EP4010236A1

EP4010236A1 - Longitudinally-extending rear deflector coupled to a projecting edge of a bumper for a vehicle underbody

Info

Publication number: EP4010236A1
Application number: EP20758271.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stephane BERTH
Original assignee: PSA Automobiles SA
Current assignee: Stellantis Auto SAS
Priority date: 2019-08-07
Filing date: 2020-08-03
Publication date: 2022-06-15
Also published as: FR3099745A1; FR3099745B1; WO2021023944A1

Abstract

A rear deflector (DR) is fitted to a wheeled vehicle comprising an underbody having a rear panel, and a rear bumper (PCR) comprising an upper portion which is rigidly connected to the rear panel and a lower wall (PI) which is provided with mounting brackets and a passage (PE) defined by a peripheral edge (BP) which projects upwards. Said rear deflector (DR) comprises a rear edge (BR) having holes (T1) which are positioned opposite and above holes of the mounting brackets and through which screws extend to ensure the rear bumpers (PCR) are rigidly connected to the underbody. Said rear edge (BR) comprises a longitudinal extension (EL) which extends backwards and which has at least one housing (LB) which receives one portion of the peripheral edge (BP) in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector (DR) relative to the lower wall (PL).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: REAR DEFLECTOR WITH LONGITUDINAL EXTENSION COUPLED TO A PROJECTING EDGE OF A BUMPER, FOR A VEHICLE UNDERBODY

Technical field of the invention

The present invention claims the priority of French application 1909034 filed on August 07, 2019, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated here by reference. The invention relates to wheeled vehicles which include a rear bumper and a structure comprising a base with a rear panel, and more specifically the rear deflectors which must be secured to these bases, rear panels and rear bumpers. State of the art

Certain wheeled vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include a structure (or body) comprising a base to which are secured a rear bumper and a rear deflector responsible for reducing aerodynamic drag and therefore energy consumption. This rear deflector comprises a rear edge which is oriented towards the rear of the vehicle and fixedly secured by screwing to at least one fixing lug of a rear panel of the underbody and at least one fixing lug of a lower wall of the bumper. rear shocks, and a front edge which is oriented towards the front of the vehicle and fixedly secured by screwing to an underside of the base.

To this end, the rear edge comprises at least one hole intended to be placed opposite and above a corresponding hole of a fixing lug of the bumper so as to be traversed by a screw ensuring its fixed connection to the rear bumper and underbody (via a mounting bracket on its rear panel).

In order to carry out this assembly on an assembly line, a technician generally begins by securing an upper wall of the rear bumper to the rear panel of the underbody while allowing the lower part of the rear bumper to hang down, while the structure of the vehicle is suspended above the ground. Then, this technician grasps a rear deflector, places the rear edge of the latter above the fixing brackets of the rear bumper, then couples the front edge of the rear deflector to threaded rods (screws or studs) which have been previously fixedly secured to the underside of the base. Then, the technician is forced to temporarily let go of the pre-maintained rear deflector in order to grab a screwdriver and screws (or bolts). Finally, the technician introduces one of the screws into a hole in a rear bumper mounting bracket, a corresponding hole in the rear edge of the rear deflector, and a corresponding hole in a mounting bracket on the lower wall of the rear panel, before screwing it in and repeat these operations for each other screw entered.

As a person skilled in the art knows, this phase of introducing the screws into the holes is not easy to carry out because it requires that the holes in the rear edge of the rear deflector be initially placed opposite respectively the corresponding holes of the rear bumper lower wall mounting brackets. However, such an initial placement is quite difficult to obtain because the structure of the vehicle is suspended and therefore the technician must perform above his head the coupling of the rear bumper to the underside of its base. There is therefore frequently a transverse offset between the rear deflector and the rear bumper that the technician must take up with his arms raised, which is not ergonomic, is tiring because of the respective weights of the rear deflector and bumper. rear, and wastes time on the assembly line. In addition, the rear spoiler and the bottom wall of the rear bumper are frequently dark (e.g. black), which does not not facilitate the placing opposite (or coincidence) of their respective holes and the corresponding holes of the rear panel.

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a rear deflector, on the one hand, intended to equip a wheeled vehicle comprising a base, extending in longitudinal and transverse directions and comprising a rear panel, and a rear bumper, comprising a upper part fixedly secured to the rear panel and a lower wall provided with N fixing lugs, with N> 1, and a passage delimited by a peripheral edge projecting upwards, and, on the other hand, comprising a rear edge comprising N holes intended to be placed opposite and above the corresponding holes of the N first fixing lugs so as to be crossed by N screws ensuring its fixed connection to the rear bumper and to the underbody.

This rear deflector is characterized in that its rear edge also comprises a longitudinal extension extending towards the rear and comprising at least one housing intended to accommodate a part of said peripheral edge in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector with respect to the bottom wall.

Thanks to the invention, when the technician has grasped a rear deflector, he can now easily and precisely position it transversely with respect to the lower wall of the rear bumper, and therefore with respect to the rear panel of the underbody, by housing at least one part of the peripheral edge in each housing of the longitudinal extension of its rear edge.

The rear deflector according to the invention can include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: - The longitudinal extension may include two housings intended to house respectively two parts of the peripheral edge, facing each other, in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector relative to the lower wall of the rear bumper;

- each housing may have a section, in a plane defined from the longitudinal and transverse directions, in the general shape of a trapezoid having the larger of its two parallel sides open and oriented towards the rear for the introduction of the corresponding part of the peripheral edge;

- the longitudinal extension may extend in the longitudinal direction over a distance which allows its partial placement above an upper face of the lower wall of the rear bumper and preventing the rear edge from being rotated towards the low when coupling a front edge of the rear deflector, opposite the rear edge, to the base;

- Its front edge may be fitted with nuts intended to be coupled respectively to threaded rods fixedly secured to the base;

- the longitudinal extension can be an integral part of the rear edge or it can be a part attached to the rear edge;

- the number N can, for example, be equal to three (3).

The invention also proposes a wheeled vehicle, optionally of the automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, a base, extending in longitudinal and transverse directions and comprising a rear panel, and a rear bumper, comprising a upper part fixedly secured to the rear panel and a lower wall provided with N first fixing lugs, with N> 1, and a passage delimited by a peripheral edge projecting upwards, and, on the other hand, a rear deflector of the type of the one presented above and secured to the rear bumper and to the rear panel by N screws.

For example, the rear bumper can be fitted with a cover masking its passage and comprising a recessed rib in order to define a housing open housing the peripheral edge and partially housed in the housing of the longitudinal extension of the rear edge.

Brief Description of the Figures Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on examination of the detailed description below, and of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[Fig. 1] illustrates schematically, in a perspective view from the side of the underside, a rear part of an example of a vehicle structure base, to which are fixedly secured a rear bumper and an exemplary embodiment of a deflector rear according to the invention,

[Fig. 2] illustrates schematically, in a perspective view from below, the rear deflector of FIG. 1,

[Fig. 3] illustrates schematically, in a perspective view from the front side, the portion of the rear bumper of Figure 2 which comprises a passage masked by a cover, before the latter is coupled to the longitudinal extension of the rear edge of the rear deflector,

[Fig. 4] illustrates schematically, in a perspective view from below and from the rear side, the part of the rear edge of the rear deflector of Figure 2 which includes the longitudinal extension, [Fig. 5] illustrates schematically, in a perspective view from the front side, the coupling between the longitudinal extension of the rear edge of the rear deflector of figure 2 and the covers and peripheral edge of the rear wall of the rear bumper of figure 1 , and

[Fig. 6] illustrates schematically, in a view partially in section and partially in perspective from the rear side, the coupling between the longitudinal extension of the rear edge of the rear deflector of Figure 2 and the covers and peripheral edge of the rear wall of the bumper back of Figure 1. Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a rear spoiler DR intended to equip a wheeled vehicle comprising a structure, comprising an SS underbody, and a PCR rear bumper, and facilitating assembly.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of nonlimiting example, that the rear deflector DR is intended to equip a vehicle of the automotive type, such as a car, for example. But the invention is not limited to this type of wheeled vehicle. It relates in fact to any wheeled vehicle comprising a structure (or body) comprising a base having a rear panel and having to be equipped with a rear deflector. Thus, it also concerns utility vehicles, minibuses, coaches, trucks, and road vehicles, in particular.

In Figures 1 to 6 the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal (or lateral) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the direction X, and the Z direction is a so-called vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

In Figure 1 is shown schematically a rear part of an example of an SS base of a structure (or body) of a vehicle (here a motor vehicle), to which are fixedly secured, on a lower face FI1, a barrier. rear shocks PCR and an exemplary embodiment of a rear deflector DR according to the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, this base SS extends in the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions. In addition, and although this does not appear in the figures, the base SS comprises at its rear end a rear panel which s' extends transversely and substantially vertically (YZ plane).

In what follows and what precedes, the concepts of front and rear relate to the front and rear ends of the vehicle. A front element is therefore intended to be oriented towards the front of the vehicle, while a rear element is intended to be oriented towards the rear of the vehicle.

The rear panel comprises at least a first fixing lug extending preferably towards the front of the base SS (and therefore of the vehicle), substantially in the longitudinal direction X, and to which is intended to be fixedly secured by a screw a lower wall PI of the lower part of the rear bumper PCR and the rear spoiler DR. In addition, an upper wall of the upper part of the PCR rear bumper is also fixedly secured, by screwing, to this rear panel.

For example, the number of first brackets may be two (2). But this number can take any value greater than or equal to one (1).

Also, for example, each first fixing lug can be provided with a nut for screwing a threaded end of the aforementioned screw. Each nut can, for example be welded against the (and above the) hole which is defined in the first bracket for the passage of a screw.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR comprises N second fixing lugs PF extending towards the front of the underbody SS (and therefore of the vehicle), substantially in the longitudinal direction X. Each second PF mounting bracket includes a T2 hole for the passage of one of the aforementioned screws.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figure 1, the number N is equal to three (3). But this number can take any value greater than or equal to one (1).

In addition, as partially illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6, the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR comprises a passage PE which is delimited by a peripheral edge BP projecting upwards. When this passage PE is not masked by a dedicated CP cover, it is intended to allow the passage of an end part of an exhaust line of the vehicle. In the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6, the passage PE is masked by a dedicated CP cover because the vehicle comprises a power train without a heat engine, and for example of the all-electric type.

This cover CP, responsible for masking the passage PE, preferably comprises an NC rib which is recessed in order to define an open housing LO housing the peripheral edge BP delimiting the passage PE, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. In this case , the cover CP can, for example, be clipped onto the peripheral edge BP (by a translation from the front to the rear).

The rear deflector DR comprises front BV and rear edges BR, opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction X, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 5.

The front edge BV is oriented towards the front of the vehicle and intended to be fixedly secured by screwing to the underside FI1 of the base SS.

The rear edge BR is oriented towards the rear of the vehicle and intended to be fixedly secured by screwing to each first fixing lug of the rear panel of the base SS and to each of the N second fixing lugs PF of the lower wall PI of the barrier. PCR rear shocks. To this end, the rear edge BR comprises N zones against which rest respectively, on a lower face FI2 (intended to be oriented towards the road), the N second fixing lugs PF of the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR. These N zones respectively comprise N holes T1 to be placed opposite and above the N corresponding holes T2 of the N second fixing lugs PF, and opposite and below the corresponding holes of the first fixing lugs.

In order to facilitate this placement by a technician, the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR comprises a longitudinal extension EL which extends towards the rear (of the base SS) and which comprises at least one housing LB intended to accommodate a part of the edge peripheral BP in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector DR with respect to the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR. Thus, when a technician has grasped a rear deflector DR he can easily and precisely position it transversely (along Y) by a longitudinal translation towards the rear relative to the lower wall PI of the bumper PCR and therefore relative to the panel rear, by accommodating at least part of the peripheral edge BP in each housing LB of the longitudinal extension EL of its rear edge BR. It will in fact be understood that this peripheral edge BP ensures the transverse wedging of the rear deflector DR above the lower wall PI. Then, the technician can couple the front edge BV of the rear deflector DR to threaded rods (screws or studs) which have previously been fixedly secured to the lower face FI1 of the base SS, by causing it to rotate upwards. The technician can then temporarily release the rear deflector DR which is pre-held at the front and at the rear, in order to grab a screwdriver and N screws (or bolts). Finally, the technician introduces each of the N screws into a hole T2 of one of the N second fixing brackets PF, a corresponding hole T1 of the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR, and a corresponding hole of one of the first brackets of fixing of the rear panel (when there is one associated), before proceeding with the screwing using its screwdriver.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, the longitudinal extension EL comprises two housings LB which are intended to house respectively two parts of the peripheral edge BP, facing each other, in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector DR relative to the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR. This further improves the accuracy of the transverse timing of the rear spoiler DR relative to the bottom wall PI. But it doesn't have to be. Indeed, the longitudinal extension EL could include only a single housing LB intended to accommodate a single part of the peripheral edge BP.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, that each housing LB may have a section, in the XY plane defined from the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions, in the general shape of a trapezoid. In this case, each trapezoid has the largest of its two parallel sides which is open and oriented towards the rear for the introduction of the corresponding part of the BP peripheral edge. This makes it possible to facilitate the introduction by relative translation of each part of the peripheral edge BP into the corresponding housing LB, and to further improve the precision of the transverse setting of the rear deflector DR with respect to the lower wall PI.

It will also be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 5 and 6, the peripheral edge BP delimiting the passage PE is housed in the open housing LO of the rib NC of the cover CP. Therefore, each housing LB of the longitudinal extension EL of the rear edge BR simultaneously accommodates a small part of the rib NC and a small part of the peripheral edge BP. In this case, the smallest width (in the transverse direction Y) of each housing LB is adapted to the thickness (in the transverse direction Y) of the small part of the rib NC that it must accommodate (and which participates in its transverse setting). In addition, the smallest width of each housing LB is slightly greater than the width of the rib part NC, in order to take into account the dimensional variations of the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR and of the bottom wall PI of the rear bumper. PCR. By "slightly higher" is meant here being larger by a value between 4 mm and 8 mm.

It will also be noted that it is advantageous for the longitudinal extension EL to extend in the longitudinal direction X over a distance which allows its partial placement above the upper face of the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR and prevents that the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR is driven in downward rotation when coupling the front edge BV of the rear deflector DR to the underbody SS. It will in fact be understood that the greater the length (along X) of the longitudinal extension EL, the smaller the risk of the rear edge BR becoming uncoupled from the lower wall PI.

It will also be noted, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, that the front edge BV of the rear deflector DR can be provided, on a lower face, with nuts E1 which are intended to be respectively coupled to rods threaded fixedly attached to the underside of the SS base. This makes it possible to facilitate the front coupling of the front edge BV on the base SS, and therefore it allows the technician to completely release the rear deflector DR, placed in a substantially horizontal position (XY plane), in order to grip his screwdriver and the screws. to proceed with screwing.

It will also be noted that the longitudinal extension EL can either be an integral part of the rear edge BR, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, or be a part which is attached to the rear edge BR. This may in particular depend on the material in which the rear deflector DR is made. Indeed, if it is made of a rigid material of the plastic type, it is preferable that it (DR) be in one piece (as illustrated), because otherwise we would have to report the longitudinal extension EL on its rear edge BR by gluing or screwing, which is a priori less resistant. On the other hand, if it is made of a rigid metal-type material, it (DR) can be either in one piece (as illustrated), or produced by assembling parts welded or screwed together. The plastic material used can, for example, be polypropylene (or PP) or else polyethylene (or PE). The metal used can, for example, be a luminium or a steel (rigid at room temperature).

Claims

1. Rear deflector (DR) for a wheeled vehicle comprising a base (SS), extending in longitudinal and transverse directions and comprising a rear panel, and a rear bumper (PCR), comprising a fixed upper part said rear panel and a lower wall (PI) provided with N fixing lugs (PF), with N> 1, and a passage (PE) delimited by a peripheral edge (BP) projecting upwards, said rear deflector ( DR) comprising a rear edge (BR) comprising N holes (T1) intended to be placed opposite and above corresponding holes of said N fixing lugs (PF) so as to be traversed by N screws ensuring its fixed connection to said shield rear shocks (PCR) and said base (SS), characterized in that said rear edge (BR) further comprises a longitudinal extension (EL) extending rearwardly and comprising at least one housing (LB) intended for housing part of said peripheral edge (BP) in order to guide the transverse positioning of said rear deflector (DR) relative to said lower wall (PI).

2. Rear deflector according to claim 1, characterized in that said longitudinal extension (EL) comprises two housings (LB) intended to house respectively two parts of said peripheral edge (BP), facing one another, in order to guiding the transverse positioning of said rear deflector (DR) relative to said lower wall (PI) of the rear bumper (PCR).

3. Rear deflector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each housing (LB) has a section, in a plane defined from said longitudinal and transverse directions, in the general shape of a trapezoid having the larger of its two parallel sides. open and rearwardly facing for the introduction of said corresponding portion of said peripheral edge (BP).

4. Rear deflector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said longitudinal extension (EL) extends in said longitudinal direction over a distance allowing its partial placement above an upper face of said lower wall. (PI) of the rear bumper (PCR) and preventing said rear edge (BR) from being rotated downward during coupling of a front edge (BV) of said rear deflector (DR), opposite to said edge rear (BR), said base (SS).

5. Rear deflector according to claim 4, characterized in that said front edge (BV) is provided with nuts (E2) intended to be respectively coupled to threaded rods fixedly secured to said base (SS).

6. Rear deflector according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said longitudinal extension (EL) is an integral part of said rear edge (BR).

7. Rear deflector according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said longitudinal extension (EL) is a part attached to said rear edge (BR).

8. Rear deflector according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that N is equal to three.

9. Wheeled vehicle comprising a base (SS), extending in longitudinal and transverse directions and comprising a rear panel, and a rear bumper (PCR), comprising an upper part fixedly secured to said rear panel and a lower wall (PI) provided with N fixing lugs (PF), with N> 1, and a passage (PE) delimited by a peripheral edge (BP) projecting upwards, characterized in that it further comprises a deflector rear (DR) according to one of the preceding claims, fixedly secured to said rear bumper (PCR) and to said rear panel by N screws.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said rear bumper (PCR) is equipped with a cover (CP) masking said passage. (PE) and comprising a rib (NC) recessed to define an open housing (LO) housing said peripheral edge (BP) and partially housed in said housing (LB) of the longitudinal extension (EL) of said rear edge (BR) .