Temperature adjusting device for vehicle

Abstract

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a temperature adjustment device for a vehicle, which is capable of setting a part of a grille shutter to an open state even when the temperature of a condenser, a battery, or the like is at or below a predetermined temperature, and which is capable of delaying the temperature of the condenser, the battery, or the like to be at or above the predetermined temperature. In order to solve the problem, the present invention provides a temperature control device for a vehicle, in which a grille shutter (40) is provided with: a plurality of flaps (41) for setting a grille opening in an open state or a closed state; and a frame body (401) provided with the baffle plate (41). A shutter (41) disposed in a housing (401) is provided with: a first shutter (41-1) that is in an open state or a closed state when a power source of the vehicle is in a predetermined state; and a second shutter (41-2) which has an opening area smaller than that of the first shutter (41-1) and which is in an open state or a closed state regardless of a predetermined state of the power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature regulation device for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, vehicles equipped with opening and closing grille louvers were known. Patent Document 1 is one such document describing this technology. When the condenser and battery reach a predetermined temperature or higher, the grille louvers open, thus opening the vehicle's grille opening. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the shutter and air deflector are driven independently. When the shutter is closed, the direction of the outside air introduced by the air deflector is changed, causing the outside air to flow towards a position opposite the shutter in the front-rear direction for cooling.

[0003] [Previous Technical Documents]

[0004] (Patent Documents)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4887914 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] During driving, once the condenser and battery reach a specified temperature, the grille louvers will open, increasing air resistance and reducing fuel efficiency. Therefore, to delay the opening of the grille louvers, it is necessary to suppress the temperature rise of the condenser and battery.

[0008] Furthermore, when the grille is open during aftercooling following driving or during charging, the interior of the grille becomes visible, reducing its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, to suppress temperature rise even when the grille louvers are closed, an opening is considered in part of the grille louvers to ensure constant airflow. However, in this case, during normal parking without aftercooling or charging, the interior of the grille remains visible, further reducing its aesthetic appeal.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle temperature regulation device that can keep a portion of the grille louvers open even when the temperature of the condenser, battery, etc., is below a specified temperature, thereby delaying the condenser and battery from reaching a specified temperature above the specified temperature.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] (1) The present invention relates to a temperature regulating device for a vehicle, comprising: a grille opening formed at the front of the vehicle; and a grille louver covering the grille opening; the grille louver comprising: a plurality of baffles for setting the grille opening to an open state or a closed state; and a frame on which the baffles are disposed; the baffles disposed on the frame comprising: a first baffle that is open or closed when the power source of the vehicle is in a predetermined state; and a second baffle that has an opening area smaller than the first baffle and is open or closed regardless of the predetermined state of the power source.

[0012] According to the invention of (1), even when the temperature of the condenser or battery is below a predetermined temperature, a portion of the grille louvers can be kept open, and the entire grille louvers can be kept closed when the vehicle is parked or traveling at low speeds. Thus, air resistance can be reduced and the vehicle's appearance improved during operation, and the situation where the temperature of the condenser or battery reaches a predetermined temperature that would cause the entire grille louvers to open, thus becoming a power source, can be suppressed and delayed.

[0013] Furthermore, even when the grille louvers are open during parking, such as during charging or after cooling, the second baffle allows only a portion of the grille louvers to be open, thus preventing a decline in the product's appearance.

[0014] (2) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (1), wherein a fan cover is provided behind the aforementioned grille louvers, and the aforementioned second baffle is in an open state when the aforementioned fan cover is in operation.

[0015] According to the invention of (2), since the second baffle is set to the open state when the fan shroud is working, airflow can be generated by the fan shroud. Therefore, the temperature rise of the power source can be suppressed, and even if the first baffle is not set to the open state, air resistance during vehicle operation can be suppressed by setting the second baffle to the open state.

[0016] (3) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (2), wherein the aforementioned fan cover operates when the power source of the aforementioned vehicle reaches a specified temperature or above.

[0017] According to the invention of (3), since the fan shroud is operated when the power source reaches a specified temperature, the second baffle is in the open state when the fan shroud is operating. Therefore, the temperature rise of the power source can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the vehicle is parked, such as during cooling after driving or during the heat generated during charging, the appearance and product quality can be improved by setting only the second baffle in the open state.

[0018] (4) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (1), wherein the aforementioned second baffle is opened by a dynamic pressure of a certain value or above, regardless of the specified state of the aforementioned power source.

[0019] According to the invention of (4), since the second baffle is opened by a dynamic pressure of a certain value or more, the drive mechanism for opening and closing the baffle only needs to open and close the first baffle, and there is no need to provide a drive mechanism for the second baffle. Therefore, the cost and weight of the device can be reduced. In addition, since the second baffle is opened by a dynamic pressure of a certain value or more, the second baffle will not be opened by natural wind when the vehicle is parked or by driving wind during slow driving, which can suppress air resistance when the vehicle is in motion and improve the appearance and commercial appeal.

[0020] (5) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (1), wherein the vehicle has a cooling mechanism behind the grille louvers, the cooling mechanism includes an engine radiator, a motor radiator and an air conditioning condenser, and the second baffle is disposed at a position that coincides with the motor radiator in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0021] According to the invention of (5), the refrigerant required for the motor radiator (HEV RAD) is at a lower temperature than that required for the engine radiator and the air conditioning condenser, thus requiring further cooling to achieve a lower temperature. By positioning the second baffle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, overlapping with the motor radiator, the motor radiator can be set to a lower temperature by means of airflow when the second baffle is in motion.

[0022] (6) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (5) wherein a fan cover is provided behind the aforementioned cooling mechanism, the aforementioned fan cover having a frame and a rotating part disposed in the center of the aforementioned frame, and the aforementioned frame having an opening at a position that coincides with the aforementioned motor radiator in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0023] According to the invention of (6), the second baffle can be moved by driving the fan shroud, so that the second baffle can be moved as needed except when driving at low speeds. For example, if the baffle is driven by a drive mechanism, all baffles will be activated, resulting in a decrease in the appearance and commercial quality, so it is necessary to move only the second baffle. In this case, by providing an opening in the frame of the fan shroud, the airflow to the rotating part can be directed towards the opening. Therefore, by positioning the motor radiator at a position that coincides with the opening in the front-rear direction, the motor radiator can be further cooled.

[0024] (7) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (1), wherein the aforementioned grille louver includes: a drive mechanism for setting the aforementioned first baffle to an open state or a closed state; and a connecting rod portion connected to the aforementioned plurality of first baffles; the aforementioned second baffle is disposed separately from the aforementioned connecting rod portion.

[0025] According to the invention of (7), since multiple first baffles are connected to the link portion and the second baffle is disposed separately from the link portion, the number of drive mechanisms for driving the baffles can be suppressed from increasing, and the second baffle can be set to the open state without relying on the opening and closing performed by the drive mechanism.

[0026] (8) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (7), wherein the first baffle has a connecting portion at its width end that is connected to the aforementioned connecting rod portion.

[0027] According to the invention of (8), since the connecting parts of the first baffles are connected to each other by means of a connecting rod, the multiple first baffles can be set to an open state or a closed state by means of a drive mechanism.

[0028] (9) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (8), wherein the aforementioned linkage portion has an abutment drive member, and the aforementioned abutment drive member pushes the aforementioned second baffle to set the aforementioned second baffle to the open state when the aforementioned first baffle is in the open state.

[0029] According to the invention of (9), the second baffle moves to the open state by dynamic pressure and is pushed by the abutting drive component when the drive mechanism is working, thereby enabling it to work with the first baffle.

[0030] (10) The temperature regulating device for the vehicle according to (1), wherein a ventilation opening is provided at the lower rear part of the aforementioned grille louvers, and the aforementioned second baffle is located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the aforementioned ventilation opening.

[0031] According to the invention of (10), since the second baffle is located higher than the vent opening, when the vehicle is traveling at low speed, only the second baffle is active, so that an airflow can be generated toward the cooling mechanism that cools the power source. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid the situation where, when the second baffle is positioned at the same height as the vent opening, the air passing through the second baffle flows directly into the vent opening, making it difficult to increase the amount of air flowing to the cooling mechanism.

[0032] (The effect of the invention)

[0033] According to the present invention, a vehicle temperature regulation device can be provided that can set a portion of the grille louvers to an open state even when the temperature of the condenser, battery, etc., is below a specified temperature, thereby delaying the condenser and battery from reaching a specified temperature above the specified temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the front of a vehicle equipped with a temperature regulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a frontal view illustrating the front of a vehicle equipped with the temperature regulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a front view illustrating the grille louvers of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the front of a vehicle equipped with the temperature regulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a front view of the fan cover of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a front view illustrating the vent opening of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a side view illustrating the vent opening of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of air introduced through the grille louvers of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of air introduced through the vent of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the structure of the first baffle of the grille louver of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention being driven.

[0044] Figure 11 This is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the open and closed states of the first and second baffles of the grille louvers of the temperature regulating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 This is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the second baffle of the grille louver of the temperature regulating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the terms front-back, left-right, and up-down will be used in accordance with the direction observed by the driver of the vehicle. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the front of a vehicle 1 equipped with the temperature regulation device of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a front view. The vehicle 1 in this embodiment is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the front of the body 10 constituting the vehicle 1 has a front bumper 11 extending to the left and right. The front bumper 11 has an upper opening 111 and a lower opening 116, which together form a grille opening. A front upper grille 112 and a front lower grille 117 with honeycomb mesh are respectively installed in the upper opening 111 and the lower opening 116.

[0048] Upper opening 111 Figure 2 As shown, the upper part of the front bumper 11 is formed in the center of the width direction of the vehicle body 10. The upper opening 111 is located in... Figure 2 In the front view of the vehicle body 10 shown, it has a rectangle that is longer in the width direction of the vehicle body 10. The lower opening 116 is as follows... Figure 2 As shown, the lower part of the front bumper 11 is formed in the center of the width direction of the vehicle body 10. The lower opening 116 is located in... Figure 2 In the front view of the vehicle body 10 shown, there is a rectangle that is longer in the width direction of the vehicle body 10.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, a drive unit 30 serving as a power source is provided at approximately the center of the front portion of the vehicle body 10. The drive unit 30 is supported, for example, by a pair of front side frames (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. The drive unit 30 is configured to include an engine, a motor, a transmission, and an electric conversion device.

[0050] At a position approximately in the center of the vehicle 1 in the width direction, in front of the drive unit 30 and behind the grille louvers 40, are arranged a first radiator 51 constituting a cooling mechanism, serving as an engine radiator (ENG RAD), a second radiator 52 serving as a motor radiator (HEV RAD), and a condenser 53 serving as an air conditioning condenser (A / C COND). Behind the cooling mechanism ( Figure 4 A fan shroud 54 is located on the right side of the first heatsink 51. A second heatsink 52 is located on the lower front side of the first heatsink 51. Figure 4(Left side of the first radiator 51). The condenser 53 is located on the front side of the upper part of the first radiator 51. Figure 4 (Left side of the middle).

[0051] The first radiator 51 is a cooling circuit installed to cool the engine, dissipating heat from the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit to the outside air. The first radiator 51 is configured to be larger than the second radiator 52 and the condenser 53 in order to cool the engine, which generates a lot of heat. The second radiator 52 is a cooling circuit installed separately from the cooling circuit for cooling the engine, but for cooling the power conversion device, dissipating heat from the refrigerant circulating in that cooling circuit to the outside air. The condenser 53 is a component used to dissipate the condensation heat from the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle 1's air conditioning system to the outside air.

[0052] The fan shroud 54 has a cuboid shape and size that roughly corresponds to the shape and size of the first radiator 51. It is positioned behind the first radiator 51, which is located behind the grille louvers 40 (described later), and is almost identical in position to the first radiator 51. Therefore, the lower part of the fan shroud 54 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it is configured to be located on the rear side of the second heat sink 52 ( Figure 4 The overlapping positional relationship (right side of the middle).

[0053] Fan cover 54 Figure 5 As shown, the system includes a frame 541 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape and a cooling fan 542, which is a rotating part disposed in the center of the frame 541. For example, not only when the vehicle 1 is in motion, but also during aftercooling after the vehicle 1 has stopped, the cooling fan 542 operates and rotates when the temperatures of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit cooling the engine of the drive unit 30, which is the power source of the vehicle 1, the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit cooling the power conversion device, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system of the vehicle 1, and the liquid temperature in the front drive unit (FDU) reach or exceed a predetermined temperature, thereby increasing the amount of air passing through the first radiator 51, the second radiator 52, and the condenser 53. Thus, the second baffle 41-2, described later, is opened by the dynamic pressure of the air flowing in through the grille louvers 40.

[0054] The fan shroud 54 has a frame 541 with an opening 5411. The opening 5411 is formed by through holes extending in the front-to-back direction from near the two corners of the lower part of the frame 541, which has a cuboid shape. As described above, the lower part of the fan shroud 54... Figure 4 As shown, it is configured to overlap with the rear side of the second heat sink 52, therefore the opening 5411 is as follows: Figure 5 The position shown is aligned with the second radiator 52 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 10.

[0055] Behind the upper opening 111 and the lower opening 116 that constitute the grille opening, and in front of the condenser 53 and the second radiator 52, respectively, upper grille louvers 40-1 and lower grille louvers 40-2 constituting a temperature regulating device are respectively provided. The upper grille louvers 40-1 and lower grille louvers 40-2 cover the upper opening 111 and the lower opening 116, respectively. Hereinafter, the upper grille louvers 40-1 and the lower grille louvers 40-2 will be collectively referred to as grille louvers 40.

[0056] In the upper grille louver 40-1 and the lower grille louver 40-2, such as Figure 3 As shown, the difference lies in the configuration position of the second baffle 41-2, but the rest of the structure is the same. Therefore, the description will mainly focus on the lower grille louver 40-2, and the description of the upper grille louver 40-1 will be omitted.

[0057] The grille louver 40 includes baffles 41 (first baffle 41-1 and second baffle 41-2) and a frame 401. The frame 401 is constructed in a rectangular structure and has a long rectangular shape that extends in the width direction of the vehicle 1. The first baffle 41-1 and the second baffle 41-2 differ in the shape of the supported portion 412, which will be described later, but otherwise have the same structure.

[0058] In the upper grille louvers 40-1, the first, third, and fourth louvers from the top are formed by a first baffle 41-1, and the second louver from the top is formed by a second baffle 41-2. In the lower grille louvers 40-2, the first, second, and fourth louvers from the top are formed by a first baffle 41-1, and the third louver from the top is formed by a second baffle 41-2. Therefore, in both the upper opening 111 and the lower opening 116, the opening area of ​​the portion with the second baffle 41-2 is less than the sum of the opening areas of the three portions with the first baffle 41-1. Furthermore, the second baffle 41-2 of the lower grille louvers 40-2 is positioned to overlap with the second radiator 52, which serves as a motor radiator, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 10.

[0059] like Figure 3 , Figure 10 As shown, the baffle 41 has: a rectangular plate-shaped portion 411 (see reference) Figure 10 ); and, plate-shaped supported portion 412 (see reference) Figure 10The first baffle 41-1 and the second baffle 41-2 are integrally connected to one end and the other end of the long side of the plate-shaped portion 411, which is aligned with the width direction of the vehicle 1, and protrude in a direction orthogonal to the plate-shaped portion 411. The lower part of the supported portion 412 of each of the first baffle 41-1 and the second baffle 41-2 is rotatably supported on the cylindrical protrusion 402 of the longitudinal frame 4011 of the frame 401 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0060] Thus, the first baffle 41-1 and the second baffle 41-2 are disposed on the frame 401. The upper parts of the supported portions 412 of the plurality of first baffles 41-1 are connected to each other by connecting rod portions 42. The connecting rod portion 42 has a long strip-shaped connecting rod body portion 421 and a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 422 protruding from one side of the connecting rod body portion 421.

[0061] More specifically, the upper parts of the supported portions 412 of the plurality of first baffles 41-1 form connecting portions that connect to the connecting rod portion 42, and are rotatably supported on the cylindrical protrusions 422 one by one. As described later, by moving the connecting rod body portion 421 in the vertical direction, the supported portions 412 of the plurality of first baffles 41-1 are simultaneously supported on the cylindrical protrusions 402 of the longitudinal frame 4011 (see reference). Figure 12 Rotate around the axis of ).

[0062] Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, the configuration allows for switching between two states: a closed state where the surface and back of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the first baffle 41-1 are in a roughly parallel vertical position, closing the upper opening 111 and lower opening 116 that constitute the grille opening; and an open state where the surface and back of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the first baffle 41-1 are in a roughly parallel horizontal position, opening the upper opening 111 and lower opening 116 that constitute the grille opening.

[0063] The supported portion 412 of the second baffle 41-2 does not have a portion corresponding to the upper part of the supported portion 412 of the first baffle 41-1. Therefore, the supported portion 412 of the second baffle 41-2 is disposed separately from the connecting rod portion 42. Thus, it is configured such that even if the connecting rod body portion 421 moves in the vertical direction, the supported portion 412 of the second baffle 41-2 will not rotate around the axis of the cylindrical protrusion 402 of the longitudinal frame 4011.

[0064] With this structure, the second baffle 41-2 is configured to be open under dynamic pressure of a certain value or higher, and closed under dynamic pressure of a value less than a certain value, regardless of the specified state of the power source (including the temperature state of the power source, engine or motor). Specifically, when the vehicle 1 is traveling at a speed of a certain value or higher, or when the cooling fan 542 of the fan shroud 54 rotates at a speed of a certain value or higher, the supported portion 412 of the second baffle 41-2 rotates about the axis of the cylindrical protrusion 402 of the longitudinal frame 4011 due to a dynamic pressure of a certain value or higher that pushes the plate-shaped portion 411 of the second baffle 41-2, thus opening the second baffle 41-2. When the plate-shaped portion 411 of the second baffle 41-2 does not bear such a dynamic pressure of a certain value or higher, the second baffle 41-2 is in the closed state.

[0065] A drive mechanism 45 is provided on the upper grille louver 40-1 and the lower grille louver 40-2 to set the first baffle 41-1 to an open or closed state. The drive mechanism 45 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the uppermost first baffle 41-1 is integrally rotatably connected to the upper left and right side grille louvers 40-1 and the lower left and right side grille louvers 40-2. The drive mechanism 45 is connected to a motor (not shown) via a gear mechanism.

[0066] The configuration is such that the motor is driven by a control device (not shown), thereby transmitting the motor's rotation to the drive mechanism 45, and the uppermost first baffle 41-1 of the left and right upper grille louvers 40-1 points to the left and right directions of the vehicle body 10. Figure 3 The left and right louvers rotate as a whole around their left and right axes. Similarly, the lower grille louvers 40-2 are configured such that a motor (not shown) is driven by a control device (not shown), thereby transmitting the motor's rotation to the drive mechanism 45. The uppermost first baffle 41-1 of the left and right lower grille louvers 40-2 points towards the left and right directions of the vehicle body 10. Figure 3 It rotates as a whole around the axis in the left and right directions.

[0067] As previously described, in the upper grille louver 40-1 and the lower grille louver 40-2, the upper parts of the supported portions 412 of the plurality of first baffles 41-1 are connected to each other by the connecting rod portion 42. Therefore, by rotating the uppermost first baffle 41-1 of the upper grille louver 40-1 and the lower grille louver 40-2 by the drive mechanism 45, the connecting rod portion 42 moves up and down. In the upper grille louver 40-1, the third and fourth first baffles 41-1 from the top rotate at the same angle as the uppermost first baffle 41-1, while in the lower grille louver 40-2, the second and fourth first baffles 41-1 from the top rotate at the same angle as the uppermost first baffle 41-1.

[0068] The first baffle 41-1 is configured such that when the power source of the vehicle 1 is in a first predetermined state while the vehicle 1 is in motion, the linkage portion 42 is driven by the drive mechanism 45 under the control of a control device (not shown) to move downward, thereby making the surface and back of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the first baffle 41-1 open in a positional relationship that is approximately parallel in the horizontal direction.

[0069] Here, the so-called first specified state refers to a state in which the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit connected to the first radiator 51 and cooling the engine of the drive unit 30, the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit connected to the second radiator 52 and cooling the power conversion device, the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning unit of the vehicle 1 connected to the condenser 53, and the liquid temperature of the FDU are all above a predetermined specified temperature.

[0070] In contrast, the second specified state is defined as a state in which the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit that cools the engine of the aforementioned drive unit 30, the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit that cools the power conversion device, the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning unit of the vehicle 1, and the liquid temperature of the FDU are all lower than a predetermined specified temperature.

[0071] The first baffle 41-1 is configured such that when the power source of the vehicle 1 is in a second predetermined state while the vehicle 1 is in motion, the linkage portion 42 is driven by the drive mechanism 45 under the control of a control device (not shown) to move upward, thereby making the surface and back of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the first baffle 41-1 in a closed state where they are approximately parallel in the vertical direction.

[0072] For example, when vehicle 1 is stopped and the power source of vehicle 1 is in the second predetermined state, the first baffle 41-1, through the drive mechanism 45 and the connecting rod 42, such as Figure 11 As shown on the left side, the plate-shaped portion 411 of the first baffle 41-1 (refer to) Figure 10The surface and back of the second baffle 41-2 are in a closed state, with the two sides approximately parallel in the vertical direction. At this time, since the vehicle 1 is stopped, the second baffle 41-2 is not subjected to dynamic pressure. Therefore, the second baffle 41-2, which is not connected to the connecting rod portion 42, is maintained as the plate-shaped portion 411 of the second baffle 41-2 (see reference). Figure 10 The surface and back of the object are in a closed state where they are roughly parallel in the vertical direction.

[0073] When vehicle 1 is traveling at low speed, and when the power source of vehicle 1 is in the second specified state, since the connecting rod 42 is in the same position as when vehicle 1 is stationary, therefore, Figure 11 As shown in the center, the plate-shaped portion 411 of the first baffle 41-1 (refer to) Figure 10 The surface and back of the second baffle 41-2 are in a closed state with their positions approximately parallel in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when the second baffle 41-2 bears the prescribed dynamic pressure generated by the low-speed travel of the vehicle 1, the second baffle 41-2, which is not connected to the linkage 42, rotates around the cylindrical protrusion 402 of the longitudinal frame 4011 of the frame 401 by the dynamic pressure. This causes the plate-shaped portion 411 of the second baffle 41-2 (see reference 41-2) to rotate. Figure 10 The surface and back of the object are in an open state where they are roughly parallel in the horizontal direction.

[0074] When vehicle 1 is in motion, and the power source of vehicle 1 is in a first predetermined state, the drive mechanism 45 drives the connecting rod 42 to move downwards, thereby... Figure 11 As shown on the right side, the plate-shaped portion 411 of the first baffle 41-1 (refer to...) Figure 10 The surface and back of the second baffle 41-2 are in an open state where they are approximately parallel in the horizontal direction. At this time, when the second baffle 41-2 bears the prescribed dynamic pressure generated by the movement of the vehicle 1, the second baffle 41-2, which is not connected to the connecting rod 42, rotates around the cylindrical protrusion 402 of the longitudinal frame 4011 of the frame 401 by the dynamic pressure. This causes the plate-shaped portion 411 of the second baffle 41-2 (see reference 401) to rotate. Figure 10 The surface and back of the object are in an open state where they are roughly parallel in the horizontal direction.

[0075] Body 10 Figures 6-9 As shown, a vent 21 is provided at the lower rear part of the lower grille louver 40-2, and further lower in the vertical direction than the second baffle 41-2 of the lower grille louver 40-2. The vent 21 is formed in the lower engine hood 20 at the center and left and right ends of the lower rear part of the lower grille louver 40-2. The central vent 21 communicates with the space at the center of the top surface of the lower engine hood 20. The left and right vent 21 communicate with the interior of the cooling pipes 22 extending from the left and right ends toward the rear of the vehicle body 10.

[0076] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the air f passing through the lower part of the lower grille louvers 40-2 is configured to flow into the ventilation opening 21, and then flow to the rear via the central space on the top surface of the engine hood 20 and the cooling pipe 22. Figure 8 As shown, the air f passing through the middle and upper part of the lower grille louvers 40-2 is configured to cool the second radiator 52, which is a radiator for the motor, and the first radiator 51, which is a radiator for the engine. It flows to the rear via the cooling fan 542 of the fan cover 54 and flows to the rear via the opening 5411 of the frame 541 of the fan cover 54.

[0077] In the embodiment described above, the baffle 41 disposed in the frame 401 includes: a first baffle 41-1, which is in an open state when the power source of the vehicle 1 is in a first predetermined state; and a second baffle 41-2, which has an opening area smaller than that of the first baffle 41-1, and is in an open state regardless of the first or second predetermined state of the power source.

[0078] Therefore, even if the temperature of the condenser and battery (the temperature of the refrigerant in the second radiator 52 and condenser 53) falls below a predetermined temperature, causing the first baffle 41-1 to be closed, a portion of the grille louver 40 can be left open. Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 is parked or traveling at low speeds, the entire grille louver 40 can be kept closed. This reduces air resistance and improves the vehicle's appearance while the vehicle 1 is in motion, and also prevents and delays the temperature of the refrigerant in the second radiator 52 and condenser 53 from reaching the predetermined temperature that would cause the entire grille louver 40 to open.

[0079] Furthermore, even when the vehicle 1 is parked, such as during charging or after cooling, and the grille louvers 40 are open, the second baffle 41-2 allows only a portion of the grille louvers 40 to be open, thus preventing a decline in the appearance of the product.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fan cover 54 is provided behind the grille louvers 40, and the second baffle 41-2 is in an open state when the fan cover 54 is operating. Thus, when the fan cover 54 is operating, the second baffle 41-2 is in an open state, thereby generating airflow through the fan cover 54.

[0081] Therefore, the temperature rise of the engine, motor, battery and other power sources (temperature rise of the refrigerant in the first radiator 51, second radiator 52 and condenser 53) is suppressed and delayed, and even if the first baffle 41-1 is not set to the open state, the air resistance when the vehicle 1 is moving can be suppressed by setting the second baffle 41-2 to the open state.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, the fan cover 54 operates when the engine, motor, battery, etc., which are the power sources of the vehicle 1, reach a specified temperature or above.

[0083] Therefore, since the fan cover 54 is activated when the temperature of the refrigerant in the first radiator 51, the second radiator 52, and the condenser 53 reaches a predetermined temperature or above, and the second baffle 41-2 is opened, the temperature rise of the refrigerant in the first radiator 51, the second radiator 52, and the condenser 53 can be suppressed. Furthermore, during cooling when the vehicle 1 is parked, such as when it is cooling after driving or when it is heating up during charging, the appearance and product quality can be improved by simply setting the second baffle 41-2 to the open state.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second baffle 41-2 is in an open state regardless of the predetermined state (first predetermined state, second predetermined state) of the power source (first radiator 51, second radiator 52, condenser 53), but is achieved by a dynamic pressure exceeding a certain value. Therefore, the drive mechanism 45 for opening and closing the baffle 41 is configured to only open and close the first baffle 41-1, eliminating the need for a drive mechanism for the second baffle 41-2, thus reducing the cost and weight of the device.

[0085] Furthermore, since the second baffle 41-2 is opened by a dynamic pressure of a certain value or more, the second baffle 41-2 is prevented from being opened by natural wind when the vehicle 1 is parked or by driving wind during slow driving, thereby suppressing air resistance when the vehicle 1 is in motion and improving the appearance of the product.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 has a cooling mechanism behind the grille louvers 40. The cooling mechanism includes a first radiator 51, a second radiator 52 and a condenser 53. The second baffle 41-2 is arranged at a position that coincides with the second radiator in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 10.

[0087] The refrigerant in the second radiator 52, which serves as a motor radiator (HEV RAD), requires a lower temperature (required temperature) than the first radiator 51, which serves as an engine radiator, and the condenser 53, which serves as an air conditioning condenser. Therefore, the second radiator 52 needs to be further cooled to a lower temperature. With the above structure, by positioning the second baffle 41-2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 at a position overlapping with the second radiator 52, the second radiator 52 can be set to a lower temperature by means of airflow when the second baffle 41-2 is in motion.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, a fan cover 54 is provided behind the cooling mechanism. The fan cover 54 includes a frame 541 and a cooling fan 542 which is a rotating part disposed in the center of the frame 541. The frame 541 has an opening 5411 at a position that coincides with the second radiator 52, which is a motor radiator, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0089] Therefore, the second baffle 41-2 can be moved by driving the fan cover 54, so that the second baffle 41-2 can be moved as needed except when driving at low speeds. For example, if the baffle 41 is driven by the drive mechanism, all baffles 41 will be activated, resulting in a decrease in the appearance and product quality. Therefore, it is necessary to move only the second baffle 41-2. In this case, by providing an opening 5411 to the frame 541 of the fan cover 54, the airflow to the cooling fan, which is the rotating part, can be directed to the opening 5411. Therefore, by arranging the second radiator 52, which is a motor radiator, at a position that coincides with the opening 5411 in the front-rear direction, the second radiator 52 can be further cooled.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the grille louver 40 includes a drive mechanism 45 for setting the first baffle 41-1 to an open or closed state, and a connecting rod portion connected to the plurality of first baffles 41-1, wherein the second baffle 41-2 is disposed separately from the connecting rod portion 42.

[0091] Therefore, since multiple first baffles 41-1 are connected to the link portion 42, and the second baffle 41-2 is disposed separately from the link portion 42, the number of drive mechanisms 45 for driving the baffles 41 can be suppressed from increasing, and the second baffle 41-2 can be set to the open state without relying on the opening and closing of the drive mechanism 45.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first baffle 41-1 has a supported portion 412 at its width end, which serves as a connecting portion connected to the connecting rod portion 42. Therefore, since the supported portions 412 of the first baffle 41-1 are connected and linked to each other via the connecting rod portion 42, a single drive mechanism 45 can be used to set multiple first baffles 41-1 to an open or closed state.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vent opening 21 is provided at the lower rear of the grille louver 40, and the second baffle 41-2 is positioned higher than the vent opening 12 in the vertical direction. Therefore, since the second baffle 41-2 is positioned higher than the vent opening 21, when the vehicle 1 is traveling at low speed, only the second baffle 41-2 is active, allowing airflow towards the cooling mechanism (first radiator 51, second radiator 52, and condenser 53). Thus, for example, it is possible to avoid a situation where, when the second baffle 41-2 is positioned at the same height as the vent opening 21, air passing through the second baffle 41-2 flows directly into the vent opening 21, making it difficult to increase the amount of air flowing to the cooling mechanism.

[0094] The second embodiment will now be described. In the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that an abutment drive member is provided in the connecting rod portion 42. This abutment drive member is not connected to the second baffle 41-2, but is able to be isolated from / abut against the second baffle 41-2. Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment and will therefore be omitted from the description.

[0095] A baffle (not shown) is provided on the connecting rod portion 42 as an abutment drive member to drive the connecting rod arm. As the connecting rod portion 42 moves downwards, the first baffle 41-1... Figure 12 Rotate in the direction indicated by the middle arrow a. Subsequently, the baffle drive linkage arm (not shown) abuts against the second baffle 41-2 from its isolated state, and... Figure 12 The upper part of the inner side of the second baffle 41-2 shown is towards Figure 12 The baffle is pushed to the lower right. As a result, the baffle drive linkage arm (not shown) causes the second baffle 41-2 to rotate about the cylindrical protrusion 402 as an axis, so that the surface and back of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the second baffle 41-2 are in an open state with a positional relationship of approximately parallel in the horizontal direction.

[0096] The second baffle 41-2 is opened by dynamic pressure, similar to the first embodiment. As the connecting rod 42 moves upward, the first baffle 41-1... Figure 12 The rotation in the direction indicated by the middle arrow b is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0097] In this embodiment, the connecting rod portion 42 includes a baffle drive linkage arm that serves as an abutment drive member. When the first baffle 41-1 is in the open state, the baffle drive linkage arm pushes the second baffle 41-2 to open the second baffle 41-2. As a result, the second baffle 41-2 moves to the open state by dynamic pressure, and when the drive mechanism 45 is working, it is pushed by the abutment drive member, thereby enabling it to work with the first baffle 41-1.

[0098] The embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, but the invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above. Furthermore, the effects described in each embodiment and modification are merely preferred examples and are not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments.

[0099] For example, in this embodiment, the so-called first predetermined state refers to a state in which the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit cooling the engine of the drive unit 30, the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit cooling the power conversion device, the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning unit of the vehicle 1, and the liquid temperature of the FDU are all above a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, the so-called second predetermined state refers to a state in which the temperature of any one of the following—the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit cooling the engine of the drive unit 30, the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit cooling the power conversion device, the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning unit of the vehicle 1, and the liquid temperature of the FDU—is below a predetermined temperature. However, the first and second predetermined states are not limited to these.

[0100] Alternatively, for example, a different drive mechanism than drive mechanism 45 may be provided, and the second baffle 41-2 may be switched between open and closed states by this other drive mechanism. Furthermore, the switching between open and closed states by this other drive mechanism may also be performed in other specified states than the first specified state and the second specified state.

[0101] Figure Labels

[0102] 1 vehicle

[0103] 21 Ventilation opening

[0104] 40-grid louvers

[0105] 40-1 Upper side grille louvers

[0106] 40-2 Lower side grille louvers

[0107] 41 baffles

[0108] 41-1 First baffle

[0109] 41-2 Second baffle

[0110] 42-link section

[0111] 45 drive mechanism

[0112] 51 First Radiator (Engine Radiator)

[0113] 52 Second Radiator (Radiator for Motor)

[0114] 53 Condenser (Air Conditioner Condenser)

[0115] 54 Fan Cover

[0116] 111 Upper opening (grille opening)

[0117] 116 Lower opening (grille opening)

[0118] 401 frame

[0119] 412 Supported part (connecting part)

[0120] 541 frame

[0121] 542 Cooling Fan (Rotating Part)

[0122] 5411 opening

Claims

1. A temperature regulating device for a vehicle, comprising: The grille opening is formed at the front of the vehicle; and, A grille louver, covering the aforementioned grille opening; The aforementioned grille louvers have the following features: Multiple baffles are used to either open or close the aforementioned grille opening; and, The frame is equipped with the aforementioned baffle; The aforementioned baffle disposed in the aforementioned frame has the following features: The first baffle is either open or closed when the vehicle's power source is in a specified state; that is, The second baffle has a smaller opening area than the first baffle and can be in an open or closed state regardless of the specified state of the power source.

2. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein, A fan cover is located behind the aforementioned grille louvers. The aforementioned second baffle is in the open state when the aforementioned fan cover is working.

3. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned fan cover operates when the power source of the aforementioned vehicle reaches a temperature above a specified level.

4. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned second baffle is opened by a dynamic pressure of a certain value or higher, regardless of the specified state of the aforementioned power source.

5. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned vehicle has a cooling mechanism behind the aforementioned grille louvers. The aforementioned cooling system includes an engine radiator, a motor radiator, and an air conditioning condenser. The aforementioned second baffle is positioned at a location that overlaps with the aforementioned motor radiator in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

6. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 5, wherein, A fan shroud is located behind the aforementioned cooling mechanism. The aforementioned fan cover includes a frame and a rotating part disposed in the center of the aforementioned frame. The aforementioned frame has an opening at a position that coincides with the aforementioned motor radiator in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

7. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned grille louvers have the following features: The drive mechanism sets the aforementioned first baffle to an open or closed state; and, The connecting rod is connected to the aforementioned plurality of first baffles; The aforementioned second baffle is configured to be isolated from the aforementioned connecting rod portion.

8. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned first baffle has a connecting portion at its width end that connects to the aforementioned connecting rod portion.

9. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned connecting rod portion has an abutment drive component. When the first baffle is in the open state, the aforementioned abutment drive component pushes the aforementioned second baffle to set the aforementioned second baffle to the open state.

10. The vehicle temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein, A ventilation opening is provided at the lower rear of the aforementioned grille louvers. The aforementioned second baffle is located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the aforementioned vent opening.

Images