Device for increasing the road safety of vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for increasing the road safety of a truck comprising at least one box (1) having side walls, wherein a frame profile (4) is mounted on at least one side wall and comprises an upper and a lower horizontal frame profile (33, 36) and a front and a rear vertical frame profile and is intended for keeping a tarp (7) under tension directly or via intermediate profiles at a distance from the lateral face. According to the invention, in order to increase the road safety, an LED strip (34) is mounted in at least one frame profile, preferably in the lower horizontal frame profile (36), the LEDs of which LED strip are directed outwards, and which LED strip comprises LEDs which are preferably operatively connected to the flasher device and / or to the width-indicator lighting of the truck.

Description

[0001] Device for increasing the road safety of vehicles

[0002] The following story essentially concerns increasing the road safety of vehicles, namely trucks / semi-trailers and / or their trailers / semi-trailers, especially during operation. The story is limited to vehicles whose bodies are designed as "boxes" or have such. Unlike tarpaulins, boxes have stable, strong, rigid, self-supporting outer surfaces. Boxes are typically cuboid-shaped. Boxes are usually made of multi-layer panels constructed entirely or predominantly of plastic. They are often provided with a thermal insulation layer or consist of one. Internal stiffening elements, often metallic, such as aluminum, may also be provided independently. Occasionally, however, boxes are also simply made of sheet metal, similar to containers.

[0003] In conjunction with the truck and its direction of travel (curves or reversing are not taken into account), this results in a longitudinal direction L, which, cum sana gralis, corresponds to the direction of travel F, but is of course equally valid in both directions. This allows us to define a vertical, longitudinal plane of symmetry of the box, which is of course to be considered technically rather than mathematically. Furthermore, the front normal surface of the box, viewed in the direction of travel, is its front surface, and the rear normal surface is its rear surface. The two lateral walls, which run parallel to the plane of symmetry in the technical sense, are the side walls.

[0004] It is known to provide advertising elements for the side panels. As already mentioned, these are usually printed on tarpaulins, and the tarpaulins are mounted to the side walls / side panels of the case using a tarpaulin holder, usually called a tensioning frame system. Such tensioning frame systems with front and rear vertical and upper and lower horizontal frame profiles are known, for example, from the applicant's EP 1 604 346 or EP 597 094, WO01 / 35382, US 2002 / 04245, EP 1 271 456, DE 10 033 243, or even US 6,250,002. The content of these publications is incorporated into the present disclosure for jurisdictions where this is possible. During installation, a mechanical (tensile) tension is applied to the tarpaulin within a predetermined range in order to keep it flat and smooth, thus making it visually appealing for advertising.In accordance with legal regulations, these tenter frame systems are designed to be extremely flat and, despite the mechanical, thermal, and chemical stresses of harsh road traffic with exhaust fumes, salt, grit, etc., they are very robust. Numerous such tenter frame systems are known in the state of the art. They consist of several individual components and, in any case, feature a frame profile permanently mounted on the body. Aside from contributing to thermal insulation, the tarpaulin and tenter frame do not fulfill any special practical, technical, or physical (whatever you might call) function.

[0005] In order to increase the road safety of such vehicles, it is now provided that an LED strip is mounted in one of the frame profiles, preferably in the lower horizontal frame profile, the LEDs of which are directed outwards and which preferably has LEDs that are operatively connected to the indicator device of the truck, whereby impending changes in direction of travel are clearly indicated.

[0006] In independent designs, LEDs are also actively connected to the vehicle lighting, which illustrates the outline of the vehicle, especially in the dark.

[0007] LEDs of different colors can be provided for these purposes to further increase the attention of other road users.

[0008] The LEDs are preferably smoothly encapsulated, especially flush, in the LED strip using a transparent encapsulation compound. This provides good protection and makes them easy to clean.

[0009] In an independent further development, the gap between the tarpaulin and the side wall, and if necessary also the roof of the box, is traversed by the airstream. This is done by providing at least one opening between the tarpaulin and the box at the front, upper, vertical edge (or, in the case of the roof, horizontal edge, perpendicular to the direction of travel, corresponding to the longitudinal direction L), and by allowing the gap to merge freely into the surroundings at the rear, vertical or horizontal edge. Openings can also be provided in the frame system at the sides. The airstream naturally flows in the opposite direction to the direction of travel, but generally also in the longitudinal direction L. This creates an injector system with a strong negative pressure in the gap, which sucks the tarpaulin towards the box. With appropriate dimensioning, a stable condition can be achieved over wide speed ranges.

[0010] This not only significantly reduces heat input from solar radiation, especially in vehicles with a cooled interior, but also ensures that, especially during stationary periods, the optional extra batteries are able to supply the cooling unit with energy for longer than conventional batteries in the state of the art, without requiring the onboard engine or similar to run. Of course, PV modules can be installed, particularly on the roof of the vehicle, possibly on a tarpaulin provided there, to provide additional electrical power.

[0011] Another independent aspect involves creating rear ventilation in the gap between the outer surface of the case and the inner side of the tarpaulin on the side walls, which lowers the temperature of the case in these large areas and reduces thermal stress, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the required cooling capacity. This can be combined with the measures from the other aspects as desired.

[0012] Another independent aspect concerns further thermal improvements. Openings in the frame profile or between the trunk and the frame profile are provided for rear ventilation, and spray nozzles are installed for cooling water to evaporate in the gap between the trunk and the tarpaulin.

[0013] The various ideas and aspects, which can all be combined in pairs, in multiples or entirely, are explained in more detail below with the aid of the drawing, which shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a wing in the folded state, Fig. 2 a schematic section normal to the longitudinal direction L of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a view similar to that of Fig. 1, but with the wing raised, Fig. 4 purely schematically the rear, upper, right corner of a case with the wing raised, Fig. 5 a purely schematic cross-section normal to the longitudinal direction L in the upper area of ​​a case, Fig. 6 a purely schematic cross-section through the plane of symmetry in the upper area of ​​a case, Fig. 7 a purely schematic vertical section in the upper edge area of ​​a case with a wind catching device for the airstream, Figs. 8a and 8b rear and front rear ventilation devices, Fig.Fig. 9 shows a cover for a corner of a tarpaulin in plan view, Fig. 10 shows a section along XX of Fig. 9, Fig. 11 shows a first variant of a side tarpaulin with a special tensioning frame in a schematic vertical section normal to the longitudinal direction L, Fig. 12 shows a second variant of a side tarpaulin with a special tensioning frame in a purely schematic, perspective view and Fig. 13 shows a purely schematic and greatly enlarged view of the surface structure of a tarpaulin in a perspective view.

[0014] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present disclosure with a wind deflector in the folded state, without the trunk on which the structure is ultimately to be mounted. The structure comprises a frame profile 4 designed to be attached to the roof surface of a trunk. The longitudinal direction L corresponds to the direction of travel or is arranged exactly opposite to the direction of travel, whichever one wishes to define.

[0015] Furthermore, the tarpaulin 7 is visible, which is held by its piping 8 in a tarpaulin profile 5. This tarpaulin profile 5 is in turn suspended in an intermediate profile 6, which is mounted together with a holding profile 9 in the frame profile 4. To compensate for tolerances or thermal expansion, the frame profile 4 is provided with several holding strips into which the profiles 6, 9 can be suitably suspended. Such systems are known in various embodiments for attaching tarpaulins to the side walls of suitcases and can also be used in various forms in connection with the disclosure; it is therefore not necessary to describe several embodiments here; the person skilled in the art can easily make his or her selection with knowledge of the disclosure.

[0016] In Fig. 2, which shows a section normal to the longitudinal direction L, a case 1 with its roof surface 2 is also shown, and a PV element 10 according to the disclosure is mounted on the tarpaulin 7. It is also evident from the illustration that the frame profile 4 extends at least to just the lateral edge 3 of the case 1 in order to make the entire surface 2 usable for the attachment of PV elements 10.

[0017] Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows that a type of undercut groove is formed at the edge end 11 of the frame profile 4, into which a folded wind deflector element, referred to as deflector element 12 for short, with a thickened portion 13 is inserted. This deflector element 12 extends, in one piece or in pieces, preferably over the entire length of the case 1. The folded configuration of the deflector element 12 shown in Fig. 2 is achieved by its semi-rigid design, particularly of the outer web 14, and an elastic prestress with respect to the thickened portion 13.

[0018] If the guide element 12 is now "inflated", for example by the airstream and corresponding supply elements - a purely schematic representation of an embodiment is shown in Fig. 7 - it takes on the shape shown in Fig. 3. The inner webs 15, 16, which practically lie on top of one another in the resting state, fold open about a type of hinge 17, and the connection between the outer surface 14 and the inner web 16 protrudes noticeably upwards above the plane of the tarpaulin 7. The direction L, which corresponds to the direction of travel, now leads to the air flowing over the tarpaulin 7 and thus the PV elements 10 when the box is moving, and not flowing laterally over the edge 3 of the box and increasing the vehicle's air resistance. At the rear end of the guide element 12, a slightly flexible and only slightly air-permeable closing film is preferably provided to facilitate the inflation of the guide element 12.This creates a speed-dependent airflow duct, which can significantly reduce the vehicle's air resistance and, if PV elements 10 are mounted on the tarpaulin 7, these are cooled, thereby increasing their efficiency.

[0019] Fig. 4 shows the situation at the rear, upper right corner of a box 1, viewed in the direction of travel. The longitudinal direction L corresponding to the direction of travel is indicated, and the guide element 12 is shown in the raised state; the partial end closure is not shown separately. The piping 8 of the tarpaulin 7, running parallel and transverse to the longitudinal direction L, is indicated, and the corner elements 19, which cover the corners as in the prior art with side tarpaulins, are shown. The portal, the rear closure wall of the box, is indicated purely schematically at 18; this is where the doors are hinged and where any covers are attached.

[0020] In one aspect, covers, clips 23, with guide bars 24 are arranged on the vertically arranged frame profile 22. These clips are elastically mounted by clipping onto the frame profile 22. Preferably, a plurality of identical clips are clipped on independently of one another; this ensures that they release without great effort in the event of a collision, preventing or minimizing damage and injuries; continuous strips with a plurality of guide bars are of course conceivable. The guide bars 24 improve airflow in this critical area. The height of the guide bars, by which they protrude above the outer tarpaulin surface, is approximately up to 2 cm and must always be aligned with the applicable legal regulations. The preferred direction of the individual guide bars 24 can be easily determined with a few tests; a perfectly usable arrangement is shown.The shape of the individual guide bars 24 can be adapted to specific requirements by varying their rounding and thickness. These clips 23 can, of course, be used individually and without being combined with the guide elements 12.

[0021] Fig. 5 shows, in the sense of one aspect, a variant which can be used on its own or in combination with other proposals and aspects and which can be used advantageously in particular when the tarpaulin 7 is not provided with PV elements, thus mainly in winter. Fig. 5 shows a schematic section normal to the longitudinal direction L in the upper region of a trunk. In the middle of the surface 2 and running in the direction of the longitudinal direction L, an inflatable tube 20 is provided which, when the vehicle on which the trunk is located is started up in winter, is controllably inflated by compressed air so that the tarpaulin lifts up in the middle like a flat gable roof within the scope of its elasticity.Additionally (not shown), waste heat from the engine, and possibly also some or all of the exhaust gases, can be conveyed into the roof space 21 forming next to the hose 20. Heat can also be supplied by reversing the operation of the PVEs, melting any snow or ice that may be adhering to the roof and either being easily removed or falling off on its own within the first few meters of travel. Dirt can also be removed more easily with the hose 20 inflated than on a flat surface.

[0022] If PV elements 10 are mounted on the tarpaulin 7 at a distance from the longitudinal center of the vehicle, they are not subject to any bending stress during inflation, the adhesive layer can withstand the stress due to elastic expansion, and it is also possible to activate this arrangement when a tarpaulin 7 with PV elements is used.

[0023] Fig. 6 shows a vertical section, purely schematically, in the area of ​​the hose 20. A supply line 25 from a compressed air source leads, preferably in the front area of ​​the case, by means of a passage 26 to the hose 20 and supplies it with compressed air if desired, whereby the tarpaulin 7 is raised.

[0024] Fig. 7 shows a vertical, purely schematic section through the upper, lateral, front area of ​​a box 2 with a windbreak device, abbreviated to windbreak 27. The windbreak 27 does not protrude (or not noticeably) above the highest surface areas of the box as a whole (including the profiles, the tarpaulin, the guide elements, etc.) in order not to complicate driving through passages, garages, etc. During travel, the wind (arrows W) is fed to a supply line 31 by guide vanes 28, 29, and 30, and thus reaches the front surface of the guide element 12, which thus unfolds. The lower guide vane 28 prevents downward flow, the rear guide vane 29 promotes the partial reversal of the flow direction and the front guide vane 30 ensures to a large extent the repulsion of dirt, rain, snow, etc., which due to inertia do not reach the open area of ​​the windbreak 27.

[0025] Regarding the use and installation of the PV elements, it should be said in general terms that, particularly for roof surfaces, it can be advantageous to cut the tarpaulin into sections in the lengthwise direction L, so that only one, two, or three transverse rows, depending on the dimensions of the PV elements 10, have to be removed at a time. This means that these tarpaulin strips, since they do not have to be rolled or folded for storage, but can be laid on top of one another. In either case, the cabling is designed to allow either folding or separation. It goes without saying that the cabling of the PV elements preferably runs beneath the tarpaulin 7 in the cavity between the surface 2 of the case 1 and the underside / inside of the tarpaulin 7.

[0026] Fig. 8 shows, in one aspect, a device for rear ventilation of a tarpaulin, regardless of whether it is on the top surface or a side surface of a suitcase. In a first form, a type of strip 28 (to avoid the overused word "profile") is applied to the suitcase, which has through openings 29 running transversely to its longitudinal extent. During assembly, the direction of the openings is aligned with the longitudinal direction L, thus ensuring the best possible passage of the airflow, indicated by the arrows W. The openings 29 can be formed in the strip, or, as can be clearly seen from Fig. 8a (air outlet), the strip 28 has rake-like projections 30, by the application of which (gluing, etc.) to the suitcase 2, the openings 29 are formed.

[0027] Such air vents can also be provided on the sides of the roof, if necessary within the guide elements 12, which results in better ventilation than usual during periods of downtime when the vehicle is exposed to sunlight.

[0028] Figs. 9 and 10 show, for the purposes of one aspect, a top view and a section along the axis of symmetry 31', of a corner element 19 (cover plate) which serves to cover the corners of the assembled tarpaulin 7. Elongated, scoop-shaped openings 32 are provided perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 31', which point away from the outer corner 32 but do not protrude outwards. The injector effect creates a particularly strong negative pressure at the rear corners, which promotes ventilation. This arrangement constantly "captures" a component of the airstream in the front area, and in the rear area, air escaping from the airstream is "sucked in" by the injector effect. This ensures that "fresh" air always reaches the gap between the trunk and the tarpaulin, even without further measures while driving.

[0029] Fig. 11 shows, according to a first variant of one aspect of the disclosure, a vertical section normal to the longitudinal direction L. Attached to the lateral surface 2 of a case 1 is an upper frame profile 33. In addition to the usual piping mount for the piping 8 of a tarpaulin 7, this upper frame profile 33 has an LED strip 34 that significantly improves the visibility of the case 1 and thus of the vehicle during operation. Such an LED strip can, of course, also be provided in other frame profiles.

[0030] If at least one LED of the LED strip 34 also flashes when the indicator is activated, this leads to a much better perception of the truck's turning maneuver for all other road users.

[0031] Likewise, LEDs of the LED strip (34) can be operatively connected to the lighting system of the truck in order to make the outlines of the vehicle clear to other road users.

[0032] LEDs of different colors can be provided, which can be controlled differently.

[0033] For cleaning purposes, it is advantageous if the LEDs or LED strip 34 are embedded into the frame profile 33, 36 in such a way that a smooth outer surface is created. This can be achieved, for example, by encapsulating them with an optically transparent casting compound.

[0034] Furthermore, the profile 33 independently has at least one channel 35 through which water can be conducted. Each of the existing channels 35 is provided with nozzles (not shown), which are preferably directed substantially obliquely downwards, and thus, during operation, sprays the inner surface of the tarpaulin 7 with water, the evaporative heat of which further contributes to the cooling of the case 1. The channels can be "activated" in sections using holes and plugs (not shown).

[0035] A combination with targeted rear ventilation according to aspects three and / or four contributes particularly to cooling. The water supply is preferably located at the front end of the case (front end), where the various supply lines and cables, etc., are already located in the current state of the art. Condensate from one of the commonly available cooling systems is preferred as the water source, as it is reliably free of salts and minerals. An intermediate tank and / or other supply source can easily be provided by the specialist.

[0036] The lower part of the illustration shows a lower frame profile 36, which, in addition to the usual options for variable attachment of the tarpaulin 7, also features an LED strip 34, which can be powered and controlled in the same way as the upper LED strip, if necessary independently of it. The illustration shows the horizontal frame profiles 33, 36 in a reversed arrangement compared to the prior art, since the profile with the variable mount for the tarpaulin is usually the upper frame profile.

[0037] Fig. 12 shows a second variant of this aspect, in which the channels 35 are separate components that are attached to the case, possibly on their own mounting strip. Two channels are indicated here in order to achieve the most even distribution of the water over the considerable length of the case. Of course, more than two or even just one channel 35 can be provided. A bend in the channels is indicated at the end (these can also merge into a collecting channel there) if the water is to be supplied in the lower area of ​​the case. The downward-pointing black arrows indicate the spraying of the water from the nozzles (not shown in detail).

[0038] For variety and to indicate the various possibilities, the upper frame profile 33 is provided here with an upper angle 38 that extends onto the roof surface of the case, thus increasing the stability of the installation. One or more LED strips can of course also be provided with such a profile. The frame profile 33 also has an outward-facing shoulder 39, at the end of which is the piping holder for the piping 8 of the tarpaulin 7. With appropriate coordination of the dimensions, this creates the possibility for air from the gap between the case and the tarpaulin to flow upwards in the course of the thermals, past the channels 35 and to the ventilation openings 37 in the shoulder 45, where it can escape from the gap into the open air, as indicated by the white arrows.

[0039] Air access occurs either via corner elements 19 or openings in the lower frame profile (not shown) in accordance with aspect three, or through eyelets in the lower area of ​​the tarpaulin 7.

[0040] In both cases, and also in other embodiments of this aspect, the combination with LEDs that are operatively connected to the indicator device and / or the side lighting of the truck is particularly advantageous.

[0041] In both and other cases, the achievable temperature difference on the outside of the case compared to an outer wall without a tarpaulin and active cooling is up to 404 °C.

[0042] Fig. 13 shows one aspect of the illustration: In a purely schematic, perspective view, the outer surface 38 of a tarpaulin 7 is shown at an extreme magnification: numerous strips, so-called riblets 39, are formed approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction L. At least the majority of the valleys 41 formed by these riblets 39 are interrupted by crosspieces 40. The distance from riblet 39 to riblet 39 is between 100 μm and 1 mm; the height of the riblets 39, relative to the adjacent valleys 41, is between 50 μm and 300 μm, and the length between the crosspieces 40 is in the single-digit to low double-digit centimeter range.

[0043] This structure is manufactured either by an embossing process for the sheet 7 prior to the possible application of a print, or by the printing process itself; both are known in the prior art for elements of this size. It is clear to those skilled in the art that, due to the aforementioned manufacturing processes, Fig. 13 does not provide a view that faithfully reproduces the shape of the riblets, nor their course and arrangement, but can only serve as a basis for the description.

[0044] This innovative design of the tarpaulin surface, in combination with the other aspects mentioned regarding the wind deflection system, can achieve a reduction of up to 6% in fuel consumption during longer continuous journeys of the truck.

[0045] List of reference symbols:

[0046] 1. Case 26. Implementation

[0047] 2. Case surface 27. Windbreak element

[0048] 3. Case edge 28. Strip

[0049] 4. Frame profile 29. Opening

[0050] 5. Plan profile 30. Projection

[0051] 6. Intermediate profile 31. Supply line

[0052] 7. Plane 31 ' symmetry plane

[0053] 8. Piping 32. Hood

[0054] 9. Keder profile 33. Upper frame profile

[0055] 10. PV element 34. LED strip

[0056] 11. Edge end 35. Channel

[0057] 12. Wind deflector 36. Lower frame profile

[0058] 13. Thickening 37. Ventilation opening

[0059] 14. Outer surface 38. Outer surface

[0060] 15. Inner web 39. Riblet

[0061] 16. Inner web 40. Cross web

[0062] 17. Hinge 41. Valley

[0063] 18. Rear surface, portal 42. Bar

[0064] 19. Corner elements 43. Opening

[0065] 20. Hose 44. Jump

[0066] 21. Attic 45. Shoulder

[0067] 22. Vertical frame profile L longitudinal direction

[0068] 23. Cover W Wind direction

[0069] 24. Guide bridge

[0070] 25. Supply line

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A device for increasing the road safety of vehicles, namely trucks or truck trailers or truck semi-trailers, comprising at least one box (1) with a longitudinal direction L, a vertical box symmetry plane running in the longitudinal direction, a front surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, a rear surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, a roof surface (2), and two side surfaces running parallel to the symmetry plane, wherein a frame profile (4) is mounted on at least one side surface, said frame profile having an upper horizontal frame profile (33), a lower horizontal frame profile (36), a front vertical frame profile, and a rear vertical frame profile, and is intended to hold a tarpaulin (7) taut at a distance from the side surface, directly or via intermediate profiles, characterized in that at least one LED strip (34) is mounted in at least one of the frame profiles, preferably at least in the lower frame profile (36).whose LEDs are directed outwards and which preferably has LEDs that are operatively connected to the truck's indicator system.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that LEDs of the LED strip (34) are operatively connected to the lighting device of the truck.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that LEDs of different colors are provided in the LED strip (34).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the LEDs in the LED strip (34) are cast with an optically transparent casting compound flush with the outer surface of the LED strip.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gap between the side surface of the case and the tarpaulin (7) is connected to the environment by means of openings and that in the upper horizontal frame profile (33) and / or on the profile on which it is mounted, lying in the gap, at least one channel (35) with nozzles is formed which are intended to spray water into the gap.

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