DE102023002873B3 - Air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle and method for operating an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an air guiding device (10) for a vehicle wheel (12) of a motor vehicle, with at least one air guiding element (16), with at least one actuator (20) by means of which the air guiding element (16) can be moved between a first air guiding position (22) and a second air guiding position (24), with at least one holding device (26) by means of which the air guiding device (10) can be held on a component (14) of the vehicle wheel (12), wherein at least one handling element (32) arranged on the air guiding element (16) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (30) and at least one coupling device (38) which can be moved between a first position (32) and a second position (34) relative to the holding device (26) are provided, which coupling device (38) is located in the first air guiding position (22) in the first position (34) in which the holding device (26) can be dismantled from the component (14) in order to dismantle the air guiding device (10). and in the second air guiding position (24) is in the second position (36) in which the dismantling of the holding device (26) is prevented.

Description

The invention relates to an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle.

The EN 10 2008 007 690 A1 discloses a rim or an attachment of a motor vehicle wheel with closable openings through which, in the open state, air can flow in the axial direction to the wheel axis, wherein an adjusting device is provided which is designed to open and close the openings.

From the EN 10 2021 004 886 A1 A generic air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle is disclosed.

The object of the present invention is to provide an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle and a method for operating an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle, so that the air guiding device can be assembled and disassembled with particularly little effort and at the same time theft protection for the air guiding device can be particularly improved.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to an air guiding device for a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is designed, for example, as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, commercial vehicle or truck. The motor vehicle, in particular in its fully manufactured state, preferably has the vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel, in particular in its fully manufactured state, preferably has the air guiding device.

The vehicle wheel can be understood in particular as a ground contact element of the motor vehicle. The vehicle wheel can be rotated about a wheel rotation axis, in particular relative to a body of the motor vehicle. In particular, the motor vehicle can be supported or is supported on a surface, for example a roadway, via the vehicle wheel. In particular, the vehicle wheel can roll on the surface while the motor vehicle is traveling.

The air guiding device has at least one air guiding element, by means of which, particularly in the installed position of the air guiding device in the motor vehicle, the air guiding device or the air guiding element, in particular directly, can be guided, in particular in a targeted manner, when the motor vehicle is traveling. In other words, the air flowing towards the air guiding device when the motor vehicle is traveling can flow around the air guiding element, in particular directly. The air guiding device can therefore be understood in particular as an aerodynamic component. The air guiding element preferably has at least one air guiding surface, which can be acted upon by the air flowing towards the air guiding device when the motor vehicle is traveling, in particular directly. Guiding the air can be understood in particular as flowing the air along the air guiding element and/or deflecting the air by means of the air guiding element.

The air guiding device has at least one actuator, for example an electric one, by means of which the air guiding element can be moved between at least one first air guiding position and at least one second air guiding position, which is in particular different from the first air guiding position. In other words, the air guiding element can be moved by means of the actuator from the first air guiding position to the second air guiding position and/or from the second air guiding position to the first air guiding position. This means that the air guiding element can be driven or is driven by means of the actuator in order to move the air guiding element between the air guiding positions, i.e. to adjust it. The air guiding device is therefore an active aerodynamic device. This means that the vehicle wheel is a wheel with active aerodynamics.

The actuator can be understood in particular as an adjustment device for the air guide element. The actuator is designed, for example, as an electrical machine. The actuator is, for example, part of an actuator unit, in particular a central one, which can be referred to, for example, as a functional center.

The air guiding device has at least one holding device, via which the air guiding device, for example the air guiding element and/or the actuator, in particular the actuator unit, for example at least indirectly or directly, is to be held or is held on a component of the vehicle wheel, in particular one formed separately from the air guiding device. In other words, the air guiding device is held by means of the holding device or by means of the holding The air guiding device can be fastened or attached to the component, for example at least indirectly or directly. For example, the air guiding device can be screwed or screwed to the component, in particular at least indirectly or directly, that is to say can be connected or attached to the component by means of at least one screw connection. The component is designed, for example, as a rim, in particular as a rim region of the rim.

The fact that the air guiding device is to be held or is held on the component of the vehicle wheel via the holding device can be understood in particular to mean that at least one component of the air guiding device, for example the air guiding element and/or the actuator or the actuator unit, is to be held or is held on the component of the vehicle wheel. The actuator is thus fastened or can be fastened in the vehicle wheel, for example by means of the holding device.

Preferably, the air guiding element can be moved between the air guiding positions relative to the holding device by means of the actuator. Thus, the air guiding element can be moved between the air guiding positions, for example via the holding device relative to the holding device or the vehicle wheel, in particular at least indirectly or directly, to be held or held on the component of the vehicle wheel.

In order to be able to mount and dismount the air guiding device on the component, in particular the vehicle wheel, with particularly little effort and at the same time to be able to particularly improve theft protection for the air guiding device, in particular for the air guiding element and/or the actuator and/or the actuator unit, the air guiding device has at least one handling element that is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the air guiding element, in particular at least indirectly or directly, arranged, in particular held, on the air guiding element. In other words, the handling element can be rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the air guiding element by applying a torque, in particular manually. The handling element is designed, for example, as a screw element, in particular as a screw or as a nut or central nut. By rotating the handling element about the axis of rotation, the holding device can be subjected to a torque in order to mount the holding device, and thus in particular the air guiding device, at least partially on the component of the vehicle wheel and/or to dismantle it at least partially from the component.

Dismantling the air guiding device can be understood as a complete dismantling or a partial dismantling of the air guiding device, in particular the air guiding element and/or the actuator and/or the actuator unit, from the component of the vehicle wheel. Mounting the air guiding device can be understood as a complete mounting or a partial mounting of the air guiding device, in particular the air guiding element and/or the actuator and/or the actuator unit, on the component.

The air guiding device has at least one first coupling element which is part of a coupling device and can be coupled or is coupled between at least one first position and at least one second position, in particular one which is different from the first position, relative to the holding device and in particular to the handling element. In other words, the first coupling element of the coupling device can be moved or adjusted from the first position into the second position and/or from the second position into the first position.

The coupling device is in the first position in the first air guiding position. In other words, when the air guiding element is moved, in particular from the second air guiding position, into the first air guiding position, the coupling device is moved, in particular from the second position, into the first position. In the first position or in the first air guiding position, the holding device can be dismantled from the component by applying the torque to the handling element in order to at least partially dismantle the air guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel. This means that the holding device can be dismantled from the component by applying the torque to the handling element in order to at least partially dismantle the air guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel. In other words, in the first air guiding position or in the first position of the coupling device, the air guiding device can be at least partially dismantled from the component of the vehicle wheel by applying the torque to the holding device via the handling element.

In the second air guiding position, the coupling device is in the second position. In other words, when the air guiding element is moved, in particular from the first air guiding position, into the second air guiding position, the coupling device is moved, in particular from the first position, into the second position. In the second position of the coupling device or in the second air guiding position, when applying of the handling element with the torque prevents the dismantling of the holding device, in particular the air guiding device, from the component of the vehicle wheel. In other words, when the handling element is subjected to the torque, the dismantling of the holding device or the air guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel does not occur. This means that in the second position of the coupling device or the second air guiding position, the at least partial dismantling of the air guiding device from the component is not possible by applying the torque to the holding device via the handling element.

Dismantling the air guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel can be understood in particular as a reversible or non-destructive detachment of the air guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel. Dismantling the holding device from the component of the vehicle wheel can be understood in particular as a non-destructive or reversible detachment of the holding device from the component of the vehicle wheel.

The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: The actuator for the vehicle wheel with active aerodynamics can be designed in such a way that it covers at least one wheel bolt, in particular all wheel bolts, of the vehicle wheel. It is advantageous that the air guiding device, in particular the actuator, can be mounted and dismounted as easily as possible on the component or in the vehicle wheel for the purpose of a wheel change, in particular referred to as a tire change. However, with a conventional air guiding device, this can simultaneously be accompanied by easy theft of the air guiding device, in particular the actuator. The actuator or the actuator unit can therefore be a component or an assembly which can be particularly easy to steal with the conventional air guiding device.

In contrast, the air guiding device according to the invention can be used to particularly improve theft protection for the air guiding device, in particular for the actuator and/or the actuator unit. In the air guiding device according to the invention, the air guiding device, in particular the actuator and/or the actuator unit, is equipped with the handling element for fastening the holding device to the component of the vehicle wheel, for example by means of a screw connection. The coupling device of the air guiding device according to the invention allows the air guiding device, in particular the actuator and/or the actuator unit, to be dismantled from the component of the vehicle wheel by applying the torque to the handling element in relation to the air guiding positions or the positions of the coupling device exclusively in the first air guiding position or in the first position of the coupling device. As a result, the air guiding device, in particular the actuator or the actuator unit, is particularly securely protected against theft in the second air guiding position or the second coupling position. The coupling device can enable this theft protection in a particularly low-cost manner, since, for example, annoying additional elements can be dispensed with. This means that the weight of the air guiding device and/or the manufacturing costs of the air guiding device can be kept particularly low. Overall, it is clear that an anti-theft device can be created for the air guiding device, in particular the actuator or actuator unit, which can function as simply as possible and has no annoying additional elements. In other words, a particularly simple and particularly elegant anti-theft device can be created without any annoying additional elements.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that in the first air guiding position, a through-opening through which air can flow is at least partially opened by the air guiding element, whereby in the first air guiding position, in particular in the installed position of the air guiding device in the motor vehicle, when the motor vehicle is traveling, at least part of the air flowing towards or around the air guiding device can be guided or is guided, in particular in a targeted manner, via the through-opening to the braking device of the motor vehicle for cooling a braking device of the motor vehicle. In other words, in particular with regard to the air guiding positions exclusively, in the first air guiding position, the braking device of the motor vehicle can be supplied with air via the through-opening, i.e. by supplying the air via the through-opening to the braking device, in particular directly, in order to cool the braking device. The air guided to the braking device can therefore be understood to mean cooling air in particular. In the second air guiding position, the through-opening is closed, in particular completely, by the air guiding element, whereby in the second air guiding position the air is prevented from being guided via the through-opening to the braking device. This means that in the second air guide position, the air is not guided through the through opening to the braking device. In other words, in particular with regard to the air guide positions exclusively, in the second In the air control position, the braking device is supplied with air via the through opening.

In the first position, the air guiding device is therefore in a first operating state, particularly referred to as brake cooling. The first air guiding position can be referred to in particular as the open position. In the second air guiding position, which can be referred to in particular as the closed position, the air guiding device is in a second operating state that is different from the first operating state and can be referred to in particular as air resistance optimization (CW optimization). Thus, in a first operating state or in the first air guiding position, the braking device can be cooled, i.e. a temperature of the braking device can be kept particularly low, and in the second air guiding position or the second operating state, the air resistance of the vehicle wheel, in particular of the motor vehicle, can be kept particularly low.

The second operating state is preferably a normal state of the air guiding device when driving, i.e. while the motor vehicle is moving. Furthermore, the second operating state is preferably a normal idle state while the motor vehicle is stationary, in particular while an ignition of the motor vehicle is deactivated. As a result, the air resistance of the motor vehicle can be kept particularly low while the motor vehicle is driving and while the motor vehicle is stationary, the air guiding device, in particular the actuator or the actuator unit, can be protected from theft, i.e. theft protection can be particularly increased. Preferably, the air guiding device is in the first operating state during vehicle operation, in particular exclusively, when cooling of the braking device is required. Furthermore, the air guiding device is preferably in the second operating state, in particular when the motor vehicle is stationary, when dismantling the air guiding device is desired or is desired, since the anti-theft device is deactivated in the first air guiding position or first coupling position.

Preferably, the motor vehicle, particularly in its fully manufactured state, has the braking device. The vehicle wheel can be braked or decelerated by means of the braking device.

In a further embodiment, at least one cover element is provided which is held on the component, in particular at least directly or indirectly, via at least one fastening device designed separately from the holding device. In other words, the cover element can be fastened or attached to the component at least directly or indirectly via the fastening device. The cover element is preferably designed separately from the air guiding element. As a result, the air flowing onto the air guiding device while the motor vehicle is traveling can be guided to the through opening in the first air guiding position by means of the cover element, which is preferably designed as a second air guiding element different from the air guiding element, in particular in order to cool the braking device. In the second air guiding position, the air flowing onto the air guiding device while the motor vehicle is traveling can be guided by means of the cover element, in particular in a targeted manner or in a particularly streamlined manner.

Preferably, it is provided that the through-opening is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, delimited by the cover element. The cover element is preferably fixed to the component by means of the fastening device, i.e. not movable relative to the component. Therefore, the cover element can be understood in particular as a wheel-fixed cover, whereas the first air guide element can be understood as a movable cover.

Preferably, it is provided that, particularly in the first and/or second air guiding position, the actuator and/or the coupling device and/or the holding device are covered, particularly directly, by the air guiding element, particularly in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. In other words, the actuator and/or the coupling device and/or the holding device, particularly in the first and/or second air guiding position, extends at least partially, particularly predominantly or completely, behind the air guiding element when viewed from the outside in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. Preferably, in the installation position of the air guiding device on or in the vehicle wheel, a receiving space in which the actuator and/or the coupling device and/or the holding device is or are arranged is at least partially, particularly predominantly or completely, delimited by the air guiding element and the component, and particularly by the covering element. This makes it possible to provide particularly secure protection against theft for the actuator, the coupling device and/or the holding device, particularly in the second air guiding position. The actuator, the coupling device and/or the holding device cannot therefore be stolen from the receiving space.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that in the installation position of the air guiding device on or in the vehicle wheel, at least one screw element, via which the rim of the vehicle wheel is to be held or is held, in particular directly, on a wheel hub, is covered in particular at least partially, predominantly or completely, preferably directly, by the air guiding element. In other words, the screw element is arranged behind the air guiding element in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, as viewed from the outside, and in particular is arranged at least partially in the receiving space. This prevents the screw element from being subjected to a torque intended for dismantling the rim from the wheel hub. This means that the screw element cannot be released from the air guiding element due to the cover, since the screw element is not accessible due to the cover. This makes it possible to particularly improve theft protection of the vehicle wheel, in particular the rim. Furthermore, it is possible to dispense with an anti-theft device for the vehicle wheel, in particular the rim, which is designed separately from the air guiding device. This makes it possible to keep the weight and/or manufacturing costs of the vehicle wheel particularly low.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one first coupling element of the coupling device is connected to the handling element in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular at least indirectly or directly, and that the coupling device has at least one second coupling element which is connected to the holding device in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular at least indirectly or directly, and is in particular designed separately from the first coupling element. A rotationally fixed connection is understood to mean a connection between two components which are designed separately from one another and which are connected to one another in such a way that at least relative rotations between the components and preferably relative movements between the components in the axial direction and in the radial direction of the components are avoided or prevented.

Preferably, the coupling elements are coupled to one another in the first position, in particular at least indirectly or directly, in a torque-transmitting manner, whereby the handling element and the holding device are coupled to one another in the first position or in the first air-guiding position via the coupling elements, in particular at least indirectly or directly. In other words, in the first air-guiding position or in the first position, the coupling elements are coupled to one another, in particular in a torque-transmitting manner, whereby in order to dismantle the air-guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel, the holding device can be subjected to the torque by the handling element via the coupling device, in particular the coupling elements, in particular in order to dismantle the holding device from the component. In the second position, the handling element and the holding device are decoupled from one another, in particular via the coupling elements, whereby the coupling of the handling element and the holding device in the second position or the second air-guiding position is prevented or does not occur. In other words, the handling element and the holding device are decoupled from one another in the second position or the second air guiding position, i.e. they are not coupled to one another in a torque-transmitting manner via the coupling elements, as a result of which, when the handling element is subjected to torque, the torque from the handling element cannot be transmitted to the holding device via the coupling device, in particular the coupling elements, in particular because the handling element rotates freely relative to the holding device. This prevents the air guiding device or the holding device from being dismantled from the component. The handling element and the holding device can therefore be rotationally decoupled in the second position, for example by lifting movements of the actuator, so that the air guiding device or the holding device cannot be released from the component of the vehicle wheel, as a result of which the anti-theft device is activated, for example when the motor vehicle is parked. In other words, the handling element and the holding device can be coupled or decoupled by moving the air guiding element, i.e. by an aeromechanism of the air guiding device, to activate or deactivate the anti-theft device. This means that the anti-theft device of the air guiding device can be implemented in a particularly low-effort manner.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the handling element and the holding device, in particular in the first position or air guidance position, are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular at least indirectly or directly. In other words, the torque can be transferred from the handling element to the holding device, in particular in the first position. This means that by rotating the handling element about the axis of rotation, the holding device can be set in rotation, in particular about the axis of rotation of the handling element or about a second axis of rotation arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the handling element. The coupling device preferably has at least a blocking element, via which the holding device in the second position can be connected or is connected to the component in a form-fitting manner, in particular directly, whereby in the second position, when the handling element is subjected to the torque, the dismantling of the holding device from the component of the vehicle wheel is prevented or can be prevented. In other words, in the second position or the second air-guiding position, the rotation of the holding device relative to the component is prevented or can be prevented by the engagement of the blocking element with or on the component. This means that when the anti-theft device is activated, i.e. in the second position, the release of the holding device, in particular the screw connection between the actuator and the component of the vehicle wheel, can be blocked or is blocked by a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection. The form-fitting connection can be understood to mean, for example, a pin or a pin which can engage in a corresponding counter geometry on the component of the vehicle wheel, i.e. one which corresponds to the pin or the pin. The rotary movement of the handling element or the holding device can then be blocked, for example in a similar way to a steering wheel lock in a motor vehicle or motorcycle. In the first position or the first air guiding position, the positive locking and/or the frictional locking is absent, whereby in order to dismantle the air guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel, the holding device can be dismantled from the component by applying the torque to the handling element. In other words, in the first position, in particular due to the lack of a positive locking and/or frictional locking, the holding device can be rotated relative to the component, whereby the air guiding device or the holding device can be dismantled from the component by applying the torque to the handling element. For example, when the blocking element, which is designed in particular as a pin or as a stud, is moved from the second position to the first position, a blockage, i.e. the positive locking and/or the frictional locking, with the component is removed. As a result, the air guiding device, in particular the actuator, can be removed from the vehicle wheel, in particular unscrewed.

In a further embodiment, at least one receiving device is provided which is coupled or can be coupled to the actuator, by means of which at least one control signal, in particular external to the vehicle wheel, can be received in order to move the coupling device between the positions, in particular from the first position to the second position and/or from the second position to the first position, by means of the actuator as a function of the received control signal by moving the air guiding element between the air guiding positions, in particular from the first air guiding position to the second air guiding position and/or from the second air guiding position to the first air guiding position. In other words, the coupling device can be controlled to move between the positions by means of the control signal via the receiving device and the actuator. The control signal is preferably a wireless control signal, that is to say, for example, a control signal sent via a radio connection. The control signal is, for example, a control signal sent by an electronic computing device, in particular external to the vehicle wheel. The electronic computing device is, for example, part of the motor vehicle. The electronic computing device is, for example, an on-board computer of the motor vehicle. The air guide positions of the air guide element and thus the activation and deactivation of the anti-theft device can thus be controlled via a radio connection from the interior of the motor vehicle, for example via the on-board computer. Alternatively, the electronic computing device is, for example, a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, or a tablet. The air guide positions and thus the activation and deactivation of the anti-theft devices can thus be controlled via an app, for example. Controlling the anti-theft device can therefore be carried out with very little effort.

In a further embodiment, at least one detection device coupled to the actuator is provided, by means of which a transponder formed separately from the motor vehicle can be detected or is detected in order to move the coupling device between the positions by means of the actuator depending on the detected transponder by moving the air guiding element between the air guiding positions, that is to say, in particular, by moving the air guiding element from the first air guiding position to the second air guiding position and/or from the second air guiding position to the first air guiding position, the coupling device can be moved from the first position to the second position and/or from the second position to the first position by moving the air guiding element from the first air guiding position to the second air guiding position and/or from the second air guiding position to the first air guiding position. In other words, the coupling device can be moved between the positions by means of the transponder with the mediation of the detection device and the actuator, whereby the anti-theft device can be selectively activated or deactivated. Thus, to activate or deactivate the anti-theft device, for example, the transponder can be placed near the air guiding device or in the vehicle wheel. Alternatively, the detection device can be located in the interior of the vehicle, whereby the anti-theft device can be activated or deactivated using the transponder located in the interior. The transponder can be used to activate or deactivate the anti-theft device with very little effort, for example for the customer or in a workshop.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an air guiding device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

Preferably, in the method, in particular while the motor vehicle is traveling and/or while the motor vehicle is stationary, the air guiding element is moved by means of the actuator between the first air guiding position and the second air guiding position, in particular from the first air guiding position to the second air guiding position and/or from the second air guiding position to the first air guiding position.

Preferably, the movement of the air guiding element, in particular from the second air guiding position, into the first air guiding position causes the coupling device to move, in particular from the second position, into the first position, whereby the holding device can be subjected to the torque in the first position for dismantling the air guiding device from the component of the vehicle wheel in order to dismantle the holding device from the component. The holding device, in particular the air guiding device, for example the actuator, can thus be dismantled from the component of the vehicle wheel.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. 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 combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

• 1 eine schematische Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Luftleitvorrichtung; und
• 2 eine schematische Teilschnittansicht einer Anordnung einer erfindungsgemäßen Luftleitvorrichtung an einem Bauelement eines Fahrzeugrads in einer ersten Luftleitstellung; und
• 3 eine schematische Teilschnittansicht einer Anordnung einer erfindungsgemäßen Luftleitvorrichtung an einem Bauelement eines Fahrzeugrads in einer zweiten Luftleitstellung; und
• 4 eine weitere schematische Teilschnittansicht einer Anordnung einer erfindungsgemäßen Luftleitvorrichtung an einem Bauelement eines Fahrzeugrads in einer ersten Luftleitstellung;
• 5 eine weitere schematische Teilschnittansicht einer Anordnung einer erfindungsgemäßen Luftleitvorrichtung an einem Bauelement eines Fahrzeugrads in einer zweiten Luftleitstellung.

Showing:

• 1 a schematic front view of an air guiding device according to the invention; and
• 2 a schematic partial sectional view of an arrangement of an air guiding device according to the invention on a component of a vehicle wheel in a first air guiding position; and
• 3 a schematic partial sectional view of an arrangement of an air guiding device according to the invention on a component of a vehicle wheel in a second air guiding position; and
• 4 a further schematic partial sectional view of an arrangement of an air guiding device according to the invention on a component of a vehicle wheel in a first air guiding position;
• 5 a further schematic partial sectional view of an arrangement of an air guiding device according to the invention on a component of a vehicle wheel in a second air guiding position.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference symbols.

1 shows a schematic front view of an air guiding device 10 for a vehicle wheel 12 of a motor vehicle. 1 The front view shown is a side view viewed from the outside in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the installed position of the air guiding device 10 in the motor vehicle. 2 and 3 each show a respective partial sectional view of an arrangement of the air guiding device 10 on a component 14 of the vehicle wheel 12. The component 14 is preferably a rim of the vehicle wheel 12. In 2 and 3 a section through the vehicle wheel 12, particularly referred to as the wheel system, is illustrated.

The air guiding device 10 has at least one air guiding element 16, by means of which, in particular in the installation position 18 of the air guiding device 10 in the motor vehicle, the air flowing towards the air guiding device 10, in particular the air guiding element 16, can be guided when the motor vehicle is traveling. The air can be understood in particular as airstream.

The air guiding device 10 has at least one actuator 20, for example designed as an electric machine, by means of which the air guiding element 16 is movable between at least one first air guiding position 22 and at least one second air guiding position 24. In 2 the air guide element 16 is in the first air guide position 22. In 3 the air guide element 16 is in the second air guide position 24. In the embodiment, the air guiding element 16 is translationally movable, in particular at least substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, between the air guiding positions 22, 24, preferably parallel or in the direction of the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel.

The air guiding device 10 has at least one holding device 26, via which the air guiding device 10, in particular the air guiding element 16 and/or the actuator 20, for example directly, is to be held or is held on the component 14 of the vehicle wheel 12, for example by means of a screw connection 28.

In order to be able to mount and dismount the air guiding device 10 on the component 14 with particularly little effort, in particular via the holding device 26, and to be able to particularly increase the theft protection of the air guiding device 10, at least one handling element 32 is provided which is rotatable about an axis of rotation 30 relative to the air guiding element 16, in particular directly arranged on the air guiding element 16, and at least one coupling device 38 which is movable between at least one first position 34 and at least one second position 36 relative to the holding device 26. 4 and 5 show the arrangement in a respective further schematic partial sectional view in which the coupling device 38 is illustrated. In 4 the coupling device 38 is in the first position 34 and in 5 the coupling device 38 is in the second position 36. The coupling device 38 is movable or movable along with the movement of the air guiding element 16 from the first air guiding position 22 to the second air guiding position 24, and is movable or movable along with the movement of the air guiding element 16 from the second air guiding position 24 to the first air guiding position 22, and from the second position 36 to the first position 34. In other words, the air guiding element 16 and the coupling device 38 are coupled or connected to one another in such a way that the movement of the air guiding element to the first air guiding position 22 is accompanied by the movement of the coupling device to the first position 34, and the movement of the air guiding element 16 to the second air guiding position 24 is accompanied by the movement of the coupling device 38 to the second position 36.

In the first air guiding position 22, the coupling device 38 is in the first position 34, in which the holding device 26 can be dismantled or is dismantled from the component 14 by applying a torque to the handling element 32 in order to dismantle the air guiding device 10, in particular the actuator 20, from the component 14. This means that the dismantling of the air guiding device 10 is possible in the first air guiding position 22 or in the first position 34. Applying the torque to the handling element 32 is in 2 and 4 illustrated by an arrow 40.

In the second air guiding position 24, the coupling device 38 is in the second position 36, in which the dismantling of the holding device 26 and in particular the air guiding device 10 or the actuator 20 from the component 14 is prevented or does not occur when the handling element 32 is subjected to the torque. This means that the dismantling of the air guiding device 10 is not possible in the second air guiding position 24 or in the second position 36. This makes it possible to implement theft protection for the air guiding device 10, and in particular for the actuator 20.

The handling element 32 is thus in particular an assembly aid for assembling and disassembling the air guiding device 10, in particular the actuator 20. In 1 A first arrow 42 illustrates a rotary movement of the handling element 32 in a first direction for mounting the air guiding device 10 on the component 14, i.e. for locking the air guiding device 10. Furthermore, in 1 by means of a second arrow 44, a rotational movement of the handling element 32 in a second direction different from the first direction for dismantling, that is, for detaching the air guiding device 10 from the component 14 is illustrated.

In the 4 and 5 In the embodiment shown by way of example, it is provided that the coupling device 38 has at least one first coupling element 46 connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the handling element 32 and at least one second coupling element 48 connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the holding device 26. The coupling elements 46, 48 are coupled to one another in a torque-transmitting manner, in particular directly, in the first position 34, in particular with respect to the positions 34, 36 exclusively. As a result, the handling element 32 and the holding device 26 are coupled to one another, in particular mechanically, in the first position 34 via the coupling elements 46, 48. As a result, the handling element 32 can be subjected to the torque in the first position 34 and this torque can then be transmitted to the holding device 26 via the coupling device 38, in particular the coupling elements 46, 48, whereby the latter can be set in rotation relative to the component 14 or is set in rotation in order to dismantle the holding device 26, and in particular the air guiding device 10 or the actuator 20, from the component 14, that is to say, for example, to remove the screw connection connection 28. In the second position 36, the coupling elements 46, 48 are decoupled from one another, that is, they are not connected to one another in a torque-transmitting manner. This prevents the coupling of the handling element 32 and the holding device 26 via the coupling device 38, in particular via the coupling elements 46, 48, in the second position 36. This allows the handling element 32 to be rotated freely, that is, independently of the holding device 26, relative to the component 14 when the torque is applied, as a result of which the dismantling of the holding device 26, in particular the air guiding device 10 or the actuator 20, is not possible in the second position 36, that is, the screw connection 28 cannot be loosened, for example. Thus, in the second air guiding position 24 or in the second position 36, the anti-theft device is activated and in the first air guiding position 22 or in the first position 34, the anti-theft device is deactivated.

For example, the respective coupling element 46, 48 each has a respective toothing. Thus, the coupling elements 46, 48 are in engagement with one another, in particular directly, via the respective toothing, for example in the first position 34. As a result, the handling element 32 can be toothed with the holding device 26, in particular with the actuator 20, whereby the screw connection 28 of the holding device 26, in particular of the actuator 20, can be released in the first air guidance position 22 or in the first position 34.

In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling device 38, in particular the first coupling element 46, can be moved in a translational manner, in particular at least substantially in the transverse direction of the vehicle, between the positions 34, 36. Thus, for example, a linearly movable lifting element is provided which is in the extended position in the first air guidance position 22 or in the first position 34, for example, and in the retracted position in the second air guidance position 24 or in the second position 36, for example.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that in the first air guiding position 22 at least one through-opening 50 through which air can flow is at least partially exposed by the air guiding element 16, whereby in the first air guiding position 22 when the motor vehicle is traveling at least part of the air flowing towards the air guiding device 10 for cooling a braking device of the motor vehicle can be or is guided via the through-opening 50 to the braking device of the motor vehicle. In the second air guiding position 24 the through-opening 50 is closed by the air guiding element 16, in particular completely, whereby in the second air guiding position 24 the air is prevented from being guided via the through-opening 50 to the braking device. In the first air guiding position 22 the air guiding device 10 is, so to speak, open, whereby the first air guiding position 22 can be referred to as the open position. In the second air guiding position 24, the air guiding device 10 is, so to speak, closed, whereby the second air guiding position 24 can be referred to as a closed position or locking position.

Preferably, the air guiding device 10 has at least one cover element 54 which is held on the component 14 via at least one fastening device 52 formed separately from the holding device 26, in particular directly, and by which the through-opening 50 is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, delimited or formed.

Overall, it can be seen that when the anti-theft device is activated, for example in the idle state or when the vehicle is parked, in particular when the ignition is deactivated, the air guide element 16 can be closed, whereby the gears cannot engage. As a result, no torque can be transmitted from the handling element 32 to the holding device 26, in particular to the actuator 20, whereby the handling element 32 can rotate freely. As a result, for example, the actuator 20 arranged behind or under the handling element 32 cannot be released. The handling element 32 is designed, for example, as a central lock, which can be part of a hubcap.

The actuator 20 is, for example, part of an actuator unit, in particular a central one, which can be referred to in particular as a functional center. The coupling device 38 and/or the holding device 26 can be part of the actuator unit.

For example, the actuator unit has at least one generator, via which the actuator 20 can be or is supplied with electrical energy by rotating the vehicle wheel 12 about a wheel rotation axis of the vehicle wheel 12. Thus, electricity can be generated by means of the generator by rotating the vehicle wheel 12.

Preferably, the actuator unit is covered by the air guide element 16, in particular in the first and/or second air guide position 22, 24, for example outward in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This makes it particularly safe to prevent the actuator unit from being stolen, thereby increasing the anti-theft protection for the air guiding device 10 can be particularly increased.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that in the installation position 18 of the air guiding device 10 on the vehicle wheel 12, at least one screw element 56, in particular designed as a wheel bolt, by means of which the rim 14a of the vehicle wheel 12 is to be held or is held on a wheel hub, is covered by the air guiding element 16, for example outwards in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. This prevents the screw element 56 from being subjected to a torque intended for dismantling the rim 14a from the wheel hub. This can provide theft protection for the rim 14a, in particular for the vehicle wheel 12.

In a further embodiment, at least one receiving device 58 of the air guiding device 10, in particular the actuator unit, is provided, which is coupled to the actuator 20. At least one external control signal, in particular related to the vehicle wheel 12, can be received by means of the receiving device 58 in order to move the coupling device 38 between the positions 34, 36 by means of the actuator 20 as a function of the received control signal by moving the air guiding element 16 between the air guiding positions 22, 24. A control signal can thus be received by means of the receiving device 58, for example from an interior of the motor vehicle from an on-board computer or a mobile phone or a smartphone, whereby the anti-theft device can be selectively activated or deactivated by moving the coupling device between the positions 34, 36.

Overall, it can be seen that, for example, similar to an active or adjustable rear spoiler, when the ignition is switched on or activated, for example via a button, via menu control or the like, an opening mechanism of the air guide element 16 can be activated in order to move the air guide element 16 from the second air guide position 24 to the first air guide position 22. For example, in a driving mode referred to in particular as "race", the air guide element 16 or the air guide device 10 can be opened or left open. In this way, a temperature of the braking device can be kept particularly low in order to maximize the cooling of the braking device, for example on a race track or during particularly sporty driving. Furthermore, an option can be provided to maintain the air guide device 10 and/or the vehicle wheel 12 and to deactivate the anti-theft device for this purpose.

In a further embodiment, at least one detection device 60 of the air guiding device 10, in particular the actuator unit, is provided, which is coupled to the actuator 20. At least one transponder formed separately from the motor vehicle can preferably be detected by means of the detection device 60 in order to move the coupling device 38 between the positions 34, 36 by means of the actuator 20 depending on the detected transponder by moving the air guiding element 16 between the air guiding positions 22, 24. Thus, if the transponder is detected by means of the detection device 60, in particular in the vicinity of the detection device 60, the anti-theft device can be activated and/or deactivated, in particular selectively, by moving the coupling device 38 between the positions 34, 36.

Claims (10)

Air guiding device (10) for a vehicle wheel (12) of a motor vehicle, with at least one air guiding element (16) by means of which air flowing onto the air guiding device (10) can be guided when the motor vehicle is travelling, with at least one actuator (20) by means of which the air guiding element (16) can be moved between at least one first air guiding position (22) and at least one second air guiding position (24), with at least one holding device (26) by means of which the air guiding device (10) can be held on a component (14) of the vehicle wheel (12), characterized by at least one handling element (32) arranged on the air guiding element (16) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (30) relative to the air guiding element (16) and at least one first coupling element (46) of a coupling device (38) which can be moved between at least one first position (34) and at least one second position (36) relative to the holding device (26) and which is in the first air guiding position (22) is in the first position (34), in which, in order to dismantle the air guiding device (10) from the component (14) of the vehicle wheel (12), the holding device (26) can be dismantled from the component (14) by applying a torque to the handling element (32), and in the second air guiding position (24) is in the second position (36), in which, when the handling element (32) is applied with the torque, the dismantling of the holding device (26) from the component (14) of the vehicle wheel (12) is prevented. Air guiding device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that in the first air guiding position (22) a through-opening (50) through which air can flow is at least partially released by the air guiding element (16), whereby in the first air guiding position (22) when the motor vehicle is travelling at least part of the air guiding element direction (10) for cooling a braking device of the motor vehicle can be guided via the through opening (50) to the braking device of the motor vehicle, and in the second air guiding position (24) the through opening (50) is closed by the air guiding element (16), whereby the guiding of the air via the through opening (50) to the braking device is prevented in the second air guiding position (24). Air guiding device (10) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized by at least one cover element (54) which can be attached to the component (14) via at least one fastening device (52) formed separately from the holding device (26), by which the through opening (50) is at least partially delimited. Air guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (20) and/or the coupling device (38) and/or the holding device (26) are covered by the air guiding element (16). Air guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the installation position (18) of the air guiding device (10) on the vehicle wheel (12), at least one screw element (56), via which a rim (14a) of the vehicle wheel (12) is to be held on a wheel hub, is covered by the air guiding element (16), whereby the screw element (56) is prevented from being subjected to a torque intended for dismantling the rim (14a) from the wheel hub. Air guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (38) has the at least one first coupling element (46) and at least one second coupling element (48), wherein the first coupling element (46) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the handling element (32) and the second coupling element (48) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the holding device (26), and wherein the coupling elements (46, 48) are coupled to one another in a torque-transmitting manner in the first position (34), whereby the handling element (32) and the holding device (26) are coupled to one another in the first position (34) via the coupling elements (46, 48), and are decoupled from one another in the second position (36), whereby the coupling of the handling element (32) and the holding device (26) is prevented in the second position (36). Air guiding device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the handling element (32) and the holding device (26) are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner in the first air guiding position (22), and the coupling device (38) has at least one blocking element, via which the holding device (26) can be positively connected to the component (14) in the second position (36), whereby the dismantling of the holding device (26) from the component (14) of the vehicle wheel (12) is prevented when the handling element (32) is subjected to the torque, and in the first position (34) the positive connection is eliminated, whereby in order to dismantle the air guiding device (10) from the component (14) of the vehicle wheel (12), the holding device (26) can be dismantled from the component (14) by subjecting the handling element (32) to the torque. Air guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one receiving device (58) coupled to the actuator (20), by means of which at least one control signal can be received in order to move the coupling device (38) between the positions (34, 36) by means of the actuator (20) in dependence on the received control signal by moving the air guiding element (16) between the air guiding positions (22, 24). Air guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one detection device (60) coupled to the actuator (20), by means of which a transponder formed separately from the motor vehicle can be detected in order to move the coupling device (38) between the positions (34, 36) by means of the actuator (20) as a function of the detected transponder by moving the air guiding element (16) between the air guiding positions (22, 24). Method for operating an air guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which provides that while the motor vehicle is traveling and/or while the motor vehicle is stationary, the air guiding element is moved between the first air guiding position and the second air guiding position by means of the actuator, wherein the coupling device is brought from the second position into the first position by moving the air guiding element from the second air guiding position into the first air guiding position, and that when the coupling device is arranged in the first position, the holding device can be dismantled from the component by applying a torque to the handling element.

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