Vehicle component with at least one engine compartment cover

Abstract

Vehicle component (1) with at least one engine compartment cover (2) designed as an upper engine compartment cover (2) for at least partially covering an engine compartment (11) of a rear engine (21) of a motor vehicle, wherein the engine compartment cover (2) has at least one recess (12) through which cooling air can flow for a fan device (3), characterized by that the engine compartment cover (2) comprises at least one rib element (4) which runs at least partially around the recess (12) and extends transversely to a main surface of the engine compartment cover (2) in the direction of the engine compartment (11) to be covered and that the rib element (4) is arranged set back from the recess (12), so that the engine compartment cover (2) has a projection (5) extending between the rib element (4) and the recess (12) and that the rib element (4) and the projection (5) provide at least one labyrinth seal (22) between the fan device (3) and the engine compartment cover (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle component comprising at least one engine compartment cover configured as an upper engine compartment cover for at least partially covering the engine compartment of a rear-mounted engine of a motor vehicle. The engine compartment cover has at least one recess through which cooling air can flow for a fan device.

[0002] In motor vehicles, the engine compartment cover often also serves to insulate against noise. However, some engine compartment covers, especially the upper engine compartment covers on rear-mounted engines, are often equipped with correspondingly large holes to allow cooling air to pass through. This can, however, adversely affect sound insulation.

[0003] US 9 994 100 B1 shows a front grille with an opening and adjustable louvers for regulating the airflow to the radiator. The louvers are pivotally mounted on a frame. The frame surrounds the opening and extends transversely to the main surface of the front grille toward the engine.

[0004] JP 2007 106 329 A shows a front end module of a vehicle and deals with the possibility of a front hood being opened by unauthorized actuation of a locking mechanism from outside the vehicle. For this purpose, a module frame extending forward and rearward is equipped with a locking mechanism for the front hood. A locking cable is coupled to the locking mechanism to allow the locking mechanism to be unlocked from the interior. To prevent unauthorized actuation, a deflector plate is attached to the module frame, extending in the direction of the vehicle's width to close a gap between the front hood and the module frame.

[0005] JP H08 150 958 A also addresses the possibility of a hood being opened from outside the vehicle by unauthorized actuation of a locking mechanism. To this end, a hood locking cable is arranged on the vehicle's front structure so that it rests against the rear surface of an element located at the rear of a front grille.

[0006] DE 11 2012 002 214 T5 discloses a vehicle front body structure with a hood for covering a top of an engine compartment in a front portion of a vehicle. A projection portion is provided that projects toward a location that can prevent at least part of a wire for operating a hood lock from being visually seen from a front side of the vehicle body.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved engine compartment cover. In particular, the soundproofing properties are to be improved.

[0008] This object is achieved by a vehicle component having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0009] The vehicle component according to the invention comprises at least one engine compartment cover designed as an upper engine compartment cover for at least partially covering an engine compartment of a rear-mounted engine of a motor vehicle. The engine compartment cover has at least one recess through which cooling air can flow for at least one fan device. The engine compartment cover comprises at least one rib element that runs at least partially around the recess and extends transversely to a main surface of the engine compartment cover and in the direction of the engine compartment to be covered. The rib element is designed in particular as a rib or comprises at least one such rib. The rib element is arranged set back from the recess, so that the engine compartment cover has a projection extending between the rib element and the recess.The rib member and the projection provide at least one labyrinth seal between the fan assembly and the engine compartment cover.

[0010] The vehicle component according to the invention offers many advantages. The rib element designed according to the invention offers a significant advantage. This significantly reduces the emission of noise from the engine compartment. Furthermore, such a rib element can significantly improve protection against unauthorized access to the engine compartment and the components located therein. This makes the theft of engine control units, for example, significantly more difficult. For example, the rib element prevents or at least significantly impedes threading a wire or other theft tools through the recess.

[0011] According to the invention, the rib element is arranged set back from the recess, so that the engine compartment cover has a projection extending between the rib element and the recess. In particular, the engine compartment cover has at least one projection extending between the rib element and the recess. In particular, the rib element and the projection are arranged at an angle to one another. This further improves sound insulation. In addition, such a configuration offers improved protection against unauthorized access. It is also possible for the rib element to be arranged directly at the recess, so that no projection is formed. The projection can be straight or bent or curved.

[0012] According to the invention, the rib element and the projection provide at least one labyrinth seal. The labyrinth seal is formed between the fan device and the engine compartment cover. Such a labyrinth seal provides particularly effective shielding of the engine compartment. In particular, the engine compartment cover is suitable and designed to surround the fan device, at least in sections, in a labyrinth-like manner by means of the rib element and the projection. In particular, the rib element is arranged laterally in a normal operating installation position and / or the projection is arranged above the fan device.

[0013] Preferably, the labyrinth seal is suitable and designed to positively block a straight (imaginary) connecting line coming from outside the engine compartment and running through the recess. Such a connecting line could otherwise be used, for example, to thread an anti-theft tool. The positively blocking of such a connecting line thus enables reliable theft protection.

[0014] It is preferred that the rib element and the projection are arranged at an angle to one another. Preferably, the rib element and the projection are arranged at an angle to one another such that, in a normal operating installation position of the vehicle component, one of two adjacent and transverse side sections of the fan device can be covered at least in sections by the rib element and the projection. This provides particularly advantageous shielding of the engine compartment. In particular, the rib element and the projection are arranged so as to overlap the respective side section of the fan device.

[0015] In particular, in a normal operating position of the vehicle component, the rib element and / or the projection are arranged at a distance from the fan device. The previously described configurations reliably prevent the penetration of sound or anti-theft tools by providing such a distance.

[0016] In all embodiments, it is preferred that the vehicle component comprises at least one fan device. The fan device comprises, in particular, at least one fan propeller. The fan device comprises, in particular, at least one frame structure extending annularly around the fan propeller. The fan device is, in particular, designed as an axial fan or comprises at least one such fan. Other fan designs are also possible.

[0017] Preferably, the rib element is arranged so as to overlap the frame structure of the fan device. This achieves a particularly effective and reliable separation of the engine compartment from the environment outside the engine compartment cover. In particular, the rib element is arranged so as to overlap at least one side section of the frame structure. The rib element can be arranged at a distance from the frame structure.

[0018] It is also preferred that the projection be arranged so as to overlap the frame structure of the fan device. This further improves the shielding of the engine compartment from the environment. In particular, the projection is arranged so as to overlap at least one side section of the frame structure. In particular, the projection is arranged so as to overlap a side section that runs transversely to a side section that is arranged so as to overlap the rib element. It is possible for the projection to be arranged at a distance from the frame structure.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the vehicle component comprises at least one locking device for an engine compartment lid and in particular for a tailgate. Preferably, the vehicle component comprises at least one unlocking device for unlocking the locking device. For example, the unlocking device is suitable and designed to enable emergency unlocking of the locking device in order to be able to open the engine compartment lid. In particular, the unlocking device comprises at least one cable pull, in particular for mechanically unlocking or actuating the locking device. In particular, the unlocking device is covered by the engine compartment cover in a normal operating installation position. In particular, the unlocking device is arranged at least partially below the engine compartment cover in a normal operating installation position.In particular, the cable runs at least partially below the engine compartment cover.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the rib element extends between the release device and the fan device. Such an arrangement of the rib element provides particularly reliable protection of the release device and, for example, a cable pull against unauthorized access.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that the rib element positively blocks a straight (imaginary) connecting line coming from outside the engine compartment and running through the recess to the unlocking device. This has the advantage of preventing access to the unlocking device and, for example, the cable pull by means of a wire or the like. Preferably, the rib element, in conjunction with the projection and / or the frame structure, blocks such a connecting line.

[0022] According to the invention, the engine compartment cover is suitable and designed to cover the engine compartment of a rear-mounted engine, at least in sections. According to the invention, the engine compartment cover is suitable and designed to cover the rear engine as an upper engine compartment cover. In such a configuration, the invention offers particularly numerous advantages. In particular, the vehicle component comprises at least one fan device for at least one rear engine. It is possible for the vehicle component to comprise at least one tailgate or trunk lid.

[0023] It is possible and preferred for the engine compartment cover to comprise at least two recesses, each with at least one rib element. In particular, at least one fan device is assigned to each recess. The rib elements are preferably designed as described above. Such a configuration can be used particularly advantageously for covering a rear-mounted engine.

[0024] The applicant reserves the right to claim a motor vehicle with a vehicle component according to the invention as described above.

[0025] In particular, at least one fan device with at least one fan propeller is assigned to the recess. In particular, at least one recess is provided in the engine compartment cover for each fan device. In particular, the recess is adapted to the diameter of the fan propeller. In particular, cooling air can be conveyed through the recess by means of the fan device.

[0026] The rib element can be arranged at an angle to the main surface of the engine compartment cover, e.g., at right angles or at another angle. The rib element can be curved. The rib element is designed, for example, as a collar that extends at least partially around the recess. The rib element is, in particular, wall-like.

[0027] The recess is typically round. It can be oval or circular. It can also be angular, square, or polygonal. In particular, the recess is completely enclosed by the engine compartment cover.

[0028] In particular, the engine compartment cover serves to cover an internal combustion engine. Particularly preferably, the engine compartment cover is designed as an upper engine compartment cover.

[0029] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0030] The figures show: Fig. 1 a highly schematic representation of a vehicle component according to the invention in a plan view; and Fig. 2 the vehicle component in a sectioned side view.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle component 1 according to the invention with an engine compartment cover 2, which here has two recesses 12 through which cooling air can flow. A fan device 3, each with a fan propeller 33, is assigned to each recess 12. The fan propellers 33 are covered by grilles 32.

[0032] In the Fig. 2 is the vehicle component 1 of the Fig. 1 in a sectional side view. The section line runs in the area of one of the recesses 12. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the two figures.

[0033] The engine compartment cover 2 is designed here as an upper cover of an engine compartment 11 of a motor vehicle with a rear engine 21 (not shown in detail). To close the engine compartment 11, an engine compartment flap 16 designed as a tailgate is provided. A locking device 6 is provided for the engine compartment flap 16, which can be unlocked via an unlocking device 7 in an emergency or when needed. For this purpose, the unlocking device 7 comprises a cable pull 17, which runs partially beneath the engine compartment cover 2. Fig. 1, the cable 17 is not visible below the engine compartment cover 2 and is therefore shown in dashed lines.

[0034] To prevent the unlocking device 7 from being operated without authorization, for example to steal an engine control unit, a rib element 4 is provided for each recess 12. In the Fig. 1, the rib element 4 is not visibly arranged below the engine compartment cover 2 and is therefore shown in dashed lines.

[0035] As in the Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the rib element 4 is designed here as a rib that extends at least partially around the recess 12. The rib element 4 protrudes transversely from a main surface of the engine compartment cover 2 and extends toward the engine compartment 11. The rib element 4 is arranged here between the cable 17 of the release device 7 and a frame structure 43 of the fan device 3. The frame structure 43 surrounds the fan propeller 33 in a ring-shaped manner.

[0036] This reliably prevents unauthorized access to the cable 17 from outside the engine compartment 11 or from outside the motor vehicle. This arrangement prevents, for example, a wire 8 from being pushed through the openings in the engine compartment lid 16 to thereby actuate the cable 17 of the release device 7. A straight connecting line coming from outside the engine compartment 11 and running through the recess 12 to the cable 17 is thus positively blocked or prevented by the rib element 4. Even with a flexible wire 8 or the like, the cable 17 can no longer be reached here.

[0037] The rib element 4 is arranged here set back from the recess 12. This creates a projection 5 between the rib element 4 and the recess 12. The projection 5 is bent or curved here. The projection 5 is also angled relative to the rib element 4 and extends above the frame structure 43.

[0038] The rib element 4 is arranged laterally next to the frame structure 43. Thus, the rib element 4 covers a first side section 13, and the projection 5 covers a second side section 23 arranged transversely to the first side section 13. The rib element 4 and the projection 5 thus provide a labyrinth seal 22. This achieves particularly effective sound insulation.

[0039] This is particularly advantageous because the fan devices 3 under the engine compartment lid 16 can continue to run even after the rear engine 21 has been switched off, in order to cool the engine compartment 11. The speed of the fan devices 3 can be controlled as required. However, interference can cause unpleasant noises; for example, certain modes of the fan devices 3 can be amplified. This noise can be significantly reduced by the ribbed element 4 surrounding the fan device 3 or the recess 12, and in particular by the labyrinth seal 22. List of reference symbols: 1 vehicle component 2 engine compartment cover 3 Fan setup 4 rib element 5 Overhang 6 Lock equipment 7 Unlocking device 8 wire 11 Engine compartment 12 Recess 13 page section 16 Engine compartment lid 17 cable pull 21 rear engine 22 Labyrinth seal 23 page section 32 grids 33 fan propellers 43 Frame structure

Claims

[1] Vehicle component (1) with at least one engine compartment cover (2) designed as an upper engine compartment cover (2) for at least partially covering an engine compartment (11) of a rear engine (21) of a motor vehicle, wherein the engine compartment cover (2) has at least one recess (12) through which cooling air can flow for a fan device (3), characterized by , that the engine compartment cover (2) comprises at least one rib element (4) which runs at least partially around the recess (12) and extends transversely to a main surface of the engine compartment cover (2) in the direction of the engine compartment (11) to be covered and that the rib element (4) is arranged set back from the recess (12), so that the engine compartment cover (2) has a projection (5) extending between the rib element (4) and the recess (12) and that the rib element (4) and the projection (5) provide at least one labyrinth seal (22) between the fan device (3) and the engine compartment cover (2). [2] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rib element (4) and the projection (5) are arranged at an angle to one another, so that in an operational installation position of the vehicle component (1), one of two adjacent and transverse side sections (13, 23) of the fan device (3) can be covered at least in sections by the rib element (4) and the projection (5). [3] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in an operational installation position of the vehicle component (1) the rib element (4) and / or the projection (5) are arranged at a distance from the fan device (3). [4] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fan device (3) with a frame structure (43) running in a ring around at least one fan propeller (33), wherein the rib element (4) is arranged overlapping the frame structure (43). [5] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim and according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the projection (5) is arranged overlapping the frame structure (43). [6] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one locking device (6) for an engine compartment lid (16) and at least one unlocking device (7) for unlocking the locking device (6), wherein in an operational installation position of the vehicle component (1) the unlocking device (7) is at least partially covered by the engine compartment cover (2) and wherein the rib element (4) extends between the unlocking device (7) and the fan device (3). [7] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rib element (4) positively blocks a straight connecting line coming from outside the engine compartment (11) and running through the recess (12) to the unlocking device (7). [8] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engine compartment cover (2) comprises at least two recesses (12) each with at least one rib element (4).

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