Roof fairing assembly, vehicle, and control method

Abstract

The application provides a roof fairing assembly, a vehicle and a control method, which comprises: a roof fairing body, the roof fairing body is arranged at a distance from a roof of a vehicle body to form a containing space, and an opening of the containing space is formed between a first end of the roof fairing body and the roof of the vehicle body; a spoiler, the spoiler is movably connected with the roof fairing body, so that the spoiler has a storage position and an extended position, when the spoiler is in the storage position, the spoiler is located in the containing space, the first end of the roof fairing body and the roof of the vehicle body have a first preset gap L1, when the spoiler is in the extended position, at least part of the spoiler extends to outside of the containing space through the opening, an extended part of the spoiler and the roof of the vehicle body have a second preset gap L2, and the second preset gap L2 is smaller than the first preset gap L1. The embodiment solves the technical problems that the roof fairing is prone to local vortex and interference with the vehicle body when turning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of top cover fairing assembly technology, and more specifically, to a top cover fairing assembly, a vehicle, and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, the main function of the top cover deflector is to guide the airflow to the cargo box or the top of the trailer behind, so as to reduce airflow separation and turbulence.

[0003] However, existing roof spoilers are mostly fixed snap-fit ​​or screw-fit sealing strip structures. Their shortcomings are: traditional sealing strip spoilers are typically snap-fitted or screwed onto the roof spoiler, sealing the gap between the roof spoiler and the body-in-white through interference fit. This structure results in an uneven transition between the roof spoiler and the sealing strip, easily generating localized eddies, which actually increases turbulence intensity and affects the airflow guiding effect; there is also a risk of interference: when adjusting the height of the roof spoiler, the entire spoiler assembly needs to tilt forward, and the fixed spoiler structure is prone to hard interference with the roof of the cab body-in-white, leading to spoiler snap-fit ​​failure or even component damage.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the aforementioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a top cover fairing assembly, a vehicle, and a control method to solve the technical problems in the prior art where the top cover fairing is prone to generating local eddies and interfering with the vehicle body when it flips.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a top cover fairing assembly is provided, comprising: a top cover fairing body, the top cover fairing body being disposed at a distance from a vehicle roof to form an accommodating space, the top cover fairing body having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, the first end of the top cover fairing body forming an opening in the accommodating space between it and the vehicle roof; and a spoiler, the spoiler being movably connected to the top cover fairing body to have a retracted position and an extended position, wherein when the spoiler is in the retracted position, the spoiler is located within the accommodating space, the first end of the top cover fairing body having a first preset gap L1 between it and the vehicle roof, and when the spoiler is in the extended position, at least a portion of the spoiler extends out of the accommodating space through the opening, the extended portion of the spoiler having a second preset gap L2 between it and the vehicle roof, wherein the second preset gap L1 is smaller than the first preset gap L2.

[0007] Furthermore, the top cover fairing assembly also includes a sliding component, at least one sliding component, which includes a guide rail and a slider that are configured to cooperate with each other. The guide rail is connected to the top cover fairing body, and the slider is connected to the spoiler. The slider can slide along the guide rail to drive the spoiler to switch between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0008] Furthermore, the top cover fairing assembly also includes: a drive mechanism, which is installed in the receiving space and has a telescopic end connected to a slider to drive the slider to move, thereby driving the spoiler to move; wherein the telescopic end has a telescopic amount h, 0mm<h≤50mm.

[0009] Furthermore, the top cover fairing assembly also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism. The controller is used to acquire angle adjustment signals and thereby control the extension and retraction length of the telescopic end.

[0010] Furthermore, the top cover fairing body is made of fiberglass, and / or the top cover fairing body is made of SMC composite material.

[0011] Furthermore, the top cover fairing body is connected to the vehicle roof via a rotating mechanism, so that the top cover fairing body can rotate relative to the vehicle roof around a preset axis, wherein the preset axis extends along a second direction and is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism includes: an adjusting bracket, wherein there are multiple adjusting brackets, which are disposed near the second end of the top cover fairing body and are spaced apart along the second direction; the first end of the adjusting bracket is connected to the vehicle roof, and the second end of the adjusting bracket is connected to the top cover fairing body; the adjusting bracket is deformably configured so that the top cover fairing body can rotate relative to the vehicle roof by a preset angle through the adjusting bracket; and a hinge, wherein there are multiple hinges disposed near the first end of the top cover fairing body and are spaced apart along the second direction; the first end of the top cover fairing body is connected to the vehicle roof through the hinge.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a roof fairing assembly, the roof fairing assembly being the aforementioned roof fairing assembly.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle control method is provided. The method is used to control the vehicle described above. The method includes the following steps: acquiring position information of the top cover fairing body; determining the state of the top cover fairing body based on the position information; and generating a control instruction set when the state of the top cover fairing body is determined to be a preset state. The control instruction set is used to control the spoiler to perform a preset action.

[0015] Furthermore, when the preset state of the top cover fairing body is determined to be the flipped state, a first control command is generated in the control command set, which is used to control the spoiler to retract; when the preset state of the top cover fairing body is determined to be the normal state, a second control command is generated in the control command set, which is used to control the spoiler to extend.

[0016] By applying the technical solution of this invention, the spoiler forms a small second preset gap L2 when in the extended position, resulting in a minimal gap between the lower surface of the spoiler and the vehicle roof. This design creates a smooth and continuous transition surface between the leading edge of the roof fairing and the vehicle roof. Airflow can flow smoothly along this surface, avoiding airflow separation at corners, significantly reducing the intensity of vortex generation, and substantially lowering the overall drag coefficient and wind noise. When a flip adjustment is required, the spoiler retracts to its retracted position within the storage space. At this time, due to the retraction of the spoiler, a large first preset gap L1 remains between the first end of the roof fairing and the vehicle roof. This large gap provides sufficient safety redundancy for the flipping movement, ensuring that the front end and internal components of the fairing do not physically interfere with the vehicle roof during the flipping process, greatly improving the reliability and operational safety of the roof fairing. This application's embodiment solves the technical problems of existing roof fairings easily generating local vortices and easily interfering with the vehicle body during flipping. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the top cover fairing assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the top cover fairing assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the top cover fairing assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the top cover fairing assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the top cover fairing assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of the sliding component according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the control method according to the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the control method according to the present invention is shown.

[0026] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0027] 1. Top cover fairing body; 2. Spoiler; 3. Body top cover; 4. Adjustment bracket; 5. Hinge; 6. Slider; 7. Guide rail; 8. Drive mechanism; 9. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0032] With the increasing demands for fuel economy and driving range in the logistics and transportation industry, aerodynamic optimization of commercial vehicles has become a key aspect of vehicle design. The roof fairing, a common aerodynamic component installed on the top of the cab, primarily guides airflow to the cargo box or trailer roof to reduce airflow separation and turbulence. Adding a spoiler at the front of the roof fairing to seal the gap between the fairing and the body-in-white, and smoothly transitioning the front edge of the fairing, thereby further reducing overall vehicle drag, is a common drag-reduction measure used by major manufacturers.

[0033] However, existing top cover deflectors and spoilers are mostly fixed snap-fit ​​or screw-fit sealing strip structures. Their shortcomings are:

[0034] 1. Poor airflow guidance effect: Traditional sealing strip type spoilers are usually clipped or screwed onto the top cover fairing. The gap between the top cover fairing and the body-in-white is sealed by the interference fit with the body-in-white. This structure will result in an uneven transition between the top cover fairing and the sealing strip, which will easily generate local eddies, thereby increasing the turbulence intensity and affecting the airflow guidance effect.

[0035] 2. Risk of interference: When adjusting the height of the top cover fairing, the entire fairing assembly and the front spoiler need to tilt forward. The fixed spoiler structure is prone to hard interference with the roof of the cab body-in-white, which may cause the spoiler to fail to engage or even be damaged.

[0036] 3. Poor aesthetics: Traditional sealing strip-type spoilers usually have a fixed cross-section, which does not match the shape and surface of the top cover fairing, affecting the overall aesthetics of the vehicle.

[0037] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown, according to a specific embodiment of this application, a top cover fairing assembly is provided.

[0038] Specifically, the top cover fairing assembly includes a top cover fairing body 1 and a spoiler 2. The top cover fairing body 1 is disposed at a distance from the vehicle roof 3 to form an accommodating space. The top cover fairing body 1 has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along a first direction. An opening of the accommodating space is formed between the first end of the top cover fairing body 1 and the vehicle roof 3. The spoiler 2 is movably connected to the top cover fairing body 1 so that the spoiler 2 has a retracted position and an extended position. When the spoiler 2 is in the retracted position, the spoiler 2 is located within the accommodating space. A first preset gap L1 is formed between the first end of the top cover fairing body 1 and the vehicle roof 3. When the spoiler 2 is in the extended position, at least a portion of the spoiler 2 extends out of the accommodating space through the opening. A second preset gap L2 is formed between the extended portion of the spoiler 2 and the vehicle roof 3. The second preset gap L2 is smaller than the first preset gap L1.

[0039] The first direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the first end of the top cover fairing body 1 is located in front of the vehicle, and the second end of the top cover fairing body 1 is located behind the vehicle.

[0040] By applying the technical solution of this embodiment, the spoiler 2 forms a small second preset gap L2 when it is extended, resulting in a very small gap between the lower surface of the spoiler 2 and the vehicle roof 3. This design creates a smooth and continuous transition surface between the leading edge of the roof fairing body and the vehicle roof 3. Airflow can flow smoothly along this smooth surface, avoiding airflow separation at corners, significantly reducing the intensity of vortex generation, and significantly reducing the overall drag coefficient of the vehicle, while also reducing wind noise. When a flip adjustment is required, the spoiler 2 retracts to its storage position within the accommodating space. At this time, due to the retraction of the spoiler 2, a large first preset gap L1 is maintained between the first end of the roof fairing body 1 and the vehicle roof 3. This large gap provides sufficient safety redundancy space for the flipping movement, ensuring that the front end and internal components of the roof fairing body 1 will not physically interfere with the vehicle roof during the flipping process, greatly improving the reliability and operational safety of the roof fairing body. The embodiments of this application solve the technical problems in the prior art where the top cover fairing is prone to generating local eddies and easily interferes with the vehicle body when it is rolled over.

[0041] Specifically, the top cover fairing assembly also includes a sliding component, which is at least one. The sliding component includes a guide rail 7 and a slider 6 that are configured to cooperate with each other. The guide rail 7 is connected to the top cover fairing body 1, and the slider 6 is connected to the spoiler 2. The slider 6 can slide along the guide rail 7 to drive the spoiler 2 to switch between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0042] like Figure 6As shown, the slider 6 is embedded in the groove of the guide rail 7, so that the slider 6 can slide back and forth along the length of the guide rail 7. This cooperation ensures that the movement trajectory of the spoiler 2 is strictly limited to the preset straight path during the movement, preventing the spoiler 2 from tilting, getting stuck or falling off the track during the extension or retraction process.

[0043] In this embodiment, when an external power source acts on the slider 6, the slider 6 slides linearly along the guide rail 7. Since the slider 6 is fixedly connected to the spoiler 2, the spoiler 2 translates relative to the top cover fairing body 1, thereby switching the spoiler 2 between a retracted position and an extended position. When the spoiler 2 is extended, it can fill the second preset gap L2 between the front end of the top cover fairing body and the vehicle roof 3. Through the design of the slider 6 and the guide rail 7, the movement trajectory of the spoiler 2 is prevented from being deviated, thus avoiding contact or interference with the vehicle roof 3, or uneven gaps that would affect the aerodynamic effect.

[0044] The cooperation between the guide rail 7 and the slider 6 provides linear guidance, allowing the spoiler 2 to move along a strict straight trajectory. This ensures that when the spoiler 2 is extended, its lower surface can maintain a parallel and uniform micro-gap L2 with the roof of the vehicle, thereby ensuring a smooth airflow transition and minimizing wind resistance.

[0045] Specifically, the top cover fairing assembly also includes a drive mechanism 8, which is installed in the accommodating space. The drive mechanism 8 has a telescopic end, which is connected to the slider 6 to push the slider 6 to move, thereby pushing the spoiler 2 to move. The telescopic end has a telescopic amount h, where 0mm < h ≤ 50mm.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the drive mechanism 8 is a miniature electric actuator or lead screw mechanism.

[0047] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism directly pushes the slider 6 to move through its telescopic end, thereby causing the spoiler 2 to switch between the retracted position and the extended position. This electric drive method is convenient to operate and eliminates problems such as uneven force and inaccurate positioning that may occur with manual adjustment. It ensures that the spoiler can accurately reach the preset working position or retracted position every time, which significantly improves the vehicle's intelligence level and convenience.

[0048] The drive mechanism 8 is installed in the space between the top cover fairing body 1 and the vehicle roof 3, avoiding the problems of abrupt styling and increased wind resistance caused by adding an extra drive motor to the outside of the vehicle roof. It not only maintains the clean and beautiful appearance of the vehicle, but also protects the drive mechanism from rain, dust and corrosion, extends its service life, and improves the lightweight and integration of the whole vehicle.

[0049] When the extension amount h is within 50mm, the spoiler 2 extends and fills part of the space between the front end of the top cover fairing and the top cover 3 of the vehicle body, forming a smooth transition surface, thereby effectively eliminating eddies and reducing wind resistance. If the extension amount is too large (more than 50mm), it may cause the spoiler to extend excessively, which not only increases unnecessary material usage and weight, but may also affect driving stability.

[0050] Furthermore, the top cover fairing assembly also includes a controller 9, which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism 8. The controller 9 is used to acquire angle adjustment signals and thereby control the extension and retraction length of the telescopic end.

[0051] The controller 9 can acquire angle adjustment signals in real time. Based on the acquired angle signals, the controller 9 calculates and adjusts the extension length of the extension end of the drive mechanism 8 in real time, ensuring that the second preset gap L2 between the spoiler 2 and the roof 3 of the vehicle body is always kept within the optimal aerodynamic range when the spoiler 2 is extended. This effectively avoids the problems of excessive gap causing eddies and increased wind resistance due to changes in vehicle body posture, or friction and interference due to insufficient gap, thereby maintaining the lowest drag coefficient and the best airflow efficiency under all operating conditions.

[0052] As an electronic control unit, the controller 9 has high-speed data processing capabilities, enabling it to quickly process angle adjustment signals and accurately output pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to the drive mechanism 8. This achieves precise control over the extension length of the telescopic end. This high-precision control capability allows the extension amount of the spoiler 2 to be continuously and smoothly adjusted according to minute changes in vehicle speed, wind direction, or vehicle body angle.

[0053] Furthermore, the top cover fairing body 1 is made of fiberglass.

[0054] In this embodiment, the top cover fairing body 1 is preferably made of fiberglass as the main molding material. The density of fiberglass is typically between 1.8 g / cm³ and 2.0 g / cm³, much lower than that of steel and aluminum alloys. Using fiberglass to manufacture the top cover fairing body 1 can significantly reduce the weight of the component while ensuring structural strength. The reduction in overall vehicle weight can significantly reduce drag and acceleration energy consumption during driving. For gasoline vehicles, this reduces fuel consumption; for new energy vehicles, it extends the driving range.

[0055] Furthermore, the top cover fairing body 1 is made of SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) composite material.

[0056] In this embodiment, SMC is a sheet molding compound made of unsaturated polyester resin as the matrix, glass fiber as the reinforcing material, and with the addition of fillers, low-shrinkage additives, and curing agents. SMC components possess extremely high strength and rigidity, capable of withstanding the enormous aerodynamic loads generated during high-speed driving. This ensures that the top cover fairing body will not deform during long-term operation, thus maintaining its designed aerodynamic shape and guaranteeing the long-term stability of the airflow guidance effect. SMC material also exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, resisting continuous vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces during vehicle operation, preventing structural fatigue cracking, and extending the service life of the components.

[0057] Specifically, the top cover fairing body 1 is connected to the vehicle body top cover 3 through a rotating mechanism, so that the top cover fairing body 1 can rotate relative to the vehicle body top cover 3 around a preset axis, wherein the preset axis extends along a second direction and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0058] The second direction is the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0059] In this embodiment, the entire top cover fairing body 1 can rotate upward or downward around a preset axis, thereby adjusting the height of the second end of the top cover fairing body 1 relative to the vehicle roof 3. The height adjustment of the top cover fairing body 1 can be achieved through a simple rotational action.

[0060] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism includes: an adjusting bracket 4, of which there are multiple adjusting brackets 4, which are arranged near the second end of the top cover fairing body 1 and are spaced apart along the second direction; the first end of the adjusting bracket 4 is connected to the vehicle roof 3, and the second end of the adjusting bracket 4 is connected to the top cover fairing body 1; the adjusting bracket 4 is deformably configured so that the top cover fairing body 1 can rotate relative to the vehicle roof 3 by a preset angle through the adjusting bracket 4; and a hinge 5, of which there are multiple hinges 5, which are arranged near the first end of the top cover fairing body 1 and are spaced apart along the second direction; the first end of the top cover fairing body 1 is connected to the vehicle roof 3 through the hinge 5.

[0061] The first end of the top cover fairing body 1 is located with multiple hinges 5 as rotation fulcrums, and multiple adjustable brackets 4 are respectively connected to the vehicle roof 3 and the top cover fairing body 1, so that the adjustable brackets 4 have stable support. The first end of the top cover fairing body 1 is located with hinges 5 as rotation fulcrums, and the second end of the top cover fairing body 1 rotates around the hinges 5 through the adjustable brackets 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, multiple hinges 5 located near the first end are distributed laterally along the second direction of the vehicle. This ensures that when the top cover fairing body 1 rotates around the preset axis, it avoids shaking, offset or jamming caused by single-point connection, thus ensuring the smoothness of the rotation process and the accuracy of repeatability.

[0063] The adjustment bracket 4 located near the second end has deformable characteristics. When the top cover fairing body 1 rotates around the hinge 5 to change the angle or height, the adjustment bracket 4 can undergo elastic deformation, thereby allowing the second end of the top cover fairing body 1 to adjust its height relative to the vehicle top cover 3, making the rotation operation smoother.

[0064] According to another specific embodiment of this application, a vehicle is also provided, the vehicle including a roof fairing assembly, the roof fairing assembly being the roof fairing assembly described above.

[0065] By applying the technical solution of this embodiment, the spoiler 2 forms a small second preset gap L2 when it is extended, resulting in a very small gap between the lower surface of the spoiler 2 and the vehicle roof 3. This design creates a smooth and continuous transition surface between the leading edge of the roof fairing body and the vehicle roof 3. Airflow can flow smoothly along this smooth surface, avoiding airflow separation at corners, significantly reducing the intensity of vortex generation, and significantly reducing the overall drag coefficient of the vehicle, while also reducing wind noise. When a flip adjustment is required, the spoiler 2 retracts to its storage position within the accommodating space. At this time, due to the retraction of the spoiler 2, a large first preset gap L1 is maintained between the first end of the roof fairing body 1 and the vehicle roof 3. This large gap provides sufficient safety redundancy space for the flipping movement, ensuring that the front end and internal components of the roof fairing body 1 will not physically interfere with the vehicle roof during the flipping process, greatly improving the reliability and operational safety of the roof fairing body.

[0066] The smooth airflow from the top cover not only reduces front drag but also improves the airflow towards the rear cargo box or trailer, reducing low-pressure suction in the rear vortex zone and further lowering the overall vehicle's pressure drag. Through the extremely small L2 gap, the airflow no longer generates severe turbulence at the leading edge of the top cover fairing, avoiding a major source of wind noise. This significantly reduces noise levels in the cab and minimizes driver fatigue.

[0067] According to another specific embodiment of this application, a vehicle control method is also provided, the method being used to control the aforementioned vehicle, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0068] Step S1: Obtain the position information of the top cover fairing body;

[0069] Step S2: Determine the state of the top cover fairing body based on the location information;

[0070] Step S3: If the state of the top cover fairing body is determined to be a preset state, a control command set is generated. The control command set is used to control the spoiler to perform preset actions.

[0071] In step S1, sensors (such as angle sensors, displacement sensors, gyroscopes, or accelerometers) installed on the vehicle or fairing assembly are used to collect real-time position data of the fairing body. This positional information includes the pitch angle and yaw angle of the fairing body relative to the horizontal plane, as well as its specific height and tilt angle relative to the vehicle's roof. Through high-precision real-time data acquisition, the geometric position of the fairing body can be accurately determined, providing accurate and reliable data support for subsequent status assessments.

[0072] In step S2, the controller receives the position information of the top cover fairing body to determine the current state of the vehicle (such as normal driving state, high-speed cruising state, avoidance state, etc.), ensuring that subsequent actions are triggered only when adjustments are actually needed, thereby improving the robustness of the system.

[0073] In step S3, when the state of the top cover fairing body is obtained, if the current state is confirmed to meet the preset conditions, the controller immediately generates the corresponding control instruction set and sends it to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism adjusts the length of the telescopic end according to the instruction, thereby precisely controlling the switch of the spoiler between the extended position and the retracted position, or adjusting its specific telescopic amount in the extended state.

[0074] Based on steps S1 to S3, the system intelligently judges the driving status and automatically maintains the optimal minimum gap between the spoiler and the vehicle roof under normal operating conditions. This effectively suppresses airflow separation and vortex generation, significantly reducing the vehicle's drag coefficient and wind noise, thereby reducing fuel consumption or extending the electric vehicle's driving range. When adjustment or maintenance is required, the spoiler automatically retracts and leaves a safety gap, solving the technical problem of the spoiler easily interfering with the vehicle body during flipping or height adjustment, leading to component damage. This extends the equipment's service life and ensures driving safety.

[0075] Further, in step S3, when it is determined that the preset state of the top cover fairing body is the flipped state, a first control command is generated in the control command set, which is used to control the spoiler to retract; when it is determined that the preset state of the top cover fairing body is the normal state, a second control command is generated in the control command set, which is used to control the spoiler to extend.

[0076] In this embodiment, when it is determined that the top cover fairing body is in a flipped state, the controller generates a first control command, causing the drive mechanism to completely retract the spoiler to its retracted position within the receiving space. At this time, a large first preset gap L1 is formed between the first end of the top cover fairing body and the vehicle roof. This gap provides sufficient safety space for the rotation of the top cover fairing body, ensuring that during the flipping process, the top cover fairing body and the drive mechanism will not have physical contact or hard interference with the vehicle roof, significantly improving the reliability and service life of the top cover fairing assembly.

[0077] When the top cover fairing is determined to be in a normal state, the controller generates a second control command to extend the spoiler to a preset position. In the extended state, the extended portion of the spoiler fills the gap between the front end of the top cover fairing and the roof, forming a very small second preset gap L2. This design creates a continuous and smooth aerodynamic transition surface between the lower surface of the spoiler and the surface of the roof. The smooth surface effectively guides airflow smoothly over the roof, preventing airflow separation and stripping at the leading edge corner of the fairing, and significantly reducing the intensity of local vortex generation. This not only significantly reduces the overall drag coefficient of the vehicle, thereby improving fuel economy or the driving range of electric vehicles, but also effectively reduces wind noise at high speeds, improving ride comfort.

[0078] According to another specific embodiment of this application, a preferred embodiment of a roof fairing spoiler structure and automatic control method suitable for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles is also provided.

[0079] The purpose of this embodiment is to overcome the defects in the prior art and provide a top cover fairing spoiler and control method, which aims to make the spoiler shape follow the shape of the top cover fairing, with an aesthetically pleasing appearance, while also having a telescopic function, and to introduce a dynamic control algorithm to improve the overall vehicle's wind resistance performance, ease of operation, and overall vehicle aesthetics.

[0080] Specifically, the top cover fairing assembly includes:

[0081] The top cover deflector body 1 is mounted on the hinge 5 and has an internal accommodating space;

[0082] The rotating mechanism is installed on the roof cover 3 of the vehicle body and serves as a load-bearing base;

[0083] The spoiler 2 has a contour shape that follows the front end of the top cover fairing body 1. The spoiler 2 is nested in the receiving space of the top cover fairing body 1 and can slide between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0084] The drive mechanism 8 is located between the top cover shroud body 1 and the spoiler 2, and is used to drive the spoiler 2 to extend and retract relative to the top cover shroud body 1.

[0085] The controller 9, electrically connected to the drive mechanism 8, is used to receive the top cover fairing adjustment angle signal and control the extension and retraction length of the spoiler according to a preset strategy; the preset strategy includes a continuous function mapping relationship based on the top cover fairing adjustment angle signal, which is used to collaboratively determine the target extension length.

[0086] Specifically, the control method for the top cover fairing spoiler is based on the aforementioned spoiler structure, such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0087] Step S10, signal acquisition: The controller acquires the flip signal of the top cover guide body in real time;

[0088] Step S20, mode determination: if the top cover fairing body flip signal is detected to be valid, then enter the spoiler avoidance mode; if no flip signal is detected, then enter the normal driving mode.

[0089] Step S30, avoidance mode control, the controller controls the drive mechanism to retract the spoiler into the receiving space of the top cover fairing body as needed for flipping;

[0090] Step S40, normal driving mode control: the controller controls the drive mechanism to extend the spoiler to the preset position according to the current flip position of the top cover fairing body and the preset mapping relationship, so as to achieve the best wind resistance performance.

[0091] Specifically, the top cover fairing body 1 is made of fiberglass or SMC composite material and is fixed to the reserved mounting point on the vehicle body top cover 3 by adjusting bracket 4 and hinge 5.

[0092] Specifically, the shape of the spoiler 2 follows the shape of the top cover fairing body 1. When in the retracted state, the spoiler 2 is completely retracted into the groove, and its outer surface smoothly transitions with the leading edge of the top cover fairing body; when in the working state, the spoiler 2 extends forward and downward, sealing the gap between the top cover fairing body 1 and the vehicle roof.

[0093] Specifically, the adjusting bracket 4 fixes the top cover fairing body 1 to the vehicle roof 3, and the angle of the top cover fairing body 1 can be manually adjusted.

[0094] Specifically, hinge 5 fixes the top cover fairing body 1 to the vehicle body top cover 3, and the top cover fairing body 1 can rotate around it.

[0095] Furthermore, the connecting mechanism includes sliders 6 installed at both ends of the spoiler. The spoiler 2 is connected to the sliders 6, which are mounted on guide rails 7 inside the top cover fairing body 1 to achieve telescopic movement. The guide rails 7 are linear guide rails.

[0096] Furthermore, sliders 6 are installed at both ends of spoiler 2.

[0097] Furthermore, the guide rail 7 is used to guide the slider. The guide rail 7 is installed on the top cover guide body 1 to realize the movement of the slider 6.

[0098] Preferably, the drive mechanism 8 is a miniature electric push rod or lead screw mechanism, which is installed inside the top cover guide body 1. Its telescopic end is connected to the slider 6, which pushes the spoiler 2 to move back and forth along the guide rail 7. The telescopic range is 0~50mm.

[0099] Preferably, the controller 9 uses an independent MCU (Microcontroller Unit) and communicates with the vehicle network via a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus to obtain the top cover fairing flip sensor signal.

[0100] Specifically, the control method and algorithm formula are as follows:

[0101] (1) Normal driving mode:

[0102] The vehicle starts and moves, with a speed of v. The controller reads the vehicle speed signal v (unit: km / h) in real time via the CAN bus. The controller has a pre-stored optimal mapping relationship obtained through wind tunnel experiments or CFD simulation calibration. This relationship maps the vehicle speed v to the optimal spoiler extension length L (unit: mm).

[0103] (2) Avoidance mode:

[0104] The top cover fairing body needs to be flipped over for height adjustment to match the cargo box. The driver can trigger the top cover fairing flip switch or perform a manual flipping operation.

[0105] The flip sensor signal is captured by the controller.

[0106] The controller immediately interrupts the normal driving mode and prioritizes the avoidance mode. It issues a command to drive the telescopic mechanism, fully retracting the front spoiler into the groove of the fairing body. After confirming the retraction is complete (limit switch feedback can be set), the controller sends a "permit to flip" signal. At this point, the top fairing body flips; since the spoiler is retracted, its front end will not interfere with the vehicle's roof.

[0107] Specifically, the main key points of this embodiment are:

[0108] 1. Conformal telescopic structure: The spoiler's outline conforms to the front of the top cover fairing body, and the spoiler is nested within the receiving space of the top cover fairing body, achieving the structural feature of "increasing the guiding area while maintaining an integrated appearance when extended, and ensuring no interference when retracted".

[0109] 2. Condition-based intelligent control strategy: The protection lies in the dual-mode switching logic in the control method. In particular, the triggering mechanism of the "avoidance mode" is: when the flip signal of the top cover fairing body is detected, regardless of the current vehicle speed and the position of the spoiler, the retraction action is executed first to eliminate the interference risk, which significantly improves the vehicle's operational convenience and safety.

[0110] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0111] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0112] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0113] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A top cover fairing assembly, characterized in that, include: The top cover fairing body (1) is disposed at a distance from the vehicle body top cover (3) to form an accommodating space. The top cover fairing body (1) has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction. The first end of the top cover fairing body (1) and the vehicle body top cover (3) form an opening of the accommodating space. A spoiler (2) is movably connected to the top cover fairing body (1) so that the spoiler (2) has a retracted position and an extended position. When the spoiler (2) is in the retracted position, the spoiler (2) is located in the receiving space. The first end of the top cover fairing body (1) and the vehicle roof (3) have a first preset gap L1. When the spoiler (2) is in the extended position, at least a portion of the spoiler (2) extends out of the receiving space through the opening. The extended portion of the spoiler (2) and the vehicle roof (3) have a second preset gap L2, wherein the second preset gap L2 is smaller than the first preset gap L1.

2. The top cover guide fairing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover fairing assembly also includes: The sliding component is at least one, and the sliding component includes a guide rail (7) and a slider (6) that are configured to cooperate with each other. The guide rail (7) is connected to the top cover shroud body (1), and the slider (6) is connected to the spoiler (2). The slider (6) can slide along the guide rail (7) to drive the spoiler (2) to switch between the retracted position and the extended position.

3. The top cover guide fairing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top cover fairing assembly also includes: A drive mechanism (8) is installed in the accommodating space. The drive mechanism (8) has a telescopic end, which is connected to the slider (6) to push the slider (6) to move, thereby pushing the spoiler (2) to move. The telescopic end has a telescopic range h, where 0mm < h ≤ 50mm.

4. The top cover guide fairing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top cover fairing assembly also includes a controller (9), which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism (8). The controller (9) is used to acquire an angle adjustment signal and then control the extension length of the telescopic end.

5. The top cover guide fairing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top cover shroud body (1) is made of fiberglass, and / or the top cover shroud body (1) is made of SMC composite material.

6. The top cover guide fairing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top cover fairing body (1) is connected to the vehicle body top cover (3) through a rotating mechanism so that the top cover fairing body (1) can rotate relative to the vehicle body top cover (3) around a preset axis, wherein the preset axis extends along a second direction and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The top cover fairing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism includes: Adjustable bracket (4), there are multiple adjustable brackets (4), multiple adjustable brackets (4) are arranged near the second end of the top cover fairing body (1), and multiple adjustable brackets (4) are spaced apart along the second direction. The first end of the adjustable bracket (4) is connected to the vehicle body top cover (3), and the second end of the adjustable bracket (4) is connected to the top cover fairing body (1). The adjustable bracket (4) is deformably arranged so that the top cover fairing body (1) can rotate relative to the vehicle body top cover (3) by a preset angle through the adjustable bracket (4). A hinge (5) is provided near the first end of the top cover fairing body (1). There are multiple hinges (5), which are spaced apart along the second direction. The first end of the top cover fairing body (1) is connected to the vehicle body top cover (3) through the hinge (5).

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a roof fairing assembly, which is the roof fairing assembly according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A method for controlling a vehicle, characterized in that, The method is used to control the vehicle of claim 8, and the method includes the following steps: Obtain the position information of the top cover fairing body; Based on the location information, determine the state of the top cover guide shield body; When the state of the top cover fairing body is determined to be a preset state, a control instruction set is generated, which is used to control the spoiler to perform a preset action.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the preset state of the top cover fairing body is determined to be the flipped state, a first control command is generated in the control command set. The first control command is used to control the spoiler to retract. When the preset state of the top cover fairing body is determined to be the normal state, a second control command is generated in the control command set. The second control command is used to control the extension of the spoiler.

Images