening 42 is provided so as to overlap with a vehicle body left-right center line CL. In a front view of the vehicle, the outer shape of the front opening 42 has a shape that is line-symmetrical with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL as an axis of symmetry.

[0039] An air intake port 43 is provided in the front of the front cowl 41. The air intake port 43 is provided so as to face the front opening 42. For example, air taken into the air intake port 43 from the front opening 42 is supplied to the engine 7 via an air cleaner or the like (not shown).

[0040] A pair of left and right light openings 44 are formed in the front part of the front cowl 41. The left and right light openings 44 are opened to correspond to the pair of left and right headlights. The left and right light openings 44 are spaced apart from each other via the front opening 42. The light openings 44 expose the headlights to the front of the vehicle. In a front view of the vehicle, the outer shapes of the left and right light openings 44 are line-symmetrical with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL as an axis of symmetry.

[0041] In a top view of the vehicle, the outer edge of the front cowl 41 in the vehicle width direction is inclined so as to be positioned outward in the vehicle width direction from a portion adjacent to the front opening 42 (the front end portion of the front cowl 41) toward the rear of the vehicle. In a top view of the vehicle, the outer edge of the front cowl 41 in the vehicle width direction is curved toward the front of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] <First exterior part> The first exterior component 50 is a middle cowl connected to the front cowl 41. The first exterior component 50 covers components (e.g., the steering stem 10, etc.) in the upper and lower central portion of the front side of the vehicle body from the front of the vehicle. A pair of left and right first exterior components 50 are provided so as to be connected to the left and right side portions of the front cowl 41.

[0043] The first exterior part 50 is formed so as to smoothly bulge outward in the vehicle width direction from a portion (front end 51 of the first exterior part 50) overlapping with the front fork 4 in a front view of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle. In a front view of the vehicle, the outer edge of the first exterior part 50 in the vehicle width direction is connected to the outer edge of the front cowl 41 in the vehicle width direction near a grip 13 provided on the handlebar 12. In a front view of the vehicle, a part of the outer edge of the first exterior part 50 in the vehicle width direction bulges outward in the vehicle width direction so as to be located more outside than the outer end of the second exterior part 60 in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] <Second exterior part> The second exterior part 60 is a winglet extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first exterior part 50. The second exterior part 60 generates downforce, which is a lift force downward on the vehicle, by using the traveling wind. The second exterior part 60 has a function of pressing down the front part of the vehicle body by using the traveling wind. For example, the second exterior part 60 improves acceleration performance by suppressing the lift of the front tire when the motorcycle 1 rapidly accelerates.

[0045] The second exterior components 60 are provided in a pair on the left and right sides to correspond to the left and right first exterior components 50 that constitute the middle cowl. In a front view of the vehicle, the outer shapes of the left and right second exterior components 60 have line symmetric shapes with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL as an axis of symmetry.

[0046] The second exterior part 60 includes a second exterior main body portion 61 extending outward in the vehicle width direction and toward the rear of the vehicle from a front end portion 51 of the first exterior part 50 (the portion that overlaps with the front fork 4 when viewed from the front of the vehicle), and a second exterior connecting portion 62 extending in the vehicle width direction so as to connect the rear end portion of the second exterior main body portion 61 and the outer portion of the first exterior part 50 in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] In a front view of the vehicle, the second exterior main body portion 61 extends from the front end portion 51 of the first exterior component 50 outward in the vehicle width direction and toward the rear of the vehicle, and then curves and extends downward and toward the rear of the vehicle. In a top view of the vehicle, the outer edge of the second exterior main body portion 61 is connected to the outer edge of the first exterior component 50 near the front opening 42. In a top view of the vehicle, the outer edge of the second exterior main body portion 61 curves toward the front of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction. In a top view of the vehicle, the outer edge of the second exterior main body portion 61 curves outward more than the outer edge of the front cowl 41.

[0048] Between the vehicle width direction outer surface of the first exterior part 50 and the second exterior part 60, a front-rear opening 55 that opens to the front and rear of the vehicle is formed. A pair of left and right front-rear openings 55 are formed to correspond to the left and right first exterior parts 50 and the left and right second exterior parts 60. The front-rear openings 55 are surrounded by the vehicle width direction outer surface of the first exterior part 50 and the surface of the second exterior part 60 that faces the first exterior part 50 (the vehicle width direction inner surface of the second exterior main body part 61 and the upper surface of the second exterior connecting part 62).

[0049] <Joint part> 4 to 9, the second exterior part 60 is joined to the first exterior part 50 near a lower part of the light opening 44. The second exterior part 60 is joined to the first exterior part 50 at an inner part of the second exterior main body part 61 in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] In a front view of the vehicle, a joint 65 between the second exterior component 60 and the first exterior component 50 extends at an angle from a portion overlapping with the vicinity of the inner edge of the front fork 4 in the vehicle width direction toward the upper side of the vehicle and toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. The joint 65 extends linearly in a front view of the vehicle. In a front view of the vehicle, the outer end of the joint 65 in the vehicle width direction is disposed inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the light opening 44 in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] A gap 66 is formed in the joint 65. The gap 66 is formed in a straight line when viewed from the front of the vehicle. For example, the size of the gap 66 (the distance in the vehicle vertical direction) is set to a size that can absorb dimensional variations between the first exterior component 50 and the second exterior component 60.

[0052] <Step> The second exterior component 60 has a step portion 70 upstream in at least a part of the traveling wind flow path of a joint portion 65 with the first exterior component 50. The traveling wind flow path means a flow path of the traveling wind that the first exterior component 50 receives while the motorcycle 1 is traveling. The step portion 70 has a function of separating the traveling wind in the direction of the arrows shown in Figs. 5 and 6 when the motorcycle 1 is traveling straight and when it is turning.

[0053] A part of the running airflow channel is formed from the front end 51 of the first exterior component 50 toward the rear of the vehicle so as to follow the outer surface of the first exterior component 50 in the vehicle width direction. The upstream of the running airflow channel corresponds to the front of the vehicle. The step portion 70 is provided in the second exterior component 60 further forward of the rear end of the joint portion 65 in the vehicle.

[0054] The step portion 70 is a convex portion that protrudes from one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60. The one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60 is a surface of the outer surface of the second exterior part 60 that faces the front and upper side of the vehicle. The one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60 corresponds to a surface including an area that expands in the vehicle up-down direction from a portion that overlaps with the vicinity of the inner edge of the front fork 4 in the vehicle width direction toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60 corresponds to a surface including an area that expands from the upper edge of the joint 65 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and toward the bottom of the vehicle, when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0055] The surface 71 of the second exterior component 60 is inclined so as to become higher toward the downstream of the running airflow channel. The surface 71 of the second exterior component 60 is inclined so as to be positioned higher on the vehicle as it approaches the rear of the vehicle, and is inclined so as to be positioned lower on the vehicle as it approaches outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] The step portion 70 is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the grip 13 provided on the handlebar 12, and above the front wheel 2. In a front view of the vehicle, a part of the step portion 70 overlaps with the front fork 4. In a front view of the vehicle, a part of the step portion 70 is disposed at the same height as the lower edge of the air intake port 43 (position in the vehicle up-down direction).

[0057] The step portion 70 includes an inclined portion 72 that is inclined relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The inclined portion 72 is inclined such that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running airflow channel. The height of the inclined portion 72 (height in the vehicle vertical direction) becomes lower from the front end of the inclined portion 72 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0058] The inclined portion 72 is provided substantially parallel to the linearly extending joint portion 65. "Substantially parallel" includes cases where the inclined portion 72 is completely parallel to the linearly extending joint portion 65 and cases where the inclined portion 72 is substantially parallel to the linearly extending joint portion 65. In a front view of the vehicle, the upper edge of the inclined portion 72 is provided substantially parallel to the linearly extending joint portion 65. In a front view of the vehicle, the distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of the inclined portion 72 becomes smaller toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] The step portion 70 has a front edge portion 73 that extends from the front end of the inclined portion 72 toward the joint portion 65 in the vehicle width direction. The height of the front edge portion 73 (height in the vehicle vertical direction) decreases from the front end of the inclined portion 72 toward the joint portion 65.

[0060] The leading edge portion 73 is provided so as to intersect with the linearly extending joint portion 65. In a front view of the vehicle, the upper edge of the leading edge portion 73 is inclined so as to form an acute angle with the linearly extending joint portion 65. In a front view of the vehicle, the distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of the leading edge portion 73 becomes smaller toward the inside in the vehicle width direction (toward the joint portion 65).

[0061] The step portion 70 has a step upper surface 74 that is continuous with the upper edge of the inclined portion 72 and the upper edge of the front edge portion 73. The step upper surface 74 is formed in a flat shape. The step upper surface 74 is provided at a location that is one step higher than the one surface 71 of the second exterior component 60. The step upper surface 74 is inclined so as to become higher toward the downstream of the running airflow flow path.

[0062] The step upper surface 74 is inclined so as to be located above the vehicle as it approaches the rear of the vehicle more steeply than the one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60. The step upper surface 74 is inclined so as to be located below the vehicle as it approaches the outside in the vehicle width direction more gently than the one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60.

[0063] <Outer and inner components> 10, the second exterior component 60 includes an outer member 80 in which the step portion 70 is provided, and an inner member 90 attached to the outer member 80. The outer member 80 includes a front curved portion 81 that is provided upstream of the step portion 70 in the running airflow passage and curves toward the front of the vehicle, and a rear curved portion 82 that is provided downstream of the step portion 70 in the running airflow passage and curves toward the rear of the vehicle. The inner member 90 includes a lower curved portion 91 that curves toward the bottom of the vehicle across a front mating portion 85 with the front curved portion 81 and a rear mating portion 87 with the rear curved portion 82.

[0064] Because the front curved portion 81 is curved toward the front of the vehicle, it is possible to smoothly rectify the traveling wind toward the upper and rear of the vehicle and the lower and rear of the vehicle. A part of the traveling wind toward the upper and rear of the vehicle flows in the direction of arrow W1 along the upper surface of the outer member 80 (one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60). A part of the traveling wind toward the lower and rear of the vehicle flows along the lower surface of the inner member 90.

[0065] A gap 86 (hereinafter also referred to as the "front gap 86") is formed in the front mating portion 85. For example, the size of the front gap 86 (the distance in the vehicle longitudinal direction) is set to a size capable of absorbing dimensional variations between the outer member 80 and the inner member 90.

[0066] A gap 88 (hereinafter also referred to as the "rear gap 88") is formed in the rear mating portion. For example, the size of the rear gap 88 (the distance in the vehicle longitudinal direction) is set to a size capable of absorbing dimensional variations between the outer member 80 and the inner member 90.

[0067] The lower end edge of the front curved portion 81 is provided below the vehicle and in front of the vehicle relative to the front lower end edge of the inner member 90 along the front mating portion 85. By setting the outer member 80 side, which is upstream in the traveling airflow path, higher than the inner member 90 in the front mating portion 85, the traveling wind is configured not to interfere with the front mating portion 85.

[0068] The lower end edge of the rear curved portion 82 is provided above the vehicle and in front of the vehicle relative to the rear lower end edge of the inner member 90 along the rear mating portion 87. By setting the inner member 90 side, which is upstream in the traveling airflow path, higher than the outer member 80 in the rear mating portion 87, the traveling wind is configured not to interfere with the rear mating portion 87.

[0069] <Results of CFD analysis> FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of CFD analysis according to the embodiment. FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view showing the shape with a step portion, and FIG. 11(b) is a CFD analysis image of the shape with a step portion. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of CFD analysis according to the comparative example. FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view showing the shape without a step portion, and FIG. 12(b) is a CFD analysis image of the shape without a step portion. The inventors confirmed the effect of the step portion 70 (the convex portion in this embodiment) of the second exterior part 60 (the winglet in this embodiment) through a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to confirm the effect of suppressing air inflow into the joint 65 and the rolling resistance.

[0070] A racer-type vehicle (motorcycle 1 of this embodiment) was used in the CFD analysis. For this vehicle, wind was made to flow from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. In Figs. 11 and 12, the speed (strength) of the wind flow is indicated by black and white. The wind flow becomes faster (stronger) as it approaches from white to black. Note that on the cowl surface, the magnitude (high and low) of pressure is indicated by black and white. The pressure on the cowl surface becomes larger (higher) as it approaches from white to black.

[0071] As a result of the CFD analysis, it was found that the step portion 70 (the convex portion in this embodiment) suppresses turbulence, increasing the flow velocity and thereby suppressing the inflow of wind into the joint 65. As a result, it was confirmed that the amount of wind flowing into the joint 65 is reduced. According to this embodiment, the amount of air pockets at the joint 65 can be reduced compared to the comparative example, improving handling.

[0072] <Action and effect> As described above, the motorcycle 1 of the above embodiment includes the first exterior part 50 that receives wind generated during traveling, and the second exterior part 60 that is attached to the first exterior part 50. The second exterior part 60 includes a step portion 70 upstream of at least a part of a joint portion 65 with the first exterior part 50 in the traveling wind flow path. According to this configuration, the step portion 70 can separate the traveling wind, and therefore it is possible to prevent the traveling wind from flowing into the joint portion 65 between the first exterior component 50 and the second exterior component 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint portion 65 between the exterior components 50, 60.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the step portion 70 includes an inclined portion 72 that is inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction. The inclined portion 72 is inclined such that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running airflow channel. According to this configuration, compared to a case where the inclined portion 72 is inclined so that the step becomes higher toward the downstream of the traveling airflow passage, it is possible to more effectively separate the traveling airflow while minimizing air resistance. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the generation of turbulence at the joint portion 65 of the exterior components 50, 60 while minimizing air resistance.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the step portion 70 includes a front edge portion 73 extending from the front end of the inclined portion 72 toward the joint portion 65 in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, since the traveling wind can be separated not only at the inclined portion 72 of the step portion 70 but also at the leading edge portion 73, it is possible to more effectively prevent the traveling wind from flowing into the joint portion 65 between the first exterior component 50 and the second exterior component 60. This makes it easier to form an air pocket in the region along the joint portion 65. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the generation of turbulence at the joint portion 65 of the exterior components 50, 60.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the inclined portion 72 is provided substantially parallel to the joint portion 65 that extends linearly. According to this configuration, compared to a case where the inclined portion 72 is provided so as to intersect with the linearly extending joint portion 65, it is possible to more stably form an air pocket in the region along the joint portion 65. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint portion 65 of the exterior parts 50, 60.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the step portion 70 is a convex portion that protrudes from the one surface 71 of the second exterior component 60 . According to this configuration, since the step portion 70 is a convex portion, the traveling wind can be separated, and therefore it is possible to prevent the traveling wind from flowing into the joint portion 65 between the first exterior component 50 and the second exterior component 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint portion 65 of the exterior components 50, 60.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the second exterior component 60 is a winglet extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first exterior component 50. According to this configuration, the traveling wind can be separated by the step portion 70 provided in the winglet, and therefore it is possible to prevent the traveling wind from flowing into the joint portion 65 between the first exterior component 50 and the winglet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint portion 65 of the winglet.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the second exterior component 60 includes an outer member 80 in which the step portion 70 is provided, and an inner member 90 attached to the outer member 80. The outer member 80 includes a front curved portion 81 that is provided upstream of the step portion 70 in the running airflow passage and curves toward the front of the vehicle, and a rear curved portion 82 that is provided downstream of the step portion 70 in the running airflow passage and curves toward the rear of the vehicle. The inner member 90 includes a lower curved portion 91 that curves toward the bottom of the vehicle across a front mating portion 85 with the front curved portion 81 and a rear mating portion 87 with the rear curved portion 82. According to this configuration, the portions (the front curved portion 81, the rear curved portion 82, and the lower curved portion 91) lower than the step portion 70 in front and rear can straighten the wind generated while the vehicle is traveling.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the lower end edge of the front curved portion 81 is provided below the front lower end edge of the inner member 90 along the front mating portion 85 of the vehicle. According to this configuration, compared to a case where the lower end edge of the front curved portion 81 is provided higher on the vehicle than the front lower end edge of the inner member 90 along the front mating portion 85, it is possible to suppress the traveling wind from flowing into the front mating portion 85. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively straighten the traveling wind.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the lower end edge of the rear curved portion 82 is provided higher on the vehicle than the rear lower end edge of the inner member 90 that is aligned with the rear mating portion 87 . According to this configuration, compared to a case where the lower end edge of the rear curved portion 82 is provided below the rear lower end edge of the inner member 90 along the rear mating portion 87, it is possible to suppress the traveling wind from flowing into the rear mating portion 87. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively straighten the traveling wind.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the step portion 70 is disposed inside in the vehicle width direction of the outer end of the grip 13 provided on the handlebar 12 in the vehicle width direction and above the front wheel 2 on the vehicle. According to this configuration, the step portion 70 can suppress the generation of turbulence at the joint 65 of the exterior components 50, 60, and therefore, deterioration of aerodynamic performance can be suppressed.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the joint portion 65 has a gap 66 formed therein. According to this configuration, the gap 66 of the joint portion 65 can absorb dimensional variations between the first exterior component 50 and the second exterior component 60 .

[0083] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the step portion includes an inclined portion inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction, and the inclined portion is inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running airflow channel, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the inclined portion may be inclined so that the step becomes higher toward the downstream of the running airflow channel. For example, the inclination mode of the inclined portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the step portion has a front edge portion extending from the front end of the inclined portion to the joint portion in the vehicle width direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the front end of the inclined portion in the vehicle width direction may be adjacent to the joint portion. For example, the step portion may not have a front edge portion extending from the front end of the inclined portion to the joint portion in the vehicle width direction. For example, the installation mode of the front edge portion may be changed according to the design specifications.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the inclined portion is provided substantially parallel to the joint portion extending linearly, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the inclined portion may be provided so as to intersect with the joint portion extending linearly. For example, the installation mode of the inclined portion relative to the joint portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the step portion is a protrusion protruding from one surface of the second exterior part, but is not limited thereto. For example, the step portion may be a recess recessed in one surface of the second exterior part. For example, the step portion may be configured to include at least one of a protrusion and a recess. For example, the configuration of the step portion may be changed according to design specifications.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the second exterior part is a winglet extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first exterior part, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the first exterior part is an inner cowl, the second exterior part may be an outer cowl attached to the inner cowl. For example, the second exterior part may be an exterior part other than a winglet or an outer cowl. For example, the aspect of the second exterior part can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the second exterior part includes an outer member provided with a step portion and an inner member attached to the outer member, the outer member includes a front curved portion provided upstream of the step portion in the running wind flow path and curved toward the front of the vehicle, and a rear curved portion provided downstream of the step portion in the running wind flow path and curved toward the rear of the vehicle, and the inner member includes a lower curved portion curved toward the bottom of the vehicle across a front mating portion with the front curved portion and a rear mating portion with the rear curved portion, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the second exterior part may be an integral part. For example, the second exterior part does not have to be configured by combining multiple members. For example, the configuration of the second exterior part can be changed according to design specifications.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the lower end edge of the front curved portion is provided below the front lower end edge of the inner member along the front mating portion, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the lower end edge of the front curved portion may be provided above the front lower end edge of the inner member along the front mating portion. For example, the installation mode of the lower end edge of the front curved portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the lower end edge of the rear curved portion is provided above the rear lower end edge of the inner member along the rear mating portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower end edge of the rear curved portion may be provided below the rear lower end edge of the inner member along the rear mating portion. For example, the installation mode of the lower end edge of the rear curved portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the step portion is disposed inside the vehicle width direction of the outer end of the grip provided on the handlebar and above the front wheel, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the step portion may be disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the outer end of the grip provided on the handlebar. For example, the step portion may be disposed below the upper end of the front wheel. For example, the arrangement of the step portion may be changed according to the design specifications.

[0092] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a gap is formed in the joint, but this is not limiting. For example, a porous soft member (e.g., a sponge) may be provided in the gap in the joint. For example, the winglet (second exterior part) and the middle cowl (first exterior part) may be integrated together. For example, the mode of the joint can be changed according to design specifications.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the engine is an in-line four-cylinder engine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the engine may be a single-cylinder engine. For example, the configuration of the engine may be changed according to the design specifications.

[0094] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle is described as an example of a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to a saddle-ride type vehicle other than a motorcycle. For example, the saddle-ride type vehicle includes all vehicles on which a driver straddles the vehicle body, and includes not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles) but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel). Furthermore, the present invention is applicable not only to motorcycles but also to four-wheeled vehicles such as automobiles (such as four-wheeled buggies). The present invention may also be applied to vehicles that include an electric motor as a prime mover, and may also be applied to vehicles other than saddle-type vehicles (passenger cars, buses, trucks, etc.). The configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiments with well-known components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Motorcycles (vehicles) 2 Front wheels 12 Handle 13 Grip 50 1st Exterior Part 60 Second Exterior Part 65 Joint 66 Gap 70 Step 71 One side of the second exterior part 72 Slope 73 Leading edge 80 Outer member 81 Front curved section 82 Rear curved section 85 Front joint 87 Rear mating part 90 Inner member 91 Lower curved part

Claims

1. A middle cowl (50) that receives the wind while traveling and covers the front side of the vehicle body; A vehicle (1) including a winglet (60) extending outward in a vehicle width direction from a side surface of the middle cowl (50), The outer surface of the winglet (60) is inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle and includes a surface (71) facing upward toward the vehicle, A joint portion (65) at which a side surface of the middle cowl (50) and an inner portion of the winglet (60) in the vehicle width direction are joined extends toward the rear of the vehicle body and toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, The one surface (71) of the winglet (60) is provided with a step portion (70) at a position forward of the rear end of the joint portion (65) on the vehicle, The step portion (70) is an inclined portion (72) extending along the joint portion (65) and inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction; a front edge portion (73) extending from a front end of the inclined portion (72) toward the joint portion (65) so as to intersect at an acute angle; vehicle.

2. The inclined portion (72) is inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running air flow path.

2. The vehicle of claim 1.

3. The inclined portion (72) is provided substantially parallel to the joint portion (65) which extends linearly. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. The step portion (70) is a convex portion protruding from the one surface (71) of the winglet (60). A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

5. The winglet (60), an outer member (80) on which the step portion (70) is provided; an inner member (90) attached to the outer member (80); The outer member (80) is A front curved portion (81) that is provided upstream of the step portion (70) in the running airflow path and curves toward the front of the vehicle; a rear curved portion (82) that is provided downstream of the step portion (70) in the running airflow path and curves toward the rear of the vehicle, The inner member (90) includes a lower curved portion (91) that curves toward the bottom of the vehicle across a front mating portion (85) with the front curved portion (81) and a rear mating portion (87) with the rear curved portion (82). A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

6. A lower end edge of the front curved portion (81) is provided below the vehicle with respect to a front lower end edge of the inner member (90) along the front mating portion (85).

6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5.

7. a lower end edge of the rear curved portion (82) is provided above the vehicle with respect to a rear lower end edge of the inner member (90) along the rear mating portion (87); 6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5.

8. A gap (66) is formed between the middle cowl (50) and the winglet (60). A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

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