Wheel trim for a wheel rim of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a hubcap for a wheel rim of a motor vehicle. The hubcap (2) comprises a hubcap body (4) delimited by an outer face (6) and an inner face (8). The inner face (8) is intended to face a wheel rim (10), and the hubcap body (2) is delimited by an outer edge (12). The invention is notable in that the hubcap body (4) is traversed by at least two diametrically opposed openings (14), and each opening (14) is of sufficient size to allow a user to actuate a locking device (16) located on the inner face (8) of the hubcap body. Each locking device (16) includes a lever (18) actuated by a user through a passage (14), and the lever (18) allows reversible variation of the distance between an appendage (20) and the inner face (8) of the trim body. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel trim for a wheel rim of a motor vehicle. Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of the automotive industry and, more particularly, to a hubcap for a wheel rim of a motor vehicle. Technological background

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use hubcaps to conceal the rims of the wheels of motor vehicles when the rims are not aesthetic.

[0003] To achieve this, the rims have mounting tabs designed to grip a groove formed for this purpose on the rim surface. To ensure proper retention of the hubcap on the rim, the mounting tabs are surrounded by an elastic metal ring.

[0004] The disadvantages associated with traditional wheel trims are numerous and varied. First, installing and removing wheel trims can be tedious and time-consuming, due to the need to properly adjust each retaining tab in the rim groove. This operation can be particularly difficult for the elderly or those with mobility problems, as it requires both strength and dexterity. Furthermore, the installation process can be complicated by the presence of dirt, rust, or other debris that can clog the rim groove, making installation even more difficult.

[0005] Another drawback of traditional wheel trims is related to the use of an elastic metal ring to secure the mounting tabs to the rim. This ring can deform or break over time, which can lead to loosening of the mounting tabs and, consequently, a risk of the trim being lost while driving.

[0006] Furthermore, if the wheel trim is not correctly aligned with the rim during installation, the mounting tabs may be subjected to excessive pressure, which can deform or even break them. The wheel trim is then unusable.

[0007] The invention aims to remedy these problems by proposing a wheel trim comprising a rim attachment system that is simpler to implement. Object of the invention

[0008] The invention thus proposes a hubcap for a wheel rim of a motor vehicle, comprising a hubcap body delimited by an outer face and an inner face, the inner face being intended to face a wheel rim of a vehicle automobile, the hubcap body being delimited by an external edge of circular or substantially circular shape.

[0009] The invention is remarkable in that the hubcap body is traversed by at least two passages which are diametrically opposed or substantially diametrically opposed, and in that each passage is of sufficient dimensions to allow a user to actuate a locking device present on the side of the inner face of the hubcap body, and in that each locking device includes a lever actuable by a user, through a passage, and in that the lever allows reversibly varying the distance between an appendage and the inner face of the hubcap body.

[0010] In other words, the invention proposes an alternative way of securing a wheel trim to a wheel rim on a motor vehicle. To this end, the wheel trim comprises at least two reversible locking devices located on the inner face of the trim body. Each locking device includes an appendage that can be moved closer to or further away from said inner face. The position of each appendage is reversibly controlled by a lever actuated by a user through an opening in the trim body. Each opening leads to the inner and outer faces of the trim body. Thus, a user can easily and quickly attach a wheel trim to a rim by moving the appendages via the levers, so that several parts of the rim are clamped between said appendages and the inner face of the rim.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the lever is capable of pivoting the appendage around an axis of rotation that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the diameter of the hubcap body and parallel or substantially parallel to the inner face of the hubcap body. In other words, the lever allows the appendage to be moved along a circular trajectory that lies in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the inner face of the hubcap body.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the inner face of the trim body is flat or substantially flat.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the smallest distance between the appendage and the inner face of the hubcap body is less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm. In other words, the smallest distance between the appendage and the inner face of the hubcap body is preferably less than the thickness of the rim wall that is to be clamped between the appendage and the hubcap body, in order to firmly hold the hubcap to the rim.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the lever allows the appendage to be reversibly held close to the inner face of the hubcap body. In other words, the locking device includes known means for temporarily locking the appendage as close as possible to the hubcap body.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage is located at a distance of less than 5 cm, preferably less than 3 cm from the outer edge of the trim body.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage is shaped to complement the edge of a rim. This embodiment promotes better retention of the hubcap on said rim.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage has the shape of a hook. Preferably, the hook is turned towards the inner face of the trim body.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the outer edge of the hubcap body is curved towards the inner face of the hubcap body. This embodiment allows for easier positioning of the hubcap on a rim comprising a portion with a shape complementary to the outer edge. In other words, the outer edge of the hubcap body can serve as a guide for properly and quickly positioning the hubcap on a rim.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the trim preferably comprises an even number of locking devices, present on the inner face side of the trim, each lever of the locking devices being accessible through a dedicated passage, and each passage is diametrically or substantially diametrically opposite another passage.

[0020] Preferably, each appendage of the locking devices is diametrically or substantially diametrically opposite another appendage of a locking device.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, a hubcap comprises four locking devices, arranged at equal or substantially equal distances along the outer edge of the hubcap body.

[0022] Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other in various ways, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0023] The invention also relates to a rim for a wheel of a motor vehicle, comprising a hubcap as described above.

[0024] The invention also relates to a wheel for a motor vehicle, comprising a rim described above. Description of the figures

[0025] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] illustrates a perspective view of a rim equipped with a hubcap according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] illustrates a longitudinal and partial section of the rim represented by [Fig.1];

[0028] [Fig. 3] illustrates a rim fitted with a hubcap according to one embodiment. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] As a reminder, the invention proposes a hubcap comprising a rim attachment system that is simpler to implement.

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a non-limiting example of an embodiment of a hubcap according to the invention, held to a rim of a wheel for a motor vehicle.

[0031] The wheel trim 2 comprises a wheel trim body 4 delimited by an outer face 6 visible in [Fig. 1], and an inner face 8 visible in [Fig. 2]. The inner face 8 is intended to be opposite the rim 10 when the wheel trim 2 is mounted on said rim 10.

[0032] The trim body 4 is delimited by an external edge 12 of circular or substantially circular shape.

[0033] Remarkably, the trim body 4 is traversed by four passages 14. Each passage 14 is diametrically opposite another passage 14. The passages 14 are distributed regularly or substantially regularly along the outer edge 12, so that the axes connecting the opposite passages 14 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0034] Each passage 14 is of sufficient dimensions to allow a user to operate a locking device 16 present on the side of the inner face 8 of the trim body 4. According to the present example, the passages 14 are rectangular in shape, their largest dimension is between 4 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 6 cm, and their smallest dimension is between 2 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm.

[0035] Each locking device 16 consists of a lever 18 extended by an appendage 20. Each lever 18 is arranged opposite a passage 14 so as to allow a user to easily and conveniently operate the appendage 20 via the lever 18.

[0036] Each locking device 16 is held to the trim body 4 by an axis 22, allowing the locking device 16 to pivot about said axis 22. Preferably, the axis 22 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the diameter of the hubcap body 4 and parallel or substantially parallel to the inner face 8 of the hubcap body 4. The axis 22 passes between the lever 18 and the appendage 20, so as to allow a user to move the appendage 20 closer or further away from the inner face 8 of the hubcap 2 at will and reversibly.

[0037] According to the present example, the smallest distance between the appendage 20 and the inner face 8 of the trim body 4 is less than 1 cm.

[0038] Each locking device 16 includes means for temporarily locking the appendage 20 as close as possible to the hubcap body 4 as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Preferably, the smallest distance between the appendage 20 and the inner face 8 of the hubcap body 4 is less than the thickness of the wall 24 of the rim 10 which is clamped between the appendage 20 and the hubcap body 4.

[0039] Preferably, the outer edge 12 of the hubcap body 4 is curved towards the inner face 8 of the hubcap body 4. Thus, the outer edge 12 allows easier positioning of the hubcap 2 on the rim 10 by serving as a guide during its positioning.

[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates another non-limiting embodiment of the invention which differs from the previous example in that the appendage 20 has a hook-shaped end, oriented towards the inner face 8 of the hubcap body 4 and complementary in shape to the rim edge 10, so as to ensure better retention of the hubcap 2 to the rim 10.

Claims

Demands

1. Wheel trim (2) for a wheel rim of a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel trim body (4) delimited by an outer face (6) and an inner face (8), the inner face (8) being intended to face a wheel rim (10) of a motor vehicle, the wheel trim body (4) being delimited by an outer edge (12) of circular or substantially circular shape, characterized in that the wheel trim body (4) is traversed by at least two diametrically opposed or substantially diametrically opposed passages (14), and in that each passage (14) is of sufficient dimensions to allow a user to actuate a locking device (16) present on the side of the inner face (8) of the wheel trim body (4), and in that each locking device (16) comprises a lever (18) actuable by a user, through a passage (14),and in that the lever (18) allows the distance between an appendage (20) and the inner face (8) of the hubcap body (4) to be changed reversibly.

2. Trim (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever (18) is able to rotate the appendage (20) around an axis of rotation which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the diameter of the trim body (4) and parallel or substantially parallel to the inner face (8) of the trim body (4).

3. Trim (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the smallest distance between the appendage (20) and the inner face (8) of the trim body (4) is less than 1 cm.

4. Trim (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lever (18) makes it possible to reversibly maintain the appendage (20) in close proximity to the inner face (8) of the trim body (4).

5. Trim (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the appendage (20) is located at a distance of less than 5 cm, preferably less than 3 cm from the outer edge (12) of the trim body (4).

6. Wheel trim (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the appendage (20) is of complementary shape to the edge of a rim (10).

7. Trim (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the appendage (20) has the shape of a hook.

8. Trim (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the hook is turned towards the inner face (8) of the trim body (4).

9. Trim (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outer edge (12) of the trim body (4) is curved towards its inner face (8).

10. Rim (10) for a motor vehicle wheel comprising a hubcap (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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