Spoiler, and vehicle wheel assembly and vehicle having the same
By installing spoilers in front of the car wheel arches and using the oncoming airflow to make them swing, the problem of high wind resistance around the front wheels of the car is solved, and wind resistance is effectively reduced.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG SMART INTELLIGENCE TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
The drag coefficient around the front wheels of a car is relatively high, and existing technologies are unable to effectively reduce it.
Install a spoiler directly in front of the car wheel arch, partly below the wheel arch, and use the impact of the oncoming airflow to make it swing backward, so that the airflow passes smoothly and reduces direct impact on the front wheels.
By using a simple structure to reduce wind resistance around the front wheels of a car and avoid airflow instability, the drag coefficient can be effectively reduced.
Smart Images
Figure CN224361260U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of vehicle parts, and in particular relates to a spoiler, a wheel assembly having the spoiler, and a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] When a car is in motion, it inevitably encounters air resistance, and this resistance increases with vehicle speed. To reduce the impact of air resistance, related technologies often employ methods to optimize the overall appearance of the car, making the body lines smoother and more streamlined to lower the drag coefficient. However, the drag coefficient is affected by various factors, and to further reduce it, it is necessary to improve or optimize existing automotive components. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a spoiler and a wheel assembly having the same, and a vehicle, which can solve the problem of high drag coefficient around the front wheels of a car, or at least one of these problems.
[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the first aspect of this utility model provides a spoiler for being disposed in front of the wheel arch of a car, and at least a portion of the spoiler is disposed below the wheel arch. Under the impact of the oncoming airflow flowing toward the car, the portion of the spoiler located below the wheel arch swings toward the rear of the vehicle, so that the oncoming airflow passes smoothly through the spoiler.
[0005] In one embodiment, the spoiler includes a main body, and the two ends of the main body are provided with connection holes corresponding to the wheel cover. The connection holes are used to connect the spoiler to the wheel cover through fastening elements provided in the connection holes.
[0006] In one embodiment, the main body has a positioning hole in the middle that matches the positioning pin of the wheel cover, and the positioning hole is used to position the spoiler on the wheel cover.
[0007] In one embodiment, the spoiler further includes an extension connected to or integrally formed with the main body, the extension extending from the upper edge of the main body in a direction away from the main body.
[0008] In one embodiment, the extension is provided with a drainage hole corresponding to the lower guard plate bracket of the vehicle.
[0009] In one embodiment, the spoiler further includes a reinforcement formed at the connection between the main body and the extension.
[0010] In one embodiment, the spoiler is made of a flexible material.
[0011] In one embodiment, the maximum vertical distance between the lower edge of the spoiler and the corresponding lower edge of the wheel arch is less than or equal to the minimum distance between the wheel arch and the wheel corresponding to the wheel arch.
[0012] A second aspect of this utility model provides a wheel assembly, including a wheel cover and a spoiler as described in the above technical solution, the spoiler being disposed in front of the wheel cover.
[0013] A third aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle including a wheel assembly as described in the above technical solution.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0015] This invention features a spoiler mounted on the wheel arch of a car, with at least a portion of the spoiler positioned below the wheel arch. This spoiler, under the impact of the oncoming airflow, swings rearward, allowing the airflow to pass smoothly through the spoiler. Compared to existing technologies, this invention has a simpler structure and lighter weight. By reducing the oncoming airflow flowing from the front of the wheel arch towards the wheels, it prevents direct impact on the front wheels, thus avoiding airflow instability around the front wheels and addressing the problem of high drag coefficient around the front wheels. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a spoiler, wheel cover, and fastening elements provided for an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 An exploded view of a spoiler, wheel arch, and fastening elements provided for an embodiment of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a spoiler provided as an embodiment of the present invention from a first-view perspective.
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a spoiler provided as an embodiment of the present invention from a second perspective.
[0021] Figure 5A front view of a spoiler, wheel arch, and fastening components assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 6 A side view of a spoiler, wheel arch, and fastening components assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0024] 1. Spoiler; 2. Wheel arches; 3. Fastening components;
[0025] 11. Main body; 12. Extension section; 13. Reinforcing section;
[0026] 111. Connecting hole; 112. Positioning hole;
[0027] 121. Water guide hole;
[0028] D. The maximum vertical distance between the lower edge of the spoiler and the corresponding lower edge of the wheel arch;
[0029] α, the sway angle of the portion of the spoiler located below the wheel arch;
[0030] 21. Wheel cover body; 22. Assembly hole; 23. Positioning pin; 24. Limiting part; 25. Reinforcing part. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the description of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.
[0033] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0034] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used merely to distinguish elements with similar properties, not to indicate or imply relative importance or a specific order.
[0035] The terms “include,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which includes not only the elements listed but also other elements not expressly listed.
[0036] When a car is in motion, it inevitably encounters air resistance, and this resistance increases with vehicle speed. In related technologies, to reduce the impact of air resistance, the overall appearance of the car is often optimized, making the body lines smoother and more streamlined to lower the drag coefficient. However, the drag coefficient is affected by many factors. Besides the overall appearance, the detailed design of the underbody also influences the drag coefficient. To further reduce the drag coefficient, it is necessary to improve or optimize existing automotive components.
[0037] Example 1
[0038] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 An embodiment of the first aspect of this utility model provides a spoiler. The spoiler 1 is installed directly in front of the wheel arch 2 of a vehicle, with at least a portion of the spoiler 1 located below the wheel arch 2. This portion, under the impact of the oncoming airflow flowing towards the vehicle, swings backward towards the rear of the vehicle. Preferably, it swings to a position corresponding to the vehicle's real-time speed, allowing the oncoming airflow to pass smoothly through the spoiler 1. Preferably, the spoiler 1 is arc-shaped, designed to maintain the same bending direction as the corresponding connection position on the wheel arch 2, ensuring a tight fit between the spoiler 1 and the wheel arch 2. It should be noted that the oncoming airflow referred to here is the airflow flowing from the front of the wheel arch 2 towards the wheel arch 2. The real-time vehicle speed referred to here is a speed greater than or equal to a preset threshold (e.g., 30 km / h).
[0039] For example, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the spoiler 1 includes a main body 11. The main body 11 is plate-shaped and is mounted on the outer surface of the lower front edge of the wheel arch 2. Specifically, in order to mount the spoiler 1 on the wheel arch 2, the main body 11 is provided with connecting holes 111 corresponding to the wheel arch 2. The connecting holes 111 are used to fix the spoiler 1 to the wheel arch 2 by means of fastening elements 3 (such as fastening screws) provided in the connecting holes 111. In some embodiments, there may be multiple connecting holes 111. In this embodiment, there are two connecting holes 111. These two connecting holes 111 are respectively formed at both ends of the main body 11. In this way, when the spoiler 1 is connected to the wheel arch 2 by two fastening elements 3 respectively provided in the two connecting holes 111, the spoiler 1 can be stably and reliably fixedly connected to the wheel arch 2.
[0040] For example, in order to position the spoiler 1 on the wheel arch 2, the main body 11 is also provided with a positioning hole 112 that matches the positioning pin 23 of the wheel arch 2. The positioning hole 112 is used to position the spoiler 1 on the wheel arch 2. Preferably, the positioning hole 112 is formed in the middle of the main body 11, that is, the positioning hole 112 is formed between two connecting holes 111. In this way, when the spoiler 1 is connected and engaged with the positioning pin 23 of the wheel arch 2 through the positioning hole 112, it is beneficial to ensure that the installation accuracy of the spoiler 1 on the wheel arch 2 meets the design specifications.
[0041] For example, to prevent the spoiler 1 from detaching under the impact of oncoming airflow, the spoiler 1 further includes an extension 12. The extension 12 is elongated and connected to the main body 11, extending from the main body 11 in a direction away from the main body 11. Specifically, the extension 12 extends from the upper edge of the main body 11 in a direction away from the main body 11 on one side. Preferably, the extension 12 is integrally formed with the main body 11, and the plane of the extension 12 is perpendicular to the plane of the main body 11. Preferably, the extension 12 is adhered to the wheel arch 2 by an adhesive. Thus, when the spoiler 1 is connected to the wheel arch 2, the main body 11 is connected to the wheel arch 2 by the fastening element 3 to form a first connection, while the extension 12 is connected to the wheel arch 2 by the adhesive to form a second connection, but this is not limited to this. This is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the spoiler 1 and the wheel arch 2.
[0042] Furthermore, to facilitate drainage, the spoiler 1 also includes water guide holes 121. Specifically, the water guide holes 121 are formed on the extension 12 and correspond to the lower bumper bracket of the vehicle. In some embodiments, there may be multiple water guide holes 121. In this first embodiment, there are three water guide holes 121. These three water guide holes 121 are arranged at a certain distance along the length of the extension 12. It should be noted that the lower bumper bracket of the vehicle mentioned here refers to a component installed under the front of the vehicle to support the lower bumper of the vehicle and enhance the overall structural strength of the front of the vehicle.
[0043] Furthermore, to improve the structural strength of the spoiler 1, the spoiler 1 also includes a reinforcing portion 13. Specifically, the reinforcing portion 13 is formed at the connection between the main body portion 11 and the extension portion 12. In some embodiments, there may be multiple reinforcing portions 13. In this first embodiment, there are four reinforcing portions 13. These four reinforcing portions 13 are parallel to each other along the length direction of the spoiler 1.
[0044] Furthermore, the spoiler 1 also includes a hydrophobic coating (such as a nano-sized silica coating). Specifically, the hydrophobic coating can be formed on the front outer surface of the main body 11, or on the front outer surface of the main body 11 located below the wheel arch 2, to reduce the frictional resistance of the front outer surface of the spoiler 1.
[0045] Preferably, the spoiler 1 is made of a flexible material, such as rubber, silicone, or carbon fiber composite materials, which have soft, flexible, and deformable properties. The thickness of the spoiler 1 is less than or equal to 5mm, such as 1mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, or 3mm. Thus, when the vehicle speed is less than a preset threshold, the oncoming airflow flowing towards the wheel arch 2 has little impact on the vehicle's drag, and the spiral airflow formed by the rotation of the front wheels has negligible impact on the vehicle's performance. Therefore, the spoiler 1 does not sway or undergo significant bending deformation under its own weight. When the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, under the combined action of its own weight, the oncoming airflow flowing towards the wheel arch 2, and the spiral airflow formed by the rotation of the front wheels, at least a portion of the spoiler 1 will sway or undergo significant bending deformation within the wheel arch 2. Figure 5 The spoiler 1 swings clockwise to a certain angle, as shown. By achieving optimal aerodynamic posture, it reduces local turbulence and airflow separation caused by the convergence of two airflows, thus solving the problem of high drag coefficient around the front wheels of the car.
[0046] Specifically, according to the inventors, the swing angle (e.g., angle α) of the portion of the spoiler 1 located below the wheel arch 2 can be determined according to Table 1 below.
[0047] Table 1. Correspondence between swing angle α and vehicle speed V
[0048]
[0049] For example, when the vehicle speed V is 40 km / h, the swing angle α of the lower part of the spoiler 1 is 5 degrees; when the vehicle speed V is 120 km / h, the swing angle α of the lower part of the spoiler 1 is 45 degrees.
[0050] That is, as shown in the table above, the swing angle α of the spoiler 1 is positively correlated with the vehicle speed.
[0051] Preferably, the swing angle α is an acute angle.
[0052] Preferably, the maximum vertical distance (e.g., distance D) between the lower edge of the spoiler 1 and the corresponding lower edge of the wheel arch 2 is less than or equal to the minimum distance between the wheel arch 2 and the wheel corresponding to the wheel arch 2; that is, D is less than or equal to the minimum radial clearance between the wheel arch 2 and the front wheel. This helps to avoid motion interference to the outer surface of the front wheel caused by the swing of the spoiler 1.
[0053] Example 2
[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the second aspect of this utility model provides a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel cover 2 and a spoiler 1 as described in Embodiment 1. The spoiler 1 is mounted directly in front of the wheel cover 2. It should be noted that the wheel cover 2 referred to here is a trim piece located on the outside of the wheel. The wheel cover 2 not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the vehicle but also effectively protects the wheel from wear and corrosion from the external environment.
[0055] Specifically, the wheel arch 2 includes a wheel arch body 21, a mounting hole 22, a locating pin 23, a limiting part 24, and a reinforcing part 25. The wheel arch body 21 is semi-circular and fits onto the outer circumference of the vehicle wheel. The mounting hole 22 is formed on the outer surface of the lower front edge of the wheel arch body 21 and corresponds to the connection hole 111 of the spoiler 1. The locating pin 23 is prismatic and also formed on the outer surface of the lower front edge of the wheel arch body 21, and is adapted to the locating hole 112 of the spoiler 1. The limiting part 24 is also formed on the outer surface of the lower front edge of the wheel arch body 21, is elongated, and extends forward away from the wheel arch body 21, defining the vertical mounting position of the spoiler 1. The reinforcing part 25 is formed at the connection between the wheel arch body 21 and the limiting part 24.
[0056] In some embodiments, there may be multiple reinforcing portions 25. In this second embodiment, there are four reinforcing portions 25. These four reinforcing portions 25 are parallel to each other along the length direction of the limiting portion 24. Preferably, in the vertical direction, these four reinforcing portions 25 correspond one-to-one with the four reinforcing portions 13.
[0057] Preferably, the reinforcing part 25 includes a vertical section formed on the front outer surface of the wheel cover body 21 and a horizontal section formed on the upper outer surface of the limiting part 24 and intersecting with the vertical section, and the length direction of the vertical section is perpendicular to the length direction of the horizontal section.
[0058] Thus, when assembling the spoiler 1 onto the wheel arch 2, firstly, the positioning pin 23 of the wheel arch 2 is inserted into the positioning hole 112 of the spoiler 1. Then, the mounting hole 22 is aligned with the connecting hole 111. At this time, the rear sidewall of the main body 11 and the front sidewall of the wheel arch body 21 are in surface contact, and the upper sidewall of the extension 12 and the lower sidewall of the limiting part 24 are in surface contact. Finally, by fastening the fastening element 3 inserted in the mounting hole 22 and the connecting hole 111, and / or by filling the space between the upper sidewall of the extension 12 and the lower sidewall of the limiting part 24 with adhesive, the spoiler 1 and the wheel arch 2 can be fixedly connected. Compared with the prior art, this wheel assembly has the characteristic of a lower drag coefficient.
[0059] Example 3
[0060] A third aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle that includes a wheel assembly as described in Embodiment 2, which gives the vehicle a low drag coefficient.
[0061] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A spoiler, characterized in that, The spoiler (1) is used to be located in front of the wheel arch (2) of the car, and at least a part of the spoiler (1) is located below the wheel arch (2). The part of the spoiler (1) located below the wheel arch (2) swings to the rear of the vehicle under the impact of the oncoming airflow flowing towards the car, so that the oncoming airflow passes smoothly through the spoiler (1).
2. The spoiler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spoiler (1) includes a main body (11), and the two ends of the main body (11) are provided with connection holes (111) corresponding to the wheel cover (2). The connection holes (111) are used to connect the spoiler (1) to the wheel cover (2) through fastening elements (3) provided in the connection holes (111).
3. The spoiler as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main body (11) has a positioning hole (112) in the middle that is adapted to the positioning pin (23) of the wheel cover (2). The positioning hole (112) is used to position the spoiler (1) on the wheel cover (2).
4. The spoiler as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The spoiler (1) also includes an extension (12) that is connected to or integrally formed with the main body (11), the extension (12) extending from the upper edge of the main body (11) in a direction away from the main body (11).
5. The spoiler as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The extension (12) is provided with a drainage hole (121) corresponding to the lower guard plate bracket of the vehicle.
6. The spoiler as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The spoiler (1) also includes a reinforcing part (13) formed at the connection between the main body (11) and the extension (12).
7. The spoiler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spoiler (1) is made of a flexible material.
8. The spoiler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum vertical distance between the lower edge of the spoiler (1) and the corresponding lower edge of the wheel cover (2) is less than or equal to the minimum distance between the wheel cover (2) and the wheel corresponding to the wheel cover.
9. A wheel assembly, characterized in that, It includes a wheel arch (2) and a spoiler as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the spoiler (1) is located directly in front of the wheel arch (2).
10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the wheel assembly as described in claim 9.