Vehicle roof with solar panels

Abstract

The vehicle comprises a roof connected to its body or supported on a frame constituted by the cabin of said vehicle, and solar panels mounted on said roof. The solar panels are mounted in a primary recess in the roof, and the roof includes at least one secondary recess.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle roof equipped with solar panels, and more particularly to a work vehicle or tractor that can operate autonomously with electronic devices that can be powered by solar panels mounted on the roof of the work vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Known work vehicles or tractors are equipped with navigation systems and power generation functions. However, in the known work vehicles or tractors, the layout and installation of the navigation system components and the power generation device components, including the solar panels, are not optimized. Furthermore, the known work vehicles or tractors are not designed to allow for changes to the layout of cooling components, such as a radiator.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0384321 discloses a tractor having a roof including a drainage ditch. The tractor in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0384321 further includes a surveillance camera, a sonar device, a laser scanner for detecting obstacles, and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as a global positioning system (GPS). However, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0384321 does not include solar panels on the tractor; it merely discloses a GPS mounted on the tractor's roof. Furthermore, the tractor described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0384321 discloses a radiator mounted under the hood of the tractor in a conventional position at the front of the vehicle.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 8,616,310 discloses an electric tractor with an electric motor powered by a battery. The battery described in U.S. Patent No. 8,616,310 can be charged by an on-board photovoltaic panel (solar panel) installed on the tractor's canopy frame. However, U.S. Patent No. 8,616,310 does not disclose any specific structure or mounting of the solar panel, and the tractor does not include a navigation system. Furthermore, the tractor described in U.S. Patent No. 8,616,310 does not include a radiator or other cooling components.

[0005] German Patent Publication No. 10 2006 023 910 discloses a tractor including an internal combustion engine and a solar power generating unit (solar panel) mounted on the exterior of the tractor to generate electricity used to cool the tractor's cooling circuit and / or engine. However, German Patent Publication No. 10 2006 023 910 only generally discloses solar panels mounted on the surface of the tractor, such as the roof and hood, and does not mention the specific structure or mounting of the solar panels. The tractor described in German Patent Publication No. 10 2006 023 910 also does not have a navigation system. Furthermore, the tractor described in German Patent Publication No. 10 2006 023 910 has a radiator mounted in a conventional position at the front of the vehicle body, under the tractor hood. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a work vehicle or tractor that can operate autonomously with electronics that can be powered by solar panels mounted in or on the roof of the work vehicle or tractor. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides a work vehicle or tractor that includes cooling components mounted in or on the roof of the work vehicle or tractor.

[0007] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a roof supported on a frame connected to the body of the vehicle or constituted by the cabin of the vehicle, and solar panels mounted on the roof, the solar panels being provided in a primary recess in the roof, the roof including at least one secondary recess.

[0008] The at least one secondary recess may be continuous with the main recess. The at least one secondary recess may be a drainage groove. The at least one secondary recess may be configured to slope away from the main recess. The main recess may be configured to slope towards the at least one secondary recess.

[0009] The vehicle may further include at least one electrical component attached to or integrally formed with the roof, and the at least one secondary recess may be positioned so as not to overlap the at least one electrical component in a vertical direction. The at least one electrical component may include one or more of a light source, a weather sensor, a camera, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. The at least one electrical component may be disposed within a range of a length of the vehicle body in a front-to-rear direction and within a range of a width of the vehicle body in a left-to-right direction. An innermost edge of the secondary recess may be positioned outward in a left-to-right direction from an outermost edge of the at least one electrical component.

[0010] The vehicle may further include a windshield. The secondary recess may be positioned so as not to overlap the windshield of the vehicle in the vertical direction. The main recess of the roof may be formed by a recess provided in an upper surface of the roof, and the distance between the main recess of the roof and the upper surface of the roof may increase in the left-right direction toward the center of the roof.

[0011] The vehicle may further include at least one GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor mounted on the roof. The at least one GPS sensor may be mounted in a GPS recess in the major surface of the roof. The at least one GPS sensor may include one or more GPS sensors disposed at an edge of the roof opposite an edge of the roof including the at least one secondary recess. The at least one GPS sensor may be positioned on at least one of a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline of the vehicle or positioned substantially symmetrically relative to at least one of the longitudinal centerline and the lateral centerline of the vehicle.

[0012] The secondary recess may be located at a front portion of the roof and extend a first distance in the fore-aft direction. The roof may further include a tertiary recess located at a rear portion of the roof and extend a second distance in the fore-aft direction. The first distance may be greater than the second distance.

[0013] The roof may include an interior void space in which at least one electrical component or at least one cable is housed.

[0014] The vehicle may further include at least one support pillar attached to or integral with the roof, the at least one support pillar and the roof may comprise a rollover protection system for the vehicle.

[0015] The solar panel may be partially or entirely inclined relative to a major surface of the roof.

[0016] The above and other features, components, steps, configurations, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of a vehicle roof according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle roof according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows the internal structure of the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 5] 3 shows the internal structure of the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 6A] 3 shows an example of a wiring diagram of electrical components that may be housed in, attached to, or connected to the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 6B] 3 shows an example of a wiring diagram of electrical components that may be housed in, attached to, or connected to the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 6C] 3 shows an example of a wiring diagram of electrical components that may be housed in, attached to, or connected to the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 7] 3 shows a vehicle fitted with the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 shows a vehicle fitted with the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 shows a vehicle roof integrated with the vehicle cabin. [Figure 10] 1 shows a vehicle roof integrated with the vehicle cabin. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle roof according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a side view of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a partially transparent top view of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a partially transparent top view of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 12 shows an example of a detectable angle of the LiDAR sensor provided on the vehicle roof shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 17A]Figure 11 shows the GPS mounting position on the vehicle roof. [Figure 17B] Figure 11 shows the GPS mounting position on the vehicle roof. [Figure 18] 1 is a side view of a vehicle roof having a heat dissipation structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19A] FIG. 19 is a partially transparent perspective view of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19 is a partially transparent perspective view of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] A specific example of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. 18 is shown. [Figure 21] 1 shows another vehicle roof having a heat dissipation structure. [Figure 22] 1 shows another vehicle roof having a heat dissipation structure. [Figure 23] 1 shows another vehicle roof having a heat dissipation structure. [Figure 24] 1 shows another vehicle roof having a heat dissipation structure. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the heat dissipation structure shown in FIGS. 21 to 24. [Figure 26] 21 to 25. FIG. [Figure 27] 21 to 25. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Figures 1 to 3 show a vehicle roof 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a view from the second end of the vehicle roof 100, Figure 2 is a view from the first end of the vehicle roof 100, and Figure 3 is a side view of the vehicle roof 100.

[0019] 1 and 2, the vehicle roof 100 may include a solar panel 120, one or more light sources 121, a GPS sensor 122, and one or more sensors 123, 124. The one or more sensors 123, 124 may include one or more of a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor, a weather sensor, a camera, etc. If one or more weather sensors are included, the weather sensor may be located at a second end of the vehicle roof 100 at the location of the solar panel 120. 20, one or more light sources 121, GPS sensor 122, and power and / or data cables for one or more sensors 123, 124 may be routed through the interior of vehicle roof 100.

[0020] 1 and 2 illustrate that a major surface (top surface) of a vehicle roof 100 includes a primary recess 110 within which a solar panel 120 can be positioned. As shown in FIG. 2, a secondary recess 111 can extend from the primary recess 110 toward a first edge of the vehicle roof 100. The solar panel 120 may or may not extend into the secondary recess 111. The secondary recess 111 forms a drainage channel that allows liquid and debris to be removed from the primary recess 110, and the secondary recess 111 can be configured to slope downward from the primary recess 110 to facilitate drainage. The primary recess 110 can also be configured to slope downward from the second edge toward the first edge of the vehicle roof. For example, the secondary recess 111 can be configured to allow water from rain or sprinklers to easily drain away from the primary recess 110 and to easily wash away debris (e.g., dirt and leaves) that falls on the solar panel 120. Therefore, by quickly guiding and diverting water and dust away from the main recess, the light receiving efficiency of the solar panel 120 can be significantly improved.

[0021] Furthermore, a portion or all of the solar panel 120 may be tilted relative to the main (top) surface of the vehicle roof 100. That is, the solar panel 120 may form (define) an inclined surface relative to the main (top) surface of the vehicle roof 100. Additionally, the solar panel 120 may be tilted relative to a ground contact surface that contacts the wheels or tread of a vehicle that includes the vehicle roof 100.

[0022] The vehicle roof 100 may also include one or more light sources 121, which may be provided inside or on a side of the vehicle roof 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The GPS sensor 122 may be provided on the main surface (top surface) of the vehicle roof 100 and disposed within a GPS-enabled recess (tertiary recess) 112 of the vehicle roof 110. The GPS sensor 122 may be disposed at a second end of the vehicle roof 100. That is, the GPS sensor 122 may be disposed at an end of the vehicle roof 100 opposite the secondary recess 111. Additionally, the secondary recess 111 may be disposed so as not to overlap with the one or more light sources 121 and the one or more sensors 123, 124 in the vertical direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the innermost edge (innermost edge) L1 of each secondary recess 111 may be disposed outward from the outermost edge (outermost edge) L2 of each of the plurality of light sources 121 in the left-right direction of the vehicle roof 100. Secondary recess 111 may also be positioned to direct water away from the windshield of a vehicle to which vehicle roof 100 is attached, thereby avoiding obscuring the view of the vehicle driver. Alternatively or additionally, secondary recess 111 may be configured to have a shape and / or angle that prevents water from draining directly into the line of sight of the vehicle driver.

[0023] 1 and 2, the GPS recess (tertiary recess) 112 extends a first distance D1 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle roof 100, and the secondary recess 111 extends a second distance D2 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle roof 100. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1. That is, by making the second distance D2 greater than the first distance D1, the front of the vehicle roof 100 can be provided with more space than the rear. Thus, the front of the vehicle roof 100 can be configured to accommodate additional autonomous or electronic devices, such as additional sensors.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the rear of the vehicle roof 100 may be arched relative to the main recess 110. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The height of the main surface (top surface) of the vehicle roof 100 can increase from the right or left end of the main recess 110 toward the GPS recess (tertiary recess) 112. In other words, the distance between the main surface (top surface) of the vehicle roof 100 and the main recess 110 can increase toward the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle roof 100.

[0025] 3 further illustrates that the vehicle roof 110 may be attached to or integral with the support columns 130. The structure including the vehicle roof 110 and the support columns 130 may comprise a roll-over protection system (ROPS) for the vehicle.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of vehicle roof 100 illustrating one embodiment of the approximate interior space of vehicle roof 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the interior of vehicle roof 100 includes a first void space 141 and a second void space 142. First void space 141 and second void space 142 can accommodate wiring, electrical components, electrical equipment (e.g., a battery, a charge controller, a power converter such as a DC-DC converter, a power inverter, and / or communication devices), etc. However, an upper central space 143 of the interior of vehicle roof 100 is provided with a main recess 110, and a lower central space 144 of the interior of vehicle roof 100 is provided with a recess for the cabin of a vehicle on which vehicle roof 100 is mounted. Thus, while first void space 141 and second void space 142 can be used to accommodate components, the central portion of the interior of vehicle roof 100 cannot accommodate larger components. It should be noted that smaller components such as electrical wiring can be placed between the upper central space 143 and the lower central space 144 .

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle roof 100 that includes a compartment 145 within the interior space of the vehicle roof. The compartment 145 may be an enclosed space, such as an electronics housing, and may have a door 146. The door 146 may be open at a lower portion of the compartment 145, for example, to be located within the interior space of the cabin of a vehicle to which the vehicle roof 100 is attached. The door 146 may be secured to the compartment 145 or the vehicle roof 100 by a hinge 147 or the like. Similar to the first and second void spaces 141 and 142 described with reference to FIG. 4, the compartment 145 may house wiring, electrical components, electrical equipment (e.g., a battery, a charge controller, a power converter such as a DC-DC converter, a power inverter, and / or communications equipment), and the like. As an example, FIG. 5 illustrates that a wire harness 148 and electrical components 149 may be housed within the compartment 145. 5 may include an edge computing unit, a GPS controller, a router, a DC-DC converter, etc. Some communication circuits may be housed in the compartment 145, but a communication antenna (e.g., a Wi-Fi antenna) is preferably not housed in the compartment 145 to avoid interference with wireless communications. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical components 149 may be fixed to the door 146.

[0028] 6A-6C show specific examples of wiring diagrams of electrical components housed in, attached to, or connected to vehicle roof 100. At least some of the electrical components shown in FIGS. 6A-6C can be housed in first void space 141 and second void space 142 shown in FIG. 4, or in compartment 145 shown in FIG. 5.

[0029] 7 and 8 show the vehicle roof shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 attached to a vehicle 150. As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle roof 110 and the support columns 130 form a ROPS for the vehicle 150. As shown in FIG. 8, the second end of the vehicle roof 100 can be provided at the rear of the vehicle 150 so that the GPS sensor 122 is located at the rear of the vehicle 150. Accordingly, the first end of the vehicle roof can be provided at the front of the vehicle 150 so that the secondary recess 111 is located at the front of the vehicle 150. However, the vehicle roof 100 can also be attached to the vehicle 150 so that the GPS sensor 122 is located at the front of the vehicle 150 and the secondary recess 111 is located at the rear of the vehicle 150.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of a vehicle 150A having a vehicle roof 100A integrated with a cabin 151A of the vehicle 150A. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cabin 151A shown in FIG. 9. In contrast to the vehicle roof 100 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, which is attached to the support columns 130, the vehicle roof 100A is defined by the roof of the cabin 151A of the vehicle 150A. The vehicle 150A may be similar to the vehicle described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-008076. As shown in FIG. 9, the cabin 151A can be defined by a cage-like structure such that the cabin 151A includes support columns 130A similar to the support columns 130 of the vehicle 150A. As further shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle roof 100A can include an interior void space 141A or compartment 145A that can store wiring, electrical components, electrical equipment (e.g., a battery, a charge controller, a power converter such as a DC-DC converter, a power inverter, and / or communication devices), etc. Vehicle roof 100A may include some or all of the features of the above-described vehicle roof 100. As an example, vehicle roof 100A may not be provided with solar panels.

[0031] Figures 11 and 12 show a vehicle roof 200 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 11 being a view from a first end of the vehicle roof 200 and Figure 12 being a side view of the vehicle roof 200.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 11 , the vehicle roof 200 may be provided with a solar panel 220, one or more light sources 221, one or more GPS sensors 222, one or more LiDAR sensors 223, and one or more other sensors 224. The one or more other sensors 224 may include one or more of a weather sensor, a camera, etc. Power cables and / or data cables for the solar panel 220, the one or more light sources 221, the GPS sensor 222, the one or more LiDAR sensors 223, and the one or more other sensors 224 may be routed through the interior of the vehicle roof 200. The vehicle roof 200 may be attached to or integrated with a support column 230, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . A structure including the vehicle roof 200 and the support column 230 may constitute a rollover protection system (ROPS) for the vehicle.

[0033] 11 and 12 illustrate that the solar panel 220 can be disposed on the main (top) surface of the vehicle roof 200. In contrast to the solar panel 120 disposed within the main recess 110 of the vehicle roof 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar panel 220 is not disposed within any recess. The solar panel 220 can be a flexible solar panel that conforms to the curvature and shape of the main (top) surface of the vehicle roof 200. As shown in FIG. 12, a portion or all of the main (top) surface of the vehicle roof 200 can be tilted, and the solar panel 220 can also be tilted. That is, the main (top) surface of the vehicle roof 200 and the solar panel 220 can define a plane that is tilted relative to a ground contact surface that contacts the wheels or tread of a vehicle that includes the vehicle roof 200.

[0034] 11 and 12 further illustrate that the vehicle roof 200 may also include one or more light sources 221, which may be located within or on the sides of the vehicle roof 200. One or more GPS sensors may be located on a major (top) surface of the vehicle roof 200, such as the GPS sensor 222 shown in FIG. 11. The GPS sensor 222 may also be located within a second GPS recess 212-B, as described below with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a side view of the vehicle roof 200 showing the approximate interior space of the vehicle roof 200. As shown in FIG. 13 , the interior of the vehicle roof 200 includes a first void space 241, a second void space 242, and a central void space 243. Each of the first void space 241, the second void space 242, and the central void space 243 can accommodate wiring, electrical components, and electrical equipment (e.g., a battery, a charge controller, a power inverter, a communication device, etc.). The central void space 243 is at least partially provided without providing a recess in the vehicle roof 200 for the solar panel 220. Furthermore, by not providing a recess for the cabin of the vehicle to which the vehicle roof 200 is attached, the central void space 243 can be increased in size. By providing the central void space 243 in the vehicle roof 200 shown in FIGS. 11-13 , additional components can be arranged inside the vehicle roof 200 compared to the vehicle roof 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 .

[0036] 14 and 15 are partially transparent top views of vehicle roof 200 to further illustrate the interior space of vehicle roof 200. FIG.

[0037] As shown in Figures 11, 12, 14, and 15, one or more LiDAR sensors 223 may be provided on the vehicle roof 200. The LiDAR sensors 223 may be tilted relative to the main surface (top surface) of the vehicle roof 220. Preferably, for example, the LiDAR sensors 223 are adjustable and may each include an adjustable mounting base. Thus, the LiDAR sensors 223 may be adjusted to optimize the LiDAR angle for a particular implementation or use of the vehicle roof 200. For example, the LiDAR sensors 223 may be set at an angle of approximately 40 degrees and / or may have an ultra-wide field of view. Figure 16 shows an example of a detection angle that may be detected by one of the multiple LiDAR sensors 223.

[0038] 17A and 17B illustrate GPS placement locations on the vehicle roof 200. As shown in FIG. 17A, in one arrangement, multiple GPS sensors 222 may be located in first GPS recesses 212-A at a second end of the vehicle roof 200 and spaced apart from one another across the width of the vehicle. As an example, the center-to-center distance D1 between the left and right first GPS recesses 212-A may be approximately 27 inches (approximately 68.6 cm). As shown in FIG. 17B, in another arrangement, multiple GPS sensors 222 may be located in second GPS recesses 212-B at opposing first and second ends of the vehicle roof 200. As an example, the center-to-center distance D2 between the front and rear second GPS recesses 212-B may be approximately 48 inches (approximately 129.1 cm).

[0039] Figure 18 is a side view of a vehicle roof 300 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Figures 19A and 19B are partially transparent top views of the vehicle roof 300 shown in Figure 18. Figure 20 shows an example of the vehicle roof shown in Figure 18.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 18, 19A, and 19B, the vehicle roof 300 may be provided with a solar panel 320, one or more light sources 321, and one or more sensors 323, 324. The one or more sensors 323, 324 may include one or more of a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor, a weather sensor, a camera, etc. The vehicle roof 300 may also include a GPS sensor, similar to the vehicle roof 100 and vehicle roof 200 described above. The solar panel 320, the one or more light sources 321, the one or more sensors 323, 324, and power and / or data cables for the GPS sensor may be routed through the interior of the vehicle roof 300. The vehicle roof 300 may be attached to or integrated with a support pole 330, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20. The structure including the vehicle roof 300 and the support pole 330 may define a rollover protection system (ROPS) for the vehicle.

[0041] FIG. 18 shows vehicle roof 300 having a housing 362 extending from a major surface (top surface) of vehicle roof 300 at a first end thereof, and FIGS. 19A and 19B are transparent perspective views of housing 362. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, housing 362 can house heat dissipation and condensation module 361 (e.g., a heat dissipation structure). Housing 362 can include an opening at an end of housing 362 closest to the first end of vehicle roof 300 to expose heat dissipation and condensation module 361 to ambient air. The opening can be completely open or can include a grill or the like to prevent objects from physically contacting heat dissipation and condensation module 361.

[0042] 20 illustrates an embodiment of vehicle roof 300 including heat dissipation and condenser module 361 and housing 362, with housing 362 having opening 363. Heat dissipation and condenser module 361 may cool vehicle electronics, including components housed in the vehicle roof, and / or dissipate heat for the vehicle's air conditioning system on which vehicle roof 300 is mounted. Heat dissipation and condenser module 361 may be connected to one or more hoses, tubes, and / or power or data cables extending through support posts 330 to connect heat dissipation and condenser module 361 to one or more other components located on or within the body of the vehicle.

[0043] By providing the heat dissipation / condenser module 361 and the housing 362 at a first end of the vehicle roof 300 that corresponds to the front end of the vehicle on which the vehicle roof 300 is mounted, air can be sent to the housing 362 and the heat dissipation / condenser module 361 as the vehicle moves. Additionally, if the vehicle is a combustion-driven vehicle, the heat dissipation / condenser module 361 and the housing 362 can be provided forward of the vehicle's exhaust port.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the heat dissipation / condenser module 361 can be tilted relative to the vertical direction of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the heat dissipation / condenser module 361 can be tilted (inclined) forward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The angle at which the heat dissipation / condenser module 361 is tilted forward may be adjustable, for example, between 0 and 90 degrees. However, the angle at which the heat dissipation / condenser module 361 is tilted forward is preferably between approximately 30 and 60 degrees.

[0045] Vehicle roof 300 is not limited to housing heat dissipation / condenser module 361 including both a radiator and a condenser. For example, only one of the radiator and the condenser may constitute (define) the heat dissipation structure of vehicle roof 300.

[0046] 19A and 19B show that a primary recess 310 is provided in a major (top) surface of vehicle roof 300, and that solar panel 320 can be provided within primary recess 310. As shown in FIG. 19A, one or more secondary recesses 311 can extend from primary recess 310 toward a second end of vehicle roof 300. Solar panel 320 may or may not extend within secondary recess 311, and / or a GPS sensor can be located within secondary recess 311. The GPS sensor can also be provided in other locations on vehicle roof 300, such as on housing 362.

[0047] However, vehicle roof 300 is not limited to having solar panel 320 disposed within main recess 310, and may instead not be disposed within a recess, similar to solar panel 220 shown in Figures 11 and 12. Also, vehicle roof 300 may not have solar panels.

[0048] 21 to 23 are perspective and side views of a vehicle 350A equipped with a vehicle roof 300A. FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle roof 300A. The vehicle roof 300A is 18. Except for the features described above, the vehicle roof 300 includes similar features to the vehicle roof 300 shown in FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 21-24, the vehicle roof 300A includes a housing 362A extending from a main surface (top surface) of the vehicle roof 300A at a first end of the vehicle roof 300A. The housing 362A can house a heat dissipation / condenser module 361A (e.g., a heat dissipation structure). The housing 362A can have a first opening 363A at an end of the housing 362A closest to the first end of the vehicle roof 300A and a second opening 364A at an end of the housing 362A closest to the second end of the vehicle roof 300A to expose the heat dissipation / condenser module 361A to the ambient air. The first opening 363A can be completely open or can include a grill (mesh) or the like to prevent objects from physically contacting the heat dissipation / condenser module 361A.

[0050] Fig. 25 is an exploded view of the heat dissipation / condenser module 361A shown in Figs. 21 to 24. As shown in Figs. 24 and 25, the heat dissipation / condenser module 361A includes a condenser 365A, a group of one or more fans 366A, and a heat dissipation (radiator) 367A. The one or more fans 366A are disposed between the condenser 365A and the radiator 367A.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the vehicle 300A may include one or more side batteries 355A disposed at the bottom thereof and disposed between the front wheels 353A and the rear wheels 354A of the vehicle 300A.

[0052] Vehicle roof 300A is not limited to housing heat dissipation / condenser module 361A including both radiator 367A and condenser 365A. For example, vehicle roof 300A may house only one of radiator 367A and condenser 365A to form a heat dissipation structure.

[0053] 26 and 27 show a modified example of the heat dissipation / condenser module 361A shown in FIGS. 21 to 25. FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle roof 300A having a heat dissipation / condenser module 361B according to the modified example, and FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the heat dissipation / condenser module 361B according to the modified example. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the heat dissipation / condenser module 361B according to the modified example has similar features to those of the heat dissipation / condenser module 361A. However, in addition to a group of one or more fans 366A positioned between the condenser 365A and the radiator 367A, the heat dissipation / condenser module 361B according to the modified example includes a further group of one or more fans 366B arranged between the condenser 365A and the first opening 363A.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the GPS sensor can be disposed at the top of the vehicle. For example, as described above, each of the GPS sensors 122 and 222 is disposed on the main surface (top surface) of the vehicle roofs 100 and 200. Similarly, one or more GPS sensors can be disposed on the main surfaces (top surfaces) of the vehicle roof 100A, the vehicle roof 300, and the vehicle roof 300A. Therefore, by disposing the GPS sensor at the top of the vehicle, the reception sensitivity of the radio waves from the satellites by the GPS sensor can be improved.

[0055] Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the GPS sensor can be located on or substantially symmetrically relative to the longitudinal and / or lateral centerline of the vehicle. For example, the GPS sensor 122 can be located on the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle roof 100, corresponding to the lateral centerline of the vehicle on which the vehicle roof 100 is mounted. As another example, the GPS sensor 222 can be located within the first GPS recess 212-A and substantially symmetrically relative to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle roof, or within the second GPS recess 212-B and on the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle roof. The GPS sensor 222 can be selectively positioned within the first GPS recess 212-A and / or the second GPS recess 212-B at a location corresponding to the lateral centerline of the vehicle on which the vehicle roof 200 is mounted. The GPS sensor positioned on the vehicle roof 300 can be positioned similarly to the locations of the GPS sensors 122 and / or 222. Therefore, the vehicle position detection accuracy of the GPS sensor can be significantly improved.

[0056] In another implementation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the GPS sensor can be located on the center of gravity of the vehicle or substantially symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity of the vehicle, thereby significantly improving the accuracy of the GPS sensor in detecting the vehicle position.

[0057] As shown in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the components and parts of each of the vehicle roofs 100, 100A, 200, 300, and 300A can be positioned within the boundaries of the vehicle frame, particularly within the longitudinal length and lateral width of the vehicle body. Also, some or all of the components and parts of each of the vehicle roofs 100, 100A, 200, 300, and 300A can be positioned within the vertical height of the vehicle. Therefore, by positioning the components and elements provided on each of vehicle roofs 100, 100A, 200, 300, 300A within the range of the vehicle frame, it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent the components and elements (e.g., light sources 121, 221, 321) provided on each of vehicle roofs 100, 100A, 200, 300, 300A from coming into contact with foreign objects or external obstacles (e.g., vines, branches, pillars, buildings, doors, etc.) both when the vehicle is moving and when the vehicle is stopped.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light sources 121, 221, 321 may include blinker (flashing) lights that allow an administrator or operator outside the vehicle to easily visually ascertain the vehicle's operating status.

[0059] The placement locations of the solar panels 120, 220, and 320 are not limited to the specific locations shown on the vehicle roofs 100, 200, and 300. For example, the solar panels 120, 220, and 320 can be mounted on the hood of the vehicle. Furthermore, solar panels can be provided on both the roof and the hood of the vehicle.

[0060] The features and components of each vehicle roof 100, 100A, 200, 300, and 300A can be combined or substituted with one another. Additionally, each vehicle roof 100, 100A, 200, 300, and 300A can be attached to a combustion-powered vehicle or an electric vehicle. A vehicle including any of the vehicle roofs 100, 100A, 200, 300, and 300A can be an autonomous vehicle. Note that while the side battery 355A is only shown for the vehicle 300A shown in FIGS. 21-23 , the side battery 355A can also be included in any vehicle disclosed herein.

[0061] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present invention. Various modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a roof connected to the body of the vehicle or supported by a frame formed by the cabin of said vehicle; a solar panel attached to the roof; the solar panel is mounted in a main recess of the roof; The vehicle wherein the roof includes at least one secondary recess.

2. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary recess is contiguous with the primary recess.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary recess is a drainage groove.

4. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary recess is configured to slope away from the primary recess.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the primary recess is configured to slope toward the at least one secondary recess.

6. further comprising at least one electrical component attached to or integrally formed with said roof; 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary recess is positioned so as not to overlap the at least one electrical component in a vertical direction.

7. The vehicle of claim 6 , wherein the at least one electrical component includes one or more of a light source, a weather sensor, a camera, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor.

8. 7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the at least one electrical component is provided within a range of a length of the vehicle body in a front-rear direction and within a range of a width of the vehicle body in a left-right direction.

9. 7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein an innermost edge of the secondary recess is located laterally outward of an outermost edge of the at least one electrical component.

10. It also has a windshield, 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the secondary recess is positioned so as not to vertically overlap the windshield of the vehicle.

11. the main recess of the roof is formed by a recess provided in an upper surface of the roof; 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the main recess of the roof and the upper surface of the roof increases in the left-right direction toward a center of the roof.

12. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor mounted on the roof.

13. 13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the at least one GPS sensor is provided in a GPS recess in the major surface of the roof.

14. The at least one GPS sensor may include one or more GPS sensors disposed at an edge of the roof opposite an edge of the roof that includes the at least one secondary recess.

13. The vehicle of claim 12.

15. 13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the at least one GPS sensor is positioned on at least one of a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline of the vehicle or positioned substantially symmetrically about the at least one of the longitudinal centerline and the lateral centerline of the vehicle.

16. the secondary recess is disposed at a front portion of the roof and extends a first distance in a fore-aft direction; the roof further includes a tertiary recess disposed at a rear portion thereof and extending a second distance in the fore-and-aft direction; The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

17. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the roof includes an interior void space that houses at least one electrical component or at least one cable.

18. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one support pillar attached to or integral with said roof.

19. 20. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the at least one pillar and the roof comprise a rollover protection system for the vehicle.

20. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein a part or all of the solar panel is inclined with respect to the main surface of the roof.

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