Reinforced spoiler for a hatchback-type motor vehicle

Abstract

Spoiler for a hatchback-type motor vehicle (100), characterized in that the spoiler is a reinforced spoiler (60) which is intended to be arranged on an upper surface of the hatchback-type motor vehicle and towards the rear of said vehicle, the reinforced spoiler (60) being intended to be secured to the tailgate (14) of the hatchback-type motor vehicle, and characterized in that the reinforced spoiler comprises locations for arranging hinges (15) which are configured to permit the articulation of the tailgate (14).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Reinforced spoiler for a hatchback type motor vehicle.

[0002] The invention relates to a reinforced spoiler for a hatchback motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a hatchback motor vehicle equipped with a reinforced spoiler according to the invention.

[0003] The energy efficiency of a vehicle is very largely influenced by its aerodynamic performance, particularly beyond a certain longitudinal speed threshold.

[0004] To improve the aerodynamic performance of vehicles, the shape of the rear area of ​​the vehicle is fundamental because it generates more than 70% of the aerodynamic drag. Technical solutions exist, such as the addition of spoilers arranged in the extension of the vehicle's roof, or spoilers placed on the tailgate or the rear trunk of the vehicle. However, the improvement provided by such systems remains limited because they do not allow high gains in SCx.

[0005] In recent models of motor vehicles, roofs are sometimes lowered and include very sloping rear windows to improve the aerodynamic performance of said motor vehicles. However, this lowering of the roof leads to a reduction in space for the headrests in the rear of the vehicle: potential passengers seated in the rear of the vehicle do not have enough room for their heads, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. In addition, visibility through the very sloping rear window in a lowered roof is very restricted, which can pose safety problems.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a reinforced spoiler for a hatchback motor vehicle which overcomes the above drawbacks while improving the known systems of the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes to provide a simple, reliable and effective solution, which makes it possible to optimize the aerodynamic characteristics of the hatchback motor vehicle by significantly reducing the SCx of the motor vehicle and simultaneously guaranteeing sufficient space for the heads of potential passengers installed at the rear of the vehicle and satisfactory visibility through the rear window secured to the tailgate of the motor vehicle.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a spoiler for a two-body motor vehicle, characterized in that the spoiler is a reinforced spoiler which is intended to be arranged on an upper surface of the two-body motor vehicle and towards the rear of said vehicle, the reinforced spoiler being intended to be secured to the tailgate of the two-body motor vehicle, and characterized in that the reinforced spoiler comprises locations for arranging hinges configured to allow the tailgate to be articulated.

[0008] In one embodiment, the reinforced spoiler comprises an internal metal structure configured to allow the passage of vibration forces from the motor vehicle.

[0009] In this embodiment, the internal metal structure extends along the entire length of the spoiler.

[0010] According to one variant, the internal metal structure comprises a lattice structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the top of the spoiler is located below the plane of the roof of the motor vehicle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spoiler includes a trim configured to be attached to the internal metal structure of the reinforced spoiler. In this embodiment, the trim includes at least one shell disposed around the internal metal structure.

[0013] The invention further relates to a tailgate for a two-body type motor vehicle, characterized in that it is equipped with such a spoiler.

[0014] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle body of the two-body type, characterized in that it comprises a tailgate as described previously and a rear cross member of reduced inertia compared to a rear cross member of a body without such a spoiler.

[0015] In this configuration, the reduction in inertia is between 50% and 80% compared to a rear body crossmember without such a spoiler.

[0016] The invention further relates to a two-body type motor vehicle comprising a body as described above and equipped with a reinforced spoiler according to the invention.

[0017] The invention further relates to a method of assembling a spoiler on a motor vehicle tailgate; the method comprises the following steps:

[0018] - assembly of a rear cross member and hinges on a body of a motor vehicle;

[0019] - assembly of the internal metal structure of the reinforced spoiler on the tailgate of the motor vehicle;

[0020] - assembly of the trim on the internal metal structure of the reinforced spoiler;

[0021] - assembly of the body sides on the body. These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0022] Figure 1 defines a direct orthonormal coordinate system associated with a two-body motor vehicle.

[0023] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the drag of a two-body vehicle.

[0024] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a body of a two-body motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a passenger compartment of a two-body motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0026] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 and schematically illustrates a body of a two-body type motor vehicle equipped with a reinforced spoiler according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to Figure 4 and illustrates a passenger compartment of a two-body motor vehicle equipped with a reinforced spoiler according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates the steps of a method of assembling a two-body motor vehicle equipped with a reinforced spoiler according to the invention.

[0029] A motor vehicle 100' known from the state of the art is described below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. An embodiment of a motor vehicle 100 according to the invention is described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Throughout the description, the motor vehicle 100' or 100 is a motor vehicle of any type, in particular a passenger vehicle or a utility vehicle.

[0030] With reference to Figure 1, a first direct orthonormal reference frame (X, Y, Z) is defined, the X axis being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle and oriented towards the rear of the motor vehicle, the Y axis being transverse and directed towards the right of the vehicle, and the Z axis being vertical and oriented towards the top of the vehicle. The motor vehicle is of the two-body type, that is to say that the body of the motor vehicle defines two volumes: a first volume corresponding to the volume occupied by the engine, and a second volume corresponding to the passenger compartment and the trunk.

[0031] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2, the design of the stern 10 of a vehicle strongly influences its aerodynamic resistance, due to the turbulence 12 generated at the rear of the stern 10 of the motor vehicle 100'.

[0032] In the remainder of the document, it is also assumed that the motor vehicle 100' includes a tailgate 14' secured to a rear window 16'.

[0033] A body 30' of a state-of-the-art two-body motor vehicle 100' is illustrated in Figure 3. The structure of the tailgate 14' and its arrangement within the body 30' is shown diagrammatically in detail in Figure 4. Generally, the tailgate 14' is rotatable about a pivot axis P (not illustrated in Figure 3) between a closed position of the trunk in which the tailgate 14' prevents access to the trunk from the outside and an open position of the trunk allowing access to said trunk from the outside. In Figure 3, the tailgate 14' is shown in its closed position; the tailgate 14' prevents access to the trunk from the outside.

[0034] The pivot axis P of the tailgate 14' is generally defined by at least one hinge 15' arranged between the body 30 of the motor vehicle and the tailgate 14'. In Figures 4 to 7, the pivot axis P extends parallel to the transverse axis Y. Generally, the pivot axis P is defined by two hinges which are located on each lateral side of the tailgate 14' (these hinges are not visible in Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 4, the closed position in which the tailgate 14' prevents access to the trunk from the outside is illustrated in solid lines while the open position allowing access to said trunk from the outside is represented by dotted lines.

[0035] In a state-of-the-art two-body type 100' motor vehicle, a rear roof crossmember 20' is generally secured to a body 30' of the vehicle 100', as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. More specifically, the rear roof crossmember 20' is generally located under the roof 40' and inside the passenger compartment 50' of the motor vehicle 100'.

[0036] This rear roof crossmember 20' mounted on the body 30' can further limit the visibility of a driver of said vehicle 100' through the rear window 16' secured to the tailgate 14'. This limitation of visibility through the rear window 16' due to the rear crossmember 20' is all the more marked when the rear window 16' secured to the tailgate 14 is inclined at a small angle relative to the XY plane which is generally similar to a horizontal plane. In Figures 4 to 7, the rear crossmember 20' extends parallel to the transverse axis Y.

[0037] In the classic case where the two-body type motor vehicle 100' comprises two rows of seats within the passenger compartment 50', namely a front row of seats and a rear row of seats, the rear roof crossmember 20' may in particular be located above the headrests 54' of the seats forming the rear row of seats, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In this FIG. 4, the rear crossmember 20' is masked by a fairly bulky roof trim 42', which clutters up the head space 52' for the rear passenger. Such clutter further reduces visibility through the inclined rear window 16' of the tailgate 14'. In FIG. 4, the limits of a field of vision 17' are represented by two straight lines in dotted lines.The upper limit of the field of vision 17' is determined by the lowest point of the headliner 42' of the 40' roof, which also corresponds to the point of the headliner 42' of the 40' roof closest to the headrest 54'. The lower limit of the field of vision 17' is determined by the bottom of the rear window 16' in the tailgate 14'.

[0038] In this state-of-the-art arrangement, a space E' between the headrest 54' and the roof lining 42' of the roof 40' is reduced, which greatly limits the maximum adjustable height for the headrest 54'. In Figure 4, this space E' is represented by a double-headed arrow. Furthermore, the roof lining 42' of the roof 40' which covers the rear roof crossmember 20' may prove too bulky: the risk of contact or impact between the roof lining 42' of the roof 40' and the head 52' of a passenger seated in one of the seats in the rear row is quite high. Thus, in a conventional configuration of a hatchback-type motor vehicle, visibility through the inclined rear window 16' of the tailgate 14' is generally insufficient or at least unsatisfactory.

[0039] In order to overcome all of these drawbacks, a reinforced spoiler 60 is arranged on an upper surface of the two-body type motor vehicle 100 and towards the rear of said vehicle 100. The location of the reinforced spoiler 60 is more particularly illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In Figure 5, the reinforced spoiler 60 is more particularly arranged between two hinges 15 which define the pivot axis P. The hinges 15 are then located at the ends of the reinforced spoiler 60. In this configuration, the reinforced spoiler 60 is caused to be pivoted commonly with the tailgate 14 and with the rear window 16 around the pivot axis P when said tailgate 14 moves between the closed position of the trunk and the open position of the trunk. According to a preferred embodiment but not illustrated, the top of the reinforced spoiler 60 is located below the plane of the roof 40 of the motor vehicle.This makes it possible to improve the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle without affecting the height of the motor vehicle. The highest point of the motor vehicle along the Z axis is then defined by the top of the roof 40 and not by the top of the reinforced spoiler 60.

[0040] However, with a reinforced spoiler 60 secured to the tailgate 14 of the two-body type motor vehicle 100 which ensures the rigidity of the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100 in operation, the rear crossmember 20 can have reduced dimensions, so that it takes up less space inside the passenger compartment 50. The reduced dimensions of the rear crossmember 20 also make it possible to increase the field of vision 17 through the inclined rear window 16 of the tailgate 14. This is more particularly illustrated in FIG. 6. By comparing FIG. 6 with FIG. 4, the reduced dimensions of the rear crossmember 20 compared to the dimensions of a state-of-the-art rear crossmember 20' are clearly visible. For example, the inertia of the rear crossmember 20 is for example reduced by approximately 50% to 80% compared to the inertia of a conventional rear crossmember 20'.Furthermore, the height of the rear cross member 20 is, for example, reduced by approximately 30% to 60% compared to the height of a conventional 20' rear cross member.

[0041] In Figure 6, the space E between the headrest 54 and the headliner 40 is represented by a double-headed arrow. In this configuration, this space E illustrated in Figure 6 is much larger than the same space E' in the known configuration of the state of the art in which this space E' is much smaller.

[0042] Thus, equipping the two-body type motor vehicle 100 with a reinforced spoiler 60 makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the rear crossmember 20 in order to increase the field of vision 17 through the inclined rear window 16 of the tailgate 14 while ensuring the rigidity of the body 30, because the vibratory forces pass through the reinforced spoiler 60. The vibratory forces are partly absorbed by the metal structure 62 inside the reinforced spoiler 60.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 comprises a stamped sheet metal beam arranged transversely relative to the vehicle 100, i.e. along the Y axis. The thickness of the stamped sheet metal used to form the beam is for example 2 to 3 mm. Such an internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 is easy to manufacture and also has an economic advantage. Using a stamped sheet metal to form the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 also makes it possible to limit the weight of the reinforced spoiler 60.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the internal metal structure 62 can extend along the entire length of the reinforced spoiler 60. In the case where the internal metal structure 62 is in the form of a stamped sheet metal beam, the manufacture of said structure is all the easier, since it can be a single piece. Such an internal metal structure 62 which extends along the entire length of the reinforced spoiler 60 makes it possible to strengthen the spoiler and to provide attachment points at the ends of the reinforced spoiler 60 with the tailgate 14 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0045] According to a particular embodiment, the internal metal structure 62 may be in the form of several metal parts connected together. This variant may make it possible to envisage a more complex geometry for the internal metal structure 62 within the reinforced spoiler 60.

[0046] Thus, the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 may comprise a lattice structure. Such an internal metal structure 62 makes it possible to envisage a more complex geometry for the reinforced spoiler 60 while limiting its weight. Such an internal metal structure 62 also makes it possible to ensure that the reinforced spoiler 60 absorbs vibration forces.

[0047] In a manner common to all of the embodiments described above, the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 may be made of aluminum or comprise an aluminum alloy. Lightweight metal materials with a density of less than 5 g / cm 3 are particularly advantageous in the context of this application.

[0048] Furthermore, the reinforced spoiler 60 may include locations for arranging hinges 15 configured to allow the tailgate 14 to be opened by pivoting around the pivot axis P. Thus, the hinges 15 are then located outside the passenger compartment, which frees up space for potential rear passengers and clears the field of vision 17 of the driver who then has better visibility through the rear window 16.

[0049] In the case where the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 comprises a lattice structure, the loads exerted on the hinges 15 are limited, because the internal metal lattice structure 62 makes it possible to take up part of the loads exerted, in particular when the tailgate 14 is in the open position. The weight of the tailgate 14 is thus distributed between the internal metal lattice structure 62 and the hinges 15 within the reinforced spoiler 60.

[0050] Furthermore, the reinforced spoiler 60 may comprise a covering 65 configured to be fixed to the internal metal structure 62. In addition to providing an aesthetic cover to the reinforced spoiler 60 by covering the internal metal structure 62, the covering 65 may have a geometry which improves the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle 100. Thus, the covering 65 comprises, for example, an outer wall in the form of a fin or any other profile making it possible to improve the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle 100.

[0051] This covering 65 may designate a set of plastic parts which may be clipped or screwed onto the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60. The covering 65 may in particular be in the form of at least one shell arranged around the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60. Other removable fixing means may be envisaged for assembling the covering 65 onto the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler. In addition, materials other than plastic may be envisaged for the covering 65.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, the reinforced spoiler 60 comprises locations for arranging at least one signaling means, for example a light device such as a brake light; and / or at least one communication means, for example a radio antenna; and / or at least one detection means. These locations are not illustrated in the figures.

[0053] In the case where the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 comprises a lattice structure, the passage of the cable sheaths connected to the signaling means and / or to the communication means, and / or at least one detection means is facilitated.

[0054] The reinforced spoiler 60 can be secured to the tailgate 14 of the motor vehicle 100 by welds, in particular during a spot welding process.

[0055] Alternatively, the reinforced spoiler 60 can be secured to the tailgate 14 of the motor vehicle 100 by screwing, which can in particular allow the reinforced spoiler 60 to be removed, for example to replace it in the event that it is damaged.

[0056] An exemplary method of assembling the reinforced spoiler 60 on the roof of the motor vehicle 100 may comprise various steps, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0057] Starting from a body 30 of a motor vehicle 100 on which body sides 35 are not yet mounted, a first step may comprise the assembly of the ends of a rear crossmember 20 on the hinges 15 of the tailgate 14. In this example, the hinges 15 are arranged at each end 25 of the rear crossmember 20 which extends in a transverse direction, parallel to the Y axis. Covers 25 may be provided to cover the hinges 15. These covers 25 may be clipped or screwed onto the hinges 15. These covers may for example be made of plastic.

[0058] During a next step, the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 is fixed to the tailgate 14 of the motor vehicle 100. Here again, spot welding can be envisaged to fix the internal metal structure 62. Other fixing means, permanent or removable, can be envisaged to secure the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60 to the tailgate 14 of the motor vehicle 100. Optionally, the covering 65 can be installed on the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60.

[0059] Finally, the body sides 35 are mounted on the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0060] It is thus possible to equip a two-body type motor vehicle 100 with a reinforced spoiler 60 configured to allow the passage of the vibratory forces of the motor vehicle 100 through the internal metal structure 62 of the reinforced spoiler 60, thus making it possible on the one hand to reduce the dimensions of the rear crossmember 20 in order to save space in the passenger compartment at the level of the head space 52 for the rear passenger and on the other hand to increase the field of visibility through the inclined rear window 16 of the tailgate 14.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Spoiler for a hatchback motor vehicle (100), characterized in that the spoiler is a reinforced spoiler (60) which is intended to be arranged on an upper surface of the hatchback motor vehicle and towards the rear of said vehicle, the reinforced spoiler (60) being intended to be secured to the tailgate (14) of the hatchback motor vehicle, and characterized in that the reinforced spoiler comprises locations for arranging hinges (15) configured to allow the articulation of the tailgate (14).

2. Spoiler according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforced spoiler (60) comprises an internal metal structure (62) configured to allow the passage of forces between lateral sides (35) of a body (30) of the motor vehicle, and characterized in that the internal metal structure (62) extends along the entire length of the spoiler.

3. Spoiler according to claim 2, characterized in that the internal metal structure (62) comprises a pressed sheet metal beam or several metal parts connected together.

4. Spoiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top of the spoiler is located below a plane of the roof of the motor vehicle.

5. Spoiler according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a covering (65) configured to be fixed to the internal metal structure (62) of the reinforced spoiler.

6. Spoiler according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the covering (65) comprises at least one shell arranged around the internal metal structure (62).

7. Tailgate (14) for a two-body type motor vehicle (100), characterized in that it is equipped with a spoiler according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Body (30) of a two-body type motor vehicle (100), characterized in that it comprises a tailgate (14) according to the preceding claim and in that it comprises a rear cross member (20) of reduced inertia compared to a rear cross member of the body without a reinforced spoiler, and in that the reduction in inertia is between 50% and 80% compared to a rear cross member of the body without a reinforced spoiler.

9. A two-body motor vehicle (100), characterized in that it comprises a body according to the preceding claim or in that it comprises a tailgate (14) according to claim 7 or in that it comprises a spoiler according to one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Method for assembling a spoiler according to one of claims 1 to 6 and according to claims 2 and 5 on a tailgate (14) of a motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - assembly of a rear cross member (20) and hinges (15) on a body (30) of a motor vehicle (100); - assembly of the internal metal structure (62) of the reinforced spoiler (60) on the tailgate (14) of the motor vehicle; - assembly of the covering (65) on the internal metal structure (62) of the reinforced spoiler (60); - assembly of the body sides (35) on the body (30).

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