DE102022110137B4 - Control system for checking automatic wheel arch covers of a vehicle and method for checking the wheel arch covers - Google Patents

Abstract

Control system (2) for checking automatic wheel arch covers (3) of a vehicle (1), with at least one wheel arch cover (3) for covering a wheel arch (18) of the vehicle (1), the wheel arch cover (3) having at least one cladding element (7) and an electrical adjustment device (8), the adjustment device (8) being operatively connected to the cladding element (7) in order to adjust the cladding element (7) into a covering position and a stowage position, with a control unit (9), the control unit ( 9) is designed to control the adjusting device (8) based on at least one vehicle parameter while the vehicle (1) is driving, an operating unit (13) being present for manual operation by a user, wherein at least one Operating mode can be selected, in which control information regarding the wheel arch cover (3) can be output to the control unit (9), the control unit (9) being designed to control the adjustment device (8) based on the control information, and where as the operating mode Driving mode can be selected, the operating unit (13) being designed to transmit the control information when selecting the driving mode to the control unit (9) during driving, characterized in that the driving mode is a sport mode, the cladding elements (7) are permanently arranged in the stowed position based on the positioning information of the sport mode.

Description

The invention relates to a control system for checking automatic wheel arch covers of a vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for checking the wheel arch covers by means of the control system.

Partially or fully covered wheel arches for vehicles are known, which serve to reduce air resistance while driving. In order to ensure steering of the front wheels in certain driving situations, adjustable panels are known, which can be changed in terms of contour using an adjusting device in order to release additional space when the front wheels are turned.

The publication DE 10 2008 046 314 A1 discloses a wheelhouse arrangement for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, which has at least one wheelhouse forming a wheelhouse cutout for receiving a wheel, a cover being provided in the area of the wheelhouse cutout, the contour of which is changeable or by means of which the contour of the wheelhouse cutout can be changed. An adjusting device is assigned to the cover, by means of which its shape can be adjusted. In addition, the contour of the cover can be changed depending on a current wheel steering angle of the associated wheel. From the DE 10 2019 125 626 A1 a wheel arch arrangement for a motor vehicle is disclosed according to the preamble of claim 1. The vehicle is a tractor used for agricultural purposes. Further state of the art is in the DE 10 2012 025 638 A1 , the CN 2 03 996 474 U as well as the US 2019 / 0 009 831 A1 described.

The invention is based on the object of proposing a control system which is characterized by extended functionality and simple operation.

This object is achieved by a control system having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 8. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the following description and the attached figures.

The subject of the invention is a control system which is designed and/or suitable for controlling automatic wheel arch covers of a vehicle. The control system has one or more wheel arch covers, which are designed and/or suitable for covering a wheel arch of the vehicle. In particular, the wheel arch cover has the function of reducing the air resistance of the vehicle when the vehicle is driving and of protecting the associated vehicle wheel when the vehicle is at a standstill. In particular, the wheel house serves to accommodate a vehicle wheel, wherein the vehicle wheel can be at least partially covered and/or covered by the wheel house in the direction of travel and in the opposite direction of travel.

The wheel arch cover has at least or exactly one cladding element which is adjustable between a covering position and a stowage position. In the covering position, the wheel house is at least partially covered, in particular in the transverse direction of the vehicle, by the at least one cladding element. In the stowed position, the at least one cladding element is stowed in the wheel house. In particular, the wheel house and/or the vehicle wheel in the covering position is covered by the covering element to more than 30%, preferably to more than 50%, in particular to more than 70% in the axial direction with respect to a wheel axis of rotation. In particular, the cladding element is largely, for example more than 90%, or completely stowed in the stowed position. The cladding element can be designed, for example, as a slat, flap, roller shutter, compartment or the like.

Furthermore, the wheel house cover has an electrical adjustment device, which is operatively connected to the cladding element in order to selectively adjust the cladding element into a covering position or a stowage position. In particular, the at least one cladding element is adjustable relative to the wheel house or the vehicle body by the adjusting device. The adjusting device is designed to convert an electrical control signal into a mechanical adjusting movement for adjusting the cladding elements. For this purpose, the adjustment device preferably has an electromechanical adjustment actuator.

The control system has a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to control the adjustment device based on at least or exactly one vehicle parameter while the vehicle is driving. For this purpose, the control unit is connected to the adjustment device for signaling purposes, for example via a bus system and/or at least one signal line. In principle, the control unit is designed as a central vehicle control device. Alternatively, the control unit can also be designed as a subordinate control device, which is connected to the central vehicle control device for signaling purposes or forms an integral part of the vehicle control device. The control unit preferably has an evaluation module, wherein the evaluation module is designed to evaluate the at least one vehicle parameter and to provide a corresponding control signal for the adjustment device based on the vehicle parameter.

Within the scope of the invention, it is proposed that the control system has an operating unit which is designed and/or suitable for manual operation by a user, with the operating unit being able to select at least or exactly one operating mode in which control information regarding the wheel arch cover is sent to the control unit can be transmitted. In other words, when one or more operating modes are selected, control information regarding the wheel arch cover is simultaneously transmitted to the control unit. The control unit is designed in terms of programming and/or circuitry to determine the control signal for the adjustment device based on the control information in such a way that the cladding elements are adjusted into the stowage position or the covering position regardless of the vehicle parameter. Preferably, based on the positioning information, the wheel arch cover can be adjusted either into the stowed position or the covering position. For example, the operating unit is connected to the control unit via a signaling and/or information technology interface, for example via the bus system and/or the signal line. In particular, a control is understood to mean a control and/or regulation of the adjustment device by the control unit. The control unit is particularly preferably designed to control the adjustment device based on the adjustment information. In particular, the control unit is designed to primarily control the adjustment device based on the adjustment information. This means that when selecting the operating mode, the adjustment device is controlled based on the adjustment information, regardless of the current vehicle parameter. In particular, it should primarily be understood that the control information is taken into account with a higher priority than the at least one vehicle parameter when determining the control signal by the control unit.

By integrating the control unit into the control system, an automatic wheel arch cover is proposed, which can be actively or manually controlled by a user by selecting predefined operating modes. On the one hand, this has the advantage that the user can actively influence the positions of the wheel arch covers by selecting certain operating modes. Another advantage is that by selecting defined operating modes, an optimal position of the cladding elements can be determined for the respective operating mode. A control system is therefore proposed which is characterized by manual operation or influence on the wheel arch lining and thus by extended functionality.

In a specific embodiment, it is provided that a driving mode can be selected as at least one operating mode, wherein the operating unit is designed to transmit the setting information when the driving mode is selected to the control unit during driving. In particular, the cladding elements of the wheel house covers are automatically adjusted during driving based on the vehicle parameters, wherein the cladding elements are adjusted to either the covering position or the stowage position during driving when the driving mode containing the setting information is selected, taking the current driving situation into account. A control system is thus proposed in which the user can select a position of the wheel house cover that is optimized for the selected driving mode, at least in one or more specified driving modes.

It is envisaged that the driving mode is a sport mode, with the control unit being designed to adjust the cladding elements into the stowed position based on the positioning information of the sport mode by controlling the adjustment device. In particular, it is provided that in the sport mode the cladding elements are permanently arranged in the stowed position. In particular, the control unit is designed to adjust the cladding elements into the stowed position based on the control information from the sport mode by controlling the adjustment device. This ensures that when driving in a sporty manner, the risk of the brakes overheating due to the vehicle wheel being covered by the wheel arch cover is prevented and thus the maximum braking performance is available in sport mode.

In an alternative or optionally additional specification, it is provided that a further driving mode is an ECO mode, with the cladding elements being arranged either in the stowage position or the covering position based on the control information of the ECO mode. In principle, the cladding elements can be permanently arranged in the covering position in the ECO mode, taking the driving situation into account, in order to reduce the air resistance on the vehicle. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the cladding elements take into account the current vehicle parameters and/or when a specified limit or threshold is exceeded value can be adjusted from the stowed position to the covered position and vice versa. In particular, the control unit is designed to adjust the cladding elements into the covering position and/or the stowage position by checking the adjustment device based on the control information of the ECO mode and, if necessary, depending on at least one current vehicle parameter. By selecting the ECO mode, the user can arrange the cladding elements optimally for consumption, taking into account the current driving situation.

In a further specific embodiment, it is provided that an anti-theft mode can be selected as a further operating mode. The operating unit is designed to transmit the setting information when the anti-theft mode is selected to the control unit when the vehicle is stationary, the cladding elements being permanently arranged in the covering position based on the setting information of the anti-theft mode. In particular, the cladding elements of the wheel house covers are automatically adjusted to the stowed position when the vehicle is stationary, the cladding elements being adjusted to the covering position when the anti-theft mode is selected. It is preferably provided that the cladding elements are permanently arranged in the covering position in the anti-theft mode. Particularly preferably, the vehicle wheels are covered by the cladding elements in the covering position to such an extent that the wheel bolts are completely or at least partially covered by the cladding elements and/or the vehicle wheel cannot be removed from the wheel house or at least it is difficult to do so. In particular, the control unit is designed to adjust the cladding elements to the covering position based on the setting information of the anti-theft mode by checking the adjustment device. Thus, when the vehicle is stationary or parked, the vehicle wheels are covered by the wheel house cladding in such a way that criminal removal of the vehicle wheels is made difficult or impossible.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one vehicle parameter is a current vehicle speed. In particular, the control unit is designed to adjust the cladding elements of the wheel house covers based on the current vehicle speed. For example, a fixed threshold value for the vehicle speed, for example 80 km/h, can be stored in the control unit for this purpose, wherein if the threshold value is exceeded, the cladding elements are adjusted from the stowed position to the covered position. Alternatively or optionally in addition, it is provided that a vehicle parameter or another vehicle parameter is a current steering angle. In particular, the control unit is designed to adjust the cladding elements of the wheel house covers, preferably at least on the front wheels or the steered wheels, depending on the current steering angle. For example, a fixed threshold value for the steering angle can be stored in the control unit for this purpose, wherein if the threshold value is exceeded, the cladding elements are adjusted to the stowed position or are held in the stowed position. Alternatively or optionally in addition, it is provided that the vehicle parameter or another vehicle parameter is a current yaw rate of the vehicle. In particular, the control unit is designed to adjust the cladding elements of the wheel house covers, preferably at least on the front wheels or the steered wheels, depending on the current yaw rate. For example, a threshold value for the yaw rate is stored in the control unit, whereby if the threshold value is exceeded, an unstable driving condition is recognized and the cladding elements are transferred to the stowed position so that in the event of a steering angle, the entire steering angle and/or the maximum braking performance can be utilized. A control system is therefore proposed which ensures automatic adjustment of the wheel house cladding depending on the driving situation.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the control unit has a monitoring module, wherein the monitoring module is designed to monitor a driving situation based on the at least one vehicle parameter. In particular, the monitoring module is designed to monitor all safety-critical vehicle parameters, such as the vehicle speed, the steering angle and/or the yaw rate, in real time. In particular, the monitoring module is designed to correlate and/or compare several safety-critical vehicle parameters with one another in order to recognize a critical driving situation. The monitoring module is designed to intervene in the control of the automatic wheel arch covers when critical driving situations are detected by means of a control signal when the cladding element is arranged in the covering position. Particularly preferably, the control signal generated by the monitoring module is given priority or highest priority when adjusting the cladding elements. In particular, the control unit is designed to control the adjustment device based on the control signal generated by the monitoring module at least on the front wheels, so that their cladding elements move from the covering position to the ver stowed position can be adjusted and/or kept in the stowed position for the entire duration of the critical driving situations. For example, a critical driving situation can be the risk of the brakes overheating, oversteering and/or understeering of the vehicle and/or a sporty driving style. A control system is therefore proposed which is characterized by a high level of operational reliability during driving.

In a preferred implementation, it is provided that the wheel arch linings, preferably at least on the front wheels, have several of the cladding elements, which are designed as concentric slats arranged around a main axis, which can be adjusted synchronously between the covering position and the stowage position by the adjusting device in the manner of a central lock . In particular, the adjusting device is designed in such a way that when the adjusting device is actuated, the slats are moved from the stowed position into the covering position and vice versa at the same time and/or at the same speed. In particular, the slats are continuously fanned out by the adjusting device, so that in the covering position a compartment covering the wheel house in the axial direction is formed by the slats. The slats can slide with a slight inclination towards each other and with mutual contact. The slats can, for example, have a crescent-shaped and/or triangular and/or wing-shaped geometry. The slats are preferably arranged distributed around the main axis in an angular range of more than 120 degrees, preferably more than 180 degrees, in particular more than 240 degrees. The main axis can be defined in a stationary vehicle state by a wheel rotation axis of the associated vehicle wheel. In particular, the adjustment device essentially works according to the functional principle of a central shutter of a camera lens, also known as a leaf shutter. The function of the central locking mechanism proposes an automatic wheel arch cover, which is characterized by high responsiveness. This makes the wheel arch cover particularly suitable for an arrangement on the front axle in order to enable the wheel arch cover to be opened and closed quickly depending on the driving situation, preferably when the steering wheel is turned.

In an optional development it is provided that the adjusting device has an adjusting disk which can be rotated in the circumferential direction about the main axis between a first and a second relative position. The cladding elements are arranged in the first relative position in the covering position and in the second relative position in the stowed position. In particular, a mechanical interaction occurs between the adjusting disk and the cladding elements when the adjusting disk is rotated about the main axis, whereby the cladding elements are simultaneously adjusted by means of a pivoting movement and/or sliding movement. Preferably, when the adjusting disk is rotated from the first relative position to the second relative position, the cladding elements are controlled into the stowed position and when the adjusting disk is rotated, they are moved from the second relative position to the first relative position into the covering position. The adjusting disk is preferably infinitely adjustable between the two relative positions. The first and second relative positions with respect to the main axis are to be understood as two different angular positions of the adjusting disk. For example, the adjusting disk can be rotated about the main axis between the two relative positions in an angular range of less than 40°, preferably less than 30°, in particular less than 20°. Particularly preferably, the adjusting disk is designed as a circular ring segment, preferably a semicircular ring segment, arranged coaxially to the main axis. A wheel arch cover is therefore proposed, which is characterized by a particularly simple and space-saving operation of the cladding elements.

In a further optional specification it is provided that the cladding elements are each pivotally fixed in a first connection point and are positively guided in a second connection point in a guide link formed in the adjusting disk. In particular, the cladding elements are each mounted in the first connection points so that they can pivot about their own pivot axis. Preferably, the pivot axes of the cladding elements are aligned axially parallel to one another and/or to the main axis. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the first connection points lie on a common pitch circle around the main axis and/or are evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. In particular, pivotally defined means a pivotable connection of the cladding elements about the respective pivot axis, with the cladding elements being fixed or fixed in the axial direction with respect to the main axis or the respective pivot axis. In particular, the second connection points lie on a further common pitch circle around the main axis, the diameter of which varies when the cladding elements are adjusted. Preferably, each cladding element is pivotally mounted about the respective first connection point and is motion-coupled to the adjusting disk in the second connection point. The cladding elements can be guided over the respective second connection point in the associated guide link in such a way that the cladding elements are pivoted together, in particular simultaneously, into the stowage position or the covering position about the respective first connection point depending on the direction of rotation of the adjusting disk. A wheel arch cover is therefore proposed, which is characterized by simple, especially simultaneous operation of all cladding elements.

In a further specific implementation it is provided that the operating unit includes a driving experience switch. In particular, at least or exactly two different driving modes can be selected using the driving experience switch. For example, the sport mode, the ECO mode and optionally a comfort mode and/or a normal mode or the like can be selected using the driving experience switch. It is provided that at least in the sport mode and/or the ECO mode, associated control information is transmitted to the control unit. In particular, it can be provided that associated control information is transmitted to the control unit for each driving mode. Preferably, the driving experience switch can be operated manually by the user while driving. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the operating unit or another operating unit includes the anti-theft switch. In particular, the anti-theft switch can be operated manually by the user when the vehicle is at a standstill. Preferably, the cladding elements are arranged as standard in the stowed position when the vehicle is at a standstill, with the cladding elements being adjusted or adjustable from the stowed position to the covering position when the anti-theft switch is actuated based on the positioning information.

• - die Verstelleinrichtung basierend auf mindestens einem Fahrzeugparameter während des Fahrbetriebes kontrolliert wird, um das Verkleidungselement in die Abdeckstellung oder die Verstaustellung zu verstellen;
• - bei einer Auswahl eines Betriebsmodus eine Stellinformation bezüglich der Radhausabdeckung an die Kontrolleinheit ausgegeben wird, wobei die Verstelleinrichtung basierend auf der Stellinformation, insbesondere vorrangig, kontrolliert wird.

A further subject of the invention relates to a method for checking automatic wheel arch covers of a vehicle by means of the control system, as already described above or according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which:

• - the adjustment device is controlled based on at least one vehicle parameter during driving in order to adjust the cladding element into the covering position or the stowage position;
• - When an operating mode is selected, control information regarding the wheel arch cover is output to the control unit, the adjustment device being controlled based on the control information, in particular with priority.

In particular, the driving mode is selected as the operating mode via the operating unit, with the operating unit transmitting the control information when the driving mode is selected to the control unit during driving operation. Preferably, when selecting the sport mode, the trim elements are permanently adjusted into the stowage position based on the control information of the sport mode and/or when selecting the ECO mode, they are either adjusted into the stowage position or the covering position based on the control information of the ECO mode . Alternatively or optionally in addition, the anti-theft mode is selected as the operating mode via the control unit, with the control unit transmitting the control information when the anti-theft mode is selected to the control unit while the vehicle is at a standstill. When selecting the anti-theft mode, the cladding elements are preferably permanently adjusted to the covering position based on the setting information of the anti-theft mode.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fahrzeugs mit einem Kontrollsystem zur Kontrolle von automatischen Radhausabdeckungen;
• 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Frontbereichs des Fahrzeuges mit der Radhausabdeckung in einer Abdeckstellung;
• 3 den Fronbereich des Fahrzeugs in gleicher Darstellung wie 2 mit der Radhauskleidung in der Verstaustellung.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and the attached figures. These show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle with a control system for checking automatic wheel arch covers;
• 2 a schematic side view of a front area of the vehicle with the wheel arch cover in a covering position;
• 3 the front area of the vehicle in the same representation as 2 with the wheel arch lining in the stowed position.

1 shows a highly schematic representation of a vehicle 1 with a control system 2 as an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The control system 2 is used to control automatic wheel arch covers 3 on a steerable front axle 4 and a rear axle 5. The wheel arch covers 3 each serve to cover a vehicle wheel in the transverse direction of the vehicle in order to achieve an optimized air flow and thus a reduced drag coefficient, particularly when driving.

For this purpose, the wheel house covers 3 each have at least one cladding element 7 and one adjusting device 8, the adjusting device 8 being designed to adjust the cladding elements 7 between a stowed position and a covering position. In the stowed position, the cladding elements 7 are completely or at least largely stowed away. In the covering position, the associated vehicle wheel 6 of the front and rear axles 4, 5 is covered by the covering dung element 7 covered in areas. For example, the vehicle wheels 6 are at least 50% covered by the respective cladding element 7 in the covering position.

The control system 2 has a control unit 9, which is connected on the output side to the adjustment devices 8 of the wheel arch covers 3 in terms of signals. The control unit 9 is designed to control and/or regulate the adjustment devices 8 on the basis of at least one vehicle parameter during driving. For this purpose, the control unit 9 is connected on the input side to at least one detection device 10 for detecting a vehicle speed. The detection device 10 can include, for example, a speed sensor, tachometer or the like. Furthermore, the control unit 9 is connected on the input side to at least one further detection device 11 for detecting a steering angle. For example, the further detection device 11 may include a steering sensor, a steering wheel angle sensor or the like.

The control unit 9 has an evaluation module 12, which is designed to evaluate the vehicle parameters and to output an electrical control signal for the individual adjustment devices 8 based on the vehicle parameters. The adjusting devices 8 are designed to move the associated cladding elements 7 either into the stowed position or the covering position based on the control signal.

For example, the cladding elements 7 of the wheel arch covers 3 on the front and rear axles 4, 5 are adjusted into the covering position from a set vehicle speed (e.g. 80 km/h, cross-country journey, motorway journey), since from this vehicle speed onwards the air resistance on the vehicle increases sharply. In city traffic and when the vehicle is parked, the wheel arch covers 3 are open so that the vehicle wheels 6 on the front and rear axles 4, 5 are visible. Furthermore, the cladding elements 7 on the front axle 4 are adjusted into the stowed position from a specified steering angle, so that the steered vehicle wheels 6 can utilize the entire steering angle even at higher speeds and unstable driving conditions. An automatic wheel arch lining 3 is thus created, which opens and closes depending on the driving situation and speed.

The control system 2 has an operating unit 13, with at least one operating mode being selectable via the operating unit, in which control information is transmitted to the control unit 9. The evaluation module 12 is designed to control the adjustment devices 8 based on the control information independently of the current vehicle parameters and/or with priority. For example, the adjustment information can contain the information “adjustment in covering position” or “adjustment in stowage position”.

The operating unit 13 has a driving experience switch 14, via which at least two different driving modes can be selected as the operating mode. For example, an ECO mode, a comfort mode, a normal mode and a sport mode can be selected as driving modes. When selecting the sport mode, for example, the positioning information “Adjustment in stowage position” can be transmitted, whereby the cladding elements 7 of all wheel arch covers 3 are adjusted into the stowage position and are permanently held in the stowage position. The user can thus manually open the wheel arch linings 3 while driving for maximum air flow at the wheel brakes, whereby maximum braking performance can be provided.

Optionally, when selecting the ECO mode, for example, the control information “Adjustment in covering position” can be transmitted, whereby the cladding elements 7 of all wheel arch covers 3 are adjusted into the covering position and are kept in the covering position permanently or from a certain vehicle speed. The user can thus close the wheel arch covers 3 manually during driving to improve air resistance.

The operating unit 13 also has an anti-theft switch 15, via which an anti-theft mode can be selected as the operating mode. When stationary, the wheel arch covers 3 are opened by default, so that maintenance can be carried out on the respective vehicle wheels 6, for example. When selecting the anti-theft mode, for example, the control information “Adjustment in covering position” can be transmitted, whereby the cladding elements 7 of all wheel arch covers 3 are adjusted into the covering position and are permanently held in the covering position. The user can thus manually close the wheel arch covers 3 while the vehicle is at a standstill to protect the vehicle wheels 6, which makes criminal removal of the vehicle wheels 3 more difficult since the wheel bolts are not or only partially accessible and the vehicle wheel 3 is very difficult to remove.

Furthermore, the control unit 9 has a monitoring module 16, which is designed to monitor the vehicle parameters and to recognize a critical driving situation based on the vehicle parameters. When a critical one is detected Driving situation, the monitoring module 16 can intervene in the control of the automatic wheel arch covers by means of a control signal when the cladding elements 7 are arranged in the covering position. For example, the cladding elements 7 can be suddenly moved into the stowed position if oversteering and/or understeering of the vehicle 1 is recognized as a critical driving situation in order to be able to utilize the entire steering angle for countersteering. For example, the cladding elements 7 can also be opened if a sporty driving style and/or a potential risk of overheating of the brakes is recognized as a critical driving situation in order to ensure a sufficient supply of air to the brakes. The control signal generated by the monitoring module 16 is given priority when checking the adjustment devices 8 or has the highest priority.

A control system 2 is therefore proposed, which reduces the air resistance by controlling the vehicle wheels 6 as required without having to accept the resulting disadvantages such as reduced braking performance, visual compromises, lower steering angle and more difficult maintenance in certain driving situations.

The 2 , 3 each show a schematic side view of a front area of the vehicle 1 with one of the wheel arch covers 3 in the area of a front vehicle wheel 6. The wheel arch cover 3 has several of the cladding elements 7, which can be moved via the adjusting device 8 between the covering position, as in 2 shown, and the stowage position, as in 3 shown are adjustable.

The wheel house cover 3 has a housing 17, wherein the adjustment device 8 and the cladding elements 7, at least in the stowed position, are arranged in the housing 17. The cladding elements 7 are formed as a plurality of slats arranged coaxially to a main axis 100, which can be controlled into the covering position out of the housing 17 and into the stowed position in the housing 17 according to the functional principle of a central lock. Central locks are known from the field of camera lenses and are used to adjust the incidence of light. Such a mechanism offers a speed of reaction that is required for the automatic wheel house cover 3 in order to enable rapid opening and closing. This makes the wheel house cover 3 particularly suitable for use on the front vehicle wheels 6 in order to be able to adjust the cladding elements 7 quickly or suddenly from a certain steering angle, for example.

In the covering position, the cladding elements 7 are supported so that they overlap one another, so that a wheel house 18 accommodating the vehicle wheel 6 is partially covered in the axial direction with respect to the main axis 100. For example, the wheel house 18 and/or the vehicle wheel 6 is at least 50% covered by the cladding elements 7 in the covering position. This ensures optimized airflow and thus a reduced drag coefficient.

The main axis 100 can be defined, for example, by the wheel axis of the vehicle wheel 6 when the vehicle is at a standstill. For example, the housing 17 can be arranged in the axial direction with respect to the main axis 100 between the fender and a cladding of the wheel house 18.

Reference symbol list

1

vehicle

2

Control system

3

Wheel house covers

4

Front axle

5

rear axle

6

Vehicle wheels

7

Cladding elements

8th

Adjustment devices

9

Control unit

10

Recording device

11

further detection device

12

Evaluation module

13

Control unit

14

Driving experience switch

15

Anti-theft switch

16

Monitoring module

17

Housing

18

Wheelhouse

100

main axis

Claims (8)

Control system (2) for controlling automatic wheel house covers (3) of a vehicle (1), with at least one wheel house cover (3) for covering a wheel house (18) of the vehicle (1), wherein the wheel house cover (3) has at least one covering element (7) and an electrical adjustment device (8), wherein the adjustment device (8) is connected to the covering element (7) is operatively connected in order to adjust the covering element (7) into a covering position and a stowage position, with a control unit (9), wherein the control unit (9) is designed to control the adjusting device (8) based on at least one vehicle parameter during driving of the vehicle (1), wherein an operating unit (13) is present for manual operation by a user, wherein at least one operating mode can be selected by the operating unit (13), in which adjustment information relating to the wheel house cover (3) can be output to the control unit (9), wherein the control unit (9) is designed to control the adjusting device (8) based on the adjustment information, and wherein a driving mode can be selected as the operating mode, wherein the operating unit (13) is designed to transmit the adjustment information when selecting the driving mode to the control unit (9) during driving, characterized in that the driving mode is a sport mode, wherein the covering elements (7) are permanently arranged in the stowed position based on the adjustment information of the sport mode. control system (2). Claim 1 , characterized in that a further driving mode is an ECO mode, the cladding elements (7) being arranged either in the stowage position or the covering position based on the control information of the ECO mode. Control system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an anti-theft mode can be selected as a further operating mode, the operating unit (13) being designed to send the control information to the control unit ( 9) to be transmitted during a vehicle standstill, the cladding elements (7) being permanently arranged in the covering position based on the control information from the anti-theft mode. Control system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one vehicle parameter is a current vehicle speed and/or a current steering angle and/or a current yaw rate. Control system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (9) has a monitoring module (16), the monitoring module (16) being designed to monitor a driving situation on the basis of the at least one vehicle parameter and, if a critical one is detected Driving situations by means of a control signal to intervene in the control of the automatic wheel arch cover (3) when the cladding element (7) is arranged in the covering position. Control system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel arch lining (3) has several of the cladding elements (7), these being designed as slats arranged concentrically around a main axis (100), which are adjusted by the adjusting device (8). Type of central locking can be adjusted synchronously between the covering position and the stowage position. control system (2). Claim 3 , characterized in that the operating unit (13) has a driving experience switch (14) for selecting the driving mode and / or an anti-theft switch (15) for selecting the anti-theft mode. Method for checking automatic wheel arch covers (3) of a vehicle (1) by means of a control system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - the adjusting device (8) is controlled based on at least one vehicle parameter during driving in order to adjust the cladding element (7) into the covering position or the stowage position; - When an operating mode is selected, control information regarding the wheel arch cover (3) is output to the control unit (9), the adjustment device (8) being controlled based on the control information.

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