Front-end structure for vehicles

Abstract

A front-end structure for a vehicle includes a front-end body having a front-end face and a grille body having multiple openings. The grille body is mounted to be movable relative to the front-end body. The grille body can move between a position close to the front-end face of the front-end body and a position recessed from the front-end face of the front-end body.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0143688, filed on November 11, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a front-end structure for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a front-end structure for a vehicle in which the grille body is movable at the front end of the vehicle in the direction of travel (or longitudinal direction) of the vehicle, thereby improving aerodynamic and cooling performance. Background Technology

[0004] The grille is mounted at the front of the vehicle. It has multiple openings that allow ambient air to flow into the engine compartment. The grille can be mounted at the front of the vehicle to protect the engine, radiator, and other components inside the engine compartment.

[0005] The engine used to drive the vehicle, as well as various types of heat exchangers such as radiators, intercoolers, evaporators, and condensers, are installed in the engine compartment.

[0006] When ambient air is introduced into the grille through the openings, it flows into the engine compartment, allowing the engine or heat exchanger to be properly cooled. This reduction in engine compartment temperature prevents thermal damage.

[0007] When the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, the amount of ambient air flowing into the engine compartment through the grille openings may be relatively small. When the vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the amount of ambient air flowing into the engine compartment through the grille openings may be relatively large.

[0008] When a relatively large amount of ambient air flows into the engine compartment through the grille opening, cooling performance (and prevention of thermal damage) is improved, but the increased airflow velocity reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic performance. Conversely, when a relatively small amount of ambient air flows into the engine compartment through the grille opening, cooling performance (and prevention of thermal damage) may decrease, but the vehicle's aerodynamic performance may improve.

[0009] As vehicle speed changes, the ambient airflow velocity may change, which may lead to a conflict between cooling performance and aerodynamic performance.

[0010] To address this issue, an active damper system or an active grille louver system can be applied. This system adjusts the opening and closing of the dampers based on vehicle speed, ambient air temperature, and other factors to appropriately adjust the ambient airflow speed or direction, thereby reliably improving cooling performance and aerodynamic performance.

[0011] However, existing active damper systems have a complex configuration, including a motor for driving the damper and a support structure for supporting the movement of the damper. This can lead to excessive power waste in the motor, increased manufacturing costs, and increased vehicle weight.

[0012] In addition, existing active damper systems may suffer damage to the damper blades, thus requiring additional sensors to detect such damage, which may further increase manufacturing costs.

[0013] Furthermore, existing active damper systems are configured to always open at least some openings in the grille in preparation for damper failure, which reduces the operating efficiency of the active damper system.

[0014] If an active damper system according to existing technology is installed on a mesh grille, the damper blades extending horizontally (vehicle width direction) or vertically (vehicle height direction) may be exposed even when the active damper system is not in operation. Exposed damper blades may detract from the appearance. In addition, the grille opening area may be relatively narrowed, resulting in poor airflow.

[0015] The information described above in the Background section is provided to aid in understanding the background of the inventive concepts and may include any technical concepts known to those skilled in the art that are not considered prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0016] This disclosure has been made to address the aforementioned problems in the prior art while fully preserving the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0017] One aspect of this disclosure provides a front-end structure for a vehicle, wherein a grille body having multiple openings is movable relative to the front-end body of the vehicle along the longitudinal direction (or driving direction) of the vehicle, thereby improving aerodynamic performance and cooling performance.

[0018] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a front-end structure for a vehicle may include: a front-end body having a front-end face; and a grille body having a plurality of openings and being movably mounted relative to the front-end body.

[0019] The grille body can move between a position close to the front face of the front body and a position recessed from the front face of the front body.

[0020] The front-end structure may further include a guide member configured to guide the movement of the grille body.

[0021] The front end body may have a front compartment configured to accommodate multiple heat exchangers. The grille body may have an extension extending toward the front compartment. Movement of the extension may be guided by guide members.

[0022] The guide member may have a stop configured to limit the movement of the grille body.

[0023] The front-end structure may further include an actuator configured to move the grille body.

[0024] The front end may include a bumper cover.

[0025] The bumper cover may have a grille opening. The grille body can be movably accommodated within the grille opening.

[0026] The bumper cover may have a bumper section adjacent to the grille opening.

[0027] The front-end structure may further include a controller that controls the actuators to move the grille body according to the vehicle's condition. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a front-end structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA shows the upper grille body in the first position and the lower grille body in the third position.

[0031] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA shows the upper grille body in the second position and the lower grille body in the fourth position.

[0032] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA shows the upper grille body in the first position and the lower grille body in the fourth position.

[0033] Figure 5 It shows the Figure 2 Modifications to the implementation method; and

[0034] Figure 6 It shows the Figure 2 Another modification to the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are consistently used to denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of well-known techniques associated with this disclosure are excluded to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the main points of the disclosure.

[0036] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) are used to describe elements in embodiments of this disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent features, sequence, or order of the respective elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant field and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in this application as having such a meaning.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a front-end structure 10 for a vehicle may include a front-end body 1 and one or more grille bodies 11 and 12, which are movable relative to the front-end body 1 in the longitudinal direction (or driving direction) of the vehicle.

[0038] The front-end body 1 may have a front-end surface 1a exposed to the outside of the vehicle. The front chamber 5 can be defined as the internal space of the front-end body 1. The front chamber 5 may house an engine, power modules (electric motor, inverter, etc.), etc. For example, in an internal combustion engine vehicle, the front chamber 5 may house the internal combustion engine and its related components. In an electric vehicle, the front chamber 5 may house electronic components such as a power unit (electric motor, reduction gear), inverter, circuit box, and PTC heater.

[0039] The anterior chamber 5 can accommodate multiple heat exchangers, such as an intercooler 6, a condenser 7a, a radiator 7b, and a cooling fan 7c, which force ambient air into the multiple heat exchangers.

[0040] according to Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the intercooler 6 may be located in front of the condenser 7a and the radiator 7b, and the condenser 7a may be located in front of the radiator 7b. According to another embodiment, the condenser 7a may be located behind the radiator 7b. The arrangement of the condenser 7a and the radiator 7b may vary depending on the vehicle type.

[0041] refer to Figures 1 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the front-end structure 10 may include an upper grille body 11 and a lower grille body 12.

[0042] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the front-end structure 10 may include either an upper grille body 11 or a lower grille body 12. In other words, according to another embodiment of this disclosure, the front-end structure 10 may include only one grille body.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the front body 1 may include a bumper cover 30. The bumper cover 30 may include one or more grille openings 31 and 32 for receiving grille bodies 11 and 12. The front end face 1a of the front body 1 may be defined at the front of the bumper cover 30.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bumper cover 30 may have an upper grille opening 31 and a lower grille opening 32. The upper grille opening 31 can accommodate the upper grille body 11, and the lower grille opening 32 can accommodate the lower grille body 12.

[0045] The bumper cover 30 may have an upper bumper portion 33 adjacent to the upper grille opening 31 and a lower bumper portion 34 adjacent to the lower grille opening 32. The upper bumper portion 33 may be located between the upper grille opening 31 and the lower grille opening 32. The lower bumper portion 34 may be located below the lower grille opening 32. The upper bumper portion 33 and the lower bumper portion 34 may extend in the width direction of the vehicle. Damping material may be installed inside or at the rear of the upper bumper portion 33. Damping material may be installed inside or at the rear of the lower bumper portion 34.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 The bumper cover 30 may have a pair of light sockets 38 and 39. The pair of light sockets 38 and 39 may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the vehicle. The headlights 8 and 9 may be accommodated in the respective light sockets 38 and 39.

[0047] The upper grille body 11 can be movably accommodated in the upper grille opening 31. The upper grille body 11 may have multiple openings 13 allowing ambient air to flow into the engine compartment. The upper grille body 11 can be in a first position P1 (see...) Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and second position P2 (see Figure 3 Move between ).

[0048] The first position P1 can be the position where the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 is close to the front face 1a of the front body 1.

[0049] According to the implementation method, such as Figure 2As shown, the first position P1 can be the position where the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 is recessed by a first distance d1 from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 toward the front chamber 5. In other words, the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 can be spaced apart from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 by a first distance d1.

[0050] According to another implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first position P1 can be a position where the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 is basically flush with the front surface 1a of the front end body 1. For example, the distance between the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 and the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 can be 0.

[0051] According to another implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first position P1 can be the position where the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 protrudes a first distance d1 from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 toward the front of the vehicle. In other words, the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 can be spaced apart from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 by a first distance d1.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 The second position P2 can be a position where the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 is recessed by a second distance d2 from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 towards the anterior chamber 5. In other words, the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 can be spaced apart from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 by a second distance d2. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second distance d2 can be greater than the first distance d1.

[0053] The movement of the upper grille body 11 can be guided by an upper guide member 45. The upper guide member 45 can be fixedly arranged within the front chamber 5. The upper grille body 11 may have a tubular extension 15 extending from the rear end of the upper grille body 11 to the front chamber 5. Since the extension 15 is integrally connected to the upper grille body 11, the upper grille body 11 can move together with the extension 15. The movement of the extension 15 can be guided by the upper guide member 45. The upper grille body 11 may have a protrusion 16 projecting from the rear end of the extension 15 along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0054] The upper guide member 45 may have a stop 46 for limiting the movement position, i.e., limiting the movement or travel of the upper grille body 11. (See reference) Figure 2 When the upper grille body 11 moves to the first position P1, the protrusion 16 of the upper grille body 11 can contact the stop 46 of the upper guide member 45, thereby precisely limiting the upper grille body 11 to the first position P1. (Reference) Figure 3When the upper grille body 11 moves to the second position P2, the rear surface of the upper grille body 11 can contact the stop 46 of the upper guide member 45, so that the upper grille body 11 can be precisely restricted to the second position P2.

[0055] Additionally, the periphery of the extension 15 can be sealed by the protrusion 16 and the stop 46, thereby preventing ambient air from leaking through the periphery of the extension 15. Specifically, a sealing member (not shown) can be attached to at least one of the protrusion 16 and the stop 46.

[0056] The upper grille body 11 can be linearly moved by the upper actuator 40. The upper actuator 40 can move the upper grille body 11 between a first position P1 and a second position P2. For example, the upper actuator 40 can be a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder tube 41 and a rod 42 movable relative to the cylinder tube 41. The end of the rod 42 can be connected to an extension 15 of the upper grille body 11. As another example, the upper actuator 40 can be various actuation structures, such as a linear motor, to allow the upper grille body 11 to move linearly.

[0057] The lower grille body 12 can be movably accommodated in the lower grille opening 32. The lower grille body 12 may have multiple openings 14 that allow ambient air to flow into the engine compartment. The lower grille body 12 may be in a third position P3 (see...). Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and fourth position P4 (see Figure 3 Move between ).

[0058] The third position P3 can be the position where the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 is close to the front face 1a of the front body 1.

[0059] According to the implementation method, such as Figure 2 As shown, the third position P3 can be the position where the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 is recessed by a third distance d3 from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 toward the front chamber 5. In other words, the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 can be spaced apart from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 by a third distance d3.

[0060] According to another implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, the third position P3 can be a position where the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 is substantially flush with the front surface 1a of the front end body 1. For example, the distance between the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 and the front surface 1a of the front end body 1 can be 0.

[0061] According to another implementation, such as Figure 6As shown, the third position P3 can be the position where the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 protrudes a third distance d3 from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 toward the front of the vehicle. In other words, the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 can be spaced apart from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 by a third distance d3.

[0062] The fourth position P4 can be a position where the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 is recessed by a fourth distance P4 from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 towards the anterior chamber 5. In other words, the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 can be spaced apart from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 by a fourth distance d4. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fourth distance d4 can be greater than the third distance d3.

[0063] The movement of the lower grille body 12 can be guided by a lower guide member 55. The lower guide member 55 can be fixedly disposed within the anteroom 5. The lower grille body 12 may have a tubular extension 17 extending from the rear end of the lower grille body 12 toward the anteroom 5. Since the extension 17 is integrally connected to the lower grille body 12, the lower grille body 12 can move together with the extension 17. The movement of the extension 17 can be guided by the lower guide member 55. The lower grille body 12 may have a protrusion 18 projecting from the rear end of the extension 17 along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0064] The lower guide member 55 may have a stop 56 for limiting movement of the lower grille body 12. (See reference) Figure 2 When the lower grille body 12 moves to the third position P3, the protrusion 18 of the lower grille body 12 can contact the stop 56 of the lower guide member 55, thereby precisely limiting the lower grille body 12 to the third position P3. (Reference) Figure 3 When the lower grille body 12 moves to the fourth position P4, the rear surface of the lower grille body 12 can contact the stop 56 of the lower guide member 55, so that the lower grille body 12 can be precisely restricted to the fourth position P4.

[0065] Additionally, the periphery of the extension 17 can be sealed by the protrusion 18 and the stop 56, thereby preventing ambient air from leaking through the periphery of the extension 17. Specifically, a sealing member (not shown) can be attached to at least one of the protrusion 18 and the stop 56.

[0066] The lower grille body 12 can be moved linearly by the lower actuator 50. The lower actuator 50 can move the lower grille body 12 between a third position P3 and a fourth position P4. For example, the lower actuator 50 can be a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder tube 51 and a rod 52 movable relative to the cylinder tube 51. The end of the rod 52 can be connected to an extension 17 of the lower grille body 12. As another example, the lower actuator 50 can be various actuation structures, such as a linear motor, thereby allowing the lower grille body 12 to move linearly.

[0067] The front-end structure 10 for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a controller 80 for controlling the operation of the upper actuator 40 and the lower actuator 50. The controller 80 may control the operation of the upper actuator 40 and the lower actuator 50 based on vehicle conditions (engine RPM, vehicle speed, torque, navigation information, etc.). For example, the controller 80 may receive information about the vehicle's conditions (engine RPM, vehicle speed, torque, navigation information, etc.) from a vehicle controller such as an electronic control unit or an engine control unit (ECU). As another example, the controller 80 may be integrated with the vehicle controller. The controller 80 may include a processor and a memory. The processor may receive instructions stored in the memory and may be programmed to transmit instructions to the upper actuator 40 and the lower actuator 50. The memory may be a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, a server, a volatile storage medium, or a non-volatile storage medium.

[0068] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, when the grille bodies 11 and 12 move closer to the front end face 1a of the front end body 1, the pressure acting on the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 can be reduced, and the amount of ambient air flowing into the anterior chamber 5 can be reduced. This allows ambient air to flow along the front end face 1a of the front end body 1, thereby improving aerodynamic performance. When the grille bodies 11 and 12 are recessed from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 toward the anterior chamber 5, the pressure acting on the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 increases. The amount of ambient air flowing into the anterior chamber 5 can also increase. This improves cooling performance relative to the heat exchangers 6, 7a and 7b located in the anterior chamber 5.

[0069] The upper grille body 11 and / or the lower grille body 12 can be moved according to the vehicle's driving conditions.

[0070] refer to Figure 2 Under conditions of improved fuel efficiency where cooling of heat exchangers 6, 7a, and 7b located in the anterior chamber 5 is not required, the upper grille body 11 and the lower grille body 12 can move forward to the front face 1a near the front end body 1.

[0071] Specifically, when the upper grille body 11 is moved to the first position P1 by the upper actuator 45, the first distance d1 between the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 and the front face 1a of the front end body 1 can be minimized or approached 0. Simultaneously, when the lower grille body 12 is moved to the third position P3 by the lower actuator 55, the third distance d3 between the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 and the front face 1a of the front end body 1 can be minimized or approached 0. As a result, ambient air can be evenly distributed on the front surfaces 11a and 12a of the grille bodies 11 and 12 and the front face 1a of the front end body 1. Since the pressure (static pressure) acting on the front surfaces 11a and 12a of the grille bodies 11 and 12 and the front face 1a of the front end body 1 is relatively reduced, ambient air may flow along the front surfaces 11a and 12a of the grille bodies 11 and 12 and the front face 1a of the front end body 1 to the upper and lower sides of the vehicle, thus increasing the cooling resistance (CD) by approximately 13%. Cooling resistance (CD) is the difference between the resistance Do when the grille body is open and the resistance Dc when the grille body is closed (CD = Do - Dc).

[0072] refer to Figure 3 Under cooling conditions where the heat exchangers 6, 7a and 7b located in the anterior chamber 5 need to be cooled, the upper grille body 11 and the lower grille body 12 can be retracted so as to be recessed from the front end body 1 toward the anterior chamber 5.

[0073] Specifically, when the upper grille body 11 is moved to the second position P2 by the upper actuator 45, the second distance d2 between the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 and the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 can be greater than the first distance d1. Simultaneously, when the lower grille body 12 is moved to the fourth position P4 by the lower actuator 55, the fourth distance d4 between the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 and the front end face 1a of the front end body can be greater than the third distance d3. In other words, when the upper grille body 11 and the lower grille body 12 retract to recess from the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 towards the anterior chamber 5, an air pocket space can be formed at the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 and the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12. As a result, surrounding air can be concentrated at the front of the upper grille body 11 and the front of the lower grille body 12. This can relatively increase the pressure (static pressure) acting on the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 and the pressure (air pocket space, static pressure) acting on the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12. Therefore, ambient air can easily flow into the anterior chamber 5 through the opening 13 of the upper grille body 11 and the opening 14 of the lower grille body 12. This increases the amount of ambient air flowing into the anterior chamber 5, i.e., the cooling air velocity. For example, when the second distance d2 and the fourth distance d4 are approximately 40 mm, the cooling air velocity can be increased by about 4.5%. When ambient air flows into the anterior chamber 5 through the openings 13 and 14 of the upper grille body 11 and the lower grille body 12, heat exchangers such as the intercooler 6, condenser 7a, and radiator 7b can be cooled, thus preventing thermal damage.

[0074] refer to Figure 4 In the driving state of a vehicle (internal combustion engine vehicle) used to increase the output of the internal combustion engine, it is necessary to increase the amount of ambient air passing through the intercooler 6. In this case, the lower grille body 12 adjacent to the intercooler 6 can be retracted to be recessed from the front body 1 toward the front chamber 5, and the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 can be advanced to approach the front face 1a of the front body 1.

[0075] Specifically, when the upper grille body 11 is moved to the first position P1 by the upper actuator 45, the first distance d1 between the front surface 11a of the upper grille body 11 and the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 can be minimized or approached to 0. Simultaneously, when the lower grille body 12 is moved to the fourth position P4 by the lower actuator 55, the fourth distance d4 between the front surface 12a of the lower grille body 12 and the front end face 1a of the front end body 1 can be greater than the third distance d3. Therefore, the amount of ambient air flowing into the front chamber 5 through the opening 14 of the lower grille body 12 (i.e., the flow rate of the cooling air) can be relatively increased, thereby improving the cooling performance of the intercooler 6.

[0076] As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, since the grille body with multiple openings can move relative to the front end body of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction (or driving direction) of the vehicle, the pressure acting on the front end surface of the front end body can be changed, thereby selectively improving aerodynamic performance and cooling performance.

[0077] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the grille body moves to a position close to the front face of the front body, the pressure acting on the front face of the front body and the amount of ambient air flowing into the anteroom can be reduced. This allows ambient air to flow along the front face of the front body, thereby improving aerodynamic performance.

[0078] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the grille body is recessed from the front end face of the front end body toward the anterior chamber, the pressure acting on the front end face of the front end body and the amount of ambient air flowing into the anterior chamber can be increased. This improves cooling performance relative to the heat exchanger located in the anterior chamber.

[0079] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A front end structure for a vehicle, the front end structure comprising: a front end main body having a front end face; and a grille main body having a plurality of openings and being installed so as to be movable with respect to the front end main body, the front end structure further comprising: a guide member configured to guide movement of the grille main body, wherein the front end main body has a front chamber configured to house a plurality of heat exchangers, the grille main body has an extension portion extending toward the front chamber, and movement of the extension portion is guided by the guide member. The grille main body is movable between a position close to the front end face of the front end main body and a position recessed from the front end face of the front end main body.

2. The front end structure of claim 1, wherein, The guide member has a stopper configured to limit a movement position of the grille main body.

3. The front end structure of claim 1, wherein, 4. The front end structure according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to move the grille main body. The front end main body includes a bumper cover.

5. The front end structure of claim 1, wherein, The bumper cover has a grille opening, and 6. The front end structure of claim 5, wherein, the grille main body is movably housed in the grille opening. The bumper cover has a bumper portion adjacent to the grille opening.

7. The front end structure of claim 6, wherein, 8. The front end structure according to claim 4, further comprising a controller that controls the actuator to move the grille main body in accordance with a condition of the vehicle. ​

Images