Roof spoiler, rear assembly including such a spoiler and motor vehicle including such a rear assembly

The roof spoiler with a liquid flow channel addresses water retention issues in motor vehicles by guiding rainwater directly to the rear window, eliminating parasitic noise and spillage.

FR3150179A1Pending Publication Date: 2024-12-27STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023006639
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-26
Publication Date
2024-12-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing motor vehicle designs suffer from water retention in the deflector, leading to parasitic noise and spillage when the rear opening is opened, due to the presence of a hollow spoiler and deflector configuration.

Method used

A roof spoiler with a channel for liquid flow is integrated to capture and guide liquid fluid, such as rainwater, directly to the rear window, bypassing the deflector, preventing water accumulation and spillage.

Benefits of technology

Prevents parasitic noise and spillage by ensuring rainwater flows directly onto the rear window, avoiding deflector filling and spillage into the trunk or on the user.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Roof spoiler, rear assembly comprising such a spoiler, and motor vehicle comprising such a rear assembly. The invention relates to a roof spoiler (23) for a motor vehicle intended to be fixed to an upper part of a rear opening (15) of said motor vehicle (1). According to the invention, the spoiler (23) comprises at least one flow channel (53) for a liquid fluid, designed to capture at least a portion of a liquid fluid flowing over said spoiler (23) and to guide said fluid to a rear window (17) of said rear opening (15) when said spoiler (23) is fixed to said rear opening. The invention also relates to a rear assembly comprising such a spoiler and a motor vehicle comprising such a rear assembly. Figure 2
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Description

Title of the invention: Roof spoiler, rear assembly comprising such a spoiler and motor vehicle comprising such a rear assembly Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and concerns a roof spoiler for a motor vehicle.

[0002] The invention also relates to a rear assembly comprising such a spoiler and a motor vehicle comprising such a rear assembly. Prior art

[0003] The structure of a motor vehicle is made up of a set of sheets assembled together to provide rigidity to the structure, forming the frame of the motor vehicle.

[0004] Among these sheet metal elements, the structure classically comprises a roof, or pavilion, delimiting the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle in the upper part.

[0005] A plurality of openings are also attached to the structure of the motor vehicle.

[0006] Among these openings, a rear opening, comprising a rear window or rear glass, is movable alternately between a closed position and an open position according to which the storage compartment of the motor vehicle is accessed.

[0007] The rear opening may also include a spoiler, attached to the opening, clear of the rear window and extending the roof in its rear part when the opening is in its closed position.

[0008] The presence of such a spoiler makes it possible to prevent air from falling directly onto the rear window of the rear opening, which makes it possible to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the motor vehicle.

[0009] Typically, the spoiler extends substantially over the entire width of the roof and extends the roof laterally over a portion of the left and right side structures of the motor vehicle.

[0010] When water falls on top of the motor vehicle, for example when it rains, the water flows between the roof and the spoiler due to the clearance between the roof and the spoiler. Given the lateral extension of the spoiler on a portion of the left and right side structures of the motor vehicle, the water continues its natural flow along the left and right side structures of the motor vehicle.

[0011] Certain motor vehicles may also have a deflector, again called spoiler, whose function is essentially aesthetic, attached to the spoiler so as to cover the spoiler at the level of its rear area and also laterally.

[0012] In this type of configuration, the spoiler extends substantially over the entire width of the roof but no longer extends the roof laterally over a portion of the left and right side structures of the motor vehicle. The lateral extension of the roof is provided directly by the deflector, which typically consists of a hollow body in the shape of a “U”, extending the spoiler on the one hand at its rear end and on the other hand at its lateral ends.

[0013] When water falls on top of the motor vehicle, a second water flow zone is created between the spoiler and the deflector, due to the clearance between the spoiler and the deflector.

[0014] Given the lateral extension of the deflector on a part of the left and right lateral structures of the motor vehicle, and given the fact that the deflector consists of a hollow body, the water flows inside the deflector.

[0015] This flow of water inside the deflector results in water retention inside the deflector.

[0016] Document JP2018172042 describes a rear opening for a motor vehicle which can evacuate water to the outside of the vehicle when the rear opening is open. As long as the rear opening occupies its closed position, water is not evacuated from the motor vehicle.

[0017] However, the presence of water retained inside the deflector causes several drawbacks.

[0018] First of all, this causes parasitic noises directly perceptible by the occupants present on board the motor vehicle.

[0019] Then, when opening the rear hatch, the water contained in the deflector can fall in small quantities directly into the trunk of the vehicle, or onto the user, due to small vents provided in the lower part of the deflector. Presentation of the invention

[0020] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and to do so relates to a roof spoiler for a motor vehicle intended to be fixed to an upper part of a rear opening of said motor vehicle, remarkable in that it comprises at least one flow channel for a liquid fluid, designed to capture at least a part of a liquid fluid flowing over said roof spoiler and to guide said liquid fluid to a rear window of said rear opening when said roof spoiler is fixed to said rear opening of said motor vehicle.

[0021] Thus, by providing a roof spoiler comprising a flow channel for a liquid fluid, for example rainwater, designed to capture at least a portion of a liquid fluid flowing over the spoiler and to guide the liquid fluid to a rear window of the rear opening of the motor vehicle, the liquid fluid bypasses the deflector and flows directly onto the rear window of the rear opening.

[0022] In this way, the liquid fluid does not end its course in the deflector, which prevents the deflector from filling up.

[0023] By avoiding the filling of the deflector, consisting of a closed hollow body, one avoids generating parasitic noises perceptible by the occupants present on board the motor vehicle.

[0024] In addition, it is also prevented that liquid fluid, for example rainwater, spills into the trunk or onto the user when the user opens the rear hatch.

[0025] According to optional characteristics of the roof spoiler according to the invention: - the roof spoiler comprises a front edge, intended to be in the direct extension of a roof of said motor vehicle when said roof spoiler is fixed on said rear opening of said motor vehicle, a rear edge, behind said front edge, a lateral edge, connecting said front edge to said rear edge, said drainage channel being made from said front edge towards said rear edge so as to move away from said lateral edge from said front edge towards said rear edge; - in one embodiment, the drainage channel comprises a first longitudinal portion, extending from said front edge towards said rear edge of said roof spoiler, a transverse portion, extending from a rear end of said first longitudinal portion and moving away from said lateral edge, a second longitudinal portion, extending from a lateral end of said transverse portion and to said rear edge of said roof spoiler; - alternatively, said drainage channel comprises a diagonal portion extending from said front edge towards said rear edge, said diagonal portion moving away from said side edge from said front edge towards said rear edge; - the roof spoiler comprises at least one guide rib at least partially bordering said drainage channel; - the roof spoiler includes a technical area in which the said drainage channel is made.

[0026] The invention also relates to a rear assembly of a motor vehicle, comprising a rear opening, on which a roof spoiler is fixed, and a deflector fixed to said roof spoiler, remarkable in that said roof spoiler is according to the invention.

[0027] In one embodiment of the rear assembly, the deflector comprises: - a right lateral portion ending in the front part with a right front edge, - a left lateral portion ending in the front part with a left front edge, said right front lateral edge and said left front lateral edge coming, when said rear assembly is mounted in said motor vehicle, behind a rear edge of a roof, in the direct extension of said roof.

[0028] According to an optional arrangement of the rear assembly, the roof spoiler extends transversely relative to said motor vehicle, from one edge to the other of lateral structures of said motor vehicle, and said deflector is constituted by a hollow body.

[0029] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a rear assembly, remarkable in that said rear assembly is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] shows a motor vehicle according to the invention, partially seen in perspective from above, from behind and to the right.

[0032] [Fig.2] shows zone II of [Fig.l] in top view, the deflector having been occult. Description of the embodiments

[0033] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions are designated by the same reference.

[0034] By convention, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations will be adopted, without limitation, indicated by the direct trihedron (L, V, T) designating the longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes of the vehicle.

[0035] In the following, the terms “left”, “right”, “lower” and “upper” are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0036] Similarly, the terms “front” and “rear” are understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0037] Reference is made to [Fig.l] showing a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention, partially seen in perspective from above, from the rear and the right of the motor vehicle 1.

[0038] The motor vehicle 1 comprises a set of sheets assembled together, forming the frame of the motor vehicle and defining the body structure 3 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0039] The body structure 3 comprises, in particular, among these sheet metal elements, a right side structure 5 and a left side structure 7. The body structure 3 has a longitudinal median plane of symmetry (L, V). Thus, the description given for a right assembly of the motor vehicle applies by analogy to a left assembly of the motor vehicle.

[0040] Also, among these sheet metal elements, the structure 3 comprises a roof 9, or pavilion, extending between the right lateral structure 5 and the left lateral structure 7 and delimiting an upper part of a passenger compartment 11 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0041] A rear assembly 13 of the motor vehicle 1 comprises a rear opening 15, comprising a rear window 17 or rear glass. The rear assembly 13 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 19 extending in a substantially transverse direction relative to the motor vehicle 1 and being substantially merged with a rear edge 21 of the roof 9.

[0042] The rear assembly 13 is movable alternately between a closed position shown in [Fig.l] and an open position (not shown) allowing access to a storage compartment of the motor vehicle 1.

[0043] The rear assembly 13 further comprises a roof spoiler 23, attached to the rear opening 15 so as to be clear of the rear window 17.

[0044] The roof spoiler 23 is designed to prevent air from falling directly onto the rear window 17 of the rear opening 15, which makes it possible to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the motor vehicle 1.

[0045] The roof spoiler 23 is for example made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the roof spoiler 23 adopts a substantially rectangular geometric shape.

[0047] The roof spoiler 23 extends the roof 9 at its rear edge 21 when the rear opening 15 occupies its closed position.

[0048] The roof spoiler 23 extends substantially transversely relative to the motor vehicle 1, substantially over the entire width of the roof 9, without however extending the roof 9 laterally along the right 5 and left 7 lateral structures of the motor vehicle 1.

[0049] The roof spoiler 23 has a front edge 27, extending behind the rear edge 21 of the roof 9, in direct extension of the roof 9.

[0050] The roof spoiler 23 further comprises a rear edge 29 (visible in [Fig.2]), behind the front edge 27, as well as a right lateral edge 31 and a left lateral edge 33, connecting the front edge 27 to the rear edge 29.

[0051] The right lateral edge 31 of the roof spoiler 23 extends substantially backwards in the continuity of a right lateral edge 35 of the roof 9, while the left lateral edge 33 of the roof spoiler 23 extends substantially backwards in the continuity of a left side edge 37 of pavilion 9.

[0052] The rear assembly 13 further comprises a deflector 39, or spoiler, attached to the roof spoiler 23 so as to cover the spoiler 23 at its rear edge 29 and at the right lateral edges 31 and left 33. Thus, when the deflector 39 covers the roof spoiler 23, the rear edge 9 of the roof 23 comes under the deflector 39.

[0053] The deflector 39 typically consists of a hollow “U” shaped body.

[0054] The deflector 39 comprises a right lateral portion 41, ending in the front part by a right front edge 43, and a left lateral portion 45, ending in the front part by a left front edge 47.

[0055] The front right 43 and front left 47 edges each come behind the rear edge 21 of the roof 9, in direct extension of the roof 9.

[0056] The deflector 39 further comprises a central portion 49, connecting the right lateral portions 41 and left lateral portions 45 together.

[0057] The central portion 49 ends in the front part with a central front edge 51, covering the rear edge 29 of the roof spoiler 23.

[0058] When the deflector 39 is fixed on the roof spoiler 23, the deflector 39 extends the roof 9 over a part of the right 5 and left 7 lateral structures of the motor vehicle 1.

[0059] Also, as is the case for the roof spoiler 23, when the deflector 39 is attached to the roof spoiler 23, the deflector 39 is clear of the rear window 17 of the rear opening 15.

[0060] Reference is made to [Fig. 2] showing zone II of [Fig. 1] in top view, the deflector 39 having been hidden.

[0061] According to the invention, the roof spoiler 23 comprises at least one flow channel 53 for a liquid fluid, for example rainwater flowing over the motor vehicle 1.

[0062] The flow channel 53, also called a drainage channel, is designed to capture at least a portion of a liquid fluid flowing over the roof spoiler 23, for example rainwater, and to guide the liquid fluid to the rear window 17 of the rear opening 15.

[0063] The drainage channel 53 can for example be obtained by grooving the roof spoiler 23.

[0064] Thus, the liquid fluid, for example rainwater, bypasses the deflector 39, and flows directly onto the rear window 17 of the rear opening 15.

[0065] In this way, the rainwater does not end its course at the level of the right 41 and left 45 lateral portions of the deflector 39, which makes it possible to avoid the filling of the deflector 39 constituted by a closed hollow body. Thus, the generation of parasitic noises is avoided. perceptible by the occupants present on board the motor vehicle 1. In addition, it is also prevented that the liquid fluid, for example rainwater, spills into the trunk or onto the user when the rear opening 15 is opened by the user.

[0066] In one embodiment, the drainage channel 53 is formed from the front edge 27 of the roof spoiler 23 and extends towards the rear edge 29, so as to move away from the lateral edge 31 of the roof spoiler 23, from the front edge 27 towards the rear edge 29.

[0067] The fact that the flow channel 53 is made so as to move away from the lateral edge 31 from front to rear of the roof spoiler 23 makes it possible to limit the risk of spillage of the liquid fluid inside the deflector 39.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the flow channel 53 comprises a first longitudinal portion 55, extending substantially longitudinally relative to the motor vehicle 1.

[0069] The first longitudinal portion 55 extends from the front edge 27 towards the rear edge 29 of the roof spoiler 23.

[0070] The flow channel 53 then comprises, in the direction of flow of the fluid, a transverse portion 57, extending substantially transversely relative to the motor vehicle 1.

[0071] The transverse portion 57 extends from a rear end 59 of the first longitudinal portion 55 and moves away from the lateral edge 31.

[0072] The flow channel 53 then comprises, in the direction of flow of the fluid, a second longitudinal portion 61, extending from a lateral end 63 of the transverse portion 27 and as far as the rear edge 29 of the roof spoiler 23.

[0073] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the flow channel 53 comprises only the first longitudinal portion 55, which extends from the front edge 27 towards the rear edge 29 of the roof spoiler 23 and the transverse portion 57, which extends from the rear end 59 of the first longitudinal portion 55 and moves away from the lateral edge 31. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, the flow channel 53 defines an “L” shape.

[0074] According to another variant embodiment not shown in the figures, the flow channel 53 comprises a diagonal portion, which extends from the front edge 27 towards the rear edge 29, moving away from the lateral edge 31.

[0075] The diagonal portion may for example extend from the front edge 27 to the rear edge 29 of the roof spoiler 23.

[0076] Alternatively, the diagonal portion may extend in the extension of the first longitudinal portion 55 in the direction of flow of the fluid, for example in place of the transverse portion 57 and the second longitudinal portion 61, until it opens out at the level of the rear edge 29 of the roof spoiler 23.

[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the roof spoiler 23 comprises two guide ribs 65, 67 which border the drainage channel 53.

[0078] The guide rib 65 borders the first longitudinal portion 55 while the guide rib 67 borders the transverse portion 57.

[0079] The guide ribs 65, 67 are for example made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding.

[0080] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the roof spoiler 23 may comprise only one of the two guide ribs 65 and / or a guide rib bordering the second longitudinal portion 61.

[0081] Alternatively, the roof spoiler 23 does not have any guide rib, the routing of the fluid from the front edge 27 to the rear edge 29 then being obtained directly by the flow channel 53.

[0082] As previously indicated, the body structure 3 has a longitudinal median plane of symmetry (L, V). Thus, the description given for the drainage channel 53 present at the level of the right lateral structure 5 of the motor vehicle 1 applies by analogy to the left lateral structure 7 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0083] Thus, the roof spoiler 23 comprises two flow channels 53, symmetrical relative to the longitudinal median plane of symmetry (L, V), each being formed from the front edge 27 of the roof spoiler 23 and extending towards the rear edge 29, so as to move away from the lateral edges 31, 33 of the roof spoiler 23, from the front edge 27 towards the rear edge 29.

[0084] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the flow channels 53 are each made in a technical zone 69, located close to the lateral edge 31 of the roof spoiler 23 (only the lateral edge 31 being visible in [Fig.2]) and each receiving, for example, a set of fixing points for the deflector 39.

[0085] Positioning the technical zones 69 close to the lateral edges 31, 33 allows the right 41 and left 45 lateral portions of the deflector 39 to cover the technical zones 69. The technical zones 69 are therefore advantageously not directly visible from the outside of the motor vehicle 1 when the rear assembly 13 is formed.

[0086] The operation of the invention is as follows. When a liquid fluid, for example rainwater, falls on top of the motor vehicle 1, the fluid flows between the roof 9 and the roof spoiler 23 due to the clearance present between the roof 9 and the spoiler 23.

[0087] At its lateral edges 31, 33, the fluid enters the flow channels 53, which convey the fluid via the first longitudinal portion 55, then via the transverse portion 57 then via the second longitudinal portion 61.

[0088] The fluid then passes under the central front edge 51 of the deflector 39, covering the roof spoiler 23, and reaches the rear window 17.

[0089] Thus, thanks to the present invention, the liquid fluid, for example rainwater, does not penetrate into the right 41 and left 45 lateral portions of the deflector 39.

[0090] As goes without saying, the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this roof spoiler, of this rear assembly comprising such a spoiler and of this motor vehicle comprising such a rear assembly, described above solely as illustrative examples, but on the contrary it embraces all the variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Roof spoiler (23) of a motor vehicle (1) intended to be fixed on an upper part of a rear opening (15) of said motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one flow channel (53) for a liquid fluid, designed to capture at least a portion of a liquid fluid flowing on said roof spoiler (23) and to guide said liquid fluid to a rear window (17) of said rear opening (15) when said roof spoiler (23) is fixed on said rear opening (15) of said motor vehicle (1).

2. Roof spoiler (23) according to claim 1, comprising: - a front edge (27), intended to be in the direct extension of a roof (9) of said motor vehicle (1) when said roof spoiler (23) is fixed on said rear opening (15) of said motor vehicle (1), - a rear edge (29), behind said front edge (27), - a lateral edge (31, 33), connecting said front edge (27) to said rear edge (29), characterized in that said flow channel (53) is formed from said front edge (27) towards said rear edge (29) so as to move away from said lateral edge (31, 33) from said front edge (27) towards said rear edge (29).

3. Roof spoiler (23) according to claim 2, characterized in that said drainage channel (53) comprises: - a first longitudinal portion (55), extending from said front edge (27) towards said rear edge (29) of said roof spoiler (23), - a transverse portion (57), extending from a rear end (59) of said first longitudinal portion (55) and moving away from said lateral edge (31, 33), - a second longitudinal portion (57), extending from a lateral end (63) of said transverse portion (57) and up to said rear edge (29) of said roof spoiler (23).

4. A roof spoiler (23) according to claim 2, characterized in that said drainage channel (53) comprises a diagonal portion extending from said front edge (27) towards said rear edge (29), said diagonal portion extending away from said side edge (31, 33) from said front edge (27) towards said rear edge (29).

5. Roof spoiler (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one guide rib (65, 67) at least partially bordering said flow channel (53).

6. Roof spoiler (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a technical zone (69) in which said drainage channel (53) is formed.

7. Rear assembly (13) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising a rear opening (15), on which a roof spoiler (23) is fixed, and a deflector (39) fixed on said roof spoiler (23), characterized in that said roof spoiler (23) is according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Rear assembly (13) according to claim 7, characterized in that said deflector (39) comprises: - a right lateral portion (41) ending in the front part with a right front edge (43), - a left lateral portion (45) ending in the front part with a left front edge (47), said right front lateral edge (43) and said left front lateral edge (47) coming, when said rear assembly (13) is mounted in said motor vehicle (1), behind a rear edge (21) of a roof (9), in the direct extension of said roof (9).

9. Rear assembly (13) according to claim 8, wherein said roof spoiler (23) extends transversely relative to said motor vehicle (1), from one edge to the other of lateral structures (5, 7) of said motor vehicle (1), characterized in that said deflector (39) is constituted by a hollow body.

10. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a rear assembly (13), characterized in that said rear assembly (13) is according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

Citation Information

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