Underbody paneling for a motor vehicle and procedures

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to an underbody panel (10) for a motor vehicle (12) comprising at least one panel part (14) attached to the body of the motor vehicle (12), wherein the panel part (14) has at least one flap (16) rotatably mounted about an axis (A) and foldable from a closed home position (P1) for draining water from an upper surface in the vehicle's vertical direction (Z) above the panel part (14) to an open position (P2), wherein the flap (16) is held in the closed home position (P1) by means of a torsion spring (18), the torsion spring (18) being designed such that the flap (16) moves into the open position (P2) when a defined water pressure on the upper surface is exceeded and automatically folds back into the closed home position (P1) after the water pressure decreases. The invention further relates to a method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an underbody panel for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for draining water.

[0002] It is well known that motor vehicles are frequently exposed to adverse environmental conditions, especially when driving through water. A suitable underbody panel design can help prevent damage to sensitive vehicle components.

[0003] DE 10 2018 212 226 A1 discloses an underbody panel for a motor vehicle that provides protection against stone chips and similar impacts. This underbody panel has foldable protective elements that are actuated by a drive device to activate the protective mechanism.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an underbody panel by means of which water can be drained from an area above the panel part, thereby preventing damage to components in the engine compartment.

[0005] This object is achieved by means of an underbody panel having the features of patent claim 1, as well as by means of a method according to the invention for draining water according to patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the underbody panel according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the underbody panel according to the invention are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to an underbody panel having at least one panel part that is attached to the body of a motor vehicle. This panel part has at least one flap that is rotatably mounted about an axis. The flap is designed to fold from a closed basic position to an open position and thus drain water from an area above the panel part. The axis of the flap is arranged such that the flap moves in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The technical relationship between the flap and the panel part enables controlled water drainage, with the panel part being held securely to the body.

[0007] To achieve the object of the invention and thus drain water, the invention provides that the flap is held in its closed basic position by means of a torsion spring. The torsion spring is designed such that it yields when a defined water pressure is applied to the top of the flap, causing the flap to move into the open position. After the water pressure decreases, the torsion spring ensures that the flap automatically folds back into its closed basic position. This design enables automatic and pressure-controlled water drainage, with the torsion spring providing a defined closing torque, for example, to prevent unwanted flap fluttering at high speeds.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap is designed or provided without additional fixing points along its circumference. This design allows for flexible movement of the flap, enabling rapid opening under pressure. A technical advantage of this design is that fewer components are required, simplifying the construction and reducing the weight of the underbody panel.

[0009] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap can be controlled by means of a pressure difference on both sides of the flap. This pressure difference causes the flap to open selectively only when a certain water pressure is exceeded. This design enables targeted water drainage when needed, thus preventing unnecessary opening of the flap.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the torsion spring is controllable by means of a predetermined maximum water height. This means that the torsion spring is designed to control a predetermined maximum water height of preferably 0.2 to 0.25 m in the "under-hood area" or the area beneath a hood or the area of ​​the engine compartment. This allows the flap to only open when a critical water height is reached, thus preventing water from entering the engine compartment. This design offers the advantage of protecting sensitive components in the engine compartment from water damage.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the flap has a predetermined maximum opening dimension, in particular, the flap has a predetermined maximum opening dimension of preferably 100 mm. This enables rapid water drainage while simultaneously limiting the opening width to ensure structural stability. This ensures that the flap is not opened too wide under high water pressure loads and that its functionality is maintained.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the flap is designed to be openable at a predetermined water pressure, in particular, the flap opens at a predetermined water pressure of preferably 2000 Pa. This design ensures that the flap is only activated under heavy water load, thus preventing malfunctions. The advantage of this design is that the flap does not open with minimal water contact, thus maintaining the integrity of the underbody paneling.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap is held by several parallel torsion springs. This increases the stability and reliability of the closing movement of the flap. The parallel arrangement of the springs ensures an even distribution of force across the flap, which, for example, improves the force distribution and also extends the service life of the components.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the trim part is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. This choice of material provides high strength and reduces the weight of the underbody panel. Furthermore, resistance to corrosion and wear is increased, which improves the longevity of the underbody panel.

[0015] In an additional advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap is designed to remain closed even at high driving speeds. In particular, the flap is designed to remain closed even at high driving speeds, preferably up to 200 km / h. This ensures that the flap remains stable during driving and that no unwanted openings occur. A further advantage of this embodiment is that the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle are maintained.

[0016] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for draining water from the area above a trim part of an underbody panel for a motor vehicle, wherein the trim part has at least one flap rotatably mounted about an axis, which is held in a closed basic position by a torsion spring. It is provided that when a defined water pressure on the upper side is exceeded, the flap automatically moves into an open position, drains water, and folds back into the closed basic position once the water pressure has been reduced by the torsion spring. This enables controlled water drainage, thereby protecting the engine compartment from water ingress.

[0017] In other words, it is provided that an underbody panel is provided with at least one panel part, wherein this panel part has at least one flap that is rotatably mounted about an axis and held in a closed basic position by a torsion spring. The torsion spring enables automatic opening of the flap at a defined water pressure and subsequent automatic closing once the water pressure has dropped. In this way, the engine compartment is protected from water ingress, particularly when driving through water. Furthermore, the specific design of the torsion spring and the flap ensures that no unwanted opening of the flap occurs, even at high driving speeds.

[0018] The proposal describes a mechanism for the controlled opening of the underbody panel (underbody panel / front under tray, FUT) of electric vehicles to prevent damage caused by high water levels during so-called "water wading" tests. In situations with high water accumulation on roads, such as heavy rain, the water level can either lead to flooding of the engine compartment or damage the underbody panel. Digital analysis and testing showed that a controlled opening of the underbody panel can mitigate both problems. The goal is a unique design that reduces the water level in the underhood area, thus preventing damage to critical components such as the frunk, front EATs, and the underbody panel.

[0019] The invention therefore proposes equipping the underbody panel (FUT) with one-way opening flaps secured with torsion springs. These flaps only open when the water pressure exerted on them exceeds the resistance of the torsion springs, allowing excess water to drain away. As soon as the pressure decreases, the flaps close automatically. The torsion springs allow the flaps to remain closed by default and only open when needed. The strength of the springs is designed so that they only open when the water level reaches 0.2 to 0.25 m, preventing water from entering the engine compartment and avoiding aerodynamic instability at high speeds.

[0020] Digital evaluations show that the maximum pressure the flaps are exposed to during water splashes is between 1200 and 1700 Pa. The preferred addition of 1000 Pa of preload through the torsion springs ensures that the flaps remain closed up to the specified water level. For example, it would be possible to set the maximum opening distance of the flaps to 100 mm to allow for rapid water drainage. The torsion springs are arranged in parallel, so each spring only has to bear half the required opening force.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] Showing: Fig. 1 a series of images illustrating the functioning of the underbody paneling according to the invention for a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 shows an underbody panel of a motor vehicle according to the invention with a panel part and an integrated flap; and Fig. 3 a cross-section of the underbody panel to illustrate the operation of the flaps on both sides of the panel.

[0023] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a series of images to illustrate the functioning of the underbody panel 10 according to the invention for a motor vehicle 12.

[0025] The underbody panel 10 according to the invention comprises a panel part 14 attached to the body of a motor vehicle 12, having at least one flap 16 rotatably mounted about an axis A, which is held in a closed basic position P1 by a torsion spring 18. The special function of this flap 16 is that it opens automatically as soon as a defined water pressure on its upper side is exceeded, and automatically folds back into the closed basic position P1 after the pressure drops. This enables efficient and controlled water drainage, protecting sensitive components in the engine compartment from water damage.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows three states of this underbody panel 10. In the first state, shown in Figure A, the flap 16 is in the closed basic position P1. In this case, there is no water in the engine compartment, and the flap 16 remains securely closed by the torsion spring 18, preventing unwanted water ingress. The torsion spring 18 holds the flap 16 permanently in this position until a certain water pressure is reached.

[0027] Figure B shows the state in which the flap 16 is open and in the open position P2. This state occurs when water rises above the trim part 14 and exerts a defined threshold pressure on the flap 16. In this case, the torsion spring 18 yields, and the flap 16 opens, allowing the excess water to be drained away.

[0028] Finally, Figure C shows the case in which water masses 15 have already penetrated into the engine compartment of the motor vehicle 12. In this state, the flap 16 remains open to drain the penetrated water back out, thus preventing possible damage to components such as the engine, electronics, or other sensitive components.

[0029] Possible situations in which the flap 16 according to the invention fulfills its function particularly effectively include driving through water accumulation on the road, for example during heavy rain, flooding, or during so-called "water wading" tests, which simulate driving through standing water. The flap 16 can also be useful when the motor vehicle 12 is driving, for example, through shallow rivers or areas with high water levels. In such cases, the pressure-controlled opening of the flap 16 ensures that excess water can drain away quickly, while the torsion spring 18 ensures that the flap 16 remains closed under normal driving conditions so as not to impair the aerodynamic properties of the motor vehicle 12.

[0030] A further advantage is that the flap 16 is designed without additional fixing points along its circumference, allowing for flexible movement of the flap 16. This facilitates rapid opening under pressure and simultaneously reduces the number of required components, which lowers the overall weight of the underbody panel 10. Furthermore, the torsion spring 18 is designed to only allow opening at a water pressure corresponding to a water height of approximately 0.2 to 0.25 meters, thus avoiding unnecessary openings with minimal water contact. The maximum opening width of the flap 16 is limited to approximately 100 millimeters, for example, which enables rapid water drainage.

[0031] This combination of pressure-controlled opening, flexible flap design, and torsion spring mechanism provides reliable protection against water damage. Even at high speeds, such as on highways, the flap 16 remains securely closed, as the torsion spring 18 provides a defined closing torque that prevents unwanted flapping or opening of the flap 16 in strong winds.

[0032] In Fig. 1, the flap 16 is shown pivoting about a horizontal axis A in the vehicle's transverse direction Y. When a defined water pressure is exceeded, the flap 16 opens downward in the vehicle's vertical direction Z, allowing the accumulated water to drain away in a controlled manner. After the pressure drops, the torsion spring 18 ensures that the flap automatically returns to its closed basic position P1. The alignment of the axis A in the vehicle's transverse direction Y enables a first possibility of water drainage along the width of the trim part 14.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows the underbody panel 10 of a motor vehicle 12 according to the invention, comprising a panel part 14 and an integrated flap 16, which is mounted for rotation about an axis A. The flap 16 is held in the closed basic position P1 by a torsion spring 18. The axis A is arranged such that the flap 16 can pivot from the closed basic position P1 to the open position P2 when pressure is applied in the vehicle's vertical direction Z.

[0034] In Fig. 2 the principle is the same as in Fig. 1, but here the axis A is aligned in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X. This causes the flaps 16 to fold downwards laterally when a certain water pressure is reached. In this case, too, the torsion spring 18 ensures that the flaps close automatically after the water has drained away and return to the closed basic position P1.

[0035] Two hinges 22 are provided along the flap 16, which enable a stable rotational movement around the axis A. In addition, limits 20, or spatial limits or material limits, are shown on both sides of the flap, which laterally limit the area of ​​the flap 16 and ensure controlled water drainage. The torsion springs 18, which are Fig. 2 are clearly visible, ensure that the flap 16 automatically folds back into the closed basic position P1 after the water has drained away.

[0036] In addition, fixing points 24 are shown, which enable a firm and secure connection of the trim part 14 to the body of the motor vehicle 12. These fixing points 24 ensure the necessary stability of the underbody paneling while driving, especially at high speeds and under heavy water exposure.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a cross section along the aa line from Fig. 2, to illustrate the functionality of the flaps 16 on both sides of the trim part 14. This cross-section illustrates how the flaps 16 fold downward laterally in the vehicle's vertical direction Z as soon as a defined water pressure acts on them. The flaps 16 are mounted so they can rotate about the axis A aligned in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X and are held in the closed basic position P1 by torsion springs 18. When the defined water pressure is exceeded, the flaps 16 open downward to a maximum opening width of, for example, 100 mm, thereby enabling rapid water drainage.

[0038] In summary, the invention proposes a controlled opening mechanism for underbody panels / front under tray, so that water can be drained from the engine compartment. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 212 226 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Underbody paneling (10) for a motor vehicle (12) with at least one paneling part (14) which is fastened to a body of the motor vehicle (12), wherein the paneling part (14) has at least one flap (16) which is rotatably mounted about an axis (A) and can be folded from a closed basic position (P1) to an open position (P2) for draining water from an upper side in the vehicle vertical direction (Z) above the paneling part (14), characterized by that the flap (16) is held in the closed basic position (P1) by means of a torsion spring (18), wherein the torsion spring (18) is designed such that the flap (16) moves into the open position (P2) when a defined water pressure on the upper side is exceeded and automatically folds back into the closed basic position (P1) after the water pressure has been reduced. [2] Underbody paneling (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the flap (16) is designed without additional fixing points along its circumference. [3] Underbody paneling (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the flap (16) is controllable by means of a pressure difference on both sides of the flap (16). [4] Underbody paneling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the torsion spring (18) can be controlled by means of a predetermined maximum water height. [5] Underbody paneling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flap (16) has a predetermined maximum opening dimension. [6] Underbody paneling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flap (16) can be opened at a given water pressure. [7] Underbody paneling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flap (16) is held by several torsion springs (18) arranged in parallel. [8] Underbody paneling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the covering part (14) is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. [9] Underbody paneling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flap (16) is designed to remain closed even at high driving speeds. [10] Method for draining water from the area above a trim part (14) of an underbody panel for a motor vehicle (12), wherein the trim part (14) has at least one flap (16) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (A) and which is held in a closed basic position (P1) by means of a torsion spring (18), wherein the flap (16) automatically changes into an open position (P2) when a defined water pressure on the upper side is exceeded, drains water and folds back into the closed basic position (P1) after the water pressure has been reduced by the torsion spring (18).

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