MOTOR VEHICLE BODY WITH AN AIR-GUIDING DEVICE AND WITH A TRAILER COUPLING MOUNTING DEVICE

A motor vehicle body with an air-guiding device and with a trailer coupling mounting device. The air-guiding device is formed in a rear-end region of the motor vehicle body. The trailer coupling mounting device is adjustable into a rest position and into an active position. The trailer coupling mounting device, in at least the rest position, is at least partially covered with respect to surroundings by the air-guiding device, which is settable into a first operating position and a second operating position. For positioning the trailer coupling mounting device into its active position, the air-guiding device is settable into its second operating position and, after or together with the positioning of the air-guiding device into its second operating position, the trailer coupling mounting device is configured to be movable along a body vertical axis (Z) of the motor vehicle body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2021 111 749.6, filed May 6, 2021, the content of such application being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle body with an air-guiding device and with a trailer coupling mounting device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air-guiding devices for influencing an air flow passing around the motor vehicle body are known. For example, air-guiding devices are also used in the rear-end region of the motor vehicle body. Such air-guiding devices may for example be so-called rear-end diffusers, which make it possible to realize a defined air flow in the rear-end region of the motor vehicle body.

The rear-end diffuser is provided for forming an active surface in an underbody region of the motor vehicle body, which serves to improve the aerodynamics. By means of the rear-end diffuser, it is for example possible for road grip to be significantly improved in particular during lateral acceleration maneuvers. The rear-end diffuser is in principle configured in the form of a flap which is arranged in the rear-end region close to the underbody, wherein a trailer coupling mounting device of the motor vehicle body is likewise arranged in this region.

In order that an air resistance of the motor vehicle body is as low as possible in all operating ranges of a motor vehicle that has the motor vehicle body, it is advantageous for the trailer coupling mounting device, when it is not required, to be completely covered with respect to surroundings in order that turbulence caused in the rear-end region of the motor vehicle body by the trailer coupling mounting device does not lead to an increase in the air resistance. The complete coverage of the trailer coupling mounting device in its so-called rest position means that, to position the trailer coupling mounting device into its active position, coordination is necessary between the positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device and the positioning of the air-guiding device.

WO 2019/077101 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a motor vehicle body with an air-guiding device and with a trailer coupling mounting device, wherein the air-guiding device is configured to be adjustable and the trailer coupling mounting device is configured to be removable.

DE 10 2012 014 176 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, presents a motor vehicle body with an air-guiding device and with a trailer coupling mounting device, wherein, before the trailer coupling mounting device is positioned into its active position, the air-guiding device is pivoted out toward the roadway in order that a coupling element of the trailer coupling mounting device can be pivoted about a motor vehicle longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle body. After the coupling element has been positioned into its active position, the air-guiding device is pivoted upward again, that is to say in the direction away from the roadway, wherein the coupling element is received in a cutout of the air-guiding device, which cutout can be closed by means of a cover element after the coupling element has been removed.

GB 2578153 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, has disclosed a motor vehicle body with an air-guiding device and with a trailer coupling mounting device, wherein the air-guiding device is received in adjustable fashion on the motor vehicle body and has a sensor for detecting a trailer fastened to a coupling element of the trailer coupling mounting device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle body comprising an air-guiding device and a trailer coupling mounting device, wherein the air-guiding device is formed in a rear-end region of the motor vehicle body. The trailer coupling mounting device is adjustable into a rest position and into an active position, wherein the trailer coupling mounting device, in at least the rest position, is at least partially covered with respect to surroundings by means of the air-guiding device. The air-guiding device is settable into a first operating position and a second operating position. According to aspects of the invention, for the positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device into its active position, the air-guiding device is settable into its second operating position and, after or together with the positioning of the air-guiding device into its second operating position, the trailer coupling mounting device is configured to be movable along a body vertical axis of the motor vehicle body. In other words, this means that, for the positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device, which is adjustable along the body vertical axis, the air-guiding device must be pivoted into its second operating position. The advantage is that, for the positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device, the air-guiding device can be pivoted straight into its second operating position, that is to say without having to adopt further intermediate positions between the first operating position and the second operating position, and the trailer coupler mounting device a simple linear movement of the trailer coupling mounting device, specifically exclusively in the direction of the body vertical axis, is required in order to be able to set the trailer coupling mounting device from its rest position into its active position and vice versa. This can be implemented inexpensively, because only one movement direction of the trailer coupling mounting device and only one movement of the air-guiding device has to be implemented. Furthermore, the setting of the trailer coupling mounting device and of the air-guiding device is more operationally reliable owing to the in each case only single movement direction of both devices. A substantial advantage is the possibility of complete coverage of the trailer coupling mounting device in its rest position by means of the air-guiding device, such that, for example aside from an aerodynamic advantage of the motor vehicle body, fouling of the trailer coupling mounting device in its rest position is avoided.

In order that advantageous efficiency of the air-guiding device can be achieved, this is configured in the form of a rear-end diffuser adjoining an underbody of the motor vehicle body.

In one embodiment of the motor vehicle body according to aspects of the invention, the air-guiding device has a pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism by means of which said air-guiding device, in particular its active element, is settable into its operating positions. The advantage can be seen in the fact that the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism can, for secured positioning of the air-guiding device, be assigned a blocking function which has, for example, a blocking element, for example in the form of a pin that can be engaged into the active element.

The trailer coupling mounting device is advantageously settable into its rest position or into its active position by means of a linear-movement kinematic mechanism. This linear-movement kinematic mechanism may be designed for example in the form of a rail and of a runner that is axially movable in the rail. The linear-movement kinematic mechanism serves for secured positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the motor vehicle body according to aspects of the invention, the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism is operatively connected to the linear-movement kinematic mechanism. It is thus advantageously possible for the linear-movement kinematic mechanism to be coupled to a movement of the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism or vice versa, in such a way that a movement of the air-guiding device causes a movement of the trailer coupling mounting device.

For ease of operation, the air-guiding device and/or the trailer coupling mounting device is settable in fully electric fashion. In other words, this means that positioning of the air-guiding device and/or of the trailer coupling mounting device into their different positions can be effected “at the touch of a button”.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for a motor vehicle body with an air-guiding device and with a trailer coupling mounting device, wherein the air-guiding device is formed in a rear-end region of the motor vehicle body, and wherein the trailer coupling mounting device can be adjusted into a rest position and into an active position, and wherein the trailer coupling mounting device, in at least the rest position, is at least partially covered with respect to surroundings by means of the air-guiding device, which can be moved into a first operating position and a second operating position. According to aspects of the invention, for the positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device into its active position, the air-guiding device is moved into its second operating position by pivoting about a pivot axis, and the trailer coupling mounting device is moved along a body vertical axis of the motor vehicle body after or together with the positioning of the air-guiding device into its second operating position. The advantage can be seen in the implementation of operationally reliable setting of the air-guiding device and of the trailer coupling mounting device owing to the simple movements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A motor vehicle body1designed according to the prior art, comprising an air-guiding device in the form of a rear-end diffuser and a trailer coupling mounting device3for receiving a trailer (not illustrated in any more detail), is constructed as inFIGS. 1 and 2, in which the rear-end diffuser2is shown in its first operating position and in its second operating position respectively.

The rear-end diffuser2, which adjoins an underbody4of the motor vehicle body1, has a predominantly plate-like active element5, which is received pivotably on a body component of the motor vehicle body1by means of a movement device (not illustrated in any more detail) of the rear-end diffuser2. The body component6is designed in the form of a rear bumper of the motor vehicle body1.

It would likewise be possible for the rear-end diffuser2to be formed, with the bumper6, as a module component of the motor vehicle body1, wherein, before the bumper6is installed on a frame (not illustrated in any more detail) of a motor vehicle that has the motor vehicle body2, or on a further body component7of the motor vehicle body2, the rear-end diffuser2is mounted movably on the bumper6in order to be attached jointly with the bumper6to the frame or to the further body component7, preferably by way of a connection in the form of a snap-action connection. The further body component7is illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7.

The active element4has a first element surface9, which is configured to face toward surroundings8, and a second element surface10, which is configured to face away from the first element surface9. On the second element surface10, in the direction of a body transverse axis Y of the motor vehicle body1, there are formed two sealing elements11, between which there is situated a receiving space12which is provided for receiving the trailer coupling mounting device3. It is pointed out at this juncture that the sealing element11does not have the function of a complete, in particular pressure-tight, seal.

A receiving element13of the trailer coupling mounting device3, which receiving element serves for receiving a coupling element14that is to be fastened to the trailer coupling mounting device3, is visible in all operating positions of the rear-end diffuser2, which, as well as having an adverse effect on aerodynamics owing to turbulence, has an adverse effect on the design. The coupling element14is shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. In order for the coupling element14to be received in a secured manner, said coupling element has an at least square cross section, wherein the receiving element13has a receiving cross section of complementary form. In the present exemplary embodiment, the coupling element14is plugged into the receiving element13, that is to say the receiving element13is of hollow design, at least for receiving the coupling element14in a secured manner. It would likewise also be possible for the coupling element14to be plugged onto the receiving element13, which implies that at least the coupling element14is at least partially of hollow form.

In order to avoid the adverse effects, the motor vehicle body1according to aspects of the invention has the trailer coupling mounting device3, at least in its rest position, completely covered with respect to the surroundings8by means of the active element4, as shown inFIG. 3, whereinFIG. 3illustrates the rear-end diffuser2in its first operating position.

FIG. 4shows the motor vehicle body1according to aspects of the invention in a perspective illustration with the trailer coupling mounting device3and the rear-end diffuser2in its second operating position, wherein the rear-end diffuser2has been pivoted out of its first operating position in the direction of a roadway15, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, and the trailer coupling mounting device3is in its rest position.

The rear-end diffuser2is configured to be pivotable about a pivot axis16, which extends along the direction of the body transverse axis Y, through a pivot angle γ.

Before the trailer coupling mounting device3is positioned into its active position, the active element4is set into the second operating position toward the roadway15. The trailer coupling mounting device3is then moved into its active position, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7, by axial displacement along the body vertical axis Z.

It is pointed out at this juncture that a body longitudinal axis X of the motor vehicle body1is additionally likewise shown.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate the motor vehicle body1according to aspects of the invention with the trailer coupling mounting device3in the rest position and active position respectively, and the rear-end diffuser2in the first operating position and the second operating position respectively, in a side view.

The active element5of the rear-end diffuser2is pivoted about the pivot axis by means of a pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17, whereas the trailer coupling mounting device is displaced rectilinearly in the direction of the body vertical axis Z in accordance with the movement arrow19by means of a linear-movement kinematic mechanism18. In other words, this means that the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17is configured to effect a pivoting movement or a rotational movement, and the linear-movement kinematic mechanism18is designed to implement a rectilinear movement.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17and the linear-movement kinematic mechanism18are coupled to one another, in such a way that the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17triggers the linear-movement kinematic mechanism18. In other words, this means that an initiation of the movement of the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17causes the movement of the linear-movement kinematic mechanism18. This means that the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17is operatively connected to the linear-movement kinematic mechanism18.

The pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17may be operated fully electrically. Thus, for example for the mounting of the coupling element14, the active position of the trailer coupling mounting device3can be set by, for example, manual actuation of an actuating element, for example a switch, which is not illustrated in any more detail and which is arranged in the region of the rear-end diffuser2, for example in a luggage compartment (not illustrated in any more detail) of the motor vehicle body1.

Thus, for the mounting of the coupling element14proceeding from the rest position of the trailer coupling mounting device3and the first operating position of the rear-end diffuser2, the following method steps are necessary:First step: Actuation of the actuating element, for example manually.Second step: The rear-end diffuser2is pivoted into its second operating position by means of the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17.Third step: The trailer coupling mounting device3is set into its active position by means of the linear-movement kinematic mechanism18, wherein said trailer coupling mounting device is displaced along the body vertical axis Z.Fourth step: Mounting of the coupling element14on the trailer coupling mounting device3by virtue of the coupling element14being received in the receiving element13and the coupling element14being secured on the trailer coupling mounting device3by means of a securing element20.

Advantageously, the trailer coupling mounting device3is displaced from its rest position toward the roadway15, that is to say downward, such that, for the positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device3into its active position, an expenditure of force is reduced owing to the assistance provided by gravitational force.

If the coupling of the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17and of the linear-movement kinematic mechanism18is implemented as in the present exemplary embodiment, the second step and the third step may be combined as one step.

In order to secure the position of the rear-end diffuser2in the active position of the trailer coupling mounting device3, blocking of the pivoting-movement kinematic mechanism17is effected by means of a blocking element (not illustrated in any more detail), wherein it is only after removal of the blocking element from its blocking position that the blocking is eliminated and it is made possible for the rest position of the trailer coupling mounting device3and the first operating position of the rear-end diffuser2to be set.

When the coupling element14has been removed and the trailer coupling mounting device3is to be set back into its rest position, this is likewise performed fully electrically and by actuation of the actuating element, in the present example the switch. It would likewise also be possible for the actuation element to be arranged in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle body1.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS