Deflectors for rims, for example, for car rims

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rim (1), for example, an insert (10) for an automobile rim, the insert simultaneously performing the functions of an aerodynamic deflector, for example, protecting the rim in the event of impact with a curb, and a stylized customization element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Corresponding application This application claims the priority of the prior application PCT / IB2023 / 054660 filed on May 4, 2023 in the name of SOFTCAR SA, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of rims for vehicles, particularly rims for motor vehicles, and also to means used to improve the performance of said vehicles.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Prior Art Since the birth of the automobile, rims have formed an essential part of the vehicle's style. In electric vehicles, in order to reduce air resistance, aerodynamic deflectors (for example, made of aluminum) that completely cover the rims appear, which make it possible to discharge air from the inside of the wheel arch to the outside of the vehicle. The function of these deflectors is to reduce air resistance and thus extend the vehicle's cruising range. These deflectors are generally made of injection-molded synthetic materials (such as polymers) and have the shape of a cover disk that completely covers a structural rim made of steel or aluminum.

[0004] Some high-class rims have blades like turbines directly incorporated into the aluminum casting. Since they are arranged towards the center of the rim, the effect of discharging air is low, and due to the direction of the blades, the left and right rims are in a mirror image relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to manufacture different rims for the left and right sides, and in addition, care must be taken to attach them to the correct side during installation. Therefore, it is impossible to cross-exchange these rims (for example, considering tire wear), and the mounted tires must also be replaced.

[0005] In addition, the rim may be equipped with a continuous strap-like thing on the edge of the rim to protect the rim from impacts against, for example, sidewalks or curbs.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Problem Conventional technology involves, for example, a structural rim made of cast aluminum alloy being covered with a plastic wheel trim or "aero wheel." This deflector cap is similar to the painted plastic wheel trim or hub cap introduced 40 years ago to conceal "low-cost" steel rims and mimic the appearance of aluminum rims. This deflector solution, found in some electric vehicles, has little aesthetic effect, and many users remove this polymer part to reveal the rim behind it, such as an aluminum rim, thereby negating the aerodynamic effect and energy savings achieved by this part. Polymer wheel trims are ineffective, fragile, and always the same shade. Wheel trims add significant unsprung mass to electric vehicles, which contradicts the goal of minimizing weight as much as possible to reduce energy consumption. Wheel trims are non-permanently clipped to the rim so that they can be accessed to remove the wheel. This non-permanent clipping causes problems. The reason is that improperly reinstalled or impacted wheel trims can detach from the rim, and due to their size, the resulting pollution is particularly noticeable at the edge of the road. Similarly, fragments of the wheel trim can separate. This unpleasant pollution represents irresponsible consumption that is unacceptable for environmentally friendly vehicles. When removed or reinstalled, the wheel trim is dirty, making reinstallation difficult and leading to the destruction of the clip fastening system.

[0007] Clipping around the tire valve is always complicated, and particular care must be taken with the placement of the wheel trim, as incorrect reinstallation can lead to the loss of the wheel trim.

[0008] The right and left wheel trims are different so that the vanes operate to expel air on both sides of the vehicle.

[0009] In environments involving high-grade rims molded with blades, such as those found in turbines, it is necessary to manufacture two types of rims (left and right) to achieve the desired dynamic effect, as described above. This increases the cost of jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing, and also makes the installation process more complex compared to a situation where all rims are identical and can be mounted equally well on either the left or right side.

[0010] For the exact same industrial reasons as with aluminum rims, starting to manufacture them in different colors is costly. Therefore, the color of rims or wheel trims is achromatic, generally gray, and thus they are fitted without any particular need to harmonize with the color of the vehicle body.

[0011] In addition, adding various colors to a single rim is industrially very costly. With rims painted in two or more colors, the same painted rims are always produced consistently throughout the vehicle's entire lifespan, regardless of the body color. For this reason, manufacturers typically choose achromatic black or gray for both rims and wheel trims, regardless of the range of body colors.

[0012] Regarding recycling, rims with two-color / multi-color paint or two-type / multi-material paint are problematic because the colors mix, or the recovered materials are no longer pure.

[0013] The outer surfaces of the rims and wheel trims are painted on a specific industrial paint line. Only the visible outer surface of the wheel trim is painted with automotive primer. Amateur painting of the outer surface will not result in a beautiful finish. This severely limits the ability of amateurs to decorate and personalize wheel trims.

[0014] High-quality aluminum rims are susceptible to damage from even minor impacts against the sidewalk, requiring re-turning and repainting to remove impact marks.

[0015] Wheel trim often does not protect the aluminum rim from impacts against the sidewalk.

[0016] Description of the Invention The objective of the present invention is to solve these problems simultaneously and to enable the realization of several functions incorporated into a single component. Specifically, according to the present invention, the deflector is an aerodynamic deflector, a stylistic element, a personalization element, and a protector of the rim edge against the sidewalk.

[0017] These features allow for the customization of rims to match various body colors (i.e., the vehicle body) during vehicle manufacturing, to match rims after a body color change, or to perform any customization of rims in a professional manner without touching the paint on the rims, such as aluminum rims.

[0018] In embodiments, the present invention relates to an additional component attached to a rim, for example, the rim of an automobile, which simultaneously performs the functions of an aerodynamic deflector, for example, protecting the rim from impacts to the sidewalk, and a stylized personalization element.

[0019] In this embodiment, the component forms a deflector.

[0020] In this embodiment, the component includes means for clipping it to the rim within an opening designed to allow the component to be clipped to the peripheral edge of the rim.

[0021] In this embodiment, the component comprises two symmetrical wings that can be mounted equally on the left and right rims of the vehicle.

[0022] In this embodiment, the component forms a central, removable part that mechanically and visually protects the rim nut.

[0023] In this embodiment, the shape of the clip and the opening is designed so that they cannot be removed from the branch of the rim except when pressure is intentionally applied to both clips simultaneously.

[0024] In this embodiment, the shape of the branched portion of the rim allows fingers to be inserted from both sides and both clips to be pressed simultaneously.

[0025] In an embodiment, when the parts are snap - fastened during assembly, an audible feedback click sound returns, allowing confirmation of the correct locking of the parts to the rim.

[0026] In an embodiment, the parts protect the rim from friction and impacts against the pavement.

[0027] In an embodiment, the parts match the color tone of the body of a series vehicle or an after - sales vehicle.

[0028] In an embodiment, the user can freely change the color of these parts at any time in their vehicle.

[0029] In an embodiment, the parts are made of a transparent polymer, and by painting the inner surface, it enables decorative personalization using the transparency of the parts.

[0030] In an embodiment, the parts enable the user themselves to very easily color the inner surface of these parts, and by utilizing the transparent thickness of the parts, a super - glossy finish can be obtained on the surface regardless of the quality of the coating.

[0031] In an embodiment, the parts are made of retro - reflective elements that reflect light or accumulate and re - emit light by phosphorescence or fluorescence.

[0032] In an embodiment, the parts are made of a transparent polymer and can receive a varnish on the surface that matches the color of the user's vehicle manicure.

[0033] In an embodiment, the parts can be easily un - snap - fastened and carried by the user to a nail salon or a place suitable for decoration.

[0034] In an embodiment, the parts are made of a transparent polymer containing fillers of precious stones, flakes, glass, or other decorative particles.

[0035] In this embodiment, the component is made of a transparent polymer that can be roughly painted on its inner surface, and a glossy finish can be reliably obtained depending on the thickness of the polymer.

[0036] In this embodiment, the component is made from a material that is colored both inside and out, either transparent or opaque, with a selection of many colors and many fillers, glass, and phosphors to personalize the rim.

[0037] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the clips of this component allows the shape of the passage in the branching section to match the shape for removing the bottle cap.

[0038] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a rim comprising at least one component as defined herein, for example, a rim for a vehicle.

[0039] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a vehicle, such as an automobile, having at least one rim as defined in this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the principle of the present invention in a vehicle rim. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 3] These are front and rear perspective views of an embodiment of the deflector according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a detailed diagram of a rim without a deflector. [Figure 5] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of a deflector according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the difference in height of the deflector according to the present invention, which can deflect the airflow. [Figure 7A] This figure shows the deflection of airflow achieved by the present invention. [Figure 7B] This figure shows the deflection of airflow achieved by the present invention. [Figure 8A]These figures show the components of the embodiment of the present invention in the state attached to the rim (Figure 8A) and the state removed from the rim (Figure 8B). [Figure 8B] These figures show the components of the embodiment of the present invention in the state attached to the rim (Figure 8A) and the state removed from the rim (Figure 8B). [Figure 9] This diagram shows the process of removing the neck of a beverage bottle (such as a beer bottle) using the rim. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating the principle of the present invention. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a component of the present invention attached to a vehicle rim 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded view.

[0042] In one embodiment, the present invention primarily forms an aerodynamic deflector 10 located at the most effective position for expelling air from the wheel arch, i.e., the position where the rim 1 rotates fastest, i.e., at the periphery of the rim 1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0043] The deflector 10 is generally in the form of a fin that can expel air from the wheel arch outwards from the vehicle. The deflector has two symmetrical fins 11, 12 (see Figure 3) that can be equally attached to the left and right wheels 1 of the vehicle (for example, by clipping them in, see Figures 1 and 5).

[0044] Once installed (for example, by clipping), each deflector 10 expels air from the wheel arch and deflects the airflow outwards from the vehicle, as shown and described in Figures 7A and 7B. The faster the vehicle is moving, the more air the deflector 10 expels, thus reducing air resistance and ultimately extending the range of the electric vehicle. The shapes of the rim 1 and deflector 10 shown in the figures are not exhaustive, and many different shapes of scoops that perform the function of expelling air from the wheel arch and deflecting the airflow can be manufactured using the present invention.

[0045] The attachment of the deflector 10 to the rim 1 is achieved, for example, by means described below in non-limiting embodiments, depending on the appropriate design or structure of the rim 1. That is, according to one embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, it is advantageous that the branch 2 of the rim 1 has an opening 3 (Figure 4), and the deflector 10 may have two flexible clips 13, 14 (see Figure 3) inserted into the opening 3 (see Figure 5). It is advantageous that the opening 3 of the rim 1 is generally triangular, so that the deflector 10 can be clipped to at least two sides of the triangle (see Figure 5). The present invention allows us to envision several shapes for the deflector 10, as well as for the rim 1 and the rim branch 2. This fastening may be by side clipping, screwing, adhesive bonding, or any other fastening means. It is preferable, but not limited to, that the fastening is reversible, i.e., that the deflector 10 can be easily attached and removed by mechanical operation. The clip can be released by simply inserting a finger behind the branch 2 of the rim and pressing both sides of the clip simultaneously. The shape of the branch 2 is designed so that a finger can be inserted behind it. Unless both sides are operated simultaneously by hand in this way, the clip cannot be removed from the rim 1, even under impact.

[0046] It is advantageous that the clip-fastening recess (imprint) 3 (referred to as opening 3) on the rim of each branch section 2 is designed to accommodate the neck cap of a bottle 30 (for example, a beer bottle 30). This configuration 3 allows the neck cap to be removed. This novel feature is shown in Figure 9.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible, on the one hand, to enhance the style of structural castings (i.e., single-color rims) with removable colored parts, and on the other hand, to add geometric shapes that are difficult or even impossible to manufacture by casting.

[0048] This invention makes it possible to add color and personalize rims without changing their paint or structure, and also allows for the standardization of rim paint or structure.

[0049] The rim 1 is preferably configured to receive the deflector through an opening 3 into which, for example, clips 13, 14 are inserted. In other embodiments, the rim 1 is a standard piece, and the deflector 10 is provided by suitable means for mounting to the standard rim, and / or fixing means (e.g., adhesive bonding) allow for the mounting of any deflector to the standard rim.

[0050] The deflector 10 allows for the enhancement of the rim's style (e.g., aluminum) through additional components, which are advantageously made of polymer to add color to the aluminum rim. These additional components enhance the rim's style by effectively matching it to the vehicle body, body color, or vehicle design. Furthermore, it enables the sale of accessories after vehicle purchase without the need to remove or replace the rim, and allows for the very quick provision of color variations.

[0051] Once fixed in this manner, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 5, 6, and 7B, the deflector 10 is firmly pressed against the rim 1 by clips 13 and 14, locked in place along all axes, and cannot be removed from the rim without a very specific external force. As shown in Figure 6, the deflector 10 can be instantly removed by simultaneously pressing the two clips 13 and 14 by hand across the inner surface of the branching portion of the rim 1.

[0052] When clipped in place, the structure of the present invention generates an audible click sound, which assures the user that the deflector 10 is in the correct position and is locked in place with slight pressure from the clips 13 and 14 on the rim 1. The clipping of the deflector 10 and the deflector itself cannot be removed without external manual manipulation.

[0053] An advantage of the deflector 10 is that it can be manufactured by injection molding of a transparent polymer resin. It can be attached to the rim 1 in a transparent state (without changing the appearance), or its inner surface can be painted. When attached to the rim 1, the deflector 10 has a deep, glossy appearance, like a transparent varnish, with the thickness of the transparent portion. By attaching it to the rim 1 in this way, the paint and edge of the aluminum rim are protected from scratches and impacts, spray of cleaning agents, and ultraviolet rays by the thickness of the polymer.

[0054] When the deflector 10 is made of a transparent polymer, it is advantageous to paint its inner surface 12 in the color of the car body. It can also be painted to match the user's nail polish, or to another color of choice (a trendy color, a color matching the company's graphic chart, the colors of a sports club, etc.). In these cases, the working method according to the embodiment is to remove the deflector 10 from the rim 1, transport the very lightweight part to the decorating workshop, apply varnish or paint only to the inner surface (or the entire part), let it dry, and then clip the deflector back onto the rim 1. According to one embodiment, the fact that the work is done on the inner surface of the deflector 10 allows the varnish or paint to be applied very roughly and quickly because, regardless of the quality of the color application to the surface 12, only the surface 11 of the deflector is visible through the polymer layer of several millimeters.

[0055] With this invention, the user can color the inner surface 12 very easily, and a super glossy finish can be obtained on the surface 11 due to the transparent thickness of the portion that functions as varnish, which is several millimeters thick.

[0056] The perceived quality of gloss is independent of the quality of the coating applied to the inner surface of the deflector 10. This invention allows the use of paint spray cans, spray guns, rollers, or even brushes, and requires no special expertise, as no drips or excess paint are visible on the 10 side. The thickness of this polymer provides the rim with a particularly high-quality, beautiful, deep gloss appearance without incurring significant manufacturing costs.

[0057] This method opens up avenues for diverse customization during production, after-sales service, or by the user, allowing the user to demonstrate their capabilities at any point in the vehicle's lifecycle.

[0058] According to embodiments, the present invention further comprises a single-piece central nut cover 20 that forms a cover having the function of protecting the threads of the wheel fixing stud (see Figures 8A and 8B). This can also have an aesthetic function that harmonizes with, for example, the deflector 10 (see Figure 1). It is advantageous that it can be injection-molded in a transparent state and can be painted or decorated on the back surface, similar to the deflector 10. It is clipped into the central hole of the rim 1 (as shown in Figure 8A) and can be pressed firmly against the rim by the shape of the clip 21. Removal is performed, for example, by lifting one of the fins 22 using a wire or thin polymer blade between the rim 1 and the polymer part 20.

[0059] This invention allows the deflector 10 and cover 20 to be installed and removed at home, and because these parts are lightweight, they can be easily transported to a workshop for, for example, painting or replacement. It is also advantageous that they can be transported to a nail salon at the same time as getting a manicure, without having to remove the rim. Of course, this is merely a non-limiting example, and this principle can be applied to other situations (exhibitions, tuning, advertising media, etc.). This ease of transport facilitates any possible personalization of the deflector 10 and cover 20.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the deflector 10 protrudes a few millimeters from the outer edge of the rim but is contained within the entire tire. This edge is the first to contact the sidewalk and therefore protects the material of the rim 1 from friction and impact against the sidewalk or curb that would damage the rim 1 during impacts that occur while maneuvering in an urban environment.

[0061] The deflector 10 forms a protective barrier that is the first to make contact when the sidewalk is impacted. In that case, the deflector may be replaced and recycled, avoiding the need to repair the rim 1 at high cost.

[0062] The elongated shape of the deflector 10 is preferably such that it forms approximately 70% of the circumference of the rim 1. After impact, the deflector 10 may be damaged or broken and must be replaced, which means it is less expensive than repairing the damaged rim 1. Because it is positioned a few millimeters outside the rim 1, the deflector 10 protects the edge of the rim from friction, and thus protects the paint from scratches and the aluminum of the rim from wear. The present invention makes it possible to protect a rim 1 made of aluminum, for example, from impacts against the sidewalk. It is advantageous that the deflector 10 is made of a polymer, polycarbonate, or copolyester that is "impact-resistant". When the rim 1 is recycled, the deflector 10 is removed to prevent material mixing, and the material of the rim 1 is recovered in its pure form and can be recycled more easily.

[0063] The deflector 10 and cover 20 can be made from a transparent material filled with reflective particles such as aluminum flakes, precious stones, or diamond-like glass, mother-of-pearl particles, marble, interference pigments, thermochromic pigments, or any other filler contained in a polymer that gives an aesthetic effect to the rim 1.

[0064] The deflector 10 and cover 20 have the advantage of being able to be injection molded in a transparent state and colored with pigments. The polymer can be filled with fluorescent or phosphorescent particles that are excited by ambient light or the light of other vehicles' headlights, so that the rim 1 fitted with the deflector 10 (and cover 20) is visible even in complete darkness while emitting photons. The present invention enables further safety by being visible in the evening or at night. The deflector 10 (and cover 20) can be made opaque with coloring throughout, in a choice of many colors, and the surface can be painted with paints incorporating the above-mentioned pigments and effects. Painting is done when the deflector 10 (or cover 20) is removed from the rim 1, which simplifies this process.

[0065] Once attached to the rim, the deflector 10 is locked in place so that it cannot be removed, and is positioned in the center of all axes by its shape 3, and cannot be removed from the receiving portion 3 of the rim 1. The deflector 10 can be instantly released by pressing both sides of the clips 13 and 14 simultaneously by inserting a finger behind the branch portion 2.

[0066] The embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and use principles of the systems and methods described herein. Some of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The systems and methods described in detail herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and the scope of the invention is not defined solely by the claims. Features shown or described in relation to one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention. A certain number of problems relating to prior art methods and systems have been pointed out herein, and the methods and systems described herein can address one or more of these problems. In addition, although the invention has been described in relation to a certain number of embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention are also encompassed by this application.

Claims

1. A rim (1), an additional component (10, 20) attached to, for example, the rim of an automobile, wherein the component simultaneously performs the function of an aerodynamic deflector, for example, a function of protecting the rim from impacts to the sidewalk, and a function of a stylized personalization element.

2. An additional component (10) according to claim 1, which forms a deflector (10).

3. The additional part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means (13, 14) for clipping the part (10) to the rim (1) within an opening (3) designed so that the part (10) can be clipped to the peripheral edge of the rim (1).

4. An additional part (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising two symmetrical wings (11, 12) that can be equally attached to the left and right rims (1) of the vehicle.

5. An additional part (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, forming a central removable part (20) that mechanically and visually protects the nut of the rim (1).

6. The additional component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shape of the clips (13) and (14) and the opening (3) is designed so that they cannot be removed from the branch portion (2) of the rim except when pressure is intentionally applied to both clips (13) and (14) at the same time.

7. The additional part (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shape of the branch portion (2) of the rim (1) allows fingers to be inserted from both sides and the two clips (13) and (14) to be pressed simultaneously.

8. The additional component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the component (10, 20) is clipped in place during assembly, an audible feedback click sound is returned to confirm that the component (10, 20) is properly locked to the rim (1).

9. An additional component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, for protecting the rim (1) from friction and impact to the sidewalk.

10. Additional parts (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which are matched to the body color of a series vehicle or an aftermarket vehicle.

11. The additional part (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which allows the user to freely change the color of the part on their vehicle at any time.

12. An additional component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is made of a transparent polymer and allows for decorative personalization using the transparency of the component by painting its inner surface (12).

13. The additional parts (10, 20) according to claim 12, which enable the user to color the inner surface (12) of the part very easily, and which, by utilizing the transparent thickness of the part, can be obtained on the surface (11) regardless of the quality of the coating.

14. A transparent component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, made from a retroreflective element that reflects light or stores and re-emits light by phosphorescence or fluorescence.

15. An additional part (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is made of a transparent polymer and can receive a varnish on its surface (12) that matches the color of the vehicle's user's nail polish.

16. The additional component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which can be easily released from its clip fastening and carried by the user to a nail salon or a place suitable for decoration.

17. The additional component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, made of a transparent polymer containing a filler of precious stones, flakes, glass, or other decorative particles.

18. An additional part (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, made of a transparent polymer that can be roughly painted on the inner surface, and for which a glossy finish can be reliably obtained depending on the thickness of the polymer.

19. Additional component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which can be made from a material that is colored to the inside, transparent or opaque, and can be selected from many colors and many fillers, glass, phosphors, etc., in order to personalize the rim (1).

20. The arrangement of the clips (13, 14) of the component (10) such that the shape of the passage (3) of the branching portion (2) can be matched to the shape for removing the bottle cap.

21. A rim (1) comprising at least one component (10, 20) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20, for example, a rim (1) for a vehicle.

22. A vehicle, such as an automobile, comprising at least one rim (1) as defined in claim 21.

Images