Air supply device of a motor vehicle body

Abstract

Air supply device (1) of a motor vehicle body of a motor vehicle, wherein the air supply device (1) has a locking system (2) with a locking element (3) which is connected by means of movement elements (9) to a guide device (6) of the air supply device (1) for guiding the locking element (3), wherein the locking element (3) can be brought into a closed position and into an open position for closing orOpening of a body opening of the motor vehicle body, and wherein the closing element (3) has at least two element parts (4), and wherein the guide device (6) has a positive guide for changing the shape of the closing element (3) from a curved shape in the closed position to a flat shape in the open position, wherein the closing element (3) is designed to perform a positioning movement from the closed position to the open position, which has a translational and a rotational movement, characterized in that adjacent element parts (4) are movably connected to each other, wherein a relative movement of the element parts (4) to each other transverse to a positional movement of the closing element (3) is formed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air supply device for a motor vehicle body of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Air supply devices for influencing the airflow around and / or through the vehicle body are known. For example, air supply devices are used in the front area of ​​the vehicle body, where they create a defined airflow, which, for instance, serves to supply air to a cooling unit. The air supply device has a pivotable closing element that can open or close a body opening in the vehicle body, thus making the opening in the front area adjustable. The body opening is usually curved, so the closing element for completely closing the opening is also curved.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2019 112 440 A1 discloses an air supply device with a closing element divided into several closing element components adjustable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closing element components form a closed plane in the closed position, and wherein the closing element components are translationally adjustable between the closed position and the open position.

[0004] Patent FR 3 038 550 B1 discloses an air supply device with a closing element which is moved translationally and rotationally when adjusted between a closed position and an open position.

[0005] Patent specification FR 3 048 646 B1 describes a closing element for a body opening on a front element of a motor vehicle, wherein the closing element is pivoted upwards using a cam kinematic system.

[0006] From the patent application KR 10 2021 0 122 537 A, a closing element for a body opening on the front element of a motor vehicle is known, wherein the closing element is flush with a motor vehicle body that limits the body opening in a closed position and is arranged at 90° to the closed position in an open position.

[0007] German patent application DE 10 2004 056 328 A1 and patent application DE 37 31 980 C1 each disclose a closing element for a body opening on the front element of a motor vehicle, with a guide device for changing the shape of the closing element from a curved shape in the closed position to a flat shape in the open position, wherein the closing element is designed to perform a positioning movement from the closed position to the open position, which has a translational and a rotational movement.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved air supply device for a motor vehicle body.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by means of an air supply device for a motor vehicle body with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial further developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0010] An air supply device according to the invention for a motor vehicle body comprises a locking system with a locking element, which is connected to a guide device of the air supply device for guiding the locking element by means of movement elements, wherein the locking element can be moved into a closed position and into an open position for closing or opening a body opening of the motor vehicle body. The locking element has at least two element parts. The guide device has a positive guide for changing the shape of the locking element from a curved shape in the closed position to a flat shape in the open position, wherein the locking element is designed to perform a positioning movement from the closed position into the open position, which includes a translational and a rotational movement.According to the invention, adjacent element parts are movably connected to one another, wherein a relative movement of the element parts to each other is formed transverse to a positional movement of the closing element.

[0011] In other words, the closing element, with the aid of the guide device, is designed to change shape from a curved to a flat shape and vice versa. The advantage is that the curved shape, especially a highly curved one, can adapt to the vehicle body, particularly forming a flush seal when the body opening is closed. Furthermore, the closing element, due to its flat shape achieved with the guide device, can be completely removed from the body opening, leaving the opening entirely uncovered and thus allowing for improved airflow. The closing element is divided into sections, allowing each section to be assigned its own rail for a secure change in shape, and enabling the closing element to be manufactured from an inflexible and rigid material.In order to form a closed locking element, the adjacent element parts are movably connected to each other so that they can move relative to each other, whereby a relative movement of the element parts to each other is transverse, in particular orthogonal to a positioning movement of the locking element.

[0012] With the help of the translational movement, the locking element is moved from the closed position and thus out of the body opening, and with the help of the rotational movement it is pivoted so that it can be arranged completely removed from the body opening.

[0013] The problem with a fixed curved locking element is that, due to its curvature, it cannot be completely removed from the body opening and partially protrudes into it, creating flow resistance. This can be avoided by designing the locking element to be flexible in shape and "forced" to change shape by the guide mechanism and its positive guidance.

[0014] Advantageously, the guide mechanism features a straight drive rail and a curved guide rail. The drive rail, which is designed to accommodate an element initiating the movement of the locking mechanism and can thus be described as a quasi-"active" component in the movement of the locking mechanism, is straight to ensure reliable movement. The guide rail, which serves solely for guidance, is curved to allow for changes in direction.

[0015] The locking element has movement elements attached to it for positive guidance within the guide device. This allows for jam-free movement of the locking element, for example, by ensuring that the movement elements have a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical shape.

[0016] The moving element is arranged near or adjacent to an upper or lower edge of the closing element so that force application points or guide points are formed for secure and uniform guidance.

[0017] Advantageously, the guide device for bringing about a secure positioning movement has a drive element for moving the closing element.

[0018] To ensure complete and secure coverage of the body opening by the locking element and its secure alignment, the locking system is designed with variable extension. Specifically, the locking system's extension increases from a curved to a flat shape. For example, a variable projection of a movement element housed in the guide rail can be incorporated to prevent the locking element from colliding with the guide rail during alignment.

[0019] To reduce flow losses in particular, the closing element is arranged in an open position, in which the closing element is arranged to completely release the body opening, out of sight.

[0020] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. The figures show: Fig. 1 in a perspective view an air supply device according to the invention of a motor vehicle body of a motor vehicle in a closed position, Fig. 2 in a perspective view the air supply device according to the invention in an intermediate position, Fig. 3 in a perspective view the air supply device according to the invention in an open position, and Fig. 4 in a schematic diagram a section of the air supply device according to the invention.

[0021] An air supply device 1 according to the invention for a motor vehicle body (not shown in detail) is as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view. The air supply device 1 has a closing system 2 with a closing element 3, which in the present embodiment is divided into three element parts 4. The individual element parts 4 are movably connected to their adjacent element part 4 by means of a connecting device 5.

[0022] The locking element 3 is taken up in a body opening (not shown in detail), whereby it is positioned in the Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 1, the body opening is completely closed. For better illustration, a Cartesian coordinate system has been introduced, which designates a longitudinal body axis X, a transverse body axis Y, and a vertical body axis Z. It is thus evident that, in the present embodiment, the closing element 3 has a convex curvature with respect to the transverse body axis Y in its closed position.

[0023] The locking system 2 further comprises a guide device 6 with a drive rail 7 and two guide rails 8, wherein the rails 7, 8 are connected to the locking element 3 by means of movement elements 9. The movement elements 9 are movable at least relative to the rails 7, 8 and, depending on their design, can also be movable relative to the locking element 3. Each element part 4 is assigned one movement element 9. The movement elements 9 are attached to the locking element 3.

[0024] The movement element 9, which connects the locking element 3 to the drive rail 7, is arranged near or adjacent to an upper edge 10 of the locking element 3. The movement element 9, which connects the locking element 3 to the guide rail 7, is arranged near or adjacent to a lower edge 11 of the locking element 3 that faces away from the upper edge 10.

[0025] The drive rail 7 has a drive element 12 which initiates a movement of the closing element 3. In the present embodiment, the drive element 12 is designed as an electric motor which, similar to a conventional garage door, pulls a so-called flexible shaft backwards. In the present embodiment, in the closed position, the movement element 9 of the central element part 4 is positioned at the front end 13 of the drive rail 7 and is moved backwards toward a rear end 14 of the drive rail 7, which is located away from the front end 13, in order to open the body opening.

[0026] It should be mentioned at this point that the locking element 3 has an outer surface 15 that is visible from the outside, at least in the closed position, and an inner surface 16 that faces away from the outer surface 15.

[0027] The guide mechanism features a positive guidance system for changing the shape of the locking element 3 from a curved shape in the closed position to a flat shape in the open position. Naturally, the shape change from flat to curved occurs when moving from the open to the closed position. To position itself in the open position from the closed position, the locking element 3 is designed to perform a positioning movement that includes both translational and rotational motion.

[0028] The drive rail 7 advantageously extends in a straight line along the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle body, whereby the motion element 9 connected to the drive rail 7 is guided in a straight line. The guide rails 8 preferably have cams which each receive the motion element 9 of the outer element part 4 for positive guidance. They are curved or bent, in the present embodiment quasi-L-shaped, and thus extend both along the longitudinal axis X and along the vertical axis Z of the vehicle body. A vertical arm 17 of the guide rail 8 is inclined relative to a longitudinal arm 18 of the guide rail 8 for improved guidance. In other words, the angle between the two arms 17, 18 is greater than 90°.

[0029] The locking element 3 thus performs a translational movement with the aid of the straight drive rail 7 and the two longitudinal arms 18, whereby, as it passes through the vertical arms 17, the locking element 3 is forced into a predominantly rotary movement. A relative movement of the element parts 4 to each other is formed transverse to the positioning movement of the locking element 3, since, in the present embodiment, the locking element 3 is divided into three element parts 4 along the vertical axis Z of the vehicle body. It should be noted here that, of course, the locking element 3 could also consist of only two element parts 4, depending on its curved shape in the closed position. In that case, only a single guide rail 8 would be formed, which would be indirectly connected to the element part 4 that is not connected to the drive rail 7.

[0030] The motion element 9, which is mounted in the guide rail 8, is designed in the form of a cylinder so that a simple and jam-free sliding movement can be achieved in the cam of the guide rail 8. The locking system 2 is variable in its extent, particularly in its extent along the transverse body axis Y. The locking system 2 comprises the locking element 3 and the movement elements 9. The locking element 3 changes from a curved shape, which it has in the closed position, to a flat shape, which it has in an intermediate position, see... Fig. 2, and in its disclosure, see. Fig. 3, which is brought with the aid of the guide device 6, changes, in this embodiment, its extension along the transverse axis Y of the body.

[0031] The locking element 3 has a greater extension along the transverse body axis Y in the intermediate position and in the open position than in the closed position. The extension of the locking element 3 changes along the transverse body axis Y by a double projection 21, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 is shown. In other words, the locking system 2 has an increase in its extent from the curved shape to the flat shape.

[0032] In order to achieve this change in extension, the movement elements 9 assigned to the guide rails 8 are designed to be sufficiently long in their extension along the transverse axis Y of the body, such that in the intermediate position and the open position an element area 19 of the movement element 9 is designed to project beyond the guide rail 8 by at least the overhang 21, thus in the direction away from the closing element 3.

[0033] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show the different positions of the locking element 3 from the closed position to the open position, where the closed position and the open position each describe a maximum position, the position in which the body opening is completely closed or the position in which the body opening is completely open, respectively, and in particular in this open position the locking element 3 is arranged out of sight.

[0034] The locking element 3 is thus, with the aid of the guide device 6, moved in a first step from the closed position and from its curved shape into an intermediate position, in which it has a flat shape. In this intermediate position, the movement elements 9 of the guide rails 8 are still located in the longitudinal arm 18. After the locking element 3 has been brought into a flat position, the positive guidance of the guide device 6 causes the locking element 3 to fold away from the body opening in the direction of the body's vertical axis Z, whereby the movement element 9 received in the drive rail 7 is guided further rearward, whereas, due to the shape of the guide rails 8, the movement elements 9 received in the guide rails 8 are guided along the body's vertical axis Z.

[0035] For the preferred movement of the locking element 3, the drive rail 7 is assigned to the middle element part 4 and the two guide rails 8 to the outer element parts 4. Naturally, the locking element 3 could also be formed from more than three element parts 4. In this case, a straight guide rail, preferably parallel to the drive rail 7, would preferably be assigned to the additional element parts 4 arranged between the two outer element parts 4. These straight guide rails can preferably be designed without a drive element, since they merely serve to guide the additional element parts 4.

[0036] The drive rail 7 is to be arranged centrally in the locking element 3 for secure drive and secure guidance, that is to say in, or at least adjacent to a central axis 20 of the locking element 3.

Claims

[1] Air supply device (1) of a motor vehicle body of a motor vehicle, wherein the air supply device (1) has a locking system (2) with a locking element (3) which is connected by means of movement elements (9) to a guide device (6) of the air supply device (1) for guiding the locking element (3), wherein the locking element (3) can be brought into a closed position and into an open position for closing orOpening of a body opening of the motor vehicle body, and wherein the closing element (3) has at least two element parts (4), and wherein the guide device (6) has a positive guide for changing the shape of the closing element (3) from a curved shape in the closed position to a flat shape in the open position, wherein the closing element (3) is designed to perform a positioning movement from the closed position to the open position, which has a translational and a rotational movement. characterized by , that adjacent element parts (4) are movably connected to each other, wherein a relative movement of the element parts (4) to each other transverse to a positional movement of the closing element (3) is formed. [2] Air supply device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the guide device (6) has a straight drive rail (7) and a curved guide rail (8). [3] Air supply device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the locking element (3) has movement elements (9) for positive guidance in the guide device (6), which are attached to the locking element (3). [4] Air supply device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the movement element (9) is arranged near or adjacent to an upper edge (10) or a lower edge (11) of the closing element (3). [5] Air supply device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide device (6) has a drive element (12) for moving the closing element (3). [6] Air supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking system (2) is designed to be variable in its extent. [7] Air supply device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the locking system (2) exhibits an increase in its extension from the curved shape to the flat shape. [8] Air supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (3) is arranged in an open position in which the locking element (3) is arranged to fully release the body opening, out of sight.

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