Air guide device of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an air guide device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising an air guide element (3) extending along a transverse body axis (Y) of a motor vehicle body (4) of the motor vehicle (1) and along a longitudinal body axis (X) of the motor vehicle body (4), wherein the air guide element (3) has an end edge (6) extending along the transverse body axis (Y) and facing away from a front (5) of the motor vehicle body (4), on which a breakaway edge element (7) movable into a retracted position and an extended position is arranged. According to the invention, the tear-off edge element (7) is adjustable translationally along a vertical axis (Z) of the motor vehicle body (4) between the retracted position and the extended position.

Description

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

[0002] Air guide devices comprising air guide elements for motor vehicles are well known. These air guide elements are, in particular, so-called rear wings, which are movably mounted on the vehicle body so that they can assume different positions relative to the vehicle body between a first end position and a second end position. In the first end position, the rear wing is generally flush with the vehicle body, while in the second end position it is usually spaced as far away from the vehicle body as possible. The rear wing allows, in particular, the downforce of the vehicle to be varied during operation. However, the rear wings can also be mounted immovably on the vehicle body. The downforce can be further varied if the air guide element has a movable trailing edge element, a so-called "Gurney flap".This tear-off edge element is located on the air guide element at its end facing away from the vehicle body and can be positioned at an angle of 90° relative to the air guide element.

[0003] Patent EP 3 206 939 B1 discloses a motor vehicle with a rear section in which a spoiler edge element, which is translationally adjustable between a retracted and an extended position, can be inserted into a receiving opening formed in the rear section.

[0004] Patent DE 10 2019 103 455 B4 discloses an air guide device with an adjustable rear spoiler, which has an adjustable trailing edge. The rear spoiler has a flexible area on which a rotatable cam is arranged, wherein in an extended position of the trailing edge the cam pushes the flexible area outwards and in a retracted position of the trailing edge the flexible area is flush with a surrounding area of ​​the rear spoiler.

[0005] From the patent application DE 10 2014 110 390 A1, a motor vehicle is known with an adjustable rear spoiler arranged in the rear area and a spoiler edge element arranged below the rear spoiler, wherein the spoiler edge element is adjustable translationally between a retracted and an extended position.

[0006] The patent application DE 10 2019 109 452 A1 discloses a rear spoiler of a motor vehicle, on which two spoiler edge elements adjustable between a retracted and an extended position are arranged, wherein the spoiler edge elements are mounted eccentrically and are adjustable between the retracted and the extended position by a pivoting movement.

[0007] From the patent application DE 44 27 196 A1, an air guide element arranged at the rear of a motor vehicle body is known, which can be extended and retracted in the upward direction of the motor vehicle body.

[0008] Disclosure document DE 10 2006 033 375 A1 describes a retractable wind deflector in the rear area of ​​a motor vehicle body, which is part of a rear lighting system.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved air guidance device for a motor vehicle.

[0010] The problem is solved according to the invention with an air guide device for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial further developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0011] An air guide device for a motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an air guide element extending along a transverse axis of the vehicle body and along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. The air guide element has an end edge extending along the transverse axis of the vehicle body and facing away from the front of the vehicle body. A trailing edge element, movable into a retracted position and an extended position, is arranged on this end edge. According to the invention, the trailing edge element is adjustable translationally along a vertical axis of the vehicle body between the retracted position and the extended position. The trailing edge element is divided along the vertical axis of the vehicle body into at least a first element part and a second element part, the two element parts being movable relative to each other.In particular, the separation edge element is translationally movable in the normal direction to a flow surface of the air guide element.

[0012] The tear-off edge element extends along the end edge, at least largely, and in particular completely. The advantage of the invention lies in the fact that, regardless of the shape of the end edge (curved or straight), a simple movement and, consequently, a simple kinematic mechanism are required to arrange the tear-off edge element in its various positions, particularly without a gap. The tear-off edge element can be arranged without a gap to the air guide element in all positions. A minimally small movement gap between the end edge and the tear-off edge element remains constant across all positions.Since the air guide device according to the invention has the spoiler edge element divided along the vertical axis of the vehicle body into at least a first element part and a second element part, wherein the two element parts are movable relative to each other, it is possible to easily vary the height of the spoiler edge element. The two element parts can be arranged serially along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body, so that segment-wise adjustment of the element parts is possible. Naturally, the spoiler edge element could also be divided into more than two element parts.

[0013] In one embodiment of the air guide device according to the invention, the end edge is curved along the transverse axis of the vehicle body, with the trailing edge element encompassing at least part, and in particular completely, the end edge. In other words, the end edge and the trailing edge element—at least at its edge opposite the end edge—are curved. The curved design can, for example, contribute to a harmonious vehicle body design. The aerodynamic effect of the air guide device in generating downforce is maintained.

[0014] If the two element parts have different extension heights, it is possible to arrange them in series to achieve an aligned arrangement with the air guide element in the fully retracted position of the tear-off edge element and an aligned arrangement of the element parts relative to each other in at least the fully extended position.

[0015] In particular, the inflow surfaces of the two element parts can be arranged in alignment with each other, so that a flat inflow surface of the multi-part separation edge element can be realized.

[0016] If a cross-section of the separation edge element is triangular, a gill-like surface of the separation edge element can be created, which has particularly advantageous aerodynamic properties in the positions between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position.

[0017] In one embodiment of the air guide device according to the invention, the air guide element is movably mounted in the vehicle body by means of an adjustment device and can be brought into at least a first position and a second position. This significantly increases the variability of the air guide device's settings, so that a multitude of operating conditions of the vehicle can be influenced by means of the air guide device.

[0018] To further increase the number of settings for the air guide device, the first element section can be moved independently of the second. This allows for improved control in driving situations where, to achieve the necessary acceleration, a change in position using only one part of the trailing edge element is required. In particular, the two element sections can be controlled individually.

[0019] In order to allow the trailing edge element to be adjusted quickly and with only a very short delay after its activation, it has a first width formed along the longitudinal axis of the body, which, compared to a second width of the air guide element, has a value that is smaller than the value of the second width, but is at most 25% of the value of the second width.

[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. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are assigned identical reference numerals. The figures show: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a motor vehicle with an air guide device according to the state of the art, Fig. 2 in a perspective view an air guide device with a rotatably movable tear-off edge element, Fig. 3 in a perspective view an air guide device according to the invention in a first embodiment with a tear-off edge element in a retracted position, wherein an air guide element of the air guide device is arranged in its first position, Fig. 4 in a perspective view the air guide device according to the invention in the first embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the retracted position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its second position, Fig. 5 in a perspective view the air guide device according to the first embodiment with the tear-off edge element in an extended position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its first position, Fig. 6 in a perspective view the air guide device according to the invention in the first embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the extended position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its second position, Fig. 7 in a section of a perspective view the air guide device according to the invention in the first embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the extended position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its second position, Fig. 8 in a perspective view the air guide device according to a second embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the retracted position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its first position, Fig. 9 in a perspective view the air guide device according to the second embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the retracted position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its second position, Fig. 10 in a perspective view the air guide device according to the second embodiment with the tear-off edge element in an extended position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its first position, Fig. 11 in a perspective view the air guide device according to the second embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the extended position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its second position, Fig. 12 in a section of a perspective view the air guide device according to the invention in the second embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the retracted position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its second position, and Fig. 13 in a section of a perspective view the air guide device according to the second embodiment with the tear-off edge element in the extended position, wherein the air guide element is arranged in its second position.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a motor vehicle 1 designed according to the prior art with an air guide device 2. The air guide device 2 comprises an air guide element 3, which is designed in the form of a rear spoiler, wherein the air guide element 3 extends along a transverse body axis Y of a motor vehicle body 4 of the motor vehicle 1 and along a longitudinal body axis X of the motor vehicle body 4.

[0022] The air guide element 3 has a curved end edge 6 extending along the transverse axis Y of the vehicle body and facing away from a front 5 of the vehicle body 4. A trailing edge element 7 is arranged on this end edge 6. The trailing edge element 7 serves to increase downforce. However, if it is rigidly and therefore not movable, attached to the air guide element 3 as is the case according to the prior art, the air resistance of the vehicle 1 increases. Furthermore, the trailing edge element 7, which is also referred to as a "Gurney element" or "Gurney flap," can also be considered visually detrimental to the overall appearance of the vehicle body 4.

[0023] The end edge 6 of the air guide element 3 is curved along the transverse axis Y of the vehicle body and is thus, in the present embodiment, adapted to the shape of the vehicle body 4 for harmonization with it. If the trailing edge element 7, which is complementary to the end edge 6, is made in one piece and rotatably arranged on the air guide element 3, and is rotated from its folded position to its upright position by means of a rotary movement, a gap 8 is formed between the trailing edge element 7 and the air guide element 3 in the upright position. Air can flow through this gap, thus eliminating the desired function of the trailing edge element 7, which is to generate downforce. This is shown in Fig. Figure 2, in which the air guide device 2 is equipped with the one-piece formed and rotatable tear-off edge element 7, is illustrated. It is shown in Fig. 2 the tear-off edge element 7 is shown in its upright position.

[0024] To avoid the gap 8, the trailing edge element 7 is translationally movable along a vertical axis Z of the vehicle body 4 between its retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, a first flow surface 14 of the trailing edge element 7 and a second flow surface 15 of the air guide element 3 are aligned with each other. Or, in other words, they are flush with each other.

[0025] This fixed position of the tear-off edge element 7 is in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an air guidance device 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein in Fig. 3 the air guide element 3 in its first position and in Fig. 4 is arranged in its second position. The first position of the air guide element 3 corresponds to a position retracted into the vehicle body 4, which is a rest position in which no downforce is generated by the air guide element 3. The second position corresponds to a working position in which the air guide element 3 is fully extended from the vehicle body 4 and generates downforce.

[0026] The tear-off edge element 7 according to the first embodiment of the air guide device 2 according to the invention is in its fully extended position in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrated, with in Fig. 5 the air guide element 3 in its first position and in Fig. 6 is shown in its second position.

[0027] It should be mentioned at this point that the air guide element 3 could also be arranged in a cost-effective and immovable manner on the vehicle body 4, in which case the downforce can only be varied with the trailing edge element 7.

[0028] In Fig. 7. The air guide device 1 according to the first embodiment is shown in a cross-sectional perspective view, with the trailing edge element 7 in the extended position and the air guide element 3 in its second position. The trailing edge element 7 is shifted translationally along the vertical axis Z of the vehicle body to position it in the extended position. To avoid an air gap, the opposing surfaces, a first surface 12 of the trailing edge element 7 and a second surface 13 of the air guide element 3, are inclined to their respective frontal surfaces 14, 15. The first surface 12 is complementary to the second surface 13.In particular, the separation edge element 7 is translationally displaceable in the normal direction to the second airflow surface 15 of the air guide element 3, which corresponds to an outer skin of the air guide device 2.

[0029] In the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 13 shows a second embodiment of the air guide device 2 according to the invention, wherein the separation edge element 7 is divided along the vertical axis Z of the vehicle body into at least a first element part 9 and a second element part 10. The two element parts 9, 10 are movable relative to each other. They are each designed to be movable along the vertical axis Z of the vehicle body. In particular, they are translationally movable in the normal direction to the second airflow surface 15. The separation edge element 7 is telescopically designed, with the element parts 9, 10 being telescopically extendable.

[0030] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the tear-off edge element 7 is arranged in its retracted position relative to the air guide element 3, wherein in Fig. 8 the air guide element 3 in its first position and in Fig. Element parts 9 and 10 are arranged in their second position. They have a triangular cross-section, so that in this position, the breaking edge element 7 is gill-shaped. In all intermediate positions of the two element parts 9 and 10 relative to each other, which can be realized between the fully retracted and fully extended positions, the breaking edge element 7 is also gill-shaped, with the relative height H of the two element parts 9 and 10 varying. From the fully retracted position to the fully extended position, the two element parts 9 and 10 have different extension heights AH. The first element part 9 has a first extension height AH1, which is smaller than the second extension height AH2 of the second element part 10.

[0031] The gill-like design of the tear-off edge element 7 is also in Fig. Figure 12 shows the air guide device 2 according to the second embodiment in a section of a perspective view with the tear-off edge element 7 in the retracted position and the air guide element 3 in its second position.

[0032] The tear-off edge element 7 in its fully extended position is in the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 13 is shown, where in Fig. 10 the air guide element 3 in its first position and in the Fig. 11 and Fig.13 is arranged in its second position. In the fully extended position, the two element parts 9, 10 are arranged serially to each other and in alignment, and preferably form a flat surface from an inner edge 16 of the tear-off edge element 7 opposite the end edge 6 to an outer edge 17 of the tear-off edge element 7 facing away from the inner edge 16.

[0033] Although joints are formed between the two element parts 9, 10, as well as between the tear-off edge element 7 and the air guide element 3, there are no gaps that negate or negatively influence the aerodynamic effect of the tear-off edge element 7.

[0034] Initiating the movement of the trailing edge element 7, and thus the movement of the two element parts 9, 10, can be achieved with the aid of a drive device (not shown in detail), which is preferably designed as a multi-link system. The drive device is designed such that the two element parts 9, 10 are movable independently of each other. Since they are translationally movable, they are therefore displaceable. Alternatively, they could also be designed to move in a dependent manner, meaning that only both element parts 9, 10 can be moved at any given time. This limits the influence on downforce and air resistance compared to completely independent element parts 9, 10.

[0035] The trailing edge element 7 has a first width B1 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle body, while the air guide element 3 has a second width B2 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle body. The trailing edge element 7 is configured with a first width B1 that is as large as necessary to achieve the desired downforce with the lowest possible increase in air resistance, and as small as possible to allow for rapid movement of the trailing edge element 7, preferably with direct control. Thus, the value of the first width B1 should not exceed 25% of the value of the second width B2.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the tear-off edge element 7 is arranged essentially flush with a first side edge 18 of the air guide element 3 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the body and essentially flush with a second side edge 19 of the air guide element 3 which is formed facing away from the first side edge 18.

[0037] The tear-off edge element 7 can assume various positions between its fully retracted and fully extended positions, both when the air guide element 3 is retracted and when it is extended. It can also assume these various positions when the air guide element 3 is stationary.

[0038] Since the tear-off edge element 7, or the element parts 9, 10, are translationally movable, an angle α, which is formed between the air guide element 3 and the tear-off edge element 7, is defined and is to be determined depending on an inclination of the air guide element 3 and a required drive.

[0039] For example, in the case of a movable air guide element 3, which is fully extended along the longitudinal axis X of the body and thus contributes to a reduction in the air resistance of the vehicle 1, it is entirely unnecessary to tilt it, provided that it is designed in the form of a so-called aerodynamically optimized spoiler, since sufficient downforce to achieve a stable driving condition of the vehicle 1 can be achieved in dynamic driving situations, for example, by tilting the movable trailing edge element 7.

[0040] The drive unit, comprising an actuator and a mechanism, for moving the tear-off edge element 7, and thus also the first element part 9 and the second element part 10, can be accommodated in a cavity 22 formed between an upper shell 20 and a lower shell 21 of the air guide element 3 and / or installed below the lower shell 21. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 Air guide device 3 Air guide element 4 Motor vehicle body 5 Front 6 End edge 7 Tear-off edge element 8 gaps 9 First element part 10 Second element part 11 Minimal gap 12 First area 13 Second area 14 First inflow surface 15 Second inflow surface 16 Element inner edge 17 Element outer edge 18 First side edge 19 Second side edge 20 Upper shell 21 Lower shell 22 Cavity AH Exit height AH1 First extension height AH2 Second extension height B1 First Broad B2 Second width H Relative height X Body longitudinal axis Y body transverse axis Z Body vertical axis α angle

Claims

Air guide device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising an air guide element (3) extending along a transverse body axis (Y) of a motor vehicle body (4) of the motor vehicle (1) and along a longitudinal body axis (X) of the motor vehicle body (4), which is designed in the form of a rear spoiler, wherein the air guide element (3) has an end edge (6) extending along the transverse body axis (Y) and facing away from a front (5) of the motor vehicle body (4), on which a spoiler edge element (7) movable into a retracted position and an extended position is arranged, characterized in that the spoiler edge element (7) is adjustable translationally along a vertical body axis (Z) of the motor vehicle body (4) between the retracted position and the extended position,and wherein the tear-off edge element (7) is divided along the body vertical axis (Z) into at least a first element part (9) and a second element part (10), wherein the two element parts (9, 10) are movable relative to each other. Air guide device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separation edge element (7) is translationally adjustable in the normal direction to a flow surface (15) of the air guide element (3). Air guide device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the end edge (6) is curved along the transverse axis (Y) of the body, wherein the tear-off edge element (7) is formed to at least partially encompass the end edge (6). Air guide device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two element parts (9, 10) have different extension heights (AH1, AH2). Air guide device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow surfaces (14) of the two element parts (9, 10) can be arranged in alignment with each other. Air guide device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cross-section of the tear-off edge element (7) is triangular in shape. Air guide device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guide element (3) is movably received in the motor vehicle body (1) by means of an adjusting device and can be brought into at least a first position and a second position. Air guide device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tear-off edge element (7) has a first width (B1) formed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the body, and the air guide element (3) has a second width (B2) formed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the body, wherein the first width (B1) has a value which is smaller than a value of the second width (B2), but is at most 25% of the value of the second width (B2). Air guide device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tear-off edge element (7) is arranged in its retracted position in alignment with the air guide element (3).

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