Undertray for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an under-engine shield (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a lower fairing element (11) laterally delimited by lateral fairing elements (8, 9). The lower fairing element (11) comprises a front portion for extending in front of a front wheel of the motor vehicle and a rear portion for being located at the position of a front wheel of the motor vehicle. At least at the position of the front portion of the lower fairing element (11), the lower fairing element (11) comprises a ventilation opening (16). In an under-engine shield (2) according to the first aspect of the invention, the ventilation opening (16) protrudes from the front portion of the lower fairing element (11) in extension of a lateral profile (26, 27) which is V-shaped between the two lateral fairing elements (8, 9) of the under-engine shield (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention claims priority to French application 2001310, filed on February 10, 2020, the contents of which (text, drawings and claims) are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The technical background of this invention is in the field of devices related to the aerodynamic performance of motor vehicles (more specifically, for the base of a motor vehicle and for constructing lateral underbody plates for mounting on the base of a motor vehicle). More specifically, this invention relates to an engine underbody shield for a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] In the prior art, mounts for motor vehicles are known, which are used to protect the lower part of the vehicle body to which they are mounted. Typically, mounts mounted on motor vehicles affect the airflow between the vehicle and the ground (particularly the uniformity of the flow direction and the velocity of the flow). Additionally, these mounts are positioned below the motor vehicle to allow heat to dissipate from the vehicle's engine compartment and from its exhaust pipes.

[0004] Known chassis for motor vehicles have a relatively flat underside. This relatively flat underside serves to homogenize the airflow between the vehicle and the ground. This homogenization of airflow beneath the vehicle improves its aerodynamic characteristics through ground effect, reducing drag and increasing lift. Automakers tend to fully utilize ground effect to improve vehicle stability, particularly relative to grip during braking and steering.

[0005] The disadvantage of these flat bases for motor vehicles is that they ultimately fail to achieve homogeneous airflow under the entire vehicle. In fact, when air rushes under the vehicle, it flows relatively homogeneously between the engine underbody and the ground in front of the front wheels. Then, as it passes between the two front wheels, the rotation of the wheels during driving generates a wake that disrupts the airflow and deviates it from its initial path. This airflow is thus directed towards the interior of the base and outwards from the side panels. Consequently, the relatively flat external form of the known bases for motor vehicles generates lift, which reduces the vehicle's stability and diminishes the intended beneficial aerodynamic effects of the engine underbody. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a new engine underbody protection plate for motor vehicles, in order to at least largely solve the above-mentioned problems, and also brings other advantages.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an engine underguard for a motor vehicle that can improve the stability of the motor vehicle.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an engine underguard for a motor vehicle that can improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the motor vehicle.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an engine underbody shield for a motor vehicle that is capable of dissipating heat from the engine compartment and the exhaust pipes of the motor vehicle.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an engine underguard for motor vehicles, which is universal and constructed to be adapted to different motor vehicles.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the above objectives is achieved by an engine underbody for a motor vehicle, the engine underbody comprising a lower fairing element laterally defined by lateral fairing elements, the lower fairing element comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion extending in front of the front wheel of the motor vehicle, the rear portion being positioned at the front wheel location of the motor vehicle, characterized in that, at least at the front portion location of the lower fairing element, the lower fairing element includes a vent having a V-shaped lateral profile between the two lateral fairing elements of the lower fairing element.

[0012] The vent is located at least in the front portion of the lower fairing element. In other words, the vent is intended to be located at least in front of the front wheels of the motor vehicle. The more forward the vent is located, the more aerodynamically the engine underbody protection will be able to deflect the airflow. The vent may extend to the rear portion of the lower fairing element. In other words, the vent may be located between the front wheels of the motor vehicle.

[0013] The vent forms part of the lower fairing element, which is exposed to airflow from the front. In a motor vehicle equipped with an engine underbody shield according to the invention, the vent forms part of the lower fairing element, which is exposed to airflow traveling between the motor vehicle and the ground from the front to the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0014] The vent has a V-shaped lateral profile between two lateral fairing elements of the engine underbody conforming to the first aspect of the invention. In other words, the vent gives the engine underbody a bow-shaped profile. The engine underbody thus protrudes beneath the motor vehicle to which it is mounted.

[0015] The vent has a V-shaped lateral profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody. The longitudinal axis of the engine underbody extends between the front and rear portions of the lower fairing element.

[0016] The V-shaped lateral profile of the vent is designed to point towards the ground in a motor vehicle equipped with an engine underbody shield according to the invention. In a motor vehicle equipped with an engine underbody shield according to the invention, the V-shaped lateral profile of the vent partially reduces the distance between the engine underbody shield and the ground.

[0017] The vents are designed to counteract the airflow influence of the vehicle's front wheels during operation. In fact, the V-shaped lateral profile of the vents deflects airflow beneath the vehicle towards the lateral fairing elements of the engine underbody. Conversely, the front wheels deflect airflow between the lateral fairing elements of the engine underbody in the opposite direction (in other words, inwards). The V-shaped lateral profile of the vents applies the airflow deflection caused by the front wheels.

[0018] Thus, the invention, according to the first aspect of the invention, is advantageously used to maintain laminar airflow at the outlet of the engine underbody beneath the motor vehicle.

[0019] The engine underbody shield for a motor vehicle conforming to the first aspect of the invention advantageously includes at least one of the following improvements, the technical features forming these improvements being employed individually or in combination:

[0020] The vent extends only at the front portion of the lower fairing element, that is, at a location on the lower fairing element that is positioned in front of the front wheels of the motor vehicle. Therefore, no vent is provided at the rear portion of the lower fairing element. More specifically, the vent extends only in front of the front wheel axle of the motor vehicle.

[0021] The vent includes two inclined surfaces facing each other and joined at a central ridge, which forms the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody, located centrally between the lateral fairing elements of the engine underbody. The longitudinal axis of the engine underbody is the aforementioned longitudinal axis. Each inclined surface of the vent forms a ramp in the V-shaped lateral profile of the vent. The central ridge of the vent connects the two inclined surfaces and forms the apex of the V-shaped lateral profile of the vent. The longitudinal axis of the engine underbody extends between the front and rear portions of the lower fairing elements. Each inclined surface of the vent is designed to resist airflow oriented along the longitudinal axis and traveling from front to back. The longitudinal axis (located centrally between the lateral fairing elements of the engine underbody) is able to maintain equivalent laminar airflow on both sides of the longitudinal axis below the vehicle once it passes the rear portion of the lower fairing elements.

[0022] - The lateral profile of the vent is symmetrical with respect to the plane passing through the central ridge and between the lateral fairing elements of the engine underbody. This lateral profile of the vent serves to homogenize airflow under the vehicle and, in a similar manner, homogenize airflow on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody.

[0023] - The inclination angle formed between the two inclined surfaces that form the vent is between 179° and 173°. In other words, the inclination angle of each inclined surface relative to the planar reference plane connecting the two lateral fairing elements is between 1° and 7°. For a given longitudinal position, the lateral profile of the vent is formed by two intersecting segments, each segment forming the profile of the corresponding inclined surface;

[0024] - The lateral profile of the vent remains unchanged relative to the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody shield. In other words, the lateral profile of the vent remains the same along the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody shield;

[0025] - Preferably, the lateral profile of the vent is variable relative to the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody. In other words, the lateral profile of the vent changes according to its position along the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody. For example, the lateral profile of the vent has a variable tilt angle, for example, increasing and / or decreasing. Also, for example, at least one of the tilt surfaces of the lateral profile of the vent is at least partially straight and / or curved;

[0026] According to a first alternative variant, the tilt angle decreases when viewing the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody from the front portion of the lower fairing element toward the rear portion of the lower fairing element. The tilt angle may decrease linearly or non-linearly. According to a second alternative variant to the first variant, the tilt angle increases when viewing the longitudinal axis of the engine underbody from the front portion of the lower fairing element toward the rear portion of the lower fairing element. The tilt angle may increase linearly or non-linearly.

[0027] - Relative to the inclined surface, the central ridge at the front portion of the lower fairing element has a smaller elevation than the central ridge at the rear portion of the lower fairing element. In other words, when the engine underbody is implemented on the vehicle, the central ridge at the front portion of the engine underbody is further from the ground than the central ridge at its rear portion. For example, the V-shaped lateral profile increases the dimension at the rear portion of the lower fairing element relative to the front portion.

[0028] The engine underbody includes a neck formed by a planar surface extending laterally between the lateral fairing elements, the neck being located behind the vents. The neck of the engine underbody is a lower point of the engine underbody relative to the rest of the engine underbody.

[0029] - The neck is positioned in front of the front wheels of the motor vehicle. When the neck of the engine underbody shield is positioned in front of the front wheels of a motor vehicle equipped with an engine underbody shield according to the invention, the neck can deflect the wake of the airflow before it reaches the height of the front wheels, thereby optimizing the aerodynamic effect of the invention. When the neck of the engine underbody shield is positioned in front of the front wheels of a motor vehicle equipped with an engine underbody shield according to the invention, the neck can stabilize the motor vehicle;

[0030] - The neck is formed in a recessed position within the lower fairing element. In particular, the neck is formed in a longitudinally recessed position compared to the necks of known engine underbody shields. Compared to a forward-facing neck, a recessed neck can increase the airflow velocity at the base and helps reduce the wake return effect of the front wheels. Therefore, the rear lift of a motor vehicle equipped with an engine underbody shield according to the invention is increased;

[0031] - The neck's elevation is greater than the elevation of the central ridge of the vent at the rear portion of the lower fairing element. In other words, the neck of the engine underbody is closer to the ground than the central ridge of the vent at the rear portion of the lower fairing element. It is understood that the neck extends rearwards relative to the vent;

[0032] - The elevation of the neck is constant relative to the longitudinal axis and / or laterally. In other words, the neck extends horizontally below the motor vehicle on which the engine underbody is mounted;

[0033] - According to a first preferred embodiment, the neck and the vent are materially connected. "Materially connected" is understood to mean that in the engine underbody conforming to the first aspect of the invention, the neck and the vent cannot be separated from each other without affecting the integrity of the neck and the vent in whole or in part. Thus, in the engine underbody according to the invention, the neck and the vent form an assembly described as an integral piece, because the neck and the vent are only combined to form a single, continuous part, which is integrally formed and obtained in the same manufacturing process. Thus, the invention conforming to the first aspect of the invention advantageously provides a prefabricated engine underbody, the manufacturing of which is simplified because the assembly of the neck and the vent is eliminated, as is the presence of a fixing component between the neck and the vent. According to a second alternative embodiment, which replaces the first embodiment, the neck and the vent are integrally connected and fixed to each other. Advantageously, the neck and the vent are integrally connected and fixed to each other in a non-removable manner. For example, the neck and the vent are integrally connected and fixed to each other by welding;

[0034] The engine underbody shield is formed of a metallic material. This metallic material includes metals or metal alloys. As a non-limiting example, the metallic material forming the engine underbody shield may be a steel alloy or an aluminum alloy.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle is provided, the motor vehicle including a chassis supporting a front axle and a rear axle, the front axle being located behind a front bumper of the motor vehicle, the rear axle being located behind the front axle, the motor vehicle including an engine underbody shield conforming to the first aspect of the present invention or any improvement thereof, the engine underbody shield being located behind the front bumper and extending longitudinally toward the rear axle.

[0036] In a motor vehicle conforming to a second aspect of the invention, the front axle connects the front wheels of the motor vehicle to each other. The lower fairing element of the engine underbody includes a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion extending in front of the front wheels of the motor vehicle, that is, in front of the front axle, and the rear portion located at the position of the front wheels of the motor vehicle. The rear portion of the lower fairing element of the engine underbody is located at the position of the front axle.

[0037] In a motor vehicle conforming to a second aspect of the invention, the vent is located at least in front of the front wheels of the motor vehicle, that is, at least in front of the front axle. The vent may extend between the front wheels of the motor vehicle.

[0038] In a motor vehicle conforming to a second aspect of the invention, the vent forms part of the lower fairing element, which is exposed to an airflow traveling between the motor vehicle and the ground from the front to the rear of the motor vehicle. The airflow travels beneath the motor vehicle starting from the front bumper.

[0039] In a motor vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the present invention, the engine underguard protrudes below the motor vehicle.

[0040] Motor vehicles conforming to the second aspect of the invention advantageously include at least one of the following improvements, wherein the technical features forming these improvements may be employed individually or in combination:

[0041] - The neck of the engine underbody shield is located behind the front axle of the motor vehicle. In a motor vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention, the neck of the engine underbody shield is formed by a planar surface that extends laterally between the lateral fairing elements, and the neck is located behind the vent.

[0042] - When the neck of the engine underbody is located behind the front axle of the vehicle, the elevation of the neck is greater than the elevation of the central ridge of the vent at the rear portion of the lower fairing element.

[0043] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, and based on all possible combinations of the embodiments, various optional features listed herein are integrated. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings of several embodiments given by way of illustrative rather than limiting examples, in which:

[0045] Figure 1A schematic bottom view of a motor vehicle conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic front view of an engine underbody shield conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic front view of a motor vehicle conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 4 A schematic top view of an engine underbody shield conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 5 A schematic side view of an engine underbody shield conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic partial bottom view of a motor vehicle conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic partial side view of a motor vehicle conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 8 This illustrates the second aspect of the invention. Figure 1 The airflow beneath the motor vehicle shown above. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Of course, the features, variations, and different embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it is conceivable that variations of the present invention may only include selections of features described separately below from the other features described, provided that such selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0054] In particular, all the variations and implementations described can be combined with each other, as long as there is nothing from a technical point of view that would prevent such combination.

[0055] In the accompanying drawings, elements common to multiple drawings retain the same reference numerals.

[0056] exist Figures 1 to 8In this system, orientation and direction are defined as follows: The longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction is represented by axis OX. The lateral direction is represented by axis OY. The vertical direction referring to the upward direction defined in this invention is represented by axis OZ. These different axes define a Cartesian coordinate system OXYZ, which is shown in different figures. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the "front" orientation is defined by the positive direction of axis OX, and the "back" orientation is defined by the negative direction of the same axis. The "top" or "up" orientation is defined by the positive direction of axis OZ, and the "bottom" or "down" orientation is defined by the negative direction of the same axis.

[0057] Figure 1 A bottom view of a motor vehicle 1 conforming to a first aspect of the present invention is shown. The motor vehicle 1 includes an engine underbody shield 2, a front bumper 3, and a chassis 4, which supports a front axle 5 and a rear axle 6 of the motor vehicle 1, conforming to the first aspect of the present invention. The front axle 5 of the motor vehicle 1 is located behind the front bumper 3 and in front of the rear axle 6 of the motor vehicle 1. The front axle 5 of the motor vehicle 1 is integrally fixed to the front wheels 14 of the motor vehicle 1. The rear axle 6 of the motor vehicle 1 is integrally fixed to the rear wheels 15 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0058] The engine underbody shield 2, conforming to the first aspect of the present invention, is located behind the front bumper 3 of the motor vehicle 1. The engine underbody shield 2 extends along a longitudinal axis 7 oriented along the axis OX. The longitudinal axis 7 of the engine underbody shield 2 is located at the center between the lateral fairing elements 8 and 9 of the engine underbody shield 2.

[0059] The engine underbody shield 2 extends longitudinally from the front bumper 3 of the vehicle 1 toward the front axle 5 of the vehicle 1 and also extends beyond the front axle 5 toward the rear axle 6 along the longitudinal axis 7 of the engine underbody shield 2. The engine underbody shield 2 covers the front engine compartment (not shown here) and is thereby confined to the front of the vehicle. The rear of the vehicle 1 (particularly the rear base 10 of the vehicle 1) is not provided with the engine underbody shield 2 according to the invention.

[0060] Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The engine underbody shield 2 conforming to the first aspect of the present invention is shown separately in a front view along axis OX, a top view along axis OZ, and a side view along axis OY. These different viewing angles allow appreciation of the characteristic form of the engine underbody shield 2 conforming to the first aspect of the present invention. Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The engine underbody shield 2 for mounting on a motor vehicle 1 conforming to the second aspect of the present invention is shown in a front view along axis OX, a bottom view along axis OZ, and a side view along axis OY. These different viewing angles allow for an appreciation of the characteristic form of the engine underbody shield 2 conforming to the first aspect of the present invention relative to the motor vehicle 1.

[0061] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the engine underbody 2 includes a lower fairing element 11 that is laterally limited by the side fairing elements 8 and 9. Both the side fairing elements 8 and 9 and the lower fairing element 11 extend from the front bumper 3 of the vehicle 1 toward the rear axle 6 of the vehicle 1. Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the lower fairing element 11 includes a front portion 12 and a rear portion 13. The front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine underbody 2 is defined as a portion of the lower fairing element 11 that extends in front of the front wheel 14 of the motor vehicle 1. The rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine underbody 2 is defined as a portion of the lower fairing element 11 that is positioned at the location of the front wheel 14 of the motor vehicle 1. In this example, the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine underbody 2 extends beyond the front wheel 14 of the motor vehicle 1 in the direction of the rear axle 6.

[0062] Figure 2 As shown, the lower fairing element 11 includes a vent 16 having a V-shaped lateral profile 26, 27 between the two lateral fairing elements 8, 9 of the lower fairing element. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The vent 16 is viewed from the front of the motor vehicle 1 conforming to the second aspect of the invention. The vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 forms a protrusion protruding below the motor vehicle 1 due to its V-shaped lateral profile 26, 27 pointing towards the ground 40. Thus, the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 is the portion of the lower fairing element 11 that is closer to the ground 40 than the other portions of the engine underbody 2.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 includes two inclined surfaces 17 and 18 facing each other. The two inclined surfaces 17 and 18 of the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 are connected to each other at the central ridge 19 of the vent 16.

[0064] The central ridge 19 of the vent 16 forms the lower engine guard plate 2. Figure 1 The visible longitudinal axis 7. In this example, the two inclined surfaces 17, 18 are symmetrical with respect to the orientation plane OZ through which the central ridge 19 of the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 passes.

[0065] Figure 4 As shown, the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 is present at least at the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine lower guard 2. In this example, the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 is present at the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine lower guard 2 and extends beyond the front portion 12, that is, extends to the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine lower guard 2. Figure 4 In the diagram, the position of the front axle 5 is schematically shown by the dashed line 41.

[0066] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates different elevations of the engine underbody 2 oriented along the OZ axis. Each elevation is a distance measured relative to inclined surfaces 17 and 18. The elevation adopted by the central ridge 19 at the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 is indicated by a first arrow 20, and the elevation adopted by the central ridge 19 at the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11 is indicated by a second arrow 21. The elevation adopted by the central ridge 19 at the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 is less than the elevation adopted by the central ridge 19 at the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11.

[0067] Figure 6 As shown, the engine lower guard 2 includes a neck 22 formed by a planar surface that extends laterally between the lateral cowl elements 8 and 9. The neck 22 of the engine lower guard 2 is located behind the vent 16 of the lower cowl element 11, particularly behind the central ridge 19.

[0068] Figure 7 A side view of the front of the motor vehicle 1 is shown. One of the front wheels 14 of the motor vehicle 1 (which corresponds to the front wheel 14 located between the reader and the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11) is covered so that... Figure 7 More legible, especially making the engine underbody shield 2 visible. The engine underbody shield 2 forms a generally decreasing slope oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle at the central ridge 19 of the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11. The advantage of this construction is that it gradually presents resistive surfaces—sloping surfaces 17, 18—that resist the airflow entering under the vehicle 1.

[0069] Figure 7A series of lateral sections visible in a side view of the front of the motor vehicle 1 are shown in three dedicated illustrations 23, 24, and 25. Lateral section AA (located at the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine underbody 2) has a first V-shaped lateral profile 26 as shown in the first illustration 23. Lateral section BB (located at the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine underbody 2) has a second V-shaped lateral profile 27 as shown in the second illustration 24. Additionally, a lateral section CC located at the neck 22 of the engine underbody 2 is shown in the third illustration 25.

[0070] Figure 7 First illustration 23 and Figure 7 The second illustration 24 shows that the two inclined surfaces 17, 18 forming the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 are symmetrical with respect to the directional plane OX through which the longitudinal axis 7 of the engine lower guard plate 2 passes. Figure 7 First illustration 23 and Figure 7 The second illustration 24 shows that each inclined surface 17, 18 is curved in both the V-shaped first transverse profile 26 and the V-shaped second transverse profile 27. In this example, each inclined surface 17, 18 extends along a curved guide line (not shown) designed to resist airflow so as to direct the airflow away from the central ridge 19, as... Figure 8 As shown above.

[0071] In particular, Figure 7 First illustration 23 and Figure 7 The second illustration 24 shows that tilt angles 28 and 29 are formed between two tilted surfaces 17 and 18 forming the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11. These tilt angles 28 and 29 are variable depending on the considered V-shaped lateral profiles 26 and 27. At the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element of the engine lower guard 2, the first tilt angle 28 is larger than the second tilt angle 29 used at the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element of the engine lower guard 2. The neck 22 of the engine lower guard 2 forms a planar surface, such as... Figure 7 As shown in the third illustration 25.

[0072] Relative to inclined surfaces 17 and 18, Figure 7Different elevations can be compared. For reference, the longitudinal axis 7 of the engine lower guard plate 2 is shown. The elevation of the neck 22 (indicated by the third arrow 30) is greater than the elevation of the central ridge 19 of the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 at the rear portion 13 position (indicated by the second arrow 21). Furthermore, the elevation of the central ridge 19 of the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 at the rear portion 13 position (indicated by the second arrow 21) is greater than the elevation of the central ridge 19 of the vent 16 of the lower fairing element 11 at the front portion 12 position (indicated by the first arrow 20).

[0073] Figure 8 The invention as implemented is shown and the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle 1 at the base is illustrated in schematic diagram. Figure 8 The orientation of the airflow (indicated by a series of arrows 31, 32, 33) is shown, which travels from front to back beneath the motor vehicle 1.

[0074] The airflow enters the area below the vehicle 1 in a laminar flow at the position of the front bumper 3, as indicated by the first series of arrows 31.

[0075] The airflow is gradually deviated from its initial path due to the vents 16 of the lower fairing element 11. In other words, at the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine lower guard 2, the vents 16 of the lower fairing element 11 provide resistance to the airflow, causing it to move away from the longitudinal axis 7 of the engine lower guard 2 and away from the central ridge 19 of the vents 16. The deviated airflow at the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine lower guard 2 is indicated by the second series of arrows 32.

[0076] Simultaneously, the airflow is deflected at the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine underbody 2 by the rotating front wheels 14 of the vehicle 1, generating vortices near the lower fairing element 11. The airflow deflected at the rear portion 13 of the lower fairing element 11 of the engine underbody 2 is represented by arrows 33 in the third series, which simplifies the overall direction borrowed by the vortices.

[0077] Thus, as indicated by arrow 34 of the fourth series, the airflow is homogenized at the outlet of the lower fairing element 11.

[0078] In summary, the present invention relates to an engine underbody 2, the engine underbody including a lower fairing element 11 laterally defined by lateral fairing elements 8, 9. The lower fairing element 11 includes a front portion 12 and a rear portion 13, the front portion extending in front of the front wheel 14 of a motor vehicle 1, and the rear portion positioned at the location of the front wheel 14 of the motor vehicle 1. At least at the location of the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11, the lower fairing element 11 includes a vent 16. In the engine underbody 2 conforming to the first aspect of the invention, the vent 16 extends protruding from the front portion 12 of the lower fairing element 11 according to a V-shaped lateral profile 26, 27 between the two lateral fairing elements 8, 9 of the engine underbody 2.

[0079] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples just described, and multiple arrangements can be added to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, different features, forms, variations, and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variations and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. An engine underbody shield (2) for a motor vehicle (1), the engine underbody shield (2) comprising a lower fairing element (11) laterally limited by lateral fairing elements (8, 9), the lower fairing element (11) comprising a front portion (12) and a rear portion (13), the front portion extending in front of the front wheel (14) of the motor vehicle (1), the rear portion being positioned at the location of the front wheel (14) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that, At least at the front portion (12) of the lower fairing element, the lower fairing element (11) includes a vent (16) having a V-shaped lateral profile (26, 27) between the two lateral fairing elements (8, 9) of the lower fairing element. The lateral profile (26, 27) of the vent (16) is variable relative to the longitudinal axis (7) of the engine lower guard plate (2), and the tilt angle (28, 29) formed between the two inclined surfaces (17, 18) forming the vent (16) decreases when the longitudinal axis (7) of the engine lower guard plate (2) is viewed from the front portion (12) of the lower fairing element (11) toward the rear portion (13) of the lower fairing element (11).

2. The engine underbody protection plate (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The vent (16) includes two inclined surfaces (17, 18) that are located facing each other and connected at a central ridge (19), which forms the longitudinal axis (7) of the engine underguard (2), which is located at the center between the lateral fairing elements (8, 9) of the engine underguard (2).

3. The engine underbody protection plate (2) according to claim 2, wherein, The tilt angle (28, 29) formed between the two tilted surfaces (17, 18) that form the vent (16) is between 179° and 173°.

4. The engine underbody protection plate (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, Relative to the inclined surfaces (17, 18), the elevation of the central ridge (19) at the front portion (12) of the lower fairing element (11) is less than the elevation of the central ridge (19) at the rear portion (13) of the lower fairing element (11).

5. The engine underbody protection plate (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The engine underbody (2) includes a neck (22) formed by a planar surface that extends laterally between the lateral fairing elements (8, 9) and the neck (22) is located behind the vent (16).

6. The engine underbody protection plate (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The engine underbody (2) includes a neck (22) formed by a planar surface that extends laterally between the lateral fairing elements (8, 9) and the neck (22) is located behind the vent (16).

7. The engine underbody protection plate (2) according to claim 6, wherein, The neck (22) is raised more than the central ridge (19) of the vent (16) at the rear portion (13) of the lower fairing element (11).

8. A motor vehicle (1) comprising a chassis (4) supporting a front axle (5) and a rear axle (6), the front axle being located behind a front bumper (3) of the motor vehicle (1), the rear axle being located behind the front axle (5), the motor vehicle (1) comprising an engine underbody shield (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the engine underbody shield (2) being located behind the front bumper (3) and extending longitudinally toward the rear axle (6).

9. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 8, wherein the motor vehicle includes an engine underbody protection plate (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The neck (22) of the engine underbody guard (2) is located behind the front axle (5) of the motor vehicle (1).

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