Wheel trim equipped with a means of rotation locking

Abstract

Wheel trim equipped with a rotation-locking means. Wheel trim (20) for a wheel (1, 1') of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a wall (22) intended to cover a wheel disc (3, 3'), and a rotation-locking means (21) configured to prevent rotation of the wheel trim relative to the wheel about the axis of rotation (Y1) of the wheel, the rotation-locking means comprising a rotation-locking stop (26), the stop being movable relative to said wall parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel, the rotation-locking means comprising a return means (27) comprising a first end (28) bearing against said wall and a second end (29) bearing against the stop to ensure axial support of the stop against the disc or against an element fixed to the disc. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel trim equipped with a means of locking against rotation. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel trim for fitting a wheel of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a wheel assembly comprising a wheel and such a wheel trim fixed to the wheel. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a wheel trim and / or such a wheel assembly. Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a wheel trim. Prior art

[0002] The wheels of motor vehicles are traditionally fitted with hubcaps. A hubcap is a type of cover, generally made of plastic or sheet metal, with a stylized shape, fitted onto a wheel to improve its appearance or aerodynamics, or to protect the wheel from debris. A hubcap generally includes elastic means by which it is secured in a circular groove in the wheel.

[0003] A wheel trim is subjected to mechanical and thermal stresses related to vehicle use. In particular, during braking or acceleration, the wheel trim is subjected to an inertial torque that tends to cause it to rotate relative to the wheel around the wheel's axis of rotation. These mechanical stresses are particularly high during heavy braking, or during the activation of an ABS or ESP system since such a system generates vibrations, or during regenerative braking.

[0004] Rotating the hubcap relative to the wheel is detrimental. Indeed, rotating the hubcap can affect the wheel's appearance or lead to the hubcap detaching. Furthermore, a tire inflation valve typically passes through a hole in the hubcap. If the hubcap pivots relative to the wheel, the edge of this hole can exert pressure that tends to bend the inflation valve. This can lead to a tire leak.

[0005] To prevent a hubcap from rotating relative to the wheel around the wheel's axis of rotation, it is known to increase the interference of the elastic means cooperating with the circular groove. However, when this interference is too great, fitting or removing the hubcap can be particularly difficult.

[0006] It is also known to provide on the hubcap counterforms, projecting along the axis of rotation of the wheel, and cooperating with the screw heads for fixing the wheel to a wheel hub. In this case, the dies must have very precise dimensions to provide sufficient contact with the screw heads without generating mechanical stresses in the hubcap that would deform it. Geometric deformation of the hubcap is particularly critical because this element plays a crucial role in the aesthetic appearance of a vehicle. Furthermore, a deformed hubcap increases the risk of losing this accessory during vehicle use. Therefore, hubcaps of different shapes are designed for each wheel model. This wide variety of shapes makes managing hubcaps particularly tedious in assembly workshops. Presentation of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a hubcap and wheel assembly comprising such a hubcap remedying the above disadvantages and improving upon the hubcaps and wheel assemblies known in the prior art.

[0008] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a hubcap suitable for assembly with various wheels, each having a different geometries. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a wheel cover for a motor vehicle wheel, the wheel cover comprising a wall intended to cover a wheel disc, and a rotation locking means configured to block a rotation of the wheel cover relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation of the wheel, the rotation locking means comprising a rotation locking stop, the stop being movable relative to said wall parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel, the rotation locking means comprising a return means comprising a first end bearing against said wall and a second end bearing against the stop to ensure axial support of the stop against the disc or against an element fixed to the disc.

[0010] The stop may include a first hollow cylindrical element intended to enclose a screw head of a fixing screw intended to fix the wheel to a wheel hub.

[0011] The first cylindrical element may include a first collar against which the return means rests.

[0012] The means for locking against rotation may include a means for guiding the stop in translation parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0013] The translational guidance means may include a second hollow cylindrical element, the return means being arranged inside the second cylindrical element, the first cylindrical element being mounted to slide inside the second cylindrical element, the second cylindrical element including a second collar cooperating with the first collar to limit the displacement of the first cylindrical element parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0014] The trim may further include a passage for the passage of a tire inflation valve.

[0015] The rotation locking means can be fixed to said wall of the trim by a fixing clip.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a hubcap as defined above, the method comprising: - the insertion of the first cylindrical element inside the second cylindrical element, then - the insertion of the return means inside the second cylindrical element so as to bear against the first collar of the first cylindrical element, then - the fixing of the second cylindrical element on the wall of the trim.

[0017] The invention also relates to a wheel assembly for a motor vehicle, the wheel assembly comprising a wheel and a hubcap as defined above.

[0018] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a wheel assembly as defined above and a wheel hub, the wheel of the wheel assembly being fixed to the wheel hub by at least one fixing screw, the hubcap being fixed to the wheel, the hubcap being blocked in rotation relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation of the wheel by a support of the stop of the hubcap on a screw head of the fixing screw. Presentation of the figures

[0019] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel according to a first embodiment, the wheel being intended to be fitted with a hubcap according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel according to a second embodiment, the wheel being intended to be fitted with the same hubcap as the wheel in Fig. 1.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the hubcap intended to be fitted to the wheel of Fig. 1 or the wheel of Fig. 2.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a means for locking the hubcap of Fig. 3 from rotation.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the means for locking the wheel trim of Fig. 3 against rotation, the means for locking the wheel of Fig. 1 cooperating with the wheel of Fig. 1.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel assembly comprising a wheel and a hubcap attached to the wheel. Detailed description

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates, by way of a cross-sectional view, a wheel 1 for a motor vehicle. The wheel 1 is intended to be fitted with a tire and to be fixed to a wheel hub of a motor vehicle. The wheel 1 is intended to rotate about an axis of rotation Y1. The axis of rotation Y1 is parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle. The vehicle may, in particular, include at least one such wheel 1, preferably four such wheels 1.

[0027] The wheel 1 includes a rim 2 intended to receive a tire, and a disc 3 integral with the rim 2. The rim 2 has at least a roughly tubular shape. The disc 3 extends at least roughly in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation Y1. The disc 3 is intended to be fixed to a wheel hub. The rim 2 and the disc 3 may be two metallic elements, for example, made of steel. The rim 2 and the disc 3 are preferably formed by stamping, that is to say, by deforming and cutting a sheet of metal. This process is simple to implement.The metal sheet used to manufacture rim 2 and / or disc 3 can, for example, have a thickness between 1.5mm and 8mm. Rim 2 and disc 3 can be welded, screwed, or riveted to each other. Rim 2 and disc 3 can also form a single monolithic element.

[0028] The disc 3 includes, in particular, a mounting interface for attaching the wheel 1 to a wheel hub. The disc 3 thus allows the rim 2 to be secured to a wheel hub. In this case, the mounting interface includes a plurality of mounting holes 4 intended to cooperate with a plurality of mounting screws 5 (visible in [Fig. 5]). The mounting interface may, for example, include four or five mounting holes cooperating respectively with four or five mounting screws. The mounting holes 4 are formed in a portion 13 of the disc 3, preferably flat, intended to bear against the wheel hub. The disc 3 also includes a set of ventilation holes 6 for evacuating hot air from a braking means.

[0029] The rim 2 includes an inner rim 7 and an outer rim 8 intended to cooperate respectively with two sidewalls of a tire. The inner rim 7 and the outer rim 8 are connected by a surface of revolution 9. This surface of revolution 9 is therefore intended to close an inflatable chamber of the tire. The rim 2 also includes a hole 10 through which an inflation valve 11 is arranged. The hole 10 can be formed in the surface of revolution 9.

[0030] The rim 2 also includes a circular groove 12, intended to cooperate with a hubcap 20, to ensure retention of the hubcap parallel to the axis of rotation YL. The groove 12 is centered on the axis of rotation YL. The disc offset D is defined as the distance along the axis of rotation Y1 between a bottom of the groove 12 and the portion 13 of the disc 3 intended to bear against the wheel hub. If the wheel 1 did not include such a groove 12, the disc offset D could to be defined as the distance along the axis of rotation Y1 between the portion of the disc 3 intended to bear against the wheel hub and a fixing interface intended to cooperate with a hubcap.

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a wheel 1' identical to the wheel 1 described above, except for its disc 3', which has a different shape from the disc 3 described above. In particular, a portion 13' of the disc 3', intended to bear against the wheel hub, is offset outwards from the wheel compared to the portion 13 described above. The disc offset D' of wheel 1' is therefore smaller than the disc offset D of wheel 1. In Figure 2, the position of the disc 1 is shown with a dashed line to clearly illustrate the difference in shape between the discs 3 and 3'. The difference between the two disc offsets D and D' can be, for example, greater than or equal to 1 mm, specifically between 5 mm and 50 mm inclusive. The other characteristics of wheel 1' are identical to those of wheel 1 described above and are therefore not described again.The groove 12' of wheel 1' has, in particular, an identical shape to the groove 12 of wheel 1.

[0032] As we will now see, the invention provides a wheel trim 20 equipped with a rotation-locking means 21 configured to prevent rotation of the wheel trim relative to the wheel 1 or 1' around the axis of rotation Yl. Advantageously, the wheel trim 20 is compatible with the wheel 1 and the wheel 1' just described. The wheel trim 20 is therefore compatible with various wheel shapes, including wheel shapes that differ from one another in their disc offset value. The same wheel trim can therefore be used with several wheels. This facilitates the management of wheel trims in assembly workshops.

[0033] An embodiment of the wheel trim 20 according to the invention is shown in [Fig. 3]. The wheel trim 20 comprises a wall 22 intended to cover the disc 3 of the wheel 1 or the disc 3' of the wheel 1'. The wall 22 extends, at least roughly, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation Y1 of the wheel on which it is intended to be fixed. The wall 22 includes an external, visible surface that contributes to the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. The wall 22 of the wheel trim 20 is thus intended to conceal, at least partially, the disc 3, 3' of the wheel 1, 1' to improve its aesthetic appearance, but also to protect the wheel from debris and / or to improve the aerodynamics of the wheel. The wall 22 also covers the fixing screws 5. The fixing screws 5 are therefore neither visible nor accessible from outside the vehicle.The wall 22 may be provided with openings 23 to promote ventilation of the wheel and allow the heat generated during vehicle braking to escape.

[0034] The wheel trim 20 also includes fastening means 24 cooperating with the groove 12, 12' of the wheel 1, 1'. The fastening means 24 may, in particular, include elastic means, such as fastening clips and / or a metal wire designed to deform during the attachment of the hubcap to the wheel. The fastening means may extend substantially parallel to the axis of rotation Yl at a circular circumference of the wall 22. The hubcap 20 may be designed to be press-fitted against the wheel 1 or 1', in particular by translating the hubcap 20 parallel to the axis of rotation Yl. The interaction of the fastening means 24 with the groove 12, 12' aims to provide retention of the hubcap parallel to the axis of rotation Yl. This interaction may induce some resistance to the rotation of the hubcap relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation Yl due to the friction exerted by the fastening means 24 against the groove 12, 12'.However, the interaction of the fastening means 24 with the groove 12, 12' does not prevent the hubcap from rotating relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation YL. On the contrary, preventing the hubcap from rotating relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation Y1 is achieved through the interaction of the rotation-locking means 21 with the disc 3, 3' or against an element fixed to the disc, as will be explained later. The rotation-locking means 21 is therefore distinct from the fastening means 24.

[0035] The wheel trim 20 also includes a passage 25 for the inflation valve 11. The wheel trim 20 extends radially at least to the height of the inflation valve 11. The wheel trim 20 is therefore fixed to the wheel 1,1' in a very specific orientation, such that the inflation valve passes through the passage 25. The rotation-locking means 21 prevents the wheel trim from pressing on the inflation valve 4, which could cause an air leak from the tire. In this case, the passage 25 can be formed by a notch 41 provided in a metal wire cooperating with the groove 12, 12'.

[0036] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate in more detail the rotation-locking means 21. In [Fig. 5], the rotation-locking means 21 cooperates with the wheel 1 described previously. The rotation-locking means 21 is arranged on an inner face of the wall 22, that is, a face facing the wheel 1. The rotation-locking means 21 comprises a stop 26 movable relative to the wall 22 along an axis Y2 parallel to the axis of rotation Y1, and a return means 27. The return means 27 comprises a first end 28 bearing against the wall 22 and a second end 29 bearing against the stop 26. The return means 27 is thus arranged to ensure that the stop 26 bears against the disc 3 or against an element fixed to the disc. According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5], the stop 26 is axially supported (i.e. along the Y2 axis) against the disk 3. The stop is therefore in direct contact with the disk 3.Alternatively, the stop could be axially supported against the fixing screw 5, in particular against a screw head 30 of the fixing screw 5 or against any element integral with the disc 3.

[0037] The return means 27 is configured to ensure that the stop is supported against the disc. The return means 27 exerts a return force parallel to the Y2 axis. (and therefore parallel to the axis of rotation Yl). According to a preferred embodiment, the return means 27 comprises a spring, in particular a helical compression spring. Alternatively, the return means could comprise any other form of elastic means, for example an elastic blade, an elastic tab, an elastic foam, or a sealed chamber containing a gas.

[0038] The return means 27 thus allows the rotation-locking means to be adapted to different disc offset values ​​D, D'. The tension in the return means is a decreasing function of the disc offset value: the greater the disc offset, the greater the tension in the return means. Advantageously, the stiffness of the return means 27 is determined such that the reaction force of the return means on the wall 22 causes no deformation of the wall 22 or negligible deformation of the wall 22, even for the smallest disc offset values. The displacement range of the stop 26 is chosen to suit the variety of wheels 1, 1' envisaged. The displacement range of the stop 26 is at least equal to the difference between the smallest and largest disc offset values ​​among the variety of wheels envisaged.

[0039] To perform a rotational locking function, the stop 26 is adapted to bear tangentially against the disc 3 or against an element fixed to the disc. By "tangential support" is understood a support along a direction parallel to a tangential axis of the wheel, in particular parallel to the axis X2 identified in [Fig. 5]. According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the stop 26 is adapted to bear tangentially against the screw head 30. Alternatively, the stop 26 could be adapted to bear tangentially against any other feature attached to the disc 3. For example, the rotation locking means 21 could be adapted to cooperate with one of the ventilation holes 6. In general, since the return means 27 ensures axial support of the stop against the disc 3 or an element attached to the disc 3, a robust tangential support is obtained between the stop 26 and a feature formed on the disc or attached to the disc.The stop 26 is thus capable of providing effective rotational locking.

[0040] According to the illustrated embodiment, the stop 26 comprises a first hollow cylindrical element 31, in particular a tubular element, intended to enclose the screw head 30 of the fixing screw 5. The first cylindrical element 31 may, for example, be a plastic tube. An inner diameter of the first cylindrical element 31 is advantageously slightly larger than an outer diameter of the screw head 30. Thus, the first cylindrical element 31 can be inserted around the screw head 30 without effort. The force supplied by the return means 27 is therefore sufficient to bring the first cylindrical element 31 into contact with the disc 3

[0041] Advantageously, the first cylindrical element 31 comprises a first collar 32 against which the return means bears. The first collar 32 This provides a large bearing surface for the lifting mechanism. This prevents deformation or damage to the first cylindrical element 31.

[0042] Furthermore, the rotation-locking means 21 includes a translational guiding means 33 for the stop along the axis Y2 (axis Y2 being parallel to the axis of rotation Y1). The translational guiding means 33 helps the stop 26 to find its support against the disk 3 and prevents tangential and / or radial forces from being exerted on the return means 27.

[0043] Specifically, the translational guidance means 33 comprises a second hollow cylindrical element 34, in particular a tubular element. The second cylindrical element 34 may, for example, be a plastic tube. The second cylindrical element 34 projects along the axis Y2 from an inner face of the wall 22. The return means 27, in this case the helical spring, is arranged inside the second cylindrical element 34. The first cylindrical element 31 is mounted to slide along the axis Y2 inside the second cylindrical element 34. The outer diameter of the first cylindrical element 31 is strictly smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical element 34 so as to allow the free sliding of the first cylindrical element 31.

[0044] Advantageously, the second cylindrical element 34 includes a second collar 35 cooperating with the first collar 32 to limit the displacement of the first cylindrical element along the axis Y2. This prevents the first cylindrical element 31 from being lost before the hubcap 20 is mounted on a wheel 1 or 1'.

[0045] The first flange 32 is adapted to bear against an internal surface of the second cylindrical element 34. The second flange 35 is adapted to bear against an external surface of the first cylindrical element 31. The supports of the flanges 32 and 35 on their respective surfaces allow the first cylindrical element to be guided precisely in translation. These supports bear the forces that tend to rotate the hubcap around the axis of rotation Y1, relative to the wheel to which it is attached. The dimensions of the flanges 32, 35 and of the walls of the cylindrical elements 31, 34 are adapted to withstand these forces without breaking or deforming excessively.

[0046] Advantageously, the rotation-locking means is attached to the wall 22 of the trim ring by a fastening clip. Such a fastening means is simple to implement. In particular, the wall 22 comprises elastic hooks 36, and the second cylindrical element 34 comprises openings 37 that cooperate with the hooks 36. According to one embodiment, the second cylindrical element 34 could be screwed against the wall 22. According to another embodiment, the wall 22 and the second cylindrical element 34 could form a single monolithic component. However, in such a case, such a component would be more complex to manufacture. by a plastic injection molding process. Furthermore, the assembly of the return means 27 and the first cylindrical element 31 could also be more complex to achieve.

[0047] The locking means 21 can be manufactured as follows. First, the first cylindrical element 31, the return means 27, and the second cylindrical element 34 are supplied as three separate parts. Next, the first cylindrical element 31 is inserted inside the second cylindrical element 34. Then, the return means 27 is inserted inside the second cylindrical element 34 so as to bear against the first flange 32 of the first cylindrical element 31. Finally, the second cylindrical element 34 is fixed, notably by means of its fixing clip, to the wall 22 of the trim.

[0048] Once the wheel trim 20 is manufactured, it can be attached to a wheel 1 or 1'. To do this, the wheel trim is oriented so that the rotation-locking means 21 is positioned opposite a fixing screw 5, in particular so that the first cylindrical element 31 surrounds a fixing screw 5. Advantageously, such an orientation is automatically achieved when the screw passage 25 of the inflation valve 11 is positioned. Next, the wheel trim 20 is brought close to the wheel along the axis of rotation Y1. Then, pressure is applied to the wheel trim to activate the fixing means 24 cooperating with the groove 12 or 12'. When the first cylindrical element 31 comes into contact with the wall 22, the return means 27 is compressed and thus remains under tension. Advantageously, the return means 27 remains under tension regardless of the value of the disc offset in order to avoid uncontrolled movements of the stop 26.

[0049] Assuming that the screw heads 30 are covered by the hubcap 20, the hubcap is attached after the wheel 1 or 1' has been fixed to the wheel hub using the fixing screws 5. However, the invention can also be adapted to hubcaps whose wall 22 has openings opposite the fixing screw heads 5. In this case, the fixing screws 5 are accessible without removing the hubcap, thus facilitating wheel replacement. A wrench for tightening or loosening the fixing screws 5 is then advantageously inserted through the helical spring. The dimensions of the rotation-locking means and / or the fixing screws can optionally be adapted to provide sufficient access for the wrench. According to this embodiment, the wheel 1 or 1' can be fixed to the wheel hub after the hubcap 20 has been fitted.

[0050] Finally, thanks to the invention, a wheel assembly 40 is provided, comprising a wheel 1 or 1' and a hubcap 20 fixed to the wheel. Such a wheel assembly 40 is illustrated in [Fig. 6]. The hubcap 20 is prevented from rotating relative to the wheel. This prevents the hubcap from pressing on the inflation valve 4, which could cause an air leak from the tire. Advantageously, the anti-rotation function is ensured for a variable range of disc offset, which allows the same hubcap to be used with different wheel shapes.

[0051] In note according to the embodiment, the trim includes a single means for locking against rotation 21. Alternatively, a second such means for locking against rotation 21 could be provided, or even a means for locking against rotation 21 cooperating with each fixing screw.

Claims

Demands

1. Wheel trim (20) for a wheel (1, 1') of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a wall (22) intended to cover a wheel disc (3, 3'), and a rotation locking means (21) configured to block rotation of the wheel trim relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation (Yl) of the wheel, the rotation locking means comprising a rotation locking stop (26), the stop being movable relative to said wall parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel, the rotation locking means comprising a return means (27) comprising a first end (28) bearing against said wall and a second end (29) bearing against the stop to ensure axial support of the stop against the disc or against an element fixed to the disc.

2. Wheel trim (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stop (26) comprises a first hollow cylindrical element (31) intended to enclose a screw head (30) of a fixing screw (5) intended to fix the wheel (1, 1') to a wheel hub.

3. Trim (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first cylindrical element (31) comprises a first collar (32) against which the return means (27) rests.

4. Wheel trim (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation locking means (21) comprises a translational guiding means (33) of the stop (26) parallel to the axis of rotation (Yl) of the wheel.

5. Wheel trim (20) according to claim 3 and according to claim 4, characterized in that the translational guidance means comprises a second hollow cylindrical element (34), the return means (27) being arranged inside the second cylindrical element, the first cylindrical element (31) being mounted to slide inside the second cylindrical element, the second cylindrical element comprising a second collar (35) cooperating with the first collar (32) to limit the displacement of the first cylindrical element parallel to the axis of rotation (Yl) of the wheel.

6. Wheel trim (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a passage (25) for the passage of a tire inflation valve.

7. Trim (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation locking means (21) is fixed to said trim wall by a fixing clip.

8. A method for manufacturing a wheel trim according to the preceding claim and according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises: - the insertion of the first cylindrical element (31) inside the second cylindrical element (34), then - the insertion of the return means (26) inside the second cylindrical element (34) so ​​as to bear against the first collar (32) of the first cylindrical element (31), then - the fixing of the second cylindrical element (34) on the wall (22) of the wheel trim.

9. Wheel assembly (40) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a wheel (1, 1') and a hubcap (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Motor vehicle comprising a wheel assembly (40) according to the preceding claim and a wheel hub, the wheel (1, 1') of the wheel assembly being fixed to the wheel hub by at least one fixing screw (5), the hubcap (20) being fixed to the wheel, the hubcap being blocked from rotation relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation (Yl) of the wheel by a support of the stop (26) of the hubcap on a screw head (30) of the fixing screw (5).

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