GB2591137A

GB2591137A - System for mounting a roof fairing to a roof of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2591137A
Application number: GB2000748.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heinzer Hans; Watase Justin; Lopez Gonzalez Vinico; Schlechter William
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2020-01-17
Filing date: 2020-01-17
Publication date: 2021-07-21
Also published as: GB202000748D0

Abstract

A system for mounting a fairing 12 to a vehicle roof 14 has a first bracket 46 with a pivot 16, a second bracket 20 with first and second notches 30, 36 at least partially bounded by wall regions, and a reinforcement 34 coupled to fairing 12 and having first and second bores 42, 44 vertically aligned with respective notches 30, 36. Pivot 16 couples fairing 12 to first bracket 46, and reinforcement 34 is coupled to second bracket 20 using at least one bolt. An installation method is also provided, in which fairing 12 is held in a raised position RP by the bolt using first notch 30 and first bore 42 while the fairing is being painted, and then moved to a lowered position having a seal to cover a gap between roof 14 and fairing 12.

Description

System for Mounting a Roof Fairing to a Roof of a Vehicle The invention relates to a system for mounting a roof fairing to a roof of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.

US 9,937,965 B1 shows a roof fairing for a vehicle, wherein the roof fairing comprises a channel bracket attachable to a roof of the vehicle. The roof fairing further comprises a lower fairing connected to the channel bracket, and an upper fairing removably connected to the lower fairing, the upper fairing selectively movable between an operating position and a collapsed position. Furthermore, US 4,749,220 shows an apparatus for attaching an aerodynamic device to the roof of a truck cab.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method by which a roof fairing can be mounted to a roof of a vehicle in a particularly advantageous way.

This object is solved by a system having the features of claim 1, and a method having the features of claim 6. Further embodiments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

The invention relates to a system for mounting a roof fairing to a roof of a vehicle. For example, the vehicle is a commercial vehicle, such as a truck. For example, the roof fairing is a guiding device configured to guide air in an advantageous way, in particular when the vehicle moves forward. The roof fairing allows for improved aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. For example, the roof fairing can help keep the air resistance of the vehicle particularly low.

In order to mount the roof fairing to the roof in an advantageous way, in a first step of the method, the roof fairing is mounted to the roof and, after mounting the roof fairing to the roof, the roof fairing is fixed in a raised position in relation to the roof. In a second step of the method, both the roof and the roof fairing are painted whilst the roof fairing is still mounted to the roof and still fixed in the raised position. In a third step of the method, at least one seal is attached to the roof fairing after painting the roof and the roof fairing and whilst the roof fairing is still mounted to the roof and still fixed in the raised position. In one embodiment, the raised position allows ample space between the roof fairing and the roof so that both the roof fairing and the roof can be painted in a particularly advantageous way whilst the roof is mounted to the roof and fixed in the raised position. In a further embodiment, the raised position allows ample access to at least one area of the roof fairing, wherein the seal is attached to said area. Thus, for example, a person can install the seal in a particularly easy and efficient way after painting the roof fairing and the roof and whilst the roof fairing is fixed in the raised position in relation to the roof.

In a fourth step of the method, the roof fairing is lowered from the raised position to a lowered position in relation to the roof, and the roof fairing is fixed in the lowered position in relation to the roof. The fourth step is carried out after attaching the seal to the roof fairing and whilst the roof fairing is still mounted to the roof. Thus, in the method according to the present invention, the roof fairing can remain mounted to the roof during painting the roof and the roof fairing and during mounting of the seal to the roof fairing. In other words, the roof fairing does not need to be dismounted from the roof in order to paint the roof or the roof fairing or in order to install the seal. The roof fairing is also referred to as a roof fairing assembly, which can be painted in place since the roof fairing can be painted whilst the roof fairing is mounted to the roof and fixed in the raised position. For example, the roof is part of a driver's cab which is also referred to as a truck cab.

The present invention is particularly based on the following findings and ideas: said seal, which is also referred to as a roof fairing seal, is, in the completely assembled state of the vehicle, arranged between the roof fairing and the roof in order to seal the roof fairing against the roof or vice versa. Furthermore, it is advantageous to attach or mount the roof fairing to the roof fairing prior to painting the roof and the roof fairing so that the roof and the roof fairing can be painted together. However, the roof fairing seal assembled between the roof fairing and the roof should be installed on the roof fairing after painting the roof fairing. Usually, if the roof fairing is painted in its final position, which, for example, in said lowered position, there will not be enough access between the roof fairing and the roof for the seal to be installed. In this regard, the invention allows for painting the roof and the roof fairing together and installing the seal after painting the roof fairing and the roof without dismounting the roof fairing from the roof. The method according to the present invention can provide a cost benefit in comparison with conventional methods since the matter according to the present invention allows for realizing a reduction in assembly time since an assembly worker no longer needs to install the roof fairing on a separate rack for painting the roof fairing prior to its installation. By painting the roof fairing whilst the roof fairing is mounted to the roof, a significant amount of time is saved compared to prior solutions. A further advantage is that the method allows ample access for installation of the roof fairing seal when the roof fairing is in the temporary, raised position, which is also referred to as a high position or as a temporary high position.

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

The drawings show in: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an arrangement of a roof fairing on a roof of a vehicle, wherein the roof fairing is in a raised position and fixed in the raised position in relation to the roof; Fig. 2 part of a schematic and perspective view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 part of a further schematic and perspective view of the arrangement according to Figs. 1 and 2, wherein a person is installing a seal; Fig. 4 part of a schematic and perspective view of the arrangement, wherein the roof fairing is in a lowered position and fixed in the lowered position in relation to the roof; Fig. 5 a schematic side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 4; Fig. 6 part of a further schematic and perspective view of the arrangement according to Figs. 4 and 5; Fig. 7 a schematic perspective view of a bracket of the arrangement; Fig. 8 a schematic side view of the bracket according to Fig. 7.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic side view, an arrangement 10 of the roof fairing 12 on a roof 14 of a vehicle. For example, the vehicle is a commercial vehicle such as a truck. Moreover, for example, the vehicle comprises a driver's cab which is also referred to as a truck cab or cab. In this regard, the roof 14 is part of said cab. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the roof fairing 12 is a guiding element configured to guide air during a forward movement of the vehicle in a particularly advantageous way so that particularly advantageous aerodynamics of the vehicle can be realized. Thus, the vehicle can be driven particularly efficiently with less aerodynamic drag.

The present invention comprises a method for mounting the roof fairing 12 to the roof 14, and said method will be described on the basis of Figs. 1 to 6. In a first step of said method, the roof fairing 12 is mounted to the roof 14 in such a way that the roof fairing 12 is fixed in a raised position (RP) in relation to the roof 14. As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 2, the roof fairing 12 and the roof 14 are separately formed components which are connected with each other at least indirectly. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the components of the roof fairing 12 are connected with each other by at least one pivot 16 so that the components can be raised in relation to the roof 14. For example, the components are articulatedly connected with each other by brackets 46 and 20 which are also referred to as mounting brackets. The respective brackets 46 and 20 may be third components which are formed separately from the roof 14 and roof fairing 12. For example, the respective brackets 46 and 20 are connected with both the roof 14 and the roof fairing 12. Moreover, the respective brackets 46 and 20 may be fixed to the roof 14 so that the respective brackets 46 and 20 are fixed in relation to the roof 14. Moreover, the roof fairing 12 may be articulatedly connected with the bracket 46, in particular by the pivot 16 such that the roof fairing 12 can be raised in relation to the brackets 46 and 20 and the roof 14. Thus, for example, a reference line 18 depicts the pivot 16 in a state that rotates the roof fairing 12 and its components to a raised position (RP) relative to the brackets 46 and 20 and the roof 14 in Fig. 2. In another embodiment depicted in Fig. 4, the reference line 18 depicts the pivot 16 in a state that rotates the roof fairing 12 and its components to a lowered position (LP) relative to the brackets 46 and 20 and the roof 14.

In a second step of said method, both the roof 14 and the roof fairing 12 are painted whilst the roof fairing 12 is still mounted to the roof 14 and fixed in the raised position (RP). In a third step of said method, a seal 22 (Fig. 3) is attached to the roof fairing 12 after painting the roof 14 and the roof fairing 12 and whilst the roof fairing 12 is still mounted to the roof 14 and still fixed in the raised position (RP).

The method comprises a fourth step in which the roof fairing 12 is lowered from the raised position (RP) to the lowered position (LP) in relation to the roof 14. In other words, in the fourth step, the roof fairing 12 is rotated using pivot 16 such that the roof fairing 12 is moved from the raised position (RP) to the lowered position (LP). Moreover, in the fourth step, the roof fairing 12, after rotating the roof fairing 12 to the lowered position (LP), is fixed in the lowered position (LP) in relation to the roof 14. As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 5, in the lowered position (LP), at least a front edge 24 of the roof fairing 12 is in the vertical direction of the vehicle, arranged in closer proximity to the roof 14 in comparison to the raised position (RP). Thus, for example, by lowering the roof fairing 12 from the raised position (RP) to the lowered position (LP), at least the front edge 24 is lowered (i.e. moved downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle in closer proximity to the roof 14). This compresses the seal 22 between the roof fairing 12 and the roof 14.

As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 4, the roof fairing 12 is fixed in the raised position (RP) in relation to the roof 14 in such a way that at least one bolt 26 is attached to the roof fairing 12, for example, by a person 28. For example, the person 28 is an assembly worker attaching the bolt 26 to the roof fairing 12. Moreover, a notch 30 is provided on the roof 14. For example, when the notch 30 is a V-shaped notch, which is at least partially bounded by a wall region 32 of the bracket 20.

As can be seen from Figs. 7 and 8, the wall region 32 bounds the notch 30. Moreover, for example, the roof fairing 12 comprises at least one fairing element 33 corresponding to the inner surface of the roof fairing 12 and at least one reinforcement element 34. The reinforcement element 34 may be attached to and reinforces the fairing element 33.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement element 34 may comprise at least one bore. The at least one bore may receive a bolt 26 or another attachment means of similar function or structure, such as a pin. In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement element 34 comprises a first bore 42 in vertical alignment (e.g. in a direction approximately perpendicular to the roof 14) with the first notch 30. The reinforcement element further comprises a second bore 44 in vertical alignment with a second notch 36, which may be a V-shaped notch at least partially bounded by a second wall region 38. The first bore 42 may receive the bolt 26 in a way that the bolt 26 is removably coupled to the reinforcement element 34. In an embodiment, the roof fairing 12 may be in a raised position (RP) when the first bolt 26 is coupled to the reinforcement element 34 through the first bore 42 and is supported by the wall region 32 that at least partially bounds the first notch 30. In another embodiment, the second bore 44 may receive a fixedly coupled second bolt 40. In an embodiment, when the first bolt 26 is not coupled to the reinforcement element 34, or is removed from the first bore 42, the roof fairing 12 may be rotated to a lowered position (LP) such that the second bolt 40 is supported by the second wall region 38 that at least partially bounds the second notch 36. In one embodiment, a method of raising the roof fairing 12 to the raised position (RP) relative to the roof 14 may comprise a person 28 pivoting the roof fairing 12 using the pivot 16, inserting the bolt 26 through reinforcement element 34 and engaging the bolt 26 with the notch 30 such that the bolt 26 is supported by the wall region 32.

After painting the roof fairing 12 and the roof 14, and after installing the seal 22, the bolt 26 is removed from the reinforcement element 34 and thus the roof fairing 12. As a result, the roof fairing 12 is lowered from the raised position (RP) to the lowered position (LP). Figs. 7 and 8 display the bracket 20 and second notch 36, which is at least partially bounded by the second wall region 38 of the bracket 20. For example, the wall region 38 bounds the second notch 36 at least partially in the vertical direction. Moreover, the second notch 36 may be a second V-shaped notch. Furthermore, a second bolt 40 may be attached to the roof fairing 12. In the lowered position (LP), the second bolt 40 is supported by the wall region 38 in the vertical direction, thereby fixing or holding the roof fairing 12 in the lowered position (LP) in relation to the roof 14. As can be seen from Figs. 5 and 6, in the lowered position (LP) the seal 22 is directly contacting both the roof fairing 12 and the roof 14.

As can be seen from the figures, the V-shaped notch 30 and the bolt 26 allow for a temporary resting of the roof fairing 12 in the raised position (RP) that allows the roof 14 and the roof fairing 12 to be painted together, and then allows ample access for the person 28 to access a bottom side of the roof fairing 12. Thus, the seal 22 can be attached to the roof fairing 12 on its bottom side in a particularly easy way after painting the roof 14 and the roof fairing 12. After the roof fairing 12 is painted and the seal 22 is installed, the person 28 can remove the bolt 26 and thus move the roof fairing 12 from the raised position (RP) to the lowered position (LP) where the roof fairing 12 is attached for final operation. For example, a pin or another element of similar function and structure can be used instead of the bolt 26. The notch 30 and the bolt 26 can also be moved when servicing the vehicle if the roof fairing 12 needs to be repainted or if the seal 22 needs replacing. Since, in the example given in the figures, the notch 30 is formed in the bracket 20, a service technician or a customer can use the notch 30 if they wish to repair the roof fairing 12 at a later time. For example, as an alternative, the notch 30 can be provided on the roof fairing 12 and the bolt 26 can be provided on the roof 14. In the example given in the figures, the bolt 26 is used to keep the roof fairing 12 in the raised position (RP). For example, any other attachment elements and/or attachment methods can be used to keep the roof fairing 12 temporarily in the raised position (RP). Preferably, the roof fairing 12 is not intended to be operated for aerodynamic benefit of a vehicle in the raised position (RP). Rather, the purpose of the raised position (RP) is an assembly aid that allows for a particularly cost-efficient mounting of the roof fairing 12. In other words, for example, the raised position (RP) is not necessarily an operation position in which the roof fairing 12 or the vehicle can be operated. In contrast, the lowered position (LP) is an operation position in which the vehicle comprising the roof fairing 12 can be operated, (i.e. driven forwards). For example, in the raised position (RP) the seal 22 attached to the roof fairing 12 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, spaced apart from the roof 14. By lowering the roof fairing 12 and thus the seal 22 attached to the roof fairing 12, the seal 22 is moved into contact with the roof 14, thereby sealing the roof fairing 12 against the roof 14 by the seal 22.

It should be appreciated that having the ability to operate the roof fairing in the raised position (RP) and the lowered position (LP) during assembly by utilizing the bracket 20 and the pivot 16 enables a user to more efficiently install seal 22. Improved installation of the seal 22 in turn may improve the effectiveness of the seal 22 in closing the gap between the roof fairing 12 and the roof 14 and enhance the overall aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for mounting a roof fairing (12) to a roof (14) of a vehicle, the system comprising: a first bracket (46) secured to the roof (14) comprising a pivot (16); a second bracket (20) secured to the roof (14) of the vehicle comprising a first notch (30) at least partially bounded by a first wall region (32) and a second notch (36) at least partially bounded by a second wall region (38); and -a reinforcement element (34) coupled to an interior surface of the roof fairing (12), the reinforcement element (34) comprising a first bore (42) vertically aligned with the first notch (30) and a second bore (44) vertically aligned with the second notch (36), wherein the pivot (16) couples the roof fairing (12) to the first bracket (46), and wherein the reinforcement element (34) is coupled to the second bracket (20) through at least one bolt.
2. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a first bolt (26) removably coupled to the reinforcement element (34) through the first bore (42).
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the first bolt (26) is supported by the first wall region (32) and the roof fairing (12) is in a raised position (RP).
4. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a second bolt (40) fixedly coupled to the reinforcement element (34) through the second bore (44).
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the second bolt is supported by the second wall region (38) and the roof fairing (12) is in a lowered position (LP).
6. A method for mounting a roof fairing (12) to a roof (14) of a vehicle, the method comprising: mounting a first bracket (46) to the roof (12), the first bracket (46) comprising a pivot (16); mounting a second bracket (20) to the roof (12), the second bracket (20) comprising a first notch (30) at least partially bounded by a first wall region (32) and a second notch (36) at least partially bounded by a second wall region (38); coupling the roof fairing (12) to the first bracket using the pivot (16); rotating the roof fairing (12) such that a front edge (24) of the roof fairing (12) moves in farther proximity from the roof (14) by using the pivot (16); coupling a reinforcement element (34) secured to an interior surface of the roof fairing (12) to the second bracket (20) using a first bolt (26), the reinforcement element (34) comprising: o a first bore (42) vertically aligned with the first notch (30); o a second bore (44) vertically aligned with the second notch (36); and o a second bolt (40) fixedly coupled to the reinforcement element (34) through the second bore (44). wherein the first bolt (26) is inserted through the first bore (42) and is supported by the first wall region (32) such that the roof fairing is fixed in a raised position (RP); painting the roof (14) and the roof fairing (12) whilst the roof fairing (12) is fixed in the raised position (RP); installing at least one seal (22) to the roof fairing (12) whilst the roof fairing (12) is fixed in the raised position (RP); removing the first bolt (26) from the first bore (42) of the reinforcement element (34); and rotating the roof fairing (12) such that the front edge (24) of the roof fairing (12) moves in closer proximity to the roof (14) by using the pivot (16), wherein the second bolt (40) is supported by the second wall region (38) such that the roof fairing (12) is fixed in a lowered position (LP), and wherein the at least one seal (22) at least partially covers a gap between the roof (12) and the roof fairing (12) fixed in the lowered position (LP).