Front bumper deflector with at least one anti-tear guide ramp

Abstract

The invention relates to a front bumper deflector (300) for a motor vehicle, comprising a base plate (310) extending along a substantially horizontal mean plane and having a front edge (311) intended to be fixedly attached against and along the rear lower edge of the front bumper skirt (200) of this vehicle, said deflector (300) further comprising a rear drop-off return (340) extending from and along a transversely oriented central portion of the rear edge of said base plate (310) and designed to come into contact with the front end of an under-engine soundproofing screen (400) extending a few centimeters above and behind this deflector (300) under the engine compartment of said vehicle; characterized in that said drop-off return (340) comprises at least one guide ramp (341) sloping obliquely upwards and rearwards from the rear edge of said base plate (310). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Front bumper deflector provided with at least one anti-tear guide ramp Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and in particular relates to a front bumper deflector intended to be connected to a front bumper skirt. It also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a front bumper deflector as well as an under-engine soundproofing screen. Prior art

[0002] Aerodynamics tends to take an increasingly important part in the design of a motor vehicle, as its effects are great on fuel consumption and road behavior, particularly at high speed.

[0003] Improving the aerodynamic performance of vehicles can therefore contribute significantly to reducing pollutant emissions, by reducing fuel consumption, while making vehicles safer and more comfortable from an acoustic point of view.

[0004] The underbody of the vehicle has a significant impact on the air drag generated at the rear of the vehicle, air drag which opposes the tractive effort. Car manufacturers have therefore moved towards a fairing of the underbody and a reduction in ground clearance to limit the volume of air entering under the vehicle and facilitate the flow of air under the body.

[0005] It is therefore customary today to equip vehicles with deflectors made of plastic material which are arranged under the underbody to improve aerodynamics and protect sensitive elements of the vehicle located under the floor against impacts.

[0006] Front bumper deflectors are thus known which extend under the front portion of the underbody and are formed from one or more panels, generally made of plastic material, assembled together.

[0007] In addition to its aerodynamic function, such a front bumper deflector also constitutes a protective shield for the front part of the underbody against gravel.

[0008] In a known manner, a front bumper deflector generally comprises a sole extending along a substantially horizontal mean plane and having a front edge intended to be fixedly attached against and along the rear lower edge of the front bumper skirt of the vehicle.

[0009] As disclosed for example by document FR 3 125 790 A1, such a front bumper deflector generally comprises a rear dropped edge extending vertically from and along a transversely oriented central portion of the rear edge of said sole and designed to come into contact with the front end of an under-engine soundproofing screen extending along a substantially horizontal mean plane a few centimeters above and behind this deflector under the engine compartment of said vehicle.

[0010] Unfortunately, it may happen, when the vehicle is crossing a curb while riding in reverse, that the curb comes into contact with the rear edge of the front bumper deflector and causes it to be torn off. Statement of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to improve the situation.

[0012] To this end, it proposes a front bumper deflector for a motor vehicle, comprising a sole extending along a substantially horizontal mean plane and having a front edge intended to be fixedly attached against and along the rear lower edge of the front bumper skirt of this vehicle, said deflector further comprising a rear drop return extending from and along a transversely oriented central portion of the rear edge of said sole and intended to come into contact with the front end of an under-engine soundproofing screen extending a few centimeters above and behind this deflector under the engine compartment of said vehicle; characterized in that said dropped return comprises at least one guide ramp sloping obliquely upwards and backwards from the rear edge of said sole.

[0013] The presence of at least one such inclined guide ramp on the fallen return thus makes it possible, in the event of the vehicle crossing a pavement astride and in reverse, to accompany the relative movement of the pavement with respect to the deflector so as to limit the risks of the latter being torn off.

[0014] According to preferred characteristics of said deflector according to the invention: - each said inclined guide ramp forms with said sole an obtuse angle of inclination of between 120 and 150°; - said dropped edge is made up along its transverse length of an alternation of said inclined guide ramps and vertical walls connected to each other by connecting walls; - said dropped return comprises a central inclined guide ramp centered on the median longitudinal axis of said sole as well as two lateral guide ramps arranged symmetrically on either side of this central ramp; and / or - said deflector comprises a plurality of fixing barrels extending vertically from and above the rear part of said sole, each said inclined guide ramp being aligned longitudinally with a said corresponding fixing barrel.

[0015] The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a motor vehicle comprising such a front bumper deflector as well as a soundproofing screen under the engine extending substantially horizontally a few centimeters above and behind said deflector under the engine compartment of said vehicle; characterized in that said under-engine soundproofing screen comprises, in the rear extension of each inclined guide ramp of said deflector, at least one respective air circulation channel formed in a hollow on its lower face.

[0016] According to preferred characteristics of said vehicle according to the invention: - each said air circulation channel has a semicircular profile in section, at least on its front portion; - said semicircular profile has a diameter of between 50 and 70 millimeters; - the rear portion of each said air circulation channel is in the form of a flat-bottomed indentation extending to a lesser depth than its front portion; and / or - the rear end of each said circulation channel opens onto a fixing barrel provided in a hollow on the lower face of said screen and intended to allow the fixing by screwing of its rear part onto an element of the body structure of said vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] The description of the invention will now be continued by the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, given below for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] represents a three-quarter rear and bottom perspective view of a front subassembly of a motor vehicle consisting of the assembly of an outer front bumper skin, a front bumper skirt, a front bumper deflector according to the invention and an under-engine soundproofing screen; - [Fig.2] is a partial enlarged perspective view of three-quarters front and bottom of the subassembly of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] represents a sectional view taken along a vertical longitudinal cutting plane of the subassembly of [Fig.l]; and - [Fig.4] is a three-quarter rear and top perspective view of the front bumper deflector according to the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0018] Figures 1 to 3 represent a front subassembly 1 of a motor vehicle consisting of the assembly of a front bumper outer skin 100, a front bumper skirt 200, a front bumper deflector according to the invention 300 and of a soundproofing screen under the 400 engine.

[0019] By convention, we define with respect to the constituent elements of this subset 1, an orthogonal reference frame XYZ comprising three axes perpendicular two by two, namely: - an X axis, defining a horizontal longitudinal direction, parallel to the ground and coincident with the general direction of movement of the vehicle; - a Y axis, defining a horizontal transverse direction, also parallel to the ground and which with the X axis defines a horizontal XY plane; and - a Z axis, defining a vertical direction, perpendicular to the ground and to the horizontal XY plane.

[0020] In the remainder of the description and with reference to the reference defined above, the terms “longitudinal” or “longitudinally” will refer to a direction parallel to the X axis, the terms “transverse” or “transversely” will refer to a direction parallel to the Y axis, and the terms “vertical” or “vertically” will refer to a direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0021] On the other hand, the terms "front" and "rear" will be used to specify the longitudinal positioning of certain elements relative to the orientation of the X axis conventionally pointing forward. Similarly, the terms "upper" and "lower" will be used to specify the relative position of certain elements relative to the orientation of the Z axis conventionally pointing upward.

[0022] The terms “external” and “internal” will be used to define the relative position of an element with reference to the median vertical longitudinal plane of the subassembly 1. The element closest to this plane will thus be described as internal as opposed to the other element further away from this same plane which will be described as external.

[0023] Finally, the term "substantially" will indicate that a slight deviation is permitted from a predetermined nominal position or arrangement, while remaining included within the scope of the invention. For example, "substantially vertical" indicates that a deviation of the order of 15 to 20° from a strictly vertical orientation is permitted within the scope of the invention.

[0024] Shown alone in [Fig.4], the front bumper deflector according to the invention 300 is made from one or more parts molded from a thermoplastic polymer, such as Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene / Polycarbonate (ABS / PC), possibly reinforced with natural and / or synthetic fibers.

[0025] With reference to this [Fig.4], the deflector 300 conventionally comprises a sole 310 extending along a substantially horizontal mean plane in the lower part of the vehicle so as to define its ground clearance, and having a front edge 311 intended to be fixedly attached against and along the rear lower edge of the front bumper skirt 200, by means of fixing lugs 210 (see [Fig.3]) extending from this rear lower edge of the skirt 200 and capable of cooperating by snap-fastening with slots provided at the level of this front edge 311.

[0026] This deflector 300 also advantageously comprises a raised front portion 320 extending the sole 310 forwards and intended, as illustrated by [Fig. 3], to be housed in the interior volume defined by the skirt 200. This front portion 320 comprises an alternation of connecting walls 321 and hollow boxes 322 capable together of deforming to absorb part of the energy of an impact suffered by the vehicle at the front, for example with a pedestrian.

[0027] With a view to its fixing by screwing onto a lower cross member of the front block, not shown, of the body structure of the vehicle, this deflector 300 also comprises a plurality of frustoconical barrels with square section 331, 332, 333 extending vertically from and above the rear part of the sole 310 and each having a substantially horizontal top wall in which a respective passage orifice is provided.

[0028] In this case, the rear part of this deflector 300 comprises a first central fixing barrel 331 centered on the median longitudinal axis of the sole 310 as well as two other lateral fixing barrels 332, 333 arranged symmetrically on either side of this central barrel 331.

[0029] The deflector 300 further comprises a rearwardly dropped return 340 extending from and along a transversely oriented central portion of the rear edge of the sole 310 and provided, as illustrated by [Fig.l], to come into contact with the front end of the under-engine soundproofing screen 400 extending along a substantially horizontal mean plane a few centimeters above and behind this deflector 300 under the engine compartment to soundproof it and protect it from external aggressions, in particular projections of liquids or gravel or even possible impacts or friction.

[0030] According to the invention and as can be seen in particular in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the dropped return 340 comprises at least one guide ramp 341, 342, 343 sloping obliquely upwards and backwards from the rear edge of the sole 310.

[0031] The presence of at least one such inclined guide ramp 341, 342, 343 on the dropped return 340 thus makes it possible, in the event of the vehicle crossing a sidewalk astride and in reverse, to accompany the relative movement of the sidewalk with respect to the deflector 300 so as to limit the risks of the latter being torn off.

[0032] In order to ensure good sliding of the sidewalk, each inclined guide ramp 341, 342, 343 forms an angle 0 (see [Fig.3]) advantageously between 120 and 150° (and preferably equal to 135°) with the sole 310.

[0033] As illustrated by [Fig.4] and in order to improve the mechanical resistance of the dropped edge 340, the latter is advantageously constituted over its transverse length by an alternation of inclined guide ramps 341, 342, 343 and vertical walls 344, 345, 346, 347 connected to each other by connecting walls 348.

[0034] In this case, the dropped return 340 comprises a central inclined guide ramp 341 centered on the median longitudinal axis of the sole 310 as well as two lateral inclined guide ramps 342, 343 arranged symmetrically on either side of this central ramp 341 (these lateral guide ramps 342, 343 extending transversely over a length half that of the central ramp 341).

[0035] It will be noted in support of [Fig.4] that the guide ramps 341, 342, 343 are preferably each aligned longitudinally with a corresponding fixing barrel 331, 332, 333, which makes it possible to improve their mechanical rigidity.

[0036] As illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the under-engine soundproofing screen 400 is in the form of a substantially horizontal panel made of plastic material, advantageously molded in a single piece from a thermoplastic polymer possibly reinforced with natural and / or synthetic fibers.

[0037] The front part of this under-engine soundproofing screen 400 is also designed to be fixed by screwing onto the lower cross member of the front block of the underbody of the vehicle by means of several fixing lugs 411 (see [Fig.3]), provided with a non-visible passage orifice, and each intended to be sandwiched between the top wall of a corresponding fixing barrel 331, 333, 333 of the deflector 300 and this cross member.

[0038] The fixing of the rear part of the deflector 300 and the front part of the under-engine soundproofing screen 400 is thus advantageously ensured by means of screws successively passing through two superimposed passage orifices of this deflector 300 and of this screen 400 and engaging in tapped holes provided on the lower cross member of the front block of the body structure of the vehicle or in nuts welded onto this same cross member.

[0039] As illustrated by figures 1 and 2 and in order to avoid the generation of turbulent air flows behind the guide ramps 341, 342, 343 arranged at the rear of the deflector 300, the under-engine soundproofing screen 400 comprises in the rear extension of each inclined guide ramp 341, 342, 343, at least one respective air circulation channel 421A, 421B, 422, 423 arranged in a hollow on its lower face located opposite the ground.

[0040] In this case and with reference to [Fig. 1], the under-engine soundproofing screen 400 comprises two central channels, left 421A and right 421B, extending respectively tively in the extension of the left 341A and right 341B portions of the central guide ramp 341, offsetting laterally and symmetrically from each other with respect to the median longitudinal axis of this screen 400.

[0041] The screen 400 also comprises two left 422 and right 423 lateral channels extending respectively in the extension of the lateral guide ramps 342, 343 in substantially longitudinal directions and symmetrically to each other with respect to the median longitudinal axis of this screen 400.

[0042] The left lateral channel 422 joins the left central channel 421A while the right lateral channel 423 joins the right central channel 421B so that all of these channels 421A, 421B, 422, 423 substantially form an M.

[0043] It will be noted in support of figures 1 and 2 that the joined rear ends of the left central 421A and left lateral 422 channels on the one hand and those of the right central 421B and right lateral 423 channels on the other hand open onto respective fixing barrels 431, 432 formed in a hollow on its lower face and intended to allow the fixing by screwing of the rear part of the screen 400 on an element of the body structure of the vehicle.

[0044] As can be seen in [Fig.2], each air circulation channel 421A, 42IB, 422, 423 has in section, on at least its front portion, a semicircular profile advantageously having a diameter of between 50 and 70 millimeters.

[0045] Preferably, the rear portion of each air circulation channel 421A, 421B, 422, 423 is in the form of a flat-bottomed indentation extending to a lesser depth than its front portion.

[0046] Finally, it will be noted that the front and rear portions of these air circulation channels 421A, 421B, 422, 423 are connected by inclined transition walls PT.

[0047] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the number and arrangement of the inclined guide ramps of the front bumper deflector may vary. For example, a single inclined guide ramp could be provided extending over the entire transverse length of the dropped edge.

[0048] According to other embodiment variants not shown, the number and arrangement of the air circulation channels of the under-engine soundproofing screen can also vary.

[0049] The latter may thus have, for example, a semicircular profile in section over their entire length and / or not join two by two at their rear end.

[0050] Numerous variants are conceivable and it is recalled in this regard that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but also encompasses all the variants of execution within the reach of those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims

1. Front bumper deflector (300) for a motor vehicle, comprising a sole (310) extending along a substantially horizontal mean plane and having a front edge (311) intended to be fixedly attached against and along the rear lower edge of the front bumper skirt (200) of this vehicle, said deflector (300) further comprising a rear dropped return (340) extending from and along a transversely oriented central portion of the rear edge of said sole (310) and intended to come into contact with the front end of an under-engine soundproofing screen (400) extending a few centimeters above and behind this deflector (300) under the engine compartment of said vehicle; characterized in that said dropped return (340) comprises at least one guide ramp (341, 342, 343) sloping obliquely upwards and backwards from the rear edge of said sole (310).

2. Front bumper deflector (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that each said inclined guide ramp (341, 342, 343) forms with said sole (310) an obtuse angle of inclination (0) of between 120 and 150°.

3. Front bumper deflector (300) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said dropped edge (340) is constituted over its transverse length by an alternation of said inclined guide ramps (341, 342, 343) and vertical walls (344, 345, 346, 247) connected to each other by connecting walls (348).

4. Front bumper deflector (300) according to claim 3, characterized in that said dropped return (340) comprises a central inclined guide ramp (341) centered on the median longitudinal axis of said sole (310) as well as two lateral guide ramps (342, 343) arranged symmetrically on either side of this central ramp (341).

5. Front bumper deflector (300) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of fixing barrels (331, 332, 333) extending vertically from and above the rear part of said sole (310), each said inclined guide ramp (341, 342, 343) being aligned longitudinally with a corresponding said fixing barrel (331, 332, 333).

6. Motor vehicle comprising a front bumper deflector (300) according to one of claims 1 to 5 as well as an under-engine soundproofing screen (400) extending substantially horizontally a few centimeters above and behind said deflector (300) under the engine compartment of said vehicle; characterized in that said under-engine soundproofing screen (400) comprises, in the rear extension of each inclined guide ramp (341, 342, 343) of said deflector (300), at least one respective air circulation channel (421A, 421B, 422, 423) formed in a hollow on its lower face.

7. Motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that each said air circulation channel (421A, 421B, 422, 423) has in section, on at least its front portion, a semicircular profile.

8. Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said semicircular profile has a diameter of between 50 and 70 millimeters.

9. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the rear portion of each said air circulation channel (421A, 421B, 422, 423) is in the form of a flat-bottomed impression extending to a lesser depth than its front portion.

10. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the rear end of each said circulation channel (421 A, 421B, 422, 423) opens onto a fixing barrel (431, 432) formed in a hollow on the lower face of said screen (400) and intended to allow the fixing by screwing of its rear part onto an element of the body structure of said vehicle.

Images