Automobile air inlet structure, automobile body assembly and automobile

Abstract

The application discloses an automobile air inlet structure, which comprises a front grille, a lower guard plate and a wind guide structure, the lower guard plate is fixedly connected with the front grille, the wind guide structure is located at the inner side of the lower guard plate and the front grille, the lower guard plate is provided with an air inlet for air inflow, the wind guide structure comprises a first air guide plate group and a second air guide plate connected with the first air guide plate group, the inner side wall of the first air guide plate group is formed with a first air inlet channel, the inner side wall of the second air guide plate is formed with a second air inlet channel, and the second air inlet channel is communicated with the air inlet through the first air inlet channel. The application further discloses an automobile body assembly and an automobile with the automobile air inlet structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to an automotive air intake structure, an automotive body assembly, and an automotive. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive industry is currently constrained by both environmental protection and energy shortages. However, low-drag vehicles, whether gasoline-powered or electric, are highly sought after, characterized by clean, simple, and streamlined front-end designs. Controlling wind resistance to reduce fuel consumption and increase driving range is gaining increasing attention. Statistics show that, provided the heat exchange requirements of the cooling modules (condenser and radiator) in the front compartment are met, a smaller front grille opening results in lower overall vehicle drag, which is more conducive to improving driving range. Figure 1-2 As shown, in existing automobiles, the opening area of ​​the front grille 2a is usually compressed to the maximum extent and an active air intake grille 3a is configured to control wind resistance. When the vehicle speed is high, the active air intake grille blades 32a close, reducing wind resistance by reducing the amount of air flowing from the front of the vehicle into the cabin. However, this solution has limited effect in controlling wind resistance and cannot overcome the wind resistance in the front air duct 31a of the active air intake grille. It also cannot meet the current styling trend of low-drag models. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automotive air intake structure that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art; another purpose of this invention is to provide an automotive body assembly and an automotive with the automotive air intake structure.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides an automotive air intake structure, the automotive air intake structure including a front grille, a lower guard plate, and an air guide structure, the lower guard plate being fixedly connected to the front grille, the air guide structure being located inside the lower guard plate and the front grille, the lower guard plate having an air intake port for airflow, the air guide structure including a first air guide plate assembly and a second air guide plate connected to the first air guide plate assembly, the inner sidewall of the first air guide plate assembly forming a first air intake channel, the inner sidewall of the second air guide plate forming a second air intake channel, the second air intake channel being connected to the air intake port through the first air intake channel.

[0005] Preferably, the air guide structure further includes a damper blade for opening or closing the first air intake channel, the damper blade being rotatably connected to the bottom of the first air guide plate assembly.

[0006] Preferably, the first air guide plate assembly includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate, and a fourth side plate, which together form the first air intake channel.

[0007] Preferably, the first side plate is arranged opposite to the third side plate, and the second side plate is arranged opposite to the fourth side plate.

[0008] Preferably, the angles between the first side plate, the second side plate, the third side plate, and the fourth side plate and the plane containing the lower guard plate are all acute angles.

[0009] Preferably, the tops of the first side plate, the second side plate, and the third side plate are flush and connected to the bottom of the second air guide plate, which is perpendicular to the plane of the lower guard plate.

[0010] Preferably, the front grille is used to close the opening on the windward side of the air guide structure.

[0011] Preferably, the air inlet is located at one end of the lower guard plate, and the height of the air inlet is greater than or equal to 40mm and the width is greater than or equal to 760mm.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides an automobile body assembly including a front bumper and an automobile air intake structure as described in the above technical solutions, wherein the front bumper and the front grille in the automobile air intake structure are integrally formed.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention provides an automobile that includes an automobile body assembly as described in the above technical solutions.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] This invention discloses an automotive air intake structure located in the front compartment of a vehicle, comprising a front grille, a lower skid plate, and an air guide structure. By opening an air intake at the front end of the lower skid plate, a minimalist front fascia and an "invisible" grille are achieved. The air guide structure, i.e., the air intake channel, directs external airflow towards the cooling module in the front compartment, ensuring the heat exchange requirements of the cooling module. Compared to the integrated AGS (Active Air Filter) channel in existing technologies, this air guide structure is a split design, simplifying assembly and facilitating the tilting arrangement of the cooling module. Furthermore, when the damper blades in the air guide structure are closed, the proximity of the damper blades to the air intake on the lower skid plate further reduces the amount of air flowing from the front of the vehicle into the compartment. The incoming airflow then flows along the bottom of the lower skid plate towards the rear of the vehicle, overcoming the wind resistance in the AGS front air duct.

[0016] In addition, by designing the sides of the front grille as a closed structure, that is, without openings for airflow into the cooling module, the overall wind resistance is further reduced, while also increasing the freedom to design the front face and improving the overall vehicle's recognizability. Furthermore, when it is molded as a single piece with the front bumper, manufacturing processes can be reduced.

[0017] The damper blades in this air guide structure are single-layered. Compared with the multi-layered blades in the existing AGS technology, this invention can reduce production costs and can be promoted, implemented and applied. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of a conventional car air intake structure when the blades are open.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified representation of the car's air intake structure when the blades are closed.

[0021] Figure 3 A simplified schematic diagram of an automotive air intake structure with blades open, provided as a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a simplified representation of the car's air intake structure when the blades are closed.

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the assembly structure of the car's air intake structure from a single perspective.

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the lower guard plate and air guide structure in the car's air intake structure from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of an automotive air intake structure and cooling module, provided as another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1a. Lower skid plate; 2a. Front grille; 3a. Active grille; 4a. Front bumper; 5a. Cooling module;

[0028] 31a. Front air duct of active air intake grille; 32a. Active air intake grille blades; 33a. Rear air duct of active air intake grille;

[0029] 1. Lower guard plate; 2. Front grille; 3. Air guide structure;

[0030] 11. Air intake;

[0031] 31. First air guide plate assembly; 32. Second air guide plate; 33. Damper blade;

[0032] 311. First side panel; 312. Second side panel; 313. Third side panel; 314. Fourth side panel;

[0033] 3b. Air guide structure; 32b. Second air guide plate;

[0034] 4. Front bumper; 5. Cooling module. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the description of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of description and simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0038] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used merely to distinguish elements with similar properties, not to indicate or imply relative importance or a specific order.

[0039] The terms “include,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which includes not only the elements listed but also other elements not expressly listed.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the first preferred embodiment of this invention provides an automotive air intake structure located in the front compartment of the vehicle, including a lower skid plate 1, a front grille 2, and an air guide structure 3. It should be noted that the lower skid plate 1 is located below the vehicle chassis, and the front grille 2 is located at the front of the vehicle's hood. Figure 5 As shown, they can all be served by existing lower guard plates and front grilles in existing automobiles. In other words, this embodiment can use existing lower guard plates and front grilles in automobiles as components of the automobile's air intake structure.

[0042] In Embodiment 1, the lower guard plate 1 is fixedly connected to the front grille 2, and the air guide structure 3 is located inside the vehicle cabin after the lower guard plate 1 and the front grille 2 are connected. Please refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the lower guard plate 1 has a roughly convex shape, and an air inlet 11 for airflow is provided at the inclined end face of the front end of the lower guard plate 1.

[0043] To ensure the heat exchange requirements of the cooling module 5 and the amount of air flowing from the air inlet 11 to the cooling module 5, preferably, the height of the air inlet 11 is greater than or equal to 40 mm, and the width is greater than or equal to 760 mm. The cooling module 5 referred to here is a condenser, radiator, and cooling fan located in the front compartment of the vehicle, primarily used for heat dissipation.

[0044] Please see Figure 6 As shown, the air guide structure 3 is a closed frame structure with internal channels to facilitate airflow. It includes a first air guide plate assembly 31 and a second air guide plate 32. To facilitate the forming and arrangement of the air guide structure 3, the first air guide plate assembly 31 and the second air guide plate 32 are detachably connected. It should be noted that the inner sidewall of the first air guide plate assembly 31 forms a first air intake channel, and the inner sidewall of the second air guide plate 32 forms a second air intake channel. The second air intake channel is connected to the air inlet 11 through the first air intake channel.

[0045] The first air guide plate group 31 includes a first side plate 311, a second side plate 312, a third side plate 313 and a fourth side plate 314. The first side plate 311, the second side plate 312, the third side plate 313 and the fourth side plate 314 are all plate-shaped structures and form a first air intake channel by splicing together their respective sides.

[0046] To reduce the flow resistance of airflow in the first guide vane assembly 31, the first side plate 311 and the third side plate 313 are arranged opposite to each other, and the second side plate 312 and the fourth side plate 314 are arranged opposite to each other. In this embodiment, "arranged opposite to each other" means that they are arranged in parallel relative to each other.

[0047] In order to guide the airflow that flows into the air intake 11 from outside the vehicle body to the rear of the vehicle, in this embodiment, the width of the second side plate 312 is greater than the width of the fourth side plate 314. In this way, the external airflow will flow from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle under the combined action of the first side plate 311, the second side plate 312, the third side plate 313 and the fourth side plate 314.

[0048] Furthermore, the angles between the first side plate 311, the second side plate 312, the third side plate 313, and the fourth side plate 314 and the plane containing the lower guard plate 1 are all acute angles. In this way, when the airflow flows into the first air guide plate assembly 31 from the air inlet 11, it will flow in the direction of inclination of the first air guide plate assembly 31.

[0049] Please continue reading. Figure 6 As shown, the second air guide plate 32 is located above the first air guide plate group 31, and its bottom is connected to the top of the first side plate 311, the top of the second side plate 312, and the top of the third side plate 313. The second air guide plate 32 has a plate-like structure with an inwardly recessed space in the middle, which is used to guide and gather the airflow from the first air guide plate group 31, thereby effectively flowing to the cooling module 5 for heat exchange. It should be noted that in order to increase the contact area between the airflow and the side of the cooling module 5 and ensure the heat exchange efficiency of the airflow to the cooling module 5, the angle between the second air guide plate 32 and the lower guard plate 1 is related to the arrangement of the cooling module 5. In Embodiment 1, since the cooling module 5 of existing automobiles is usually arranged perpendicular to the ground, the second air guide plate 32 is arranged perpendicular to the plane of the lower guard plate 1 or the ground.

[0050] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, in order to control the amount of airflow into the cabin when the vehicle's thermal management strategy recognizes that the cooling module 5 does not require forced heat exchange, the airflow guide structure 3 also includes a damper blade 33 for closing the first air intake channel formed by the inner sidewall of the first air guide plate assembly 31. The damper blade 33 is plate-shaped, located at the bottom of the first air guide plate assembly 31, and rotatably connected to it. Thus, when the damper blade 33 in the airflow guide structure 3 is in the closed state, since the damper blade 33 is adjacent to the air intake 11 on the lower guard plate 1, the windward airflow will flow along the bottom of the lower guard plate 1 towards the rear of the vehicle, which can further reduce the amount of airflow from the front of the vehicle into the cabin and overcome the wind resistance in the AGS front air duct 31a in the prior art.

[0051] When the vehicle's thermal management strategy detects that the cooling module 5 requires forced heat exchange, the damper blades 33, driven by the motor, rotate around the shaft at the bottom of the first air guide plate assembly 31. This opens the first air intake channel formed by the inner sidewall of the first air guide plate assembly 31. As the airflow passes through the first and second air intake channels, it is guided by the first air guide plate assembly 31 and the second air guide plate 32 into the cooling module 5 within the vehicle compartment for heat exchange. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 As shown.

[0052] In some implementations, the number of layers of damper blades 33 can be set as needed.

[0053] In Embodiment 1, the damper blade 33 is a single layer. Compared with the multi-layer blades in the AGS of the prior art, the present invention can reduce the number of blades used, thereby reducing production costs.

[0054] In some implementations, in order to protect the structure of the damper blade 33 and avoid the impact of foreign objects, a protective net is provided on the outside of the air inlet 11 on the lower guard plate 1 to reduce the impact of foreign objects, without affecting the opening or closing of the damper blade 33.

[0055] Generally, provided that the heat exchange requirements of the cooling module 5 in the front compartment of the car are met, the smaller the opening of the front grille 2, the lower the overall vehicle drag, which is more conducive to improving the driving range. In order to further reduce the overall vehicle drag, preferably, the sides of the front grille 2 are closed structures, that is, no openings are made on them for airflow into the cooling module 5, thereby reducing drag. At the same time, since it is a closed structure, on the one hand, it can increase the space for free design of the front face and improve the recognition of the overall vehicle shape; on the other hand, it can close the open area on the windward side of the air guide structure 3, thereby further reducing drag.

[0056] In summary, when the cooling module 5 requires forced heat exchange, the motor drives the damper blades 33 to rotate around the shaft at the bottom of the first air guide plate assembly 31, thereby opening the first air intake channel formed by the inner sidewall of the first air guide plate assembly 31. After the first air intake channel connects the air inlet 11 and the second air intake channel, the airflow flows in from the air inlet 11. During the process of passing through the first and second air intake channels, the airflow is guided by the first air guide plate assembly 31 and the second air guide plate 32 into the cooling module 5 in the vehicle compartment for heat exchange. Since there are no additional blades affecting the airflow in the first and second air intake channels, the airflow is smooth and the wind resistance is low, which improves the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling module 5.

[0057] When the cooling module 5 does not require forced heat exchange, the motor will drive the damper blade 33 to rotate around the shaft on the bottom of the first air guide plate group 31, thereby closing the first air intake channel formed by the inner side wall of the first air guide plate group 31. Since the damper blade 33 is adjacent to the air intake 11 on the lower guard plate 1, the amount of air intake from the front of the vehicle to the cabin is further reduced. The windward airflow will flow along the bottom of the lower guard plate 1 to the rear of the vehicle, overcoming the wind resistance in the AGS front air duct.

[0058] In some implementations, in order to ensure the overall sealing of the vehicle's air intake structure and the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance of the whole vehicle, seals may also be used in the air guide structure 3 and at the connection points of the structures connected to it.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] Please see Figure 7 As shown, the second preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an automobile air intake structure. Most of the features of the automobile air intake structure are the same as those of the automobile air intake structure of the first embodiment. The difference is that the air guide structure 3b of this second embodiment is structurally different from the air guide structure 3 of the first embodiment. The following is a detailed description.

[0061] To further reduce the ground clearance of the car's hood and the overall vehicle drag, in Embodiment 2, the second air guide plate 32b in the air guide structure 3b is no longer arranged perpendicular to the ground, but rather at an angle to the ground. This allows the cooling module 5 to also be arranged at an angle within the car's front compartment, which helps reduce the ground clearance of the hood and the overall vehicle drag, thus enhancing the vehicle's visibility.

[0062] It should be noted that, without conflict, Embodiment 2 and its features in this invention can be combined with each other.

[0063] This invention also discloses an automotive body assembly, including a front bumper 4 and an automotive air intake structure as described in the above embodiments, which gives the automotive body assembly the advantages of smooth air intake, high heat exchange efficiency, and facilitates a further lowered hood design. It should be noted that, in order to reduce costs and the number of mold openings, the front grille 2 and the front bumper 4 are integrally formed, as shown... Figure 5 As shown.

[0064] To further reduce wind resistance, preferably, the sides of the front bumper 4 are closed structures, that is, the sides are solid and do not have any openings for airflow.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention also discloses an automobile, which includes the above-mentioned automobile body assembly, so that the automobile has the characteristics of low wind resistance, simple shape and trendy appearance. It should be noted that the automobile includes fuel-powered automobiles and electric vehicles.

[0067] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0068] This invention discloses an automotive air intake structure located in the front compartment of a vehicle, comprising a front grille 2, a lower skid plate 1, and an air guide structure 3. By opening an air intake 11 at the front end of the lower skid plate 1, a minimalist front fascia and an "invisible" front grille can be achieved. Due to the air guide structure 3, which acts as an air intake channel, it directs external airflow towards the cooling module 5 in the front compartment, ensuring the heat exchange requirements of the cooling module 5. Compared to the integrated AGS (Active Air Filter) channel in the prior art, this air guide structure 3 is a split type, simplifying the assembly process and facilitating the inclined arrangement of the cooling module 5. Furthermore, when the damper blades 33 in the air guide structure 3 are closed, the air intake volume from the front of the vehicle to the compartment is further reduced because the damper blades 33 are adjacent to the air intake 11 on the lower skid plate 1. The incoming airflow flows along the bottom of the lower skid plate 1 towards the rear of the vehicle, overcoming the wind resistance in the AGS front air duct.

[0069] In addition, by designing the sides of the front grille 2 as a closed structure, that is, its sides are solid and no openings are made on its sides for airflow into the cooling module 5, the overall wind resistance of the vehicle is further reduced, while also increasing the space for free design of the front face and improving the recognizability of the overall vehicle shape. Furthermore, when it is molded as an integral piece with the front bumper 4, the manufacturing process can be reduced.

[0070] The damper blade 33 in the air guide structure 3 is a single layer. Compared with the multi-layer blades in the existing AGS, the present invention can reduce production costs and can be promoted, implemented and applied.

[0071] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automotive air intake structure, characterized in that, The vehicle's air intake structure includes a front grille (2), a lower guard plate (1), and an air guide structure (3). The front grille (2) is located between the front bumper (4) and the lower guard plate (1) and is connected to both. The front grille (2) and the front bumper (4) are on the same vertical plane and are closed structures. The front grille (2) is used to block the airflow in front of the vehicle from flowing into the vehicle through the front grille (2). The lower guard plate (1) is fixedly connected to the front grille (2) and is located below the chassis of the vehicle. The air guide structure (3) is located at... The lower guard plate (1) and the front grille (2) are located on the inner side. An air inlet (11) for airflow is provided on the lower guard plate (1). The air guide structure (3) includes a first air guide plate group (31) and a second air guide plate (32) connected to the first air guide plate group (31). A first air intake channel is formed on the inner side wall of the first air guide plate group (31), and a second air intake channel is formed on the inner side wall of the second air guide plate (32). The second air intake channel is connected to the air inlet (11) through the first air intake channel to exchange heat with the cooling module (5) of the vehicle.

2. The automobile air intake structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide structure (3) further includes a damper blade (33) for opening or closing the first air intake channel, the damper blade (33) being rotatably connected to the bottom of the first air guide plate assembly (31).

3. The automobile air intake structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first air guide plate assembly (31) includes a first side plate (311), a second side plate (312), a third side plate (313), and a fourth side plate (314), which together form the first air intake channel.

4. The automobile air intake structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first side plate (311) is arranged opposite to the third side plate (313), and the second side plate (312) is arranged opposite to the fourth side plate (314).

5. The automobile air intake structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The angles between the first side plate (311), the second side plate (312), the third side plate (313), and the fourth side plate (314) and the plane containing the lower guard plate (1) are all acute angles.

6. The automobile air intake structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The top of the first side plate (311), the top of the second side plate (312), and the top of the third side plate (313) are flush and connected to the bottom of the second air guide plate (32), which is perpendicular to the plane of the lower guard plate (1).

7. The automobile air intake structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front grille (2) is used to close the opening on the windward side of the air guide structure (3).

8. The automobile air intake structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet (11) is located at one end of the lower guard plate (1), and the height of the air inlet (11) is greater than or equal to 40 mm and the width is greater than or equal to 760 mm.

9. A car body assembly, characterized in that, It includes a front bumper (4) and an automotive air intake structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the front bumper (4) is integrally formed with the front grille (2) in the automotive air intake structure.

10. A car, characterized in that, Including the vehicle body assembly as described in claim 9.

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