Wheel arch for a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

Wheel arch (34) for a vehicle (10), comprising: an axially facing surface (38) that describes a surface of the wheel housing (34) extending outwards from the axis of rotation (A) of a wheel (16) located in the wheel housing (34) and facing an inner axial surface of the wheel (16); a curved surface (42) extending outwards from the axially facing surface (38); and several struts (46) projecting outwards from one of the axially facing surface (38) and the curved surface (42), wherein the several struts (46) cause the airflow generated by a vehicle wheel; wherein the multiple struts (46) extend along the axially facing surface (38); characterized by the fact that the multiple struts (46) also extend along the curved surface (42), wherein the multiple struts (46) have a curved shape including an arc that follows a direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel; and that the struts (46) have a cross-section in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, the longer base of which is spaced away from the respective surface (38, 42) along which the struts (46) extend.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle technology and in particular to a wheel arch according to the preamble of claim 1, as is known essentially from DE 601 05 567 T2.

[0002] Essentially comparable wheel arches are shown in the publications JP 2016 - 124 452 A, JP 2017 - 226 401 A and JP 2017 - 226 234 A.

[0003] Vehicles have a number of surfaces exposed to airflow. These surfaces possess various properties which, when exposed to airflow, generate drag. These properties can include shape, position, surface finish, and similar characteristics. Designers strive to adapt these properties and / or redirect airflow to reduce drag. Drag-reducing systems include spoilers and surface contours that direct airflow in such a way as to reduce drag. Drag reduces vehicle efficiency and increases fuel consumption. Considering the impact of fossil fuels and the lifespan of vehicle batteries on fuel economy, the invention therefore aims to improve a wheel arch of the generic type with regard to reducing drag. SUMMARY

[0004] This problem is solved with a wheel housing characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described here, one or more of the multiple struts project outwards at least 10 mm from the axially facing surface or the curved surface.

[0006] Furthermore, a vehicle is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Further advantages and details are included only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. 1. A vehicle with a wheel arch having several struts, as shown in an example; Fig. 2 a wheel arch with several struts according to an example; Fig. 3 a wheel arch with several struts according to another example; Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of one of the several struts according to an example not covered by the subject matter of claim 1; Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of one of the several struts according to another example not covered by the subject matter of claim 1; Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of one of the several struts according to a further example not covered by the subject matter of claim 1; Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view of one of the several struts according to a further example not covered by the subject matter of claim 1; and Fig. 4E is a cross-sectional view of one of the several struts according to another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The following description is merely an example. It goes without saying that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are identified by appropriate reference numerals.

[0009] A vehicle according to an example is in Fig. 1, generally denoted by 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a body 12 mounted on several wheels 16. At least one of the several wheels 16 is a steerable wheel. This means that a change in the position of at least one of the several wheels 16 relative to the body 12 results in a change of direction of the vehicle 10. In the example shown, both front wheels (not specifically labeled) of the several wheels 16 are steerable. The body 12 partially forms a passenger compartment 20 with seats 23 arranged behind an instrument panel 26. A steering control 30 is arranged between the seats 23 and the instrument panel 26. The steering control 30 is operated to control the orientation of the steerable wheel(s).

[0010] In one example, each of the wheels 16 is arranged in a wheel housing 34. Each wheel housing 34 comprises an axially facing surface 38 and a curved surface 42 ( Fig. 2) It should be clear that the axially facing surface 38 describes a surface of the wheel housing 34 that extends outwards from the axis of rotation “A” of each wheel 16. The axially facing surface 38 faces an (not shown) inner axial surface of each wheel 16. The curved surface 42 is understood to be the surface of the wheel housing 34 that is located opposite the (also not shown) running surface of each wheel 16.

[0011] According to one example, each wheel housing 34 contains several struts 46 that interact with the airflows or vortices emanating from the wheel 16 when the vehicle 10 is in motion. The interaction between the vortices and the multiple struts leads to a reduction in drag on the vehicle 10 and thus to a reduction in fuel consumption (e.g., fossil or electric). In an example that is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each of the several struts 46 comprises a curved shape (not separately indicated) with a first section 48 extending along the curved surface 42 and a second section 50 extending along the axially facing surface 38. The first section 48 comprises an arc 58 extending in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the wheel 16 when the vehicle 10 is moving forward.

[0012] In another example, which in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, each of the multiple struts 46 comprises a curved shape (not separately labelled) with a first section 64 extending along the curved surface 42 and a second section 66 extending along the axially facing surface 38. The first section 64 comprises an arc 68 extending in the direction of rotation of the wheel 16 when the vehicle 10 is moving forward. Multiple struts 46 interact with air currents or vortices emanating from the wheel 16 when the vehicle 10 is in motion. The interaction between the vortices and the multiple struts 46 results in a reduction of drag on the vehicle 10, as illustrated in one example.

[0013] In one example, which is in Fig. As shown in 4A, each of the several struts 46 contains a generally rectangular cross-section 70. In the Fig. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the rectangular cross-section 70 defines a square 72. In one example, each of the multiple struts 46 projects from the axially facing surface 38 and the curved surface 42, as shown in FIG. 2a, to a distance “x”, as in Fig. 4A shown, out. The distance “x” can be approximately 10 mm. Fig. Figure 4B illustrates one of the several struts 46 with a rectangular cross-section 74. Fig. 4C represents one of the several struts 46 with a curved cross-section 76. The curved cross-section 76 is a generally circular cross-section 78. In Fig. 4D shows the curved cross-section 76 in the form of a semicircular cross-section 80. Fig. 4E shows one of the several struts 46 with a generally triangular cross-section 82.

[0014] It should be noted that the specific shape of each of the multiple struts can vary. It is further understood that the thickness of each of the multiple struts can also vary. The thickness of one or more struts can also vary between the first and second sections. Finally, the extent to which each of the multiple struts protrudes from the corresponding axially facing surface or curved surface can vary. The specific characteristics of the multiple struts can vary depending on the aerodynamics of the vehicle and / or the wheels, including design, shape, drive, materials, and the like.

Claims

[1] Wheel arch (34) for a vehicle (10), comprising: an axially facing surface (38) that describes a surface of the wheel housing (34) extending outwards from the axis of rotation (A) of a wheel (16) located in the wheel housing (34) and facing an inner axial surface of the wheel (16); a curved surface (42) extending outwards from the axially facing surface (38); and several struts (46) projecting outwards from one of the axially facing surface (38) and the curved surface (42), wherein the several struts (46) cause the airflow generated by a vehicle wheel; wherein the multiple struts (46) extend along the axially facing surface (38); characterized by , that the multiple struts (46) also extend along the curved surface (42), wherein the multiple struts (46) have a curved shape including an arc that follows a direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel; and that the struts (46) have a cross-section in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, the longer base of which is spaced away from the respective surface (38, 42) along which the struts (46) extend. [2] Wheel housing (34) according to claim 1, in which one or more of the multiple struts (46) project outwards from the axially facing surface (38) and the curved surface (42) by at least 10 mm. [3] Vehicle (10) with a wheel arch (34) according to claim 1.

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