FR3071471A1 - AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DEFLECTING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

- The invention relates to a deflector device 1 of a motor vehicle intended to be placed at the front of this vehicle and comprising an aerodynamic flap 3, characterized in that it comprises a protective flap 5 of the aerodynamic flap 3 connected to the aerodynamic flap 3, each of these flaps 3, 5 being movable between an extended position in which the aerodynamic flap 3 is able to deflect an air flow F, and a retracted position in which the protective flap 5 covers the aerodynamic flap 3 in order to protect him. The invention further relates to a bodywork part 23 comprising such a deflector device 1.

Description

The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly the aerodynamic devices arranged at the front of a vehicle to reduce the aerodynamic drag generated by this vehicle traveling at high speed.

One of the means used for a long time to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles consists in reducing the space under the road between the road and the vehicle.

Since the ground clearance of vehicles must remain at a height compatible with the requirements of use, it is possible to obtain a satisfactory result by lowering an aerodynamic barrier acting as a deflector at the level of the front part of the vehicle, and preferably arranged in front of the wheels.

Such a barrier is called a deflector. This movable deflector can therefore be lowered or raised depending on driving conditions such as vehicle speed or road condition. Publication US7775582 provides an example of this type of device.

At low speed, the deflector, which is generally a blade which can have a shape, as well as a height, different depending on the vehicles fitted, is in the folded position under the front bumper, in order to protect it from possible shocks against obstacles, for example curbs. This position is therefore suitable for city traffic at low speed or on roads with hollows and bumps.

When the vehicle speed reaches a threshold value, the blade is deployed, generally by a rotational movement, in order to oppose the air flow and thus reduce the drag of the vehicle. Alternatively, this deployment can be carried out by translation in a vertical plane, as described in US Pat. No. 8,702,152.

However, other constraints must also be taken into account for the implementation of these mobile deflectors. Examples include mechanical strength to oppose air pressure when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, protection of the device and deformability of the device in the event of a frontal impact, the possibility of folding the device very quickly when 'an unforeseen obstacle arises on the roadway, the ease of repair in the event of degradation, or even the style requirements linked to this part of the vehicle, in which the aerodynamic device is visible from the outside and is an integral part of the bodywork.

Numerous publications, for example US application 2007/0216194, have proposed to resolve all or part of the constraints mentioned above. Although all these devices make it possible to reduce the amount of air passing under the vehicle, it is observed that none of them makes it possible to resolve all the constraints mentioned above.

In addition, additional constraints are linked to the raised position of the deflector, when the latter is folded under the front bumper of the vehicle.

Indeed, a first additional constraint is linked to the size of the device in the raised position in a reduced space located at the front of the vehicle. Some vehicles are fitted with a protective plate at the front against objects which may be thrown from the road towards the engine. Such a plate can be a “parepierres” for SUV type vehicles (sport utility vehicles) or 4x4 type vehicles. Such a plate may also be present on certain high-end vehicles or certain sedans. Such a protective plate leads to a lack of space to accommodate the movable deflector in the retracted position.

In addition, these mobile deflectors occupy a space generally reserved for a radiator support and / or an access hood located under the engine. Thus, for vehicles which would include such movable deflectors, the radiator support and / or the access hood situated under the engine would be at a higher position, which would increase the height of the front part of the vehicle and affect the aerodynamics of it.

A second additional constraint arises from the need to protect the device in the retracted position. In fact, even in the retracted position, the mobile deflectors can encounter obstacles, stones, or any object that can be thrown from the road towards the underside of the vehicle. However, currently, the deflector blade in the folded position is not protected against such shocks. These deflectors can then undergo damage which can deteriorate them, and thus reduce their aerodynamic effect. In addition, such deterioration can lead to safety risks for other vehicles, since the deflector or the pieces of deflector must not come off so as not to clutter the road. A solution is known to such a problem, where the deployment of the deflector can be carried out by a translation in a vertical plane, as described in US Pat. No. 8,702,152. This vertical deployment, which makes it possible to protect the mobile deflector before deployment, however very restrictive to implement.

An object of the invention is to eliminate, or at least significantly limit, all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a protected deflector in the retracted position, which fits into the available spaces at the front of the vehicle and which can be deployed according to needs and situations.

To this end, the invention particularly relates to a deflector device of a motor vehicle intended to be placed at the front of this vehicle and comprising an aerodynamic component, characterized in that it comprises a protective component of the aerodynamic component connected to the aerodynamic flap, each of these flaps being movable between a deployed position in which the aerodynamic flap is capable of deflecting an air flow, and a retracted position in which the protective flap covers the aerodynamic flap in order to protect it.

Thus, the aerodynamic effect of such a deflector is not affected by the driving conditions of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling at low speed, even when the vehicle is made to withstand impacts with obstacles such as stones. In fact, the aerodynamic flap is protected by the protective flap when the flaps are in the retracted position. In addition, such a deflector device will have no impact on the elements of the vehicle located towards the rear of the front panel, such as a cooling radiator support or an access hood located under the engine.

"Covered" means that the covered item is not visible from outside the vehicle in the position in which it is covered.

It is necessary to understand by “element movable between a first position and a second position”, the fact that this element can move or be moved between the first position and the second position. This element can thus pass from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

In addition, such a deflector fits into the available spaces at the front of the vehicle, and therefore makes it possible to respond to the constraint linked to the size of the deflector in the retracted position, even when the vehicle is equipped at the front of the vehicle. '' a protective plate (“stone guard” for example).

Finally, when the deflector is in the deployed position, the protective flap advantageously closes the opening, preventing the entry of dirt inside the vehicle.

The deflector device according to the invention can optionally include one or more of the following characteristics:

it comprises a chassis, the chassis and a hinge member for the aerodynamic flap embodying at least a first hinge axis, the chassis and the protective flap materializing a second hinge axis, and actuation means, allowing activate the aerodynamic flap and the protective flap between the retracted position and the deployed position. Thanks to this arrangement, the deflector device can be actuated automatically from a certain speed, for example 70 km / h, to allow its deployment. In addition, the aerodynamic component can transmit at least part of the aerodynamic forces to the chassis via the articulation member, which makes it possible to reduce the forces supported by the actuation means.

the protective flap is a stone flap, the retracted position of which may be horizontal, but is most often inclined, preferably by an angle between 30 ° and 60 °, relative to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the deflector device is mounted on the vehicle. This arrangement is advantageous in particular for 4x4 vehicles and SUVs, which frequently include a fixed stone guard in the lower part of the front bumper or front bumper, in particular inclined to withstand the constraints of crossing obstacles at low speed. Thus, having the deflector at the level of this stone guard makes it possible to avoid having it at a radiator support or an access hood located under the engine. This facilitates the design of the vehicle because such a deflector device can constitute an optional device on a range of vehicles, not affecting the arrangement of elements other than the rock guard thanks to the minimized size of the deployment system. This also facilitates the maintenance of the vehicle, the deflector device not hampering access under the engine by the access hood located under the engine.

the deployed position of the protective flap is identical to its retracted position. Thanks to this, the protective flap is mobile to allow the deployment of the aerodynamic flap, but occupies the same deployed position as the retracted position, which makes it possible to maintain an overall aesthetic of the vehicle identical with the exception of the aerodynamic flap, which the aerodynamic flap either deployed or retracted.

it comprises means for locking the protective shutter in position relative to the chassis when the protective shutter is in the retracted position and when the protective shutter is in the deployed position. As a result, vibrations or clicks of the deflector device are avoided, which could produce an annoying noise for the vehicle occupants or the vehicle environment.

the aerodynamic flap and the protective flap are substantially parallel when they occupy the retracted position. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it improves the compactness of the deflector device. Indeed, the space occupied by such a device is thus reduced.

an articulated quadrilateral connection is made by means of the articulation member, the articulation member comprising two connecting rods between the chassis and the aerodynamic flap, each connecting rod being connected in an articulated manner at one of its d 'ends to the chassis and at the other of its ends to the aerodynamic flap. Thanks to this characteristic, the transmission of aerodynamic forces from the aerodynamic component to the chassis is advantageously carried out by the two connecting rods, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the forces supported by the actuation means.

the actuation means are configured to rotate the articulation member relative to the chassis, and are preferably disengageable. The disengageable actuation means advantageously make it possible to avoid their deterioration in the event of a high speed impact on the aerodynamic component, for example caused by an obstacle or an animal. Thus, even if the aerodynamic flap is damaged as a result of such an impact, it is not necessary to replace the actuating means, which is economically advantageous.

the protective flap and the aerodynamic flap are mounted displaceable between them, the relative movement of the aerodynamic flap and the protective flap being guided by complementary guide means provided on the aerodynamic flap and the protective flap. This simplifies the operation of the deflector device.

the guide means comprise: a groove formed by the protective flap, and a head complementary to the groove, carried by the aerodynamic flap. This feature simplifies further actuation, but also improves the visual aspect of the flap deployment process.

The invention also relates to a bodywork part of a motor vehicle comprising a deflector device as described above.

The bodywork part according to the invention can optionally include the following characteristic:

the protective shutter forms a hatch in a wall of the bodywork part, the aerodynamic shutter being housed, in the retracted position, in a volume of the part located behind the hatch so that the aerodynamic shutter is not visible from the outside of the vehicle when the bodywork part is mounted on the vehicle. Thanks to this feature, the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle is saved. In fact, when the aerodynamic flap is in the retracted position, the latter, as well as the actuating means and the possible articulation member, are not visible by an observer placed outside the vehicle. The aesthetic appearance of the vehicle is almost identical to that of a vehicle of the same range of vehicles which does not include such a deflector device, which allows such an observer to be able to identify these two vehicles as being of the same range of vehicles.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

- Figure IA, IB and IC are partial schematic side views of a motor vehicle equipped with a deflector device according to the invention, respectively in the retracted position, partially deployed and deployed;

- Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are perspective views of a deflector device according to the invention, respectively in the retracted position, partially deployed and deployed.

In what follows, reference will be made to terms of orientation, such as "longitudinal axis X", "transverse axis Y", "vertical axis Z", "front", "rear", "above", " upper ”,“ below ”,“ lower ”etc. These terms are understood by reference to the usual orientation of motor vehicles.

As illustrated in the figures, the deflector device 1 according to the invention comprises an aerodynamic flap 3 and a protective flap 5. These flaps 3.5 are each movable between a deployed position, illustrated in Figures IC and 2C, in which the aerodynamic flap 3 is capable of deflecting an air flow F, and a retracted position, illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2A, in which the protective flap 5 covers the aerodynamic flap 3 in order to protect it. In particular, in the deployed position, the aerodynamic flap extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z and substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y, which optimally deflects an air flow when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, for example at 70 km / h or more. In particular, in their retracted position, the aerodynamic flap 3 and the protective flap 5 are substantially parallel.

In a particular embodiment, the protective flap 5 is a stone shutter whose retracted position is inclined, preferably by an angle a between 30 ° and 60 ° as illustrated in FIG. IA, with respect to a longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis X of the vehicle, when the deflector device is mounted on the vehicle. More preferably, this angle a measures between 30 ° and 45 °, so as not to act too adversely on the drag coefficient of the vehicle.

The protective flap 5 can in particular have a deployed position that is substantially identical (that is to say more or less 5 to 10 degrees relative to the retracted position) to the retracted position: in the retracted position, the opening is completely closed by the protective flap 5, and in the deployed position, the opening is again completely closed, but this time by the upper edge of the aerodynamic flap and by the protective flap 5. According to one embodiment the protective flap 5 can have a deployed position identical to the retracted position. In these two cases, between the retracted position and the deployed position, the protective flap moves with a back and forth movement. In the deployed position, the protective flap 5 therefore advantageously closes the opening again, preventing the entry of dirt into the interior of the vehicle.

The deflector device 1 also comprises a chassis 7. Thus, the chassis 7 and the protective flap 5 materialize a hinge pin A around which the protective flap 5 can pivot. The deflector device may include means for locking in position, such as for example a locking finger 9 disposed on the protective flap 5, which engages in a housing formed in the chassis 7, the housing being provided in particular with a pivoting keeper or a pivoting blocking element coming engage in or around the locking finger 9. These locking means block the protective flap 5 in position relative to the frame 7 when the protective flap 5 is in the retracted position, and also when the protective flap 5 is found in the deployed position. Advantageously, these are the same locking means when these two positions are substantially identical or even identical.

The deflector device 1 comprises an articulation member 11 for the aerodynamic flap 3. This articulation member 11 is for example disposed between the chassis 7 and the aerodynamic flap 3 and materializes at least a first articulation axis A1 with the chassis 7. In particular the articulation member 11 comprises two connecting rods 13, 15, which can pivot relative to the chassis around a respective articulation axis A1, A2, and which can also pivot relative to the aerodynamic flap around '' a respective hinge axis A3, A4. Thus, an articulated quadrilateral connection is made by means of the articulation member 11, in which each connecting rod 13, 15 is connected in an articulated manner at one of its ends to the chassis 7 and at the level of the other of its ends to the aerodynamic flap 3. In particular, each connecting rod 13, 15 can be respectively doubled by another connecting rod 14, 16 arranged parallel thereto along their axes of articulation, or even other additional connecting rods if necessary.

The deflector device 1 comprises actuating means 17, in particular supported by the chassis 7, which make it possible to actuate the aerodynamic flap and the protective flap between the retracted position and the deployed position. These actuation means may include an electric motor coupled to a worm screw and a toothed wheel. In particular, the actuating means 17 are disengageable, in particular above a maximum torque threshold. The actuating means 17 rotate the articulation member 11, in particular by actuating the connecting rod 13 in rotation, which causes the aerodynamic flap 3 to pivot.

In a particular embodiment, the actuating means 17 also drive the protective flap 5 in rotation about its hinge axis A. To this end, the protective flap and the aerodynamic flap 3 are mounted movable between them, the relative movement of the aerodynamic flap 3 and the protective flap 5 being guided by complementary guide means formed on the aerodynamic flap 3 and the protective flap 5. In particular, these guide means comprise a groove 19 formed by the flap protection 5, and a head 21 complementary to the groove 19, carried by the aerodynamic flap 3. Thus, the head 21, possibly comprising a roller, a bearing or a bearing, can slide in the groove 19, and when the aerodynamic flap 3 is driven in rotation by the actuating means 17, the latter drives the protective flap 5 in rotation by means of these complete guide means émentaires.

The deflector device 1 can be supported by a bodywork part 23. In particular, the protective flap 5 can form a hatch in a wall of the bodywork part 23, this hatch being able to be formed flush with the part of the part. 23 surrounding bodywork. The aerodynamic flap 3 is then housed, in the retracted position, in a volume of the part located behind the hatch formed by the protective flap 5, so that the aerodynamic flap 3 is not visible from outside the vehicle, when the bodywork part 23 is mounted on the vehicle. In particular, the chassis 7 may be attached to the bodywork part 23, or else may be integrally formed with the bodywork part 23. The protective flap 5, the chassis 7, the bodywork part 23 may respectively include an element of damping and / or sealing, intended to dampen vibrations and / or to obtain an airtightness, for example to avoid whistling at high speed, between the protective flap 5 and a fixed element, such as the chassis 7 or the bodywork part 23.

In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the aerodynamic flap 3, the protective flap 5 and the bodywork part 23 can be made of a plastic material, in particular chosen from the group comprising thermoplastic resin, preferably polypropylene. or talc-loaded polypropylene, preferably reinforced with carbon fibers, glass fibers or natural fibers; thermosetting resin, preferably epoxy resin, polyurethane or polyester, preferably reinforced with carbon fibers, glass fibers or natural fibers. In particular, the aerodynamic flap 3, the protective flap 5 and the bodywork part 23 can be produced by a process comprising an additive manufacturing step and / or a material injection step. Optionally, the aerodynamic flap 3, the protective flap 5 and the bodywork part 23 can be covered, at least on their front surface, with a metallic film or having a metallic appearance, to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. Alternatively and selectively, the aerodynamic shutter 3, the protective shutter 5, in particular when this protective shutter 5 is a rock-shutter shutter, and the bodywork part 23 may consist of a steel sheet.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The articulation axes A, A1-A4 can extend parallel to a transverse axis Y of the vehicle. Certain axes of articulation could also be confused.

It is in particular possible to produce the hinge pin A between the chassis 7 and the protective flap 5 by means of a spring pin, which exerts a restoring torque on the protective flap 5 to bring it back to the retracted position. This is advantageous for example in the event of deterioration of the aerodynamic flap causing it to fall or be lost, or in the event of a malfunction of the actuating means 17. In fact, in these cases, the spring axis makes it possible to avoid that the protective flap 5 and possibly the aerodynamic flap remain in the deployed or partially deployed position.

It is also possible to provide additional actuation means such as telescopic connecting rods arranged in place of the previously described connecting rods, which make it possible to obtain different actuation kinematics. They can in particular extend between the retracted position and the deployed position of the aerodynamic flap, so that the aerodynamic flap occupies a deployed position even more towards the front of the vehicle, thereby increasing its aerodynamic effect. Optionally in this case, the protective flap can also have the function of an additional aerodynamic flap, which can have a deployed position capable of deflecting an air flow. The aerodynamic flap is then in the deployed position at least partially below the protective flap, which can allow it to possibly extend lower, for example at a height of 150mm along the vertical axis Z relative to the ground. .

The bodywork part 23 can be a rock guard, but could also be a front bumper or a front bumper.

References

5

13-16 aerodynamic flap deflector device protective flap chassis locking finger articulation member connecting rods

17 means of actuation of the body part head groove

Claims (12)

1. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle intended to be placed at the front of this vehicle and comprising an aerodynamic flap (3), characterized in that it comprises a protective flap (5) of the aerodynamic flap (3) connected to the aerodynamic flap (3), each of these flaps (3, 5) being movable between a deployed position in which the aerodynamic flap (3) is capable of deflecting an air flow, and a retracted position in which the flap protection (5) covers the aerodynamic flap (3) in order to protect it. 2. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, comprising - a chassis (7), the chassis (7) and an articulation member (11) for the aerodynamic flap (3) embodying at least a first articulation axis (Al), the chassis (7) and the flap protection (5) materializing a second axis of articulation (A), and - actuation means (17), for actuating the aerodynamic flap (3) and the protective flap (5) between the retracted position and the deployed position. 3. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protective flap (5) is a shutter, whose retracted position is inclined, preferably by an angle (a) between 30 ° and 60 °, relative to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the deflector device (1) is mounted on the vehicle. 4. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deployed position of the protective flap (5) is substantially identical to its retracted position. 5. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising locking means (9) in position of the protective flap (5) relative to the frame (7) when the protective flap (5) is in the retracted position and when the protective flap (5) is in the deployed position. 6. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the aerodynamic flap (3) and the protective flap (5) are substantially parallel when they occupy the retracted position. 7. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein in which an articulated quadrilateral connection is made by means of the articulation member (11), the articulation comprising two connecting rods (13, 15) between the chassis (7) and the aerodynamic flap (3), each connecting rod (13, 15) being hingedly connected at one of its ends to the chassis (7 ) and at the other of its ends to the aerodynamic flap (3). 8. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 7, in which the actuating means (17) are configured to rotate the articulation member (11) relative to the chassis ( 7), and are preferably disengageable. 9. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protective flap (5) and the aerodynamic flap (3) are mounted displaceable between them, the relative movement of the aerodynamic flap (3) and the protective flap (5) being guided by complementary guide means provided on the aerodynamic flap (3) and the protective flap (5). 10. Deflector device (1) of a motor vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the guide means comprise: a groove (19) formed by the protective flap (5), and a head (21) complementary to the groove (19 ), carried by the aerodynamic flap (3). 11. Motor vehicle body part (23) comprising a deflector device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. 12. Bodywork part (23) according to the preceding claim, in which the protective flap (5) forms a hatch in a wall of the bodywork part (23), the aerodynamic flap (3) being housed, in the retracted position, in a volume of the part located behind the hatch so that the aerodynamic flap (3) is not visible from outside the vehicle when the bodywork part (23) is mounted on the vehicle.