CN117508377A - Vehicle aerodynamic change system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "vehicle aerodynamic change system and method". A vehicle system includes a rear compartment cover and an actuator assembly that transitions the rear compartment cover back and forth between a lowered position and a tilted position. The rear compartment cover covers a cargo compartment of the vehicle when the rear compartment cover is in the lowered position and when the rear compartment cover is in the tilted position.

Description

Vehicle aerodynamic change system and method

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 63/392544 filed on 7.27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to systems that alter the aerodynamics of a vehicle, particularly the aerodynamics associated with the cargo box of the vehicle.

Background

Some vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, include a cargo bed. Users utilize cargo compartments to transport various types of cargo. The cargo compartment may be located aft of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The cargo box may change the flow as the vehicle travels.

Disclosure of Invention

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system comprising: a rear compartment cover; and an actuator assembly that transitions the rear hatch back and forth between a lowered position and a tilted position, the rear hatch covering a cargo compartment of a vehicle when the rear hatch is in the lowered position and when the rear hatch is in the tilted position.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein in the tilted position, a top of the rear compartment cover moves rearward from a front edge of the rear compartment cover to taper downward.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system in which the rear compartment cover includes a roof and opposing wedge-shaped sides extending vertically downward from the roof.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein the cargo compartment includes opposing cargo compartment walls, the wedge-shaped side surface of the rear compartment cover being raised above the opposing cargo compartment walls when the rear compartment cover is in the tilted position, the wedge-shaped side surface being inboard of the cargo compartment walls when the rear compartment cover is in the lowered position.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein in the tilted position, a front edge of the rear compartment cover is vertically raised relative to a rear edge of the rear compartment cover.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system that further includes a diffuser extending rearward from a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the diffuser including a horizontally extending portion, a first vertically extending portion on a driver side, and a second vertically extending portion on a passenger side.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein the first and second vertically extending portions extend upwardly from the respective cargo compartment walls to the horizontally extending portion.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein in the tilted position, the diffuser interfaces with a vertically extending driver side of the rear compartment cover, a top of the rear compartment cover, and a vertically extending passenger side of the rear compartment cover.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein an interface between the diffuser and the rear compartment cover is sealed when the rear compartment cover is in the reclined position.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system including at least one access panel in a top of the rear compartment cover, the at least one access panel being movable back and forth between an open position and a closed position, the cargo compartment being accessible through an access window in the top of the rear compartment cover when the at least one access panel is in the open position.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein a vehicle lateral width of the access window is less than a vehicle lateral width of the cargo box.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein the top of the rear compartment cover includes a driver side leg and a passenger side leg that establish respective outsides of the access window.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein a coefficient of resistance of the vehicle is lower when the rear compartment cover is in the reclined position than when the rear compartment cover is in the lowered position.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle system wherein the actuator assembly includes at least one linear actuator.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an aerodynamic adjustment method: the rear deck lid is transitioned from the lowered position to the inclined position to reduce the drag coefficient of the vehicle.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an aerodynamic adjustment method that includes transitioning the rear compartment cover from the reclined position to the lowered position to facilitate access to a cargo compartment of the vehicle.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an aerodynamic adjustment method, wherein the transitioning includes an automatic transition in response to a condition of the vehicle.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an aerodynamic adjustment method, wherein the operating condition includes a speed of the vehicle.

In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an aerodynamic adjustment method, wherein a cargo compartment comprises opposing cargo compartment walls, wherein the rear compartment cover comprises a wedge-shaped side surface that is inboard of the cargo compartment walls and that is raised above the opposing cargo compartment walls when the rear compartment cover is in the tilted position.

Embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be employed separately or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

Drawings

Various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle having an aerodynamic change system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the system includes a rear compartment cover shown in a lowered position.

Fig. 2 shows a highly schematic view of the vehicle of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the vehicle of fig. 1 with at least one access panel of the rear compartment cover moved to an open position and the tailgate of the vehicle in an open position.

Fig. 4 shows the vehicle of fig. 1 with the rear hatch of the aerodynamic change system transitioned to a tilted position.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the aerodynamic change system of fig. 1-4 with the rear car cover in a lowered position.

Fig. 6 shows another perspective view of the aerodynamic system of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the aerodynamic change system of fig. 1-4 with the rear car cover in an inclined position.

Fig. 8 shows another perspective view of the aerodynamic change system of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 illustrates a vehicle having an aerodynamic change system according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the system is in a retracted position.

Fig. 10 shows the vehicle of fig. 9, wherein the system is moved from the retracted position toward the deployed position.

Fig. 11 shows the vehicle of fig. 9 with the system moved to a deployed position.

Fig. 12 shows a close-up perspective view of the driver side area of the vehicle of fig. 9, with the system in a retracted position.

Fig. 13 shows a close-up perspective view of the area shown in fig. 12 with the system in an extended position.

Fig. 14 shows a rollable rear car cover.

Fig. 15 shows the vehicle of fig. 9 with the system in a retracted position and the system used with a rollable rear compartment cover.

Fig. 16 shows the vehicle of fig. 9 with the system in an extended position and the system used with a rollable rear compartment cover.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure details vehicle systems that may be deployed to alter the aerodynamics of a vehicle, particularly the aerodynamics associated with a cargo region of a vehicle. The system may be deployed to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle.

Referring to fig. 1, the vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 14 and a cargo compartment 18 aft of the passenger compartment 14 along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, vehicle 10 is a pickup truck. In another example, the vehicle 10 may be another type of vehicle, such as a car, van, SUV, or the like. The exemplary vehicle 10 has a unitary structure. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 may have a body frame split architecture.

The vehicle 10 is an motorized vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle 10 is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). In another example, the vehicle may be another type of motorized vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a conventional vehicle that is specifically powered by an internal combustion engine.

The exemplary vehicle 10 includes an motorized driveline configured to apply torque from an electric machine 20 (e.g., an electric motor) to drive one or more drive wheels 22. The traction battery 24 of the vehicle 10 powers the electric machine and potentially other electrical loads of the vehicle 10. In some examples, the powertrain of the vehicle 10 may electrically propel the drive wheels 22 with or without internal combustion engine assistance.

It is appreciated that the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 may affect the operating efficiency of the vehicle 10. Reducing aerodynamic drag may reduce the required power from traction battery 24.

Generally, the cargo box 18 is provided by a floor 30, a front wall 34, a driver side cargo box wall 38D, a passenger side cargo box wall 38P, and a tailgate 40. Cargo box 18 may contribute to aerodynamic drag. The exemplary vehicle 10 incorporates an aerodynamic change system that may be moved to affect aerodynamic drag in the region of the cargo bed 18.

A rear compartment cover 50 covers cargo compartment 18. The rear car cover 50 may include an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material wrapped around an aluminum core.

The example rear compartment cover 50 includes at least one access panel 54. In fig. 1, at least one inlet panel 54 is shown in a closed position. The at least one access panel 54 is movable from the closed position of fig. 1 to the open position of fig. 3. This opens the access window 58 in the rear compartment cover 50. A user may enter cargo box 18 through access window 58. The access window 58 may also provide clearance for the higher cargo to be transported within the cargo box 18. Tailgate 40 may be rotated to the open position shown in fig. 2 to provide additional access to cargo box 18.

The rear compartment cover 50 has a top 62 that provides an access window 58. Roof 62 includes a forward main portion 64 that spans cargo bed 18 in a vehicle transverse direction. The roof 62 additionally includes driver side legs 66D and passenger side legs 66P that extend rearward from the forward main portion 64 to define a laterally outboard side of the access window 58. For purposes of this disclosure, forward and rearward are with reference to the general orientation of the vehicle 10. Similarly, for purposes of this disclosure, vertical and horizontal are with reference to the general orientation of the vehicle 10 during ordinary operation.

The access panel 54 is disposed in a common plane with the forward main portion 64, the driver side leg 66D, and the passenger side leg 66P when closed. The entrance panel 54 is disposed between the driver side leg 66D and the passenger side leg 66P. Notably, the example access panel 54 does not extend across the entire vehicle transverse width of the cargo box 18. Thus, the window width W of the entrance window 58 _W Smaller than the transverse width W of the cargo compartment _CB 。

The actuator assembly 74 of the aerodynamic modification system transitions the rear car cover 50 to affect aerodynamic drag. The example actuator assembly 74 may transition the rear car cover 50 back and forth between the lowered position of fig. 1 and the tilted position of fig. 3. Thus, the rear compartment cover 50 may be considered an active rear compartment cover. Operating the vehicle 10 with the rear compartment cover 50 in the reclined position reduces aerodynamic drag as compared to operating the vehicle 10 with the rear compartment cover 50 in the lowered position. That is, the coefficient of resistance of the vehicle 10 is lower when the rear compartment cover 50 is in the inclined position than when the rear compartment cover 50 is in the lowered position.

When in the reclined position, the rear compartment cover 50 interfaces with a diffuser 78 extending aft from the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 10. The diffuser 78 includes a horizontally extending portion 80 and opposed vertically extending portions 82D and 82P extending downwardly from respective driver and passenger sides of the horizontally extending portion 80. The vertically extending portions 82D and 82P extend upwardly from the respective cargo compartment walls 38D and 38P to the horizontally extending portion 80. The diffuser 78 may help manage the flow moving over the passenger compartment 14 to the rear compartment cover 50.

In the tilted position, the top 62 of the rear car cover 50 tapers vertically downward when moving rearward from the forward edge of the rear car cover 50, and the front edge of the rear car cover 50 is vertically raised relative to the rear edge of the rear car cover 50. Further, in the inclined position, the driver-side rear compartment wall 86D and the passenger-side rear compartment wall 86P of the rear compartment cover 50 are exposed. In this example, the driver side rear compartment wall 86D and the passenger side rear compartment wall 86P are wedge-shaped with the apex of the wedge located in the rear region of the rear compartment cover 50.

The driver-side rear compartment wall 86D and the passenger-side rear compartment wall 86P extend downward from opposite outer edges of the roof 62 of the rear compartment cover 50. When the rear deck lid 50 is in the lowered position of fig. 1 and 3, the driver-side rear deck wall 86D and the passenger-side rear deck wall 86P are inboard of the driver-side cargo deck wall 38D and the passenger-side cargo deck wall 38P. In other examples, the driver-side rear compartment wall 86D and the passenger-side rear compartment wall 86P may fit within the slots of the driver-side cargo compartment wall 38D and the passenger-side cargo compartment wall 38P when the rear compartment cover 50 is in the lowered position.

When the rear compartment cover 50 is in the tilted position, the diffuser 78 overlaps with the forward portion of the rear compartment cover 50. The interface between the rear compartment cover 50 and the diffuser 78 may be a sealed interface when the rear compartment cover 50 is in the reclined position. For example, seals may be sandwiched between the vertically extending portions 82D, 82P of the diffuser 78 and the respective driver-side rear compartment wall 86D or passenger-side rear compartment wall 86P of the rear compartment cover 50. A seal may additionally be provided between the top 62 of the rear compartment cover 50 and the horizontally extending portion 80 of the diffuser 78. Raising the rear compartment cover 50 from the lowered position to the tilted position may compress the seal to establish the sealing interface.

Referring now to fig. 5-8 and with continued reference to fig. 1-4, transitioning the rear car cover 50 back and forth between the lowered position of fig. 1 and the tilted position of fig. 3 may involve powering the actuator assembly 74.

The vehicle 10 may include a control module 88 (FIG. 4) for controlling and coordinating exemplary methods of aerodynamic adjustment using the aerodynamic change system. The control module 88 may be part of a larger module within the vehicle 10. In this example, the control module 88 includes a processor operatively linked to a memory portion. An exemplary processor may be programmed to execute programs stored in the memory portion. The program may be stored as software code in the memory portion. The programs stored in the memory portion may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions.

The processor may be a custom made or commercially available processor, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the control module, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions.

The memory portion may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, VRAM, etc.)) and/or nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CD-ROM, etc.). The memory may comprise electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

In this example, the actuator assembly 74 includes, among other things, a linear actuator 90 that can be extended and retracted to raise the rear car cover 50 to the reclined position and lower the rear car cover 50 to the lowered position, respectively. The linear actuator 90 extends and retracts in response to a signal from the control module 88. The linear actuator 90 is supported on a frame structure 94 that may be secured to the cargo compartment walls 38D, 38P with a plurality of brackets 96.

The linear actuator 90 may be activated by the control module 88 to automatically transition the rear compartment cover 50 in response to a particular operating condition of the vehicle 10. For example, when the vehicle 10 meets or exceeds a threshold speed (e.g., 10 mph), the control module 88 may activate the linear actuator 90 to extend the linear actuator 90 and raise the rear compartment cover 50 to the reclined position. When the speed of the vehicle 10 falls below the threshold speed, the control module 88 may activate the linear actuator 90 to retract the linear actuator 90 and retract the rear compartment cover 50 from the reclined position to the lowered position.

Lowering the position may facilitate a user adding cargo and removing cargo from cargo bed 18. The lowered position may also be considered more aesthetically pleasing than the tilted position when the vehicle 10 is stationary or operating at a speed below a threshold speed. The aerodynamic benefits provided by the rear compartment cover 50 may not be required when the vehicle 10 is stationary or moving below a threshold speed.

Referring now to fig. 9-13, another exemplary vehicle 110 includes a passenger compartment 114 and a cargo compartment 118 aft of the passenger compartment 114 along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100.

The cargo compartment 118 is provided by a floor 130, a front wall 134, a driver side cargo compartment wall 138D, a passenger side cargo compartment wall 138P, and a tailgate 140. The cargo box 118 may contribute to aerodynamic drag. The exemplary vehicle 110 incorporates an aerodynamic change system that may be moved to affect aerodynamic drag in the region of the cargo box 118.

The exemplary aerodynamic change system of the vehicle 110 includes a plurality of fins 144D engaging the driver side cargo compartment wall 138D and a plurality of fins 144P engaging the passenger side cargo compartment wall 138P.

The flaps 144D and 144P are disposed along the vertical tops of the cargo compartment walls 138D and 138P, respectively. The flaps 144D and 144P slidably engage the walls 138D and 138P and are configured to move telescopically back and forth between a stowed position and a deployed position. The tabs 144D and 144P provide a wedge buttress when in the deployed position. When the flaps 144D and 144P are in the deployed position, the flaps 144D and 144P extend to the trailing end of the cargo box 118.

The flaps 144D and 144P in the deployed position redirect airflow around the cargo box 118. When the flaps 144D and 144P are in the deployed position, the coefficient of resistance of the vehicle 110 is lower than when the plurality of flaps 144D and 144P are in the stowed position.

When the exemplary tabs 144D and 144P are in the stowed position, the tabs 144D and 144P nest within each other. For example, with reference to tab 144D in the stowed position, first tab 148A is retained within the aperture of second tab 148B, and first tabs 148A and 148B are retained within the aperture of third tab 14C.

The flap 144D may move along the vertical top of the cargo compartment wall 138D within the track. In some examples, to move the flap 144D, the linear actuator 174 within the cargo compartment wall 138D is coupled to a first flap 148A that is the rearmost flap when the flap 144D is in the deployed position. In this example, only the first tab 148A is directly driven by the linear actuator 174. The linear actuator 174 may be extended to move the first tab 148A to the deployed position. The second and third tabs 148B, 148C are connected to the first tab 148A and are pulled to the deployed position when the first tab 148A is moved by the linear actuator 174. The linear actuator 174 is retracted to pull the first tab 148A to the retracted position. The second tab 148B and the third tab 148C are pushed back into the retracted position by the first tab 148A. The flap 144P may similarly be driven by a linear actuator in the cargo compartment wall 138P.

A control module, such as control module 88 described in connection with fig. 2, may be used to control and activate the linear actuator 174 or other actuators for moving the vane 144D. When the vehicle 110 reaches a threshold speed, the linear actuator 174 may be activated to extend. When vehicle 110 falls back below the threshold speed, linear actuator 174 may be activated to retract. Thus, when the vehicle 110 is stationary, the tab 144D is retracted and the tab 144D does not interfere with the user loading the cargo compartment 118 above the driver-side cargo compartment wall 138D.

Similar to vehicle 10 of fig. 1, vehicle 110 includes a diffuser 178 extending rearward from passenger compartment 114 of vehicle 110. The diffuser 178 includes a horizontally extending portion 180 and opposed vertically extending portions 182D and 182P extending downwardly from respective driver and passenger sides of the horizontally extending portion 180. The vertically extending portions 182D and 182P extend upwardly from the respective cargo compartment walls 138D and 138P to the horizontally extending portion 180. The diffuser 178 may help manage the flow moving over the passenger compartment 114 to the rear compartment cover 150.

When the tabs 144D and 144P are in the stowed position, the tabs 144D and 144P are at least partially received within the respective vertically extending portions 182D and 182P.

Referring to fig. 14-16, in some examples, the tabs 144D and 144P are attached to a rear compartment cover 150, which in this example is rollable. When flaps 144D and 144P are deployed, flaps 144D and 144P pull back cover 150 to deploy back cover 150 over cargo box 188. When the flaps 144D and 144P are retracted to the stowed position, the rear compartment cover 150 is rolled back up. Thus, the rear compartment cover 150 moves with the tabs 144D and 144P.

The disclosed exemplary aerodynamic system may be deployable to provide aerodynamic gains when the vehicle is traveling at certain speeds, which may be particularly useful for electrically powered vehicles that rely on traction batteries for propulsion. The system may then be retracted when the vehicle is parked, so that the system does not interfere with access to the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection afforded the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. A vehicle system, comprising:

a rear compartment cover; and

an actuator assembly that transitions the rear compartment cover back and forth between a lowered position and a tilted position, the rear compartment cover covering a cargo compartment of a vehicle when the rear compartment cover is in the lowered position and when the rear compartment cover is in the tilted position.

2. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein in the tilted position, a top of the rear compartment cover tapers downward moving rearward from a front edge of the rear compartment cover.

3. The vehicle system of claim 2, wherein the rear compartment cover includes a top and opposing wedge-shaped sides extending vertically downward from the top, and optionally wherein the cargo compartment includes opposing cargo compartment walls, the wedge-shaped sides of the rear compartment cover rising above the opposing cargo compartment walls when the rear compartment cover is in the tilted position, the wedge-shaped sides being inboard of the cargo compartment walls when the rear compartment cover is in the lowered position.

4. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein in the tilted position, a front edge of the rear compartment cover is vertically raised relative to a rear edge of the rear compartment cover.

5. The vehicle system of claim 1, further comprising a diffuser extending rearward from a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the diffuser comprising a horizontally extending portion, a first vertically extending portion on a driver side, and a second vertically extending portion on a passenger side, and optionally wherein the first and second vertically extending portions extend upward from respective cargo compartment walls to the horizontally extending portion.

6. The vehicle system of claim 5, wherein in the tilted position the diffuser interfaces with a vertically extending driver side of the rear compartment cover, a top of the rear compartment cover, and a vertically extending passenger side of the rear compartment cover, and optionally wherein an interface between the diffuser and the rear compartment cover is sealed when the rear compartment cover is in the tilted position.

7. The vehicle system of claim 1, comprising at least one access panel in a top of the rear compartment cover, the at least one access panel being movable back and forth between an open position and a closed position, the cargo compartment being accessible through an access window in the top of the rear compartment cover when the at least one access panel is in the open position.

8. The vehicle system of claim 7, wherein a vehicle lateral width of the access window is less than a vehicle lateral width of the cargo compartment.

9. The vehicle system of claim 7, wherein the top of the rear compartment cover includes a driver side leg and a passenger side leg that establish respective outsides of the access window.

10. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein a coefficient of resistance of the vehicle is lower when the rear hatch is in the reclined position than when the rear hatch is in the lowered position.

11. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the actuation assembly comprises at least one linear actuator.

12. A method of aerodynamic adjustment, comprising:

the rear deck lid is transitioned from the lowered position to the inclined position to reduce the drag coefficient of the vehicle.

13. The aerodynamic adjustment method of claim 12, comprising transitioning the rear hatch from the tilted position to the lowered position to facilitate access to a cargo compartment of the vehicle.

14. The aerodynamic adjustment method of claim 12, wherein the transition comprises an automatic transition in response to a condition of the vehicle, and optionally wherein the condition comprises a speed of the vehicle.

15. The aerodynamic adjustment method of claim 12, wherein a cargo compartment comprises opposing cargo compartment walls, wherein the rear compartment cover comprises a wedge-shaped side surface that is inboard of the cargo compartment walls and that rises above the opposing cargo compartment walls when the rear compartment cover is in the tilted position.