Awning grille and windshield arrangement for motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a cowl grille (1) intended to extend at the base of a front windshield of a motor vehicle, the cowl grille (1) comprising at least one attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C) located at a front edge (119) of the cowl grille (1), each attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C) allowing the cowl grille (1) to be attached to a central stiffener, a first flow path (12) for a fluid running from the windshield, the first flow path (12) being located near a rear edge of the cowl grille (1) and associated with a first outlet (121), a second flow path (13) for the fluid flowing over the cowl grille (1), the second flow path (13) being located at a front edge of the cowl grille (1) and associated with a second evacuation (131), a separation (16) being located between the first evacuation (121) and the second evacuation (131). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Canopy grille and windshield arrangement for motor vehicles

[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 cowl 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] French patent document FR3120842 A1 is known, in particular, which describes a cowl grille in two parts connected by two sealing gaskets, forming a water drainage channel oriented along the longitudinal axis, i.e., from a portion of the cowl grille proximal to the windshield to a portion of the cowl grille proximal to the engine compartment. The cowl grille described in FR3120842 A1 is associated with a cowl collector located below the cowl grille, to which the cowl grille is rigidly attached. The cowl collector collects the water running off the drainage channel.

[0005] The drawback of the arrangement described in FR3120842 A1 lies in its complexity and the presence of the canopy collector located under the canopy grille. This architecture leads to an increase in the mass of the arrangement and its manufacturing costs. Consequently, the management of runoff water 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 comprising:

[0010] - at least one fixing area located at the level of a front part of the grille of canopy, each fixing zone allowing the attachment of the canopy grille to a central stiffener of the motor vehicle;

[0011] - a first flow path for a fluid running from the windshield, the the first drainage channel being located at the level of a rear part of the canopy grille;

[0012] - a collection chute located at the level of a front part of the grid of the canopy, the recovery gutter forming a second flow path for the fluid flowing over the canopy grid;

[0013] - at least a first evacuation allowing the fluid recovered in the first drainage path to be evacuated by gravity flow, at least one first evacuation forming a low point for the first drainage path;

[0014] - at least a second outlet allowing the fluid recovered in the second flow path to be evacuated by gravity flow, at least a second evacuation forming a low point for the second flow path.

[0015] According to the invention, the canopy grid has a separation between the first flow path and the second flow path, so that the fluid recovered in one cannot flow into the other.

[0016] 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 the front to the rear or from the rear to the front of the vehicle. Automobile. 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 that extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle to 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.

[0017] 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 at the base of the windshield. The cowl grille thus acts as a connecting piece between the area at the base of the windshield and a front hood liner. In particular, the cowl grille extends below and / or behind a rear side panel of a hood liner covering the engine compartment of the motor vehicle. At the windshield, the cowl grille is attached to a lower front edge of the windshield. The cowl grille is a plastic part generally obtained by molding. Due to its position relative to the windshield, the cowl grille is subject to water runoff flowing from the windshield.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 used 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.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the fixing zone forms a depression, that is to say, a concave zone located below an upper face of the awning grille. In the absence of a deflector, the geometry of the awning grille This would result in at least some of the water running down the top of the awning grille falling into the fixing area(s). The fixing areas allow a fixing screw to pass through the awning grille—at the level of the fixing area—in order to work with the central stiffener located directly below.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the first flow path forms a recovery channel for fluid running off the windshield. The first flow path forms an upper recovery channel for the cowl grille. In other words, the first flow path forms a rear recovery channel for the cowl grille. The first flow path is located near the rear edge of the cowl grille.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the second flow path forms a recovery channel for fluid running off the canopy grille itself. The second flow path forms a lower recovery channel for the canopy grille. In other words, the second flow path forms a forward recovery channel for the canopy grille. The second flow path is located near the front edge of the canopy grille.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the first drain forms a low point for the first flow path. The first flow path comprises one or more first drains. Each first drain forms a low point for the first flow path. Each first drain comprises at least one opening to allow water to be discharged from the first flow path.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the second drain forms a low point for the second flow path. The second flow path comprises one or more second drains. Each second drain forms a low point for the second flow path. Each second drain has at least one opening to allow water to be discharged from the second flow path.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, the partition forms a barrier that prevents the free flow of a fluid along the canopy grid and between the first and second flow paths. The deflector is thus configured to oppose the gravitational flow of the fluid from the first flow path to the second flow path or vice versa. The partition thus directs the fluid flowing in each of the flow paths toward a low point for each of said flow paths, without interference between them.

[0027] Thus, the canopy grid conforming to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem in that it allows for better management of water flow on its surface: by providing two distinct flow paths and a separation between They optimize the recovery of water flowing over the canopy grid and direct it towards specific drains for each flow path.

[0028] 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:

[0029] - according to a first embodiment, the first flow path and The second drainage channel is inclined towards a single first lateral edge of the cowl grille. Thus, in this first embodiment, the first and second drainage channels are inclined in a single direction, towards a right or left lateral edge. In this first embodiment, the first and second drainage channels can be inclined towards the same lateral edge or towards a different lateral edge. In all cases, the first drainage channel has a slope inclined towards only one side, and the second drainage channel has a slope inclined towards only one side. This advantageous configuration is simpler to design and can be adapted to asymmetrical water flow management at the base of the windshield.

[0030] - in this first embodiment, at least one first evacuation and / or at least one second drainage channel each have at least one drain opening located on the side of the first lateral edge of the canopy grille. In other words, at the bottom of the sloping first drainage channel, the first drainage channel has at least one first drain; and / or at the bottom of the second drainage channel, the second drainage channel has at least one second drain. This advantageous configuration allows for optimal drainage of both the first and second drainage channels;

[0031] - according to a second embodiment, the first flow path and / or the second drainage channel are inclined towards a first lateral edge of the cowl grille and towards a second lateral edge of the cowl grille. Preferably, the first and second drainage channels are each inclined towards a first lateral edge of the cowl grille and towards a second lateral edge of the cowl grille. This advantageous configuration allows for symmetrical management of water runoff at the base of the windshield. In this second embodiment, the first and second drainage channels are inclined in two opposite directions: towards a right lateral edge and towards a left lateral edge. In this second embodiment, the first drainage channel has a first slope inclined towards the left lateral edge and a second slope inclined towards the right lateral edge; and the second flow path has a first slope inclined towards the left lateral edge and a second slope inclined towards the right lateral edge;

[0032] - at least one first evacuation and at least one second evacuation Each has at least one drain opening located on the side of the first lateral edge of the awning grille and at least one drain opening located on the side of the second lateral edge of the awning grille. In other words, at the bottom of each sloping section of the first drainage channel, the first drainage channel has at least one first drain; and / or at the bottom of each sloping section of the second drainage channel, the second drainage channel has at least one second drain. This advantageous configuration allows for optimal drainage of both the first and second drainage channels.

[0033] - in either embodiment, the separation extends between the minus one drain opening from at least one first drain associated with the first drainage channel and at least one drain opening from at least one second drain associated with the second drainage channel. Thus, at the right and / or left side edge of the canopy grille, the separation extends across in a direction joining at least one drain opening from each first and second drain. This advantageous configuration allows for better management of water flow in each drainage channel, preventing water present in the first drainage channel from passing into the second drainage channel, or vice versa. Consequently, this allows for better drainage of each drainage channel;

[0034] - the separation has a height - measured along a vertical axis, greater than 1 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 15 mm.

[0035] - the canopy grille has a base which extends projecting from the first The drainage channel consists of two drainage channels: one with a base supporting at least one opening aligned with an air inlet of a sheet metal collector intended to be connected to the canopy grille. The separation comprises a wall extending from the base towards the first lateral edge of the canopy grille and / or the second lateral edge of the canopy grille. The base of the canopy grille projects from each of the drainage channels. Each mounting point is located on the side of the collection channel forming the second drainage channel. The collection channel is positioned below at least one mounting point and the base so that water can flow into it by gravity from the base and its upper surface.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the invention, a windshield arrangement for a motor vehicle is proposed, the windshield arrangement comprising:

[0037] - a front windshield that extends across the motor vehicle between two pillars front of the motor vehicle;

[0038] - 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;

[0039] - a central stiffener that extends at the front end of the collector sheet metal and across the motor vehicle;

[0040] - 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 of 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, possibly made of plastic and molded.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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:

[0045] - According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the windshield arrangement It comprises (i) a first fixing zone located near a first lateral edge of the awning grille, (ii) a second fixing zone located at a mid-section of the awning grille, relative to a transverse axis, and (iii) a third fixing zone located near a second lateral edge of the awning grille, opposite the first lateral edge. This configuration ensures optimal fixing and stability for the awning grille, while also guaranteeing optimal handling. water runoff on the surface of the canopy grid and its collection by the recovery gutter in particular;

[0046] The first fixing area is associated with a first opening in the canopy grille. The first opening allows outside air to circulate through the canopy grille and the air inlet of the sheet metal collector. The first opening in 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;

[0047] The third fixing zone is associated with a second opening in the canopy grille. The third opening allows outside air to circulate through the canopy grille and the air inlet of the sheet metal collector. The third opening in 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 face;

[0048] The second mounting zone is located between the first and second mounting zones, relative to the transverse axis. The second opening allows outside air to circulate through the canopy grille and the air inlet of the sheet metal manifold. 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.

[0049] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising a windscreen arrangement conforming to the second aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

[0050] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0051] 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:

[0052] [Fig-1] illustrates an overview of a motor vehicle 3 equipped with a windshield arrangement 21 conforming to the second aspect of the invention;

[0053] [Fig.2] illustrates a three-dimensional view from the front of a canopy grille 1, conforming to the first aspect of the invention and forming the arrangement 2 illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0054] [Fig.3] illustrates a three-dimensional view from the rear of the canopy grille 1 illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0055] [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional and detailed view of the illustrated canopy grille 1 on the [Fig.2];

[0056] [Fig.5] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the canopy grid 1 shown in [Fig.2];

[0057] [Fig.6] illustrates a detailed view of [Fig.5];

[0058] [Fig.7] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second example of the grid embodiment canopy 1 equipping the windshield arrangement 21 of the [Fig.l].

[0059] 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.

[0060] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are combinable with each other, if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0061] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood to be taken along an axis extending from the wheels of the motor vehicle 3 to 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.

[0066] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 7, the invention addresses a windshield arrangement 21 for a motor vehicle 3, the windshield arrangement 21 comprising:

[0067] - a front windscreen 21 that extends across the motor vehicle 3 between two front pillars of the motor vehicle 3;

[0068] - 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;

[0069] - a central stiffener 23 which extends at the level of a front end of the collector 22 sheet metal and across the motor vehicle 3;

[0070] - a canopy grille 1 extending to the base 211 of the front windscreen 21 and vertically of the collector 22 sheet metal, the canopy grid 1 being fixed to the central stiffener 23 via at least one fixing area 14A, 14B, 14C.

[0071] The arrangement 2 according to the invention does not include a canopy collector 22 associated with the canopy grid 1. The canopy grid 1 is thus more compact.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 of national legislation in terms of pedestrian impact tests.

[0074] The FIGURES described below illustrate several examples of canopy grid embodiments 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the cowl grille 1 is delimited at 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 isolates the engine compartment from the area located at the level of the cowl grille 1. The sealing gasket 17 also allows to prevent water flowing on or from the upper face 112 of the canopy grille 1 from flowing into the engine compartment, which would be undesirable.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The base is delimited, near the rear edge 118 of the canopy grille 1, by a rear wall 111 extending relative to the vertical axis Z and, at the front edge 119 of the canopy grille 1, by a front wall. The rear wall 111 extends predominantly along the transverse axis Y between the two lateral edges of the canopy grille 1. The front wall extends predominantly along the transverse axis Y between the two lateral edges of the canopy grille 1.

[0083] 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:

[0084] - a first opening 1 IA located on the side of a left lateral edge of the grid awning 1; and

[0085] - a second opening 1 IB located on the side of a right lateral edge of the grid awning 1.

[0086] As can be seen 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.

[0087] 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 on the front wall 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:

[0088] - a first fixing zone 14A located at the level of the first opening 11A of the base;

[0089] - a second fixing zone 14B located in the middle position of the awning grille 1;

[0090] - a third attachment zone 14C located at the level of the second opening 1 IB of the base.

[0091] 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 22 used in previously known canopy grilles.

[0092] As 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.

[0093] Additionally, between the front edge 119 of the canopy grid 1 and the front wall of the base, the canopy grid 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.

[0094] The first flow path 12 extends along the transverse axis Y between the two lateral edges of the canopy grid 1. The first flow path 12 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 first flow path 12 is inclined simultaneously towards both lateral edges of the canopy grid 1, for optimal management of the runoff water evacuation from the windshield 21.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Each deflector 15 associated with a fixing zone 14A, 14B, 14C comprises:

[0103] - 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

[0104] - 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.

[0105] As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, the canopy grid 1 comprises:

[0106] - a first fixing zone 14A located at the level of the first opening 1 IA 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;

[0107] - a second fixing zone 14B located in the middle position of the awning grille 1. The second fixing zone 14B is associated with a second deflector 15 comprising only a first segment 152 peripheral to the second zone of fixing 14B. The second fixing zone 14B is located at the level of the median axis of the canopy grid 1. This advantageous configuration allows the waters which run off the upper face 112 to be channeled at the level of the median part of the canopy grid 1 and sent into the second flow path 13 below the base rather than into the second fixing zone 14B;

[0108] - 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 impacted.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 struck. The thin collar 116 solves this problem by concentrating the mechanical stresses produced by the impact at the level of said thin collar 116, leading to its deformation, facilitated by the reduced transverse dimensions of the rear wall 111 at the level of the thin collar 116.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In summary, the invention relates to a cowl grille 1 intended to extend to the base 211 of a front windshield 21 of a motor vehicle 3, the cowl grille 1 comprising at least one attachment zone 14A, 14B, 14C located at a front edge 119 of the cowl grille 1, each attachment zone 14A, 14B, 14C allowing the cowl grille 1 to be attached to a central stiffener 23, a first flow channel 12 for fluid running from the windshield 21, the first flow channel 12 being located near a rear edge 118 of the cowl grille 1 and associated with a first drain 121, a second flow channel 13 for fluid flowing over the cowl grille 1, the second flow channel 13 being located at level of a front edge 119 of the canopy grid 1 and associated with a second evacuation 131, a separation 16 being located between the first evacuation 121 and the second evacuation 131.

[0117] 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. A cowl grille (1) intended to extend to the base (211) of a front windscreen (21) of a motor vehicle (3), the cowl grille (1) comprising: - at least one attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C) located at a front part of the cowl grille (1), each attachment zone (14A, 14B, 14C) allowing the cowl grille (1) to be attached to a central stiffener (23) of the motor vehicle (3); - a first flow path (12) for a fluid dripping from the windscreen (21), the first flow path (12) being located at a rear part of the cowl grille (1); - a recovery gutter located at the level of a front part of the canopy grille (1), the recovery gutter forming a second flow path (13) for the fluid flowing over the canopy grille (1);- at least one first outlet (121) allowing the fluid recovered in the first flow path (12) to be discharged by gravity flow, the at least one first outlet (121) forming a low point for the first flow path (12); - at least one second outlet (131) allowing the fluid recovered in the second flow path (13) to be discharged by gravity flow, the at least one second outlet (131) forming a low point for the second flow path (13); characterized in that the canopy grid (1) has a separation (16) between the first flow path (12) and the second flow path (13) so that the fluid recovered in one cannot flow into the other.

2. Canopy grid (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path (12) and the second flow path (13) are inclined towards a single first lateral edge of the canopy grid (1).

3. Awning grille (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one first evacuation (121) and at least one second evacuation (131) each have at least one drain orifice located on the side of the first lateral edge of the awning grille (1).

4. Canopy grid (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path (12) and the second flow path (13) are each inclined towards a first lateral edge of the canopy grid (1) and towards a second lateral edge of the canopy grid (1).

5. Awning grille (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one first evacuation (121) and at least one second evacuation (131) each have at least one drain orifice located on the side of the first lateral edge of the awning grille (1) and at least one drain orifice located on the side of the second lateral edge of the awning grille (1).

6. Canopy grid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation (16) extends between at least one drain orifice of at least one first evacuation (121) associated with the first flow path (12) and at least one drain orifice of at least one second evacuation (131) associated with the second flow path (13).

7. Canopy grid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation (16) has a height - measured along a vertical axis (Z) greater than 1 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 15 mm.

8. Canopy grille (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canopy grille (1) comprises a base extending projecting from the first flowway (12) and the second flowway (13), the base supporting at least one opening located above an air inlet (221) of a sheet metal collector (22) intended to be associated with the canopy grille (1), the partition (16) comprising a wall extending from the base and towards the first lateral edge of the canopy grille (1) and / or the second lateral edge of the canopy 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 to 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 the 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 attached to the central stiffener (23) by means of at least one attachment area (14A, 14B, 14C).

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

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