FR3099741A1 - REAR DEFLECTOR WITH LONGITUDINAL GUIDE EXTENSION, FOR A VEHICLE UNDERBODY - Google Patents

Abstract

A rear deflector (DR) equips a wheeled vehicle comprising a base (SS) comprising a rear panel (PR) provided with two first fixing lugs (PF1), and a rear bumper (PCR) comprising a lower wall (PI ) provided with N second fixing lugs (PF2). This rear deflector (DR) comprises a rear edge (BR) comprising N holes (T1) intended to be passed through, like the second fixing lugs (PF2) and first fixing lugs (PF1), by N screws ensuring the fixed connection from the rear bumper (PCR) to the rear spoiler (DR) and the rear panel (PR). This rear edge (BR) also comprises a longitudinal extension (EL) extending rearward and intended to pass between the first fixing lugs (PF1), in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector (DR) with respect to the basement (SS). Figure to be published with abstract: Fig. 4

Description

REAR DEFLECTOR WITH LONGITUDINAL GUIDING EXTENSION, FOR A VEHICLE UNDERBODY

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to wheeled vehicles which comprise 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, comprise a structure (or body) comprising a base to which are attached a rear bumper and a rear deflector responsible for reducing aerodynamic drag and therefore energy consumption. This rear deflector comprises a front edge which is oriented towards the front of the vehicle and fixedly secured by screwing to an underside of the underbody, and a rear edge which is oriented towards the rear of the vehicle and fixedly secured by screwing to at least two first fixing lugs of a rear panel of the underbody and N second fixing lugs of a lower wall of the rear bumper, with N ≥ 2.

To do this, the rear edge comprises N zones against which rest respectively, on a lower face, the N second fixing lugs and provided respectively with N holes traversed, like the second and first fixing lugs, by N screws which ensure the fixed attachment of the rear bumper to the rear deflector and of the latter to the rear panel.

To achieve such an assembly, a technician generally begins by securing an upper wall of the rear bumper to the rear panel of the underbody, leaving the lower part of the rear bumper hanging down, even though the structure of the vehicle is suspended above it. above ground on the assembly line. This technician then grabs the rear spoiler, places the rear edge of the spoiler over the second rear bumper mounting tabs, then couples the front edge of the rear spoiler to threaded rods (screws or studs) that have been fixed beforehand to the underside of the base. Then, the technician is forced to temporarily let go of the pre-held rear deflector in order to grab a screwdriver and N screws (or bolts). Then, the technician inserts one of the N screws into a hole in one of the N second mounting brackets, one of the N holes defined in the rear edge of the rear deflector, and into a hole in one of the first fixing lugs, before proceeding with its screwing, and repeats these operations for each of the other screws.

This phase of inserting the screws into the holes is not easy to carry out because it requires that the N holes in the rear edge of the rear deflector be initially placed facing respectively the corresponding holes in the N second mounting brackets of the rear bumper . 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 underbody. There is therefore frequently a transverse offset between the rear deflector and the rear bumper that the technician must make up for by having his arms raised, which is not ergonomic, is tiring due to the respective weights of the rear deflector and bumper back, and wastes time on the assembly line. In addition, the rear deflector and the lower wall of the rear bumper are frequently dark (for example black), which does not facilitate the facing (or coincidence) of their respective holes and the corresponding holes of the rear panel.

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular 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 provided with at least two first fixing lugs , and a rear bumper, comprising a lower wall provided with N second fixing lugs, with N ≥ 2, and, on the other hand, comprising a rear edge comprising N zones against which are intended to rest respectively, on a lower face, the N second fixing lugs and respectively provided with N holes intended to be passed through, just like the second fixing lugs and the first fixing lugs, by N screws ensuring the fixed connection of the rear bumper to the rear deflector and from the latter to the rear panel.

This rear deflector is characterized in that its rear edge also comprises at least one longitudinal extension extending rearwards and intended to pass between the first fixing lugs of the rear panel, in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector by relation to the base.

Thanks to the invention, when the technician has grasped a rear deflector, he can now easily position it transversely with respect to the underbody, and therefore with respect to the lower wall of the bumper and to the rear panel, thanks to the placement of its rear edge. between the first fixing lugs of this rear panel which ensure its transverse wedging.

The rear deflector according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- its longitudinal extension may extend in the transverse direction over a first distance which is slightly less than a second distance separating the first fixing lugs;

- its longitudinal extension can extend along the longitudinal direction over a third 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 can be fitted with nuts which are intended to be coupled respectively to threaded rods fixedly secured to the base;

- Its longitudinal extension may be an integral part of the rear edge or may be a piece attached to the rear edge;

- the number N can be equal to four.

The invention also proposes a wheeled vehicle, optionally of the automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, a base, extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions and comprising a rear panel provided with at least two first fixing lugs , and a rear bumper, comprising a lower wall provided with N second fixing lugs, with N ≥ 2, and, on the other hand, a rear deflector of the type of that presented above and fixedly secured to the bumper back and to the rear panel by N screws.

For example, each of the first fixing lugs can be provided with a nut for screwing in a threaded end of one of the screws.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings, in which:

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the underside, a rear part of an example of the underbody of a vehicle structure, to which are fixedly secured a rear bumper and an example embodiment of a rear deflector according to invention,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the rear deflector of Figure 1,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below and from the rear side, the placement of the longitudinal extension of the rear deflector of Figure 2 between the first fixing tabs of the rear panel of the underbody of Figure 1, and

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the underside, the rear part of the base of figure 1 during the placement of the longitudinal extension of the rear deflector of figure 2 between the first fixing lugs of the rear panel and at the above the rear wall of the rear bumper.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a rear deflector DR intended to equip a wheeled vehicle comprising a structure, comprising a base SS, and a rear bumper PCR, and facilitating assembly.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting 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 to be equipped with a rear deflector. Thus, it also concerns commercial vehicles, minibuses, coaches, trucks, and road construction machinery, in particular.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal (or lateral) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the X direction, and the Z direction is a so-called vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

There is schematically shown in Figure 1 a rear part of an example of basement SS of a structure (or body) of a vehicle (here automobile), to which are fixedly attached a rear bumper PCR and an example of production of a rear deflector DR according to the invention.

As illustrated in Figure 1, this SS base extends along the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions. In addition, as shown in Figure 3 (and very partially in Figure 4), the SS base comprises at its rear end a rear panel PR extending transversely and substantially vertically (plane YZ).

In what follows and what precedes, the notions 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.

This rear panel PR comprises at least two first fixing lugs PF1 extending forwards from the underbody SS (and therefore from the vehicle), substantially in the longitudinal direction X, and to which are intended to be fixedly secured by screws to a wall lower part PI of the lower part of the rear bumper PCR and the rear spoiler DR.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4, the number of first fixing lugs PF1 is equal to two (2). But this number can take any value greater than or equal to two (2).

For example, and as illustrated in Figure 3, each first fixing lug PF1 can be provided with a nut E1 for screwing in a threaded end of one of the aforementioned screws. Each nut E1 can, for example, be welded against (and above) hole T3 which is defined in the first fixing lug PF1 for the passage of a screw.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR comprises N second fixing lugs PF2 extending forwards from the underbody SS (and therefore from the vehicle), substantially in the longitudinal direction X.

Each second fixing lug PF2 comprises a hole T2 for the passage of one of the aforementioned screws.

As illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 and 4, the number N is here equal to four (4). But this number can take any value greater than or equal to two (2).

As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the rear deflector DR comprises front edges BV and rear BR, opposite one another in the longitudinal direction X.

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 underbody SS.

The rear edge BR is oriented towards the rear of the vehicle and intended to be fixedly secured by screwing to the first fixing lugs PF1 of the rear panel PR of the underbody SS and to the N second fixing lugs PF2 of the rear bumper PCR. 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 PF2 of the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR. These N zones respectively comprise N holes T1 to be placed facing, on the one hand, the corresponding N holes T2 of the N second fixing lugs PF2, and, on the other hand, the corresponding holes T3 of the first fixing lugs PF1 ( see figures 3 and 4).

In order to facilitate this placement by a technician, the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR comprises at least one longitudinal extension EL which extends rearwards (from the base SS) and which is intended to pass between the first fixing lugs PF1 (see Figures 3 and 4), in order to guide the transverse positioning of the rear deflector DR with respect to the base SS.

Thus, when a technician has seized a rear deflector DR he can easily position it transversely (along Y) with respect to the base SS, and therefore with respect to the lower wall PI of the bumper PCR and to the rear panel PR, by placing the longitudinal extension EL of its rear edge BR between the first fixing lugs PF1 of this rear panel PR which ensure its transverse wedging and above this lower wall PI. Then, the technician can couple the front edge BV of the rear deflector DR to threaded rods TF (screws or studs) which have been fixed beforehand to the lower face FI1 of the basement SS (see figure 4), by driving it in rotation to the top. The technician can then temporarily release the DR rear deflector which is pre-held at the front and 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 lugs PF2, a corresponding hole T1 of the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR, and a corresponding hole T3 of one of the first lugs fastener PF1 (when there is an associated one), before proceeding with the screwing with the help of its screwdriver.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR only comprises a single longitudinal extension EL defined in a central position (centered on a median longitudinal axis), because the panel rear PR comprises only two first fixing lugs PF1 placed symmetrically on either side of the median longitudinal axis. But the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR could comprise two or three longitudinal extensions EL, and the rear panel PR could comprise two, three or four first fixing lugs PF1 transversely guiding the longitudinal extensions EL.

Preferably, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4, the longitudinal extension EL extends along the transverse direction Y over a first distance d1 which is slightly less than the second distance d2 separating the first fixing lugs PF1. Here, the term "slightly smaller" means being smaller by a value between 5 mm and 10 mm in order to take into account the dimensional variations of the rear edge BR of the rear deflector DR and of the rear wall PR of the base SS and play to facilitate the assembly kinematics by the technician.

Also preferably, the longitudinal extension EL extends along the longitudinal direction X over a third distance d3 which allows its partial placement above the upper face of the lower wall PI of the rear bumper PCR and prevents the edge rear BR of the rear deflector DR is rotated downwards during the coupling of the front edge BV of the rear deflector DR to the base SS. It will in fact be understood that the greater the length (along X) of the longitudinal extension EL, the lower the risk of decoupling the rear edge BR from the lower wall PI.

It will be noted that the longitudinal extension EL can either form an integral part of the rear edge BR, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 3 and 4, or be a part which is attached to the rear edge BR. This may in particular depend on the material from 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 it would be necessary to add each longitudinal extension EL to its edge. rear 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 one-piece (as illustrated), or made 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 an aluminum or a steel.

It will also be noted, as illustrated in FIG. 4, that the front edge BV of the rear deflector DR can be provided, on an underside, with nuts E2 which are intended to be coupled respectively to threaded rods TF fixedly secured to the base SS . This makes it possible to facilitate the front coupling of the front edge BV on the base SS, and therefore this allows the technician to completely let go of the rear deflector DR, placed in a substantially horizontal position (plane XY), in order to grasp his screwdriver and the screws to proceed with the screwing.

Claims (10)

Rear deflector (DR) for a wheeled vehicle comprising a base (SS), extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions and comprising a rear panel (PR) provided with at least two first fixing lugs (PF1), and a rear bumper (PCR), comprising a lower wall (PI) provided with N second fixing lugs (PF2), with N ≥ 2, said rear deflector (DR) comprising a rear edge (BR) comprising N zones against which intended to bear respectively, on an underside (FI2), said N second fixing lugs (PF2) and provided respectively with N holes (T1) intended to be passed through, just like said second fixing lugs (PF2) and said first fixing lugs (PF1), by N screws ensuring the fixed attachment of said rear bumper (PCR) to said rear deflector (DR) and of the latter (DR) to said rear panel (PR), characterized in that said rear edge (BR) further comprises at least one longitudinal extension (EL) extending rearward and intended to pass between said first fixing lugs (PF1), in order to guide the transverse positioning of said rear deflector (DR) with respect to said basement (SS). Rear deflector according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said longitudinal extension (EL) extends along the said transverse direction over a first distance slightly less than a second distance separating the said first fixing lugs (PF1). Rear deflector according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the said longitudinal extension (EL) extends along the said longitudinal direction over a third distance allowing it to be partially placed above an upper face of the said lower wall (PI) of the rear bumper (PCR) and preventing said rear edge (BR) from being rotated downwards upon coupling of a front edge (BV) of said rear deflector (DR), opposite said rear edge (BR) , to said basement (SS). Rear deflector according to claim 3, characterized in that said front edge (BV) is provided with nuts (E2) intended to be coupled respectively to threaded rods fixedly secured to said base (SS). Rear deflector according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said longitudinal extension (EL) forms an integral part of the said rear edge (BR). Rear deflector according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said longitudinal extension (EL) is a piece attached to the said rear edge (BR). Rear deflector according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that N is equal to four. Wheeled vehicle comprising a base (SS), extending in longitudinal and transverse directions and comprising a rear panel (PR) provided with at least two first fixing lugs (PF1), and a rear bumper (PCR) , comprising a lower wall (PI) provided with N second fixing lugs (PF2), with N ≥ 2, characterized in that it further comprises a rear deflector (DR) according to one of the preceding claims, fixedly secured to said rear bumper (PCR) and said rear panel (PR) by N screws. Vehicle according to Claim 8, characterized in that each of the said first fixing lugs (PF1) is provided with a nut (E1) for screwing in a threaded end of one of the said screws. Vehicle according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.