Active grille shutter and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to an active air intake grille and a vehicle, which comprises a grille frame, the grille frame comprising an air inlet and a mounting boss for supporting a front bumper; a vane group is arranged in the air inlet, the vane group being located between a cooling module and the front bumper, and two end portions of the vane group being located on two sides of the cooling module; a wind deflector is arranged around the air inlet and extends towards the front bumper, the wind deflector being made of soft material; and the wind deflector is located below the mounting boss. The application can improve the air intake amount and cooling performance of the grille and enhance the pedestrian protection function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive technology, and more specifically, to an active air intake grille and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] An active grille shutter is a louvered grille structure installed on the front frame of a car, which intelligently controls the airflow to the cooling module based on the cabin environment. However, existing active grille shutters have insufficient frontal area, affecting the airflow to the cooling module and resulting in inadequate cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the lower part of existing active grille shutters is too rigid, while the upper part lacks effective support for the front bumper, failing to provide sufficient cushioning and support in the event of a pedestrian collision, thus increasing the risk of pedestrian injury. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an active air intake grille and vehicle to improve the air intake and cooling performance of the grille, and enhance pedestrian protection functions.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this application are as follows: In a first aspect, an active air intake grille provided in this application includes: a grille frame, the grille frame including an air intake and a mounting boss, the mounting boss being used to support a front bumper; a blade assembly provided in the air intake, the blade assembly being located between a cooling module and the front bumper, the two ends of the blade assembly being located on both sides of the cooling module; and an air guide shroud, the air guide shroud surrounding the air intake and extending towards the front bumper, the air guide shroud being made of a soft material; the air guide shroud being located below the mounting boss.

[0005] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the blade assembly extending beyond the cooling module is covered with an air guide plate.

[0006] In one embodiment, the air guide plate is provided with a snap-fit ​​component, and the grille frame is provided with a limiting rib. The limiting rib engages with the snap-fit ​​component to install the air guide plate onto the grille frame. In one embodiment, a sealing element is provided on the side of the air guide plate away from the grille frame, and the sealing element is used to fit against the cooling module to achieve a seal.

[0007] In one embodiment, the distance between the end of the blade assembly and the edge of the cooling module is 40mm-70mm, and the height of the protruding portion of the mounting boss is 90mm-110mm.

[0008] In one embodiment, the grid frame is integrally injection molded.

[0009] In one embodiment, the air guide is a soft rubber material arranged around the air inlet, and the length of the soft rubber material is 50mm-70mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, the air deflector is fitted and sealed to the front bumper, and the interference between the air deflector and the front bumper is 1mm-2mm.

[0011] In one embodiment, there are two mounting bosses, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the grid frame, and the mounting bosses are provided with mesh reinforcing ribs.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, including an active grille as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: by increasing the length of the blade assembly, allowing the blades to extend beyond the cooling module on one side, the air intake and cooling performance of the grille are improved. By setting a mounting boss at the upper part of the grille frame to support the front bumper and installing a soft-material air guide at the lower part, the overall structural stability is enhanced, significantly improving pedestrian protection and achieving a dual optimization of safety and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 A front structural schematic diagram of the active air intake grille provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the active air intake grille provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Icons: 1-Grate frame; 12-Air inlet; 13-Mounting boss; 14-Blade assembly; 2-Air guide shroud; 3-Air guide plate; 31-Snap-fit ​​component; 5-Seal; 6-Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0018] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for 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 application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front structural diagram of the active air intake grille provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the active air intake grille provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the active air intake grille includes: a grille frame 1 and an air guide shroud 2.

[0021] The grille frame 1 includes an air intake 12 and a mounting boss 13, which supports the front bumper. The air intake 12 is provided with a blade assembly 14, which is located between the vehicle's cooling module and the front bumper. The two ends of the blade assembly 14 are located on both sides of the cooling module. The air guide 2 surrounds the air intake 12 and extends towards the front bumper. The air guide 2 is made of soft material. The air guide 2 is located below the mounting boss 13.

[0022] The front bumper is typically mounted at the very front of the vehicle, in front of the active grille, covering the lower front area. The cooling module, part of the engine cooling system, is located on the opposite side of the active grille's air intake 12 relative to the front bumper, i.e., behind the active grille (for clarity, the front of the vehicle is defined as "front" and the rear as "rear"). The cooling module typically includes components such as a radiator and a cooling fan. Its main function is to reduce engine temperature, ensuring the engine operates within its normal operating temperature range.

[0023] The structure of the active air intake grille is similar to that of a louver, and the grille frame 1 is the main structural component of the active air intake grille, used to support and fix other components.

[0024] In one embodiment, the grille frame 1 can be integrally injection molded. This process not only improves production efficiency but also enhances the overall structural strength and stability of the frame, reducing errors and the risk of loosening during assembly. The grille frame 1 can also employ a two-color injection molding design, which allows the use of two different materials or colors, such as rigid plastic and flexible plastic, in the same injection molding process. The rigid plastic provides structural strength, while the flexible plastic is used for the parts that contact the vehicle's front bumper to achieve better sealing performance and pedestrian protection. For example, different colors of material can be used in different parts of the grille frame 1, thereby increasing the variety of color options to meet diverse aesthetic requirements. For instance, the main body can use one color, while the mounting boss 13 or decorative parts can use another color, enhancing the product's aesthetics and visual appeal.

[0025] The air intake 12 is an opening on the grille frame 1 used to guide air into the engine compartment. The air deflector 2 is fixedly mounted around the air intake 12 and extends towards the front bumper. It is made of soft materials, including but not limited to thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). These materials not only have good elasticity and sealing performance, but also have a lighter weight, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the active air intake grille and can provide additional cushioning in the event of a pedestrian collision, reducing injury to pedestrians.

[0026] In one embodiment, the air guide shroud 2 is a soft rubber strip surrounding the air intake 12, with a length of 50mm-70mm. This allows the air guide shroud 2 to be customized according to different vehicle models and specific installation requirements to achieve optimal airflow optimization and sealing. Compared to an integrated air guide shroud 2, this split design allows for flexible adjustment of the length and position of the soft rubber strip according to actual conditions, thus better adapting to various complex installation environments and functional requirements. In one specific embodiment, the length of the soft rubber strip is 57mm.

[0027] In other implementations, the air deflector 2 can be a gradually widening trumpet shape. The trumpet-shaped air deflector 2 gradually widens along the front bumper direction at the air intake 12, which can further increase the frontal area of ​​the active air intake grille, more effectively guide and accelerate airflow, thereby improving air intake efficiency.

[0028] Mounting boss 13 is used to fix and support the front bumper, with its protruding portion facing the front bumper. By rationally designing the height and shape of mounting boss 13, the front bumper can be ensured to remain fixed during vehicle operation, reducing vibration and loosening, thereby improving the overall stability and safety of the vehicle. Furthermore, mounting boss 13 can also provide additional cushioning in the event of a pedestrian collision, reducing injury to pedestrians. This design not only enhances the structural strength of the vehicle but also plays a crucial role in pedestrian protection, achieving a dual optimization of safety and performance.

[0029] The air deflector 2, located below the mounting boss 13, not only optimizes the airflow path and improves intake efficiency and cooling performance, but also plays a crucial role in pedestrian protection. Through the two-tone injection-molded soft rubber design of the grille frame 1 and the support design of the large mounting points on both sides, it effectively supports the upper part of the pedestrian's lower leg, preventing excessive bending during a collision. This design has been verified through CAE simulation calculations and can significantly improve pedestrian protection scores, thereby enhancing the overall vehicle safety performance.

[0030] A blade assembly 14, consisting of multiple parallel blades, is oscillatingly mounted within the air intake 12 and located between the cooling module and the front bumper to guide and regulate airflow. The two ends of the blade assembly 14 are located on either side of the cooling module, meaning the length of the blade assembly 14 extends beyond the cooling module.

[0031] In one embodiment, the distance between the end of the blade assembly 14 and the edge of the cooling module is 40mm-70mm. In a specific embodiment, the distance by which one side of the blade of the blade assembly 14 extends beyond the cooling module can be 52mm. By extending the length of the blades beyond the cooling module, the effective area of ​​the air intake 12 can be significantly increased. This allows more cooling air to enter the engine compartment, thereby improving the efficiency of the cooling system. Especially at high speeds, it can effectively reduce air resistance, optimize the airflow path, and ensure that the cooling module receives sufficient cooling air. Furthermore, the portion of the blades extending beyond the cooling module can guide the air to flow more evenly towards the cooling module, reducing turbulence and eddies in the airflow, thereby improving cooling efficiency. In other embodiments, additional air intakes can be designed at both ends of the air intake, allowing air to enter the cooling module through multiple channels to increase the intake volume.

[0032] In one embodiment, the blades may employ a variable cross-section design, meaning the thickness and width of the blades vary at different locations. The portion closer to the air inlet 12 may be thicker to provide sufficient structural strength, while the portion farther from the air inlet 12 may be thinner to reduce air resistance.

[0033] In one embodiment, the blades can be designed in an airfoil shape, similar to an airplane wing. This design utilizes Bernoulli's principle to create a pressure difference on the blade surface, thereby optimizing the airflow path and reducing air resistance. The blade shape design can be tailored to specific needs, taking into account factors such as vehicle usage requirements, aerodynamic performance, and cooling efficiency, as long as it achieves the best possible performance.

[0034] In one embodiment, the active air intake grille further includes a motor 6 and a blade connecting rod (not shown in the figure). Each blade is rotatably connected to the blade connecting rod, and the motor 6 is drively connected to the blade connecting rod to drive the blade drive rod to move, thereby driving multiple blades to rotate synchronously through the moving blade connecting rod.

[0035] In another embodiment, the blades include active blades and driven blades (not shown in the figure). The two ends of the multiple blades penetrate into the grid frame 1. The output shaft of the motor 6 is connected to a single active blade to drive the single active blade to rotate. Then, under the transmission of the blade connecting rod, the driven blades are driven to rotate synchronously, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of multiple blades.

[0036] When the cooling module's temperature is low, motor 6 will drive the blades to close, preventing heat loss and ensuring the temperature is maintained. Conversely, if the cooling module's operating temperature exceeds the normal range, motor 6 will drive the blades to open, using rapidly flowing air to dissipate heat from the engine, preventing overheating and ensuring stable operation. This not only improves engine efficiency and extends its lifespan but also helps reduce energy consumption, achieving energy-saving effects.

[0037] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the blade assembly 14 extending beyond the cooling module is covered by the air guide plate 3.

[0038] The air guide plate 3 is fixedly installed on the side of the blade assembly 14 away from the front bumper. The width of the air guide plate 3 is the length of the blade extending beyond the cooling module on one side. The air guide plates 3 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides behind the blade assembly 14. The air guide plates 3 efficiently guide the air entering the air intake 12 to the cooling module, ensuring that the air can reach the cooling module with less energy loss, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the entire system.

[0039] The air guide plate 3 may also include multiple air guide vanes or air guide channels to further optimize the airflow path. The air guide vanes or air guide channels may have different angles and lengths to adapt to different airflow speeds and directions, thereby improving airflow efficiency.

[0040] The air deflector's stability and reliability during vehicle operation are ensured through a variety of connection and fixing methods. These methods include, but are not limited to, connections to components such as the grille frame, front bumper, cooling module, portal frame, vehicle chassis, or engine hood. Using snap-fit ​​connectors, screws, retaining ribs, or other fasteners, the air deflector can be securely mounted to these components, maintaining its position and function under various driving conditions. This diverse range of connection and fixing methods not only enhances the structural stability of the air deflector but also provides greater flexibility in vehicle design, allowing the selection of the most suitable connection scheme based on specific needs.

[0041] In one embodiment, the air guide plate 3 is provided with a snap-fit ​​member 31, and the grille frame 1 is provided with a limiting rib. The limiting rib engages with the snap-fit ​​member 31 to install the air guide plate 3 onto the grille frame 1. The grille frame 1 has limiting ribs along its edges, and each air guide plate 3 has multiple snap-fit ​​pieces 31, up to a maximum of four. The snap-fit ​​pieces 31 are positioned to match the limiting ribs along the edges of the grille frame 1, allowing them to engage securely with the limiting ribs at the top, bottom, and side edges of the air guide plate 3. Although a tight connection is formed between the snap-fit ​​pieces 31 and the limiting ribs, they are still partially visible from certain angles. This snap-fit ​​design not only ensures precise positioning and secure fixing of the air guide plate 3 to the grille frame 1 but also facilitates quick assembly and disassembly when needed, improving production efficiency. In scenarios requiring higher strength and stability, screws or other fasteners can be used to fix the air guide plate 3 to the grille frame 1. This fixing method provides higher connection strength and is suitable for vehicles operating at high speeds or under heavy loads.

[0042] In one embodiment, a sealing element 5 is provided on the side of the air guide plate 3 away from the grille frame 1. The sealing element 5 is used to fit with the cooling module to achieve a seal.

[0043] The air guide plate 3 has a seal 5 on the side away from the grille frame 1. The main function of the seal 5 is to fit tightly against the cooling module, thus achieving a sealing effect. This design effectively prevents air leakage between the air guide plate 3 and the cooling module, ensuring efficient airflow to the cooling module and improving cooling efficiency. Simultaneously, the seal 5 also reduces the entry of dust and debris into the engine compartment, protecting the cooling system from contamination and extending its service life. The seal 5 can be made of sponge or other materials with elasticity and sealing properties, such as rubber or silicone.

[0044] In one embodiment, the back side of the blade assembly 14 beyond the cooling module (the back side is the side facing the cooling module) is provided with an air guide structure. The air inlet 12 of the air guide structure covers the area of ​​the blade assembly 14 beyond the cooling module, and the air outlet of the air guide mechanism is aligned with the cooling module, so that the airflow is guided by the air guide structure and acts directly on the cooling module.

[0045] In one embodiment, the front bumper has an opening whose shape is adapted to the shape of the air deflector 2. Multiple blades of the blade assembly 14 can be exposed through the opening in the front bumper, thereby facilitating the flow of air into the engine compartment via the blade assembly 14.

[0046] In one embodiment, the air deflector 2 is fitted and sealed to the front bumper. In traditional designs, the air deflector 2 is typically made of rigid materials. Directly attaching the air deflector 2 tightly to the front bumper leaves gaps between them. These gaps allow air to leak from the sides and enter the engine compartment, affecting airflow efficiency and cooling performance. Therefore, foam is usually applied to their edges. However, the technical solution of this application directly attaches and seals the air deflector 2, made of soft material, to the front bumper, eliminating the need for foam or other sealing components 5. This effectively prevents dust and debris from entering the engine compartment, improving the vehicle's sealing performance and overall cleanliness. Simultaneously, this sealing structure optimizes the airflow path, reduces air leakage, and ensures that air efficiently enters the cooling module through the air intake 12, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0047] In one embodiment, the interference between the air deflector 2 and the front bumper is 1mm-2mm.

[0048] Interference refers to the slight size difference between two components during assembly, where one component is slightly larger than the other, resulting in an interference fit. This design typically ensures good contact and a stable connection between the two components, while also providing a certain level of sealing performance. In this embodiment, interference refers to the degree of interference fit between the air deflector and the front bumper during assembly. For example, certain parts of the air deflector are designed to be slightly larger than the corresponding fitting parts of the front bumper, creating a compression or squeezing effect during assembly, thereby ensuring good sealing performance and stability between the two.

[0049] The air deflector 2 and the inner surface of the front bumper are designed with an interference of 1mm to 2mm. This precise interference design ensures a tight and stable contact between the two. This minute interference not only effectively prevents air leakage and improves airflow efficiency, but also reduces vibration and noise during vehicle operation, enhancing the vehicle's overall sealing and aerodynamic performance. In one specific embodiment, the interference between the air deflector 2 and the inner surface of the front bumper is 1.5mm.

[0050] When the grille frame 1 adopts a two-color injection molding design, the length of the soft rubber around the air intake 12 is 57mm, and the soft rubber is sealed with the inner surface of the bumper with an interference of 1.5mm, according to the CAE simulation calculation of Xingbao, this soft rubber area can buffer and absorb energy when a pedestrian collides, reduce the damage to the pedestrian's lower leg, and reduce the pedestrian's lower leg injury value by 5.6 Nm.

[0051] In one embodiment, the height of the protruding portion of the mounting boss 13 is 90mm-110mm. Specifically, the height of the protrusion is designed to be between 90mm and 110mm. This height range ensures sufficient support and stability while providing necessary buffer space for pedestrian protection. Each side of the grille frame 1 has a mounting boss 13, which are positioned opposite each other. This symmetrical layout not only enhances the overall structural balance but also optimizes force distribution, allowing for even stress dispersion during vehicle movement and collisions. In one specific embodiment, the height of the protrusion of the mounting boss 13 is 100mm.

[0052] When the mounting points on both sides of the grid frame 1 are equipped with large bosses with a height of 100mm, according to the CAE simulation calculation of Xingbao, this area can provide support for the upper part of the lower leg, prevent the upper part of the lower leg from bending, and reduce the injury value of the lower leg of pedestrians by 10 Nm.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mounting boss 13 is also provided with a mesh of reinforcing ribs. The crisscrossing reinforcing ribs further enhance the structural strength of the mounting boss 13, ensuring that it can remain stable when subjected to large impact forces, extending the service life of the mounting boss 13, thereby meeting the usage requirements, and also providing additional safety protection for pedestrians.

[0054] In one embodiment, a portal frame is provided between the mounting boss 13 and the front bumper, the mounting boss 13 is fixed on the portal frame, and there is a gap between the mounting boss 13 and the front bumper.

[0055] The mounting boss 13 is connected to the front bumper via a portal bracket, forming a stable support system. The mounting boss 13 is fixed to the portal bracket, which is mounted on the crash beam, ensuring the stability of the grille frame 1. A certain gap is also provided between the mounting boss 13 and the front bumper. This design effectively supports the upper part of the pedestrian's lower leg when it collides with the front bumper, preventing excessive bending of the lower leg during the impact and thus reducing injury.

[0056] This application also provides a vehicle including an active air intake grille as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0057] Active grille shutters are widely applicable and can be installed on a variety of vehicle types, including but not limited to sedans, SUVs, and trucks. These vehicles differ in design and function, but all benefit from the advantages of active grille shutters, such as optimized airflow, improved cooling efficiency, and enhanced pedestrian protection. In addition to the aforementioned common models, active grille shutters are also suitable for other vehicles requiring active grille shutters, such as sports cars, commercial vehicles, and special-purpose vehicles. Regardless of the vehicle's size, shape, or purpose, active grille shutters can be customized and optimized to ensure optimal performance in various application scenarios. Active grille shutters are typically installed at the front of the vehicle, a position that allows them to effectively guide air into the engine compartment while providing the necessary airflow to the cooling system during vehicle operation. Furthermore, front-end installation also helps reduce pedestrian injury in the event of a collision, providing an innovative and practical solution for modern automotive design.

[0058] In one embodiment, the vehicle further includes a grille control device electrically connected to the motor 6, used to intelligently control the opening and closing state of the blades based on the vehicle's operating status (such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, ambient temperature, etc.). The grille control device can be a PLC control system or other type of controller, communicating with the motor 6 via a LIN bus.

[0059] When the vehicle is off, reaches a set speed, or the engine temperature is below a threshold, the grille control unit drives motor 6 to close the blades. This not only prevents debris from entering the engine compartment but also maintains the engine compartment temperature in cold weather, improving thermal efficiency. Conversely, when the vehicle's engine temperature exceeds the threshold, the grille control unit drives motor 6 to open the blades, increasing airflow and achieving cooling. The grille control unit can also precisely adjust the blade angle based on real-time temperature data. For example, when a temperature sensor near the active grille detects that the ambient temperature is not too high, but the engine temperature is high, the grille control unit can control motor 6 to open the blades to an angle appropriate to the vehicle speed, providing suitable airflow for the entire vehicle and achieving cooling. This intelligent control not only improves cooling efficiency but also ensures that the vehicle receives appropriate airflow under different operating conditions, achieving efficient thermal management.

[0060] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0061] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An active grille shutter, characterized by, include: A grille frame, the grille frame including an air intake and a mounting boss, the mounting boss being used to support a front bumper; The air intake is equipped with a blade assembly, which is located between the cooling module and the front bumper, with the two ends of the blade assembly located on both sides of the cooling module. An air guide cover surrounds the air intake and extends towards the front bumper. The air guide cover is made of a soft material and is located below the mounting boss.

2. The active grille shutter of claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the blade assembly extending beyond the cooling module is covered by an air guide plate.

3. The active grille shutter of claim 2, wherein, The air guide plate is provided with a snap-fit ​​component, and the grille frame is provided with a limiting rib. The limiting rib engages with the snap-fit ​​component to install the air guide plate onto the grille frame.

4. The active grille shutter of claim 2, wherein, The air guide plate is provided with a sealing element on the side away from the grille frame, and the sealing element is used to fit with the cooling module to achieve a seal.

5. The active grille shutter of claim 1, wherein, The distance between the end of the blade assembly and the edge of the cooling module is 40mm-70mm, and the height of the protruding part of the mounting boss is 90mm-110mm.

6. The active grille shutter of claim 1, wherein, The grid frame is integrally injection molded.

7. The active grille shutter of claim 1, wherein, The air guide cover is a soft rubber material arranged around the air inlet, and the length of the soft rubber material is 50mm-70mm.

8. The active grille shutter of claim 1, wherein, The air deflector is fitted and sealed to the front bumper, and the interference between the air deflector and the front bumper is 1mm-2mm.

9. The active grille shutter of claim 1, wherein, The mounting boss has two parts, which are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the grid frame. The mounting boss is provided with mesh reinforcing ribs.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes an active air intake grille as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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