Wind deflector assembly

Abstract

A deflector assembly is positioned near a front of a roof opening and is movable between an inoperative position and an operative position. The deflector assembly includes an upper elongated member having an arm extending in a rearward direction. A flexible deflector material is connected to a fixed portion by a lower connection portion and to the upper elongated member by an upper connection portion to maintain the flexible deflector material taut at least in the operative position. The flexible deflector material includes a front portion extending substantially along the front of the roof opening and further includes a side portion extending from the front portion to an end portion of the flexible deflector material proximate the hinge member. The flexible deflector material includes a first region having a first weave density and at least a second region having a second weave density. The second region is shaped as a strip and extends at least partially in the front portion and the side portion and is bound by the flexible deflector material having different weave densities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wind deflector assembly for an open roof structure of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, in an open-roof structure, the air deflector assembly can be moved from an inactive position below the surface of the fixed roof to an active position above the surface of the fixed roof. A spring or similar element typically biases the air deflector assembly from the inactive position toward the active position. Movement from the active position back to the inactive position is typically accomplished under the influence of a closure. In the active position of the air deflector assembly, flexible air-guiding material extends between a lower connecting portion attached to a fixed portion and a higher connecting portion connected to an upper elongated member of the air deflector via the upper connecting portion. The air-guiding material remains taut between these portions.

[0003] The flexible air guide material extends laterally along the front edge of the roof opening, and in the corner regions of the roof opening, the flexible air guide material extends substantially in a radial shape, following the corner of the upper elongated member, and is continuous rearward toward the hinge member of the air deflector assembly. The flexible air guide material also needs to be taut in these corner regions. Particularly in the corner regions and rearward portions of the flexible air guide mesh, under vehicle dynamic conditions, the flexible air guide material may become under-taut and begin to vibrate, resulting in undesirable aerodynamic noise. Therefore, in these areas and at the lateral ends of the front portion of the air deflector material, reinforcement measures may be necessary to strengthen the mesh. During the movement of the air deflector assembly from its active position to its inactive position, the tension in the air deflector material gradually decreases and eventually disappears completely. In this situation under driving conditions, the flexible air guide material may slack off and may be affected by wind, thus, when the closure enters its closed position, the mesh may be pushed by the wind between the edge of the seal attached to the edge of the roof opening and the closure itself. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved air guide plate assembly.

[0005] For this purpose, the air deflector assembly is characterized in that the flexible air deflector material further includes at least a second region having a second weave density, the second region being formed into a strip and extending at least partially in the front and side portions and constrained by flexible air deflector materials having different weave densities.

[0006] The second weave density of the second region is preferably higher than the first weave density of the first region.

[0007] Because of the second region with a second weave density, the air guide material and its front, left, and right portions are manufactured to be more rigid, allowing the side portions of the air guide material to be more rigid in the operational position of the air guide assembly and to prevent vibration under dynamic conditions. Also, because these side portions are more rigid, they prevent them from being trapped between the closure and the seal attached to the edge of the opening when the closure closes the roof opening.

[0008] When the closure closes the roof opening and engages with the air deflector arm via a sliding pad attached to the underside of the closure, the air deflector assembly is pushed downward, causing it to move together with the fixed portion around the movable hinge member of the air deflector arm. The second region is strip-shaped and woven at a second weave density, which is a higher density, as part of the flexible air deflector material that limits the strip-shaped second region. The flexible air deflector material is a product made from woven material during the weaving process, wherein the material is woven at different weave densities in the first and second regions and the third region, described later, so that the first, second, and third regions can be part of a single woven product, and each region is integrated into the product and thus interconnected through the weaving process.

[0009] The effect of the higher weave density in the second region and the third region, which is described later as being opposite to the first region, is that the flexible air guide material is less flexible and therefore more rigid, resulting in reinforced areas within the flexible air guide material. In addition, the higher weave density results in lower air permeability, which can positively affect aeroacoustic performance.

[0010] In another embodiment, the second region extends continuously along the front and side portions of the flexible air-guiding material. Since the folding behavior of the flexible air-guiding material without any reinforcing strips could cause clamping problems not only in the side portions but also in the front portions, the second region could extend not only in the side portions but also entirely along the front portions.

[0011] In another embodiment, the second region is constrained by at least a third region having a third weave density. This third region may extend adjacently below or above the strip-shaped second region. The third region may include a density different from that of the first and second regions to further enhance the stiffness of the flexible air-guiding material, thereby meeting the requirements of the flexible air-guiding material for aeroacoustics and folding behavior.

[0012] In another embodiment, the first weave density of the first region is lower than the corresponding second and third weave densities of the second and third regions, and wherein the second density of the second region is higher than the third density of the third region or vice versa. Since the width of the strip-shaped second region will be smaller than the width of the first or third region extending adjacently below or above, it is conceivable that, in order to establish the required stiffness of the flexible air-guiding material to meet aeroacoustic and folding requirements, the densities of the second and third regions are adjusted such that the second region has the highest weave density or the third region has the highest density.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, the height H2 of the second region is in the range of 2 mm to 12 mm, preferably in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, and particularly has a height of about 6 mm, and the height H3 of the third region is in the range of 2 mm to 16 mm, more preferably in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm, and particularly has a height of about 8 mm. In addition to the reinforcing effect implied by the second region, another effect is that, in the operational position of the air deflector assembly, the second region of the flexible air-guiding material and, if present, the third region, are visible from both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. This means that the second region and, if applicable, the third region may be subject to certain styling requirements. Therefore, the optimal dimensions of the heights of the second and third regions can depend respectively on the stiffness applied by the second and third regions, while styling requirements and said stiffness may influence the heights of the second and third regions.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the strip-shaped second region has a varying height extending along the flexible air-guiding material. It is conceivable that, in the side portion, the strip-shaped second region and, if applicable, the third region in the flexible air-guiding material extending toward the end of the mesh near the hinge member need to be manufactured thinner due to insufficient space within the mesh.

[0015] According to another aspect of the side portion of the second strip-shaped region, it extends at least partially at an angle relative to the front portion of the second strip-shaped region. Depending on the position of the upper elongated member relative to the lower connecting portion, when the air guide assembly is in its active position, the front portion and the side portion of the mesh can extend toward each other at an angle. This angled arrangement is best explained by assuming the mesh is isolated and resting on a flat surface, where the front portion extends at an angle to the side portion. This could mean that, due to the reinforcement of the side portion of the mesh, the second region and, if applicable, the third region also extend at an angle. Such an angle could also be implied for aesthetic reasons.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the flexible air-guiding material is directly molded onto the upper elongated member. In such an embodiment, the upper connecting portion can be omitted and the flexible air-guiding material can be directly molded onto the upper elongated member. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the roof of an open roof structure with a wind deflector assembly according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the open roof structure of the air deflector assembly in a preferred embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the air guide plate assembly.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a side view of the air guide plate assembly.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of the air guide plate assembly in an alternative embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a view of the corner of the air guide plate assembly.

[0024] Figure 7a , 7b 7c is a view of a flexible air-guiding material with two different profile shapes when stretched on a plane. Detailed Implementation

[0025] refer to Figure 1 The roof is shown as having an open roof structure with a roof opening 2 that can be opened and closed via a closure 5. The closure 5 is part of the vehicle's open roof structure. The closure 5 is a rigid, at least partially transparent panel made of glass, plastic, or the like. The open roof structure also includes a deflector assembly 1 and a fixing part 4, which is mounted to the vehicle body. The deflector assembly 1 is positioned near the front edge of the roof opening 2, and can be stored in an inactive position below the surface of the fixed roof 3 and below the closure 5, and can extend to an active position where a portion of the deflector assembly 1 is above the surface of the fixed roof 3 and the closure 5 is in the open position.

[0026] To influence the airflow pattern above the roof opening 2 when the closure 5 is in its open position, the air deflector assembly 1 extends partially above the surface of the fixed roof 3 to reach its operational position. The air deflector assembly 1 includes a flexible air-guiding material 9, which is attached at its upper end to the upper elongated member 6 via an upper connecting portion 11, and at its lower end to the fixed portion 4 via a lower connecting portion 10, extending substantially along the front region of the roof opening 2. The flexible air-guiding material 9 is permeable. When the air deflector assembly 1 extends in its operational position, the air flowing through the flexible air-guiding material 9 becomes turbulent on the leeward side of the material 9 due to the narrow openings in the material. When the closure 5 is in its open position, this turbulent airflow avoids or at least reduces vibration.

[0027] Further reference Figure 2 and 3 The air deflector assembly 1 also includes an upper elongated member 6 extending laterally and connected to each side arm 7, 7'. The left and right arms 7, 7' are pivotally connected to the fixed portion 4 via hinge members 8, 8'. Offsetting devices 18, 18' are provided at each arm 7, 7', offsetting the air deflector arms 7, 7' relative to the fixed portion 4 in an upward direction. A flexible air deflector material 9 extends from a lower connecting portion 10 toward an upper connecting portion 11, the flexible air deflector material being connected to the fixed portion 4 via the lower connecting portion, and the flexible air deflector material being connected to the upper elongated member 6 via the upper connecting portion. The flexible air deflector material includes a front portion 12 extending laterally along the front portion of the roof opening 2 and side portions 13, 13' extending from the front portion 12 toward end portions 14, 14'. Furthermore, a first region 15 with a first density 15' is shown, most of which extends in the front portion 12 of the flexible air-guiding material 9, but also partially in the side portions 13, 13'. A second strip-shaped region 16 with a second density 16' is partially shown in the front portion 12 and the side portions 13, 13'.

[0028] Each of these strip-shaped second regions 16 is woven into a base material, which is a flexible air-guiding material 9 having a first density 15'.

[0029] These strip-shaped second regions 16 are constrained by a flexible air-guiding material 9 with another density, in this case by a first region 15 with a first density 15'.

[0030] refer to Figure 4The diagram shows a side view of the air guide plate assembly 1. Side portions 13, 13' are shown extending between a lower connecting portion 10 and an upper connecting portion 11, the side portions being connected to the fixed portion 4 via the lower connecting portion 10 and to the upper elongated member 6 via the upper connecting portion 11.

[0031] The strip-shaped second regions 16 extend toward the end portions of the meshes 14, 14'. In this view, the second regions 16 extend substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the upper elongated member 6. However, these strip-shaped second regions 16 may also extend at an angle to the upper elongated member 6, for example, in a more horizontal plane or in a more vertical plane. The strip-shaped second regions 16 are then spaced apart from the upper elongated member 6 for most of their length.

[0032] refer to Figure 5 Another embodiment is shown. Here, the front portion 12 and the side portions 13, 13' are equipped with strip-shaped second regions 16 having a second density 16', which extend continuously from one end portion 14 to the opposite end portion 14' of the flexible air-guiding material 9. The strip-shaped regions 16 are constrained on both the upper and lower sides by first regions 15 having a first density 15'. However, it is conceivable that each of the second regions 16 having a second density 16' is constrained at one edge by the first region 15 having a first density 15', and at the opposite edge by a third region 17 having a third density 17'. Typically, the first regions 15 will be adjacent to the upper elongated member 6.

[0033] refer to Figure 6 Another embodiment is shown, wherein a strip-shaped second region 16 having a second density 16' is constrained by a third region 17 having a third density 17'. The third density 17' may have a density lower than the second density 16' but higher than the first density 15', or may be higher than the first and second densities 15', 16'. The height H2 (also referred to as the width H2 of the second region 16) may be in the range of 2 mm to 12 mm, and preferably in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, and particularly has a height of about 6 mm. The height H3 (also referred to as the width H3 of the third region 17) is in the range of 2 mm to 16 mm, and more preferably in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm, and particularly has a height of about 8 mm. When the strip-shaped second region 16 is constrained by the first region 15, a range of dimensions for the height H3 may also be used.

[0034] The second and third regions 16 and 17 both extend from one end 14 of the flexible air-guiding material 9 to the opposite end portion 14' of the front portion 12. It is conceivable that, due to the lack of height of the side portions 13 and 13' near the end portions 14 and 14', the second region 16 may not extend all the way to the end portions. Typically, the third region will also be spaced apart from the upper elongated member 6, at least for most of its length.

[0035] refer to Figure 7a , 7b 7c, the flexible air guide material 9 is removed separately from its upper slender member 6 and fixing part 4, as well as the lower and upper fixing parts 10, 11, and when placed on a plane, it displays a specific external profile given by the 3D geometry of the air guide plate assembly 1.

[0036] exist Figure 7a In the middle, the strip-shaped second region 16 extends perpendicular to the weaving direction W of the air-guiding material 9.

[0037] exist Figure 7b In the middle, the strip-shaped second region 16 extends parallel to the lower edge of the flexible air-guiding material 9, such that the second region 16 forms an angle with the weaving direction W in the front portion 12 and extends at another angle in the side portions 13, 13'.

[0038] exist Figure 7c In the middle, the strip-shaped second region 16 extends parallel to the upper edge of the flexible air-guiding material 9.

[0039] Similarly, the strip-shaped second region 16 in the side portions 13, 13' extends at yet another angle relative to the weaving direction W.

[0040] because Figure 7a , 7b In section 7c, the side portions 13 and 13' taper towards the end portions 14 and 14'. It is conceivable that the strip-shaped second region 16 also tapers towards the end portions 14 and 14', and that the dimension of height H2 changes as it extends towards the end portions 14 and 14'. It is conceivable that, in this case, the first region 15 or the third region 17 constraining the second region 16 also tapers, causing the dimension H3 to also change in height towards the end portions 14 and 14'.

[0041] This invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and can be varied extensively within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Features of the various embodiments can be combined in different ways. For example, the entire air guide material can be impregnated or coated with a coating material, or preferably only the second and / or third regions (if the third region is present) to further increase the stiffness of these regions. An example of a coating / impregnation material is resin / acrylic. To impregnate the entire air guide material, a roll of air guide material can be unrolled and pulled through a liquid impregnation / coating material bath. After drying, the air guide material can be rolled up again.

[0042] The base material of the air-guiding material can be, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), while the additional material (warp or weft threads, usually parallel to the strip) of the second and third strips can be, for example, polyethersulfone (PES). Of course, it is also possible to simply change the weave density and always use the same material.

Claims

1. A deflector assembly (1) for an open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening (2) in a fixed roof (3) of the vehicle, the open roof construction comprising: a fixed part (4), and at least one closure (5) movably connected with the fixed part (4) and adapted to close the roof opening (2) in the fixed roof (3) and selectively open the roof opening; the deflector assembly (1) being positioned in the vicinity of a front portion of the roof opening (2) and movable between an inactive position below the fixed roof (3) and an active position above the fixed roof (3), the deflector assembly (1) comprising: an upper elongated member (6) having arms (7, 7') extending in a rearward direction, each arm being movably connected to the fixed part (4) by a hinged member (8, 8'), a flexible deflector material (9) attached to the fixed part (4) by a lower connecting part (10) and to the upper elongated member (6) by an upper connecting part (11) to keep the flexible deflector material (9) taut at least in the active position, the flexible deflector material (9) comprising a front portion (12) extending substantially along the front portion of the roof opening (2) and side portions (13, 13') extending from the front portion (12) to end portions (14, 14') of the flexible deflector material (9) proximate the hinged members (8, 8'), wherein the flexible deflector material (9) comprises a first region (15) having a first weaving density (15'), wherein the flexible deflector material further comprises at least a second region (16) having a second weaving density (16'), the second region (16) being shaped as a strip and extending at least partially in the front portion (12) and in the side portions (13, 13') and being confined by the flexible deflector material (9) having different weaving densities.

2. The vane assembly of claim 1, wherein, the second region (16) extends continuously along the front portion (12) and the side portions (13, 13') of the flexible deflector material (9).

3. The vane assembly of claim 1, wherein, the second weaving density (16') of the second region (16) is higher than the first weaving density (15') of the first region (15).

4. The vane assembly of claim 1, wherein, the second region (16) is confined at least by a third region (17) having a third weaving density (17').

5. The vane assembly of claim 4, wherein, the first weaving density (15') of the first region (15) is lower than the respective second and third weaving densities (16', 17') of the second and third regions (16, 17), and wherein the second density (16') of the second region (16) is higher than the third density (17') of the third region (17).

6. The wind deflector assembly of claim 4, wherein, the first weaving density (15') of the first region (15) is lower than the respective second and third weaving densities (16', 17') of the second and third regions (16, 17), and wherein the second density (16') of the second region (16) is lower than the third density (17') of the third region (17).

7. The wind deflector assembly of claim 1, wherein, Said second region (16) has a height H2 in the range of 2 mm to 12 mm.

8. The wind deflector assembly of claim 4, wherein, Said third region (17) has a height H3 in the range of 2 mm to 16 mm.

9. The wind deflector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The side portions (13, 13') of the second region (16) extend at least partially angularly with respect to the front portion (12) of the second region (16).

10. The wind deflector assembly of claim 1, wherein, Said flexible wind guiding material (9) is directly moulded to the upper elongated member (6).

11. The wind deflector assembly of claim 7, wherein, The height H2 of the second region (16) varies along the flexible wind guiding material (9).

12. The wind deflector assembly of claim 1, wherein, Said first and second regions (15, 16) are part of one woven product and are thus connected to each other by a weaving process.

13. The wind deflector assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least the second region (16) of the flexible wind guiding material is impregnated with a coating.

14. The wind deflector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The second region in strip form comprises threads of different materials for the weft and warp of the woven fabric.

15. A vehicle comprising the wind deflector assembly according to claim 1.

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