Rearview mirror base including an air deflection device

Abstract

Title of the invention: Rearview mirror base comprising an air deflection device The present invention relates to a rearview mirror (2) base (7) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one rearview mirror base (12) and at least one fixing plate (11) intended to be secured to the vehicle, the rearview mirror base (12) projecting from the fixing plate (11), characterized in that the fixing plate (11) comprises a deflection device (13) configured to redirect an air flow which runs along the fixing plate (11). Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Rearview mirror base comprising an air deflection device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to the rearview mirror bases fitted to these motor vehicles.

[0002] Motor vehicles are generally equipped with two exterior rearview mirrors mounted on their side walls. These rearview mirrors usually comprise a body and a base. The base is mounted on the side wall of the vehicle and comprises a mirror base which carries the body of the mirror.

[0003] The presence of exterior rearview mirrors on a motor vehicle can present certain disadvantages, in particular due to the deflection of the air flow that it produces during use of the motor vehicle. Indeed, the deflected air flow impacts the walls and side windows of the vehicle, thus causing vibrations and an unpleasant noise perceptible from inside the passenger compartment. This noise nuisance can affect the comfort of passengers and become a deterrent to the purchase of the vehicle.

[0004] In addition, this air flow can carry dust particles, thus settling on the side windows and reducing visibility. In the event of humidity or rain, water can also flow from the base, dirtying the side window and greatly disrupting the rear view of the vehicle via the rearview mirror.

[0005] To overcome these problems, various solutions have been explored in the prior art. Some of these solutions consist of improving the sound insulation of vehicles by adding seals or by thickening the glazing. These techniques are expensive and do not provide sufficient satisfaction in terms of noise reduction.

[0006] Another solution is to mount the mirrors directly on the door panel to avoid diverting the air flow towards the side window. This approach is effective but significantly impacts the aesthetics of the vehicle. Furthermore, the position of the mirror on the door panel generates modifications to support this mirror. Finally, the position of the mirror on the door panel is not necessarily its best position with regard to the user's visibility.

[0007] Another solution described in document DE19825703 uses plates added to the feet of the rearview mirrors in order to redirect the air flow away from the side window. These plates, although effective, are unsightly, protruding and generate noise.

[0008] Document GB2243586 presents an alternative solution in which the air flow is redirected through a duct arranged in the body of the rearview mirror. The disadvantage of this solution is that the air flow can degrade the user's vision by depositing dust or bringing water onto the rearview mirror.

[0009] Thus, all of the solutions of the prior art have the disadvantages of being protruding, unsightly, expensive or causing visibility problems.

[0010] The objective of this invention is therefore to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a base for an exterior rearview mirror comprising a deflection device making it possible to preserve the aesthetics of the vehicle while being effective in deflecting the air flow.

[0011] The main subject of the present invention is thus a rearview mirror base for a vehicle, comprising at least one rearview mirror base and at least one fixing plate intended to be secured to the vehicle, the rearview mirror base projecting from the fixing plate, characterized in that the fixing plate comprises a deflection device configured to deflect an air flow which runs along the fixing plate.

[0012] The deflection of the air flow helps to direct this flow away from a side window of the vehicle, thus producing two results: first, a sound attenuation effect by preventing air impacts on the side window; second, an anti-fouling effect resulting from both the deflection of dust carried by the air and the diversion of water flowing from the base.

[0013] According to an optional feature, the fixing plate is triangular in shape and comprises three edges, the fixing foot extending along a first edge and the deflection device extending along another of the edges. This triangular shape facilitates the integration of the fixing plate into the corner of a front door of a motor vehicle, in particular the corner delimited by a window frame, above a door panel.

[0014] According to an optional feature, the fixing plate comprises a second edge and a third edge, said second edge being a front edge and the third edge being a rear edge, said deflection device extending mainly along the third edge.

[0015] The expression "along the third edge" here means that the deflection device extends, for example parallel, along an extension axis which is located at a distance from the third edge 16 of between 2 mm and 10 mm, in particular 5 mm. This distance guarantees an aesthetic appearance and ensures that the deflected air flow does not return to the side window. Indeed, a deflection device arranged too far from the rear edge could prove ineffective in deflecting the air flow.

[0016] Such a value is found by measuring a distance between a straight line passing through a top of the deflection device and a straight line passing through the third edge, measured along an axis perpendicular to the straight line passing through the top of the deflection device.

[0017] The term "front edge", which may also be called "leading edge", refers to the part of the mounting plate which first comes into contact with the air flow when the motor vehicle equipped with this mirror base moves forward. The "rear edge" is the last part of the plate to be passed along by this air flow when the vehicle moves in the same direction.

[0018] According to an optional feature, the deflection device comprises at least one strip which projects from the fixing plate by a minimum height of 2 mm and a maximum height of 5 mm. A minimum height of 2 mm makes it possible to ensure adequate deflection of the air flow and thus guarantee a reduction in noise, dirt and water splashes. Such a height is noted by measuring a distance between the straight line passing through the top of the deflection device and a plane in which an outer face of the fixing plate is inscribed, a straight line passing through the third edge, measured along an axis perpendicular to said plane.

[0019] According to an optional characteristic, the deflection device comprises at least one flank oriented opposite the second edge, said flank being inclined relative to the fixing plate at an angle of between 10° and 70°.

[0020] These angle values ​​allow for effective deflection of the air flow. Thus, below 10°, the angle of inclination is insufficient to adequately deflect the air flow. Furthermore, above 70°, the inclination is too high and results in ineffective deflection of the air flow.

[0021] According to an optional feature, the deflection device is made in one piece with the fixing plate. It is understood here that the deflection device and the fixing plate are monobloc, the separation of these components resulting in the destruction of one and / or the other of these components. This monobloc nature offers an economic advantage by reducing material and manufacturing costs.

[0022] According to an alternative feature, the deflection device is a part produced independently of the fixing plate and attached to said fixing plate. Thus, a certain flexibility concerning the choice of materials, colors, etc. of the deflection device is possible. The deflection device can therefore benefit from the advantages specific to each material used, such as an aesthetic improvement or a reduction in weight.

[0023] According to an optional feature, the deflection device comprises a rounded section top. This feature allows effective deflection of the air flow by the deflection device. Such a section is observed in a section plane of the deflection device perpendicular to an extension axis of said deflection device.

[0024] According to an optional feature, the deflection device extends at least partly between the mirror base and the third edge of the fixing plate. The deflection device is thus placed discreetly, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the whole. In addition, this design makes it possible to meet specific regulatory requirements relating to the mounting of rearview mirrors.

[0025] According to an optional feature, the deflection device extends uninterruptedly from the first edge to the second edge. It is interesting to note that the anti-fouling effect is mainly due to the presence of the deflection device at the first edge, while the noise attenuation increases with increasing length of the deflection device. Thus, the deflection device according to this feature offers high efficiency in terms of noise reduction and prevention of soiling and / or water projection.

[0026] According to an alternative feature, the deflection device extends over a length less than a length separating the first edge from the second edge, measured along the third edge. Although the deflection device only covers a length less than the length separating the first edge from the second edge, the deflection device provides an anti-fouling and anti-splash effect that remains effective when it extends from the first edge.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, a rearview mirror for a vehicle comprises a rearview mirror base as described herein and a rearview mirror body carried by the base. The rearview mirror can then benefit from the various advantages provided by the rearview mirror base. The rearview mirror body comprises at least one shell and a mirror installed in the shell, as well as mechanisms participating in the adjustments of the position of the mirror.

[0028] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0029] [Fig.l] illustrates in perspective a side part of a motor vehicle comprising a rearview mirror base according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0030] [Fig.2] illustrates in perspective a rearview mirror base according to the embodiment of [Fig.l],

[0031] [Fig.3] is a section of the deflection device and a part of the fixing plate, according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2,

[0032] [Fig.4] illustrates, schematically, the deflection device in isolation.

[0033] The features and variants 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 and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0034] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0035] In the detailed description which follows, the terms “direction of advance”, “front” and “rear” define the orientation of the various components of the rearview mirror base for a motor vehicle. The term “direction of advance” corresponds to the standard direction of movement of the motor vehicle 1 when it is moving forward. This direction of movement is represented in the figures by an arrow referenced A. The term “front” or “forward” refers to a forward placement, depending on the direction of advance. The term “rear” or “backward” refers to a rearward placement, depending on the direction of advance.

[0036] [Fig.l] illustrates in perspective a side part 1 of a motor vehicle. [Fig.l] shows a base 7 of a rearview mirror 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. This representation focuses only on the essential elements in order to understand the invention, thus the side part can comprise a body of the vehicle which is not shown in this figure.

[0037] The side part 1 of the vehicle comprises a rearview mirror 2, a side window 3 and a door panel 6. The rearview mirror 2 and the side window 3 are aligned in the direction of advance A of the vehicle, the rearview mirror 2 being placed in front of the side window 3. The door panel 6 is positioned below the rearview mirror 2 and the side window 3.

[0038] The side window 3 is held by a door frame, not visible in this figure. The window slides in this door frame, between a low position where it is open and a high position, where it is closed, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0039] As regards the rearview mirror 2, it comprises a base 7 and a body 8. The base 7 is designed to be fixed to the body of the vehicle, in particular at an angular zone bordered by the side window 3 and by the door panel 6. The size and shape of the rearview mirror are complementary to this angular zone in order to be fixed there.

[0040] The body 8 of the rearview mirror 2 is itself composed of several elements, it comprises a shell 9 and a mirror 10. The mirror 10 is housed in the shell 9 so as to be visible from the side window 3, which guarantees visibility of the rear part of the vehicle by the user. The shell 9 allows for giving an aerodynamic shape to the body 8 of the rearview mirror 2 and protection in the event of an impact.

[0041] [Fig.2] illustrates in perspective the base 7 according to the embodiment of [Fig.1].

[0042] The base 7 comprises a fixing plate 11, a foot 12 and a deflection device 13 according to the invention. The fixing plate 11 comprises a first face visible in this [Fig.2] and facing the external environment of the base 7. It can be seen that the fixing plate 11 projects from this first face, towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0043] The fixing plate 11 also comprises a second face opposite the first face and not visible in [Fig.2]. This second face comprises fixing means whose role is to secure the fixing plate 11 to the body of the vehicle.

[0044] Concerning its shape, the fixing plate 11 is substantially triangular in order to be complementary to the angular zone mentioned above.

[0045] The fixing plate 11 comprises three edges: a first edge 14, a second edge 15, and a third edge 16.

[0046] The second edge 15 is also called the front edge, or leading edge because it is the edge of the fixing plate 11 which is first touched by the air flow, during the movement of the vehicle carrying the base 7 in the direction of advance A.

[0047] The third edge 16 is called the rear edge in that it is the last edge along which the air flow passes, during the movement of the vehicle carrying the base 7 in the direction of advance A.

[0048] The rearview mirror base 12 is, for its part, integral with the fixing plate 11 by projecting from the fixing plate 11, substantially at the level of the first edge 14. The rearview mirror base 12 comprises a reinforcement 12A extending along this first edge 14.

[0049] The foot 12 thus forms a protrusion 12B extending from the first edge 14 of the fixing plate 11, in a direction of deployment perpendicular to the direction of advancement A.

[0050] The foot 12 serves to position the body 8 of the rearview mirror 2 and it forms a pivot point of the body 8.

[0051] The foot 12 is hollow, in particular in order to contain electrical or mechanical elements for adjusting and defogging the mirror 10 of the rearview mirror 2.

[0052] In this embodiment, the fixing plate 11 and the foot 12 are made from one material. It is thus understood that the fixing plate 11 and the foot 12 form a monolithic assembly.

[0053] As regards the deflection device 13, it extends mainly along the third edge 16. More precisely, the deflection device 13 extends along an extension axis E substantially parallel to the third edge 16. The extension axis is located at a distance from the third edge 16 of between 2 mm and 10 mm, in particular 5 mm.

[0054] This deflection device 13 extends uninterruptedly from the first edge 14 to the second edge 15 of the fixing plate 11. It comprises a lower end 17 and an upper end 18. The lower end 17 is located in the vicinity of the first edge 14, while the upper end 18 coincides with the second edge 15.

[0055] Other embodiments are possible in which the deflection device 13 extends over a length less than the length separating the first edge 14 from the second edge 15.

[0056] Indeed, it is not essential that the deflection device 13 extends entirely from one edge to the other, depending on the effect that is desired to be obtained. For example, to obtain an anti-fouling effect, it is sufficient for the deflection device 13 to start in the vicinity of the first edge 14, without the need to extend to the second edge 15. In this case, the lower end 17 of the deflection device 13 is located in the vicinity of the first edge 14 of the fixing plate 11, while the upper end 18 is located between the first edge 14 and the second edge 15.

[0057] In both cases set out above, the deflection device 13 extends along the third edge 16.

[0058] In addition to being placed along the third edge 16 of the fixing plate 11, the deflection device 13 is also arranged opposite the foot 12. It is thus positioned in the direction of advancement A, behind the foot 12 and in front of the third edge 16. In other words, the lower end 17 and / or at least part of the deflection device 13 are interposed between the foot 12 and the third edge 16. Such an arrangement has the advantage of limiting the rise of dirt or water projections which can form in an air depression zone located directly behind the foot 12.

[0059] The deflection device 13 is, in this embodiment, made in one piece with the fixing plate 11. In other embodiments, the deflection device 13 could be a part made independently of the fixing plate 11 and then attached to said fixing plate 11, in particular by means of locking studs. It is thus possible to assign a particular color or pattern to the deflection device 13 and thus personalize the vehicle.

[0060] [Fig. 3] is a section of the deflection device 13 and a portion of the fixing plate 11 taken along a section plane AA illustrated in [Fig. 2]. This figure provides a better understanding of how the deflection device 13 allows an air flow F to be deflected which runs along the fixing plate 11.

[0061] The deflection device 13 forms a strip which projects from the fixing plate 11. This strip comprises a top 19 and at least two flanks: a first flank 20 and a second flank 22. In this embodiment, the top 19 has a rounded section. However, other embodiments could quite easily have a top 19 of a different shape, for example a pointed top, or a top with a flat surface.

[0062] The top 19 rises to a height noted H relative to the fixing plate 11. This height must be at least 2 mm in order to obtain a sufficient effect of deflection of the air flow, and at most 5 mm.

[0063] The first flank 20 is oriented opposite the second edge 15 which delimits the fixing plate 11. This first flank 20 is inclined relative to the fixing plate 11 at an angle α between 10° and 70°, this allowing effective deflection of the air.

[0064] As regards the second flank 22, it is oriented opposite the third edge 16 which delimits the fixing plate 11. This second flank 22 is inclined relative to the fixing plate 11 at an angle substantially equal to the angle α of the first flank 20. However, it is entirely conceivable that the angle of this second flank 22 differs significantly from that of the first flank 20. Indeed, its orientation relative to the fixing plate 11 does not affect the deflection of the air. Consequently, angles greater than 70° or less than 10° are conceivable for the second flank 22.

[0065] In other embodiments, where the fixing device is a part produced independently of the fixing plate 11 and then attached to said fixing plate 11, the deflection device may include a third flank. This third flank is designed to be brought into contact and fixed, either by gluing or by another means, to the fixing plate 11.

[0066] It can be seen in this [Fig.3] that the third edge 16 has a curvature intended for mounting the fixing plate 11 in the bodywork of the vehicle.

[0067] [Fig. 3] also makes it possible to observe the interaction between the air flow denoted F in the figure and the deflection device 13. It is then understood that the inclination of the first side 20 and the height H of the deflection device 13 are important characteristics for obtaining an effective deflection of the air flow F. In doing so, the air flow F is moved away from the side window 5, which reduces soiling, water projection and / or noise pollution.

[0068] Although this is not visible in [Fig. 3], it is important to note that the characteristics mentioned above, such as the height of the apex and the angle a of the flank(s), are respected over the entire deflection device 13, i.e. from the upper end 18 to the lower end 17 of the deflection device.

[0069] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the deflection device 13 in isolation. This figure allows a better understanding of the shape of the deflection device 13 according to the embodiment of the preceding figures.

[0070] The deflection device 13 has the general shape of a prism with a triangular base. More precisely the deflection device 13 comprises at least the first flank 20 and the second flank 22 described above, and advantageously a third flank, not visible in this figure. Each of its flanks are faces of the prism and each have a quadrilateral shape, the latter comprising long edges and short edges. The flanks are thus connected to each other by their long edges. As regards their short edges, they form the lower 17 and upper 18 ends of the deflection device 13. These ends 17 and 18 then have a substantially triangular shape and form the bases of the prism with a triangular base.

[0071] The ends of the deflection device 13 are inclined so as to extend in the respective plane of the first edge 14 and the second edge 15 which delimit the fixing plate 11.

[0072] The present invention thus provides a rearview mirror base for a motor vehicle comprising a deflection device providing noise attenuation and an anti-fouling effect while retaining a pleasant aesthetic. Such a deflection device takes the form of a rib projecting from the base, such a projection extending rectilinearly along the rear edge of the base.

[0073] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Claims

1. Base (7) of a rearview mirror (2) for a vehicle, comprising at least one rearview mirror base (12) and at least one fixing plate (11) intended to be secured to the vehicle, the rearview mirror base (12) projecting from the fixing plate (11), characterized in that the fixing plate (11) comprises a deflection device (13) configured to deflect an air flow which runs along the fixing plate (11).

2. Base (7) of rearview mirror (2) according to claim 1, in which the fixing plate (11) is triangular in shape and comprises three edges (14, 15, 16), the fixing foot (12) extending along a first edge (14) and the deflection device (13) extending along another of the edges.

3. Base (7) of rearview mirror (2) according to claim 2, in which the fixing plate (11) comprises a second edge (15) and a third edge (16), said second edge (15) being a front edge and the third edge (16) being a rear edge, said deflection device (13) extending mainly along the third edge (16).

4. Base (7) of rearview mirror (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the deflection device (13) comprises at least one strip which projects from the fixing plate (11) by a minimum height of 2 mm and a maximum height of 5 mm.

5. Base (7) of rearview mirror (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in combination with claim 3, in which the deflection device (13) comprises at least one flank oriented opposite the second edge (15), said flank being inclined relative to the fixing plate (11) at an angle (a) of between 10° and 70°.

6. Base (7) of rearview mirror (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the deflection device (13) comprises a top (19) of rounded section.

7. Base (7) of a rearview mirror (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with claim 3, in which the deflection device (13) extends at least partly between the rearview mirror base (12) and the third edge (16) of the fixing plate (11).

8. Base (7) of a rearview mirror (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in combination with claim 3, in which the deflection device (13) extends uninterruptedly from the first edge (14) to the second edge (15).

9. Base (7) of a rearview mirror (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in combination with claim 3, in which the deflection device (13) extends over a length less than a length which separates the first edge (14) from the second edge (15), measured along the third edge.

10. Rearview mirror (2) for a vehicle comprising a rearview mirror base (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a rearview mirror body (8) (2) carried by the base (7).

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