A locking mechanism for an active air intake grille

Abstract

This utility model relates to a locking mechanism for an active air intake grille. The locking mechanism includes a base block, a first positioning member, and a second positioning member. The base block is provided with the first and second positioning members, and the arrangement angle between the first and second positioning members is 45° to 135°. At least one of the first and second positioning members is equipped with a spring member. The locking mechanism cooperates with the blades of the active air intake grille, or the rotating shaft of the blades. When the blades are in the closed state, the blades are subjected to external force, and the blades or rotating shafts contact the locking mechanism, pressing down on the locking mechanism. The spring member is compressed and generates a reaction force, preventing the blades from rotating. Compared with the prior art, this utility model ensures that the blades are not pushed open by a certain external force when the power is off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of active air intake grille technology and relates to a locking mechanism for an active air intake grille. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, blade 1, as a component of the active air intake grille (AGS), is controlled to open and close by motor 70. When motor 70 is energized, it generates a counterclockwise torque, keeping blade 1 closed even under external force F, ensuring that blade 1 will not be pushed open. When the car is turned off, motor 70 controlling the active air intake grille is de-energized. Since motor 70 cannot output torque, when an external force F is applied to blade 1, blade 1 can easily be pushed open, affecting the overall appearance of the vehicle and providing a poor user experience for the owner.

[0003] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in traditional active grille shutter solutions, a motor 70 is typically installed on one side of the rotating shaft 2, while a pressure plate 50 is used on the other side to hold the rotating shaft 2 in place. However, the traditional solution cannot solve the problem of the blades being easily pushed open. The pressure plate 50 can only fix the rotating shaft 2 and prevent the rotating shaft 2 from moving horizontally or vertically, but it still cannot prevent the blades from being easily pushed open by external forces due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 2.

[0004] A common solution to prevent blades from being easily pushed away is to add a linkage mechanism, but the linkage arrangement requires a lot of space, has poor applicability, and is also costly. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome at least one of the defects in the prior art and provide an active air intake grille locking mechanism. This invention ensures that the blades are not pushed open by a certain external force when the power is off.

[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] One of the technical solutions of this utility model is to provide a locking mechanism for an active air intake grille. The locking mechanism includes a base block, a first positioning member, and a second positioning member. The base block is provided with the first positioning member and the second positioning member. The arrangement angle between the first positioning member and the second positioning member is 45° to 135°. At least one of the first positioning member and the second positioning member is equipped with a spring member. The locking mechanism cooperates with the blades of the active air intake grille or the rotating shaft of the blades. When the blades are in the closed state, the blades are subjected to external force, and the blades or rotating shafts contact the locking mechanism, pressing down the locking mechanism. The spring member is pressed and generates a reaction force, preventing the blades from rotating.

[0008] When the blade is in the process of closing or opening, the motor drives the shaft to rotate, thereby causing the blade to rotate. The blade or shaft contacts the locking mechanism, and the downward locking mechanism can generate space to avoid the rotation of the blade or shaft. The driving force of the motor is sufficient to overcome the reaction force of the elastic component under pressure.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the first positioning element and the second positioning element are arranged orthogonally.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the positioning element is a positioning shaft or a positioning rib, and the elastic element is a spring or a rubber block. More preferably, the spring elastic element is sleeved on the positioning shaft positioning element and squeezed by the base block, or the rubber block elastic element is limited between the positioning rib positioning elements and squeezed by the base block.

[0011] Furthermore, the locking mechanism cooperates with the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is provided with a stop point.

[0012] Furthermore, when the blade is in the closed state, the blade is subjected to external force, and the planar side of the stop point contacts the planar side of the base block, and a first elastic element is installed on the first positioning member.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, one side of the mounting surface of the first elastic member is located on the base block, and the other side is located on the first pressure plate.

[0014] Furthermore, a chamfer is provided on the side of the base block away from the first positioning member. When the blade is in the closed state, the blade is subjected to external force, and the plane side of the blocking point contacts the chamfer side of the base block. A limiting rib is provided between the base block and the first pressure plate below the base block in the Z direction. The limiting rib restricts the Z-direction movement space of the base block. No first elastic member is installed on the first positioning member.

[0015] Furthermore, a locking structure protrusion extends from one end of the base block opposite to the second positioning member, and the extending direction of the locking structure protrusion is the same as the extending direction of the first positioning member from the base block.

[0016] Furthermore, the stop point is provided with a chamfer, and the locking structure protrusion is provided with a chamfer on the side near the first positioning member. When the blade is in the closing process, the chamfered side of the stop point contacts the chamfered side of the locking structure protrusion, and a second elastic member is installed on the second positioning member.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution, one side of the mounting surface of the second elastic member is located on the base block, and the other side is located on the second pressure plate.

[0018] Furthermore, the locking mechanism cooperates with the blade, and a locking structure protrusion extends from one end of the base block opposite to the second positioning member. The extending direction of the locking structure protrusion is opposite to the extending direction of the second positioning member from the base block.

[0019] Furthermore, when the blade is in the closed state, the blade is subjected to external force, one side of the blade contacts the bumper, and the other side contacts the planar side of the locking structure protrusion. The first positioning member is equipped with a first elastic member.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution, one side of the mounting surface of the first elastic member is located on the base block, and the other side is located on the first pressure plate.

[0021] Furthermore, a chamfer is provided on the side of the locking structure protrusion away from the first positioning member. When the blade is in the closed state, the blade is subjected to external force, and one side of the blade contacts the bumper, while the other side contacts the chamfer side of the locking structure protrusion. A limiting rib is provided between the base block and the first pressure plate to the right of the base block in the X direction. The limiting rib restricts the movement space of the base block in the X direction. No first elastic member is installed on the first positioning member.

[0022] Furthermore, the locking structure protrusion has a chamfer on the side near the first positioning member. When the blade is in the closing process, the blade contacts the chamfer side of the locking structure protrusion, and the blade presses the flat side of the locking structure protrusion onto the second pressure plate. The second pressure plate restricts the X-direction movement space of the base block, and a second elastic member is installed on the second positioning member.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution, one side of the mounting surface of the second elastic member is located on the base block, and the other side is located on the second pressure plate.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] (1) This utility model adds a locking mechanism in the middle of the pressure plate of the active air intake grille, which works with the elastic element to counteract the external force to achieve the locking effect, so that the blades can remain closed even when subjected to a certain external force after the motor is powered off.

[0026] (2) In this utility model, when the blade is in the closed state, the displacement of the blade or rotating shaft against the locking mechanism is resisted by the elastic element, preventing the blade from being easily pushed open. When two elastic elements are used, the setting direction of one of the elastic elements that plays a resisting role is close to the rotation tangent direction of the blade or rotating shaft when it contacts the locking mechanism. When one elastic element is used, the setting direction of the elastic element is close to orthogonal to the rotation tangent direction of the blade or rotating shaft when it contacts the locking mechanism. At this time, a chamfer is added to the locking mechanism to change the movement direction of the locking mechanism, so as to drive the nearly orthogonal elastic element to play a resisting role.

[0027] (3) In this utility model, when the blade is in the closing process, since the elastic element that is close to orthogonal is always set, the protrusion of the locking mechanism makes it easier for the blade or rotating shaft to make the locking mechanism contact with it earlier to move. The chamfer on the protrusion of the locking mechanism converts the motor driving force into two component forces. When the blade or rotating shaft contacts the locking mechanism, the component force that is close to orthogonal presses the elastic element that is close to orthogonal. The locking mechanism gives up the rotation space of the blade or rotating shaft. The component force that is close to the rotation tangent direction may also cause the locking mechanism to move. At this time, a limiting structure can be added to prevent the locking mechanism from moving further.

[0028] (4) This utility model has low spatial arrangement requirements, wide applicability and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A cross-sectional force diagram of the blades of an active air intake grille when the motor is energized in the prior art;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional force diagram of the blades of an active air intake grille after the motor is de-energized in the prior art.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the active air intake grille where the rotating shaft and the pressure plate cooperate.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the AA cross-sectional structure of the active air intake grille in the prior art, showing the interaction between the rotating shaft and the pressure plate.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the active air intake grille blades in the closed state when the blades are engaged with the rotating shaft in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the active air intake grille blades in Embodiment 1 of this utility model, showing the interaction between the rotating shaft and the locking structure when the blades are in the closed state.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the active air intake grille blades in the closing process, showing the interaction between the blades and the rotating shaft.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the active air intake grille blades in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the cooperation between the rotating shaft and the locking structure during the closing process of the rotating shaft and the locking structure.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the active air intake grille blades in the closed state when they are engaged with the locking structure.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the active air intake grille blades in the closing process, showing the engagement of the blades with the locking structure in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the active air intake grille blades in Embodiment 3 of this utility model, showing the interaction between the rotating shaft and the locking structure when the blades are in the closed state.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking structure and the limiting rib when the blades of the active air intake grille are in the closed state in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0041] Explanation of markings in the diagram:

[0042] 1—blade, 2—rotating shaft, 21—stop point, 31—base block, 32—first positioning component, 33—second positioning component, 34—locking structure protrusion, 41—first elastic component, 42—second elastic component, 51—first pressure plate, 52—second pressure plate, 53—limiting rib, 6—bumper;

[0043] 50—Pressure plate, 70—Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments are based on the technical solution of the present invention and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used to describe a common object only indicate different instances of the same object, and are not intended to imply that the objects described in this way must be in a given order, whether temporally, spatially, sequentially, or in any other way.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] Example 1:

[0048] An active grille locking mechanism, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it includes a base block 31, a first positioning member 32 and a second positioning member 33. The base block 31 is provided with the first positioning member 32 and the second positioning member 33. The arrangement angle between the first positioning member 32 and the second positioning member 33 is 45° to 135°. Preferably, the first positioning member 32 and the second positioning member 33 are arranged orthogonally. At least one of the first positioning members 32 and the second positioning member 33 is equipped with a spring member. The locking mechanism cooperates with the blade 1 of the active air intake grille or the rotating shaft 2 of the blade 1. When the blade 1 is in the closed state, the blade 1 is subjected to external force. The blade 1 or the rotating shaft 2 contacts the locking mechanism and presses down the locking mechanism. The spring member is pressed and generates a reaction force, which prevents the blade 1 from rotating.

[0049] When blade 1 is in the process of closing or opening, the motor drives the rotating shaft 2 to rotate, thereby causing blade 1 to rotate. Blade 1 or rotating shaft 2 comes into contact with the locking mechanism, and the downward locking mechanism can generate space to avoid the rotation of blade 1 or rotating shaft 2. The driving force of the motor is sufficient to overcome the reaction force of the elastic element under pressure.

[0050] The positioning component is a positioning shaft or positioning rib, and the elastic component is a spring or rubber block. A spring elastic component that is sleeved on the positioning shaft positioning component and squeezed by the base block 31 can be selected, or a rubber block elastic component that is limited between the positioning rib positioning components and squeezed by the base block 31 can be selected.

[0051] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism is provided with two springs respectively sleeved on the positioning shaft;

[0052] The locking mechanism is a combination of a "T" shaped component and a counter-clockwise rotating "T" component on one side;

[0053] The locking mechanism is engaged with the rotating shaft 2, and the rotating shaft 2 is provided with a stop point 21;

[0054] When blade 1 is in the closed state, blade 1 is subjected to external force, and the planar side of the stop point 21 contacts the planar side of the base block 31. The first positioning member 32 is equipped with the first elastic member 41.

[0055] One side of the mounting surface of the first elastic member 41 is located on the horizontal bar of the "T" shape of the base block 31, and the other side is located on the first pressing plate 51;

[0056] When the blade 1 is subjected to an external force F1, the force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 2 and becomes F1'. The first elastic member 41 generates a force F2 in the Z direction to resist F1' to ensure that the blade 1 is not pushed open. The parameter selection of the first elastic member 41 needs to be designed according to the requirements of the customer for the possible external force F1. The first elastic member 41 provides resistance and the function of the locking structure returning to its initial position after the rotating shaft 2 passes over the locking structure;

[0057] Such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a locking structure protrusion 34 extends from one end of the base block 31 opposite to the second positioning member 33. The extending direction of the locking structure protrusion 34 is the same as the extending direction of the first positioning member 32 from the base block 31;

[0058] A chamfer is provided on the stop point 21, and a chamfer is provided on the side of the locking structure protrusion 34 close to the first positioning member 32. When the blade 1 is in the closing process, the chamfer side of the stop point 21 contacts the chamfer side of the locking structure protrusion 34, and a second elastic member 42 is installed on the second positioning member 33;

[0059] One side of the mounting surface of the second elastic member 42 is located on the horizontal bar of the counterclockwise "T" shape of the base block 31, and the other side is located on the second pressing plate 52;

[0060] When the blade 1 is closing, without external force, when the rotating shaft 2 encounters the locking mechanism, a force F3 is generated. At the same time, an inclined chamfer is added to the locking structure to make the received F3 generate X-direction and Z-direction component forces. The X-direction component force causes the locking mechanism to retreat under the action of F3'. For the convenience of the rotation of the blade 1 during closing, the smaller F3' and the reaction force of the second elastic member 42 are, the better. Therefore, the stiffness of the second elastic member 42 should be small, as long as it can make the locking structure return to its original position after the rotating shaft 2 passes over the locking structure. The existence of the locking structure protrusion 34 enables the stop point 21 to contact the locking mechanism earlier.

[0061] Embodiment 2:

[0062] A locking mechanism of an active intake grille, as Figure 9 shown, is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that it can be used not only on the rotating shaft 2 but also in the blade 1 area. The specific differences are as follows:

[0063] The locking mechanism is in the shape of a combination of a character "Jia" and a counterclockwise "Jia" on one side, with the "Tian" characters of the two "Jia" characters overlapping;

[0064] The locking mechanism cooperates with the blade 1. At one end of the base block 31 opposite to the second positioning member 33, a locking structure protrusion 34 extends. The extending direction of the locking structure protrusion 34 is opposite to the extending direction of the second positioning member 33 from the base block 31.

[0065] When the blade 1 is in the closed state, the blade 1 is subjected to an external force. One side of the blade 1 contacts the bumper 6, and the other side contacts the flat side of the locking structure protrusion 34. A first elastic member 41 is installed on the first positioning member 32.

[0066] One side of the installation surface of the first elastic member 41 is located on the bottom side of the "field" character of the "armor" character of the base block 31, and the other side is located on the first pressing plate 51.

[0067] When the blade 1 is subjected to an external force F1, the first elastic member 41 generates a force F2 in the X direction to resist F1' so as to ensure that the blade 1 is not pushed open. The first elastic member 41 also provides a resistance force, and the locking structure returns to its initial position after the blade 1 passes over the locking structure.

[0068] As Figure 10 shown, a chamfer is provided on the side of the locking structure protrusion 34 close to the first positioning member 32. When the blade 1 is in the closing process, the blade 1 contacts the chamfer side of the locking structure protrusion 34, and the blade 1 presses the flat side of the locking structure protrusion 34 against the second pressing plate 52. The second pressing plate 52 restricts the X-direction movement space of the base block 31. A second elastic member 42 is installed on the second positioning member 33.

[0069] One side of the installation surface of the second elastic member 42 is located on the bottom side of the "field" character of the "armor" character that rotates counterclockwise of the base block 31, and the other side is located on the second pressing plate 52.

[0070] When the blade 1 is closing and there is no external force, when the blade 1 encounters the locking mechanism, a force F3 is generated. At the same time, an inclined chamfer is added to the locking structure, so that the received F3 generates X-direction and Z-direction component forces. The Z-direction component force causes the locking mechanism to retreat under the action of a certain force, and the X-direction component force causes the locking mechanism to move in the X direction. However, due to the presence of the second pressing plate 52, it cannot move, so F3 can only cause the locking mechanism to move in the Z direction. The second elastic member 42 can generate a force F4 in the Z direction to make the locking structure return to its position after the blade 1 passes over the locking structure. The existence of the locking structure protrusion 34 enables the stop point 21 to contact the locking mechanism earlier.

[0071] Embodiment 3:

[0072] A locking mechanism of an active intake grille, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, is basically the same as Embodiment 1. The difference is that if the customer has a lower requirement for the external force, a more concise solution is to only use a spring sleeved on the positioning shaft. The specific differences are as follows:

[0073] A chamfer is provided on the side of the base block 31 away from the first positioning member 32. When the blade 1 is in the closed state, the blade 1 is subjected to external force, and the plane side of the stop point 21 contacts the chamfer side of the base block 31. A limiting rib 53 is provided between the base block 31 and the first pressure plate 51 below the base block 31 in the Z direction. The limiting rib 53 restricts the Z direction movement space of the base block 31. The first elastic member 41 is not installed on the first positioning member 32.

[0074] When blade 1 is subjected to an external force, the force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 2 and becomes F1. The second elastic element 42 generates an X-direction force to resist F1, thereby ensuring that blade 1 is not pushed away. At the same time, a chamfer is added to the locking structure, so that the force F1 generates F1X and F1Z components. F1X causes the locking mechanism to move backward under the action of a certain force, which is the minimum force required by the customer. The parameters of the second elastic element 42 are designed based on this force. F1Z causes the locking mechanism to move in the Z direction, but since the limit rib 53 cannot move, F1 can only cause the locking mechanism to move in the X direction. The second elastic element 42 provides resistance and also serves to restore the locking structure to its initial position after the rotating shaft 2 passes over it.

[0075] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be easily made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present utility model without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for an active grille shutter, comprising: The locking mechanism includes a base block (31), a first positioning element (32), and a second positioning element (33). The base block (31) is provided with the first positioning element (32) and the second positioning element (33). The arrangement angle between the first positioning element (32) and the second positioning element (33) is 45 to 135°. At least one of the first positioning elements (32) and the second positioning element (33) is equipped with a spring element. The locking mechanism cooperates with the blade (1) of the active air intake grille or the rotating shaft (2) of the blade (1). When the blade (1) is in the closed state, the blade (1) is subjected to external force. The blade (1) or the rotating shaft (2) contacts the locking mechanism and presses down the locking mechanism. The spring element is pressed and generates a reaction force, which prevents the blade (1) from rotating.

2. The locking mechanism of an active grille shutter according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism cooperates with the rotating shaft (2), and the rotating shaft (2) is provided with a stop point (21).

3. The locking mechanism of an active grille shutter according to claim 2, wherein, When the blade (1) is in the closed state, the blade (1) is subjected to external force, and the planar side of the stop point (21) contacts the planar side of the base block (31). The first positioning member (32) is equipped with a first elastic member (41).

4. The locking mechanism of an active grille shutter according to claim 2, wherein, The base block (31) has a chamfer on the side away from the first positioning member (32). When the blade (1) is in the closed state, the blade (1) is subjected to external force, and the plane side of the stop point (21) contacts the chamfer side of the base block (31). A limiting rib (53) is provided between the base block (31) and the first pressure plate (51). The limiting rib (53) restricts the Z-direction movement space of the base block (31).

5. A locking mechanism for an active grille shutter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, A locking structure protrusion (34) extends from one end of the base block (31) opposite to the second positioning member (33), and the extension direction of the locking structure protrusion (34) is the same as the extension direction of the first positioning member (32) from the base block (31).

6. The locking mechanism of an active grille shutter according to claim 5, wherein, The stop point (21) is provided with a chamfer, and the locking structure protrusion (34) is provided with a chamfer on the side near the first positioning member (32). When the blade (1) is in the closing process, the chamfer side of the stop point (21) contacts the chamfer side of the locking structure protrusion (34), and the second positioning member (33) is equipped with a second elastic member (42).

7. The locking mechanism of an active grille shutter according to claim 1, wherein The locking mechanism cooperates with the blade (1), and a locking structure protrusion (34) extends from one end of the base block (31) opposite to the second positioning member (33). The extension direction of the locking structure protrusion (34) is opposite to the extension direction of the second positioning member (33) from the base block (31).

8. The locking mechanism for an active air intake grille according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the blade (1) is in the closed state, the blade (1) is subjected to external force and the blade (1) contacts the planar side of the locking structure protrusion (34). The first positioning member (32) is equipped with a first elastic member (41).

9. The locking mechanism of an active grille shutter according to claim 7, wherein, The locking structure protrusion (34) has a chamfer on the side away from the first positioning member (32). When the blade (1) is in the closed state, the blade (1) is subjected to external force and the blade (1) contacts the chamfer side of the locking structure protrusion (34). A limiting rib (53) is provided between the base block (31) and the first pressure plate (51). The limiting rib (53) restricts the X-direction movement space of the base block (31).

10. A locking mechanism for an active grille shutter according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The locking structure protrusion (34) has a chamfer on the side near the first positioning member (32). When the blade (1) is in the closing process, the blade (1) contacts the chamfer side of the locking structure protrusion (34), and the blade (1) presses the flat side of the locking structure protrusion (34) onto the second pressure plate (52). The second pressure plate (52) restricts the X-direction movement space of the base block (31). The second positioning member (33) is equipped with a second elastic member (42).

Images