Sports car with adjustment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a sports car provided with a conditioning system, the conditioning system comprising a conditioning device (CD) for treating ambient air, and an inner channel (Cout) for delivering conditioned air generated by the conditioning device throughout a vehicle cockpit (AB), wherein the conditioning device is arranged at the rear of the vehicle cockpit (AB).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent applications No. 102018000006203, 102018000006196, 102018000006197 and 102018000006204, all filed on June 11, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to the field of adjustment systems for sports cars. Background Art

[0004] The conditioning system comprises a circulation circuit for a carrier fluid which is suitably compressed and expanded in order to transfer heat between two separate environments: the exterior of the vehicle and the cabin. In general, the conditioning system is indicated with the acronym HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning).

[0005] It includes passages that draw in air from the outside, process it by heating or cooling it, and introduce it into the vehicle's cabin.

[0006] HVAC does not necessarily include a compressor for the refrigeration fluid. In fact, the compressor can be placed anywhere, and HVAC is achieved through pipes leading to a radiator, which acts as a condenser for the refrigeration cycle.

[0007] When the vehicle is not provided with an internal combustion engine, the radiator can act as an evaporator, when the refrigerant fluid compressor operates as a heat pump, which represents a thermodynamic cycle in reverse with respect to the refrigeration cycle.

[0008] In vehicles provided with an internal combustion engine, heating often operates by exploiting the heat dissipated by the internal combustion engine, so that the regulation system uses only the reverse thermodynamic cycle for the cooling of the cabin. In electric vehicles, a heat pump is implemented that is able to heat and cool the cabin relative to its operating conditions. An example of such an embodiment is disclosed in EP3173267.

[0009] The regulating device is often placed near the cockpit and is a large-sized component.

[0010] When building a sports car, many further aspects need to be taken into account. A sports car is very flat towards the ground in order to improve its dynamic qualities. For this reason, the driving position is very flat, with the driver's legs protruding forward. At the same time, sufficient visibility needs to be ensured for the driver, who must have sufficient obstacle perception.

[0011] Historically, the adjustment device of the vehicle's adjustment system has always been placed at the front, approximately above the vehicle's pedals.

[0012] This solution has always been considered ideal to ensure optimal operation of the conditioning system in terms of air distribution through outlets made in the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0013] However, this solution is not actually satisfactory. Summary of the invention

[0014] The object of the invention is to provide an adjustment system having a different layout than the one in the prior art, thereby allowing an improvement in the comfort offered by the sports car.

[0015] Another aim is to allow greater freedom to designers of sports cars, enabling them to reduce the distance between the front bonnet of the vehicle and its running boards.

[0016] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to place the control device of the vehicle's control system, known as HVAC, behind the driver's seat.

[0017] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the compressor is placed at a height just below the driver's line of sight. This allows the compressor to be closer to the roof of the vehicle without restricting the driver's rear view.

[0018] At the same time, this allows a battery pack or an internal combustion engine to be mounted below the regulating device.

[0019] This proves to be highly advantageous since the weight of the regulating device is significantly less than the weight of the battery pack and even less than the weight of the internal combustion engine, which leads to a better distribution of the vehicle weight, which allows a low center of gravity for the vehicle.

[0020] According to another preferred variant of the invention, the compressor is arranged behind the headrest, i.e. independent of the driver's sight, and the rearview mirror is replaced by a display reproducing the image captured in real time by a video camera associated with the rear of the vehicle and facing backwards. If necessary, the rear window can also be replaced by a display reproducing the same image, making it possible to practically replace the rear window of the car.

[0021] Advantageously, the fact of having the compressor very close to the roof allows the cooling of the cockpit to proceed directly through the roof of the vehicle by means of internal air conditioning channels obtained at least partially in the roof.

[0022] Thus, two very different technical effects can be achieved simultaneously: better distribution of weight and shortening of the air ducts coming from and to the regulating device.

[0023] Since the roof of the cockpit of a sports car is closer to the torso of the occupant than the dashboard, according to a preferred variant of the invention, slits are made distributed along the roof on the inside of the cockpit, thereby creating an ideal adjustment of the cockpit by keeping the air outflow at a low speed. Additionally or alternatively, there can be orientable outlets on the inside of the cockpit that are connected to the roof.

[0024] According to a further preferred variant of the invention, which can be combined with any of the previous variants, the fresh air flowing into the conditioning system is guided through one or more channels, at least one of which has an opening facing outwards and forwards, so that the circulation of air is a result of the forward movement of the sports car. Thus, a so-called "dynamic air intake" is created, the flow rate of which, in the absence of any control, depends on the relative speed between the vehicle and the ambient air.

[0025] This aspect becomes extremely advantageous when the vehicle is an electric vehicle. In fact, the reduction of the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle supporting the natural circulation of conditioned air in the cockpit is more advantageous than operating an electric fan, especially when the available energy is limited, as is the case in electric vehicles.

[0026] The airflow captured from the outside can preferably be throttled by means of an electrically operated flap which absorbs energy significantly only when it is operated for adjustment. However, an electric fan is provided to ensure ventilation even when the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds.

[0027] Thus, according to this preferred variant of the invention, the adjustment of the baffle and the operation of the electric fan V are coordinated with each other. When the latter is approximately fully opened, the fan preferably supplements the dynamic air intake.

[0028] Said channel, hereinafter referred to as "outer channel", is preferably obtained in the roof of the vehicle. When the distribution of conditioned air is performed through the roof of the vehicle, the inner and outer channels extend parallel to each other along at least a portion of a relative path, which is preferably arranged in the center of the roof according to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, the active flap can be manufactured so as to optimize the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle when the dynamic air intake is fully closed.

[0030] In order to prevent water from entering the cockpit, suitable isolators known per se are arranged along the passages connecting the outside to the regulating system.

[0031] The roof of a sports car can be partially removable. For example, both the outer and inner ducts can be concentrated in a central area of ​​the roof extending longitudinally between the seats of the sports car, so that the roof portion above the heads of the occupants of the aforementioned seats is removable or openable. For example, both the outer and inner ducts can be divided into two parts and concentrated in two longitudinal side areas both close to the windows of the car, and the central part of the roof above the two seats of the car is removable or openable.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one of the channels (outer channel and / or inner channel) can also have a structural function, since it is part of a safety unit for the occupants of the vehicle. Thus, suitable tubular elements made of highly resistant metal alloys or carbon fibers can be used in order to have a dual function, namely in order to serve as air conditioning channels and to reinforce the structure of the vehicle.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, when the inner and / or outer channels are made of high-resistance elements, the inner channel intersects the windshield until it engages the frame of the car, thereby defining a central pillar. The central pillar distinguishes the right and left parts of the windshield. The two windshield parts (right and left) are preferably mirrored relative to each other. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the adjustment system of the cockpit of the car has a very relevant structural function, especially in the event of a vehicle overturning. According to a preferred embodiment of this solution, the central pillar is covered internally by means of a display that covers it and reproduces the image captured by one or more video cameras associated externally with the pillar, so that the presence of the central pillar is not felt by the driver. The one / multiple video cameras applied to one or more pillars are arranged so as to be flush with the driver's viewpoint. Advantageously, the driver can see the visual solid angle hidden by the pillar reproduced on the display, thereby making the presence of one / multiple pillars imperceptible.

[0034] According to a further preferred aspect of the invention, when the roof is at least partially removable, the positioning of the adjustment system behind the driver's seat results in the creation of a so-called thermal scarf around the neck of an occupant of the vehicle in order to keep the neck warm even with the roof partially open or removed.

[0035] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention and form an integral part of this description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood after studying the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention (and its related variants) with reference to the accompanying drawings which show only non-limiting examples, in which:

[0037] Figure 1Shows a side view of a sports car according to a preferred example of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 perspective view of a portion of

[0039] Figure 3a and 3b shows a side view of a portion of a sports car according to a preferred example of the present invention in two different operating conditions;

[0040] Figure 4a and 4b shows a side view of a portion of a sports car according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention in two different operating conditions;

[0041] Figure 5 Shows that according to Figure 3a and 3b as well as Figure 4a and 4b a perspective view of a roof of a vehicle of one of the examples viewed from the bottom;

[0042] Figure 6a and 6b Two identical side views are shown, the first side view - Figure 6a - shows a portion of the sports car partially removed, and a second side view - Figure 6b - shows the corresponding part of an example of a regulating system for a sports car cockpit;

[0043] Figure 6c Shown in Figure 6b A perspective view of the portion shown.

[0044] In the drawings, the same numerals and the same reference letters indicate the same elements or the same components.

[0045] For the purpose of the present invention, the term "second" component does not necessarily mean the presence of a "first" component. In fact, assuming that the description does not explicitly indicate otherwise, these terms are merely used as labels to distinguish components and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 and 2 Certain parts of a sports car according to a preferred example of the invention are shown, wherein there is a cockpit AB, seats S and a roof R,.

[0047] The drawing clearly shows the lowered seat S and the flat-lying driving position typical for a sports car, in which the driver's legs and arms protrude forward.

[0048] The adjusting device CD of the vehicle is arranged behind the driver's seat below the line of sight WL, preferably directly below it.

[0049] Therefore, it is lifted from the floor of the vehicle.

[0050] Thus, a battery pack or an internal combustion engine can be mounted between the floor and the adjustment device, thereby optimizing the weight distribution.

[0051] Furthermore, as discussed below, this allows the inflow and outflow ducts for the air to be very short, thereby also ensuring a significant effectiveness of the regulating device.

[0052] The roof R of the car is very low and just above the headrests of the vehicle seats, behind which it joins the rear of the car where apparently "only" two seats are provided.

[0053] However, if, in a 2+2 configuration, the vehicle is provided with two additional small seats, the basic concept of the invention remains unchanged.

[0054] Since the roof is joined to the rear of the vehicle, the adjustment device CD is in a position approximately tangential to the rear of the roof.

[0055] according to Figure 1 , due to the space left by the adjustment device installed behind the driver's seat, the line of the front hood CFN is just above the pedal Pd.

[0056] According to another preferred variant of the invention, the adjustment device is arranged behind the headrest, i.e., interfering with the driver's sight. Therefore, the rearview mirror RW is preferably replaced by a display that reproduces the image captured in real time by the video camera RC facing the rear. If necessary, the rear window can also be replaced by a display that reproduces the same image captured in real time, so that it can realistically replace the rear window of the car.

[0057] Advantageously, the fact of having the regulating device very close to the roof allows cooling of the cockpit to take place directly through the roof of the vehicle.

[0058] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the duct Cout for conditioned air (also called "inner channel") extends longitudinally along the roof from the regulating device CD forwardly towards the windshield WS (not necessarily to the windshield), preferably in the center relative to the extension of the vehicle.

[0059] In the duct Cout of the conditioned air there are suitable openings made to distribute the conditioned air in the cockpit AB.

[0060] If the vehicle is equipped with a rear window LN, see Figure 5 , the air conditioned by the conditioning system CD is guided in the duct Cout through the rear pillar MPL.

[0061] On the other hand, if there is no rear window, the pipe Cout is Figure 2 The manner shown in the figure reaches directly to the adjustment device CD and defines the rear center pillar.

[0062] Advantageously, since the roof R of the cockpit of a sports car is closer to the torso of the occupant than the dashboard, ideal conditioning of the cockpit is achieved by keeping the air outflow at a low speed.

[0063] The duct Cout of the conditioned air is preferably associated with an orientable outlet AF, one or more of which are provided for each of the two seats of the vehicle.

[0064] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the duct Cout of conditioned air is made of a highly resistant material and is connected at the respective ends to the supporting structure or frame F of the car. Figure 5 A preferred variant of the invention is shown in which the duct for conditioned air extends forward, dividing the windshield WS into a right part WSA and a left part WSB, until it joins the lower crosspiece TV of the supporting structure F.

[0065] At the rear, the inner and / or outer tunnel can be connected directly to the frame of the car through the aforementioned rear center pillar MPC or by means of rear pillars MPL which are often more solid and strong than the front side pillars ML. Thus, in this case, a substantially Y-shaped highly resistant structure is obtained.

[0066] In this way, the portion of the inner channel Cout that intersects the two windshield parts defines a central pillar MC.The two windshield parts (right part and left part) are preferably mirror images of each other.

[0067] Thus, a portion of the conditioned air flow can be dispersed through an outlet arranged in the dashboard of a vehicle (not shown), to which the conditioned air is supplied through the duct Cout.

[0068] Advantageously, the duct Cout also has a structural function, since it is part of the safety unit for the occupants of the vehicle, especially in the event of a rollover of the vehicle. Furthermore, it defines the reinforcement of the entire frame even in the event of a frontal impact.

[0069] The duct Cout thus has a structural function (since it is integrated into the frame of the vehicle) as well as a function of conveying and dispersing conditioned air.

[0070] To manufacture said duct Cout, use can be made of suitable tubular elements made of highly resistant metal alloys or carbon fibers.

[0071] According to another preferred variant of the invention which can be combined with any of the previous variants, Figure 6aThe side section of the cockpit AB of a sports car is shown. On the side there are side parts LL which surround the lower edge of the entry opening of the cockpit AB on both sides of the vehicle.

[0072] The side parts form a safety unit for the occupants within the frame F of the motor vehicle.

[0073] Said side parts LL define transversely the floor of the cockpit to which the seats S are fixed and are preferably made using tubular elements made of highly resistant material.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, these side parts also define a portion of an inner channel Cout2 which allows conditioned air to be conveyed from said conditioning device CD to the legs and / or dashboard.The dashboard of the car can be provided with ventilation outlets to help distribute the conditioned air.

[0075] This solution is particularly convenient when the portion of the inner channel Cout integrated in the roof R does not intersect the windshield WS.

[0076] However, this solution can be combined with Figure 5 A combination shown in at least one embodiment of the present invention is used to strengthen the connection between the roof and the lower cross member TV.

[0077] According to a further preferred variant of the invention, which can be combined with any of the previous variants, the fresh air flowing into the conditioning system is guided through one or more external channels, at least one of which has an opening facing outwards and to the front, so that the circulation of the air is natural to the relative forward movement of the sports car. Thus, a so-called "dynamic air intake" is created, the flow rate of which, in the absence of any control, depends on the relative speed between the vehicle and the ambient air.

[0078] The outer passage can be in the body side of the vehicle at the entry door SP of the cockpit (at Figure 3a and 3b as well as Figure 4a and 4b Instructions) are obtained right behind.

[0079] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the outer channel Cin is obtained in the roof, arranged so as to overlap with the inner channel Cout.

[0080] In addition to or instead of the inner channel Cout, the outer channel Cin arranged on the roof of the car can be made of a highly resistant material in order to fulfill the structural function (becoming part of the frame of the vehicle) and the external air guidance and transmission function. An insulation device can be arranged between the outer channel and the regulating device CD to separate the air from the water that may collect when the vehicle is driving in rainy days.

[0081] When the car is an electric car, it turns out to be extremely advantageous to move the conditioned air by the movement of the car in the environment. In fact, the reduction of the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle supporting the natural circulation of the conditioned air in the cockpit is more advantageous than operating an electric fan, especially when the available energy is limited, which is the case in electric cars.

[0082] The airflow captured from the outside can preferably be throttled by means of an electrically operated active flap P which absorbs energy significantly only when it is operated for adjustment. However, an electric fan VE is provided to ensure ventilation even when the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speed.

[0083] Therefore, according to this preferred variant of the invention, the adjustment of the baffle and the operation of the electric fan VE are coordinated with each other. When the latter is approximately fully opened, the fan preferably supplements the dynamic air intake.

[0084] When the car is stuck in a traffic jam and is travelling at a highly variable speed, the flap is opened in a predetermined intermediate opening position and the electric fan VE is activated in order to keep the air flow distributed in the cockpit approximately constant at a predetermined flow value.

[0085] In addition, the active baffle P can be made so as to optimize the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle when the dynamic air intake device is completely closed. Specifically, it can be hinged in a position close to the windshield WS, slightly engaging the windshield to the outward-facing opening of the outer channel Cin. Figure 3a and 3b The movable flap P or examples of the movable flap P are shown in two opposite operating conditions, a fully closed condition and a fully opened condition, respectively.

[0086] Alternatively, the movable baffle can be Figure 4a and 4b The method shown is accommodated in the outer channel Cin, Figure 4a and 4b Shows the corresponding Figure 3a and 3b The operating status of the situation in the.

[0087] In the first operating condition, the air flow EAF determined by the travel movement of the motor vehicle slides over the roof R of the motor vehicle, whereas in the second operating condition it is guided until it reaches the adjustment device CD.

[0088] exist Figure 5 The right part RA and the left part RB of the roof R shown in FIG. 1 above the head of the occupant can be removed or folded in the roof in a known manner, preferably independently of each other.

[0089] When the inner tunnel Cout is connected to the lower crosspiece TV, the front center pillar MC is covered internally by means of a display covering it and reproducing the images captured by one or more video cameras FC associated externally with the front center pillar, so that its presence is not felt by the driver.

[0090] The video camera / cameras FC applied to the front center pillar MC are preferably arranged so as to be perpendicular to the surface of the display covering the interior of the front center pillar.

[0091] The front pillars ML delimiting the windshield laterally are also preferably covered internally with displays connected to a plurality of video cameras arranged on the outside of the front pillars, so that the relevant displays reproduce the real-time images they capture, hiding the presence of the front pillars.

[0092] According to yet another preferred variant of the invention, at least one windscreen wiper arm (not shown) is arranged to wipe the windscreen of the vehicle and is associated with the latter in such a way that, in stationary conditions, it is aligned on or beside the center pillar MC so as to have an extremely limited aerodynamic impact.

[0093] The non-limiting examples described above may be modified without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, said modifications including all equivalent embodiments apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0094] When reading the above description, the technician can realize the theme of the present invention without introducing other manufacturing details. The elements and features included in different preferred embodiments, the included drawings can be combined with each other, and will not therefore exceed the scope of protection of this patent application. The information included in the part related to the prior art state is only used to better understand the purpose of the present invention and does not represent the statement of the project described. In addition, if not clearly excluded by the detailed description, the information included in the part related to the prior art state should be regarded as an essential part of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sports car provided with an adjustment system, the adjustment system comprising: a conditioning device (CD) for conditioning the air to be introduced into or recirculated in the cockpit (AB) of the sports car; as well as an inner channel for delivering conditioned air generated by said conditioning device (CD) throughout said cockpit (AB), wherein said adjustment device (CD) is arranged at a rear position relative to said cockpit (AB); The sports car is characterized in that it comprises a roof (R), and wherein the inner channel is at least partially integrated in the roof (R); wherein the inner channel defines a front center pillar (MC), the front center pillar (MC) intersects with the windshield (WS), divides the right part (WSA) and the left part (WSB) of the windshield, and guides the conditioned air in the vehicle dashboard.

2. Sports car according to claim 1, wherein the conditioning device (CD) comprises one or more heat exchangers in which a fluid defines the HVAC, the fluid being cooling water of a thermal engine and / or a refrigeration fluid suitable for performing a thermodynamic cycle.

3. The sports car according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment device (CD) is elevated relative to the floor of the sports car.

4. The sports car according to claim 3, wherein a component of the sports car having a greater density than the air conditioning device (CD) is inserted between the floor panel and the conditioning device (CD).

5. The sports car according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner channel is arranged longitudinally and centrally with respect to the longitudinal extension of the sports car.

6. A sports car according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the vehicle dashboard comprises ventilation openings and / or outlets arranged to deliver the conditioned air towards the chest / torso and legs of an occupant of the sports car, and wherein the dashboard is supplied by the inner channel intersecting the windshield (WS).

7. A sports car according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the inner channel consists of a tubular profile made of a highly resistant material and having opposite ends that are directly or indirectly connected to the vehicle frame (F) so as to define a reinforcing structure in the event of a frontal impact and / or overturning of the sports car.

8. A sports car according to claim 7, wherein the inner channel is directly connected to the vehicle frame (F) at the rear of the vehicle, thereby defining a rear central pillar (MPC), or by means of a transverse rear pillar (MPL) protruding from the rear of the sports car towards the roof (R), defining a Y-shaped structure.

9. A sports car according to claim 5, wherein the inner channel is divided into a right part (RA) and a left part (RB) of a roof (R) above the heads of corresponding occupants of the sports car, wherein the left part (RB) and the right part (RA) can be selectively removed and / or folded.

10. The sports car according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one external channel for conveying ambient air to the regulating device (CD), wherein the at least one external channel comprises an opening facing outwards and forwards, so that the circulation of ambient air is a result of the forward movement of the sports car itself.

11. Sports car according to claim 10, wherein the at least one outer channel comprises a movable baffle (P) which is electrically operated and is designed to regulate the circulation of ambient air.

12. Sports car according to claim 11, wherein said conditioning device (CD) further comprises an electric fan (VE) for allowing said circulation of ambient air even when said sports car is stationary or moving at a low speed.

13. Sports car according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment of the movable flap (P) and the operation of the electric fan (VE) are coordinated with each other.

14. The sports car according to claim 10, wherein the at least one outer channel is arranged longitudinally on the vehicle roof (R) and is arranged centrally on the vehicle roof (R) relative to the longitudinal extension of the sports car.

15. Sports car according to claim 14, wherein said at least one outer channel is made of a highly resistant material and cooperates with said roof (R) to define a reinforcement structure in the event of a frontal impact and / or overturning of the sports car.

16. Sports car according to claim 15, wherein the at least one outer tunnel is directly connected to the vehicle frame (F), thereby defining a rear center pillar (MPC).

17. A sports car according to claim 16, wherein the inner channel is connected to the frame at the rear of the vehicle, extends parallel to the at least one outer channel and plays a role in defining the rear center pillar (MPC) so as to define a reinforcement structure in the event of a frontal impact and / or overturning of the sports car.

18. The sports car according to any one of claims 1-4, further provided with at least a windshield wiper arm, which is arranged for scraping the windshield (WS), and wherein in a rest position, the arm overlaps with the front center pillar (MC) or is arranged near the front center pillar (MC).

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