WO2024223008A2 - Spoiler device, spoiler arrangement, vehicle, and use - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a spoiler device for a vehicle, the vehicle pertaining to the group of utility vehicles, special-purpose vehicles and mobile machines, in particular for arrangement on a roof of a driver's cabin of the utility vehicle. The spoiler device has a housing part including a receptacle for receiving a roof spoiler mounted on the vehicle by the manufacturer.

Description

Spoiler device, spoiler arrangement, vehicle and use

The invention relates to a spoiler device for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines.

The invention further relates to a spoiler arrangement on a vehicle, wherein the vehicle belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines.

The invention also relates to a vehicle with at least one roof spoiler installed on the vehicle by the manufacturer, wherein the vehicle belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines.

The invention also relates to a use of a roof spoiler.

Spoiler devices of this type are known from the prior art. Spoiler devices of this type are used to improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles such as trucks. Vehicles such as trucks, particularly semi-trailers, particularly tractor units for semi-trailers, usually have a trailer or semi-trailer arranged lengthways behind the driver's cab, which is often higher or wider than the dimensions of the driver's cab and thus represents additional air resistance for the driving wind, which requires increased drive energy to overcome. A spoiler device is intended to direct the air flow over or around these structures, thereby reducing the vehicle's air resistance and thus also fuel consumption.

A roof spoiler is known, for example, from the document DE 10 2012 023 577 A1. The roof spoiler disclosed therein is positioned relative to the roof of the driver's cab in order to shield a superstructure or trailer that is higher than the driver's cab, with the angle of incidence being adjustable using a sensor and an adjusting device. A roof spoiler arrangement for a commercial vehicle is also known from the document EP 2 020 366 A2. The roof spoiler arrangement disclosed therein has an adjustment device designed as a sliding guide for changing an angle of attack of the roof spoiler.

WO 2021/110450 A1 and DE 196 09 049 C1 show deflection devices.

Further disclosures are US 7,121,614 B2, EP 1 870 320 B1, WO 2004/108506 A1, US 5,536,062, EP 2 792 579 A1, EP 4 159 599 A1, US 2015/0015027 A1 or DE 102 30 285 A1.

The present invention is based on the object of providing an improvement or an alternative to the prior art.

According to a first aspect, the stated object is achieved by a spoiler device (10) for a vehicle (12), wherein the vehicle (12) belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, in particular a tractor of the cab-over type, wherein the spoiler device is intended for arrangement on a roof (14) of a driver's cab (16) of the vehicle (12) and is arranged there, wherein the spoiler device (10) has a housing part (30) with a receiving space (28) for receiving a roof spoiler (22) arranged on the vehicle (12).

The following is explained conceptually:

First of all, it should be expressly pointed out that in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical expressions such as "one...", "two..." etc. are generally to be understood as at least expressions, i.e. as "at least one...", "at least two..." etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two..." etc. are meant. Even the explicit specification of the restriction "at least" or "at least" or similar must not be used to conclude that that when “a” is used simply, without specifying “at least” or similar, it means “exactly one”.

Furthermore, all numerical data as well as information on process parameters and/or device parameters are to be understood in the engineering sense, i.e. as subject to the usual tolerances.

A cab-over is a design in which the driver's position is above the engine compartment. This design is also known by various other names, for example cab over engine (COE), cab forward, flat face (U.S.), flat nose (Canada), forward control (UK), or forward control.

Because the spoiler device has a receiving space for receiving a roof spoiler arranged on the vehicle by the manufacturer, a roof spoiler already attached to a driver's cab at the factory, in particular an adjustable roof spoiler, can be supplemented in an aerodynamically advantageous manner by the present spoiler device.

This allows vehicles to be further improved aerodynamically, especially towing vehicles for towing trailers.

The manufacturer's roof spoiler can continue to perform its factory-designated function if the housing part has a material recess on the upper side of the housing part above the receiving space, in which the manufacturer's roof spoiler can be temporarily arranged.

In particular, the receiving space is easily accessible from above via the material recess even if the spoiler device in question is already properly attached to the vehicle.

The material recess can also be easily closed if the manufacturer's roof spoiler is temporarily arranged in it. In the sense of the invention, the term “material recess” describes a material-free area on the upper side of the housing of the proposed spoiler device.

In the following, relative terms such as “front” or “rear” are used, which refer to the standard direction of travel of the vehicle.

The present spoiler device can even be used with large-area manufacturer-supplied roof spoilers if the material recess on the upper side of the housing is greater than or equal to 60% of the total area of the upper side of the housing, preferably greater than or equal to 80%, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 90%.

In this case, it can be advantageous if the material recess can optionally be changed in terms of area, so that a uniform base body of the spoiler device can be adapted, if necessary by means of adapter dividers, to roof spoilers with different surface sizes.

Even without the main function of the manufacturer's roof spoiler, the present spoiler device can have a particularly advantageous aerodynamic effect on the vehicle if the material recess on the upper side of the housing is limited on three sides, namely on one front side of the housing part and on two sides of the housing part, wherein the sides extend from the front side further back.

On the one hand, the material recess on the upper side of the housing can be easily filled, in particular completely filled, and on the other hand, the receiving space on the upper side of the housing can be advantageously closed if the housing part has an edge profile opposite the material recess which corresponds to an outer edge profile of an outer contour of the manufacturer's roof spoiler.

The front side describes an area of the spoiler device which is arranged in front of the material recess, seen in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle, in particular. The side parts are connected to the sides, i.e. to the right and left of the spoiler device, and extend rearwards to the front of the spoiler device, viewed rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is expedient if the receiving space is designed such that the manufacturer's roof spoiler can be set to at least two different operating states, of which one of the at least two different operating states is an extended operating state of the manufacturer's roof spoiler.

As a result, the aerodynamic effect of the spoiler device can be individually and dynamically adapted to different driving or operating conditions of the vehicle, in particular to a towing operating condition of the vehicle.

Particularly good aerodynamic properties can be achieved with the spoiler device if the receiving space on the upper side of the housing part can be closed by means of the manufacturer's roof spoiler.

In this respect, it is advantageous if the spoiler device has a displaceable cover part, wherein the displaceable cover part at least partially comprises the roof spoiler arranged by the manufacturer.

By means of such a cover part, the receiving space of the spoiler device or the material recess of the spoiler device can be closed or opened in a structurally simple manner in the sense of a movable spoiler element of the spoiler device.

This allows the aerodynamic properties of the spoiler device to be changed dynamically or as required, using vehicle-side components.

In this respect, the structural design of the present spoiler device can be further simplified.

The spoiler device and the manufacturer's roof spoiler can interact with each other in a particularly aerodynamically advantageous manner if the housing part is opposite the material recess has an edge profile which corresponds to an outer edge profile of an outer contour of the manufacturer's roof spoiler.

If necessary, the housing part has elastic means along the edge in order to be able to adjust transitions between the spoiler device and the manufacturer's roof spoiler more effectively.

In particular, an interaction between the spoiler device and the manufacturer's roof spoiler can be further favorably influenced if the housing part has an edge profile, in particular an inner edge profile, at a material recess which corresponds to an outer edge profile of an outer contour of the manufacturer's roof spoiler.

The spoiler device on which the invention is based can be mounted more easily on the vehicle and in relation to the manufacturer's roof spoiler if the housing part is designed in several parts, namely preferably with two side parts and a middle part, wherein the middle part is arranged at the front of the spoiler device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a

Spoiler device (10) for a vehicle (12), wherein the vehicle (12) belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, in particular a tractor of cab-over design, in particular a spoiler device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spoiler device is intended for arrangement on a roof (14) of a driver's cab (16) of the vehicle (12) and is arranged there, wherein the spoiler device (10) has a housing part (30) with a lateral part located on the right in the direction of travel and a lateral part located on the left in the direction of travel, wherein each lateral part has a wind deflection edge, wherein the

airstream steering edge - at least for the most part of it runs downwards at an angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 40°, and especially in its lower half at an angle of at least 40°, preferably at least 45°, relative to the horizontal, and

- in a horizontal course for the designated airstream into a deflection which, by means of a holder, positions its outflow area behind a rear wall of the driver's cab, and wherein the deflection deflects the tear-off direction which leads behind the rear wall of the driver's cab by at least 20°, preferably by at least 30° or at least 40°, relative to the direction of travel, wherein the deflection forms a flow channel with the driver's cab which tapers from the airstream deflection edge to the rear wall, so that when the vehicle is in operation, the incoming airstream can be deflected from the airstream deflection edge in the direction of the driver's cab, so that the deflected airstream can flow along the tapered channel, can be deflected by the deflection, and can then be actively allowed to flow out of an outflow area behind the driver's cab both from the right and from the left in the direction of the vehicle's center plane.

According to a third aspect, the stated object is achieved by a spoiler arrangement on a vehicle, wherein the vehicle belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, in particular for arrangement on a roof of a driver's cab of the commercial vehicle, wherein the spoiler arrangement has at least two separate spoiler elements, namely at least one roof spoiler installed on the vehicle by the manufacturer and a spoiler device according to one of the features described here.

This allows the design of the spoiler arrangement to be significantly simplified. According to a fourth aspect, the stated object is achieved by a vehicle with at least one roof spoiler installed on the vehicle by the manufacturer, wherein the vehicle belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, wherein the vehicle has a spoiler device or a spoiler arrangement according to one of the features described here.

The spoiler device or spoiler arrangement proposed here can significantly improve the aerodynamic properties of a vehicle, and this is also particularly cost-effective, since the manufacturer's roof spoiler in particular can be integrated and thus continue to be used to its full extent.

According to a further aspect, the stated object is achieved by using a roof spoiler, in particular an adjustable roof spoiler, for closing a material recess on a driver's cab roof cover of a vehicle, in particular a towing vehicle for a trailer, which converts the roof spoiler.

This allows aerodynamic components already installed on the vehicle to continue to be used.

The following terminology should also be explained:

In general, it can be stated that by means of the spoiler device proposed here, in particular by means of its rigid housing part, aerodynamic properties on the driver's cab of the vehicle can be dynamically adjusted despite its structurally simple design and the driving air can be specifically used for cooling or tempering.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 in perspective view of a vehicle with a roof spoiler fitted by the manufacturer on the driver's cab of the vehicle and an additional spoiler device arranged around it, Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a detailed view of the roof area of the driver's cab of the vehicle shown in Figure 1,

Fig. 3 in perspective view a detailed view of the spoiler device,

Fig. 4 shows in perspective a possible embodiment of the spoiler device with regard to its frontal part and two lateral parts,

Fig. 5 in a rendered and partially resolved view a spoiler arrangement on the roof and rear wall of a cab of a tractor for a semitrailer,

Fig. 6 in a rendered view of the left side part of the spoiler device of Figures 5 in the direction of travel, with an almost vertically appearing airstream deflection edge and a completely curved deflection up to two holding profiles,

Fig. 7 and

Fig. 8 the same construction as in Figure 6, from slightly different angles to illustrate the continuous curvature of the deflection towards its downstream area, and

Figs. 9, 10 in a perspective view from the left rear the same spoiler device, with a roof spoiler in a flat (Fig. 9) and a raised (Fig. 10) position.

According to the representations in Figures 1 and 2, perspective views of a spoiler device 10 according to the invention are shown additionally mounted on a vehicle 12. More precisely, the spoiler device 10 is arranged on the roof 14 of a driver's cab 16 of the vehicle 12. In this embodiment, the vehicle 12 is designed as a towing vehicle (not numbered again), in particular as a semi-trailer, with a semitrailer (not shown in Figure 1) which is arranged in a longitudinal direction 18 of the vehicle 12 adjacent to a rear side 20 of the driver's cab 16. The longitudinal extension 18 extends in the direction of travel 19, in particular in the forward direction of travel, of the vehicle 12.

As can be clearly seen in particular from Figure 3, the spoiler device 10, in the sense of an additional driver's cab roof cover 16A, at least partially encloses a roof spoiler 22 already arranged on the vehicle 12 by the manufacturer, so that the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22, in particular with its flat spoiler element 24, is precisely integrated in the additionally mounted spoiler device 10.

In this respect, the vehicle 12 is equipped with a spoiler arrangement 25, which advantageously consists of at least two separate spoiler elements 24 and 26, wherein the first separate spoiler element 24 of the spoiler arrangement 25 has the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 and the second separate spoiler element 26 of the spoiler arrangement 25 has the additional spoiler device 10.

Here, the spoiler device 10 is aerodynamically coordinated with the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 in such a way that the vehicle 12 has aerodynamically improved properties, in particular in towing operation.

In order for the spoiler device 10 to interact with the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 in this way, the spoiler device 10 has a suitable receiving space 28 for receiving the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22.

According to the illustration in Figure 3, the spoiler device 10 is shown unassembled, whereby its receiving space 28 can be clearly seen.

The receiving space 28 is designed such that the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 can be set therein in at least two different operating states, wherein an extended operating state 29 of the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 is shown according to the illustrations in Figures 1 and 2.

The spoiler device 10 has a housing part 30, with which the receiving space 28 on the spoiler device 10 can be easily provided. The housing part 30 has a longitudinal axis 31 .

The spoiler device 10 or the housing part 30 has a large-area material recess 32, which is formed on the upper side 34 of the housing part 30 and is accordingly arranged there.

If the spoiler device 10 is properly mounted on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12, the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 can be arranged in this material recess 32 as required, as shown in the illustrations in Figures 1 and 2.

The material recess 32 occupies a total area 36 of the housing top 34, which in this embodiment amounts to more than 90% of the total area 36.

The material recess 32 itself is limited on the housing top 34 on three sides 38, 39 and 40 of the housing part 30, namely on the front side 38 of the housing part 30 and on two lateral sides 39 and 40 of the housing part 30.

On the rear side 41 of the spoiler device 10 or the housing part 30 thereof, the material recess 32 is not physically limited by the housing part 30, but can optionally be, for example if the housing part 30 should have a cross brace (not shown) along the indicated line 42 on its rear side 41 of the housing part 30 for stability reasons.

The two lateral sides 39 and 40 extend from the front side 38 further rearward (seen in the direction of travel) towards the rear side 41 of the housing part 30, so that the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 in the extended operating state 29 (cf. Figures 1 and 2) forms a flush overall surface 36 of the spoiler device 10.

In the exhibited operating state 29, the receiving space 28 on the upper side of the housing 34 is closed by means of the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22. In this respect, the spoiler device 10 has a displaceable cover part 44, wherein the displaceable cover part 44 in this embodiment is formed in particular over the entire surface of the roof spoiler 22 arranged by the manufacturer.

The manufacturer's roof spoiler 22 can be easily made to overlap with the material recess 32 (see Figures 1 and 2), or vice versa, at least in the deployed operating state 29 of the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22, since the housing part 30 has an edge profile 46 with respect to the material recess 32, which corresponds to an outer edge profile 48 (see only Figure 2) of an outer contour of the manufacturer's roof spoiler 22.

The spoiler device 10 described here can be manufactured in one piece, for example as a monolithically cast component.

Here, the spoiler device 10 or the housing part 30 essentially consists of three main components, namely two side parts 50 and 51 and a central part 52 arranged therebetween, wherein the central part 52 is arranged on the front side 38 of the spoiler device 10.

The side parts 50 and 51 each extend from the central part 52 substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 31 laterally radially outwards and then each bend approximately 90° rearwards with an arc region 54 and then continue on the one hand in the direction of the longitudinal axis 31 towards the rear side 41 of the spoiler device 10 and on the other hand rearwards towards the underside 56 of the spoiler device 10.

In the rearward direction towards the underside 56 and on the underside 56 there are fastening areas 57 and 58 by means of which the spoiler device 10 can be fastened to the vehicle 12 or to the driver's cab 16.

The embodiment shown here represents only a first example of the present invention and should therefore not be understood as limiting. Alternative embodiments considered by those skilled in the art are equally included within the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols used

10 spoiler device

12 vehicle or towing vehicle

14 roof

16 driver's cab

16A cab roof cover

18 longitudinal direction

19 direction of travel

20 rear side

22 manufacturer-supplied roof spoiler

24 first separate spoiler element

25 spoiler arrangement

26 second separate spoiler element

28 recording room

30 housing part

31 longitudinal axis

32 material recess

34 top of the case

36 total area

38 front

39 right side, seen in the direction of travel

40 left side, seen in the direction of travel

41 back

42 fictitious line

44 lid part

46 Edge profile or inner edge profile

48 outer edge course

50 right side panel

51 left side panel

52 middle part

54 arch area

56 bottom

57 first fortification areas

58 second fastening areas Airstream deflection edge Tapered channel Deflection Outflow area Holding profile

Claims

patent claims 1. Spoiler device (10) for a vehicle (12), wherein the vehicle (12) belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, in particular a tractor of the cab-over type, wherein the spoiler device is intended for arrangement on a roof (14) of a driver's cab (16) of the vehicle (12) and is arranged there, wherein the spoiler device (10) has a housing part (30) with a receiving space (28) for receiving a roof spoiler (22) arranged on the vehicle (12). 2. Spoiler device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing part (30) above the receiving space (28) has a material recess (32) on a housing top side (34) of the housing part (30), in which the roof spoiler (22) can be arranged, in particular temporarily and reversibly, so that a surface which continues into one another is produced, wherein the housing top side continues on both sides of the spoiler device to form a lateral part in each case, wherein the lateral parts point downwards away from the housing top side. 3. Spoiler device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the material recess (32) on the housing top (34) is formed to be greater than or equal to 60% of a total area (36) of the housing top (34), preferably greater than or equal to 80%, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 90%, wherein the proportion of the material recess is determined based on a projection onto the horizontal surface when viewed from above, wherein the spoiler device preferably has exactly three sub-regions, namely the housing top, a right-hand side part in the direction of travel and a left-hand side part in the direction of travel. 4. Spoiler device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the material recess (32) on the housing top (34) is limited on three sides (38, 39, 40), namely on a front side (38) of the housing part (30) and on two lateral sides (39, 40) of the housing part (30), wherein the two lateral sides (39, 40) extend further rearward from the front side (38). 5. Spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (28) is designed such that the roof spoiler (22) can be set therein to at least two different operating states, of which one of the at least two different operating states is an extended operating state (29) of the roof spoiler (22). 6. Spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (28) on a housing upper side (34) of the housing part (30) can be closed by means of the roof spoiler (22). 7. Spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (28) on a housing top side (34) of the housing part (30) for flush receiving of the roof spoiler (22) has a contact edge with a run-on inclined surface on each side, so that the run-on inclined surface can contact side ends of the roof spoiler or correct their path when the roof spoiler is placed against the two contact edges. 8. Spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (28) below a housing top (34) of the housing part (30) for supported reception of the roof spoiler (22) has a support surface on each side, so that the support surface can support side ends of the roof spoiler or correct or support their path when the roof spoiler is placed in a position lying inside the housing. 9. Spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spoiler device (10) has a displaceable cover part (44), wherein the displaceable cover part (44) at least partially comprises the roof spoiler (22) arranged by the manufacturer. 10. Spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (30) has an edge profile (46), in particular an inner edge profile (46), on a material recess (32), which corresponds to an outer edge profile (48) of an outer contour of the manufacturer's roof spoiler. 11. Spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (30) is designed in several parts, namely preferably with two side parts (50, 51) and a central part (52), wherein the central part (52) is arranged on the front side (38) of the spoiler device (10). 12. Spoiler device (10) for a vehicle (12), the vehicle (12) belonging to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, in particular a tractor of cab-over design, in particular a spoiler device according to one of the preceding claims, the spoiler device being intended for arrangement on a roof (14) of a driver's cab (16) of the vehicle (12) and being arranged there, the spoiler device (10) having a housing part (30) with a lateral part lying on the right in the direction of travel and a lateral part lying on the left in the direction of travel, each lateral part having a wind deflection edge, the wind deflection edge being at least for the most part at least 30°, preferably at least 40°, especially in its lower half for the most part at least 40°, preferably at least 45°, downwards from the horizontal, and - in a horizontal course for the designated airstream into a deflection which, by means of a holder, positions its outflow area behind a rear wall of the driver's cab, and wherein the deflection deflects the tear-off direction which leads behind the rear wall of the driver's cab by at least 20°, preferably by at least 30° or at least 40°, relative to the direction of travel, wherein the deflection forms a flow channel with the driver's cab which tapers from the airstream deflection edge to the rear wall, so that when the vehicle is in operation, the incoming airstream can be deflected from the airstream deflection edge in the direction of the driver's cab, so that the deflected airstream can flow along the tapered channel, can be deflected by the deflection, and can then be actively allowed to flow out of an outflow area behind the driver's cab both from the right and from the left in the direction of the vehicle's center plane. 13. Spoiler device according to claim 12, wherein each lateral part has a bracket which in turn is fastened to the driver's cab, in particular to the rear wall of the driver's cab. 14. Spoiler device according to claim 13, wherein the holder has a profiled flat component, in particular, wherein the profiling forms a channel into which the outflow region leads. 15. Spoiler device according to one of claims 1 to 11 and according to one of claims 12 to 14. 16. Vehicle, wherein the vehicle (12) belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, in particular Tractor in cab-over design, wherein the vehicle (12) has a spoiler device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and preferably a particularly adjustable roof spoiler (22) is installed on the vehicle (12). 17. Vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the rear wall of the driver's cab has an electrical component on the outside and/or a cooling element for an electrical component and/or a tempering element for a component which cools itself as a result of pressure reduction during operation, wherein the component is located downstream and in the outflow direction of the outflow region. 18. Use of a spoiler device according to one of claims 1 to 15, in particular with a roof spoiler (22), in particular an adjustable roof spoiler (22), for directing airflow, on a vehicle (12), wherein the vehicle (12) belongs to the group of commercial vehicles, special vehicles and mobile work machines, in particular on a tractor in cab-over design, in particular a tractor with a trailer, especially with a semitrailer. 19. Use according to claim 18, wherein the outflow direction of the outflow region of the deflection is directed towards the component, for supplying ambient air to the component in order to cool it if it is warmer than the ambient air and/or to temper it if it is cooler than the ambient air.