System for deploying an air deflector element for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for deploying an air deflector element (20) for a vehicle. It comprises: a movable air deflector element (20) for extending the contour of an outer face of the vehicle in a first rolling position, a bistable adjustment device (21) for moving the air deflector element 20 between a first rolling position, a second rolling position and a rest position, said bistable adjustment device (21) comprises at least two flexible connections (22) between two rigid components (23) movable relative to a frame (24); one of the rigid components is fixed integrally to the air deflector element (20); in the second rolling position, the air deflector element (20) is substantially horizontal. The system is made of a single material. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: System for deploying an air deflector element for a vehicle Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for deploying an air deflector element for a vehicle. Prior art

[0002] To activate a movable air deflector device, such as a table or tablet, or an aerodynamic appendage, conventional methods involve assembling multiple components of a mechanism to deploy this surface. For example, to deploy a table, it would be attached to a hinge using screws. Various technical solutions must also be incorporated to maintain the surface in the desired position, such as locks or hooks. On the other hand, to facilitate movement or return the part to its initial position, the use of springs or cylinders is necessary.

[0003] Concerning mobile aerodynamic devices, the articulated movement of the surfaces is achieved by means of electric motors.

[0004] Several defects make these solutions unsatisfactory.

[0005] The first point is the consequent increase in the number of parts to perform the function, for example, of deploying a surface using a hinge or a rack. This results in an increase in the weight of the technical solution, which is a critical feature for future vehicles.

[0006] In addition, the replaced parts are often electric motors or hydraulic cylinders, which reduces reliability and ease of repair.

[0007] A large number of parts increases the cost and difficulty of manufacturing. Several shaping processes may be necessary (plastic extrusion, injection, machining, drilling, etc.), which complicates the manufacturing of the part on an industrial scale.

[0008] The multiplication of parts also requires the assembly of sub-elements.

[0009] Finally, the diversity of parts required, for example for the technical solution of pivot with hinge implies a diversity of materials used: metal alloys, steel, aluminum, polymers, etc., which greatly limits or even eliminates the possibility of recycling existing solutions.

[0010] Another problem exists with regard to the energy cost associated with actuation. There are two current methods proposed:

[0011] The first consists of leaving the aerodynamic appendage free (static fixed device) to follow the air flow. This approach has limited effectiveness due to the aerodynamic flapping observed, thus generating vibrations and various nuisances such as noise, increased wear and flow instability.

[0012] The other solution consists of using mobile devices (jacks, motors, ratchets, etc.). There are solutions such as the publication document FR3105159 presenting two positions using electric motor elements.

[0013] All of these methods for deploying an air deflector element or aerodynamic appendage consume energy, which significantly reduces the potential gains in terms of energy improvement by modifying the aerodynamics. In general, the energy balance is negative, except for very high speeds. Presentation of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0015] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a technique for deploying an air deflector element while limiting the number of parts.

[0016] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved, using a system for deploying an air deflector element for a vehicle, remarkable in that it comprises: a movable air deflector element for extending the contour of an external face of the vehicle in a first rolling position, a bistable adjustment device for moving the air deflector element 20 between a first rolling position, a second rolling position and a rest position, said bistable adjustment device comprises at least two flexible connections between two rigid components movable relative to a frame; one of the rigid components is fixed integrally to the air deflector element; during the second rolling position, the air deflector element is substantially horizontal.

[0017] Thanks to these provisions, replacement by a single part without the need for assembly, allows the reduction of the complexity of the assembly (fewer screws, nuts, rivets, glues, etc.).

[0018] An improvement in robustness and reliability is obtained.

[0019] If the material used for the manufacture of the bistable adjustment device is polymer (plastic) this results in a very low raw material purchase cost, a few cents per piece.

[0020] Direct integration of the technical solution during the design of the supporting elements (roof, doors, dashboards, seats, etc.), does not require assembly.

[0021] Reducing the weight of the vehicle results in reduced fuel consumption.

[0022] By using a single material, the recyclability of vehicles is increased.

[0023] It is possible to choose deployment speeds (first rolling position and second rolling position) and folding (rest position) of the air deflector element.

[0024] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically effective combination.

[0025] In one embodiment, during the first rolling position at least one of the two rigid components comes into abutment on the air deflector element.

[0026] In one embodiment, one of the flexible connections has less resistance to deformation than another flexible connection.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bistable adjustment device comprises a frame connected to a first rigid component by a first flexible connection, the first rigid component is connected to a second rigid component by a second flexible connection, the second rigid component is connected to a third rigid component by a third flexible connection; the second rigid component being fixed integrally to the air deflector element.

[0028] In one embodiment, a fourth rigid component is connected to the frame by a fourth flexible connection.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fourth flexible connection has a greater rigidity than one of the following flexible connections: first flexible connection, second flexible connection or third flexible connection.

[0030] In one embodiment, each rigid component forms a pivot connection by the flexible connection mobility relative to the frame.

[0031] In one embodiment, the frame is connected to the roof of a vehicle.

[0032] In one embodiment, the movement of two rigid components with one of the flexible connections is a movement along a plane or along a point.

[0033] In one embodiment, the bistable adjustment device is integrated into a roof of a vehicle or forms an assembly of a single material. Brief description of the figures

[0034] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the following description given, for explanatory and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0035] [Fig. 1] shows a perspective view of an air deflector element with a bistable adjustment device;

[0036] [Fig.2] represents another detailed and perspective view of an element air deflector with a bistable adjustment device which is the subject of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0037] [Fig. 1] shows an air deflector element 20 with an adjustment device bistable 21.

[0038] The air deflector element 20 is movable and deploys to modify the aerodynamics of a vehicle.

[0039] To do this, the bistable adjustment device 21 is a mechanism with several stability positions, monobloc. It uses a single material. The mechanism is manufactured in one piece with local thinnings which ensure the deformation of the bistable adjustment device 21 and ensure the main deployment function.

[0040] The geometry of the bistable adjustment device 21 makes it possible to store energy (aerodynamic flow around the mechanism and the spoiler; gravity from its mass) and then to restore it to reach the second equilibrium position. This deployment of the air deflector element 20 is done without any external energy input other than the speed of the vehicle, without a jack or electric motor.

[0041] The main objective is to improve the performance of the vehicle by reducing its aerodynamic drag. By modifying the exterior shape of the vehicle, the airflow around it is optimized. This is achieved by deploying an air deflector element 20 movable at a target speed, which reduces turbulence and improves the aerodynamic coefficient often noted Cx. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in fuel consumption, because the aerodynamic drag force noted Fx is reduced.

[0042] The advantage of this air deflector element 20 is the use of a single-piece system, where the outer skin of the vehicle, the bistable adjustment device 21 and the air deflector element 20 form a single part. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the mass, as well as the number of parts, the assembly steps, the cost and the manufacturing time.

[0043] The bistability of the mechanism makes it possible to lock it in two positions without requiring any external energy input once the stability positions are reached. To move from one position to another, the air deflector element 20 uses the passive energy present in the form of aerodynamic flow generated during the movement of the vehicle, thus avoiding aerodynamic flapping.

[0044] The main technical advantage lies in the specific geometric configuration which gives bistability properties to the adjustment device. This feature makes it possible to reduce the number of parts required to perform the same technical function, such as the deployment of the air deflector element 20 according to a first position. This has a direct impact on production cost, manufacturing and assembly complexity, as well as carbon footprint and recyclability rate.

[0045] The activation is entirely passive and uses the drag force generated by the movement of the vehicle, while its design provides the possibility of choosing the deployment and retraction speeds of the air deflector element 20.

[0046] The mechanisms used here are designed to be made in a single piece, thus making them monobloc. This design method has the advantage of a significant weight reduction, because the structure itself integrates the connections between the various "elements". These connections are then referred to as flexible connections, thus eliminating the need to add specific parts to create moving parts such as slides, bearings, screws, bearings or ball joints. This approach also allows, by definition, to minimize the number of parts, thus simplifying the management of supplies and assembly. Finally, ease of recycling at the end of life is favored thanks to a single structure composed of a single material.

[0047] A flexible connection 22 is a mechanical connection between two elements that allows some degree of deformation or relative movement between them. Unlike a rigid connection, which holds the elements in a fixed position, a flexible connection 22 can allow movements such as bending, twisting, or relative displacement. These connections are often made using flexible materials.

[0048] The adjustment device is a bistable mechanism which has two equilibrium positions, allowing it to remain in each of these positions without requiring an external energy supply (such as hydraulic or electrical): first rolling position and second rolling position.

[0049] However, to move from one position to another, a source of energy is required. A bistable mechanism comprising flexible links is called bistable and flexible. These flexible links, materialized by areas of thinning of the material, allow the movement of the mechanism. When the mechanism moves, it deforms and stores elastic energy, which it subsequently releases. The thinner parts of the mechanism, the links, undergo significant deformations and connect the more rigid parts, called "components", although they are part of the same part. The more rigid parts undergo less pronounced deformations and are better able to store and release elastic energy.

[0050] The bistable adjustment device 21 comprises at least two flexible connections 22 between two rigid components 23.

[0051] Mechanisms can have plane or spatial movements. Their movement may or may not combine translations and rotations. This allows the deployment of elements with complex trajectories.

[0052] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] [Fig.2] shows another detail and perspective view of an air deflector element 20 with a bistable adjustment device 21.

[0054] The bistable adjustment device 21 comprises a frame 24 connected to a first rigid component 23a by a first flexible connection 22a. The frame 24 is connected to the vehicle.

[0055] According to a variant, not shown, the frame 24 is linked to a more complex structure: the bistable adjustment device 21 is integrated with one or more other mechanisms to form complex structures. This gives rise to systems which have two or more equilibrium positions, then called multistable mechanisms. In addition to this combination, it is possible to program a fully determined activation sequence, taking into account various mechanical and geometric properties such as the thickness or rigidity of the mechanisms. Thus, in this example the structure comprises notches, representing the stability positions, which become increasingly rigid, or else an increasingly significant angular displacement.

[0056] The first rigid component 23a is connected to a second rigid component 23b by a second flexible connection 22b.

[0057] The second rigid component 23b is connected to a third rigid component 23c by a third flexible connection 22c.

[0058] The second rigid component 23b is fixed integrally to the air deflector element 20.

[0059] A fourth rigid component 23d is connected to the frame 24 by a fourth flexible connection 22d.

[0060] The mechanical behavior of the mechanism on the air deflector element 20 is non-linear and takes place in several stages:

[0061] Loading: below a certain critical force (Euler force), the structure follows the principles of classical mechanics and exhibits linear behavior. At this stage, energy is stored.

[0062] Reaching the critical force: when the critical force is reached, the rigid components making up the bistable adjustment device 21 begin to flex. This causes a decrease in the applied force until an unstable equilibrium position is reached: first rolling position.

[0063] Reaching the second equilibrium position: in general, due to the inertia of the moving parts, the system does not remain in its unstable equilibrium position. The stored energy is then returned to the mechanism, allowing it to reach its second equilibrium position, this time stable, i.e. the second rolling position.

[0064] The deployment system using the bistable adjustment device 21 has reversibility, which means that it is possible to move from the first position to the second and vice versa. However, a disparity in behavior can be observed between the two directions. In other words, the critical force required to activate the mechanism may differ depending on the direction of manipulation. Nevertheless, the behavior is symmetrical in both directions.

[0065] The air deflector element 20 corresponds to the spoiler (English term for "wing" or "spoiler" in French), designed to considerably improve the aerodynamics of vehicles by reducing the drag force.

[0066] In the figure, it is illustrated in the rest position, deploying horizontally into a second rolling position which is balanced beyond a certain speed. The frame 24 is connected to a part of the vehicle body, such as the roof structure for example.

[0067] The bistable adjustment device 21 designates the bistable mechanism allowing the tilting and deployment of the air deflector element 20.

[0068] In a design completely distinct from the current arrangement of roofs, it would be possible to merge frame 24 and part of the vehicle body into a single entity.

[0069] When the car accelerates, a current of air forms around it, and aerodynamic forces appear, and are exerted on the air deflector element 20. These forces are transmitted to the second rigid component 23b, integral with the air deflector element 20. They then cause the displacement of the first rigid component 23a which acts like a spring thanks to the flexible connection 22a.

[0070] From a certain preselected speed, the aerodynamic forces are sufficient to trigger the bistable adjustment device 21, which then moves into its second rolling position. The flexible connections 22 ensure the cohesion of the mechanism. Due to its geometry, the mechanism returns to its first position at a lower speed, chosen for example here at 30 km / h. Gravity and the weight of the spoiler 1 help the return to the initial position: rest position.

[0071] The choice of speeds of 70 km / h and 30 km / h is an example and only depends on the geometry of the bistable adjustment device 21.

[0072] It is therefore possible to freely choose any triggering and folding speed.

[0073] It is emphasized that all the characteristics, as they emerge for a person skilled in the art from the present description, the drawings and the attached characteristics, even if concretely they have only been described in relation to other determined characteristics, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other characteristics or groups of features disclosed herein, unless expressly excluded or technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0074] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 air deflector element 21 bistable adjustment device 22 flexible connection 23 rigid component 24 frame

Claims

Claims

1. System for deploying an air deflector element (20) for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a movable air deflector element (20) for extending the contour of an outer face of the vehicle in a first rolling position, a bistable adjustment device (21) for moving the air deflector element 20 between a first rolling position, a second rolling position and a rest position, said bistable adjustment device (21) comprises at least two flexible connections (22) between two rigid components (23) movable relative to a frame (24); one of the rigid components is fixed integrally to the air deflector element (20); during the second rolling position, the air deflector element (20) is substantially horizontal.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein, during the first rolling position at least one of the two rigid components (23) comes into abutment on the air deflector element (20).

3. System according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which one of the flexible connections has a lower resistance to deformation than another flexible connection (22).

4. System according to claim 2, wherein the bistable adjustment device (21) comprises a frame (24) connected to a first rigid component (23a) by a first flexible connection (22a), the first rigid component (23a) is connected to a second rigid component (23b) by a second flexible connection (22b), the second rigid component (23b) is connected to a third rigid component (23c) by a third flexible connection (22c); the second rigid component (23b) being fixed integrally to the air deflector element (20).

5. The system of claim 3, wherein a fourth rigid component (23d) is connected to the frame (24) by a fourth flexible connection (22d).

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the fourth flexible connection (22d) has a greater rigidity than one of the following flexible connections: first flexible connection (22a), second flexible connection (22b) or third flexible connection (22c).

7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which each rigid component (23, 23a, 23b; 23c, 23d) forms a pivot connection

8.

9.

10. by the mobility of flexible connection (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) relative to the frame (24). System according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the frame (24) is connected to the roof of a vehicle. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the movement of two rigid components (23) with one of the flexible connections (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) is a movement along a plane or along a point. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the bistable adjustment device (21) is integrated into a roof of a vehicle or forms an assembly of a single material.

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