Rideable saddle vehicle

Abstract

A rideable saddle vehicle (1) comprising a compartment (8) arranged inside a fairing (6) of the vehicle (1) in which a radiator (9) is arranged, said compartment (8) being provided with at least one inlet opening (10) and at least one outlet opening (11) suitable for placing the compartment in fluid communication with the external environment for cooling the radiator (9). The rideable saddle vehicle (1) further comprises a movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), associated with said at least one outlet opening (11) or inlet opening (10), suitable for taking an opening position, in which the compartment (8) is in fluid communication with the external environment, and a closing position, in which the outlet (11) or inlet (10) opening is occluded by the movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and said fluid communication is interrupted.

Description

[0001] RIDEABLE SADDLE VEHICLE

[0002] DESCRIPTION TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of rideable saddle vehicles, and more preferably is directed to a scooter.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005]

[0002] On the rideable saddle vehicles of the prior art, it is known to provide a liquid cooling system for cooling the engine. In particular, with reference to the scooter field by way of a non-limiting example, the use of a liquid cooling system comprising at least one radiator is known. The radiator or radiators of the vehicle can be housed in a compartment or space inside the vehicle body, predominantly for aesthetic reasons. This compartment or space in which the at least one radiator is housed communicates with the external environment by means of at least one air intake and an air outlet to allow the passage of an air flow through the compartment. In particular, it is known to provide at least one air intake, arranged behind the front wheel of the scooter and facing it, and a pair of air outlets, which are arranged laterally on the sides of the body of the scooter, in particular on the sides of the front shield thereof. These air outlets are provided with respective ventilation grilles.

[0006]

[0003] Such solutions of the prior art have the drawback that, through the aforesaid air intake and / or air outlets at least when the vehicle is parked, it is possible to see the interior of the compartment in which the at least one radiator is housed, which can be aesthetically displeasing. The ventilation grilles associated with the at least one air intake and with the air outlets, which usually remain clearly visible at least when the vehicle is parked, can also be aesthetically not very pleasing. Furthermore, the aforesaid air intakes and air outlets have the drawback of not allowing adequate protection of the compartment in which the at least one radiator is housed, at least when the scooter is parked, because they can allow the ingress of dirt and / or other undesirable elements into the compartment.

[0007]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to cover the air intakes and / or outlets associated with the compartment in which the radiator or radiators of the vehicle are housed to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle and, at the same time, allow improved protection of the compartment with respectto the solutions of the prior art described above. In this respect, it should be noted that it is not possible to keep the air intake and / or the air outlets constantly covered, because this would at least partially compromise the proper functioning of the cooling system of the vehicle. It is a further drawback of the cooling systems of the prior art described above that the air intake and the air outlets do not allow adjusting the flow of the cooling air through the aforementioned compartment. Instead, the need is felt to adjust the fluid communication between the compartment in which the radiator or radiators of the vehicle are housed and the external environment to reduce the time for reaching the vehicle engine operating temperature or in any case to assist the cooling system of the vehicle in optimizing the engine temperature.

[0008]

[0005] Document EP0250716B1 describes a solution of the prior art relating to an automobile equipped with a rear engine and a rear spoiler which can be moved, by means of a dedicated adjustment device to take a resting position, in which it is arranged flush with the adjacent part of the body of the automobile, and an operating position, in which it protrudes from the adjacent part of the body. The cooling air is drawn in by a suction fan associated with the rear engine and flows toward the radiator situated below the spoiler through air inlet openings provided in a ventilation grille of the rear spoiler. Covering elements provided between the spoiler and the body of the automobile ensure an adequate introduction of cooling air into the radiator and at the same time prevent the entry of exhaust gases and dirt that can be drawn in by the fan when the spoiler takes the operative position. Furthermore, the covering elements ensure that, when the spoiler takes the operational configuration, the units situated under the hood, such as the radiator and the fan, are not visible from outside the vehicle, thus providing a visual shielding. In the solution described by EP0250716B1, the ventilation grille provided in the spoiler remains visible in both the resting position and the operating position of the spoiler. Furthermore, when the spoiler is in the resting position, dirt particles and / or other undesired elements could pass through the ventilation grille.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010]

[0006] It is a general object of the present description to provide a rideable saddle vehicle which allows overcoming at least partially the drawbacks described above with reference to the prior art.

[0011]

[0007] This and other objects are achieved by a rideable saddle vehicle as defined in the appended claim 1, in the most general form thereof, and in the dependent claims, in some particular embodiments.

[0008] In particular, the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art are now solved at least partially by a rideable saddle vehicle comprising a compartment arranged inside a fairing of the vehicle, in which a radiator is arranged. The compartment is provided with at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening suitable for placing the compartment into fluid communication with the external environment for cooling the radiator. The rideable saddle vehicle further comprises a movable cover, associated with the at least one outlet opening or inlet opening. The movable cover is suitable for taking an opening position, in which the compartment is in fluid communication with the external environment, and a closing position, in which the outlet or inlet opening is occluded by the movable cover and said fluid communication is interrupted. In particular, the at least one movable cover is hinged or connected to the vehicle fairing by means of an articulated mechanism. The movable cover is visible from the outside. By virtue of the movable cover, it is possible to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle, because, when observing the vehicle from the outside, the compartment is concealed by the movable cover, and at the same time to protect the compartment in which the radiator is arranged from the ingress of undesired elements, without impairing the correct operation of the vehicle cooling system. Furthermore, the movable cover advantageously allows adjusting the fluid communication between the compartment in which the radiator of the vehicle is housed and the external environment to reduce the time to reach the operating temperature of the vehicle engine, or in any case so as to assist the cooling system of the vehicle in optimizing the engine temperature.

[0012]

[0009] The radiator can be connected to a liquid cooling system for cooling the engine of the vehicle, which includes a coolant and at least one coolant temperature sensor, arranged to detect a temperature TL of the coolant.

[0013]

[0010] At least one air temperature sensor can be arranged in the compartment to detect a temperature TA of the air in the compartment.

[0014] [Oil] The radiator is preferably arranged so that an air flow, entering from the inlet opening and exiting from the outlet opening when the vehicle advances, passes through it.

[0015]

[0012] The rideable saddle vehicle can comprise at least one actuator arranged and configured to move the movable cover. Advantageously, the actuator allows the movable cover to reach the opening position in a short time and stably maintain it.

[0016]

[0013] Preferably the rideable saddle vehicle comprises at least one electronic control unit, to which the at least one actuator and the at least one coolant temperature sensor are operatively connected. The actuator is controlled by said at least one electronic control unit, and said electroniccontrol unit is configured to control the actuator to move the movable cover between the opening and closing positions as a function of temperature signals or data received from the coolant temperature sensor. It is thus advantageously possible to adjust the fluid communication between the compartment in which the radiator is arranged and the external environment, automatically and in an optimized manner.

[0017]

[0014] The opening position of the movable cover can comprise one or more intermediate opening positions, suitable for adjusting the air flow which passes through the compartment.

[0018]

[0015] The movable cover can take, preferably in a gradual manner, the closing position when the temperature of the coolant is lowerthan a first threshold temperature iof the coolant. It is thus advantageously possible to facilitate the cooling of the compartment and of the radiator by convection, in particular following the shutdown of the engine before parking the vehicle, when the engine is still hot.

[0019]

[0016] The movable cover can take, preferably in a gradual manner, the opening position when, having defined a second temperature threshold TL2 of the coolant, preferably corresponding to the operating temperature of the coolant, the temperature TL of the coolant is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold TL2 of the coolant.

[0020]

[0017] The movable cover can comprise an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, the outer surface being arranged flush with an adjacent outer surface of the fairing of said vehicle when the movable cover takes the closing position. It is thus advantageously possible to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle, in particular when it is parked.

[0021]

[0018] The movable cover can be hinged to the fairing of said vehicle by means of a hinge having a vertical axis. Advantageously, the movable cover thus allows deflecting the air laterally from the riding zone, improving the rider's comfort while riding the vehicle.

[0022]

[0019] The movable cover can be connected to the fairing of said vehicle by means of an articulated mechanism, preferably by means of an articulated quadrilateral.

[0023]

[0020] The movable cover can be associated with the outlet opening of the compartment and can be shaped so as to generate a negative pressure at the outlet opening of the compartment, suitable for allowing increasing said air flow when the movable cover takes said opening position. It is thus advantageously possible to facilitate the extraction of the air from said compartment and then the cooling of the engine.

[0024]

[0021] The at least one outlet opening can be arranged at a side portion of a front shield of the vehicle.

[0022] Preferably, the rideable saddle vehicle is a scooter.

[0025]

[0023] These and other advantages will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, given by way of a non-limiting indication, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]

[0024] In the drawings:

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a side plan view of a rideable saddle vehicle according to a currently preferred embodiment, in which two movable covers of the vehicle are in a closing position, the movable covers being situated on opposite sides of the vehicle and associated with respective air outlets communicating with a compartment of the vehicle;

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a side plan view similar to Fig. 1, in which the two movable covers of the vehicle are in an opening position;

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a top plan view of a front part of the vehicle in Fig. 1, in which the movable covers are shown in the closing position in Fig. 1 and in which some components of the vehicle have been removed to show the compartment of the vehicle in which two radiators are housed;

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a top plan view similar to Fig. 3, in which the movable covers are shown in the opening position in Fig. 2;

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a front plan view of the vehicle in Fig. 1, in which the movable covers are in the closing position in Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a front plan view similar to Fig. 5, in which the movable covers are shown in the opening configuration in Fig. 2;

[0034] Fig. 7 shows a top plan view of the vehicle in Fig. 1, in which the movable covers are shown in the opening position in Fig. 2;

[0035] Fig. 8 shows a diagrammatic top view of a part of the vehicle of Fig. 1, in which the movable cover in Fig. 7 situated on the right side of the vehicle (with respect to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle) is shown in the closing position, and in which one of the radiators of the vehicle is further shown;

[0036] Fig. 9 shows a diagrammatic top view similar to Fig. 8, in which the movable cover in Fig. 8 is shown in the opening position in Fig. 2 or Fig. 7;

[0037] Fig. 10 shows a diagrammatic top view similar to Fig. 8 and relating to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable cover is shown in the closing position, the movable cover inFig. 10 having a shape either equal or similar to that of the movable cover in Fig. 8 and being connected to a portion of the vehicle differently than the movable cover in Fig. 8;

[0038] Fig. 11 shows a diagrammatic top view similar to Fig. 10, in which the movable cover in Fig. 10 is shown in an opening position;

[0039] Fig. 12 shows a diagrammatic top view similar to Fig. 10 and related to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable cover is shown in the closing position, the movable cover in Fig. 12 having a shape different than that of the movable cover in Fig. 10 and being connected to a portion of the vehicle in a manner either equal or similar to the movable cover in Fig. 10;

[0040] Fig. 13 shows a diagrammatic top view similar to Fig. 12, in which the movable cover in Fig. 12 is shown in an opening position;

[0041] Fig. 14 shows a diagrammatic top view similar to Fig. 10 and relating to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable cover is shown in the closing position, the movable cover in Fig. 14 being associated with an inlet opening of the compartment of the vehicle; the shape of such a movable cover is either equal or similar to that of the movable cover in Fig. 8 and is connected to a portion of the vehicle differently than the movable cover in Fig. 8;

[0042] Fig. 15 shows a diagrammatic top view similar to Fig. 14, in which the movable cover in Fig. 14 is shown in an opening position;

[0043] Fig. 16 shows a diagrammatic and simplified view of the cooling system of the engine of the vehicle in Fig. 1 according to a currently preferred embodiment, in which only one radiator, only one inlet opening and only one outlet opening of the compartment of the vehicle, and only one movable cover, are shown for simplicity of illustration.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045]

[0025] The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings identify equal or similar elements. The object of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures, or features of the solutions described below can be mutually combined in any manner.

[0046]

[0026] With initial reference to Figs. 1-9 and 16, a rideable saddle vehicle according to a currently preferred embodiment is indicated by reference numeral 1 as a whole. According to an embodiment, the rideable saddle vehicle 1 is a motorcycle 1. However, note that for the purposes of this description, the term "motorcycle" must be interpreted broadly, also including in such a definition motorcycles having three wheels, such as two paired and steered wheels on the front andone driving wheel on the rear, for example. According to an embodiment, as in the example shown in figures 1-2, the rideable saddle vehicle 1 is a motorcycle 1 and, more in particular, a scooter 1. In the example shown in the accompanying figures, the vehicle 1 comprises only two wheels 2, 3 in line, in particular a front wheel 2 and a rear wheel 3, and a steering handlebar 4 operatively connected to the front wheel 2. In a manner known in itself, the rideable saddle vehicle 1 further comprises a seat 5 astride of which a user of the vehicle 1 can sit. According to an embodiment, the vehicle 1 further comprises a fairing 6, which can be made of plastic or metal.

[0047]

[0027] According to an embodiment, the vehicle 1 is provided with an engine 7, or traction motor 7 (Fig. 16). According to an embodiment, the engine 7 is an internal combustion engine preferably having a displacement equal to or greater than 300 cc. According to an embodiment, the engine 7 is concealed by the fairing 6 of the vehicle 1 and is preferably situated in the rear part of the vehicle 1, preferably below the saddle 5.

[0048]

[0028] The vehicle 1 comprises at least one compartment 8, or space 8, arranged within the fairing 6. At least one radiator 9 is arranged inside the compartment 8. The compartment 8 is provided with at least one inlet opening 10, or dynamic air intake 10, and at least one outlet opening 11, which are suitable for placing the compartment 8 into fluid communication, or communication of fluid, with the external environment, for cooling the at least one radiator 9. According to an embodiment, the at least one inlet opening 10 is provided with a respective inlet ventilation grille 29 and / or the at least one outlet opening 11 is provided with a respective outlet ventilation grille 30. According to an embodiment, the at least one inlet opening 10 is arranged behind a front wheel 2 of the vehicle 1, and so as to face the wheel 2. According to an embodiment, the at least one outlet opening 11 is arranged laterally on a side of the fairing 6 and more preferably on a side of a front shield 6a of the fairing 6. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-9, the vehicle 1 comprises a single compartment 8 in which two radiators 9 are housed and which is provided with an inlet opening 10 and with a pair of outlet openings 11. In particular, again with reference to such an embodiment, the inlet opening 10 is arranged behind the front wheel 2 and so as to face the wheel 2, while the outlet openings 11 are arranged laterally on opposite sides of the front shield 6a.

[0049]

[0029] However, note that, in general, the number of compartments 8 with which the vehicle 1 is provided, as well as the number and / or the location of the inlet openings 10 and of the outlet openings 11 with which each compartment 8 is provided, can vary depending on specific requirements. The number of radiators 9 housed in each compartment 8 can also vary depending on the specific requirements. For example, according to an embodiment (not shown), the vehicle 1can comprise two mutually independent compartments 8, i.e., which are not in fluid communication with one another, each of which is provided with at least one inlet opening 10 and at least one outlet opening 11, and in each of which a respective radiator 9 is arranged. In a further embodiment (not shown), there is one compartment 8, which has an inlet opening 10 and an outlet opening 11 and houses one or two radiators 9.

[0050]

[0030] According to an embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises at least one movable cover 12a associated with the at least one outlet opening 11. The at least one movable cover 12a is suitable for taking an opening position (Figs. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9), in which the compartment 8 is in fluid communication with the external environment, and a closing position (Figs. 1, 3, 5, 8), in which the outlet opening 11 is occluded by the movable cover 12a and the aforesaid fluid communication is interrupted. In the closing position (Figs. 1, 3, 5, 8), the movable cover 12a conceals from view the compartment 8 and the radiator 9 contained therein, improving the external appearance of the vehicle 1. According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one movable cover 12a can be associated with the at least one inlet opening 10 and is suitable for taking an opening position, in which the compartment 8 is in fluid communication with the external environment, and a closing position, in which the inlet opening 10 is occluded by the movable cover 12a and the aforesaid fluid communication is interrupted. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-9, the vehicle 1 comprises two movable covers 12a, each of which is associated with a respective outlet opening 11.

[0051]

[0031] With reference to Fig. 16, according to an embodiment, the at least one radiator 9 is connected to a liquid cooling system 13 for cooling the engine 7. The liquid cooling system 13 includes a coolant and at least one coolant temperature sensor 14, arranged to detect a temperature TL of the coolant. Preferably, the temperature sensor 14 is an electronic temperature sensor. Preferably, the temperature sensor 14 comprises a thermocouple. In a known manner, an internal combustion engine provided with a cooling system by means of a radiator comprises a coolant which flows in a circuit of the cooling system between the radiator and the engine, removing heat from the engine and transferring it to the radiator. If the pressure of the coolant is of standard type, the operating temperature of the coolant which exits the engine when the engine travels in normal conditions is about 90 degrees centigrade. Vice versa, the engine is considered as cold, i.e., not yet at temperature regime, when the temperature of the coolant which exits the engine is lower than 80 degrees centigrade.

[0052]

[0032] Again with reference to Fig. 16, according to a particular embodiment, in the compartment 8 there is arranged at least one air temperature sensor 15 for detecting an air temperature TA in thecompartment 8. Preferably, the temperature sensor 15 is an electronic temperature sensor. Preferably, the temperature sensor 15 comprises a thermocouple.

[0053]

[0033] According to an embodiment, the at least one radiator 9 is arranged so that an air flow Fl, entering from the inlet opening 10 and exiting from the outlet opening 11 when the vehicle 1 advances, crosses the radiator 9. Preferably the air temperature sensor 15 is arranged downstream of the radiator 9 with respect to the direction of the air flow Fl. In Figs. 2, 4, 9, 11, 13, 15, the air flow Fl is shown by means of a plurality of dashed lines. In Fig. 4, in particular, two air flows Fl are shown, each of which passes through a respective radiator 9 of the vehicle 1. In Fig. 16, the air flow Fl is shown by means of an arrow.

[0054]

[0034] Again with reference to Fig. 16, according to an embodiment the vehicle 1 comprises at least one actuator 16 arranged and configured to move the movable cover 12a. In other words, the actuator 16 is connected to the movable cover 12a to move the movable cover 12a. The actuator 16 can be connected to the movable cover 12a either directly or indirectly, i.e., by means of at least one linking element or a kinematic mechanism interposed between the actuator 16 and the movable cover 12a. The actuator 16 is preferably an electric actuator, preferably a stepper motor or a motor with position sensor, which advantageously allows the movable cover 12a to reach in a short time and stably maintain the opening position.

[0055]

[0035] According to an embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises at least one electronic control unit (ECU) 17, preferably comprising the engine control unit of the vehicle 1, to which the at least one actuator 16 and the at least one coolant temperature sensor 14 are operatively connected. This means that the vehicle 1 can comprise one or more ECU 17. The coolant temperature sensor 14 and the actuator 16 can each be operatively connected to a respective ECU 17, or can be operatively connected to a common ECU 17. According to a particular embodiment comprising the air temperature sensor 15, the air temperature sensor 15, the coolant temperature sensor 14 and the actuator 16 are all operatively connected to the same ECU 17, which preferably coincides with the engine control unit of the vehicle 1. According to an embodiment, the actuator 16 is controlled or controllable by the at least one ECU 17. In particular, the at least one ECU 17 is configured to: - receive temperature signals or data from the coolant temperature sensor 14 and from the air temperature sensor 15, if present; and

[0056] - control the actuator 16 to move the movable cover 12a between said opening and closing positions, as a function of the temperature signals or data received from the coolant temperature sensor 14 and from the air temperature sensor 15, if present.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the vehicle 1 or the liquid cooling system 13 comprises, in particular, a circuit of the coolant including, in manner known in itself:

[0057] a pump 18 for circulation of the coolant, preferably a centrifugal pump, which is preferably actuatable by means of the engine 7,

[0058] a thermostatic valve (known in itself and not shown) or short-circuit thermostatic valve, preferably a thermostatic valve with wax actuator or an electronically controlled thermostatic valve;

[0059] a coolant temperature sensor 14;

[0060] one or more radiators 9;

[0061] pipes 28 for the circulation of the coolant.

[0062] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the vehicle 1 or the liquid cooling system 13 comprises a cooling circuit including:

[0063] one or more radiators 9

[0064] a duct for each radiator 9 which is defined by at least one inlet opening 10, by the compartment 8, and by at least one outlet opening 11;

[0065] preferably at least one electric fan (known in itself and not shown) either associated with or fastened to a respective radiator 9 to increase the air flow Fl;

[0066] at least one actuator 16;

[0067] at least one movable cover 12a;

[0068] at least one connection element suitable for connecting the movable cover 12a to the fairing 6 and to guide the movement of the movable cover 12a according to a predetermined kinematic law (this means both at least one connection element, such as a hinge or hinge pin, for example, allowing a rotation of the movable cover 12a about an axis, and at least one connection element which comprises a kinematic mechanism suitable for guiding the movement of the movable cover 12a, such as, by way of a non-limiting example, an articulated quadrilateral, for example);

[0069] optionally, the cooling circuit comprises an air temperature sensor 15.

[0070]

[0037] According to an embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises a pair of electric fans, each of which is associated with or fastened to a respective radiator 9.

[0071]

[0038] According to an embodiment, the opening position of the at least one movable cover 12a comprises one or more intermediate opening positions suitable for adjusting the air flow Fl which flows through the compartment 8. In practice, according to an embodiment, the opening positionof the movable cover 12a can comprise a first opening position and one or more intermediate opening positions between the first opening position (Figs. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9) and the closing position (Figs. 1, 3, 5, 8). According to an embodiment, the gradual opening of the movable cover 12a allows avoiding thermal shocks to the coolant and thus to the engine, which could even cause seizure of the engine 7. The movable cover 12a thus opens gradually as the temperature of the coolant, and thus the temperature of the engine 7, increases. Similarly, according to an embodiment, the closing of the movable cover 12a is also gradual, as the temperature of the coolant decreases. Preferably the first opening position of the movable cover 12a corresponds to a stroke end position of the movable cover 12a or to a position suitable for allowing the maximum air flow Fl exiting through the outlet opening 11 or in input through the inlet opening 10. The intermediate opening positions of the movable cover 12a are opening positions between said first opening position (maximum opening) and the closing position, which is not considered one of said intermediate opening positions.

[0072]

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the flow rate of the coolant in the cooling circuit can also be controlled in a known manner together with the degree of opening of the movable cover 12a, by means of one or more dedicated ECU 17 and more preferably by means of the engine control unit.

[0073]

[0040] Advantageously, the movable cover 12a can thus act as an adjustment valve of the air flow Fl, suitable for regulating the air flow Fl, by varying the inlet or outlet section thereof, in order to reduce the time of reaching the operating temperature of the coolant and to protect the compartment 8, when possible. According to an embodiment, the aforesaid first opening position and one or more intermediate opening positions are stable positions.

[0074]

[0041] With reference to Figs.8-9, according to an embodiment, the at least one movable cover 12a comprises an inner surface 19, i.e., a surface facing the compartment 8 when the movable cover 12a takes the closing position, and an opposite outer surface 20. Preferably, the outer surface 20 is arranged flush with an adjacent outer surface 21 of the fairing 6 of the vehicle 1 when the movable cover 12a takes the closing position. This allows the movable cover 12a, when it is in the closing position, to be blended with the external fairing 6 of the vehicle 1 to improve the aesthetic appearance thereof.

[0075]

[0042] With reference to Figs. 1-9, according to an embodiment the at least one movable cover 12a is hinged to the fairing 6 of the vehicle 1, and so as to rotate about a vertical axis, i.e., a vertical axis with reference to the vehicle 1 when it is not inclined. According to an embodiment, the movablecover 12a is in particular hinged to the fairing 6 by means of a hinge 22 or first hinge 22 or hinge pin 22 or first hinge pin 22.

[0076]

[0043] With reference to Figs. 10-11, a portion of a vehicle 1 is shown according to a second embodiment, which differs from the embodiment of the vehicle 1 shown in Figs. 1-9 only by providing at least one movable cover 12b which is connected to the fairing 6 differently than the movable cover 12a shown in Figs. 1-9. Except for such a difference, the foregoing and following description in relation to vehicle 1 and movable cover 12a can thus apply, mutatis mutandis, to the second embodiment of the vehicle 1. For such a reason, for purposes of brevity of the description, the structure of the vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment will not be further described in detail.

[0077]

[0044] In Figs. 10, 11 the movable cover 12b is shown in the closing position and in the opening position, respectively. In particular, in Figs. 10-11 the movable cover 12b is associated with the outlet opening 11 of the compartment 8 and is connected to the fairing 6 by means of an articulated mechanism 23, preferably by means of an articulated quadrilateral 23. Alternatively, the movable cover 12b could be associated with the inlet opening 10 of the compartment 8. "Articulated mechanism" and "articulated quadrilateral" means a kinematic linkage of which the movable cover 12b can itself be a member. In other words, the movable cover 12b can be, for example, integrally connected to a member of the articulated quadrilateral 23, or can be itself a member of the articulated quadrilateral 23. In the latter case, as shown in Figs. 10-11, the articulated quadrilateral 23 can be, for example, implemented by means of two linking members 24, or linking arms 24, each of which is hinged at respective opposite end portions 25, 26 to the fairing 6 and to the movable cover 12b.

[0078]

[0045] With reference to Figs. 12-13, a portion of a vehicle 1 is shown according to a third embodiment, which differs from the embodiment of the vehicle 1 shown in Figs. 1-9 only in that at least one movable cover 12c is provided, which is shaped differently and connected to the fairing 6 differently than the movable cover 12a shown in Figs. 1-9. Except for such differences, the foregoing and following description in relation to vehicle 1 and movable cover 12a can thus apply, mutatis mutandis, to the third embodiment of the vehicle 1. For such a reason, for purposes of brevity of the description, the structure of a vehicle 1 according to the third embodiment will not be further described in detail.

[0079]

[0046] The movable cover 12c is shown in Figs. 12, 13 in the closing position and in the opening position, respectively. The at least one movable cover 12c is associated with the outlet opening 11of the compartment 8, and is shaped so as to cause a depression at the outlet opening 11 of the compartment 8 itself. For such a purpose, the inner surface 19 of the movable cover 12c preferably has a convex shape while the outer surface 20 is preferably planar in shape. The depression caused by the movable cover 12c allows increasing the air flow Fl when the movable cover 12c takes the opening position, thus facilitating the outflow of the hot air through the outlet opening 11. According to an embodiment, the movable cover 12c is connected to the fairing 6 in an identical or substantially identical manner as the movable cover 12b shown in Figs. 10-11. According to an alternative embodiment, the movable cover 12c can be associated with the inlet opening 10 of the compartment 8.

[0080]

[0047] With reference to the Figs. 14-15, a portion of a vehicle 1 is shown according to a fourth embodiment, which differs from the embodiment of the vehicle 1 illustrated in the Figs. 1-9 only in that it provides at least one movable cover 12d which is associated with an inlet opening 10 of the compartment 8 and which is connected to the fairing 6 differently than the movable cover 12a shown in Figs. 1-9. Except for such differences, the foregoing and following description in relation to vehicle 1 and movable cover 12a can thus apply, mutatis mutandis, to the fourth embodiment of the vehicle 1. For such a reason, for purposes of brevity of the description, the structure of a vehicle 1 according to the fourth embodiment will not be further described in detail.

[0081]

[0048] In Figs. 14, 15, the movable cover 12d is shown in the closing position and in the opening position, respectively. The movable cover 12d is hinged to the fairing 6, preferably by means of a respective hinge 27 or second hinge 27 or hinge pin 27 or second hinge pin 27, so as to rotate about a vertical axis. Furthermore, the movable cover 12d is hinged to the fairing 6 so that when it takes the opening position and the vehicle 1 advances, the air flow Fl can pass through the inlet opening 10. In other words, in the opening position, the movable cover 12d is arranged so that the air flow Fl passes through the inlet opening 10, skimming the inner surface 19 of the movable cover 12d. Preferably, the inlet opening 10 with which the movable cover 12d is associated is arranged laterally on a side of the vehicle 1.

[0082]

[0049] Having described the structure of the vehicle 1, some operating modes of the vehicle 1 are described below, bywayof non-limiting examples, with reference to the embodiment shown in Figs.

[0083] 1-9.

[0084]

[0050] According to an embodiment, when the vehicle 1 is parked with the engine cold, the at least one movable cover 12a is in the closing position irrespective of when it took such a position. In this position, the movable cover 12a advantageously improves the aesthetics of the vehicle 1 and at thesame time protects the compartment 8 from the ingress of dirt and / or other undesired elements into the compartment 8.

[0085]

[0051] According to an embodiment, the movable cover 12a takes the closing position when the temperature TL of the coolant is lower than a first threshold temperature TLI of the coolant. Preferably, the movable cover 12a can also be controlled based on the temperature TA of the air in the compartment 8. In this case, the movable cover 12a takes the closing position when the temperature TA of the air in the compartment 8 is lower than a first threshold temperature TAI of the air in the compartment 8. The measurement of the air temperature inside the compartment 8 allows the redundant monitoring of the engine temperature, if a malfunction occurs in the sensor system of the cooling system 13, making such a system more reliable as a whole.

[0086]

[0052] This operating condition of the vehicle 1 corresponds, for example, to a step of shutting down the engine 7, e.g., before parking the vehicle 1. Preferably, in such a step, in the general case in which the at least one movable cover 12a is in the opening position, it will gradually take the closing position when the temperature TL of the coolant is lower than the first threshold temperature TLI of the coolant, and optionally, also when the temperature TA of the air in the compartment 8 is lower than the first threshold temperature TAI of the air in the compartment 8. In this case, the electric fan (if provided) associated with the radiator 9 switches off when the movable cover 12a is closed. Note that, according to an embodiment, again with reference to the general case in which the at least one movable cover 12a is in the opening position in the step of shutting down the engine 7, i.e., in the step in which the shutdown of the engine 7 has been commanded, e.g., by means of the ignition key of the vehicle 1, the actuator 16 can move the movable cover 12a to cause the movable cover 12a to take the closing position also after the shutdown of the engine 7 of the vehicle 1. In particular, the actuation of the actuator 16 can be governed by a control logic similar to the one which manages the shutdown of the electric fan, although it can be more complex. Therefore, it can occur that the vehicle 1, left parked with the engine off, but still hot, has the at least one movable cover 12a in the opening position even if the electric fan is not operating.

[0087]

[0053] The strategy described above relating to the step of shutting down of the engine 7, can be further refined by providing the air temperature sensor 15 in the compartment 8 and a temperature sensor (not shown) to detect a temperature TE of the air external to the vehicle 1. By detecting the temperature gradient with respect to the external environment, it is thus possible to avoid false positives, e.g., due to solar irradiation. In this case, the at least one movable cover 12a can remain closed when the air temperature TA in the compartment 8 is equal to or lower than the airtemperature TE of the outside air even if the air temperature TA in the compartment 8 is equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature TAI of the air in the compartment 8. In general, if the shutdown of the engine 7 of the vehicle 1 occurs with the at least one movable cover 12a in the closing position, the movable cover 12a will maintain the closing position unless one of the cases described further below, which require the movable cover 12a to take the opening position, occurs.

[0088]

[0054] According to an embodiment, the at least one movable cover 12a gradually takes the opening position when, having defined a second temperature threshold TL2 of the coolant, preferably corresponding to the operating temperature of the coolant, the temperature TL of the coolant is equal to orgreaterthan the second temperature threshold Tizof the coolant. In practice, in this operating condition of the vehicle 1, corresponding to a step of cold starting the engine, the circulation of the coolant is inhibited, preferably through the thermostatic valve, and therefore the compartment 8 is not heated. Preferably, the second temperature threshold Tizof the coolant is about 80 degrees centigrade. Therefore, the coolant temperature sensor 14, by means of the ECU 17, causes the at least one movable cover 12a to be kept in the closing position until the temperature TL of the coolant is equal to or greater than the second threshold temperature TL2 of the coolant. The control process for opening the movable cover 12a can also take into account the air temperature TA in the compartment 8, so that the movable cover 12a takes the opening position when the air temperature TA in the compartment 8 is also equal to or higher than a second air temperature threshold TA2.

[0089]

[0055] In practice, in this operating condition of the vehicle 1, corresponding to a step of heating (traveling or at a standstill) of the vehicle 1, the circulation of the coolant is permitted, preferably through the thermostatic valve. In such a step, the thermal inertia of the radiator 9 and of the coolant which has not circulated during the cold start step of the vehicle 1 slows the increase in the temperature TL of the coolant, in particular if the radiator9 is hit by the airflow Fl. Advantageously, the at least one movable cover 12a, which is initially in the closing position, prevents the passage of air through the inlet opening 10 or the outlet opening 11 to which it is associated, and lets the heat released by the radiator 9 remain predominantly inside the compartments, thus helping the coolant reach the respective operating temperature more rapidly. When the temperature TL of the coolant is equal to or greater than the second temperature threshold TL2of the coolant, the at least one movable cover 12a is thus controlled to take the opening position, and more preferably the movable cover 12a is actuated, preferably gradually, until it takes the aforesaid first opening position preferably corresponding to the position taken by the movable cover 12a under maximum openingconditions. Note that, in this case, the at least one movable cover 12a will take the opening position regardless of whetherthe vehicle 1 is actually traveling, the opening of the movable cover 12a being dependent only on the temperature TL of the coolant. The at least one movable cover 12a will further take the opening position even if the vehicle 1 is left parked and idling. However, while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the thermal power to be dissipated will be greater and the temperature TL of the coolant will reach the second threshold temperature TL2 of the coolant in less time. Again, the movable cover 12a will take the opening position immediately upon activation of the electric fan, if provided. The movable cover 12a will take the opening position when the engine, already warmed up, exceeds a minimum regime considered indicatively corresponding to a speed lower than 20 km / h and to a non-maximum acceleration.

[0090]

[0056] According to an embodiment, under high-speed traveling conditions of the vehicle 1, e.g., when the speed is greater than or equal to 50 km / h, the at least one movable cover 12a can be used as a small aerodynamic appendage suitable for facilitating the outflow of hot air, by positioning it so as to create a slight negative pressure at the outlet opening 11 of the compartment 8, so as to allow increasing the air flow Fl through the outlet opening 11.

[0091]

[0057] Based on the explanation above, it is thus possible to understand how a ridable saddle vehicle according to the present description allows achieving the purposes indicated above with reference to the prior art.

[0092]

[0058] It is apparent that the invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications or variants, all falling within the invention. Furthermore, all the details are replaceable by technically equivalent elements and the amounts may be varied depending on technical requirements.

[0093]

[0059] Key:

[0094] 1 rideable saddle vehicle

[0095] 2 front wheel

[0096] 3 rear wheel

[0097] 4 steering handlebar

[0098] 5 saddle

[0099] 6 fairing

[0100] 6a front shield

[0101] 7 engine

[0102] 8 compartment

[0103] 9 radiator10 inlet opening

[0104] 11 outlet opening

[0105] 12a movable cover

[0106] 13 liquid cooling system

[0107] 14 coolant temperature sensor 15 air temperature sensor 16 actuator

[0108] 17 electronic control unit (ECU) 18 pump

[0109] 19 inner surface

[0110] 20 outer surface

[0111] 21 adjacent outer surface 22.27 hinge or hinge pin

[0112] 23 articulated mechanism

[0113] 24 linking arm

[0114] 25.26 opposite end portions

[0115] 28 pipes

[0116] 29 inlet ventilation grille

[0117] 30 outlet ventilation grille

[0118] Fl airflow

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rideable saddle vehicle (1), comprising:a compartment (8) arranged inside a fairing (6) of the vehicle (1) in which a radiator (9) is arranged, said compartment (8) being provided with at least one inlet opening (10) and at least one outlet opening (11) suitable for placing the compartment in fluid communication with the external environment for cooling the radiator (9); at least one movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), associated with said at least one outlet opening (11) or inlet opening (10), suitable for taking an opening position, in which the compartment (8) is in fluid communication with the external environment, and a closing position, in which the outlet (11) or inlet (10) opening is occluded by the movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and said fluid communication is interrupted;wherein said at least one movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is connected to the fairing (6) of the vehicle (1) through a hinge (22,27) or another articulated mechanism (23).

2. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the radiator (9) is connected to a liquid cooling system (13) for cooling an engine (7) of said vehicle (1) which includes a coolant and at least one coolant temperature sensor (14), arranged to detect a temperature TL of the coolant.

3. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radiator (9) is arranged so that an air flow (Fl), entering at the inlet opening (10) and exiting from the outlet opening (11) when said vehicle (1) advances, passes therethrough.

4. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one actuator (16) arranged and configured to move said movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d).

5. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, comprising at least one electronic control unit (17), to which the at least one actuator (16) and the at least one coolant temperature sensor (14) are operatively connected, wherein said actuator (16)is controlled by said at least one electronic control unit (17) and wherein said control unit (17) is configured to:receive temperature signals or data from the coolant temperature sensor (14); control the actuator (16) to move the movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) between said opening and closing positions as a function of said temperature signals or data.

6. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said opening position comprises one or more intermediate opening positions suitable for adjusting the air flow (Fl) which crosses the compartment (8).

7. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) takes, preferably in a gradual manner, the closing position when the temperature TL of the coolant is below a first temperature threshold TLI of the coolant.

8. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) takes, preferably in a gradual manner, the opening position when, having defined a second temperature threshold TL2 of the coolant, preferably corresponding to the operating temperature of said coolant, said temperature TL of the coolant is greater than or equal to said second temperature threshold TL2 of the coolant.

9. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) comprises an inner surface (19) and an opposite outer surface (20), the outer surface (20) being arranged flush with an adjacent outer surface (21) of the fairing (6) of said vehicle (1) when said movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) takes the closing position.

10. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hinge (22,27) has a vertical axis.

11. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least one movable cover (12b, 12c) is connected to the fairing (6) of said vehicle (1) by means of an articulated quadrilateral (23).

12. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said movable cover (12c) is associated with said outlet opening (11) of the compartment (8) and is shaped so as to cause a depression at the outlet opening (11) of the compartment (8), suitable for allowing said air flow (Fl) to be increased when said movable cover (12c) takes said opening position.

13. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one outlet opening (11) is arranged at a side portion of a front shield (6a) of said vehicle (1), preferably said rideable saddle vehicle being a scooter (1).

14. A rideable saddle vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one movable cover (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is visible from outside.

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