Air collection and guidance system for the front of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Air collection and guidance system for the front of a motor vehicle. Air collection and guidance system (10) characterized in that it comprises: - a shield (12); - a cover (14) having a central opening (15); - a hood (16) arranged in the central opening (15) of the cover (14), and movable between a closed position and an open position, the hood (16) having a first curved portion (17) so as to define a gap between its peripheral edge and the edge of the central opening (15) of the cover (14), and in that the shield (12) also has a second curved portion (13) which extends in continuity with the first curved portion (17) of the hood (16) so as to form at least one air channel (19) between the cover (14), the shield (12), and the hood (16). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Air collection and guidance system for the front of a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to an air collection and guidance system for the front of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such an air collection and guidance system.

[0002] In the automotive sector, optimizing vehicle aerodynamics is crucial for improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The design of a vehicle's front end plays a key role in managing the airflow around the vehicle, directly affecting rolling resistance and fuel or electrical energy consumption.

[0003] A wide range of technical solutions exist in the field of automotive aerodynamics to improve airflow management around the vehicle. These solutions are mainly characterized by the use of deflectors, fins and / or adjustable devices that aim to reduce aerodynamic drag and channel air more efficiently around the body.

[0004] Among known solutions, controllable deflectors, also called "active deflectors," stand out for their ability to dynamically change their position according to vehicle speed or other parameters. However, these systems have several drawbacks: their mechanical and electronic complexity makes them prone to failure, thus increasing maintenance costs and requiring regular servicing. Furthermore, the integration of these active elements can disrupt the vehicle's visual design and hinder access to essential components such as the engine or front storage systems.

[0005] Fixed deflectors also exist, which are another commonly used prior art solution. Although simpler and more reliable than active systems, they do not provide adaptability to different driving conditions and can only be optimized for a specific set of aerodynamic parameters. They can also compromise the vehicle's aesthetics and functionality, particularly with regard to the integration of lights and brand identity.

[0006] Other known techniques include the addition of specialized components such as spoilers and blades under the bumper to direct air. However, these additions can detract from the aesthetic harmony of the front of the motor vehicle and increase the complexity of the manufacturing process on the one hand and the assembly on the other, thus negatively impacting the quality perceived by the consumer.

[0007] The object of the invention is to remedy the disadvantages described above by proposing a compromise between aerodynamic efficiency, reliability, complexity and aesthetic impact.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an air collection and guidance system intended to be integrated into a front face of a motor vehicle, the air collection and guidance system being characterized in that it comprises a shield, a cover having a central opening, a hood arranged in the central opening of the cover, the hood being movable relative to the cover between a closed position and an open position, the hood being configured to cover a housing such as a front storage volume arranged at the front of the motor vehicle in its closed position;and configured to provide access to said housing when the hood is in its open position, the hood having at least a first curved portion so as to define a gap between its peripheral edge and the edge of the central opening of the cover, and in that the shield also has at least a second curved portion which extends in continuity with the first curved portion of the hood so as to form at least one air channel between the cover, the shield and the hood, said channel being intended to be traversed by an airflow.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an air inlet of the air duct is delimited by the cover and the shield; and an air outlet of the air duct is delimited by the cover and the hood.

[0010] According to one embodiment, at least one air channel has a flattened cross-section such that lateral areas of the air channel are narrower than a central area of ​​said air channel.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the air channel is inclined so that the airflow intended to pass through it flows in an upward direction.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the hood has two first curved portions located on either side of a central portion of said hood, and the edge of said central portion of the hood extends in continuity with the edge of the central opening of the cover.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the cover includes a hood opening control, and in particular a touch control.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the cover and / or hood are made of composite materials.

[0015] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such an air collection and guidance system.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the vehicle includes at least one light projector arranged in the shield, and the outline of the projector is flush with an air intake of the air duct.

[0017] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0018] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an air collection and guidance system intended to be integrated into the front of a motor vehicle.

[0019] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the air collection and guidance system of Fig. 1.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the air collection and guidance system of the [Fig.l].

[0021] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the air collection and guidance system of Fig. 3.

[0022] Fig. 5 illustrates the air channels of the air collection and guidance system.

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a particular embodiment of the cover of the system air collection and guidance.

[0024] A trihedral frame with three axes X, Y, and Z is illustrated in all the figures. In this document, the X-axis denotes the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle 1. When moving forward in a straight line, the vehicle 1 progresses from rear to front, in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X-axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle 1, that is, in the direction of reverse. The Y-axis denotes the transverse axis of the vehicle 1. The Y-axis is oriented from left to right, left and right being defined from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle 1. The Z-axis denotes the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The vehicle 1 is assumed to be resting on a horizontal surface. The Z-axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y, and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system.This same reference frame, defined by reference to a vehicle 1, will also be used to describe the air collection and guidance system 10, even when considered outside of vehicle 1, since this system is intended for mounting in a specific orientation within vehicle 1.

[0025] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an air collection and guidance system 10 intended to be integrated into the front of a motor vehicle. The air collection and guidance system 10 comprises a shield 12, a cover 14 and a hood 16. The hood 16, the cover 14 and the shield 12 are particularly visible in Figure 2.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment, the cover 14 and / or the hood 16 are made of composite materials, thus ensuring the robustness requirements while limiting the weight of the cover 14 and / or the hood 16. Furthermore, such composite materials offer optimal resistance in addition to to allow for the aesthetic integration of the cover 14 and / or the hood 16 into the front of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the use of plastic and / or metallic materials may be considered for the manufacture of the cover 14 and / or the hood 16.

[0027] The shield 12 may include one or more parts such as trim pieces and / or slots for parts that give the vehicle 1 equipped with such a shield 12 a brand identity. A slot located in the center of the shield 12 may, for example, be provided to hold a part in the shape of a logo of a vehicle manufacturer. The shape of the shield may also contribute to the brand identity and the aesthetics of the front end of the vehicle 1.

[0028] The cover 14 is arranged on the shield 12, and in particular over an upper face of the shield 12. Various fastening elements can be used to attach the cover 14 to the shield 12. The cover 14 is in particular reversibly attached to the shield 12 and / or to the body of the vehicle 1, thus allowing it to be removed occasionally, for example for maintenance of the functional components located in a front compartment of the vehicle. The cover 14 has a central opening 15, which gives the cover 14 an overall annular shape, as illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0029] The hood 16 is arranged in the central opening 15 of the cover 14. The shape of the hood 16 and the shape of the central opening 15 in the cover 14 are therefore generally complementary. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the hood 16 and the central opening 15 of the cover 14 each have a crescent shape. However, other shapes can be considered for the hood 16, the central opening 15, and the cover 14 in general.

[0030] The cover 16 is arranged in the central opening 15 of the cover 14 so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the cover 14. The closed position of the cover 16 is illustrated in particular in [Fig. 1]. The open position of the cover 16 is not illustrated in the figures.

[0031] The hood 16 is configured to cover a compartment such as a front trunk (or "frunk") located at the front of the vehicle when the hood 16 is in its closed position. The hood 16 is also configured to provide access to the compartment when it is in its open position. In addition to providing storage space at the front of the vehicle 1, the compartment can also provide access to maintenance components of the vehicle 1. In its closed position, the movable hood 16 therefore protects access to these maintenance components while also covering the compartment.

[0032] To achieve this, a hinge system allows the movable cover 16 to open from its closed position to its open position, thus providing access to the front storage compartment. The movement of the movable cover 16 relative to the lid 14 can be a pure rotational movement or a combined movement, i.e., a rotational movement and a translational movement.

[0033] In one particular example, two hinges, especially gooseneck hinges, can be used for such an articulation system between the cover 14 and the movable hood 16. The hinges are then arranged on either side of the hood 16 so as to connect the hood 16 to the cover 14. When the hood 16 is in its closed position, the articulation system is concealed by the hood 16. Such an articulation system is therefore discreet, reliable, and efficient. It allows easy opening of the movable hood 16 without compromising the precise arrangement between the cover 14 and the movable hood 16.

[0034] To simplify the handling of the hood 16, the air collection and guidance system 10 is equipped with a hood opening mechanism 16 that is movable relative to the cover 14. The cover 14 includes, for example, a control 25 for opening said hood 16. This control 25 is in particular a touch control 25. This opening system is preferably integrated into the air collection and guidance system 10 without impacting the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1.

[0035] Thus, according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], a control 25, in particular a touch control, may be located on an upper surface of the cover 14, so as to be accessible from the outside. The control 25 may have a slight relief to be easily located by a user, even in low light, without this relief having a significant impact on the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1.

[0036] The control 25 may include a capacitive sensor. In this way, a user can easily open the movable cover 16 by lightly touching the control 25 with their fingers. Such a touch control 25 thus allows for easy opening of the cover 16 and therefore easy access to the housing when the cover 16 moves from its closed to its open position.

[0037] However, other mechanisms for opening the movable hood 16 can be considered, such as a discrete mechanical control 25 arranged at the front of the vehicle 1.

[0038] The cover 14, the shield 12, and the hood 16 are arranged to form at least one air channel 19 within the air collection and guidance system 10 in order to efficiently guide an airflow through the channel 19 thus formed. Indeed, the air channel 19 is intended to be traversed by an airflow when the motor vehicle 1 is in motion. Thus, when the motor vehicle 1 as it moves along a path or a section of road, an airflow rushes into at least one air channel 19 formed by certain portions of the cover 14, the shield 12 and the hood 16.

[0039] The airflow enters the air duct 19 through an air inlet 21 which is delimited in particular by the cover 14 and the shield 12, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Similarly, an air outlet 23 of the air duct 19 is, for example, delimited by the cover 14 and the hood 16, as illustrated in the same [Fig. 4].

[0040] The shape of certain portions of the shield 12, the cover 14, and the hood 16 is calculated to offer minimal air resistance, thereby optimizing the passage of airflow through the air duct 19 when the vehicle 1 is in motion. More specifically, the hood 16 has at least one first curved portion 17 so as to define a gap between the peripheral edge of said hood 16 in the closed position and the edge of the central opening 15 of the cover 14. This gap, which contributes to the formation of the air duct 19, is particularly visible in Figures 3 and 4.

[0041] Similarly, the shield 12 also has at least one second curved portion 13 that extends continuously from the first curved portion 17 of the movable hood 16 so as to form at least one air duct 19 between the cover 14, the shield 12, and the movable hood 16. In other words, at least one first curved portion 17 of the movable hood 16 and at least one second curved portion 13 of the shield 12 are arranged flush with each other. The first and second curved portions 13 and 17 then at least partially form the walls of at least one air duct 19 while contributing to the aesthetics of the front of the vehicle. At least one second curved portion 13 of the shield 12 is illustrated in particular in [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 4].

[0042] In the embodiment of the air collection and guidance system 10 illustrated in [Fig.4], a gap between the cover 14 and the shield 12 forms the air inlet 21 of the air channel 19. The second curved portion 13 of the shield 12 contributes to the formation of this air inlet 21. In this same embodiment, the air outlet 23 of the air channel 19 is formed by the edge of the first curved portion 17 of the cover 16 and the edge of the central opening 15 of the cover 14.

[0043] The exact shape of the first and second curved portions 13 and 17 depends heavily on the model of the vehicle 1 automobile, however the contours, the radii of curvature, the rounding of the surfaces of said first and second curved portions 13 and 17 are studied to optimize the aerodynamics of the front face of the vehicle by the air collection and guidance system 10.

[0044] Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one air duct 19 has a flattened cross-section, such that lateral areas of the air duct 19 are narrower than a central area of ​​said air duct 19. This cross-sectional shape optimizes the airflow through said duct 19 and contributes to reducing air pressure around the motor vehicle 1, thereby helping to decrease drag. Such a cross-sectional shape of the air duct 19 is particularly visible in Figures 3 and 5.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, the air channel 19 can be inclined so that the airflow intended to pass through said channel 19 flows in an upward direction. In addition, or alternatively, at least one channel 19 can be oriented so that the airflow is directed towards a heat exchanger of a cooling system for a battery of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1. The air passing through the channel 19 can thus contribute to cooling the battery in order to help achieve optimal battery performance. Alternatively, the air intended to flow through the channel 19 formed by the shield 12, the cover 14, and the hood 16 can be directed to another destination, such as the passenger compartment or any other destination where such an airflow can have beneficial effects.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, one or more signaling elements may be integrated into at least one air channel 19. In particular, flashing light devices used to give directional indications may be integrated into the air channel 19. These light devices may in particular be integrated into the walls of the shield 12 and / or into the walls of the cover 14, so as to ensure their lighting and signaling function without disturbing the flow of air inside the channel.

[0047] Similarly, and according to a preferred embodiment, the motor vehicle 1 equipped with such an air collection and guidance system 10 may include at least one light projector (not shown in the figures) arranged in the bumper 12, and more particularly two light projectors (commonly called "headlights") arranged in lateral portions of the bumper 12, for example on either side of the center of the bumper 12. In this preferred embodiment, the contour of a projector is flush with an air inlet 21 of the air duct 19. In this way, the aerodynamic properties of the duct 19 are maintained without affecting the lighting function of the projectors. This embodiment is not shown in the figures.

[0048] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the components of the air collection and guidance system 10 are arranged to form two separate air channels 19. In this preferred embodiment, the hood 16 more specifically has two first curved portions 17 which are located on either side of a central portion 18 of said hood 16. Said The central portion 18 of the hood 16 then extends in continuity with the edge of the central opening 15 of the cover 14. This is illustrated more particularly in [Fig. 3]. Similarly, the shield 12 also has two distinct second curved portions 13. Each of these second curved portions 13 then extends in continuity with one of the first curved portions 17 of the movable hood 16 so as to form two distinct air channels 19 between the cover 14, the shield 12, and the hood 16.

[0049] The air collection and guidance system 10 described herein aims to optimize the collection and guidance of airflow without the use of active elements and without hindering access to the engine and / or the front trunk (or frunk). To this end, the air collection and guidance system 10 utilizes the geometry and arrangement of the body components, in particular the bumper 12, the cover 14, and the hood 16, to achieve the desired effect. The air collection and guidance system 10 advantageously allows for a lower material or solid height of the front end, thereby reducing the vehicle's drag coefficient and improving its aerodynamic drag, thus reducing its fuel consumption.

[0050] It is thus possible to design an air collection and guidance system 10 that integrates simply, aesthetically, and harmoniously into the front of a vehicle 1. This air collection and guidance system 10 also overcomes the limitations of active technologies and eliminates the complexity of controllable deflectors, thus offering a compromise between aerodynamic and aerodynamic efficiency, system reliability, and the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle 1 equipped with such an air collection and guidance system 10.Such an air collection and guidance system 10 also makes it possible to multiply the functionalities of the shield 12 and a movable hood 16 configured to cover a housing such as a front storage volume arranged at the front of the vehicle 1 automobile in its closed position by conferring first and second curved portions 13 and 17 to said shield and said hood 16 which then partially form an aerodynamic channel 19 for the efficient guidance of an airflow.

Claims

Demands

1. Air collection and guidance system (10) intended to be integrated into a front face of a motor vehicle (1), the air collection and guidance system being characterized in that it comprises: - a shield (12); - a cover (14) having a central opening (15);- a hood (16) arranged in the central opening (15) of the cover (14), the hood (16) being movable relative to the cover (14) between a closed position and an open position, the hood (16) being configured to cover a compartment such as a front storage compartment arranged at the front of the motor vehicle (1) in its closed position and configured to provide access to said compartment when the hood (16) is in its open position, the hood (16) having at least a first curved portion (17) so as to define a gap between its peripheral edge and the edge of the central opening (15) of the cover (14) and in that the shield (12) also has at least a second curved portion (13) which extends in continuity with the first curved portion (17) of the hood (16) so as to form at least one air channel (19) between the cover (14), the shield (12) and the hood (16), said channel (19) being intended to be traversed by a flow of air.;

2. Air collection and guidance system (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that an air inlet (21) of the air channel (19) is delimited by the cover (14) and the shield (12) and in that an air outlet (23) of the air channel (19) is delimited by the cover (14) and the hood (16).

3. Air collection and guidance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one air channel (19) has a flattened cross-section such that lateral areas of the air channel (19) are narrower than a central area of ​​said air channel (19).

4. Air collection and guidance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air channel (19) is inclined so that the airflow intended to pass through it flows in an upward direction.

5. Air collection and guidance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hood (16) has two first curved portions (17) located on either side of a central portion (18) of said hood (16), and characterized in that the edge of said central portion (18) of the hood (16) extends in continuity with the edge of the central opening (15) of the cover (14).

6. Air collection and guidance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (14) includes a control (25) for opening the hood (16) and in particular a touch control (25).

7. Air collection and guidance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (14) and / or the hood (16) are made of composite materials.

8. Motor vehicle (1) characterized in that it comprises an air collection and guidance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Motor vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one light projector arranged in the shield (12) and characterized in that the outline of the projector is flush with an air inlet (21) of the air channel (19).

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