Active grille shutter and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses an active air inlet grille and vehicle, wherein the active air inlet grille includes frame, vane and drive arrangement, and the frame includes base plate, and the base plate is equipped with air inlet, and the vane is movably arranged on the frame, and the vane is located at one side of the base plate and can cover the air inlet, and the drive arrangement is connected with the vane, and drives the vane to slide along the plane of the base plate to open or close the air inlet, and the drive arrangement includes motor, screw rod, ball and nut, the motor drives the rotation of screw rod, the nut is sleeved on the screw rod, the ball is located between the screw rod and the nut, and the vane moves along with the nut. The drive arrangement adopts the transmission mode of ball screw, simplifies the connecting structure of the drive arrangement, the vane and the frame, reduces the number of parts and assembly process, and reduces the cost. At the same time, the design mode structure of ball screw is compact, reduces the occupied space of the whole active air inlet grille, and is more easy to arrange and install on different vehicle models.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to an active air intake grille and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As the automotive industry increasingly demands energy conservation, emission reduction, and improved vehicle performance, active grille shutters are being used more and more widely in passenger vehicles. Active grille shutters automatically adjust the opening and closing degree of the grille based on vehicle driving conditions, such as vehicle speed and engine temperature, thereby optimizing vehicle aerodynamics, reducing wind resistance, and decreasing fuel consumption. They also help the engine reach its optimal operating temperature quickly, improving engine efficiency and reliability.

[0003] Common driving methods for active grille shutters include direct motor drive and motor-driven via linkage mechanisms. These methods have drawbacks such as slow response speed, insufficient driving force, complex structure, large space occupation, and low reliability. For example, in direct motor drive, the motor torque acts directly on the blades, which can easily lead to blade deformation or damage; while in linkage mechanism drive, the connection points between the links are prone to loosening and wear, the linkage mechanism is large in size, and the complex linkage structure increases assembly difficulty and cost. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an active air intake grille that can reduce space occupation, reduce assembly difficulty and cost, while improving its reliability and durability.

[0005] This utility model also proposes a vehicle having the above-mentioned active air intake grille.

[0006] An active air intake grille according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: A frame, including a substrate, wherein the substrate is provided with an air inlet; The blade is movably mounted on the frame, and the blade is located on one side of the base plate and can cover the air inlet; A drive device is connected to the blade and drives the blade to slide along the plane of the substrate to open or close the air inlet; The driving device includes a motor, a lead screw, balls, and a nut. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, the nut is sleeved on the lead screw, the balls are located between the lead screw and the nut, and the blades move with the nut.

[0007] The active air intake grille according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: Compared with the traditional rotary active air intake grille, the active air intake grille of this application mainly overcomes the sliding friction resistance of the blades, significantly reducing the demand for motor torque, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving the working efficiency and service life of the motor. At the same time, the drive device adopts a ball screw transmission method, simplifying the connection structure between the drive device, blades, and frame, reducing the number of parts and assembly processes, and lowering costs. Furthermore, the ball screw design has a compact structure, reducing the overall space occupied by the active air intake grille, and making it easier to arrange and install on different vehicle models.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the blade is connected to the nut via a slider, and the motor drives the slider to move, thereby causing the blade to slide along the plane of the substrate.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the slider includes a first connecting block, a second connecting block, and a third connecting block. The first connecting block has a circular hole for accommodating the nut and is fixedly connected to the nut. The second connecting block connects the first connecting block and the third connecting block. The third connecting block is fixedly connected to the blade. The second connecting block extends from the side of the first connecting block near the substrate towards the substrate. The third connecting block extends from the side of the second connecting block near the substrate towards the blade.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper surface of the blade abuts against the bottom surface of the first connecting block, the lower surface of the blade abuts against the top surface of the third connecting block, and the side surface of the blade abuts against the second connecting block.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the frame further includes a first limiting plate, and the first connecting block is provided with a positioning surface, the positioning surface abutting against the first limiting plate to restrict the slider from rotating around the lead screw.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the substrate is provided with a plurality of air inlets, the plurality of air inlets are spaced apart along the sliding direction of the blade, and the blade is provided with a plurality of shielding parts, each of the shielding parts being able to cover one air inlet individually.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of the blocking parts is five or more, and the connection position between the driving device and the blade is located in the middle of the sliding direction of the blade.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the frame further includes a first limiting plate, a guide rail groove is formed between the first limiting plate and the substrate, the side of the blade away from the driving device is located in the guide rail groove, and the two planes of the blade respectively abut against the first limiting plate and the substrate.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the frame further includes two second limiting plates, which are respectively located on both sides of the sliding direction of the blade. When the blade abuts against one of the second limiting plates, the blade closes the air inlet; when the blade abuts against the other second limiting plate, the blade opens the air inlet.

[0016] The vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the sliding active air intake grille of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] The vehicle according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: by adopting the active air intake grille of the first aspect embodiment of the present invention, the space occupied can be reduced, the assembly difficulty and cost can be reduced, and its reliability and durability can be improved.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the active air intake grille from one angle according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing another angle of the active air intake grille; Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the active air intake grille is shown. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the drive unit, blades, and frame. Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the framework shown; Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the blades is shown; Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the slider is shown.

[0020] Figure label: 110. Base plate; 111. Air inlet; 120. First limiting plate; 121. Guide rail groove; 130. Second limiting plate; 140. Grille bar; 200. Blade; 210. Blocking part; 220. Connecting part; 221. Cantilever end; 310. Motor; 320. Slider; 321. First connecting block; 322. Second connecting block; 323. Third connecting block; 324. Circular hole; 330. Lead screw; 340. Nut. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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 this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 3The active air intake grille includes a frame, blades 200, and a drive unit. The frame includes a base plate 110, which has an air inlet 111. The frame is the basic load-bearing structure, and the air inlet 111 on the base plate 110 is the core channel for airflow. The blades 200 are movably mounted on the frame, located on one side of the base plate 110, and can cover the air inlet 111. The blades 200 directly control the air intake volume by sliding to cover or move away from the air inlet 111 (blocking airflow when fully closed, and allowing airflow when sliding open). The drive unit includes a motor 310, a lead screw 330, ball bearings, and a nut 340. The motor 310 drives the lead screw 330 to rotate, the nut 340 is sleeved on the lead screw 330, the ball bearings are located between the lead screw 330 and the nut 340, and the blades 200 move with the nut 340. The motor 310 is typically a miniature brushless DC motor 310 or a stepper motor 310, offering advantages such as fast response, high torque, high efficiency, and long lifespan. The motor 310 controller precisely controls its speed and direction based on the vehicle's driving status and sensor signals. For example, at high speeds (>100km / h), the motor 310 needs to reverse to close the blades 200 (reducing wind resistance), and the speed needs to be reduced (to prevent the blades 200 from impacting the frame). At low speeds (<40km / h), if cooling is required, the motor 310 rotates forward to open the blades 200, increasing the speed (rapid response). Another example: when the engine coolant temperature is >95℃ / battery temperature is >35℃, the motor 310 is triggered to rotate forward (opening the blades 200); the higher the temperature, the faster the motor 310 rotates and the larger the blade opening. When the coolant temperature is <70℃ / battery temperature is <15℃, the motor 310 is triggered to reverse (closing the blades 200) until fully closed. The lead screw 330 is a metal rod with helical grooves, and the nut 340 is a ball circulation channel that matches the helical grooves of the lead screw 330. The balls roll in the threaded raceway between the lead screw and the nut 340, converting the rotational motion of the motor 310 into the linear motion of the nut 340. A reversing device is installed on the lead screw 330 to guide the balls to return smoothly in the circulation channel, realizing the cyclical motion of the balls and ensuring the continuous operation of the ball screw device.

[0026] Compared to the "direct drive by motor 310" and "drive by motor 310 through linkage mechanism" mentioned in the background art, the active air intake grille of this utility model embodiment, driven by a ball screw 330 structure, has significant advantages: the rolling friction characteristics of the ball screw avoid the gaps and wear of traditional sliding pairs, and the blade opening accuracy can reach within ±0.5°, meeting the engine ECU's precise adjustment requirements for air intake. The motor 310 directly drives the screw 330 to rotate, eliminating the inertial losses of complex linkage mechanisms and resulting in faster response. Compared to complex linkage mechanisms, the ball screw 330 transmission involves fewer parts, occupies less space, and is more suitable for the compact layout of new energy vehicle front ends; simultaneously, the rolling friction design significantly reduces component wear, extends service life, and reduces after-sales failures.

[0027] Reference Figure 4 The blade 200 is connected to the nut 340 via a slider 320. The motor 310 drives the slider 320 to move, thereby causing the blade 200 to slide along the plane of the substrate 110. The slider 320 is a functional component that connects the nut 340 and the blade 200. One side of the slider 320 is rigidly fixed to the nut 340 by bolts, clips, or injection molding (e.g., the nut 340 is embedded in the groove of the slider 320), while the other side is fixedly connected to the bottom or side of the blade 200 (e.g., by countersunk screws or thermal riveting). The function of the slider 320 is to directly transmit the linear motion of the nut 340 to the blade 200. At the same time, by cooperating with the guide rail on the substrate 110, the slider 320 constrains the movement trajectory of the blade 200, ensuring the positional accuracy of the blade 200's sliding and meeting the precise alignment requirements between the blade 200 and the air inlet 111.

[0028] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 7The slider 320 includes a first connecting block 321, a second connecting block 322, and a third connecting block 323. The first connecting block 321 has a circular hole 324 for accommodating a nut 340. The first connecting block 321 is rigidly fixed to the nut 340 by bolt fastening, injection molding, or thermal riveting. The second connecting block 322 connects the first connecting block 321 and the third connecting block 323. The third connecting block 323 is fixedly connected to the blade 200. The second connecting block 322 extends from the side of the first connecting block 321 near the substrate 110 towards the substrate 110, and the third connecting block 323 extends from the side of the second connecting block 322 near the substrate 110 towards the side near the blade 200. The second connecting block 322 lowers the height of the third connecting block 323 to a level suitable for the substrate 110, creating space for the connection between the third connecting block 323 and the blade 200. The drive unit consisting of the lead screw 330 and the nut 340 needs to be arranged parallel to the base plate 110 but not in contact (to avoid friction between the lead screw 330 and the base plate 110 when rotating). Therefore, there is a certain height difference between the axis of the nut 340 and the surface of the base plate 110. Meanwhile, the blade 200 needs to slide close to the surface of the base plate 110 (to ensure sealing when covering the air inlet 111), and the distance between its mounting plane and the surface of the base plate 110 is small. The design of the second connecting block 322 extending towards the base plate 110 and the third connecting block 323 extending in the opposite direction towards the blade 200 precisely compensates for this height difference, so that the power of the nut 340 can be smoothly transferred to the motion plane of the blade 200, avoiding any deviation in the direction of force transmission.

[0029] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 7 The upper surface of blade 200 abuts against the bottom surface of the first connecting block 321, and the lower surface of blade 200 abuts against the top surface of the third connecting block 323, restricting the vertical movement of blade 200. The third connecting block 323 provides upward support for blade 200. The side of blade 200 abuts against the second connecting block 322, restricting the lateral displacement of blade 200 along the "perpendicular to the sliding direction" and preventing blade 200 from swaying to the sides due to inertia or airflow impact during sliding. The multi-faceted abutment changes the power transmission of slider 320 to blade 200 from "single-point force" to "surface force". Surface contact avoids stress concentration as in single-point connection, significantly improving the fatigue life of blade 200 and slider 320.

[0030] Reference Figures 2 to 4The frame also includes a first limiting plate 120. A first connecting block 321 has a positioning surface that abuts against the first limiting plate 120 to restrict the slider 320 from rotating around the lead screw 330. The first limiting plate 120 is "flat" and perpendicular to the surface of the base plate 110, arranged along the movement trajectory of the slider 320. Its length matches the effective stroke of the slider 320, ensuring that the slider 320 remains in contact with the positioning surface throughout its entire stroke. During the drive of the lead screw 330, the slider 320 inevitably exhibits a tendency to "rotate with the lead screw 330" (i.e., a rotational torque around the axis of the lead screw 330) due to the characteristics of the helical transmission. The contact between the first limiting plate 120 and the positioning surface eliminates this tendency through "rigid blocking." The helical engagement between the lead screw 330 and the nut 340 generates axial force (driving the slider 320 in linear motion) and circumferential force (the torque that causes the nut 340 to rotate around the lead screw 330). Without a limiting structure, the nut 340 would cause the slider 320 to rotate synchronously (i.e., "following the rotation"), causing the blade 200 to deviate from its sliding trajectory, resulting in friction and jamming with the slide groove of the base plate 110, or even failure to cover the air inlet 111. When the slider 320 tends to rotate, the positioning surface of the first connecting block 321 will contact the first limiting plate 120. The first limiting plate 120 (fixed to the frame) will counteract the rotational torque through a reaction force, forming a "torque balance" that does not affect the normal sliding of the blade 200.

[0031] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, slide rails or guide posts mounted on the frame are provided on both sides of the slider 320 to ensure that the slider 320 can only move in a straight line and restrict the degree of freedom in other directions.

[0032] Reference Figure 5 The substrate 110 is provided with a plurality of air inlets 111, which are spaced apart along the sliding direction of the blade 200. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The blade 200 is provided with multiple shielding portions 210, each shielding portion 210 capable of individually covering an air inlet 111. The base plate 110 includes multiple grille strips 140, which are arranged alternately with the air inlets 111. The grille strips 140 serve as a supporting frame, separating adjacent air inlets 111, thus ensuring the structural strength of the base plate 110 and enabling it to withstand higher dynamic loads. The width of the grille strips 140 is approximately equal to the width of the shielding portions 210. When the blade 200 opens the air inlet 111, the shielding portions 210 move to the rear side of the grille strips 140. During the vehicle's forward movement, the gas impact load mainly acts on the frame, effectively protecting the motor 310.

[0033] Reference Figure 6Multiple shielding parts 210 are connected at one end on the same side by a connecting part 220, and the other end is a cantilever end 221. That is, multiple shielding parts 210 are interconnected at one end by the connecting part 220, while the other ends are disconnected. Connecting the dispersed shielding parts 210 into a whole through the connecting part 220 makes the blade 200 a single part, ensuring the relative positional accuracy of each shielding part 210 and enhancing the overall structural rigidity of the blade 200. The blade 200 is injection molded as a whole. The shielding part 210 is fixed only on one side by the connecting part 220, and the other side is a cantilever end 221 (without a lateral connecting structure), giving the blade 200 a "unidirectional extension" characteristic in the molding die. The free state of the cantilever end 221 allows the mold to open smoothly in a single direction (such as parallel to the extension direction of the shielding part 210), eliminating the need for a complex core-pulling mechanism, reducing mold design difficulty and manufacturing costs, and reducing molding defects caused by undercuts (such as material shortages and tearing). The integrated connecting part 220 can act as a "mainstream branch" during injection molding, guiding the molten material to fill each shielding part 210 evenly, avoiding uneven filling caused by complex structure and improving product qualification rate. The free state of the cantilever end 221 gives it a certain "tolerance" during installation. For example, when the blade 200 is placed into the guide groove 121, the cantilever end 221 can deform slightly to adapt to the dimensional error of the frame (or, through its own slight deformation, to adapt to the flatness error between the blade 200 and the guide groove 121), avoiding assembly jamming caused by excessive rigidity; at the same time, the flexibility of the cantilever end 221 during sliding can reduce frictional interference with the frame and improve assembly smoothness.

[0034] Reference Figure 6 The number of blocking parts 210 is five or more, and the connection position between the drive device and the blade 200 is located in the middle of the sliding direction of the blade 200. The more blocking parts 210 there are, the smaller the width of each blocking part 210 can be, which in turn makes the single sliding distance of the blade 200 during opening and closing smaller, reducing the accuracy error caused by the accumulation of stroke.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5The first limiting plate 120 is located on the side of the blade 200 away from the substrate 110. A guide groove 121 is formed between the first limiting plate 120 and the substrate 110. The side of the blade 200 away from the driving device is located in the guide groove 121. The two planes of the blade 200 abut against the first limiting plate 120 and the substrate 110, respectively. That is, the blade 200 is sandwiched between the substrate 110 and the first limiting plate 120, and the guide groove 121 limits the blade 200 perpendicular to the sliding direction. When the blade 200 slides under the drive of the driving device, the connecting part 220 bears the traction force, and the cantilever end 221 deflects (bends upward) or sways (tilts laterally) due to inertia or airflow force. The double-sided abutment of the limiting plate with the substrate 110 restricts the upward bending of the blade 200 through "reverse support force", improving the sealing effect.

[0036] Understandably, the wrapping constraint of the guide rail groove 121 on the blade 200 allows the blade 200 to experience more balanced forces during sliding, reducing swaying or deviation even under complex conditions such as water flow impact, thus lowering the risk of jamming. When the vehicle is wading through water, the high-pressure water flow impacts the leading edge of the blade 200. The blade 200 transmits the impact force to the guide rail groove 121 through the contact surface, and the impact force is ultimately distributed throughout the frame. Less force is transmitted to the drive unit, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the motor 310 caused by water impact.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The frame also includes two second limiting plates 130, which are located on both sides of the sliding direction of the blade 200. When the blade 200 abuts against one of the second limiting plates 130, the blade 200 closes the air inlet 111; when the blade 200 abuts against the other second limiting plate 130, the blade 200 opens the air inlet 111. When the blade 200 slides to its limit position, its end will directly contact the limiting plate, forming a physical barrier to prevent the blade 200 from exceeding the preset stroke due to inertia or excessive drive. When the blade 200 slides in the "closed" direction and finally abuts against one of the second limiting plates 130, all the blocking parts 210 of the blade 200 exactly completely cover the air inlet 111 of the base plate 110. The blocking effect of the limiting plate ensures that the blade 200 will not continue to slide, causing the blocking parts 210 to become misaligned. When the blade 200 slides in the "open" direction and comes into contact with another second limiting plate 130, all the blocking parts 210 of the blade 200 are just completely away from the air inlet 111 (the air inlet 111 is fully exposed, and the airflow can pass through to the maximum extent). The function of the limiting plate at this time is to prevent the blade 200 from sliding excessively and disengaging from the guide rail groove 121 of the frame.

[0038] The present invention also proposes a vehicle according to a second aspect embodiment, including an active air intake grille according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention, wherein the active air intake grille is disposed at the front of the vehicle.

[0039] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An active air intake grille, characterized in that, include: A frame, including a base plate, wherein the base plate is provided with an air inlet; The blade is movably mounted on the frame, and the blade is located on one side of the base plate and can cover the air inlet; A drive device is connected to the blade and drives the blade to slide along the plane of the substrate to open or close the air inlet; The driving device includes a motor, a lead screw, balls, and a nut. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, the nut is sleeved on the lead screw, the balls are located between the lead screw and the nut, and the blades move with the nut.

2. The active air intake grille according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade is connected to the nut via a slider, and the motor drives the slider to move, thereby causing the blade to slide along the plane of the substrate.

3. The active air intake grille according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slider includes a first connecting block, a second connecting block, and a third connecting block. The first connecting block has a circular hole for accommodating the nut and is fixedly connected to the nut. The second connecting block connects the first connecting block and the third connecting block and is fixedly connected to the blade. The second connecting block extends from the side of the first connecting block near the substrate towards the substrate, and the third connecting block extends from the side of the second connecting block near the substrate towards the blade.

4. The active air intake grille according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper surface of the blade abuts against the bottom surface of the first connecting block, the lower surface of the blade abuts against the top surface of the third connecting block, and the side surface of the blade abuts against the second connecting block.

5. The active air intake grille according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frame also includes a first limiting plate, and the first connecting block is provided with a positioning surface. The positioning surface abuts against the first limiting plate to restrict the slider from rotating around the lead screw.

6. The active air intake grille according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate is provided with a plurality of air inlets, which are spaced apart along the sliding direction of the blade. The blade is provided with a plurality of shielding parts, each of which can individually cover one of the air inlets.

7. The active air intake grille according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the shielding parts is five or more, and the connection position between the driving device and the blade is located in the middle of the sliding direction of the blade.

8. The active air intake grille according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame also includes a first limiting plate, a guide rail groove is formed between the first limiting plate and the substrate, the side of the blade away from the driving device is located in the guide rail groove, and the two planes of the blade respectively abut against the first limiting plate and the substrate.

9. The active air intake grille according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame also includes two second limiting plates, which are located on both sides of the sliding direction of the blade. When the blade abuts against one of the second limiting plates, the blade closes the air inlet; when the blade abuts against the other second limiting plate, the blade opens the air inlet.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the active air intake grille as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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