Side skirt for a pulled vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow sheath for minimizing the aerodynamic drag that arises when tractors, trailers, rigid trucks, trucks, and other vehicles move in the air. In particular, the invention relates to a plate-shaped flow cover used as a side cover which has a front edge, a bottom edge, a rear edge and an upper edge. The fairing is mounted along the upper edge in a substantially vertical position to the outer edge of the lower body part of the vehicle of the towed vehicle combination of at least two articulated vehicles. After installation, the fairing extends at least partially outwardly under the body part in the longitudinal direction of the towed vehicle. A streamlined cover as a side cover reduces aerodynamic drag, but also reduces noise and rainwater splash from the wheels.

[0002] It is well known that the aerodynamic performance of the external shape of a vehicle and its movement through the center can be determined by a certain dimensionless CD called the drag coefficient. The drag coefficient at lower body speeds mainly depends on the aerodynamic configuration of the body and the Reynolds number, which is a measure of the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in the flow. The drag coefficient and the corresponding aerodynamic forces are directly related to the driving speed raised to the second power, and the fuel consumption, and thus the operating economy of this respective vehicle.

[0003] Heavy road transport vehicles can be characterized in the aerodynamic sense as rugged objects. This means that the aerodynamic properties of these road vehicles strongly depend on the flow distribution. Flow separation occurs when the boundary layer, which is a thin layer, and which bridges the speed difference between a moving vehicle and a lower air velocity, encounters a sufficiently large unfavorable pressure gradient due to, for example, sudden geometrical changes in the body, such as for example, at the rear of rugged road vehicles.

[0004] The term precipitous most often refers to bodies that have flow distribution at the leading edge, as is the case with most vehicles at high lateral wind angles. The flow that it encounters at the front of the vehicle passes, for example, along the side of the semi-trailer to its rear, where it is unable to follow a 270 degree corner with side and rear surfaces. For example, the edges are perpendicular to most corners of the means of transport moving along a large number of trade and rail routes. The effects of these flow separations are most evident at their high levels of aerodynamic drag, where the pressure resistance component is many times greater, due to the flow separation, than the drag resulting from surface friction, as in the case of flaps. The aerodynamic drag of the rugged shape mainly occurs due to the difference in pressure of the front and rear surfaces of the body in relation to the ambient pressure, with only a secondary effect resulting from surface friction.

[0005] Fuel economy and associated fuel cost for heavy transport vehicles are very important issues in the operating costs of domestic and international transport companies. To date, the carriage of goods on the road is one of the most efficient and flexible ways in the field of cargo transportation. To overcome the aerodynamic forces that act on a road vehicle due to the passage of such a vehicle in an air environment, a large amount of engine power is required. In addition to reducing aerodynamic drag by means of specially designed devices or aerodynamically suitably streamlined bodies, other activities can also positively affect the fuel consumption of vehicles. For example, by introducing a reduction in vehicle weight by designing lightweight structures, by improving tire friction coefficients that reduce tire friction forces, and by increasing the mechanical efficiency of mechanical parts such as the engine, transmission and drive shafts. The improved aerodynamic properties of the vehicle, in addition to increasing fuel economy, will reduce the production of environmentally harmful exhaust gases, as well as provide safer traffic situations due to reduced tire wear.

[0006] Due to the aerodynamic instabilities in the flow and the stream following the vehicle, the vehicle sways slowly on the road, which leads to tire wear and possible breakage, and thus to a dangerous traffic situation.

[0007] When a road vehicle travels along its path, the air mass near the front of the vehicle actually acts as a front barrier, which causes resistance to stagnation and thus loss of fuel economy. Significant progress has already been made in the field of aerodynamic design for tractor cabs and trucks in general. Rounded cab corners, side and roof deflectors, aerodynamic mirrors, side fenders for closing the gaps between the cab and the semi-trailer are widely adopted. A number of aerodynamic devices have also been developed for the rear end of the vehicle, such as the tail of the boat, the distributor plates, guide vanes, air deflectors, and pneumatic systems that significantly reduce the overall resistance of a road vehicle. Because the chassis of the semi-trailer usually includes transverse chassis beams, a pallet box, axles, support legs, storage bins, and other irregular components, this area is characterized by highly turbulent and separated flows.

[0008] The present invention relates to vehicles having highly turbulent areas as a result of intermittent flow at the articulated connection between at least two parts of a complete vehicle assembly. For example, such turbulent areas usually occur at the point of articulation between the semi-trailer and tractor or at the point of attachment of one or more trailers for a rigid truck. Another example of a vehicle combination is a train consisting of a locomotive and several wagons. The locomotive and wagons are articulated with each other. With each connection, areas with large pressure differences appear. At these places, the flow along the vehicle is interrupted, which adversely affects the aerodynamic behavior of the entire vehicle assembly.

[0009] US Patent No. 6,974,178 by Ortega and Salari illustrates several sets of fairings adapted to be placed in front of a wheelset to deflect an air stream away from the wheelset so as to reduce the pressure on the wheelset.

[0010] The first embodiment of the device according to US Patent No. 6,974,178 shows a wedge-shaped side cover system. The cover system is mounted on the bottom of the vehicle body in front of the rear wheelset by means of fasteners or other mounting devices such as those known in the art. The cover system has right and left panels extending downward from the bottom of the body and at an angle to deflect the airflow away from the rear wheelset. The importance of the fact that the left and right panels are part of a uniform structure is appreciated, and its guide ends can be integrally connected, either at a certain angle, or with the help of a curvilinear or other continuous shape. Straight panels themselves can also have a concave or convex curvilinear configuration.

[0011] The second embodiment of US Patent No. 6,974,178 shows a wedge-shaped sheath with a left and right panel similar but shorter than in the first embodiment and a third protruding panel connected to the wedge-shaped part in its own right. extended position. This third forward panel is centrally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the semi-trailer.

[0012] The third embodiment includes a pair of side skirts that are mounted parallel to or near the transversely opposite side of the vehicle body. In particular, the side skirts can be mounted directly to the bottom of the body part, extending there downwards, or they can be mounted to the side of the body part, extending down to a level below the body part. The side covers are located near the left and right sides of the lower edges to prevent airflow to and across the underside of the semi-trailer.

[0013] The first problem of the first and second embodiments of US Patent No. 6,974,178 is that assemblies, such as the battery box, pallet box, container and other necessary components that are present on a regular semi-trailer, can no longer be mounted due to current side covers.

[0014] Another problem of the three embodiments of US Patent No. 6,974,178 is that the underside of the vehicle body portion is not available when necessary to perform specific tasks such as maintenance or storage of parts, and the like.

[0015] Another problem of the three embodiments of US Patent No. 6,974,178 is that there are still zones with high levels of turbulence caused by the flows released and felt by the flowing stream, which adversely affects the aerodynamic behavior of the vehicle. Vortices and large irregularities in flow occur especially when the vehicle is subjected to horizontally inclined flows.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the abovementioned drawbacks, at least in part, and / or to provide a useful alternative. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide an improved flow around a vehicle comprising a flow cover that properly directs the flow if it is subject to horizontally inclined and directly directed flows. This goal was achieved by means of a streamlined jacket as defined in claim 1.

[0017] It is characteristic of the flow cover according to the invention that the flow cover is a side cover and locally comprises, in combination with the front edge, a thickened portion which has a streamlined outer contour in cross section, transverse to the front edge. In a vertically mounted flow cover, an inner and outer surface can be defined. The inner surface is positioned in relation to the towed vehicle, such as a semi-trailer, trailer or wagon. Preferably, according to the invention, the air stream which strikes the flow-through shield at the front edge is stably guided in air corridors along the inner and outer surfaces of the flow-through shield. The front edge is a streamlined outer contour that directs the air stream along the surface of the fairing shell. The risk associated with the split air stream at the front edge is greatly reduced. According to the invention, the turbulence of the air stream in the area around the front edge is significantly reduced, which has a positive effect on the aerodynamic performance of the complete vehicle assembly. Improved aerodynamic performance has a significant impact on the fuel consumption of this vehicle combination. Within several tests, it was found that savings of about 5% and more in fuel consumption could be achieved with the flow cover according to the invention.

[0018] Along with this, the present invention provides a device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a wheeled vehicle in an air flow. This vehicle can be presented as a tractor with a semi-trailer, where the semi-trailer has several wheelsets supporting the vehicle body. Preferably, the aerodynamic device in the form of a device for reducing the resistance of the semi-trailer consists of two panels with geometry substantially in the mirror symmetry and with curvatures on the inside at the front vertical edges. The panels are mounted in the longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer below the lower outer edge. The panels are side skirts that extend along the sides of the semi-trailer adjacent to the ground.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a sheath in a device for reducing aerodynamic drag for an alternative wheeled vehicle in an air flow. This vehicle can be described as a rigid truck with a trailer and drawbar, where the trailer has several wheelsets supporting the vehicle body. The device for reducing resistance for this type of semi-trailer consists of two equal panels, with internal curvatures on the front vertical edges. These panels are mounted in the longitudinal direction of the trailer.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the streamlined casing according to the invention, the outer contour of the thickened portion in cross section comprises a curvature with a lobe portion that attaches to the front edge. The flap portion is located at the front edge of the fairing cover to guide the approaching air stream along the inside and outside of the fairing cover. Preferably, the geometry of the airfoil such as the wing profile is optimally suitable for directing the air flow, for reducing turbulence and preventing flow separation in the area around the front edge.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment of the streamlined jacket according to the invention, the outer contour comprises a curvature with a circular portion with a radius of at least 100 mm that joins the front edge. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the outer contour comprises a curvature with an elliptical portion that joins the front edge. These embodiments are advantageous because the production of these flow covers is relatively economical and the reduction in turbulence is significant.

[0022] In order to achieve a significant reduction in turbulence, it is important that the thickened part has the right dimensions. In a particular embodiment, the thickened portion has a height dimension in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the flow casing of at least 50 mm. Preferably, the height is 100 mm, in particular 200 mm.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the thickened portion of the flow-through enclosure extends through an imaginary plane that is parallel to the outer surface of the flow-through enclosure at a distance of 100 mm. Preferably, the geometry of the front edge is smooth and without sharp edges to prevent the formation of vortices in the directed air flow. It is important that the air stream stays on the surface of the fairing cover. The continuous flow along the fairing cover must not be interrupted by a sudden change in the geometry of the fairing cover. It also depends on the airflow speed if a change in the fairing geometry is manifested as a break in the continuous airflow. The minimum dimensions of the thickened portion of the flow cover are in a particular embodiment of the invention related to the higher air flow velocities that occur during driving. The geometry of the thickened portion of the streamlining may advantageously have no rapid changes and have minimal dimensions. According to the invention, it has been found to be advantageous to gradually guide the panel with the thickened portion, which is placed with a minimum dimension in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the plate-shaped flow-through cover. This minimum dimension is defined as the perpendicular distance between the outer surface of the streamlining shield and the parallel imaginary plane. In a preferred embodiment, it has been found to be advantageous if the imaginary plane is parallel to the outer surface of the streamlining at a distance of 200 mm.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mounted plate-shaped flow-through enclosure comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. When the fairing is mounted on the vehicle, the inner surface is positioned inside relative to the towed vehicle. Preferably, the thickened portion is located on the inner surface of the streamlined casing. The outer surface is flat and is not equipped with a thickened part. Along with this, the turbulence in the area around the front edge is significantly reduced.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the fairing comprises a front and / or rear slant between the front edge and the bottom edge. These bevels improve airflow and thus further improve aerodynamic performance.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the front and / or rear bevel has a dimension towards the front edge of at least 100 mm. Performance is improved with this minimum dimension.

[0027] In a particular embodiment of the streamlined jacket according to the invention, the streamlined jacket is made of dicyclopentadiene, also known as Telene. This material has a high impact resistance, which is beneficial for reducing damage caused by road breakage. Dicyclopentadiene is further preferred because it can reduce the overall weight of the flow wrap. It is furthermore advantageous that the dicyclopentadiene material allows the production of large 3D geometries in one piece, which allows the thickened section to be integrated in the plate-shaped part of this streamlined jacket according to the invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to an aerodynamic device comprising a set of two streamlined covers that have the corresponding geometry in mirror symmetry.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fairing extends over the entire length of the vehicle to direct the air flow from the front of the vehicle along the bottom of the body part to the rear of the vehicle. Preferably, turbulent zones along the entire length of the vehicle are limited. Components such as posts and storage tanks that could cause disturbance to the airflow are located behind the flow cover and no longer adversely affect the directed airflow.

[0030] It is preferred to maintain a flow path to the rear of the body section. Along with this, the aerodynamic drag behind the vehicle is also reduced. Directing air to the rear of the vehicle reduces the pressure drop behind the vehicle, which has a positive effect on the aerodynamic performance of the entire vehicle combination.

[0031] A further embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated streamlined cover that can be raised up along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to provide access to the bottom of the vehicle. Preferably, access to the underside of the vehicle body is provided by a wing mechanism acting as a hinge to which a fairing is attached. Along with this, it is also convenient to mount the necessary parts on the bottom of the body part of the same vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a preferred semi-trailer equipped with a streamlined casing according to the invention. In a particular embodiment of the semi-trailer according to the invention, the fairing covers at least partly the wheel set. It is advantageous if there are airy slits located in the fairing in a position next to the wheelset to provide air passages for cooling the tires and the braking system of the semi-trailer. This reduces the risk of overheating the tire.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle that can be towed in a combination of vehicles, such as a trailer or a wagon, equipped with a fairing according to the invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, the front edge of the fairing shell is substantially aligned with the face of the body of the trailer or wagon. This is advantageous because in this embodiment the turbulence areas are limited.

[0034] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the further dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0035] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures, which show a practical embodiment of the invention but which should not be regarded as limiting. The attached figures, which are incorporated into and form part of the disclosure, are as follows:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective perspective view of one of the vehicles, hereinafter referred to as a semi-trailer tractor assembly, on which a streamlined guard according to the present invention may be mounted;

Fig. 2 is a bottom-oriented perspective view of a first embodiment of a flow guard according to the invention mounted below a semi-trailer of a tractor unit with a semi-trailer;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the tractor with the semi-trailer of Fig. 1 comprising a flow guard;

Fig. 4A is a bottom view of the semi-trailer of Fig. 3 as a towed vehicle;

Fig. 4B shows in detail the bottom view of the streamlined cover of Fig. 4A, which focuses on the geometry of the area adjacent to the front edge of the streamlined cover;

Fig. 5 is a front perspective perspective view of one of the vehicles hereinafter referred to as a rigid truck with a drawbar and trailer on which a fairing cover according to the present invention can be mounted;

Fig. 6 is an underneath perspective view of a first embodiment of a flow guard according to the invention mounted on the underside of a rigid truck trailer with drawbar and trailer;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the device of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the device of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a bottom-oriented perspective view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention mounted on the underside of the semi-trailer tractor unit;

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the device of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a bottom-oriented perspective view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention mounted on the underside of a semi-trailer tractor unit;

Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the device of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the present invention mounted on the underside of a semi-trailer tractor unit;

Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the device of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a bottom-oriented perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention mounted on the underside of a semi-trailer tractor unit;

Fig. 16 is a side view of the device of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a bottom-oriented perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the device according to the present invention mounted on the underside of a semi-trailer tractor unit;

Fig. 18 shows a side view of the device of Fig. 17.

Detailed description [0036] At the end of this detailed description, a legend is given giving the names of the components with the corresponding reference numerals.

[0037] The present invention is in the form of a device for reducing aerodynamic drag for use in wheeled vehicles of the type which generally have a vehicle body portion supported by one or more wheelsets below the body space where they are exposed to airflow, which affects total vehicle resistance. The proposed aerodynamic device, which will be referred to as the longitudinal flow deflector, can be used in a variety of transport vehicles, including cars, trains, airplanes or other vehicles having one or more wheelsets located or extending below the body part of the vehicle which is exposed airflow causing aerodynamic drag. [0038] In Fig. 1-18 of the drawing and discussion below, the conventional semi-trailer tractor-semi-trailer and rigid drawbar and trailer truck were selected as representative wheeled vehicles to illustrate aerodynamic drag as well as to show the solution provided by various embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] With reference to Figure 1, a conventional tractor with a semi-trailer, as a set of vehicles 1, generally designated tractor 2 and a semi-trailer 3, is a perspective view, viewed from the raised position facing forward to the left of the tractor with the semi-trailer. Tractor 2 is a well-known object that is not of interest, and will not be described in more detail. The semi-trailer 3, in such a vehicle, travels on one or more wheelsets 26, with its forward end section supported articulated on the rear part of the tractor by means of a pivot pin 29. To describe the semi-trailer 3, as part of a tractor-semi-trailer unit, it appears in the configuration as a structure closing the rectangular space of 4 bodies. This space has a front surface 5, a left side surface 6, a right side surface 9, an upper surface 7, a rear surface 10 and a lower surface 8, a chassis 30, and other equipment, among others, generally indicated as the left and right legs of the supports, respectively posts 23 and 24, pallet box 25 and possibly left bin 27 and right bin 28. As used herein and in the claims, the wheelset comprises any combination of wheels, (single or double) tires, axles, differentials and other wheel-related designs such as shaving springs, shock absorbers, springs (or air springs), rockers, brakes, etc., or any parts thereof located or extending below the body parts as a group of this device. The position as well as the number of wheelsets are not predefined and are arbitrary. The occurrence as well as the position of the pallet box 25 and both containers 27 and 28 are not compulsory and not specified.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 5, a rigid truck with a drawbar and trailer, as assembly 51, generally designated as a rigid truck 52 and a trailer 53 with a drawbar 74, is a perspective view from a raised position facing forward to the left vehicle assembly pages. The rigid truck 52 comprises a driver's cabin 92, space 93 bodywork, multiple wheelsets 94 and possibly storage tanks 95, for example, for fuel or electrical equipment. The trailer 53, in such a vehicle, travels on one or more wheelsets 73, with its extended forward drawbar 74 articulated to the rear part of a rigid truck 52 by means of a pivot pin of the same rigid truck 52.

[0041] To describe the trailer 53, in the configuration of a rigid truck with a drawbar and trailer as an assembly 51, the trailer is essentially configured as a structure enclosing the rectangular space 54 of the body. This space has a front surface 55, a left side surface 56, a right side surface 59, an upper surface 57, a rear surface 60, a lower surface 58, a chassis 75, and other equipment, among others, generally indicated as a possible left storage 76 and right storage 77 for placing, for example, electrical devices. As used herein and in the claims, the wheelset includes any combination of wheels, (single or double) tires, axles, differentials, and other wheel-related designs such as shaving springs, shock absorbers, springs (or air springs), swingarms , etc., or any parts thereof, located below or extending below the body parts, as a group of this device. The position as well as the number of wheelsets are not predetermined but are arbitrary.

[0042] Figs. 2-4A illustrate an exemplary first embodiment of a semi-trailer 3 according to the present invention, which has a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as simple longitudinal flow covers 31 and 38. Aerodynamic devices can be described as a combination of two thin-walled plates, with a horizontal bottom edge 32, a vertical rear edge 33, a horizontal upper edge 34 and a vertical front edge 35, taking into account the left longitudinal streamlined cover 31, and with a horizontal bottom edge 39, a vertical rear edge 40, horizontal top edge 41, and vertical front edge 42, taking into account the corresponding right longitudinal fairing 38. The starting point of the most forward edges, 35 and 42, of both longitudinal streamlined covers, 31 and 38, lies outside the lower horizontal front edge 19 of the space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The rear edges 33 and 40 of both longitudinal streamlined covers, 31 and 38, reach as far as to the lower edge of the rear 20 space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The left fairing and right fairing, designated 31 and 38, respectively, are vertically mounted along their upper edges 34 and 41 to the horizontal outer lower edges 11 and 15 of space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. In this detailed description, both the left longitudinal fairing as well as the right longitudinal flow guard, 31 and 38, are considered identical, and therefore in the remainder of this detailed description only the left longitudinal flow guard 31 will be considered. However, the left longitudinal flow fairing and the right longitudinal flow fairing, 31 and 38, can be configured differently in accordance with the user's requirements.

[0043] The straight front edge 35 of the device divides the flow that comes from the side and rear of the tractor 2 into two different streams; one on the outside and one on the inside of the semi-trailer 3. As shown in Fig. 4A, the flow outside the equipment is directed along the post 23, pallet box 25 (if present), along wheelsets 26 and along the hopper 27 (if present) backwards semitrailers 3. On the inside of the front of the aerodynamic device, as can be seen in fig. 4A, the flow passes along the curvature 36 and the oblique edge 37 preventing the same flow from separating, which locally reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, and accelerates this flow within due to the curvature 36, creating a vacuum. This curvature 36 can be defined as a quarter of an ellipse with a gradually oblique posterior end 37, as shown in Fig. 4A. This elliptical curvature with an oblique posterior end will hereinafter be referred to as the elliptical longitudinal flow cover. The favorable pressure gradient of the profile slows down the flow again and directs it to the rear of this vehicle, where the flow is expanded to form a stream following the vehicle, reducing the vacuum in this stream and thus reducing the aerodynamic drag at the rear of the semi-trailer 3.

[0044] Fig. 4B is a detailed view of the flow cover of Fig. 4A. The detailed view focuses on the geometry of the area adjacent to the front edge 35 of the fairing cover 38. The fairing has a plate shape at least 5 mm thick.

The area adjacent to the front edge 35 of the flow cover is thickened and is characterized in that it comprises a curvature 36 defining an elliptical surface.

The elliptic curvature 36 is defined by the two rays "c" and "b". Preferably, the ratio "c" to "b" is from at least 1 to at most 3. More preferably, the ratio "c" to "b" is at most 1.5. A ratio of about 1 defines a circular curvature 36 in cross section across the fairing cover. The height dimension of the thickened part in combination with the front edge is created by the dimension "b". The dimension "b" extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fairing cover. Preferably, this dimension "b" is at least 50 mm, in particular 100 mm, and even more preferably this dimension is 200 mm.

[0045] With a height dimension of at least 50 mm, the thickened portion extends through the imaginary plane 47, parallel to the outer surface 45 of the fairing shell. A substantially flat surface over substantially the entire length on the outside of the fairing defines an outer surface 45. Most embodiments of the fairing enclosure has an inner surface on the inside that is parallel to the outer surface. However, in a particular embodiment of the present invention, only the thickened portion can be provided on the inside or outside of the flow cover. The imaginary plane 47 is located parallel to the outer surface at a distance "a" of at least 100 mm on the inside of the streamlined cover.

[0046] The thickened portion in Fig. 4B is in cross-section defined by the elliptical curvature 36 and the decreasing curvature 37. Along the decreasing curvature 37, the thickened portion is limited to the thickness of the plate-shaped streamlining. In Fig. 4B, the curvature 36 comprises at least two radii "d" and "e" of at least 100 mm. The geometry of the thickened part ensures stable direction of the air stream in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] In order to achieve a streamlined outer contour, the thickened part, comprising the curvature and the disappearing part, preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the streamlined cover over a distance of at least 100 mm.

[0048] Figs. 6-8 show a first embodiment relating to a trailer 53, in a vehicle known as a rigid drawbar and trailer truck, in the form of an assembly 51, of a device according to the present invention having a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as simple longitudinal covers streamlined 78 and 85. Aerodynamic devices can be described as a combination of two thin-walled plates, with a horizontal bottom edge 79, a vertical rear edge 80, a horizontal upper edge 81, and a vertical front edge 82, considering the left longitudinal flow shield 78, and with a horizontal bottom edge 86, a vertical rear edge 87 , horizontal top edge 88, and vertical front edge 89, considering the right longitudinal fairing 85. The starting point of the most forward edges, 82 and 89, of both longitudinal streamlined covers, 78 and 85, lies at the lower horizontal edge 69 of space 54 of the trailer body 53. Rear edges 80 and 87 of both longitudinal streamlined covers, 78 and 85, reach up to the lower edge of the rear 70 space 54 of the trailer body 53. The left and right fairing, marked respectively 78 and 85, are vertically mounted along their upper edges 81 and 88 to the horizontal lower edges 61 and 65 of the space 54 of the trailer body 53. Both left and right longitudinal fairing, 78 and 85, are considered are too identical in this detailed description, and therefore only the left longitudinal streamlined cover 78 will be considered later in this detailed description. However, the left and right longitudinal flow protectors, 78 and 85, can be configured differently in accordance with the user's requirements.

[0049] The straight front edge 82 of the device divides the flow, which comes from the side and rear of the rigid truck 52, into two different streams; one on the outside and one on the inside of the trailer 53. As shown in Fig. 8, the flow out of the device is directed along wheelsets 73 and along the hopper 76 (if present) to the rear of the trailer 53. On the inside of the aerodynamic device as can be see in fig 8, the flow passes along the curvature 83 and the oblique edge 84 preventing the same flow from separating, which locally reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, and accelerates this flow within, due to the curvature 83, creating a vacuum. Curvature 83 can be defined as a quarter of an ellipse with a gradually inclined rear end 84, as shown in Fig. 8. This elliptical curvature with an inclined rear end will hereinafter be referred to as an elliptical longitudinal streamlined cover. The favorable pressure gradient of the profile slows down the flow again and directs it to the rear of this vehicle, where the flow is expanded to form a stream following the vehicle, reducing the vacuum in this stream, and thus reducing the aerodynamic drag at the rear of the trailer 53.

[0050] Further embodiments can advantageously be used on both vehicles described above, commonly known as semi-trailer 3 and trailer 53 with drawbar 74. The configuration of the vehicle hereinafter referred to as semi-trailer 3 will be further considered in this detailed description.

[0051] Figs. 9 and 10 show an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by reference numerals 102 and 109, and having a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as longitudinal backward deflected streamlining. Aerodynamic devices include a combination of two thin-walled plates, with a horizontal bottom edge 103, a vertical rear edge 104, a horizontal upper edge 105 and a vertical front edge 106, considering only the left longitudinal fairing cover 102. The starting point of the most forward edge 106 longitudinal fairing covers 102 lies beyond the lower horizontal edge 19 of space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The rear edge 104 of the longitudinal flow cover 102, extends up to the lower edge of the rear space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The longitudinal flow cover with the rear step, designated 102, is mounted vertically along its upper edge 105 to the vertical lower edge 11 space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3 .

[0052] The straight front edge 106 of the device divides the flow, which comes from the side and rear of the tractor 2, into two different streams; one on the outside and one on the inside of the semi-trailer 3. As shown in Fig. 10, the flow out of the device is directed along the post 23, large pallet box 101, over wheelsets 26 and along the hopper 27 (if present) to the rear of the semi-trailer 3. After the inside of the front of the aerodynamic device as can be seen in fig. 10, the flow passes along the curvature 107 and the rear step 108, which creates space for the pallet box 101. This curvature 107 can be defined as a quarter of an ellipse with a straight back step 108, as shown in Figure 10. This back step curvature will be referred to as oblong flow cover with rear step.

[0053] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by reference numerals 120 and 127, and having a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as longitudinal fairing with circular curvature. Aerodynamic devices include a combination of two thin-walled plates, with a horizontal bottom edge 121, a vertical back edge 122, a horizontal top edge 123, and a vertical front edge 124, considering only the left longitudinal streamlined cover 120. The starting point of the most forward edge 124 longitudinal streamlined covers 120 lies beyond the lower horizontal edge 19 of space 4 of the body of the semi-trailer 3. The rear edge 122 of the longitudinal flow cover 120 extends up to the lower edge of the rear space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The flow shield, marked 120, is horizontally mounted along its upper edge 123 to the horizontal lower edge 11 of the space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3.

[0054] The straight front edge 124 of the device divides the flow that comes from the side and rear of the tractor 2 into two different streams; one on the outside and one on the inside of the semi-trailer 3. As shown in Fig. 12, the flow to the outside of the device is directed along the post 23, large pallet box 25, above the wheelsets 26 and along the hopper 27 (if present) to the rear of the semi-trailer 3. After the inside of the front of the aerodynamic device as can be seen in fig. 12, the flow passes along the curvature 125 and the inclined edge 126 preventing the same flow from separating, which locally reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, and accelerates this flow within, due to the curvature 125, creating a vacuum. This curvature 125 can be defined as a quarter of an ellipse with a gradually inclined rear end 126, as shown in Figure 12. This circular curvature will hereinafter be referred to as a circular longitudinal flow cover. The favorable pressure gradient of the circular flow shroud slows down the flow again and directs it towards the rear of this vehicle, where the flow is expanded to form a stream following the vehicle increasing the pressure in this stream and thus reducing the aerodynamic drag at the rear of the semi-trailer

3.

[0055] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by reference numerals 140 and 146, and having a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as longitudinal flow guards with lobular curvature. Aerodynamic devices include a combination of two thin-walled plates, with a horizontal bottom edge 141, a vertical back edge 142, a horizontal top edge 143, and a vertical front edge 144, considering only the left longitudinal streamlined cover

140. The starting point of the foremost edge 144 of the longitudinal streamlined sheaths 140 lies beyond the lower horizontal edge 19 of the space 4 of the semi-trailer body

3. The rear edge 142 of the longitudinal flow cover 140 extends up to the lower edge of the rear space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The flow shield, designated 140, is mounted horizontally along its upper edge 143 to the horizontal lower edge 11 space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3.

[0056] The straight front edge 144 of the device divides the flow that comes from the side and rear of the tractor 2 into two different streams; one on the outside and one on the inside of the semi-trailer 3. As shown in Fig. 14, the flow out of the device is directed along the post 23, large pallet box 25, above the wheelsets 26 and along the hopper 27 (if present) to the rear of the semi-trailer 3. After the inside of the front of the aerodynamic device as can be seen in fig. 14, the flow passes along the curvature 145 preventing the same flow from separating, which locally reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, and accelerates this flow within, due to the curvature 145, creating a vacuum. This curvature 145 can be defined as any type of panel, as shown in Fig. 14. This panel-based curvature will hereinafter be referred to as a panel-based longitudinal streamlined cover. A favorable pressure gradient based on the profile of the streamlined sheath slows the flow again and directs it back to the vehicle, where the flow is expanded to form a stream following the vehicle increasing the vacuum in this stream and thus reducing the aerodynamic drag at the rear of the semi-trailer 3.

[0057] Figs. 15 and 16 show an exemplary fifth embodiment regarding a semi-trailer 3, a device according to the present invention having a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as longitudinal flow guards 160 and 167. Aerodynamic devices can be described as a combination of two thin-walled plates, with a horizontal bottom edge 161, a vertical back edge 162, a horizontal top edge 163, and a bevelled edge 164 between the bottom edge 161 and the vertical edge, taking into account only the left longitudinal streamline 160. the initial forwardmost chamfered edge 164 of the longitudinal streamlined covers 160, lies outside the lower horizontal edge 19 of the space 4 of the semi-trailer body

3. The vertical rear edge 162 of the longitudinal flow cover 160 extends to the lower rear edge 20 of the space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The flow guard, marked as

160, is mounted vertically along its upper edge 163 to the vertical lower edge 11 of space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3.

[0058] The beveled front edge 164 of the device divides the flow, which comes from the side and rear of the tractor 2, into two different streams; one on the outside and one on the inside of the semi-trailer 3. The flow outside the equipment is directed along the post 23, pallet box 25 (if present), above the wheelsets 26 and along the hopper 27 (if present) to the rear of the semi-trailer 3. On the inside of the front aerodynamic device, as can be seen in Fig. 15, the flow passes along the curvature 165 and the oblique edge 166 preventing the same flow from separating, which locally reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, and accelerates this flow within, due to the curvature 165, creating a vacuum. The favorable pressure gradient of the profile again slows the flow and directs it back to the vehicle, where the flow is expanded to form a stream following the vehicle, reducing the vacuum in this stream, and thus reducing the aerodynamic drag at the rear of the semi-trailer 3. As shown in Fig. 16, the front edge 164 of the fairing cover is inclined at a certain angle to the horizontal giving higher performance in crosswind conditions. This beveled edge 164, to which any angle or outline desired by the user may be assigned, will be referred to as the longitudinal streamlined cover with the beveled front part.

[0059] Figs. 17 and 18 show an exemplary sixth embodiment regarding a semi-trailer 3, a device according to the present invention having a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as longitudinal flow guards 180 and 187. Aerodynamic devices can be described as a combination of two thin-walled plates, with a horizontal bottom edge 181, a beveled rear edge 182 between the bottom edge 181 and a vertical edge, a horizontal upper edge 183, and a vertical front edge 184, taking into account only the left longitudinal streamline cover 180. The starting point of the most forward vertical edge 184 of the longitudinal flow covers 160 lies outside the lower horizontal edge 19 of the space 4 of the semi-trailer body

3. The chamfered rear edge 182 of the longitudinal flow cover 180 extends to the lower edge of the rear space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3. The flow shield, designated 180, is mounted vertically along its upper edge 183 to the vertical lower edge 11 space 4 of the semi-trailer body 3.

[0060] The vertical front edge 184 of the device divides the flow, which comes from the side and rear of the tractor 2, into two different streams; one on the outside and one on the inside of the semi-trailer 3. The flow to the outside of the equipment is directed along the post 23, pallet box 25 (if present), along wheelsets 26 and along the hopper 27 (if present) to the rear of semi-trailer 3. On the inside of the front of the aerodynamic device, the flow passes along the curvature 185 and the oblique edge 186 preventing the same flow from separating, which locally reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, and accelerates this flow within, due to the curvature 185, creating a vacuum. The favorable pressure gradient of the profile slows down the flow again and directs it to the rear of this vehicle, where this flow is expanded to form a stream following the vehicle, reducing the negative pressure in this stream and thus also reducing the aerodynamic drag at the rear of the semi-trailer 3.

[0061] Fig. 18 shows the inclined rear edge 182 of the longitudinal flow sheath at an angle relative to the horizontal, giving greater performance in crosswind conditions. This beveled edge 182, to which any angle and outline required by the user may be assigned, will be referred to as the longitudinal streamlined cover with the beveled rear edge.

[0062] An exemplary seventh embodiment of the semi-trailer 3 according to the present invention has a device for reducing aerodynamic drag, such as longitudinal streamlined guards, which can swing out by means of a supporting structure. This support structure includes four rods forming a parallelogram with hinged corners providing the desired freedom of movement of the longitudinal streamlined guards upwards. The supporting structure is connected to the lower surface 8 of the body space 4, parallel to its longitudinal lower edge 11 according to the state of the art in the field of mechanical fastening. The longitudinal flow cover must be equipped with several supporting structures to ensure the desired rigidity and flexibility.

[0063] Various embodiments are possible in addition to the embodiment shown, but these will remain within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0064] Thus, the invention provides a streamlined jacket comprising a streamlined outer contour at the front edge. The invention provides a streamlined cover that can lead to better aerodynamic performance for vehicle assemblies that can result in large fuel savings.

Legend:

tractor-semi-trailer unit 3 semi-trailer body semi-trailers 5 front body surface semi-trailers 6 left body surface semi-trailers 7 upper body surface semi-trailers 8 lower body surface semi-trailers right body surface semi-trailers rear body surface semi-trailers 11 left edge lower body semi-trailer 14 left edge front body semi-trailers 15 right lower edge of the body semi-trailers 19 lower front edge of the body semi-trailers 20 lower rear edge of the body semi-trailers 23 left semi-trailer leg right semi-trailer leg pallet box semi-trailer wheel set semi-trailer left semi trailer right semi trailer right semi trailer ₇₈ left streamlined cover of the trailer with elliptical curvature bottom edge of the left streamlined cover 80 rear edge of the left streamlined cover 81 upper edge of the left streamlined cover 82 front edge of the left streamlined cover ₈₃ elliptically curved edge of the left streamlined cover ₈₄ the oblique / disappearing edge of the left streamlined cover ₈₅ right streamlined cover of the trailer with elliptic curvature bottom edge of the right streamlined cover 87 rear edge right of the streamlined cover 88 top edge of the right streamlined cover ₈₉ the front edge of the right fairing cover ₉₂ driver's cab of a rigid truck ₉₃ body space of a rigid truck ₉₄ rigid truck wheel sets ₉₅ rigid truck storage

101 large pallet box

102 left fairing with rear step

103 the lower edge of the left fairing cover

104 rear edge of the left flow cover torsion pivot of the semi-trailer supporting structure left flow cover with elliptical curvature left bottom edge of the flow cover left rear edge of the flow cover left upper edge of the flow cover left front edge of the flow cover left streamlined with elliptical curvature bottom edge of the fairing cover right rear edge of the fairing cover right edge upper fairing cover right front edge of the fairing cover outer surface inner surface imaginary plane rigid truck with drawbar and semi-trailer rigid truck trailer trailer body trailer front surface trailer body left trailer body surface trailer upper body surface trailer bottom body surface trailer right trailer body surface rear body surface trailer

105 upper edge of the left fairing cover

106 the front edge of the left fairing cover ₁₀₇ the elliptical curvature of the left streamlined cover

108 rear step of the left streamlined cover ₁₀₉ right flow cover with step ¹⁰⁹ rear ₁₂₀ left flow cover with curvature ¹²⁰ circular

121 the lower edge of the left fairing cover

122 rear edge of the left fairing cover

123 upper edge of the left fairing cover

124 the front edge of the left fairing cover ₁₂₅ circular curvature of the left shield

126 the oblique / disappearing edge of the left streamlined cover ₁₂₇ right flow cover with curvature ¹²⁷ circular ₁₄₀ left fairing with a flap-based profile

141 the lower edge of the left fairing cover

142 rear edge of the left fairing cover

143 upper edge of the left fairing cover

144 the front edge of the left fairing cover ₁₄₅ curvature based on the sheet of the left fairing cover ₁₄₆ right fairing with a flap-based profile ₁₆₀ left streamlined cover with bevelled front

161 the lower edge of the left fairing cover

162 rear edge of the left fairing cover

163 upper edge of the left streamlined cover beveled front left

164 flow cover ₁₆₅ the elliptical curvature of the left streamlined cover ₁₆₆ the oblique / disappearing edge of the left streamlined cover ₁₆₇ right streamlined cover with beveled front left lower edge of trailer body 65 right lower edge of trailer body 69 front lower edge of trailer body rear lower edge of trailer body 73 trailer wheel set 74 trailer drawbar trailer supporting structure left trailer container left streamlined cover with beveled ¹⁸⁰ back

181 bottom edge of left streamlined cover beveled rear edge of left cover

182

183 upper edge of the left fairing cover

184 the front edge of the left streamline shield elliptical curvature of the left shield

185 streamlined ₁₈₆ oblique / disappearing edge of the left streamlined cover right streamlined cover with beveled ¹⁸⁷ back