Flow director for rim, such as automobile rim

Abstract

The invention relates to an insert (10) on a rim (1), such as a motor vehicle rim, which simultaneously implements the function of an aerodynamic deflector, such as the function of protecting the rim during a curb impact, as well as the function of a stylized custom-made element.

Description

Corresponding applications

[0001] This application claims priority to earlier application PCT / IB2023 / 054660 filed on May 4, 2023 in the name of SOFTCAR SA, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle rims, in particular automotive rims, and to a device for improving the performance of said vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] State of the art Since the advent of the automobile, the rim has formed an integral part of the vehicle styling. On electric vehicles, in order to reduce the aerodynamic drag, aerodynamic deflectors have appeared which completely cover the rim, for example made of aluminum, thus allowing the air to be extracted from the inside of the wheel arch to the outside of the vehicle. The function of these deflectors is to reduce the aerodynamic drag and thus to increase the range of the associated vehicle. These deflectors are usually made of injection-molded synthetic material, such as a polymer, and have the shape of a cover disc which completely covers the structural rim made of steel or aluminum.

[0004] Some high-end rims include turbine-like blades integrated directly into the aluminum casting. Positioned towards the center of the rim, the blades are inefficient in terms of extracting air and the right and left rims are mirror images due to the orientation of the blades: thus, different rims must be produced for the left and right sides, in addition, during installation, they must also be carefully installed on the correct side. Therefore, to cross these rims, for example considering the wear of the tires, it is necessary to replace the tires already installed at the same time.

[0005] In addition, the rims can sometimes be equipped with a continuous strip on the rim edge to protect them from, for example, impacts with a sidewalk or curb.

[0006] Problem

[0007] In the prior art, structural rims made for example of cast aluminum alloy are covered with a plastic wheel cover or "aerodynamic wheel". The flow cap is similar to the painted plastic wheel cover or hubcap installed 40 years ago to hide "low-end" steel rims, thus simulating the appearance of an aluminum rim. This flow deflector solution found on many electric vehicles is aesthetically disadvantageous and many users remove this polymer part to show the rim behind, for example made of aluminum, which cancels the aerodynamic gain and the energy savings achieved by this part. The polymer wheel cover is inefficient, fragile and always has the same shade. The wheel cover adds a high unsprung mass to the electric vehicle, which contradicts the maximum possible light weight to be achieved for the minimum energy consumption. It is clamped to the rim in a non-permanent way to allow access to dismount the wheel. This non-permanent clamping can cause problems because the wheel cover, not properly reinstalled or after an impact, can separate from the rim and cause contamination on the road edge, which is particularly visible due to its size. Similarly, fragments of the wheel cover separate. This unpleasant contamination is a sign of irresponsible consumption, which is not acceptable for an environmentally friendly vehicle. During dismounting or reinstallation, the wheel cover is dirty, reinstallation is complicated and causes damage to the clamping system.

[0008] Clamping around the tire valve is always complicated, requiring particular attention to positioning the wheel cover, and incorrect reinstallation will cause loss of the wheel cover.

[0009] The left and right wheel covers are different, so that the blades perform air extraction on both sides of the vehicle.

[0010] In the case of a high-end rim molded with blades similar to a blade turbine as described above, it is necessary to produce two types of rims (left and right) to obtain the dynamic effect and this increases the cost of machining and production, while making the installation operation more complicated compared to the case where all the rims are the same and can be installed equally well on the left or right side.

[0011] For industrial reasons identical to the aluminum rims, it is expensive to put different colors into production. As a result, the color of the rims or wheel covers is neutral, usually gray, and as a result is installed without particular coordination with the color of the body.

[0012] In addition, it is very expensive in industry to add different colors to individual rims. For rims painted in two or more colors, the same rim paint is always produced identically during the entire life of the vehicle, regardless of the color of the body. Therefore, for rims and wheel covers, manufacturers usually choose a neutral, black or gray color, regardless of the range of colors of the body.

[0013] For recycling, bi- or multi-color or bi- or multi-material painted rims are problematic because the colors mix or the recycled material is not pure.

[0014] The outer surface of the rim and of the wheel cover is painted on a specific industrial paint line. The wheel cover is painted with an automotive primer only on the visible outer surface. A non-professional paint finish on the outer surface will not be aesthetically pleasing. This very strongly limits the do-it-yourself decoration and personalization of the wheel cover.

[0015] High-end aluminum rims are damaged by the slightest sidewalk impact and will need to be returned and then repainted to remove the traces of the impact.

[0016] In many cases, the wheel cover does not protect the aluminum rim from sidewalk impacts. SUMMARY

[0017] The aim of the invention is to solve these problems simultaneously and to make it possible to implement several functions integrated in a single part: according to the invention, the deflector is simultaneously an aerodynamic deflector, a styling element, a personalization element and protection of the rim edge against sidewalks.

[0018] These functions make it possible, in particular, to match the rims according to the different body colors (i.e. the body) during the production of the vehicle, or to match the rims after a change of body color, or to carry out any personalization of the rims in a professional manner without touching the paint of the rims, for example made of aluminum.

[0019] In an embodiment, the invention relates to an additional part fitted to a rim, for example an automotive rim, which simultaneously performs the functions of aerodynamic deflector, protection of the rim, for example against sidewalk impacts, and a stylized personalization element.

[0020] In an embodiment, the part forms a deflector.

[0021] In an embodiment, the part comprises means for clamping on the rim in an opening designed to allow clamping of the part to the periphery of the rim.

[0022] In an embodiment, the part comprises two symmetrical blades which make it possible to install the part equally well on the right and left rims of the vehicle.

[0023] In an embodiment, the part forms a center-removable part which mechanically and visually protects the nut of the rim.

[0024] In an embodiment, the shape of the clamp and of the opening is designed so as not to be removable from the rim branch except when a deliberate pressure is simultaneously exerted on the two clamps.

[0025] In an embodiment, the shape of the branch of the rim allows the passage of a finger on each side to simultaneously press on the two clamps.

[0026] In an embodiment, the clamping of the piece returns an audible feedback click during its assembly, thus making it possible to ensure the correct locking of the piece on the rim.

[0027] In an embodiment, the piece protects the rim from friction and sidewalk impacts.

[0028] In an embodiment, the piece matches the body state of the series or of the vehicle after sale.

[0029] In an embodiment, the user is able to change the color of these pieces at will on their vehicle at any time.

[0030] In an embodiment, the piece is made of transparent polymer and makes it possible to achieve a decorative personalization by painting the inner surface.

[0031] In an embodiment, the piece allows the user to color the inner surface of these pieces very easily themselves, thanks to the super gloss finish on the surface independent of the applied mass, achieved by using the transparent thickness of the piece.

[0032] In an embodiment, the piece is made of retroreflective elements, for example by reflecting light or storing and re-emitting light by phosphorescence or fluorescence.

[0033] In an embodiment, the piece is made of transparent polymer and makes it possible to receive a shiny paint on the surface matching the color of the nail polish of the user of the vehicle.

[0034] In an embodiment, the piece can be easily loosened and transported to accompany the user to the nail salon or to a place suitable for its decoration.

[0035] In an embodiment, the piece is made of transparent polymer, including a filler of gems, flakes, glass or any other decorative particle.

[0036] In an embodiment, the piece is made of transparent polymer, which makes it possible to paint roughly on its inner surface, the gloss finish being guaranteed by the thickness of the polymer.

[0037] In an embodiment, the piece is made of transparent or opaque, color- transparent material, with a rich choice of colors and a rich choice of fillers, glass, fluorescence, to individualize the rim.

[0038] In an embodiment, the arrangement of the clamp of a piece allows the passage shape in the branch to correspond to the shape for opening a bottle.

[0039] In an embodiment, the invention relates to a rim, for example for a vehicle, comprising at least one piece as defined in the application.

[0040] In an embodiment, the present application relates to a vehicle, for example a car, comprising at least one rim as defined in the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 perspective view illustrating the principle of the present application on a vehicle rim; Figure 2 exploded perspective view illustrating an embodiment according to the present application; Figure 3 front and rear perspective views illustrating an embodiment of the deflector according to the present application; Figure 4 detail of a rim without deflector; Figure 5 sectional view illustrating a detail of the deflector according to the present application; Figure 6 difference in level of the deflector according to the present application, which makes it possible to deflect the air flow; Figure 7A and Figure 7B air flow deflection achieved by means of the present application; Figure 8A and Figure 8B parts of an embodiment of the present application in mounted condition (Fig. 1) and in dismounted condition (Fig. 2) on a rim, respectively; Figure 8A Figure 8B Figure 9 opening operation of a beverage bottle, such as a beer bottle, on a rim. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 general view (Fig. 1) or exploded view (Fig. 2) illustrating the principle of the present application and its parts mounted on a vehicle rim 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 Figure 2

[0043] In one embodiment, the present application essentially forms an aerodynamic deflector 10, which is positioned in the most effective position for extracting air from the wheel arch, i.e. in the position where the rim 1 rotates the fastest, i.e. on the periphery of the rim 1, as illustrated in Figure 1

[0044] The deflector 10 is generally in the form of a blade, which allows air to be extracted from the wheel arch towards the outside of the vehicle. The deflector has two symmetrical blades 11, 12 (see Figure 3 which make it possible to install the deflector just as well (for example by clamping; see Figure 1 and Figure 5 ​​​​​) on the right and left wheels 1 of a vehicle.

[0045] Once installed (for example, clamped), each deflector 10 will draw air from the wheel arch and deflect the air flow towards the outside of the vehicle, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B illustrated and described. The faster the vehicle moves, the more air the deflector 10 will draw, thus reducing the aerodynamic resistance, which ultimately makes it possible to increase the range of an electric vehicle. The shapes of the rim 1 and of the deflector 10 shown in the figures are not exhaustive and many different styles of spades can be produced with the present invention, which perform the function of drawing air from the wheel arch and deflecting the air flow.

[0046] The attachment of the deflector 10 to the rim 1 is achieved by suitably designing or constructing the rim 1, for example with the devices described below as non-limiting embodiments: according to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 one illustrated embodiment: the branches 2 of the rim 1 can advantageously comprise openings 3 (see Figure 4 ) and the deflector 10 can comprise two flexible clips 13, 14 (see Figure 3 ) (see Figure 5 ). The openings 3 in the rim 1 are advantageously substantially triangular in shape, which enables the deflector 10 to be clamped to at least two faces of the triangle; see Figure 5 . With the present invention, a plurality of shapes of the deflector 10 as well as of the rim 1 and of the rim branches 2 can be envisaged. The fixing can be by lateral clamping, by screwing, by adhesive bonding or any other means of fixing. Preferably, but not exclusively, the fixing is reversible, i.e. the deflector 10 can be easily attached and detached with a mechanical action. The unclamping can only be done by passing a finger behind the branch 2 of the rim while pressing on both sides of the clip. The shape of the branch 2 is designed to allow the passage of a finger from behind. Without this manual action on both sides, the clip cannot be removed from the rim 1, even in the event of an impact.

[0047] Advantageously, the clamping imprint 3 (called opening 3) of the rim on each branch 2 corresponds to the passage of the cap of the neck of a bottle 30 (for example a beer bottle 30). This arrangement 3 makes it possible to open it. This novel feature is illustrated in Figure 9 .

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible, on the one hand, to enhance the style of a structural casting (i.e. a single monochrome rim) by removable coloured parts and, on the other hand, to add geometries that are difficult or even impossible to produce by casting.

[0049] By means of the present application, colour embellishment and personalization can be achieved without changing the paint or the construction of the rim which can be standardized.

[0050] Preferably, the rim 1 is adapted to receive the aerofins, for example by means of the openings 3 into which the clamps 13, 14 are inserted. In other embodiments, the rim 1 is standard and the aerofins 10 are adapted to allow their installation on said standard rim by suitable means, and / or allow the installation of any aerofin on a standard rim by fixing means, for example adhesive bonding.

[0051] The aerofins 10 make it possible to enhance the style of the rim, for example made of aluminium, by means of additional parts, advantageously made of polymer, which give the aluminium rim a colour embellishment. The parts thus added enhance the style of the rim by advantageously matching them with the colour of the body of the vehicle or with the graphics of the vehicle. This also makes it possible to sell accessories after the purchase of the vehicle and to propose coloured variants very quickly, without the need to remove or change the rim.

[0052] Once thus fixed, according to Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7B In the exemplified embodiment, the aerofins 10 are firmly pressed against the rim 1 by the clamps 13, 14 and locked in place along all the axes and cannot be separated from the rim without very special external action. As Figure 6 Exemplarily, the aerofins 10 can be instantaneously released by simultaneously pressing the two clamps 13, 14 by passing them on the inner surface of the branches of the rim 1.

[0053] In clamping, the geometry of the present application makes it possible to emit an audible click, thus guaranteeing the user that the aerofin 10 is correctly in place and locked by the slight pressure of the clamps 13, 14 on the rim 1. The clamping of the aerofin 10 and the aerofin itself cannot be removed without external manual intervention.

[0054] The aerofin 10 can advantageously be produced by injection moulding in transparent polymer resin. It can be installed transparently on the rim 1 (so as not to change its appearance) or it can also be painted on its inner surface, which once installed on the rim 1 gives the aerofin 10 a deep-gloss appearance, as a transparent bright paint of the thickness of the transparent part. Once thus installed against the rim 1, by the thickness of the polymer, the paint and the edges of the aluminium rim are protected from scratches and impacts, from the effects of jet cleaning products, from the effects of UV rays.

[0055] When the deflector 10 is advantageously made of transparent polymer, it can advantageously be painted on the inner face 12 in the color of the body of the vehicle. It can also be painted in a color matching the nail polish of the user or in another chosen color (fashion, color according to the graph of the company, color of the sports club, etc.). In these cases, the mode of operation according to the embodiment is to unclip the deflector 10 from the rim 1, to transport the very light piece to the workshop that will decorate it, to apply the lacquer or paint on the inner face (or on the entire piece) only, to let it dry and to re-clip the deflector on the rim 1. According to one embodiment, the fact of working on the inner face of the deflector 10 makes it possible to apply the lacquer or paint very roughly and quickly, since whatever the quality of the application of color to the surface 12, only the surface 11 of the deflector is visible through a few millimeters of polymer.

[0056] Thanks to the super-gloss finish on the surface 11 achieved by means of the transparent thickness of the piece that serves as a few millimeters of lacquer, the invention makes it possible for the user to color the inner face 12 very easily.

[0057] The perceived quality of gloss is independent of the quality of the application of lacquer to the inner face of the deflector 10. The invention makes it possible to use a paint can, a spray gun, a roller or even a brush, and does not require any particular expertise, since on the 10 side no drips or excess paint will be visible. This thickness of polymer gives the rim a particularly qualitative and aesthetic deep-gloss appearance at moderate manufacturing cost.

[0058] This method opens the way to multiple customizations in production, after-sales or by the user, who can express their talent at any time during the life of the vehicle.

[0059] According to the embodiment, the invention also comprises a one-piece center nut cover 20, which forms a cover having the function of protecting the thread of the wheel fixing stud (see Figure 8A and Figure 8B ). It can also have an aesthetic function, for example in harmony with the deflector 10 (see Figure 1 ). It can advantageously be transparently injection molded and painted or decorated on its rear face in the same way as the deflector 10. It is clipped into the central hole of the rim 1 (as Figure 8A illustrated), and the shape of the clip 21 makes it possible to press it perfectly onto the rim. Removal is done, for example, by lifting one of the leaves 22 with a metal wire or a thin polymer blade that slides between the rim 1 and the polymer piece 20.

[0060] The invention makes it possible to install and remove the deflector 10 and the cover 20 at home and, because these parts are light, to easily transport them to a workshop, for example, in order to paint them or replace them. It is also possible to advantageously transport them to a nail salon while they are being lacquered, without having to remove the rim. Of course, this is only a non-limiting example and the principle applies to other situations (exhibitions, tuning, advertising media, etc.). The ease of transport simplifies all possible personalizations of the deflector 10 and the cover 20.

[0061] In an embodiment, the deflector 10 protrudes a few millimeters from the peripheral edge of the rim, but remains inside the entire tire, as Figure 3 Example. This edge first contacts the sidewalk, thereby protecting the material of the rim 1 from the friction and impacts of the sidewalk or curb, which can damage the rim 1 during the motorized maneuvers in an urban environment, during impacts that occur.

[0062] The deflector 10 forms a protective wall that will first be contacted in the event of a sidewalk impact. The deflector can then be replaced and recycled, but it will have protected the rim 1 from expensive repairs.

[0063] The elongated shape of the deflector 10 preferably forms a portion of approximately 70% of the circumference of the rim 1. After an impact, the deflector 10 will probably be damaged or destroyed and will have to be replaced, which represents a low cost compared to the cost of repairing a damaged rim 1. Because it is located a few millimeters outside the rim 1, the deflector 10 protects the edge of the rim from friction, thereby protecting the lacquer from scratches and the aluminum of the rim from wear. The invention makes it possible to protect a rim 1 made of aluminum, for example, from sidewalk impacts. Advantageously, the deflector 10 will be made of a “non-impactable” polymer, polycarbonate or copolyester. When recycling the rim 1, the deflector 10 will be removed to avoid mixing of the materials, and the material of the rim 1 can be recycled as pure and more easily.

[0064] The deflector 10 and the cover 20 can be made of a transparent material filled with reflective particles, such as aluminum flakes, gem or diamond-like glass, nacre particles, marble, interference pigments, thermochromic pigments, or any other filler included in a polymer that allows an aesthetic effect to be produced on the rim 1.

[0065] The deflector 10 and cover 20 can advantageously be injection molded transparently and pigmented. The polymer can be filled with fluorescent or phosphorescent particles that are excited by the light of the ambient lighting or other vehicle's headlight, allowing the rim 1 equipped with the deflector 10 (and cover 20) to be visible for the duration of the emission of light even in total darkness. The present invention allows additional safety: visibility at night or in the evening. The deflector 10 (and cover 20) can be made in a wide choice of colors, both translucent and opaque, and can be painted on the surface with lacquers incorporating the pigments and effects described above. Painting is done when the deflector 10 (or cover 20) is removed from the rim 1, which simplifies this operation.

[0066] Once fixed to the rim, the deflector 10 is locked in a non-removable way, centered by the shape 3 along all the axes, and cannot be separated from the receptacle 3 of the rim 1. The deflector 10 can be instantaneously loosened by passing a finger behind the branch 2 while manually pressing on both sides of the clamps 13 and 14.

[0067] Embodiments have been described in order to provide a general understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods described herein. Several of the embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the drawings are non-limiting embodiments and the scope of the application is not limited to only these embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the application. It is intended that the present application cover modifications and variations of this application provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Several problems with conventional methods and systems have been pointed out herein and the methods and systems described herein can solve one or more of these problems. In addition, while the application has been described in connection with a certain number of embodiments, the application also covers alternative, modifications, equivalents, and variations as can be included within the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. An additional part (10, 20) to be assembled to a wheel rim (1), such as a car wheel rim, which simultaneously performs the function of an aerodynamic deflector, the function of protecting the wheel rim, for example from sidewalk impacts, and the function of a stylized personalization element.

2. The part (10) according to the preceding claim, which forms a deflector (10).

3. The part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means (13, 14) for clamping on the wheel rim (1) in an opening (3) designed to allow the part (10) to be clamped to the periphery of the wheel rim (1).

4. The part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two symmetrical blades (11, 12) which enable the part to be installed equally well on a right wheel rim (1) and on a left wheel rim (1) of a vehicle.

5. The part (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, forming a central removable part (20) of a nut mechanically and visually protecting the wheel rim (1).

6. The part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The shape of the clamps (13) and (14) and of the opening (3) is designed so as not to be removable from the wheel rim branch (2) except when a deliberate pressure is simultaneously exerted on the two clamps (13) and (14).

7. The part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The shape of the branch (2) of the wheel rim (1) allows a finger to pass through on each side to simultaneously press on the two clamps (13) and (14).

8. The part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The clamping of the part (10, 20) returns an audible feedback click during its assembly, thus enabling the correct locking of the part (10, 20) on the wheel rim (1) to be ensured.

9. The part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which protects the wheel rim (1) from friction and sidewalk impacts.

10. The part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which matches the bodywork state of a series or of an after-market vehicle.

11. The part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The user is able to change the color of the part at will on their vehicle at any time.

12. The part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is made of transparent polymer, enabling a decorative personalization to be achieved with the transparency of the part by painting the inner face (12).

13. The part (10, 20) according to the preceding claim, which benefits from a super-gloss finish on the face (11) independent of the quality of application, achieved by using the transparent thickness of the part, allowing the user to color the inner face (12) of the part very easily themselves.

14. The transparent part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is made of retroreflective elements which reflect light or store and re-emit light by phosphorescence or fluorescence.

15. The part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is made of transparent polymer and which can receive on the face (12) a shiny lacquer matching the color of the nail polish of the user of the vehicle.

16. A part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which can be easily detached and transported to accompany the user to the nail salon or to the place suitable for its decoration.

17. A part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is made of transparent polymer, including fillers of gems, flakes, glass or any other decorative particles.

18. A part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is made of transparent polymer, which can be roughly painted on its inner surface, the glossy finish being guaranteed by the polymer thickness.

19. A part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, which can be made of transparent or opaque, color- transparent materials, with a rich selection of colors and a rich selection of fillers, glass, fluorescent, to personalize the rim (1).

20. An arrangement of clamps (13, 14) of a part (10), which allows the passage shape (3) in the branch (2) to correspond to the shape for opening a bottle.

21. A rim (1), for example for a vehicle, comprising at least one part (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. A vehicle, for example a car, comprising at least one rim (1) according to the preceding claim.

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