Device for preventing the rear light units of motor vehicles from becoming dirty
AssigneeFiat Auto S.p.A.
InventorsMarco Masoero, Angelo Garrone
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Air intakes, usually constituted by N.A.C.A. intakes, are formed in the sides of the motor vehicle immediately in front of each rear light unit. When the vehicle is moving, each of the intakes induces a flow of air towards the light unit. As it passes through flow-conditioning means, such as a deflector element mounted in a corner position on the light unit or a slot-like duct which passes through the light unit, this flow is transformed into a turbulent air flow. As it spreads into the space surrounding the surface of the light unit and/or flows over it, this air flow prevents the deposition of dirt on the light unit.
Claims3
A device for preventing, during travel, the deposition of dirt on a rear light unit of a motor vehicle situated generally in a corner position between a side panel and a rear panel of the body of the motor vehicle with a light transmitting portion of the unit extending along the side panel and the rear panel including:
- an air intake recessed into a surface of the side panel adjacent the light unit and capable of inducing an air flow towards the light unit when the motor vehicle is moving;
- and
- air flow directing means associated with the light unit and situated fluid-dynamically downstream of the air intake so as to direct the air flow in a manner to generate turbulence adjacent the light transmitting portion to prevent the deposition of dirt on the light unit;
- wherein said air flow direction means includes at least one air passage extending through the light transmitting portion of said light unit extending along the rear panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.