DE102013008910A1 - Rear spoiler device for a vehicle and method for its adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a rear spoiler device (8) for a vehicle (1) having at least one rear door (3), the rear spoiler device (8) comprising at least: a flexible side air guiding element (22) for aerodynamically extending the contours of a side wall (4) of the vehicle ( 1), and a support device (12) for supporting the flexible side air guiding element (22). It is provided here that the support device (12) is designed for attachment to a rear door (3) of the vehicle (1) and is adjustable between a basic position and an extended driving position for tensioning the flexible side air guiding element (22).

Description

The invention relates to a rear spoiler device for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, a vehicle with such a rear spoiler device and a method for adjusting such a rear spoiler device.

Rear spoilers are used to improve the aerodynamics of a vehicle and can reduce fuel consumption accordingly. In particular, they are attached to the rear of the vehicle and generally have air guide elements that extend the contours of the vehicle to the rear. Such rear spoilers are generally attached to the roof or the vehicle frame.

The DE 10 2008 006 365 A1 shows such a rear spoiler device. To reduce the air resistance, an envelope element can be mounted at the rear of the vehicle, which consists of a cloth-like material and can be converted into an aerodynamic outer shape by means of a mounting frame attached to the rear. In this aerodynamic form, the enveloping element has a shape which tapers in the direction of flow of a medium flowing past, wherein the tapered region lies substantially within an elevation surface of the vehicle projected in the direction of flow.

However, the attachment of such a mounting frame is on the one hand relatively expensive. Thus, first the fastening frame is to be fastened and braced in a plurality of points of attachment of the rear region, and subsequently to pull and brace the cloth-like material over the fastening frame thus mounted. Here, the accessibility of the rear doors is no longer guaranteed; the adjustment between a basic position for opening the rear doors and the driving position with fully formed tail cone is very complex. Furthermore, the rear spoiler device after disassembly is expensive to stow, z. B. in the cargo compartment of the vehicle, whereby its effective capacity decreases.

The US 4,688,841 shows a further rear spoiler device with a flexible material. The rear spoiler itself is inflatable by a pressure difference that builds up while driving between the inside and outside of the flexible sheet material.

Such a rear spoiler device is expensive to assemble. Furthermore, differences and variations in the pressure difference, z. B. due to driving conditions, external wind and wind through adjacent vehicles affect the formation of the rear spoiler device; the textile used can start to flutter and vary in shape. Furthermore, here too accessibility of the rear doors can only be achieved by complete disassembly. The uninstalled rear spoiler device is subsequently z. B. again stowed in the cargo compartment of the commercial vehicle.

The EP 2 388 185 A2 shows a design for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of specific commercial vehicles, in which lamellar bodies cover and thereby hide a vertical tensioning mechanism; This forms a smooth surface in a side area. The lamellar bodies are fastened by anchoring means.

Such rear spoiler devices or devices for improving the aerodynamic properties in the rear region of a vehicle are thus relatively complex and type-specific, so that they are to be adapted to respective vehicles and vehicle systems. Their assembly or adjustment in a driving position is relatively expensive. Furthermore, the rear spoiler devices are to be stowed during disassembly partly in the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

The invention has for its object to provide a rear spoiler device for a vehicle that can be formed with relatively little effort and allows safe adjustment between driving position and basic position.

This object is achieved by a rear spoiler device according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred developments.

Furthermore, a vehicle with such a rear spoiler device and a method for adjusting the rear spoiler device are provided.

According to the invention thus the support means is provided for attachment to the rear door of the vehicle; It can be adjusted between a basic position and an extended driving position, in which it biases the flexible side air guide. In the basic position, the support device is preferably retractable towards the rear door, in particular pivotable and / or foldable; she can in the basic position z. B. be created on the rear door.

The side air guide can, for. B. be a tarpaulin, z. B. as a textile material, for. B. with a similar texture as a canvas. The side air deflector preferably has a certain stiffness, z. B. by horizontal slats; In particular, flexibility is relevant in order to be tensioned in the longitudinal direction and preferably also in the transverse direction and to enable the contour extension of the side wall of the vehicle.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the front end of the side air guiding element is mounted in the driving position in the region of the side wall. The "sidewall" of the vehicle is formed here by the lateral area of the vehicle, in particular by the vehicle structure and z. B. solid wall parts. Thus, the front end of the side air guide z. B. attached to the vehicle structure. Advantageously, the receptacle of the front end of the side air guide element is recessed or provided in a recess. For this purpose, in trucks with tarpaulin canopy, a recess behind the tensioning pulley for tensioning the side tarpaulin canopy be used.

Thus, the tensioned side air deflector preferably extends smoothly from a front receiver recessed or integrated in the side wall and without appreciable formation of an aerodynamically interfering edge first in its front region along the side wall and then from the side wall to the support device. A rear region of the side air guide element can rest against the support device; For this purpose, the support means may be suitably designed, for. B. with an angling to allow a flat system.

The support means is advantageously stabilized in its extended position by the tensioned tarpaulin. Thus, the tension of the side air guide element acts stabilizing, so that the entire rear spoiler device is stable in driving position in itself. An optionally complementary securing means is provided essentially only for securing the support means, but advantageously not for absorbing large forces.

The support means may in particular be designed as a lever device which in the basic position can be placed close to or even completely against the rear door. The lever device may in particular have two or more levers, of which the front lever is articulated to the rear door and a rear lever receives the rear end of the side air guide element directly or via a fastening means. This connection by means of a fastener may be fixed, z. B. in a slot of a profile.

The lever device can, for. B. be designed as a folding lever with a front and rear lever, which are connected to each other via a knee joint. Thus, between the front articulated connection to the rear door and the rear end of the tarpaulin receiving fastening means on the rear lever, a connecting line can be attached; by the knee joint is pushed through the adjustment line in the driving position on this connection line, the tension keeps the knee joint in this pushed-through position and causes a self-stabilization of the driving position of the rear spoiler device.

According to the invention, some advantages are achieved:
By attaching the support means to the rear door and the releasable attachment of a front end of the side spoiler on the vehicle, the rear spoiler device can remain in the driving position with applied support means on the rear door; For this purpose, only the front end of the side air guide is to be solved and retract the support means. The lever device can, for. B. folded flat as a toggle and rest against the rear door. The rear door can thus be opened advantageously in the usual way without disturbing the side spoiler here. By the flat system is advantageously also an opening of the rear door by 270 ° and an investment on the side wall possible, the side spoiler then being securely received between the door and the side wall. Stowing z. B. in the rear compartment is not required.

By tensioning the flexible side air guide, d. H. in particular a tarpaulin, a high stability is achieved. Fluttering as in the case of flexible tarpaulin material which has only been pulled over by a fastening device, or else in self-inflating casings or similar systems in accordance with the prior art mentioned at the outset, can largely be prevented. It is achieved a high stability, regardless of changing flow influences and pressure effects. Thus, the durability of the material of the tarpaulin is increased.

Particularly in the case of an integrated or countersunk front locking of the front end of the side air guiding element, very good aerodynamic values can be achieved; It can be a very smooth transition from the side wall to the voltage applied to the side wall tarpaulin, with appropriate shaping of the tarpaulin to the rear, which can be determined by the position and shape of the support means.

The formation of the driving position is possible with very little effort. In principle, only the front end of the flexible tarpaulin is to be received or suspended in a lock on the vehicle, and then the support device to be extended to the rear, whereby the side spoiler element is tensioned. This adjustment is fast, executable by a single user and very secure; It can also be disassembled quickly. Also, the return adjustment is easy and fast, without subsequent stowage.

Due to the self-stabilization of the support device due to the pulling action of the tarpaulin no complex additional stabilization struts or similar means are required. The system thus formed is inherently safe and self-stabilizing.

Furthermore, the support means can also serve to support a roof-spoiler, since the extended back support means already a support of a z. B. allows a horizontal pivot axis pivoting roof-spoiler. In addition, in the lateral direction to the center of the vehicle offset z. B. a strut may be provided for further support, z. B. turn as deployable articulated lever, possibly with additional stabilizing spring. It is also recognized that the additional inner struts of the two rear doors can come to rest for attachment or attachment, with no elaborate locking is required; it can be a simple connection by a hook or z. B. done by magnets.

The roof-spoiler can in particular also flexible, z. B. be designed as a flexible tarpaulin, in particular with a similar nature as the side spoiler and be stretched by the support means and the other strut. Thus, the extension of the support means also already serve to extend and partial tensioning of the roof-spoiler; by the subsequent extension of the strut, the roof-spoiler is then tensioned. The roof-spoiler can here in particular at the rear door, z. B. be mounted on an upper side of the rear door, so that the entire rear spoiler device can swing open with the rear doors.

The invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings of some embodiments. Show it:

1 a plan view of the rear of a vehicle with a rear spoiler device according to an embodiment without showing the Dachspoilerbereichs, in basic position;

2 a first step of the subsequent adjustment of the right side spoiler device;

3 a subsequent step of adjusting the right side spoiler means;

4 a subsequent step of adjusting the right side spoiler device when the fastening means of the tarpaulin is attached;

5 the subsequent step of pushing the toggle lever with training the driving position;

6 Detail enlargements off 5 , a) the front locking of the side air guiding element, b) the receiving profile with the tarpaulin received; and

7 a perspective view of the commercial vehicle from behind in full driving position including roof-air deflector.

A commercial vehicle 1 is in 7 as a truck 1 with a vehicle frame forming part of the bodywork 2 , two rear doors 3 and sidewalls 4 shown. The 2 to 6 essentially show the right half of the rear of the commercial vehicle 1 , The rear doors 3 can open after each 270 ° in their hinges 5 pivoted forward and to the side walls 4 be created.

At the rear of the commercial vehicle 1 is a rear spoiler device 8th attached to each hatchback 3 in each case a side spoiler device 9 and two roof spoiler devices 10 having. The entire rear spoiler device 8th is folded in a basic position and is located on the rear doors 3 at; as from the basic position of 1 can be seen, thus also lies the right side spoiler 9 on the right tailgate 3 at.

Each side spoiler device 9 has a toggle 12 with a front lever 14 and a rear lever 18 on. The front lever 14 is in a first joint in a middle area of the tailgate 3 ie between their hinge 5 and the end 3a the rear door 3 hinged. The rear lever 18 is in a knee joint 16 on the front lever 14 hinged and at its rear end with a bend 20 or cranked formed. In the basic position of 1 can the levers 14 . 18 flat to the rear door 3 be created. At the angled end 20 the rear lever 18 is as a rear fastener a profile 24 , z. B. an aluminum profile 24 with a groove 25 attached, in which a flexible tarpaulin 22 is used. The flexible tarpaulin 22 is as a flexible sheet material, in particular as a textile material, for. B. formed as canvas tarpaulin.

The plans 22 can to increase their stability vertically extending slats 22a have, as in the detail view of 6b indicated; thus is the tarp 22 especially in the XY plane or the horizontal plane flexible; in the vertical direction or Z direction, it is through the slats 22a stabilized. As a result, on the one hand, the stability while driving, but also improves the handling of the adjustment between basic position and driving position, since the tarpaulin 22 then it can not fall limply or sag.

The flexible tarpaulin 22 is with her back end 22b in the groove 25 of the profile 24 plugged in. At a front end 22b the flexible tarpaulin 22 is a profile 26 attached as a front fastener, which is used to form the driving position in a lock 28 on the side wall 4 of the commercial vehicle 1 , z. B. still in the lateral area of the vehicle structure 2 , is hung. For trucks with side tarpaulin or tarpaulin canopy, the lock 26 z. B. in a space behind a tensioner 29 be designed for tensioning the side tarpaulin.

To form the driving position is from the basic position of 1 starting first a fuse of the folded knee lever 12 solved. This lock can in particular by a at the rear door 3 or on the vehicle frame 2 provided safety lever 30 done, the z. B. is vertically pivotable and the folded knee lever 12 locked. After loosening the safety lever 30 can thus according to 2 . 3 and 4 the toggle 12 extended to the rear. This is the front lever 14 around the first joint 15 panned, and the rear lever 18 around the knee joint 16 pivoted. The previously folded or at the rear door 3 attached tarpaulin 22 comes with her front end 22c ie the profile 26 , forward sideways next to the side wall 4 pivoted.

Below is the tarp 22 according to 4 with her serving as a fastener profile 26 in the lock 28 hooked, even before the toggle 12 is pushed through. According to the detailed view of 6a can the engagement of the profile 26 in the lock 28 in particular form-fit by the profile 26 is hooked so that it is safely absorbed or locked when pulling forward.

The following is according to 5 the toggle 12 pushed through, leaving the knee joint 16 about the for clarification in 4 and 5 dashed connecting line 32 that is between the first joint 15 and the profile 24 at the angled end 20 runs through, is pressed through. By this adjustment of the knee lever 12 becomes the tarpaulin 22 stretched on train. The plans 22 is thus between that as a fastener in the lock 28 serving profile 26 and their involvement in the groove 25 of the profile 24 stretched on train. By the knee joint 16 over the connecting line 32 is pressed, it is by pulling the tarpaulin 22 held in this position, that is pressed further away from the connecting line, wherein advantageously a stop defines the driving position; a return adjustment by the traction or other loads while driving can not be done; merely supplementary can turn the safety lever 30 be folded and thus the front lever 14 secure and also stabilize the driving position.

This can be a suitable shaping of the tensioned tarpaulin 22 be achieved in which these in a front area 22d on the side wall 4 is present, a middle range 22e the tarpaulin 22 runs freely, and a rear area 22f the tarpaulin 22 at the angled end 20 the rear lever 18 abuts because of the rear lever 18 through the bend 22 is slightly offset in the transverse direction inwards.

Thus, the bending of the rear lever 18 be used both for the formation of the tension, as a result, the knee joint 16 over the connecting line 32 as well as to the plant of the tarpaulin 22 in their rear area 22f ,

Due to the large-scale facilities in the areas 22c and 22e the stability is increased and a flutter of the tarpaulin 22 reduced.

The side spoiler device 9 can also be used as a laterally outer support and for tensioning the roof spoiler device 10 serve, the roof spoiler device 10 has a roof-spoiler 40 on, the z. B. is designed as a flexible tarpaulin according to the side spoiler. The roof air deflector 40 is preferably on the rear door 3 , z. B. at an upper side or upper edge of the rear door 3 to be appropriate. Thus, the folded roof-spoiler 40 with the respective tailgate 3 swing open or stay on the vehicle.

For tensioning and for supporting the roof spoiler 40 serves on the one hand, the support device 12 ; In addition to the center is advantageously at every rear door 3 an inner strut 44 intended. The inner strut 44 in turn, in turn, as a toggle lever with a front lever 45 and a rear lever 46 be formed, which is against the action of a spring indicated here 48 is tense. Further stability is achieved by the two strut 44 be attached to each other, for. B. by means of magnets 50 ; such a fixation by means of two magnets 50 in the transverse direction is generally sufficient, as in this direction on the strained strut 44 no further loads occur.

The roof air deflector 40 can at the rear door 3 first hang down and then by tensioning the support device 12 be detected with and thus stretched laterally outside; subsequently it will be by extending the strut 44 also cocked in the middle area, leaving it between its connection to the rear door 3 , the supporting device 12 and the strut 44 is curious. Thus, the effort to tension the roof-spoiler 40 low, with ease of use.

For return adjustment, in turn, the roof-spoiler 40 solved, designed as a toggle inner struts 44 detached from each other and reset and then the safety lever 30 solved. Then the side spoilers 9 moved back; For this purpose, first the toggle lever 12 retracted by his knee joint 16 back over the connecting line 32 is pressed towards the center of the vehicle, so that subsequently under relaxation of the spring-acting tarpaulin 22 the toggle 12 folds. Subsequently, the front attachment can be solved by serving as a fastener profile 26 out of the lock 28 is pivoted out, and thus the tarpaulin 22 is released and folded or can be applied to the door. Thus, the rear door 3 opened and z. B. 270 ° forward to the side wall 4 be placed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008006365 A1 [0003]
• US 4688841 [0005]
• EP 2388185 A2 [0007]

Claims (16)

Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) for at least one tailgate ( 3 ) vehicle ( 1 ), wherein the rear spoiler device ( 8th ) at least comprising: a flexible side air guide element ( 22 ) for the aerodynamic contour extension of a side wall ( 4 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ), and a support device ( 12 ) for supporting the flexible side air guiding element ( 22 ), characterized in that the support means ( 12 ) for attachment to a rear door ( 3 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) and between a basic position and an extended driving position for tensioning the flexible side air guiding element ( 22 ) is adjustable. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means ( 12 ) than at the rear door ( 3 ) hinged lever device ( 12 ) is formed, which in the basic position to the rear door ( 3 ) or can be applied to the rear door and in the driving position of the rear door ( 3 ) has swung away. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lever means a toggle lever ( 12 ), one in a first joint ( 15 ) at the rear door ( 3 ) articulated front lever ( 14 ) and one with the front lever ( 14 ) in a knee joint ( 16 ) connected rear lever ( 18 ), wherein on the rear lever ( 18 ) a rear attachment means ( 24 ) for a rear end ( 22b ) of the side air guiding element ( 22 ) is mounted, wherein between the front joint ( 15 ) and the rear attachment means ( 24 ) a connecting line ( 32 ), and wherein the knee joint ( 16 ) in the adjustment from the basic position to the driving position via the connecting line ( 32 ) is adjustable for tensioning the side air guide element ( 22 ). Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device ( 12 ) by the pulling action of the tensioned side air guiding element ( 22 ) is held or stabilized in its extended driving position. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a front end of the side air guiding element ( 22 ) a front attachment means ( 26 ) for releasable attachment in one on the side wall ( 4 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) locking ( 28 ) having. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the driving position a front area ( 22c ) of the side air guiding element ( 22 ) on the side wall ( 4 ) is present. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device ( 12 ) angled or cranked is designed to create a rear area ( 22e ) of the side air guiding element ( 22 ) in the driving position. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side air guiding element ( 22 ) as a flexible tarpaulin ( 22 ) with vertical or vertical stiffness slats ( 33 ) is trained. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for stabilizing both the basic position and the driving position a common securing means, for. B. a pivotable safety lever ( 30 ), at the rear door ( 3 ) is provided. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a roof-spoiler ( 36 ), which between a basic position and a driving position for aerodynamic contour extension of a roof of the vehicle ( 1 ) is adjustable, wherein the roof-spoiler ( 36 ) at least partially by the extended to the driving position support device ( 12 ) is supported. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to claim 10, characterized in that at the rear door ( 3 ) lateral to the support device ( 12 ) displaces an inner strut ( 44 ) provided between one of the rear door ( 3 ) applied or folded-in basic position and an extended position for supporting and / or for tensioning the roof spoiler element ( 40 ) is adjustable. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the roof spoiler element ( 40 ) formed of a flexible material and by extending the support means ( 12 ) and / or the strut ( 44 ) is tensionable. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the roof-spoiler ( 40 ) on the tailgate ( 3 ), z. B. a top of the tailgate ( 3 ) and in the basic position on the retracted support device ( 12 ) and the retracted strut ( 44 ) lies. Rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving position can be formed by at least the following steps: Loosening a securing means ( 30 ) for securing the support device ( 12 ) in the basic position, attaching a at the front end of the side air guide element ( 22 ) provided front fastener ( 26 ) in a lock ( 28 ) on a side wall ( 4 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ), complete extension of the support device ( 12 ) in their extended driving position under tension of the side air guide element ( 22 ) such that by the tension of the side air guiding element ( 22 ) the support device ( 12 ) is stabilized in its driving position. Vehicle ( 1 ), in particular commercial vehicle ( 1 ), the two side walls ( 4 ), two hinged rear doors ( 3 ) and two rear spoiler devices ( 8th ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two rear spoiler devices ( 8th ) each on one of the rear doors ( 3 ) are provided, wherein in the driving position a at a front end of the side air guide element ( 22 ) provided front fastening means ( 26 ) in a lock ( 28 ) of the side wall ( 4 ) sunk to form an aerodynamically smooth transition between the side wall ( 4 ) and the side air guide ( 22 ), and in the basic position the rear door ( 3 ) can be swiveled by 270 ° from its closed position and to the side wall ( 4 ) can be applied, wherein at least the side air guide element ( 22 ) and the support device ( 12 ) between the rear door ( 3 ) and the side wall ( 4 ) are included. Method for adjusting a rear spoiler device ( 8th ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, with at least the following steps: releasing a securing means ( 30 ) for securing the support device ( 12 ) in the basic position, attaching a at the front end of the side air guide element ( 22 ) provided front fastening means ( 26 ) in a lock ( 28 ) on a side wall ( 4 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ), complete extension of the support device ( 12 ) in their extended driving position under tension of the side air guide element ( 22 ) such that by the tension of the side air guiding element ( 22 ) the support device ( 12 ) is stabilized in its driving position.

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