EXTENSION BLADE FOR AUTOMOBILE AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR

Abstract

EXTENSION BLADE FOR AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR OF MOTOR VEHICLE The present invention relates to a motor vehicle (2), comprising:- two aerodynamic deflectors (6) fixed to a front bumper (10) and arranged opposite the front wheels of said motor vehicle, noteworthy in that said motor vehicle further comprising:- an extension blade (12) extending laterally and inwards, in a transverse direction (Y) of the motor vehicle, respectively from each of the two aerodynamic deflectors, each extension blade and the corresponding aerodynamic deflector both form a continuous aerodynamic shield (14) capable of deflecting an air flow generated during a rolling of said motor vehicle away from the corresponding front wheel. (Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: EXTENSION BLADE FOR AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, more particularly the field of aerodynamic front bumper deflectors for motor vehicles. Prior art

[0002] Some modern motor vehicle models incorporate prominent air deflectors positioned upstream of the front wheels. These deflectors act as physical barriers in front of the wheels that promote optimal airflow preventing turbulence near the wheels while the vehicle is moving. This arrangement helps to achieve a reduction in aerodynamic drag.

[0003] Conventionally, aerodynamic deflectors have a transverse width that is generally sized so that it is similar to the width of each front wheel. It is also common for car manufacturers to use the same common deflector for several vehicle models, which may be different in terms of finish or range.

[0004] However, between different models of motor vehicles, there may be dimensional disparities, in particular in the size of the wheels, bumpers, air diffusers, etc. These dimensional disparities may result in variations in the arrangement of the common deflectors, which may lead to the formation of large empty areas or openings at the ends of the deflectors. These openings allow air to pass through to the front wheels, thus creating aerodynamic disturbances which reduce or even locally cancel out the advantages provided by the deflectors. This situation is particularly restrictive for electric traction vehicles, where autonomy and energy efficiency are major concerns.

[0005] Published patent document FR 3 068 951 A1 discloses a motor vehicle comprising an aerodynamic blade fixed via damping means to a lower face of a front bumper shield of said motor vehicle.

[0006] However, the solution proposed by the document has room for improvement to strengthen the management of the air flow and prevent the presence of uncontrolled areas of air passage towards the front wheels. Statement of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to propose a simple and economical solution making it possible to improve the control of the aerodynamic advantages of the deflectors, while meeting the sizing constraints specific to the diversity of motor vehicle models.

[0008] In this regard, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising: - two aerodynamic deflectors fixed to a front bumper and arranged opposite the front wheels of said motor vehicle, remarkable in that said motor vehicle further comprises: - an extension blade extending laterally and inwards, in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle, respectively from each of the two aerodynamic deflectors, each extension blade and the corresponding aerodynamic deflector both forming a continuous aerodynamic shield capable of deflecting an air flow generated during rolling of said motor vehicle away from the corresponding front wheel.

[0009] According to one embodiment, said motor vehicle comprises a front central diffuser mounted below said front bumper and provided with two extension portions extending longitudinally towards the rear from a front face of the motor vehicle, and adjacent to the two aerodynamic deflectors, each extension blade being mounted on the corresponding extension portion.

[0010] According to one embodiment, each extension blade comprises guiding and fixing means engaging with a wall of the corresponding extension portion of the front central diffuser.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the guiding and fixing means comprise a guiding stud having a U-shaped cross-section, and at least one retaining tab pushed by a clip-on retaining tab formed with the wall of the corresponding extension portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the guide stud is engaged with the wall of the extension portion by a transverse insertion of said stud, and the at least one retaining tab vertically passing through at least one opening of said wall.

[0013] According to one embodiment, each extension blade has an L-shaped cross-section comprising a base provided with guiding and fixing means, said base being directly fixed by screwing or riveting to the wall of the extension portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment, each aerodynamic deflector comprises a substantially vertical rear wall, and each extension blade extends transversely in continuity or overlapping with said rear wall of the corresponding aerodynamic deflector, so as to ensure an uninterrupted transverse extension of said rear wall following a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0015] Advantageously, the uninterrupted extension of the rear wall of the aerodynamic deflector ensured by the extension blade is observed along the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle corresponding to the direction of the air flow generated during the rolling of said motor vehicle, said extension obstructing said air flow.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each extension blade extends transversely over at least 20 mm and at most 200 mm.

[0017] According to one embodiment, each extension blade extends vertically downward from the front bumper, over at least 30% of a total vertical extent of the corresponding aerodynamic deflector.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each extension blade is inclined relative to the corresponding aerodynamic deflector by an angle of inclination equal to at least 20°.

[0019] Preferably, the aerodynamic deflector extends in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, and the extension blade extends transversely inwards while being oriented longitudinally towards the rear, so as to allow a deflection of the air flow towards the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0020] Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to effectively control any empty areas that may be present opposite the front wheels and next to the aerodynamic deflectors under the front bumper. These empty areas may, for example, be caused by structural and / or dimensional differences between different motor vehicle models).

[0021] Thanks to the extension blade proposed by the present invention, it is possible to extend transversely and longitudinally the aerodynamic deflector previously arranged opposite the wheels, so as to form a continuous aerodynamic shield making it possible to improve the direction of the air flow under the motor vehicle. This also makes it possible to improve the SCx of said vehicle, which results in a considerable increase in its overall autonomy. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] [Fig. 1] represents a perspective view of a front face of a motor vehicle according to the invention comprising two continuous aerodynamic shields which comprise, respectively, an aerodynamic deflector and an extension blade extending transversely towards the interior of said motor vehicle;

[0023] [Fig.2] represents a front view of a base of the motor vehicle of [Fig.l], at the level of the continuous aerodynamic shield on the right of the motor vehicle;

[0024] [Fig.3] represents a front view of the front face of the motor vehicle according to the invention, showing the continuous aerodynamic shield on the right in a longitudinal direction of said motor vehicle;

[0025] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the extension blade of the continuous aerodynamic shield of [Fig.3], during mounting of said extension blade to a front central diffuser of the motor vehicle;

[0026] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of the extension blade of [Fig.4], engaged with a wall of an extension portion of the front central diffuser of the motor vehicle. Detailed description

[0027] In the present description, the terms “interior” and “exterior” refer to a transverse reference axis Y of the motor vehicle and belonging to a direct orthonormal XYZ reference frame.

[0028] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of a front face 4 of a motor vehicle 2 according to the invention.

[0029] Two aerodynamic deflectors 6 can be observed extending vertically in projection (along the Z axis) from a front central diffuser 8 mounted below a front bumper 10 of the vehicle 2.

[0030] Each of the two aerodynamic deflectors 6 preferably comprises a front face 6.1 inclined downwards and rearwards from the central diffuser 8, and a rear wall 6.2 extending vertically from said central diffuser 8 or inclined at most 30° from the latter.

[0031] Preferably, each aerodynamic deflector 6 extends substantially transversely (along the Y axis) and has a transverse extent w equal to approximately the width of a corresponding front wheel (visible in [Fig.3]).

[0032] Advantageously, the motor vehicle 2 further comprises an extension blade 12 extending laterally and towards the inside of the vehicle 2 from an inner end 6.3 of each of the two deflectors 6, so as to extend the latter transversely and form two continuous aerodynamic shields 14 having a total transverse width L greater than the transverse extent w of the aerodynamic deflector 6.

[0033] The two continuous aerodynamic shields 14 formed by the aerodynamic deflectors 6 and the extension blades 12 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis X passing through the center of the motor vehicle 2.

[0034] Preferably, the total transverse width L of each continuous aerodynamic shield 14 is at least 20% greater than the width of the corresponding front wheel. In this configuration, the shield 14 makes it possible to deflect an air flow generated during the rolling of said motor vehicle 2 away from said front wheel. corresponding.

[0035] Advantageously, this arrangement helps to restrict the creation of aerodynamic disturbances at the front wheels. It avoids direct contact of the air flow with each front wheel, and this, across all the steering angles included in a total travel volume of said front wheels.

[0036] Preferably, the front central diffuser 8 comprises two extension portions 8.1 extending longitudinally towards the rear from the front face 4 of the motor vehicle 2. These portions 8 are adjacent to the two aerodynamic deflectors 6, and are formed by a wall of the diffuser 8 making it possible to receive the two extension blades 12.

[0037] [Fig.2] represents a front view of a base of the motor vehicle 2 of [Fig.l], at the level of the continuous aerodynamic shield 14 on the right of the motor vehicle.

[0038] It can be seen that the deflector 6 extends transversely along the Y axis, and the adjacent extension blade 12 is oriented both longitudinally towards the rear and transversely towards the interior of the motor vehicle 2.

[0039] Preferably, the extension blade 12 is inclined relative to the rear wall 6.2 of the aerodynamic deflector 6 which is substantially perpendicular to the diffuser 8, by an angle of inclination α equal to at least 20° and at most 50°, and more preferably equal to approximately 30° (±10°). Advantageously, this makes it possible to deflect the air flow inwards to a central part of the underbody of the motor vehicle 2, when the latter is moving.

[0040] Although a longitudinal gap (seen transversely) can be observed between the inner end 6.3 of the aerodynamic deflector 6 and an outer end 12.1 of the extension blade 12, the latter still ensures continuity and an uninterrupted transverse extension of the rear wall 6.2 of the deflector 6. Indeed, seen longitudinally (along the X axis), the aerodynamic shield 14 completely blocks the air passage towards the corresponding wheel, and the air cannot pass either behind the extension blade 12 or through the gap presented between the two ends 6.3 and 12.1.

[0041] Preferably, the two ends 6.3 and 12.1 are substantially aligned along the longitudinal direction X. More preferably, they overlap slightly along the transverse axis Y, with an overlap of up to 10 mm.

[0042] Alternatively, the outer end 12.1 of the extension blade 12 may come into direct contact with the rear wall 6.2 of the deflector 6.

[0043] The extension blade 12 extends transversely over at least 20 mm and at most 200 mm. Advantageously, such a transverse extent makes it possible to adjust the total transverse width L of the continuous aerodynamic shield 14 measured between a outer end 6.4 of the deflector 6 and an inner end 12.2 of the blade 12, preferably depending on the width of the front wheels of the motor vehicle model 2.

[0044] [Fig. 3] represents a front view of the front face 4 of the motor vehicle 1, showing the continuous aerodynamic shield 14 of [Fig. 2] in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Advantageously, the extension blade 12 makes it possible to cover the adjacent part of the inner end 6.3 of the deflector 6 so as to prevent the passage of air towards the wheel 3. Indeed, the extension blade 12 makes it possible to enlarge the transverse protection of the corresponding front wheel 3, and thus to prevent the air flow from disturbing said wheel 3, regardless of the steering angle in the total travel volume 3.1.

[0046] Preferably, the extension blade 12 extends vertically (along the Z axis) downwards from the front bumper 10, over at least 30% of a total vertical extent h of the aerodynamic deflector 6.

[0047] The invention allows the use of a size of aerodynamic deflectors 6 which is common between different models of the motor vehicle 1, which may have a different structural arrangement and / or different sizes of the front wheels 3. The extension blade 12 then makes it possible to fill any voids or holes for the passage of air towards the wheels 3, by forming with the adjacent deflector 6 a continuous aerodynamic shield 14 deflecting the air flow (illustrated with dotted arrows) of the entire travel envelope 3.1 of the front wheels 3.

[0048] [Fig. 4] represents a perspective view of the extension blade 12 during its mounting on the front central diffuser 8 of the motor vehicle 2.

[0049] Preferably, the extension blade 12 comprises guiding and fixing means 13 intended to engage with the wall of the corresponding extension portion 8.1 of the front central diffuser 8.

[0050] The guiding and fixing means 13 comprise a guiding stud 13.1 having a U-shaped cross-section, configured to engage with the wall of the extension portion 8.1 by a transverse insertion (illustrated by the arrow A) of said guiding stud 13.1. More preferably, the guiding stud 13.1 sandwiches an inner edge 8.3 of the extension portion 8.1, which is provided, for this purpose, with a notch 8.4 making it possible to transversely embed said stud 13.1, and with two protrusions 8.5 intended to create sufficient excess thickness locally to ensure effective retention of the guiding stud 13.1.

[0051] The extension blade 12 preferably comprises an L-shaped cross-section forming a base 12.3 on its upper part (along the vertical axis Z), said base 12.3 being intended to be fixed directly to the wall of the diffuser 8.

[0052] For this purpose, the extension blade 12 comprises several fixing means, including pre preferably two retaining tabs 13.2 extending vertically at the base 12.3 and intended to pass through openings 8.2 on the wall of the diffuser 8, by a vertical movement (represented by the arrow B).

[0053] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of the extension blade 12 of [Fig.4], engaged with the wall of the extension portion 8.1 of the front central diffuser 8 of the motor vehicle 2.

[0054] It can be seen here that the retaining tabs 13.2 passing through the corresponding openings 8.2 are respectively pushed by a tab 8.6 for retaining by clipping formed with the wall of the extension portion 8.1. This ensures a clip-on mounting of the extension blade 12 on the diffuser 8.

[0055] The extension blade 12 is further fixed by a conventional fixing by a screw or by a rivet passing through a hole 8.7 arranged both in line with the wall of the diffuser 8 and on the base of the blade 12.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor vehicle (2), comprising: - two aerodynamic deflectors (6) fixed to a front bumper (10) and arranged opposite the front wheels (3) of said motor vehicle (2), characterized in that said motor vehicle (2) further comprises: - an extension blade (12) extending laterally and inwards, in a transverse direction (Y) of the motor vehicle (2), respectively from each of the two aerodynamic deflectors (6), each extension blade (12) and the corresponding aerodynamic deflector (6) both form a continuous aerodynamic shield (14), capable of deflecting an air flow generated during a movement of said motor vehicle (2) away from the corresponding front wheel (3).

2. A motor vehicle (2) according to claim 1, wherein said motor vehicle (2) comprises a front central diffuser (8) mounted below said front bumper (10) and provided with two extension portions (8.1) extending longitudinally rearwardly from a front face (4) of the motor vehicle (2), and adjacent to the two aerodynamic deflectors (6), each extension blade (12) being mounted on the corresponding extension portion (8.1).

3. Motor vehicle (2) according to claim 2, wherein each extension blade (12) comprises guide and fixing means (13) engaging with a wall of the corresponding extension portion (8.1) of the front central diffuser (8).

4. Motor vehicle (2) according to claim 3, in which the guiding and fixing means (13) comprise a guiding stud (13.1) having a U-shaped cross-section, and at least one retaining tab (13.2) pushed by a retaining tab (8.6) by clipping formed with the wall of the corresponding extension portion (8.1).

5. Motor vehicle (2) according to claim 4, in which the guide stud (13.1) is engaged with the wall of the extension portion (8.1) by a transverse insertion of said stud (13.1), and the at least one retaining tab (13.2) vertically passing through at least one opening (8.2) of said wall.

6. Motor vehicle (2) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which each extension blade (12) has an L-shaped cross-section comprising a base (12.3) provided with the guiding and fixing (13), said base (12.3) being directly fixed by screwing or by riveting to the wall of the extension portion (8.1).

7. Motor vehicle (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which each aerodynamic deflector (6) comprises a substantially vertical rear wall (6.2), and each extension blade (12) extends transversely in continuity or overlapping with said rear wall (6.2) of the corresponding aerodynamic deflector (6), so as to ensure an uninterrupted transverse extension of said rear wall (6.2) in a longitudinal direction (X) of the motor vehicle (2).

8. Motor vehicle (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which each extension blade (12) extends transversely over at least 20 mm and at most 200 mm.

9. Motor vehicle (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each extension blade (12) extends vertically downwards from the front bumper (4), over at least 30% of a total vertical extent (h) of the corresponding aerodynamic deflector (6).

10. Motor vehicle (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which each extension blade (12) is inclined relative to the corresponding aerodynamic deflector (6) by an angle of inclination (a) equal to at least 20°.

Images