Three-part deflector for a vehicle element

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2210271 filed on October 7, 2022. The invention relates to vehicles comprising at least one external element to which a deflector is attached, and more specifically to such deflectors. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include at least one external element to which a deflector (or "spoiler") is attached and which is generally located on a longitudinal side (containing at least one door) or on a rear trunk lid. An example can be seen in document WO 2020 / 196187 A1.

[0003] Generally, deflectors (or spoilers) are made in one piece or two pieces. In the first option (one piece), the deflector includes a trim piece (or cover) with integrated fasteners for attaching it to the vehicle's exterior, and therefore there is a high probability that sink marks, resulting from the injection molding process, will be visible. In the second option (two pieces), the deflector includes a support piece, usually partially overmolded and equipped with integrated fasteners for attaching it to the vehicle's exterior, and a trim piece (or cover) with integrated fasteners for attaching it to the support piece.

[0004] In practice, each of these two types of deflector, once mounted on an external part of a vehicle, is the source of whistling, due to the play existing between it and this external part, and of creaking between its support piece and its appearance piece (or trim), due to the different materials in which they are made.

[0005] The invention is therefore intended, in particular, to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] In particular, it offers a deflector designed to be fitted to an external part of a vehicle.

[0007] This deflector is characterized by the fact that it includes: a support piece having a first inner face provided with first coupling elements suitable for cooperating with second coupling elements of the external element to secure it to the latter, and a peripheral edge having second inner and outer faces intended to be oriented respectively towards the external element and the outside of the vehicle, an interface joint coupled to the peripheral edge having inner and outer parts placed opposite the second inner and outer faces respectively in order to be interposed between the external element and the support piece, and a trim piece secured to the support piece by being installed opposite a first outer face of the latter with interposition of the outer part of the interface joint.

[0008] Thus, we now have the guarantee of a tight fit between the deflector and the external element, an airtight seal that prevents the generation of whistling, and an absence of creaking.

[0009] The deflector according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: The peripheral edge can be equipped with third coupling elements. In this case, the interface joint can be equipped with fourth coupling elements that cooperate with these third coupling elements to couple it to the support piece; with the first option, the third coupling elements can be defined on the second outer face of the peripheral edge. In this case, the fourth coupling elements can be defined on a third inner face of the interface joint intended to face the support piece; also with the first option, the third coupling elements can be arranged as recesses. In this case, the fourth coupling elements can be arranged as protrusions housed respectively in the corresponding recesses;at least one first coupling element of the support piece may be arranged in the form of a tab which is suitable for being inserted into a corresponding housing of the external element, constituting one of the second coupling elements of the latter, to couple and position the support piece relative to the latter, and at least one other first coupling element of the support piece may be arranged in the form of a threaded hole which is suitable for being placed opposite a corresponding through hole, defined in a wall of the external element, constituting another of the second coupling elements and suitable for being passed through by a screw intended to be screwed into this threaded hole; in the presence of the last option, the support piece may comprise at least two first coupling elements arranged in the form of tabs in the general shape of L;its trim piece may include a fourth inner face oriented towards the first outer face of the support piece and comprising fixing tabs passing through through holes defined in the interface joint and folded against the second inner face of the peripheral edge in order to immobilize the interface joint; in the presence of the latter option, the through holes may be defined in the interface joint above the upper fourth coupling elements and below the lower fourth coupling elements.

[0010] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising at least one external element to which is attached a deflector of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which: [ Fig. 1 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective and partially cross-sectional view, a very small part of a vehicle comprising an external element to which is attached an example of an embodiment of a deflector according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the inside, an example of the embodiment of a deflector according to the invention, before its attachment to an external element of a vehicle, [ Fig. 3 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the outside, the three parts constituting the deflector of the Figures 1 And 2 , [ Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the inner face, the support piece for the deflector figures 1 to 3 , [ Fig. 5 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the outside, the support piece for the deflector figures 1 to 4 , [ Fig. 6 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the inner face, the interface joint of the deflector figures 1 to 3 , [ Fig. 7 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the outer face, the interface joint of the deflector of the figures 1 to 3 , [ Fig. 8 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the outside, a first coupling element of the support piece of the Figures 4 and 5 , [ Fig. 9 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the inner face, a second coupling element of the interface joint of the figures 6 and 7 , [ Fig. 10] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the outside and partially in cross-section, the relative positions of the three parts of the deflector of the figures 1 to 3 in the upper part of the latter, [ Fig. 11 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the inside, the relative positions of the three parts of the deflector of the figures 1 to 3 in the upper part of the latter, and [ Fig. 12 ] schematically illustrates, in an exterior perspective view, part of an external component of a vehicle and the support piece of the Figures 4 and 5 before its integration with this external element. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] The invention aims in particular to provide a DV deflector intended to equip an external EE element of a vehicle.

[0013] In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the DV deflector is intended to be part of a motor vehicle V, such as a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates to any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising at least one external element to which a deflector (or spoiler) can be attached.

[0014] Furthermore, it is considered without the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the deflector DV is intended to be fixedly attached to an external lateral element EE, because it is located on a longitudinal side of a vehicle V (here a car), and is part of the body of this vehicle V. But the external element EE can be installed in any part of a vehicle, and in particular on a rear trunk lid.

[0015] On the figures 1 to 12The X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides including the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0016] In the preceding and following text, the notion of "interior" is defined in relation to the interior of vehicle V, and therefore designates an element oriented towards the interior of vehicle V and consequently opposed to the exterior of vehicle V, and the notion of "exterior" designates an element oriented towards the exterior of vehicle V.

[0017] We have schematically illustrated on the figure 1, a very small part of a vehicle V comprising an external element EE (here lateral) to which is attached an example of an embodiment of a deflector DV according to the invention.

[0018] As illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 , a DV deflector, according to the invention, comprises a support piece PS, an interface seal JI and a trim piece (or appearance piece) ED.

[0019] The support piece PS includes a first inner face FI1 intended to be oriented towards a (fifth) outer face FE5 of the external element EE (see Figures 1 And 12 ), and a first outer face FE1. As illustrated at least partially on the Figures 1 , 4 And 12, the first inner face FI1 is provided with first coupling elements EC1 j which are suitable for cooperating with second coupling elements EC2 j defined on the fifth outer face FE5 of the external element EE to secure the support piece PS to the latter (EE).

[0020] In addition, this support piece PS includes a peripheral edge BP which has second inner faces FI2 and outer faces FE2 intended to be oriented respectively towards the fifth outer face FE5 of the external element EE and the exterior of the vehicle V.

[0021] As illustrated at least partially on the Figures 1 , 3 , 6 and 7The interface joint JI has a general shape similar to that of the peripheral edge BP of the support piece PS in order to be coupled to this peripheral edge BP by having an inner portion PI positioned opposite the second inner face FI2 and an outer portion PE positioned opposite the second outer face FE2. This interface joint JI includes a third inner face FI3 on ​​which the inner portion PI protrudes and is oriented towards the first outer face FE1 of the support wall PS, and a third outer face FE3 on which the outer portion PE protrudes and is oriented towards a fourth inner face FI4 of the trim piece ED. Thus, and as illustrated in the Figure 10 , the inner part PI of the interface joint JI is interposed between the outer element EE and the support piece PS, and, as indicated in the following paragraph, the outer part PE of the interface joint JI is interposed between the support piece PS and the trim piece ED.

[0022] As illustrated at least partially on the figures 1 to 3 and 10, the trim piece (or appearance piece) ED is attached to the support piece PS by being installed opposite the first outer face FE1 of the latter (PS) with the outer part PE of the interface seal JI interposed. This trim piece ED therefore comprises a fourth inner face FI4 oriented towards the first outer face FE1 of the support piece PS and the third outer face FE3 of the interface seal JI, and a fourth outer face FE4 in contact with the outside air.

[0023] Thanks to this interface seal JI, installed in front of the second inner face FI2 and outer face FE2 of the peripheral edge BP of the PS support wall, we now have i) a guaranteed gap-free fit between the deflector DV and the external element EE, preventing squeaking or rattling and ensuring perfect assembly quality; ii) an airtight seal that prevents whistling noises during driving; and iii) no creaking between the PS support piece and the ED trim, allowing them to be made from different materials. Furthermore, the ED trim can be replaced if it is scratched or broken, without having to replace the PS support piece.

[0024] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 3 to 9, the peripheral edge BP can be provided with third coupling elements EC3, and the interface joint JI can be provided with fourth coupling elements EC4 which cooperate with the third coupling elements EC3 to couple it to the support piece PS.

[0025] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 3 to 9 The third coupling elements EC3 can be defined on the second outer face FE2 of the peripheral edge BP, and the fourth coupling elements EC4 can be defined on the third inner face FI3 of the interface joint JI. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the third coupling elements EC3 could be defined on the second inner face FI2 of the peripheral edge BP, and the fourth coupling elements EC4 could be defined on the third outer face FI3 of the interface joint JI.

[0026] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 3 to 9 The third coupling elements EC3 can be arranged as housings, and the fourth coupling elements EC4 can be arranged as protrusions housed respectively in the corresponding EC3 housings. It will be understood that each EC3 housing has a "technical shape" adapted to receive, preferably a narrow one, the corresponding EC4 protrusion. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the fourth coupling elements EC4 could be arranged as housings, and the third coupling elements EC3 could be arranged as protrusions housed respectively in the corresponding EC4 housings.

[0027] It should be noted, as illustrated but not limited to the following, figures 3 , 5 And 8that the support piece PS may include on at least part of its peripheral edge BP (here the upper part), and for example on its first outer face FE1, a groove G intended to house a portion of the outer part PE of the interface seal JI. This optimizes the retention of the interface seal JI, the continuity of the plating, and the airtightness.

[0028] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 2 , 4 , 5 And 12The first coupling elements EC1 j of the support piece PS can be of two different types (j = 1 or 2), and in this case, the second coupling elements EC2 j are also of two different types (j = 1 or 2). With this option, at least one first coupling element EC1 1 (j = 1) of the support piece PS can be arranged as a tab designed to be inserted into a corresponding recess in the external element EE, which then constitutes one of the second coupling elements EC2 1 of the latter (EE). Each EC1 1 tab represents the first type and allows the support piece PS to be coupled and positioned relative to the external element EE. Furthermore, at least one other first coupling element EC1 2 (j = 2) of the support piece PS can be arranged as a threaded hole.Each threaded hole EC1 2 represents the second type and is suitable for being placed opposite a corresponding through hole, defined in a wall PAE of the external element EE and which constitutes another (EC2 2) of the second coupling elements EC2 j. Each through hole EC2 2 is suitable for being traversed by a screw VF which is intended to be screwed into the threaded hole EC1 2, as illustrated in the figure. figure 4 . In an alternative embodiment not shown, each hole through EC2 2 could be a clipping hole into which a clipping tab is clipped, constituting a first coupling element EC1 2 (of the second type) of the support piece PS.

[0029] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, on the figures 2 , 4 , 5 And 12, each first coupling element EC1 1 (of the first type) of the PS support piece is arranged in the form of a generally L-shaped tab. With such an arrangement, and as partially illustrated on the figure 12 , the coupling of the deflector DV to the external element EE is done by translating the deflector DV towards the external element EE in the transverse direction Y so as to introduce each leg EC1 1 of the support piece PS into the corresponding housing EC2 1, then by translating the deflector DV in the longitudinal direction X relative to the external element EE so that a part of each leg EC1 1 passes through a defined opening in the corresponding housing EC2 1.

[0030] It should also be noted, as illustrated but not limited to the following, figures 2 , 4 , 5 And 12The PS support piece may include at least two EC1 1 coupling elements arranged as generally L-shaped tabs. In fact, in the illustrated example, it includes three EC1 1 coupling elements. However, the number of EC1 1 coupling elements may be any value greater than or equal to one. Alternatively, in the illustrated example, the PS support piece includes only one EC1 2 coupling element arranged as a threaded hole. However, the number of EC1 2 coupling elements may be any value greater than or equal to one.

[0031] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 2 , 10 And 12The fourth inner face FI4 of the trim piece ED, which faces the first outer face FE1 of the support piece PS, may include fixing tabs PF. These tabs (PF) pass through through holes TT defined in the interface joint JI and are folded against the second inner face FI2 of the peripheral edge BP to immobilize the interface joint JI. It will be understood that a portion of the interface joint JI is thus closely interposed between the fourth inner face FI4 of the trim piece ED and the first outer face FE1 of the support piece PS, and immobilized relative to the latter (PS) by the folding of the fixing tabs PF, which pass through the through holes TT.

[0032] In the presence of the last option, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 3 , 6 , 7 , 9 And 10The TT through holes can be defined in the interface joint JI above the upper fourth coupling elements EC4 and below the lower fourth coupling elements EC4. However, in an unillustrated embodiment, the TT through holes could be offset relative to the fourth coupling elements EC4.

[0033] For example, the ED trim piece can be made of aluminum and then possibly painted. Aluminum makes it easier to fold the PF mounting tabs against the second inner face FI2 of the peripheral edge BP after passing through the TT through holes. However, other metallic materials that allow for such folding can be used.

[0034] Also, for example, the PS support piece can be made by molding a rigid plastic or synthetic material (such as polycarbonate (or PC) or a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (or ABS PC)).

[0035] For example, the JI interface seal can also be made by molding a flexible material such as an elastomer. Thus, it can, for example, be made of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (or EPDM).

Claims

1. A deflector suitable for fitting to an outer item of a vehicle, the deflector comprising i) a support component comprising a first inner face provided with first coupling items adapted to co-operate with second coupling items adapted to co-operate with said outer item in order to secure it to said outer edge, and a peripheral edge having second inner and outer faces adapted to be orientated respectively towards said outer item and towards the outside of said outer vehicle, and ii) an interface gasket coupled to said peripheral edge and having inner and outer portions disposed facing said inner and outer faces in order to be connected to said outer faces interposed between said outer item (EE) and said support component (PS), and iii) a trim (ED) secured to said support component (PS) by being installed facing a first outer face (FE 1) of the latter (PS) with interposition of said outer part (PE) of the interface seal (JI).

2. The deflector according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral edge is provided with third coupling items and said interface seal is provided with fourth coupling items co-operating with said third coupling items for coupling it to said support component.

3. The deflector as claimed in claim 2, wherein said third coupling items are defined on said second outer face of said peripheral edge, and wherein said fourth coupling items are defined on a third inner face of said interface gasket that is to be orientated towards said support component.

4. The deflector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said third coupling items are arranged as housings, and wherein said fourth coupling items are arranged as protuberances housed respectively in said corresponding housings.

5. Deflector according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one first coupling item (EC11) of said support component (PS) is arranged as a lug suitable for being inserted into a corresponding housing of said outer item (EE), constituents one of said second coupling items (EC21) of the latter (EE), to couple and position said support component (PS) by report with this outer item (EE), and at least one other first coupling item (EC12) of said support component (PS) is arranged as a threaded hole suitable for being placed facing a corresponding through hole, defined in a wall (PAE) of said outer item (EE), another (EC22) of said second constituents coupling items (EC 2 j) and adapted to be traversed by a screw (VF) intended to be screwed into said threaded hole (EC 12).

6. The deflector according to claim 5, wherein said support component comprises at least two first coupling items arranged in the shape of generally L-shaped lugs.

7. Deflector according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said trim (ED) comprises a fourth inner face (FI4) orientated towards said first outer face (FE1) of the support component (PS) and comprising fixing lugs (PF) passing through through through holes (TT) defined in said interface seal (JI) and folded against said second inner face (FI2) of the peripheral edge (BP) in order to immobilise said interface seal (JI).

8. The deflector according to claim 7, wherein said through holes are defined in said interface joint above fourth upper coupling items and below fourth lower coupling items.

9. Vehicle (V) comprising at least one outer item (EE), wherein it comprises at least one deflector (DV) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, secured to said outer item (EE).

10. Vehicle according to Claim 9, characterised in that it is of the automobile type.