FR3142741A1 - Motor vehicle underbody fixing protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is an aerodynamic deflector (22) mounted under a floor (20) of a motor vehicle and housing an electric battery (12). The aerodynamic deflector includes a panel (80) with an upper face (76) and a lower face (36). The lower face has: a longitudinal groove (40), a fixing recess (42) with fixing means (44), said fixing recess being adjacent to the longitudinal groove. The aerodynamic deflector further comprises a separation fin (46) between the fixing recess and the longitudinal groove and projecting under the lower face. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Motor vehicle underbody mounting protection

The present invention relates to aerodynamic deflectors in the underbody of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to the attachment of an aerodynamic deflector of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is an aerodynamic deflector under the floor of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is also a motor vehicle with an underbody fitted with an aerodynamic deflector.

A motor vehicle generally has an underbody structure facing the road. The underbody accommodates various pieces of equipment or parts of the vehicle, including an exhaust line in the case of a vehicle with a thermal engine; or a drive battery in the case of an electric vehicle. These parts are covered by one or more deflectors forming lower fairing elements, facing the road. The deflectors thus form physical protective screens against projections raised by the wheels.

On the underside, the deflectors provide an aerodynamic surface or deflection surface to improve the vehicle's stability, especially at high speeds. The aerodynamic surface is profiled longitudinally and has longitudinal grooves that improve flow channeling and rigidity. The deflectors reduce drag. In this way, they reduce the consumption of primary drive energy. The vehicle's range is extended.

A deflector is typically fixed under the structure by means of fastening such as screw-nut systems. A deflector is often a plastic part in order to reduce the total weight of the vehicle. The nuts used to fix the deflector can then also be plastic parts. Such nuts can be weakened or even damaged by the projections mentioned above. The loss or deterioration of one or more nuts is likely to involve the loss of the deflector; which is to be avoided for more than one reason.

Document FR3071218B1 presents a deflector for a motor vehicle underbody. The deflector for the underbody comprises a horizontal wall. The horizontal wall provides an aerodynamic effect and protection against gravel. The deflector also has at least one deflector attachment zone, said zone comprising a plate with a fixing hole which receives a nut or a screw head.

Fastening means may be arranged in protective wells formed in the aerodynamic surface when the vertical space between the deflector and the underbody structure is sufficient to allow such a configuration. Lowering the deflection surface protects the fastening means. However, this reduces the vehicle's ability to cross. Furthermore, when these wells communicate with the longitudinal grooves, the fastening means are even more exposed to projections.

The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to propose protecting means for attaching an aerodynamic deflector of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the aerodynamics, rigidity and protection of means for attaching an aerodynamic deflector of a motor vehicle.

According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an aerodynamic deflector intended to be mounted under a motor vehicle floor, the aerodynamic deflector comprising a panel with an upper face and a lower face opposite the upper face, the lower face having: a longitudinal groove, a fixing recess with fixing means, said fixing recess being adjacent to the longitudinal groove; remarkable in that the aerodynamic deflector further comprises a separation fin between the fixing recess and the longitudinal groove and projecting under the lower face.

Preferably, the fixing means comprise a fixing orifice in the center of the fixing recess, and the fixing recess comprises a support disk extending transversely in the longitudinal groove, the separation fin being tangent to the support disk.

Preferably, the fixing recess comprises an opening towards the rear; said opening being delimited by the separation fin; the separation fin extending behind the fixing recess.

Preferably, the longitudinal groove comprises a longitudinal edge with a straight section and a section inclined relative to the straight section; the fixing recess being longitudinally in the extension of the straight section; and the inclined section connecting the straight section to the separation fin.

Preferably, the longitudinal groove comprises a protective boss in front of the fixing recess, the separation fin extending longitudinally from said protective boss.

Preferably, the separation fin comprises a first height; and the fixing means comprise a fixing axis with a head on the lower face side, the head comprising a second height less than or equal to the first height.

Preferably, the longitudinal groove comprises a first depth; and the fixing recess comprises a second depth greater than or equal to the first depth.

Preferably, the separation fin is solid and extends longitudinally towards the rear of the fixing recess.

Thus, the invention provides a separation fin blocking the projections moving in the longitudinal groove towards the fixing means in the fixing recess. At the same time, this separation fin has a triple function since in addition to protecting the fixing recess it reinforces it and improves the guidance of the air flow. The invention therefore provides a rib to stiffen the fixing recess while improving the aerodynamic flow of air and protecting the fixing from gravel ejected from the wheels when the vehicle is in motion.

It will be clearly understood that the invention proposes an aerodynamic deflector under the floor of a motor vehicle, the aerodynamic deflector comprising a lower face having: a longitudinal groove, a fixing recess adjoining the longitudinal groove, separation means at the interface between the fixing recess and the longitudinal groove.

Preferably, the longitudinal groove has a transverse narrowing at the level of the protective boss and/or the inclined section.

Preferably, the fixing axis is in the fixing hole.

Preferably, the separation fin is arranged laterally to the fixing recess.

Preferably, the upper face is intended to be towards the floor.

Preferably, the fixing recess is longitudinally at the level of the longitudinal groove.

Preferably, the separation fin forms a separation wall.

Preferably, the separation fin is a protective fin and/or a reinforcing fin and/or an aerodynamic fin.

Preferably, the separation fin comprises a constant height over at least half of its length, and an inclined portion at its rear end.

Preferably, the protective boss comprises a rear tip, the protective fin extending longitudinally from said rear tip.

Preferably, the separation fin comprises a ribbon with a constant thickness and/or a constant height.

Preferably, the separation fin is generally straight.

Preferably, the separation fin is a longitudinal separation fin.

According to another aspect, the invention proposes a deflector intended to be mounted under a motor vehicle floor and/or in the underbody of a motor vehicle, the aerodynamic deflector comprising a panel with a lower face, an upper face opposite the lower face and in particular intended to face the floor; the lower face having: a longitudinal groove, a fixing recess with fixing means, said fixing recess being adjacent to the longitudinal groove; remarkable in that the aerodynamic deflector further comprises a panel reinforcing fin between the fixing recess and the longitudinal groove and extending vertically under said panel.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle underbody deflector, the underbody deflector comprising a panel with a lower face, the lower face having: a longitudinal groove, a circular fixing zone with fixing means, said fixing zone extending transversely in the longitudinal groove; remarkable in that the underbody deflector further comprises a separation wall between the fixing zone and the longitudinal groove.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising an aerodynamic deflector, remarkable in that the aerodynamic deflector is in accordance with the invention.

Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a base with an electric battery covered by the aerodynamic deflector.

Preferably, the aerodynamic deflector comprises a rear half; the separation fin extends longitudinally in the rear half.

Preferably, the aerodynamic deflector comprises a rear aerodynamic element, and the separation spoiler is formed under the rear aerodynamic element.

Preferably, the aerodynamic deflector comprises a front aerodynamic element which is fixed in front of the rear aerodynamic element.

Preferably, each element came from matter.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises a front wheel; the separation spoiler is longitudinally and/or transversely opposite said front wheel.

The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures annexed and listed below.

There is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There shows from below a motor vehicle underbody according to the invention.

There represents a portion of an aerodynamic deflector of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There illustrates from below a longitudinal groove and a fixing recess of an aerodynamic deflector of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There is a section along the VV axis drawn in of an aerodynamic deflector of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

In the following description, the term “comprise” is synonymous with “include” and is not limiting in that it allows for the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or aerodynamic deflector to which it relates. It is understood that the term “comprise” includes the terms “consist of”.

In this description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “rear” designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction. These three axes define a trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

In this description, the value ranges include the limits which delimit them.

In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the aerodynamic deflector, unless otherwise explicitly mentioned.

Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

There represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means such as an electric battery 12 and at least one electric motor 14 adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10. The position of the electric motor 14 may vary.

The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 16. The structure 16 forms the body of the vehicle. The structure 16 may be a main structure in the sense that it extends substantially over the entire length and width of the motor vehicle 10. It may comprise bodywork portions. The components are mounted on the structure. The electric motor 14, the axles, the suspension systems, the steering system are mounted therein.

The structure 16 comprises an assembly of stamped sheets fixed to each other, for example by welding. Alternatively, the structure is an assembly of tubes connected to each other, for example so as to form a three-dimensional lattice or a frame.

The motor vehicle 10 has a base 18. The base 18 forms the lower part of the structure 16. The base 18 houses the electric battery 12. The electric battery 12 commonly comprises several electric cells.

The structure 16 also has a floor 20. The floor 20 delimits the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The floor 20 has a horizontal support surface. Seats are fixed on the floor 20. The floor 20 also forms a loading space. The electric battery 12 is fixed under the floor 20, and/or to different housings and crosspieces of the structure 16.

In order to protect the electric battery 12, the motor vehicle 10 is equipped with a deflector, in particular an aerodynamic deflector 22. The aerodynamic deflector 22 is integrated into the underbody 18. It is also called an air deflector. The aerodynamic deflector 22 is a lower deflector in that it faces the ground. It forms the lower surface of the motor vehicle 10. The aerodynamic deflector 22 is generally horizontal. It essentially comprises at least one panel.

In operation, the front wheels 24 (only one shown) generate projections 26 such as gravel. The projections 26 are directed towards the underbody 18; and in particular towards the electric battery 12. The aerodynamic deflector 22 forms a screen against these projections 26, and limits their impact between the front and rear axles.

In addition, the aerodynamic deflector 22 channels the air flow between its lower surface 28 and the ground. It limits the generation of vortices thanks to the smooth and profiled nature of said lower surface 28. The aerodynamic deflector 22 is advantageously made of polymer. It may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material.

There has a base 18 with an aerodynamic deflector 22 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to the . The front wheels 24 of the front axle are shown in dotted lines. The projection areas 30 reached by the projections 26 are shown on each side.

The aerodynamic deflector 22 may be formed of several elements, including a front aerodynamic element 32 and a rear aerodynamic element 34. Each of its aerodynamic elements (32; 34) extends over the entire width of the structure 16. The aerodynamic deflector 22 is formed of a panel made of plastic material, such as polyamide or polypropylene. The plastic material optimizes the lightness and the resistance to abrasion caused by the projections 26.

The projection zones 30 extend over the entire length of the aerodynamic deflector 22. The aerodynamic elements (32; 34) cover and protect the electric battery and its optional cooling system.

The lower surface 28 of the aerodynamic deflector 22 forms the lower face 36. On the lower face 36, the aerodynamic deflector 22 has at least one, preferably several longitudinal grooves 40. The longitudinal grooves 40 form undulations. They stiffen the aerodynamic deflector 22. The longitudinal grooves 40 can be formed on the rear aerodynamic element 34, and optionally the front aerodynamic element 32. The front aerodynamic element 32 is also called the bottom front fairing.

The lower face 36 comprises at least one fixing recess 42, preferably several fixing recesses 42. Each fixing recess 42 comprises fixing means 44. At least one of the fixing recesses 42 is adjacent to one of the longitudinal grooves 40. Since the longitudinal grooves 40 have a greater depth relative to the lower surface 28, more projections 26 enter therein and are directed towards the adjoining or adjacent fixing recesses 42. Their trajectories point towards the fixing means 44.

The aerodynamic deflector 22 comprises longitudinal grooves 40 designed and positioned to optimize the flow under the motor vehicle. The positioning of the fixing recesses 42 obeys constraints of availability of mounting areas. Thus, certain fixing recesses 42 touch; or intersect the longitudinal grooves 40.

There presents an aerodynamic deflector 22 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 2. In this case, the rear aerodynamic element 34 is shown.

The present illustration shows three parallel longitudinal grooves 40. The following description focuses on that associated with at least one fixing recess 42. The fixing recess 42 is longitudinally at the longitudinal groove 40. The aerodynamic deflector 22 comprises separation means at the interface between the fixing recess 42 and the longitudinal groove 40. The separation means comprises a separation fin 46 between the fixing recess 42 and the longitudinal groove 40.

The separating fin 46 partitions the fixing recess 42 and the longitudinal groove 40. It rises between them. It separates them. The separating fin 46 projects below the lower face 36; it projects downwards. The separating fin 46 forms a separating wall. The separating fin 46 is a protective fin and/or a reinforcing fin.

The separation fin 46 forms a ribbon with a constant thickness and/or a constant height. The separation fin 46 comprises a constant height over at least half of its length; preferably over substantially its entire length. This configuration makes it possible to effectively protect the fixing means 44. The separation fin 46 has a reduction in height at the rear. It has a ramp 48, or portion with a reduction in height at its rear end. The ramp 48 forms a portion inclined relative to the horizontal.

The longitudinal groove 40 includes a protective boss 50. The protective boss 50 is formed forward of the fixing recess 42. The separation fin 46 extends longitudinally from the protective boss 50. The protective boss 50 forms a lowering of the top of the longitudinal groove 40. The protective boss 50 includes a rear tip 52 which forms its rear end; or longitudinal end. The rear tip 52 is in the longitudinal groove 40. The protective fin 46 extends longitudinally the rear tip 52.

The longitudinal groove 40 extends substantially over the entire length of the rear aerodynamic element 34, also called the rear bottom fairing. The separation fin 46 and the fixing recess 42 are in the rear half of the rear aerodynamic element 34.

Other fixing recesses are arranged along the longitudinal groove 40. These other fixing recesses are on either side of the longitudinal groove 40.

There shows in plan a portion of an aerodynamic deflector 22 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The fixing means 44 comprise a fixing orifice 54 in the center of the fixing recess 42. The fixing means 44 also comprise a fixing pin 56 having a head 58. The head 58 is housed in the fixing recess 42; and bears against its top. The head 58 is transversely spaced from the longitudinal groove 40. The fixing means 44 comprise a plastic material. The fixing pin 56, and in particular the head 58, comprise a plastic material.

The fixing recess 42 forms a fixing imprint. Its outline surrounds the fixing means 44 and in particular the head 58. The fixing recess 42 comprises a support disk 60 extending transversely in the longitudinal groove 40, the separation fin 46 being tangent to the support disk 60. The latter forms the top of the fixing recess 42.

The fixing recess 42 comprises an opening 62. The opening 62 is open towards the rear. The opening 62 communicates with the longitudinal groove 40. The opening 62 forms a step at the interface between the longitudinal groove 40 and the fixing recess 42. The opening 62 is bordered laterally by the separation fin 46. The separation fin 46 extends behind the fixing recess 42, beyond the opening 62. Its flow guiding capacity is improved.

The longitudinal groove 40 comprises a longitudinal edge 64 on the side of the fixing recess 42. The longitudinal edge 64 has a straight section 66 and an inclined section 68 relative to the straight section 66. The straight section 66 is parallel to the longitudinal direction. The inclined section 68 is inclined relative to the straight section 66 by an angle of inclination of between 10° and 30°. The fixing recess 42 is longitudinally in the extension of the straight section 66. The inclined section 68 connects the straight section 66 to the separation fin 46. The inclined section 68 forms a deviation of the longitudinal edge 64, which protects the fixing means 44. The range of the angle of inclination makes it possible to optimize the protection while limiting the disturbances in the air flow.

The longitudinal groove 40 comprises a protective boss 50. The protective boss 50 extends to the level of the lower surface 28. The protective boss 50 is arranged in front, or upstream depending on the direction of flow of the air flow, of the fixing recess 42. The separation fin 42 extends longitudinally from said protective boss 50. The separation fin 46 forms a protective barrier extending the protective boss 50. The latter is formed on the longitudinal edge 64. It is delimited by the inclined section 68.

The longitudinal groove 40 has a transverse narrowing 72 at the level of the protective boss 50 and the inclined section 68. The transverse narrowing 72 marks a reduction in width in the longitudinal groove 40. The transverse narrowing 72 is delimited by the separation fin 46.

The splitter fin 46 is generally straight. The splitter fin is a longitudinal splitter fin, or an aerodynamic fin. It forms a rib; such as a reinforcing rib or a splitter rib. The lower crest 74 of the splitter fin 46 is coplanar with the lower surface 28. The lower crest 74 forms the lower edge of the splitter fin 46.

There presents an aerodynamic deflector 22 mounted under the floor 20 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 4.

The upper face 76 of the aerodynamic deflector 22 is turned towards the floor 20 serving as a fixing support. The floor 20 comprises a mounting portion 78 with complementary mounting means and coinciding with the fixing means 44. The mounting portion 78 comprises for example a threaded bore or a stud. An electric battery 12 is housed between the aerodynamic deflector 22 and the floor 20. The size of the electric battery 12 is figurative since in practice it can extend over substantially the entire width of the structure 16.

The separation fin 46 is solid and extends longitudinally towards the rear of the fixing recess 42. The lower face 36 and the upper face 76 are those of the panel 80 of the aerodynamic deflector 22. They are opposite according to the thickness of the panel 80. The panel 80 forms a horizontal separation veil. It has a constant thickness. The panel 80 is advantageously produced by injection.

The separation fin 46 comprises a first height H1; and the fixing means 44 comprise a fixing pin 56 with a head 58 on the side of the lower face 36. The head 58 bears against the support disk 60. The head 58 comprises a second height H2 less than or equal to the first height H1. For example, the first height H1 is between 10 mm and 30 mm. Thus, the head 58; and therefore generally the fixing means 44; are protected by the separation fin 46. The first height H1 and the second height H2 are measured against the top of the fixing recess 42. These heights (H1; H2) can be measured from the support disk 60.

The fixing means comprise a fixing hole 54 in the center of the fixing recess 44. The fixing axis 56 is in the fixing hole 54. The fixing hole 54 therefore passes through the panel 80 formed by the aerodynamic deflector 22. The fixing axis 56 allows retention and positioning of the aerodynamic deflector 22 relative to the floor 20. The fixing axis 56 is of the screw type so as to adjust a mounting tightening and allow possible disassembly.

The longitudinal groove 40 comprises a first depth P1; and the fixing recess 42 comprises a second depth P2 greater than the first depth P1. Each depth (P1; P2) is measured from the lower surface 28. According to one embodiment, the second depth P2 of the fixing recess 42 is equal to the first height H1 of the separation fin 46 when the separation fin 46 extends to the vertical level of the lower surface 28.

The aerodynamic deflector 22 is generally symmetrical along a vertical and longitudinal plane. The aerodynamic deflector comprises at least two longitudinal grooves, two fixing recesses each associated with one of the two longitudinal grooves, and each separated by a separation fin. The separation fins are symmetrical.

This description is detailed in relation to a single separation fin. However, the technical characteristics described in relation to one of the separation fins apply to each separation fin.

The present description has been made in relation to a motor vehicle with electrical drive. The invention also applies to a motor vehicle driven by a thermal engine; or internal combustion engine.

Claims (10)

Aerodynamic deflector (22) intended to be mounted under a floor (20) of a motor vehicle (10), the aerodynamic deflector (22) comprising a panel (80) with an upper face (76) and a lower face (36) opposite the upper face (76), the lower face (36) having: a longitudinal groove (40), a fixing recess (42) with fixing means (44), said fixing recess (42) being adjacent to the longitudinal groove (40); characterized in that the aerodynamic deflector (22) further comprises a separation fin (46) between the fixing recess (42) and the longitudinal groove (40) and projecting under the lower face (36). An aerodynamic deflector (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (44) comprise a fixing orifice (54) in the center of the fixing recess (42), and the fixing recess (42) comprises a support disk (60) extending transversely in the longitudinal groove (40), the separation fin (46) being tangent to the support disk (60). Aerodynamic deflector (22) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the fixing recess (42) comprises an opening (62) towards the rear; said opening (62) being delimited by the separation fin (46); the separation fin (46) extending behind the fixing recess (42). Aerodynamic deflector (22) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the longitudinal groove (40) comprises a longitudinal edge (64) with a straight section (66) and an inclined section (68) relative to the straight section (66); the fixing recess (42) being longitudinally in the extension of the straight section (66); and the inclined section (68) connecting the straight section (66) to the separation fin (46). Aerodynamic deflector (22) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the longitudinal groove (40) comprises a protective boss (50) in front of the fixing recess (42), the separation fin (46) extending longitudinally from said protective boss (50). Aerodynamic deflector (22) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the separation fin (46) comprises a first height (H1); and the fixing means (44) comprise a fixing axis (56) with a head (58) on the side of the lower face (36), the head (58) comprising a second height (H2) less than or equal to the first height (H1). Aerodynamic deflector (22) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the longitudinal groove (40) comprises a first depth (P1); and the fixing recess (42) comprises a second depth (P2) greater than or equal to the first depth (P1). Aerodynamic deflector (22) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the separation fin (46) is solid and extends longitudinally towards the rear of the fixing recess (42). Motor vehicle (10) comprising an aerodynamic deflector (22), characterized in that the aerodynamic deflector (22) conforms to one of claims 1 to 8; preferably the motor vehicle (10) comprises a base (18) with an electric battery (12) covered by the aerodynamic deflector (22). Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the aerodynamic deflector (22) comprises a rear half; the separation fin (46) extends longitudinally in the rear half; preferably, the aerodynamic deflector (22) comprises a rear aerodynamic element (34), and the separation fin (46) is formed under the rear aerodynamic element.