Precisely positioned wheel trim against the rim of a land vehicle
The hubcap design addresses noise and aging issues by using precise positioning elements and elastic connections to securely attach the trim to the wheel rim, ensuring quiet operation and extended lifespan.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing wheel trims on land vehicles, particularly automobiles, suffer from play between the rim and peripheral edge due to dimensional tolerances and coupling methods, leading to noise generation and accelerated aging under shocks and vibrations.
A hubcap design with a support piece and trim piece featuring positioning elements at multiple points to precisely secure the trim against the wheel rim, utilizing elastic connections and damping materials to prevent impact and rotation, ensuring secure fit and noise reduction.
The hubcap design effectively prevents noise generation and reduces the risk of accelerated aging by maintaining a secure fit during shocks and vibrations, enhancing the perceived quality and aesthetics of the vehicle.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Precisely positioned wheel trim against the rim of a land vehicle Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to wheeled land vehicles, and more specifically to wheel trims intended to be fitted to the wheels of such land vehicles. Prior art
[0002] Some land vehicles, for example of the automobile type, include wheels comprising a rim centered on an axis of rotation and on which a tire is mounted, and an added disc, fixedly housed inside the rim by being centered on the axis of rotation and provided with at least one opening.
[0003] These wheels can accommodate a large hubcap, or at least a small hubcap (or micro-hubcap) combined with a cutout in their rim. In this second alternative, each small hubcap (or micro-hubcap) can comprise a support piece coupled to a cutout and to the rim, and a trim piece coupled to this support piece.
[0004] For example, and as described in particular in patent document FR-A1-3116232, the support piece may include first and second parts which are arranged to bear respectively against an edge of a sail opening and the rim associated with this sail.
[0005] Due to the respective dimensional tolerances of the support piece, the wheel cover, and the wheel rim, and the coupling method (generally by clipping) between the support piece and the wheel cover, there is frequently some play between the rim and the peripheral edge of the wheel cover (located in the immediate vicinity of the rim). When the wheel is subjected to shocks and / or vibrations, this play allows the peripheral edge of the wheel cover to strike the rim, generating noises that can be annoying and / or worrying, and therefore detract from the perceived quality of the vehicle. Furthermore, repeated impacts of the wheel cover against the rim accelerate the aging of the wheel cover.
[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0007] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a hubcap, on the one hand, intended to equip a wheel suitable for forming part of a land vehicle and comprising a rim inside which is fixedly housed a disc having at least one opening, and, on the other hand, comprising:
[0008] - a support piece comprising first and second parts arranged to lean respectively against one edge of this opening and this rim, and
[0009] - a covering piece coupled to the support piece and comprising an edge peripheral device equipped with a rear face designed to be oriented towards the veil.
[0010] This trim piece is characterized by the fact that the rear face of the peripheral edge is provided in at least three places spaced apart with positioning elements suitable for positioning the trim piece against the veil.
[0011] Since the trim piece is now precisely positioned against the wheel rim, there is no longer a risk that the dimensional tolerances and the coupling method between the support piece and the trim piece would allow the peripheral edge of the trim piece to hit the wheel rim when the wheel is subjected to shocks and / or vibrations, and therefore there is no longer a risk that the wheel trim would generate noises that could be annoying and / or worrying and thus detract from the impression of quality of the vehicle.
[0012] The hubcap according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0013] - the rear face of the peripheral edge can be provided at four distant locations of positioning elements;
[0014] - the positioning elements can be specific for positioning in a isostatic the covering piece against the veil;
[0015] - the positioning elements may be protrusions designed to rest against the veil;
[0016] - in the presence of the last option, each protrusion can be at least coated of a damping material;
[0017] - the support piece may include a third part connecting the first and second parts and having an elasticity capable of exerting pressures on the first and second parts capable of pressing them respectively against the edge of the opening and the rim;
[0018] - in the presence of the last option, the third part may comprise two arms curvilinear lines defining respectively convex zones opposite each other, and each connecting the first and second parts;
[0019] - in the presence of the last sub-option, each curvilinear arm may exhibit a general U-shape;
[0020] - the first part of the support piece may have a semi-circular shape and can define a groove suitable for housing part of the edge of the opening;
[0021] - the trim piece may include initial clipping elements. In this In this case, the support piece may include second clipping elements designed to cooperate with the corresponding first clipping elements to couple the covering piece and support piece together;
[0022] - in the presence of the last option, one of the second clipping elements may be defined on the first part of the support piece;
[0023] - the housing part may include at least one anti-rotation protrusion suitable for resting against the edge of the opening;
[0024] - in the presence of the last option, the trim piece may comprise two distant anti-rotation protuberances designed to rest respectively against two sub-parts of the edge of the opening.
[0025] The invention also proposes a wheel suitable for equipping a land vehicle and comprising, on the one hand, a rim inside which is fixedly housed a disc having at least one opening, and, on the other hand, at least one hubcap of the type of that presented above and coupled to the disc at the level of the opening and pressed against the rim.
[0026] The invention also proposes a land vehicle comprising at least two wheels of the type presented above.
[0027] For example, this land vehicle may include four wheels, and may be of the automobile type. Brief description of the figures
[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0029] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an example of an embodiment of a wheel comprising an example of an embodiment of a hubcap according to the invention,
[0030] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane, a part of the wheel of [Fig.1] including the hubcap,
[0031] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the trim piece of the hubcap of figures 1 and 2,
[0032] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the support piece for the hubcap of Figures 1 and 2, and
[0033] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the cover piece of [Fig.3] coupled to the support piece of [Fig.4]. Detailed description of the invention
[0034] The invention aims in particular to provide an ER (micro-)trim intended to equip an RV wheel, suitable for receiving a tire and for being part of a land vehicle, and not inducing noises of collision against this RV wheel in the presence of shocks and / or vibrations.
[0035] In what follows, the land vehicle is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be of the automobile type. For example, a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of wheeled land vehicle. It concerns any land vehicle comprising at least two wheels.
[0036] Furthermore, in the preceding and following, "inner face" means a face of an element that is intended to be oriented towards the vehicle, and "outer face" means a face of the same element that is intended to be oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and therefore opposite to the inner face.
[0037] In figures 1 to 5 the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the (terrestrial) vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.
[0038] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate at least partially an example of an RV wheel intended to equip a land vehicle and comprising a rim JR, a disc VR and a (micro-)hubcap ER according to the invention.
[0039] The JR rim is generally cylindrical in shape, centered on an AR axis of rotation (see [Fig.1]), and suitable for receiving a tire.
[0040] Furthermore, the JR rim includes an external rim designed to retain an outer sidewall of the tire and which has a hook CJ. It will be noted, as shown in [Fig. 2], that the JR rim also includes an internal rim opposite the external rim, designed to retain the inner sidewall of the tire and having another hook.
[0041] The VR disc is attached and fixedly housed inside the JR rim, centered on the AR axis of rotation. For example, the VR disc can be fixedly attached to the JR rim by welding, and is intended to be attached to a hub, such as a vehicle steering knuckle.
[0042] Furthermore, the VR wheel rim comprises at least one AV opening. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the VR wheel rim comprises numerous AV openings (typically fourteen), one of which is (here) entirely concealed by a hubcap ER according to the invention. However, the number of AV openings in a VR wheel rim can be any value greater than or equal to one. Similarly, the number of AV openings in an RV wheel can be any value greater than or equal to one (this latter number is, however, less than or equal to the number of AV openings in the VR wheel rim).
[0043] It should be noted that the number of ER hubcaps equipping an RV wheel can take any value greater than or equal to one and less than or equal to the number of openings of this RV wheel.
[0044] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 5, a wheel trim ER, according to the invention, comprises at least one support piece PS and one trim piece PH.
[0045] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the support piece PS is intended to be coupled to the VR rim of an RV wheel at the level of an AV opening and pressed against the rim JR of this RV wheel.
[0046] As illustrated in figures 2, 4 and 5, the support piece PS comprises first PI and second P2 parts, as well as a possible third part P3.
[0047] The first part PI is arranged so as to rest against an edge BA of an opening AV.
[0048] The second part P2 is arranged so as to rest against the rim JR.
[0049] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the PH cover piece is coupled to the PS support piece and is visible from outside the vehicle. It allows the PS support piece, and in particular its technical components (PS), to be almost completely concealed. Furthermore, it also contributes to the style of the RV wheel and therefore of the vehicle. It should be noted that it can potentially be customized to satisfy the widest range of land vehicle users, for example, through a selection of different colors and / or shapes and / or finishes (at least on its external face FE (visible from outside the vehicle)).
[0050] This PH trim piece includes a peripheral edge BP which is provided with a rear face FA adapted to be oriented towards the VR wall. In addition, this rear face FA is provided at at least three spaced locations with positioning elements EP adapted to position the PH trim piece against the VR wall.
[0051] Thanks to this precise positioning of the PH trim piece against the VR rim (at least three distant points), there is no longer any risk that the respective dimensional tolerances of the PS support piece, the PH trim piece, and the VR rim, and the coupling method between the PS support piece and the PH trim piece, will allow the peripheral edge BP of the PH trim piece to strike the VR rim when the RV wheel is subjected to shocks and / or vibrations. Consequently, there is no longer any risk that the ER wheel trim will generate noises that could be annoying and / or worrying and thus detract from the perceived quality of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the absence of impacts between the ER wheel trim and the VR rim, there is no longer any risk of accelerated aging of the EP wheel trim.
[0052] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 and 5, the rear face FA of the trim piece PH can be provided at four widely spaced locations with positioning elements EP. This further enhances the positioning accuracy of the trim EP and further prevents the trim ER from striking the visor VR.
[0053] Preferably, the positioning elements EP can be adapted to position the PH cover piece isostatically against the VR wall. This isostaticity ensures that no sub-part of the peripheral edge BP of the PH cover piece will strike the VR wall.
[0054] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in figures 3 and 5, the positioning elements EP can be protrusions protruding on the rear face FA of the peripheral edge BP of the covering piece PH and designed to rest against the veil VR (in a very localized or extensive way (over a few millimeters)).
[0055] It should also be noted that each EP protrusion can be coated with at least one damping material, such as an elastomer, rubber (possibly synthetic), or foam. In this case, each EP protrusion can be made either of the same material as the rest of the PH cover and then coated with the damping material, or entirely of the damping material. Both alternatives are compatible with bi-injection molding of the PH cover. However, in an alternative embodiment, the damping material could be applied after the PH cover has been manufactured (with or without its EP protrusions). In this alternative, the PH cover could be made of metal (possibly by molding and / or machining).
[0056] It should also be noted that in another variant, the positioning elements EP might not be protrusions (rigid or damping). Thus, they could, for example, be elements attached to the rear face FA of the peripheral edge BP of the housing part PH, such as springs (leaf or helical) or pads made of elastomer or rubber.
[0057] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 4 and 5, the support piece PS may include a third part P3 connecting its first PI and second P2 parts and having sufficient elasticity to exert pressures on the first PI and second P2 parts that press them respectively against the edge BA of the AV opening and the rim JR. It will be understood that, in such an arrangement, the third part P3 acts as a kind of return spring which automatically and permanently pushes the second part P2 against the rim JR, and also the first part PI against the edge BA of the AV opening, due to its elasticity.
[0058] The ER wheel trim is thus held tightly against the JR rim and the BA edge of the AV cutout, making the probability of the ER wheel trim becoming detached from its RV wheel virtually nil, or even zero. Furthermore, this also makes the probability of the ER wheel trim being driven into rotation relative to the RV wheel virtually nil, even in the presence of significant shocks and / or vibrations. Therefore, there is (virtually) no longer any risk of an ER wheel trim detracting from the vehicle's aesthetics or to The vehicle's perceived quality is enhanced by its rotational drive (which has become (almost) impossible). Furthermore, this elasticity advantageously facilitates the installation of the ER wheel trim on the RV wheel.
[0059] For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 4 and 5, the third part P3 of the support piece PS may comprise two curved arms BC defining opposing convex zones ZC, each connecting the first PI and second P2 parts. The two convex zones ZC thus extend in opposite directions (here) along the longitudinal direction X.
[0060] Preferably, and as illustrated without limitation, the two curvilinear arms BC have symmetrical shapes with respect to a plane YZ.
[0061] It will be understood that the convex shape of the elastic curvilinear arms BC allows, at the beginning of the installation of the hubcap ER, to accommodate a reduction in the distance separating the first PI and second P2 parts, and, at the end of the installation, to push the second part P2 against the rim JR and the first part PI against the edge BA of the AV opening.
[0062] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], each curvilinear arm BC can have a general U-shaped form (to delimit its convex zone ZC), with two extensions towards the first PI and second P2 parts.
[0063] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 4 and 5, the first part PI may have a semi-circular shape and may define a groove G designed to accommodate a portion of the edge BA of the opening AV. It will be understood that this shape of the first part PI is adapted to a similar (semi-circular) shape of this portion of the edge BA of the opening AV. Thanks to this groove G, which accommodates the portion of the edge BA, there is no risk of the first part PI detaching from this edge PA, even in the presence of a significant impact and taking into account the elasticity of the third part P3.
[0064] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the second part P2 may comprise first subparts SP1 and second subparts SP2 which are intended to be pressed against two distant parts of the rim JR. Here, the first subpart SP1 is intended to be housed in a first concave recess defined by the hook CJ of the outer rim of the rim JR and to be pressed against this hook CJ, and the second subpart SP2 is intended to be housed in a second concave recess defined by the seat of the outer rim of the rim JR and to be pressed against this seat.
[0065] It will be understood that this shape of the second part P2 is adapted to the shapes of the first and second concave recesses of the outer rim of the JR rim. Thanks to these recesses of the first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts of the second part P2 in the first and second concave recesses, there is no risk that the second part P2 detaches from the outer rim of the JR rim, even in the presence of a significant impact and taking into account the elasticity of the third part P3.
[0066] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 to 5, the housing piece PH may include first clipping elements EC1a and EC1b, preferably on an internal face FI, opposite its external face FE. In this case, the support piece PS may include second clipping elements EC2a and EC2b which are adapted to cooperate with the corresponding first clipping elements EC1a and EC1b to couple the housing piece PH and the support piece PS.
[0067] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2, 4 and 5, one of the second clipping elements EC2a and EC2b can be defined on the first part PI of the support piece PS. In the illustrated example, this second clipping element EC2b defined on the first part PI is a clipping notch intended to be housed in a corresponding clipping hole defined in a clipping tab constituting a corresponding first clipping element EClb erected on the inner face FI of the cover piece PH. But other arrangements of these first EClb and second EC2b clipping elements can be envisaged.
[0068] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 5, the cover piece PH may include on its inner face FI two other first clipping elements EC1a cooperating with two other corresponding second clipping elements EC2a of the support piece PS. In the illustrated example, the two other second clipping elements EC2a are clipping tabs whose notches are clipped respectively onto clipping faces constituting the two other corresponding first clipping elements EC1a. But other arrangements of these other first EC1 and second EC2a clipping elements may be envisaged.
[0069] Thanks to these three first clipping elements ECla and EClb cooperating with these three second clipping elements EC2a and EC2b, in three places two apart, the body part PH and support part PS are closely coupled permanently, and therefore the probability of a decoupling of the body part PH from the support part PS (closely coupled to the wheel RV) is (almost) zero.
[0070] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 and 5, the trim piece PH may include at least one anti-rotation protrusion PA designed to bear against the edge BA of the relevant AV opening. It will be understood that each anti-rotation protrusion PA defines a support point between the hubcap ER and the wheel RV, which is added to the support points between the hubcap ER and the wheel RV defined by the first PI and second P2 parts. Thus, it becomes completely It is impossible for the ER hubcap to be driven in rotation relative to the RV wheel at the level of the corresponding AV cutout (which it at least partially masks).
[0071] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 5, the trim piece PH includes two anti-rotation protuberances PA which are designed to bear against two sub-parts of the edge BA of the relevant opening AV, which makes any rotation of the trim piece ER even more impossible.
[0072] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 3 and 5, the two anti-rotation protrusions PA are defined on one face of a closed wall PF erected on the inner face FI of the housing piece PH. This closed wall PF delimits a housing that is preferably open at its two opposite ends (here along the transverse direction Y) to allow air to flow from the outside to the inside of the wheel RV via the relevant opening AV, and vice versa. It will be understood that in this case the housing piece PH includes a through hole located at one end of the closed wall PF.
[0073] It should also be noted that the PS support piece can, for example, be made by molding a plastic material or by a 3D printer. But in an alternative, the PS support piece could be made of metal (possibly by molding and / or machining).
Claims
Demands
1. Wheel trim (ER) for a wheel (RV) suitable for equipping a land vehicle and comprising a rim (JR) inside which is fixedly housed a disc (VR) having at least one opening (AV), said wheel trim (ER) comprising i) a support piece (PS) having first (PI) and second (P2) parts arranged to bear respectively against an edge (BA) of said opening (AV) and said rim (JR), and ii) a cover piece (PH) coupled to said support piece (PS) and comprising a peripheral edge (BP) having a rear face (FA) suitable for being oriented towards said disc (VR), characterized in that said rear face (FA) is provided in at least three distant locations with positioning elements (EP) suitable for positioning said cover piece (PH) against said disc (VR).
2. Trim according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear face (FA) is provided in four distant locations with positioning elements (EP).
3. Trim according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said positioning elements (EP) are suitable for isostatically positioning said trim piece (PH) against said veil (VR).
4. Trim according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said positioning elements (EP) are protrusions adapted to rest against said veil (VR).
5. Trim according to claim 4, characterized in that each protrusion (EP) is at least coated with a damping material.
6. Wheel trim according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said support piece (PS) comprises a third part (P3) connecting said first (PI) and second (P2) parts and having an elasticity capable of exerting on said first (PI) and second (P2) parts pressures capable of pressing them respectively against said edge (BA) and said rim (JR).
7. Trim according to claim 6, characterized in that said third part (P3) comprises two curvilinear arms (BC) defining respectively convex zones (ZC) opposed to each other, and each connecting said first (PI) and second (P2) parts.
8. A trim piece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first part (PI) has a semi-circular shape and delimits a groove (G) suitable for housing a part of said edge (BA) of the opening (AV).
9. Trim piece according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said trim piece (PH) comprises first clipping elements (ECla, EClb), and in that said support piece (PS) comprises second clipping elements (EC2a, EC2b) adapted to cooperate with the corresponding first clipping elements (ECla, EClb) to couple said trim piece (PH) and support piece (PS) together.
10. Wheel (RV) suitable for equipping a land vehicle and comprising a rim (JR) inside which is fixedly housed a disc (VR) having at least one opening (AV), characterized in that it further comprises at least one hubcap (ER) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, coupled to said disc (VR) at the level of said opening (AV) and pressed against said rim (JR).