Variable air hole cover wing device and operation method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a variable air hole cover flap device and an operating method thereof, the variable air hole cover flap device selectively opening or closing air holes formed in a wheel deflector or a wheel cover to allow air to be directed to a brake. The air holes are opened only when the brake cooling of the vehicle is more required than the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, thereby appropriately controlling the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and the cooling performance of the brake as required.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a variable air hole covering wing device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a variable air hole covering wing device and an operating method thereof for adjusting the aerodynamic performance of a vehicle and the cooling performance of a brake according to driving conditions. Background Art

[0002] As related technology Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in order to improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle by properly blocking the air reaching the tire, a wheel deflector 1 is provided in the bottom cover 2. In addition, as shown in the related art Figure 2 As shown, air holes 3 (also called National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) holes) which are air inflow holes (e.g., pores) or ducts are formed in both the wheel deflector 1 and the bottom cover 2 to ensure that air for cooling reaches the brake. Since the air holes 3 are formed in each of the wheel deflector 1 and the bottom cover 2, the effect generated by the wheel deflector 1 (e.g., improvement of the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle) is degraded. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a variable pore (eg, aperture) covered wing device and method of operating the same that adjusts vehicle aerodynamics and brake cooling by opening pores only when brake cooling is more required than vehicle aerodynamics.

[0004] Other purposes and advantages of the present invention can be understood by the following description and become apparent with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Likewise, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the purposes and advantages of the present application can be achieved by the claimed means or a combination thereof.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a variable air hole cover flap device may be configured to selectively open or close an air hole (e.g., a pore) formed in a wheel deflector or a wheel cover to enable air to be directed toward a brake. The air hole may include: a first flap, which is disposed at a boundary portion between the wheel cover and the bottom cover, and a first end of the first flap is hinged to the bottom cover to dispose the first flap on one side of the boundary portion; a second flap, a first end of the second flap is hinged to a second end of the first flap, and the second end of the second flap is configured to move along a surface of the bottom cover due to an external force; a traction portion, which is configured to selectively generate a magnetic force toward the second end of the second flap; and a controller, which is configured to adjust the power applied to the traction portion. In addition, a magnet may be installed in the second end of the second flap.

[0006] A protruding plate protruding toward the ground may be provided at a hinge configured to connect the first wing to the second wing. The controller may be configured to adjust the power applied to the traction portion based on a signal received from a temperature sensor configured to measure a brake temperature. When the brake temperature is determined to be greater than a reference value, the controller may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction portion. The controller may be configured to receive an operation signal of a brake pedal and adjust the power applied to the traction portion according to the operation signal of the brake pedal.

[0007] When the operation signal of the brake pedal is determined to indicate sudden stopping, the controller may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction unit. The controller may be configured to receive a speed signal of the vehicle and adjust the power applied to the traction unit according to a change in the vehicle speed. When the vehicle is determined to be rapidly decelerating, the controller may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction unit. When the operation of the traction unit is released, the second folding plate and the first folding plate may be folded due to air resistance, and the air hole may be blocked.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a variable air hole cover flap device may include: receiving signals from various sensors installed in a vehicle by a controller; determining whether the flap needs to be operated according to the received signals by the controller; and operating the flap by the controller. When it is determined that the flap needs to be operated, the controller may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction part in the step of operating the flap.

[0009] When it is determined that the flap does not need to be operated, the controller may be configured to release the operation of the traction part in the step of operating the flap. When the controller releases the operation of the traction part, the first flap and the second flap may be folded due to air resistance, and the air hole may be blocked. In the step of determining whether the flap needs to be operated, the controller may be configured to determine whether the flap needs to be operated according to a change in brake temperature, an operation degree of a brake pedal, or a vehicle speed. The controller may be configured to store a formula, a graph, and a table with the brake temperature, an operation signal of a brake pedal, or a change in a vehicle speed as variables. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above and other features of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to some exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given hereinafter by way of illustration only and are therefore non-limiting to the present invention, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 A photograph showing a conventional wheel deflector according to the related art;

[0012] Figure 2A photograph showing a conventional air hole according to the related art;

[0013] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram showing a variable air hole cover wing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 4 To illustrate an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram of a variable air hole cover wing device installed in a vehicle;

[0015] Figures 5 to 7 To illustrate an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the operation of the variable air hole cover wing device;

[0016] Figure 8 The flowchart is a flowchart showing an operating method of a variable air hole cover wing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicle-based" or other similar terms used in this document generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various boats, vessels, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-fossil energy sources).

[0018] Although the exemplary embodiments are described as utilizing multiple units to perform the exemplary processes, it should be understood that the exemplary processes may also be performed by one or more modules. In addition, it should be understood that the term controller / control unit refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory is configured as a storage module, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the module to perform one or more processes described further below.

[0019] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this manual, it is indicated that there are the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but it is not excluded that there are or add one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated enumeration items.

[0020] Unless otherwise stated or apparent from the context, as used herein, the term "about" is understood to be within the normal tolerance range in the art, such as within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" may be understood to be within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the specified value. Unless apparent from the context, all numerical values ​​provided herein may be modified by the term "about".

[0021] Hereinafter, the variable air hole cover wing device and the operation method thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the variable air hole cover wing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured to selectively open or close the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) hole H, which is an air introduction or inflow hole (e.g., pore), hereinafter referred to as the air hole H, which is formed in each of the wheel deflector D and the wheel cover C to enable air to be directed to the brake.

[0022] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the air hole H may be provided at the boundary portion B between the bottom cover U and the wheel cover C. The air hole H may be formed as a single hole by being connected to the wheel deflector D and the wheel cover C. A guide may be formed in the bottom cover U so that the running wind is guided toward the air hole H. Alternatively, the air hole H may be selectively formed only in any one of the wheel deflector D and the wheel cover C.

[0023] The variable air hole covering flap device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a first flap 100, a second flap 200, a traction part 300, and a controller 400; the first end of the first flap 100 is hinged to the bottom cover U to be located on one side of the boundary part B; the first end of the second flap 200 is hinged to the second end of the first flap 100, and the second end is configured to move along the surface of the bottom cover U due to an external force; the traction part 300 is configured to selectively pull the second end of the second flap 200 away from the first flap 100; the controller 400 is configured to adjust the power applied to the traction part 300. Specifically, the traction part 300 may include an electromagnet that generates a magnetic force toward the second end of the second flap 200. A magnet may be installed in the second end of the second flap 200 to pull the second flap 200 toward the traction part 300 by the magnetic force of the electromagnet. A guide rail to which the first end of the first flap 100 is coupled may be provided at the bottom cover U, and the first end of the first flap 100 may slide to move along the guide rail. Here, the second end portion of the second wing 200 may be coupled to the guide rail, and the second end portion of the second wing 200 may slide to move along the guide rail.

[0024] Alternatively, the traction part 300 may include a motor, and a pulley or a transmission mechanism may be provided at the second end of the second wing 200 to move the second end of the second wing 200 toward the traction part 300 via the pulley or the transmission mechanism by the rotational force of the motor. A protruding plate 110 protruding toward the ground may be provided at a connection portion of the first end of the second wing 200 and the second end of the first wing 100 in a hinged state, and thus the second wing 200 may be folded or unfolded relative to the first wing 100. Due to the protruding plate 110, air resistance may always occur at the first wing 100 and the second wing 200.

[0025] like Figure 5 As shown, when power is applied to the traction portion 300 or the magnitude of the applied power increases, since the second fin 200 moves toward the traction portion 300, the first fin 100 and the second fin 200 may be in close contact or in abutting contact with the bottom cover U. Therefore, the air hole H formed in the wheel deflector D may be opened. Due to the opening of the air hole H, the air inflow into the brake may be increased, and the cooling performance of the brake may be improved.

[0026] like Figure 6 As shown, when the power applied to the traction portion 300 is reduced, the second wing 200 moves toward the first wing 100 due to the air resistance acting on the first wing 100 and the second wing 200 through the protruding plate 110. Therefore, the air hole H may not be completely closed, and thus, both the flow of air into the tire and the blocking of air from flowing into the tire by the wheel deflector D become incomplete states.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, when the operation of the traction part 300 is released, the second wing 200 and the first wing 100 can be folded and closely contacted with each other due to the air resistance acting on the protruding plate 110, the first wing 100 and the second wing 200 based on the hinge connection of the second wing 200 and the first wing 100. Therefore, the air hole H can be completely blocked by the second wing 200 and the first wing 100. Therefore, the air flow into the brake can be completely blocked, and the air flow into the tire through the wheel deflector D can also be completely blocked. Thereby, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle can be improved.

[0028] Even when the operation of the traction unit 300 is released, when the vehicle is traveling on an inclined road or stops suddenly, since gravity or inertia may act more strongly than air resistance (e.g., have a greater impact force), the close contact between the second wing 200 and the first wing 100 may be released and the air hole H may be opened. When power is applied to the traction unit 300 and the traction unit 300 is operated, the traction unit 300 may be repeated again. Figure 6 The state shown in FIG. 1 and when the magnitude of the power applied to the traction unit 300 increases, the state can be repeated again. Figure 5 Status shown.

[0029] The controller 400 may be configured to adjust the power applied to the traction unit 300 according to a signal received from a temperature sensor configured to measure the brake temperature, an operation signal of the brake pedal received from the brake pedal, or a vehicle speed (e.g., a change in speed) received from a speed sensor. When the brake temperature is determined to be greater than a reference value, the controller 400 may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction unit 300 to increase the opening of the air hole H. For example, the reference value of the brake temperature is about 220° C. for 50 braking operations in a city driving situation, and about 560° C. for 5 braking operations in a high-speed driving situation.

[0030] When the operation signal of the brake pedal is determined to indicate sudden stopping, the controller 400 may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction unit 300. During sudden stopping, the heat generated from the brake may be assumed to increase instantaneously, and therefore, the opening of the air hole H may be increased to improve the cooling performance of the brake. When the vehicle is determined to be decelerating rapidly, the controller 400 may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction unit 300. When the vehicle is decelerating rapidly, it is assumed that the cooling performance of the brake is more important than the aerodynamic performance, and therefore, the opening of the air hole H may be increased to improve the cooling performance of the brake.

[0031] The variable air hole cover fin device configured as described above according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is Figure 8 The method described below may be executed by a controller. Figure 8 As shown, the operating method of the variable air hole covering wing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: receiving signals from various sensors provided in the vehicle through the controller 400 (S100); determining by the controller 400 whether the wing needs to be operated according to the received signals (S200); and operating the wing by the controller 400 (S300).

[0032] In response to the controller 400 determining that the flap needs to be operated in the determination step S200, the controller 400 may be configured to increase the power applied to the traction unit 300 in the flap operation step S300. Figure 7 The initial state shown in (eg, improved aerodynamics due to wheel deflectors D) becomes Figure 6 or Figure 5 The state shown in (eg, the cooling performance of the brake is improved due to the opening of the air hole H).

[0033] In the determination step of step S200, in response to the controller 400 determining that the flap does not need to be operated, the controller 400 may be configured to release the operation of the traction unit 300 in the step S300 of operating the flap. As described above, when the controller 400 releases the operation of the traction unit 300, the first flap 100 and the second flap 200 may be folded and the air hole H may be blocked due to air resistance. Therefore, Figure 5 The initial state shown in (eg, the cooling performance of the brake is improved due to the opening of the air hole H) becomes Figure 6 or Figure 7 ) (eg, due to improved aerodynamics due to vehicle deflector D).

[0034] As described above, in the determination step of step S200, the controller 400 may be configured to determine whether the flap needs to be operated according to the change in the brake temperature, the degree of operation of the brake pedal, or the vehicle speed. The controller 400 may be configured to store a formula, a graph, and a table with the brake temperature, the operation signal of the brake pedal, or the change in the vehicle speed as variables.

[0035] Based on the variable air hole cover flap device and the operating method thereof configured as described above according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when brake cooling is prioritized according to the driving situation, the air hole H can be opened by operating the flap, and when aerodynamic performance is prioritized, the flap can be kept in a non-operating state to continuously block the air hole H. Therefore, the air hole H can be opened only when brake cooling of the vehicle is more required than aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, so that the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and the cooling performance of the brake can be appropriately controlled as needed.

[0036] Based on the variable air hole covering flap device and the operating method thereof configured as described above according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when brake cooling is given priority according to the driving situation, the air holes can be opened by operating the flaps, and when aerodynamic performance is given priority, the flaps can be kept in a non-operating state to continuously block the air holes. Therefore, the air holes can be opened only when the brake cooling of the vehicle is more required than the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, so that the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and the cooling performance of the brakes can be appropriately controlled as needed.

Claims

1. A variable air hole covering wing device, comprising: an air hole formed in the wheel deflector or wheel cover and selectively opened or closed by the variable air hole cover flap device to enable air to be directed to the brakes of the vehicle; Wherein, the pores include: A first wing piece is disposed at a boundary portion between the wheel cover and the bottom cover, and a first end portion of the first wing piece is hinged to the bottom cover to dispose the first wing piece at one side of the boundary portion; a second wing, a first end of the second wing being hinged to a second end of the first wing, and the second end of the second wing being configured to move along a surface of the bottom cover due to an external force; a traction portion configured to selectively pull the second end of the second wing away from the first wing; and A controller is configured to regulate power applied to the traction portion.

2. The variable air hole cover wing device according to claim 1, wherein: The pulling portion includes an electromagnet that generates a magnetic force toward the second end portion of the second wing, and a magnet is installed in the second end portion of the second wing.

3. The variable air hole cover wing device according to claim 1, wherein: The traction portion includes a motor, and a pulley or a transmission mechanism is provided at the second end of the second wing to move the second end of the second wing toward the traction portion via the pulley or the transmission mechanism by a rotational force of the motor.

4. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 1, wherein: A protruding plate protruding toward the ground is provided at the hinge, and the hinge is configured to connect the first wing to the second wing.

5. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to adjust power applied to the traction portion based on a signal received from a temperature sensor configured to measure brake temperature.

6. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 5, wherein: In response to determining that the brake temperature is greater than a reference value, the controller is configured to increase the power applied to the traction portion.

7. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to receive an operation signal of a brake pedal and adjust the electric power applied to the traction portion according to the operation signal of the brake pedal.

8. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 7, wherein: In response to determining that the operation signal of the brake pedal indicates sudden stopping, the controller is configured to increase the electric power applied to the traction portion.

9. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to receive a speed signal of the vehicle and adjust the power applied to the traction portion according to changes in the vehicle speed.

10. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 9, wherein: In response to determining that the vehicle is rapidly decelerating, the controller is configured to increase power applied to the traction portion.

11. The variable air hole cover fin device according to claim 1, wherein: When the operation of the pulling portion is released, the second wing and the first wing are folded due to air resistance and block the air hole.

12. A method for operating the variable air hole cover wing device according to claim 5, the method comprising: The controller receives signals from various sensors installed in the vehicle; The controller determines whether the wing needs to be operated according to the received signal; The flaps are operated by a controller; In response to determining that the flap needs to be operated, in the step of operating the flap, the controller increases the power applied to the traction portion.

13. The operating method according to claim 12, wherein: In response to determining that the flap does not need to be operated, in the step of operating the flap, the operation of the traction portion is released by the controller.

14. The operating method according to claim 13, wherein: In response to the operation of releasing the traction portion, the first and second flaps are folded due to air resistance and the air holes are blocked.

15. The operating method according to claim 12, further comprising: Whether the flaps need to be operated is determined by the controller based on changes in brake temperature, degree of operation of the brake pedal, or vehicle speed.

16. The operating method according to claim 15, wherein: The controller is configured to store a formula, a graph, and a table that store changes in brake temperature, an operation signal of a brake pedal, or a vehicle speed as variables.

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