Motor vehicle with wheel arch extensions

Abstract

Motor vehicle comprising a body (10) and a wheel arch extension (14) comprising a wheel arch element (18, 30), a fastening element (16, 46) and a cover element (20) that partially covers the body (10), wherein the fastening element (16, 46) and the cover element (20) project upwards from the wheel arch element (18, 30) in the vertical direction (z) of the motor vehicle, characterized in that the fastening element (16, 46) is fixed to the body (10) in such a way that a first gap (22) is formed between the body (10) and the wheel arch element (18, 30).

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a wheel arch extension having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. To ensure good aerodynamics, a narrow rear design is desirable. For load-bearing and driving dynamics reasons, wide tires are preferred. Since the tires must not protrude from the body, it is known from the prior art to provide add-on parts in the form of wheel arch extensions to widen the vehicle's wheel arches to enable the use of wide tires with a narrow rear structure. Known wheel arch extensions comprise a wheel arch element that extends the wheel arch laterally, a fastening element, and a cover element. The cover element partially covers the body laterally. The fastening element secures the wheel arch extension to the vehicle body in such a way that the body rests against the wheel arch element at its lower end. An abrasion protection film is provided between the aforementioned elements in the contact areas between the wheel arch extension and the body. This film is intended to prevent corrosion of the body caused by friction, as well as water and dirt deposits between the body and the wheel arch extension. However, the installation of such a film is difficult and therefore installation-intensive. The object of the present invention is to propose a motor vehicle with a wheel arch extension which has a low risk of corrosion and in which the wheel arch lining can be easily mounted on the body. This object is achieved according to the invention by the motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 1. According to the invention, a motor vehicle is provided which comprises a body and a wheel arch extension. The wheel arch extension has a wheel arch element, a fastening element, and a cover element. The cover element partially covers the body, in particular from the outside. The fastening element and the cover element protrude upwards from the wheel arch element in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, i.e. are arranged on an upper side of the wheel arch element and extend upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. The fastening element is fixed, in particular directly, to the body in such a way that a first gap is formed between the body and the wheel arch element, in particular in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. The lower end of the body therefore does not rest against the wheel arch element. The core idea of the invention is to provide a gap between the lower end of the body and the wheel arch element, through which water and / or dirt collecting in the wheel arch extension can drain away. This ensures a low risk of corrosion while allowing the wheel arch extension to be easily mounted on the body. The fastening element can lie flat against the body. The wheel arch element extends, for example, in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The wheel arch element extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, for example corresponding to a wheel arch of the motor vehicle. The wheel arch element can therefore extend the wheel arch outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, a second gap is provided between the cover element and the body, particularly in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Thus, the cover element does not rest laterally against the body. In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the first gap together with the second gap form a water drainage channel. In an exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the wheel arch element comprises at least one water drainage channel in an area adjacent to the water drainage channel. The water drainage channel, for example, is a through hole. The water drainage channel can extend vertically or diagonally. In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the wheel arch extension comprises at least one connecting element. The connecting element can be arranged at an upper region of the cover element and extend toward the body. This prevents the first gap and the second gap from being visible. In an exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the connecting element is connected to the cover element at a first end, in particular formed integrally with the cover element, and / or rests against the body at the second end, which is opposite the first end. A gap may be provided between the connecting element and the body in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The connecting element extends, for example, in cross-section in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The wheel arch extension, for example, is made in one piece. In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the connecting element extends over the entire longitudinal extent of the wheel arch extension or at least two connecting elements are provided which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the fastening element comprises a notch in an end region facing the wheel arch element, on a side facing the cover element. The notch may be designed such that a third gap is formed between the body and the cover element. For example, the third gap is adjacent to the first gap, especially at the top. The third gap can be part of the water drainage channel. In an exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, an abrasion protection film or an edge protection film made of rubber is at least partially, in particular completely, fixed to the body in an area adjacent to the first gap, in an area adjacent to the second gap and / or in an area adjacent to the third gap. In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the abrasion protection film is U-shaped in cross section. The abrasion protection film or the edge protection film made of rubber can be applied to the body from below in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the abrasion protection film or the edge protection film made of rubber can be releasably fixed to the wheel arch lining, in particular to the wheel arch element, in such a way that the abrasion protection film or the edge protection film made of rubber is detached from the wheel arch lining by applying the abrasion protection film or the edge protection film made of rubber to the body during assembly. For example, the abrasion protection film or the rubber edge protection film is glued to the wheel arch element, whereby the holding force of the adhesive is, for example, smaller than forces acting on the abrasion protection film or the rubber edge protection film when the abrasion protection film or the rubber edge protection film is applied to the body. The wheel arch element, the fastening element, the cover element and / or the at least one connecting element can define a cavity, i.e. partially surround it laterally, which comprises an opening at the top in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. Through the opening, for example, the body can be inserted into the cavity from above in such a way that the first gap, the second gap and / or the third gap are provided between the body and the wheel arch extension. The body can also be inserted through the opening into the cavity from above in such a way that the body is inserted into the abrasion protection film or the rubber edge protection film, whereby the abrasion protection film or the rubber edge protection film is released from the wheel arch element. The fire protection film can extend transversely across the vehicle to a greater extent than the opening. This prevents the abrasion protection film or rubber edge protection film from being removed from the cavity, but the body can be inserted into the cavity. This ensures that the abrasion protection film or rubber edge protection film is not accidentally removed from the cavity before installation. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through a portion of a first motor vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through a portion of a second motor vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through a portion of a third motor vehicle according to the invention; and Fig. 4 shows a sectional view through a portion of a fourth motor vehicle according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a transverse plane (yz plane) of a portion of a first motor vehicle 2 according to the invention. The section is located in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the level of the center of a rear wheel house of the motor vehicle 2. The motor vehicle 2 comprises a body 10, a wheel house (not shown), which is widened in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle by a wheel house extension 14, and a wheel 12. The wheel 12 is completely covered at the top in the vertical direction z of the motor vehicle by the wheel house and the wheel house extension 14. Thus, the wheel 12 does not protrude laterally beyond the wheel house extension 14 in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle. The wheel arch extension 14 comprises a wheel arch element 18, a fastening element 16, and a cover element 20. The wheel arch element 18 extends in the transverse direction y of the vehicle, corresponding to an extension of the wheel house. The fastening element 16 and the cover element 20 each extend upward from the wheel arch element 18 in the vertical direction z of the vehicle. The fastening element 16 is arranged at a first end of the wheel arch element 18, which is arranged on the inside in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle, i.e., facing a longitudinal center plane of the motor vehicle. On the outside, the fastening element 16 is fixed to an inside of the body 10 in such a way that a first gap 22 is formed between the body 10 and the wheel arch element 18 in the vertical direction y of the motor vehicle. The body 10 therefore does not rest on the wheel arch element 18 with its lower end. The cover element 20 is arranged in a central region of the wheel arch element 18 in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle such that a second gap 24 is formed between the body 10 and the cover element 20 in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle. The first gap 22 and the second gap 24 together form a water drainage channel through which liquid collecting in the wheel arch extension 14 can flow away. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a portion of a second motor vehicle 4 according to the invention. The position of the section shown in Fig. 2 corresponds to the position of the section shown in Fig. 1. The second motor vehicle 4 essentially corresponds to the first motor vehicle 2 shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, reference is made to the explanations concerning the first motor vehicle 2 and only the distinguishing features are explained below. The second motor vehicle 4 comprises a wheel arch element 30 instead of the wheel arch element 18. The wheel arch element 30 of the second motor vehicle 4 differs from the wheel arch element 18 of the first motor vehicle 2 in that it comprises a first water drainage channel 26 and a second water drainage channel 28. The water drainage channels 26 and 28 each comprise a through hole that opens the water drainage channel downward. This allows any liquid collecting in the water drainage channel to drain away. The first water drainage channel 26 extends vertically, i.e., in the vertical direction z of the vehicle. The second water drainage channel 28 extends diagonally from the water drainage channel inward in the transverse direction y of the vehicle and downward in the vertical direction z of the vehicle. Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a portion of a third motor vehicle 6 according to the invention. The position of the section shown in Fig. 3 corresponds to the position of the section shown in Fig. 1. The third motor vehicle 6 essentially corresponds to the first motor vehicle 2 shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, reference is made to the explanations concerning the first motor vehicle 2 and only the distinguishing features are explained below. The third motor vehicle 6 comprises a connecting element 32, which is arranged at an upper end of the cover element 20 in the vertical direction z of the motor vehicle. The connecting element 32 extends inward from the cover element 20 in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle and rests against the body 10 with its end facing away from the cover element 20. As a result, the wheel arch extension 14 is positioned relative to the body 10 in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle. The connecting element 32 extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle over the entire wheel arch extension 14. It is also conceivable to provide a plurality of connecting elements which have a small extension in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and are arranged distributed over the longitudinal extension of the wheel arch lining 14. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a portion of a fourth motor vehicle 8 according to the invention. The position of the section shown in Fig. 4 corresponds to the position of the section shown in Fig. 1. The fourth motor vehicle 8 essentially corresponds to the first motor vehicle 2 shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, reference is made to the explanations concerning the first motor vehicle 2 and only the distinguishing features are explained below. Instead of the fastening element 16, the fourth motor vehicle 8 comprises a fastening element 46, which comprises a notch 44 in its end region facing the wheel arch element 18. Thus, a third gap 48 is formed between the body 10 and the fastening element 46 in a lower end region of the body 10. A connecting element 38 is arranged at an upper end of the cover element 20 in the vertical direction z of the motor vehicle. The connecting element 38 extends from the cover element 20 inwards in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle, i.e. in the direction of the body 10, but does not rest against the body 10. A distance between the fastening element 46 and the connecting element 38 in the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle is therefore greater than an extension of a partial region of the body 10 which, in the assembled state, is arranged between the fastening element 46 and the connecting element 38. An opening 40 is therefore formed between the fastening element 46 and the connecting element 38, through which opening the body 10 can be easily introduced during assembly into a cavity defined by the fastening element 46, the connecting element 38, the wheel arch element 18 and the cover element 20, i.e. partially delimited laterally. A scuff protection film 36 is provided in the cavity. The shape of the scuff protection film 36 corresponds to the shape of a lower end region of the body 10. The scuff protection film 36 thus has a U-shaped profile. Before installation, the scuff protection film 36 is releasably fixed to an upper side of the wheel arch element 18 by means of fastening means 42 such that the fastening means 42 is released when the body 10 is inserted into the scuff protection film 36 during installation. The scuff protection film 36 then completely surrounds the body 10 in a lower region. List of reference symbols: 2 first motor vehicle 4 second motor vehicle 6 third motor vehicle 8 fourth motor vehicle 10 body 12 wheel 14 wheel arch extension 16 fastening element 18 wheel arch element 20 cover element 22 first gap 24 second gap 26 first water drainage channel 28 second water drainage channel 30 wheel arch element 32 connecting element 36 abrasion protection film 38 connecting element 40 opening 42 fastening means 44 notch 46 fastening element 48 third gap y vehicle transverse direction z vehicle vertical direction

Claims

Motor vehicle, comprising a body (10) and a wheel arch extension (14) which comprises a wheel arch element (18, 30), a fastening element (16, 46) and a cover element (20) which partially covers the body (10), characterized in that the fastening element (16, 46) and the cover element (20) protrude upwards from the wheel arch element (18, 30) in the vertical direction (z) of the motor vehicle and the fastening element (16, 46) is fixed to the body (10) in such a way that a first gap (22) is formed between the body (10) and the wheel arch element (18, 30). Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a second gap (24) is provided between the cover element (20) and the body (10). Motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the first gap (22) together with the second gap (24) forms a water drainage channel. Motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the wheel arch element (30) comprises at least one water drainage channel (26, 28) in an area adjacent to the water drainage channel. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the wheel arch extension (14) comprises at least one connecting element (32, 38) which is arranged on an upper region of the cover element (20) and extends in the direction of the body (10). Motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting element (32, 38) is connected to the cover element (20) at a first end and / or rests against the body (10) at the second end. Motor vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the connecting element (32, 38) extends over the entire longitudinal extent of the wheel arch extension (14) or at least two connecting elements (32, 38) are provided which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fastening element (16, 46) comprises a notch (44) in an end region facing the wheel arch element (18, 30) on a side facing the cover element (20), so that a third gap (48) is formed between the body (10) and the cover element (20). Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an abrasion protection film (36) or an edge protection film made of rubber is fixed to the body (10) in an area adjacent to the first gap (22), in an area adjacent to the second gap (24) and / or in an area adjacent to the third gap (48). Motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the abrasion protection film (36) or the edge protection film made of rubber is U-shaped in cross section and can be applied to the body (10) from below. Motor vehicle according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the abrasion protection film (36) or the edge protection film made of rubber can be releasably fixed to the wheel arch element (18, 30) in such a way that the abrasion protection film (36) or the edge protection film made of rubber is detached from the wheel arch element (18, 30) by applying the abrasion protection film (36) or the edge protection film made of rubber to the body (10).

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