motor vehicle

Abstract

A motor vehicle (10), comprising: a vehicle body (12) defining a longitudinal axis extending from a front end of the vehicle body (12) to a rear end of the vehicle body (12), a transverse axis extending from a first side of the vehicle body (12) to a second side of the vehicle body (12) opposite the first side, and a vertical axis, wherein the vehicle body (12) has a front wheel and a front wheel arch (14) arranged around the front wheel, the front wheel arch (14) comprising a wheel arch surface (15) and a wheel arch edge (16) defining a wheel arch opening; and an aerodynamic element integrated into the mudguard (100), comprising: a mudguard section (101) which is connected to the front wheel arch (14) within the wheel arch opening and extends vertically downwards from the wheel arch edge (16); and an elongated air strip (102) extending from the mudguard section (101) to a position longitudinally behind the front wheel arch (14) and adjacent to the Vehicle body (12) extends, wherein the elongated air strip (102) has an elongated strip body (104) which extends longitudinally with respect to the vehicle body (12) from an outer edge adjacent to the front wheel arch (14) to an inner edge adjacent to the vehicle body (12), wherein the elongated air strip (102) has an upper edge (110) which is shaped to conform to the vehicle body (12), wherein the mudguard section (101) has a first surface (103) adjacent to the wheel arch surface (15) and a second surface (105) outside and adjacent to the first surface (103), wherein the mudguard section (101) has a lower surface (107) adjacent to the first surface (103), such that the first surface (103), the second surface (105) and the lower surface (107) enclose at least one outer area of ​​the wheel arch edge, wherein the second surface (105) extends vertically below the first surface (103) and has an inward curvature, wherein the elongated air bar (102) has a lower edge (112) which extends below the inward curvature of the second surface of the dirt trap section (101).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a passive mud flap having an aerodynamic ledge for reducing drag.

[0002] When a motor vehicle moves, it disrupts the air it travels through. This air disturbance affects, among other things, the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0003] Overcoming the wind resistance and turbulence generated by the vehicle's passing consumes energy that must be harvested from the vehicle's fuel, electricity, or other stored energy. The greater the wind resistance and turbulence, the greater the fuel consumption and the lower the fuel efficiency. Vehicles are therefore typically designed with aerodynamic performance in mind. In particular, vehicles are engineered to reduce airflow through the wheel arch and the resulting unwanted drag.

[0004] DE 10 2015 113 011 A1 relates to a motor vehicle with a wheelhouse in which a wheel is located, as well as an air guiding device for the airflow that flows into the wheelhouse during vehicle operation. To improve handling, the air guiding device is designed and positioned such that a first partial airflow is directed along the inside of the wheel and a second partial airflow along the outside of the wheel. These two partial airflows are recombined behind the wheelhouse in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0005] JP 2001 - 278 123 A describes an over-wheel cover that is mounted on a wheel house panel and covers the wheel along the wheel arch, located behind the wheel. The over-wheel cover is characterized by having an opening in the rear area that is open to the rear.

[0006] DE 10 2014 111 075 A1 relates to a motor vehicle with an adjustable sill, with a body and with a sill arranged between the wheel arches of a vehicle longitudinal side with a displaceable sill element, wherein the sill element is adjustable in the lateral direction between a first end position and a second end position, wherein at least one projecting air guide element is arranged on the sill element.

[0007] DE 43 24 704 C1 describes a mud flap for wheeled vehicles, which is arranged on the wheel cutout of a mudguard, wherein it projects laterally from the mudguard behind the wheel in a lower region of the wheel cutout, and wherein the mud flap has a guide wall extending diagonally backwards for repelling spray water, characterized in that the repelling guide wall is arranged below a hollow body of the mud flap projecting relative to the guide wall and opens into a pipe channel leading under the vehicle floor on the wheel arch side, and that the hollow body designed as a collecting container for spray water is connected to the pipe channel by overflow. DESCRIPTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to increase the efficiency of the motor vehicle. This object is achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1.

[0009] Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, embodiments according to the present disclosure provide improved resistance over a conventional mud flap while maintaining the appearance of the conventional mud flap.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle includes a vehicle body and a mud flap integrated aerodynamic element. The vehicle body defines a longitudinal body axis extending from a front end of the vehicle body to a rear end of the vehicle body, a lateral body axis extending from a first side of the vehicle body to a second side of the vehicle body opposite the first side, and a vertical axis. The vehicle body has a front wheel and a front wheel well disposed around the front wheel. The front wheel well includes a wheel well surface and a wheel well edge defining a wheel well opening.The mud flap integrated aerodynamic element comprises a mud flap section connected to the front wheel arch within the wheel arch opening and extending vertically downward from the wheel arch edge, and an elongated air bar extending from the mud flap section to a position longitudinally rearward of the front wheel arch and adjacent to the vehicle body.

[0011] In some aspects, the elongated air bar comprises an elongated bar body extending longitudinally with respect to the vehicle body from an outer edge adjacent the front wheel house to an inner edge adjacent the vehicle body.

[0012] In some aspects, the elongated air bar includes an upper edge shaped to conform to the vehicle body.

[0013] In some aspects, the mud flap portion includes a first surface adjacent to the wheel house surface and a second surface located outside and adjacent to the first surface.

[0014] In some aspects, the mud flap portion includes a lower surface adjacent to the first surface such that the first surface, the second surface, and the lower surface enclose at least an exterior region of the wheel house edge.

[0015] In some aspects, the second surface extends vertically below the first surface and has an inward curvature.

[0016] In some aspects, the elongated air bar projects generally parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle body and extends from an outer edge adjacent the second surface of the mud flap portion to an inner edge adjacent the vehicle body.

[0017] In some aspects, the elongated air bar includes a lower edge extending below the inward curvature of the second surface of the mud flap portion.

[0018] In some aspects, the elongated air bar includes an upper edge shaped to conform to the vehicle body to provide a clean visual aesthetic.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a mudguard-integrated aerodynamic element for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a motor vehicle is described. The motor vehicle includes a vehicle body, a front wheel arch, and a frame. The aerodynamic element includes a mudguard portion configured to attach to and cover at least a portion of the front wheel arch, and an elongated air bar attached to and projecting from the mudguard portion. The elongated air bar includes an elongated strip body extending longitudinally with respect to the vehicle body from an outer edge adjacent the mudguard portion to an inner edge adjacent the vehicle body.

[0020] In some aspects, the mud flap portion includes a first surface adjacent to the wheel house surface and a second surface located outside and adjacent to the first surface.

[0021] In some aspects, the mud flap portion includes a lower surface adjacent to the first surface such that the first surface, the second surface, and the lower surface enclose at least an exterior area of ​​the front wheel house.

[0022] In some aspects, the second surface extends vertically below the first surface and has an inward curvature.

[0023] In some aspects, the elongated air bar includes a lower edge extending below the inward curvature of the second surface of the mud flap portion.

[0024] In some aspects, the elongated air bar projects generally parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle body and extends from an outer edge adjacent the second surface of the mud flap portion to an inner edge adjacent the vehicle body.

[0025] In some aspects, the extended air bar includes an upper edge shaped to conform to the vehicle body.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a mud flap integrated aerodynamic element for improving the aerodynamic properties of a motor vehicle is described.

[0027] The motor vehicle includes a vehicle body, a front wheel well, and a frame. The method includes forming a mud flap portion configured to attach to the front wheel well and cover at least a portion of the front wheel well. The mud flap portion has an inward curvature. The elongated air skirt includes an elongated skirt body extending longitudinally with respect to the vehicle body from an outer edge adjacent the mud flap portion to an inner edge adjacent the vehicle body. The elongated air skirt is configured to direct airflow traveling front-to-rear along the vehicle body to provide an aerodynamic advantage.

[0028] In some aspects, the mud flap portion includes a first surface adjacent to a wheel well surface of the front wheel well, a second surface located outwardly of and adjacent to the first surface, and a lower surface adjacent to the first surface such that the first surface, the second surface, and the lower surface enclose an outer edge of the front wheel well and the mud flap portion deflects fluid and debris.

[0029] In some aspects, the forming and securing includes integrally forming the mud flap portion and the elongated air bar as a one-piece, unitary structure.

[0030] In some aspects, the elongated air bar extends from the mud flap portion generally parallel to a vertical axis of the vehicle body and extends from an outer edge adjacent the second surface of the mud flap portion to an inner edge adjacent the vehicle body. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements. Fig. 1 is a partial perspective side view of a vehicle with an aerodynamic element integrated into the mud flap, according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partial side view of a vehicle with an aerodynamic element integrated into the mud flap according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the front underbody of a vehicle with an aerodynamic element integrated into the mud flap, according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a partial underbody view of a vehicle with an aerodynamic element integrated into the mud flap, according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of an aerodynamic element integrated into the mud flap, according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of an aerodynamic element integrated into the mud flap, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Certain terms are used in the following description for reference purposes only and are therefore not to be considered limiting. For example, terms such as "top" and "bottom" refer to directions in the figures to which reference is made. Terms such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "rearward," and "lateral" describe the orientation and / or location of portions of the components or elements within a consistent, but arbitrary, frame of reference made clear by reference to the text and accompanying drawings describing the components or elements discussed. In addition, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used to describe individual components. This terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0033] In various embodiments, as discussed herein, a mud flap integrated aerodynamic element provides improved aerodynamic properties for a motor vehicle, including reduced vehicle drag and increased fuel economy or range of an electric vehicle. The mud flap integrated aerodynamic element includes an air dam extending from an outboard position of the mud flap near the wheel well to an inboard position behind or behind the wheel well. The aerodynamic element maintains the appearance and functionality of a conventional mud flap while providing an improvement in aerodynamic drag over the conventional device.

[0034] With reference to the figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like components, the Fig. 1-6 an aerodynamic element 100 integrated into the mud flap for improving the aerodynamic properties of a vehicle 10. In various embodiments, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 connected to a vehicle frame 11. The vehicle body 12 defines a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10.

[0035] A front wheel house 14 is also connected to the vehicle frame 11 and is adjacent to or integral with the vehicle body 12. The front wheel house 14 includes a wheel house surface 15 and a wheel house edge 16. The front wheel house 14 at least partially encloses a wheel 17, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0036] The mud flap integrated aerodynamic element 100 includes a mud flap portion 101 and an elongated air bar 102 attached to and extending from the mud flap portion 101. As used herein and in the general art, an "air bar" or "strut" may include a small, bladder-like device that provides an aerodynamic advantage. In various embodiments, the mud flap portion 101 is configured to be attached to the front wheel well 14 and to cover at least a portion of the front wheel well 14. In various embodiments, the mud flap portion 101 encloses a lower and outer portion of the wheel well edge 16, as shown in Fig. 3. In various embodiments, the mud flap portion 101 is secured to the front wheel well 14 with one or more mechanical fasteners 109, such as, without limitation, bolts, screws, rivets, etc.

[0037] With continued reference to Fig. 3, in various embodiments, the mud flap portion 101 includes a first surface 103 adjacent to the wheel house surface 15 and a second surface 105 located outwardly of and adjacent to the first surface 103. In various embodiments, the second surface 105 extends vertically below the first surface 103 and includes an inward curve or curved portion 115. The mud flap portion 101 also includes a lower surface 107. The lower surface 107 is adjacent to the first surface 103 such that the first surface 103, the second surface 105, and the lower surface 107 enclose at least an outboard portion of the wheel house edge 16. In various embodiments, the mud flap portion 101 is shaped to shed liquid or debris and function as a conventional mud flap.

[0038] In various embodiments, the elongated air bar 102 is attached to the mud flap portion 101. In some embodiments, the elongated air bar 102 is formed integrally with the mud flap portion 101 as a one-piece, unitary structure. The elongated air bar 102 projects or extends from the mud flap portion 101 longitudinally rearward of the vehicle 10. The elongated air bar 102 includes an elongated bar body 104 that extends longitudinally with respect to the vehicle body 12 from an outer edge 106 proximate the front wheel well 14 to an inner edge 108 proximate the vehicle body 12 or frame 11, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. The outer edge 106 of the elongated air bar 102 connects the second surface 105 and the elongated bar body 104.

[0039] In various embodiments, the elongated air bar 102 projects generally parallel to a vertical axis of the vehicle body 12 and extends from the outer edge 106 adjacent the second surface 105 of the mud flap portion 101 to the inner edge 108 adjacent the vehicle body 12. In various embodiments, the inner edge 108 is adjacent the vehicle frame 11, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 is best represented.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 6, in various embodiments, the elongated air bar 102 includes an upper edge 110 shaped to conform to the vehicle body 12 to provide a clean visual aesthetic. The elongated air bar 102 also includes a lower edge 112 extending below the inward curve 115 of the second surface 105 of the mud flap portion 101, as best shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0041] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein, with the elements being understood as further acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. Furthermore, each of the steps described herein may be performed concurrently or in a different order than ordered herein. Moreover, as should be appreciated, the features and characteristics of the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in various ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Conditional language used herein, such as "may," "could," "e.g.," and the like, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or conditions while other embodiments do not include them, unless expressly stated otherwise or understood by context. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or conditions are in any way required of one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without input or prompting from the author, whether to include or implement these features, elements, and / or conditions in a particular embodiment.

[0043] Additionally, the following terminology may have been used herein. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items. The term “some” refers to one, two, or more and generally refers to the selection of part or all of a quantity. The term “several” refers to two or more of one item. The term “approximately” or “approximately” means that quantities, dimensions, sizes, wording, parameters, shapes, and other features need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as desired, taking into account acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement errors, and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art.The term "substantially" means that the specified characteristic, parameter or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, limitations of measurement accuracy and other factors known to the person skilled in the art, may occur in quantities that do not preclude the intended effect of the characteristic.

[0044] A plurality of items may, for convenience, be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be construed as if each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, no single member of such a list should be construed as the de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely by virtue of their presentation in a common group, without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, the terms "and" and "or," when used in connection with a list of items, should be broadly construed so that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items.The term “alternative” refers to the selection of one of two or more alternatives and is not intended to limit the selection to the alternatives listed or to only one of the alternatives listed at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Claims

[1] A motor vehicle (10) comprising: a vehicle body (12) defining a vehicle body longitudinal axis extending from a front end of the vehicle body (12) to a rear end of the vehicle body (12), a vehicle body transverse axis extending from a first side of the vehicle body (12) to a second side of the vehicle body (12) opposite the first side, and a vertical axis, wherein the vehicle body (12) has a front wheel and a front wheel house (14) arranged around the front wheel, the front wheel house (14) including a wheel house surface (15) and a wheel house edge (16) defining a wheel house opening; and an aerodynamic element (100) integrated into the mud flap, comprising: a mud flap section (101) connected to the front wheel house (14) within the wheel house opening and extending vertically downward from the wheel house edge (16); and an elongated air bar (102) extending from the mud flap section (101) to a position longitudinally behind the front wheel arch (14) and adjacent to the vehicle body (12), wherein the elongated air strip (102) has an elongated strip body (104) extending longitudinally with respect to the vehicle body (12) from an outer edge adjacent to the front wheel house (14) to an inner edge adjacent to the vehicle body (12), wherein the elongated air strip (102) has an upper edge (110) shaped to conform to the vehicle body (12), wherein the mud flap portion (101) has a first surface (103) adjacent to the wheel house surface (15) and a second surface (105) outside and adjacent to the first surface (103), wherein the mud flap portion (101) has a lower surface (107) adjacent to the first surface (103) such that the first surface (103), the second surface (105) and the lower surface (107) enclose at least an outer region of the wheel house edge, wherein the second surface (105) extends vertically below the first surface (103) and has an inward curvature, wherein the elongated air bar (102) has a lower edge (112) extending below the inward curvature of the second surface of the mudguard portion (101).

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