Vehicles equipped with a roof spoiler component

Abstract

This design achieves both the reduction of air resistance through the roof spoiler component and the suppression of snow accumulation on the rear of the vehicle. [Solution] The vehicle has a roof spoiler member fixed to the vehicle body so as to be spaced apart from the roof and rear of the vehicle body, and an opposing surface member provided on the vehicle body above the rear window so as to protrude from the rear of the vehicle body. When snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body is removed, the opposing surface member moves from a state where it protrudes from the rear of the vehicle body and is retracted into the rear of the vehicle body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application mainly discloses a vehicle having a roof spoiler member.

Background Art

[0002] In vehicles, some have a roof spoiler member to reduce air resistance (Patent Documents 1 and 2). The roof spoiler member is generally provided at the rear side of the roof of the vehicle body so as to extend along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body. Also, the roof spoiler member may be fixed to the vehicle body so as to be separated from the rear surface of the vehicle body as in Patent Document 2. In a roof spoiler member separated from the rear surface of the vehicle body, airflows occur above and below it. And by providing a roof spoiler member as in Patent Document 2, the airflow above the roof of the vehicle body becomes less likely to be卷入 into the rear surface of the vehicle body after passing through the trailing edge of the roof, and it becomes easier to flow rearward of the vehicle body while maintaining the flow on the roof. As a result, the air resistance of the vehicle body is improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 2, as a result of making it less likely for airflow over the roof of the vehicle to be drawn towards the rear of the vehicle, airflow under the vehicle body is more likely to be drawn towards the rear of the vehicle body. When driving in snowfall or on snowy roads, snow is kicked up by the airflow under the body, and the snow carried by the airflow under the body is more likely to adhere to the rear of the vehicle body. If snow adheres to the rear window of the vehicle body, rearward visibility is reduced. If snow adheres to the taillights of the vehicle body, the visibility of the vehicle from behind is reduced.

[0005] In vehicles equipped with a roof spoiler, it is necessary to achieve both the reduction of air resistance provided by the roof spoiler and the suppression of snow accumulation on the rear of the vehicle. From an aerodynamic standpoint, the vehicle is required to achieve both the reduction of air resistance and the suppression of snow accumulation on the rear of the vehicle, which are conflicting measures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle having a roof spoiler member according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a roof spoiler member fixed to the vehicle body at the rear of the roof of the vehicle body so as to be spaced apart from the roof and rear surface of the vehicle body, and an opposing surface member provided on the vehicle body above the rear glass so as to protrude from the rear surface of the vehicle body, wherein the opposing surface member is movable from a state protruding from the rear surface of the vehicle body and retracted into the rear surface of the vehicle body when removing snow adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body or when preventing snow from adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle body is provided with a roof spoiler member and an opposing surface member. The roof spoiler member is fixed to the vehicle body at the rear of the roof of the vehicle body, spaced apart from the roof and the rear surface of the vehicle body. The opposing surface member is provided above the rear window of the vehicle body, protruding from the rear surface of the vehicle body. Furthermore, when removing snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body or when preventing snow from adhering to the rear of the vehicle body, the opposing surface member moves from a state protruding from the rear of the vehicle body to a state retracted into the rear of the vehicle body. The opposing surface member is provided to be movable between a state protruding from the rear of the vehicle body and a state retracted into the rear of the vehicle body. Such opposing surface members protrude from the rear of the vehicle body when reducing the vehicle's air resistance. This allows the roof spoiler member and opposing surface members to direct the airflow over the vehicle's roof from above and below the roof spoiler member, following the same flow as over the roof, towards the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle's air resistance is improved. Furthermore, when removing snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body, or when preventing snow from adhering to the rear of the vehicle body, the opposing surface member moves from a position protruding from the rear of the vehicle body and is retracted into the rear of the vehicle body. The airflow below the roof spoiler member flows downward along the rear window of the vehicle body. As a result, snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body is more easily detached from the rear of the vehicle body by the downward airflow flowing along the rear window. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, a movable opposing surface member is provided on the rear surface of the vehicle body so as to face the lower surface of the roof spoiler member. This makes it possible to achieve both the effect of reducing air resistance by the roof spoiler member and suppressing snow accumulation on the rear surface of the vehicle body in one embodiment of the present invention. Reducing air resistance and suppressing snow accumulation on the rear surface of the vehicle body require conflicting measures from an aerodynamic standpoint, but in one embodiment of the present invention, both functions can be achieved simultaneously. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of the airflow above and below a vehicle and the resulting air resistance. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle having a roof spoiler member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the kick member, as an opposing surface member, protrudes from the rear of the vehicle body. [Figure 4]Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the kick member, which serves as the opposing surface member, is stored in the rear of the vehicle body. [Figure 5] This table shows an example of the relationship between the vehicle mode setting and the control content of the kick member in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the airflow at the rear of the vehicle in normal mode, which reduces air resistance. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle in normal mode. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the airflow at the rear of the vehicle in snow removal mode. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the control of the kicking member performed by the control device. [Figure 10] This table shows an example of the relationship between the vehicle's mode setting and the control of the kick mechanism in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, after providing an overview, the following examples will be described: the airflow around the vehicle body and basic air resistance; a vehicle having a roof spoiler member; the configuration and control system of the kick member as an opposing surface member; the control state of the kick member's movement; the airflow when the kick member protrudes from the rear of the vehicle body; snow accumulation on the rear of the vehicle body; the airflow when the kick member is retracted into the rear of the vehicle body; and mode control. The following description of embodiments and drawings are examples of the invention disclosed in this application and do not limit the invention disclosed in this application.

[0010] (Overview) Some vehicles have a roof spoiler component. By providing a roof spoiler component on the vehicle body, the vehicle's air resistance can be reduced. However, due to the presence of a roof spoiler component on the vehicle body, snow may accumulate on the rear surface of the vehicle. For this countermeasure, in one embodiment of the present invention, a movable opposing member is provided on the vehicle body together with the roof spoiler member. The roof spoiler member is fixed to the vehicle body so as to be spaced apart from the roof and the rear surface of the vehicle body at the rear side of the roof of the vehicle body. The opposing member is movably provided so as to protrude from the rear surface of the vehicle body above the rear glass of the vehicle body. The opposing member is movably provided between a state of protruding from the rear surface of the vehicle body and a state of being stored in the rear surface of the vehicle body. When reducing the air resistance of the vehicle body, the opposing member protrudes from the rear surface of the vehicle body so that the depression angle of the opposing surface facing the lower surface of the roof spoiler member becomes the first control depression angle. Thereby, the air resistance of the vehicle can be reduced. On the other hand, when removing the snow adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body, the opposing member moves so that the depression angle of the opposing surface becomes the second control depression angle which is a depression angle larger than the first control depression angle. Thereby, the vehicle can generate an air flow from top to bottom along the rear glass and remove the snow adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body.

[0011] (Explanation of the air flow of the vehicle body and basic air resistance) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the upper and lower air flows and air resistance of the vehicle 1. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 1, up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used. The vehicle width direction is a direction along the left-right direction.

[0012] The vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a vehicle body 2. When the vehicle 1 travels, an air flow occurs around the vehicle 1. The upper air flow (Top Flow) above the vehicle body 2 flows rearward along the roof 3 from the front of the vehicle body 2. The lower air flow (Bottom Flow) below the vehicle body 2 flows rearward through the bottom of the vehicle body 2. The upper air flow and the lower air flow merge behind the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2 and flow rearward of the vehicle body 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, a vortex is generated behind the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. The vortex behind the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body is generally generated by a part of the upper air flow swirling behind the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. When such a vortex is generated behind the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, a force is generated to pull the vehicle body 2 backward, increasing the air resistance of the vehicle body 2.

[0013] To suppress vortices at the rear of the vehicle body 2, a roof spoiler member may be provided on the vehicle 1. As shown by the dashed frame 20 in Figure 1, in the vehicle body shape 2 of Figure 1, a roof spoiler member is often provided at the rear end of the roof 3. By providing a roof spoiler member, the upper airflow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 becomes less likely to flow downwards toward the rear of the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2 after passing the trailing edge of the roof 3, and is more likely to flow toward the rear of the vehicle body 2 while maintaining the flow over the roof 3. As a result, the air resistance of the vehicle body 2 is improved. However, the upward airflow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 becomes less likely to flow downward toward the rear of the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2, resulting in the downward airflow under the floor of the vehicle body 2 becoming more likely to flow upward toward the rear of the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. When driving in snowfall or on snowy roads, the downward airflow under the floor of the vehicle body 2 kicks up snow, which tends to adhere to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2, as shown in Figure 7 below. When snow adheres to the rear window of the rear surface 4, as described below, rearward visibility is reduced. When snow adheres to the taillights of the rear surface 4, as described below, the visibility of the vehicle body 2 from the rear is reduced. Thus, vehicle 1 is required not only to reduce air resistance by simply providing a roof spoiler, but also to suppress snow accumulation on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. From an aerodynamic standpoint, vehicle 1 is required to achieve both reduction of air resistance and suppression of snow accumulation on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, which are conflicting measures.

[0014] (An example of a vehicle with a roof spoiler component) Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle 1 having a roof spoiler member 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 in Figure 2 includes a roof spoiler member 21, a kick member 26 as an opposing surface member, a rear camera 16, an actuator 12, an operating member 13, and a control device 14. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the kick member 26, which is the opposing surface member in Figure 2, protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the kick member 26, which serves as the opposing surface member in Figure 2, is stored in the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body.

[0015] The roof spoiler member 21 has left and right leg portions 22 and a rectifier plate portion 23 provided between the left and right leg portions 22. The left and right legs 22 are fixed upright on the left and right sides of the vehicle body 2, such as on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2 above the rear glass 5. As a result, the airflow rectifier 23 provided between the left and right legs 22 is provided to extend along the width direction of the vehicle body 2, across the entire width of the vehicle body 2. The airflow rectifier 23 is provided behind the rear edge of the roof 3, at a position spaced apart from the rear edge of the roof 3 and the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a portion of the upper airflow over the roof 3 flows above and below the airflow rectifier 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 and merges behind the airflow rectifier 23. The rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 has a lower surface 25 and an upper surface 24. The lower surface 25 and the upper surface 24, together with the rear surface 29, form a closed cross section. The lower surface 25 and the upper surface 24 are connected at the inlet end 51 of the rectifier plate portion 23. The lower surface 25 is the surface that extends downward from the inlet end 51. The lower surface 25 is the surface on the side of the rear glass 5. The upper surface 24 is the surface that extends rearward from the inlet end 51 above the lower surface 25. The upper surface 24 is the upper surface of the vehicle body 2 in the vertical direction relative to the lower surface 25. The upper surface 24 is the upper surface of the vehicle body 2 in the vertical direction relative to the lower surface 25. The upper surface 24 is formed as a flat surface with a first downward angle θ1 that slopes downward towards the rear. The upper surface 24 may also be formed as a flat surface that curves in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 2. The upper surface 24 of the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 is provided with a first downward angle θ1. Airflow over the rectifier plate portion 23 can flow from the inlet end 51 of the rectifier plate portion 23 toward the rear along the upper surface 24, and from the outlet end 54 on the rectifier plate portion 23 toward the rear of the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21. The lower surface 25 has a first lower surface 25a and a second lower surface 25b. The first lower surface 25a is the surface facing the rear glass 5. The second lower surface 25b is the surface extending rearward from the position 52 of the trailing edge of the first lower surface 25a. In Figure 2, the second lower surface 25b has a small elevation angle. The second lower surface 25b may also have a smaller depression angle than the first lower surface 25a. These shapes of the lower surface 25 result in a downward-convex curved surface. The airflow below the rectifier plate portion 23 can flow from the inlet end 51 of the rectifier plate portion 23 along the first lower surface 25a, flow along the second lower surface 25b, and flow from the outlet end 53 below the rectifier plate portion 23 toward the rear of the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21. The first lower surface 25a and the second lower surface 25b may be curved in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 2. In this way, the airflow straightening plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 can divide the airflow flowing toward the airflow straightening plate portion 23 into upper and lower sections at the inlet end 51 of the airflow straightening plate portion 23, and direct each of the separated upper and lower airflows along the upper surface 24 or lower surface 25, so that they merge behind the airflow straightening plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21. Furthermore, the creepage distance of the lower surface 25 of the roof spoiler member 21 is longer than that of the upper surface 24. As a result, the airflow straightening plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 is capable of generating downforce.

[0016] (An example of the configuration of the kick member) The kick member 26 is provided on the vehicle body 2 above the rear glass 5 of the vehicle body 2, so as to protrude from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body between the left and right legs 22 of the roof spoiler member 21. The kick member 26 extends in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 2 between the left and right legs 22 of the roof spoiler member 21. The kick member 26 has an opposing surface 27 that extends along the vehicle width direction so as to face the lower surface 25 of the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 over substantially its entire width. Here, the rear glass 5 on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body in Figure 2 is positioned such that the outer surface of the rear glass 5 has a second downward angle θ2. The rear surface 4 of the vehicle body above the rear glass 5 is also positioned with the same second downward angle θ2 as the rear glass 5. The rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, which extends from the rear edge of the roof 3, is formed with a second downward angle θ2 up to the rear glass 5. The first downward angle θ1 is smaller than the second downward angle θ2.

[0017] The kick member 26, which is elongated in the vehicle width direction, is movably mounted relative to the vehicle body 2. In this embodiment, the kick member 26 is rotatably mounted around a vehicle width direction axis 28 provided on the upper part of the kick member 26. The rotatable kick member 26 is rotatable between a retracted state, as shown in Figure 4, in which the opposing surface 27 is stored so as to be substantially flush with the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, and a protruding state, as shown in Figure 3, in which the opposing surface 27 protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body so as to approach the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21.

[0018] The opposing surface 27 of the kick member 26 is formed to have a surface shape that does not create a step between the kick member 26 and the surrounding rear surface 4 of the vehicle body when it is stored in the vehicle body 2, as shown in Figure 4. The opposing surface 27 may also be formed to have a planar shape. As the kick member 26 is set to the second controlled depression angle, at least a portion of the airflow below the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 flows downward along the rear glass 5.

[0019] Furthermore, the kick member 26 rotates around a vehicle-width axis 28 located at its upper part, causing it to protrude from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 3. In the protruding state, the upper edge of the kick member 26 does not protrude from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. The kick member 26 protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body in an oblique position, with the amount of protrusion increasing in stages from the top to the bottom of the kick member 26. As a result, the airflow below the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 flows along the opposing surface 27 of the kick member 26 protruding from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, and flows rearward toward the rear of the vehicle body 2.

[0020] (An example of a control system for a kicking mechanism) The rear camera 16 captures images of the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. The rear camera 16 may be mounted facing downwards, for example, on the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21. Alternatively, the rear camera 16 may be mounted facing rearward inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle body 2. The rear camera 16 may be a monocular camera or a 360-degree camera.

[0021] The actuator 12 rotates the kick member 26 between a second control depression angle and a first control depression angle. The actuator 12 also holds the kick member 26 in the rotated position. The actuator 12 may, for example, directly rotate the kick member 26, or it may rotate the kick member 26 using a rod that pushes the kick member 26 from below upwards.

[0022] The operating member 13 is located in the passenger compartment (not shown) of the vehicle body 2 and is operated by an occupant such as a driver.

[0023] The control device 14 controls the movement of the kick member 26. The control device 14 is connected to a rear camera 16, an actuator 12, and an operating member 13. Based on the image captured by the rear camera 16, the control device 14 determines whether or not snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. The control device 14 operates the actuator 12 according to the determination result. As a result, the kick member 26 is controlled between the protruding state shown in Figure 3 and the retracted state shown in Figure 4.

[0024] (An example of the control state of the kicking member's movement) Figure 5 is a table 30 showing an example of the relationship between the mode setting of vehicle 1 and the control content of the kick member 26 in this embodiment. Figure 5 illustrates the mode settings for vehicle 1, including a normal mode that reduces the air resistance of the vehicle body 2, a snow removal mode, and a snow protection mode. Table 30 in Figure 5 may be recorded in a memory (not shown) of the control device 14. In this context, the snow removal mode is a mode that removes snow from the rear of the vehicle body 4 if snow is attached to it. The snow protection mode is a mode that prevents snow from accumulating on the rear of the vehicle body 4. The mode settings of these vehicles 1 may be set by the occupants.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 5, when the normal mode is set, the control device 14 operates the actuator 12 to rotate the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes the same as the first control depression angle θ1. When snow protection mode is set, the control device 14 operates the actuator 12 to rotate the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes the same as the second control depression angle θ2. When snow removal mode is set, the control device 14 acquires the image captured by the rear camera 16 and determines whether or not snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. The control device 14 operates the actuator 12 according to the determination result to move the kick member 26 between the first control depression angle and the second control depression angle.

[0026] (Example of airflow when the kick member protrudes from the rear of the vehicle body) Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the airflow at the rear of the vehicle body 4 in the normal mode, which reduces air resistance. In Figure 6, the kick member 26 is controlled to a first controlled depression angle as shown in Figure 3, and protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body below the roof spoiler member 21. Here, the first controlled depression angle is the same as the first depression angle θ1 of the upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21. Furthermore, in Figure 6, the lower rear surface 7 of the rear of the vehicle body 4, which is the part below the rear window 5, is formed as a surface that is more upright than the rear window 5 throughout its entirety. A taillight 6 is provided below the rear window 5.

[0027] In this case, the upper airflow over the roof 3 splits into upper and lower streams at the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21, then flows along the upper surface 24 and lower surface 25 of the rectifier plate portion 23 toward the rear of the vehicle body 2, and merges behind the rectifier plate portion 23. The airflow below the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 does not easily flow downward along the rear glass 5. As a result, the downdraft beneath the vehicle body 2, after reaching the rear end of the vehicle body 2, is blown upward towards the rear of the vehicle body 4, where there is negative pressure. In the example in Figure 6, the downdraft flows upward along the rear of the vehicle body 4, blowing up to near the upper edge of the rear window 5. The downdraft that has risen to near the upper edge of the rear window 5 then blows downward along the outer surface of the rear window 5, flowing towards the rear of the vehicle body 2.

[0028] (Example of snow accumulation on the rear of the vehicle) Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body in normal mode. Figure 7 shows the condition of the rear of the vehicle 4 after driving in snowfall or on a snowy road in the state shown in Figure 6.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, snow chunks 40 are attached to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. The snow chunks 40 are attached to the area from the rear window 5 to the lower rear surface 7 below the rear window 5. The snow chunks 40 on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body are formed when snow blown up by the downdraft hits the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body in sequence and accumulates on top of the rear surface 4. In particular, in Figure 7, the lower rear surface 7 below the rear window 5 of the vehicle body is at a greater downward angle than the rear window 5, so the snow is blown upward with the same force. The lower rear surface 7 does not easily obstruct the upward movement of the snow. The snow is easily blown upward to reach the height of the rear window 5. When snow accumulates on the rear window 5, rearward visibility from inside the vehicle is reduced. When snow accumulates on the taillights 6, the visibility of the vehicle body 2 from behind is reduced. Drivers of following vehicles will have difficulty confirming whether the taillights 6 are illuminated.

[0030] (Example of airflow when the kick member is stored in the rear of the vehicle body) Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the airflow at the rear of the vehicle body 4 in snow removal mode. Figure 8 shows the state after the kick member 26 has been controlled to the second control depression angle as shown in Figure 4 and retracted, in the state shown in Figure 7, and the vehicle has been driven. In this case, the vehicle 1 may be driven during snowfall or on snowy roads. The second control depression angle is the same as the second depression angle θ2 of the outer surface of the rear glass 5.

[0031] In this case, the airflow above the roof 3 is divided into upper and lower sections above the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21. Furthermore, the airflow below the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21 flows downward along the rear of the vehicle body 4 and the rear window 5, rather than flowing along the lower surface 25 of the rectifier plate portion 23 of the roof spoiler member 21. The downward airflow flowing downward along the rear window 5 continues to hit the snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body 4 of the vehicle body 2. As a result, the snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body 4 of the vehicle body 2 can detach from the rear of the vehicle body 2 and fall off. Rearward visibility from inside the vehicle is restored. Visibility of the rear lights 6 from the rear is also restored.

[0032] (Example of mode control) Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the control of the kicking member 26 performed by the control device 14 in Figure 2. The control device 14 repeatedly performs control of the kicking member 26 shown in Figure 9.

[0033] In step ST1, the control device 14 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 is in motion. The control device 14 acquires the status of, for example, the engine start button or the ignition switch of the vehicle 1, which are provided on the operating member 13. In this case, if the engine start button is operated to the OFF position, the control device 14 determines that the vehicle 1 is not in motion and repeats this process. Also, if the ignition switch is operated to a position other than ON, the control device 14 determines that the vehicle 1 is not in motion and repeats this process. If the engine start button is pressed to the ON position, or if the ignition switch is pressed to the ON position, it is determined that vehicle 1 is in motion, and the process proceeds to step ST2.

[0034] In step ST2, the control device 14 acquires information about the mode set on the operating member 13. As shown in Figure 5, the modes that can be set on the vehicle 1 include air resistance reduction mode, snow removal mode, and snow protection mode. These are modes that can be used to control the kick member 26. The driver or other occupant of the vehicle 1 operates the operating member 13 at their own discretion to set the vehicle 1 to one of the three modes: air resistance reduction mode, snow removal mode, and snow protection mode. In addition, modes from other classifications may be set for vehicle 1. For example, vehicle 1 may have modes such as rough road driving mode, sport mode, and high-speed driving mode. In this case, the control device 14 may pre-associate an air resistance reduction mode, snow removal mode, or snow protection mode with each mode, and convert the acquired mode in step ST2 to one of the three modes.

[0035] In step ST3, the control device 14 determines whether the setting mode acquired in step ST2 is the snow removal mode. If the setting mode is not the snow removal mode, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST10. If the setting mode is the snow removal mode, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST4.

[0036] From step ST4, the control device 14 starts controlling the movement of the kick member 26 for snow removal mode. When snow removal mode is set, the control device 14 moves the kick member 26 between a first control depression angle and a second control depression angle according to the result of determining whether or not snow is adhering based on the image from the rear camera 16.

[0037] In step ST5, the control device 14 acquires the latest image from the rear camera 16 which is capturing images of the rear of the vehicle body 4.

[0038] In step ST6, the control device 14 analyzes the image acquired in step ST5 and determines whether or not snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. For example, if snow is attached to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body as shown in Figure 7, the control device 14 determines that snow is attached to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body and proceeds to step ST7. The control device 14 may determine that snow is present on the rear of the vehicle 4 if the ratio of the number of snow-colored pixels to the total number of pixels on the rear of the vehicle 4 being imaged exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the control device 14 may determine that snow is present on the rear of the vehicle 4 if the number of pixels of the color of the rear glass 5 or the color of the taillights on the rear of the vehicle 4 being imaged is at or below a predetermined ratio to the total number of pixels of those colors when there is no snow present. Here, the number of pixels corresponds to the imaged area. If the control device 14 does not determine that snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, it proceeds to step ST8.

[0039] In step ST7, the control device 14 controls the kick member 26 to a second controlled depression angle using the actuator 12. As a result, the kick member 26 is retracted into the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 4. The airflow over the vehicle body 2 is as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, for example, snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 7, falls off the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body due to the airflow flowing from top to bottom along the rear surface 4. Subsequently, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST14.

[0040] From step ST8, the control device 14 starts processing the case where no snow is present.

[0041] In step ST9, the control device 14 controls the kick member 26 to a first controlled depression angle using the actuator 12. As a result, the kick member 26 protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 3. The airflow over the vehicle body 2 becomes as shown in Figure 6. The aerodynamic drag of the vehicle body 2 can be reduced. Subsequently, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST14.

[0042] In step ST10, the control device 14 determines whether the setting mode acquired in step ST2 is snow protection mode. If the setting mode is not snow protection mode, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST12. If the setting mode is snow protection mode, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST11.

[0043] In step ST11, the control device 14 controls the kick member 26 to a second controlled depression angle using the actuator 12. As a result, the kick member 26 is retracted into the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 4. The airflow over the vehicle body 2 is as shown in Figure 8. In this case, a portion of the upper airflow always flows from top to bottom along the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. Therefore, snow is less likely to adhere to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, for example, as shown in Figure 7. Subsequently, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST14.

[0044] From step ST12, the control device 14 starts processing in the normal mode.

[0045] In step ST13, the control device 14 controls the kick member 26 to a first controlled depression angle using the actuator 12. As a result, the kick member 26 protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 3. The airflow over the vehicle body 2 becomes as shown in Figure 6. The aerodynamic drag of the vehicle body 2 can be reduced. Subsequently, the control device 14 proceeds to step ST14.

[0046] In step ST14, the control device 14 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 has finished traveling. The control device 14 may determine whether the vehicle 1 has finished driving based on the state of, for example, the engine start button or the ignition switch of the vehicle 1, which are provided on the operating member 13. If the engine start button or ignition switch is operated to the OFF position, the control device 14 determines that the vehicle 1 has finished driving and terminates this control. Otherwise, the control device 14 determines that the vehicle 1 has not finished traveling and returns to step ST2. The control device 14 repeats the process from step ST2 to step ST14 until it determines that the vehicle 1 has finished traveling.

[0047] If an occupant changes the mode setting of vehicle 1 by operating the control member 13 while vehicle 1 is in motion, the control device 14 can execute the processing corresponding to the changed mode setting in steps ST2 to ST14. Furthermore, if snow adheres to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body as shown in the example in Figure 7, as a result of driving with the kick member 26 extended under the snow removal mode setting, the control device 14 can retract the kick member 26 in subsequent processing to remove the snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. Also, when there is no snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, the control device 14 can determine this based on the image from the rear camera 16 and extend the kick member 26 from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. This can reduce the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle body 2. Under the snow removal mode setting, the control device 14 basically drives with the kick member 26 extended from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body to reduce the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle body 2, and if snow adheres to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body during driving, it can retract the kick member 26 to remove the snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. Furthermore, after removing the snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, the control device 14 can again extend the kick member 26 from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body to reduce the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle body 2 and drive.

[0048] (effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle body 2 is provided with a roof spoiler member 21 and a kick member 26 as an opposing surface member. The roof spoiler member 21 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 at the rear side of the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle body 1, spaced apart from the roof 3 and the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. The kick member 26 is provided above the rear glass 5 of the vehicle body 2, protruding from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. The kick member 26 has an opposing surface 27 that faces the lower surface 25 of the roof spoiler member 21. Furthermore, the kick member 26, which acts as an opposing surface member, moves from a state where it protrudes from the rear of the vehicle body 4 to be retracted into the rear of the vehicle body 4 when removing snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body 4 or when preventing snow from adhering to the rear of the vehicle body 4. In this manner, the kick member 26 protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body such that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes the first control depression angle. As a result, the roof spoiler member 21 and the kick member 26 can direct the upper airflow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 towards the rear of the vehicle body 2 from above and below the roof spoiler member 21, following the flow over the roof 3. Consequently, the air resistance of the vehicle body 2 is improved. Furthermore, when removing or preventing snow from adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2, the kick member 26 is movable to reduce the amount it protrudes from the rear surface 4 and is retracted into the rear surface 4. By being retracted into the rear surface 4, the kick member 26 can direct at least a portion of the airflow below the roof spoiler member 21 towards the rear glass 5, allowing it to flow downward along the rear glass 5 of the rear surface 4. As a result, the snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2 is more easily detached and removed by the downward airflow flowing along the rear glass 5. Thus, in this embodiment, a kick member 26 is made movable on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2, facing the lower surface 25 of the roof spoiler member 21. This makes it possible to achieve both the effect of reducing air resistance by the roof spoiler member 21 and suppressing snow accumulation on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. Reducing air resistance and suppressing snow accumulation on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body require conflicting measures from an aerodynamic standpoint, but in this embodiment, they can be achieved simultaneously by providing a kick member 26 facing the roof spoiler member 21 and making the kick member 26 movable. In particular, in this embodiment, the vehicle body 2 has a rear glass 5 on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2 that is angled downwards toward the front, and the lower rear surface 7 below the rear glass 5 of the rear surface 4 is formed as a whole that is more upright than the rear glass 5. In this case, if the air resistance of the vehicle body 2 is improved by the roof spoiler member 21, snow will be more likely to accumulate and adhere to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, such as the rear glass 5. In this embodiment, even with a vehicle body 2 having a rear surface 4 with a shape that makes it easy for snow to adhere, it is possible to achieve both the effect of reducing air resistance and the effect of suppressing snow adhesion to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body.

[0049] In this embodiment, in the normal mode for reducing the air resistance of the vehicle body 2, the kick member 26 protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body such that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a first control depression angle, which is the same as the first depression angle θ1. Here, the first depression angle θ1 is the depression angle of the upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21. As a result, even if the upper airflow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 is divided into upper and lower parts by the roof spoiler member 21 and flows toward the rear of the vehicle body 2, it is easier for the airflow to merge on the rear side of the roof spoiler member 21 while remaining in the same flow as on the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2. Vortices are less likely to be generated on the rear side of the roof spoiler member 21. As a result, the upper airflow over the roof 3 is more likely to pass through the roof spoiler member 21 and flow toward the rear of the vehicle body 2 while remaining in the same flow as on the roof 3. The effect of improving the air resistance of the vehicle body 2 is enhanced. Furthermore, in snow removal mode, when the kick member 26 is used to remove snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2, it moves so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a second control depression angle, which is the same as the second depression angle θ2. Here, the second depression angle θ2 is the depression angle of the outer surface of the rear glass 5. Also, when the opposing surface 27 has the same depression angle as the second depression angle θ2, the kick member 26 can essentially be stored in the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body so as not to protrude from the rear surface 4. As a result, the airflow under the roof spoiler member 21 is more likely to flow downward along the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body and the rear glass 5. The airflow under the roof spoiler member 21 is less likely to flow away from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body and the rear glass 5. As a result, snow adhering to the rear window 5 on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2 is more easily detached from the rear surface 4 and rear window 5 by the airflow flowing from top to bottom along the rear surface 4 and rear window 5 of the vehicle body 2. Large chunks of snow are less likely to remain on the rear surface 4 and rear window 5 of the vehicle body. Under these downward angle conditions, the vehicle 1 in which the kick member 26 is movable can achieve both the effect of reducing air resistance by the roof spoiler member 21 and suppressing snow accumulation on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2.

[0050] In contrast, if, for example, the opposing surface 27 of the kick member 26 has a greater depression angle θ1 than the first depression angle θ1 of the upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21, the upper airflow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 will split above and below the roof spoiler member 21, creating a difference in airflow between the upper and lower sections. This makes it difficult for the airflow to rejoin at the rear of the roof spoiler member 21 while remaining as it was on the roof 3. Vortices are more likely to form around the roof spoiler member 21. Furthermore, the airflow below the roof spoiler member 21 is more likely to flow downwards towards the vehicle body 2. When these situations occur, the air resistance of the vehicle body 2 increases. Furthermore, if the opposing surface 27 of the kick member 26 has a smaller depression angle θ2 than the second depression angle θ2 of the outer surface of the rear glass 5, then even if some of the upper airflow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 and the airflow under the roof spoiler member 21 flow downwards towards the vehicle body 2, they are more likely to flow away from the rear of the vehicle body 4 and the rear glass 5. Airflow that flows away from the rear of the vehicle body 4 and the rear glass 5 in this manner is less likely to function in a way that removes snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body 4 and the rear glass 5.

[0051] In this embodiment, the control device 14 moves the kick member 26. Specifically, the control device 14 determines whether or not snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body based on images from a camera mounted on the vehicle body 2 capable of capturing images of the rear surface 4. If there is no snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, the control device 14 causes the kick member 26 to protrude from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes the first control depression angle. This reduces the air resistance of the vehicle 1. In contrast, if snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, the control device 14 moves the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes the second control depression angle. As a result, the snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, as captured by the camera, can be detached from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body.

[0052] In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 can be set to one of three modes: a mode for reducing air resistance for normal driving, a snow removal mode, and a snow protection mode. The control device 14 acquires the set mode setting as setting information for the kick member 26. When the mode for reducing air resistance for normal driving is set, the kick member 26 is made to protrude from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes the first control depression angle. As a result, the vehicle 1 can continue to drive while maintaining reduced air resistance. In contrast, when the snow protection mode is set, the control device 14 moves the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes the second control depression angle. As a result, the vehicle 1 can continue to drive without snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. Furthermore, when the snow removal mode is set, the control device 14 moves the kick member 26 between the first and second control depression angles according to the result of the determination of whether or not snow is adhering based on the camera image. As a result, the vehicle 1 can normally travel with reduced air resistance, and if snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, it will remove it and continue traveling. The driver of the vehicle 1 and the drivers of following vehicles can continue traveling without being bothered by snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, and without being affected by the reduced visibility caused by snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body.

[0053] (modified version) The embodiments described above are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications or changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0054] (Variable example of control of the kicking member) In the embodiment described above, the kick member 26 protrudes from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body so that, in the normal mode for reducing the air resistance of the vehicle body 2, the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a first control depression angle which is the same as the first depression angle θ1. In addition, for example, in the normal mode for reducing the air resistance of the vehicle body 2, the kick member 26 may protrude from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body such that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a first control depression angle which is less than or equal to the first depression angle θ1. Even in this case, it is expected that most of the upper airflow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2 will flow from above and below the roof spoiler member 21 toward the rear of the vehicle body 2, and that it will be easier for it to merge behind the roof spoiler member 21 while maintaining the flow over the roof 3 of the vehicle body 2. Furthermore, it is expected that vortices will be less likely to form around the roof spoiler member 21. As a result, it is expected that the upper airflow over the roof 3 will flow away toward the rear of the vehicle body 2 while maintaining the flow over the roof 3. An improvement in the air resistance of the vehicle body 2 can be expected.

[0055] In the embodiment described above, in the snow removal mode for removing snow adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2, the kick member 26 moves so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a second control depression angle, which is the same depression angle as the second depression angle θ2. Even in this case, it is expected that a portion of the airflow below the roof spoiler member 21 flows downward along the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, and further flows downward along the outer surface of the rear glass 5. This airflow becomes less likely to flow from top to bottom when it is away from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, such as the rear glass 5. As a result, snow adhering to the rear glass 5 and other parts of the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2 can be detached as if being dropped from the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body 2. It is expected that large chunks of snow will be less likely to remain on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, such as the rear glass 5.

[0056] Figure 10 is a table 30 showing an example of the relationship between the mode setting of vehicle 1 and the control content of the kick member 26 in a modified example. Figure 10 illustrates the mode settings for vehicle 1, including a normal mode that reduces the air resistance of the vehicle body 2, a snow removal mode, and a snow protection mode.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 10, when the normal mode is set, the control device 14 operates the actuator 12 to rotate the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a first control depression angle less than or equal to the first depression angle θ1. When snow protection mode is set, the control device 14 operates the actuator 12 to rotate the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a second control depression angle equal to or greater than the second depression angle θ2. When snow removal mode is set, the control device 14 acquires the image captured by the rear camera 16 and determines whether or not snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. If snow is adhering, the control device 14 operates the actuator 12 to rotate the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a second control depression angle which is greater than or equal to the second depression angle θ2. If there is no snow adhering, the control device 14 operates the actuator 12 to rotate the kick member 26 so that the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 becomes a second control depression angle which is less than or equal to the first depression angle θ1. When the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 is less than or equal to the first depression angle θ1, the upper airflow tends to flow towards the rear of the vehicle body 2, similar to the case where the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 is the same as the first depression angle θ1. When the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 is greater than or equal to the second depression angle θ2, the upper airflow tends to flow along the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, similar to the case where the depression angle θ3 of the opposing surface 27 is the same as the second depression angle θ2. In this case, even if, for example, the upper part of the rear glass 5 of the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body has a greater depression angle than the rear glass 5, the kick member 26 can be stored so that it is flush with the upper part. By storing the kick member 26 flush with the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, a portion of the upper airflow can flow smoothly from top to bottom along the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the first controlled depression angle of the kick member 26 is the same as the first depression angle θ1 of the upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21. However, the upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21 may be shaped with a subtle curve between its front edge and rear edge due to the design of the vehicle body 2 itself. In this case, the first control depression angle may be the same as the depression angle of the line segment connecting the front edge and rear edge of the curved upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21. Also, the upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21 may be curved in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the first control depression angle may be the same as the depression angle of the line segment connecting the front edge and rear edge of the curved upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21 at, for example, the center in the vehicle width direction of the curved upper surface 24 of the roof spoiler member 21.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, the second control depression angle of the kick member 26 is set to be the same as the second depression angle θ2 of the outer surface of the rear glass 5. However, the outer surface of the rear window 5 may be subtly curved between its upper and lower edges due to the design of the vehicle body 2 itself. In this case, the second control depression angle may be the same as the depression angle of the line segment connecting the upper and lower edges of the curved outer surface of the rear window 5. Also, the outer surface of the rear window 5 may be curved in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the second control depression angle may be the same as the depression angle of the line segment connecting the upper and lower edges of the curved outer surface of the rear window 5 at, for example, the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, the kick member 26 is formed to have a width that corresponds to approximately the entire width of the vehicle body 2 in the vehicle width direction. In addition, for example, the kick member 26 may be formed by a plurality of members arranged in the width direction of the vehicle body 2. The plurality of members arranged in the width direction of the vehicle body 2 can change the shape of the opposing surface 27 of the kick member 26 by individually controlling the downward angle of each of them. The plurality of members arranged in the width direction of the vehicle body 2 can change the shape of the opposing surface 27 to be suitable for the airflow below the roof spoiler member 21 to flow along the lower surface 25 of the roof spoiler member 21 when the kick member 26 is protruding, and to be suitable for the opposing surface 27 to be suitable for storing the entire kick member 26 in the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body when the kick member 26 is retracted.

[0061] In the embodiment described above, the roof 3 is substantially flat, and the rear edge of the roof 3 is directly joined to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body. In addition, for example, a groove extending across the entire width in the vehicle direction may be formed on the rear edge of the roof 3, and it may be joined to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body at this groove. In this case, the upper airflow over the roof 3 will flow more through the groove to the underside of the roof spoiler member 21 provided on the rear side of the roof 3. The roof spoiler member 21 may be provided at a height where the entire rectifier plate portion 23 is lower than the roof 3, rather than having a portion of the front of the rectifier plate portion 23 protruding above the roof 3, as shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the control device 14 determines whether or not snow is adhering to the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body based on the image from the rear camera 16. The presence or absence of snow on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body may be detected not based on the image from the rear camera 16, but by means of, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or laser installed at the rear of the vehicle body 2, a pressure sensor or temperature sensor on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body, etc. The control device 14 may then determine whether or not snow is present on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body based on the detection of these vehicle sensors that detect the state of snow accumulation on the rear surface 4 of the vehicle body.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the control device 14 moves the kick member 26 to switch between a first control depression angle and a second control depression angle when the snow removal mode is set. In addition, for example, when the snow removal mode is set, the control device 14 may move the kick member 26 to switch between the first and second control angles in stages. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1...Vehicle, 2...Body, 3...Roof, 4...Rear of vehicle, 5...Rear window, 6...Tail light, 7...Lower rear, 12...Actuator, 13...Operating member, 14...Control device, 16...Rear camera, 21...Roof spoiler member, 22...Leg section, 23...Air deflector section, 24...Upper surface, 25...Lower surface, 25a...First lower surface, 25b...Second lower surface, 26...Kick member (Opposite surface member), 27...Opposite surface, 28...Axis, 29...Rear, 30...Table, 40...Snow mass, θ1...First depression angle, θ2...Second depression angle, θ3...Depression angle of the opposite surface

Claims

1. A roof spoiler member is fixed to the vehicle body at the rear of the vehicle body roof so as to be spaced apart from the roof and rear surface of the vehicle body, An opposing surface member is provided on the vehicle body so as to protrude from the rear surface of the vehicle body above the rear window of the vehicle body, It has, The opposing surface member is, When removing snow adhering to the rear of the vehicle body or when preventing snow from adhering to the rear of the vehicle body, the device is movable from a state of protruding from the rear of the vehicle body and retracted into the rear of the vehicle body. A vehicle equipped with a roof spoiler component.

2. The roof spoiler member has a lower surface and an upper surface, The aforementioned lower surface is the side surface of the rear glass, The aforementioned upper surface is the upper surface of the vehicle body in the vertical direction relative to the aforementioned lower surface. The upper surface of the roof spoiler member is provided at a first downward angle, The rear glass is provided with the outer surface of the rear glass at a second downward angle. The first depression angle is smaller than the second depression angle. The opposing surface member is, It has an opposing surface that faces the lower surface of the roof spoiler member, In order to reduce the air resistance of the vehicle body, the downward angle of the opposing surface becomes a first control downward angle, which is less than or equal to the first downward angle, by protruding from the rear surface of the vehicle body. When removing snow adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body, or when preventing snow from adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body, the opposing surface is moved so that its depression angle becomes a second control depression angle, which is greater than or equal to the second depression angle, and is then stored in the rear surface of the vehicle body. A vehicle having a roof spoiler member as described in claim 1.

3. The aforementioned rear window is provided in the vehicle body with an upward slope towards the front. The lower rear surface of the vehicle body, which is the portion below the rear window, is formed on a surface that is more upright than the rear window. The roof spoiler member and the opposing surface member that protrudes at the first controlled depression angle are, The airflow over the roof of the vehicle body is directed from above and below the roof spoiler member towards the rear of the vehicle body. The opposing surface member, which is designated as the second controlled depression angle, The airflow below the roof spoiler member is directed downward along the rear window. A vehicle having a roof spoiler member as described in claim 2.

4. A control device for moving the opposing surface member, A vehicle sensor for detecting the state of snow accumulation on the rear surface of the vehicle body, It has, The control device is Based on the detection by the vehicle sensor, it is determined whether or not snow is adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body. If no snow is adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body, the opposing surface member is made to protrude from the rear surface of the vehicle body such that the downward angle of the opposing surface becomes the first controlled downward angle. If snow is adhering to the rear surface of the vehicle body, the opposing surface member is moved so that the downward angle of the opposing surface becomes the second controlled downward angle. A vehicle having a roof spoiler member according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control device is As setting information for the opposing surface member, one mode setting is acquired from among the air resistance reduction mode for normal driving, snow removal mode, and snow protection mode. When the air resistance reduction mode for normal driving is set, the opposing surface member is made to protrude from the rear surface of the vehicle body such that the downward angle of the opposing surface becomes the first control downward angle. When the snow protection mode is set, the opposing surface member is moved so that the downward angle of the opposing surface becomes the second controlled downward angle. When the snow removal mode is set, the opposing surface member is moved between the first control depression angle and the second control depression angle according to the determination result of whether or not snow is adhering based on the image from the vehicle sensor. A vehicle having a roof spoiler member as described in claim 4.

Images