FR3065397A1 - ACCESSORY FOR A WHEEL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

This accessory (1) is intended to equip a wheel (100) having a rim and a hub between which extends a web having a series of openings. According to the invention, this wheel accessory 100 comprises: at least one insert comprising clipping tabs of the insert on the web of the wheel 100 and clipping tabs on the hub of the wheel 100, the clipping tabs being elastically movable between a bending insertion position on the web of the wheel or on the means of the wheel and a retaining position on the web of the wheel or on the means of the wheel; locking means engaged in the hub of the wheel to hold the clipping lugs of the insert in the hub in their retaining position and preventing their bending; means for moving the locking means towards a position in which in a position

Description

© Publication no .: 3,065,397 (to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number: 17 52047 ® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

COURBEVOIE © IntCI ⁸

B 60 B 7/04 (2017.01), B 60 B 7/16, 7/06

A1 PATENT APPLICATION

©) Date of filing: 13.03.17. (© Applicant (s): MECAPLAST FRANCE Company by (© Priority: simplified actions - FR. @ Inventor (s): HUGUET GUILLAUME and COMBE PHILIPPE. (43) Date of public availability of the request: 26.10.18 Bulletin 18/43. ©) List of documents cited in the report preliminary research: Refer to end of present booklet (© References to other national documents ©) Holder (s): NOVARES FRANCE Joint-stock company related: simplified. ©) Extension request (s): © Agent (s): CABINET GERMAIN & MAUREAU.

ACCESSORY FOR A WHEEL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.

FR 3 065 397 - A1 (3 /) This accessory (1) is intended to equip a wheel (100) comprising a rim and a hub between which extends a web having a series of openings. According to the invention, this wheel accessory 100 comprises:

- at least one insert comprising clipping lugs of the insert on the web of the wheel 100 and clipping lugs on the hub of the wheel 100, the clipping lugs being elastically movable between a bent insertion position on the wheel runout or on the wheel run and a retaining position on the wheel runout or on the wheel run;

- locking means engaged in the hub of the wheel to maintain the clips of the insert in the hub in their retaining position and preventing their bending;

- means for moving the locking means to a position in which in a position

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The present invention relates to a vehicle accessory and a wheel fitted with this element.

By wheel is meant a circular mechanical member located between an axis and a tire, which supports the load and which, pivoting about its axis, allows the motor vehicle to move. The wheel has a web and a rim.

In the automotive industry, metal alloy wheels are commonly used.

They have the advantage of being lighter than the pressed sheet metal wheels. Furthermore, it is possible to give metallic alloy wheels a pleasant aesthetic appearance because they are obtained by techniques such as foundry or sintering which give great freedom of shape. Metallic alloy wheels are therefore very attractive and are widely used in the automotive industry.

Traditionally, metal alloy wheels are therefore generally devoid of any added element. In this, they differ from sheet metal wheels which are frequently associated with hubcaps.

However, it may be possible to provide metal alloy wheels with plastic accessories, for several reasons.

Metal alloy wheels use relatively expensive noble metals. To limit the cost of material, one can provide wheels whose structure is very perforated.

However, a wheel having an openwork structure disturbs the flow of air during the movement of the vehicle; this increases the resistance to travel and is detrimental to the consumption of the vehicle.

For this, it is possible to add inserts which will fill the openings present in the web of the wheel.

Furthermore, from a standard metal alloy wheel, it may be desirable to make it customizable by adding to it inserts of different colors, different materials or different aspects.

These inserts, the color of which can be, for example, matched to the color of the vehicle, must be able to be quickly fixed at the edge of the assembly line.

The attachment of these added elements to a wheel is critical since, taking into account the constraints of rotation speed and exposure to traffic shocks, it is essential that these elements do not come off the wheels.

It is also advisable to guard against malicious acts which would aim to steal these elements.

Furthermore, during the life of the vehicle, a user may wish to change the color, shape or appearance of the wheel inserts of his vehicle.

However, the attachment of added elements to a wheel is currently carried out by bonding or screwing techniques in particular by the rear face of the wheel which makes it impossible or complex to change them.

In this technical context, an object of the present invention is to provide an accessory intended to be placed on a vehicle wheel, which is simple to set up and remove from the wheel by a user, without removing the wheel. nor the use of professional equipment.

The present invention relates to an accessory for a wheel of a motor vehicle, said wheel comprising a rim and a hub between which extends a web having a series of openings characterized in that said wheel accessory comprises

- at least one insert comprising clipping lugs of the insert on the wheel disc and clipping lugs on the wheel hub, the clipping lugs being elastically movable between a bent insertion position on the veil the wheel or on the wheel hub and a retaining position on the wheel face or on the wheel hub;

- Locking means engaged in the hub of the wheel to maintain the clips of the insert in the hub in their retaining position and preventing their bending;

- Means for moving the locking means from a locking position to an unlocking position.

According to other characteristics taken in isolation or in combination with the invention:

- The accessory comprises a locking core comprising bayonets designed to come into abutment against the clipping tabs;

- the clipping lugs are provided, on their face directed towards the center of the wheel, with stop and ribs which delimit annular passages and in that the locking core comprises anti-rotation blades designed to come into abutment against the stop , said anti rotation blades being flexible between a locking position and an unlocking position in which the anti rotation blades are positioned facing the corridors;

- The accessory comprises means for rotating the locking core and means for pressing on the anti-rotation blades in order to bring them opposite the corridors;

- the accessory comprises a tool comprising a handle and a plate receiving fingers, said fingers being designed to engage in holes formed in the locking core and being designed to press on the anti-rotation blades to position them opposite the corridors;

the locking core comprises elastic blades and in that the clipping lugs comprise, on their face directed towards the center of the wheel, lugs against which the elastic blades are pressed in order to extract the locking core from the wheel hub;

- The locking core comprises an external element comprising a disc and a cylindrical sleeve and an internal element designed to engage on the cylindrical sleeve, the internal element carrying the bayonets, the anti-rotation blades and the elastic blades;

- The accessory comprises a multi-segment insert comprising a central ring from which segments extend, the central ring being designed to engage in the hub of the wheel;

- The accessory comprises at least one unitary insert having at least one clip in the hub of the wheel;

- At least one insert is fitted on its end part with clipping lugs designed to engage in a rib formed in the rim;

- the unitary inserts are superimposed on the insert and ensure the locking of the multi-segment insert.

- at least one insert has an opening.

For a good understanding, the invention is described with reference to the attached drawing showing by way of nonlimiting example an embodiment of an accessory according to the invention fitted to a wheel.

FIG. 1 represents a wheel 100 fitted with the accessory 1 according to the invention;

Figures 2 to 8 show the steps of fitting the accessory on a wheel;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the accessory;

Figure 10 is a view of the rear face of an insert;

Figure 11 is an axial view of the locking core;

Figure 12 an exploded view of the locking core;

Figure 13 shows the locking core in place on inserts;

Figure 14 shows on an enlarged scale a wheel fitted with the accessory prior to the insertion of the locking core;

Figure 15 is an axial view of the locking core in place in the wheel hub;

Figures 16 to 18 show in section the locking core during its extraction.

Referring to Figure 9, we can see, in exploded view, the different elements that make up the wheel 100 equipped with the accessory 1 according to the invention.

Note the presence of a wheel 100 of metal alloy. The wheel 100 includes a rim 101 and a series of arms 102 which connect the rim 101 to a central hub 103.

In the example shown in the figures, the wheel 100 has six branches 102 which extend between the rim 101 and the central hub 103.

For its part, the hub 103 is provided with three holes through which can be inserted studs 104 for fixing to a vehicle axle.

It can therefore be seen that, as is the case with many types of wheels, the web of the wheel 100 is very much perforated.

In other words, the web of the wheel 100 is provided with openings 106 which are delimited by the branches 102.

Conventionally, the wheel 100 is a wheel made of a metal alloy, in particular of aluminum, it being specified that the accessory according to the invention could also equip a wheel made of pressed sheet metal.

As will be seen, the inter-branch openings 106 of the wheel 100 are closed at least partially by a series of inserts which can have an aerodynamic improvement function by filling at least partially the openings 106 and / or a customization function by their color, material or surface finish.

In the example shown in the figures, we therefore see two types of inserts, namely a primary insert 10 and a secondary insert 20. It is specified that the terms primary and secondary are given arbitrarily only to identify the inserts according to their order of installation on the wheel 100 in the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures.

In the accessory shown in the figures, the primary insert 10 comprises a central ring 11 from which three segments 12 arranged at 120 ° start.

Note also the presence of three secondary inserts 20 which are in the form of angular segments.

Finally, note the presence of a locking core 30 whose function is to ensure, in a tamper-proof manner, the locking of the inserts on the wheel 100. The term tamper-evident means that an unauthorized user is not in able to perform the unlocking and disassembly of the unlocking core 30.

The primary insert 10, in the embodiment shown in the figures, can be a plastic part and comprises a central ring 11 whose diameter corresponds to that of the central opening of the hub of the wheel 100.

From the central ring 11, three segments 12 leave whose dimensions make it possible to partially close the opening 106 delimited by two adjacent branches 102 of the wheel 100.

The segments 12 can be, as shown in FIG. 9, provided with an opening 13 whose function can be decorative or can be to improve the air flow, for example, to effect more efficient cooling of the brakes .

The presence of clipping lugs 14 is also noted on the primary insert 10. The primary insert 10 is thus provided with two clipping lugs 14 on each of its radial segments 12.

By clipping lug - equipping the primary insert 10 multi segments and also as we will see the secondary insert 20 - means a lug made of material with the insert and connected to the insert by a link which allows its elastic bending; the clipping tab is, moreover, provided at its free end with a head having an inclined face which can engage and lock behind a retaining surface.

The unitary secondary inserts 20 which, in the embodiment described in the figures are independent, are in the form of plastic elements, of generally triangular shape.

Each of the secondary inserts 20 is also provided with clipping lugs 24 which are found on the central part of each insert as well as on the extremal part of these same inserts.

FIG. 10 shows that the primary and / or secondary inserts can be provided with an elastic metal wire 17 which has a spring function for the clipping tabs 14

As can be seen in Figures 2 to 7, the inserts 10, 20 are attached to the wheel 100 by the outer face thereof and are locked on that 3065397 ci by the locking core 30 which is also engaged on the wheel 100 by its outer face. In an embodiment which is not shown in the figures, the inserts are full at the level of the wheel fixing studs and therefore hide them.

FIG. 12 makes it possible to assess the structure of the locking core 30. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the locking core 30 is made up for reasons of manufacturing two sub-elements.

Thus, the locking core 30 comprises an external element 31 which consists of a disc 33 and a cylindrical sleeve 34, the end portion of which is provided with retaining clips 35.

It can also be seen that, at the base of the cylindrical sleeve 34, the external element 31 is provided with several lugs 36.

The internal element 32 of the locking core 30 is thus intended to come to engage on the cylindrical sleeve 34, and is fixed on the latter by the retaining clips 35. The internal element 32 has a cylindrical shape from which extend , at 120 °, a series of three bayonets 38, a series of three anti-rotation blades 39 and a series of three elastic blades 40.

In the example shown in the figures, the internal element 32 is a molded plastic part, the bayonets 38 of which extend radially from the cylindrical central part.

The three elastic blades 40 are themselves connected to each of the bayonets 38 and exert their elastic action in the axial direction of the locking core 30.

As regards the anti-rotation blades 39, they extend in a spiral and are terminated at their free end by a return forming a stop.

The internal element 32 also comprises three bores 41 which engage in the lugs 36 with which the external element 31 of the locking core 30 is provided.

One point which should be noted among all the characteristics of the locking core 30 is the presence of three holes 42 in the disc 33 which forms the external element 31 of the locking core 30.

The holes 42 are positioned at a center distance which corresponds to the center distance of three fingers 51 of a tool 50 which can be seen for example in FIG. 12.

The tool 51 itself consists of a handle 52 to which a plate 53 is connected. On the plate 53, extend the three fingers 51 whose relative positioning is the same as that of the three holes 42 of the locking core 30.

We have seen that the inserts 10 and 20 are snapped onto the wheel 100. The snapping of the inserts 10 and 20 can be done, as shown in the case of the primary insert 10, thanks to the clipping tabs 14 which come exert their action on the branches 102 of the wheel 100.

It is also possible to ensure the clipping of the inserts 10, 20 by the extreme clipping tabs 24 which engage in a rib 105 formed in the part of the rim of the wheel 100 which is opposite the hub as can be see it in figure 2.

At the center of the wheel, the primary 10 or secondary 20 inserts are connected to the hub by clipping lugs 14 and 24 which are inserted in the central hole of the wheel 100.

FIG. 14 shows the wheel 100 on which primary 10 and secondary 20 inserts have been attached. It is specified that it is envisaged to report, depending on the desired effect, to report only primary inserts 10 or only inserts secondary 20.

It can be seen in this figure that the central clipping lugs of the primary 10 and secondary 20 inserts are provided with several members which will cooperate with the locking core 30 to ensure the locking of the inserts 10 and 20 on the wheel and the inviolability of the locking core 30.

Thus, the clipping lugs 14 and 24 are provided with three stops 25 and, axially offset, three ribs 26 delimiting between them, a corridor 27.

The clipping lugs 14 and 24 are also provided with three tabs 28 which advance towards the axis of the wheel and with three ramps 29.

According to the embodiments, the stops 25, ribs 26 and tabs 28 may have come from molding with the clipping lugs 14 of the primary insert 10 and / or the clipping lugs 24 of the secondary insert 20.

In the configuration which is that, for example of FIGS. 5, 6 or 14, it is understood that the fixing of the inserts 10 and 20 is incomplete since it is possible to unclip the inserts 10 and 20 from the outer face of the wheel.

The function of the locking core 30 is therefore to engage at the hub 103 of the wheel 100 to ensure locking of the inserts.

For this, as for example shown in FIG. 12, the locking core 30 is placed on its mounting tool 50.

The locking core 30 is presented in front of the wheel 100 previously equipped with its inserts 10 and 20 and is then engaged in the central opening of the wheel 100.

The operator performs a rotation until the anti-rotation blades 39 come into abutment against the stops 25 which are present on the clipping tabs 24 of the inserts 20. In this position the bayonets 40 are in abutment against the ramps 29 and thus block the bending of the clipping tabs 24; the inserts 10 and 20 are therefore locked on the wheel.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the end-of-travel stop 25 is shown in FIG. 12.

It should be noted that FIG. 12 shows the locking core 30 in the locking position in a wheel 100 on which only the secondary inserts 20 have been shown for the sake of clarity.

In this position, which is also shown in FIG. 15, the bayonets 38 bear against the fixing lugs 24 of the secondary inserts 20 which may have a cam profile to have a wedging effect.

The locking core 30 thus makes it possible to ensure that the clipping tabs 24 of the secondary inserts 20, which themselves retain the primary insert 10, are held radially outwards and therefore are not susceptible to movement towards the center wheel 100 which could unclip them.

The invention allows the inserts to be changed by the outside face of the wheel 100 by an operator who is in possession of the tool 50.

Thus, by positioning the tool 50 against the locking core 30, the fingers 51 of this same tool push against the anti-rotation blades 39.

FIG. 18 shows that the fingers 51 of the tool are of such length that they allow the anti-rotation blades 39 to be pushed into the passage 27 which allows the locking core 30 to rotate.

It should be noted that a tool whose fingers 51 are not at the correct depth would not make it possible to place the anti-rotation blade opposite the passage which allows the rotation of the locking core 30.

FIG. 18 thus shows the docking of the tool 50 against the locking core 30. This figure shows in particular that the fingers 51 of good correct length make it possible to push the anti-rotation blades 39 in the passage 27 thus authorizing rotation. Insufficiently long fingers 51 do not allow the anti-rotation blades 39 to be released from the stop 25 while excessively long fingers 51 would push the anti-rotation blades 39 against the ribs 26 which prevents rotation.

The locking core 30 being free to rotate, it is therefore possible to rotate it to disengage the bayonets 38 from the ramps 29 which are on the inner face of the hub.

The elastic tongues 40 then come opposite the tabs 28 that 5 are found in the embodiment in the hub of the primary insert.

The elastic blades 40 then have an action which aims to eject the locking core 30. The latter can then be grasped by an operator who releases them from the hub of the wheel 100 and can then unclip the primary inserts and / or the secondary inserts .

The invention thus provides an accessory for a wheel which can be placed and locked thereon by its outer face.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of nonlimiting example but on the contrary ignites all the embodiments.

Thus, the principle of the invention could be applied to an accessory of the trim type of access hatch to a fuel tank or any accessory intended to mask and protect a fixing of a part on another.

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Claims (12)

1. Accessory (1) for a wheel (100) of a motor vehicle, said wheel (100) comprising a rim (101) and a hub (103) between which extends a web having a series of openings characterized in what said wheel accessory (100) includes - at least one insert (10,20) comprising clipping lugs (14,24) of the insert on the wheel face (100) and clipping lugs (14,24) on the hub (103) of the wheel (100), the clipping lugs (14, 24) being elastically movable between a flexed position for insertion on the wheel disc or on the wheel hub (103) and a retaining position on the web the wheel or on the wheel hub (103); - Locking means engaged in the hub of the wheel to maintain the clips of the insert in the hub in their retaining position and preventing their bending; - Means for moving the locking means from a locking position to an unlocking position. 2. Accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the accessory comprises a locking core (30) comprising bayonets (38) designed to bear against the clipping tabs (14, 24). 3. Accessory according to claim 2, characterized in that the clipping lugs (14) are provided, on their face directed towards the center of the wheel, with stop (25) and ribs (26) which delimit corridors (27 ) annular and in that the locking core (30) comprises anti-rotation blades (39) designed to bear against the stop (25), said anti-rotation blades (39) being flexible between a locking position and a position unlocking in which the anti-rotation blades (39) are positioned opposite the corridors (27). 4. Accessory according to claim 3, characterized in that the accessory comprises means for rotating the locking core and means for pressing on the anti-rotation blades (39) in order to bring them opposite the corridors ( 27). 5. Accessory according to claim 4, characterized in that the accessory comprises a tool (50) comprising a handle (52) and a plate (53) receiving fingers (51), said fingers (51) being designed to s' engage in holes (42) formed in the locking core and being designed to press on the anti-rotation blades (39) to position them facing the aisles (27). 6. Accessory according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the locking core (30) comprises elastic blades (40) and in that the clipping tabs (14,24) comprise, on their directed face towards the center of the wheel, cleats (28) against which the elastic blades (40) bear in order to extract the locking core (30) from the hub (103) of the wheel. 7. Accessory according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking core (30) comprises an external element (31) comprising a disc (33) and a cylindrical sleeve (34) and an internal element (32 ) designed to engage on the cylindrical sleeve (34), the internal element (32) carrying the bayonets (38), the anti-rotation blades (39) and the elastic blades (40). 8. Accessory according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the accessory comprises an insert (10) multi segments comprising a central ring (11) from which extend segments (12), the central ring ( 11) being designed to engage in the hub (103) of the wheel. 9. Accessory according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the accessory comprises at least one unit insert (20) having at least one clip in the hub (103) of the wheel. 10. Accessory according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one insert (10, 20) is equipped on its end portion with clipping lugs designed to engage in a rib (105) formed in the rim. 11. Accessory according to claim 8 and claim 9, characterized in that the unitary inserts (20) are superimposed on the insert (10) and ensure the locking of the multi-segment insert (10). 12. Accessory according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one insert (10, 20) has an opening. 1/10 100