Method for manufacturing a cast vehicle wheel

Abstract

Method for manufacturing a cast vehicle wheel with a hub section (2) which is connected to a rim (1) via at least one spoke (3) oriented in the radial direction of the wheel, comprising the following steps: - Inserting at least one hollow insert element (4) designed as an extruded profile into a molded part (11) of the vehicle wheel to be cast, - Casting the vehicle wheel so that - the insert element (4) forms at least one opening (5) in the spoke (3) after the casting process of the vehicle wheel, - wherein the insert element (4) has a wing-like cross-section and is inserted into the mold part (11) in such a way that a pointed part of the wing-like insert element (4) is the last part of the insert element (4) to be surrounded by casting material during the casting process.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cast vehicle wheel according to the preamble of claim 1. For the prior art, reference is made, by way of example, to DE 10 2016 211 358 A1 and DE 10 2007 046 124 B4. Reference is also made to DE 10 2012 021 825 A1, DE 100 44 619 A1, DE 10 2014 115 185 A1 and DE 10 2012 022 093 A1.

[0002] Vehicle wheels, especially those of passenger cars, are subject to a wide variety of requirements. Besides sufficient strength at a low weight, the wheels should contribute to a good aerodynamic drag coefficient for the vehicle and be characterized by an attractive appearance.

[0003] A wheel known from the prior art typically comprises a hub section and a rim section, these two sections usually being connected to each other by several spokes.

[0004] Various methods for reducing the weight of the spokes or spoke bodies of cast vehicle wheels, and thus reducing unsprung mass, are known from the prior art. In contrast to forged vehicle wheels, cast vehicle wheels are typically more massive due to their lower strength, which is why they generally have a higher weight.

[0005] For example, DE 10 2016 211 358 A1 discloses a cast vehicle wheel which includes an insert in the spokes manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. While additive manufacturing allows for individual geometric design, it is less suitable for series production due to the long manufacturing times.

[0006] DE 10 2007 046 124 B4 also describes a cast vehicle wheel in which a hollow body is integrated into the spoke as a mold core during the casting process. However, a disadvantage of the current state of the art is that such a mold core always remains in the vehicle wheel after the casting process, and a sufficiently strong bond between the mold core and the wheel material is difficult to achieve. Furthermore, the mold cores are complex to manufacture.

[0007] The object of the invention is to demonstrate a low-effort and cost-effective manufacturing process for a weight-reduced cast vehicle wheel, which is able to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0008] The solution to the problem is achieved by a method for manufacturing a cast vehicle wheel with the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle wheel with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A method for manufacturing a cast vehicle wheel is proposed. In addition, a vehicle wheel manufactured using a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is also claimed.

[0010] The vehicle wheel itself is therefore manufactured using a casting process. In particular, the vehicle wheel is made of an aluminum casting material, a steel casting material, or an alloy thereof.

[0011] In the casting process, the vehicle wheel is produced from liquid metal (for example, aluminum, steel, or a suitable alloy), also known as molten metal. A technique called mold casting is primarily used, in which the molten metal is poured into a mold where it then solidifies. The inner surface of this mold is the negative of the outer surface of the casting.

[0012] The (pre-cast) vehicle wheel comprises a hub section which is connected to an annular rim via at least one radially extending spoke. Preferably, several spokes are provided which are adjacent to one another and form at least one spoke gap, which is bounded by the spoke side surfaces extending in the circumferential direction of the wheel, as well as by the hub section and the rim.

[0013] In the production of such a vehicle wheel, a first step before the actual casting process involves inserting at least one insert element, designed as an extruded profile, into a molded part of the vehicle wheel to be cast. This extruded profile insert element is positioned within the molded part in such a way that, after the casting process, it is located within the spoke body or spoke itself.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the extruded profile is arranged after the casting process of the vehicle wheel in the facing, radial side surfaces of at least two adjacent spokes and preferably projects into at least one spoke space. The aforementioned side surfaces are the spoke side surfaces already described above, oriented in the circumferential direction of the wheel, which define or form the spoke space.

[0015] The insert element, which is designed as an extruded profile, is manufactured using an extrusion process. In particular, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or a suitable steel or steel alloy, is used as the material. Advantages of extrusion include the ability to produce profiles even in complex shapes and from materials that are difficult to form.

[0016] The extruded profile as an insert element is designed as a hollow body, almost like a tube, so that after the casting process of the vehicle wheel it preferably allows or represents a breakthrough or opening through the spoke body.

[0017] In the broadest sense of this invention, "tubular" also refers to a cross-sectional geometry of the extruded profile that deviates from a round shape. Thus, the insert element can have any possible cross-sectional shape achievable in an extrusion process. Besides a continuous cavity, multiple cavities, essentially in the form of webs (or even just one web), are possible within the insert element, forming several tubular cavities. In other words, it is preferably provided that the wall sections of the insert element forming the cavity, which extend at least approximately in the radial direction or along the spoke's longitudinal axis, are connected to each other by at least one rib structure and / or struts. This creates a kind of skeletal structure in the opening in the spoke, which provides additional advantages with regard to operational and component strength.

[0018] Such ribs or struts, or the resulting pockets or openings connecting the two wall sections of the insert element, can preferably serve as a fastening device, for example in the form of a locking lug, a notch or the like, for other components (for example a hubcap or a cover element) when the insert element is cast in place.

[0019] Preferably, the insert element projects directly into at least one, preferably both, spoke spaces immediately after the casting process of the vehicle wheel, with at least one end, preferably both ends. Thus, the insert element preferably protrudes from the spoke side surfaces or the spoke outer surfaces after the casting process.

[0020] Unlike conventional methods, extruded profiles used as insert elements offer the advantage of simple and therefore cost-effective manufacturing while simultaneously allowing for a high degree of design freedom. Due to their lighter weight and excellent formability, aluminum extruded profiles are highly versatile. For example, the profile can incorporate longitudinal grooves into which T-nuts (formerly known as sliding blocks) can be inserted or pivoted.

[0021] Thus, an insert element is manufactured as a hollow longitudinal profile using an extrusion process. The longitudinal profile is then cut to the appropriate length for the insert element.

[0022] The insert is then placed into a molded part of the vehicle wheel, or more precisely, into the part that forms a spoke of the wheel, and enclosed by the molten metal during the casting process. Since the ends of the insert preferably protrude into a spoke gap, it is advantageously prevented from molten metal flowing into the cavity of the insert.

[0023] The insert element is preferably arranged in the spoke or spoke body in such a way that the cavity runs circumferentially through the spokes and the insert element projects into the spoke space or spaces.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, it is preferably provided that the insert element, after the casting process of the vehicle wheel, projects through at least one spoke body in the axial direction of the vehicle wheel. In this sense, the axial direction is a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel. The hollow body then extends in the axial direction of the wheel from the outer side of the wheel (viewed when the wheel is installed in the vehicle) through the spoke body into the inner side of the wheel.

[0025] In the context of this invention, the outer side of the wheel refers to the circular side of the wheel which, when installed in the vehicle, faces away from the vehicle body. The inner side of the wheel refers to the circular side of the wheel, when installed in the vehicle, which faces the vehicle body.

[0026] Here too, it is preferable that the insert protrudes from the spoke body after the wheel casting process, thus preventing the molten metal from entering the cavity during the casting process. Again, the geometry of the insert, and especially that of the hollow body (ribs, grooves, etc.), varies depending on the requirements.

[0027] After the casting process, in a preferred step, the ends of the insert element protruding from the spoke body (either those in the circumferential direction of the wheel or those in the axial direction of the wheel) can be cut off. The part of the insert element located within the spoke would then remain in the spoke.

[0028] Alternatively, the entire insert can be removed from the spoke body after the casting process, for example, by being knocked out. This alternative has the advantage that no bond between the insert material and the wheel material needs to be established or ensured.

[0029] However, by leaving the insert element in the vehicle wheel, several geometries of the subsequently existing opening of the spoke are possible due to the preferred arrangement of the webs or ribs within the hollow body of the insert element.

[0030] In both cases, after the casting process, one or more openings (depending on the geometry of the insert) are formed in at least one spoke of the vehicle wheel. If the cavity of the insert is arranged axially along the wheel, the opening extends from the outer edge of the wheel, viewed axially along the wheel, through the spoke and into the wheel's interior. If the cavity is arranged circumferentially along the wheel, the opening extends circumferentially through both sides of the spoke into the space(s) between the spokes.

[0031] It is further provided that the insert element has a wing-like cross-section and is inserted into the molded parts in such a way that a (at least essentially) pointed part of the wing-like insert element is the last part of the insert element to be surrounded by casting material during the casting process.

[0032] The wing-like cross-sectional profile of the insert resembles the shape of a sail or an aircraft wing, achieving optimal flow and solidification properties of the molten metal during the casting process. Because the molten metal preferentially flows over the more pointed end of the wing-like cross-sectional profile last, good solidification properties and thus optimal strength properties of the solidified spoke material can be achieved. Further details regarding the shape and geometry of the insert can be found in the drawings.

[0033] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surface of the spoke that does not have an opening created by the insert (i.e., the closed surface) is mechanically machined after the casting process. This mechanical machining of the spoke surface is carried out in such a way that a further opening is created, which leads into the cavity of the insert (or the opening that the insert forms in the spoke). The spoke then comprises two openings: the opening created by the hollow insert and the opening on a remaining surface of the spoke created by the mechanical machining. Such mechanical machining can, for example, be a milling process in which a groove-like opening is created in one (or two) of the four spoke surfaces.

[0034] Such an additional opening preferably serves as a fastening device for attaching cover elements to cover the spaces between the spokes of the wheel. For example, a cover element can be hooked or clipped into the edge created by the additional opening between the opening made by the insert element and the additional opening itself. This edge or additional opening can also be designed as a locking tab, a bore, or a notch. Detailed embodiments are shown in the figures.

[0035] Such preferred mechanical processing of the spoke surfaces after the casting process can, for example, involve drilling, milling or turning.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the insert element is connected to the spoke by a form fit in addition to the material connection (by overmolding with the melt).

[0037] Such a positive fit can be achieved, for example, by a groove in a wall of the insert element or by deforming the wall of the insert element towards the hollow interior of the insert element. However, it is also possible for such a groove to be created in the insert element by subsequent machining (turning, milling).

[0038] It is further advantageously provided that the insert element comprises a notch or groove running at least approximately in the longitudinal direction of the spokes on at least part of the outer surface of the wall sections considered in the cast state of the vehicle wheel, which are aligned at least approximately in the radial direction of the wheel when considered in the cast state of the insert element.

[0039] During the wheel casting process, the molten metal flows into the groove or notch of the insert element, later creating an undercut inside or in the opening of the spoke. This holds the insert element securely within the spoke (at least in the circumferential direction).

[0040] Furthermore, a bore can be provided in the insert element (for example, in the axial direction of the wheel when the insert is cast in place). During the casting process, molten metal then flows through such a preferred bore. This allows, for example, the advantageous production of webs in the spoke opening using the molten material of the wheel.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that, when using multiple insert elements in the wheel, i.e., in a so-called multi-spoke wheel, each spoke includes at least one insert element. The insert elements are then placed into the molded part in such a way that their respective ends are in direct contact with each other. Depending on the quantity, the insert elements form, for example, a square shape, an octagonal shape, etc. The contact between the insert elements closes their cavities, thus advantageously preventing molten metal from penetrating the cavities of the insert elements during the subsequent casting process of the vehicle wheel.

[0042] These and other features are evident not only from the claims and the description but also from the drawings, wherein the individual features may be realized individually or in combination in one embodiment of the invention and may represent advantageous and, in themselves, protectable embodiments for which protection is claimed here.

[0043] The invention will be further explained below using several exemplary embodiments. All features described in more detail may be essential to the invention. In Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a vehicle wheel after a casting process, which has an insert element in one spoke. In Fig. 2 is the insert element made of Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of the wheel. The flow of molten metal during the casting process can be seen. Fig. Figure 3 shows the finished wheel made of Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional view. In Fig. Figure 4 shows another alternative for inserting an insert element into a cutout of a vehicle grade. In Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of an insert element which is inserted into the molded part and surrounded by molten metal. Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an insert element in a schematic view of a wheel section. Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the wheel made of Fig. 6 in a finished cast vehicle wheel. In Fig. Figure 8 shows an example of a possible connection of a cover element to the spoke with an insert element in a three-dimensional view of a wheel. Fig. Figure 9 also shows a possible spoke and insert element geometry in a three-dimensional view from the rear or from inside the wheel. In Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the wheel illustrating the connection of a cover element to a spoke with an insert element. Fig. 11 and Fig. Figures 12 each show a wheel in a front or outside view with a different number of insert elements, all of which are in contact with each other. In Fig. 13 further possibilities for the arrangement of the insert element in a molded part during the casting process of a vehicle wheel are shown schematically.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a vehicle wheel with a partially depicted hub section 2 and a rim 1 in a three-dimensional view. The hub section 2 and the rim 1 are connected to each other via a spoke 3.

[0045] The spoke 3 further includes a hollow (or at least partially hollow) insert element 4, which was inserted into the molded part of the wheel during the casting process of the vehicle wheel and was covered by the molten wheel material.

[0046] The insert element 4, in turn, is an extruded profile, which is manufactured using an extrusion process. As in Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 1, the insert element 4 is provided with ribs, which were also manufactured using the extrusion process. The struts 6 or ribs 6, in the cast state or in the finished cast wheel, create pockets 5 or openings in the spoke 3.

[0047] Such openings 5 ​​in the spoke 3 advantageously promote a saving of material and thus a weight saving of the wheel. In addition, such openings 5 ​​or the hollow shape of the insert element 4 make it possible to visually divide the spoke 3 into two spokes 3 offset from each other in the direction of the axial axis A of the wheel.

[0048] Furthermore, Fig. 1. A protrusion of the hollow insert element 4 from the side surfaces 3.1 of the spoke 3, which are aligned in the circumferential direction U of the wheel, can be seen. The wheel made of Fig. In terms of the manufacturing sequence, part 1 is located after the wheel's casting process. The insert element 4 was encased in the molten metal during the casting process and is now held in the spoke 3. The ends of the insert element 4 protruding from the side surfaces 3.1 of the spoke 3 can either be cut off or removed, leaving the insert element 4 in the spoke 3. Alternatively, the insert element 4 can be removed from the spoke 3, for example, by tapping it out. In the latter case, the individual pockets 5 would disappear, leaving a larger opening (in the shape of the insert element 4's contour) in the spoke 3.

[0049] As in Fig. 1 and especially in Fig. As can be seen in a cross-sectional view of part of the vehicle wheel (Figure 2), the insert element 4 has a wing-shaped geometry. The illustration in Fig. Figure 2 shows the melt flow (indicated by arrows) during the casting process of the vehicle wheel. The melt flows from the melt conveyor 7 into the molded part of the wheel to form the spoke 3, flowing around the insert 4 embedded in the molded part. The wing-like geometry of the insert 4 allows for optimal conditions with regard to flow velocity and flow properties. Such a wing-like geometry is easily achievable in the extrusion process for manufacturing the insert 4. Many other suitable geometries for the insert 4 can also be produced using the extrusion process. Thus, it is possible to select the precise geometry of the insert 4 using the extrusion process and thereby adjust the component or spoke material properties.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a finished cast vehicle wheel (rotationally symmetrical about axis of symmetry or axis of rotation A). The cast-in insert element 4 with the pockets 5 is visible. Additional inserts 8, preferably magnesium cores, are also visible and are likewise inserted into the molded parts during the casting process. Such magnesium cores offer further advantages, particularly with regard to lightweight construction.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement of the insert element 4 in two spokes 3 of a wheel in a three-dimensional view. Here, the insert element 4 (also designed as an extruded profile) projects through the side surface 3.2 of the spokes 3 after the casting process, which are aligned in the axial direction A of the wheel. Fig. In contrast, the insert element 4 projects through those side surfaces 3.1 of the spoke 3 which are oriented in the circumferential direction of the wheel. In this case, Fig. 4 in one of the spokes the insert element 4 still protrudes from the spoke surfaces 3.2 shown, while on the other spoke 3 from Fig. 4 the protruding ends of the insert element 4 have already been removed flush with the spoke surface 3.2.

[0052] The protrusion of the insert element 4 during the casting process has the advantage, in addition to making it easier to remove the insert element 4 from the spoke 3 later, that the melt cannot flow into the pockets 5 during the casting process.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 5 shows an insert element 4 embedded in a molded part 11 of the wheel in a three-dimensional view. Arrows indicate the melt flow during the casting process. The protrusion of the insert element 4 is clearly visible, which is determined by Fig. 1 and Fig. As already explained in section 4, a groove 10 extending radially R along the wheel or the molded part 11 of the wheel is incorporated into the insert element 4. This groove 10 can, for example, be created by mechanical processing after the extrusion process of the insert element 4. During the casting process, molten metal flowing into the groove 10 creates an undercut in the opening or pocket 5 of the finished cast wheel. This undercut provides an additional positive fit between the insert element 4 and the vehicle wheel. This has the particular advantage that, in addition to the material bond created during the casting process when the insert element 4 is overmolded into the molded part 11, the insert element 4 is held in the spoke 3 by means of a positive fit.

[0054] Furthermore, it is possible, as in Fig. 6 to be recognized, besides grooves (cf. Fig. 5) for example, to arrange through holes 12 in the insert element 4. Fig. Figure 6 shows a portion of a finished cast vehicle wheel with an insert element 4 in the spoke 3. The spoke 3 is shown in cross-section to reveal the insert element 4. The insert element 4 includes the aforementioned through-holes 12 (which are shown empty of molten material for illustrative purposes only). Therefore, when molten metal flows around the insert element 4 during a casting process, the molten metal also flows into and through the through-holes. As further explained in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, one of the through holes 12 runs through a web 6 of the insert element 4, while the other through hole 12 runs through an opening 5 or a pocket 5 of the insert element 4.

[0055] In Fig. 7 is shown in a cross-sectional view of the wheel. Fig. Figure 6 shows that during the wheel casting process (melt flow indicated by arrows), the molten metal flows through the through-holes 12. Depending on the position of the through-hole 12, either a pocket 5 is filled with molten material or only the hole 12 itself is filled with molten material. After the molten material solidifies following the casting process, webs can be formed from the metal of the wheel. These webs provide additional interlocking between the insert element 4 and the wheel and further support the spoke sections separated by the insert element. This increases the overall stiffness of the wheel.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a part of a finished wheel in which an insert element 4 was inserted during the casting process, creating the visible pockets 5 in the spoke 3 through the spoke side surfaces 3.1. The insert element 4, or the pockets 5 or openings 5 ​​of the insert element, can serve as a fastening device for attaching a cover element 13. The cover element 13 at least partially covers the spaces 9 between the spokes. Fig. 8 can be seen that the cover element 13 (in a partially cut-away view) is hooked into the pockets 5 via a positive locking mechanism or via a hook or snap connection 14.

[0057] A further hook connection for connecting cover elements 13 is in Fig. Figure 9 shows a portion of a wheel in a rear view (i.e., from the side of the wheel facing the vehicle body in its installed state). The spoke 3 encompasses the pockets 5 or openings 5 ​​created by an insert element 4, which extend through the spoke side surfaces 3.1. Furthermore, the inner or rear spoke surface 3.1 (i.e., the one oriented towards the vehicle body when the wheel is installed) is provided with a groove 3.3. This groove 3.3 advantageously allows a cover element 13 to be hooked into it. The cover element 13 is connected to the spoke 3 via a locking lug 14 and the hook connection 14.

[0058] Likewise, as in Fig. As can be seen in a cross-sectional view of a wheel, the cover element 13 can also be attached to the spokes 3 by means of screws through the pockets 5 of the insert element.

[0059] Fig. Figure 11 shows a cast wheel with several spokes 3 in an external view (i.e., from the side facing away from the vehicle body when installed). One spoke 3 is already finished, while the insert element 4 still protrudes from the side surfaces 3.1 of the other three spokes 3. The finished spoke 3 has a groove 3.3 machined on its outer surface 3.2 (i.e., the surface facing away from the vehicle body when the wheel is installed), and the protruding ends of the insert element 4 have been removed. The other spokes 3 still show the ends of the insert elements 4 projecting from the spoke side surfaces 3.1. The insert elements 4 are arranged on the wheel such that their ends are in contact with each other.This contact of the insert elements 4 in a wheel with several spokes 3 prevents molten metal from entering the openings 5 ​​of the insert elements 4 during the casting process of the wheel.

[0060] Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic arrangement of the insert elements 4 on eight spokes 3, such that they continue to touch during the casting process and no molten metal can flow into the openings 5. The arrangement of the insert elements 4 on eight spokes 3 forms an octagon, whereas, as in Fig. 13 to recognize, with three spokes a triangle can be formed, etc. Fig. Figure 13 shows schematically the different geometric shapes in which the insert elements 4 can be placed next to each other in the molded part (11) of the wheel, depending on how many spokes 3 are present in the wheel.

[0061] By using an extruded profile as an insert element (4), a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process for an opening (5) in a spoke of a cast vehicle wheel can be enabled. The many different geometries that an extruded profile allows as an insert element (4) are also advantageous. Reference symbol list: 1 rim 2 Hub section 3 spokes 3.1 Spoke side surface 3.2 Outer surface of spokes 3.3 Nut 4 insert elements 5 Opening or pocket 6 Bridge 7 Smelting 8 Magnesium core 9 spoke spacing 10 Nut 11 Molded part 12 through holes 13 Cover element 14 Hook connection A Axial axis or axis of rotation of the wheel R Radial direction U circumferential direction

Claims

Method for manufacturing a cast vehicle wheel with a hub section (2) which is connected to a rim (1) via at least one spoke (3) oriented in the radial direction of the wheel, comprising the following steps: - Inserting at least one hollow insert element (4) designed as an extruded profile into a mold part (11) of the vehicle wheel to be cast, - Casting the vehicle wheel, such that - the insert element (4) forms at least one opening (5) in the spoke (3) after the casting process of the vehicle wheel, - wherein the insert element (4) has a wing-like cross-section and is inserted into the mold part (11) in such a way that a pointed part of the wing-like insert element (4) is the last part of the insert element (4) to be surrounded by casting material during the casting process. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert element (4) is produced by an extrusion process. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a material of the insert element (4) protruding from the spoke surface (3.1, 3.2) is removed. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert element (4) is removed from the spoke (3) after the casting process. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface (3.1, 3.2) of the spoke (3) of the finished cast vehicle wheel, on which no opening (5) is formed by the insert element (4), is mechanically machined so that an additional opening is created which opens into the opening (5) of the spoke (3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a vehicle wheel comprises several spokes (3) in each of which at least one insert element (4) is cast and wherein the insert elements (4) are inserted into the molded part (11) such that the ends of the insert elements (4) are in direct contact with each other. Vehicle wheel manufactured using a method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6. Vehicle wheel according to claim 7, wherein the insert element (4) projects through at least one spoke (3) in the circumferential direction (U) of the vehicle wheel after the casting process of the vehicle wheel. Vehicle wheel according to claim 8, wherein the insert element (4) is arranged after the casting process of the vehicle wheel in mutually facing spoke side surfaces (3.1) of at least two adjacent spokes (3) and projects into at least two spoke spaces (9). Vehicle wheel according to claim 7, wherein the insert element (4) after the casting process of the vehicle wheel projects at least approximately in the axial direction (A) of the vehicle wheel through at least one spoke (3). Vehicle wheel according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein the wall sections of the insert element (4) considered in the cast state of the vehicle wheel, which are aligned at least approximately in the radial direction (R) of the wheel, are connected to each other by at least one rib structure and / or struts (6). Vehicle wheel according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 11, wherein the insert element (4) is positively locked in the spoke (3). Vehicle wheel according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 12, wherein the insert element (4) has a notch and / or a groove (10) on at least one outer surface. Vehicle wheel according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 13, wherein a pocket and / or the opening (5) comprises a fastening device (14) for fastening a cover element (13) for covering the spoke space (9).

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