Wind deflector assembly, wind deflector system, method for operating the wind deflector assembly and vehicle comprising the wind deflector system

Abstract

A wind deflector assembly (2) for integrating in a convertible vehicle (1) with an openable roof is provided. The wind deflector assembly (2) comprises an electrically controllable wind deflector (7), the wind deflector (7) being configured to take a parking position for stowing the wind deflector (7) and a working position for deflecting the wind. The wherein the wind deflector assembly (2) is configured for electrically driving the wind deflector (7) from the parking position to the working position and / or from the working position back to the parking position. Further, a wind deflector system (50), a method for operating the wind deflector (7) and a vehicle (1) with the wind deflector system (50) are provided.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Wind deflector assembly, wind deflector system, method for operating the wind deflector assembly and vehicle comprising the wind deflector system

[0003] The technical field of the present application generally relates to wind deflectors . In particular, the present disclosure relates to a wind deflector assembly, a wind deflector system, a method for operating the wind deflector assembly and a vehicle comprising the wind deflector system .

[0004] There are convertible vehicles with openable or removable roofs and wind deflectors known . The wind deflectors can be installed in particular behind the headrest area of the front seats of a vehicle in order to divert the wind when the roof of the vehicle is open . Some wind deflectors , when not in use , are dismounted and stowed e . g . in the trunk . The mounting and dismounting of the wind deflector require manual work which can be cumbersome and spoil the fun of driving a convertible , especially i f you have to stop and get out of the vehicle every time you install or remove the wind deflector .

[0005] The obj ect of the present application is to provide a wind deflector assembly allows for an easy mounting and dismounting of a wind deflector, as needed .

[0006] According to a first aspect , a wind deflector assembly for integrating in a convertible vehicle with an openable and / or removable roof is provided .

[0007] The wind deflector assembly comprises an electrically controllable wind deflector, the wind deflector being configured to take a parking position for stowing the wind deflector, in particular, when the vehicle roof is closed, and a working position for deflecting the wind, in particular, when the vehicle roof is open .

[0008] The wind deflector assembly is configured for electrically driving the wind deflector from the parking position to the working position and / or from the working position back to the parking position .

[0009] In particular, the wind deflector assembly may comprise mechanical , electrical and / or electromechanical components for electrically controlling the movement of the wind deflector from the parking position to the working position and vice versa .

[0010] In some embodiments , the wind deflector assembly comprises a number of electrical actuators or motors for bringing the wind deflector to the parking position and to the working position, respectively . In particular, the wind deflector assembly may be motori zed such that the wind deflector can be deployed and / or stowed by means of an electrical control , in particular, automatically .

[0011] Due to the motori zation of the wind deflector assembly, the wind deflector can take its destination position automatically, especially without any manual work, upon activating the electrical control . The wind deflector can be thus deployed or stowed in a particularly easy and user- friendly way .

[0012] The wind deflector may be configured as a foldable wind deflector such that it can take a folded state in the parking position and an unfolded state in the working position . Due to the foldability of the wind deflector, the wind deflector can be compactly stowed in the parking position, without to adversely af fecting its wind deflection ef ficiency .

[0013] In some embodiments , the wind deflector comprises a number of essentially solid parts and a number of j oints for pivotably connecting the solid parts , such that the wind deflector can be folded and unfolded . The solid structure provides an improved wind protection performance , especially compared to wind deflectors made of fabric mash .

[0014] The wind deflector assembly may, in particular, comprise movable or foldable parts as well as electrical actuators or motors configured to electrically control the folding and / or unfolded of the wind deflector .

[0015] In some embodiments , the wind deflector assembly is configured such that , in the parking position, the wind deflector can be stowed in a rear seat area of the vehicle . In particular, in case when the convertible vehicle comprises rear seats for accommodating passengers , the wind deflector assembly can be compactly stowed in the rear seat area without signi ficantly impairing the functionality of the rear seats .

[0016] In some embodiments , the wind deflector assembly is configured as a part , in particular as a functional part , of the rear seat of the vehicle . Thus , the wind deflector assembly can combine both functions - the wind-deflection function, when the wind deflector is in the working position, and a rear seat function, when the wind deflector is in the parking position . By combining di f ferent functions , the wind deflector assembly can be useful as a part of the rear seat , even i f the wind deflector is stowed in the parking position . Moreover, by configuring the wind deflector as a part of the rear seat , there is no need to stow the wind deflector in the trunk, thus the valuable space in the trunk can be saved .

[0017] In some embodiments , the wind deflector assembly is configured as a rear seat back or back-rest . In particular, the wind deflector assembly may be configured such that , in the parking position of the wind deflector, the wind deflector assembly forms the rear seat back or a part of it . In other words , the rear seat back, or a part of it , can be converted to the wind deflector when bringing the wind deflector from the parking position to the working position . Thus , even after deploying the wind deflector, the rear seat back or at least a part of it is still in use , in particularly serving as wind deflector .

[0018] The wind deflector assembly may comprise a housing with a front cover configured to serve as a cover of the rear seat back when the wind deflector is in the parking position and to close the space behind the front seats of the vehicle when the wind deflector is in the working position . In particular, the front cover of the housing can be configured to close the unused space of the vehicle cabin, thus improving the aerodynamic performance as well as the energy ef ficiency of the vehicle . Covering the unused space of the vehicle cabin can also reduce noise and dust in the vehicle cabin .

[0019] The front cover of the housing may comprise foldable side wings for tight closure of the space behind the front seats of the vehicle . In particular, the side wings may have a profile matching the body of the vehicle . Further, the side wings may comprise extension pieces for extending the side wings such that an essentially dust-tight closure of the area behind the front seats is achieved . The tight closure of the unused cabin space can reduce the wind circulation in the vehicle and further improve the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle . The wind deflector assembly may comprise a mounting portion for pivotally mounting the wind deflector assembly in the rear seat region of the vehicle . In some embodiments , the wind deflector assembly comprises a fast release mechanism such that the wind deflector can be quickly released from the parking position and brought to the working position . In some embodiments , the housing is pivotally mounted or hung in an upper region of the rear seat , in particular, at the head rest of rear seat , and configured such that in the parking position of the wind deflector, the cover serves as an outer bolstering of the rear seat back . In some embodiments , the wind deflector assembly comprises a number of linear actuators for swaying the housing away from the rear seat and to an essentially hori zontal position, abutting the upper edge of the side walls of the cabin such that the front cover can cover the opening behind the front seats of the vehicle .

[0020] The housing may be configured for accommodating the wind deflector in the parking position . In particular, the housing may comprise a compartment for receiving the wind deflector and for parking the wind deflector when the wind deflector is in a folded state .

[0021] The front cover may comprise an openable lid for covering the wind deflector when the wind deflector is accommodated in the housing . Thus , in the parking position, the wind deflector can be hidden behind the lid . The openable lid may comprise a soft or deformable material such that the passengers on the rear seat can feel comfortable despite the wind deflector parked behind them .

[0022] In some embodiments , the wind deflector assembly comprises a room separator for separating a front part of vehicle cabin from a rear part of the vehicle cabin when the wind deflector is in the working position . Due to the separator, wind in the front seat area of the vehicle can be reduced . The separator may be configured such that it is automatically brought to its working position when the wind deflector is deployed .

[0023] According to a second aspect , a wind deflector system for a convertible vehicle with an openable and / or removable roof is provided . The system comprises a wind deflector assembly according to the first aspect and a number of electromechanical actuators for bringing the wind deflector from a parking position to a working position and / or from the working position back to the parking position . The electromechanical actuators may be configured as part of the wind deflector assembly . By means of the electromechanical actuators or motors , the wind deflector can be easily deployed or stowed, as required .

[0024] The wind deflector system may further comprise a control unit with a processor, a memory unit for storing data and machine- readable instructions for the processor and an interface . The interface may be configured to receive sensor data and / or user inputs , in particular received from a user interface , and to send out control signals for controlling the number of electromechanical actuators . The machine-readable instructions may comprise instructions for the processor to evaluate the sensor data and / or user inputs receive via the interface and to control the number of electromechanical actuators based on the sensor data and / or the user inputs receive via the interface . In some embodiments , the system also comprises a user interface for receiving user inputs or commands for controlling the wind deflector .

[0025] According to a third aspect , a method for operating a wind deflector assembly is provided . In particular, the method may be applied to a wind deflector assembly according to the first aspect described above .

[0026] The method comprises mounting the wind deflector assembly in a convertible vehicle with an openable and / or removable roof , such that the wind deflector can take a parking position for stowing the wind deflector, in particular, when the vehicle roof is closed, and a working position for deflecting the wind, in particular, when the vehicle roof is open . In particular, the wind deflector may be mounted in the vehicle , such that the wind deflector is initially, i . e . immediately after mounting, in the parking position .

[0027] The method further comprises electrically driving the wind deflector from the parking position to the working position and / or electrically driving the wind deflector from the working position back to the parkin position . In particular, the wind deflector may be driven by means of electromechanical actuators or motors which may be part of the wind deflector system and a control unit which may be also the part of the wind deflector system . The method allows for an easy and user- friendly deployment and / or stowing of the wind deflector when required .

[0028] According to a fourth aspect a vehicle , wherein the vehicle is configured as a convertible vehicle with an openable and / or removable roof , and wherein the vehicle comprises a wind deflector system according to the second aspect , implemented in the vehicle . The wind deflector system implemented in the vehicle makes it easy for the user of the vehicle to deploy and / or stow the wind deflector when required .

[0029] In the following description, details are provided to describe the embodiments of the present speci fication . It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art , however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such details .

[0030] Some parts of the embodiments have similar parts . The similar parts may have same names or similar part numbers . The description of one part applies by reference to another similar part , where appropriate , thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure .

[0031] Fig . 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment ,

[0032] Fig . 2 shows a perspective view of a wind deflector assembly in a closed state , according to an embodiment ,

[0033] Fig . 3 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly in a closed state ,

[0034] Fig . 4 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly,

[0035] Fig . 5 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly,

[0036] Fig . 6 shows a perspective view of the wind deflector assembly in another position,

[0037] Fig . 7 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly,

[0038] Fig . 8 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly, Fig . 9 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly,

[0039] Fig . 10 shows still another partial perspective view of the wind deflector assembly,

[0040] Fig . 11 shows a perspective view of the wind deflector assembly in the working position,

[0041] Fig . 12 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector,

[0042] Fig . 13 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly,

[0043] Fig . 14 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly,

[0044] Fig . 15 shows still another view of the wind deflector as- s emb 1 y ,

[0045] Fig . 16 shows a schematic diagram of a wind deflector system according to an embodiment ,

[0046] Fig . 17 shows a flow chart of a method for operation a wind deflector assembly according to an embodiment ,

[0047] Fig . 18 shows a flow chart of a method for driving a wind deflector assembly from a parking position to a working position, according to an embodiment ,

[0048] Fig . 19 shows a flow chart of a method for driving a wind deflector assembly from a working position to a parking position, according to an embodiment , Fig. 20 shows a detailed perspective view of a vehicle of Fig. 1 with the wind deflector assembly being in the first state,

[0049] Fig. 21 shows a detailed perspective view of the vehicle of Fig. 1 with the wind deflector assembly being in the second state, and

[0050] Fig. 22 shows a detailed perspective view of the vehicle of Fig. 1 with the wind deflector assembly being in a third state.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment. The vehicle 1 is configured as convertible vehicle with an openable or removable roof. In Fig. 1, the vehicle 1 is shown without the roof.

[0052] The vehicle comprises a wind deflector assembly 2 according to an embodiment. In the schematic view of Fig. 1, the wind deflector assembly 2 is shown in its working position.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a wind deflector assembly in a closed state, according to an embodiment.

[0054] The wind deflector assembly 2 comprises a housing 3 with a mounting frame 4 (not seen in Fig. 2) , a front cover 5 and an openable lid 6 for covering a wind deflector 7 accommodated in the housing 3.

[0055] In the closed state shown in Fig. 2, the wind deflector assembly 2 has an essentially flat, rectangular shape. The front cover 5 is configured as a back of the rear seat with a rectangular opening in the middle for a retractable armrest 8. The wind deflector assembly 2 further comprises two foldable side wings 9 of the front cover 5 , mounted on a rotatable shaft 10 with a drive 11 . The foldable side wings 9 of the front cover 5 serve for closing the rear seat space of the vehicle 1 when the wind deflector 7 is deployed in its working position .

[0056] The wind deflector assembly 2 also comprises hinges 12 for pivotably mounting the housing 3 of the wind deflector assembly 2 in the rear seat region of the vehicle 1 .

[0057] Fig . 3 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly in a closed state . In the perspective view of the wind deflector assembly 2 further elements of the wind deflector assembly 2 can bee seen . In particular, the wind deflector assembly 2 comprises a couple of linear actuators 13 with pivotable bases 14 .

[0058] The wind deflector 7 comprises a wind deflector base 15 pivotably mounted on a front side of the mounting base 4 of the wind deflector assembly 2 .

[0059] In the present embodiment , the wind deflector assembly 2 also comprises a room separator 16 pivotably mounted on a back side of the mounting frame 4 of the wind deflector assembly 2 .

[0060] The bases 14 can be fixed in the rear seat area of the vehicle and can serve as a support for the linear actuators 13 . By activating the linear actuators 13 , the housing 3 of the wind deflector assembly 2 can be rotated around the rotation axis defined by the hinges 12 such that the housing 3 can be brought to an essentially hori zontal position when the wind deflector 7 is being brought to its working position . Fig . 4 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly . In the state shown in Fig . 4 , the openable lid 6 of the front cover 5 is slightly open such that further components of the wind deflector assembly 2 can be seen . In particular, the wind deflector assembly 2 further comprises a hinge mechanism 17 and linear actuators 18 coupled with the hinge mechanism 17 such that the lid 6 can be electrically opened and closed by means of the linear actuators 18 .

[0061] Fig . 5 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly . In particular, Fig . 5 shows the wind deflector assembly 2 with the open lid 6 of Fig . 4 in a perspective back view such that further components of the wind deflector assembly 2 can be seen . In particular, as seen from Fig . 5 , the room separator 16 has an elongated shape with a slightly convex profile . In an essentially flat central area of the room separator 16 there is space for placing a logo 19 .

[0062] In the present embodiment , the wind deflector assembly 2 also comprises a locking mechanism 20 for securing the wind deflector assembly 2 in the parking position .

[0063] Fig . 6 shows a perspective view of the wind deflector assembly in another position . In the position shown in Fig . 6 , the wind deflector 7 is in an upright position and the lid 6 is wide open such that the wind deflector 7 could be brought from the parking position to the upright position through a rotational movement of the base 15 of the wind deflector 7 around its rotational axis . The wind deflector assembly 2 comprises a linear actuator 21 with a pivotable base 22 mounted on the mounting frame 4 of the wind deflector assembly 2 . The linear actuator 21 is configured for bringing the wind deflector 7 from the parking position to the upright position or working position as shown in Fig . 6 .

[0064] As seen from Fig . 6 , the wind deflector 7 comprises an essentially rectangular recess 23 . Due to the recess 23 , the wind deflector 7 can pass the armrest 8 while stowing the wind deflector 7 in the housing 3 .

[0065] In addition, the recess 23 in the wind deflector 7 provides the driver with a better view through a rear-view mirror of the vehicle 1 .

[0066] Fig . 7 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly . The state of the wind deflector assembly 2 shown in Fig . 7 essentially corresponds to the state of the wind deflector assembly 2 shown in Fig . 6 , wherein the room separator 16 has been unfolded for bringing it to its working position . Further, side wings 24 of the wind deflector 7 has been also unfolded and brought to a working position .

[0067] A comparison of the side of the wind deflector 7 with the unfolded side wing 24 ( left in Fig . 6 ) and the side of the wind deflector 7 with a folded side wing ( right in Fig . 7 ) shows a substantial increase in the area of the wind deflector 7 due to side wings 24 .

[0068] Fig . 8 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly . The state of the wind deflector assembly 2 shown in Fig . 8 corresponds to a next stage of the deployment of the wind deflector 7 . In this state , the lid 6 is closed again such that the front cover 5 , the armrest 8 and the openable lid 6 form an essentially even hori zontal surface . In the view of Fig . 8 , hinges 25 connecting the main body of the wind deflector 7 and the side wings 24 can be seen . In some embodiments , the side wings 24 are motori zed, such that the unfolding and / or folding of the wind deflector 7 can be electrically controlled .

[0069] Fig . 9 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly . In the state shown in Fig . 9 , the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 are unfolded and brought into a substantially coplanar position with the front cover 6 . In this way, the ef fective area of the front cover 5 for closing the rear seat space can be increased . In the state shown in Fig . 9 , wing extensions 26 of the side wings 9 are brought in the working position .

[0070] Fig . 10 shows still another partial perspective view of the wind deflector assembly .

[0071] The wing extensions 26 shown in Figs . 9 and 10 can further increase the area of the front cover 5 and improve the coverage of the rear seat area of the vehicle .

[0072] In some embodiments , the wing extensions 26 are configured such that they can be stowed inside the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 and can be extracted, i f necessary . In particular, the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 can comprise a sliding mechanism for pushing the wing extensions 26 out of the side wings 9 .

[0073] Fig . 11 shows a perspective view of the wind deflector assembly in the working position . In the working position shown in Fig . 11 , the wind deflector assembly 2 is in a fully deployed state . In particular, the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 , including the wing extensions 26 , the wind deflector 7 including the side wings 24 of the wind deflector 7 and the room separator 16 are all brought into the working position .

[0074] Fig . 12 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector . In the view of Fig . 12 , a side wing 9 of the front cover 5 with a profiled edge 27 and a mounting member 28 with the hinge 12 are particularly clear to see .

[0075] Due to the profiled edge 27 of the side wing 9 of the front cover 5 , a particularly tight closure of the rear seat area can be achieved, when the wind deflector 2 is deployed .

[0076] In the perspective view of Fig . 12 is a further linear actuator 21 for opening and closing the room separator 16 can be seen .

[0077] Fig . 13 shows a further perspective view of the wind deflector assembly . In particular, Fig . 13 shows a perspective bottom view of the wind deflector assembly 2 , in a deployed state . In the bottom view of Fig . 13 , the actuator arrangement of the wind deflector assembly 2 can be seen . In particular, the actuator arrangement comprises motors 29 connected with the drives 11 for driving the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 . The drives 11 are designed as 90 ° gears and transmit the rotation movement of the motors 29 to the shafts 10 for opening and closing the side wings 9 .

[0078] Fig . 14 shows another perspective view of the wind deflector assembly . In particular, Fig 14 shows an enlarged bottom view of the wind deflector assembly 2 , showing the j unction of the hinge mechanism 17 and the linear actuator 18 driving the openable lid 6 as well as the motor 29 , the drive 11 and the shaft 10 for driving the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 . Fig . 14 also provides a detailed view of the mounting member 28 with mounting elements 30 and the hinge 12 as well as the armrest 8 with cup holders 31 .

[0079] Fig . 15 shows still another view of the wind deflector assembly . In particular, Fig . 15 shows the wind deflector assembly 2 in the working position with the armrest 8 turned up . By turning up the armrest 8 , as shown in Fig . 15 , access to the rear area of the vehicle is possible , i f required .

[0080] Fig . 16 shows a schematic diagram of a wind deflector system according to an embodiment . The system 50 comprises a wind deflector assembly 2 as well as control unit 51 . The wind deflector assembly 2 can be configured as a wind deflector assembly 2 according to the above embodiment .

[0081] The wind deflector system comprises a number of electromechanical actuators or motors for driving the wind deflector 7 . In the present embodiment , the number of electromechanical actuators is configured as part of the wind deflector assembly 2 .

[0082] In some embodiments , the system may comprise additional actuators to upgrade the wind deflector assembly 2 .

[0083] The control unit 51 comprises a processor 52 , a memory unit 53 for storing data and machine-readable instructions for the processor 52 and an interface 54 . The interface is configured to receive sensor data and / or user inputs and to send out control signals to the number of electromechanical actuators for controlling the wind deflector assembly 2 .

[0084] The machine-readable instructions may comprise instructions for the processor 52 to evaluate the sensor data and / or user inputs and to control the number of electromechanical actuators based on the sensor data and / or user inputs received via the interface 54 . In particular, the system 50 may comprise one or more user interfaces for receiving user inputs and providing information for the user .

[0085] The system may further comprise a number of sensors for sensing the state of the wind deflector assembly, in particular, positions and status of the electromechanical actuators .

[0086] The control unit 51 may be a separate unit or may be at least partially implemented in the central control unit of the vehicle 1 .

[0087] Fig . 17 shows a flow chart of a method for operation a wind deflector assembly according to an embodiment . The method 100 can be applied to a wind deflector assembly 2 according to the embodiment described above .

[0088] In a first step 200 , the wind deflector assembly 2 is mounted in a convertible vehicle with an openable and / or removable roof . In particular, the wind deflector assembly 2 can be mounted in the rear seat area of the vehicle , such that in the parking position, the wind deflector assembly 2 can serve as a back of the rear seat of the vehicle .

[0089] For mounting the wind deflector assembly 2 , the mounting members 28 can be fixed in an upper region of the rear seats , by means of the fixing elements 30 , such that the wind deflector assembly 2 can be swung to a an essentially hori zontal position .

[0090] The mounting of the wind deflector assembly 2 in step 200 may include , bringing the wind deflector assembly 2 to the parking position and securing the wind deflector assembly 2 in the parking position by means of the locking mechanism 20 .

[0091] In step 300 , the wind deflector assembly 2 is electrically driven or at least partially electrically driven from the parking position to the working position . In particular, in step 300 , at least some actuators and / or motors of the wind deflector assembly 2 may be activated to bring the wind deflector assembly 2 to the working position .

[0092] In step 400 , the wind deflector assembly 2 is electrically driven or at least partially electrically driven from the working position to the parking position . In particular, in step 400 , at least some actuators and / or motors of the wind deflector assembly 2 may be activated to bring the wind deflector assembly 2 back to the parking position .

[0093] Fig . 18 shows a flow chart of a method for driving a wind deflector assembly from a parking position to a working position, according to an embodiment .

[0094] The step 300 of driving the wind deflector assembly 2 from the parking position to the working position may comprise at least one step which can be carried out electrically or automatically, i . e . without manually operating the wind deflector assembly 2 or parts of it . In some embodiments , all steps involved in step 300 , can be carried out electrically .

[0095] According to the embodiment of Fig . 18 , in step 310 , the wind deflector assembly 2 , presenting the rear seat back in the parking position, is unclamped by releasing the locking mechanism 20 such that the wind deflector assembly 2 can be swung around the hinges 12 to a right position . In particular, the swinging movement of the wind deflector assembly 2 may be electrically driven by the linear actuators 13 attached to the back side of the mounting frame 4 , cf . Fig . 13 above .

[0096] In step 320 , the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 are opened to close the upper space of rear seat area . The side wings 9 of the front cover 5 may be , in particular, opened by means of the motors 29 coupled with the shafts 10 via the 90 ° gears or drives 11 .

[0097] In step 330 , the front cover and the side wings 9 are brought to an essentially hori zontal position, in particular, such that the side wings 9 substantially match the side walls of the car chassis , for closing the rear seat space of the vehicle .

[0098] In some embodiments , step 330 further comprises extending the side wings 9 by means of the wing extensions 26 for providing a particularly tight closure of the rear seat space of the vehicle .

[0099] In step 340 , the lid 6 is opened to release the wind deflector 7 . In particular, in step 340 , the lid 6 may be electrically driven by the linear actuators 18 coupled with the hinge mechanism 17 .

[0100] In step 350 , the wind deflector 7 is brought to an upright position . In particular, the wind deflector 7 can be driven by the linear actuator 21 coupled with the pivotably mounted base 15 of the wind deflector 7 .

[0101] In step 360 , the two side wings 24 of the wind deflector 7 are unfolded . In some embodiments , the unfolding of the side wings 24 can be also done manually or at least partly electrically . In step 370 , the lid 6 is closed, thus providing an essentially flat upper surface for closing the rear seat space of the vehicle . In particular, the lid 6 can be closes by electrically driving the linear actuator 18 coupled with the hinge mechanism 17 .

[0102] In some embodiments step 300 also comprises bringing the room separator 16 to the working position, such that the room separator 16 can close the passage between the front seats , connecting the front seat space and the rear seat space .

[0103] Fig . 19 shows a flow chart of a method for driving a wind deflector assembly from a working position to a parking position, according to an embodiment .

[0104] The step 400 of driving the wind deflector assembly 2 from the working position back to the parking position may comprise at least one step which can be carried out electrically or automatically, i . e . without manually operating the wind deflector assembly 2 or parts of it . In some embodiments , all steps involved in step 400 , can be carried out electrically .

[0105] According to the embodiment of Fig . 19 , in step 410 the lid 6 is open for receiving the wind deflector wind deflector 7 . In particular, the lid 6 can be opened by electrically driving the linear actuator 18 coupled with the hinge mechanism 17 .

[0106] In step 420 , the side wings 24 of the wind deflector 2 are folded . Depending on embodiment , the side wings 24 of the wind deflector 7 can be electrically or manually folded by turning the side wings 24 around the hinges 25 of the wind deflector 7 . In step 430 , the wind deflector 7 is turned back to the parking position . In particular, the wing deflector 7 can be turned back by the linear actuator 21 coupled with the pivotably mounted base 15 of the wind deflector 7 .

[0107] In step 440 , the lid 6 is closed, thus covering the wind deflector 7 .

[0108] In step 450 , the rear seat back i . e . the wind deflector assembly 2 is brought to the right angel for folding the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 .

[0109] In step 460 , the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 are folded . In some embodiments , in step 460 , prior to folding the side wings 9 , the wing extensions 26 are retracted .

[0110] In step 470 , the rear seat back i . e . wind deflector assembly 2 is brought to the parking position and clamped, in particular, by means of a locking mechanism .

[0111] The process steps described above , does not necessarily need to be carried out in a strict consecutive order . For instance , steps 340 and 350 or 410 and 420 can be carried out essentially simultaneously . In some embodiments , the wind deflector 7 starts to come up while the lid 6 is still being opened and the side wings 24 of the wind deflector start to open while the wind deflector is about to arrive in the upright position .

[0112] The unfolding or opening of the side wings 24 or arms of the wind reflector 7 provide an extension of the middle (vertical ) portion of the wind deflector 7 in the working position . Just when this operation ends , the lid 6 of the back rear seat may come down, accomplishing the deployment of wind deflector . Furthermore , all the steps described above as well as their synchroni zation may be controlled by the control unit . In some embodiments the memory unit of the control unit may comprise instructions to restart one or more of the above-described process steps , i f the computer unit receives a sensor signal indicating that something does not work properly . In particular, in case of any disorder or deviation from the normal course of events the system may stop any of the process steps described above and restart again, in particular, after resetting the system .

[0113] At least some of the motor drives and actuators may be configured to provide feedback position response to the control unit or the main computer that will help to detect exactly the position of the motor drives and actuators when it operates or when it stops in case of error .

[0114] Fig . 20 shows a detailed perspective view of a vehicle of Fig . 1 with the wind deflector assembly being in the first state . In particular, Fig . shows two di f ferent perspective views of the vehicle 1 as well as an enlarged view (upper right corner ) .

[0115] In the first state of the wind deflector assembly 2 , shown in Fig . 20 , the wind deflector 7 is in the parking position, hidden in the rear seat back of the vehicle 1 .

[0116] As it can be seen from Fig . 20 , in the first state , the wind deflector assembly 2 is compactly folded to build an essentially flat rectangular rear seat back of the vehicle 1 .

[0117] Thereby, the front cover 5 , the armrest 8 and the openable lid 6 of the wind deflector assembly 2 form a substantially flat surface of the rear seat backrest , so that persons can be comfortably accommodated in the rear seat of the vehicle .

[0118] Fig . 21 shows a detailed perspective view of the vehicle of Fig . 1 with the wind deflector assembly being in the second state . In the second state shown in Fig . 21 , the wind deflector assembly 2 is fully deployed in order to deflect the wind when driving with the roof open .

[0119] In particular, the side wings 24 of the wind deflector 7 are unfolded, thereby achieving a larger ef fective area and improved wind deflection performance of the wind deflector .

[0120] The side wings of the front cover 5 are also unfolded such that the front cover 5 , the armrest , the lid 6 and the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 form a substantially wind-tight cover for covering the space behind the front seats of the vehicle 1 .

[0121] Further, the room separator 16 is brought to its working position to cover the passage between the two front seats . In this way, the front seating area and the rear seating area can be aerodynamically separated from each other .

[0122] Fig . 22 shows a detailed perspective view of the vehicle of Fig . 1 with the wind deflector assembly being in a third state .

[0123] In the state shown in Fig . 22 , the wind deflector assembly is only partially deployed . In particular, the wind deflector 7 is still folded and hidden behind the lid 6 , while the front cover 5 , the side wings 9 of the front cover 5 and the lid 6 are brought to their working position, covering the rear seat area of the vehicle 1 . In some embodiments , the wind deflector system allows to choose this state , such that the user can electrically drive the wind deflector into this state , i f for instance , it is too warm, and the user would enj oy having some wind blowing around his head .

[0124] A further advantage of adj usting the wind deflector assembly 2 to the position shown in Fig . 22 is that it gives the vehicle a particularly elegant appearance , e . g . while driving at low speeds in city areas .

[0125] Thus , a novel wind deflector assembly is provided . The wind deflector assembly is particularly user- friendly and suitable for long-distance driving as it can be deployed or stowed during the j ourney with essentially no manual steps and without need to stop the car .

[0126] Due to the solid parts used in the wind deflector assembly, as compared with wind deflectors out of fabric, the wind deflector assembly is particularly robust and suitable for long li fe service .

[0127] Furthermore , because of the robust construction and improved aerodynamics , the wind deflector assembly is suitable also for high-speed driving, e . g . with speeds up to 120 km / h or higher, providing an improved wind protection for the occupants of the front seat .

[0128] The motori zation of the wind deflector system makes it particularly suitable for drivers with physical disabilities , as the operation of the wind deflector system is possible without manual intervention . In addition, the improved aerodynamics of the wind deflector assembly leads to reduced energy consumption and makes driving particularly cost-ef fective . Especially for electric cars , this can lead to a signi ficant increase in range .

[0129] It is also worth mentioning that the wind deflector assembly described above can be easily adapted to di f ferent car models . In principle , any convertible can be retrofitted with such a wind deflector .

[0130] Furthermore , due to the compact parking of the wind deflector assembly as a rear seat back, it essentially does not take any space in the trunk or elsewhere in the car . Basically, the wind deflector assembly is always functional - as a wind deflector when it is deployed and as a rear seat back when it is parked .

[0131] The arrangement of the front cover, especially in conj unction with the side wings or wing extensions , enables optimal coverage of the rear seat area and thus contributes to a better appearance of the vehicle .

[0132] Furthermore , the wind deflector assembly described here of fers more flexibility in use , as compared with known products . In particular, the driver can enj oy the ride as everything is automated and easy to control by the driver . For example , the driver can open the roof and the wind deflector simultaneously while driving or right after turning on the car .

[0133] By extending the wind deflector or by moving the wind deflector assembly from the parking position to the working position or back, the car is converted from a four-seater to a two- seater or vice versa . Routine activities such as picking up the children from school become much easier and the driver does not have to adj ust anything manually .

[0134] In short , the wind deflector assembly presented above makes the li fe of convertible lovers easier and more enj oyable .

[0135] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exists . It should also be ap- predated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples , and are not intended to limit the scope , applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way . Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments .

[0136] Reference symbols and numerals

[0137] 1 Vehicle

[0138] 2 wind deflector assembly

[0139] 3 housing

[0140] 4 mounting frame

[0141] 5 front cover

[0142] 6 lid

[0143] 7 wind deflector

[0144] 8 armrest

[0145] 9 side wing

[0146] 10 shaft

[0147] 11 drive

[0148] 12 hinge

[0149] 13 linear actuator

[0150] 14 pivotable base

[0151] 15 wind deflector base

[0152] 16 room separator

[0153] 17 hinge mechanism

[0154] 18 linear actuator

[0155] 19 logo

[0156] 20 locking mechanism

[0157] 21 linear actuator

[0158] 22 pivotable base

[0159] 23 recess

[0160] 24 side wing

[0161] 25 hinge

[0162] 26 wing extension

[0163] 27 profiled edge

[0164] 28 mounting member

[0165] 29 motor

[0166] 30 mounting element

[0167] 31 cup holder 100 process

[0168] 200 process step

[0169] 300 process step 310 process step

[0170] 320 process step

[0171] 330 process step

[0172] 340 process step

[0173] 350 process step 360 process step

[0174] 370 process step

[0175] 400 process step

[0176] 410 process step 420 process step

[0177] 430 process step

[0178] 440 process step

[0179] 450 process step

[0180] 460 process step 470 process step

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A wind deflector assembly for integrating in a convertible vehicle (1) with an openable roof, comprising an electrically controllable wind deflector (7) , the wind deflector (7) being configured to take a parking position for stowing the wind deflector (7) and a working position for deflecting the wind, wherein the wind deflector assembly (2) is configured for electrically driving the wind deflector (7) from the parking position to the working position and / or from the working position back to the parking position.

2. The wind deflector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wind deflector (7) is configured as a foldable wind deflector (7) such that it can take a folded state in the parking position and an unfolded state in the working position .

3. The wind deflector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wind deflector assembly (2) is configured such that, in the parking position, the wind deflector (7) can be stowed in a rear seat area of the vehicle (1) .

4. The wind deflector assembly according to claim 3, wherein the wind deflector assembly (2) is configured as a part of the rear seat of the vehicle (1) .

5. The wind deflector assembly according claim 4, wherein the wind deflector assembly (2) is configured as a rear seat back.

6. The wind deflector assembly according to one of the previous claims, wherein the wind deflector assembly (2)comprises a housing with a front cover (5) configured to serve as a cover of the rear seat back when the wind deflector (7) is in the parking position and to close the space behind the front seats when the wind deflector (7) is in the working position.

7. The wind deflector assembly according to claim 6, wherein the front cover (5) comprises foldable side wings (9) for tight closure of the space behind the front seats of the vehicle ( 1 ) .

8. The wind deflector assembly according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the housing is configured for accommodating the wind deflector in the parking position.

9. The wind deflector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the front cover (5) comprises an openable lid (6) for covering the wind deflector (7) when the wind deflector is accommodated in the housing.

10. The wind deflector assembly according to one of the previous claims, wherein the wind deflector assembly (2) comprises a room separator (16) for separating a front part of the vehicle cabin from a rear part of the vehicle cabin when the wind deflector (7) is in the working position .

11. A wind deflector system for a vehicle, comprising a wind deflector assembly (2) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the wind deflector system (50) further comprises a number of electromechanical actuators for bringing the wind deflector (7) from a parking position to a working position and / or the working position back to the parking position.

12. The wind deflector system according to claim 11, wherein the system (50) further comprises a control unit (51) with a processor (52) , a memory unit (53) for storing data and machine-readable instructions for the processor (52) and an interface (54) , configured to receive sensor data and / or user inputs and to send out control signals for controlling the number of electromechanical actuators, and wherein the machine-readable instructions comprise instructions for the processor (52) to evaluate the sensor data and / or user inputs and to control the number of electromechanical actuators based on the sensor data and / or the user inputs received via the interface (54) .

13. A method for operating a wind deflector assembly according to one of the previous claims, the method (100) comprising :- mounting (200) the wind deflector assembly in a convertible vehicle with an openable roof, such that the wind deflector can take a parking position for stowing the wind deflector and a working position for deflecting the wind, and- electrically driving (300) the wind deflector (7) from the parking position to the working position, and / or- electrically driving (400) the wind deflector (7) from the working position back to the parkin position.

14. A vehicle, wherein the vehicle (1) is configured as a convertible vehicle with an openable and / or removable roof, and wherein the vehicle (1) comprises a wind deflector system (500) according to claims 11 or 12 implemented in the vehicle.

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