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

Abstract

The invention relates to an air collection and guidance system (10), characterised in that it comprises: - a splash shield (12); - a cover (14) having a central opening (15); - a bonnet (16) that is arranged in the central opening (15) in the cover (14) and is movable between a closed position and an open position, the bonnet (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) in the cover (14), and in that the splash shield (12) also has a second curved portion (13), which extends as a continuation of the first curved portion (17) of the bonnet (16) so as to form at least one air-flow channel (19) between the cover (14), the splash shield (12) and the bonnet (16).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Air collection and guidance system for the front of a motor vehicle

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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 decisive role in managing airflow around the vehicle, directly impacting rolling resistance and fuel or electrical energy consumption.

[0005] A wide range of technical solutions exist in the field of automotive aerodynamics to improve airflow management around the vehicle. These solutions are primarily characterized by the use of deflectors, wings, and / or adjustable devices designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and channel air more efficiently around the body.

[0006] Among the known solutions, controllable deflectors, also called "active deflectors," stand out for their ability to dynamically adjust their position based on 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, integrating these active elements can disrupt the vehicle's visual design and hinder access to essential components such as the engine or front storage systems.

[0007] Fixed deflectors are another commonly used form of earlier solution. While simpler and more reliable than active systems, they do not adapt to varying 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 regarding the integration of lights and brand identity.

[0008] Other known techniques include adding specialized components such as spoilers and blades under the bumper to direct airflow. However, these additions can detract from the aesthetic harmony of the vehicle's front end and increase the complexity of both manufacturing and assembly, thus negatively impacting the perceived quality for the consumer.

[0009] The aim of the invention is to remedy the disadvantages described above by proposing a compromise between aerodynamic efficiency, reliability, complexity and aesthetic impact.

[0010] 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 free 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.;

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to one embodiment, at least one air duct has a flattened cross-section such that lateral areas of the air duct are narrower than a central area of ​​said air duct.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the air duct is inclined so that the airflow intended to pass through it flows in an upward direction.

[0014] 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.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the lid includes a hood opening control, and in particular a touch control.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cover and / or hood are made of composite materials. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such an air collection and guidance system.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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:

[0019] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an air collection and guidance system intended to be integrated into the front of a motor vehicle.

[0020] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the air collection and guidance system of Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the air collection and guidance system of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the air collection and guidance system of Figure 3.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates the air channels of the air collection and guidance system.

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a particular embodiment of the cover of the air collection and guidance system.

[0025] A trihedral coordinate system with three axes X, Y, and Z is illustrated in all the figures. In this document, the X-axis represents the longitudinal axis of vehicle 1. When moving forward in a straight line, 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 vehicle 1, that is, in the direction of reverse. The Y-axis represents the transverse axis of vehicle 1. The Y-axis is oriented from left to right, with left and right defined from the perspective of a driver of vehicle 1. The Z-axis represents the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. 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 the vehicle 1, since this system is intended for mounting in a specific orientation within the vehicle 1.

[0026] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an air collection and guidance system 10 intended for integration 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 more clearly visible in Figure 2.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the cover 14 and / or the hood 16 are made of composite materials, thus ensuring robustness requirements while limiting the weight of the cover 14 and / or the hood 16. Furthermore, such composite materials offer optimal strength and allow for aesthetic integration of the cover 14 and / or the hood 16 into the front of the 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.

[0028] 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. For example, a slot in the center of the shield 12 may be provided to hold a part in the shape of a vehicle manufacturer's logo. The shape of the shield may also contribute to the brand identity and aesthetics of the front of the vehicle 1. The cover 14 is arranged on the shield 12, specifically over an upper face of the shield 12. Various fasteners may be used to attach the cover 14 to the shield 12.The cover 14 is reversibly attached to the shield 12 and / or to the body of the vehicle 1, 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, giving it an overall annular shape, as illustrated in Figure 2.

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

[0030] The hood 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 hood 16 is illustrated in particular in figure 1. The open position of the hood 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 this compartment when it is in its open position. In addition to serving as storage space at the front of the vehicle 1, the compartment can also provide access to maintenance components for 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, that is, a rotational movement and a translational movement.

[0033] In one particular example, two hinges, specifically gooseneck hinges, can be used for such an articulation system between the cover 14 and the movable hood 16. The hinges are then positioned 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 for 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 Figure 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. This allows a user to easily open the movable cover 16 by lightly touching the control 25 with their fingers. Such a touch-sensitive control 25 enables easy opening of the cover 16 and thus 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 discreet 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, with the aim of efficiently guiding an airflow through the channel 19 thus formed. Indeed, the air channel 19 is intended to be traversed by an airflow when the vehicle 1 is in motion. Thus, when the vehicle 1 is traveling on a path or a section of road, an airflow enters the 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 Figure 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 Figure 4. The shape of certain portions of the shield 12, the cover 14 and the hood 16 is calculated so as to offer the minimum of air resistance, thus optimizing the passage of the airflow through the air duct 19 when the motor vehicle 1 is in motion. In particular, the hood 16 has at least a first curved portion 17 so as to define a gap between the peripheral edge of said hood 16 in closed position and the edge of the central opening 15 of the cover 14. This gap, which participates in the formation of the air channel 19, is more particularly visible in figures 3 and 4.

[0040] Similarly, the shield 12 also has at least one second curved portion 13 that extends from the first curved portion 17 of the movable hood 16, forming 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 flush with each other. The first and second curved portions 13 and 17 then form, at least partially, the walls of at least one air duct 19, while also contributing to the aesthetics of the vehicle's front end. At least one second curved portion 13 of the shield 12 is illustrated in particular in Figure 2 and Figure 4.

[0041] In the embodiment of the air collection and guidance system 10 illustrated in Figure 4, a gap between the cover 14 and the shield 12 forms the air inlet 21 of the air duct 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 duct 19 is formed by the edge of the first curved portion 17 of the hood 16 and the edge of the central opening 15 of the cover 14. The exact shape of the first and second curved portions 13 and 17 depends heavily on the model of the vehicle 1; however, the contours, radii of curvature, and rounded surfaces of said first and second curved portions 13 and 17 are designed to optimize the aerodynamics of the front of the vehicle by the air collection and guidance system 10.

[0042] 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 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, one or more signaling elements may be integrated into at least one air duct 19. In particular, flashing light devices used to provide directional indications may be integrated into the air duct 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 function of lighting and signaling without disturbing the flow of air inside the duct.

[0045] 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 outline 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.

[0046] 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 distinct air channels 19. In this preferred embodiment, the hood 16 has, more specifically, two first curved portions 17 located on either side of a central portion 18 of said hood 16. This central portion 18 of the hood 16 extends continuously from the edge of the central opening 15 of the cover 14. This is more particularly illustrated in Figure 3. Similarly, the shield 12 also has two second distinct 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.The air collection and guidance system 10 described herein aims to optimize airflow collection and guidance 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, particularly 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.

[0047] 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 the front of a motor vehicle (1), the air collection and guidance system being characterized in that it comprises: - a shield (12); - a lid (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 located at the front of the 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 duct (19) has a flattened cross-section such that lateral zones of the air channel (19) are narrower than a central zone 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 contour of the projector is flush with an air inlet (21) of the air channel (19).

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