GB2591507A

GB2591507A - Fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2591507A
Application number: GB2001351.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rodrigues Matthew; Henry Morris
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2020-01-31
Filing date: 2020-01-31
Publication date: 2021-08-04
Also published as: GB202001351D0

Abstract

A fairing assembly 10 for a commercial vehicle includes a mounting structure 20 for mounting to a frame of the vehicle and at least one fairing 22 held on mounting structure 20. The assembly 10 is held on the frame via mounting structure 20 so fairing 22 is at least partially aft of a drive wheel 14 of the vehicle, and is pivotally held about a pivot axis 24b which is preferably vertical and inboard of fairing 22. A bracket (30b, Figure 2) may be provided to fix fairing 22 in one of two positions, and one of these may extend from front inside to back outside.

Description

FAIRING ASSEMBLY FOR A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle such as, for example, a truck.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] US 2018/0297645 Al and US 10 293 872 B2 show a fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle, the fairing assembly comprising a forward fairing configured to be disposed at least partially in front of a drive wheel of the axle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle. Moreover, the fairing assembly comprises a rear fairing configured to be disposed at least partially aft of the drive wheel.

[0003] Furthermore, US 9 027 686 B2 and US 2014/0238761 Al show a truck which comprises a frame with an operator cabin thereon. The truck also comprises a drive axle having a differential. A fairing is attached to the frame forward of the drive axle and forward of the differential to direct airflow around the differential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle such that the fairing assembly can be used in a particularly advantageous way.

[0005] This object is solved by a fairing assembly having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

[0006] The invention relates to a fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The fairing assembly comprises a mounting structure configured to be mounted to a frame of the commercial vehicle. The fairing assembly further comprises at least one fairing which is held on the mounting structure. The fairing assembly is configured to be held on the frame via the mounting structure such that the fairing is arranged at least partially aft of a drive wheel of the vehicle. In other words, in a completely assembled state of the commercial vehicle, the commercial vehicle comprises the frame, the drive wheel and the fairing assembly, wherein the mounting structure is mounted to the frame. Moreover, in the completely assembled state of the commercial vehicle, the fairing is held on the mounting structure such that the fairing is held on the frame via the mounting structure. Furthermore, in the completely assembled state of the vehicle, the fairing is arranged at least partially aft of the drive wheel. Preferably, the drive wheel is a rear wheel, in particular the rearmost drive wheel or the rearmost wheel of the commercial vehicle. In other words, the drive wheel is a wheel of an axle of the vehicle, wherein, preferably, said axle is a rear axle, in particular the rearmost axle of the vehicle.

[0007] In order to realize a particular advantage of the fairing assembly, the fairing is pivotably held on the mounting structure about a pivot axis. The fairing can pivot about the pivot axis in relation in relation to the frame whilst the fairing is held on or connected with the mounting structure and thus the frame.

[0008] Preferably, with respect to the completely assembled state of the vehicle, the pivot axis is arranged inboard of the fairing in the transverse direction of the commercial vehicle. Moreover, preferably, the pivot axis extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in particular with respect to the completely assembled state of the vehicle. Thus, the fairing can be pivoted in relation to the mounting structure, the frame and the drive wheel in such a way that, for example, a front edge, in particular the foremost edge of the fairing, can be pivoted about the pivot axis in relation to the drive wheel inwards and outwards in the transverse direction of the commercial vehicle. Preferably, the fairing can be pivoted about the pivot axis between at least two different positions in relation to the mounting structure and the frame. For example, in one of the positions, said front edge or said foremost edge faces the wheel such that, by pivoting the fairing and thus the front edge about the pivot axis, the front edge can be moved away from and towards the wheel in a need-based manner.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting device is configured to enable the fairing to be fixed in said positions in relation to the frame such that the commercial vehicle can be driven whilst the fairing is in each of the positions, respectively.

[0010] Drive wheel fairings provide an aerodynamic benefit for commercial vehicles such as, for example, trucks, in particular by reducing fuel consumption. For best aerodynamics, the front edge of the fairing should be positioned close to the wheel, in particular close to the tire of the wheel. The front edge is also referred to as a forward edge, wherein the fairing is also referred to as a panel. Preferably, in particular in the respective positon, the fairing extends in a plane which is spanned by the longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle and the vertical direction of the vehicle. Preferably, a rear edge or back edge of the fairing sweeps outboard of the commercial vehicle at least in said at least one position.

[0011] However, if the fairing was rigidly fixed to the mounting structure and thus the frame such that the fairing cannot be pivoted in relation to the mounting structure, this would not allow clearance with tire traction chains, and adjusting the panel by translating (i.e. translationally moving) it outboard could lead to an excessive width of the commercial vehicle. The present invention describes a way to mount the fairing, which is preferably an aft panel, such that the fairing can be pivoted away from the tire when traction chain clearance is required, without compromising aerodynamic performance when driving under normal conditions without chains. This means that the front edge of the fairing assembly may be arranged in close proximity to the wheel, in particular the tire of the wheel, with no traction chains installed on the wheel. If a traction chain is to be installed on the wheel, the fairing may be pivoted in relation to the mounting structure such that the front edge is pivoted away from the tire, thereby providing enough clearance for installing a traction chain on the wheel. After uninstalling the traction chain, the fairing can be pivoted back such that the front edge can be pivoted back towards the tire thereby arranging the front edge particularly close to the tire, which leads to particularly advantageous aerodynamics.

[0012] Preferably, the present invention provides a fairing assembly that has a mounting structure that that allows the fairing to be pivoted in relation to the wheel and the frame about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is also referred to as an axis of rotation, which should be inward of the fairing, in particular inward of a panel surface of the fairing. Moreover, preferably, the pivot axis should be located in such a way that as the panel rotates, the forward edge moves away from the tire and an aft surface, or a rear edge of the panel, moves inward towards the vehicle (i.e. inwards in the transverse direction of the commercial vehicle). Preferably, the mounting structure is solidly or rigidly bolted to the frame.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting structure allows for the fairing to be fixed in said positions in relation to the wheel and frame. Preferably, one of said positions is a fully open position, which can be used when traction chains are required. The second position can be a fully closed position to be used at all other times for improved aerodynamic performance. Alternatively or additionally, a latching and/or clamping mechanism can optionally be used to further control the rotation of the fairing.

[0014] Using the invention, tire traction chains can be used on the commercial vehicle together with the fairing, which can also be referred to as a drive wheel fairing. This can be accomplished without exceeding certain vehicle widths. The panel can be designed to maximize the aerodynamic benefit by bringing the forward edge close to the tire and the aft edge angled outward from the vehicle, while still being able to accommodate traction chains and abide by width limits.

[0015] 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings show in: [0017] Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective view of a fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle; [0018] Fig. 2 a further schematic and perspective view of the fairing assembly; [0019] Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the fairing assembly; [0020] Fig. 4 a further schematic and perspective view of the fairing assembly; [0021] Fig. 5 a further schematic top view of the fairing assembly; [0022] Fig. 6 part of a schematic perspective view of the fairing assembly; [0023] Fig. 7 part of a further schematic perspective view of the fairing assembly; [0024] Fig. 8 a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the fairing assembly; and [0025] Fig. 9 a further schematic perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the fairing assembly.

[0026] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Fig. 1 shows in a schematic perspective view a fairing assembly 10 for a commercial vehicle such as, for example, a truck. In its completely assembled state, the commercial vehicle comprises a frame, which is not shown in the Figs. For example, a driver's cab of the commercial vehicle is arranged on said frame. Moreover, the commercial vehicle comprises a plurality of axles, which are arranged behind each other in the longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle. The respective axle comprises respective wheels. At least one of said axles is a drive axle such that that the wheels of the drive axle are drive wheels. The drive wheels can be driven by at least one driving motor of the commercial vehicle, thereby driving the commercial vehicle as a whole. Said drive axle is partially shown in Fig. 1, wherein the drive axle partially shown in Fig. 1 is indicated by 12. Moreover, in Fig. 1, some of the wheels of the drive axle 12 are partially shown, wherein the wheels shown in Fig. 1 are indicated by 14 and 16. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the respective wheel 14 or 16 comprises a tire 18 or 19, respectively. Preferably, the drive axle 12 is a rear axle. In particular, the drive axle 12 is the rearmost axle of the commercial vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle. Thus, for example, the wheels 14 and 16 are the rearmost wheels of the commercial vehicle.

[0028] The fairing assembly 10 comprises a mounting structure 20, which is mounted to the frame. Preferably, the mounting structure 20 is mounted to the frame in such a way that the mounting structure 20 cannot be moved in relation to the frame whilst the mounting structure 20 is mounted to the frame. The mounting structure 20 comprises multiple components that are collectively and individually a part of the fairing assembly 10. Furthermore, the fairing assembly 10 comprises at least one fairing 22. The fairing 22 is held on the mounting structure 20 in such a way that the fairing 22 is held on the frame via the mounting structure 20 and is arranged at least partially aft of the wheel 14 in the longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle.

[0029] In an embodiment, the mounting structure 20 comprises three components. A first component 26 of the mounting structure 20 may be mounted to the frame at an end in such a way that the first component 26 may not move in relation to the frame while mounted. In an exemplary embodiment, the first component 26 is a mudf lap hanger. In a further embodiment, the first component 26 may be spring loaded such that it deflects. A second component 28 of the mounting structure 20 may be a bracket comprising a mounting point 48 in order to fix the first component 26 to the second component 28. For example, the mounting point 48 depicted in Fig. 6 may comprise two holes that align with two holes of the first component 26 in order for the first component 26 to be fixed to the second component 28 with, for example, bolts. A third component 30 of the mounting structure 20 may comprise a first bracket 30a fixed to the fairing 22 at mounting points 50. The mounting points 50 may comprise holes on the first bracket 30a aligned with holes on the inner surface of the fairing 22 to accommodate, for example, bolts in order to fix the third component 30 to the fairing 22. The third component 30 of the mounting structure 20 may comprise a second bracket 30b fixed to the first bracket 30a. The first bracket 30a may comprise two holes aligned with two holes of the second bracket 30b in order to accommodate, for example, bolts to fix the second bracket 30b to the first bracket 30a. The second bracket 30b of the third component 30 may jointly create a pivot joint 24a with the second component 28. The pivot joint 24a may accommodate a pin in order for the mounting structure 20 to pivotably hold the fairing 22 about a pivot axis 24b. It should be appreciated that each component of the mounting structure 20, including individual brackets of each component, may be separately manufactured components of various materials that can be connected with each other by the examples disclosed or by equivalent methods. In an alternative embodiment, the third component 30 and the fairing 22 may be configured together as one part. In another alternative embodiment, the first component 26 and the second component 28 may be configured together as one part.

[0030] In order to realize an advantage of the fairing assembly 10, such as to enable clearance of traction chains between the wheel 14 and the fairing 22, the fairing 22 is pivotably held on the mounting structure 20 by pivot joint 24a about the pivot axis 24b. Preferably, the pivot axis 24b extends at least substantially in the vertical direction of the commercial vehicle. The first bracket 30a and the second component 28 are pivotably connected with each other about the pivot axis 24b such that the third component 30 and the fairing 22 can be rotated about the pivot axis 24b in relation to the first component 26 and the second component 28. Thus, the fairing 22 may be rotated about the pivot axis 24b in relation to the frame and the wheel 14.

[0031] As can be seen from the Figs., the fairing 22 may be pivoted about the pivot axis 24b between at least two different positions in relation to the wheel 14. Figs. 1 to 3 show a first one of said positions, wherein Figs. 4 to 9 show the second one of said positions. The first position is also referred to as a nominal position in which an arced forward edge 32 of the fairing 22 is arranged particularly closely to the wheel 14, in particular to the tire 18 of the wheel 14. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the forward edge 32 has a concave shape such that the forward edge 32, which is the foremost edge of the fairing 22, can follow an outer form or an outer shape of the tire 18. Thus, the forward edge 32 can be arranged in particularly close proximity to the tire 18 to provide an aerodynamic benefit for the vehicle. However, in the first position, a clearance between the fairing 22 and the wheel 14 is enough to allow suspension travel of the wheel 14 in relation to the fairing 22 and the frame. However, if a traction chain is installed on the tire 18, and if the fairing 22 is in the first position, contact between the traction chain and the fairing 22 may occur as a result of suspension travel of the wheel 14. In order to be able to install a traction chain on the tire 18, and in order to avoid contact between the traction chain installed on the tire 18 and the fairing 22, the fairing 22 can be pivoted from the first position to the second position. Thus, there is no interference of the fire chain with the fairing 22. For example, in Fig. 4, an envelope 34 of the suspension travel of the tire 18 with the tire chain installed is shown. As can be seen in Fig. 4, contact between the fairing 22 and the tire chain can be avoided when the fairing 22 is in the second position.

[0032] In an embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 7, the second bracket 30b of the third component 30 may comprise a first receptacle 38a and a second receptacle 38b which can be configured as holes or through openings. In a further embodiment, the second component 28 may comprise a third receptacle 38c which can be configured as a hole or through opening. The receptacles 38a, 38b, and 38c may be configured to accommodate a pin 40. For example, the pin 40 may be a spring loaded pin. In yet another example, the pin 40 may be hand-actuated. In a further embodiment, the third receptacle 38c may be aligned with the first receptacle 38a when the fairing 22 is in the first position. In another embodiment, the third receptacle 38c may be aligned with the second receptacle 38b when the fairing 22 is in the second position.

[0033] In order to fix or secure the fairing 22 in the first position in relation to the wheel 14, the fairing 22, and thus the third component 30 which is fixed to the fairing 22, is first pivoted to align the third receptacle 38c with the first receptacle 38a. Second, the pin 40 is introduced into the third receptacle 38c such that the pin 40 is additionally introduced into the first receptacle 38a. For example, Figs. 1 and 3 shows the fairing 22 in the first position. As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 3, the second receptacle 38b is provided on the second bracket 30b of the third component 30.

[0034] In order to move or pivot the fairing 22 from the first position to the second position, the pin 40 is removed from the third receptacle 38c, and thus the first receptacle 38a. After removing the pin 40, the fairing 22, and thus the third component 30 that is fixed to the fairing 22, may be moved or pivoted from the first position to the second position such that the third receptacle 38c aligns with the second receptacle 38b. In order to fix or secure the fairing 22 in the second position in relation to the wheel 14, the fairing 22, and thus the third component 30, is pivoted to align the third receptacle 38c with the second receptacle 38b. Second, the pin 40 is introduced into the third receptacle 38c such that the pin 40 is additionally introduced into the second receptacle 38b.

[0035] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the pivot axis 24b is arranged inward of the fairing 22 in the transverse direction of the commercial vehicle. Moreover, at least in the first position, at least a portion P (Fig. 3) of the fairing 22 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the front inside to the back outside. In Fig. 3, the longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle is indicated by an arrow 44. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the portion P comprises a rear edge 46 of the fairing 22, wherein the rear edge 46 is the rearmost edge of the fairing 22. Moreover, said portion P ends at the rear edge 46 in the longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle towards the back. Thus, particularly advantageous aerodynamics can be realized in the first position.

[0036] Figs. 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the fairing assembly 10. Similar to the embodiment depicted in Figs. 1 to 7, the mounting structure 20 comprises three components. The first component 26 of the mounting structure 20 may be mounted to the frame at an end in such a way that the first component 26 may not move in relation to the frame while mounted. In an exemplary embodiment, the first component 26 is a mudflap hanger. In a further embodiment, the first component 26 may be spring loaded such that it deflects. The second component 28 of the mounting structure 20 may be a bracket comprising a mounting point 48 in order to fix the first component 26 to the second component 28. For example, the mounting point 48 may comprise two holes that align with two holes of the first component 26 in order for the first component 26 to be fixed to the second component 28 with, for example, bolts. Further, the second component 28 comprises a first pin channel 52a and a second pin channel 52b. The first pin channel 52a may accommodate a pin 36 to be used to fix the fairing 22 between the first position and the second position. The second pin channel 52b may create the pivot joint 24a with the third component 30 and accommodate a pin to enable the fairing 22 to pivot about the pivot axis 24b. The third component 30 of the mounting structure 20 may comprise a first bracket 30a fixed to the fairing 22 at mounting points 50 with, for example, bolts. Further, the third component 30 of the mounting structure 20 may comprise a second bracket 30b fixed to the first bracket 30a, with, for example, bolts. The second bracket 30b may comprise a through hole 54 aligned with the second pin channel 52b to accommodate a pin in order to create the pivot joint 52b with the second component 28 such that the fairing 22 may be rotated about the pivot axis 24b in relation to the frame and wheel 14. It should be appreciated that each component of the mounting structure 20, including individual brackets of each component, may be separately manufactured components of various materials that can be connected with each other by the examples disclosed or by equivalent methods. In an alternative embodiment, the third component 30 and the fairing 22 may be configured together as one part. In another alternative embodiment, the first component 26 and the second component 28 may be configured together as one part.

[0037] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the third component 30 may comprise a first receptacle 38a and a second receptacle 38b, which can be configured as holes or through openings. The receptacles 38a and 38b may be configured to accommodate the pin 36. For example, the pin 36 may be a secured pin. In another example, the pin 36 may be hand-actuated. In a further embodiment, the first pin channel 52a may be aligned with the first receptacle 38a when the fairing 22 is in the first position. In another embodiment, the first pin channel 52a may be aligned with the second receptacle 38b when the fairing 22 is in the second position.

[0038] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, in order to fix or secure the fairing 22 in the first position in relation to the wheel 14, the fairing 22, and thus the third component 30 which is fixed to the fairing 22, is pivoted to align the first receptacle 38a with the first pin channel 52a. Second, the pin 36 is introduced into the first receptacle 38a such that the pin 36 is additionally introduced through the first pin channel 52a.

[0039] In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 8 and 9, in order to move or pivot the fairing 22 from the first position to the second position, the pin 36 is removed from the first receptacle 38a and thus the first pin channel 52a. After removing the pin 36, the fairing 22, and thus the third component 30 that is fixed to the fairing 22, may be moved or pivoted from the first position to the second position such that the first pin channel 52a aligns with the second receptacle 38b. To fix the fairing 22 in the second position, the pin 36 is introduced into the second receptacle 38b such that the pin 36 is additionally introduced through the first pin channel 52a.

[0040] The fairing assembly 10 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 further comprises a securing element 42 such as a wire. By the securing element 42, the pin 36 is secured on the mounting structure 20 such that the pin 36 cannot fall off the mounting structure 20 while the fairing 22 is fixed in the first position or the second position. It should be appreciated that a securing element, such as a wire, may be used with the pin 40 in the fairing assembly 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 7 such that the pin 40 cannot fall off the mounting structure 20 while the fairing 22 is fixed in the first position or the second position.

Reference signs fairing assembly 12 drive axle 14 drive wheel 16 drive wheel 18 tire 19 tire mounting structure 22 fairing 24a pivot joint 24b pivot axis 26 first component 28 second component third component 30a first bracket 30b second bracket 32 forward edge 34 envelope 36 pin 38a first receptacle 38b second receptacle 38c third receptacle pin 42 securing element 44 arrow 46 rear edge 48 mounting point mounting point 52a first pin channel 52b second pin channel 54 through hole portion

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fairing assembly (10) for a commercial vehicle, the fairing assembly (10) comprising: a mounting structure (20) configured to be mounted to a frame of the commercial vehicle; and at least one fairing (22) held on the mounting structure (20), wherein the fairing assembly (10) is configured to be held on the frame via the mounting structure (20) such that the fairing (22) is arranged at least partially aft of a drive wheel (14) of the vehicle, and wherein the fairing (22) is pivotably held on the mounting structure (20) about a pivot axis (24b).
2. The fairing assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis (24b) is arranged inboard of the fairing (22) in the transverse direction of the vehicle.
3. The fairing assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis (24b) extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle.
4. The fairing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fairing (22) is pivotable between at least two different positions about the pivot axis (24b) in relation to the frame of the commercial vehicle, wherein the fairing assembly (10) comprises a bracket (30b) configured to fix the fairing (22) in the positions in relation to the frame of the commercial vehicle.
5. The fairing assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein, in at least one of the positions, at least a portion (P) of the fairing (22) extends in the longitudinal direction (44) of the vehicle from the front inside to the back outside.