Saddle ride vehicle with improved front fairing

Abstract

Saddle ride vehicle (10) comprising - a frame (11), - at least one front steered wheel (13), - a rear drive wheel (15), - a front fairing (20) at least partly surrounding the frame and comprising a right lateral portion (21) and a left lateral portion (22), a bottom portion (26) facing the ground, which at least partly connects said right and left lateral portions, a central air intake area (27) at least partly defined by said right and left lateral portions, adapted to allow air to enter the fairing when the vehicle is moving, a shield (30), provided with an upper edge (31), arranged and structured so as to at least partly obstruct the entry of air into said air intake area, at least one wing (41, 42, 43) arranged in front of said shield, at a height lower than the height of the upper edge of said shield, adapted to define with the shield an air channel (40) provided with an upper inlet and a lower outlet open toward the ground.

Description

SADDLE RIDE VEHICLE WITH IMPROVED FRONT FAIRINGDescriptionTechnical field

[0001] The present invention relates to saddle ride vehicles, such as two- or threewheeled motorcycles, provided with a front fairing to convey cooling air toward the engine compartment.Background art

[0002] High performance motorcycles are typically provided with engines completely cooled by an air flow or by a cooling liquid, such as water, aqueous mixtures or oil, circulating in one or more cooling radiators.

[0003] With regard to the cooling radiator of the cooling liquid, this is usually positioned between the front steered wheel and the engine. Frequently, for example, as is the case in racing motorcycles, the engine and the frame of the motorcycle are at least partly surrounded by a fairing. The fairing is frontally open to allow the entry of an air flow, generated by the movement of the motorcycle, toward the radiator.

[0004] The fairing comprises two sides, right and left, which converge toward the bottom in a V-shaped area, in the fashion of a tip. The V-shaped tip area is covered by a grill, also V-shaped, adapted to prevent stones, thrown up by the front wheel, and which could damage the components of the engine inside the fairing, from entering. There is an empty space above the grill and, at a certain distance from the grill, the radiator is positioned.

[0005] Many efforts have been made in the attempt to improve the air flow in the radiator, in particular in order to reduce the negative effect caused by the presence of the front steered wheel with the respective suspension and steering column. In fact, these components prevent the free entry of the cooling air flow generated by the forward movement of the motorcycle. The shape of the components inside the tip shaped area also creates problems of distribution of the cooling air flow, to the detriment of the aerodynamic drag coefficient (CX coefficient).

[0006] Despite attempts to improve this, there is a continual need to improve the cooling conditions of engines, in particular for high performance motorcycles, in order to increase efficiency and the power output by the engines, without burdening the motorcycle or introducing internally or around it components that may have a negative effect on the aerodynamic drag coefficient.Summary

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to produce a saddle ride vehicle, such as a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle, having a front fairing defining an optimal cooling flow of the engine compartment.

[0008] Within this aim, an important object of the present invention is to produce a saddle ride vehicle with front fairing defining an optimal air flow that allows optimization of the stability of the vehicle.

[0009] Another important object of the present invention is to produce a saddle ride vehicle provided with a front fairing for conveying air with a construction that is simple to produce and install.

[0010] These and other objects, which will be more apparent below, are achieved with a saddle ride vehicle comprising a frame, at least one front steered wheel, a rear drive wheel, a front fairing at least partly surrounding the frame and comprising o a right lateral portion and a left lateral portion, o a bottom portion facing the ground, which at least partly connects the right and left lateral portions, o a central air intake area at least partly defined by the right and left lateral portions, adapted to allow air to enter the fairing when the vehicle is moving, o a shield, provided with an upper edge, arranged and structured so as to at least partly obstruct the entry of air into the air intake area,o at least one wing arranged in front of said shield, at a height lower than the height of the upper edge of the shield, adapted to define with the shield an air channel provided with an upper inlet and a lower outlet open toward the ground so that the air channelled in said channel from said inlet is adapted to flow out toward the ground.

[0011] Preferably, the shield is arranged in the lower area of the air intake area, to obstruct the lower area thereof, leaving the upper part of the air intake area free, i.e., without obstructions.

[0012] The shield reduces the amount of air that flows around the air intake area, thereby increasing the air flow rate in the air intake area, to the benefit of the cooling effect. Moreover, it contributes to obtaining a cleaner and less turbulent downward air flow.

[0013] Furthermore, the shield prevents detritus from entering the engine.

[0014] The at least one wing has a primary function of conveying the air adhering to the shield guiding it in a fluidly adequate manner toward the bottom of the vehicle, thereby improving the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0015] Moreover, the at least one wing can have a function of increasing the ground effect.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one wing has an aerofoil structured to determine a downward thrust of the wing; for example, the aerofoil of the at least one wing can be a concave-convex aerofoil.

[0017] Preferably, the channel has a curved extension, with concavity facing toward the vehicle.

[0018] According to preferred embodiments, the shield comprises a curved portion, with concavity facing upward and toward the rear of the vehicle; in this configuration the at least one wing is provided in front of this curved portion.

[0019] According to preferred embodiments, the shield comprises, from the top down, a first portion preferably having an approximately rectilinear extension, asecond portion having a curved extension with single concavity facing upward and toward the rear of the vehicle, and preferably a third portion preferably having an approximately rectilinear extension that connects with the bottom. This configuration allows a very clean air flow from the air intake area toward the bottom of the vehicle to be obtained.

[0020] According to preferred embodiments, a plurality of said wings is present, arranged in succession one after the other to define the total extension of the air channel. Preferably, the wings of this plurality are arranged spaced from one another so that the trailing edge of one wing lies upstream of the leading edge of the subsequent wing.

[0021] Preferably, the leading edge of each wing is arranged higher and farther forward with respect to the trailing edge of the same wing; preferably the leading edge of one wing is arranged higher and farther forward than the leading edge of the subsequent wing.

[0022] According to preferred embodiments, the central air intake area is provided with at least one radiator for cooling the engine of the vehicle, which obstructs this air intake area, so that the air is adapted to enter the air intake area passing through the at least one radiator.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one radiator is arranged in the part of the air intake area not obstructed by the shield.

[0024] Preferably, the face of the at least one radiator protrudes slightly toward the outside of the fairing with respect to the upper edge of the shield that delimits the lower part of the air intake area, or this face is approximately aligned with the upper edge of the shield. In this way, the shield, which is positioned immediately below the radiator, allows the air flow rate to the radiator to be increased and at the same time allows the air flow that does not enter the radiator to take a regular downward path.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the face of the at least one radiator is substantially in continuity with the extension of the shield, optionally except for a small distance between the upper edge of the shield and the lower portion of the radiator.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one radiator has a quadrangular outline, with a substantially rectangular or substantially square outer face.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one radiator obstructs at least 50% of the air intake area, and more preferably it obstructs at least 75% of the air intake area, and even more preferably it obstructs at least 85% of the air intake area, and even more preferably at least 95% of the air intake area.

[0028] According to preferred embodiments, the fairing comprises two opposite lateral side panels that extend laterally to the shield in a frontal direction and wherein said at least one wing extends starting from one side panel until reaching the other side panel; preferably the side panels are converging downward, so that, preferably, the at least one wing has a width that is greater toward the top and smaller toward the bottom.

[0029] Preferably, the side panels extend from approximately the beginning of the curved portion of the shield, leaving the portion of shield that comprises the upper edge of shield beside the air intake area free of side panels.

[0030] Preferably, the side panels also extend at the back toward the rear of the vehicle, to connect with the rest of the lateral fairing.

[0031] Preferably, the extension from one side panel to the other of the at least one side panel takes place according to a rectilinear direction, so that the at least one wing has a single curvature.

[0032] Preferably, side panels, shield and at least one wing are produced as a whole in one piece or in two parts divided by means of a longitudinal plane, for example two parts approximately symmetrical according to a longitudinal centreline plane passing through the steering axis and orthogonal to the axis of the rear wheel.Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The invention will now be better understood by following the description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention. More in particular, in the drawing:Fig. 1 represents a schematic axonometric view of a portion of vehicle according to the invention;Fig. 2 represents a further schematic axonometric view of a portion of vehicle according to the invention;Fig. 3 represents a schematic side view, partially in section, of a portion of vehicle according to the invention;Fig. 3 A represents an enlargement of Fig. 3;Fig. 4 represents a schematic axonometric view of a portion of front fairing of a vehicle according to the invention;Fig. 5 represents a schematic axonometric view of a portion of front fairing, divided into two parts, of a vehicle according to the invention.Detailed description of embodiments

[0034] With reference to the figures cited above, a saddle ride vehicle, such as a twowheeled motorcycle, is indicated as a whole with 10.

[0035] This vehicle 10 comprises a frame 11, an engine 12 fixed to the frame, a front steered wheel 13 associated with a fork 14 connected to a handlebar, not shown in the figures, a rear drive wheel 15, and a front fairing 20.

[0036] The fairing 20 at least partly surrounds the frame 11 and components of the engine compartment, such as a radiator 16 for cooling the engine.

[0037] More in particular, the front fairing 20 comprises a right lateral portion 21 and a left lateral portion 22, which extend, for example, from an upper dome 23.

[0038] The two lateral portions 21 and 22 extend downward preferably in a convergent manner, defining at the bottom a tip shaped area 25.

[0039] Inferiorly, the front fairing 20 has a bottom portion 26, facing the ground, which at least partly connects the right and left lateral portions 21 and 22.

[0040] Moreover, the front fairing 20 has a central air intake area 27 defined by the right and left lateral portions 21 and 22 and by the bottom portion 26, adapted to allow air to enter the fairing 20 when the vehicle is moving.

[0041] Arranged in the upper area of the air intake area 27 is the radiator 16 for cooling the engine, which obstructs part of the air intake area, so that the air entering the air intake area also passes through the radiator 16.

[0042] Arranged in the lower area of the air intake area, below the radiator, is a shield 30, provided with an upper edge 31. The shield 30 partly obstructs the air intake area 27. This shield extends downward until reaching the bottom portion 26.

[0043] The shield 30 comprises, from the top down, a first portion 32, which starts from the upper edge 31 and has an extension with limited or with no curvature, for example approximately rectilinear, a second portion 33 having a curved extension, with an ample curvature, provided with single concavity facing upward and toward the rear of the vehicle, and a third portion 34, also with an extension with limited or with no curvature, for example approximately rectilinear that connects with the bottom 26.

[0044] The radiator 16 has an approximately parallelepiped outer shape, for example with a quadrangular outline, provided with two main faces, an outer face 16A (for example with a rectangular outline) that faces the outside of the vehicle and an inner face 16B facing toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0045] The face 16A of the radiator 16 is substantially in continuity with the extension of the shield 30, except for a small distance D between the upper edge 31 of the shield and the lower portion of the radiator 16.

[0046] In this example, the outer face 16A is approximately aligned with the upper edge 31 of the shield 30.

[0047] In other examples, not shown in the figures, the outer face of the radiator can protrude slightly toward the outside of the fairing with respect to the upper edge 31, without any significant disturbance to distribution of the air flow between the radiator and the shield. Likewise, the radiator can be positioned slightly internally with respect to the upper edge of the shield. In this case, it is preferable for the recessed space to be such that it does not create turbulence at the upper edge.

[0048] The radiator substantially occupies all or the majority of the air intake area 27. For example, the radiator obstructs at least 75% of the air intake area 27. This means that a given percentage of the air intake area is not obstructed by the radiator, so that the air can enter freely, without contacting the inside of the radiator. Naturally, the percentage of obstruction can be larger or smaller than the one indicated, according to requirements.

[0049] In other examples, not represented in the figures, two radiators can be present, for example a water radiator and an oil radiator, placed one after the other inside the air intake area 27, above the upper edge 31 of the shield 30. In yet other examples, there are no radiators present and cooling is only of the type using air (in this case the air intake area is substantially free, not obstructed).

[0050] The fairing 20 comprises two opposite lateral side panels 28 that extend laterally to the shield in a frontal direction. These side panels 28 extend downward in a mutually converging manner, to internally delimit the tip shaped area 25.

[0051] More in particular, the side panels 28 extend from approximately the beginning of the curved portion of the shield, leaving the portion of shield that comprises the upper edge 31 beside to the air intake area 27 free of side panels.

[0052] In this example, the side panels 28 also extend at the back with portions 28A toward the rear of the vehicle, for example to connect with the rest of the fairing of the vehicle.

[0053] Advantageously, a plurality of wings 41, 42 and 43 is provided, positioned in front of the shield 30, in succession one after the other (from the top down), at a lower height than the height of the upper edge 31, which define, together with the shield, an air channel 40.

[0054] In particular, a first wing 41, a second wing 42 subsequent to the first wing, and a third wing 43, subsequent to the second wing, are provided.

[0055] As clearly shown in Fig. 3, the wings are arranged spaced from one another so that the trailing edge of one wing lies upstream of the leading edge of the subsequent wing.

[0056] More in particular, the leading edge A of each wing 41-43 is arranged higher and farther forward with respect to the trailing edge B of the same wing.

[0057] Further, the leading edge A of one wing is arranged higher and farther forward than the leading edge A of the subsequent wing, as clearly shown in Fig. 3 A.

[0058] The upper air inlet into the channel 40 is substantially defined between the head of the first wing 41 and the edge 31, while the lower air outlet from the channel is defined between the tail of the third wing 43 and the end of the shield 30.

[0059] Advantageously, the wings 41-43 are wings with aerofoil structured to determine a downward thrust of the wings, increasing the ground effect of the vehicle; in this example, the aerofoil is of concave-convex type. In other examples, the aerofoil of one or more wings can differ from the concave-convex type, for example be of convex, biconvex or symmetrical biconvex type, or yet another type.

[0060] In the preferred examples, such as the one described, the channel 40 has a curved extension, with concavity facing toward the inside of the vehicle. The wings 41-43 are arranged mainly in front of the curved portion 33 of the shield 30, and arranged to form the curved extension of the channel, as clearly shown in Fig. 3.

[0061] The number of wings and their length can naturally vary according to technical requirements. A number of wings greater than one allows a flow without separation areas to be obtained in the channel, maintaining the flow uniform.

[0062] From a construction viewpoint, the wings 41-43 extend between the two side panels 28, projecting therefrom. Advantageously, to facilitate moulding, the wings extend between the side panels 28 according to a rectilinear direction, so that the wings have a single curvature, relative to the concavity toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0063] The portion 20A of front fairing 20 that comprises the side panels 28, the shield 30 and the wings 41-43 are produced as a whole in one piece as shown in Fig. 4.

[0064] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5, this portion 20A is produced in two parts 20A’ and 20A” divided by means of a longitudinal plane, for example two parts approximately symmetrical according to a longitudinal centreline plane passingthrough the steering axis and orthogonal to the axis of the rear wheel. These parts are, for example, fixed by interlocking.

[0065] The portion of fairing 20A is fixed to the frame and to the rest of the fairing 20 by means of appropriate fixing systems (screw systems, interlocking systems, etc.).

[0066] Naturally, this portion of fairing 20A can be produced in several parts connected to one another, instead of the two parts shown here.

[0067] The vehicle with the new fairing makes it possible, among other things:- to direct the confined flow of air optimally from a fluid dynamic viewpoint,- to provide a downward load thanks to the shape of the wings;- to reduce the CX coefficient, as the air flow is uniform and no separation areas are created; for air to exit in an orderly manner in the front portion of the bottom area of the fairing;- to increase the pressure of the air to the radiator, thanks to the shield that concentrates the flow on the radiator and diverts the rest through the channel;- to prevent the entry of detritus into the vehicle in an optimal manner.

[0068] It is understood that the above only represents possible non-limiting embodiments of the invention, which can vary in forms and arrangements without departing from the concept on which the invention is based. Any reference numbers in the appended claims are provided purely to facilitate reading thereof in the light of the preceding description and of the accompanying drawings and do not in any way limit the scope of protection.

Claims

Claims1. Saddle ride vehicle comprising a frame, at least one front steered wheel, a rear drive wheel, a front fairing at least partly surrounding the frame and comprising o a right lateral portion and a left lateral portion o a bottom portion facing the ground, which at least partly connects said right and left lateral portions o a central air intake area at least partly defined by said right and left lateral portions, configured to allow air to enter the fairing when the vehicle is moving, o a shield, provided with an upper edge, arranged and structured so as to at least partly obstruct the entry of air into said air intake area, o at least one wing arranged in front of said shield, at a height lower than the height of the upper edge of said shield, configured to define with the shield an air channel provided with an upper inlet and a lower outlet open toward the ground.

2. Saddle ride vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said at least one wing has an aerofoil structured to determine a downward thrust of the wing; preferably said aerofoil of the at least one wing can be a concave convex aerofoil.

3. Saddle ride vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said channel has a curved extension, with concavity facing toward the vehicle.

4. Saddle ride vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said shield comprises a curved portion, with concavity facing toward the top and the rear of the vehicle; preferably said at least one wing being provided in front of said curved portion.

5. Saddle ride vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said shield comprises, from the top down, a first portion preferably having anapproximately rectilinear extension, a second portion having a curved extension with single concavity facing upward and toward the rear of the vehicle, and preferably a third portion preferably having an approximately rectilinear extension that connects with the bottom.

6. Saddle ride vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of wings, arranged in succession one after the other to define the total extension of said air channel; preferably said wings are arranged spaced from one another so that the trailing edge of one wing lies upstream of the leading edge of the subsequent wing.

7. Saddle ride vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the leading edge of each wing is arranged higher and farther forward with respect to the trailing edge of the same wing; preferably the leading edge of one wing is arranged higher and farther forward than the leading edge of the subsequent wing.

8. Saddle ride vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the central air intake area is provided with at least one radiator for cooling the engine of the vehicle, which obstructs said air intake area; preferably the radiator is arranged in the part of the air intake area not obstructed by the shield; preferably, the face of the at least one radiator is substantially in continuity with the extension of the shield, optionally except for a small distance between the upper edge of the shield and the lower portion of the radiator; preferably, the at least one radiator obstructs at least 50% of the air intake area, and more preferably it obstructs at least 75% of the air intake area, and even more preferably it obstructs at least 85% of the air intake area, and even more preferably at least 95% of the air intake area.

9. Saddle ride vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said front fairing comprises two opposite lateral side panels that extend laterally to the shield in a frontal direction and wherein said at least one wing extends starting from one side panel until reaching the other side panel; preferably the side panels are converging downward, so that, preferably, the at least one wing has a width that is greater toward the top and smaller toward the bottom; preferably, the side panels extend from approximately the beginning of the curved portion of the shield, leaving the portion of shield that comprises the upper edge of shield beside the air intake area freeof side panels, the side panels also extending at the back toward the rear of the vehicle, to connect with the rest of the lateral fairing; preferably, the extension from one side panel to the other of the at least one side panel takes place according to a rectilinear direction, so that the at least one wing has a single curvature.

10. Saddle ride vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least said shield and at least one wing are produced as a whole in one piece or in two parts divided by means of a longitudinal plane, for example two parts approximately symmetrical according to a longitudinal centreline plane passing through the steering axis and orthogonal to the axis of the rear wheel.

Images