Device for protecting a motor vehicle wheel rim equipped with a drum brake

Abstract

This protection device (1) for a rim (2) of a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake (3) comprises a first fixing part (4) secured to a second cleaning part (5) forming a scraper (6) configured to remove foreign substances likely to accumulate on an inner surface (7) of the rim (2). The first fixing part (4) comprises a plate (8) intended to be fixed between a plate (3a) of the drum brake (3) and an axle head yoke (9) supporting the rim (2). Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for protecting a motor vehicle wheel rim equipped with a drum brake Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for protecting a wheel rim of a motor vehicle equipped with a drum brake. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such a protection device. Previous techniques

[0002] Some motor vehicles have wheels equipped with drum brakes. Mechatronic actuators for such drum brakes are generally arranged near the wheel rims.

[0003] Depending on the rolling conditions, it is possible for snow, ice or mud to accumulate inside the rim. In addition to the unwanted weight provided, this accumulation can, when rolling, come into contact with the mechatronic actuator of the drum brake and can disrupt its operation or even cause damage.

[0004] To date, there is no solution to protect such mechatronic actuators against the effects of such accumulations. Statement of the invention

[0005] In view of the above, the invention aims to provide a device for protecting a rim of a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake. The protective device targeted by the invention makes it possible to protect the drum brake from the harmful effects caused by an accumulation of foreign substances on the rim.

[0006] The invention relates to a device for protecting a rim of a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake. The device comprises a first fixing part secured to a second cleaning part forming a scraper configured to remove foreign substances likely to accumulate on an inner surface of the rim. The first fixing part comprises a plate intended to be fixed between a plate of the drum brake and an axle head yoke supporting the rim. Such a protection device performs continuous cleaning of the inside of the rim while the vehicle is running, thus making it possible to protect the drum brake and in particular a mechatronic actuator of the drum brake against the deleterious effects likely to be caused by the accumulation of foreign substances inside the rim.

[0007] Advantageously, the scraper comprises two arms each extending at least substantially radially relative to the inner surface of the rim, on either side of a mechatronic drum brake actuator. Such a configuration makes it possible to protect the mechatronic drum brake actuator regardless of the direction of rotation of the rim when the vehicle is moving.

[0008] Preferably, each arm comprises an associated rigid plate provided with a sharp edge arranged at a first predetermined minimum distance from the inner surface of the rim, each sharp edge being arranged relative to the inner surface of the rim at a first predetermined maximum distance and less than a second minimum distance between the rim and the mechatronic actuator. Such a configuration allows efficient protection of the mechatronic actuator.

[0009] For example, the sharp edges and the rigid plates are inclined relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel so as to evacuate the removed foreign substances towards an inner side of the vehicle during a movement of the vehicle. Such a configuration facilitates the evacuation of foreign substances outside the rim.

[0010] According to one feature, the plate of the first fixing part is provided with a plurality of through holes intended to house means for fixing the axle head yoke and the drum brake plate. This configuration promotes correct and reliable positioning of the protection device.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protection device is a single-piece device.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, each rigid plate is fitted, screwed, riveted or welded to the arm to which it is associated.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second cleaning part is fixed to the first fixing part by screws, rivets, crimping, fitting or welding.

[0014] Advantageously, the second cleaning part is provided with at least one protective sheet extending laterally between the two arms and arranged at least in part substantially perpendicular to the rigid plates associated with the arms. Such a configuration improves the protection of the mechatronic actuator against projections of foreign substances.

[0015] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a rim protection device for a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake as defined above and a drum brake plate and an axle head yoke supporting the rim.

[0016] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel rim equipped with a drum brake, the vehicle being provided with at least one rim protection device as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] is a rear perspective view of a device for protecting a rim of a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] is a sectional view along axis II - II of [Fig.l] without the rim;

[0020] [Fig.3] is a front perspective view of a protective device according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0021] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of an assembly of a rigid plate and an arm of the protection device of [Fig.3]. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0022] As shown in [Fig.l], a protection device 1 for a rim 2 of a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake 3 according to the invention comprises a first fixing part 4 secured to a second cleaning part 5. In the example of [Fig.l], the rim 2 is the left rear rim of the vehicle. Of course, the protection device 1 can be arranged on any other rim of the vehicle.

[0023] The second cleaning part 5 forms a scraper 6 configured to remove foreign substances likely to accumulate on an inner surface 7 of the rim 2.

[0024] The first fixing part 4 comprises a plate 8, particularly visible in [Fig.2], intended to be fixed in a sandwich between a plate 3a of the drum brake 3 and an axle head yoke 9 supporting the rim 2.

[0025] It should be noted that identical or similar elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0026] The scraper 6 comprises two arms 6a, 6b each extending at least substantially radially relative to the inner surface 7 of the rim 2, on either side of a mechatronic actuator 3b of the drum brake 3.

[0027] Each arm 6a, 6b comprises an associated rigid plate 10a, 10b provided with a sharp edge 11a, 11b arranged at a first minimum distance Dlmin from the inner surface 7 of the rim 2. In other words, the minimum distance between each sharp edge 11a, 11b and the inner surface 7 of the rim 2 is equal to the first minimum distance Dlmin. The first minimum distance Dlmin has a predetermined value making it possible to prevent friction between the edges 11a, 11b and the inner surface 7 of the rim 2.

[0028] Each sharp edge 11a, 11b is also arranged at a first maximum distance Dlmax from the inner surface 7 of the rim 2. In other words, the maximum distance between each sharp edge 11a, 11b and the inner surface 7 of the rim 2 is equal to the first maximum distance Dlmax. The first maximum distance Dlmax has a predetermined value less than a second minimum distance D2min between the rim 2 and the mechatronic actuator 3b of the drum brake 3.

[0029] Preferably, the sharp edges 11a, 11b and the rigid plates 10a, 10b are inclined relative to an axis of rotation R of the wheel so as to evacuate the removed foreign substances towards an inner side of the vehicle during advancement of the vehicle. By advancement of the vehicle, we understand the advancement of the vehicle towards the front. For example, the direction of rotation of the rim 2 during the advancement of the vehicle is represented in [Fig.l] by the arrow F. Alternatively, it remains possible to provide that the sharp edges 11a, 11b and the rigid plates 10a, 10b are parallel to the axis of rotation R.

[0030] Preferably, the plate 8 of the first fixing part is provided with a plurality of through holes 13 intended to accommodate means for fixing the axle head yoke 9 and the plate 3a of the drum brake 3. The fixing means are for example screws or bolts. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], there are four through holes 13. Alternatively, a different number of holes 13 can be envisaged. For example, a good quality fixing can be obtained with a number of through holes ranging from three to five.

[0031] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the second cleaning part 5 is fixed to the first fixing part 4 by screws, here two in number. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a fixing of the second cleaning part 5 to the first fixing part 4 by rivets, by welding, by crimping or by fitting.

[0032] As particularly visible in [Fig.l], the second cleaning part 5 is provided with at least one protective sheet 15 extending laterally between the two arms 6a, 6b and arranged at least in part substantially perpendicular to the rigid plates 10a, 10b associated with the arms 6a, 6b.

[0033] In another embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.3], the protection device 1 is a single-piece device.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the rigid plates 10a, 10b associated with the arms 6a, 6b are attached and are fixed to the arms by fitting, by interlocking, by screws or rivets or by welding. For example, each arm 6a, 6b may be provided with a hollow shape intended to receive by interlocking the same complementary male shape provided on the associated rigid plate 10a, 10b in order to constitute an assembly ([Fig.4]).

[0035] In the detailed presentation of the invention, the terms used should not be considered as limiting the invention to the disclosed embodiments, but should be interpreted to include all equivalents the foreseeability of which is within the scope of the person skilled in the art by applying his general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to him.

[0036] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. The various features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variations that may be contemplated by those skilled in the art within the scope disclosed.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective device (1) for a rim (2) of a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake (3), characterized in that it comprises a first fixing part (4) integral with a second cleaning part (5) forming a scraper (6) configured to remove foreign substances likely to accumulate on an inner surface (7) of the rim (2), the first fixing part (4) comprising a plate (8) intended to be fixed between a plate (3a) of the drum brake (3) and an axle head yoke (9) supporting the rim (2).

2. Protective device according to claim 1, in which the scraper (6) comprises two arms (6a, 6b) each extending at least substantially radially relative to the inner surface (7) of the rim (2), on either side of a mechatronic actuator (3b) of the drum brake (3).

3. Protective device according to claim 2, wherein each arm (6a, 6b) comprises an associated rigid plate (10a, 10b) provided with a sharp edge (11a, 11b) arranged at a first predetermined minimum distance (Dlmin) from the inner surface (7) of the rim (2), each sharp edge (11a, 11b) being arranged relative to the inner surface (7) of the rim (2) at a first predetermined maximum distance (Dlmax) and less than a second minimum distance (D2min) between the rim (2) and the mechatronic actuator (3b).

4. A protective device according to claim 3, wherein the sharp edges (11a, 11b) and the rigid plates (10a, 10b) are inclined relative to an axis of rotation (R) of the wheel so as to evacuate the removed foreign substances towards an inner side of the vehicle during advancement of the vehicle.

5. Protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the plate (8) of the first fixing part (4) is provided with a plurality of through holes (13) intended to house means for fixing the axle head yoke (9) and the plate (3a) of the drum brake (3).

6. A protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protective device is in one piece.

7. Protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which each rigid plate (10a, 10b) is fitted, screwed, riveted or welded to the arm (6a, 6b) with which it is associated.

8. A protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second cleaning part (5) is fixed to the first fixing part (4) by screws, rivets, crimping, fitting or welding.

9. Protective device according to claim 8 dependent on claim 3, in which the second cleaning part (5) is provided with at least one protective sheet (15) extending laterally between the two arms (6a, 6b) and arranged at least partly substantially perpendicular to the rigid plates (10a, 10b) associated with the arms (6a, 6b).

10. Assembly comprising a protection device (1) for a rim (2) of a motor vehicle wheel equipped with a drum brake (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a plate (3a) of the drum brake (3) and an axle head yoke (9) supporting the rim (2).

11. Motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel rim (2) equipped with a drum brake (3), said vehicle being provided with at least one rim (2) protection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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