Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads from trucks, trailers and semi-trailers equipped with both tarpaulins and fixed box bodies, in order to protect other road users and traffic areas from damage caused by falling ice and snow during driving.

Abstract

Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized in that a second roof structure is mounted directly on the roof of the box body, or directly above any tarpaulin structure, in a force-fit or, if necessary, form-fit manner, which lies flat on the existing roof.

Description

NAME OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads from trucks, trailers and semi-trailers equipped with both tarpaulins and fixed box bodies, in order to protect other road users and traffic areas from damage caused by falling ice and snow during driving. SUMMARY

[0002] In winter road traffic, numerous hazardous situations arise due to ice and snow accumulation. This accumulation, caused by snow and water / ice, deposits onto the surfaces of truck bodies with tarpaulins and enclosed boxes. Due to the winter temperatures, these frozen surfaces form smaller and larger sheets of ice and snow. During driving, vibrations, uneven road surfaces, acceleration, braking forces, and lateral acceleration in curves can cause these sheets to tumble from the upper roof surfaces of trucks and trailers onto the road and onto other road users, such as vehicles and pedestrians. Depending on their size and weight, these sheets can become extremely heavy and sharp-edged projectiles capable of easily shattering vehicle windows and causing fatalities.

[0003] This results in numerous dangerous and sometimes fatal accidents every winter, which also cause extremely high property damage.

[0004] So far, there is no reliable and effective technique to eliminate the aforementioned problem.

[0005] The novel functions, which go beyond the state of the art, result from points [0002 - 0028]

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of developing a device for removing dangerous roof loads, in particular accumulations of ice, snow and / or water, from the body of a commercial vehicle or from the body of a trailer.

[0007] In particular, these roof loads should be removed quickly without endangering the person tasked with the removal, as well as the surrounding traffic areas. STRUCTURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The device consists of a stable frame ( Fig. ), which ensures mounting on the vehicle roofs and simultaneously provides the body to accommodate the moving functional parts.

[0009] The device is designed so that it can be adapted to any height, size, length and shape of the base vehicles as needed.

[0010] The device is suitable for a wide variety of structures, such as fixed box structures and structures with covers made of tarpaulins.

[0011] The device ( Fig. ) is characterized by the fact that it is a rotatable roller function integrated into or attached to a frame, which ensures the transport of the loads located on the roof towards the rear of the vehicle, in order to then push these loads over the edge of the roof at the rear of the vehicle by means of the rolling movement and then fall onto the road surface next to the vehicle or onto the ground by gravity.

[0012] The frame is equipped with an electric drive, or possibly a manual drive, and one or more single or multiple rollers, as well as load plates, so that the roof load can be moved from the roof.

[0013] Cleaning the vehicle roof and removing dangerous layers of snow / ice does not have to be done manually, but is done by means of a drive system ( Fig. ) which can be time-controlled so that the entire length of the structure is cleared of snow loads in a single operation. Alternatively, manual electric control is also available.

[0014] The construction shown below is suitable for offering multiple forms of assistance here.

[0015] This device can comprehensively and easily resolve the problem described in section 001. At the same time, it is designed to be so adaptable that it can be fitted to any truck, trailer, or semi-trailer.

[0016] The device can be mounted and used on small, large, narrow, wide, as well as long and short vehicles at any height. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Vehicles whose roofs are insufficiently or not at all cleared of snow and ice pose a danger to other road users. This is especially true due to ice and snow sheets that form on the roofs of commercial vehicles, such as trucks, during winter. These pose a serious risk to surrounding traffic. The ice and snow layers can be thrown from the vehicle's roof into the roadway by its own weight, or by acceleration or braking at high speeds.

[0018] Every year in Germany, Europe, and worldwide, serious accidents occur due to ice and snow sheets falling from commercial vehicles. These heavy, sharp-edged sheets can be hurled at high speeds onto other road users, resulting in fatalities for people and animals, as well as extensive property damage amounting to millions of euros.

[0019] The functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads can be used on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers that are equipped with both tarpaulins and fixed box bodies.

[0020] A second roof structure is mounted directly on the roof of the box body, or directly above any tarpaulin structure, either by force or, if necessary, by form-fitting means, and rests flat on the existing roof.

[0021] This second roof surface is usually the same size as the original roof underneath.

[0022] The functional unit located in the roof structure consists of a flexible textile, plastic, or rubber material and serves as a storage surface for all conceivable deposits, such as snow, ice, dirt, etc.

[0023] Depending on the box or tarpaulin construction, the functional unit is movably mounted within the second roof surface via rollers using a roller, rolling, or sliding bearing.

[0024] The functional unit moves longitudinally or, if desired, transversely.

[0025] Due to its design and the resulting multifunctional use, this construction replaces several auxiliary products that correspond to the current state of the art. The novel functions, which go beyond the current state of the art, result from points

[0004] -

[0033] .

[0026] When not in use, the device is not noticed by the driver or other road users and does not affect the vehicle's operation in the slightest.

[0027] The invention relates to the device defined in more detail below ( Fig. ), for removing roof loads, which can be appropriately mounted on the roof of the vehicle depending on the vehicle or trailer type. This ensures the roof surface is cleaned and thus the vehicle is in a safe and roadworthy condition.

[0028] Any potential hazard arising from the roof load can thus be prevented.

[0029] The roof cleaning function is activated by the driver as needed via a button in the cab of the towing vehicle or by remote control. The driver can check the cleaning status via camera before activating the cleaning function ( Fig. The system can detect whether there is ice or snow on the vehicle. After activating the function, it can then also verify that the surface is sufficiently free of ice and snow.

[0030] In general, every driver must ensure, before starting each journey, that their vehicle is in a roadworthy and roadworthy condition.

[0031] However, this would mean that a truck driver would have to check the roof of his vehicle and its trailer before every journey in winter to see if there were any snow and ice deposits on the roof of the vehicle.

[0032] This duty of care is extremely difficult for a truck driver to fulfill, however, as the roof surface is usually at a height of 3.00–4.00 m and he has no way of viewing it from above. Due to the slippery conditions caused by ice and snow, it is sometimes virtually impossible to climb onto the vehicle.

[0033] Here, the functional unit offers comprehensive assistance while simultaneously preventing dangerous situations for the responsible vehicle driver.

[0034] The cleaning of the entire structure and roof can be carried out in a very short time by just one person, without any risk and without physical labor.

[0035] The innovation and invention can be put into operation at any time and in any location, day or night, to ensure effective cleaning of the roof surface.

[0036] The current, standard, and necessary manual cleaning of vehicle bodies poses significant risks to the cleaning personnel. This involves climbing to heights of 3.00–4.00 meters on smooth vehicle bodies and requires a stable footing when cleaning manually on the vehicle roof. This activity is associated with considerable hazards and a high risk of injury.

[0037] This invention allows cleaning work to be monitored from the driver's cab at any time, both before and after the cleaning has been carried out, without having to climb onto the roof of the vehicle.

[0038] To ensure the greatest possible safety for the driver and the person responsible for operating the vehicle in public road traffic, as to whether there are roof loads on the vehicle and whether these have been removed by the functional unit, the roof surface of the truck / trailer is monitored by video camera ( Fig. The unit is monitored because a dangerous roof load can only be detected from this perspective. The unit can also be used without restriction even without a video camera.

[0039] When not in use, the snow and ice removal unit lies flat on the roof without protruding laterally, thus not interfering with normal driving activities and public road traffic.

[0040] When roof loads such as ice and snow accumulate on the commercial vehicle / trailer / semi-trailer, they automatically transfer to the moving part of the functional unit ( Fig. ) filed.

[0041] By activating a function switch in the driver's cab, or a switch mounted on the outside of the vehicle, the movable part of the functional unit rolls ( Fig. ) then backwards towards the rear of the vehicle, transporting any roof load to the rear of the vehicle until the edge of the roof is reached and the roof load is pushed over the edge of the roof, falling due to gravity behind the rear of the commercial vehicle onto the ground behind the vehicle. There, the respective roof load then rests at road level at a central point. ( Fig. Thus, the entire roof surface of the vehicle is cleared of any roof loads, which can no longer endanger other road users. The roof load is therefore removed from the vehicle within minutes without any manual effort.

[0042] During cleaning and removal of the roof load, the functional unit is automatically cleaned of dirt and residue, so that this unit is simultaneously prepared for the next use without manual intervention. Fig. ).

[0043] For this purpose, an optionally sized brush is available at the rear of the functional unit, ensuring additional cleaning. CURRENT STATE OF TECHNOLOGY

[0044] The patent registration DE202023102297U1 also describes a device for removing hazardous roof loads from the superstructure of a commercial vehicle. This removal is achieved using an inflatable device. This device is designed to inflate using a compressed air system, thereby "blasting" ice and snow off the roof of the superstructure. However, it should be noted that an inflatable device made of plastic or similar materials will always change its volume depending on the temperature. At very cold temperatures, especially prevalent in winter, materials expand only with difficulty, or not at all. Furthermore, the expansion of the inflatable device also depends on the amount of air supplied and the available air volume. Therefore, under driving conditions, varying temperatures, and the influence of wind, it cannot be guaranteed that the inflatable devices will function optimally and that the roof area will be completely cleared of roof loads.Since snow layers adhere to surfaces up to a certain gradient, sufficient inflation of the body is not guaranteed under all circumstances.

[0045] The registration DE000010224291A1 also relates to the roof loads of a commercial vehicle. In this case, it also refers to an inflated structure, but in connection with a ridge beam that is intended to shape the roof of the commercial vehicle into a pointed form, similar to a house roof.

[0046] Here we encounter the same problem with the inflatable body as already described in

[0020] , but with an additional disadvantage due to the ridge strip. This ridge strip significantly increases the vehicle's height in the center of the roof. According to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVZO), commercial vehicles are only permitted a maximum overall height of 4.00 m. Vehicle manufacturers adhere to this height because bridge and tunnel heights are designed for this clearance of 4.00 m. However, the 4.00 m height limit imposed by the ridge strip causes the vehicle to exceed this height, restricting or even prohibiting its use on public roads. Alternatively, the vehicle's height must be reduced by the height of the ridge strip, resulting in a lower possible transport volume.

[0047] The invention DE000019732348A1 also deals with the removal of water and snow from roofs and tarpaulins of commercial vehicles.

[0048] This function is ensured by lifting elements under the vehicle tarpaulins, which lift the tarpaulins in the middle so that water can run off from the middle to the left and right of the tarpaulin roof.

[0049] However, this function will only work to a limited extent in heavily frozen snow and ice and can only be used on commercial vehicles with tarpaulins. It is not possible to use this function on commercial vehicles with fixed bodies.

[0050] Furthermore, as previously described, this results in a change in vehicle height, which can be dangerous in everyday traffic.

[0051] The registration DE102013012386A1 also exists. However, this only applies to tarpaulin structures and only if the tarpaulin is at least partially double-walled and inflatable. This requires the installation of several chambers, which, by inflating different chambers, shorten the overall tarpaulin lengthwise to allow the roof load to slide off.

[0052] However, this will generally not be possible with very heavily frozen ice and snow sheets due to the weight and the possible frozen roof loads.

[0053] Furthermore, this invention would only work on vehicles with tarpaulin superstructures.

[0054] In addition, there are currently two other cleaning methods, which apparently have not been patented.

[0055] The Norwegian company Durasweeper manufactures truck roof cleaning systems that function similarly to car washes. The truck, covered in ice and snow, drives through a metal frame containing a rotating cleaning brush at the top. As the truck passes underneath, the rotating brush sweeps and cleans the roof.

[0056] While the cleaning process appears to be effective in this case, there are only a very few such facilities worldwide. Firstly, trucks would have to queue at such a facility when needed, resulting in significant time losses that are unacceptable in the transport industry. Secondly, the construction and installation of such a facility requires considerable financial resources and would necessitate official building permit approval in each individual case. Consequently, for numerous reasons, its operation is impractical and only usable for a minimal fraction of the trucks currently in operation.

[0057] However, another major reason against this type of use is the fact that every truck with a roof load would have to travel long distances to reach one of these facilities. Even on the way there, the previously described danger from falling ice and snow slabs is ever-present. Snow scaffolding at motorway service areas

[0058] In Germany, at some rest stops there is still the option of using stationary snow scaffolding to remove roof loads.

[0059] These are metal scaffolds approximately 4.00 m high and the length of a truck, which can be climbed using ladders and steps.

[0060] A truck driver would have to maneuver their truck and body very close to such snow-covered structures from the side before they could reach the upper, accessible area of ​​the metal frame via steps in icy or snowy conditions. From there, they would have to manually clean the body by hand, using a broom, while standing beside it. Especially when ice has formed, there is no way to completely clear the structure of ice.

[0061] This involves heavy physical work, which is also associated with the risk of slipping. However, the limitations and problems already mentioned in

[0024] also apply here.

[0062] Firstly, trucks would have to queue at such a facility when needed, resulting in significant time losses that are unacceptable in the transport industry. Secondly, the construction and installation of such a facility involves considerable financial resources and would require official building permit approval in each individual case.

[0063] Consequently, for the numerous reasons mentioned above, the operation is not practical and can only be used for a minimal fraction of the trucks in operation.

[0064] However, another major obstacle to this type of use is the fact that every truck with a roof load would have to travel long distances to reach one of these facilities. Even on the way there, the previously described danger from falling ice and snow slabs is ever-present. REFERENCE MARK LIST Fig. 01 Frame construction (connecting link between vehicle body and functional unit) Fig. 01 Roller construction 02 Load plates (connection between vehicle and functional unit) Fig. 01 Drive 02 Movable transport unit for removing roof loads 03 video cameras for monitoring roof loads 04 Cleaning unit Fig. 01 Symbolic representation of potential roof load 02 falling roof load after activation of the function 03 Central collection point of the roof load after cleaning the roof on the ground at roadway level QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 202023102297U1

[0044] DE 000010224291A1

[0045] DE 000019732348A1

[0047] DE 102013012386A1

[0051]

Claims

[1] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by , that a second roof structure is mounted directly on the roof of the box structure, or directly above any tarpaulin structure, in a force-fit or, if necessary, form-fit manner, which lies flat on the existing roof. [2] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by that this unit can be designed variably in its construction and dimensions, and thus adapted to the actual and existing specifications and dimensions of all commercial vehicles. [3] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by, that the roof area is generally the same size as the original roof installed underneath. [4] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by that when not in use, the invention has no influence whatsoever on the usual driving operation and the registration of the truck and adapts to the vehicle in such a way that it continues to comply with the usual registration regulations. [5] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by , that the functional unit located in the roof structure consists of the second roof surface made of a flexible textile, plastic or rubber material, which thus serves as a storage surface for all conceivable deposits, such as snow, ice, dirt, etc. [6] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by , that the functional unit is movably mounted within the second roof surface via rollers using a roller, rolling or sliding bearing, depending on the box or tarpaulin construction. [7] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by that the movement of the functional unit in the longitudinal direction, or, if desired, in the transverse direction of the structure, is possible via a flexible movable transport surface on rollers. [8] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized bythat the previously described second roof structure can be set in motion manually, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the vehicle upon request. [9] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by , that the roof loads to be removed are pushed over the edge of the roof by the rolling motion and then fall onto the road surface next to the vehicle due to gravity. [10] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by , that the entire cleaning function can be started automatically via a trigger mechanism, e.g. in the form of a switch, and that this function can be called up again at any time as needed, without having to perform any further tasks beforehand. [11] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by , that any roof load is gathered at only one central point at the end of the vehicle, or, if desired, at the side of the vehicle, when removed from the roof, and can then be disposed of there on a predetermined area at the level of the roadway. [12] Functional unit for removing snow, ice and other roof loads on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, characterized by that the cleaning system is designed and constructed in such a way that it automatically cleans itself when the roof load is removed, and is thus always ready for a new work step without manual or further intervention.

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