Exterior component of a motor vehicle's front bumper system with air deflector

By integrating air deflectors with the central grille in the front bumper system, the manufacturing costs and assembly complexity are reduced, enhancing aerodynamic performance and resilience, addressing the challenges of existing systems.

FR3150484A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-01-03STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023006821
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-28
Publication Date
2025-01-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing motor vehicle front bumper systems face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs, optimizing mass, rigidity, and aerodynamics, particularly due to the complexity and cost of producing air deflectors and central grilles, which are often made separately and require complex assembly.

Method used

The integration of air deflectors into the exterior element of the front bumper system, allowing them to be produced simultaneously with the central grille, optimizing mold usage and assembly, and using the same material for both components to enhance resilience and reduce production costs.

Benefits of technology

This integration reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, enhances aerodynamic performance by deflecting air flow, and improves the geometric complexity of the bumper system without constraining molding, while maintaining resilience and rigidity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an outer element (20) of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle. The outer element is a single piece. It comprises an air inlet (32), a central grille (34) within the air inlet, a lower edge (44) extending transversely below the central grille, a lower wall (42) extending rearward from the lower edge, the lower wall having two lateral sections (54) and a central section (56) extending between the two lateral sections for at least half the transverse width of said outer element. At least one or each of the lateral sections comprises an air deflector (38) formed of material with the central grille, each air deflector being configured to deflect a transverse airflow in order to bypass a front wheel behind said air deflector. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 3
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Description

Title of the invention: External element of a motor vehicle front bumper system with air deflector

[0001] The invention relates to the field of front bumper systems for motor vehicles. The invention deals with the embodiment of a component of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to an external component of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] The bodywork of a motor vehicle contributes to guiding the airflow encountering the vehicle from the front bumper. The streamlined surfaces of the front fascia facilitate air penetration and limit the generation of vortices that increase drag and therefore fuel consumption. These vortices are likely to be audible to a user, which negatively impacts perceived quality.

[0003] The front fascia also features one or more air inlets. These supply air to intercoolers and, optionally, to the engine when the motor vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine. The shape and position of each air inlet in the bumper skin also influence airflow control.

[0004] The front end of a motor vehicle consists of several exterior panels. These panels are generally molded using specialized tooling. They typically extend across the entire width of the vehicle. This reduces the number of parts but increases the cost of the tooling used. Furthermore, handling these panels is more complex, right up to their assembly onto the vehicle's structure.

[0005] The underbody of a motor vehicle offers resistance to air penetration. At high speeds, this resistance arises primarily from aerodynamic forces acting on the vehicle through areas of high and low air pressure, for example, through flow separation or local inversion. These aerodynamic forces slow the vehicle. In particular, the wheels of a motor vehicle exert high air pressure on their frontal surfaces, generating a drag force. Furthermore, the airflow rushes in and then separates downstream of these same wheel arches. Since these aerodynamic drag forces negatively impact the vehicle's energy balance, they increase fuel consumption.

[0006] Document FR3028831A1 describes a motor vehicle with an air deflector in front of a wheel. The air deflector is mounted under the motor vehicle, in front of a front wheel of the vehicle, in order to reduce aerodynamic drag at at the level of said wheel. The air deflector comprises: a concave-profiled, inclined front face; two lateral faces on either side of the front face; at least one of the two lateral faces having a concave profile. Such a deflector helps reduce fuel consumption. However, there is a need to reduce the manufacturing costs of a motor vehicle.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to reduce the production costs of a motor vehicle featuring an air deflector. The invention also aims to optimize the manufacturing costs, mass, rigidity, and aerodynamics of a motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention provides an external element of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle; the external element comprising an air inlet, a central grille in the air inlet, a lower edge extending transversely under the central grille, a lower wall extending rearward from the lower edge, the lower wall having two lateral sections and a central section extending between the two lateral sections for at least half the transverse width of said external element; notable in that at least one or each lateral section comprises an air deflector made of material with the central grille, each air deflector being configured to deflect transversely an airflow in order to bypass transversely a front wheel behind said air deflector.

[0009] The invention integrates the air deflectors into the outer element of the front bumper system, allowing them to be produced simultaneously with the central grille. This configuration optimizes molding and reduces the manufacturing costs of the front bumper system. Indeed, the air deflectors, like the central grille, are longitudinally profiled. They therefore have the same demolding direction. Producing them in a single operation optimizes mold usage as well as the fastening and assembly operations. The invention increases the geometric complexity of the outer element without compromising the molding process. In this way, the invention optimizes manufacturing costs. Furthermore, each air deflector is made of the same material as the central grille. This allows it to benefit from its resistance to road debris.

[0010] US patent 11479193B2 shows a motor vehicle including a front bumper. On its lower surface, along the leading edge, the front bumper includes rows of airflow straightening fins for air entering under the motor vehicle. These rows are essentially offset inward relative to the wheels. US patent 7222894B2 shows a front bumper of a motor vehicle. The bumper has a center flap attached under the lower portion of the bumper. These patents do not provide a solution for a side-section air deflector of an outer element of a front bumper system. of a motor vehicle.

[0011] Preferably, the outer element comprises an upper edge with a shock absorber extending transversely above the central grid; the shock absorber and each air deflector being made of material.

[0012] Preferably, each lateral section comprises a front half and a rear half, each air deflector being in the associated rear half.

[0013] Preferably, at least one or each of the two lateral sections comprises a lower surface, the air deflector forming a vertical protrusion with a height of at least 15 mm, more preferably of at least 30 mm, below said lower surface.

[0014] Preferably, the height of at least one or each air deflector increases transversely outwards.

[0015] Preferably, at least one or each air deflector includes horn vents.

[0016] Preferably, the central section comprises a transverse rear edge; each lateral section extending longitudinally towards the rear of said transverse rear edge; at least one or each air deflector being longitudinally at a distance from said transverse rear edge.

[0017] Preferably, the air deflector is a lateral air deflector.

[0018] Preferably, the outer element is a single-piece outer element.

[0019] Preferably, at least one or each air deflector includes a width of at least 5 cm.

[0020] Preferably, at least one or each air deflector includes a width of at least 10 cm.

[0021] Preferably, at least one or each air deflector includes a width of at least 15 cm.

[0022] Preferably, the outer element comprises an outer screen extending transversely at least over half of the transverse width of said outer element, the central grid being in said outer screen.

[0023] Preferably, the outer screen extends vertically over the entire height of the outer element.

[0024] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an external element of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle; the external element comprising an external screen extending vertically and comprising an external body surface, a lower edge extending transversely under the external screen, a lower wall extending rearward from the lower edge, the lower wall having two lateral sections and a central section extending between the two lateral sections for at least half the transverse width of said external element; remarkable in that at least one or both of the side sections comprise an air deflector made of the same material as the outer screen, each air deflector being configured to deflect a transverse airflow in order to bypass a front wheel behind said air deflector. Such an external element joins several portions of the vehicle, resulting in savings in assembly and fastening means.

[0025] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an external element of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle; the external element comprising a shock absorber extending transversely, a lower edge extending transversely below the shock absorber, a lower wall extending rearward from the lower edge, the lower wall having two lateral sections and a central section extending between the two lateral sections for at least half the transverse width of said external element; notable in that at least one or each of the two lateral sections comprises an air deflector made of material with the shock absorber, each air deflector being configured to deflect transversely an airflow in order to bypass transversely a front wheel behind said air deflector.Thus, each air deflector is made with the same material as the shock absorber, which allows it to benefit from the resilience of its material.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a front bumper system with an external element, remarkable in that said external element conforms to the invention; the motor vehicle comprising a front wheel with a transverse width transversely overlapping the air deflector.

[0027] Preferably, the motor vehicle includes a wheel arch adjacent to each air deflector.

[0028] Preferably, at least one or each air deflector includes a fixing edge with fixing means, the motor vehicle further including a vertical flap fixed to each air deflector fixing edge; the front bumper system further includes a central deflector delimited by each air deflector.

[0029] Preferably, the outer element is a lower outer element of the front bumper system, the front bumper system further comprising an upper outer element with a lower fixing edge, the lower outer element being fixed to said lower fixing edge.

[0030] Preferably, the central deflector is fixed to the transverse rear edge.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for manufacturing an external element of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle; remarkable in that the external element conforms to the invention, and in that it is made by molding.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0035] Figure 2 shows part of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is a view from below of an external element of a bumper system. front of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 4 is a top view of an external element of a bumper system front of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 5 is a cross-section, along plane VV drawn in Figure 4, of an external element of a front bumper system for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates the assembly of a vertical flap onto an air deflector of a external element of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the external element to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of." The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively refer to what is directed outward from the vehicle and inward from the vehicle.

[0041] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0042] 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 right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0043] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

[0044] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0045] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the front bumper system, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0046] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0047] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0048] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or the main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delineates various compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo area, and the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped and welded sheet metal. The structure 12 partially forms the body 14 of the vehicle at the roof, front fenders, and pillars. The body 14 forms the outer shell of the motor vehicle 10.

[0049] The structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, suspension systems, steering system, and braking systems. It includes, in particular, front crossmembers and / or lower side members to which a front bumper system 16 is attached.

[0050] At the front, the front bumper system 16 includes a bumper skin 18. The bumper skin 18 locally forms the bodywork 14. The front bumper system 16, in particular each of its elements, is adapted to withstand impacts at speeds up to 10 km / h, preferably up to 15 km / h, without the need to replace specific vehicle parts, and in particular all or part of its bumper skin elements 18. The front bumper system 16 is also configured to limit the severity of injuries in the event of a pedestrian collision. It contributes to safety.

[0051] The front bumper system 16 includes an outer element 20; such as a lower outer element 22. The lower outer element 22 forms the lower part of the front bumper system 16. It extends to the underbody. The front bumper system 16 further includes an upper outer element 24. The upper outer element 24 extends to a front opening 26, generally called engine hood. The upper outer element 24 encompasses front lighting devices 28.

[0052] The outer element 20, in particular the lower outer element 22, comprises an air inlet 32 ​​and a central grille 34 in the air inlet 32. According to one option of the invention, the upper outer element 24 also comprises an air inlet with a central grille. Each central grille 34 has a mesh. Any type of mesh can be selected according to the protection requirements and the corresponding air inlet. Each central grille 34 generally forms a perforated wall. It generally extends vertically and transversely. Each central grille 34 is capable of at least partially blocking the corresponding air inlet 32.

[0053] Each central grille 34 provides protection against splashes. It helps to capture and guide the airflow. The incoming air is used as an oxidizer when the motor vehicle 10 is in its internal combustion version. It can serve as airflow for cabin air conditioning, whether the vehicle is electric, internal combustion, or hybrid.

[0054] The present figure shows the front wheels 36. At least one or each of the front wheels 36 is associated with an air deflector 38. The air deflectors 38 are within the width of the tread of the front wheels 36. The air deflectors 38 are formed with the outer element 20; in particular, the lower outer element 22. The air deflectors 38 form protrusions in the underbody. When in motion, they are configured to deflect the airflow transversely in front of the front wheels 36. Thus, they allow a portion of this airflow to bypass the front wheels 36 transversely at the rear, in line with the air deflectors 38.

[0055] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0056] Figure 2 shows part of a front bumper system 16 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to Figure 1. The outer element 20, in particular the lower outer element 22, and the upper outer element 24 are isolated from the motor vehicle.

[0057] The upper outer element 24 defines wheel arches 40 for the front wheels (not shown). It forms a front bumper and carries a license plate bracket. It includes notches and openings for lighting devices. It extends transversely across the entire width of the motor vehicle. Each wheel arch 40 is a recess sized to receive a wheel and to allow movement induced by the steering and suspension systems.

[0058] The upper outer element 24 has a lower fixing edge 30. The lower fixing edge 30 extends transversely. It is generally horizontal. The lower outer element 22 is fixed to said lower fixing edge 30.

[0059] The outer element 20, in this case the lower outer element 22, has a lower wall 42 extending rearward from a lower edge 44. The lower edge 44 is also a front transverse edge. On each lateral side, the lower wall 42 receives the air deflectors 38. The air deflectors 38 and the lower wall 42 are made of material.

[0060] In addition, the outer element 20 is equipped with vertical mud flaps 46. The vertical mud flaps are attached to the air deflectors 38. They extend vertically downwards from the air deflectors 38. They are adjacent to, and extend from, the wheel arches 40. The air deflectors 38 and the vertical mud flaps 46 limit the airflow entering the wheel arches 40. This optimizes drag. The vertical mud flaps 46 are made of a primarily flexible material; for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer; generally designated by the acronym EPDM. They have a clearance below the air deflectors 38 of between 10 mm and 50 mm; preferably between 15 mm and 30 mm.

[0061] The front bumper system also includes a central deflector 48. The central deflector 48 limits the airflow passing under the motor vehicle. It reduces drag and optimizes ground effect.

[0062] Figure 3 shows an external element 20 of the front bumper system motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 2. The upper external element is not shown for clarity.

[0063] The outer element 20 is a single piece. It can extend vertically over the entire height of the front bumper system, or only over a portion of it. It can extend vertically over at most one half of the front bumper system. It can form the lower half of it.

[0064] The outer element 20 comprises a vertically extending outer screen 50 and including an outer surface 52 forming part of the bodywork. The outer screen 50 forms a front screen. It is located at the front end of the front bumper system. The outer screen 50 is vertical and transverse. It is delimited by the lower edge 44, which extends transversely beneath the outer screen 50. The lower wall 42 extends rearward from the lower edge 44. The lower wall 42 forms the lower end and / or the rear end of the outer element 20.

[0065] The lower wall 42 is segmented transversely. It has two lateral sections 54 and a central section 56 extending between the two lateral sections 54. The central section 56 extends over at least half the transverse width of the outer element 20, and preferably of the front bumper system. The central section 56 is at least twice as wide transversely as each lateral section 54.

[0066] At least one or each of the lateral sections 54 comprises an air deflector 38 formed from the material along with the outer screen 50. Thus, the outer element 20 is entirely formed from the material. It is advantageously produced by molding from plastic. This embodiment optimizes the use of the mold. Indeed, each air deflector 38 is open longitudinally, which is compatible with the outer screen 50. Therefore, the invention creates an extended and complex part in a single operation.

[0067] This advantage is even more pronounced when the outer screen 50 includes the central grid 34 in the air inlet 32. The central grid 34 is then made of material with the air deflectors 38. Indeed, the central grid 34 has longitudinally open meshes, which corresponds to the demolding direction of the air deflectors 38.

[0068] Each air deflector 38 has a height that increases outwards along the transverse direction. Therefore, outwards, the lower surface of each air deflector 38 moves further away from the lower surface of the associated lateral section 54. This feature increases the rigidity of the air deflectors 38.

[0069] The central section 56 includes a transverse rear edge 58. Each lateral section 54 extends longitudinally towards the rear of said transverse rear edge 58. Thus, the lower wall 42 generally forms a "U" shape. At least one or each of the air deflectors 38 is longitudinally spaced away from the transverse rear edge 58 and set back towards the rear. Thus, the lateral sections 54 form branches delimiting a central clearance 60 in which the central deflector 48 is mounted. For this purpose, the transverse rear edge 58 includes fastening means cooperating with the central deflector 48.

[0070] Figure 4 shows the interior of an exterior element 20 of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0071] The outer screen 50, in particular the central grid 34, extends transversely over at least half the transverse width of said outer element 20. The outer screen 50 extends vertically over the entire height of the outer element 20. In the present example, the outer screen 50 comprises a central grid 34 formed of parallel blades. This configuration optimizes rigidity.

[0072] The outer screen 50 includes an upper edge 62 with a shock absorber 64. The upper edge 62 extends transversely. It is generally horizontal. The shock absorber 64 extends transversely above the central grille 34. The latter then forms a rigid link connecting the shock absorber 64 to the lower wall 42. It forms a box capable of compressing longitudinally in the event of an impact and is configured to absorb energy in the event of a pedestrian collision. It can absorb energy by programmed rupture. Thus, the outer element 20 contributes to safety. The shock absorber 64 and each air deflector 38 came from material. They include parallel demolding directions. In addition, the material used for the shock absorber function 64 provides impact resistance which improves the durability of the air deflectors 38. Indeed, the latter are exposed to road obstacles and projections.

[0073] The central deflector 48 is delimited by each air deflector 38. The central deflector 48 extends forward to its lower edge. At this point, it includes shock-absorbing means that contribute to safety. At the lateral sections 54, the aerodynamic function of the central deflector 48 is transferred to the air deflectors 38. Its dimensions are thus reduced. This feature makes it possible to simplify and reduce the size of its mold. Therefore, overall, the invention simplifies the mold for one of the components of the front bumper system.

[0074] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the outer element 20 of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4. The cross-section is along the plane VV drawn in Figure 4. The plane VV extends vertically and longitudinally. In the following description, reference will be made to one of the air deflectors 38. However, each of the following features applies to each of them, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0075] The present cross-section longitudinally traverses the left lateral section 54, in which an audible warning device 66 is arranged. The associated air deflector 38 has openings 68 for the audible warning device 66. The openings 68 are acoustic openings. They form a grid pattern. They increase the surface area through which the audible signal is transmitted to the environment. This improves safety.

[0076] The upper outer element 24 is fixed to the outer element 20 by means of its lower fixing edge 30, for example with fixing tabs inserted into corresponding eyelets.

[0077] The lateral section 54 comprises a lower surface 70. The lower surface is horizontal or substantially horizontal. It may be inclined at a maximum of 20°, preferably at a maximum of 10°, and more preferably at a maximum of 5°, with respect to the horizontal. The air deflector 38 forms a vertical protrusion of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 30 mm, below said lower surface 70. The protrusion has a height 72. The height 72 is measured perpendicular to the lower surface 70. It may be a vertical height.

[0078] The vertical flap 46 is attached to a mounting edge 74 of the air deflector 38. The vertical flap 46 generally has an inverted "L" profile. It includes an upper tab 76 inside the air deflector 38. The air deflector 38 is essentially hollow. The upper tab 76 fits snugly against the mounting edge 74.

[0079] Each lateral section 54 comprises a front half 84 and a rear half 86. The The front half 84 and the rear half 86 are longitudinal halves. The air deflector 38 is located in the associated rear half 86. The air deflector 38 is shorter than the rear half 86.

[0080] Figure 6 shows a vertical mud flap 46 and an air deflector 38 of an external element of a front bumper system of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5.

[0081] The air deflector 38 includes a mounting edge 74 with mounting means 78. The mounting means 78 include mounting slots and mounting holes. The mounting slots extend longitudinally. The vertical flap 46 includes longitudinal hooks with shapes complementary to the mounting slots, allowing for rearward docking. The vertical flap 46 includes holes complementary to those of the air deflector 38. These are then fixed by means of an axis, for example, by rivets.

[0082] The air deflector 38 forms a shell. It has a width 80 of at least 5 cm; preferably, at least 10 cm, and more preferably, at least 15 cm. The width is a maximum width. It is measured transversely. In addition, the air deflector 38 has a length 82 of at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm. The length 82 is a maximum length, measured longitudinally. These dimensions are measured at the bottom of the air deflector 38. They allow for an increased proportion of the deflected airflow.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer element is made of a plastic or composite material. It is produced by injection molding. The plastic material may be a thermoplastic 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, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0084] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments presented by all the figures.

[0085] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. Each one respects a specific scale and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. An outer element (20) of a front bumper system (16) of a motor vehicle (10); the outer element (20) comprising an air inlet (32), a central grille (34) in the air inlet (32), a lower edge (44) extending transversely under the central grille (34), a lower wall (42) extending rearwardly from the lower edge (44), the lower wall (42) having two lateral sections (54) and a central section (56) extending between the two lateral sections (54) at least over half the transverse width of said outer element (20); characterized in that at least one or each lateral section (54) comprises an air deflector (38) integral with the central grille (34), each air deflector (38) being configured to transversely deflect an air flow in order to transversely bypass a front wheel (36) behind said air deflector (38).

2. An outer element (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer element (20) comprises an upper edge (62) with a shock absorber (64) extending transversely above the central grid (34); the shock absorber (64) and each air deflector (38) being integral.

3. External element (20) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that each lateral section (54) comprises a front half (84) and a rear half (86), each air deflector (38) being in the associated rear half (86).

4. External element (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one or each of the two lateral sections (54) comprises a lower surface (70), the air deflector (38) forming a vertical protrusion with a height (72) of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 30 mm, under said lower surface (70).

5. An exterior element (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the height (72) of at least one or each air deflector (38) increases transversely outwardly.

6. An exterior element (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one or each air deflector (38) comprises audible warning (66) orifices (68).

7. External element (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the central section (56) comprises a transverse rear edge (58); each lateral section (54) extending longitudinally towards the rear of said transverse rear edge (58); at least one or each air deflector (38) being longitudinally spaced from said transverse rear edge (58).

8. A motor vehicle (10) comprising a front bumper system (16) with an outer element (20), characterized in that said outer element (20) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 7; the motor vehicle (10) comprising a front wheel (36) with a transverse width transversely overlapping the air deflector (38); preferably, the motor vehicle (10) comprises a wheel arch (40) adjacent to each air deflector (38).

9. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one or each air deflector (38) comprises a fixing edge (74) with fixing means (78), the motor vehicle (10) further comprising a vertical flap (46) fixed to each fixing edge (74) of air deflector (38); the front bumper system (16) further comprises a central deflector (48) delimited by each air deflector (38).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the outer element (20) is a lower outer element (22) of the front bumper system (16), the front bumper system (16) further comprising an upper outer element (24) with a lower attachment edge (30), the lower outer element (22) being attached to said lower attachment edge (30).

Citation Information

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