Air guide element for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

Air guide element (12), preferably roof spoiler, for a motor vehicle (26), comprising: an air guide body (14) having a trailing edge section (20) angled towards the inside of the air guide body (14); and a sensor (16) which is carried on the inside of the air guide body (14) and is set back with respect to the angled trailing edge section (20), wherein the sensor (16) is set back with respect to the angled trailing edge section (20) such that the angled trailing edge section (20) shades the sensor (16) and / or protects the sensor (16) from weather influences, wherein: the air guide body (14) has an outer shell (14A) and an inner shell (14B) attached to it; the outer shell (14A) has the angled trailing edge section (20); and the sensor (16) is carried on the inner shell (14B).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air guide element, preferably a roof spoiler, for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Truck cabs can be equipped with air deflectors, such as roof spoilers, to reduce the drag coefficient (Cd), thereby minimizing the area of ​​the cargo body or trailer directly exposed to the sun's rays. With changing cargo bodies (containers, swap bodies, etc.) or semi-trailers, the height of the cargo body or semi-trailer can vary. To ensure optimal coverage by the roof spoiler in these situations, the spoiler can be height-adjustable. This adjustment can be manual or automatic. In both cases, it is necessary to check that the roof spoiler is correctly adjusted. This can be done, for example, visually by the driver, who assesses the setting from a distance.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2012 023 577 A1 discloses a commercial vehicle with a roof spoiler on a driver's cab. The angle of attack of the roof spoiler relative to the roof is adjustable for shielding a superstructure or semi-trailer that extends above the height of the driver's cab, using at least one sensor and at least one actuating device. The sensor is positioned in the roof spoiler area such that it emits a sensor signal when the angle of attack is changed by means of the actuating device to determine an optimal angle of attack for the roof spoiler.

[0004] EP 2 792 579 A1 discloses a device for adjusting the orientation of an aerodynamic attachment of a cab of a towing vehicle depending on a difference in aerodynamic size between the cab and a trailer connected to the respective cab.

[0005] US patent 2008 / 0197985 A1 discloses a device with a sensor mounted on an air deflector on the roof of the driver's cab. The sensor is arranged to detect the maximum height of the load behind the cab during the vertical movement of the rear end of the air deflector and to send signals indicating the maximum height to a display in the cab.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating an alternative and / or improved air guide element.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] According to one aspect, an air guide element, preferably a roof spoiler, for a motor vehicle (e.g., commercial vehicle, preferably truck) is disclosed. The air guide element comprises an air guide body having a trailing edge section angled towards the inside of the air guide body. The air guide element includes a sensor that is mounted on the inside of the air guide body and is set back with respect to the angled trailing edge section.

[0009] The design of the angled trailing edge section and the recessed positioning of the sensor relative to this angled trailing edge section allow for easily accessible yet protected placement of the sensor on the inside of the air guide element. According to prior art sensor arrangements on the roof spoiler, the sensor can be exposed to the elements and its functionality can be impaired by sun glare.

[0010] Preferably, the ‘rear’ used herein in ‘rear edge section’ can refer to a desired mounting orientation of the air guide element or to a forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

[0011] Preferably, the sensor can be arranged in a rear section of the air guide element.

[0012] According to the invention, the sensor is set back with respect to the angled trailing edge section such that the angled trailing edge section shades the sensor and / or protects the sensor from the elements. Shading the sensor can improve its detection quality. Protection from the elements can extend the sensor's service life and further improve its detection quality.

[0013] In another embodiment, the angled trailing edge section extends along the entire rear end of the air guide element. The trailing edge section can also, for example, stiffen the air guide element.

[0014] In another embodiment, the angled trailing edge section is angled in an angle range between 20° and 135°, preferably between 30° and 100°.

[0015] In another embodiment, the angled trailing edge section is angled relative to an adjacent main body section of the air guide body.

[0016] In another embodiment, the angled trailing edge section has a width in a range between 1800 mm and 2600 mm and / or a length in a range between 5 mm and 100 mm.

[0017] The sensor can be conveniently located below the main body section, preferably in an area near the trailing edge section.

[0018] In another embodiment, the inner surface of the air guide is curved along a longitudinal and / or transverse dimension. The inner surface can have a planar mounting surface to which the sensor is attached (e.g., directly or indirectly). This can facilitate easy mounting and alignment of the sensor.

[0019] In a further development, the planar mounting surface is embossed into the inner surface, preferably an inner shell, of the air guide body. Alternatively, the planar mounting surface can be formed directly during the molding of the air guide body, preferably an inner shell.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensor is attached to the planar mounting surface by means of a holder, preferably a mounting bracket or a mounting plate.

[0021] In another embodiment, the planar mounting surface is cuboid in shape, preferably with a size of at least 30 mm (length) x at least 30 mm (width), particularly preferably at least 50 mm x at least 50 mm (e.g. 50 mm x 100 mm).

[0022] According to the invention, the air guide body has an outer shell and an inner shell attached to it. The outer shell has the angled trailing edge section. The sensor is mounted on the inner shell.

[0023] In another embodiment, the sensor is arranged at least partially in a free space (e.g., protected by the outer shell and the trailing edge section) between the inner shell and the angled trailing edge section. It is possible that the inner shell is set back relative to the angled trailing edge section.

[0024] In one design variant, the outer shell is made of an SMC component (Sheet Molding Compound component), and / or the inner shell is made of an SMC component.

[0025] It is possible that the outer shell and the inner shell are bonded together, and / or that the inner shell has stiffening structures to stiffen the air guide element.

[0026] In another embodiment, the sensor is designed to detect the area surrounding the air guide. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor is oriented to detect an area extending beyond the trailing edge section.

[0027] In another version, the sensor is designed as a camera device or a distance sensor.

[0028] According to another aspect, a motor vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle (e.g., a truck, preferably with a loading platform or semi-trailer), is disclosed. The motor vehicle has an air guide element as disclosed herein.

[0029] In a further development, the air guide element is designed as a roof spoiler, preferably adjustable, and / or arranged on the roof of the motor vehicle.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the motor vehicle also has an adjustment device that connects the air guide element (e.g., manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically) to the motor vehicle in an adjustable manner, preferably pivotable and / or height-adjustable.

[0031] In another embodiment, the adjustment device is designed to automatically adjust the air guide element based on an output from the sensor (e.g., using a control unit with a microprocessor and memory). Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle can also have a user interface through which an output from the sensor can be displayed (e.g., shown) and user input for actuating the adjustment device can be entered.

[0032] In another embodiment, the sensor is oriented to detect (e.g., a maximum height) the front upper edge of a vehicle's cargo body or the front upper edge of a vehicle's semi-trailer. This allows the adjustment of the air guide element to be adapted to the front upper edge of the cargo body or the front upper edge of the semi-trailer.

[0033] In another embodiment, the sensor can be aligned to detect a fifth wheel of the motor vehicle, preferably one that is height-adjustable. This makes it possible to monitor the coupling and / or uncoupling of a semi-trailer using the sensor.

[0034] It is understood that the techniques disclosed herein for arranging the sensor can also be used for other sensors on air guide elements.

[0035] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined in any way desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1. The roof of a truck with a roof spoiler; Fig. 2 a rear section of a sectional view along a line AA in Fig. 1; Fig. 3. the roof of another truck with a roof spoiler; Fig. 4 a rear section of a sectional view along a line BB in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a schematic side view of a semi-trailer truck; and Fig. 6 A schematic side view of a truck with a loading body.

[0036] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation.

[0037] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 as well as the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows two examples of a roof 10 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably a truck. The following explanations refer to both examples.

[0038] The motor vehicle has an air guide element 12. The air guide element 12 is preferably designed as a roof spoiler arranged on the roof 10. The air guide element 12 can be adjustably connected to the roof 10, in particular height-adjustable and / or pivotable, preferably to accommodate different heights of semi-trailers or loading bodies of the truck. It is also possible that the air guide element 12 has an opening for a roof hatch of the motor vehicle, see e.g. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0039] The air guide element 12 has an air guide body 14 and a sensor 16. The sensor 16 is mounted on an inner surface of the air guide body 14.

[0040] The air guide element 14 preferably comprises an outer shell 14A and an inner shell 14B. The outer shell 14A can be oriented towards the vehicle's surroundings, particularly upwards. The inner shell 14B can be oriented towards the roof 10, particularly downwards. The outer shell 14A and the inner shell 14B can be made of sheet-molded composite (SMC) components, preferably a pressed fiber-reinforced plastic composite with reactive resins. The outer shell 14A and the inner shell 14B are, for example, bonded together. The double-shell construction of the air guide element 14 can be advantageous for reasons of strength and stiffness. The inner shell 14B can have stiffening structures, such as ribs and / or beads, which can stiffen the outer shell 14A and thus the air guide element 14. This also allows for a lower weight than with a comparably stiff single-shell construction.However, it is also possible that the air guide body 14, for example, has a single-shell construction.

[0041] The air guide body 14, preferably the outer shell 14A, has a main body section 18 and a trailing edge section 20. The main body section 18 can be essentially flat and curved. The trailing edge section 20 adjoins the main body section 18. The trailing edge section 20 forms a rear end of the air guide body 14.

[0042] The trailing edge section 20 is angled relative to the main body section 18. The trailing edge section 20 is angled towards the inside of the air guide body 14, i.e., inwards. An internal angle enclosed between the main body section 18 and the trailing edge section 20 can, for example, be between 70° and 150°. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The interior angle between the main body section 18 and the trailing edge section 20 is, for example, approximately 90°. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 and Fig. For example, the interior angle between the main body section 18 and the trailing edge section 20 is approximately 135°. If they were exactly aligned, i.e., not angled to each other, the interior angle = exterior angle between the trailing edge section and the main body section would be exactly 180°.

[0043] The trailing edge section 20 can extend along the entire trailing edge of the air guide body 14 or only partially along a trailing edge of the air guide body 14. The trailing edge section 20 can advantageously have a width between 1800 mm and 2600 mm. The trailing edge section 20 can preferably have a length in a range between 5 mm and 100 mm, preferably up to 70 mm.

[0044] The inner shell 14B is arranged set back with respect to the angled trailing edge section 20, i.e. offset forward with respect to a forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

[0045] The sensor 16 is positioned recessed relative to the trailing edge section 20, i.e., offset forward relative to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle. In other words, the sensor 16 is neither flush with the trailing edge section 20 nor does it extend beyond it. This recessed position can offer the advantage that the trailing edge section 20 shades the sensor 16, thus ensuring uniform lighting conditions at the sensor 16. The trailing edge section 20 can also protect the sensor 16 from the elements. The trailing edge section 20 can also provide a protective cover for the sensor 16.

[0046] Preferably, the sensor 16 is arranged at least partially in a free space between the trailing edge section 20 and a rear end of the inner shell 14A. This free space provides installation space for the sensor 16. The free space also provides a protected receptacle for the sensor 16 by the trailing edge section 20.

[0047] The air guide body 14, and thus the outer shell 14A and the inner shell 14B, can be aerodynamically curved, e.g., in a transverse direction of the vehicle / along a longitudinal extension of the air guide body 14. A planar (flat) mounting surface 22 for the sensor 16 can be arranged on the inside of the air guide body 14. Advantageously, the inner shell 14B has the planar mounting surface 22 for the sensor 16.

[0048] The planar mounting surface 22 is arranged in a curved section of the inner shell 14B, e.g., centrally with respect to a longitudinal extent of the air guide body 14. The planar mounting surface 22 enables simple and surface-mounted attachment of the sensor 16 and easy alignment of the sensor 16. The planar mounting surface 22 can, for example, be embossed into the inner shell 14B or be directly molded in during the forming of the inner shell 14B. The mounting surface is preferably cuboid, e.g., with dimensions of at least 30 mm x 30 mm, preferably at least 50 mm x 50 mm, and particularly preferably 50 mm x 100 mm.

[0049] The sensor 16 can, for example, be attached directly to the mounting surface 22. However, it is also possible for a bracket 24 to attach the sensor 16 to the mounting surface 22. The bracket 24 can, for example, be in the form of a mounting angle or a mounting plate.

[0050] The sensor 16 is preferably designed and oriented such that an output from the sensor 16 can be used to adjust the air guide 14. Preferably, the sensor 16 is designed to detect an ambient area extending beyond the trailing edge section 20, as illustrated by the following examples.

[0051] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows different applications for the air guide element 12 equipped with the sensor 16. The air guide element 12 is designed as an adjustable roof spoiler in each case. The air guide element 12 is arranged on the roof of the cab of a motor vehicle 26. The motor vehicle 26 is designed as a truck in each case.

[0052] The motor vehicle 26 has an adjustment device 28. The air guide element 12 can be automatically adjusted by means of the adjustment device 28, e.g., electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. In particular, the height of the air guide element 12 can be adjusted by means of the adjustment device 28. For this purpose, the air guide element 12 can be pivotally connected to the roof of the motor vehicle 26.

[0053] The motor vehicle 26 can have a user interface 30 for outputting information to a driver of the motor vehicle 26 and / or for manually entering commands. The user interface 30 can output information, for example, visually, audibly, and / or haptically. Advantageously, the user interface 30 has at least one display unit and one control unit, which can, for example, also be integrated together as a touch-sensitive screen. It is possible that the adjustment device 28 can be operated by means of the user interface 30.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the motor vehicle 26 is configured as a tractor unit. The motor vehicle 26 has a fifth wheel coupling 32. A kingpin 34 of a semi-trailer 36 can be coupled to the fifth wheel coupling 32. The fifth wheel coupling 32 can be height-adjustable, as indicated by the dashed outline 32', to allow coupling of semi-trailers 36 with different ground clearances (e.g., 1000 mm for high-volume semi-trailers and 1200 mm for standard semi-trailers). The adjustment can be performed, for example, manually, pneumatically, electrically, or hydraulically, e.g., via the user interface 30. Height adjustment of the fifth wheel coupling 32 can also be achieved by means of an air-sprung rear axle.

[0055] In the embodiment of Fig. 5 The sensor 16 is designed as a camera device. The environment detected by the sensor 16, which extends over the trailing edge section 20 (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4) can be displayed via the user interface 30. The sensor 26 can be aligned so that it detects the front upper edge of the semi-trailer 36 and the fifth wheel 32.

[0056] The driver of the vehicle 26 can use the displayed camera image for two purposes. Firstly, the camera image can assist him during the coupling process. The driver can observe the alignment of the semi-trailer 36 during coupling. Additionally, he can easily check before coupling whether the fifth wheel 32 is set at the correct height for the semi-trailer 36. Secondly, after coupling the semi-trailer 36, the driver can operate the adjustment device 28 via the user interface 30 to adjust the height of the air guide element 12 relative to the height position of the front upper edge of the semi-trailer.

[0057] It is possible that the sensor 16 is configured only to detect the front upper edge of the semi-trailer 36 or only to detect the fifth wheel 32. It is also possible that the sensor 16 is not designed as a camera device, but, for example, as a distance sensor. Furthermore, it is possible that the adjustment device 28 is automatically actuated based on an output from the sensor 16 in order to automatically adjust the position of the air guide element 12.

[0058] Fig.Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the motor vehicle 26 is designed as a truck with an interchangeable loading body 38. The sensor 16 is aligned with a front upper edge of the loading body 38. Here, the sensor 16 can, for example, be designed as a distance sensor, e.g., based on ultrasound or laser technology, which enables automatic adjustment of the adjustment device 28 based on the detection of a front upper edge of the loading body 38. It is also possible that the sensor 16 is designed, for example, as a camera device, the camera image of which can be displayed via the user interface 30. The adjustment device 28 can then be actuated, for example, by user input into the user interface.

[0059] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the air guide element and / or the sensor of independent claim 1. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g.also as preferred narrower outer boundaries of the respective area. Reference symbol list 10 Roof 12 Air guide element 14 air guides 14A Outer shell 14B Inner shell 16 Sensor 18 Main body section 20 trailing edge section 22 Planar mounting surface 24 bracket 26 Motor vehicle 28 Adjustment device 30 User interface 32 Saddle plate 34 guide pins 36 semi-trailers 38 Loading structure

Claims

[1] Air guide element (12), preferably roof spoiler, for a motor vehicle (26), comprising: an air guide body (14) having a trailing edge section (20) angled towards the inside of the air guide body (14); and a sensor (16) which is carried on the inside of the air guide body (14) and is set back with respect to the angled trailing edge section (20), wherein the sensor (16) is set back with respect to the angled trailing edge section (20) such that the angled trailing edge section (20) shades the sensor (16) and / or protects the sensor (16) from weather influences, wherein: the air guide body (14) has an outer shell (14A) and an inner shell (14B) attached to it; the outer shell (14A) has the angled trailing edge section (20); and the sensor (16) is carried on the inner shell (14B). [2] Air guide element (12) according to claim 1, wherein: the angled trailing edge section (20) extends along the entire rear end of the air guide body (14); and / or the angled trailing edge section (20) is angled at an angle between 20° and 135°, preferably between 30° and 100°; and / or the angled trailing edge section (20) is angled with respect to an adjacent main body section (18) of the air guide body (14); and / or the angled trailing edge section (20) has a width in a range between 1800 mm and 2600 mm and / or a length in a range between 5 mm and 100 mm. [3] Air guide element (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the inside of the air guide body (14) is curved along a longitudinal extent and / or a transverse extent of the air guide body (14); and the inside has a planar mounting surface (22) to which the sensor (16) is attached. [4] Air guide element (12) according to claim 3, wherein: the planar mounting surface (22) is embossed into the inside, preferably an inner shell (14B) of the air guide body (14); or the planar mounting surface (22) is formed directly during the forming of the air guide body (14), preferably an inner shell (14B) of the air guide body (14). [5] Air guide element (12) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: the sensor (16) is attached to the planar mounting surface (22) by means of a holder (24), preferably a mounting bracket or a mounting plate; and / or the planar mounting surface (22) is cuboid in shape, preferably with a size of at least 30 mm x at least 30 mm, particularly preferably with a size of at least 50 mm x at least 50 mm. [6] Air guide element (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the sensor (16) is arranged at least partially in a free space between the inner shell (14B) and the angled trailing edge section (20); and / or the inner shell (14B) is set back with respect to the angled rear edge section (20). [7] Air guide element (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the outer shell (14A) is designed as an SMC component; and / or the inner shell (14B) is designed as an SMC component; and / or the outer shell (14A) and the inner shell (14B) are bonded together; and / or the inner shell (14B) has stiffening structures for stiffening the air guide element (12). [8] Air guide element (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the sensor (16) is designed to detect the environment of the air guide body (14); and / or the sensor (16) is oriented such that it detects an area extending beyond the trailing edge section (20); and / or the sensor (16) is designed as a camera device or a distance sensor. [9] Motor vehicle (26), preferably a commercial vehicle, comprising: an air guide element (12) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Motor vehicle (26) according to claim 9, wherein: the air guide element (12) is designed as a roof spoiler, preferably adjustable, and / or is arranged on a roof (10) of the motor vehicle (26). [11] Motor vehicle (26) according to claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising: an adjustment device (28) which connects the air guide element (12) to the motor vehicle (26) in an adjustable, preferably pivotable and / or height-adjustable manner. [12] Motor vehicle (26) according to claim 11, wherein: the adjusting device (28) is designed to automatically adjust the air guide element (12) based on an output from the sensor (16); and / or the motor vehicle (26) furthermore has a user interface (30) through which an output from the sensor (16) can be output and a user input for actuating the adjustment device (28) can be entered. [13] Motor vehicle (26) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: the sensor (16) is oriented to detect a front upper edge of a loading body (38) of the motor vehicle (26) or a front upper edge of a semi-trailer (36) of the motor vehicle (26); and / or the sensor (16) is aligned to detect a, preferably height-adjustable, fifth wheel plate (32) of the motor vehicle (26).

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