Structural spoiler for three-box type motor vehicle.

Abstract

Structural spoiler for a motor vehicle. Spoiler for a three-box type motor vehicle (100), characterized in that the spoiler is a structural spoiler (60) intended to be disposed on an upper surface of the three-box type motor vehicle and towards the rear of said vehicle, the structural spoiler (60) being intended to be fixed to the body (30) of the three-box type motor vehicle, the structural spoiler comprising an internal metal structure (62) configured to allow the transmission of forces, in particular vibrational forces, between the lateral sides (35) of the body (30) of the motor vehicle (100). Figure for the abbreviation: 8

Description

Title of the invention: Structural spoiler for a three-body type motor vehicle.

[0001] The invention relates to a structural spoiler for a three-body type motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a three-body type motor vehicle equipped with a structural spoiler according to the invention.

[0002] The energy efficiency of a vehicle is very largely influenced by its aerodynamic performance, particularly beyond a certain longitudinal speed threshold.

[0003] 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 roof of the vehicle, or spoilers placed on the rear trunk of the vehicle. However, the improvement provided by such systems remains limited because it does not allow high gains in SCx.

[0004] In recent models of motor vehicles, roofs are sometimes lowered and include very inclined rear windows to improve the aerodynamic performance of said motor vehicles. However, this lowering of the roof results in a reduction in the space for the headrests at the rear of the vehicle: potential passengers installed in the rear of the vehicle do not have enough room for their heads, which can be uncomfortable, even dangerous. In addition, visibility through a very inclined rear window in a lowered roof is quite restricted, which can pose safety problems.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a structural spoiler for a motor vehicle of the three-body type, remedying the above drawbacks and 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 motor vehicle by significantly reducing the SCx of the motor vehicle while guaranteeing sufficient space for potential passengers installed at the rear of the vehicle and satisfactory visibility through the inclined rear window arranged in a lowered roof.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a spoiler for a three-body type motor vehicle, characterized in that this spoiler is a structural spoiler intended to be arranged on an upper surface of the three-body type motor vehicle and towards the rear of said vehicle, the structural spoiler being intended to be fixed to the body of the three-body type motor vehicle, the structural spoiler comprising a metal structure internally configured to allow the passage of forces between lateral sides of the body of the motor vehicle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the internal metal structure of the structural spoiler comprises a first shell and a second shell configured to cooperate with each other so as to form a hollow body at the core of the structural spoiler.

[0008] Optionally, the internal metal structure comprises a beam made of stamped sheet metal or aluminum.

[0009] Optionally, the structural spoiler includes a trim configured to be attached to the internal metal structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the covering comprises an outer wall having an aerodynamic shape, such as a fin shape.

[0011] Optionally, the structural spoiler comprises locations for arranging at least one signaling means and / or at least one communication means and / or at least one detection means.

[0012] The invention further relates to a three-body type motor vehicle body, characterized in that it comprises a rear cross member of reduced inertia compared to a rear cross member of a body without a structural spoiler.

[0013] In this configuration, the reduction in inertia is between 50% and 80% compared to a rear body crossmember without a structural spoiler.

[0014] The invention further relates to a three-body type motor vehicle comprising a body as described above and comprising a structural spoiler according to the invention.

[0015] The invention further relates to a method of assembling a structural spoiler; the method comprises the following steps: - assembly of the ends of a rear cross member on a stretcher of the motor vehicle; - assembly of the internal metal structure of the structural spoiler on the body of the motor vehicle; - assembly of the body side panels on the body; - assembly of a roof on the body; - assembly of a covering on the internal metal structure of the structural spoiler.

[0016] Optionally, the step of assembling the ends of the rear cross member on the stretcher of the motor vehicle and the step of assembling the internal metal structure of the structural spoiler on the body of the motor vehicle are carried out by welding, such as spot welding.

[0017] 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:

[0018] [Fig.l] defines a direct orthonormal reference frame associated with a three-body motor vehicle.

[0019] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the drag of a three-body vehicle.

[0020] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates an example of a three-body type motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0021] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a body of a three-body type motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0022] [Fig. 5] is a schematic sectional view of a passenger compartment of a three-box type motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0023] [Fig.6] is a schematic sectional view of a detail of a passenger compartment of a three-box type motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0024] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.3] and schematically illustrates a three-box type motor vehicle equipped with a structural spoiler according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.4] and schematically illustrates a body of a three-box type motor vehicle equipped with a structural spoiler according to the invention.

[0026] [Fig.9] is a sectional view similar to [Fig.5] and illustrates a passenger compartment of a three-box type motor vehicle equipped with a structural spoiler according to the invention.

[0027] [Fig. 10] is a sectional view similar to [Fig. 6] and illustrates a detail of a passenger compartment of a three-box type motor vehicle equipped with a structural spoiler according to the invention.

[0028] [Fig. 11] illustrates the steps of a method of assembling a three-body type motor vehicle equipped with a structural spoiler according to the invention.

[0029] A motor vehicle 100' known from the state of the art is described below with reference to Figures 3 to 6. An embodiment of a motor vehicle 100 according to the invention is described below with reference to Figures 7 to 11. 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 [Fig.l], 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.

[0031] The motor vehicle is of the three-body type, that is to say that the body of the motor vehicle defines three volumes: a first volume corresponds to the volume occupied by the engine, a second volume corresponds to the passenger compartment, and a third volume corresponds to the trunk. The three essential parts of the car (engine, passenger compartment and trunk) are then well separated.

[0032] Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the drawing 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'.

[0033] In the remainder of the document, it is further assumed that the motor vehicle 100' comprises a fixed rear window 14'. The invention is more specifically advantageous for three-box type vehicles having an inclination of the rear window of between 17° and 40° relative to a horizontal plane formed by the X and Y axes.

[0034] A state-of-the-art three-body type motor vehicle 100' is illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In this [Fig. 3], a rear roof crossmember 20' may limit the visibility of a driver (not illustrated in the figure) of said vehicle 100'. This limitation of visibility through the fixed rear window 14' due to the rear crossmember 20' is all the more marked when the fixed rear window 14' is inclined at a small angle relative to the XY plane which is generally similar to a horizontal plane.

[0035] In a state-of-the-art three-body type motor vehicle 100', the rear roof crossmember 20' is generally secured to a body 30' of the vehicle 100', as illustrated in [Fig. 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'. This is more particularly illustrated in [Fig. 5]. The rear roof crossmember 20' may in particular be secured to a stretcher 70', as illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0036] In the conventional case where the three-box 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. 5]. In this [Fig. 5], the rear crossmember 20' is hidden by a fairly bulky roof trim 42', which clutters up the head space 52' for the rear passenger. Such bulkiness further reduces visibility through the inclined fixed rear window 14'. In addition, the space between the headrest 54' and the roof trim 42' of the roof 40' is reduced, which greatly limits the maximum adjustable height for the headrest 54'.Furthermore, the 42' roof lining 40' which covers the rear cross member 20' of the roof may prove too bulky: the risk of contact or impact between the 42' roof lining 40' and the head 52' of a passenger sitting in one of the seats in the rear row is quite high.

[0037] In order to overcome all of these drawbacks, a structural spoiler 60 is intended to be arranged on an upper surface of the three-body type motor vehicle 100 and towards the rear of said vehicle 100. The location of the structural spoiler 60 is more particularly illustrated in [Fig. 7]. The structural spoiler 60 comprises an internal metal structure 62 configured, in particular by its geometry, to allow the passage of forces, in particular vibratory forces, at the level of the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100 when the latter is in motion. For example, the assembly formed by the structural spoiler 60 in combination with the body sides of the vehicle 100 and the underbody of the vehicle 100 form a stiffening ring of the vehicle 100. In other words, the structural spoiler is a stiffening element of the body 30 of the vehicle 100. In other words, the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 absorbs the vibratory forces of the motor vehicle 100, which is usually ensured by the rear crossmember 20.

[0038] However, with a structural spoiler 60 secured to the body 30 of the three-body type motor vehicle 100 which ensures the stability 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, and the reduced dimensions of the rear crossmember 20 make it possible to increase the field of visibility through the inclined fixed rear window 14. By way of 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 crossmember 20 is for example reduced by approximately 30% to 60% compared to the height of a conventional rear crossmember 20'.

[0039] Thus, equipping the three-body type motor vehicle 100 with a structural spoiler 60 makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the rear crossmember 20 without losing rigidity, because the vibratory forces pass through the structural spoiler 60. The vibratory forces are partly taken up by the metal structure 62 inside the structural spoiler 60.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 comprises a beam made of stamped sheet metal arranged transversely relative to the vehicle, that is to say 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 structural 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 structural spoiler 60 also makes it possible to limit the weight of the structural spoiler 60.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the internal metal structure 62 can extend along the entire length of the structural 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 structural spoiler 60 makes it possible to strengthen the spoiler and to provide attachment points at the ends of the structural spoiler 60 with the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0042] The ends of the internal metal structure 62 can for example be solid- danced on the stretcher 70 of the motor vehicle.

[0043] 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 structural spoiler 60.

[0044] Thus, the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 may comprise a first shell 621 and a second shell 622 which are configured to cooperate so as to form a hollow body at the heart of the structural spoiler 60. This particular embodiment is illustrated in particular in FIGS. 10 and 11. The first shell 621 may in particular designate a lower shell intended to support the second shell 622 which is then an upper shell. The second shell 622, or upper shell, may be similar to a closing sheet which covers the first shell 621 or lower shell so as to form the hollow body at the heart of the structural spoiler 60. Such an internal metal structure 62 makes it possible to envisage a more complex geometry for the structural spoiler 60 while limiting its weight.The geometry of the shells 621, 622 which form the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 can be adapted to effectively resist the vibratory forces which are exerted within the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 when the motor vehicle 100 is in motion.

[0045] In a manner common to all of the embodiments described above, the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 may be made of aluminum or comprise an aluminum alloy. Lightweight metal materials with a density of less than 5 g / cm3 are particularly advantageous in the context of this application.

[0046] Furthermore, the structural 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 structural 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.

[0047] Thus, the covering 65 comprises, for example, an outer wall 67 in the form of a fin or any other profile making it possible to improve the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle 100.

[0048] This covering 65 may designate a set of plastic parts which may be clipped or screwed onto the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60. Other removable fixing means may be envisaged for assembling the covering 65 onto the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60. Furthermore, materials other than plastic may be envisaged for the covering 65.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the structural spoiler 60 comprises em placements 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.

[0050] The structural spoiler 60 may be secured to the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100 by welds, in particular during a spot welding process. In [Fig. 10], the crosses indicate possible locations for the weld points. Thus, one end 25 of the rear crossmember 20 as well as the first shell 621 are for example both welded to the stretcher 70, at different locations of the stretcher 70. Similarly, the second shell 622 or upper shell may be welded to the first shell 621 or lower shell, the weld points are then located in the contact zones between the second shell 622 and the first shell 621, in particular on the peripheries of said shells 621, 622.

[0051] Alternatively, the structural spoiler 60 can be secured to the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100 by screwing onto the stretcher 70, which can in particular allow the structural spoiler 60 to be dismantled, for example to replace it in the event that it is damaged.

[0052] An exemplary method of assembling the structural spoiler 60 on the roof of the motor vehicle 100 may comprise various steps, as illustrated in [Fig. 11].

[0053] Starting from a body 30 of a motor vehicle 100 on which lateral sides 35 of the body 30 are not yet mounted, a first step may comprise the assembly of the ends of a rear cross member 20 on a stretcher 70 of the motor vehicle 100. Spot welding may be envisaged to fix the ends 25 of the rear cross member 20 on the stretcher 70 of the motor vehicle 100. In the following step, the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 is fixed on the body 30 of the motor vehicle. Here again, spot welding may be envisaged to fix the internal metal structure 62. Alternatively, the internal metal structure 62 may be screwed onto the stretcher 70. Other fixing means, permanent or removable, may be envisaged to secure the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 to the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0054] In the case where the internal metal structure 62 comprises shells 621, 622, the shells 621, 622 are assembled one after the other. In particular, the first shell 621 or lower shell is fixed to the body 30 and then the second shell 622 or upper shell is mounted on the first shell 621 and secured to it so as to form a hollow body at the heart of the structural spoiler 60. Once the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60 is fixed on the body 30 of the vehicle 100, in particular on the stretcher 70 of the vehicle 100, the lateral sides 35 of the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100 can be mounted to their turn, followed by flag 40 on box 30.

[0055] Finally, the covering 65 is installed on the internal metal structure 62 of the structural spoiler 60.

[0056] It is thus possible to equip a motor vehicle of the three-corner type 100 with a structural spoiler 60 configured to allow the passage of forces, in particular vibratory forces between the lateral sides 35 of the body 30 of the motor vehicle 100 and through the internal metal structure 62 of the structural 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 fixed rear window 14.

Claims

Claims

1. Spoiler for a three-body type motor vehicle (100), characterized in that the spoiler is a structural spoiler (60) intended to be arranged on an upper surface of the three-body type motor vehicle and towards the rear of said vehicle, the structural spoiler (60) being intended to be fixed on a body (30) of the three-body type motor vehicle, the structural spoiler (60) comprising an internal metal structure (62) configured to allow the passage of forces between lateral sides (35) of the body (30) of the motor vehicle (100).

2. Spoiler according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal metal structure (62) of the structural spoiler comprises a first shell (621) and a second shell (622) configured to cooperate with each other so as to form a hollow body at the heart of the structural spoiler (60).

3. Spoiler according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the internal metal structure (62) comprises a beam made of stamped sheet metal or aluminum.

4. Spoiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a covering (65) configured to be fixed to the internal metal structure (62) of the structural spoiler (60).

5. Spoiler according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the covering (65) comprises an outer wall (67) having an aerodynamic shape, such as a fin shape.

6. Spoiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises locations for arranging at least one signaling means and / or at least one communication means and / or at least one detection means.

7. Three-body type motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a spoiler according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Method for assembling a structural spoiler according to claims 1 to 6 on a body of a motor vehicle, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - assembling the ends (25) of a rear cross member (20) on a stretcher (70) of the motor vehicle (100); - assembling the internal metal structure (62) of the structural spoiler (60) on a body (30) of the motor vehicle; - assembling the body lateral sides (35) on the body (30); - assembly of a roof (40) on the body (30); - assembly of a covering (65) on the internal metal structure (62) of the structural spoiler (60).

9. Assembly method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the step of assembling the ends (25) of the rear cross member (20) on the stretcher (70) of the motor vehicle (100) and the step of assembling the internal metal structure (62) of the structural spoiler (60) on the body (30) of the motor vehicle are carried out by welding, such as spot welding.

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