Pneumatic shutter for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic shutter (10) for a vehicle, comprising: at least one opening (14) through which air can flow; a plurality of flaps (16) distributed along the periphery of the opening (14), each flap (16) being rotatable about the pivot joint (22) between a closed state in which the flap covers a portion of the opening (14) and an open state in which the flap does not cover the opening (14) or covers the opening only to a smaller extent than the closed state. The pneumatic shutter will reliably ensure airtightness in the closed state while exhibiting a space-effective movement with limited structural complexity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pneumatic shutter for a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a road vehicle such as a car, a truck or a bus. Background Art

[0002] Pneumatic shutters in a vehicle, in particular those located at or near the front of the vehicle, such as at the grille, can be used to adjust the air resistance according to the current driving situation. When the pneumatic shutters are closed, the air resistance is lower. Therefore, fuel consumption is lower. With the shutters open, the cooling of the engine compartment is enhanced and the A / C system is assisted. In order to achieve these effects when the shutters are open, a corresponding increase in air resistance is acceptable. Pneumatic shutters that are configured to change between corresponding open and closed states are also called active pneumatic shutters.

[0003] Typically, pneumatic shutters include several blades connected to each other and rotating in the same direction. The blades are oriented vertically or horizontally and all rotate around a horizontal or vertical axis. Based on the horizontal or vertical movement of the blades, the possibilities of shutter design are very limited. An example can be found in WO 2014 / 150140 A1.

[0004] WO 2022 / 161621 A1 discloses an active shutter having counter-rotating closure plates that rotate at multiple angles.

[0005] There is still room for improvement in the design of pneumatic shutters, for example in terms of occupied vehicle interior space, in terms of design freedom or in terms of structural complexity. Summary of the invention

[0006] The objective of the present invention is solved by the following technical solutions of the present invention.

[0007] Thus, an active pneumatic shutter for a motor vehicle is disclosed, the active pneumatic shutter comprising:

[0008] at least one opening through which air can flow;

[0009] A plurality of flaps are distributed along the periphery of the opening, wherein each flap is rotatable about a pivot joint between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the flap covers a portion of the opening, and in the open state the flap does not cover the opening or covers the opening only to a lesser extent than in the closed state.

[0010] The pneumatic shutter may also be referred to as and / or may represent an active pneumatic shutter. In particular, the pneumatic shutter may include or be connectable to an actuator configured to move the flap between an open state and a closed state. This may be achieved, for example, by the actuator at least indirectly pushing and / or pulling the flap so that the flap moves according to any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0011] The opening may be provided in the frame member and / or may define a cutout. The frame member may be a cover member of the vehicle, or may be comprised by a cover member of the vehicle, such as a front bumper cover. The frame member may be a single-component member or a multi-component member. The shape of the opening is not limited. In one example, the opening is substantially or completely circular, but it may also be, for example, rectangular or elliptical or polygonal, such as an octagon or a hexagon. The perimeter of the opening may define or delimit its open area. In one example, the opening has a closed perimeter. Additionally or alternatively, the normal vector of the open area of ​​the opening may extend in the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0012] The winglets may also be referred to and / or configured as paddles. The winglets may have similar sizes and / or similar shapes. The winglets may be identical. They may move together. They may cover similarly sized portions of the opening in the closed state and / or in the open state. The winglets may be regularly spaced around the periphery of the opening. By providing corresponding similarities and / or regularities, the motion mechanism for moving the winglets (in particular moving together) may be simplified.

[0013] In one example, each flap moves in the same direction when changing between the open and closed states. For example, each flap can rotate counterclockwise or clockwise around its respective associated pivot joint. This enables the flaps to be closely arranged adjacent to each other along a circumference without obstructing each other's movement.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, at least one flap may be moved into an area where another flap was previously positioned. For example, when changing from a closed state to an open state, at least one flap may be moved into an area where another flap was previously positioned and / or across an area where another flap was previously positioned. This facilitates space-efficient operation of the pneumatic shutter.

[0015] The fins may be configured to contact the periphery of the opening and / or an area of ​​a frame member adjacent to the opening, at least in the closed state. This increases the air tightness of the closed pneumatic shutter. Additionally or alternatively, the fins may contact each other, at least in the closed state. For example, the adjacent edges of two adjacent fins (particularly circumferentially directly adjacent fins) may contact each other. This improves the air tightness. For example, each fin may have two adjacent fins, particularly when viewed in the circumferential direction. In other words, each fin may be positioned circumferentially between two other fins. At least in the closed state, each fin may contact its two circumferentially adjacent fins. Any contact between the two fins may occur along an edge, which extends in a radial direction.

[0016] For example, each wing can have a first curved edge and a second curved edge, for example, extending in a radial direction. One of the aforementioned edges can be convexly curved, while the other is concavely curved. The convexly curved edge can, for example, be accommodated in the concavely curved edge of an adjacent wing or be accommodated by the concavely curved edge of an adjacent wing at least in a closed state. The concavely curved edge can, for example, accommodate the convexly curved edge of another adjacent wing at least in a closed state. Any optional convexly curved edge of the wing can have a radius, particularly a constant radius limited relative to the pivot axis. The curved edge according to any of the above examples is provided to ensure that when changing between an open state and a closed state, the wing can reliably move relative to each other, while also reliably closing the opening so that it is in a closed state.

[0017] In one example, the flaps are positioned circumferentially adjacent to each other without overlap between them. This may apply to both the open and closed states. Avoiding overlap will reduce the risk of jamming and reduce component size.

[0018] The pivot joint may be immovable relative to the periphery. It may generally assume a static position within the pneumatic shutter. At least a portion of each wing coupled to the pivot joint may be immovable along the periphery. The wing may rotate about the pivot joint but may generally remain within a defined angular sector and / or within a defined area of ​​the periphery.

[0019] The pivot joint may for example comprise a pin-slot connection. In this case, the pin may be either arranged at the periphery of the opening and / or at the frame member, or at the wing. The pin may be rotatably received in a recess, which is arranged in the corresponding other of the periphery of the wing and the opening and / or the frame member. However, the configuration of the pivot joint is not limited and may comprise any other suitable form, such as a pivot hinge or a pivot bearing.

[0020] In order to change between the open and closed state, the flap can be configured to perform a rotational movement and / or a pivoting movement. Such a movement can be performed in a space-efficient manner, thus limiting the overall space requirement of the pneumatic shutter. The rotation axis of the rotational movement of the flap can extend parallel to the rotation axis of the respectively associated pivot joint.

[0021] In summary, the disclosed pneumatic shutter will reliably ensure airtightness in the closed state while exhibiting space-efficient movement with limited structural complexity.

[0022] According to one example, the flaps are configured to collectively cover the entire opening when each flap assumes its closed state. This may in particular include covering the opening so that it is completely blocked and no air can pass therethrough.

[0023] In another embodiment, the fins are coupled to a common kinematic mechanism that is operable to simultaneously rotate the fins about their pivot joints. The kinematic mechanism may include at least one movable member to which the fins are at least indirectly coupled. The movable member may move linearly or may rotate. The movable member may be connected to an actuator, such as an electric motor. The actuator may be included by the pneumatic shutter, or may be an external component. Coupling all fins to a common kinematic mechanism may help to further reduce complexity.

[0024] In one aspect, the rotation axis of each pivot joint extends angularly to the region of the opening, such as an open region or an opening cross section. Typically, the opening may include or be defined as a two-dimensional empty region or plane. The rotation axis of each pivot joint may extend angularly to the region, particularly at an angle greater than 20°, greater than 45° and / or substantially orthogonal thereto. In these cases, the minimum angle between the rotation axis and the region may be considered.

[0025] According to another example, the pneumatic shutter comprises a first member and a second member. Both or at least one of the first member and the second member may be movable. In particular, the first member and the second member may be movable relative to each other. The first member may be connected to the frame member or may be directly connected to the frame member. The second member may contact the frame member, but may for example slide relative to the frame member and / or may be guided by it when moving. The second member may be included by the movement mechanism or may be connected to the movement mechanism.

[0026] Each wing may be connected to the first member via a pivot joint. Additionally or alternatively, each wing may be coupled to the second member, for example via a coupling member or coupling portion.

[0027] During the relative movement of the first member and the second member, each flap can rotate about the pivot joint to move between the open state and the closed state. For example, the flap can move according to the movement of the second member. By being held at the first member via the pivot joint, the rotational movement of the flap can be accurately guided according to the movement of the second member.

[0028] In another embodiment, the second member can rotate around an axis of rotation, which extends at an angle to the opening, in particular to an open area formed by it, for example in the frame member. For example, the axis of rotation can point in the direction of advance. The second member can rotate around the same axis of rotation as the wing and / or the pivot joint (or at least a parallel axis of rotation). In particular, the second member can rotate in the same spatial plane, or in a spatial plane extending parallel to the spatial plane in which the wing rotates. This improves the spatial efficiency of the pneumatic shutter.

[0029] In order to generate the rotational motion, the second member can be connected to a linear motion member of the motion mechanism, such as a rod. The second member can be coupled to the aforementioned linear motion member in such a way that the second member rotates when the linear motion member moves back and forth along its linear motion axis. The coupling can, for example, include a pin-slit coupling and / or can be generally configured to convert linear motion into rotational motion. In this way, the rotational motion can be generated with a limited size and / or with an actuator of the motion mechanism, which actuator is optionally positioned at a significant distance from the opening.

[0030] In one example, the pneumatic shutter includes a plurality of openings to be opened and closed, wherein a plurality of second members (e.g., one second member for each opening or one second member for a plurality of such openings, such as half of the openings) are coupled to a linear motion member. This reduces structural complexity while increasing the number of openings that can be selectively opened and closed.

[0031] It should be noted that the disclosed pneumatic shutters may include a motion mechanism according to any embodiment disclosed herein. Alternatively, the pneumatic shutters may be connected to a separately provided corresponding motion mechanism.

[0032] According to one example, the second member extends along at least a portion of the periphery of the opening. For example, it can completely surround the periphery and / or can also include an opening, which surrounds and / or accommodates the opening to be opened and to be closed. These openings can be concentric with each other.

[0033] Particularly, the second member can be annular. In this case, it can be, for example, a substantially planar member. The annular second member can surround and / or accommodate an opening to be opened and to be closed.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the second member may include a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion may have a circular cross section or a circular base shape and / or may have a cross-sectional shape that matches the peripheral shape of the opening to be opened and closed. The cylindrical portion may generally be opened on both sides. For example, it may include a cylindrical wall and / or be composed of a cylindrical wall, similar to a cover surface. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion (for example, a central axis around which the circumferential extension of the cylindrical wall is surrounded) may extend at an angle, and in particular extend orthogonally to the area of ​​the opening to be opened and closed. Additionally or alternatively, the longitudinal axis may extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot joint and / or wing. In order to ensure compactness, the length of the cylindrical portion along the longitudinal axis may be less than the dimension of the cylindrical portion orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, such as a diameter.

[0035] The cylindrical portion may have an inner surface, in particular an inner circumferential surface. The coupling member may be arranged at the inner surface or may be connected to the inner surface. The inner surface may face the geometric center of the wing and / or the opening. At least a portion of the wing may overlap at least a portion of the inner surface.

[0036] The cylindrical portion may be provided in particular in combination with a three-dimensional curved fin, such as the convex or bulging fins disclosed herein (see below). It has been found that the cylindrical portion is a space-efficient member that can accurately generate and guide the movement of the fin.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the first member is immovable. In this way, the first member and in particular the pivot joint connected thereto can act as a kind of counter bearing for the movable second member. In particular, the wing can transfer forces between the first member and the second member while moving relative to the immovable first member. Making the first member immovable helps to accurately guide the movement of the wing and simplifies the overall structure.

[0038] According to another example, the coupling between the wing and the second member includes rotational degrees of freedom and / or linear degrees of freedom. In this way, the coupling can be used as or include a gear stage and / or a movable connecting rod, which accurately converts the movement of the second member into the desired movement of the corresponding connected wing. This increases the freedom of design with respect to the second member and the wing. When the coupling is provided by a clear coupling member, the coupling member can be flexibly adjusted to a given design for the second member and the wing in order to produce the desired movement.

[0039] According to one example, the fin is flat. This improves space efficiency. The plane of the fin may extend, for example, parallel to the open area of ​​the opening.

[0040] Alternatively, the fins may be three-dimensionally shaped, in particular three-dimensionally curved. For example, they may be convexly curved, or in other words, may bulge outwardly relative to the opening. For example, the fins may be round and / or partly spherical. A convex or bulging shape may help reduce aerodynamic drag.

[0041] According to one example, the fin comprises at least a first fin and a second fin, the first fin having a first edge facing a second edge of the second fin, wherein the first edge and the second edge are curved complementarily. This may for example comprise a convex curvature and a concave curvature of the edge as described above. Due to the complementary curvatures, the edges can be accommodated in each other while improving air tightness.

[0042] In another embodiment, the pneumatic shutter comprises a plurality of openings, each opening having a corresponding plurality of fins, wherein all fins of all openings are coupled to a common motion mechanism. In particular, the common motion mechanism is operable to rotate all fins simultaneously, thereby simultaneously covering and opening each of the openings. The common motion mechanism may, for example, comprise at least one linear movable member as described above, or some other movable member, to which each of the plurality of second members is correspondingly coupled. Providing a plurality of openings increases the amount of air that can be selectively drawn in via the pneumatic shutter. Using a common motion mechanism reduces the number of components and reduces the complexity of the structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are discussed below with reference to the attached schematic drawings. Throughout the drawings, identical or corresponding features may be denoted by identical reference numerals.

[0044] Figure 1 1 is a front view of a pneumatic shutter according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the pneumatic shutter is in a closed state.

[0045] Figure 2 is a rear view of the pneumatic shutter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2a is a detailed view of the pneumatic shutter in a closed state according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 3 is another detailed view of the pneumatic shutter in a closed state according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 , with the pneumatic shutters open.

[0049] Figure 5 1 is a front view of a pneumatic shutter according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the pneumatic shutter is in a closed state.

[0050] Figure 6 is a rear view of a pneumatic shutter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 5 , wherein the pneumatic shutter is at least partially open.

[0052] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 5 and Figure 7 A view showing the pneumatic shutters fully open.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a detailed view of a pneumatic shutter in a closed state according to a second embodiment.

[0054] Fig.10 is a detailed view of a pneumatic shutter in an open state according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figure 1 1 is a front view of a pneumatic shutter 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The viewing angle corresponds to the viewing angle when looking at the front of a vehicle not shown (in particular, a car on which the pneumatic shutter 10 is installed). The pneumatic shutter 10 includes an optional frame member 12. The frame member 12 can be connected to a front bumper cover of the vehicle, not specifically shown, or can be formed integrally therewith. When looking at the vehicle not shown from the outside, only a portion of the frame member 12 can be seen. The frame member 12 is typically mounted in the vehicle in a non-movable manner. For example, the pneumatic shutter 10 can be positioned below the front grille or license plate of the vehicle.

[0056] The pneumatic shutter 10 includes an exemplary number of six openings 14. Each opening 14 is configured as a cutout in the frame member 12, thereby defining a two-dimensional open area through which air can flow.

[0057] exist Figure 1 , the pneumatic shutter 10 is depicted in a closed state, wherein each opening 14 is closed. Specifically, for each opening 14, an exemplary number of six flaps 16 are provided. Throughout the figures, only selected ones of these flaps 16 are labeled with corresponding reference numerals. Along each opening 14, the flaps 16 are distributed circumferentially. Specifically, each flap 16 extends along a circumferential portion and / or an angular sector of the opening 14 at which the corresponding flap 16 is provided.

[0058] In the depicted closed state, the flaps 16 contact each other along radially oriented curved edges 18, 20 as discussed in further detail below. Furthermore, the flaps 16 are configured as planar members, in particular planar blades, and extend in or at least parallel to the open area of ​​the opening 14.

[0059] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 1. The perspective thus corresponds to a perspective from the engine compartment of a vehicle, not depicted, towards the pneumatic shutter 10. Again, the closed state is depicted in which each opening 14 is completely blocked by the respective associated flap 16. In the example shown, no air can pass through the opening 14 in the closed state.

[0060] A portion of the kinematic mechanism 36 of the pneumatic shutter 10 is shown for the left-hand group of three openings 14 and the corresponding associated flaps 16. For the right-hand group of three openings 14, the corresponding portion of the kinematic mechanism is not shown, although it is also present in this case. Figure 2 , an axis of symmetry S is indicated. With respect to this axis S, the parts of the movement mechanism 36 that have been depicted are also arranged mirror-symmetrically for the group of three openings 14 on the right, although this is not specifically shown.

[0061] Figure 2a Shown in detail Figure 2 14. For each wing 16, the position of the pivot joint 22 is schematically shown. In each case, the pivot joint 22 comprises a pin-slot connection. The pin, not specifically shown, is arranged at the frame member 12 and is received in a not specifically shown slot in the wing 16 (or vice versa). The pivot axis (or in other words, the axis of rotation) of each pivot joint 22 extends orthogonally to the image plane. Therefore, these axes also extend orthogonally to the area of ​​the opening 14.

[0062] Each fin 16 is also connected to an optional coupling member 26. These coupling members 26 serve as linkages that couple the fins 16 to a rotatable ring 30 discussed below. Figure 2a As indicated by the lowermost wing 16 in the figure, the coupling member 26 is pivotably connected to each wing 16 by forming a pin-and-slot connection 28. The slot may be configured as a through hole. Again, the pivot axis of the pin-and-slot connection 28 extends orthogonally to the image plane.

[0063] At the opposite end of the aforementioned pin-and-slot connection 28, the coupling member 26 includes a coupling portion 29 for coupling to a rotatable ring 30 discussed below. In the example shown, the coupling portion 29 is configured as a through hole. Figure 2aIn the drawings, only some of the coupling parts 29 are marked with corresponding reference numerals. When changing from the depicted closed state to the open state, the movement direction of the coupling member 26 is Figure 2a Indicated by the arrow in the .

[0064] Reference again Figure 2 , for each of the set of left openings 14, a planar rotatable ring 30 is shown. As will be discussed below Figure 3 It is further shown in Figure 2 In the plane axial plane facing away from the observer, each ring 30 includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed pins 32. These pins 32 are rotatably received in the coupling portion 29 of the coupling member 26 (see Figure 2a ). Again, the axis of rotation of this connection is orthogonal to Figure 2 and Figure 2a The image plane is extended.

[0065] Each rotatable ring 30 includes an opening extending concentrically with the opening 14 to be opened and closed, and an opening extending along the circumference of the opening 14. In addition, the rotatable ring 30 can be rotated around a rotational axis orthogonal to the Figure 2 The image plane extends about the axis of rotation and is therefore parallel to several of the previously mentioned rotation axes and / or pivot axes.

[0066] The rotatable ring 30 is coupled to a linearly displaceable member 34. The member 34 can be moved along Figure 2 The indicated axis M is displaced. The displaceable member 34 is connected to an actuator not specifically depicted, similar to that discussed below. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 .

[0067] The rotatable ring 30 represents a second member of a common kinematic mechanism 36 of the pneumatic shutter 10. A linearly displaceable member 34 (of which two are generally provided) is also included by the common kinematic mechanism 36. The frame member 12 represents a first member, which in the example shown is stationary and with respect to which each of the rotatable rings 30 (i.e., each of the second members) is movable. As described above, each flap 16 is connected to the first member (i.e., the frame member 12) via a pivot joint 22 and to the movable second member (i.e., the rotatable ring 30) via a coupling member 26.

[0068] about Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the operation of the pneumatic shutter 10 is discussed with respect to changing between a closed state and an open state. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shows the separation Figure 2 Front view of the three openings 14 on the left with a depicted section of the kinematic mechanism 36 .

[0069] exist Figure 3 , the closed state is depicted. The linear movable member 34 is displaced in the left direction along its movement axis M. When it is displaced to the right along the movement axis M, the Figure 4 As a result of this movement, a thrust F is applied to the rotatable rings 30. As a result, these rotatable rings 30 rotate in a clockwise direction around the rotation axis R, Figure 3 The axis of rotation R for one of the rotatable rings 30 is indicated. Again, it can be seen that this axis of rotation R extends orthogonally to the plane of the opening 14 .

[0070] When the rotatable ring 30 is rotated in this manner, they apply a thrust to each coupling member 26 to which they are coupled respectively. The direction of this thrust is Figure 2a The force is exerted on the flaps 16, which are however held in place circumferentially by the pivot joints 22. That is, the pivot joints 22 act as counter bearings, preventing the entire flap 16 from moving along the periphery of the opening 14. Instead, the flaps 16 rotate about their respective pivot joints 22. Specifically, each flap 16 rotates outward from the center of the opening 14, thereby at least partially opening them, see FIG. Figure 4 .exist Figure 4 In the example shown (ie, when looking toward the front of the vehicle, not depicted), each of the flaps 16 rotates about its respective pivot joint 22 simultaneously and in the same clockwise direction.

[0071] To return to Figure 3 The linearly movable member 34 moves in the opposite direction along the axis M, thereby exerting a pulling force on the rotatable rings 30, causing them to rotate back to the closed state. Figure 3 Therefore, the movement of the flaps 16 is reversed so that these flaps present Figure 3 in their respective closed positions.

[0072] With respect to the first embodiment depicted, it should also be noted that each fin 16 has a curved outer edge 18, 20, as in Figure 2a 14 . Each of these edges 18, 20 is arranged adjacent to, and preferably in contact with, a respective opposite edge of a circumferentially adjacent flap 16, at least in the closed state. As indicated for one exemplary flap 16, one of the edges 18 is convexly curved, or in other words, bulges outwardly in the direction of the respective adjacent flap 16. The other edge 20 is concavely curved, thus bulging inwardly away from the respective adjacent flap 16. The edges 18, 20 form circumferentially opposite edges of the flap 16. Furthermore, they extend between the periphery of the opening 14 and its geometric center, i.e., extend in a radial direction and / or are radially oriented.

[0073] Furthermore, the curvatures of the edges 18, 20 are complementary. For example, the curvature of the convexly curved edge 18 has a constant radius relative to the axis of rotation of the pivot joint 22 of the flap 16. Furthermore, all flaps 16 have similar size and shape, so that each flap includes edges 18, 20 as described above.

[0074] like Figure 2a As shown, each convexly curved edge 18 is received in a complementary concavely curved edge 20 of an adjacent flap 16. Likewise, each concavely curved edge 20 receives a complementary convexly curved edge 18 of another adjacent flap 16. By means of the edges 18, 20, the flaps 16 can be arranged close to each other and, in particular, contact each other, thereby tightly closing the opening 14. On the other hand, they can be reliably separated from each other by a space-efficient pivoting movement.

[0075] Figures 5 to 10 A pneumatic shutter 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 5 is similar to Figure 1 , i.e. a front view of the closed pneumatic shutter 10. The pneumatic shutter 10 again comprises a frame member 12, which is to be mounted to a front bumper cover (not shown). The pneumatic shutter 10 again comprises an exemplary number of six openings 14, each of which is closed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed flaps 16. In contrast to the first embodiment, the flaps 16 are non-planar. Instead, they bulge outwards in the direction of travel, or in other words, are convexly curved towards the exterior of the vehicle.

[0076] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A rear view of the pneumatic shutter 10, which is similar to Figure 2 In this case, however, no parts of the kinematic mechanism are shown.

[0077] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 5 , in which the frame member 12 is mounted to the front bumper cover 100. In this case, the opening 14 is partially opened, wherein the flap has been rotated away from the geometric center of the opening 14.

[0078] Figure 8 The pneumatic shutter 10 is shown in a fully open state, wherein the opening 14 is substantially unobstructed by the flaps 16 .

[0079] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Details of the pneumatic shutter 10 are shown, and in particular how the flaps 16 move. Fig. 9is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a pneumatic shutter 10. The section plane cuts through the region of one of the openings 14, all openings 14 and flaps 16 not depicted and their movement are similarly configured.

[0080] exist Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , two fins 16 are generally depicted in their entirety, while only the lowermost and uppermost fins 16 are partially depicted. Again, each fin 16 is coupled to the frame member 12 via a pivot joint 22. Fig. 9 1 , this is visible for the three flaps 16. The pivot joint 22 comprises a cylindrical protrusion at the frame member 12, such as a pin with a circular base. The protrusion is received in an opening in the flap 16. The not shown axis of rotation of the pivot joint 22 extends orthogonally to the circular base of each protrusion. The frame member 12 represents an example of a non-movable first member, to which the flaps 16 are coupled.

[0081] Furthermore, the flap 16 is coupled to a movable second member, which is formed as a rotatable ring 30. In this case, the flap 16 is coupled to the inner circumference of the rotatable ring 30. Typically, the rotatable ring 30 is a partially cylindrical member and in particular comprises a cylindrical cover surface with a circular cross-section. The flap 16 is coupled to the rotatable ring 30 via couplings 40. These couplings 40 comprise, for example, a slit-pin connection as depicted. In more detail, the flap 16 comprises an elongated slit 42, which accommodates a pin-shaped protrusion 44 provided on the inner circumference of the rotatable ring 30. Alternatively, the flap may comprise a pin and the inner circumference may comprise a slit.

[0082] Similar to the first embodiment, the rotatable ring 30 is coupled to a linearly displaceable member 34, which is movable along the M axis shown. The linearly displaceable member 34 is comprised of a common movement mechanism 36, which is configured to move all flaps 16, thereby opening and closing all openings 14 simultaneously. According to the movement of the linearly displaceable member 34, the rotatable ring 30 is movable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions around the rotation axis R1. When rotating, the pin-shaped protrusions 44 exert a force on the edge of the elongated slit 42, thereby exerting a force on the flaps 16, causing the latter to rotate around the pivot joint 22. This rotation causes the flaps 16 to change between their respective open and closed states. Fig. 9 In the case of the depicted clockwise rotation of the rotatable member 30, the flap 16 is directed toward Figure 8 The open position movement. Fig.10 The corresponding figure is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 This fact is also evident in the orientation of the elongated slits 42, namely Fig.10 The middle wing 16 has been rotated.

[0083] from Fig. 9 and Fig.10 It can also be seen that an actuator 102 is provided, for example as part of the kinematic mechanism 36. The actuator 102 has a rotatable output member 104, which is coupled to the linearly displaceable member 34 via a linkage 106. The linkage 106 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the output member 104 into a linear motion of the linearly displaceable member 34. Figure 5-8 Each of the three openings 14 on the left and right sides of the housing 10 is provided with a corresponding linearly displaceable member 34, and the actuator 102 is located between them, that is, located Figure 5 and Figure 6 The linkage 106 is configured to linearly displace the two members 34 so that all openings 14 are opened and closed simultaneously in the same manner.

Claims

1. A pneumatic shutter (10) for a vehicle, characterized in that: include: at least one opening (14) through which air can flow; A plurality of flaps (16) are distributed along the periphery of the opening (14), each flap (16) being rotatable about a pivot joint (22) between a closed state, in which the flap covers a portion of the opening (14), and an open state, in which the flap does not cover the opening (14) or covers the opening only to a lesser extent than in the closed state.

2. The pneumatic shutter (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flaps (16) are configured to collectively cover the entire opening (14) when each flap (16) assumes its closed state.

3. The pneumatic shutter (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flaps (16) are coupled to a common motion mechanism (36) operable to simultaneously rotate the flaps (16) about their pivot joints (22).

4. A pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The axis of rotation of each pivot joint (22) extends angularly to the region of the opening (14).

5. Pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pneumatic shutter (10) comprises a first member (12) and a second member (30) which are movable relative to each other. wherein each wing (16) is connected to the first member (12) via the pivot joint (22), and each wing (16) is coupled to the second member (30), Each flap (16) is rotatable about the pivot joint (22) to move between the open state and the closed state during relative movement of the first member (12) and the second member (30).

6. The pneumatic shutter (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second member (30) is rotatable about a rotation axis (R1) which extends angularly to the opening (14).

7. The pneumatic shutter (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The second member (30) extends along at least a portion of a periphery of the opening.

8. The pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The second member (30) is annular and / or comprises a cylindrical portion.

9. The pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: The first member (12) is immovable.

10. The pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that: The coupling between each fin (16) and the second member (30) includes rotational degrees of freedom and / or linear degrees of freedom.

11. Pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fins (16) are flat.

12. Pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fin (16) is convexly curved relative to the opening (14).

13. Pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The flap (16) comprises at least a first flap (16) and a second flap (16), the first flap (16) having a first edge (18) facing a second edge (20) of the second flap (16), wherein the first edge (18) and the second edge (20) are complementarily curved.

14. Pneumatic shutter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims as dependent on claim 3, characterized in that A plurality of openings (14) are included, each opening having a corresponding plurality of flaps (16), wherein all flaps (16) are coupled to a common movement mechanism (36), and the common movement mechanism (36) is operable to rotate all flaps (16) simultaneously, thereby simultaneously covering and opening each of the openings (14).

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