Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Semi-trailer trucks often include one or more fairing panels that extend downwardly from an area near the bottom of the cab or sleeper portion of the vehicle. These panels increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicles, thereby improving fuel economy and reducing operating costs. The panels also improve the aesthetics of the vehicles by concealing vehicle components, such as fuel tanks, fluid lines, frame components, etc., that would otherwise be visible. 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  shows a typical fairing under-cab installation for a known semi-trailer truck. The vehicle  10  includes a chassis frame  12  supported by a plurality of wheels  14 . A cab  16  is located on a forward end of the frame  12  to provide a vehicle operator with an enclosure from which to operate the vehicle  10 . An optional sleeper  18  extends from a rear portion of the cab  16  to provide sleeping quarters and a living space for the vehicle operator. A fairing panel  20  is mounted to the vehicle frame  12  to extend downwardly from an area just below the cab  16  and the sleeper  18 . 
         [0003]    The cab  16  and the sleeper  18  are mounted to the frame  12  with a suspension in order to provide a smoother ride for the vehicle operator. As a result, relative motion necessarily occurs between the cab  16  and the frame  12  and between the sleeper  18  and the frame  12  during vehicle operation. Because the fairing panel  20  is mounted to the frame  12 , relative motion also occurs between the cab  16  and the fairing panel  20  and between the sleeper  18  and the fairing panel  20 . To accommodate this relative motion, the fairing panel  20  is mounted to the frame  12  so that a gap  22  exists between the fairing panel  20  and the cab  16  and between the fairing panel  20  and the sleeper  18 . The gap  22  allows the cab  16  and the sleeper  18  to move relative to the frame  12 , and thus the fairing panel  20 , during vehicle operation. This in turn prevents unwanted contact between the fairing panel  20  and the cab  16  and/or sleeper  18 . 
         [0004]    While the above-described fairing system provides improved aerodynamic efficiency and improved vehicle aesthetics, the gap between the fairing panel and the cab and sleeper causes undesirable aerodynamic drag. Further, the gap allows structure that would ideally be concealed to be visible from outside of the truck. Owners and operators of semi-trailer trucks would find it desirable to provide a fairing assembly that eliminates this gap, thereby improving both the aerodynamic efficiency and the appearance of the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A fairing assembly is disclosed, wherein the fairing panel is suitable for use on a heavy duty vehicle having a cab mounted to a frame such that relative motion occurs between the cab and the frame during vehicle operation. The fairing assembly includes a fairing panel extending downwardly from a lower portion of the cab and a hinge for hingedly connecting an upper portion of the fairing panel to a lower portion of the cab. The hinge defines a hinge line extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The fairing assembly further includes a link. A first end of the link is rotatably connected to a lower portion of the fairing panel, and a second end of the link is rotatably connected to the frame. The link limits rotation of the fairing panel about the hinge line. The link itself rotates relative to the fairing panel to allow for relative motion between the frame and the cab. 
         [0006]    Also disclosed is a truck having a frame and a sleeper mounted to the frame. The frame includes a frame rail extending in a longitudinal direction. When the vehicle is operated, relative motion occurs between the frame and the sleeper. A fairing assembly for the truck includes a fairing having an upper edge hingedly connected to the sleeper about a generally horizontal hinge line. The fairing assembly further includes a link having a first end rotatably secured to a lower edge of the fairing and a second end rotatably secured to the frame. 
         [0007]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a vehicle with a known fairing assembly; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is side view of a vehicle having an fairing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the fairing assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the fairing assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings where like numerals correspond to like elements. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and appended claims are generally directed to fairing assembly suitable for mounting a fairing to a lower edge of the cabs and/or sleepers of vehicles such as Class 8 trucks. Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and appended claims will be described hereinafter with reference to Class 8 trucks, it will be appreciated that aspects of the claimed subject matter have wide application, and therefore, may be suitable for use with many types of vehicles wherein a mounted fairing moves relative to surrounding structure. Accordingly, the following descriptions and illustrations herein should be considered illustrative in nature, and thus, not limiting the scope of the present disclosure, as claimed. 
         [0014]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed and claimed subject matter. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the claimed subject matter may be practiced without some or all of the specified features. Although the vehicle depicted in  FIG. 2  represents one of the possible applications for the disclosed and claimed subject matter, it should be appreciated that the particular features of the disclosed subject matter can be modified for use with any vehicle on which the inclusion of fairings would be appropriate. 
         [0015]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a vehicle  30 , such as a Class 8 truck, includes a frame  32  supported by a plurality of wheels  34  rotatably mounted thereto. A cab  36  and an optional sleeper  38  are secured to the frame  32  by a suspension system (not shown). The cab  36  provides a sheltered enclosure from which an operator controls the vehicle  30 , and the sleeper  38  provides sleeping quarters and a living space for the operator. The suspension system provides a smoother ride for the vehicle operator by allowing relative motion to occur between the cab  36  and the frame  32  so that the operator is at least partially isolated from the motion of the frame  32  during vehicle operation. 
         [0016]    For the sake of simplicity, fairing panels will hereinafter typically be referred to as being mounted to the vehicle sleeper  38 ; however, it should be appreciated embodiments are contemplated wherein the fairing panels are mounted to a lower surface of a vehicle cab  36 , regardless of whether or not the vehicle has a sleeper  38 , or to lower surfaces of both the cab  36  and the sleeper  38 . Embodiments wherein the fairing panels are mounted to other structure that moves relative to the vehicle frame are also contemplated. Such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the disclosed and claimed subject matter. 
         [0017]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show lower outboard portion of a typical sleeper configuration, wherein the sleeper  38  has a frame  40  located at the base of the sleeper  38 . In the illustrated embodiment the sleeper frame  40  includes a C-channel positioned so that the web of the C-channel is substantially vertical, and the upper and lower flanges face inboard, toward the vehicle centerline. A floor panel  42  is supported by the upper surface of the sleeper frame  40 , and the lower edge of a side panel  44  extends vertically downward to cover the outboard edge of the frame  40 . Both the floor panel  42  and the side panel  44  are attached to the sleeper frame  40  with conventional fasteners. The illustrated sleeper  38  is exemplary only, and should be apparent that other sleeper configurations are possible. In this regard, one of skill in the art would readily be able to modify the disclosed fairing assembly for use with various other sleeper configurations. 
         [0018]    Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the fairing assembly  50  includes a fairing panel  52  hingedly coupled to a lower portion of the sleeper  38 . The fairing panel  52  has a substantially flat outboard surface such that when the fairing panel is mounted to the vehicle  30 , it serves as an extension of the side of the sleeper  38 , thereby increasing the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. The fairing panel  52  also improves the aesthetics of the vehicle  30  by covering the vehicle frame  32 , and any components mounted thereto, such as fuel tanks  54 , wiring, fluid lines, etc. The illustrated fairing panel  52  includes upper and lower flanges, which provide an unseen interface for the mounting hardware, as well as additional stiffness to the fairing panel. It should be appreciated that the illustrated fairing panel  52  is exemplary only, and the disclosed fairing mounting system can be modified to mount fairing panels of a wide variety of configurations. For example, the fairing panel need not be flat, but can instead be contoured to provide particular aerodynamic or aesthetic effect. 
         [0019]    The fairing panel  52  is hingedly coupled to the sleeper  38  with one or more hinges  56 . In this regard, first half of the hinge  56  is coupled to the lower flange of the sleeper frame  40  using conventional fasteners. A second half of the hinge  56  is coupled to an upper, generally horizontal surface of a fairing panel  52 . Attaching the second half of the hinge  56  to a horizontal fairing surface hides the attachment fasteners from view; however, it should be appreciated that the hinge can be attached to any suitable portion of the fairing panel, including the vertical fairing web. In such a configuration, the lower portion of the hinge  56  may extend downwardly such that the hinge forms a 90° angle and is attached to an inner vertical surface of the fairing panel  52 , thereby allowing the upper horizontal flange of the fairing panel to be omitted. The hinge is arranged so that the hinge line is substantially horizontal and oriented along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. It should be appreciated, however, that alternate embodiments are possible wherein the hinge is not horizontal, but instead is oriented at an angle relative to horizontal and/or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. 
         [0020]    In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge  56  is a “piano hinge,” i.e., a single elongate hinge spanning all or substantially all of the length of the fairing panel  52 . Other embodiments are contemplated wherein a series of hinges are used instead of a single hinge. In yet another embodiment, the hinge is one or more pieces of flexible material coupled to both the fairing panel  52  and the sleeper  38 . The material, which can be fabric, a polymer, or any other suitable material, has sufficient strength to withstand normal operating loads experienced during operation, but is flexible enough to operate as a hinged connection between the sleeper  38  and the fairing panel  52 . 
         [0021]    The sleeper frame and the fairing panel are illustrated as being coupled to the hinge using conventional removable fasteners  46 , however, it should be appreciated that any suitable mechanical fastening means may be utilized, including permanent fasteners, epoxy, or any other known fastener. Further, a portion or all of the hinge may be integrally formed with the fairing panel  52 , the sleeper  38 , or both. These and other embodiments are contemplated and should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0022]    Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , one or more elongate links  58  are rotatably coupled at a first end to a lower portion of the fairing panel  52 . The second end of each link  58  is rotatably coupled to the vehicle frame  32 . In the illustrated embodiment a first link  58  is located at the forward end of the fairing panel  52 , and a second link  58  is located at the rear end of the fairing panel  52 . It should be appreciated that the number and location of links can vary according to factors such as the size of the fairing panel  52 , the structure located behind the fairing panel, the flexibility of the fairing panel, and any other factors. 
         [0023]    When the links  58  are installed, they restrain a lower edge of the fairing panel  52  to limit rotation of the fairing panel about the hinge line. Accordingly, the fairing panel  52  generally maintains its substantially vertical orientation. At the same time, the links  58  cooperate with the fairing panel  52  to form a linkage that articulates to accommodate relative motion between the frame  32  and the sleeper  38 . 
         [0024]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first and second links are positioned to be substantially horizontal. Because the bottom of the frame is located above the portion of the fairing panel  52  to which the link  58  is connected, a frame fitting  60  is coupled to the frame  32  and extends in a downward direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame fitting  60  is formed from L-shaped channel and is coupled at an upper end to the frame with known fasteners  62 . The link  58  is rotatably coupled to the lower end of the frame fitting  60  so that the link is substantially horizontal when coupled to both the fairing panel  52  and the frame fitting. 
         [0025]    Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the links  58  of the illustrated embodiment are coupled for rotational movement about the fasteners  64  that attach the links to the fairing panel  52  and the frame fitting  60 . Alternate embodiments are envisioned wherein one or both of the ends of at least one link  58  include a spherical joint to couple the link to the fairing panel  52  and the frame fitting  60 . In another alternate embodiment, the link  58  is coupled to one or both of the fairing panel  52  and the frame fitting  60  with a flexible joint that allows relative motion between the link and the fairing panel and/or frame fitting. Flexibility in the joint can be achieved by the use of an elastomeric bushing or any other known method. In yet another embodiment, the link  58  is rigidly connected to the fairing panel  52  and/or the frame fitting  60 , but is constructed to have sufficient flexibility so that the link elastically deforms to accommodate relative motion between the fairing panel and the frame  32 . These and other alternate embodiments that allow for relative motion between the frame  32  and the lower edge of the fairing panel  52  are contemplated and should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0026]    In order to gain access to the area behind currently known fairing panels  52 , the fairing panels must typically be removed from the vehicle, a process that can be time consuming. Alternately, the fairing panels can include removable or hinged access panels or doors, but such configurations can prove costly due to the increased number of parts and additional assembly time. In contrast, the presently disclosed fairing system allows an operator to gain access to the area behind the fairing panel  52  by simply disconnecting the one or more links  58  from the fairing panel and then rotating the fairing panel about the hinge line until the fairing panel is in a raised position and no longer impedes access. Alternately, the operator can disconnect the link from the frame  32 , thus allowing the fairing panel  52  to be rotated upwardly and out of the way. In order to improve access to the area behind the fairing panel  52 , the links  58  are preferably coupled to the fairing panel and/or the frame  32  with commonly known removable fasteners  64 , which may include threaded fasteners, quick-release pins, and any other suitable fastener. In yet another alternate embodiment, the hinge  56  that couples the fairing panel  52  to the sleeper  38  has one or more removable hinge pins. In this configuration, an operator can remove the hinge pins to uncouple the fairing panel  52  from the sleeper  38  and then rotate the panel downwardly about its connection to the links  50 , thereby gaining access to the area behind the fairing panel. 
         [0027]    While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 7