Rear spoiler for a motor vehicle
By using a three-piece rear spoiler design, the complementary undulations of the central and side aerodynamic elements are utilized to achieve aerodynamic continuity and sealing, solving the problems of high power demand and heavy weight in existing technologies, and improving aerodynamic performance and visual effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EUROPEAN CAPITAL EUROPEAN CORP
- Filing Date
- 2021-08-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images
Figure CN114056443B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobiles, and more particularly, to the field of rear spoilers for motor vehicles including aerodynamic elements movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Background Technology
[0002] A type of body part that forms an extension at the rear of a vehicle and is designed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle on which the part is mounted is called a rear spoiler. They are typically located in the upper and / or side portion of the rear of the vehicle, near the edge of the windows. Rear spoilers are fixed to the roof or tailgate and extend horizontally or vertically towards the rear of the vehicle.
[0003] At low speeds, this aerodynamic purpose disappears, and if the rear spoiler remains fixed in the deployed position, it would disrupt the curve harmony of the rear section of the vehicle. For this reason, it is desirable to make it as invisible as possible at low speeds or when stationary.
[0004] A spoiler is known that includes a movable aerodynamic element, which can be positioned in two different locations depending on the vehicle speed:
[0005] - Deployment position, which allows for improved aerodynamic performance by further shifting the air separation point relative to the vehicle rearward when the vehicle reaches and exceeds a first predetermined speed. This allows for reduction of pressure drag, airflow separation, underbody drag, and turbulence.
[0006] - The retracted position, which allows the rear spoiler to disappear from sight when the vehicle is traveling below a second predetermined speed and when the vehicle is parked.
[0007] The transition from the stowed position to the deployed position is achieved by a moving device that typically includes a motor for deploying spoilers.
[0008] However, using a moving device that can fully ensure the deployment and retraction of the rear spoiler may cause some inconvenience.
[0009] In practice, arranging moving devices, such as motors with sufficient power, may first create size issues. The available space inside body components is limited because designers strive to make these components as refined and delicate as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to miniaturize equipment as much as possible to fit it into the body components, while simultaneously maintaining sufficient power to allow for the deployment of movable aerodynamic elements.
[0010] Moreover, incorporating sufficiently powerful mobile devices contradicts the pursuit of reducing the weight of onboard components in motor vehicles.
[0011] Vehicles also known to include rear spoilers and side wings, each movable between a retracted and deployed position. These aerodynamic elements are more easily moved compared to spoilers covering approximately equal surfaces. However, their aerodynamic performance is inferior to that of a one-piece spoiler with approximately equal surfaces due to a loss of aerodynamic continuity or sealing between the wing and the rear spoiler. Furthermore, the visual effect is less appealing due to the interruption of the vehicle's body lines. Summary of the Invention
[0012] The object of the present invention is particularly to provide an improved rear spoiler.
[0013] Therefore, the subject of this invention is a rear spoiler for a motor vehicle, the rear spoiler comprising at least three aerodynamic elements, the at least three aerodynamic elements comprising:
[0014] - Central aerodynamic components, and
[0015] - Two side aerodynamic elements,
[0016] The aerodynamic elements are independently movable between the retracted and deployed positions, and in the deployed position, each of the two side aerodynamic elements is in general contact with the central aerodynamic element.
[0017] The rear spoiler consists of three independently movable aerodynamic elements. This allows for the installation of a moving device, such as one or more motors, which requires less power compared to a rear spoiler consisting of a single aerodynamic element with a surface area roughly equal to that of the three aerodynamic elements. This results in good aerodynamic performance while requiring a less powerful and therefore generally lighter and smaller moving device, allowing for a reduction in the weight of the rear spoiler and thus the vehicle. Furthermore, integrating a three-piece rear spoiler onto the vehicle or tailgate is simpler than integrating a single-piece spoiler with roughly equal aerodynamic surfaces.
[0018] Furthermore, since each of the two side aerodynamic elements is in near contact with the central aerodynamic element, aerodynamic continuity and sealing are achieved between these elements, allowing for improved aerodynamic performance of the spoiler. In addition, when these aerodynamic elements are deployed, continuity in the body lines and consequently in the overall styling is achieved, resulting in a pleasing visual effect. "Near contact" means the gap between the involved aerodynamic elements is less than 3 cm. In other words, when the two involved aerodynamic elements are deployed, the maximum distance between them is less than 3 cm.
[0019] The present invention also includes the following optional features, either individually or in combination:
[0020] The distance between one of the side aerodynamic elements and the central aerodynamic element is less than 1 cm.
[0021] The spoiler includes a retaining device configured to maintain the side aerodynamic elements and the central aerodynamic element in a generally contacted position when they are in the deployed position.
[0022] In the spoiler:
[0023] -The central aerodynamic element has two first undulations, and
[0024] Each of the side aerodynamic elements has a second undulation, the shape of which is at least partially complementary to the shape of one of the two first undulations, so as to allow engagement when the aerodynamic element is in the deployed position.
[0025] Each of the first undulations includes a convex portion, and each of the second undulations includes a concave portion such that when the aerodynamic element is in the deployed position, one of the convex portions of the first undulations is adapted to be at least partially received in the concave portion.
[0026] Each of the second undulations includes a convex portion, and each of the first undulations includes a concave portion such that when the aerodynamic element is in the deployed position, one of the convex portions of the second undulations is adapted to be at least partially received in the concave portion.
[0027] The spoiler also includes a movement device suitable for moving the aerodynamic element independently of each other between the retracted position and the deployed position.
[0028] The subject of this invention also relates to a tailgate for a motor vehicle, which includes the spoiler described above.
[0029] The present invention also includes the following optional features, either individually or in combination:
[0030] In the tailgate:
[0031] - The central aerodynamic element is integrated into the upper pillar of the tailgate;
[0032] - The first of the side aerodynamic elements is integrated into the first side pillar of the tailgate; and
[0033] - The second of the side aerodynamic elements is integrated in the second side pillar of the tailgate, which is opposite to the first side pillar of the tailgate.
[0034] At least a portion of the moving device is integrated into the tailgate.
[0035] The subject of this invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a spoiler as described above, wherein:
[0036] - The central aerodynamic element is integrated in the upper pillar of the tailgate of the vehicle, or in the portion of the roof of the vehicle adjacent to the tailgate.
[0037] - The first of the side aerodynamic elements is integrated into the first rear pillar of the vehicle, or into the first side pillar of the vehicle's tailgate; and - the second of the side aerodynamic elements is integrated into the second rear pillar of the vehicle opposite to the first rear pillar, or into the second side pillar of the vehicle's tailgate opposite to the first side pillar of the vehicle's tailgate.
[0038] Furthermore, each aerodynamic element is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and the vehicle is configured such that, in the extended position, each of the side aerodynamic elements is in substantially contact with the central aerodynamic element.
[0039] In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a tailgate as described above. Attached Figure Description
[0040] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rear portion of a vehicle equipped with a rear spoiler according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the aerodynamic element is in a retracted position.
[0042] Figure 2 Is with Figure 1 A similar 3D diagram, in which the aerodynamic components are in the deployed position.
[0043] Figure 3yes Figure 1 A front view of the rear section of the vehicle.
[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front view of the rear section of the vehicle.
[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 and 3 A three-dimensional view of the rear part of the vehicle.
[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 and 4 A three-dimensional view of the rear part of the vehicle.
[0047] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a vehicle aerodynamic element in the deployed position according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a vehicle aerodynamic element in the deployed position according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a vehicle aerodynamic element in the deployed position according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a vehicle aerodynamic element in the deployed position according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a vehicle aerodynamic element in the deployed position according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vehicle, with aerodynamic components in the retracted position.
[0053] Figure 13 Is with Figure 12 A similar diagram, in which the aerodynamic components are in the deployed position. Detailed Implementation
[0054] exist Figures 1 to 10 The image shows a vehicle including a tailgate and a spoiler according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0055] The vehicle 10 includes a tailgate 20 and a rear spoiler 30.
[0056] The rear spoiler 30 includes three aerodynamic elements, which are divided into a central aerodynamic element 31 and two side aerodynamic elements 32.
[0057] The central aerodynamic element 31 is formed as a plate whose length is slightly less than the width of the roof 11 and the upper pillar 21 of the tailgate 20 of the vehicle 10. Each end of the central aerodynamic element 31 curves downward with reference to the common orientation of a motor vehicle. Each of these ends has an undulation 33. In this embodiment, the undulation 33 includes a protrusion 36 and a void. The protrusion 36 of the undulation 33 is present on the inner edge of the end of the central aerodynamic element 31, while the void is provided on the outer edge of the end of the central aerodynamic element 31 (see...). Figure 7 The outer and inner edges mentioned above are named with reference to their respective directions toward the exterior of the vehicle and toward the rear window of the tailgate 20 on which the spoiler is mounted. The central aerodynamic element 31 is integrated into the upper pillar 21 of the tailgate 20 (see...). Figure 1 and 5 Alternatively, it can be integrated into the portion of the roof 11 of the vehicle 10 adjacent to the tailgate 20.
[0058] Central aerodynamic element 31 is mounted in the retracted position (see Figure 1 , 3 (5 and 12) and the unfolded position (see Figure 2 , 4 The central aerodynamic element 31 is translatably movable between (6) and (13). In the retracted position, the central aerodynamic element 31 is housed within the upper pillar 21 of the tailgate 20 such that its outer surface forms a continuity of the body lines with the upper pillar 21, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle 10. The transition from the retracted position to the extended position and from the extended position to the retracted position is achieved by a moving device (not shown), which in this example includes a motor. Any other moving device suitable for transitioning the central aerodynamic element 31 from the retracted position to the extended position and from the extended position to the retracted position can be used.
[0059] In this example, the central aerodynamic element 31 is a single component. Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 can be configured to consist of multiple components that are independently movable between the retracted and extended positions.
[0060] Each side aerodynamic element 32 forms a plate with a length slightly less than that of the side pillar 22 of the tailgate 20. Each of them has an undulation 34 at its end adjacent to the central aerodynamic element 31. In this embodiment, the undulation 34 includes a protrusion 39 and a void. The protrusion 39 of the undulation 34 is located on the outer edge of the end of the side aerodynamic element 32, while the void is located on the inner edge of that end of the side aerodynamic element 32 (see...). Figure 7Therefore, the undulations 33 and 34 of the central aerodynamic element 31 and the side aerodynamic elements 32 have complementary shapes to allow engagement when the aerodynamic elements 31 and 32 are in the deployed position (see...). Figure 7 More specifically, in the deployed position, the protrusion 36 of each undulation 33 of the central aerodynamic element 31 is accommodated in the void of the undulation 34 of the adjacent side aerodynamic element 32, while the protrusion 39 of each undulation 34 of the side aerodynamic element 32 is accommodated in the void of the undulation 33 of the adjacent central aerodynamic element 31.
[0061] Side aerodynamic element 32 is mounted in the retracted position (see Figure 1 , 3 (5 and 12) and the unfolded position (see Figure 2 , 4 The side aerodynamic elements 32 (6 and 13) are independently rotatable. This rotation is achieved about the longitudinal axis of the side aerodynamic element 32 located at its side end, through which the side aerodynamic element 32 is fixed to the side pillar 22 of the tailgate 20. The first side aerodynamic element 32 is integrated into the first side pillar 22 of the tailgate 20, and the second side aerodynamic element 32 is integrated into the second side pillar 22 of the tailgate 20 opposite to the first side pillar 22. In the retracted position, the side aerodynamic element 32 forms a portion of the outer surface of the side pillar 22 of the tailgate 20 to create continuity of the body lines with the rest of the outer surface of the side pillar 22. The transition from the retracted position to the extended position and from the extended position to the retracted position is achieved by a moving device 35, which in this example includes a motor.
[0062] Each aerodynamic element 31, 32 includes its own proprietary, independently operating moving mechanism. Any other suitable moving mechanism can be used to switch one of the aerodynamic elements 31, 32 from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa. Compared to a single-piece spoiler where the moving mechanism must move an aerodynamic surface approximately equal to the aerodynamic surface formed by the three aerodynamic elements 31, 32, including its own moving mechanism in each aerodynamic element 31, 32 allows for less power consumption of these moving mechanisms.
[0063] The integration of the side aerodynamic element 32 and the central aerodynamic element 31 into the tailgate 20 allows for easy installation of the rear spoiler on the vehicle 10, since the rear spoiler 30 can be installed simultaneously with the tailgate 20.
[0064] When all aerodynamic elements 31 and 32 are in the deployed position, the side aerodynamic elements 32 and the central aerodynamic element 31 are in approximately contact at their respective undulations 33 and 34. The distance between the side aerodynamic elements 32 and the central aerodynamic element 31 is particularly less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm, and more preferably less than 0.3 cm. Therefore, when the aerodynamic elements 31 and 32 are in the deployed position, the rear spoiler 30 has aerodynamic continuity and sealing, which allows for good aerodynamic performance.
[0065] The configurable rear spoiler 30 includes retaining devices configured to maintain the general contact between the side aerodynamic elements 32 and the central aerodynamic element 31 when they are in the deployed position. These retaining devices are formed, for example, by mechanical locking of ball joints or pins at the interface between the central aerodynamic element 31 and one of the side aerodynamic elements 32, or by locking of the moving parts of these aerodynamic elements 31, 32 by holding torque.
[0066] The following describes the operation mode of the rear spoiler 30 in the first embodiment.
[0067] When the rear spoiler 30 is not necessary or is not desired by the driver of vehicle 10, the aerodynamic elements 31, 32 are in the retracted position (see...). Figure 1 , 3 (5 and 12). When the rear spoiler 30 is desired, for example to improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 10 traveling at high speed, the driver can manipulate the deployment of the spoiler 30, or the deployment can occur automatically, for example when the vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined speed. To achieve the deployment of the rear spoiler 30, in a first step, the moving device 35 causes the side aerodynamic element 32 to change from a retracted position to an deployed position according to a rotational movement. In a second step, the moving device (not shown) of the central aerodynamic element 31 causes the central aerodynamic element 31 to change from a retracted position to an deployed position according to a translational movement. During this translation, the protrusions 36 of the undulations 33 of the central aerodynamic element 31 occupy the spaces in the vacant portions of the undulations 34 of the side aerodynamic element 32, so that the side aerodynamic elements 32 and the central aerodynamic element 31 engage to form the rear spoiler 30 (see Figure 2 , 4 (6, 7 and 13). After engagement, aerodynamic elements 31 and 32 come into contact with each other, thereby forming aerodynamic continuity and sealing to improve the aerodynamic performance of vehicle 10.
[0068] Other deployment movements of the rear spoiler 30 can be configured.
[0069] For example, the side aerodynamic element 32 can also be translatably movable. In this case, regardless of the order in which the different aerodynamic elements 31 and 32 are converted to the deployed position, all aerodynamic elements 31 and 32 can be converted from the retracted position to the deployed position simultaneously or staggered.
[0070] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 may be rotatably movable between a retracted position and an extended position, while the side aerodynamic elements 32 may be translatably movable between the retracted position and the extended position. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes a first step of rotation of the central aerodynamic element 31 and a second step of translation of the side aerodynamic elements 32.
[0071] Now will describe Figure 8 The rear spoiler 30 shown is a second embodiment of the invention.
[0072] The difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the protrusion 36 of the undulating portion 33 of the central aerodynamic element 31 exists on the outer edge of the end of the central aerodynamic element 31, while the empty portion is provided on the inner edge of the end of the central aerodynamic element 31 (see...). Figure 8 Furthermore, the protrusion 39 of the undulating portion 34 of the side aerodynamic element 32 exists on the inner edge of the end of the side aerodynamic element 32, while the empty portion is provided on the outer edge of this end of the side aerodynamic element 32 (see...). Figure 8 Finally, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the central aerodynamic element 31 is rotatably movable between a retracted position and an deployed position, and the side aerodynamic elements are translatably movable between a retracted position and an deployed position. Therefore, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes a first step of rotating the central aerodynamic element 31 to the deployed position and a second step of translating the side aerodynamic elements 32 to the deployed position to form the rear spoiler 30.
[0073] As with the first embodiment, other deployment movements of the rear spoiler 30 can be provided.
[0074] For example, the side aerodynamic element 32 may also be rotatably movable between the retracted and deployed positions. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes the rotation of the central aerodynamic element 31 to the deployed position and then the rotation of the side aerodynamic element 32 to the deployed position. Alternatively, these rotations may occur simultaneously.
[0075] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 can be configured to translate between a retracted position and an deployed position, while the side aerodynamic elements 32 can be configured to rotate between the retracted and deployed positions. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes a first step of rotation of the side aerodynamic elements 32 and a second step of translation of the central aerodynamic element 31. The order of these steps can also be reversed or they can be performed simultaneously.
[0076] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 and the side aerodynamic elements 32 may be translatably movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30, whether staggered or simultaneous, involves the translation of these aerodynamic elements 31, 32 toward their deployed positions.
[0077] Now will describe Figure 9 The rear spoiler 30 shown is a third embodiment according to the present invention.
[0078] The difference between this third embodiment and the first embodiment is that each undulation 33 of the central aerodynamic element 31 includes a recess 37 in addition to the protrusion 36. The recess 37 opens outwards from the vehicle 10, while the protrusion 36 points outwards from the vehicle 10 (see...). Figure 9 Furthermore, the side aerodynamic element 32 itself also includes a recess 38 in addition to the protrusion 39. The recess 38 opens toward the rear window of the vehicle 10, while the protrusion 39 points toward the rear window of the vehicle 10. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes the steps of rotating the side aerodynamic element 32 to the deployed position and then translating the central aerodynamic element 31 to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the protrusion 39 of the side aerodynamic element 32 is received in the recess 37 of the central aerodynamic element 31, while the protrusion 36 of the central aerodynamic element 31 is received in the respective recesses 38 of the side aerodynamic element 32. In this way, maintaining the aerodynamic elements 31, 32 in the deployed position becomes convenient and more reliable.
[0079] As with the aforementioned embodiments, other deployment movements of the rear spoiler 30 may be provided.
[0080] Alternatively, the side aerodynamic elements 32 may also be translatably movable between the retracted and deployed positions. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30, whether staggered or simultaneous, involves the translation of these aerodynamic elements 31, 32 toward their deployed positions.
[0081] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 may be rotatably movable between a retracted position and an deployed position, and the side aerodynamic element 32 may be translatably movable between a retracted position and an deployed position. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes a first step of rotation of the central aerodynamic element 31 and a second step of translation of the side aerodynamic element 32.
[0082] Now will explain Figure 10 The fourth embodiment of the rear spoiler 30 according to the present invention is shown.
[0083] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the protrusion 36 of the undulating portion 33 of the central aerodynamic element 31 extends laterally toward the vehicle window of the vehicle 10 (see...). Figure 10 Furthermore, the undulation 34 of the side aerodynamic element 32 includes a recess 38 in addition to the protrusion 39. The recess 38 opens outwards from the vehicle 10, while the protrusion 39 points outwards from the vehicle 10. Finally, in this embodiment, the central aerodynamic element 31 is rotatably movable between a retracted position and an deployed position, and the side aerodynamic element 32 is translatably movable between a retracted position and an deployed position. The deployment of the rear spoiler 30 thus includes a first step of rotating the central aerodynamic element 31 to the deployed position and then a second step of translating the side aerodynamic element 32 to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the protrusion 36 of the undulation 33 is received in the recess 38 of the undulation 34 (see...). Figure 10 ).
[0084] As with the aforementioned embodiments, other deployment movements of the rear spoiler 30 may be provided.
[0085] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 can be configured to translate between a retracted position and an deployed position, while the side aerodynamic elements 32 can be configured to rotate between the retracted and deployed positions. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes a first step of rotation of the side aerodynamic elements 32 and a second step of translation of the central aerodynamic element 31. The order of these steps can also be reversed or they can be performed simultaneously.
[0086] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 and the side aerodynamic elements 32 may be translatably movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30, whether staggered or simultaneous, involves the translation of these aerodynamic elements 31, 32 toward their deployed positions.
[0087] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 and the side aerodynamic elements 32 may be rotatably movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes the rotation of the central aerodynamic element 31 toward the extended position and then the rotation of the side aerodynamic elements 32 toward the extended position.
[0088] Now will describe Figure 11 The fifth embodiment of the rear spoiler 30 according to the present invention is shown.
[0089] The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that each undulation 33 of the central aerodynamic element 31 also includes a second protrusion 36 extending substantially perpendicular to the first protrusion 36. This creates a shoulder between the two protrusions 36 of the undulation 33. The undulation 34 differs from the fourth embodiment in that it includes a space suitable for accommodating the second protrusion 36 when the aerodynamic elements 31 and 32 are in the deployed position. This configuration allows for better maintenance between different aerodynamic elements 31 and 32. In this embodiment, the central aerodynamic element 31 is rotatably movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, while the side aerodynamic elements 32 are translatably movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The deployment of the rear spoiler 30 thus includes a first step of rotating the central aerodynamic element 31 to the deployed position and then a second step of translating the side aerodynamic elements 32 to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the first protrusion 36 of the undulation 33 is accommodated in the respective recesses 38 of the undulation 34 (see...). Figure 11 Furthermore, the second protrusion 36 of the undulating portion 33 abuts against the undulating portion 34 at the empty portion of the undulating portion 34.
[0090] As with the aforementioned embodiments, other deployment movements of the rear spoiler 30 may be provided.
[0091] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 can be configured to translate between a retracted position and an deployed position, while the side aerodynamic elements 32 can be configured to rotate between the retracted and deployed positions. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes a first step of rotation of the side aerodynamic elements 32 and a second step of translation of the central aerodynamic element 31. The order of these steps can also be reversed or they can be performed simultaneously.
[0092] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 and the side aerodynamic elements 32 may be translatably movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30, whether staggered or simultaneous, involves the translation of these aerodynamic elements 31, 32 toward their deployed positions.
[0093] Alternatively, the central aerodynamic element 31 and the side aerodynamic elements 32 may be rotatably movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In this case, the deployment of the rear spoiler 30 includes the rotation of the central aerodynamic element 31 toward the extended position and then the rotation of the side aerodynamic elements 32 toward the extended position.
[0094] The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Particularly feasible is to arrange the side aerodynamic elements 32 not to be integrated into the tailgate 20, but rather each to be integrated into one of the rear pillars (not shown) of the vehicle 10.
[0095] List of reference numerals
[0096] 10: Motor vehicles
[0097] 11: The roof of a motor vehicle
[0098] 20: Tailgate
[0099] 21: The upper pillar of the tailgate
[0100] 22: Side pillars of the tailgate
[0101] 30: Rear spoiler
[0102] 31: Central aerodynamic element
[0103] 32: Side aerodynamic elements
[0104] 33: The undulating part of the central aerodynamic element
[0105] 34: The undulating part of the side aerodynamic element
[0106] 35: Moving device for side aerodynamic elements
[0107] 36: The convex portion of the undulating portion 33
[0108] 37: Recessed portion of undulating portion 33
[0109] 38: Recessed portion of undulating portion 34
[0110] 39: The convex portion of the undulating portion 34
Claims
1. A rear spoiler (30) for a motor vehicle (10), the spoiler (30) comprising at least three aerodynamic elements, the at least three aerodynamic elements comprising: - Central aerodynamic element (31), and - Two side aerodynamic elements (32), The aerodynamic elements (31, 32) are independently movable between the retracted and deployed positions, and in the deployed position, each of the two side aerodynamic elements (32) is in general contact with the central aerodynamic element (31). The feature is that the spoiler further includes a retaining device configured to maintain the general contact between the side aerodynamic element (32) and the central aerodynamic element (31) when they are in the deployed position.
2. The spoiler (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The distance between one of the side aerodynamic elements (32) and the central aerodynamic element (31) is less than 1 cm.
3. The spoiler (30) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein: -The central aerodynamic element (31) has two first undulations (33), and - Each of the side aerodynamic elements has a second undulation (34) whose shape is at least partially complementary to the shape of one of the two first undulations (33) so as to allow engagement when the aerodynamic elements (31, 32) are in the deployed position.
4. The spoiler (30) as described in claim 3, wherein, Each of the first undulations (33) includes a protrusion (36), and each of the second undulations (34) includes a recess (38) such that when the aerodynamic elements (31, 32) are in the deployed position, one of the protrusions (36) of the first undulations (33) is adapted to be at least partially received in the recess (38).
5. The spoiler (30) as described in claim 3, wherein, Each of the second undulations (34) includes a protrusion (39), and each of the first undulations (33) includes a recess (37) such that when the aerodynamic elements (31, 32) are in the deployed position, one of the protrusions (39) of the second undulations (34) is adapted to be at least partially received in the recess.
6. The spoiler (30) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, Each of the second undulations (34) includes a protrusion (39), and each of the first undulations (33) includes a recess (37) such that when the aerodynamic elements (31, 32) are in the deployed position, one of the protrusions (39) of the second undulations (34) is adapted to be at least partially received in the recess.
7. The spoiler (30) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, the spoiler further comprising a moving means (35) adapted to move the aerodynamic elements (31, 32) independently of each other between the retracted position and the deployed position.
8. A tailgate (20) for a motor vehicle, said tailgate comprising a spoiler (30) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. The tailgate (20) as claimed in claim 8, wherein: - The central aerodynamic element (31) is integrated into the upper pillar (21) of the tailgate; - The first of the side aerodynamic elements (32) is integrated into the first side pillar (22) of the tailgate; and - The second of the side aerodynamic elements (32) is integrated in the second side pillar (22) of the tailgate, which is opposite to the first side pillar (22) of the tailgate.
10. The tailgate (20) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein, The spoiler (30) also includes a moving device (35) adapted to move the aerodynamic elements (31, 32) independently of each other between the retracted position and the deployed position, at least a portion of the moving device (35) being integrated into the tailgate.
11. A motor vehicle (10) comprising a spoiler (30) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - The central aerodynamic element (31) is integrated in the upper pillar (21) of the tailgate (20) of the vehicle, or in the part of the roof (11) of the vehicle adjacent to the tailgate (20). - The first of the side aerodynamic elements (32) is integrated into the first rear pillar of the vehicle (10), or into the first side pillar (22) of the tailgate (20) of the vehicle; and - The second of the side aerodynamic elements (32) is integrated in the second rear pillar of the vehicle (10) opposite to the first rear pillar, or in the second side pillar (22) of the tailgate of the vehicle opposite to the first side pillar (22) of the tailgate (20). Furthermore, each aerodynamic element (31, 32) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and the vehicle (10) is configured such that, in the extended position, each of the side aerodynamic elements (32) is in general contact with the central aerodynamic element (31).
12. The motor vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The tailgate is the tailgate as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.