Car canopy grille

Abstract

The invention relates to a canopy grille (1) intended to extend at the base of a front windshield of a motor vehicle, the canopy grille (1) having at least one fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C) located at a front edge (119) of the canopy grille (1), each fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C) allowing the attachment of the canopy grille (1) to a central stiffener, each fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C) forming a depression on the canopy grille (1) and having a passage for a fixing screw. According to the invention, the canopy grille (1) comprises a deflector (15) associated with each attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C), the deflector (15) being configured to prevent gravity flow from the canopy grille (1) into the depression formed by said attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Canopy grille for motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of structural equipment for motor vehicles, and in particular those that participate in managing water runoff in front of a windshield of such motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a canopy grille and a windshield arrangement for a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the prior art, known cowl grilles are known to extend relative to a transverse axis of the motor vehicle across and at the base of the windshield. Such known cowl grilles extend below and / or behind a rear side panel of a hood liner covering the engine compartment of the motor vehicle. At the windshield, such known cowl grilles are attached to a lower front edge of the windshield. The known cowl grilles also provide at least one opening to collect air at the base of the front windshield and direct it to an air conditioning and ventilation system in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0003] Due to their proximity in front of the windshield, the management of runoff and collection of water flowing over the windshield and the cowl grille is important. Therefore, such known cowl grilles are designed to collect and drain runoff water, particularly from the windshield.

[0004] US20220315124 A1 is known to describe a canopy grille for motor vehicles specifically designed for such water runoff management. In particular, the canopy grille described in US20220315124 A1 is positioned away from an air intake on one side of the motor vehicle. The canopy grille forms a closed cross-section and includes a drainage system located below it and connected to a canopy collector. The drainage system is then fed by a gutter located directly above the drainage system and attached to the canopy grille. For optimal drainage, the drainage system is inclined towards an outward side to allow gravity flow to the ground.

[0005] The drawback of the arrangement described in US20220315124 A1 lies in its complexity and the presence of the canopy collector located under the canopy grid. This architecture leads to an increase in the mass of the arrangement and its manufacturing costs. Consequently, the management of runoff water flow depends on this architecture.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a new canopy grid in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to propose such a more compact canopy grid which does not require association with a canopy collector.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose such a canopy grid which optimizes the management of water flows on its surface.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a canopy grille intended to extend at the base of a front windshield of a motor vehicle, the canopy grille having at least one fixing zone located at the level of a front part of the canopy grille, each fixing zone allowing the attachment of the canopy grille to a central stiffener of the motor vehicle, each fixing zone forming a depression on the canopy grille and having a passage for a fixing screw.

[0010] According to the invention, the canopy grid includes a deflector associated with each at least one fixing zone, the deflector being configured to prevent a gravitational flow from the canopy grid and into the depression formed by said fixing zone.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis are defined with respect to the motor vehicle on which the canopy grille conforming to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis is understood as being taken along a direction extending from front to back or from back to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis.The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood as being taken along an axis extending from the wheels of the motor vehicle towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the cowl grille is a bodywork element that extends relative to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle across and to the base of the windshield. The cowl grille is thus a connecting piece between The area at the base of the windshield and the front hood liner. Specifically, the cowl grille extends below and / or behind the rear side of the hood liner covering the engine compartment of the motor vehicle. At the windshield, the cowl grille is attached to the lower front edge of the windshield. The cowl grille is a plastic part, usually molded. Due to its position relative to the windshield, the cowl grille is subject to water runoff from the windshield.

[0013] The cowl grille according to the first aspect of the invention is a more compact cowl grille that can be mounted in a windshield arrangement in the absence of a front manifold. In contrast, the cowl grille according to the invention is held both at its rear edge with the base of the front windshield, and at its front edge by the attachment zone(s) which allow it to be attached to the central stiffener.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the central stiffener forms a cross member extending along the transverse axis and serving as a support for the cowl grille. The central stiffener is located behind the hood liner, and in particular directly behind a sealing gasket placed between the central stiffener and the cowl grille, directly behind the rear side of the front hood liner.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the fastening zone allows the awning grille to be securely attached to the surrounding parts, and in particular to the central stiffener. Each fastening zone is located directly behind a front edge of the awning grille. In particular, each fastening zone is located near and behind a fastening zone for the sealing gasket intended to be associated with the awning grille. To this end, the awning grille according to the invention has a bearing surface for the sealing gasket located at the front edge of the awning grille. The bearing surface extends along the front edge along the transverse axis.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the fixing zone forms a depression, that is, a concave area located below one of the upper faces of the awning grille. Without a deflector, the geometry of the awning grille would cause at least some of the water running down the upper face of the grille to fall into the fixing zone(s). The fixing zones allow a fixing screw to pass through the awning grille—at the level of the fixing zone—in order to work with the central stiffener located directly below.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the deflector forms a barrier that opposes the free flow of a fluid along the canopy grille. The deflector is thus configured to oppose the gravitational flow of the fluid over the canopy grille and to direct it away from at least one attachment zone. The deflector thus directs the fluid flowing over the canopy grille towards at least one flow path located at the front edge of the canopy grille.

[0018] Thus, the canopy grid conforming to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem in that it allows better management of water flows on its surface: by offering at least one deflector associated with at least one fixing zone, it makes it possible to prevent water from rushing into the fixing zone and falling underneath through the screw passages provided on the fixing zone.

[0019] The canopy grille conforming to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0020] - each deflector is made of material with the awning grid. In the context of the present invention, by “made of material”, it is understood that the deflector and the canopy grille are made from the same manufacturing process and that they cannot be separated from each other without one and / or the other being totally or partially damaged or destroyed;

[0021] - each deflector is configured to convey a gravity-flowing fluid onto The cowl grille is directed towards a collection channel located at the front of the cowl grille, in front of at least one mounting point. In other words, each deflector is configured to prevent water flowing from the windshield or onto the cowl grille from falling into the mounting point to which the deflector is attached. This advantageous configuration prevents water from seeping through the mounting point, thus ensuring that water does not enter the engine compartment;

[0022] - the collection chute is located below each at least a fixing zone. Thus, the awning grille has a base that is raised above the fixing channel. In other words, the base of the awning grille extends outward from the drainage channel. The drainage channel is located near a front edge of the awning grille. The fixing zone is located on the side of the drainage channel. The fixing zone extends from the base of the awning grille, creating a depression relative to one upper face of the base. The drainage channel is located below the fixing zone so that water can flow into it by gravity from the base and its upper face;

[0023] - each deflector takes the form of a rib that projects outwards from the canopy grid. The rib forming each deflector has, for example, a height between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm;

[0024] - the deflector associated with a fixing zone comprises a first segment which extends around the periphery of the mounting area to which the deflector is attached. Thus, The first segment of the deflector follows a peripheral outline of the mounting area. The first segment extends to the base of the cowl grille. The first segment of the deflector projects from the upper face of the cowl grille base. The first segment of the deflector is associated with a rear portion of the mounting area, the rear portion being proximal to the windshield to which the cowl grille is intended to be attached;

[0025] - the canopy grille has at least one opening located directly above an entrance air from a sheet metal collector intended to be associated with the awning grille, the first segment of the deflector being located in an intermediate zone between the fixing zone and the opening. This advantageous configuration allows the water flowing onto the awning grille near the opening to be directed in a different direction from the fixing zone;

[0026] - the deflector includes a second segment which extends behind the area of The second segment is distinct from the first segment. The second segment extends primarily along the longitudinal axis. The second segment of the deflector channels the water flowing over the upper surface of the base and prevents it from dispersing along the transverse axis. Specifically, the second segment of the deflector extends along one lateral side of the awning grille opening. The second segment is preferably located on the side of a median longitudinal plane of the awning grille.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, a windshield arrangement for a motor vehicle is proposed, the windshield arrangement comprising:

[0028] - a front windshield that extends across the motor vehicle between two pillars front of the motor vehicle;

[0029] - a sheet metal collector extending to the base of the windshield, the sheet metal collector comprising a air intake for a motor vehicle air conditioning and ventilation system;

[0030] - a central stiffener that extends at the front end of the collector sheet metal and across the motor vehicle;

[0031] - an awning grille conforming to the first aspect of the invention or according to one of the any of its improvements, the canopy grille extending to the base of the front windshield and directly above the sheet metal collector, the canopy grille being fixed to the central stiffener via at least one fixing area.

[0032] In the context of the present invention, the windshield forms a glazed panel located in front of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The windshield extends transversely between two front pillars of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, relative to the vertical axis, the windshield extends to a roof panel of the motor vehicle. At the base of the windshield extends the cowl grille according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the sheet metal manifold is a structural component located under the cowl grille, in front of the windshield and behind the engine compartment and the rear side of the hood liner. The sheet metal manifold includes an air inlet for an air conditioning and ventilation system for the motor vehicle. By way of non-limiting example, the sheet metal manifold is formed from sheet metal shaped by stamping. The sheet metal manifold is preferably made of a metallic material, or possibly of plastic and molded.

[0034] In the context of the present invention, the central stiffener forms a cross member extending along the transverse axis and serving as a support for the cowl grille. The central stiffener is located behind the hood liner, and in particular directly behind a sealing gasket placed between the central stiffener and the cowl grille, directly behind the rear side of the front hood liner.

[0035] The windshield arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0036] - according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the windshield arrangement comprises (i) a first fixing zone located near a first lateral edge of the canopy grille, the first fixing zone being associated with a first deflector, (ii) a second fixing zone located at a mid-section of the canopy grille, relative to a transverse axis, the second fixing zone being associated with a second deflector, (iii) a third fixing zone located near a second lateral edge of the canopy grille, opposite the first lateral edge, the third fixing zone being associated with a third deflector. This configuration ensures optimal fixing and stability for the canopy grille, while also ensuring optimal management of water runoff on the surface of the canopy grille and its collection by the drainage channel in particular;

[0037] - the first fixing zone is associated with a first opening of the grid of the canopy, the first deflector being located on one lateral side of the first opening, the lateral side being proximal to the second deflector. The first opening allows outside air to circulate through the canopy grille and the air inlet of the sheet metal collector. The first opening of the canopy grille passes completely through the base, relative to the vertical axis. The first opening is covered by a perforated grille on its upper face. The first deflector is located at one front edge of the first opening. The first deflector comprises the first segment and the second segment as described previously;

[0038] - the third fixing zone is associated with a second opening in the grid of the awning, the third deflector extending across the second opening, that is- that is, between its lateral sides. The third opening allows outside air to circulate through the canopy grille and the sheet metal collector air intake. The third opening of the canopy grille passes completely through the base, relative to the vertical axis. The third opening is covered by a perforated grille on its upper surface. The third deflector is located at a front edge of the second opening. The third deflector consists only of the second segment as described previously;

[0039] - the second fixation zone is located between the first fixation zone and the The second mounting area is relative to the transverse axis. This second opening allows outside air to circulate through the canopy grille and the sheet metal collector's air intake. The second opening in the canopy grille passes completely through the base, relative to the vertical axis. The second opening is covered by a perforated grille on its upper surface. The second deflector associated with this second mounting area comprises the first and second segments as described previously.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising a windshield arrangement conforming to the second aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

[0041] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] illustrates an overview of a motor vehicle equipped with a windshield arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention;

[0044] [Fig.2] illustrates a three-dimensional view from the front of a canopy grille conforming to the first aspect of the invention and forming the arrangement illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0045] [Fig.3] illustrates a three-dimensional view from the rear of the canopy grille illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0046] [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional and detailed view of the canopy grille shown on the [Fig.2];

[0047] [Fig.5] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the canopy grille shown in [Fig.2];

[0048] [Fig.6] illustrates a detailed view of [Fig.5];

[0049] [Fig.7] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second example of the grid embodiment canopy equipping the windshield arrangement of [Fig.l].

[0050] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0051] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0052] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0053] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle 3 on which the canopy grille 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted.

[0054] More specifically, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction between one side of the motor vehicle 3 and an opposite side of said motor vehicle 3. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle 3 to a driver's side of said motor vehicle 3, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0055] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as if taken along a direction extending from front to rear or rear to front of the motor vehicle 3. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives front, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0056] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle 3 and towards the roof of said motor vehicle 3, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0057] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 7, the invention addresses a windshield arrangement 21 for a motor vehicle 3, the windshield arrangement 21 comprising:

[0058] - a front windscreen 21 that extends across the motor vehicle 3 between two front pillars of the motor vehicle 3;

[0059] - a sheet metal collector 22 extending to the base 211 of the windshield 21, the sheet metal collector 22 including an air inlet 221 for a motor vehicle air conditioning and ventilation system 3;

[0060] - a central stiffener 23 which extends at the level of a front end of the collector sheet metal 22 and across the motor vehicle 3;

[0061] - a canopy grille 1 extending to the base 211 of the front windscreen 21 and vertically of the sheet metal collector 22, the canopy grid 1 being fixed to the central stiffener 23 via at least one fixing area 14A, 14B, 14C.

[0062] The arrangement 2 according to the invention does not include an awning collector associated with the awning grid 1. The awning grid 1 is thus more compact.

[0063] This configuration leads to the fact that the management of water flows from the windshield 21 and / or the surface of the canopy grid 1 must now be managed by the canopy grid 1 itself, in order to provide good drainage of runoff water.

[0064] In addition, in addition to or as an alternative to the problem mentioned above, the proximity of a hood lining 24 to the canopy grille 1, relative to the vertical axis Z, leads to a reduced indentation capacity for said hood lining 24. This reduced indentation capacity results in excessive rigidity which would not allow full satisfaction of the requirements required by national legislation in terms of pedestrian impact tests.

[0065] The FIGURES described below illustrate several examples of canopy grid designs that address one or both of these technical problems. The technical characteristics described in each of the FIGURES can be considered independently or in combination. Generally speaking, the technical problem of managing water flow on the surface of the canopy grid 1 is distinct from that of vertical rigidity. However, due to the specific geometry of the canopy grid 1, the combined management of these technical problems can lead to compatible and synergistic geometries.

[0066] Generally, and as can be seen in FIGURES 2 to 7, such a canopy grille 1 extends mainly along the transverse axis Y of the motor vehicle 3, across and at the level of a foot 211 of the windshield 21. The canopy grille 1 forms an interface piece between the foot 211 of the windshield 21 and the engine compartment.

[0067] Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the cowl grille 1 is delimited towards the front by a front edge 119 which is associated with a sealing gasket 17. The sealing gasket 17 extends along the transverse axis Y and makes it possible to isolate the engine compartment from the part located at the level of the cowl grille 1. The sealing gasket 17 also makes it possible to prevent water flowing on or from the upper face 112 of the cowl grille 1 from flowing into the engine compartment, which would be undesirable.

[0068] Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the canopy grille 1 is delimited towards the rear by a rear edge 118 which is mechanically coupled to the base 211 of the windshield 21.

[0069] At its front edge 119, the cowl grille 1 is surmounted by a hood liner 24. As can be seen in FIGURES 5 and 7, the hood liner 24 covers the cowl grille 1 and extends behind the front edge 119 of the cowl grille 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the hood liner 24 largely covers the cowl grille 1, so that it extends substantially to the windshield 21.

[0070] Relative to the vertical axis Z, the hood lining 24 extends above an upper face 112 of the canopy grille 1. There is thus a non-zero gap between the hood lining 24 and the upper face 112 of the canopy grille 1. This gap is for example between 1 cm and 8 cm.

[0071] As can be seen in FIGURES 2 to 7, the canopy grille 1 has a base between its front edge 119 and its rear edge 118. The base forms a generally parallelepiped-shaped protrusion extending along the longitudinal axis X between the front edge 119 and the rear edge 118, and along the transverse axis Y between two lateral edges of the canopy grille 1. The base projects out from a lower part 120 of the canopy grille 1, relative to the vertical axis Z.

[0072] The base is inclined from the rear edge 118 towards the front edge 119. In other words, the base taken at the rear edge 118 of the canopy grille 1 is raised relative to the base taken at the front edge 119 of the canopy grille 1. This configuration leads to the water being able to flow at the level of the upper face 112 under the simple effect of gravity.

[0073] The base is delimited, near the rear edge 118 of the canopy grille 1, by a rear wall 111 which extends relative to the vertical axis Z and, at the front edge 119 of the canopy grille 1, by a front wall 110. The rear wall 111 extends mainly along the transverse axis Y between the two lateral edges of the canopy grille 1. The front wall 110 extends mainly along the transverse axis Y between the two lateral edges of the canopy grille 1.

[0074] The base extends vertically above the air inlet 221 of the sheet metal manifold 22. Additionally, the base includes at least one opening extending vertically above the air inlet 221 of the sheet metal manifold 22, in order to facilitate the flow of air through the opening and towards the air inlet 221. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the canopy grille 1 includes:

[0075] - a first opening 1 IA located on the side of a left lateral edge of the grid awning 1; and

[0076] - a second opening 1 IB located on the side of a right lateral edge of the grid awning 1.

[0077] As shown in FIGURES 2, 3, 5 and 6, the canopy grille 1 is attached, near its front edge 119, to the central stiffener 23 by means of several attachment points. Each attachment point has a fixing screw which passes through a passage provided in a fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C of the canopy grille 1.

[0078] Each mounting zone 14A, 14B, 14C forms a depression extending from the upper face 112 of the base. The depression thus forms a cavity extending from the upper face 112 of the base. Relative to the longitudinal axis X, each mounting zone 14A, 14B, 14C is located at the front wall 110 of the base, directly behind a second flow path 13 – described below. In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the canopy grille 1 comprises:

[0079] - a first fixing zone 14A located at the level of the first opening 11A of the base;

[0080] - a second fixing zone 14B located in the middle position of the awning grille 1;

[0081] - a third attachment zone 14C located at the level of the second opening 1 IB of the base.

[0082] Each fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C is supported against the central stiffener 23 located directly below it. This advantageous configuration allows for a stable and robust fixing of the canopy grille 1, in the absence of the collector used in previously known canopy grilles.

[0083] As can be seen in FIGURES 2 to 7, between the rear edge 118 of the canopy grille 1 and the rear wall 111 of the base, the canopy grille 1 has a first flow path 12 for the water flowing from the windshield 21. The first flow path 12 forms a channel for recovering runoff water upstream of the base, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0084] Additionally, between the front edge 119 of the canopy grille 1 and the front wall 110 of the base, the canopy grille 1 has a second drainage channel 13 for the water flowing from the upper face 112 of the base. The second drainage channel 13 forms a runoff recovery channel downstream of the base, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0085] The first drainage channel 12 extends along the transverse axis Y between the two lateral edges of the canopy grid 1. The first drainage channel 12 is inclined towards one and / or the other of the lateral edges of the canopy grid 1. In the embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, the first drainage channel 12 is inclined simultaneously towards both lateral edges of the canopy grid 1, for optimal management of the evacuation of runoff water from the windshield 21.

[0086] Similarly, the second flow path 13 extends along the transverse axis Y between the two lateral edges of the canopy grid 1. The second flow path 13 is inclined towards one and / or the other of the lateral edges of the canopy grid 1. In the embodiment examples illustrated in the FIGURES, the second flow path 13 is inclined simultaneously towards the two lateral edges of the canopy grid 1, for optimal management of the runoff water evacuation from the upper face 112 of the base.

[0087] As shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, in order to facilitate the drainage of the water recovered in the first drainage channel 12, i.e. the evacuation of the water thus recovered from the first drainage channel 12, the first drainage channel 12 includes a first evacuation 121 of the water collected by the first drainage channel 12. The first evacuation 121 is located in the immediate vicinity of a lateral edge of the canopy grid 1. The first evacuation 121 is located between a lateral wall 113 of the base and the lateral edge of the canopy grid 1.

[0088] Similarly, the second flow path 13 includes a second discharge 131 of the water collected by the second flow path 13. The second discharge 131 is located in the immediate vicinity of a lateral edge of the canopy grid 1. The second discharge 131 is located between a lateral wall 113 of the base and the lateral edge of the canopy grid 1.

[0089] With reference to FIGURES 2, 3, and 4, in order to prevent mixing the runoff collected by the first discharge channel 12 and that collected by the second discharge channel 13, the first outlet 121 is separated from the second outlet 131 by a partition 16. The partition 16 extends between the side wall 113 of the base and the side edge of the canopy grille 1. The partition 16 forms a wall that projects from each discharge channel of the canopy grille 1. The partition 16 rises to a height of at least a few millimeters, or even a few centimeters. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the partition 16 forms a flat, straight wall; and the partition 16 has a constant height between the side edge of the canopy grille 1 and the side wall 113 of the base. In this example of implementation, the separation 16 extends along the transverse axis Y.

[0090] Of course, depending on the needs, the available space and the style constraints, the partition 16 can take any shape, and in particular it can be curved.

[0091] In order to ensure the flow of runoff water on the upper face 112 of the base towards the second flow path 13, each fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C is associated with a deflector 15 which prevents said runoff water from falling into the corresponding fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C.

[0092] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the deflector 15 is shaped like a rib that projects from the upper face 112 of the base. The deflector 15 has a height greater than 1 mm, for example, between 1.5 mm and 5 mm. The height of the deflector 15 is constant along its entire length. The thickness of the deflector 15 is approximately 1 mm.

[0093] Each deflector 15 associated with a fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C comprises:

[0094] - a first segment 152 which extends around the periphery of the attachment zone 14A, 14B, 14C to which the deflector 15 is associated. Thus, the first segment 152 of the deflector 15 follows a peripheral outline of the attachment zone 14A, 14B, 14C. The first segment 152 of the deflector 15 is associated with a rear portion of the attachment zone 14A, 14B, 14C; and / or

[0095] - a second segment 151 which extends behind the attachment area 14A, 14B, 14C to which it is associated. The second segment 151 is distinct from the first segment 152. The second segment 151 extends mainly along the longitudinal axis X. The second segment 151 of the deflector 15 allows the water flowing over the upper face 112 of the base to be channeled and prevented from dispersing along the transverse axis Y.

[0096] As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, the canopy grille 1 comprises:

[0097] - a first fixing zone 14A located at the level of the first opening 11A of the base. The first attachment zone 14A is associated with a first deflector 15 comprising a first segment 152 peripheral to the first attachment zone 14A and a second segment 151 which extends along the first opening 11A, towards the rear wall 111 of the base. The first attachment zone 14A is located at a lateral edge of the first opening 1IA, proximal to a median axis of the canopy grid 1. Also, the second segment 151 of the deflector 15 associated with the first attachment zone 14A runs along the first opening 11A. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to channel the water that runs off the upper face 112 at the level of the first opening 11A and send it into the second flow path 13 below the first opening 1IA, rather than into the first attachment zone 14A;

[0098] - a second fixing zone 14B located in the middle position of the awning grille 1. The second attachment zone 14B is associated with a second deflector 15 comprising only a first segment 152 peripheral to the second attachment zone 14B. The second attachment zone 14B is located at the median axis of the canopy grille 1. This advantageous configuration allows the water running off the upper face 112 to be channeled to the median part of the grille. canopy 1 and send them into the second flow path 13 below the base rather than into the second fixing zone 14B;

[0099] - a third attachment zone 14C located at the level of the second opening 1 IB of the base. The third attachment zone 14C is associated with a third deflector 15 comprising only a first segment 152 peripheral to the third attachment zone 14C. The third attachment zone 14C is located in the middle of the second opening 11B, relative to the transverse axis Y. Thus, this advantageous configuration allows the water running off the upper face 112 along the second opening 11B to be channeled into the second flow path 13 below the base rather than into the third attachment zone 14C.

[0100] With reference to FIGURES 6 and 7, the base of the canopy grille 1 has a specific design that reduces damage and consequences caused by a pedestrian impact. This design is compatible with, or an alternative to, the provisions described above regarding the drainage of runoff water.

[0101] In order to reduce the rigidity of the base during a pedestrian impact – where the head or helmet strikes the rear of the hood liner 24 – at the level of the cowl grille 1, the cowl grille 1 has a flexible hinge that allows the cowl grille 1 to deform under the effect of the impact. This deformation leads to a lowering of the base and thus greater mobility of the hood liner 24 along the vertical axis Z. Furthermore, this flexibility introduced at the level of the cowl grille 1 – and more particularly at the base – makes it possible to reduce the rigidity of the base and to allow for a deformation – elastic or plastic – that is beneficial for the pedestrian involved in the impact.

[0102] For this purpose, the rear wall 111 of the base has a local thinning of material forming a thin neck 116. The thin neck 116 extends along the rear wall 111 and relative to the transverse axis Y. Preferably, the thin neck 116 extends from one lateral edge to the other of the rear wall 111.

[0103] The thin collar 116 is located where the rear wall 111 forms a lower fold 115 with the lower part 120 of the canopy grille 1, behind the base and in front of the rear edge 118 of the canopy grille 1. Alternatively, the thin collar 116 could have been located at an upper fold 114, at the interface between the rear wall 111 and the upper face 112 of the base. However, the configuration shown in FIGURES 6 and 7 is preferable because it provides leverage when the base tilts backward upon impact.

[0104] Indeed, in the event of an impact on the hood lining 24, it depresses and strikes the cowl grille 1 – and more specifically its base – located directly below. Without the thin collar 116, the base could not depress and would exhibit excessive rigidity, causing serious injury to the pedestrian. impacted. The thin neck 116 solves this problem by concentrating the mechanical stresses produced by the impact at the level of said thin neck 116, leading to its deformation, facilitated by the reduced transverse dimensions of the rear wall 111 at the level of the thin neck 116.

[0105] Consequently, the rear wall 111 deforms at the thin neck 116 - at the lower fold 115 of the rear wall 111 - and it therefore sags towards the rear, thus offering additional mobility along the vertical axis Z.

[0106] The thin neck 116 is delimited by a circular profile on either side of the back wall 111. A residual thickness of the back wall 111 taken at the level of the thin neck 116 is less than that of the back wall 111 taken outside the thin neck 116. For example, the thinning is on the order of 20% to 80% of the thickness of the back wall 111 taken outside the thin neck 116.

[0107] In summary, the invention relates to a canopy grille 1 intended to extend to the base 211 of a front windscreen 21 of a motor vehicle 3, the canopy grille 1 having at least one fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C located at the level of a front edge 119 of the canopy grille 1, each fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C allowing the fixing of the canopy grille 1 to a central stiffener 23, each fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C forming a depression on the canopy grille 1 and having a passage for a fixing screw. According to the invention, the canopy grid 1 includes a deflector 15 associated with each fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C, the deflector 15 being configured to prevent a gravity flow from the canopy grid 1 and into the depression formed by said fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C.

[0108] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Canopy grille (1) intended to extend to the base (211) of a front windshield (21) of a motor vehicle (3), the canopy grille (1) having at least one attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C) located at a front portion of the canopy grille (1), each attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C) allowing the canopy grille (1) to be attached to a central stiffener (23) of the motor vehicle (3), each attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C) forming a depression on the canopy grille (1) and having a passage for a fixing screw; characterized in that the canopy grid (1) has a deflector (15) associated with each at least one fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C), the deflector (15) being configured to prevent gravity flow from the canopy grid (1) and into the depression formed by said fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C).

2. Canopy grid (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each deflector (15) is configured to convey a fluid flowing by gravity over the canopy grid (1) towards a recovery chute located at a front portion of the canopy grid (1), in front of each at least one attachment area (14A, 14B, 14C).

3. Canopy grid (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each deflector (15) takes the form of a rib which projects out from the canopy grid (1).

4. Canopy grille (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector (15) associated with a fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C) comprises a first segment (152) which extends around the periphery of the fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C) to which the deflector (15) is associated.

5. Canopy grille (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first segment (152) of the deflector (15) is associated with a rear portion of the attachment area (14A, 14B, 14C), the rear portion being proximal to the windscreen (21) to which the canopy grille (1) is intended to be associated.

6. A canopy grille (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the canopy grille (1) has at least one opening located directly above an air inlet (221) of a sheet metal collector (22) intended to be associated with the canopy grille (1), the first segment (152) of the deflector (15) being located in an intermediate zone between the fixing zone (14A, 14B, 14C) and the opening.

7. Canopy grille (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the deflector (15) comprises a second segment (151) which extends behind the attachment area (14A, 14B, 14C) to which it is associated.

8. Awning grille (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second segment (151) of the deflector (15) extends along a lateral side of the opening of the awning grille (1).

9. Windscreen arrangement (2) (21) for motor vehicle (3), the windscreen arrangement (2) (21) comprising: - a front windscreen (21) extending across the motor vehicle (3) between two front pillars of the motor vehicle (3); - a sheet metal collector (22) extending at the base (211) of the windscreen (21), the sheet metal collector (22) comprising an air inlet (221) for an air conditioning and ventilation system of the motor vehicle (3); - a central stiffener (23) extending at a front end of the sheet metal collector (22) and across the motor vehicle (3); - a canopy grille (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the canopy grille (1) extending to the base (211) of the front windscreen (21) and directly below the sheet metal collector (22), the canopy grille (1) being fixed to the central stiffener (23) via at least one fixing area (14A, 14B, 14C).

10. Motor vehicle (3) comprising a windscreen arrangement (2) (21) according to the preceding claim.

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