GB2497211A

GB2497211A - Spoiler with adjustment dependant on trailer dimensions

Info

Publication number: GB2497211A
Application number: GB1223133.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dawn Rinehart; Thomas Leslie; Kendrick Mensink; Jonathan Schreven; Don Riley; M A Quin
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2012-12-20
Filing date: 2012-12-20
Publication date: 2013-06-05
Also published as: GB201223133D0

Abstract

A spoiler 12, 14 arrangement is provided on a structure 10 of a motor vehicle (66 see fig 8). The spoiler 12, 14 is held on the structure 10 to be adjustable relative to the structure 10 via an attachment device 16. At least one actuator 22 is provided for adjusting the spoiler 12, 14. A capture device (34 see fig 3) is provided for capturing at least one measurement characterizing an outer dimension of a trailer (46 see fig 3) coupled with the motor vehicle. The spoiler 12, 14 is adjustable by means of the actuator 22 in dependency on the measurement. A method for operating such a spoiler is also provided. The invention is aimed at drag reduction and adaptability.

Description

Arrangement ala Spoiler on a Structure of a Motor Vehicle as well as Method for Operating such Spoiler The Invention relates to an arrangement of a spoiler an a stwcture of a motor vehicle accorcing to the preamble of patent claim 1 as well as a method for operating such a spoiler.

Such arrangements of spoilers on structures of motor vehicles are known for instance from the serial production of utility vehicles, in this instance spoilers are arranged on a cab of a utility vehicle, which correspondingly can deflect the air when the utility vehicle is driving forward and thus in an aerodynamically efficient way can pass the air around a trailer coupled to the utility vehicle, the trailer being inked at the back of the drivers cab in * the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. * ,

The spoilers thus lead to advantageous aerodynamics of the entire truck-trailer set, consisting of the utility vehicle and its trailer, so that the truck-trailer set can be driven efficiently consuming only a small amount of fuel. S..

Moreover, it is known that at least one such spoiler is held on the structure, for instance * * an the driver's cab, to be adjustable via a bearing device relative to the structure.

Thereby! the spoiler can be adapted to various outer dimensions of different trailers by being adjusted relative to the structure, for instance the driver's cab, by means of the bearing means.

Such arrangements of spoilers on structures in the form of driver's cabs of utility vehicles can be found for instance in US 2011/0241377 Al and US 2011/0042998 Al.

It s the task of the present invention to provide an arrangement of the previously mentioned kind as well as a method for operating a spoiler, which facilitates a particularly efficient adjustment of the spoHer relative to the structure. 1>

This task is solved by an arrangement having the features of patent claim 1 as well as by a method having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and nan-trivial further developments of the invention are indicated in the * remaining claims.

In order to provide an arrangement of at least one spoiler on the structure, in particular on a drivers cab, of a motor vehicle, in particular of a uti$ity vehicle, of the kind indicated in the preamble of potent claim 1, in which the spoiler is particularly simple and conveniently adjusted, according to the present invention at least one actuator far adjusting the spoiler and one capture device for capturing at least one measurement characterizing an outer dimension of a trailer coupled with the motor vehicle are provided, wherein the spoiler is adjustable by means of the actuator, the spoiler adjustment depending on the measurement captured by means of the capture device.

The arrangement according to the invention thus allows for an automatic adjustment of the spoiler by means of the actuator without any intervention by a person, for instance the driver of the motor vehicle. In this manner the position of the spoiler is automatically adapted to the outer dimensions of the trailer relative to the structure, as the captured * :" measurement is taken into consideration when adjusting the spoiler. Hereby the spoiler can automaticafly be adjusted so that the truck-trailer set, consisting of a motor vehicle * and trailer, has particularly advantageous aerodynamics, since the spoiler due to its adaptation to the at least one outer dimension of the trailer can correspondingly deflect the air and pass it around the trailer whilst the vehicle is driving forward. 0*eà

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the actuator is configured as a pneumatic actuator. The actuator thus can be connected fluidically with a compressed air facility of the motor vehicle, by similar means of which for instance the service brakes of the vehicle are fluidically connected, and can thereby be operated in a simple, space-efficient and cost-saving way. Equally it may be envisaged that the actuator is configured as an electric motor, whereby a particularly swift and precise adjustment of the spoiler relative to the structure is realized. In this way the spoiler can be adjusted particularly accurately relative to the structure leading to enhanced aerodynamics of the truck-trailer set.

It has turned out to be particularly advantageous, if for adjusting the spoer a rack gear is provided, via which the actuator is coupled with the spoiler. By means of the rack gear the spoiler can be adjusted in a particularly space-efficient way. Further, in this way great actuating forces for adjusting the spoiler can be transferred. Moreover, it may be envisaged that several spoilers heid in a space-efficient manner on the vehicie structure are moabIe relative to the structure and are adjustable by means of the rack gear drive.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention for adjusting the spoiler, at least one thread rod is provided, via which the actuator is coupled with the spoiler. The spoiler is adjustable via the thread rod and thus is rendered particularly space-efficient and weight-optimised. Moreover, the thread rod allows for transforming a rotational movement of the actuator and thus of the thread rod into a translational movement of a transmission element coupled with the thread rod in such a way that the spoiler can be adjusted in a particularly space-efficient way via the transmission element.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention the bearing device comprises at least one four-point joint. The four-point joint facilitates the adjustment of the spoiler relative to the structure in particular in the transverse direction of the vehicle and/or in the vertical direction of the vehicle over a particularly wide adjustment range in a * space-efficient way.

For capturing a particularly precise measurement of the outer dimension of a vehicle trailer, the capture device comprises at least one optical sensor, in particular a camera, * and/or at least one laser sensor, and/or at least one radar sensor and/or at least one sonar sensor and/or at least one infrared sensor. As a consequence of the precise measurement the spoiler can be adapted particularly well to the outer dimension of the trailer, which improves the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle. * .

Advantageously, a measurement of the height of the trailer can be captured. Alternatively or additionally, it can be envisaged that a measurement the width of the trailer is possible.

* This means that preferably it is envisaged that a measurement of the height of the trailer is captured, as well as both outer dimensions of the trailer which would define the width of the trailer directly behind the utility vehicle. The width and the height of the trailer linked at the back of the structure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle have a particularly strong influence on the air resistance of the truck-trailer set and thus affect the unit's aerodynamics so that by way of adapting the spoiler to the height and the width of the trailer, optimized aerodynamics at the truck-trailer set may be realized.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a measurement of the distance extending in the longitudinal direction between the utility vehicle and the trailer can be

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captured. This distance can also affect the aerodynamics so that by consideration of this distance, optimal adjustment of the spoiler can be performed resulting in Improved aerodynamic properties of the truck-trader unit, The invention also relates to a method far operating a spoiler held on a structure, in particular a driver's cab of a motor vehicle, in particular a utility motor vehicle in a way to be adjustable via a bearing device relative to the structure. In the method at least one measurement characterizing an outer dimension of a trailer coupled with the motor vehicle is captured by means of a capture device. Further, depending on the captured measurement, the spoiler is adjusted by means of at least one actuator. Advantageous embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention and vice versa.

The method according to the invention facilitates an automatic and thus convenient adjustment of the spoiler relative to the structure, without a person, in particular the driver of the motor vehicle, having to move the spoiler relative to the structure. Further, particularly good aerodynamic properties of the truck-trailer set can be realized so that the spoiler with regard to its position can be adapted particularly well to the outer dimensions of the trader. As a consequence, the spader is capable of deflecting headwind particularly well so that it flaws around the trailer in a fluidically advantageous way.

* . * . *. * S

*j. By consideration of the outer dimension, on the one hand, a position of the spoiler can be avoided in which the spoiler reaches beyond the structure to an undesired degree or sticks out from the same in an undesired manner, thus impairing the aerodynamics * * * unnecessarily. On the other hand, a position of the spoiler relative to the structure can be avoided in which the spoiler does not extend wide enough beyond the structure or does not protrude far enough from the same to be able to pass the air in a fluidically advantageous manner around the trailer, Rather, the method allows for the accurate setting and adjusting of the spoiler relative to the structure for being able to guide the air properly around the trailer.

Note that the term spoiler" should be construed as any air deflecting device that is attached to a vehicle, known by other terms such as an aerodynamic panel, side extender, side deflector, and air deflector among other terms well known to those with skill in the art.

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Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previouslynamed in the description as well asthe features and feature combinations mentioned in the following in the description of the figures and/or shown iii the figures alone can be employed not only in the respective indicated combination, but also in any other combination or taken alone, without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective rear view of a structure in the form of a driver's cab of a utility vehic(e, wherein via a bearing device on the drivers cab spoilers are held to be adjustable relative to the structure and wherein at least one actuator for adjusting the spoilers and a capture device for capturing measurements each characterizing sri outer dimension of a trailer coupled with the utility vehicle are provided, with the spoilers being adjustable by means of the actuator depending on the measurements * * captured by means of the capture device; * . Fig. 2 a diagram for illustrating a method for operating the spoilers; * * Fig. 3 part of a schematic lateral view of the driver's cab and the trailer; **** Fig. 4 part of a schematic top view of the driver's cab and the trailer; * . Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of the measuring device; Fig. 8 part of a schematic lateral view for illustrating the capturing of one of the measurements in the form of the height of the trailer; Fig. 7 part of a schematic top view of the trailer for illustrating the capturing of a further measurement in the form of the width of the trailer; Fig: 8 a schematic rear view of a further embodiment of the arrangement of the spoilers on the driver's cab; Fig. 9 a schematic and perspective rear view of a further embodiment of the spoilers on the driver's cab; Fig. 10 part of a schematic and perspective view of a further embodiment of the arrangement of the spoilers an the driver's cab; Fig. 11 part of a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the arrangement of the spoi'er on the driver's cab; Fig. 12 a schematic perspective view of a four-point joint of the arrangement according to Fig. 11; Fig. 13 a schematic and perspective rear view of a further embodiment of the arrangement of the spoilers on the driver's cab; r: Fig. 14 part of a further schematic and perspective rear view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1; : Fig. 15 a schematic perspective view of a locking element for locking one Cf the :. spoilers; ó.

Fig. 18 part of a further schematic and perspective rear view of the arrangement according to Fig. 14; Fig. 17 part of a further schematic perspective view of the arrangement according to Fig. 16; * Fig. 18 part of a further schematic and perspective rear view of the arrangement according to Fig. 17; and Fig. 19 a schematic lop view of the utility motor vehicle, coupled to which is the trailer, which is shown in parts.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are equipped with the same numerical reference.

Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective rear view showing a structure in the form of a drivers cab 10 of a utility motor vehicle. The drivers cab 10 is held on a frame (not shown in Fig. 1), wherein the frame comprises two longitudinal carriers spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The longitudinal carriers are connected with each other via cross-members, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. To this frame a fifth wheel coupling (not shown in Fig. 1) is attached. By means of the fifth wheel coupling, a trailer (not shown in Fig. 1) can be coupled to the utility vehicle. In this state, in which it is coupled to the utility vehicle, the trailer in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle links to the back of the drivers cab 10.

The utihty vehicle thus is a tractor, with the trailer being a semi-trailer attached thereto.

What has been set out in the above and what is going to be described in the following, however, can be transferred by any means to any other utility vehicle and to any other kind of trailer. ** * . S * *

Held on the driver's cab 10 are spoilers 12, 14, which in this embodiment are not physically connected to one another but are joined via threaded rod 24, 26 which are *.fl*. . ...

joined by a coupling joint 28 such as a urnversal joint. It can be appreciated that a different physically connecting system of spoilers 12, 14 can be realized if a sliding joint (not shown) or others well known in the art were utilized. Not shown in this embodiment, if **5* the driver's cab 10 was not tapered or angled at the top section, then spoilers 12, 14 * could be connected physically without the need of a sliding joint connection. The spoilers 12, 14 in this setup are held on the driver's cab lUte be adjustable relative to the structure via a attachment device designated as a whole by reference 16. For this purpose the attachment device 16 comprises for instance hinges IS, which, on the one side, are attached on the respective spoiler 12, 14 and, on the other side, in the present case on a rear wall 20 of the driver's cab 10. By means of the attachment device 16 the spoilers 12, 14 in the present case are pivoted at least essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle relative to the driver's cab 10.

Thereby it is possible to adapt the spoilers 12, 14 with regard to their position relative to the driver's cab 10 to different outer dimensions for different trailers to be coupled to the utility vehicle. By way of this adaptation the spoilers 12, 14 can pass air particularly well * around the trailer, whilst the truck-trailer set, consisting of a utility vehicle and trailer, is

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driving forward. This leads to improved aerodynamics of the truck-trailer set so that the truck-trailer set can be driven efficiently and accordingly at a lower rate of fuel consumption.

To execute a particularly simple and convenient adjustment of the spoilers 12, 14 the at least one actuator 22, in the present case in the form of an electric motor, is provided.

The spoilers 12, 14 with an attachment device 16 and actuator 22 in the present case are illustrated by the example of the left side of the driver's cab 10. What has been previously set out and will be set out in the following as to this left side of the drivers cab 10 can be applied in analogy to its right side, to the effect that for instance for moving the spoilers on the right side at least one further actuator in the form of an electric motor is provided.

Further, also for pivoting the spoilers on the right side of the driver's cab 10 a corresponding bearing device is provided.

In the present case a rotor of the electric motor, the rotor being rotatable about a rotary axis, is coupled to threaded rods 24, 26so that the threaded rods 24, 26 are rotatable by means of the rotor about a rotary axis. The threaded rods 24, 26 in this setup are coupled with each other via a coupling joint 2B in such a way that the threaded rod 26 is drivable via the threaded rod 24 by means of the rotor. The coupling joint 28 in this setup allows for respective longitudinal extension directions of the threaded rods 24, 26 to extend at an angle towards each other, since also the spoilers 12, 14 run at an angle towwds each other. *0*

The threaded rods 24, 26 have an external thread at least across part of their respective longitudinal extension. Lever elements 30. 32 having respective internal threads are coupled via the respective external threads of respective threaded rods 24,26. Thereby, the lever elements 32, of the lower spoiler 14, are coupled to the threaded rod 24.

Additionally the lever elements 32 are coupled with the spoiler 14. In analogy the lever element 30, of the upper spoiler 12, is coupled to the threaded rod 26. Further, lever element 30 is coupled to the spoiler 12. Byway of coupling the (ever elements 30, 32 to the spoilers 12, 14 the ever elements 30, 32 on the side of the spoilers 12, 14 are fixed in the vertical direction of the vehicle. On the side of the threaded rods 24, 26 the (ever elements 30, 32 are movable Fri the vertical direction of the vehicle.

If the threaded rods 24, 26 are now rotated by means of the actuator 22, this rotary movement of the threaded rods 24, 26 is transformed by the external threads and the internal threads into a translational movement of the lever elements 30, 32 in the vertical direction of the vehicle on the side of the threaded rods 24, 26. As a consequence a respective angle between spoilers 12, 14 and the driver's cab 10 in a transverse direction relative to the driver's cab 10, which the lever elements 30, 32 facilitate, is changed. By * this change of the angle the lever elements 30, 32 depending on their adjustment extend across a larger or smaller distance in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In this way by means of the lever elements 30, 32 arranged between the spoilers 12. 14 and the threaded rods 24, 26 the distance between the spoilers 12, 14 and the respective threaded rods 24, 26 can be adjusted, whereby the spoilers 12, 14 are pivoted in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

If the lever elements 30, 32 for instance extend essentially in parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, a maximum position is set, in which the distance between the spoilers 12, 14 and the threaded rods 24, 26, which are fixed in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is at a maximum. Then the spoilers 12, 14 stick out maximally from the driver's cab 10 and are maximally exposed to the wind, lithe lever elements 30, 32 in comparison with this maximum position -as shown for instance in Fig. 1 -are moved upward on the threaded rods 24, 26 the distance between the spoilers 12, 14 and the respective threaded rods 24, 26 decreases so the spoilers 12, 14 are oriented in the direction of the driver's cab 10 and in comparison with the maximum position are less exposed to the wind and stick out less from the driver's cab 10. * S

By using the actuator 22 configured for instance as an electric motor, the hinges 18, the threaded rods 24, 26, and the lever elements 30, 32, a robust, weight-optimized and cost-**5* efficient electromechanical drive for adjusting the spoiLers 12, 14 is created. Preferably, the hinges 18 are adapted to a possible curved course to match the contour of rear wall 20.

6y means of the actuator 22 it is thus possible to adjust the spoilers 12, 14, without for instance the driver of the utility vehicle to have to manually move the spoilers 12, 14 relative to the driver's cab 10.

In order to execute a particularly simple and convenient adjustment of the spoilers 12, 14, a capture device 34 is provided. The capture device 34 in the present case is held on the rear wall 20 and comprises for instance a laser sensor. By means of the capture device 34, the height measurement of the trailer coupled to the utility vehicle is captured as a first measurement, with the height characterizing a first outer dimension of the trailer extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Further, by means of the capture device 34 a second measurement captures the width of the trailer extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, with the width characterizing a second outer dimension of the trailer extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Moreover, it may be envisaged to capture by means of the capture device 34 as a third measurement a distance between the trailer and the driver's cab 10 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with this third measurement characterizing a third outer dimension of the trailer extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

In this manner it is envisaged that the spoilers 12, 14 are adjustable, and thus adjusted, by means of an actuator 22 dependent upon on the measurements captured by means of the capture device 34. The spoilers 12, 14 with regard to their geometric orientation relative to the driver's cab 10 can be automatically adapted to the outer dimensions of the trailer. Thereby manual misalignments of the spoilers 12, 14, which would lead to insufficient aerodynamics of the truck-trailer set consisting of the utility vehicle and trailer, can be avoided. Rather, particularly advantageous aerodynamic results of the truck-trailer set are achievable in a convenient way.

The driver or a person performing a maintenance operation on the utility vehicle thus * f need not manually adjust the spoilers 12, 14. Rather, an automatic adjustment of the lateral spoilers 12, 14 on the basis of the actual geometry of the trailer is facilitated, This adjustment of the lateral spoilers 12, 14 can in analogy be applied to the at least one * f* further spoiler, which for instance is attached to the roof 36 of the driver's cab 10.

By means of Fig. 2 a method for operating the spoilers 12, 14 is illustrated. In a first step * r Si the driver couples the trailer to a utility vehicle. In a second step S2 the driver for instance manually actuates a switch to thereby activate the capturing of the outer dimensions of the trailer and based thereon the adjustment of the spoilers 12, 14 is facilitated. Alternatively, a switch may be provided, which upon coupling the trailer to a utility vehicle the switch is automatically activated, wherein by this actuation of the switch the capture device 34 can then capture dimensional measurements and based on these measurements the spoilers 12,14 are automatically adjusted. Further, a sensor may be provided, by means of which the coupling of the trailer to the utility vehicle can be sensed, upon which the measurements are captured and the spoilers 12, 14 are adjusted on the basis of these measurements. In other words, step S2 encompasses the step of the capture device being turned on either manually or when a sensor senses a traUer is coupled to the utility vehicle.

FDr capturing the measurements and for adjusting the spoilers 12, 14 for instance at least one computing unit is provided, which is coupledwith the actuator 22 and with the capture unit 34. In this setup, corresponding signals of the measurement are transmitted from the capture device 34 to the computing unit, which sends corresponding control signals to the actuator 22, in order to thereby adjust the spoilers 12. 14 whose adjustment is dependent upon the captured measurements. If the corresponding switch is now actuated and/or if the sensor captures that the trailer is coupled to the utility vehicle, the computing unit in a third step 83 activates the capture device 34.

If the capture device 34 comprises a laser sensor with at least one laser, the laser is then activated for capturing the measurements-As a consequence, the capture device 34 in a third step $3 captures the width of the trader, the height of the trailer, as well as the distance of the trailer from the driver's cab 10 and in particular the rear wall 20.

In a fourth step $4 the corresponding signals of the measurements are sent by the capture device 34 to the computing unit.

In a fifth step 85 the computing unit balances for instance by means of the signals of : received data of the measurement with the basic data of a database and/or processes the data in an algonthm and subsequently controls the actuator 22 correspondingly to adjust the spoilers 12, 14 relative to the driver's cab 10 to the outer dimensions of the trailer, If for instance a respective locking element, such as locking element 64 in Fig. 15 for locking the spoilers 12, 14 in respective set positions is provided, the computing unit *fle $ -a controls the respective locking element prior to moving the spoilers 12, 14 relative to the driver's cab lOso that the Cocking element releases the respective spoiler 12, 14 and allows for it to be adjusted. Control or controls in this context means controlling or regulating.

The adjustment of the spoilers 12, 14 is effected on the basis of adjustment data, which are established in dependency on the data of the measurement, for instance are calculated andfor taken from a map. The adjustment data and their relations to the data of the captured measurements in this context can be determined by way of calculations andlor experiments.

In a sixth step S6 of the method the computing unit -upon completed adjustment of the spoilers 12, 14 relative to the driver's cab 10 -controls the respective locking element so that the spoilers 12, 14 are locked in the set position and are not changed in an undesirable way due to forces and/or momenta resulting from the vehicle driving forward or backward. Other undesirable forces while the vehicle remains stationary such as cross-winds, driver ingress/egress to the back of driver's cab 10 among other forces wifl then not move spoilers 12, 14 while locking element 64 is in the locked position.

Figs. 3 to 7 illustrate the function of the capture device 34, which for instance comprises a laser sensor. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the capture device 34 comprises a housing 37 with a receptacle 38, in which a laser element 40 that emits a laser beam is received. The laser element 40 in this setup is held to be movable via a movement element 42 on the housing 37 relative to the housing 37 and can in particular be pivoted upward and in the transverse direction of the vehicle relative to the driver's cab 10 and to the housing 37.

For protection of the laser element 40 a cover (not discernible in Fig. 5) of the receptacle 38 is provided, which is preferably transparent. The housing 37 is for instance made from a weather or water impermeable material. Housing 37 does not necessarily need to be utilized if all other elements within Fig. 5 can be efficiently mounted directly to the rear of the cab. On the housing 37 also the computing unit bearing reference 44 in Fig. 5 is held.

For moving, i.e. for tilting and/or pivoting the laser element 40 for instance corresponding servomotors as well as electric storage devices in the form of batteries are provided, which are controlled or regulated by the computing unit 44.

* r I Capturing of the measurements is based on the general principle that the light reflection . time is captured, which the laser beam takes as from its emission to reach the captured object in the form of the trailer and to return to the laser element 40 as a consequence of a reflection by the trailer. In this way the laser beam at light velocity travels the distance from the laser element 40 up to the trailer and back. For realizing a particularly high precision also a triangulation can be performed on the basis of particularly small reflection angles.

The capturing of the height of the trailer can be gathered particularly well from Figs. 3 and 6, wherein in Figs. 3 and 6 the trailer is designated as 46 and its height as H. As can be seen from Fig. 6, to capture the height H of trailer 46, only the vertical distance of the trailer from the level of the capture device 34 to the top of the trailer 46 needs to be scanned by the laser beam. Rather, it is sufficient to scan from the reference point of the height of the capture device 34 that has a known distance from a driving surface of the truck-trailer set. The distance between the reference point and the end point, being the top of the vertical face of the trailer, added to the known and the pre-determinable height of the reference point renders the tot& height H of the trailer 46. In Fig. 6 in this context several laser beams 48 emitted by the laser element 40 can be discerned, by means of which the effective height H of the trailer 46 is established. As laser beams can merely expand in straight lines, for capturing the height H the laser element 40 is pivoted incrementally by an angle 8 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, as can be seen from Fig. 3. incremental pivots over the capture device 34 can be on the order of 1-2 degrees.

Laser beams known in the art typically have a range of 50-100 meters though other ranges are known and can be used. Upon incremental degree changes, once the laser beam no longer detects a reflection signal, this will signify that the top of trailer 46 has been reached.

The capturing of the width of the trailer 46 can be seen particularly well from Figs. 4 and 7, in which the trailer is equally designated as 46. In the effective width, which is referred to as W, the laser element 40 is pivoted incrementally by an angle 8 in the transverse direttion of the vehicle. The distance between the trailer 48 and the drivers cab 10, which is equally to be captured by means of the capture device 34, is designated as 0 in Fig. 3.

Similar to the manner in which the height H of the trailer is captured, the capture device 34is pivoted in the transverse direction incrementally on the order of 1-2 degrees. Upon * incrementa degree changes, once the)aser beam no longer detects a reflection signal, S.....

* this will signify that the side edge of trailer 46 has been reached. This is done on both sides of the trailer and a dimensional understanding of the face of trailer 46 is achieved. * * S

S ***

* Fig. B shows a schematic rear view of the drivers cab 10 with a further embodiment of the arrangement of the spoilers 12, 14, wherein both the left side and the right side of the drver's cab 10 are discernible. For holding the spoilers 12, 14 to the driver's cab 10 on S.....

* ten hinges 50a-j are provided, with the hinges 5Db, 50d, 50g, and 50i being each equipped with a respective actuator, by means of which the spoilers 12 14 are adjustable relative to the driver's cab 10. The remaining hinges SOa, SOc, SUe, SOt, 50h, and SOj are not equipped with an actuator. In order to control the actuators, for instance a so-called fieldpoint hardware with analogous measurement modules and digital energy supply modules is provided. Further, a modular relay as well as an energy supply component assembly is provided.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective rear view of a further embodiment of the arrangement of the spoilers 12, 14 on the driver's cab 10, wherein only the hinges 5Gb, 50c, 50e, 50g, 50h, and SOj are equipped with a respective actuator 22, whilst the remaining hinges 50a, 50d, SOt, and SCi are not equipped with an actuator. The respective actuator 22 in this setup is on the one side supported on the rear waIl 20 and on the other side supported on the respective spoiler 12, 14 and comprises a respective pin, which is translationafly movable. By the translational moving of the respective pin the spoilers 12, 14 are correspondingly folded out, i.e. pivoted outward in the transverse direction of the vehicle, or folded in, le. pivoted inward in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The attachment of the actuators 22 in this connection is effected by means of pins.

Fig. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of the arrangement of the spoilers 12, 14, wherein Fig. 10 merely shows one of the spoilers 12 and the actuator 22 corresponding with it as well as for instance the hinge 50g which can be discerned. For adjusting the spoiler 12 the actuator comprises a step motor with a rotor, which is rotatable about a rotary axis and is coupled with a screw. The screw has an external thread (not discernible in Fig. 10), which is screwed into a corresponding internal thread (not discernible in Fig. 10) for instance of the hinge 509. If the screw is rotated by means of the step motor, the external thread and the internal thread transform the rotary movement into a translational movement, whereby the hinge 50g, which on the one side contacts the rear wall 20 and on the other side is coupled with the spoiler 12, and via this rotation the spoiler 12 are pivoted. * 4

Figs. 11 and 12 by way of an example of the spoiler 14 illustrates a further possible way * of holding the spoiler 14 on the driver's cab 10 to be movable relative to the driver's cab * 10. For this purpose at least one four joint mechanism 52 of the attachment device 16 is provided, which on the one side is attached to the rear wall 20 and on the other side to * the spoiler 14. The four joint mechanism 52 comprises a lever element 54 held on the spoiler 14 and a lever element 56, which is articulated to the lever element 54 and attached to the rear wall 20, as well as lever elements 58, 60. The lever element 58 on one side is articulated to the sever element 54. On the other side, the lever element 58 is articulated to a threaded element 62. The lever element 60 has an external thread, upon which the threaded element 62 is coupled with a corresponding internal thread, The lever element 60 on one side is coupled with the actuator 22 and on the other side is mounted to be rotatable to the lever element 56. If the lever element 60 is rotated by means of the actuator 22, the rotary movement is transformed by means of the external thread and the internal thread into a translational movement of the threaded element 62 along the lever element 60. Thereby the lever element 54 by means of lever element 58 is either pivoted away from the lever element 60 or pivoted towards the lever element 60 so that the spoiler 14 correspondingly can be folded out or folded in across a very large adjustment range. In other words, the four joint mechanism 52 facilitates the space-efficient reahzation of a particularly large adjustment range of the spoiler 14, Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of the arrangement according to Fig. 1, wherein additional hinges 18 are provided for holding the spoilers 12, 14 on the driver's cab 10.

Further, also spoilers 12, 14 can be discerned on the right side of the driver's cab 10.

As can be seen from Fig. 14, due to the use of the threaded rods 24, 26 two actuators 22 are sufficient to move the spoilers 12, 14. In this setup it is not necessary to use a separate actuator per each hinge 18.

Fig. 15 shows a possible embodiment of a locking element, which in Fig. iSis designated as 64. The locking element 64 is pneumatically operable and allows for a particularly strong locking, i.e. fixation of the corresponding spoiler 12, 14 in a set position. In this way, even strong forces andfor high momenta resulting from the headwind, whilst the vehicle is driving, cannot displace the spoilers 12, 14 in an undesired way.

As can be discerned from Fig. 16 from the example of the lever element 30, the lever * S elements 30, 32 on the side of the respective spoiler 12, 14 preferably are fixed at least in the vicinity of or in the respective center of the spoilers 12, 14, in order to avoid a disadvantageous and off-centered force application, which might lead to bending stresses 04S and corresponding deformations, 0SS Fig. 17 shows the lever elements 32 and thus the spoilers 12, 14 in a minimal * S representation, in which the spoilers 12, 14 are fully folded toward the driver's cab 10. As can be seen from Fig. 17, the attachment device 16, the threaded rods 24, 26, and the lever elements 30, 32 allow for folding the spoilers 12, 14 particularly close to the rear wall 20.

Fig. lB shows one of the hinges 18, which on one side is attached to the rear wall 20 and on the other side in the present case to the spoiler 14.

Fig. 19 in atop view shows the utility vehicle, which as a whole is designated as 66 and is designed as a tractor, together with the driver's cab 10 and the trailer 46. As is indicated by the direction arrows 68, the spoilers 12, 14 and their adaptation to the outer dimensions of the trailer allow for a particularly advantageous passing of the air around the trailer 46 so that the air resistance of the truck-trailer set, which as a whose is designated as 70, and the trailer 46 can be kept to a minimum.

Alternatively or additionafly to a laser sensor, the capture device 34 can also comprise a camera, by means of which the measurements can be captured precisely. On the basis of these measurements the spoilers 12, 14 can be automatically adjusted so that incorrect positioning resulting from a manual adjustment can be avoided. Moreover, the driver of the utility vehicle is relieved of the job of adjusting the spoilers 12, 14.

The locking of the spoilers 12, 14 in the set position by means of the locking element 64 is advantageous, in order to avoid that forces occurring, when driving forward as well as when driving backward, cause an undesired displacement of the spoilers 12, 14.

Moreover, the spoilers 12, 14 can also cope with external influences such as rain, snow, ice, and sun without being displaced. Other undesirable forces while the vehicle remains stationary such as cross-winds, driver ingress/egress to the back of driver's cab 10 among other forces will then not move spoilers 12, 14 whUe locking element 64 is in the locked position.

* .fls* * -Instead of using an electric mOtor as actuator 22 also a pneum&ic actor can be employed, which for instance can be coupled with a compressed air system of the utihty * vehicle and be operated by means of compressed air from the compressed air system. A * hydraulic actuation system could also be utiized as is known in the art. en. C...

* Further, it is possible to use a rack gear drive for adjusting the spoilers 12, 14, in order to * * thus create a robust drive, which is capable of transmitting even strong actuating forces.

The use of a laser sensor for capturing the measurements insofar is advantageous as it is functional for different surfaces of various trailers. Further, a laser sensor allows for a rapid, precise, and exact capture.

Alternatively or additionally, also an infrared sensor can be used for capturing the measurements. The capturing of the measurements by means of an infrared sensor is not influenced by light effects. Moreover an infrared sensor is particularly cost-efficient.

Further, for capturing the measurements a sonar sensor can be used, which equally is not affected by Light effects, is cost effective, and may not require turning or pivoting the device. Moreover, it is possible to employ a camera for capturing the measurements. An advantage of the camera consists in that moving the camera relative to the driver's cab 10, i.e. pivoting and tilting, is not necessarily required. Accordingly, it can be done without -a drive for driving the camera. * . . * S * . * S *. . S* 55 *5*S

S

*5**S* * S

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. An arrangement of a spoiler (12, 14) on a structure (ID) of a motor vehicle (65), in whith arrangement the spoiler (12, 14) is held on the structure (10) via an attachment device (16) to be adjustable relative to the structure (10), characterized in that at least one actuator (22) for adjusting the spoiler (12, 14) and a capture device (34) for capturing at east one measurement (H, W) characterizing an outer dimension of a trailer (46) coupled to the motor vehicle are provided, wherein the spoiler (12, 14) is adjustable by means of the actuator (22) in dependency on the measurement (H, W) captured by means of the capture device (34). * * . * S</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (22) is configured as a pneumatic actuator or as an electric motor. S.,</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The arrangement according to any one of claims I or2, characterized in that for adjusting the spoiler (12, 14) a rack drive is provided, via which the actuator (22) is coupled to the spoiler (12, 14).</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for adiusting the spoiler (12, 14) at least one threaded rod (24, 26) is provided, via which the actuator (22) is coupled to the spoiler (12, 14).</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment device (16) comprises at least one four-point joint (52).</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capture device (34) comprises at least one optical sensor, in particular a camera, and/or at least one laser sensor andior at least one radar sensor and/or at least one sonar sensor and/or at least one infrared sensor.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the measurement (H, W) the height (H) of the trailer (46) is capturable.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the measurement (H, W) the width (W) of the trailer (46) is capturable.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the measurement (H, W) a distance (D) extending from the trailer (46) to the vehicle (66) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle s capturable. * *</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A method for operating a spoiler (12, 14) held on a structure (10) of a motor vehicle (66) to be adjustable via an attachment device (16) relative to the structure (10), in * which aTrangement by means of a capture device (34) at least one measurement (H, W) characterizing an outer dimension of a trailer (46), which is coupled to the motor vehicle (66), is captured and the spoiler (12, 14) in dependency on the captured measurement (H, VV) is adjusted by means of at least one actuator (22).</claim-text>