WO2025238569A1

WO2025238569A1 - Finned grille for a radiator and related vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2025238569A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/055044
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicola STAINER; Lorenzo SALVUCCI
Original assignee: Piaggio and C SpA
Current assignee: Piaggio and C SpA
Priority date: 2024-05-16
Filing date: 2025-05-14
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-16

Abstract

There is described a finned grille (1) for a radiator (110) of a saddle riding type vehicle (100) having a front wheel (120) and at least one rear driving wheel (130). The grille comprises a frame (2) and a plurality of fins (3) which extend transversely from a right side to a left side of the frame (2). The fins (3) comprise two lateral portions (4) connected respectively to the left and right side of the frame (2) and a central portion (5) arranged between the lateral portions (4). The central portion (5) has a different inclination with respect to an inclination of the lateral portions (4). There is also described a saddle riding type vehicle (100) provided with said finned grille (1).

Description

FINNED GRILLE FOR A RADIATOR AND RELATED VEHICLE

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of finned grilles for directing the air towards a radiator. In particular, the present invention relates to a finned grille for motorcycles, preferably motorcycles with a single front wheel.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the field of motorcycles, the use of grilles to protect the radiator is known and widely used, in particular when the radiator is arranged at the front and faces the direction of forward movement of the motorcycle.

[0003] At the state of the art, there are known different solutions that comprise finned grilles arranged in front of the radiator to protect it and direct the air flow according to a preferred direction. An example of this is provided by the patent document EP3647173B1. Grilles such as these direct the air flow toward the radiator but do not optimize the air flow.

[0004] It is also known to arrange finned grilles in front of the radiator with some fins oriented in one direction and other fins oriented in a different direction to optimize air flows and cause them to converge toward a specific zone arranged inside the fairing of the vehicle.

[0005] An example of this is provided by the patent document US20240025505A1, which describes a grille with two series of fins arranged vertically and oriented in such as way as to prevent mud released and lifted by the front wheel from attaching to the front surface of the radiator. This solution is in fact conceived for motocross motorcycles.

[0006] A further known solution, with the same object as the previous solution, is described in the patent document EP1958860B1. In this case, the fins are arranged diagonally, observing the grille from the front, and, as in the previous solutions, the fins diverge outward.

[0007] According to the prior art, there is no grille for a radiator capable of optimizing the entry of air as a function of the air flow that is created due to the presence of the front wheel of the motorcycle.

SUMMARY

[0008] The aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art are now solved by a first object of the present invention, which consists of a finned grille for a radiator of a saddle riding type vehicle having a front wheel and at least one rear driving wheel, comprising: a frame; a plurality of fins which extend transversely from a right side to a left side of the frame, wherein the fins comprise two lateral portions connected respectively to the left and right side of the frame and a central portion arranged between the lateral portions, and wherein the central portion has a different inclination with respect to an inclination of the lateral portions. A radiator grille with the fins arranged in this way makes it possible to optimize the inflow of air, as a function of the air flow that is created due to the forward movement of the vehicle around the front wheel. As the radiator is arranged behind the front wheel, the air flow that is generated with the forward movement of the vehicle is divided into different flows by the front wheel. In particular, the flows of air that flow over the right and left sides of the front wheel are collected and redirected by the lateral portions of the fins, while the flow of air that flows over the upper part of the front wheel and then immediately descends downward is collected and redirected by the central portion of the fins. The grille that covers/protects the radiator thus conceived optimizes cooling of the same radiator, but without detracting from its protective function.

[0009] The fins can have a twisted shape. When the fins are twisted, the fins progressively redirect the aforesaid air flows. As the aforesaid air flows are not clearly separated, but partly mixed by turbulence, a progressive variation of the inclination in the twisted fins makes cooling of the radiator even more efficient.

[0010] The inclination of the central portion of the fin can be such that the leading edge of the central portion of the fin lies higher than the trailing edge of the central portion of the same fin. This means that the central portion of the fins is inclined upward.

[0011] The leading edge of the central portion of the fin can lie higher than the leading edges of the lateral portions of the same fin. This means that the central portion is more inclined upward with respect to the lateral portions.

[0012] Observing the grille from the front, the central portions of the fins can more severely limit the view through the grille of the radiator with respect to the lateral portions of the fins. In this way, the function of protecting the radiator from sprays of mud or debris lifted by the front wheel is optimized, in fact, the mud/debris is projected radially and tangentially by the front wheel, and therefore the area that requires the most protection is the area arranged exactly behind the front wheel, observing the vehicle from the front with the wheel vertical and not steered.

[0013] At the center line of the fin the inclination of the central portion of the fin can be maximum. The inclination of the fin is such as to be maximum in the center line point of the same fin to optimize collection of the air flow coming from the top of the front wheel.

[0014] At the connection area of the fin with the frame, the inclination of the lateral portions of the fin can be minimal. In the area close to the frame, the fins must be as horizontal as possible, to better collect the flows of air that flow over the right and left sides of the front wheel.

[0015] The inclination of the central portion of the fin can be greater than the inclination of the lateral portions of the same fin by an angle comprised between 40 and 90 degrees, preferably comprised between 45 and 80 degrees. This different inclination of the portions of the fin facilitates entry of the flows of air that flow over the wheel.

[0016] The extrados/intrados surface of the central portion of the fin can be continuous with the extrados/intrados surfaces of the lateral portions of the same fin where the portions connect with each other. When the extrados and/or intrados surfaces of the lateral and central portions are continuous, in the point in which the portions connect with each other, the air flows are distributed on the radiator in a more uniform manner.

[0017] A second object of the present invention is a saddle riding type vehicle comprising a front wheel, at least one rear driving wheel, a radiator arranged at least partly behind the front wheel when the vehicle is observed from the front, and a finned grille in accordance with the above installed in front of the radiator and behind the front wheel. The radiator grille thus conceived and installed allows greater uniformity of the flow rate on the radiant mass of the radiator.

[0018] Observing the vehicle from the front, the central portions of the fins can lie behind the front wheel when this is vertical and not steered. This allows the air flow that passes over the front wheel to be diverted in an optimized manner. [0019] Observing the vehicle from the front, the lateral portions of the fins can lie at least partly alongside the front wheel when this is vertical and not steered. This allows the air flow that passes over the right and left sides of the front wheel to be diverted in an optimal manner.

[0020] These and other advantages will be described in more detail in the description provided below, of an example of embodiment provided purely by way of non limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates an axonometric view of a front portion of a saddle riding type vehicle according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of a front portion of a saddle riding type vehicle according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of a front portion of a saddle riding type vehicle according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates an axonometric view of a first embodiment of a finned grille according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of the finned grille of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional side view of the finned grille of Fig. 4 sectioned along the plane B-B;

Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional side view of the finned grille of Fig. 4 sectioned along the plane A- A;

Fig. 8 illustrates an axonometric view of a second embodiment of a finned grille according to the present invention;

Fig. 9 illustrates an axonometric view of a third embodiment of a finned grille according to the present invention;

Fig. 10 illustrates an axonometric view of a fourth embodiment of a finned grille according to the present invention;

Fig. 11 illustrates a sectional side view of the finned grille of Fig. 10 sectioned along the plane D-D;

Fig. 12 illustrates a sectional side view of the finned grille of Fig. 10 sectioned along the plane C-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in the drawings identify identical or similar elements. The subject matter of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures or features of the solutions described below can be combined with one another in any way.

[0023] In the figures, the directions front-back F-B, left-right L-R, and top-down T-D are represented.

[0024] With reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the reference number 100 indicates a saddle riding type vehicle, preferable a motorcycle, comprising a radiator 110 and a finned grille 1. The vehicle 100 further comprises a front wheel 120 and a rear wheel 130, although it could comprise more than one.

[0025] Specifically, the finned grille 1, which will be described in detail below, is arranged in front of a radiator 110, so as to collect and redirect an air flow Fl, F2 generated with the forward movement of the vehicle 100.

[0026] When the vehicle 100 is moving, an air flow is generated that moves in front-back F-B direction and that slips around the vehicle 100. In actual fact, it is the vehicle 100 that splits the air, but the effect is that of an air flow flowing over the vehicle 100 and over its driver.

[0027] The air flow can ideally be divided into several flows depending on the portion of the vehicle 100 that splits the air. In particular, the front wheel 120 splits the air, dividing it into three air flows and, specifically, a first air flow Fl that flows over the upper part of the front wheel 120 and, if present, its front mudguard 150, and a second air flow F2 that flows over the right and left sides of the front wheel 120. [0028] The air flow Fl is a flow that passes beyond the front wheel 120 and that, behind the semi-rear half of the front wheel 120, descends downward, as illustrated schematically in Fig. 1. The air flow Fl takes this conformation also due to the fact that behind the front wheel 120 is the body of the vehicle 100 that forces the air to deflect downward.

[0029] The air flow F2 is a flow that passes along the sides of the front wheel 120. The air flow F2 therefore flows over both the right side and the left side of the front wheel 120.

[0030] The radiator 110 in question is the oil radiator which, being smaller than the water radiator 140, must collect the air that flows over the vehicle 100 in the most efficient way possible.

[0031] The oil radiator 120 is normally arranged underneath the water radiator 140, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Being arranged toward the bottom of the vehicle 1 it is more likely to become soiled with the mud that can lift off the ground G. The radiator 110 is also more exposed to impacts with debris or small objects that can lift off the ground G. For this reason, the orientation of the fins 3 of the finned grille 1 is important both to protect, and to convey as much air as possible to, the radiator. With regard to the latter technical problem, if the fins 3 are oriented incorrectly, less air is collected and redirected towards the radiator 110, which tends to overheat more easily in places or during periods with higher temperatures.

[0032] Hereinafter, the term finned grille 1 is abbreviated with the term grille without for this reason changing in meaning.

[0033] As better illustrated in Fig. 4, the grille 1 comprises a frame 2 that encloses the fins 3 and defines the area in which the air collected by the grille 1 is deflected by the fins 3.

[0034] The fins 3 extend along the right-left direction R-L and have substantially horizontal longitudinal axes of extension, as better illustrated in Figs. 5, 8-12.

[0035] The frame 2 can be connected directly to the radiator 110 or to the fairing 160 of the vehicle 100. The frame can have different shapes if observed from the front as illustrated in Figs. 5, 8-12.

[0036] The fins 3, which connect to the frame both on the right and on the left in respective connection areas 10, branch off from the inner edge of the frame 2.

[0037] The fins 3 can ideally be divided into three portions: a central portion 5 and two lateral portions 4. The central portion 5 is located between the two lateral portions 4.

[0038] The lateral portions 4 of the fin 3 are attached to the frame 2, while the central portion 5 of the fin is connected to the frame 2 by means of the lateral portions 4.

[0039] The central portions 5 of the fins 3 can also be connected to the frame 2 by means of one or more vertical baffles 15, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figs. 8-10.

[0040] The central portion 5 of the fin 3 has a different inclination with respect to the right and left lateral portion 4.

[0041] Some fins 3’ may not have this different inclination along the same fin, but are an exception with respect to the fins 3 of the present invention.

[0042] Each fin 3 has a leading edge and a trailing edge of the air.

[0043] The inclination of the central portion 5 of the fin 3 is such that the leading edge 6 is arranged higher than the trailing edge 7 of the same fin 3. Moreover, the leading edge 6 of the central portion 5 is arranged further forward than the trailing edge 7 of the central portion 5, as illustrated in Figs. 4-12.

[0044] Moreover, the inclination of the central portion 5 of a fin 3 is such that the leading edge of the central portion of the fin is arranged higher than the leading edges 8 of the lateral portions 4 of the same fin 3, as illustrated in Figs. 4-12.

[0045] The central portion 5 of a fin 3 represents a portion arranged at the center of the fin 3 that involves a percentage of the same fin 3 comprised between 30% and 60%, preferably between 35% and 50%. The remaining percentage of the fin 3 thus concerns the two right and left lateral portions 4.

[0046] In the embodiment of Figs. 4-7, the fins 3 have a twisted shape, i.e., they branch off from frame 2 with a certain inclination and reach a maximum inclination at the center line plane M of the grille 1, which is superimposed on the sectional plane B-B.

[0047] At the connection area 10 of the fin 3 to the frame 2, the inclination is minimum and the fins 3 are almost horizontal in front-back direction F-B. [0048] The second embodiment of Fig. 8 differs from the first embodiment due to the presence of two vertical baffles 15 with the function of structurally strengthening the grille 1. In Fig. 8, the lateral portions 4 are to the right of the right vertical baffle 15 and to the left of the left vertical baffle 15, while the central portions 5 are located between the vertical baffles 15.

[0049] The third embodiment of Fig. 9 differs from the first embodiment due to the presence of single vertical baffle 15, arranged at the center line plane M, with the function of structurally strengthening the grille 1. The vertical baffle 15 divides the central portion 5 of the fins 3 in half.

[0050] In the second and third embodiments, just as in the first embodiment, the fins are twisted and thus have a minimum inclination at the connection area 10 with the frame 2 and a maximum inclination at the center line plane M.

[0051] In the first, second and third embodiments, the extrados surface 11 of the central portion 5 is continuous and coplanar with the extrados surface 13 of the lateral portions 4 of a same fin. The coplanarity is local and only in the area that passes from the central portion 5 to the lateral portions 4.

[0052] In the first, second and third embodiments, the intrados surface 12 of the central portion 5 is continuous and coplanar with the intrados surface 14 of the lateral portions 4 of a same fin. The coplanarity is local and only in the area that passes from the central portion 5 to the lateral portions 4.

[0053] The fins 3 have a constant thickness and a continuous and progressive extension from one side of the frame 2 to the opposite side of the frame 2.

[0054] In the fourth embodiment, the fins 3 do not have a continuous extension and the extrados 11 and intrados 13 surfaces of the central portion 5 are not continuous and coplanar in any point respectively with the extrados 11 and intrados 14 surfaces of the lateral portions 4, as illustrated in Figs. 10-12.

[0055] The fourth embodiment of Figs. 10-12 comprises two vertical baffles 15 for strengthening the grille 1, although it could also comprise one or several vertical baffles 15, or none.

[0056] In Fig. 10 the lateral portions 4 of the fins 3 are easily distinguishable with respect to the central portions 5 of the same fins 3.

[0057] In the fourth embodiment, the fins 3 are not twisted and the inclination of the lateral portion 4 with respect to the ground G is constant along the whole of the extension of the same portion. Likewise, the inclination of the central portion 5 with respect to the ground G is constant along the whole of the extension of the same portion.

[0058] The angle of inclination 16 of the central portion 5 differs from the angle of inclination 17 of the lateral portions 4 by an angle comprised between 40 and 90 degrees, preferably comprised between 45 and 80 degrees, as illustrated in Figs. 11, 12.

[0059] The lateral portions 4 have the same inclination as each other. The central portions have the same inclination as each other.

[0060] The angle of inclination 16 of the central portions 5 and the angle of inclination 15 of the lateral portions 4 is defined with respect to a horizontal plane parallel to the ground G.

[0061] As can be noted in Figs. 5, 8, 9 and 10, the central portions 5 of the fins 3 more severely limit the view with respect to the lateral portions 4.

[0062] The fins 3 of all the embodiments extend substantially horizontally between one side of the frame 2 and the other.

[0063] As normally occurs in motorcycles, the grille 1 is arranged in front of the radiator 110 to protect it from mud and debris lifted by the front wheel 120, as illustrated in Figs. 1-3.

[0064] The radiator 110, which in the case illustrated in Figs. 1-3 is the engine oil radiator, is arranged on the vehicle 100 so as to have the radiant surface oriented toward the front F of the vehicle 100. The radiator 110 is produced in a known way with a plurality of finned bodies oriented in front-back F-B direction, adapted for the air flow created with the forward movement of the vehicle 100 to flow over. The front (leading edge) of the various finned bodies, defines the radiant surface, which faces the front. The radiator 110 can more or less inclined with respect to a plane oriented according to the top-down direction T-D and transverse to the front-back direction F-B, as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0065] The air flow that is created with the forward movement of the vehicle is divided into several flows as the air is split by the same vehicle 100. Specifically, the front wheel 120 divides the air flow into an air flow Fl that passes beyond the front wheel 120 passing over the front wheel 120 and into an air flow F2 that passes around the sides of the front wheel 120.

[0066] As the air flow Fl descends behind the front wheel 120, the central portions 5 of the fins 3 of the grille 1, are responsible for collecting this flow in an efficient way and deflecting it toward the radiator 110, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2.

[0067] On the contrary, as the air flow F2 is almost horizontal to the ground G, the lateral portions 4 of the fins 3 of the grille 1 are less inclined and collect the air that passes around the side of the front wheel 120 in the best possible way, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2.

[0068] The lesser inclination of the lateral portions 4 of the fins 3 does not pose particular risks for the integrity of the radiator 110, as debris/mud is normally projected centrifugally by the front wheel 120, and the lateral portions 4 are arranged at least partly alongside the front wheel 120.

[0069] It is the central portions 5 that are most impacted by debris/mud, as they are located completely behind the front wheel 120, observing the vehicle 100 from the front as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0070] The vehicle 100 may also comprise a water radiator 140.

[0071] In conclusion, it is clear that the invention thus conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the invention; moreover, all details can be replaced with technical equivalent elements. In practice, the amounts can be varied according to technical requirements.

[0072] Legend of the reference numbers:

1 finned grille

2 frame

3 fin

4 lateral portion (of the fin) 5 central portion (of the fin)

6 leading edge (of the central portion of the fin)

7 trailing edge (of the central portion of the fin)

8 leading edge (of the lateral portion of the fin)

9 trailing edge (of the lateral portion of the fin)

10 connection area (of the fin)

11 extrados surface (of the central portion)

12 intrados surface (of the central portion)

13 extrados surface (of the lateral portion)

14 intrados surface (of the lateral portion)

15 vertical baffle

16 angle of inclination (of the central portion)

17 angle of inclination (of the lateral portion)

G ground

M center line plane

F 1 air flow (over the front wheel)

F2 air flow (alongside the front wheel)

100 vehicle

110 radiator

120 front wheel

130 rear wheel

140 water radiator 150 front mudguard

160 fairing

Claims

1. Finned grille (1) for a radiator (110) of a saddle riding type vehicle (100) having a front wheel (120) and at least one rear driving wheel (130), comprising:

- a frame (2);

- a plurality of fins (3) which extend transversely from a right side to a left side of the frame (2); wherein the fins (3) comprise two lateral portions (4) connected respectively to the left and right side of the frame (2) and a central portion (5) arranged between the lateral portions (4); wherein the central portion (5) has a different inclination with respect to an inclination of the lateral portions (4).

2. Finned grille (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fins (3) have a twisted shape.

3. Finned grille (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inclination of the central portion (5) of the fin (3) is such that the leading edge (6) of the central portion (5) of the fin (3) lies higher than the trailing edge (7) of the central portion (5) of the same fin (3).

4. Finned grille (1) according to claim 3, wherein the leading edge (6) of the central portion (5) of the fin (3) lies higher than the leading edges (8) of the lateral portions (4) of the same fin (3).

5. Finned grille (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein observing the grille (1) from the front, the central portions (5) of the fins (3) more severely limit the view through the grille (3) of the radiator (110) with respect to the lateral portions (4) of the fins (3).

6. Finned grille (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at the center line (M) of the fin (3) the inclination of the central portion (5) of the fin (3) is maximum.

7. Finned grille (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at the connection area (10) of the fin (3) with the frame (2) the inclination of the lateral portions (4) of the fin (3) is minimal.

8. Finned grille (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the inclination of the central portion (5) of the fin (3) is greater than the inclination of the lateral portions (4) of the same fin (3) by an angle comprised between 40 and 90 degrees, preferably between 45 and 80 degrees.

9. Finned grille (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the extrados/intrados surface (11,12) of the central portion (5) of the fin (3) is continuous with the extrados/intrados surfaces (13 ,14) of the lateral portions (4) of the same fin (3) where the portions (4,5) connect with each other.

10. Saddle riding type vehicle (100) comprising a front wheel (120), at least one rear driving wheel (130), a radiator (110) arranged at least partly behind the front wheel (120) when the vehicle (100) is observed from the front, and a finned grille (1) according to one or more of the previous claims installed in front of the radiator (110) and behind the front wheel (120).

11. Vehicle (100) according to claim 10, wherein, observing the vehicle (100) from the front, the central portions (5) of the fins (3) lie behind the front wheel (120) when this is vertical and not steered.

12. Vehicle (100) according to claim 11, wherein, observing the vehicle (100) from the front, the lateral portions (4) of the fins (3) lie at least partly alongside the front wheel (120) when this is vertical and not steered.