Wheel arch trim for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a trim element (26), such as a trim on a side wing, of an arcuate edge of a wheel arch (16) of a motor vehicle. The trim element comprises: an arcuate body having an external face and an internal face intended to run along the arcuate edge of the wheel arch of a side wing; fixing means (34) distributed along the arcuate body on the internal face; said fixing means having a vertical end (36). The vertical end of the fixing means (34) comprises a positioning hook (40) open vertically downwards in order to vertically position the trim element (26) relative to a mounting orifice (28) of the wheel arch (16) during the assembly of said trim element. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel arch trim for a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the field of bodywork trim elements for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to the finishing of an arched edge delimiting the bodywork at the level of a motor vehicle wheel arch. The invention relates to a motor vehicle wheel arch trim element. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the interest of perceived quality, trims are used to decorate the bodies of motor vehicles. These trims are intended to decorate and embellish the motor vehicle, but also to protect it from external obstacles and against impacts. They also have the function of covering the welding and fixing areas in order to protect them, to give a smooth appearance to the vehicle and to improve its aerodynamics. They prevent certain whistling sounds.

[0003] Generally, side wings are arranged at the bodywork level so as to cover the wheels. Wheel arch trim elements, also referred to as hubcaps, are added as specific trim pieces at the edge of the wing. Said hubcaps are fixed to the wings, and to the bumper skin when they extend therein.

[0004] Currently, the assembly of the hubcaps on the wings is carried out by direct mounting in a transverse direction by an operator. The operator must ensure the correct positioning of the hubcap in the pilot holes before snapping all the fasteners onto the side wing and the bumper. This action is delicate since the docking requires dexterity and a control time in order to respect a positioning criterion. A hubcap poorly adjusted in position is responsible for a perceived quality defect, which can lead to corrosion problems later. Careful disassembly and reassembly become necessary on the production line.

[0005] Document KR20200038647A describes a wheel arch trim with a hook and clip fastening system. The trim is fastened via a double hook and clip system. A first wing coupling portion is hook-shaped projecting towards the wing. The first wing engagement portion is formed by a projecting plate and a first locking groove is formed at a boundary portion connected to the wing trim. However, this wing coupling solution remains complex to implement, since a check is still necessary before engaging the fastening clips.

[0006] Document EP3415372B1 presents a motor vehicle comprising: a side bodywork element; a bumper portion adjoining the side bodywork element, said element and said portion forming a wheel arch along which a trim is arranged. The trim comprises, on a mounting face on the wheel arch, a projecting portion engaging in a groove at the junction between the bumper portion and the side bodywork element. In order to improve the positioning of the trim, an adhesive ensures the maintenance of a first mounting face, while a second mounting face bears against the mudguard. The trim is easily positioned on its fixing zones. It allows optimal and strong maintenance. However, there is a need to further improve the assembly ergonomics.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the ergonomics of assembly of a motor vehicle wheel arch trim element. The invention also aims to optimize the ergonomics, positioning accuracy during docking, and assembly time of a motor vehicle wheel arch trim.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an element for trimming the arcuate edge of a motor vehicle wheel arch, the trimming element comprising: an arcuate body having an external face and an internal face intended to run along the arcuate edge of the wheel arch; fixing means distributed along the arcuate body on the internal face; said fixing means having a vertical end; remarkable in that the vertical end of the fixing means comprises a positioning hook open vertically downwards in order to vertically position the trimming element relative to a mounting orifice of the wheel arch during the assembly of said trimming element.

[0009] Preferably, the fixing means comprise an elastic blade intended to cooperate with the mounting orifice of the wheel arch, the positioning hook being open towards the opposite of the elastic blade.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic blade comprises a fixing clip.

[0011] Preferably, the positioning hook comprises a central recess.

[0012] Preferably, the central recess extends over at least one vertical half of the positioning hook.

[0013] Preferably, the at least one vertical end is at least one lower end.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one lower end comprises a front lower end and a rear lower end, the positioning hook is a front positioning hook at the front lower end or a rear positioning hook at the rear lower end.

[0015] Preferably, the fixing means comprise a plurality of fixing tabs, the plurality of fixing tabs comprising a first fixing tab, the positioning hook being formed on said first fixing tab.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing tabs are inclined relative to each other.

[0017] Preferably, the positioning hook comprises an internal stop and an external stop, the internal stop being vertically higher than the external stop.

[0018] Preferably, the fixing means comprise a series of fixing studs, the positioning hook being at a distance from the series of fixing studs.

[0019] Preferably, the positioning hook comprises a positioning groove with a lower inlet and a bottom above the lower inlet.

[0020] The invention creates a vertical pre-holding interface which provides position indexing of the fixing means. By being at a vertical end, the hook is engaged on its support in order to relieve the operator. Assembly becomes simpler, the risk of incorrect positioning of the fixing means decreases, and checking the coincidence of the positioning means is no longer necessary.

[0021] Preferably, the fixing means comprise fixing tabs.

[0022] Preferably, the fixing means, more preferably the tabs of fixing, comprise fixing studs and fixing tabs; the positioning hook being formed on one of the fixing tabs.

[0023] Preferably, each fixing stud is thicker than the fixing tabs.

[0024] Preferably, the arched edge is a wheel arch edge of a side wing and / or bumper skin.

[0025] Preferably, the positioning hook is a transverse retention hook.

[0026] Preferably, the positioning hook comprises a bottom and a retention stop projecting downwards from the bottom.

[0027] Preferably, the first fixing tab is a lower fixing tab.

[0028] Preferably, the elastic blade is carried by said first fixing tab.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an element for trimming the arcuate edge of a wheel arch of a motor vehicle, the trimming element comprising: an arcuate body having an external face and an internal face intended to run along the arcuate edge of the wheel arch of a side wing; fixing means distributed along the arcuate body on the internal face; said fixing means having a longitudinal end; remarkable in that the longitudinal end comprises a positioning hook open vertically downwards in order to vertically position the trim element relative to a mounting hole of the wheel arch during assembly of said trim element. Such a trim element allows positioning of its fixing means from the longitudinal end.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an element for trimming the arcuate edge of a wheel arch of a motor vehicle, the trimming element comprising: an arcuate body having an external face and an internal face intended to run along the arcuate edge of the wheel arch of a side wing; a fixing lug with an elastic blade intended to cooperate with the wheel arch; remarkable in that said fixing lug comprises a positioning hook open vertically downwards in order to vertically position the trimming element relative to a mounting hole of the wheel arch during assembly of said trimming element. Combining the fixing lug with an elastic blade with the positioning hook optimizes the compactness of the positioning and fixing means.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising: a body; a wheel arch with an arched edge; a trim element for the arched edge; remarkable in that the trim element is in accordance with the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the trim element comprises a first material different from a second material forming the bodywork.

[0033] Preferably, the bodywork comprises a plurality of mounting holes distributed along the arcuate edge, the positioning hook being hooked to one of said mounting holes.

[0034] Preferably, the bodywork comprises a side wing and a bumper skin forming the arched edge, the positioning hook being attached to the bumper skin.

[0035] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0036] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0037] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig.2] shows a portion of a motor vehicle body according to the invention.

[0039] [Fig. 3] represents an element for trimming the arched edge of a motor vehicle wheel arch according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig.4] shows a positioning hook for a passage cladding element of a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.

[0041] [Fig.5] is a section of a positioning hook of a covering element of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0042] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the trim element to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the exterior of the vehicle and towards the interior of the vehicle.

[0043] In the present description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0044] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0045] In the present description, the ranges of values include the limits which delimit them.

[0046] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0047] In the present description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the cladding element, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0048] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0049] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0050] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not re presented). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of sheets stamped and welded to each other.

[0051] The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems which are connected to the different wheels 14.

[0052] Each wheel 14 is received in a wheel arch 16. A wheel arch 16 forms a recess in the structure 12 which allows vertical movements and directional movements of a wheel 14. Advantageously, the wheel arches 16 comprise mudguards (not shown). A mudguard forms a screen, a shield, intercepting projections. It contributes to watertightness.

[0053] At least one or each wheel arch 16 is delimited by a bodywork element, such as a side wing 18. The side wing 18 forms the external surface of the motor vehicle 10. It extends to a bumper skin 20. The bumper skin 20 may comprise several bumper panels. The side wings 18, the bumper skins 20 and a portion of the structure 12 partially form the bodywork 22 of the motor vehicle 10. The bodywork 22 forms the outer envelope of the motor vehicle 10. It is in contact with the surrounding air flow when the motor vehicle 10 is moving.

[0054] Each side wing 18 has an arched edge 24. The arched edge 24 is concave. It delimits the wheel arch 16. The arched edge 24 surrounds the associated wheel 14. The trim element 26 comprises an external face forming the bodywork 22. The arched edge 24 extends onto the bumper skin 20.

[0055] At least one or each arcuate edge 24 is equipped with a covering element 26. The covering element 26 fits the arcuate edge 24. It protects it against transverse impacts. It stiffens it. The covering element 26 prevents scratches on the arcuate edge 24 and prevents abrasion of the paint.

[0056] The motor vehicle 10 may for example be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0057] [Fig. 2] represents the assembly of a trim element 26 on an arcuate edge 24 of a wheel arch of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. The trim element 26 is integrated into the bodywork 22.

[0058] The arcuate edge 24 is materialized on the side wing 18 and the bumper skin 20. The arcuate edge 24 forms a downwardly oriented hollow. It is generally concentric with the associated wheel (not shown). The mudguard (not shown) is fixed there. The mudguard, in the form of a shell, comprises a curved edge fixed to the arcuate edge 24.

[0059] The covering element 26 comprises a first material different from a second material forming the side wing 18. Preferably, the side wing 18 comprises metal, and the covering element 26 comprises plastic. The first material comprises a first density lower than a second density of the second material. The difference in material also makes it possible to benefit from different elastic limits, different hardnesses. Thus, as such, the difference in materials provides several advantages.

[0060] The side wing 18 includes a plurality of mounting holes 28. The mounting holes 28 pass through the side wing 18 and the bumper skin 20. The mounting holes 28 are distributed in a curve, along the arcuate edge 24. The trim element 26 includes a positioning hook (not shown) hooked to one of said mounting holes 28. The positioning hook is hooked to the bumper skin 20, and / or is spaced from the side wing 18.

[0061] The present trim element 26 is a left front trim element. However, the present teaching applies to a rear trim element, and to the right trim elements by symmetries.

[0062] [Fig. 3] shows a trim element 26 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 2. The trim element 26 is seen from the inside in order to expose its internal face 30 formed by its arcuate body 32. The trim element 26 further comprises an external face transversely opposite the internal face 30.

[0063] The arcuate body 32 is intended to run along the arcuate edge of the wheel arch (not shown). The arcuate body 32 is solid. It may comprise two materials. The trim element 26, also called a trim or finishing piece, comprises fixing means 34. The fixing means 34 are formed on the inner face 30. The fixing means 34 project from the inner face 30. The fixing means 34 are distributed along the arcuate body 32. They are distributed angularly. The fixing means 34 have a vertical end 36. The vertical end 36 of the fixing means 34 comprises a positioning hook 40. The positioning hook 40 ensures at least vertical positioning when it is hooked to the arcuate edge forming a positioning support. The positioning hook 40 also allows transverse retention towards the outside, preferably towards the inside. By retention we mean a stop, a barrier.

[0064] The fastening means 34 comprise a plurality of fastening tabs 42. The fastening tabs 42 extend transversely inwardly. The fastening means 34 and / or the fastening tabs 42 comprise fastening studs 44 and fastening tabs 46. The positioning hook is formed on one of the fastening tabs 46. The positioning hook 40 is spaced from the series of fastening studs 44. Preferably, the fastening tabs 46 are inclined relative to each other. They are parallel or generally tangent to the arcuate edge.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing studs 44 are intended to be fixed to the side wing; and fixing tabs 46 are intended to be fixed to the bumper skin. The fixing studs 44 are thicker than the fixing tabs 46. Thus, the fixing tabs 46 are more flexible.

[0066] The plurality of fixing tabs 46 comprises a first fixing tab 50. The positioning hook 40 is formed on said first fixing tab 50. The first fixing tab 50 is more generally a reference fixing tab. The first fixing tab 50 is at one end of the plurality of fixing tabs 46. At this position, the hook provides assistance in positioning the plurality of fixing tabs 46 which follow, or more generally in the succession of fixing means 34 which follow it.

[0067] The plurality of fixing tabs 42 comprising a reference fixing tab, such as the first fixing tab 50. The reference fixing tab is also called the first fixing tab or the pilot fixing tab. The positioning hook 40 is formed on said reference fixing tab.

[0068] The at least one vertical end 36 comprises at least one lower end 52.; preferably the at least one lower end comprises a front lower end and a rear lower end 48. The positioning hook 40 is a front positioning hook at the front lower end 54.

[0069] More generally, the vertical end 36 is an end of the fixing means. It may be a longitudinal end, for example a front end. More generally, the lower front end is a front end.

[0070] According to an alternative or option of the invention, the positioning hook comprises a rear positioning hook at the rear lower end. The positioning hook is then split into a front portion and a rear portion.

[0071] According to an alternative of the invention, the vertical end is an upper end; the positioning hook being arranged at said upper end. The upper end forms the top of the fixing means, the fixing means being at said top.

[0072] [Fig. 4] shows a positioning hook 40 of a trim element 26 engaged in a mounting hole 28 of a motor vehicle wheel arch. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 3.

[0073] The vertical end 36 of the fixing means 34 comprises a positioning hook 40 open downwards in order to vertically position the trim element 26 relative to the mounting hole 28 of the wheel arch 16 during the assembly of said covering element 26.

[0074] Thus, during assembly, the trim element 26 is brought up against the wheel arch 16 forming a fixing support. These first steps are carried out by presenting the trim element 26 with an inclination relative to the wheel arch 16. The trim element 26 is inclined relative to the vertical direction. Thus, certain fixing means 34 remain at a distance from the associated mounting holes 28. The positioning hook 40 is then inserted transversely into the mounting hole 28, and the trim element 26 is supported by its positioning hook 40. This intermediate position allows indexing in position of the fixing means, and in particular their matching with the mounting holes 28. Then, the trim element 26 is straightened. It tilts on its positioning hook 40, along a longitudinal axis.The trim element 26 is applied against the wheel arch 16, which allows all the fixing means 34 to be engaged in the corresponding mounting holes 28.

[0075] Thus, the assembly operation exempts the operator from carrying out a visual check of the coincidence of the fixing means 34 with the mounting holes 28 since the pressure on the positioning hook 40 already reflects a correct positioning. The invention thereby provides a gain in terms of ergonomics. It reduces the assembly time, and avoids certain assembly defects.

[0076] The fastening means 34 comprise an elastic blade 56. The elastic blade 56 comprises an elastic stop. The elastic blade 56 cooperates with the mounting hole 28 in order to ensure retention of the fastening tab 46; in this case the first fastening tab 50. According to one embodiment, the elastic blade 56 is formed by a fastening clip. It may be made of metal, for example steel. It is fixed to the first fastening tab 50. The positioning hook 40 is open towards the opposite of the elastic blade 56.

[0077] In other words, the at least one end comprises at least one transverse positioning hook. The transverse positioning hook is open vertically downwards in order to support and position said trim element when it is docked against the arched edge of the wheel arch.

[0078] [Fig. 5] represents a section of a positioning hook 40 of a trim element 26 of a motor vehicle body. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 4. The elastic blade 56 is connected to the fixing means 34 by means of a locking plate 58.

[0079] The positioning hook 40 includes a central recess 60. The central recess 60 provides flexibility that facilitates the introduction of the fixing lug, in this case the fixing tab 46, into the mounting hole 28. The mounting hole 28 is also called a pilot. In the present embodiment, the fixing tab 46 is the first fixing tab 50 such as a lower fixing tab.

[0080] The central recess 60 may be a cavity. It may be blind. That is to say, it is non-through. It comprises a closing wall. Preferably, the central recess 60 extends over at least one vertical half of the positioning hook 40. It provides a compromise between mass and flexibility.

[0081] The positioning hook 40 comprises an internal stop 62 and an external stop 64 transversely opposite the internal stop 62. The internal stop 62 is vertically higher than the external stop 64, preferably at least twice as high. The internal stop 62 provides retention. The external stop 64 allows transverse positioning towards the inside.

[0082] The positioning hook 40 comprises a positioning groove 66 with a lower inlet 68 and a bottom 70, above the lower inlet 68. The bottom 70 is horizontal. This arrangement optimizes the stability of the positioning hook 40. The fixing means 34 extend from the inner face 30, opposite the outer face 72.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the positioning hook is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0084] The positioning hook comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic material based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably from 10 to 80% by weight; more preferably from 20% to 60% by weight or from 30% to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the ecological footprint of the vehicle.

[0085] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0086] Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. A trim element (26) for an arcuate edge (24) of a wheel arch (16) of a motor vehicle (10), the trim element (26) comprising: an arcuate body (32) having an external face (72) and an internal face (30) intended to run along the arcuate edge (24) of the wheel arch (16); fixing means (34) distributed along the arcuate body (32) on the internal face (30); said fixing means (34) having a vertical end (36); characterized in that the vertical end (36) of the fixing means (34) comprises a positioning hook (40) open vertically downwards in order to vertically position the trim element (26) relative to a mounting orifice (28) of the wheel arch (16) during assembly of said trim element (26).

2. Trim element (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (34) comprise an elastic blade (56) intended to cooperate with the mounting orifice (28) of the wheel arch (16), the positioning hook (40) being open opposite the elastic blade (56); preferably the elastic blade (56) comprises a fixing clip.

3. Covering element (26) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the positioning hook (40) comprises a central recess (60); preferably the central recess (60) extends over at least one vertical half of the positioning hook (40).

4. Covering element (26) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one vertical end (36) is at least one lower end (52); preferably the at least one lower end (52) comprises a front lower end (54) and a rear lower end (48), the positioning hook (40) is a front positioning hook at the front lower end (54) or a rear positioning hook at the rear lower end (48).

5. Covering element (26) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fixing means (34) comprise a plurality of fixing tabs (46), the plurality of fixing tabs (46) comprising a first fixing tab (50), the positioning hook (40) being formed on said first tab fixing (50); preferably, the fixing tabs (46) are inclined relative to each other.

6. Covering element (26) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the positioning hook (40) comprises an internal stop (62) and an external stop (64), the internal stop (62) being vertically higher than the external stop (64).

7. Covering element (26) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fixing means (34) comprise a series of fixing studs (44), the positioning hook (40) being at a distance from the series of fixing studs (44).

8. A covering element (26) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the positioning hook (40) comprises a positioning groove (66) with a lower inlet (68) and a bottom (70) above the lower inlet (68).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising: a body (22); a wheel arch (16) with an arched edge (24); a covering element (26) for the arched edge (24); characterized in that the covering element (26) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; preferably the covering element (26) comprises a first material different from a second material forming the body (22).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the bodywork (22) comprises a plurality of mounting holes (28) distributed along the arcuate edge (24), the positioning hook (40) being hooked to one of said mounting holes (28); preferably, the bodywork (22) comprises a side wing (18) and a bumper skin (20) forming the arcuate edge (24), the positioning hook (40) being hooked to the bumper skin (20).

Images