Bodywork element including an air intake

Abstract

Title of the invention: Bodywork element comprising an air intake The present invention relates to a bodywork element (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising an outer panel (4), a lining (6) and at least one stiffener (9) extending between the outer panel (4) and the lining (6), a volume being delimited by the outer panel (4), the lining (6) and the stiffener (9) by forming a circulation duct (16) for a flow of air intended to supply a heat treatment system of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, said circulation duct (16) comprising at least one air inlet (17) and at least one air outlet (18) formed integrally in the lining (6). (Figure 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Bodywork element comprising an air intake

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to the bodywork elements equipping these motor vehicles.

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with bodywork elements that may serve, among other things, to conceal and protect a powertrain housed beneath the bodywork element. A large majority of current vehicle models also incorporate a vehicle interior heat treatment system designed to regulate the temperature within the interior by heating or cooling the air supplied into the interior. To operate effectively, this system requires an outside air intake to supply it with air.

[0003] In order to maximize air intake efficiency, a typical design is to position an air intake at the front of the vehicle. This type of design thus exploits the vehicle's speed and aerodynamic characteristics to channel outside air into the heating / air conditioning system. In this way, the air can be captured, thermally conditioned, and then directed into the passenger compartment for the comfort of the occupants.

[0004] The configuration of this air intake can vary according to different arrangements. A common method is to collect the air in an area located between a rear edge of a front hood and a lower edge of a windshield. This area is called a windshield bay and allows the air to be routed to the heat treatment system, through the structure of the vehicle and without passing through the front hood. This type of design has an impact on the length of the vehicle concerned.

[0005] Another configuration is the integration of the air intake directly into a body element of the vehicle, typically the front hood. An air intake is then integrated into an exterior panel of the body element. This configuration may include specially designed duct systems in the body element to guide air to the passenger compartment heat treatment system. However, in this type of embodiment, there is a risk of weakening the structural integrity of the body element. This is due to orifices that must be made in order for air to pass through the body element, which can then weaken the structure of the material constituting the body element.

[0006] Another configuration is presented in document FR2961162. One embodiment of this invention comprises a narrowed portion of circulation duct comprising a side wall which increases the robustness of a front cover. According to this document, the circulation duct comprises an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is formed by an outer skin and an inner lining. This design is complex because it uses different parts attached to each other to form the air outlet of this circulation duct.

[0007] The objective of the invention is to propose a solution which overcomes this drawback by offering a method of designing and manufacturing a bodywork element crossed by an air inlet, which reduces the complexity of the component, its manufacturing cost and its assembly cost, while preserving the structural robustness of the bodywork element.

[0008] The present invention thus has as its main object, a bodywork element for a motor vehicle, comprising an outer panel, a lining and at least one stiffener extending between the outer panel and the lining, a volume being delimited by the outer panel, the lining and the stiffener by forming a duct for circulating an air flow intended to supply a thermal treatment system of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, characterized in that said circulation duct comprises at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet formed integrally in the lining.

[0009] This configuration allows outside air to be captured by the air inlet and then guided to the air outlet towards the passenger compartment heat treatment system. This arrangement provides a means of supplying air to the heat treatment system that is both simple and inexpensive, while ensuring that the body member remains robust and strong.

[0010] According to an optional feature, the stiffener delimits a front portion of the circulation duct. In other words, the stiffener is located in the portion of the duct that is furthest to the front of the vehicle, compared to the other walls that delimit the circulation duct. In this configuration, the stiffener helps to direct the air flow captured by the inlet of the duct towards the air outlet of the circulation duct.

[0011] According to an optional feature, the lining comprises a rear wall in contact with the outer panel and forming an acute angle at this contact, said air inlet being delimited by the rear wall. Thus, the lining and the rear wall are made of the same material and produced in the continuity of the same panel, which allows savings during the manufacture of the bodywork element.

[0012] According to an optional feature, the stiffener has a concave shape when viewed from the rear wall of the circulation duct. This concave shape of the stiffener helps to channel and accelerate the flow of air entering the circulation duct in order to direct it towards the air outlet of this circulation duct.

[0013] According to an optional feature, the stiffener comprises at least one central rectilinear segment, at least two lateral rectilinear segments and at least two terminal rectilinear segments, at least one of the terminal rectilinear segments being in contact with the rear wall of the liner. The arrangement of these segments gives the stiffener its concave shape when viewed from the rear wall, thereby contributing to channeling the air flow towards the air outlet.

[0014] According to an optional feature, the bodywork element is symmetrical about a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the central rectilinear segment of the stiffener, with the exception of the air outlet. This plane of symmetry is thus aligned with the direction of straight-line travel of the vehicle. Consequently, the perpendicular orientation of the stiffener relative to the plane of symmetry effectively blocks and redirects air into the passenger compartment heat treatment system. The symmetry of the bodywork element discussed above extends to the outer panel, the lining, and the stiffener. This symmetry does not extend to all parts that could equip such a bodywork element.

[0015] According to an optional feature, the bodywork element comprises at least two air inlets arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry of the bodywork element. The air can thus flow along each lateral rectilinear segment before reaching the air outlet of the bodywork element.

[0016] According to an optional feature, the air inlets delimit a cumulative surface area substantially equal to the surface area of ​​the air outlet. This feature ensures an absence of singular pressure loss at a particular point of the circulation duct, which is essential for maintaining constant and efficient air circulation.

[0017] According to an optional characteristic, at least a portion of the stiffener is arranged in such a way as to form an obtuse angle relative to the outer panel seen from the inside of the circulation duct 16.

[0018] According to an optional feature, at least a portion of the stiffener is arranged in such a way as to form an acute angle relative to the lining seen from the inside of the circulation duct.

[0019] These optional stiffener configurations improve the guidance of the air flow within the circulation duct towards the air outlet.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle comprises at least one bodywork element as described herein, and a windshield opening at least partly delimited by a windshield of the motor vehicle and by the rear wall of the lining. Thus, the motor vehicle can benefit from the various advantages provided by the bodywork element. In addition, the windshield opening makes it easier to evacuate water and debris on the windshield, while by allowing the admission of air into the circulation duct, through the air inlet provided in the rear wall of the bodywork element.

[0021] According to one example, the bodywork element is a front hood, a rear hood, or a vehicle roof.

[0022] 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:

[0023] [Fig-1] illustrates, schematically, the top of a front part of a vehicle automobile according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically, the top of a bodywork element of the vehicle automobile according to the first embodiment, in which the exterior panel has been removed.

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a section of a perspective of the element of bodywork according to the first embodiment.

[0026] [Fig.4] illustrates, schematically, a rear wall of a bodywork element according to a second embodiment.

[0027] 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 state of the prior art.

[0028] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0029] In the detailed description which follows, the terms “longitudinal axis” and “transverse” define the orientation of the various components of the bodywork element of the motor vehicle. The term “longitudinal axis” corresponds to the direction of movement of the motor vehicle when it is moving in a straight line forward. It is shown diagrammatically in Figures 1 and 2 by an arrow marked “L”. The term “transverse” refers to a direction perpendicular to this longitudinal axis.

[0030] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates the top of a front part of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention. This figure helps to understand the arrangement of the structural elements of the motor vehicle.

[0031] The motor vehicle comprises in particular a bodywork element 2 which is the subject of the invention and a windshield 3. In this embodiment, the bodywork element 2 constitutes a front hood of the motor vehicle. The bodywork element 2 and the windshield 3 are arranged successively along the longitudinal axis. The bodywork element 2 is placed first along this axis, followed by the windshield 3.

[0032] The bodywork element 2 extends in width in the transverse direction and may in particular cover a thermal, hybrid or fully electric powertrain. In this case, it helps to protect the powertrain from external elements while contributing to the aesthetics of the motor vehicle. The bodywork element 2 is also designed to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0033] The bodywork element 2 comprises an outer panel 4. This outer panel 4 forms the upper surface of the bodywork element 2. In other words, the outer panel 4 is the skin or outer envelope of the bodywork element. The bodywork element 2 also comprises a front termination 2A and a rear termination 2B. The front termination 2A corresponds to the front of the bodywork element, and the rear termination 2B corresponds to the rear of the bodywork element.

[0034] The windshield 3 also extends in width in the transverse direction. It has a width substantially equal to that of the bodywork element 2 in order to maintain visual and functional uniformity of the vehicle. A passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, although not visible in this figure, is located below this windshield 3. It is arranged in an inclined manner in order to reduce wind resistance and to offer better protection against bad weather.

[0035] The bodywork element and the windshield are separated by a space, this space forming a windshield bay 5. More specifically, the windshield bay 5 is delimited by a rear edge of the hood and a lower edge of the windshield. This configuration is designed to evacuate water from the windshield and provide an air intake area to prevent water stagnation on the windshield and to optimize the efficiency of the passenger compartment heat treatment system.

[0036] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates the top of the bodywork element according to the first embodiment, in which the outer panel has been removed. This figure therefore does not represent the outer panel 4 of the bodywork element 2, in order to visualize the internal structure of this bodywork element 2.

[0037] The bodywork element 2 in question thus comprises a lining 6. The lining 6 comprises a rear wall 8 which constitutes a rear edge of the bodywork element 2. On this lining 6, a stiffener 9 is integrated in order to give the bodywork element 2 the mechanical and structural strength necessary for its use on a motor vehicle.

[0038] The stiffener 9 is made up of several structural elements. A central element of the stiffener 9 is a rectilinear central segment 10, positioned at the center of the bodywork element 2 along an axis defined by the transverse direction of the motor vehicle.

[0039] This rectilinear central segment 10 comprises two ends and is connected by its ends to two rectilinear lateral segments 12. This arrangement forms obtuse angles between the rectilinear central segment 10 and the two rectilinear lateral segments 12.

[0040] The rectilinear side segments 12 also comprise two ends. One of the ends of each of the rectilinear side segments 12 is connected to one of the ends of the rectilinear central segment 10. The other end of each of the rectilinear side segments 12 is connected to rectilinear end segments 14.

[0041] In the same way as the rectilinear lateral segments 12, these rectilinear terminal segments 14 each comprise two ends: one of the ends of the rectilinear terminal segments 14 connects them to one of the ends of the rectilinear lateral segments 12, while another end of at least one of the rectilinear terminal segments 14 is in contact with the rear wall 8 of the lining 6.

[0042] This arrangement forms obtuse angles between the rectilinear lateral segments 12 and the rectilinear end segments 14, and a right angle, or substantially right angle, between at least one of the rectilinear end segments 14 and the rear wall 8.

[0043] When observing the circulation duct 16 from the rear wall 8, it is noted that the stiffener 9 displays a concave shape. This configuration results from the specific arrangement of the segments of the stiffener 9.

[0044] The liner 6 comprises one or more air inlets 17 and an air outlet 18. More specifically, the air inlet is arranged on the rear wall 8 of the liner 6. Furthermore, the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18 are formed integrally in the liner.

[0045] The circulation duct 16 according to this embodiment comprises four air inlets 17, each having a defined surface area. The total surface area of ​​these air inlets 17 is designed to correspond substantially to that of the air outlet 18, ensuring the absence of pressure loss in the circulation duct 16.

[0046] In this embodiment, the bodywork element 2 is symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle and transversely to the center of the bodywork element. The air inlets 17 are thus arranged symmetrically with respect to this plane and arranged two by two on each side of this plane. The segments 10, 12 and 14 of the stiffener 9 are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane passing through the longitudinal axis. Only the air outlet 18 deviates from this symmetry by being slightly offset to one side of this plane.

[0047] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a perspective section of the bodywork element 2. This figure represents the first embodiment, thus facilitating understanding the organization of the air circulation duct and in particular making it possible to visualize that the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18 are formed integrally in the lining.

[0048] The lining 6, the outer panel 4 and the stiffener 9 form an internal volume within the bodywork element 2. This volume forms a circulation duct 16 configured to supply air from outside the passenger compartment to a thermal treatment system for the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The air is channeled by this air duct 16 via the air inlet(s) 17 located on the rear wall 8 of the lining 6. At the same time, the air is evacuated through the air outlet 18 which passes through the lining 6, thus ensuring the continuous circulation of the air through the circulation duct 16.

[0049] The stiffener delimits a front part of the circulation duct 16, that is to say the part of the circulation duct 16 furthest forward of the bodywork element 2. The wall 8 delimits a rear part of the circulation duct 16, that is to say the part of the circulation duct 16 furthest rearward of the bodywork element 2.

[0050] The stiffener 9 and the rear wall 8 of the lining 6 extend in parallel, or substantially parallel, planes. This stiffener 9 is connected to the lining 6 and to the outer panel 4 by connecting edges. A first connecting edge 20 of the stiffener 9 is connected to the lining 6 forming an acute angle [3 when observed from the inside of the circulation duct 16. A second upper connecting edge 21 of the stiffener 9 is connected to the outer panel 4, forming an obtuse angle α when observed from the same point of view. These connecting edges are welded or glued respectively to the lining 6 or to the outer panel 4. The stiffener 9 thus constitutes a front partition of the circulation duct 16 closest to the front of the bodywork element 2.

[0051] The rear wall 8 of the lining 6 also provides a connection between the lining 6 and the outer panel 4. This rear wall 8 has a single connecting strip 22 connected to the outer panel 4, for example by welding or gluing, and forming an acute angle y seen from the inside of the circulation duct 16. The rear wall 8 therefore constitutes a rear partition of the circulation duct 16 closest to the rear of the bodywork element 2

[0052] Concerning the windshield bay 5, it is provided with a bottom which forms a water collection cavity 23. This water collection cavity 23 is designed to channel and evacuate the water flowing from the windshield.

[0053] The air outlet 18, located through the lining 6, is connected to an air conveying tube 24, for example constituting the thermal treatment system of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The air inlet 17, being arranged through the rear wall 8, is opposite an enclosure delimited by the windshield bay 5. The flow of external air which supplies the passenger compartment therefore enters first into the windshield bay breeze 5, then passes through the air inlet(s) 17, circulates in the circulation duct 16, and passes through the outlet 18 in order to enter the passenger compartment heat treatment system via the tube 24.

[0054] The air conveying tube 24 comprises a seal 27 disposed on an edge of the tube 24 in contact with a portion of the lining surrounding the air outlet 18, in order to maintain the seal between the air outlet 18 and the air conveying tube 24.

[0055] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates a view of a rear wall 8 of a bodywork element 2. This view shows a part of a bodywork element 2 of a second embodiment according to the invention, where only an air inlet 17 is visible. As for the first embodiment, the lining 6 and the rear wall 8 are made from one material with each other. It is therefore from the same sheet metal that the lining 6 and the rear wall 8 are formed. The air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18 are also formed integrally in the lining 6.

[0056] Unlike the first embodiment which comprises four air inlets 17, this embodiment only comprises two, distributed on either side of the plane of symmetry of the bodywork element 2.

[0057] An air inlet 17 of the second embodiment comprises a surface area substantially equal to the cumulative surface area of ​​two air inlets 17 of the first embodiment. In addition, a grille 25 is fixed by clipping onto at least one of the air inlets 17. This grille 25 is equipped with a central separating element 26, dividing the air inlet 17 in two to give it a role similar to that which it would have with two separate inlets 17.

[0058] In both embodiments, each air inlet 17 is of substantially rectangular shape and is equipped with a grille 25 fixed by clipping. However, in the first embodiment, the grille does not comprise a central separating element 26.

[0059] As regards the air delivery tube 24, it is similar to that of the first embodiment. It therefore also comprises a seal 27 disposed on an edge of the tube 24 in contact with a portion of the lining surrounding the air outlet 18.

[0060] The present invention thus provides a bodywork element for a motor vehicle including an outer panel, a lining and at least one stiffener. These elements form a duct for circulating an air flow supplying a heat treatment system and comprising at least one air inlet and outlet formed integrally in the lining.

[0061] 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 effective combination of such means.

Claims

Claims

1. Bodywork element (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising an outer panel (4), a lining (6) and at least one stiffener (9) extending between the outer panel (4) and the lining (6), a volume being delimited by the outer panel (4), the lining (6) and the stiffener (9) forming a circulation duct (16) for a flow of air intended to supply a heat treatment system for a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, characterized in that said circulation duct (16) comprises at least one air inlet (17) and at least one air outlet (18) formed integrally in the lining (6).

2. Bodywork element (2) according to claim 1, in which the stiffener (9) delimits a front part of the circulation duct (16).

3. Bodywork element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the lining (6) comprises a rear wall (8) in contact with the outer panel (4) and forming an acute angle (y) at this contact, said air inlet (17) being delimited by the rear wall.

4. Bodywork element (2) according to claim 3, in which the stiffener (9) has a concave shape seen from the rear wall (8) of the circulation duct (16).

5. Bodywork element (2) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the stiffener (9) comprises at least one central rectilinear segment (10), at least two lateral rectilinear segments (12) and at least two terminal rectilinear segments (14), at least one of the terminal rectilinear segments (14) being in contact with the rear wall (8) of the lining (6).

6. Bodywork element (2) according to claim 5, said bodywork element (2) being symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the central rectilinear segment (10) of the stiffener (9), with the exception of the air outlet (18).

7. Bodywork element (2) according to claim 6, comprising at least two air inlets (17) arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry of the bodywork element (2).

8. Bodywork element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the air inlets (17) delimit a cumulative surface area substantially equal to the surface area of ​​the air outlet (18).

9. Bodywork element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the stiffener (9) is arranged in such a way as to form an obtuse angle (a) relative to the outer panel (4) seen from inside the circulation duct (16).

10. A bodywork element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the stiffener (9) is arranged in such a way as to form an acute angle (|3) relative to the lining (6) when viewed from inside the circulation duct (16).

11. Motor vehicle comprising at least one bodywork element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 3, and a windshield bay (5) at least partly delimited by a windshield (3) of the motor vehicle and by the rear wall (8) of the lining (6).

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