ROUNDED EXTERNAL REARVIEW MIRROR FOR TRANSPORT VEHICLE

Field of the Invention

The present utility model is an external rearview mirror for a collective transport vehicle. More specifically, the mirror is rounded and aerodynamic, its shape providing lower vibration, improved visibility and requires less maintenance. Background of the Model

Patent literature bears examples of external rearview mirrors and their respective fairing/support structures for collective transport vehicles.

Patent application Pl 9704444 reveals a rounded rearview mirror designed to increase the driver's angle of vision. Patent application Pl 9806513 discloses a rearview mirror tubular support structure for transport vehicles having a motorized mirror adjustment system. Utility model patent application MU 7702969 reveals a rearview mirror having two reflection elements, one flat and the other convex. Utility model patent application MU 7700700 reveals a double rearview mirror, one in the traditional position to view the area behind the vehicle and another in the side position for improved visualization when parking. Also known are external rearview mirrors for collective transport vehicles that have a structure fixed to the bodywork and have an area where the mirrors are curved downwards, similar to the present utility model. European document EP 0835785, filed by Lang Mekra, for example, reveals one such curved and 'in balance' mirror. The applicant itself, among other companies which adopted this more modern arrangement, uses and has already used this kind of mirror. However, the curved mirror described in document EP 0835785, as well as various other similar models available on the market, bear challenges to be overcome. This is one of the purposes of the present utility model, which is described in further detail below. Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present utility model to provide a new shape and constructive arrangement for the curved mirror of a transport vehicle. The form and constructive arrangement of the present utility model provides various advantages by its practical use, including but not limited to, improved visibility, less vibration and consequently enhanced visual comfort and safety for the driver, in addition to greater aerodynamic performance and fuel savings, among others.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 depicts a side view of the model, the areas where the mirror can be placed being indicated by dotted lines.

Figure 2 depicts a top view of the same model, in which it is possible to note that the width of the front section where the mirror is lodged is substantially larger than the width of the rear section, fixed to the bodywork of the vehicle.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the same model.

Figure 4 depicts the same views shown in figures 1 , 2 and 3, also showing the fixing elements of the combination on the bodywork of the vehicle.

Figure 5 depicts the front view of the model indicating the section planes A and C. Also shown are a side view without sectional cuts and a view of the section on plane C-C and another view in section A-A, wherein the reflective lens (mirror) and the preferred distance are indicated in L, in mm, between the leading edge of the curvature and the end section thereof.

Figure 6 depicts two side views of the model indicating preferred angles: in the complete version (without schematic sections), showing the preferred angle (9.87°) formed between the vertical and the end of the curved section encompassing the reflective lens (mirror); the sectional version in section A-A presents the preferred angle (6.97°) formed between the vertical and the reflective lens (mirror).

Detailed Description of the Utility Model For purposes of describing the model, "curved mirror" is understood to be the support/mirror combination and covering used on the structural elements, as demonstrated in figures 1-6.

The curved mirror model of the invention provides, among other advantages, a substantial reduction in vibration when the vehicle is in movement. Persons skilled in the art recognize that fixed structures without a support underneath (that is, balanced structures), while providing improved field of vision for the driver, generate problems such as excess vibration and consequences thereof: visualization difficulty, less safety for the user (in this case, the driver), premature fatigue of the material, and the need for frequent maintenance.

The curved mirror of the present utility model comprises fixing in at least two points of the bodywork, similarly to other models available (such as Travego). However, the solution available in the prior art is also partial because unresolved aerodynamic problems still persist in such other mirror models. In this context, substantial effort was invested in solving such problems. In the present utility model, the shape, disposition and arrangement were specifically developed to overcome the difficulties of the prior art. In the present utility model, one of the main distinguishing elements is the improved aerodynamic effect, which provides less vibration as a result of less air turbulence.

The external rounded rearview mirror for a collection transport vehicle of the present utility model is characterized wherein the fairing is in balance, in which the width of the front section seen from the top is substantially larger than the width of the rear part, the reduction in width in said direction being gradual; the front section of the fairing, where the mirror is lodged, seen from the side presents an angle of at least 6° between the vertical and the end of the curved section encompassing the mirror; and the trailing edge is integrated to the side area of the vehicle and has at least two fixing elements on the side of the bodywork. The present model is broadly drop-shaped, allowing better airflow, increasing the distance between the leading edge and the displacement point of the boundary layer. Additionally, the total area of aerodynamic lead is substantially reduced, as illustrated in further detail in figure 3. With reference to figure 1 , the distance between the mirror and the leading edge of the combination is such that it minimizes the turbulent flow area of the mirror. Said distance is greater than that of similar known models, and in the present utility model is preferably greater than 100mm. Figure 5 shows in greater detail a preferred model in which the distance between the leading edge of the fairing and the end section thereof is 140 mm. Furthermore, the leading edge is broadly drop-shaped, both when seen from the side (figures 1 ,.4, 5 and 6) as when seen from above (figures 2 and 4) or even when seen from the front (figures 3, 4 and 5), and significantly improves the aerodynamics. The present model provides an angle between the vertical and the end of the curved section encompassing the reflective lens (mirror) of at least 6°, and also between the vertical and the reflective lens (mirror) so as to provide improved aerodynamic performance. Figure 6 illustrates two side views of a preferred model, in which said angles are, respectively, 9.87° and 6.97°. Said angles differentiate the curved mirror of the present model from those of the prior art, in which said angle is near to 0°. Said angulation in the present model provides additionally enhanced aerodynamic performance and the respective advantages already mentioned. The trailing edge (optionally elongated) is illustrated in further detail in figures 2 and 3. Said trailing edge also helps to laminarize the airflow on the side of the omnibus, which provides more efficient aerodynamics and reduces fuel consumption. The combination may have one or more mirrors, as indicated illustratively by the dotted lines in figures 1-4. The mirror can be regulated manually or by electric commands and can also optionally have in its configuration the demist command.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize the present model as an excellent alternative to existing similar models.