System for connecting a wheel rim to a hub flange of a motor vehicle and method for manufacturing such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1, 10, 11, 23) for connecting a wheel rim to a wheel hub flange of a motor vehicle, having at least one metallic connecting element (2, 12, 22), in particular a wheel nut or a wheel screw, and at least one metallic tool element (3, 13) which can be connected to the connecting element (2, 12, 22) in a rigidly locked manner in order to tighten or release the connecting element (2, 12, 22). In order to provide improved protection against theft of a wheel rim and a tire, the connecting element (2, 12, 22) and the tool element (3, 13) are each produced using an additive production method.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a system for connecting a wheel rim to a wheel hub flange of a motor vehicle, having at least one metallic connection element, in particular a wheel nut or a wheel screw, and at least one metallic tool element connected to the connection element in a positively locking manner in order to tighten or release the connection element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a system for connecting a wheel rim to a wheel hub flange of a motor vehicle, wherein the system has at least one metallic connection element, in particular a wheel nut or a wheel screw, and at least one metallic tool element connected to the connection element in a positively locking manner in order to tighten or release the connection element. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to prevent high-value wheel rims and tires from being stolen from a motor vehicle, it is known to secure the wheel rim to the wheel flange of the motor vehicle by means of a so-called rim lock. Such a rim lock has a wheel nut or a wheel screw, on the head of which a special bearing contour is formed, with which a conventional tool having, for example, a hexagonal bearing contour cannot be connected to the head of the wheel nut or the wheel screw in a positively locking manner. Rather, a special tool is required in order to release or tighten the rim lock.

[0003] In general, a large number of vehicles are provided with wheel nuts or wheel screws, the bearing contours of which are configured in the same way, because a greater variety or individualization of the bearing contours on the wheel nuts or wheel screws would, on the one hand, be too costly in terms of production of the wheel nuts or wheel screws and, on the other hand, in terms of production of the large number of tool geometries required. It was therefore previously almost impossible to ensure the theft protection of high-value wheel rims and tires.

[0004] US 9 004 836 B2 relates to a safety connection element for a corresponding spanner, which has a channel for receiving the spanner in the head of the safety connection element, wherein the base of the channel is shaped in such a way that the depth of the channel varies along the length of the channel. In addition, the channel has an irregular and closed cross-sectional area.

[0005] WO 2016 / 202943 A1 relates to a securing element, for example a bolt or a nut, for securing a wheel to a vehicle. The securing element has a component which has a cap receiving portion, a threaded portion and a central axis. Furthermore, the securing element has a cap which is arranged in such a way that the cap receiving portion receives the cap and the cap covers the cap receiving portion. The cap receiving portion has a groove or a protrusion against which the cap can be deformed or can be deformed such that the cap forms a mutually coordinated protrusion or a mutually corresponding groove, wherein the groove or the protrusion of the cap receiving portion has a longitudinal extent which extends substantially parallel to the central axis.

[0006] US2013 / 0304136A1 relates to a screw for securing a superstructure to a bone implant. The screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a head and threads. The head has a support surface configured to mate with a support surface of the superstructure to hold the superstructure in position. The threads are configured to engage in a threaded hole to clamp the superstructure and the screw's support surface. Between the support surface and the threads, the screw has a safety portion. The safety portion has a drive shape and a breakable portion at the junction between the safety portion and the screw head, such that the drive shape remains secured to the threads when the breakable portion breaks.

[0007] WO 98 / 45131 A1 relates to a wheel securing device for securing a wheel to a vehicle. The securing device includes a securing nut and a wrench. The securing nut has a threaded hole adapted to engage with the axle of a vehicle and also has a surface configured to engage with a wheel to secure the wheel to the axle. The securing nut is cylindrical at one end where the threaded hole is located, and the other end has an outer surface with a plurality of grooves arranged radially around the longitudinal axis of the securing nut. The wrench is also cylindrical and has a sleeve with a locking mechanism on its inner surface that engages in a groove in the securing nut. The wrench can only engage in the securing nut when the locking mechanism is aligned with the groove, and a unique combination of wrenches is required to achieve this engagement by selecting the angle and length of the groove. Once the wrench engages the securing nut, a standard wheel nut wrench can be used to rotate the securing nut, thereby securing or releasing the wheel.

[0008] US 9,429,181 B2 relates to a wheel locking device having a body and a first sleeve. The body has a wheel engagement end, a wrench portion, a first support portion, and a wrench receiving end. The wrench portion has a plurality of surface profiles defining a first wrench pattern, which is configured to engage with a tool for torsional movement of the body. The first sleeve has an open end and a closed end. The open end is mounted to the first support portion of the body in such a way that the closed end of the first sleeve covers the wrench receiving end, and the wrench portion is exposed relative to the first sleeve. The first sleeve is held by the first support portion to rotate about the central axis of the body and is held immovably relative to the axial direction of the body.

[0009] US 6,736,579 B2 relates to a screw device for wheel anti-theft. The screw device has a screw, a sleeve, and a locking element. The screw has a head and a threaded portion that can be screwed into the threads of a wheel hub. The locking element has an annular, slightly undulating, or curved locking groove at its first end and a connecting portion at its second end for torsionally rigidly connecting to the head. The sleeve is constructed such that it remains in place after the connection between the screw and the locking element. The sleeve surrounds the first end of the locking element in a tight-fitting manner and comprises a first material having high resistance to crack formation, while the first end of the locking element comprises a second material, wherein the first material is softer than the second material, making the sleeve more susceptible to deformation under mechanical damage than the first end. The sleeve is sized such that it is substantially free to rotate after connection with the locking element and the screw.

[0010] US 2017 / 0057282 A1 relates to a wheel anti-theft system having a plurality of locking actuators. Each locking actuator is configured such that it moves between a locked state and an unlocked state. Each locking actuator has a body portion extending along the axis of rotation of the wheel and at least one locking element configured to engage a portion of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel when it is in the locked state.

[0011] You can access it via the link http: / / autoanything.com / wheels-rims / mcgard-lug-bolt-

[0012] The publication “McGard LugBolt Wheel Locks” cited by wheel-locks discloses a rim lock with a wheel nut that has a special support profile. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide improved anti-theft protection for wheel rims and tires.

[0014] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the system described herein for connecting a wheel rim to a hub flange of a motor vehicle, wherein the connecting element and the tooling element are each manufactured using an additive manufacturing method.

[0015] It should be noted that the features and measures listed individually in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically advantageous manner, and other embodiments of the invention are illustrated. This description, in particular, characterizes and specifies the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] According to the present invention, the connecting element and the tooling element that can be connected to the connecting element to transmit torque are manufactured in each case using an additive manufacturing method, particularly 3D printing. This has the advantages that the connecting element and the corresponding tooling element can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner with a wide variety of support profiles. Furthermore, very complex support profiles that cannot be produced by conventional manufacturing methods, such as milling and forging, can also be manufactured on the connecting element and tooling element in a very simple and cost-effective manner. Consumers can also pre-order specific, individually configured support profiles, such as initial letters, which can then be manufactured by vehicle manufacturers using additive manufacturing methods.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention enables the implementation of a wide variety of support profiles on the connecting elements and tooling elements without incurring disproportionately high production costs. Furthermore, the ability to manufacture diverse or customized support profiles provides improved theft protection for wheel rims and tires, as the release of the connecting elements can only be achieved using tools individually adapted to the support profile of the connecting elements and unavailable to third parties.

[0018] The connecting element can be configured as a wheel nut that can be screwed onto a bolt provided on a hub flange, or it can be configured as a wheel screw that can be screwed into a threaded hole in the hub flange. The connecting element is made of a metallic material used to manufacture the corresponding connecting element during the additive manufacturing process. The connecting element may have a head with at least one tool receiving member on its mounting surface. The tool receiving member has a support profile, and at least a portion of the tool element can engage in the tool receiving member to fasten or release the connecting element via the tool element. Specifically, this portion of the tool element can be rigidly locked into the tool receiving member.

[0019] The tool element can be integrated into the tool or configured as an accessory that can be attached to the tool and through which the tool can be indirectly connected to a connecting element. The tool element is made of a metallic material used to form the respective tool element during the additive manufacturing process. The tool element may have an assembly surface with at least one protrusion having a support profile and being insertable into a tool receiving member on the connecting element to fasten or release the connecting element. The support profile on the tool element may be configured to be complementary to the support profile on the connecting element, such that the support profiles can be rigidly locked together. The support profiles may be configured and adapted to each other such that the protrusion on the tool element can be correctly inserted into the tool receiving member on the connecting element only when a specific relative position exists between the tool element and the connecting element.

[0020] Therefore, using the present invention, a system for connecting wheel rims to the hub flanges of motor vehicles is proposed, which can provide a very high level of anti-theft protection for wheel rims and tires, while the production cost of the system is relatively low.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one tool receiving member is formed on the head of the connecting element, and at least one undercut is formed on the tool receiving member. The undercut on the tool receiving member prevents unauthorized personnel from using molding material (especially wax) to imprint the geometry of the tool receiving member and manufacture a tool for releasing the connecting element based on the imprint. This is because, due to the presence of the undercut on the tool receiving member, the molding material will be destroyed when pulled out of the tool receiving member. Therefore, the anti-theft protection of the system is further enhanced by the undercut in the tool receiving member. Two or more undercuts may also be formed on the tool receiving member. The tool receiving member can be constructed, for example, as a groove, a continuous channel, etc.

[0022] Another advantageous embodiment provides at least one positioning mark on the head for positioning the tool element relative to the connecting element. This is particularly advantageous when the support profiles on the connecting element and the tool element are constructed and adapted to each other in such a way that the support profiles can be rigidly locked together only when there is a specific relative position between the connecting element and the tool element (especially when the shape of the tool receiving member on the connecting element is configured to be indistinguishable from the outside). For example, the positioning mark can be constructed as a dotted, polygonal, or arrow-shaped protrusion or a correspondingly formed groove. Preferably, a corresponding positioning mark is also provided on the tool element, which is intended to be oriented in a specific manner related to the positioning mark on the connecting element so that the tool element can be rigidly locked to the connecting element.

[0023] According to another advantageous embodiment, the tool receiving member is constructed in a ring-like manner and has a base in which at least one groove is formed, extending along a portion of the base, wherein at least one annular forming element configured to complement the tool receiving member is formed on the tool element. Due to the ring-like structure of the tool receiving member, it is impossible to insert conventional tools (such as screwdrivers or pliers, for example) into it. Furthermore, the annular tool receiving member forms an annular extension, that is, independent channels, the width of which can be relatively small compared to the channel depth up to the base, making the geometry of the tool receiving member (particularly the base and the groove therein) difficult to see, or only difficult to see, from the outside, making it more difficult to replicate this geometry. Two or more grooves can be provided in the base, these grooves being arranged circumferentially offset from each other in a uniform or non-uniform manner. Since the annular forming element of the tool element is configured to complement the tool receiving member, the forming element can be rigidly locked into the tool receiving member.

[0024] According to another advantageous embodiment, the tool receiving member is configured as an asymmetrically shaped groove, wherein at least one asymmetrically shaped forming element is formed on the tool element, the at least one asymmetrically shaped forming element being configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member. The tool receiving member may be formed, for example, by a closed channel that reproduces the outline of a site, island, etc., or a path such as a runway. Alternatively, the tool receiving member may also be configured in the form of one or more letters. Because the asymmetrically shaped forming element of the tool element is configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member, the forming element can be rigidly locked into the tool receiving member.

[0025] The above-mentioned objective is further achieved by the method described in this invention, wherein the connecting element and the tool element are each manufactured using an additive manufacturing method.

[0026] Therefore, the advantages of the system mentioned above are related to the method. In particular, the system can be manufactured using the method according to one of the above embodiments or any combination of at least two of these embodiments.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the connecting element is manufactured with a head on which at least one tool receiving member is formed, and on which at least one undercut is formed. Therefore, the advantages mentioned in the corresponding embodiments of the reference system above are associated with this embodiment.

[0028] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the connecting element is manufactured with a head on which at least one positioning mark is provided for positioning the tool element relative to the connecting element. Therefore, the advantages mentioned in the corresponding embodiment of the reference system above are associated with this embodiment.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment, the connecting element is generated by an annular tool receiving member having a base in which at least one groove extending along a portion of the base is formed, wherein the tool element is manufactured with at least one annular forming element configured to complement the tool receiving member. The advantages mentioned in the corresponding embodiments of the reference system above are associated with this embodiment.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the connecting element is generated from a tool receiving member in the form of an asymmetrically shaped groove, wherein the tool element is fabricated with at least one asymmetrically shaped forming element configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member. Therefore, the advantages mentioned in the corresponding embodiments of the reference system above are associated with this embodiment. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following description of the dependent claims and drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the system shown, and

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a connecting element according to another embodiment of the system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In different accompanying drawings, the same parts are always given the same reference numerals, so they are usually described only once.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of System 1 according to the present invention, which is used to connect a wheel rim (not shown) to a hub flange (not shown) of a motor vehicle (not shown).

[0039] System 1 has a metal connecting element 2 in the form of a wheel nut, shown as a partial longitudinal section. Furthermore, system 1 has a metal tool element 3 that can be rigidly locked to the connecting element 2 for tightening or loosening. Each of the connecting element 2 and the tool element 3 is manufactured using an additive manufacturing method.

[0040] A tool receiving member 5 is formed on the head 4 of the connecting element 2. The tool receiving member 5 is constructed in a ring shape and has a base 6 in which a plurality of grooves 7 are formed. The grooves 7 extend along a portion of the base 6 and are arranged to be circumferentially offset from each other in a uniform manner. The portion of the tool receiving member 5 above the base 6 is constructed as a peripherally independent channel, the width of which increases in the direction of the base 6. This forms a peripheral undercut on the tool receiving member 5. A positioning mark (not shown) for positioning the tool element 3 relative to the connecting element 2 can be provided on the head 4. A positioning mark (not shown) can also be provided on the tool element 2 for positioning the tool element 3 relative to the connecting element 2, and this positioning mark can be oriented in a specific manner relative to the positioning mark on the connecting element 2.

[0041] An annular forming element 8 is formed on the tool element 3, and this annular forming element 8 is configured to complement the tool receiving member 5. Specifically, on the forming element 8, a plurality of connecting protrusions 9 are arranged circumferentially staggered from each other in a uniform manner. The number, shape, and position of the plurality of connecting protrusions 9 correspond to the number, shape, and position of the grooves 7 in the base 6 of the tool receiving member 5 of the connecting element 2, such that the connecting protrusions 9 can engage the grooves 7 in a rigid locking manner. This allows torque to be transmitted from the tool element 3 to the connecting element 2.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of system 10 according to the present invention, which is used to connect a wheel rim (not shown) to a hub flange (not shown) of a motor vehicle.

[0043] System 10 roughly corresponds to Figure 1 The embodiments shown differ in the number of connecting protrusions 9 on the annular forming element 8 of the tool element 3 or the number of grooves 7 in the base 6 of the annular tool receiving member 5 of the connecting element 2. To avoid repetition, further reference will be made to the above regarding... Figure 1 and 2 The description.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of system 11 according to the present invention, which is used to connect a wheel rim (not shown) to a hub flange (not shown) of a motor vehicle (not shown).

[0045] System 11 has a metal connecting element 12 in the form of a wheel nut and a metal tool element 13, the metal tool element 13 being rigidly locked to the connecting element 12 for fastening or releasing the connecting element 12. The connecting element 12 and the tool element 13 are manufactured using additive manufacturing methods.

[0046] A tool receiving member 15 is formed on the head 14 of the connecting element 12. The tool receiving member 15 is constructed in a ring-like manner and has the following characteristics: Figure 4 The base shown, and the base having Figure 4 The three grooves shown extend along a portion of the base and are circumferentially staggered from each other in an uneven manner. The portion of the tool receiving member 15 located above the base is configured as a peripherally closed channel, the width of which may increase in the direction of the base, thereby forming a peripheral undercut on the tool receiving member 15. A positioning mark (not shown) for positioning the tool element 13 relative to the connecting element 12 may be provided on the head 14. A positioning mark (not shown) for positioning the tool element 13 relative to the connecting element 12 may also be provided on the tool element 12, and this positioning mark is oriented in a specific manner relative to the positioning mark on the connecting element 12. Two letters 16 are constructed on the head 14, thereby further personalizing the connecting element 12.

[0047] An annular forming element 17 is formed on the tool element 13, the annular forming element 17 being configured to complement the tool receiving member 15. Specifically, on the forming element 17, three axially connecting protrusions 18 are arranged circumferentially staggered from each other in a non-uniform manner, the number, shape, and position of the axially connecting protrusions 18 corresponding to… Figure 4 The number, shape, and position of the grooves in the base of the tool receiving member 15 of the connecting element 12 shown are such that the connecting protrusion 18 can be rigidly locked into the groove. This allows torque to be transmitted from the tool element 13 to the connecting element 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the forming element 17 is adjacent to the actuating portion 19, onto which a tool (not shown) can be engaged to activate the tool element 13. Of course, the tool element 13 can be configured to omit the actuating portion 19. The tool element 13 can then be actuated, for example, by a tool (i.e., a pneumatic wrench with a square or hexagonal receiving member).

[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the system 11 shown. In particular, a groove 21 formed in the base 20 of the tool receiving member 15 is shown.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a connecting element 22 according to another embodiment of a system 23 of the present invention, which is used to connect a wheel rim (not shown) to a hub flange (not shown) of a motor vehicle (not shown).

[0050] Connecting element 22 and Figure 3 and 4The difference in the illustrated embodiment lies particularly in that the tool receiving member 24 is constructed as an asymmetrically formed groove, that is, constructed as a closed channel. An asymmetrical shape-forming element is formed on the tool element of the system 23 (not shown), which is configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member 24. For the sake of avoidance of repetition, further reference is made to… Figure 3 and Figure 4 The above description.

[0051] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0052] 1 system

[0053] 2 connecting elements

[0054] 3 tool components

[0055] 42 head

[0056] 5. Tool receiving components

[0057] 65 base

[0058] 76 groove

[0059] 8 forming elements

[0060] 9 connecting protrusions

[0061] 10 system

[0062] System 11

[0063] 12 connecting elements

[0064] 13 tool components

[0065] 1412's head

[0066] 15 Tools Receiving Components

[0067] 16 letters

[0068] 17 Molded Components

[0069] 18 connecting protrusions

[0070] 19 Actuating Parts

[0071] The base of 2015

[0072] The groove in 2120

[0073] 22 connecting elements

[0074] 23 System

[0075] 24 tools receive components

Claims

1. A system (1, 10, 11, 23) for connecting a wheel rim to a hub flange of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one metal connecting element (2, 12, 22) being a wheel nut or wheel bolt and at least one metal tool element (3, 13), said at least one metal tool element (3, 13) being capable of being rigidly locked to said connecting element (2, 12, 22) for tightening or loosening said connecting element (2, 12, 22). Its features are, The connecting elements (2, 12, 22) and the tool elements (3, 13) are each manufactured using an additive manufacturing method, wherein the connecting elements (2, 12, 22) comprise: A head (4, 14), the head (4, 14) having an end face; A tool receiving member (5, 15, 24) extending from the end face into the head (4, 14) and defined by a base (6, 20) and sidewalls, has at least one undercut formed on it, wherein the radial width of the undercut is greater than the radial width of the opening of the tool receiving member (5, 15, 24); and At least one groove (7, 21) is formed in the base (6, 20) for engaging with the protrusion (9, 18) of the metal tool element (3, 13).

2. The system as described in claim 1 (1, 10, 11, 23). Its features are, The portion of the tool receiving member (5, 15, 24) located above the base (6, 20) is configured as a peripheral independent channel, the width of which increases in the direction from the end face to the base (6, 20) to form a peripheral undercut on the tool receiving member (5, 15, 24).

3. The system as described in claim 2 (1, 10, 11, 23). Its features are, At least one positioning mark for positioning the tool element (3, 13) relative to the connecting element (2, 12, 22) is provided on the head (4, 14).

4. The system as described in claim 2 or 3 (1, 10, 11). Its features are, The tool receiving members (5, 15) are constructed in a ring-like manner, and the grooves (7, 21) extend downward along a portion of the base (6, 20). At least one annular forming element (8, 17) is formed on the tool element (3, 13), and the at least one annular forming element (8, 17) is configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member (5, 15).

5. The system (23) as described in claim 1. Its features are, The tool receiving member (24) is constructed as an asymmetrically shaped groove, and At least one asymmetrical shaped forming element is formed on the tool element, the forming element being configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member (24).

6. A method for manufacturing a system (1, 10, 11, 23), the system (1, 10, 11, 23) being a system for connecting a wheel rim to a hub flange of a motor vehicle as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the system (1, 10, 11, 23) has at least one metal connecting element (2, 12, 22) being a wheel nut or wheel bolt and at least one metal tool element (3, 13), the at least one metal tool element (3, 13) being capable of being rigidly locked to the connecting element (2, 12, 22) for tightening or loosening the connecting element (2, 12, 22). Its features are, The connecting elements (2, 12, 22) and the tool elements (3, 13) are each manufactured using an additive manufacturing method.

7. The method as described in claim 6, Its features are, The connecting elements (2, 12, 22) are made to have a head (4, 14), on which a tool receiving member (5, 15, 24) is formed, and at least one undercut is formed on the tool receiving member (5, 15, 24).

8. The method as described in claim 7, Its features are, The connecting elements (2, 12, 22) are made to have the head (4, 14), on which at least one positioning mark is provided for positioning the tool element (3, 13) relative to the connecting elements (2, 12, 22).

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, Its features are, The connecting elements (2, 12) are configured to have an annular tool receiving member (5, 15), the annular tool receiving member (5, 15) having a base (6, 20), in which at least one groove (7, 21) extending along a portion of the base (6, 20) is formed. The tool elements (3, 13) are made having at least one annular forming element (8, 17), which is configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member (5, 15).

10. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, Its features are, The connecting element (22) is made into a tool receiving member (24) in the form of a groove with an asymmetrical shape, and The tool element is made into a forming element having at least one asymmetrical shape, the forming element being configured to be complementary to the tool receiving member (24).

Images