Automotive bumper air deflector

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerodynamic deflector (1) for a motor vehicle, the aerodynamic deflector (1) comprising, at a front longitudinal edge, a cap (12) intended to cover the underside of a bumper of the motor vehicle and to reinforce its rigidity. To this end, the cap (12) comprises a first portion (121) configured to allow elastic deformation in the event of a parking impact and at least one second portion (122) located in line with the first portion (121), relative to the transverse axis (Y), each second portion (122) of the cap (12) being configured to exhibit greater rigidity than the first portion (121). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Bumper air deflector for motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of structural elements for motor vehicles, and in particular those located under their chassis. More particularly, the invention relates to an air deflector for a bumper for a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the state of the art, motor vehicle chassis are known to which front or rear bumpers are fixed. Such bumpers are mounted on the chassis by means of a bumper support which makes it possible to position and provide a mounting interface between such bumpers and the corresponding bumper support. For this purpose, the bumper support comprises fixing lugs which are used to securely fix the bumper. To complete such an underbody assembly, and to optimize air flow under the motor vehicle, the use of an air deflector placed in the extension of a part of the bumper located under the chassis, beyond the aforementioned fixing lugs is known.

[0003] Such an air deflector thus generally forms a plate of variable shape which extends laterally between wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the bumper. Such an air deflector extends longitudinally under the motor vehicle, towards a passenger compartment of said motor vehicle. The air deflector is fixed integrally to the bumper support or to the bumper directly.

[0004] However, a lack of rigidity is observed at the lower area of ​​the bumper, because this area is located at a distance from the mounting interfaces of the bumper skin on the bumper support. This situation is not desired.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to propose a new air deflector in order to respond at least to a large extent to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to stiffen a lower zone of the bumper, in particular at the level of lateral zones of such an air deflector.

[0007] Another aim of the invention is to allow elastic deformation of a frontal zone of the air deflector, in particular in the event of a parking impact.

[0008] Another aim of the invention is to maintain a geometry of the air deflector compatible with good air flow under the motor vehicle.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a bumper air deflector for a motor vehicle, the air deflector raulic comprising, at a front longitudinal edge, a cap having an open transverse profile in the shape of a “U”, taken in a plane perpendicular to an axis transverse to the air deflector, the cap comprising:

[0010] - at least a first part in which the transverse profile is open in direction of a first side, relative to a vertical axis;

[0011] - at least a second part in which the transverse profile is open in direction of a second side, relative to the vertical axis, opposite to the first side.

[0012] Generally speaking, the air deflector according to the invention comprises, at a front longitudinal edge, a cap comprising at least a first part configured to allow elastic deformation in the event of a parking impact and at least a second part configured to have a rigidity greater than that of the first part.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and a vertical axis are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the air deflector according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction which extends from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis extends as being taken along a direction which extends from front to rear or from rear to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis.The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood to be taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and to the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the front longitudinal edge of the air deflector is the front edge of said air deflector, taken relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the cap consists of an extension of the air deflector, relative to the longitudinal axis, in front of said air deflector. Thus, the air deflector according to the invention is extended forward by the presence of the cap. In a particularly advantageous manner, the cap has a particular geometry, with a constant transverse profile on its first part on the one hand, and on its second part on the other hand. The transverse profile of the cap is for example evaluated in a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis, the cap being taken at the level of the median longitudinal axis of the air deflector. The cap extends from one lateral edge to the other of the air deflector according to the invention. Thus, the cap extends in a curved manner.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the transverse profile is open, so that the cap, on each of the parts, forms an open surface, that is to say not closed on at least one of its faces. More particularly, this transverse profile is open either upwards or downwards.

[0017] Thus, the transverse profile of the cap and the presence of the first part and the second part make it possible to solve the technical problem of the invention: the at least one second part of the cap makes it possible to stiffen a lower zone of the bumper, while the at least one first part of the cap makes it possible to allow elastic deformation of a frontal zone of the air deflector, without disturbing the air flow under the motor vehicle.

[0018] The air deflector according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0019] - the at least one first part and the at least one second part of the cap are integral with each other. In other words, the air deflector forms a monolithic assembly. The air deflector according to the first aspect of the invention is for example obtained by molding, thus making its manufacture simpler and more economical;

[0020] - the at least one first part and the at least one second part of the cap are adjacent to each other. In particular, each first part of the cap is adjacent to a second part; and each second part of the cap is adjacent to a first part. This alternation of geometry in the profile of the cap makes it possible to obtain the expected performances;

[0021] - the transverse profile of the at least one first part of the cap is open in upward direction, and the transverse profile of the at least one second part of the cap is open in the downward direction. Alternatively, the transverse profile of the at least one first part of the cap is open in the downward direction, and the transverse profile of the at least one second part of the cap is open in the upward direction;

[0022] - the at least one first part of the cap is located in a central position, and ... at least a second part of said cap is located on the side of the lateral edges of the bumper air deflector. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to stiffen the lateral edges of the air deflector according to the invention. Preferably, the cap of the bumper air deflector comprises a first part located in a central position, relative to the transverse axis, and two second parts located on either side of the first part;

[0023] - the transverse profile of the first part of the cap comprises (i) a rear edge integral with the bumper air deflector, (ii) an inclined edge which projects from the rear edge, (iii) a front edge which forms a flap from the inclined edge, the front edge extending opposite the rear edge;

[0024] - the front edge extends parallel to the rear edge;

[0025] - the front edge is distant from the rear edge by a distance of between 40 mm and 60 mm, preferably equal to 50 mm;

[0026] - the rear edge extends along the vertical axis. A height of the rear edge, taken relative tively to the vertical axis, is between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably equal to 30 mm;

[0027] - the front edge extends along the vertical axis. A height of the front edge, taken relative tively to the vertical axis, is between 5 mm and 25 mm, preferably equal to 15 mm;

[0028] - relative to the transverse axis, the first part of the cap extends according to a length between 800 mm and 1200 mm, preferably equal to 1000 mm;

[0029] - the transverse profile of the second part of the cap comprises (i) a face rear integral with the bumper air deflector, (ii) an inclined face which projects from the rear face, (iii) a front face which forms a flap from the inclined face, the front face extending opposite the rear face;

[0030] - the front face extends parallel to the rear face;

[0031] - the front face is distant from the rear face by a distance of between 40 mm and 60 mm, preferably equal to 50 mm. More generally, the distance separating the front face from the rear face of the second part of the cap is equal to the distance separating the rear edge from the front edge of the first part of the cap;

[0032] - the rear face extends along the vertical axis. A height of the rear face, taken relative tively to the vertical axis, is between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably equal to 30 mm. More generally, the height of the rear face of the second part of the cap is equal to the height of the rear edge of the first part of the cap;

[0033] - the front face extends along the vertical axis. A height of the front face, taken relative tively to the vertical axis, is between 5 mm and 25 mm, preferably equal to 15 mm. More generally, the distance separating the front face from the rear face of the second part of the cap is equal to the distance separating the rear edge from the front edge of the first part of the cap.

[0034] - more generally, the height of the front face of the second part of the cap is equal to the height of the front edge of the first part of the cap;

[0035] - a general conformation of the cap taken at the level of the second part is advantageously identical to the general conformation of the cap taken at the level of the first part;

[0036] - relative to the transverse axis, the second part of the cap extends according to a length between 80 mm and 120 mm, preferably equal to 100 mm;

[0037] - the second part of the cap has a side flap which connects the back face to the front face, on one side opposite the first part of the cap. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to stiffen the second part of the cap.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle comprising a front bumper and an air deflector in accordance with the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, said air deflector being associated with the front bumper.

[0039] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0040] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a deflector aeraulics in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.2] illustrates a three-dimensional detail view of a first part of the air deflector cap shown in [Fig.l];

[0043] [Fig.3] illustrates a three-dimensional detail view of a second part of the cap of the air deflector illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0044] [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional detail view of a junction area of ​​the first part and second part of the cap of the air deflector illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0045] [Fig.5] illustrates a detail view of a side flap of the second part of the cap of the air deflector illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0046] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0047] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are com- can be combined with each other if there is nothing technically preventing this combination.

[0048] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0049] With reference to the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X is defined, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the air deflector 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted.

[0050] More particularly, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood in a direction which extends from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0051] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to rear or from back to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0052] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0053] The invention relates to an air deflector 1 comprising, at a front longitudinal edge 11, a cap 12 comprising at least a first part 121 configured to allow elastic deformation in the event of a parking impact and at least a second part 122 configured to have a rigidity greater than that of the first part 121.

[0054] As visible in [Fig.l], the cap 12 forms a front face 126 of the air deflector 1, the cap 12 being intended to cover a front part of the bumper with which said deflector is intended to be associated. Thus, the front longitudinal edge 11 of the air deflector 1 from which the cap 12 extends is the front edge 123 of said air deflector 1, taken relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0055] The cap 12 thus forms a raised edge, relative to the longitudinal axis X and to the vertical axis Z. Furthermore, along the transverse axis Y, the cap 12 extends between two lateral edges of the air deflector 1, and the cap 12 therefore follows the curvature of the deflector between its two lateral edges.

[0056] More particularly, the cap 12 has an open transverse profile in the shape of a “U”, taken in a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Y of the air deflector 1. In a particularly advantageous manner, the cap 12 does not have the same geometry along the transverse axis Y. On the contrary, the cap 12 comprises:

[0057] - at least a first part 121 in which the transverse profile is open in direction of a first side, relative to a vertical axis Z;

[0058] - at least one second part 122 in which the transverse profile is open in direction of a second side, relative to the vertical axis Z, opposite to the first side.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the cap 12 comprises a single first part 121 located in a central position, and two second parts 122 each located on the side of the lateral edges of the air deflector 1. In addition, as visible in FIGURES 2 to 4, the transverse profile of the first part 121 of the cap 12 is open in the upward direction, relative to the vertical axis Z, while the transverse profile of the second parts 122 of the cap 12 is open in the downward direction, relative to said vertical axis Z. Thus, the transverse profiles of the cap 12 are reversed and in opposition to each other on the first part 121 and the second parts 122. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to stiffen the lateral edges of the air deflector 1 and to maintain good flexibility at the level of the first part 121, located in the central position.

[0060] With reference to [Fig.2], the transverse profile of the first part 121 of the cap 12 comprises:

[0061] - a rear edge 125 secured to the bumper air deflector 1. The edge rear 125 is located on the deflector side;

[0062] - an inclined edge 124 which projects from the rear edge 125;

[0063] - a front edge 123 which forms a flap from the inclined edge 124, the front edge 123 extending opposite the rear edge 125. The front edge 123 forms a free edge of the cap 12. The front edge 123 extends parallel to the rear edge 125.

[0064] Thus, the rear edge 125, the inclined edge 124 and the front edge 123 together form a reserve 13, that is to say an empty space which allows the cap 12 - and in particular the front edge 123 and / or the inclined edge 124 - to be able to deform in the event of a slight impact on the front face 126 of the motor vehicle, as may be encountered during a parking collision for example.

[0065] In the case of such a parking impact, the cap 12 can, at its first part 121, deform elastically under the effect of a bending imposed by a rearward movement, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0066] In order to prevent the first part 121 of the cap 12 from tearing or deforming plastically, and with reference to [Fig. 3], the transverse profile of each second part 122 of the cap 12 comprises:

[0067] - a rear face 128 secured to the bumper air deflector 1. The face rear 128 is located on the deflector side;

[0068] - an inclined face 127 which projects from the rear face 128;

[0069] - a front face 126 which forms a flap from the inclined face 127, the front face 126 extending opposite the rear face 128. The front face 126 forms a free edge of the cap 12, in the extension of the front edge 123 of the first part 121 of said cap 12. The front face 126 extends parallel to the rear face 128.

[0070] A general conformation of the second part 122 of the cap 12 is substantially identical, or even identical, to that of the first part 121. In other words, a geometry of the second part 122 of the cap 12 is simply the result of a turning over of the first part 121 around the longitudinal axis X. Also, the distance separating the front face 126 from the rear face 128 of the second part 122 of the cap 12 is equal to the distance separating the rear edge 125 from the front edge 123 of the first part 121 of the cap 12; and / or the height of the rear face 128 of the second part 122 of the cap 12 is equal to the height of the rear edge 125 of the first part 121 of the cap 12; and / or the distance separating the front face 126 from the rear face 128 of the second part 122 of the cap 12 is equal to the distance separating the rear edge 125 from the front edge 123 of the first part 121 of the cap 12.

[0071] The first parts of the cap 12 are located in the direct extension of the first part 121 of the cap 12. The second parts 122 of the cap 12 are integral with the first part 121 of the cap 12. The second parts 122 and the first part 121 of the cap 12 are advantageously made from one material, said cap 12 being formed by a single manufacturing process, such as for example by molding.

[0072] The rear face 128, the inclined face and the front face 126 of each second part 122 of the cap 12 together form a reserve 13 located in the extension of the reserve 13 formed by the first part 121 of the cap 12.

[0073] In order to reinforce the rigidity of the cap 12, and in particular of its second parts 122, each second part 122 comprises, at a distal end of the first part 121, that is to say opposite said first part 121 of the cap 12 relative to the transverse axis Y, a lateral flap 14 which connects the rear face 128 to the front face 126 of the second part 122 of the cap 12.

[0074] The cap 12 is connected to the front longitudinal edge 11 of the deflector by a wall and reinforcing ribs which extend between the cap 12 and the front longitudinal edge 11, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0075] Finally, the cap 12 comprises means for fixing to the bumper of the motor vehicle, so as to mechanically couple the air deflector 1 to the bumper at its front part. The fixing means may comprise, for example, fixing screws or fixing clips which extend between the deflector, at the level of the cap 12 or the front longitudinal edge 11, and a lower face of the bumper with which the air deflector 1 is intended to be associated. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to reinforce the rigidity of the bumper in the lower part.

[0076] In summary, the invention relates to an air deflector 1 for a motor vehicle, the air deflector 1 comprising, at a front longitudinal edge 11, a cap 12 intended to cover a lower face of a bumper of the motor vehicle and to reinforce its rigidity. For this purpose, the cap 12 comprises a first part 121 configured to allow elastic deformation in the event of a parking impact and at least one second part 122 located in the extension of the first part 121, relative to the transverse axis Y, each second part 122 of the cap 12 being configured to have a rigidity greater than that of the first part 121.

[0077] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. A wind deflector (1) for a bumper for a motor vehicle, the wind deflector (1) comprising, at a front longitudinal edge (11), a cap (12) having an open transverse profile in the shape of a "U", taken in a plane perpendicular to a transverse axis (Y) of the wind deflector (1), the cap (12) comprising: - at least a first part (121) in which the transverse profile is open in the direction of a first side, relative to a vertical axis (Z); - at least a second part (122) in which the transverse profile is open in the direction of a second side, relative to the vertical axis (Z), opposite the first side.

2. Air deflector (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the at least one first part (121) and the at least one second part (122) of the cap (12) are adjacent to each other.

3. Air deflector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transverse profile of the at least one first part (121) of the cap (12) is open in the upward direction, and the transverse profile of the at least one second part (122) of the cap (12) is open in the downward direction.

4. Air deflector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first part (121) of the cap (12) is located in a central position, and the at least one second part (122) of said cap (12) is located on the side of lateral edges of the bumper air deflector (1).

5. Air deflector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cap (12) of the bumper air deflector (1) comprises a first part (121) located in a central position, relative to the transverse axis (Y), and two second parts (122) located on either side of the first part (121).

6. Air deflector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transverse profile of the first part (121) of the cap (12) comprises: - a rear edge (125) integral with the bumper air deflector (1); - an inclined edge (124) which projects from the rear edge (125); - a front edge (123) which forms a flap from the inclined edge (124), the front edge (123) extending opposite the rear edge (125).

7. Air deflector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, relative to the transverse axis (Y), the first part (121) of the cap (12) extends along a length of between 800 mm and 1200 mm, preferably equal to 1000 mm.

8. Air deflector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transverse profile of the second part (122) of the cap (12) comprises: - a rear face (128) integral with the bumper air deflector (1); - an inclined face (127) which projects from the rear face (128); - a front face (126) which forms a flap from the inclined face (127), the front face (126) extending opposite the rear face (128).

9. Motor vehicle comprising a front bumper and an air deflector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said air deflector (1) being associated with the front bumper.

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