VEHICLE COMPRISING A WIND DEFLECTING ASSEMBLY AND A LIGHTING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a chassis which has a longitudinal axis and which is supported by wheels; a cab mounted on the chassis, the cab including two side walls; a wind deflecting assembly comprising at least two side deflector panels, each side deflector panel having a front edge linked to a rear portion of the corresponding cab side wall and a rear edge, and extending vertically over at least part of the height of the corresponding cab side wall rear portion; and at least one lighting assembly which is mounted on a side deflector panel and which includes at least a working lamp configured to illuminate an area located rearward of the cab.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a chassis which has a longitudinal axis and which is supported by wheels; a cab mounted on the chassis, the cab including two side walls; a wind deflecting assembly comprising at least two side deflector panels, each side deflector panel having a front edge linked to a rear portion of the corresponding cab side wall and a rear edge, and extending vertically over at least part of a height of the corresponding cab side wall rear portion; and at least one lighting assembly which is mounted on a side deflector panel and which includes at least a working lamp configured to illuminate an area located rearward of the cab.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the working lamp is configured to emit a light beam providing at least 2 lux, preferably at least 4 lux, in a target area.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly, and preferably the working lamp, extends over a height that is at least half a side deflector panel height, wherein, preferably, the height is substantially identical to the side deflector panel height.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each side deflector panel has an inner face, disposed towards the chassis longitudinal axis, and an outer face, and in that the lighting assembly is mounted on the inner face of the side deflector panel.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly is mounted near the rear edge of the side deflector panel.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the side deflector panel is pivotally mounted relative to the corresponding cab side wall, about a pivoting axis which is substantially coincident with the side deflector panel front edge, between: a first position, in which a side deflector panel outer face is substantially flush with the corresponding cab side wall; and a second position, in which the side deflector panel outer face defines a mean plane which is substantially vertical and angled outwardly from the side deflector panel front edge to the rear edge thereof.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the lighting assembly is configured and mounted on the side deflector panel such that: in the first position, the working lamp can emit a light beam towards a trailer connector arranged on the chassis; and/or, in the second position, the working lamp can emit a light beam substantially along a chassis corresponding side wall.

8. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the lighting assembly is configured and mounted on the side deflector panel such that, when projected on a horizontal plane: in the first position, a working lamp main optical axis is directed towards the longitudinal axis of the chassis and is angled relative to the longitudinal axis by an angle which is comprised between 30° and 60°; and/or, in the second position, a working lamp main optical axis is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the chassis by an angle which is between −10° and +10°.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly is configured and mounted on the side deflector panel such that, when the side deflector panel is in a position in which its outer face is substantially flush with the corresponding cab side wall, the working lamp can emit a light beam substantially along a chassis corresponding side wall.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly is configured and mounted on the side deflector panel such that, when the side deflector panel is in a position in which its outer face is substantially flush with the corresponding cab side wall, a working lamp main optical axis, when projected on a horizontal plane, is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the chassis by an angle which is between −10° and +10°.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein it further comprises a camera monitoring system which includes a camera arranged on a supporting arm mounted on the cab, for providing a captured image of an area located rearward of the cab, and in that the lighting assembly further includes at least one IR emitting light source.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein it further comprises a camera monitoring system which includes a camera arranged on a supporting arm mounted on the cab, for providing a captured image of an area located rearward of the cab, and in that the lighting assembly further includes at least one light source configured to project a picture rearward of the cab, the picture forming a mark on a functional face located rearward of the cab, the mark being detectable by the camera.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a trailer connected to the chassis, preferably pivotally connected to the chassis.

14. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the functional face is at least part of a front face of the trailer.

15. A method for operating a lighting assembly in the vehicle of claim 1, comprising: determining at least one selection parameter among: a configuration of a vehicle; an operating condition of the vehicle; and a surrounding condition; and depending on the determined selection parameter, activate automatically or through manual control at least one of a working lamp of a lighting assembly and at least one additional light source of the lighting assembly, the at least one additional light source among IR emitting light sources and light sources used to form a camera detectable mark on a functional face located rearward of a cab of the vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0054] In the drawings:

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective rear view of a vehicle according to the invention, comprising a chassis and a cab, but no trailer connected to the chassis, the vehicle including side deflector panels and a lighting assembly mounted on each side deflector panel;

[0056] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lighting assembly to be mounted on the vehicle;

[0057] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, with the side deflector panels in a first position;

[0058] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, the vehicle including a trailer connected to the chassis and the side deflector panels being in a second position;

[0059] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0060] FIG. 6a is a schematic top view of a vehicle according to still another embodiment of the invention, the trailer of the vehicle being parallel to the chassis longitudinal axis;

[0061] FIG. 6b shows an image captured by a camera of the vehicle in the position of FIG. 6a;

[0062] FIGS. 7a and 7b are respectively similar to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the trailer of the vehicle being angled relative to the chassis longitudinal axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0063] A vehicle 1, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a chassis 2 supported by wheels, namely front wheels 3 and rear wheels 4. A cab 5 defining a driver's compartment is mounted on the chassis 2, on the front. The cab 5 has two side walls 6, a front wall 7, a top wall 8 and a rear wall 9. The chassis 2 can further comprise a trailer connector 10 located rearward of the cab 5. The vehicle 1 can therefore include a trailer 11 mechanically and electrically connected to the chassis 2 (as in FIG. 4 for example), or no trailer connected to the chassis 2, the vehicle 1 thus being only a tractor (as in FIGS. 1 and 3). The trailer 11 has side walls 12 and a front wall 13. The trailer 11 further has rear wheels 14. The trailer 11 can be pivotally connected to the chassis 2.

[0064] Z is defined as the vertical direction, X is defined as the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1, and Y is defined as the transversal direction of the vehicle 1. The chassis 2 has a longitudinal axis A2, and the trailer 11 has a longitudinal axis A11.

[0065] The vehicle 1 may comprise an electrical control unit (ECU) 15 for controlling the various electric systems of the vehicle 1.

[0066] The vehicle 1 also comprises a wind deflecting assembly for improving aerodynamics. The wind deflecting assembly comprises two side deflector panels 20, and can further comprise a top deflector panel 21 arranged on the cab top wall 8.

[0067] Each side deflector panel 20 has a front edge 22 linked to a rear portion of the corresponding cab side wall 6 and a rear edge 23, and extends vertically over a height H20 that is at least part of the height of the corresponding cab side wall rear portion. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the height H20 of the side deflector panel 20 is substantially identical to the height of the cab 5. In other embodiments, the side deflector panels 20 could extend further upwards beyond the cab top wall 8. Each side deflector panel 20 has an inner face 24, disposed towards the chassis longitudinal axis 2, and an outer face 25 along which air flows when the vehicle 1 is in motion.

[0068] Each side deflector panel 20 may be pivotally mounted relative to the corresponding cab side wall 6, about a pivoting axis A20 which is substantially coincident with the side deflector panel front edge 22. Thus, the side deflector panel 20 may pivot between: [0069] a first position (FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6a and 7a), in which a side deflector panel outer face 25 is substantially flush with the corresponding cab side wall 6; [0070] and a second position (FIG. 4), in which the side deflector panel outer face 25 defines a mean plane P25 which is substantially vertical and angled outwardly from the side deflector panel front edge 22 to the rear edge 23 thereof.

[0071] The vehicle 1 further comprises at least one lighting assembly 30 which is mounted on a side deflector panel 20. The vehicle 1 may typically comprise two lighting assemblies 30, preferably identical, one lighting assembly 30 being mounted on each side deflector panel 20.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting assembly 30 can comprise a casing 31 which includes a fastening system 32 for being mounted on the side deflector panel 20 and which has an open rear face. A glass 33 can be mounted on the casing 31 for closing the casing open rear face. The casing 31 and glass 33 thus form a housing which receives light sources that emit a beam rearward through the glass 33. The or some of the light sources can comprise LEDs. The lighting assembly 30 may include other components such as an optical deflector.

[0073] The lighting assembly 30 can be mounted on the inner face 24 of the side deflector panel 20. It can be mounted near the rear edge 23 of the side deflector panel 20.

[0074] The lighting assembly 30 includes at least a working lamp 35. The working lamp 35 comprises one or several light source(s) 36 having a high intensity in the visible spectrum, and is configured to illuminate an area located rearward of the cab 5. The working lamp 35 emits a light beam 39 and has a main optical axis A35.

[0075] The lighting assembly 30 may provide other lighting functions. In particular, the lighting assembly 30 may further includes: [0076] one or several IR emitting light source(s) 37; [0077] and/or one or several light source(s) 38 used to form a mark on a functional face located rearward of the cab 5, as will be described later.

[0078] It has to be noted that the arrangement of light sources 36, 37, 38 performing various lighting functions, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is only an exemplary embodiment that should not be considered as limitative.

[0079] The lighting assembly 30 has a height h30 that is at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, of the side deflector panel height H20. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the lighting assembly height h30 is substantially identical to the side deflector panel height H20. The working lamp 35 can extend over the whole height h30 of the lighting assembly 30, or only part of it (as in FIG. 2).

[0080] As in FIGS. 5, 6a and 7a, the vehicle 1 may also comprise a camera assembly 40 mounted on the cab 5, typically on a front top portion of at least one side wall 6 of the cab 5, adjacent the driver's seat. Basically, the camera assembly 40 comprises a supporting arm and a camera arranged on said supporting arm, for providing a captured image of an area surrounding the vehicle 1, more specifically an area located rearwards and along a vehicle side. The supporting arm can be fixedly mounted on the cab 5, and can be equipped with a mechanism (not shown) allowing the camera assembly 40 to be: [0081] either in a parking position (not shown), when not in use (typically when the vehicle 1 is stopped), in which the camera assembly 40 is folded against the cab side wall 6 to prevent damages; [0082] or in a use position, in which the camera assembly 40 is protruding from the cab side wall 6, to allow the camera to capture images (FIGS. 5, 6a and 7a).

[0083] Such a camera assembly 40 can typically be part of a so-called camera monitoring system (CMS) which further includes a monitor inside the driver's compartment for displaying an image based on the captured image provided by the camera. The camera monitoring system also includes a controller which can be connected to the ECU 15.

[0084] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4 which show one embodiment of the invention.

[0085] In this embodiment, the lighting assembly 30 can be configured and mounted on the side deflector panel such that, in the first position (FIG. 3), the working lamp 35 can emit a light beam 39 towards the trailer connector 10. In other words, in a horizontal plane (X,Y), the working lamp main optical axis A35 is directed towards the longitudinal axis A2 of the chassis 2 and is angled relative to said longitudinal axis A2 by an angle α which is comprised between 30° and 60°, preferably 40° and 50°. This configuration is of particular interest when the vehicle 1 does not include a trailer 11 but when such a trailer 11 is to be connected to the chassis 2, with the vehicle 1 being stopped, specifically in a dark environment (in night conditions or in a place where ambient light is low).

[0086] The lighting assembly 30 can be configured and mounted on the side deflector panel such that, in the second position (FIG. 4), the working lamp 35 can emit a light beam 39 substantially along a chassis corresponding side wall. In other words, in a horizontal plane (X,Y), the working lamp main optical axis A35 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the chassis 2 by an angle β which is comprised between −10° and +10°, preferably between −5° and +5°. This configuration is of particular interest when the vehicle 1 is stopped and when the trailer 11—connected to the chassis 2—is to be loaded/unloaded through a side aperture, specifically in a dark environment. Then, the working lamp 35 illuminates the trailer side walls 12 and makes loading/unloading easier and safer.

[0087] Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which shows another embodiment of the invention.

[0088] In this embodiment, the lighting assembly 30 is configured and mounted on the side deflector panel 20 is in the first position, the working lamp 35 can emit a light beam 39 substantially along a chassis corresponding side wall. In other words, in a horizontal plane (X,Y), the working lamp main optical axis A35 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the chassis 2 by an angle γ which is comprised between −10° and +10°, preferably between −5° and +5°. This configuration makes loading/unloading easier and safer as previously explained.

[0089] In this embodiment, the side deflector panel 20 is not necessarily configured to pivot towards the above described second position.

[0090] Besides, owing to this arrangement, with the vehicle 1 comprising a camera assembly 40 and the lighting assembly 30 including one or several IR emitting light source(s) 37 configured to emit a light beam 39a substantially along a chassis corresponding side wall in the first position of the side deflector panel 20, the invention makes it possible to improve the camera assembly operation in night or dark conditions, specifically when the vehicle 1 is in motion. The captured image, and ultimately the image displayed on the driver's monitor, are more contrasted and/or include more visible details, which allows improving safety.

[0091] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6a-7b which concern still another embodiment of the invention.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises a camera assembly 40 and the lighting assembly 30 includes one or several light source(s) 38 which, in the first position of the side deflector panel 20, are configured to emit a light beam 39b and to project a picture forming a mark 41 on a functional face located rearward of the cab 5. The functional face can be at least part of the front face 13 of the trailer 11, which can be a reflexive surface. The mark 41 or its reflection is detectable by the camera. The mark 41 may consist of a set of vertical lines.

[0093] In this embodiment, the side deflector panel 20 is not necessarily configured to pivot towards the above described second position.

[0094] When the trailer longitudinal axis A11 is substantially coincident with the chassis longitudinal axis A2, as shown in FIG. 6a, the field of vision 42 of each camera includes a corresponding small lateral end portion 43 of the trailer front face 13. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6b, the captured image 44 captured by each camera includes only a small portion of the mark 41.

[0095] When the vehicle 1 is turning, the trailer longitudinal axis A11 is angled relative to the chassis longitudinal axis A2, as shown in FIG. 7a. Then, the field of vision 42 of one camera includes a corresponding lateral end portion 45 of the trailer front face 13 that is wider than the small lateral end portion 43 of the straight configuration of FIG. 6a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7b, the captured image 44 captured by said camera includes a larger portion of the mark 41.

[0096] This arrangement makes it possible to determine the angle between the trailer longitudinal axis A11 and the chassis longitudinal axis A2, for example by counting the lines in the captured image 44 by means of the camera assembly 40. This angle value can be used to improve several functions of the vehicle 1.

[0097] In practice, the lighting assembly 30 may include, in addition to a working lamp 35 comprising one or several light source(s) 36, at least one additional light source among IR emitting light source(s) 37 and light source(s) 38 used to form a camera detectable mark 41 on a functional face 13 located rearward of the cab 5.

[0098] Then, all light source(s) 36, 37, 38 are not necessarily activated at a given moment, as their functions are different.

[0099] The invention therefore provides a method for operating the lighting assembly 30 of the vehicle 1.

[0100] The method first comprises determining at least one selection parameter among: [0101] P1: a configuration of the vehicle 1, such as whether a trailer 11 is connected to the chassis 2 or not; [0102] P2: an operating condition of the vehicle 1, such as whether the vehicle 1 is running or stopped, in a trailer loading/unloading phase or not; [0103] P3: a surrounding condition, such as the ambient light (night conditions or day conditions, brightness).

[0104] Then, depending on said determined selection parameter P1, P2, P3, the method comprising activating at least one of the light source(s) 36, 37, 38. This activation may be automatically controlled by the electrical control unit 15 or manually controlled through a control device that can be operated by the driver (not shown), following a corresponding informing or warning signal.

[0105] For example, when the vehicle 1 is in motion, an appropriate sensor can determine that the ambient light is too low and trigger the activation of the IR light source(s) 37.

[0106] According to another example, when the vehicle 1 is stopped, an appropriate sensor may detect that the side aperture of the trailer 11 is open, meaning that the vehicle 1 is in the loading/unloading configuration. As a result, the light source(s) 36 of the working lamp 35 may be activated.

[0107] The invention therefore provides a cost effective solution, insofar as one and the same lighting assembly can perform the appropriate one of several lighting functions.

[0108] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.