Wind deflector with vehicle-mounted base for connecting deflection elements

Abstract

A wind deflector for an openable vehicle roof with a movable cover element is disclosed, the wind deflector comprising a deployable deflection element (30) made of a flat flexible material and a pivotable deployment bow (22), a lower edge of the deflection element (30) being mounted to a roof-mounted base via a lower edge strip (34), an upper edge of the deflection element (30) being mounted to the pivotable deployment bow. The roof-mounted base comprises a support portion on which a fastening strip (44) is mounted, the lower edge strip (34) having a uniform cross section over its entire length, the uniform cross section having a hook-shaped geometry interacting with the fastening strip (44).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilator for an openable vehicle roof having a movable cover element. Background Technology

[0002] Such air deflectors are known in practice, particularly in the leading edge region of a top opening on the roof of a vehicle, which can be closed or at least partially opened or released by a movable cover element. Known air deflectors, as deflecting elements, include, for example, a deployable mesh, a flat, flexible material, whose lower edge is connected to a vehicle mount via a lower edge strip, the mount being formed of a top frame or the like. At its upper edge, the deployable mesh is connected to a deployment bow, for example, via an upper edge strip. The deployment bow has a U-shape, and its free legs each form a deployment arm and are mounted to pivot within a guide rail area for the corresponding top mounting of the cover element. Depending on the open position of the cover element, the deployment bow can pivot between a depressed, non-operating position (the deflecting element is folded) and an expanded, operating position (the deflecting element is stretched and forms a windward surface). The lower edge strip forms a rolled edge and engages with a rolled edge channel of the vehicle mount. In particular, the lower edge strip is joined by a hand-sewing process. In particular, the rolled edge channel is formed from a plastic groove that is mounted on a vehicle mount, which can be formed from a steel frame. This plastic groove is manufactured using an injection molding process, thus requiring expensive tools. Furthermore, the plastic groove requires mounting space in the top longitudinal direction, which in turn is disadvantageous in terms of the size of the top opening in that direction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an air guide in which a foldable deflection element is connected to a vehicle-mounted base, which occupies very little installation space in the top longitudinal direction.

[0004] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by an air guide having the features of the present invention.

[0005] According to the present invention, it is therefore proposed to provide a fastening strip on the support portion of the vehicle base, wherein the lower edge strip of the deflecting element has a hook-shaped geometry, so that the deflecting element can hook onto the fastening strip, which is mounted on the support portion. The fastening strip can be very thin, which in turn has a positive effect on the installation space required in the top longitudinal direction. Therefore, fixing the deflecting element to the vehicle base does not affect or only slightly affects the maximum usable transparent portion predetermined by the top opening. By using the fastening strip, and through its interaction with the support portion, a groove is created into which the lower edge strip can be inserted. The hook-shaped geometry prevents the deflecting element from separating from the vehicle base during loading. Thus, the deflecting element is fixed to the vehicle base or the fastening strip by the hook-shaped geometry.

[0006] In one specific embodiment of the air guide according to the invention, the fastening strip has a locking protrusion, to which the hook-shaped geometry of the lower edge strip of the deflection element engages from the rear. Specifically, the locking protrusion protrudes into a gap or space formed between the support portion of the vehicle base and the fastening strip, into which the lower edge strip of the deflection element is inserted.

[0007] In embodiments that can be produced at low cost, the locking protrusion is formed by a notch in the fastening strip.

[0008] Fastening strips can be made of any dimensionally stable material. However, in particular, fastening strips are made of sheet metal and are formed, for example, into stamped / bent parts.

[0009] To ensure the deflection element is connected to the vehicle mount along its entire length, the fastening strip preferably has a U-shape corresponding to the shape of the lower edge strip of the deflection element. The fastening strip forms a gap with the support along its entire length, into which the lower edge strip of the deflection element can be inserted.

[0010] Assembly is particularly easy if the fastening strip is mounted on the surface of the support facing the top opening, which can be closed or released by a movable cover element. The fastening strip can be welded, riveted, screwed, or glued to the support.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the support portion of the vehicle base is formed by a top frame, in particular an unfolding bow is mounted on the top frame so as to be rotatable, and the top frame also defines a top opening that forms a transparent portion of the roof of the corresponding vehicle.

[0012] In order to define and limit the insertion depth of the lower edge strip in the space or gap between the support and the fastening strip, the lower edge strip may have a stop rib that abuts against the fastening strip, especially the upper edge of the fastening strip.

[0013] To ensure that the lower edge strip can deform during assembly and hook onto the fastening strip, in a specific embodiment of the air guide according to the invention, the lower edge strip is made of an elastic material, particularly a rubber elastic material.

[0014] In a particularly economical embodiment of the air guide according to the invention, the lower edge strip is an extruded profile.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a vehicle roof comprising a top opening and a wind deflector of the type described above.

[0016] Other advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of this invention can be found in the specification, drawings and technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings schematically simplify embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, which are described in more detail below.

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective top view of the top of a vehicle having an air deflector according to the invention is shown; Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of the air guide; Figure 3 A perspective view of the vehicle's top frame, which has a fastening system for the air deflector mesh, is shown. Figure 4 A top view of the top frame is shown; Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-section of the top frame is cut along the VV line; Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the middle VI area; Figure 7 It corresponds to Figure 3 The view of the top frame, but without the bottom edge strip of the deflecting element; Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A magnified view of the central region VIII; Figure 9 A first perspective view of the lower edge strip of the deflection element is shown; Figure 10 A second perspective view of the lower edge strip of the deflection element is shown; Figure 11 A first perspective view of the fastening strips of the top frame is shown; Figure 12 A second perspective view of the fastening strips of the top frame is shown; Figure 13 It shows along Figure 5 The cross section of the top frame and deflection element is cut along line XIII-XIII; Figure 14 It shows along Figure 5 The XIV-XIV line in the middle cuts through the cross-section of the top frame and the deflection element; Figure 15 It shows the corresponding Figure 14 The cross-section of the top frame, but for another embodiment of the fastening strip; and Figure 16 A cross-section of the lower edge strip of a single deflection element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1A motor vehicle 10 with a top 12 is shown, the top having a top opening 14 that can be closed or at least partially opened by a movable cover element 16.

[0020] The cover element 16 is part of a top opening system having locating power guided by guide rails (not shown), which are arranged on either side of the longitudinal vertical center plane of the top opening 14 for moving the cover element 16. The guide rails are mounted on a top frame 18, which... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, it limits the top opening 14. An air deflector 20, deployable depending on the position of the cover element 16, is arranged near the leading edge of the top opening 14, extending substantially in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and is described in detail below. When the top opening 14 is open, i.e., when the cover element 16 is retracted, the air deflector 20 prevents the formation of potentially disruptive airflow and air turbulence within the vehicle interior of the motor vehicle 10.

[0021] The air deflector 20 includes a deployable bow 22, which, in the broadest sense, is U-shaped in the top transverse direction. The bow has two legs 24A and 24B acting as deployable arms, interconnected by a transverse leg 26 extending in the vehicle transverse direction. Legs 24A and 24B are both mounted to be rotatable at their ends away from the transverse leg 26 within the region of the longitudinal rails 27A or 27B of the top frame 18, and are both prestressed in the deployable direction, for example by a deployable spring 28. The degree of deployment of legs 24A and 24B, and of the deployable bow 22, is determined by the position of the cover element 16 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The cover element 16 works in conjunction with the deployable bow 22 such that when the top opening 14 is closed, starting from the open or released position, it is driven from behind onto legs 24A and 24B, overcoming the action of the deployable spring 28 and pressing them downwards to the inactive position. However, when the cover element 16 is moved from the position of closing the top opening 14 to the release position, the legs 24A and 24B are released, so that the unfolding bow 22 can automatically rotate to the working position due to the effect of the unfolding spring 28 acting on the legs 24A and 24B.

[0022] pass Figures 2 to 16The air guide 20, described in more detail, includes a deflecting element 30 made of woven fabric or mesh and formed of a flat, flexible, and foldable material. At its upper edge, the deflecting element 30 is connected to the deployment bow 22, for example, via a rolled edge connection. At its lower edge, the deflecting element 30 is connected to the top frame 18 via a fastening system 32, which forms the vehicle-mounted base of the air guide 20. In the deployed state of the deployment bow 22, the deflecting element 30 is stretched between the deployment bow 22 and the top frame 18. In the lowered state of the deployment bow 22, the deflecting element 30 is positioned in a folded shape between the depressed deployment bow 22 and the top frame 18.

[0023] The deflection element 30 is connected to the top frame 18 via a fastening system 32, which includes a lower edge strip 34. The lower edge strip is an extruded profile and has a strip-shaped fastening area 36 through which it is connected to the lower edge of the deflection element 30. The lower edge strip 34 can be sewn, glued, or welded to the deflection element 30.

[0024] Furthermore, the lower edge strip 34 is made of an elastic material or a rubber-elastic material and includes a lower locking portion 38 with a hook-shaped cross-section and a stop rib at the top to restrict the locking portion 38. The lower edge strip 34 has a uniform cross-section along its entire length.

[0025] The top frame 18 forms the vehicle-mounted base of the air deflector 20 and is formed as a steel frame. The top frame has substantially vertically arranged wall portions 42 that form an inner wall extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle and facing the top opening 14. A fastening strip 44 is fixed to the wall portion 42. This fastening strip is formed as a stamped / bent component and may also be made of steel or any other metal material. Therefore, the wall portion 42 serves as a support for the fastening strip 44.

[0026] The fastening strip 44 has a low, tongue-like fixing portion 46 at which it is welded to the wall portion 42. Alternatively, the fastening strip 44 may also be fixed to the wall portion 42 of the top frame 18 with rivets or screws.

[0027] Above the fixing portion 46, the fastening strip 44, together with the wall portion 42, defines a receiving gap 48 for the locking portion 38 of the lower edge strip 34. In order to accommodate the lower edge strip 34 or its locking portion 38 within the receiving gap 48 and prevent it from being pulled out, the upper edge of the fastening strip 44 has a notch 50 that protrudes toward the wall portion 42 and is engaged from behind by the hook-shaped locking portion 38 of the lower edge strip 34. The notches 50 are formed at fixed intervals along the entire length of the fastening strip 44.

[0028] from Figures 9 to 12It can be seen that the fastening strip 44 and the lower edge strip 34 are U-shaped in the broadest sense, each with a transverse leg extending laterally at the top, and two free end legs extending longitudinally at the top of the longitudinal beams 27A and 27B located in the top frame 18 (see reference). Figure 3 and 7 ).

[0029] To assemble the air guide 20, the lower edge strip 34 mounted on the deflector element 30 is inserted from above into the receiving gap 48 between the wall portion 42 and the fastening strip 44 until the stop rib 40 strikes the upper edge of the fastening strip 44. Subsequently, the hook-shaped locking portion 38 of the lower edge strip 34 unfolds, engaging under the notch 50, thereby mounting the deflector element 30 on the top frame 18 in a manner that prevents it from being pulled out.

[0030] Figure 15 An embodiment of fastening strip 44' is shown, which is generally consistent with the fastening strip described above, but unlike the fastening strip described above, it has a downwardly projecting tongue-shaped fixing portion 46', which is L-shaped, and therefore provides a larger contact surface for connection with the top frame compared to the fixing portion described above.

[0031] List of reference numerals 10 Motor vehicles 12 Vehicle roof 14. Top opening 16 Cover Components 18 Top Frame 20 Air guide 22. Unfold the bow 24A and 24B outriggers 26 Lateral support legs 27A and 27B longitudinal beams 28. Unfolding the spring 30 Deflection element 32 Fastening System 34. Lower edge strip 36 Fastening Area 38 Locking section 40 Stop Ribs 42 Wall 44' Fastening strips 46, 46' Fixing part 48 Reception gap 50 gap

Claims

1. An air deflector for an openable vehicle roof having a movable cover element (16), said air deflector comprising a deployable deflector element (30) made of a flat, flexible material and a pivotable deployment bow (22), the lower edge of said deflector element (30) being mounted to a vehicle mount via a lower edge strip (34), and the upper edge of said deflector element (30) being mounted to said pivotable deployment bow, wherein, The vehicle base includes a support portion on which fastening strips (44, 44') are mounted. The lower edge strip (34) has a uniform cross-section along its entire length, the uniform cross-section having a hook-shaped geometry that interacts with the fastening strip (44, 44'). The fastening strip (44, 44') has locking protrusions, the hook-shaped geometry of the lower edge strip (34) engaging with the locking protrusions from rear. Each locking protrusion is formed by a notch (50) of the fastening strip (44, 44'), and the notches are distributed along the length direction of the fastening strip.

2. The air guide according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening strips (44, 44') are made of metal.

3. The air guide according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metallic material is a metal sheet.

4. The air guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fastening strip (44, 44') is a punched / bent component.

5. The air guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fastening strip (44, 44') has a U-shape corresponding to the shape of the lower edge strip (34) of the deflection element (30).

6. The air guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fastening strips (44, 44') are mounted on the surface of the support facing the top opening (14).

7. The air guide according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fastening strips (44, 44') are welded to the surface of the support facing the top opening (14).

8. The air guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, characterized in that, The support is formed by the top frame (18).

9. The air guide according to claim 8, characterized in that, The unfolding bow (22) is mounted on the top frame so that it can pivot.

10. The air guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 7 and 9, characterized in that, The lower edge strip (34) has a stop rib (40) abutting against the fastening strip (44, 44').

11. The air guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 7 and 9, characterized in that, The lower edge strip (34) is made of an elastic material.

12. The air guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 7 and 9, characterized in that, The lower edge strip (34) is an extruded profile.

13. A vehicle roof, comprising a top opening (14) and a wind deflector according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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