Active grille anti-sticking structure, system, active grille and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses an active grille anti-jamming structure, system, active grille, and vehicle, comprising a rack and one or more gear assemblies. The rack drives the active side of the grille blades. The gear assembly drives the passive side of the grille blades, meshing with the rack. The gear assembly comprises a gear ring, a gear hub, and an elastic member. The gear ring is disposed outside the gear hub, and one or more mounting holes are defined on the outer circumference of the gear hub. The inner circumference of the gear ring has first grooves defined at positions corresponding to the mounting holes. The elastic member is mounted within the mounting holes, with the outer end of the elastic member extending into the first grooves at the corresponding positions. When the elastic member is compressed to a preset length, the gear ring can rotate relative to the gear hub. Even if one or more blades of the active grille are jammed, the active grille can still function normally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of vehicle active grilles, and in particular relates to an active grille anti-jamming structure, a system, an active grille and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Due to complex driving environments, the active grille can become stuck with foreign objects between its blades during use, preventing one or more blades from rotating. This is also known as blade jamming. The existing active grille control logic proactively increases the torque of the drive motor to increase the blade's driving force when a blade jam occurs. If the fault persists, active grille control ceases, causing the vehicle's water temperature and / or intake air temperature to deviate from normal values.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new active grille anti-stuck structure, system, active grille and vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an active grille anti-stuck structure, system, active grille and vehicle, so that when the active grille is stuck with one or more blades, the active grille can still be used normally.

[0005] In the first aspect, the present invention describes an active grille anti-jamming structure, comprising a rack and one or more gear assemblies; the rack is the active side of the grille blade drive; the gear assembly is the passive side of the grille blade drive, and the gear assembly is meshed with the rack; the gear assembly comprises a gear ring, a gear hub and an elastic member; the gear ring sleeve is arranged outside the gear hub, and one or more mounting holes are provided on the outer periphery of the gear hub; a first groove is provided on the inner periphery of the gear ring at a position corresponding to each mounting hole; the elastic member is installed in the mounting hole, and the outer end of the elastic member extends into the first groove at the corresponding position, and when the elastic member is compressed to a preset length, the gear ring can rotate relative to the gear hub.

[0006] Optionally, the elastic member includes a sleeve, and a spring, a pad and a steel ball installed in the sleeve from the inside to the outside; a second groove that cooperates with the steel ball is provided on one side of the pad that cooperates with the steel ball; a part of the steel ball is exposed outside the sleeve and can extend into the first groove.

[0007] Optionally, the first groove is an arc-shaped groove.

[0008] Optionally, the second groove is an arc-shaped groove.

[0009] In the second aspect, the present invention describes an active grille anti-jamming system, comprising a plurality of grille blades, a drive structure, a drive motor and an active grille control unit, wherein the drive structure adopts the active grille anti-jamming structure as described in the present embodiment; the grille blades are assembled into one with the gear assembly; the output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rack; the active grille control unit is connected to the drive motor; the active grille control unit is configured to: when it is detected that the grille blade cannot rotate, control the drive motor to increase torque and compress the elastic part corresponding to the grille blade; when the elastic part is compressed to a preset length, the corresponding gear hub and the elastic part will rotate relative to the gear ring.

[0010] In a third aspect, an active grille according to the present invention adopts the active grille anti-stuck system as described in the present invention.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, a vehicle according to the present invention adopts the active grille according to the present invention.

[0012] The present invention has the following advantages: Under normal operating conditions, the present invention operates in normal drive mode, where the torque of the drive motor is converted through the rack-driven gear assembly into rotation of multiple blade groups, thereby opening, closing, or adjusting the active grille to a specific angle. If a foreign object becomes lodged between blades in a particular group or other factors prevent the active grille from rotating normally, the active grille enters torque-increasing mode. The elastic member between the inner and outer ring gears of the gear with the lodged blade is compressed, allowing the ring gear to rotate relative to the hub gear, thereby maintaining the control effect of the other blades and ensuring the adjustment effect of the active grille. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the active grille anti-stuck structure in this embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 This is one of the structural diagrams of the gear assembly in this embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 This is the second structural diagram of the gear assembly in this embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view along line AA;

[0017] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along line BB;

[0018] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the gear hub in this embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Cross-sectional view along CC line;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a force diagram related to the anti-jamming function in this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 9 This is a control flow chart of the active grille control unit and the anti-jamming function.

[0022] In the figure: 1, rack, 2, grille blade, 3, gear assembly, 31, gear ring, 32, gear hub, 321, mounting hole, 33, elastic member, 331, steel ball, 332, spacer, 333, spring, 334, sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, an active grille anti-jamming structure includes a rack 1 and one or more gear assemblies 3. The rack 1 is the active side driving the grille blades, and the gear assembly 3 is the passive side driving the grille blades, and the gear assembly 3 meshes with the rack 1. The gear assembly 3 includes a gear ring 31, a gear hub 32, and an elastic member 33. The gear ring 31 is mounted on the outside of the gear hub 32, and one or more mounting holes 321 are defined on the outer periphery of the gear hub 32. The inner periphery of the gear ring 31 is defined with first grooves at positions corresponding to the mounting holes 321. The elastic member 33 is mounted in the mounting holes 321, and the outer end of the elastic member 33 extends into the first groove at the corresponding position. When the elastic member 33 is compressed to a preset length, the gear ring 31 can rotate relative to the gear hub 32. The elastic member 33 comprises a sleeve 334, and a spring 333, a spacer 332, and a steel ball 331, which are sequentially mounted within the sleeve 334 from the inside out. A second groove is defined on the side of the spacer 332 that mates with the steel ball 331. A portion of the steel ball 331 protrudes from the sleeve 334 and can be inserted into the first groove. In this embodiment, the first groove is an arc-shaped groove, and the second groove is also an arc-shaped groove.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, in the anti-jamming structure, the components related to realizing the anti-jamming function of the active grille are the gear ring 31, the gear hub 32 and the elastic member 33. Gear-related components not related to realizing the anti-jamming function are not shown.

[0026] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the outside of the gear ring 31 is a tooth meshing with the rack 1. When the anti-jamming system is in effect, the first groove on the gear ring 31 cooperates with the steel ball 331 of the elastic member 33 to prevent unauthorized axial movement between the gear ring 31 and the gear hub 32 of the gear assembly.

[0027] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the gear hub 32 is a cylindrical structure designed with m (m≥1, m is an integer) mounting holes 321 .

[0028] like Figure 8 The figure shows the force diagram related to the anti-jamming function, showing the gear ring 31 in contact with the steel ball 331 of the elastic member 33. In the normal static state, the steel ball 331 of the elastic member 33 is in direct contact with the BB section of the gear ring 31 and maintains stable contact. At this time, under the action of the spring 333, the steel ball 331 is subjected to a spring force Fn transmitted through the spacer 332. This spring force Fn is equal to the force F0 exerted by the gear hub 31 on the steel ball 331.

[0029] In the present embodiment, an active grille anti-jamming system includes a plurality of grille blades 2, a drive motor, an active grille control unit and the active grille anti-jamming structure described in the present embodiment; the grille blades 2 are assembled into one with the gear assembly 3; the output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rack 1; the active grille control unit is connected to the drive motor; the active grille control unit is configured to: when it is detected that the grille blade 2 cannot rotate, control the drive motor to increase the torque and compress the elastic member 33 corresponding to the grille blade 2; when the elastic member 33 is compressed to a preset length, the corresponding gear hub 32 and the elastic member 33 will rotate relative to the gear ring 31.

[0030] like Figure 9 The following is a control flow chart of the anti-jamming function in the active grille control unit. The specific process is as follows:

[0031] During normal operation of the active grille, the control unit first reads the number of torque-increasing driving cycles and determines whether it exceeds a limit. If so, the active grille stops operating and reports a fault. The active grille cycle ends. Active grille control can only be restored after further troubleshooting by a professional repair technician. At this point, the technician must reset the number of torque-increasing driving cycles to "0." If the limit is not exceeded, the active grille enters normal control mode. During operation, the active grille is checked for sticking. If not, the control unit maintains normal control mode and repeatedly checks for sticking. At this point, the drive motor drives the rack 1 in linear motion in the direction shown. The rack 1 then rotates the gear ring 31 of the gear assembly 3, transmitting the rotational force of the gear ring 31 to the elastic member 33. The forces F and F0 acting on the steel ball 331 of the elastic member 33 are: F can be further decomposed into a circumferential force F1 and a radial force F2. F1 represents the circumferential rotational force between the drive hub gear 32 and the steel ball 331. The gear assembly 3 then drives the grille blades 2 assembled therewith to rotate, thereby completing the opening and closing process of the active grille. The radial forces F2 and F0 are offset by the elastic force Fn of the spring 333, keeping the internal subassemblies of the gear assembly relatively still.

[0032] For example, in a certain control cycle, if the grille blade 2 cannot rotate for some reason, the gear assembly 3 assembled with it will also be unable to rotate. At this time, it is judged that the active grille is stuck. At this time, when the rack 1 drives the gear assembly 3, the circumferential force F1 on the elastic member 33 is ultimately insufficient to rotate the gear hub 32. The intention of the active grille opening fails. At this time, the active grille anti-stuck logic will determine whether there is a jam and enter the active grille torque increase control mode. At this time, the driving motor increases the torque, causing the force F on the elastic member 33 to increase, so that F1 and F2 both increase proportionally. At this time, according to the design intention, F0+F2>Fn, so the spring 333 is compressed and the steel ball 331 moves toward the axis of the gear. Due to the existence of F1, when the spring 333 is compressed to a certain extent, the gear hub 32 and the elastic member 33 will be able to rotate relative to the gear ring 31. At this time, the steel ball 331 in the elastic member 33 will contact the first groove of the gear ring 31, such as Figure 4 As shown. At this point, the active grille anti-jam system is active, and the active grille torque control mode is normally determined to be true. If the shutdown command is determined to be false, effective active grille control is achieved. If the shutdown command is true, the torque drive cycle count increases by one, and the active grille anti-jam control process ends.

[0033] If after entering the active grille torque increase control mode, the torque increase control mode is judged as not working normally, it means that there are other abnormalities in the active grille system. At this time, the active grille fault control mode is entered and the active grille anti-stuck control process ends.

[0034] In actual production, n (n ≤ m, where n is an integer) active grille blades may become stuck and unable to rotate, resulting in the driving force fed back from multiple gear assemblies exceeding the torque value of the active grille after torque increase, thus preventing the active grille opening control process from being successful. Therefore, by comprehensively adjusting the dimensional parameters of rack 1 and gear 2, the number and dimensions of elastic members 33, and the drive parameters of the active grille's drive motor, it is possible to ensure that even if one or n active grille blades become stuck, the remaining grille blades can open and close normally, ensuring the proper function of the entire system.

[0035] In this embodiment, a vehicle adopts the active grille anti-stuck system as described in this embodiment.

[0036] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the ideas and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An active grille anti-jamming structure, comprising a rack (1) and one or more gear assemblies (3); the rack (1) is an active side driving the grille blades; the gear assembly (3) is a passive side driving the grille blades, and the gear assembly (3) is meshed with the rack (1); and is characterized in that: The gear assembly (3) comprises a gear ring (31), a gear hub (32) and an elastic member (33); The gear ring (31) is sleeved outside the gear hub (32), and one or more mounting holes (321) are opened on the outer periphery of the gear hub (32); A first groove is provided on the inner circumference of the gear ring (31) at a position corresponding to each mounting hole (321); The elastic member (33) is installed in the mounting hole (321), and the outer end of the elastic member (33) extends into the first groove at the corresponding position. When the elastic member (33) is compressed to a preset length, the gear ring (31) can rotate relative to the gear hub (32); The elastic member (33) includes a sleeve (334), and a spring (333), a pad (332), and a steel ball (331) sequentially installed in the sleeve (334) from the inside to the outside; A second groove that matches the steel ball (331) is provided on one side of the cushion block (332) that matches the steel ball (331); A portion of the steel ball (331) is exposed outside the sleeve (334) and can extend into the first groove.

2. The active grille anti-stuck structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first groove is an arc-shaped groove.

3. The active grille anti-stuck structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second groove is an arc-shaped groove.

4. An active grille anti-jamming system, comprising a plurality of grille blades (2), a drive motor and an active grille control unit, characterized in that: Also includes the active grille anti-stuck structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3; The grille blades (2) and the gear assembly (3) are assembled into one body; The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rack (1); The active grille control unit is connected to the drive motor; The active grille control unit is configured to: when detecting that the grille blade (2) cannot rotate, control the drive motor to increase torque and compress the elastic member (33) corresponding to the grille blade (2); when the elastic member (33) is compressed to a preset length, the corresponding gear hub (32) and the elastic member (33) will rotate relative to the gear ring (31).

5. An active grille, characterized in that: An active grille anti-stuck system as claimed in claim 4 is employed.

6. A vehicle, characterized in that: An active grille as claimed in claim 5 is used.

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