Heavy vehicle

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a heavy vehicle (2). The vehicle (2) comprises a vehicle body (4), wheels (6, 6') arranged to engage with a traveling surface (44), and an electric machine (8) arranged to propel the heavy vehicle (2). A frontend (20) of the vehicle body (4) is configured to face forwardly during forward travel of the vehicle (2), the frontend (20) being provided with an air intake (22). The vehicle (2) has an underside (46) arranged above and to face the traveling surface (44). The vehicle (2) further comprises an air guide channel (24) extending from the air intake (22) to an air outlet (28) and a heat exchanger (26) arranged in the air guide channel (24). A main portion (28') of the air outlet (28) is arranged at the underside (46) and faces towards the traveling surface (44).

Description

[0001] HEAVY VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a heavy vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The vehicle industry has long been driven by the quest for efficiency and sustainability. As vehicles travel at high speeds, aerodynamic properties have become crucial in reducing drag and conserving energy.

[0006] An efficient flow of air around a vehicle is important for maximizing range and minimizing energy consumption. Some studies suggest that 40-45% of overall energy consumption can be attributed to a heavy vehicle's aerodynamic properties.

[0007] In traditional heavy vehicle design, additionally, to aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, internal combustion engine (ICE) cooling has to be considered. Within a cab of a heavy vehicle, ICE cooling includes an airflow around the ICE and components thereof, such as e.g. manifolds, turbochargers, and other exhaust system parts.

[0008] The airflow around the ICE enters the cab via a grille and a radiator arranged at a frontend of the vehicle. Downstream of the radiator, at least part of the airflow flows along at least part of the ICE and thereafter exits the cab in numerous places around the ICE and the exhaust system. This results in chaotic airflow patterns under the vehicle, which in turn cause aerodynamic drag.

[0009] The development of electric vehicles has led to significant advancements in battery technology, motor design, and control systems. However, these innovations are only as effective as the underlying aerodynamics of the vehicle itself. The efficient flow of air around the vehicle is essential for minimizing energy losses and maximizing traveling range.

[0010] US 2014 / 0035315 discloses a vehicle including a tractor having a lower tractor duct that receives air from the front of the tractor and channels the air through a centre area of the tractor and down between a set of rear wheels, a trailer having a lower trailer duct positioned below a cargo space that channels the air in the lower trailer duct between each set of trailer rear wheels and a lower articulation duct positioned near the set of tractor rear wheels that receives air from the lower tractor duct and communicates air to the lower trailer duct. An upper duct channels air through ductwork at the top of the trailer and tractor. A rear trailer louver system enables air in each duct to be channelled and pulled out of each respective duct, reducing drag and eddy currents using the vacuum at the rear of the trailer.

[0011] US 2023 / 0322193 discloses an air guide duct for a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle or an electric vehicle. The vehicle having a front end, a pair of opposing front wheel wells rearward of the front end, and an air guide duct having at least one air inlet disposed forward of the front wheel wells and facing the front end of the motor vehicle. The air guide duct also has at least one air outlet opening into at least one of the front wheel wells such that incoming air from the front end of the motor vehicle is guided into at least one of the front wheel wells.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] It would be advantageous to achieve a heavy vehicle having improved aerodynamic properties. In particular, it would be desirable to enable a controlled airflow that passes through a heat exchanger of a heavy vehicle comprising an electric machine. To better address one or more of these concerns, a heavy vehicle having the features defined in the independent claim is provided.

[0014] According to an aspect, there is provided a heavy vehicle configured to travel on a traveling surface, the heavy vehicle comprising a vehicle body, wheels arranged to engage with the traveling surface, and an electric machine arranged to propel the heavy vehicle along the traveling surface. A frontend of the vehicle body is configured to face forwardly during forward travel of the heavy vehicle, the frontend being provided with an air intake. The heavy vehicle has an underside arranged to face the traveling surface and arranged at a distance above the traveling surface. The heavy vehicle further comprises an air guide channel extending from the air intake to an air outlet and a heat exchanger arranged in the air guide channel. A main portion of the air outlet is arranged at the underside and faces towards the traveling surface.

[0015] Since the air guide channel extends from the air intake to the air outlet, a main portion of which is arranged at the underside of the heavy vehicle and faces towards the traveling surface - the largest portion of the airflow passing through the heat exchanger, during use of the heavy vehicle, exits the heavy vehicle in a controlled manner. Externally of the heavy vehicle, this promotes an even airflow, at least along the underside of the heavy vehicle, particularly so in comparison with a heavy vehicle being driven by an internal combustion engine (ICE), which in part is cooled by an airflow around the ICE. Accordingly, the present disclosure introduces a heavy vehicle configuration that optimises energy efficiency while minimizing aerodynamic drag. By carefully managing airflow that passes through a heat exchanger within the heavy vehicle, energy consumption is reduced, and overall performance of the vehicle is enhanced. During use of the heavy vehicle, the air guide channel directs airflow through the heat exchanger and the heavy vehicle in a predefined manner, thereby improving overall aerodynamics of the heavy vehicle.

[0016] Thus, the present disclosure addresses the pressing need for innovative designs that optimize energy efficiency in heavy vehicles that are being propelled by an electric machine, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), by way of reducing aerodynamic drag of the heavy vehicle.

[0017] It has been realised by the inventors that in the vehicle body of a BEV, the space under the driver’s compartment is no longer occupied by an ICE and that there is no need to cool hot ICE parts. The inventors have realised that this enables the use of an air guide channel through the vehicle body which enables that an airflow can be directed in a predefined manner through a heat exchanger aboard the vehicle to an air outlet arranged at aerodynamically feasible position / s on the heavy vehicle.

[0018] It is estimated that that the provision of the herein defined air guide channel in the heavy vehicle may contribute to energy savings of up to 20% due to the thereby provide controlled airflow through the vehicle body and the main portion of the air outlet being arranged at the underside of the vehicle.

[0019] The heavy vehicle, herein also referred to as the vehicle, may be any of one of a truck, a heavy truck, a lorry, a semi-trailer truck, etc.

[0020] Since it is an aim of the subject of the present disclosure to reduce aerodynamic drag and conserve energy by improving aerodynamic properties of a heavy vehicle, the heavy vehicle is devised for traveling at speeds, at which aerodynamic drag is a factor contributing to energy consumption and affecting overall performance of the vehicle. Examples of such heavy vehicles have been given above and differ from e.g. construction vehicles, which mainly operate standing still and / or travel at moderate speeds during operation.

[0021] For instance, the present heavy vehicle may be devised for traveling at a speed of at least 50 km / h. The vehicle body may comprise a cab, which typically is a cabin wherein a driver of the vehicle is positioned, such as seated, when driving the vehicle. The cab may comprise one or more seats for the driver and codrivers or passengers. Optionally, and depending on the kind of vehicle, the cab may comprise one or more of a bunk bed, a table, storage facilities, etc.

[0022] In a broader sense, the vehicle body may comprise any container structure at a front-end portion of the heavy vehicle, the container structure being configured for housing components of the vehicle. Accordingly, a further example of a vehicle body may be a container structure at a front-end portion of a driverless vehicle, wherein the container structure houses one or more of electronic components, sensors, batteries, etc.

[0023] The frontend of the vehicle body also forms the frontend of the heavy vehicle.

[0024] The wheels of the heavy vehicle may comprise steered front wheels and one or more pairs of driven wheels.

[0025] The electric machine may form part of a propulsive system of the heavy vehicle. The electric machine may be operated as an electric motor to drive the vehicle and / or the electric machine may form a generator for transforming kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric power to be utilised for charging one or more batteries aboard the vehicle.

[0026] Electric energy may be provided to the electric machine from a battery aboard the vehicle or from a power source external of the vehicle, such as an overhead power line or a rail arranged in, or at a surface, such as a road surface, travelled by the vehicle.

[0027] The electric machine may be the only source of torque of the heavy vehicle configured for propelling the vehicle. Alternatively, the electric machine may be complemented with further sources of torque arranged to propel the vehicle, such as one or more further electric machine / s and / or an ICE. In the latter case, the ICE may be arranged laterally of the air guide channel, or behind (seen from the frontend of the heavy vehicle) the air guide channel.

[0028] As mentioned above, the frontend of the vehicle body is understood as that part of the vehicle body which is designed to face forwardly during forward travel. Accordingly, during forward travel of the heavy vehicle, the frontend will meet the headwind and cleave it for the air to flow along the underside, lateral and upper sides of the vehicle as well as to enter the air intake.

[0029] The frontend may be arranged at a distance above the traveling surface.

[0030] The air guide channel extends through the vehicle body, from the air intake to the air outlet.

[0031] During use of the heavy vehicle, an airflow flows through the air guide channel from the intake to the air outlet. The airflow may be produced, at least in part, by the headwind meeting the frontend of the vehicle body.

[0032] Herein, relative positions, such as downstream and upstream, relate to the direction of the airflow through the air guide channel during use of the vehicle.

[0033] The air guide channel allows for controlled airflow through the vehicle body, enabling efficient heat exchange with one or more heat exchange fluids in the heat exchanger arranged in the air guide channel while minimising energy losses due to turbulence and / or aerodynamic drag. One advantage of this design is reduced aerodynamic resistance as the air exits the air guide channel and the vehicle via the main portion of the air outlet at the underside of the heavy vehicle, producing a directed and controlled airflow that minimises energy waste.

[0034] The air guide channel is configured to ensure a dedicated flow path for the air through the vehicle body.

[0035] For instance, the air guide channel may be formed by an at least partially sealed duct or an entirely sealed duct. The partially sealed duct may be sealed from the air intake to at least 50% along a mean length of the air guide channel, or from the heat exchanger and at least 40% along a mean length of the air guide channel.

[0036] Since the air guide channel extends from the frontend of the vehicle body to the underside of the vehicle, and since the frontend and the underside do not extend in parallel, the air guide channel necessarily will have different lengths when measuring along its upper and lower delimitating surfaces. Accordingly, herein the term mean length of the air guide channel, relates to a length of the air guide channel along its centre line, i.e. a line extending along the centre of cross sections of the air guide channel, each of which cross sections extends perpendicularly to the extension of the air guide channel. The air guide channel may have a shape that ensures a smooth airflow therethrough. For instance, the air guide channel may have gradual directional transitions to provide low flow resistance. Inner surfaces that delimit the air guide channel may be smooth. Also, the air outlet, and specifically the main portion of the air outlet, may be shaped for low flow resistance e.g., by providing an air outlet opening with smooth edges, and / or by directing the exiting airflow not only downwardly but also rearwardly of the vehicle.

[0037] As mentioned above, the air guide channel may be formed by a duct, such a duct may comprises one or more channel segments. For instance, one channel segment may be arranged between the air intake and the heat exchanger and one or more channel segments may extend from the heat exchanger to the main portion of the air outlet.

[0038] The air outlet may include partial outlets, which together form the air outlet. As mentioned above, the main portion of the air outlet is arranged at the underside of the vehicle. In this context, the main portion of the air outlet provides at least 50% of a total outlet area of the air outlet. According to alternative examples, the main portion of the air outlet may provide at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of the total outlet area of the air outlet. Accordingly, the main portion of the air outlet enables exit of the largest portion of the airflow through the air guide channel.

[0039] Since the main portion of the air outlet is arranged at the underside of the vehicle and the underside is arranged at a distance above the travelling surface, also the main portion of the air outlet is arranged at a distance above the travelling surface.

[0040] Other partial outlets of the air outlet than its main portion may be provided e.g., at one or more of the underside of the vehicle, at lateral sides of the vehicle, in wheel wells of the vehicle, in connection with a front axle of the vehicle as discussed below, etc.

[0041] Collectively, such other partial outlets provide less than 50% of the total outlet area of the air outlet or alternatively, less than 40%, less than 30%, or less than 20% of the total outlet area of the air outlet.

[0042] According to some examples, the air guide channel may extend from the frontend to the underside. In this manner, it may be ensured that the largest portion of the airflow from the air intake at the frontend of the vehicle is directed to the underside of the vehicle. According to some examples, the air guide channel may have a mean length extending from the frontend to the underside, and the air guide channel may be sealed along at least half of its mean length, from the air intake in a direction towards the main portion of the air outlet. In this manner, during use of the vehicle, it may be ensured that no air escapes from the first half of the air guide channel and that the largest portion of the airflow through the air guide channel is directed towards the main portion of the air outlet.

[0043] According to some examples, seen along an extension of the air guide channel, the heat exchanger may be arranged closer to the air intake than to the main portion of the air outlet, such as being arranged at a distance from the air intake within a range of 0 - 30% of a mean length of the air guide channel from the air intake to the main portion of the air outlet.

[0044] Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be arranged within a range of 0 - 49% of a mean length of the air guide channel from the air intake to the main portion of the air outlet.

[0045] According to alternative examples, wherein the air guide channel is sealed along more than half its length, the heat exchanger may be arranged at an even further distance from the air intake than 49% of the mean length of the air guide channel from the air intake to the main portion of the air outlet.

[0046] According to some examples, the air guide channel has an end portion leading to the main portion of the air outlet. The end portion may extend towards the main portion of the air outlet at an angle within a range of 15 - 60 degrees to the underside. In this manner, the airflow exiting the air guide channel through the main portion of the air outlet may be directed in a rearward direction of the vehicle. Thus, the airflow exiting the main portion of the air outlet may converge with the air flowing along the underside of the vehicle in a smooth manner, causing little or no additional aerodynamic drag.

[0047] According to some examples, when the heavy vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface, the main portion of the air outlet may extend within a substantially horizonal plane.

[0048] Put differently, the main portion of the air outlet extends in a plane. According to these examples, the plane of the main portion of the air outlet extends substantially in parallel with a horizontal plane.

[0049] In this context, the term substantially may entail that the plane of the main portion of the air outlet extends within a maximum angle of 10 degrees from a horizontal plane. According to some examples, when the heavy vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface, the air intake may extend within a substantially vertical plane.

[0050] Put differently, the air intake extends in a plane. According to these examples, the plane of the air intake extends substantially in parallel with a vertical plane.

[0051] In this context the term substantially may entail that the plane of the air intake extends within a maximum angle of 10 degrees from a vertical plane.

[0052] According to some examples, the heavy vehicle may comprise one or more bottom surface forming elements forming a bottom surface at the underside, wherein the bottom surface extends in a substantially horizontal plane when the heavy vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface, and wherein the main portion of the air outlet is arranged at the one or more bottom surface forming elements. In this manner, the air outlet may be arranged at the underside of the vehicle.

[0053] More specifically, according to these examples, the vehicle is provided with a bottom surface. During use of the heavy vehicle, the bottom surface may contribute to the air flowing smoothly along the underside of the vehicle. By arranging the main portion of the air outlet of the air guide channel at the one or more bottom surface forming elements, the largest portion of the airflow through the air guide channel exits the air guide channel below the vehicle. This promotes an even airflow around the vehicle, which in turn reduces aerodynamic drag of the vehicle in comparison with an uneven airflow around the vehicle.

[0054] For instance, one or more channel segments that form the air guide channel may connect to one or more of the bottom surface forming elements, such that the main portion of the air outlet is arranged at the one or more bottom surface forming elements. Thus, the main portion of the air outlet may form an opening extending through the bottom surface of the vehicle.

[0055] According to some examples, wherein two of the wheels are front wheels, each front wheel being arranged at one of two opposite lateral sides of the heavy vehicle, the air guide channel may extend from the frontend to the underside in between the front wheels. In this manner, the air guide channel may be led through the vehicle body. The air guide channel may extend uninterruptedly from the frontend to the underside of the vehicle. This may for instance be the case when each of the front wheels is independently supported at each of the lateral sides of the vehicle, i.e. utilising a front wheel suspension and chassis lacking a front axle.

[0056] Alternatively, according to some examples, wherein the front wheels are supported by a front axle extending in a direction between the two opposite lateral sides of the heavy vehicle, the front axle may extend through the air guide channel. In this manner, the front wheels may be suspended in a more conventional manner while the air guide channel may still be permitted to extend from the frontend to the underside in between the front wheels.

[0057] In such examples, during use of the vehicle, the airflow through the air guide channel may flow around the front axle.

[0058] In such examples, the air outlet of the air guide channel may comprise partial outlets in connection with the front axle extending through the air guide channel.

[0059] According to some examples, the vehicle body and the air guide channel may be arranged to be raised and lowered in relation to the front axle, wherein the air guide channel is provided with openings or recesses, through which the front axle extends, and wherein the openings or recesses are sized to provide for the vehicle body and the air guide channel to be raised and lowered. In this manner, the heavy vehicle may be provided with a vehicle body that can be raised and lowered in relation to the traveling surface. A heavy vehicle provided with such a functionality may allow for reducing aerodynamic drag by lowering the vehicle body towards the travelling surface, when travelling conditions so permit.

[0060] Put differently, in such examples, the openings or recesses may be configured to allow the vehicle body and the air guide channel to be raised and lowered in relation to the traveling surface.

[0061] Such openings and recesses of the air guide channel may provide partial outlets of the air guide channel.

[0062] According to some examples, the heat exchanger may be configured for use with a battery cooling system of the heavy vehicle, and / or an air conditioning system of the heavy vehicle, and / or a cooling system of the electric machine, and / or a cooling system of a gearbox of the heavy vehicle. In this manner, components of the heavy vehicle may be cooled by a heat exchange fluid circulating through the heat exchanger and the relevant component / s.

[0063] Moreover, since the heat exchanger is arranged in the air guide channel, airflow through the heat exchanger, and thus, cooling of one or more of the above-mentioned vehicle components may be perform in a manner that causes low aerodynamic drag.

[0064] More than one heat exchanger may be arranged in the air guide channel.

[0065] According to some examples, wherein when the heavy vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface, the air guide channel may extend through a horizontal zone limited between a horizonal plane at a level of a driver’s seat in the vehicle body and the underside. In this manner, the air guide channel may be arranged at a lower portion of the vehicle body to ensure an efficient guiding of the airflow therethrough from the frontend to the underside of the vehicle.

[0066] According to some examples, the heavy vehicle may comprise at least one battery pack arranged at a distance from the frontend, and the main portion of the air outlet may be arranged between the frontend and the at least one battery pack. In this manner, the air guide channel may be provided through the vehicle body such that its path is not disturbed by the battery pack of the vehicle.

[0067] According to some examples, the heavy vehicle may comprise a fan arranged downstream of the heat exchanger in the air guide channel. In this manner, a fan may be provided for the purpose of producing, and / or contributing to, the airflow through the air guide channel during use of the heavy vehicle.

[0068] Further features of, and advantages with, the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

[0069] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Various aspects and / or examples of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the examples discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Fig. 1 illustrates examples of a heavy vehicle configured to travel on a traveling surface, Figs. 2a - 2c schematically illustrate examples of a heavy vehicle, and Figs. 3a - 3c schematically illustrate examples of an air guide channel.

[0072] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Aspects and / or examples of the invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0074] Fig. 1 illustrates examples of a heavy vehicle 2 configured to travel on a traveling surface. Fig. 1 represents a schematic sectional top view of the vehicle 2.

[0075] In these examples, the vehicle 2 is a heavy load vehicle in the form of a truck. However, the invention is not limited to any particular type of heavy vehicle configured for land-based propulsion.

[0076] The heavy vehicle 2 comprises a vehicle body 4 and wheels 6, 6’ arranged to engage with the traveling surface. The wheels 6, 6’ the vehicle 2 may comprise steered front wheels 6 and one or more pairs of driven wheels 6’.

[0077] The heavy vehicle 2 comprises an electric machine 8 arranged to propel the vehicle 2 along the traveling surface. Accordingly, the vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle, EV, e.g. a battery electric vehicle, BEV, or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV.

[0078] The electric machine 8 may comprise an electric motor and / or an electric generator. The electric machine 8 may be configured for charging one or more electric battery cells 10 and / or one or more electrical battery packs 12.

[0079] The electric machine 8 forms part of a powertrain 14 configured to propel, or drive, the vehicle 2. The powertrain 14 may include the electrical battery pack 12, alternatively referred to as the battery pack 12.

[0080] In the examples of Fig. 1, the electric machine 8 is arranged in connection with a driven axle 16 of the vehicle 2. The electric machine 8 may be provided in alternative ways than shown in Fig. 1. For example, the electric machine 8 may be provided in connection with one or more driven wheels 6’ of the vehicle 2 or as part of a powertrain 14 comprising a propeller shaft arranged for transmitting torque between the electric machine 8 and the driven wheels 6’. The vehicle 2 may comprise more than one electric machine 8.

[0081] The vehicle 2 may comprise an electrical system 18. The electrical system 18 may be configured for direct current. The electrical system 18 may be a low voltage system such as a 24 Volt system. The electrical system 18 may be a higher voltage system configured for a high voltage such as 48 V or a voltage of 60 V or above for example, 400 V, or 450 V, such as 650 V. For example, the high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V and / or for a voltage above 1500 V. The electric power, or the electric current, for example the direct current, of the electrical system 18 may be transferred for example, at one or more of the voltage levels mentioned above.

[0082] The electrical system 18 may be electrically connected, or connectable, to one or more electrical battery packs 12. The electrical battery packs 12 may be configured for one or more of the voltage levels mentioned above.

[0083] The electrical system 18 may be configured to electrically connect the electrical battery pack 12 to the powertrain 14 of the vehicle 2. The electrical system 18 may be configured for electrically connecting the electrical battery pack 12 to the electric machine 8 of the vehicle 2. The electrical system 18 may be configured to transfer electric power, and / or electric current, e.g., between the electric machine 8 and the electrical battery pack 12.

[0084] Alternatively, the electrical system 18 may be configured for alternating current. A further option may be for the electrical system 18 to be configured in part for direct current and in part for alternating current.

[0085] According to some examples, alternatively, or in addition to the electrical battery pack 12, the electrical system 18 may be fed from an electrical power source external of the vehicle 2, such as an overhead power line or a powered rail arranged in, or at, the travelling surface.

[0086] A frontend 20 of the vehicle body 4 is configured to face forwardly during forward travel of the heavy vehicle 2. The frontend 20 is provided with an air intake 22.

[0087] The heavy vehicle further comprises an air guide channel 24 and a heat exchanger 26. The air guide channel 24 extends from the air intake 22 to an air outlet 28. The air guide channel 24 extends through the vehicle body 4.

[0088] The heat exchanger 26 is arranged in the air guide channel 24. A grille may be arranged at the frontend 20 to protect the air intake 22 and / or the heat exchanger 26.

[0089] As will be discussed in the following, a main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 is arranged at an underside of the vehicle 2 and faces towards the traveling surface.

[0090] During use of the vehicle 2, an airflow passes through the air guide channel 24, from the air intake 22, through the heat exchanger 26, and to the air outlet 28, as indicated by the broad broken line arrow in Fig. 1.

[0091] As mentioned above, the vehicle 2 comprise at least one battery pack 12. According to these examples, the at least one battery pack 12 is arranged at a distance from the frontend 20 of the vehicle body 4. The main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 is arranged between the frontend 20 and the at least one battery pack 12.

[0092] Thus, the air guide channel 24 may be arranged in a portion of the vehicle body 4 where there are no battery packs 12, enabling convenient placement of the air guide channel 24 within the vehicle body 4.

[0093] In these examples, the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 forms the entire air outlet 28 of the air guide channel 24. Thus, the air guide channel 24 may extend uninterruptedly from the frontend 20 to the underside of the vehicle 2.

[0094] According to alternative examples, the air outlet 28 may comprise partial outlets, as discussed below.

[0095] Two of the wheels 6, 6’ are front wheels 6. Each of the front wheels 6 is arranged at one of two opposite lateral sides 30 of the heavy vehicle 2. The air guide channel 24 extends through the vehicle body 4 in between the front wheels 6, from the frontend 20 to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 at the underside of the vehicle 2.

[0096] In these examples, each of the front wheels 6 is independently supported at each of the lateral sides 30 of the vehicle 2. Such independent support may be provided by a one wheel suspension system for each front wheel 6, which one wheel suspension systems connect to a chassis of the vehicle body 4 and which lacks a front axle. This is one way of enabling the uninterrupted extension of the air guide channel 24 from the frontend 20 to the underside of the vehicle 2.

[0097] According to some examples, the heat exchanger 26 may be configured for use with a battery cooling system 32 of the vehicle 2, and / or an air conditioning system 34 of the vehicle 2, and / or a cooling system 36 of the electric machine 8, and / or a cooling system 38 of a gearbox 40 of the vehicle 2.

[0098] For instance, a heat exchange fluid circulates through the heat exchanger 26 and one or more of the above-mentioned components 32, 34, 36, 38.

[0099] More than one heat exchanger may be arranged in the air guide channel 24. Such more than one heat exchanger may be arranged such that the airflow through the air guide channel 24 flows in parallel and / or in series through the more than one heat exchanger. One or more of the above-mentioned components 32, 34, 36, 38 may be cooled separately by one of the more than one heat exchangers.

[0100] A fan 42 may be arranged downstream of the heat exchanger 26 in the air guide channel 24. The fan 42 may produce the airflow through the air guide channel 24 when the vehicle 2 is standing still or travelling at low speed. The fan 42 may contribute to produce the airflow through the air guide channel 24 when the vehicle 2 is travelling at high speed. Accordingly, in the latter case, the airflow through the air guide channel 24 is produced in part by the headwind meeting the frontend 20 at the air intake 22, and in part by the fan 42.

[0101] Figs. 2a - 2c schematically illustrate examples of a heavy vehicle 2. Fig. 2a shows an isometric view of the vehicle 2 from the front and below. Fig. 2b shows a section through the vehicle 2 from the rear and below. Fig. 2c shows a section through the vehicle 2 in a side view.

[0102] The vehicle 2 of the Figs. 2a - 2c examples resembles in much the vehicle 2 of the Fig. 1 examples. Accordingly, reference is also made to the above discussion of the Fig. 1 examples. Repeated discussion of the features discussed in connection with Fig. 1 is avoided. Features discussed in connection with the Figs. 2a - 2c examples are also applicable in the Fig. 1 examples. Differences between the examples of Fig. 1 and Figs. 2a - 2c will be pointed out. Again, the heavy vehicle 2 comprising a vehicle body 4 and wheels 6, 6’ arranged to engage with a traveling surface 44. The vehicle 2 comprises an electric machine (not shown). A frontend 20 of the vehicle body 4 is provided with an air intake 22.

[0103] Again, the heavy vehicle 2 comprises an air guide channel 24 and a heat exchanger 26 arranged in the air guide channel 24. The air guide channel 24 extends from the air intake 22 to an air outlet 28.

[0104] The heavy vehicle 2 has an underside 46 arranged to face the traveling surface 44 when the vehicle 2 is standing on the traveling surface 44. When the vehicle 2 is standing on the traveling surface 44, the underside 46 is arranged at a distance d above the traveling surface 44.

[0105] At least part of the underside 46 of the vehicle 2 also forms an underside of the vehicle body 4.

[0106] A main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 is arranged at the underside 46 of the vehicle 2. The main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 faces towards the traveling surface 44.

[0107] The air guide channel 24 extends from the frontend 20 to the underside 46 of the vehicle 2. As mentioned above, at the underside 46, the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 is arranged. Accordingly, the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 is arranged at an end portion of the air guide channel 24.

[0108] When the vehicle 2 is standing on a horizontal surface, the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 may extend within a substantially horizonal plane. This is indicated in Fig. 2c, where a plane of the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the figure. Accordingly, the plane of the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 extends in parallel with the shown horizontal traveling surface 44.

[0109] When the vehicle 2 is standing on a horizontal surface, the air intake 22 may extend within a substantially vertical plane. This is indicated in Fig. 2c, where a plane of the air intake 22 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the figure. Accordingly, the plane of the air intake 22 extends perpendicularly to the shown horizontal traveling surface 44, i.e. the plane of the air intake 22 extends vertically. Seen along an extension of the air guide channel 24, from the air intake 22 to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28, the heat exchanger 26 is arranged closer to the air intake 22 than to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28. For instance, the heat exchanger 26 may be arranged a distance from the air intake 22 within a range of 0 - 30% of a mean length of the air guide channel 24 from the air intake 22 to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 at the underside 46.

[0110] The vehicle 2 comprises one or more bottom surface forming elements 48 forming a bottom surface 50 at the underside 46 of the vehicle 2. The bottom surface 50 extends in a substantially horizontal plane when the heavy vehicle 2 is standing on a horizontal surface, such as the horizontal traveling surface 44 shown in Fig. 2c. The term substantially, in this context, entails that the bottom surface 50 extends at a maximum angle of 10 degrees to the horizontal surface.

[0111] The main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 is arranged at the one or more bottom surface forming elements 48. This arrangement contributes to providing a smooth transition of the airflow from within the air guide channel 24 to the outside of the vehicle 2 at its underside 46.

[0112] In Fig. 2a, the one or more bottom surface forming elements 48 are indicated with broken lines. The bottom surface forming elements 48 may be made from one or more suitable materials, such as sheet metal, polypropylene, and / or polyamide.

[0113] Again, two of the wheels 6, 6’ are front wheels 6 and the air guide channel 24 extends from the frontend 20 to the underside 46 in between the front wheels 6. In this manner, the air guide channel 24 may be led through the vehicle body 4.

[0114] In contrast with the examples of Fig. 1 , wherein the air guide channel 24 extends uninterruptedly from the frontend 20 to the underside 46 of the vehicle 2, in these examples of Figs. 2a - 2c, the front wheels 6 are supported by a front axle 54 extending in a direction between the two opposite lateral sides 30 of the heavy vehicle 2. The front axle 54 extends through the air guide channel 24.

[0115] In this manner, the front wheels 6 may be suspended in a more conventional manner while the air guide channel 24 may still be permitted to extend from the frontend 20 to the underside 46 in between the front wheels 6. Accordingly, in these examples, during use of the vehicle 2, the airflow through the air guide channel 24 flows around the front axle 54 on its way to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28.

[0116] Further partial air outlets in addition to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 may be provided by openings or recesses for the front axle 54 through channel segments forming at least part of the air guide channel 24, see below with reference to Figs. 3a - 3c.

[0117] In order to define a portion of the vehicle 2 where the air guide channel 24 is arranged a horizontal zone hz may be established. When the vehicle 2 is standing on a horizontal surface, such as the horizontal traveling surface 44 shown in Fig. 2c, the air guide channel 24 extends through a horizontal zone hz limited between a horizonal plane hi at a level of a driver’s seat 52 in the vehicle body 4 and the underside 46 of the vehicle 2.

[0118] Thus, the air guide channel 24 is arranged at a lower portion of the vehicle body 46 to ensure an efficient guiding of the airflow through the vehicle body 4, from the frontend 20 to the underside 46 of the vehicle 2.

[0119] The vehicle body 4 and the air guide channel 24 may be arranged to be raised and lowered in relation to the front axle 54. The air guide channel 24 is provided with openings or recesses, through which the front axle 54 extends, see further below with reference to Figs. 3a - 3c. These openings or recesses are sized to provide for the vehicle body 4 and the air guide channel 24 to be raised and lowered in relation to the traveling surface 44 and the front axle 54. In this manner, the heavy vehicle may be provided with a vehicle body that can be raised and lowered in relation to the traveling surface 44.

[0120] Figs. 3a - 3c schematically illustrate examples of an air guide channel 24. Fig. 3a shows an isometric view of a duct 55 forming the air guide channel 24. Fig. 3b shows a section along the air guide channel 24 in a side view. Fig. 3c shows a partial section through the air guide channel 24 in an isometric view.

[0121] The air guide channel 24 of the Figs. 3a - 3c examples can be utilised in the example vehicles 2 of Fig. 1 as well as of Figs. 2a - 2c. Suitably, the below discussed openings 58 or recesses for a front axle 54 through the air guide channel 24 are omitted when utilised in the examples of Fig. 1. Reference is also made to the Fig. 1 - 2c examples. Accordingly, discussions with respect to the air guide channel 24 and its relationships with the vehicle 2 discussed above are also applicable to the air guide channel 24 discussed in the following.

[0122] The air guide channel 24 may be formed at least partially by a duct 55. The duct 55 may comprise one or more channel segments 56, 56’. Such channel segments 56, 56’ may be dedicated to forming the air guide channel 24. Alternatively, one or more of the channel segments 56, 56’ may have further functions within the vehicle 2, such as contributing to limiting further spaces within the vehicle 2 and / or forming attachment points for vehicle components.

[0123] Inner surfaces of the duct 55, and accordingly, of the one or more channel segments 56, 56’ delimit the air guide channel 24.

[0124] Such channel segments 56, 56’ may be made from sheet metal and / or a suitable plastic material such as polypropylene or polyamide.

[0125] If the duct 55 forming the air guide channel 24 comprises more than one channel segment 56, 56’, separate channel segments are connected to each other to collectively form the air guide channel 24. In the examples of Figs. 3a - 3c, the air guide channel 24 is formed by two channel segments 56, 56’, a first channel segment 56 forming a first portion of the air guide channel 24, and a second channel segment 56’ forming a second portion of the air guide channel 24. The first channel segment 56 extends from the air intake 22 and houses the heat exchanger 26. The second channel segment 56’ houses the fan 42 and leads from the first channel segment 56 to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28.

[0126] The duct 55 forming the air guide channel 24 may be at least partially sealed. For instance, the duct 55 may be sealed from the air intake 22 to at least 50% along a mean length of the air guide channel 24. In the illustrated example this may entail a sealed connection between the first and second channel segments 56, 56’.

[0127] The mean length of the air guide channel 24 extends from the frontend 20 of the vehicle 2 to the underside 46 of the vehicle 2. The air guide channel 24 may be sealed along at least half of its mean length, from the air intake 22 in a direction towards the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28. The mean length of the air guide channel 24 extends along a centre line 51 of the air guide channel 24, as explain in more detail above in the summary portion. In Fig. 3b, the centre line 51 of the air guide channel 24 is indicated with a dash-dotted line.

[0128] The air guide channel 24 has a shape that ensures a low flow resistance to the airflow therethrough. That is, the one or more channel segments 56, 56’ are formed with smooth surfaces and shaped to provide gradual directional transitions of the air guide channel 24.

[0129] In Fig. 3b it is indicated how one of the channel segments 56, 56’ connects to one or more of the bottom surface forming elements 48. Accordingly, the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 is arranged at the bottom surface 50 and the underside 46 of the vehicle 2.

[0130] The air outlet 28 may include partial outlets 28’, 28”, which collectively form the air outlet 28.

[0131] The main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28, arranged at the underside 46 of the vehicle 2, forms one such partial outlet 28’, 28”. The main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 provides at least 50% of a total outlet area of the air outlet 28. Thus, the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 enables outflow of the largest portion of the airflow through the air guide channel 24 at the underside 46 of the vehicle 2.

[0132] In examples of the vehicle 2 comprising a front axle 54, as discussed with reference to Figs. 2a - 2c, further partial air outlets 28” may be provided by openings 58 for the front axle 54 to extend through the duct 55.

[0133] Such openings 58 form through holes in the one or more channel segments 56, 56’ and allow for the front axle 54 to extend through the air guide channel 24, as shown in Fig. 3b and in Figs. 2a - 2c.

[0134] If alternatively positioned at edges of a channel segment 56’, the openings 58 form recesses 58.

[0135] According to some examples, the vehicle 2 may be provided with a vehicle body 4 that can be raised and lowered in relation to the traveling surface 44, thereby being configured for reducing aerodynamic drag of the vehicle 2 by lowering the vehicle body 4 towards the travelling surface 44. In such examples, the air guide channel 24 may be arranged to be raised and lowered in relation to the front axle 54. Accordingly, the openings 58 or recesses are sized for the duct 55 and accordingly, the air guide channel 24, to be moved upwardly and downwardly without the front axle 54 interfering with such movement. The openings 58 or recesses are configured to allow the vehicle body 4 and the air guide channel 24 to be raised and lowered in relation to the front axle 54 and the traveling surface 44.

[0136] Naturally, if the vehicle body 4 cannot be raised and lowered in relation to the traveling surface 44, the openings 58 or recesses for the front axle 54 may be made smaller for a larger portion of the total outlet area to be provided at the underside 46 of the vehicle 2 by the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28.

[0137] The air guide channel 24 has an end portion 60 leading to the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28. The end portion 60 extends towards the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 at an angle a within a range of 15 - 60 degrees to the underside 46 of the vehicle 2.

[0138] Seen along a flow direction through the air guide channel 24, the end portion 60 forms the last portion of the air guide channel 24 before the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28.

[0139] If the end portion 60 of the air guide channel 24 has a straight extension, the angle a is measured between the centre line 51 at the end portion 60 and the bottom surface 50 of the vehicle 2, wherein the bottom surface 40 extends between the frontend 20 of the vehicle 2 and the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28. If the end portion 60 of the air guide channel 24 has a curved extension, the angle a is measured between a tangent of the centre line 51 at the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 and the bottom surface 50, wherein the bottom surface 40 extends between the frontend 20 of the vehicle 2 and the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28.

[0140] The provision of the accordingly angled end portion 60 provides for the airflow flowing out of the air guide channel 24 through the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 to be directed in a rearward direction of the vehicle 2. Thus, the airflow exiting the main portion 28’ of the air outlet 28 may converge with the air flowing along the underside 46 of the vehicle 2 in a smooth manner, causing little or no additional aerodynamic drag.

[0141] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0142] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0144] It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various examples and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the examples may be modified, and that different features of the examples may be combined to create examples other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heavy vehicle (2) configured to travel on a traveling surface (44), the heavy vehicle (2) comprising a vehicle body (4), wheels (6, 6’) arranged to engage with the traveling surface (44), and an electric machine (8) arranged to propel the heavy vehicle (2) along the traveling surface (44), wherein a frontend (20) of the vehicle body (4) is configured to face forwardly during forward travel of the heavy vehicle (2), the frontend (20) being provided with an air intake (22), wherein the heavy vehicle (2) has an underside (46) arranged to face the traveling surface (44) and arranged at a distance (d) above the traveling surface (44) and, wherein the heavy vehicle (2) further comprises an air guide channel (24) extending from the air intake (22) to an air outlet (28) and a heat exchanger (26) arranged in the air guide channel (24), and wherein a main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28) is arranged at the underside (46) and faces towards the traveling surface (44).

2. The heavy vehicle (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the air guide channel (24) extends from the frontend (20) to the underside (46).

3. The heavy vehicle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air guide channel (24) has a mean length extending from the frontend (20) to the underside (46), and wherein the air guide channel (24) is sealed along at least half of its mean length, from the air intake (22) in a direction towards the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28).

4. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein seen along an extension of the air guide channel (24), the heat exchanger (26) is arranged closer to the air intake (22) than to the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28), such as being arranged at a distance from the air intake (22) within a range of 0 - 30% of a mean length of the air guide channel (24) from the air intake (22) to the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28).

5. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air guide channel (24) has an end portion (60) leading to the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28), and wherein the end portion (60) extends towards the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28) at an angle (a) within a range of 15 - 60 degrees to the underside (46).

6. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the heavy vehicle (2) is standing on a horizontal surface, the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28) extends within a substantially horizonal plane.

7. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the heavy vehicle (2) is standing on a horizontal surface, the air intake (22) extends within a substantially vertical plane.

8. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more bottom surface forming elements (48) forming a bottom surface (50) at the underside (46), wherein the bottom surface (50) extends in a substantially horizontal plane when the heavy vehicle (2) is standing on a horizontal surface, and wherein the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28) is arranged at the one or more bottom surface forming elements (48).

9. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two of the wheels (6, 6’) are front wheels (6), each front wheel (6) being arranged at one of two opposite lateral sides (30) of the heavy vehicle (2), and wherein the air guide channel (24) extends from the frontend (20) to the underside (46) in between the front wheels (6).

10. The heavy vehicle (2) according to claim 9, wherein the front wheels (6) are supported by a front axle (54) extending in a direction between the two opposite lateral sides (30) of the heavy vehicle (2), and wherein the front axle (54) extends through the air guide channel (24).

11. The heavy vehicle (2) according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle body (4) and the air guide channel (24) are arranged to be raised and lowered in relation to the front axle (54), wherein the air guide channel (24) is provided with openings (58) or recesses, through which the front axle (54) extends, and wherein the openings (58) or recesses are sized to provide for the vehicle body (4) and the air guide channel (24) to be raised and lowered.

12. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger (26) is configured for use with a battery cooling system (32) of the heavy vehicle (2), and / or an air conditioning system (34) of the heavy vehicle (2), and / or a cooling system (36) of the electric machine (8), and / or a cooling system (38) of a gearbox (40) of the heavy vehicle (2).

13. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the heavy vehicle (2) is standing on a horizontal surface, the air guide channel (24) extendsthrough a horizontal zone (hz) limited between a horizonal plane at a level of a driver’s seat (52) in the vehicle body (4) and the underside (46).

14. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heavy vehicle (2) comprises at least one battery pack (12) arranged at a distance from the frontend (20), and wherein the main portion (28’) of the air outlet (28) is arranged between the frontend (20) and the at least one battery pack (12).

15. The heavy vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fan (42) arranged downstream of the heat exchanger (26) in the air guide channel (24).

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