Automotive wheel arch trim with aerodynamic extension

The wheel arch trim element with a vertical blade and stiffening features addresses abrasion and aerodynamics issues, preserving quality and reducing energy consumption.

FR3161186A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-10-17STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024003937
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-16
Publication Date
2025-10-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing wheel arch trims for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining perceived quality and aerodynamics due to abrasion from abrasive particles and vortices, which compromise the appearance and increase energy consumption.

Method used

A wheel arch trim element with a vertical blade made of plastic material, featuring a finishing coating on one surface and an uncoated surface that is less sensitive to abrasion, combined with a stiffening rib and groove to guide airflow and prevent air escape, enhancing aerodynamics and protecting the coating.

Benefits of technology

The solution maintains the perceived quality of the trim element by reducing abrasion and maintaining a smooth appearance while improving aerodynamics without compromising on mass or energy efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for a wheel arch (16) of a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a trim element (26) for the arched edge of the wheel arch (16) of said motor vehicle. The trim element (26), also called a side wing trim, comprises an outer body (30) having: a first outer surface (32) with a finishing coating, a concave inner edge (34) with: a first section (36), a second section (38) longitudinally opposite the first section, an upper section (40) connecting the first section and the second section. The assembly further comprises a vertical blade (42) extending longitudinally from the first section (36) towards the second section (38); the vertical blade (42) comprises a plastic material with a second outer surface (66) free of coating. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2
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Description

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

[0001] The invention relates to the perceived quality and aerodynamics of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to the field of wheel arch trims for motor vehicles. The invention relates more specifically to an assembly with a wheel arch edge trim element for a motor vehicle associated with a blade. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the interest of perceived quality, trim pieces are used to decorate the bodies of motor vehicles. These trim pieces are intended to decorate and embellish the motor vehicle, but also to protect it from external obstacles against certain impacts. They also have the function of covering the areas of welds and fasteners in order to hide 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 surround the wheels. Wheel arch trim elements, also referred to as hubcaps, are added as specific trims at the edge of the wing. Said trim elements are fixed to the wings, and to the bumper skin when they extend therein.

[0004] In traffic, a side wing inner edge trim element helps guide the air sliding against the bodywork. This air tends to enter the wheel arch delimited by the side wing, which influences the aerodynamics; and therefore the primary energy consumption of the vehicle. This aspect becomes crucial for electrically powered motor vehicles.

[0005] Document EP2371681B1 discloses an aerodynamic device for effectively straightening an airflow in a wheel arch. A fixed aerodynamic stabilizer is formed, relative to the front-rear direction of a vehicle body, toward the rear of an axis of rotation of a front wheel in the wheel arch, and this stabilizer is in the form of a bearing having a grooved wall for collision with the airflow, oriented downward, relative to the up-down direction, of the vehicle body. The airflow occurs when the front wheel rotates in the direction of an arrow, and the fixed aerodynamic stabilizer limits the entry of the airflow into the wheel arch.

[0006] Document EP3416873B1 presents a device for fixing a mudguard to the body of a motor vehicle at a plurality of attachment points. The body provides a wheel arch housing the mudguard and delimited by a body edge. arched on which a vehicle wing is intended to be fixed. The mudguard is generally shaped like a dome with a lateral outlet. The attachment points of the fixing device include attachment points between the edge of the lateral outlet of the mudguard and the arched edge of the body.

[0007] Document WO202347028A1 presents a motor vehicle comprising a left wheel and a right wheel; a wheel arch surrounding each of the left and right wheels; a wing connecting with each of the two wheel arches, and forming an arch around the corresponding left or right wheel; and an aerodynamic device in front of at least one of the two left and right wheels, on the arch of the corresponding wing, and configured to, when the vehicle is moving forward, deflect an air flow along said wing downwards and form, downstream of the arch, auxiliary vortices rotating, in front view, in the counterclockwise direction for the left wheel or in the clockwise direction for the right wheel. The vehicle succeeds in reducing the drag induced by the air flow along a wheel in operation. However, there is a need to further reduce the drag and the primary energy consumption of the motor vehicle.

[0008] Document WO2018104604Al presents a motor vehicle provided with a sub- bodywork assembly reducing aerodynamic turbulence in a wheel arch. The bodywork subassembly provides a duct for circulating an air flow from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The bodywork subassembly comprises at least one wing covering a wheel arch opening laterally towards the outside of the vehicle. The wing is provided with a wing trim participating in the formation of the duct. The duct comprises at least two duct sections each opening onto the wheel arch at a longitudinal distance from each other. The arrangement of the duct improves the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, and consequently reduces its propulsion energy consumption while improving perceived quality. However, there is a need to further optimize perceived quality and aerodynamics.

[0009] The perceived quality of a motor vehicle is improved by extending its painted surfaces since the overall homogeneity increases. However, these surfaces are exposed to abrasion phenomena, phenomena which conversely harm the perceived quality. This abrasion is amplified by vortices carrying certain abrasive particles, and by projections of gravel.

[0010] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to preserve the perceived quality of a motor vehicle wheel arch trim element. The invention also aims to optimize the perceived quality, the mass, and the aerodynamics of a trim element for a motor vehicle wheel arch.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a wheel arch of a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising an element for trimming the arched edge of the wheel arch of said motor vehicle, the trim element comprising an outer body having: a first outer surface with a finishing coating, a concave inner edge with: a first section, a second section longitudinally opposite the first section, an upper section connecting the first section and the second section; remarkable in that the assembly further comprises a vertical blade extending longitudinally from the first section towards the second section; the vertical blade comprises a plastic material with a second outer surface free of coating.

[0012] The invention increases the area treated by a finishing coating on the trim element, and provides a vertical blade which locally protects the coating without itself being sensitive to abrasion. Therefore, the invention improves the perceived quality of the trim element and preserves its appearance. This result is achieved without compromising on aerodynamics.

[0013] Preferably, the first exterior surface comprises a first roughness, the second exterior surface comprises a second roughness greater than the first roughness.

[0014] Preferably, the first roughness comprises a roughness Ra less than or equal to 3.2 pm.

[0015] Preferably, the finishing coating comprises a layer of paint and / or a layer of varnish.

[0016] Preferably, the second outer surface is a grained surface.

[0017] Preferably, the vertical blade comprises a stiffening rib longitudinally at a distance from the internal edge, the stiffening rib projecting perpendicularly inwards.

[0018] Preferably, the vertical blade comprises a stiffening chute with a groove open laterally towards the inside.

[0019] Preferably, the outer body comprises a portion for attachment to the covering element and a longitudinal extension portion extending from the attachment portion towards the second section.

[0020] Preferably, the longitudinal extension portion comprises a transverse excess thickness running along the first section.

[0021] Preferably, the longitudinal extension portion has an upper half with a first width, a lower half with a second width less than the first width.

[0022] Preferably, the covering element comprises first fixing means intended to be fixed to a bodywork wall, and second fixing means fixed to the vertical blade.

[0023] Preferably, the second fixing means are arranged on a first arc and on a second arc distant from the first arc.

[0024] Preferably, the covering element comprises a lower end, the vertical blade extending vertically to said lower end.

[0025] Preferably, the vertical blade is an aerodynamic blade.

[0026] Preferably, the vertical blade runs along the first section and extends longitudinally from the first section towards the second section in order to guide a flow of air longitudinally along the wheel arch.

[0027] Preferably, the upper section is a junction section.

[0028] Preferably, the outer body comprises a general plane and a center.

[0029] Preferably, the outer body comprises an arcuate ribbon.

[0030] Preferably, the vertical blade has a thinning towards the top.

[0031] Preferably, the vertical blade extends vertically over at least one half vertical of the inner edge.

[0032] Preferably, the vertical blade is fixed to the cladding element.

[0033] Preferably, the internal edge comprises a summit, the vertical blade being vertically away from said vertex.

[0034] Preferably, the outer body further comprises a convex outer edge around the inner edge.

[0035] Preferably, the second fixing means are arranged according to two arcs.

[0036] Preferably, the vertical blade is at a distance from the upper section, said upper section extending over at least one longitudinal third of the internal edge, more preferably over at least one longitudinal half.

[0037] Preferably, the second exterior surface is raw from the mold.

[0038] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a wheel arch of a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising an element for trimming the arched edge of the wheel arch of said motor vehicle, the trim element comprising an outer body having: a first outer surface, a concave inner edge with: a section called the first section, another section called the second section longitudinally opposite the first section, an upper section connecting the first section and the second section; remarkable in that the assembly further comprises a vertical blade extending longitudinally from the first section towards the second section; the vertical blade comprises a stiffening rib longitudinally at a distance from the inner edge, the stiffening rib projecting perpendicularly inwards and / or the vertical blade comprises a chute of stiffening with an inward-opening groove. This assembly stiffens the vertical blade. In addition, the rib and the chute prevent air flow from escaping from the wheel arch.

[0039] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising: a wheel arch, a side wing bordering the wheel arch, an assembly; remarkable in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention.

[0040] Preferably, the side wing comprises a fixing edge, the covering element covering said fixing edge.

[0041] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a bumper skin bordering the wheel arch, the trim element covering said bumper skin.

[0042] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a mudguard delimiting the wheel arch fixed to the fixing edge, a wheel with an axis of rotation in the mudguard, towards the outside the mudguard comprises an arcuate edge, the vertical blade extending between the axis of rotation and the arcuate edge.

[0043] Preferably, the motor vehicle has a longitudinal separation extending vertically between the vertical blade and the arcuate edge.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 2] is an exterior view of a motor vehicle mudguard covered by a wheel arch assembly according to the invention.

[0048] [Fig. 3] is an interior view of an assembly for a motor vehicle wheel arch covered by an assembly according to the invention.

[0049] [Fig.4] is a section of an assembly for a motor vehicle wheel arch according to the invention.

[0050] [Fig. 5] is a section of an assembly for a motor vehicle wheel arch according to the invention.

[0051] 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 assembly to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of".

[0052] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference system of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the vehicle's main direction of travel. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's main direction of travel. The term "front" refers to the vehicle's main direction of travel. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In the present description, the ranges of values ​​include the limits which delimit them.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the assembly configuration of the assembly, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0057] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0058] [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.

[0059] 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 shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 side wing 18 is fixed to the structure 12. The bumper skin 20 may comprise several bumper panels fixed to each other. 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.

[0063] Each wheel arch 16 has an arched edge 24. The arched edge 24 is concave, curved. It is nested in the associated side wing 18. The arched edge 24 surrounds the associated wheel 14. The arched edge 24 extends onto the bumper skin 20.

[0064] At least one or each arcuate edge 24 is equipped with a covering element 26. The covering element 26 comprises an external face forming the bodywork 22. The covering element 26 fits the arcuate edge 24. It stiffens it. It protects it against possible transverse impacts. The covering element 26 prevents scratches on the arcuate edge 24 and prevents abrasion of the paint and varnish.

[0065] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0066] [Fig. 2] shows a wheel arch 16 of a motor vehicle, according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1].

[0067] The wheel arch 16 has in the background a mudguard 28. The mudguard 28 forms a wall enveloping the associated wheel 14. The mudguard 28 comprises a transversely internal notched wall. The central notch allows the passage of members of the suspension system. The mudguard 28 is arranged transversely towards the inside of the bumper skin 20.

[0068] The wheel arch 16 is equipped with a wheel arch assembly, the assembly comprising a trim element 26 for the arcuate edge 24 of the wheel arch 16. The trim element 26 comprises an outer body 30. The trim element 26 is also called a wheel housing trim. The outer body 30 is integrated into the bodywork. The outer body 30 has: a first outer surface 32 with a finishing coating, an inner edge 34. The trim element 26, in this case the first outer surface 32, comprises a layer of paint and / or a layer of varnish. It may comprise several layers of paint protected by a layer of varnish.

[0069] The inner edge 34 is concave. It is a lower edge. It describes a semicircle. The inner edge 34 comprises: a first section 36, a second section 38 longitudinally opposite the first section 36, an upper section 40 connecting the first section 36 and the second section 38. The upper section 40 is a generally longitudinal section. It longitudinally connects the first section 36 to the second section 38. The upper section 40 is a joining section. The first section 36 and the second section 38 are lower sections. They extend essentially vertically. They form the lower ends of the inner edge 34.

[0070] According to one option of the invention, the first section 36 is a front section, and the second section 38 is a rear section. According to one alternative of the invention, the first section is a rear section, and the second section is a front section.

[0071] The assembly also comprises a vertical blade 42. The vertical blade 42 is mounted against the outer body 30. The vertical blade 42 is an aerodynamic blade. The vertical blade 42 extends longitudinally from the first section 36 to the second section 38. The vertical blade 42 follows the first section 36. It is at a distance from the second section 38. The vertical blade 42 runs vertically along the first section 36 and extends longitudinally from the first section 36 to the second section 38 in order to guide a flow of air longitudinally along the wheel arch 16.

[0072] Thus, the vertical blade 42 extends the outer body 30 and its first outer surface 32, which increases the air flow guiding surface. It improves aerodynamics by separating air flows inside and outside the wheel arch 16.

[0073] The vertical blade 42 has a second outer surface, adjacent to the first outer surface 32. The second outer surface is free of coating. The material of the vertical blade 42 is bare. Thus, the second outer surface is less sensitive to abrasion. The plastic material is less marked by repeated scratches. The combination of a first outer surface with a coating and a second outer surface without a coating increases the perceived quality, and makes it possible to maintain this perceived quality over time despite the risk of abrasion inherent in the environment in which the motor vehicle operates. The second outer surface is preferably a grained surface, which contributes to its maintaining homogeneity in the event of abrasion. The grained surface is less visible than the surface with a finishing coating.This aspect avoids the feeling of the wheel being misaligned in the wheel arch despite the presence of the vertical blade 42. In this way the invention preserves the perceived quality.

[0074] The side wing comprises a fixing edge to which the mudguard is fixed. The wheel 14 has an axis of rotation 44 in the mudguard 28. Transversely outwardly, the mudguard 28 comprises an arcuate edge (not shown), also called a fixing edge. The vertical blade 42 extends between the axis of rotation 44 and the arcuate edge.

[0075] The trim element 26 comprises a lower end 46. The lower end 46 may correspond to a lower end of the wheel arch 16. The vertical blade 42 extends vertically to said lower end 46. This aspect makes it possible to extend the protective effect of the vertical blade 42.

[0076] This description is given in relation to a rear trim element. However, it also applies to a front trim element.

[0077] [Fig. 3] shows a wheel arch assembly for a motor vehicle, seen from the inside. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0078] The outer body 30 comprises an arcuate strip. The outer body 30 comprises a fixing portion 48 to the covering element 26 and a longitudinal extension portion 50 extending from the fixing portion 48 towards the second section 38. The fixing portion 48 forms an overlapping portion of the covering element 26. The fixing portion 48 forms a longitudinal overlap.

[0079] The longitudinal extension portion 50 has an upper half 52 with a first width, a lower half 54 with a second width less than the first width. The vertical blade 42 has an upward thinning.

[0080] The outer body 30 has a general plane 56 and a center 58. The general plane 56 may be a mean plane. It is a geometric plane. The general plane 56 may be formed by the first outer surface 32. The vertical blade 42 is fixed to the covering element 26. The vertical blade 42 extends along the general plane 56. It extends towards the center 58. The vertical blade 42 extends vertically over at least one half of the inner edge 34. The outer body 30 further comprises a convex outer edge around the inner edge 34. The inner edge 34 runs along the outer edge.

[0081] The widths of the longitudinal extension portion 50 are measured in the general plane 56, from the internal edge 34 towards the center 58.

[0082] The inner edge 34 comprises a vertex 60. The vertex 60 is the arch point. It is vertically opposite the lower end 46. The vertical blade 42 is vertically at a distance from said vertex 60. Thus, its effectiveness is concentrated in the lower part of the covering element 26. The mass of the latter is rationalized.

[0083] The trim element 26 comprises first fixing means (not shown) intended to be fixed to a body wall, in this case the side wing. The trim element 26 further comprises second fixing means 62 fixed to the vertical blade 42. The second fixing means 62 comprise, for example, fixing points 64. The fixing points 64 comprise welding points, gluing points, staples. The second fixing means 62; in this case the fixing points 64; are arranged on a first arc and on a second arc distant from the first arc. The fixing points 64 are placed in a staggered pattern on either side of an arc.

[0084] According to an alternative of the invention, the second fixing means comprise beads of glue forming concentric and distant arcs.

[0085] The vertical blade 42 is at a distance from the upper section 40. The upper section extends over at least one longitudinal third of the internal edge 34, more preferably over at least one longitudinal half of the internal edge 34. Furthermore, the vertical blade 42 extends vertically over at least one vertical half of the internal edge 34.

[0086] According to an option or an alternative of the invention, the vertical blade 42 is associated with the second section. The vertical blade 42 is mounted on the first section 36 and / or on the second section.

[0087] [Fig. 4] shows a section of an assembly for a wheel arch 16 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0088] The first outer surface 32 comprises a first roughness. The first roughness corresponds to a roughness of the paint layer or the varnish layer. The second outer surface 66 comprises a second roughness greater than the first roughness, preferably at least five times greater.

[0089] The second outer surface 66 is a grained surface. The vertical blade 42 is produced by molding in a steel mold whose molding surface is chemically grained. Acid drops leave drop impressions on the molding surface. Alternatively, the molding surface is shaped by electroerosion.

[0090] The first roughness comprises a roughness Ra less than or equal to 3.2 pm; preferably less than or equal to 1.2 pm; more preferably less than or equal to 0.6 pm. The second roughness comprises a roughness Ra greater than or equal to 5 pm, preferably greater than or equal to 20 pm. The roughness Ra is the arithmetic mean roughness. It corresponds to the absolute mean relative to the length over which the measurement is carried out.

[0091] The vertical blade 42, in particular the second outer surface 66, is flush with the first outer surface 32 of the trim element 26. The vertical blade 42 comprises a stiffening rib 68. The stiffening rib 68 projects perpendicularly inward. It extends transversely towards the opposite of the second outer surface 66. The stiffening rib 68 is longitudinally spaced from the inner edge 34 of the trim element 26. The stiffening rib 68 contributes to the strength of the vertical blade 42, and blocks air flows in the wheel arch 16.

[0092] The vertical blade 42 is fixed to the covering element 26 by welding, by gluing, or by riveting. The outer body 30 comprises a fixing portion 48 to the cladding element 26, and a longitudinal extension portion 50 extending from the fixing portion 48 towards the second section. The extension portion 48 comprises a transverse excess thickness 70 longitudinally against or flush with the first section 36. The stiffening rib 68 extends from the transverse excess thickness 70. The stiffening rib 68 and / or the transverse excess thickness 70 extend over the entire height or part of the height of the vertical blade 42.

[0093] The present longitudinal extension portion profile 50 makes it possible to bring the stiffening rib 68 and the transverse excess thickness 70 closer to the internal edge 34. This leaves more room for the movements of the wheel. This also provides rigidity to the covering element 26. The longitudinal extension portion 50 comprises a longitudinal width of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm.

[0094] [Fig. 5] shows an assembly for a wheel arch 16 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0095] The side wing 18 comprises a fixing edge 72 receiving the mudguard 28. Their fixing is carried out for example using hooks and / or staples (not shown). The covering element 26 covers said fixing edge 72. The vertical blade 42 is longitudinally at a distance from the fixing edge 72. This provides more space for fixing the mudguard 28 to the fixing edge 72 of the side wing 18.

[0096] The vertical blade 42 comprises a stiffening chute 74 with a groove 76 open laterally inwards. The groove 76 extends vertically. The stiffening chute 74 maintains an air flow in the wheel arch 16, and avoids forming vortices outside which would increase the drag. The stiffening chute 74 is optionally extended by at least one stiffening rib 68. According to one option of the invention, the groove 76 has a half-arc profile. According to one option of the invention, the groove is formed in a transverse excess thickness of the vertical blade. The stiffening chute 74 extends vertically over all or part of the vertical blade 42.

[0097] The motor vehicle, in particular the assembly, has a longitudinal separation 78 between the vertical blade 42 and the arcuate edge 80 of the mudguard 28. The longitudinal separation 78 extends vertically.

[0098] The trim element 26 comprises first fixing means 82 fixed to a body wall such as the side wing 18, and second fixing means 62 fixed to the vertical blade 42. The first fixing means 82 and the second fixing means 62 are separated longitudinally. The vertical blade 42 is at a distance from the first fixing means 82.

[0099] The second outer surface 66 is unmolded. It has a grained appearance, that is to say that it is covered with droplet-shaped protrusions. According to an alternative of the invention, the second outer surface is sandblasted.

[0100] According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical blade and / or the covering element is / are made of 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.

[0101] the vertical blade and / or the trim element 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.

[0102] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures. The invention covers a vertical blade with a profile according to [Fig.4] in the upper half, and with a profile according to [Fig.5] in the lower half.

[0103] Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly for a wheel arch (16) of a motor vehicle (10), the assembly comprising a trim element (26) for an arcuate edge (24) of the wheel arch (16) of said motor vehicle (10), the trim element (26) comprising an outer body (30) having: a first outer surface (32) with a finishing coating, a concave inner edge (34) with: a first section (36), a second section (38) longitudinally opposite the first section (36), an upper section (40) connecting the first section (36) and the second section (38) characterized in that the assembly further comprises a vertical blade (42) extending longitudinally from the first section (36) towards the second section (38); the vertical blade (42) comprises a plastic material with a second outer surface (66) free of coating.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first exterior surface (32) comprises a first roughness, the second exterior surface (66) comprises a second roughness greater than the first roughness; preferably, the first roughness comprises a roughness Ra less than or equal to 3.2 pm.

3. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the finishing coating comprises a layer of paint and / or a layer of varnish, preferably, the second exterior surface (66) is a grained surface.

4. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vertical blade (42) comprises a stiffening rib (68) longitudinally at a distance from the internal edge (34), the stiffening rib (68) projecting perpendicularly inwards.

5. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vertical blade (42) comprises a stiffening chute (74) with a groove (76) open laterally towards the inside.

6. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outer body (30) comprises a fixing portion (48) for attachment to the covering element (26) and a longitudinal extension portion (50) extending from the fixing portion (48) towards the second section (38); preferably, the longitudinal extension portion comprises a transverse excess thickness (70) running along the first section (36).

7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the longitudinal extension portion (50) has an upper half (52) with a first width, a lower half (54) with a second width less than the first width.

8. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the covering element (26) comprises first fixing means (82) intended to be fixed to a bodywork wall, and second fixing means (62) fixed to the vertical blade (42); preferably, the second fixing means (62) are arranged on a first arc and on a second arc distant from the first

9. said. Motor vehicle (10) comprising: a wheel arch (16), a side wing (18) bordering the wheel arch (16), an assembly; characterized in that the assembly is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the side wing (18) comprises a fixing edge (72), the covering element (26) covering said fixing edge (72); and / or the motor vehicle (10) comprises a bumper skin (20) bordering the wheel arch (16), the covering element (26) covering said bumper skin (20).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a mudguard (28) delimiting the wheel arch (16) fixed to the fixing edge (72), a wheel (14) with an axis of rotation (44) in the mudguard (28), outwardly the mudguard (28) comprises an arcuate edge (80), the vertical blade (42) extending between the axis of rotation (44) and the arcuate edge (80); preferably, the motor vehicle (10) has a longitudinal separation (78) extending vertically between the vertical blade (42) and the arcuate edge (80).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    EP2371681B1

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