JP2024080025A - vehicle - Google Patents

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

The present invention relates to a vehicle.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a cowl structure that covers the front part of the vehicle body. The cowl structure includes an aerodynamic device that is made up of a front cowl and a side cowl. The aerodynamic device includes a lift generating section that uses the wind generated by the vehicle while it is traveling to generate downforce, which is a downward lift force.

Republished WO2015/071936

However, turbulence can occur at the joint between the cowl and the lift generating part, which can reduce aerodynamic performance. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the generation of turbulence at the joints of exterior parts.

The present application aims to solve the above problem by suppressing the generation of turbulence at the joints of exterior components.

As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) A vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention is a vehicle (1) comprising a first exterior part (50) that receives wind generated while the vehicle is traveling, and a second exterior part (60) that is attached to the first exterior part (50), wherein the second exterior part (60) comprises a step portion (70) upstream in at least a portion of a traveling wind flow path of a joint portion (65) with the first exterior part (50).

(2) In the vehicle described in (1) above, the step portion (70) may have an inclined portion (72) that is inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction, and the inclined portion (72) may be inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running air flow path.

(3) In the vehicle described in (2) above, the step portion (70) may have 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.

(4) In the vehicle described in (2) or (3) above, the inclined portion (72) may be arranged approximately parallel to the joint portion (65) that extends linearly.

(5) In the vehicle described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the step portion (70) may be a convex portion protruding from one surface (71) of the second exterior part (60).

(6) In the vehicle described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the second exterior part (60) may be a winglet extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first exterior part (50).

(7) In the vehicle described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the second exterior part (60) may include an outer member (80) on which the step portion (70) is provided, and an inner member (90) attached to the outer member (80), the outer member (80) may include 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 between a front mating portion (85) with the front curved portion (81) and a rear mating portion (87) with the rear curved portion (82).

(8) In the vehicle described in (7) above, the lower edge of the front curved portion (81) may be located below the front lower edge of the inner member (90) that is aligned with the front mating portion (85).

(9) In the vehicle described in (7) or (8) above, 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 is aligned with the rear mating portion (87).

(10) In the vehicle described in any one of (1) to (9) above, a gap (66) may be formed in the joint (65).

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (1), in a vehicle including a first exterior part that receives wind generated when the vehicle is running, and a second exterior part that is attached to the first exterior part, the second exterior part has a step portion upstream of at least a part of the running wind flow path of the joint with the first exterior part, thereby achieving the following effects.
Since the step portion can separate the traveling wind, it is possible to prevent the traveling wind from flowing into the joint between the first exterior component and the second exterior component, and therefore it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint between the exterior components.

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (2), the step portion has an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the inclined portion is inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running air flow path, 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 passage, it is possible to more effectively separate the traveling air while minimizing air resistance, and therefore it is possible to more effectively prevent turbulence from occurring at the joints of the exterior components while minimizing air resistance.

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (3), the step portion has a front edge portion extending from the front end of the inclined portion toward the joint portion in the vehicle width direction, thereby achieving the following effects.
Since the wind can be separated not only at the inclined portion of the step portion but also at the leading edge portion, it is possible to more effectively prevent the wind from flowing into the joint between the first exterior part and the second exterior part. This makes it easier to form an air pocket in the area along the joint. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint between the exterior parts.

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (4), the inclined portion is provided substantially parallel to the joint portion extending linearly, thereby achieving the following effects.
Compared to a case where the inclined portion is provided so as to intersect with a linearly extending joint, the air pocket can be more stably formed in the area along the joint, and therefore, the generation of turbulence at the joint of the exterior component can be more effectively suppressed.

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (5), the step portion is a convex portion protruding from one surface of the second exterior component, thereby achieving the following effects.
Since the step portion is a convex portion, the traveling wind can be separated, and therefore the traveling wind can be prevented from flowing into the joint between the first exterior component and the second exterior component, and thus the generation of turbulence at the joint of the exterior components can be prevented.

According to the vehicle described above in (6) of the present invention, the second exterior component is a winglet extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first exterior component, thereby achieving the following effects.
Since the step portion of the winglet can separate the traveling wind, it is possible to prevent the traveling wind from flowing into the joint between the first exterior component and the winglet, and therefore it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint of the winglet.

According to the vehicle described in (7) above of the present invention, the second exterior part comprises an outer member having a step portion, and an inner member attached to the outer member, the outer member comprises 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 comprises 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.

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (8), the lower edge of the front curved portion is located lower on the vehicle than the front lower edge of the inner member 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.

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (9), 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.

According to the vehicle of the present invention described above in (10), a gap is formed at the joint, which provides the following effects.
The gap at the joint can absorb dimensional variations between the first exterior part and the second exterior part.

FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicle front part of the motorcycle according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a left side portion of the cowl structure according to the embodiment. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of separation of traveling wind caused by a step portion according to the embodiment; 6 is an explanatory diagram of separation of traveling wind caused by a step portion, as viewed from a different perspective than that of FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a front view including a cross section taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. FIG. 9 is a right side view including a cross section taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 3. 5 is a cross-sectional view including the XX cross section of FIG. 4. 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. 12A is a perspective view showing a shape without a step portion, and FIG 12B is a CFD analysis image of the shape without the step portion.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below 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.

<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.

The upper parts of the pair of left and right front forks 4 are supported on a head pipe 11 of the body frame 6 via a steering stem 10 so that they can be steered. 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.

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.

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. The 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.

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.

The front end of the swing arm 5 is supported in the vertical center of the pivot frame 16 so that it can swing up and down. The rear end of the swing arm 5 supports the rear wheel 3.

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 that is 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.

The body cover 8 is provided to cover the components of the motorcycle 1 (e.g., the body frame 6 and the engine 7, etc.) from the outside. The body cover 8 includes a cowl structure 40 that is provided to cover the front part of the body of the motorcycle 1.

<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.

The front cowl 41 covers the components on the upper front side of the vehicle body (e.g., 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 that it is 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.

A front opening 42 that opens to the front of the vehicle is formed in the front of the front cowl 41. In a front view of the vehicle, the front opening 42 is provided so as to overlap with the vehicle body left-right center line CL. In a front view of the vehicle, the external 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 the axis of symmetry.

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

A pair of left and right light openings 44 are formed in the front 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. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the outer shapes of the left and right light openings 44 are linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line CL of the vehicle body as the axis of symmetry.

When viewed from above 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 the portion adjacent to the front opening 42 (the front end of the front cowl 41) toward the rear of the vehicle. When viewed from above 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.

<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.

The first exterior part 50 is formed so as to smoothly bulge outward in the vehicle width direction from the part (front end 51 of the first exterior part 50) that overlaps 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 the 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 outside the outer end of the second exterior part 60 in the vehicle width direction.

<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.

A pair of second exterior components 60 are provided on the left and right to correspond to the left and right first exterior components 50 that make up the middle cowl. In a front view of the vehicle, the external shapes of the left and right second exterior components 60 have a shape that is line-symmetrical with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL as an axis of symmetry.

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

In a front view of the vehicle, the second exterior 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 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 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 body portion 61 curves outward more than the outer edge of the front cowl 41.

Between the vehicle width direction outer surface of the first exterior part 50 and the second exterior part 60, a front-rear opening 55 is formed that opens to the front and rear of the vehicle. A pair of front-rear openings 55 are formed on the left and right 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).

<Joint>
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.

In a front view of the vehicle, the joint 65 between the second exterior component 60 and the first exterior component 50 extends at an angle from a portion that overlaps 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 in a straight line 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 located inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the light opening 44 in the vehicle width direction.

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 vertical direction of the vehicle) is set to a size that can absorb dimensional variations between the first exterior component 50 and the second exterior component 60.

<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 received by the first exterior component 50 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 Figures 5 and 6 when the motorcycle 1 is traveling straight and when it is turning.

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

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 the surface of the outer surface of the second exterior part 60 that faces forward and upward of the vehicle. In a front view of the vehicle, the one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60 corresponds to a surface that includes an area that expands in the vertical direction of the vehicle as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction from a portion that overlaps with the vicinity of the inner edge of the front fork 4 in the vehicle width direction. In a front view of the vehicle, the one surface 71 of the second exterior part 60 corresponds to a surface that includes an area that expands outward in the vehicle width direction and downward of the vehicle from the upper edge of the joint 65.

One surface 71 of the second exterior component 60 is inclined so that it becomes higher as it approaches the downstream of the running air flow path. One surface 71 of the second exterior component 60 is inclined so that it is positioned higher on the vehicle as it approaches the rear of the vehicle, and is inclined so that it is positioned lower on the vehicle as it approaches the outside in the vehicle width direction.

The step 70 is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the grip 13 provided on the handlebar 12 in the vehicle width direction, and above the front wheel 2. In a front view of the vehicle, a part of the step 70 overlaps with the front fork 4. In a front view of the vehicle, a part of the step 70 is located at the same height as the lower edge of the air intake 43 (position in the vehicle vertical direction).

The step portion 70 has an inclined portion 72 that is inclined relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The inclined portion 72 is inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream side of the running air flow path. The height of the inclined portion 72 (height in the vehicle vertical direction) decreases from the front end of the inclined portion 72 toward the rear of the vehicle.

The inclined portion 72 is arranged substantially parallel to the joint portion 65 that extends linearly. "Substantially parallel" includes cases where it is completely parallel to the joint portion 65 that extends linearly and cases where it is substantially parallel to the joint portion 65 that extends linearly. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the upper edge of the inclined portion 72 is arranged substantially parallel to the joint portion 65 that extends linearly. When viewed from the front 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.

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.

The leading edge portion 73 is provided so as to intersect with the joint portion 65, which extends in a straight line. 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 joint portion 65, which extends in a straight line. 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 of the vehicle width direction (toward the joint portion 65).

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 surface 71 of the second exterior component 60. The step upper surface 74 is inclined so that it becomes higher as it approaches the downstream of the running air flow path.

The step upper surface 74 is inclined more steeply toward the rear of the vehicle than the surface 71 of the second exterior part 60 so as to be positioned above the vehicle. The step upper surface 74 is inclined more gently toward the outside in the vehicle width direction than the surface 71 of the second exterior part 60 so as to be positioned below the vehicle.

<Outer member and inner member>
10 , the second exterior component 60 includes an outer member 80 in which a 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.

Because the front curved portion 81 is curved toward the front of the vehicle, it is possible to smoothly rectify the wind flowing upward and toward the rear of the vehicle and downward and toward the rear of the vehicle. A portion of the wind flowing upward and toward the 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 component 60). A portion of the wind flowing downward and toward the rear of the vehicle flows along the lower surface of the inner member 90.

A gap 86 (hereinafter also referred to as "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's fore-and-aft direction) is set to a size that can absorb dimensional variations between the outer member 80 and the inner member 90.

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's fore-and-aft direction) is set to a size that can absorb dimensional variations between the outer member 80 and the inner member 90.

The lower edge of the front curved portion 81 is located lower on the vehicle than the front lower edge of the inner member 90 along the front mating portion 85. The lower edge of the front curved portion 81 is located further forward on the vehicle than the front lower edge of the inner member 90 along the front mating portion 85. By setting the outer member 80 side, which is upstream of the traveling airflow path, higher than the inner member 90 at the front mating portion 85, the traveling airflow is prevented from interfering with the front mating portion 85.

The lower edge of the rear curved portion 82 is provided above the vehicle than the rear lower edge of the inner member 90 that is aligned with the rear mating portion 87. The lower edge of the rear curved portion 82 is provided forward of the vehicle than the rear lower edge of the inner member 90 that is aligned with the rear mating portion 87. By setting the inner member 90 side, which is upstream of the traveling air flow path, higher than the outer member 80 at the rear mating portion 87, the rear mating portion 87 is configured so that traveling air does not interfere with the rear mating portion 87.

<CFD analysis results>
Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a CFD analysis according to an embodiment. Fig. 11(a) is a perspective view showing a 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 a CFD analysis according to a comparative example. Fig. 12(a) is a perspective view showing a shape without a step portion, and Fig. 12(b) is a CFD analysis image of the shape without a step portion.
The present inventor 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 running resistance.

In the CFD analysis, a racer-type vehicle (motorcycle 1 of this embodiment) was used. For this vehicle, wind was made to flow from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. In Figures 11 and 12, the speed (strength) of the wind flow is shown in 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 shown in black and white. The pressure on the cowl surface becomes larger (higher) as it approaches from white to black.

The results of the CFD analysis showed 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.

<Action and effect>
As described above, the motorcycle 1 of the above embodiment includes the first exterior component 50 that receives wind generated while the vehicle is traveling, and the second exterior component 60 that is attached to the first exterior component 50. The second exterior component 60 includes a step portion 70 upstream of at least a portion of a joint portion 65 with the first exterior component 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.

In the above embodiment, the step portion 70 includes the 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.

In the above embodiment, the step portion 70 has 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.

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 joint portion 65 extending linearly, 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 suppress the generation of turbulence at the joint portion 65 of the exterior parts 50, 60.

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 it is possible to suppress 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 suppress the generation of turbulence at the joint portion 65 of the exterior components 50, 60.

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 step portion 70 of the winglet 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 winglet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent turbulence from occurring at the joint portion 65 of the winglet.

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) that are lower in front and behind the step portion 70 can rectify the wind generated when the vehicle is traveling.

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 that is aligned with the front mating portion 85 .
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.

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.

In the above embodiment, the step portion 70 is located inside in the vehicle width direction of the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the grip 13 provided on the handle 12 and above the front wheel 2 .
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.

In the above embodiment, the gap 66 is formed in the joint portion 65 .
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 .

<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.

In the above embodiment, the step portion has a leading edge portion extending from the front end of the inclined portion toward the joint in the vehicle width direction, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the front end of the inclined portion in the vehicle width direction may be adjacent to the joint. For example, the step portion does not need to have a leading edge portion extending from the front end of the inclined portion toward the joint in the vehicle width direction. For example, the installation mode of the leading edge portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inclined portion is provided substantially parallel to the joint portion extending linearly, but this 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 manner in which the inclined portion is provided relative to the joint portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

In the above embodiment, the step portion is described as a protrusion protruding from one surface of the second exterior component, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the step portion may be a recess that is recessed in one surface of the second exterior component. 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 can be changed according to the design specifications.

In the above embodiment, the second exterior part is a winglet extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first exterior part, but this is not limited to the above. For example, if 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.

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 air flow path and curved toward the front of the vehicle, and a rear curved portion provided downstream of the step portion in the running air flow path and curved toward the rear of the vehicle, and the inner member includes a lower curved portion that curves 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 a one-piece member. 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 the design specifications.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lower end edge of the front curved portion is provided below the front lower end edge of the inner member that is aligned with 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 vehicle relative to the front lower end edge of the inner member that is aligned with 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.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lower end edge of the rear curved portion is provided above the vehicle relative to the rear lower end edge of the inner member that is aligned with the rear mating portion, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the lower end edge of the rear curved portion may be provided below the vehicle relative to the rear lower end edge of the inner member that is aligned with 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.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the step portion is located inside the vehicle width direction of the outer end of the grip provided on the handlebar and above the front wheel, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the step portion may be located outside the vehicle width direction of the outer end of the grip provided on the handlebar. For example, the step portion may be located below the top end of the front wheel. For example, the arrangement of the step portion can be changed according to design specifications.

In the above embodiment, an example in which a gap is formed in the joint has been described, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a porous, flexible material (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 form of the joint can be changed according to the design specifications.

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.

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-type vehicle other than a motorcycle. For example, the saddle-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.

1. Motorcycles (vehicles)
2 Front wheel 12 Handle 13 Grip 50 First exterior part 60 Second exterior part 65 Joint 66 Gap 70 Step 71 One surface of second exterior part 72 Slope 73 Front edge 80 Outer member 81 Front curved part 82 Rear curved part 85 Front mating part 87 Rear mating part 90 Inner member 91 Lower curved part

Claims (10)

A vehicle (1) including a first exterior part (50) that receives wind generated while the vehicle is running, and a second exterior part (60) that is attached to the first exterior part (50),
The second exterior part (60) has a step part (70) upstream in the running air flow path of at least a part of a joint part (65) with the first exterior part (50).
vehicle. The step portion (70) includes an inclined portion (72) inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction,
The inclined portion (72) is inclined so that the step becomes lower toward the downstream of the running airflow channel.
2. The vehicle of claim 1. The step portion (70) includes a front edge portion (73) extending from a front end of the inclined portion (72) toward the joint portion (65) in the vehicle width direction.
3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2. The inclined portion (72) is provided substantially parallel to the joint portion (65) which extends linearly.
A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or 3. The step portion (70) is a convex portion protruding from one surface (71) of the second exterior part (60).
A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second exterior part (60) is a winglet extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first exterior part (50).
A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second exterior part (60) is
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) is provided upstream of the step portion (70) in the running airflow path and curved 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 according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 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).
8. A vehicle as claimed in claim 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);
8. A vehicle as claimed in claim 7. A gap (66) is formed in the joint (65).
A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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