Vehicle with standardized underfloor deflector and underfloor deflector

Abstract

A vehicle (1) comprising a bumper skin and an underfloor deflector (5) attached to said bumper skin, the deflector (5) comprising at least one attachment zone (9) for its attachment to the bumper skin, the attachment zone(s) (9) comprising at least two attachment interfaces (11), at least one of said attachment interfaces (11) being cooperative in that it cooperates with an attachment element for attaching the deflector (5) to said bumper skin, and at least one of said attachment interfaces (11) being non-cooperative in that it does not cooperate with an attachment element. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle with standardized underfloor deflector and underfloor deflector

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and more particularly to the fixing of fairing elements such as underfloor aerodynamic deflectors. More particularly, the invention relates to a rear deflector fixed on the one hand to the bumper skin as well as to the underbody of said motor vehicle.

[0002] A deflector is an element fixed to the underbody of the vehicle whose function is to deflect the air flow towards the outside when said vehicle is moving. Its primary role is therefore aerodynamic, making it possible to optimize the air flow, improving the stability of the vehicle when it is moving. A so-called aerodynamic function requires a shape with reduced protuberances as well as smooth, flat or curved surfaces. Aerodynamics also influences the engine performance, and therefore the behavior of the vehicle when traveling at high speed. Furthermore, by optimizing the management of the different air flows, it is possible to improve driving comfort, because this reduces the effects linked to air noise.

[0003] Another role is the protection of underfloor equipment by being a shield against water splashes, gravel or other elements that can damage or degrade the underbody of the vehicle. Indeed, the ground clearance of the vehicle is often determined by the position of a deflector. A rear underfloor deflector generally comprises a front portion adapted to be fixed to the underbody of the vehicle as well as a rear portion intended to be fixed to the rear bumper of the vehicle.

[0004] The underfloor deflectors are panels generally made of plastic material. The rear deflectors are fixed to the bumper skin at least by their rear edge and to the underbody of said motor vehicle at least by their front edge.

[0005] The rear bumper skin of a vehicle, in addition to its protective functions, also has an aesthetic function on which the style of the vehicle will be based. Thus, the differences in style from one vehicle to another at the level of the rear bumper generates differences at the level of the fixing of said bumper on the rear under-floor deflector. These differences lead to a need to adapt said deflectors, multiplying the references. A deflector is therefore often adapted to a predefined bumper skin. This situation generates additional costs concerning the production and the creation of injection molds for each vehicle model. There also has an additional cost regarding the storage of different models and inventory management. A solution remains to be found to resolve this problem.

[0006] Document FR3119826 presents an assembly comprising a fairing element intended to be mounted under the body of a motor vehicle having at least one fixing part. The fairing comprises fixing elements pre-mounted in a robust manner on the structure, also allowing an economic gain during the production of said part.

[0007] Document FR3071218 describes a deflector for a vehicle underbody, comprising an aerodynamic wall and / or protection against gravel; at least one fixing zone of the deflector comprising a plate with a fixing orifice and intended to receive a nut or a screw head. The or at least one of the fixing zones comprises a protective rib projecting from the plate so as to protect the nut or the screw head on said plate from projections of gravel.

[0008] The vehicles and deflectors described in these documents are interesting but do not address the problem of the need to adapt the deflector to the bumper skin associated with it.

[0009] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to limit the need to adapt the rear deflector and associated rear bumper skin pairs. More particularly, the invention aims to standardize the underfloor deflector type fairing elements while maintaining freedom of style at the level of the rear bumpers.

[0010] For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a bumper skin and an underfloor deflector fixed to said bumper skin, the deflector comprising an aerodynamic wall and at least one fixing zone for its fixing to the bumper skin, the vehicle being remarkable in that the or at least one of the fixing zones comprises at least two fixing interfaces, in that at least one of said fixing interfaces is cooperating in that it cooperates with a fixing element for fixing the deflector to said bumper skin, and in that at least one of said fixing interfaces is non-cooperating in that it does not cooperate with a fixing element.

[0011] As will be understood from reading the definition just given, the invention proposes to multiply the interfaces for fixing the deflector to the bumper skin. More precisely, the invention proposes to have several fixing interfaces where there was only one previously. The fixing will be done by one or more of these interfaces (called cooperating) leaving one or more of the interfaces unused (therefore non-cooperating). Thus, the deflector is standardized in that it is adapted to dif different bumper skins. The attachment interfaces may be non-cooperative for a given style of bumper skin and become cooperative when the deflector is attached to a bumper skin of another style.

[0012] Indeed, it has been found that the difference in style of the bumper skin mainly influences the method of attachment to the deflector and in particular the location of the attachment elements. The invention is remarkable in that it makes the same deflector common to different styles of vehicles by providing different locations for its attachment. The invention therefore makes it possible to achieve an economic gain in terms of storage, stock management and production since only one injection mold is necessary.

[0013] According to one embodiment, at least one fixing interface comprises a hole passing through the wall of the deflector. More preferably, each fixing interface comprises a through hole.

[0014] Preferably, at least one fixing interface comprises a hole passing through the wall of the deflector, and the fixing interface further comprises a clamp nut when it is cooperating and is devoid of such a clamp nut when it is non-cooperating. When the fixing to the bumper skin is done by screwing, a nut is necessary. The invention proposes holes forming locations for the installation of a nut, for example a clamp nut. The cooperating fixing interface is then distinguished from the non-cooperating fixing interface in that it comprises a clamp nut.

[0015] Advantageously, at least one fixing interface comprises a hole passing through the wall of the deflector, said hole having an asymmetrical shape forming a keying means; and / or at least two fixing interfaces comprise a hole passing through the wall of the deflector, said holes having different dimensions. This configuration is advantageous in that it facilitates the assembly of the deflector by guiding the installer. It transfers the specificity linked to the bumper skin to the clamp nuts and requires the installation of said clamp nuts in specific locations.

[0016] For example, at least one fixing interface comprising a hole passing through the wall of the deflector into which a clamp nut is inserted, at least one clamp nut is made of metallic material, or at least one clamp nut is made of plastic material. It is then possible to use different types of clamp nuts. The need for specificity of the fixing is shifted to the clamp nut and its location and not to the deflector as such. The latter is adapted to receive different types of clamp nuts and shows a plurality of locations for receiving them.

[0017] For example, at least one hole of a fixing interface is arranged at the edge of the wall of the deflector and said edge has a notch aligned with said hole according to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the notch showing a bottom, the hole and the bottom of the notch are spaced by a wall strip. The presence of a notch allows the installation of a clamp nut which clips or grips the wall strip while positioning the hole (and therefore the clamp nut in the appropriate location on the deflector wall).

[0018] Advantageously, at least one stiffening relief is arranged near a fixing interface and / or at least one hole of a fixing interface is formed at a groove in the wall of the deflector. To compensate for the loss of rigidity due to the multiplication of holes forming the fixing interfaces, it will be advantageous to use stiffening means such as reliefs or grooves. The wall of a deflector has an upper face and a lower face, the lower face facing the ground. When a stiffening relief, such as a rib, is used, it will be advantageous for this relief to be arranged on the upper face of the deflector. Thus, the lower face remains smooth. The presence of stiffening reliefs also has the purpose of stiffening the wall in view of the stresses exerted by the air flow during the movement of said vehicle.

[0019] For example, at least one rib extends longitudinally between two attachment interfaces.

[0020] According to another embodiment, alternative or complementary to the previous one, at least one fixing interface comprises a nut made of a material with the wall of the deflector, the fixing interface being cooperating or non-cooperating. When the fixing to the bumper skin is done by screwing, a nut is necessary. The invention proposes to mold one or more nuts in one piece with the wall of the deflector. The nuts thus formed can define through holes or not. The locations comprising nuts made of a material do not receive a clamp nut.

[0021] Whatever the embodiment chosen, it will be advantageous for the deflector to be made of plastic material and / or for the bumper skin to be a rear bumper skin.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle deflector according to the first aspect comprising at least one fixing zone for its fixing to a bumper skin; remarkable in that the or at least one of the fixing zones comprises at least two fixing interfaces.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for mounting a vehicle according to the first aspect, comprising a step of fixing a deflector to a bumper skin, the deflector comprising at least one fixing zone for its fixing to a bumper skin, remarkable in that the or at least one of the fixing zones comprises at least two fixing interfaces, and in that the method comprises the choice of one of the fixing interfaces for fixing the skin bumper.

[0024] It will be understood that this choice includes leaving unused at least one fixing interface of the or at least one of the fixing zones.

[0025] Preferably, the selected attachment interface comprises a hole through the wall of the deflector and the method comprises installing a clamp nut in the selected hole.

[0026] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description given with reference to the plates of figures in which:

[0027] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0028] [Fig.2] shows, in isometric view taken from below, a portion of the structure of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0029] [Fig.3] represents an exemplary embodiment of an under-floor aerodynamic deflector according to the invention.

[0030] [Fig.4] shows the deflector of [Fig.3], as fixed to the rear bumper skin.

[0031] [Fig.5] is a close-up view of a deflector attachment area showing two attachment interfaces.

[0032] [Fig.6] is a view of a fixing area of ​​a deflector showing two fixing interfaces, one of which is cooperating and the other of which is non-cooperating.

[0033] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.6] but the deflector is intended to be secured with another bumper skin and therefore another choice of cooperating interface has been made.

[0034] [Fig.8] shows two types of clamp nut that can be used in the context of the invention.

[0035] In the following description, the term “understand” is synonymous with “include” and is not limiting in that it allows 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".

[0036] In the present 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. The term “lower” designates a greater proximity to the ground than the term “upper”.

[0037] In this description, the value ranges include the limits which delimit them unless otherwise indicated. The technical characteristics are defined in the assembly configuration of the assembly, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0038] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0039] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. The vehicle 1 may be a vehicle with a thermal, electric or hybrid motor; preferably, the vehicle 1 is a vehicle with an electric motor. The invention will be described in relation to a rear bumper skin.

[0040] The vehicle comprises a bumper skin 3 and an underfloor deflector 5 (visible in [Fig.2]) fixed to said bumper skin. In the case of a rear bumper skin, the deflector is fixed thereto by its rear section, at the level of the rear edge of its wall. The vehicle 1 and the deflector 5 will be described jointly.

[0041] Referring to [Fig. 2], it can be seen that the deflector 5 comprises an aerodynamic (and / or gravel protection) wall 7, hereinafter simply referred to as “wall 7”. The underfloor deflector 5 is fixed on the one hand at the front to the bumper skin 3 and on the other hand at the rear to the underbody of said motor vehicle 1. The deflector 5 comprises at least one fixing zone 9 for its fixing to the bumper skin 3, said fixing zones being formed in its wall 7 and, for example, at the edge of its wall 7. In [Fig. 2], the deflector 5 has four fixing zones 9 to the bumper skin.

[0042] [Fig. 3] shows a deflector 5 with several attachment zones 9 to the bumper skin (not visible in this figure) distributed along the transverse direction of the vehicle. Their number makes it possible to guarantee the plating as well as the solidity of holding said deflector 5 on the underbody forming the base but also on the rear bumper of said motor vehicle.

[0043] According to the invention at least one of the fixing zones 9 comprises at least two fixing interfaces 11. In [Fig.3], it can be seen that two fixing zones 9 (here, the most eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle) each show two fixing interfaces 11.

[0044] The invention is remarkable in that it comprises several fixing interfaces 11 where there should only be one. In other words, the deflector 5 comprises, in a given fixing zone 9, a number of fixing interfaces 11 greater than the number of fixing elements 13.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, when the bumper skin 3 is fixed to the deflector 5 (as illustrated in [Fig. 4]), only one of the fixing interfaces is used. Thus, the deflector shows at a fixing zone 9 at least one fixing interface cooperating in that it cooperates with a fixing element 13 for fixing the deflector 5 to said bumper skin 3, and at least one interface non-cooperative fixing in that it does not cooperate with a fixing element. When the fixing is done by screwing, the fixing element 13 is advantageously a screw or a stud.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], in a fixing zone 9, at least one fixing interface 11 comprises a hole 15 passing through the wall 7 of the deflector 5 (in the illustrated embodiment, the two fixing interfaces 11 each comprise a hole 15). As visible in Figures 6 and 7, the fixing interface 11 further comprises a clamp nut (17, 19) when it is cooperating and is devoid of one when it is non-cooperating. In [Fig. 6], the fixing interface 11 on the right is cooperating, the fixing interface 11 on the left being non-cooperating. In [Fig. 7], it is the fixing interface 11 on the left which is cooperating. It is understood how the same deflector can thus be adapted for fixing to different models of bumper skin.

[0047] Advantageously, and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, at least one fixing interface 11 comprises a hole 15 having an asymmetrical shape forming a keying means. This is particularly useful when a particular clamp nut, for example a clamp nut 17 made of metallic material, is used for fixing to the bumper skin. Thus, the invention makes it possible to associate a fixing interface with metallic elements with a deflector made of plastic material.

[0048] Another alternative or complementary possibility (not illustrated) is that at least two fixing interfaces comprise a hole passing through the wall of the deflector, and that said holes have different dimensions.

[0049] [Fig. 8] shows examples of clamp nuts that can be used in the context of the invention. For example, the clamp nut 17 is a metal clamp nut. It comprises a barrel 21 (cylindrical or not) intended to be engaged in the hole of a fixing interface. The clamp nut 17 is intended to cooperate with a metal fixing element (for example screw or stud). It further comprises elastic fitting means and / or elastic means for its fixing on the deflector. For example, the clamp nut 17 comprises two branches (23, 25), namely a fixed branch 23 and a branch 25 movable between a rest position and an open position. The movable branch 25 is returned to the rest position by elastic means. Advantageously, the barrel 21 is fixed to one of the branches (23, 25) of the clamp, preferably to the fixed branch 23.Each branch (23, 25) being located on one side of the deflector wall, the wall is clamped between the two branches of the clamp nut 17 forming a jaw. In [Fig.8], the clamp nut 17 is shown in the rest position.

[0050] The clamp nut 19 is a clamp nut made of a softer material of the plastic type. It is intended to cooperate with a fixing element made of a plastic material (for example a screw or stud). It also comprises elastic fitting means and / or elastic means for its attachment to the deflector. For example, the clamp nut 19 comprises two branches (23, 25), namely a fixed branch 23 and a movable branch 25. The movable branch 25 is movable between an open position and a closed position by means of a hinge 27. In [Fig. 8], the clamp nut 19 is shown in the closed position. The closed position is maintained by an elastic fitting system 29 in which a male element carried by one of the branches fits into a female element shown by the other branch. Each branch being located on one side of the wall of the deflector, the wall is clamped between the two branches of the clamp nut 19 forming a jaw.

[0051] It is understood that the use of a clamp nut requires that the associated fixing interface be arranged at the edge of the wall 7 of the deflector 5 since the two branches of a clamp nut are connected by a section 31 which extends according to the height. Thus, preferably, at least one hole 15 of a fixing interface 11 is arranged at the edge of the wall 7 of the deflector 5. When the position of the fixing interface is too far from the edge of the deflector, the person skilled in the art will benefit, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], from said edge having a notch 33 aligned with said hole 15 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or an orifice 35 allowing the passage and the installation of the clamp nut. The hole 15 and the bottom of the notch 33 or the edge of the orifice 35 are then spaced apart by a wall strip 37.

[0052] Preferably, at least one stiffening relief (39, 41) is arranged near a fixing interface 11 and / or at least one hole 15 of a fixing interface 11 is formed at a groove 43 of the wall 7 of the deflector 5. For example, at least one stiffening relief 39, for example a rib, extends between two fixing interfaces 11. For example, at least one stiffening relief 41, for example a U-shaped or L-shaped rib, surrounds the hole 15 of a fixing interface 11. The stiffening relief(s) (39, 41) are preferably made of the same material as the wall 7 of the deflector 5.

[0053] According to another embodiment, not shown, at least one fixing interface comprises a nut made of the same material as the wall of the deflector, the fixing interface being cooperating or non-cooperating. It will be understood that in this embodiment, there is no need to add a clamp nut. When the deflector is made of plastic material, such a fixing interface will cooperate with fixing elements made of plastic material.

[0054] 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, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material such as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement includes glass fibers, carbon fibers, plant-based fibers, talc, or a mixture of the above.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the deflector 5 is made of a plastic or composite material with a plastic material matrix and a reinforcement, and the deflector 5 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.

[0056] Whatever the preferred embodiment, the deflector is preferably made of plastic material, as is the bumper skin. Preferably, the under-floor aerodynamic deflector is made in a single block, which can be made by molding.

[0057] The invention also relates to a method for mounting a vehicle as described above, comprising a step of fixing a deflector 5 to a bumper skin 3, the deflector 5 comprising at least one fixing zone 9 for its fixing to a bumper skin 3, remarkable in that the or at least one of the fixing zones 9 comprises at least two fixing interfaces 11, and in that the method comprises the choice of one of the fixing interfaces 11 for fixing the bumper skin 3; preferably, the chosen fixing interface 11 comprises a hole 15 passing through the wall 7 of the deflector 5 and the method comprises the installation of a clamp nut (17, 19) in the selected hole 15.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle (1) comprising a bumper skin (3) and an underfloor deflector (5) fixed to said bumper skin (3), the deflector (5) comprising an aerodynamic wall (7) and at least one fixing zone (9) for its fixing to the bumper skin (3), the vehicle (1) being characterized in that the or at least one of the fixing zones (9) comprises at least two fixing interfaces (11), in that at least one of said fixing interfaces (11) is cooperating in that it cooperates with a fixing element (13) for fixing the deflector (5) to said bumper skin (3), and in that at least one of said fixing interfaces (11) is non-cooperating in that it does not cooperate with a fixing element.

2. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one fixing interface (11) comprises a hole (15) passing through the wall (7) of the deflector (5), and in that the fixing interface (11) further comprises a clamp nut (17, 19) when it is cooperating and is devoid of such a clamp nut when it is non-cooperating.

3. Vehicle (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one fixing interface (11) comprises a hole (15) passing through the wall (7) of the deflector (5), said hole (15) having an asymmetrical shape forming a foolproofing means and / or in that at least two fixing interfaces (11) comprise a hole (15) passing through the wall (7) of the deflector (5), said holes (15) having different dimensions.

4. Vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one clamp nut (17) is made of metallic material, or in that at least one clamp nut (19) is made of plastic material.

5. Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least one hole (15) of a fixing interface (11) is arranged at the edge of the wall (7) of the deflector (5) and in that said edge has a notch (33) aligned with said hole (15) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the notch (33) showing a bottom, the hole (15) and the bottom of the notch (33) are spaced apart by a wall strip (37).

6. Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one stiffening relief (39, 41) is arranged near a fixing interface (11) and / or in that at least one hole (15) of a fixing interface (11) is formed at a groove (43) of the wall (7) of the deflector (5).

7. Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one fixing interface (11) comprises a nut made of the same material as the wall (7) of the deflector (5), the fixing interface being cooperating or non-cooperating.

8. Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the deflector (5) is made of plastic material, and / or in that the bumper skin (3) is a rear bumper skin.

9. Deflector (5) for vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 comprising at least one fixing zone (9) for its fixing to a bumper skin; characterized in that the or at least one of the fixing zones (9) comprises at least two fixing interfaces (11).

10. A method of mounting a vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a step of fixing a deflector (5) to a bumper skin (3), the deflector (5) comprising at least one fixing zone (9) for its fixing to a bumper skin (3), characterized in that the or at least one of the fixing zones (9) comprises at least two fixing interfaces (11), and in that the method comprises the choice of one of the fixing interfaces (11) for fixing the bumper skin (3).

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