Adaptable underfloor deflector for vehicle having a hitch device

Abstract

The invention relates to an underfloor deflector for a motor vehicle, intended to be attached under the rear panel cover (6) and to the rear bumper fascia (8), the deflector comprising a wall and being characterized in that the deflector (4) comprises one or more marking elements which delineate a cuttable wall portion intended to be placed across from a hitching element.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Adaptable underfloor deflector for vehicle with towing device.

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2308575 filed on August 9, 2023, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of vehicles and more particularly to motor vehicles. The invention relates to a vehicle having an under-floor deflector arranged at the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] Deflectors are aerodynamically shaped parts designed to improve the airflow characteristics under the vehicle. Underfloor deflectors are panels, usually made of plastic, that also serve as a shield to protect the floor itself from gravel, but also vehicle components located under the floor, such as a propulsion battery, for example. This type of deflector typically includes a front portion designed to be connected to the underbody of the vehicle and a rear portion designed to be connected to a rear bumper of the vehicle.

[0004] The underbody of the vehicle has a significant impact on the air drag expelled at the rear of the vehicle, air drag which opposes the tractive effort. Car manufacturers have therefore moved towards a fairing of the underbody and a reduction in ground clearance to limit the volume of air entering under the vehicle and facilitate the flow of air under the body. It is common today to equip vehicles with plastic deflectors which are placed under the body to improve aerodynamics and protect sensitive elements against impacts.

[0005] It is well known that aerodynamics plays an important role in the design of a motor vehicle, as its effects on fuel consumption and road handling, particularly at high speeds, are significant. Improving the aerodynamic performance of vehicles can therefore contribute significantly to reducing pollutant emissions by lowering fuel consumption, while making vehicles safer and more comfortable from an acoustic point of view.

[0006] Some vehicles include a coupling device for towing a trailer. The coupling device comprises, in a known manner, a transverse coupling beam attached to the vehicle body by two arms and a centrally arranged towing hook. It may be advantageous to electrically connect the trailer to the vehicle, in particular to allow said trailer to send light signals such as brake lights or indicators. In such a case, the coupling device may include additional coupling elements to the hooks, such as an electrical wiring harness holder. Depending on the model, these additional coupling elements may interfere with the rear edge of the underfloor deflector, making the installation of said deflector complicated. A solution therefore remains to be found to overcome this problem. The solution consisting of designing another deflector specially adapted to vehicles equipped with such a dis- A positive coupling system would not be satisfactory because it would multiply the references and generate additional costs concerning the production and creation of injection molds for each vehicle model. There would also be an additional cost concerning the storage of the different models and stock management.

[0007] Document EP2662268B1 discloses a cover fastening structure for fastening a cover using a bolt. In the cover fastening structure, the bolt is rotatably held. The cover has an insertion hole formed to allow insertion of the bolt. A rearward sliding limiting opening is formed by cutting out a portion of a circumferential edge of the insertion hole, so as to allow the bolt to slide. The rearward sliding limiting opening is continuous with the circumferential edge of the insertion hole and configured to limit the bolt from returning to the insertion hole. The cover also has a support / fastening hole formed continuously with the rearward sliding limiting opening, and having a radius smaller than the radius of the insertion hole. The support / fastening hole has a circumferential edge partially cut out to allow the bolt to enter the support / fastening hole.The cover also has a retaining portion formed between an external thread and then a bolt seating surface to prevent the bolt from falling out.

[0008] This solution is interesting but unsuitable for the mechanical interference situation encountered.

[0009] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention has a standardization objective making it possible to address possible problems of interference with coupling elements without reducing the mechanical and aerodynamic properties of a deflector. The invention also aims to facilitate the mounting of such deflectors on the vehicle.

[0010] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle underfloor deflector, intended to be fixed to the rear panel lining and to the rear bumper skin, the deflector comprises a wall and is remarkable in that the deflector comprises one or more marking elements delimiting a detachable portion of wall intended to be placed opposite a coupling element.

[0011] It will be understood that the invention proposes to cut a deflector so as to form an additional opening when the vehicle is equipped with a coupling device, and to this end, proposes a marking of the cuttable portion of wall to be removed to make this additional opening. The invention is remarkable in that it proposes a deflector which can be fixed on all vehicles regardless of the presence of a coupling device or not. The additional opening is optional. The invention makes it possible to solve the problem of interference without reducing its mechanical and aerodynamic properties. Furthermore, the use of marking elements will guide the fitter in making a cut when it is necessary.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, one or more marking elements are formed by one or more reliefs of the wall; preferably, one or more grooves and / or one or more ribs; more preferably, one or more ribs. The fact that the Marking elements consist of one or more reliefs on the wall, allowing them to be molded directly with the deflector. It is therefore not necessary to provide an additional step during the production of the deflector to carry out the marking. The relief(s) are advantageously one or more ribs which will provide additional stiffening to the wall of the deflector.

[0013] Advantageously, the deflector comprises at least two concentrically arranged marking elements defining a spacing between them forming a cutting zone. For example, the spacing between two concentrically arranged marking elements is between 20 mm and 40 mm, or from 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0014] Advantageously, the deflector comprises at least two marking elements arranged concentrically and defining between them a cutting zone, and the marking elements are formed by ribs. This configuration makes it possible to obtain stiffening of the edge of the hollowed-out wall zone. Indeed, the fitter cutting between two ribs, the deflector retains one of the stiffening ribs.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the deflector comprises a notch on one of its edges intended to form an access to a rear light housing when the deflector is mounted on a vehicle, and the deflector is remarkable in that said decoupleable wall portion is adjacent to said notch.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the deflector comprises at least one interface for attachment to the rear bumper skin and to the rear panel lining, the interface being delimited by a groove in the wall, and the deflector is remarkable in that said decoupleable wall portion comprises a part of said groove.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the deflector comprises a rear edge intended to extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the deflector being remarkable in that said cuttable wall portion is adjacent to said rear edge.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the deflector is made of a plastic material comprising at least 20% recycled material, preferably 50% recycled material.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an under-floor deflector remarkable in that the deflector is according to the first aspect.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of mounting a motor vehicle, comprising a step of mounting an under-floor deflector, remarkable in that the deflector is according to the first aspect and in that it further comprises a step of cutting and removing a portion of the wall of said deflector, said portion being delimited by one or more marking elements.

[0021] Each feature introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0022] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended figures and listed below.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic view of the rear of a motor vehicle showing transparently a coupling device mounted on the body.

[0024] Figure 2 is an isometric view showing the assembly formed by the coupling device, the deflector, the rear bumper skin and the rear panel lining.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a view from another angle of the previous assembly except for the rear panel lining which is only represented by its fixing lugs.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a view from another angle of an assembly without a towing device and for which the walls of the deflector and the rear bumper skin have not been cut out.

[0027] Figure 5 is an enlargement of a portion of the deflector showing the marking elements and the detachable portion of wall thus delimited.

[0028] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows for the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle, the deflector or other steps in the method to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will refer respectively to that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0029] In this description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference system of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0030] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0031] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the limits which delimit them.

[0032] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities. The deflector, the vehicle and the method will be described jointly.

[0033] Figure 1 shows the rear of a vehicle 2 comprising a body provided with a rear panel lining 6, a rear bumper skin and an underfloor deflector (not visible), a floor 34 and a coupling device.

[0034] We define with respect to vehicle 2 an orthogonal reference XYZ comprising three axes perpendicular two by two, namely:

[0035] An X axis, defining a longitudinal, horizontal direction coincident with the general direction of movement of vehicle 2;

[0036] A Y axis, defining a transverse, horizontal direction, which with the X axis, defines a horizontal XY plane, and

[0037] A Z axis, defining a vertical direction, perpendicular to the horizontal XY plane.

[0038] In the rest of this text, we define the term:

[0039] Longitudinal, any part or portion of a part parallel to an XZ plane;

[0040] Transverse, any part or portion of a part parallel to a YZ plane;

[0041] Inclined, any part or portion of a part orthogonal to the YZ plane and not orthogonal to the XY plane and the XZ plane;

[0042] Oblique, any part or portion of a part orthogonal to the XY plane and not orthogonal to the XZ plane and the YZ plane.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 2, the invention relates to an underfloor deflector 4, intended to be fixed to the rear panel lining 6 and to the rear bumper skin 8. In the following description, the underfloor deflector 4 may also be called a “deflector” or “rear deflector”.

[0044] The rear assembly of the motor vehicle illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a rear bumper skin 8, a rear panel lining 6, a coupling device 12 and finally the underfloor deflector 4. The rear bumper skin 8 comprises fastening systems, it is positioned transversely at the rear of the vehicle. The rear panel lining 6 has two fastening tabs 24 for fastening to the rear bumper skin 8 and to the underfloor deflector 4. The rear panel lining 6 is fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle. The coupling device 12 comprises at least one coupling beam 14 (fixed to said rear panel lining 6), a coupling hook 16 (fixed to the coupling beam 14), and a harness holder (visible in Figure 3 under the reference 18).

[0045] As illustrated in Figure 3, the under-floor deflector 4 according to the invention has a wall, at least part of which may have a honeycomb structure 10 making it possible to stiffen the wall of the deflector. The deflector 4 may also have several fixing interfaces, such as for example one or more fixing cones 26 rising from the inner face of the deflector 4 and intended for its fixing to the floor. The wall of the deflector also comprises a central notch 22 on its rear edge relative to the motor vehicle 2. This central notch 22 forms a useful passage in the event of changing the rear brake light.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the deflector 4 is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyacrylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the deflector 4 is made of a plastic or composite material with a plastic material matrix and a reinforcement, and the deflector 4 comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic resin based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably at least 20% by weight, and more preferably at least 30% by weight and even more preferably at least 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the ecological footprint of the vehicle.

[0048] We now refer to Figure 5 which is an enlarged view of the inner face of the de- deflector 4 at one of the edges of the central notch 22. It can be seen that the deflector 4 according to the invention is remarkable in that it comprises one or more marking elements (30, 32) delimiting a cuttable portion of wall 28 intended to be placed opposite a coupling element (not shown). The cuttable portion of the wall 28 is intended to be cut and removed if it interferes with said coupling element.

[0049] The marking elements (30, 32) may be of any type. They may, for example, be painted on the wall of the deflector. Those skilled in the art will benefit from one or more marking elements (30, 32) being formed by one or more reliefs on the wall. This or these reliefs may be grooves and / or ribs; preferably this or these reliefs are ribs. Also preferably, the relief is formed on the internal (or inner) face of the deflector.

[0050] The cuttable portion of wall can be delimited by a single marking element. According to a preferred embodiment, the deflector 4 comprises at least two marking elements (30, 32) arranged concentrically and defining a spacing between them forming a cutting zone. Thus the fitter is guided in his cutting precisely and at least one marking element 30 remains on the deflector once the cuttable portion of wall is cut (as visible 3). Thus when the marking elements (30, 32) are ribs, the remaining rib 30 forms a stiffening rim which will delimit the hollowed-out part. Preferably when the deflector 4 comprises at least two marking elements (30, 32) arranged concentrically at least the outermost marking element 30 is a rib.

[0051] Preferably, the spacing between the two concentrically arranged marking elements (30, 32) is between 20 mm and 40 mm, or from 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0052] As illustrated in Figure 5, and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cuttable wall portion 28 is adjacent to the central notch 22.

[0053] Advantageously, the wall of the deflector 4 comprises at least one groove 20, for example two grooves, at its rear edge forming a fixing interface on which a fixing lug 24 of the rear panel is positioned (partially shown). Preferably, said cuttable wall portion 28 comprises a part of one of said grooves 20.

[0054] Ideally, said cuttable wall portion 28 is adjacent to the rear edge of the deflector 4. Thus, the cuttable wall portion 28 is positioned adjacent to the central notch 22 and to the rear edge of the deflector and partially overlaps the groove 20.

[0055] As will be understood, in the event of installation of a coupling device on the vehicle, the installer will cut the deflector 4 in the cutting zone formed by the two marking elements (30, 32) by means of a suitable cutting tool, and will remove the cuttable portion of wall 28 freeing up the space necessary for the passage of a coupling element, for example a harness holder. A similar cut can be made on the rear bumper skin 8. Advantageously, the rear bumper skin 8 will also show marking elements formed by concentric ribs for this same purpose.

[0056] Thus the invention also proposes a method of mounting a motor vehicle comprising a step of mounting a sub-floor deflector 4, remarkable in that the deflector 4 comprises one or more marking elements (30, 32) delimiting a cuttable portion of wall 28 intended to be placed opposite a coupling element and in that it further comprises a step of cutting and removing said cuttable portion of wall 28.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an interior view of the rear assembly of a motor vehicle 2 equipped with a coupling device 12. It can be seen that the wall of the deflector 4 has been cut out at the edge of the central notch 22 and that the orifice thus formed allows the passage, without interference, of the harness holder 18.

[0058] Figure 4 represents, for its part, an exterior view of a rear assembly of a motor vehicle 2 not equipped with a coupling device. It can be seen that the wall of the deflector 4 has not been cut. The rear deflector 4 is therefore present in its entirety. The fact that the marking elements are present on the inner face of the deflector makes them invisible from the outside of the vehicle and therefore contributes to maintaining a good level of perceived quality.

[0059] It is thus understood that the same deflector can be used both on vehicles equipped with a towing device and on vehicles without one while retaining good mechanical and aerodynamic properties.

Claims

Claims

1. Deflector (4) under the floor of a motor vehicle (2), intended to be fixed to the rear panel lining (6) and to the rear bumper skin (8), the deflector comprises a wall and is characterized in that the deflector (4) comprises one or more marking elements (30, 32) delimiting a cuttable portion of wall (28) intended to be placed opposite a coupling element.

2. Underfloor deflector (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more marking elements (30, 32) are formed by one or more reliefs of the wall; preferably, one or more ribs.

3. Underfloor deflector (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least two marking elements (30,32) arranged concentrically and defining a spacing between them forming a cutting zone, preferably the spacing between two marking elements (30,32) arranged concentrically is between 20 mm and 40 mm, or from 10 mm to 20 mm.

4. Underfloor deflector (4) according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two marking elements (30, 32) arranged concentrically and defining between them a cutting zone, and in that the marking elements are formed by ribs.

5. Underfloor deflector (4) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a central notch (22) on one of its edges intended to form access to a rear light housing when the deflector (4) is mounted on a motor vehicle (2), the deflector (4) being characterized in that said cuttable wall portion (28) is adjacent to said central notch (22).

6. Underfloor deflector (4) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one interface for attachment to the rear bumper skin (8) and to the rear panel lining (6), the interface being delimited by a groove (20) of the wall, characterized in that said cuttable portion of wall (28) comprises a part of said groove (20).

7. Underfloor deflector (4) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a rear edge intended to extend in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle (2), the deflector (4) being characterized in that said cuttable wall portion (28) is adjacent to said rear edge.

8. Underfloor deflector (4) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is made of a plastic material comprising at least 20% recycled material, preferably 50% recycled material.

9. Motor vehicle (2) comprising an underfloor deflector (4) characterized in that the deflector (4) is according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Method of mounting a motor vehicle, comprising a step of mounting an under-floor deflector (4) characterized in that the deflector (4) is according to one of claims 1 to 8 and in that it further comprises a step of cutting and removing a cuttable portion of the wall (28) of said deflector (4), said portion being delimited by one or more marking elements (30, 32).

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