Device for protecting the wheel rims of motor vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for protecting a wheel rim (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the outer side of the wheel rim flange (4) is covered by a device (3), wherein the device (3) is composed of a ring (5) whose diameter is compatible with the diameter of the wheel rim flange (4), and wherein, in order to secure the device (3) to the wheel rim flange (4), the ring (5) has a surrounding tongue (5.2) that can be clamped between the inner side of the wheel rim flange (4) and the sidewall of the tire (1). The device (3) should be reliably held at the wheel rim (1) even at very high speeds and correspondingly large forces acting on the device (3). Here, no modification to the wheel rim (1) should be required and the assembly should be simple. This is achieved by the fact that the single ring (5) is made of a hard material and has a continuous radial gap (6), and the end side (5.3) of the ring formed by the gap (6) can be connected by means of a tension thread (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for protecting the rim of a motor vehicle, wherein the outer side of the rim flange is covered by the device, wherein the device is composed of a ring whose diameter is compatible with the diameter of the rim flange, and wherein, in order to secure the device to the rim flange, the ring has a surrounding tongue that can be clamped between the inner side of the rim flange and the sidewall of the tire. Background Technology

[0002] Such devices are known in themselves, for example, by the term "rim protection ring." These devices are particularly used to protect valuable rims (such as so-called light metal rims) from mechanical damage. Such damage can occur during driving due to contact with objects in the lane or, in particular, due to curb edges in the form of scratches, for example. The outward-facing sides of the outer rim flange are especially susceptible to such damage, and are particularly unsightly due to their good visibility.

[0003] Wheel rims for motor vehicles are essentially composed of a disc-shaped rim, around which a rim base (Felgenbett) is arranged. The rim base is defined on each side by a rim flange (Felgenhorn). The tire is taut between the rim flanges at the rim base. The rim and tire together form the wheel.

[0004] A rim protection ring is known from DE 20 2010 004 397 U1, which is clamped between the tire and the rim flange. The rim protection ring only covers a portion of the tire's sidewall, while the rim itself remains unprotected from the outside. The rim protection ring can only be fitted onto the rim together with the tire.

[0005] DE 10 2012 015 516 A1 discloses a rim protection ring constructed as a decorative ring. This decorative ring is shaped such that it extends outward from the outer plane of the rim but does not cover the outer side of the rim. Therefore, it provides only limited protection for the rim. The rim protection ring can only be fitted onto the rim together with the tire.

[0006] DE 40 09 757 A1 describes a rim protection ring made of an elastic material, having a specially shaped circumferential groove. This groove is used to clamp the rim protection ring onto the rim flange. This must be done before tire assembly.

[0007] EP 2 150 421 B1 discloses a rim protection ring made of an elastic material, having a thinner inner section and a wider head section. The inner section is clamped between the inside of the rim flange and the tire, while the head section overlaps the rim flange externally and, in a specially constructed configuration, abuts against the rim flange. The rim protection ring can only be mounted on the rim together with the tire. Due to the elasticity of the material, the head section shifts under heavy loads and does not provide effective protection.

[0008] A similar situation applies to US 2014 / 0167490 A1, where the fixed section is not continuous but has corresponding wings.

[0009] A decorative ring is known from US 2,964,357 A, which is secured to a rim flange by means of a resilient clip. This securing method appears relatively unreliable because the decorative ring is only secured to the relevant clip by a second spring element.

[0010] US 2007 / 0290548 A1 describes a ring for protecting a wheel rim, which is fixedly clamped to the rim flange by means of a threaded component.

[0011] A rim protection ring is known from WO 2005 / 009761 A1, which can be externally fixed to the rim flange by means of a clamp. Under radial load, the rim protection ring can be relatively easily detached from the rim.

[0012] DE 20 2009 013 418 U1 indicates a rim with a protective ring (rim attachment) screwed on the outside. The protective ring can only be used on specific rims.

[0013] DE 10 2016 113 234 A1 describes a rim protection ring in which a plurality of fixing elements are releasably fixed at the ring and clamped between the tire and the inside of the rim flange.

[0014] A rim protection device is known from KR 101 465 055B1, in which a strip profile is cut to a suitable length and then bent in a loop. The strip, acting as a reflector, can be clamped and fixed to the profile.

[0015] WO 2009 / 121120 A1 discloses a rim protection ring made of a soft material that can be fitted onto a rim flange. A decorative strip can be fixed to the ring.

[0016] DE 10 2019 107 128 B3 (based on which the invention is based) discloses a device for protecting a wheel rim, the device being formed by two rings. The first ring has a circumferential tongue and a continuous radial gap. The tongue ensures reliable retention of the device at the rim and therefore at the wheel, because the inner diameter of the tongue is smaller than the maximum diameter of the rim flange; the first ring is fitted through a gap that allows for a short-term, elastic opening of the first ring and thus allows it to fit onto the rim flange. Accidental opening of the gap is prevented by a second ring, which is releasably secured to the first ring. The rings are made of a rigid material. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The object of this invention is to provide a device for protecting a wheel rim, which reliably holds the rim in place even at very high speeds and with correspondingly large forces acting on it. No modification to the wheel rim should be required.

[0018] This objective is achieved by the features of claim 1. The single ring is made of a hard material, has a continuous radial gap, and the end sides of the ring formed by the gap can be connected by means of a tensioned threaded member.

[0019] "Connection" here does not mean that the ends must be in direct contact after connection. In most cases, when the device is assembled, the ends will have a gap, which is bridged by means of tensioned threads.

[0020] The ring and therefore the device are made of a hard material. This ensures high stability and durability, and thus also ensures good protection for the rim and tire. During rapid wheel rotation (such as when the vehicle is traveling at high speed), "vibration" and its amplitude are minimized.

[0021] The clearance allows for the assembly or disassembly of the device.

[0022] The tensioned threaded connection ensures the assembled device is reliably held at the rim, as this creates a virtually closed ring that can only be removed from the rim after the tensioned thread is released. Manufacturing tolerances of the rim and device can be compensated for by varying the clearance width, allowing the ring to be fitted at least without clearance at the rim flange; if necessary, the preload on the rim flange can also be adjusted. Therefore, the device and rim are ideally matched, ensuring a secure and centered hold of the ring at the rim flange. Furthermore, the clearance-free assembly prevents mutual damage to the rim and device.

[0023] No modifications to the wheel rim are required to secure the device. The wheel rim remains in its original state and retains its dimensions.

[0024] The rim essentially defines the visible appearance of the wheel rim and thus has a positive impact on the overall appearance of the vehicle. The design of the rim (such as color scheme and / or pattern) is largely free to choose. Decorative elements (such as threaded parts) can also be fixed or replicated at the rim.

[0025] The dependent claims relate to advantageous designs of the invention.

[0026] In one design, the ring is made of a lightweight metal or a lightweight metal alloy. The device as a whole can be manufactured lightweight while still maintaining high strength.

[0027] In an alternative design, the ring is made of carbon composite material, which further reduces weight.

[0028] In another design, the gap has a width of 5 mm to 20 mm when the ring is not tensioned. Here, "not tensioned" means that no force is applied to open or close the gap. This gap width facilitates assembly or disassembly and also allows for compensation of larger manufacturing tolerances.

[0029] In another design, the tensioning threaded component has a different nominal diameter for its thread. This simplifies assembly because any misalignment of the tensioning threaded component with the end face is immediately detected.

[0030] In another design, the gaps can be covered by a shield. This improves the appearance of the device, reduces dirt accumulation, and thus makes disassembly easier.

[0031] As an alternative to the protective element, a decorative ring can be fixed to the outward-facing side of the rim. Here, the decorative ring covers a predetermined portion of the rim and, if necessary, a portion of the outer sidewall of the tire. This improves the overall protective effect. Furthermore, the overall wheel design can be further varied.

[0032] Preferably, the retaining element or decorative ring includes a device for securing the tensioning thread to prevent rotation. For example, the device is configured as a mandrel that acts in conjunction with a corresponding hole in the tensioning thread, or as a clamp. This prevents the tensioning thread from accidentally loosening and thus prevents the device from becoming unstable or even potentially detaching from the rim. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the schematic diagram. Wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 A view of a wheel with a device fitted to protect the rim is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 It shows the way Figure 1 A cross-section of a portion of the wheel.

[0036] Figure 3 The cross-section of the ring through the device is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 The longitudinal section through the ring in the gap region is shown in detail, and

[0038] Figure 5 shows in detail the rear view (a) and side view (b) of the shielding component, and

[0039] Figure 6 A cross-section of a ring with decorative rings is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] As from Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen, the wheels of a motor vehicle include a tire 1, which is mounted on a rim 2 in a conventional manner. A device 3 for protecting the rim 2 is arranged on the outer side of the wheel (i.e., the circular surface that is easily visible when the wheel is fixed to the motor vehicle).

[0041] As is typical, the rim 2 includes a rim disc with a rim base arranged at its outer periphery. Each peripheral side of the rim base is defined by a rim flange 4. The tire 1, which is mounted on the rim 2, is stretched between the rim flanges 4 with its sidewalls in the area of ​​its sidewall. At the tire 1, an annular thickened portion made of rubber is constructed on the sidewall near the rim flange 4, visible externally, i.e., when the wheel is mounted.

[0042] The device 3 includes a single ring 5, the center diameter of which is adapted to the nominal diameter of the rim 2. The ring 5 is arranged on the outside of the rim flange 4 and points outward.

[0043] Ring 5 in Figure 3 This is shown more clearly in the diagram. The ring is radially cut at a single point on its periphery (therefore, to be precise, ring 5 is an annular segment at, for example, about 350° to about 359°), thereby forming a gap 6. Due to the cut, two end sides 5.3 are formed at the separated portion, which define the gap 6.

[0044] The ring has a base 5.1, which is substantially rectangular in cross-section.

[0045] According to the first longitudinal side of the matrix 5.1 Figure 3In the upper end region, the tongue-shaped portion 5.2 is integrally formed with the base body. The tongue-shaped portion 5.2 extends along the periphery of the first ring 5 and has a curved portion, the concave side of which points toward the base body 5.1. The concave limiting portion of the tongue-shaped portion 5.2 is formed by a circular segment and a straight line and is adapted to the shape of the mating portion of the rim flange 4. The tongue-shaped portion 5.2 tapers toward its free end, that is, the radius of the circular segment of the convex limiting portion of the tongue-shaped portion 5.2 is larger than the radius of the concave limiting portion; the free end is semi-circularly rounded. The convex limiting portion also limits the radially outer wide side of the upper part of the mating base body 5.1 in the extension.

[0046] As shown, a V-shaped groove 5.4 can be formed in the wide side of the radially outer part of the base 5.1.

[0047] A first blind hole 7 is formed in each end side 5.3 and perpendicular to that end side, as shown from... Figure 4 As can be seen particularly well in the middle. The two first blind holes 7 preferably have different diameters. An internal thread (not explicitly shown) is arranged in each of the first blind holes 7, wherein the two internal threads are opposite.

[0048] A tensioning threaded element 8 is arranged between the end faces 5.3 and in the internal thread engaging with the first blind hole 7. As is typical, this tensioning threaded element has two opposing external threads (not shown), which have different diameters that mate with the internal thread of the first blind hole 7. An intermediate member is constructed between the external threads; this intermediate member is threadless and has a larger envelope diameter than the larger external threads. Two radially arranged through holes are formed in the intermediate member at right angles to each other; alternatively, the intermediate member is hexagonal (not shown) so that it can be axially rotated using a suitable open-end wrench.

[0049] Ring 5 is made of a hard material (such as a light metal alloy or carbon composite). Tensioning thread 8 is made of steel.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the gap 6 is externally covered by a removable shield 9, shown in detail in FIG. 5. The shield 9 has the shape of an annular segment whose central radius corresponds substantially to the radius of the ring 5. The length of the shield 9 is, for example, 3 cm to 6 cm. The shield 9 has a U-shaped cross-section, wherein, in the assembled case, the legs of the U-shape at least partially surround the wide side of the base 5.1. As shown in FIG. 5, the longitudinal end of the shield 9 may be rounded semi-circularly. Offset in the longitudinal direction at the center and closer to the convex side, a device for securing the tension thread 8 to prevent rotation is arranged, here in the form of a mandrel 10 with a circular cross-section. The mandrel 10 extends vertically from the inner surface of the shield 9 at a height greater than, and at least as great as, the height of the legs of the U-shape, such that the mandrel 10 completely passes through one of the through holes of the tension thread 8 when the shield 9 is assembled.

[0051] Locking springs 11 are arranged radially before and after the spindle 10 such that a pair of locking springs 11 clamp onto the intermediate part of the tensioning thread 8. Thus, the stop 9 is locked and releasably held at the ring 5. The opposing sides of the locking springs 11 are shaped corresponding to the intermediate part, thereby securing the tensioning thread 8 to prevent rotation in the case of a hexagonal intermediate part.

[0052] The length of the locking spring 11 is at most the same as the axial length of the intermediate component.

[0053] The visible (i.e., external) surface of the cover 9 in the assembled state may have decorations, such as logos or brands.

[0054] Evenly distributed around the periphery of ring 5, multiple second blind holes or through holes with internal threads can be formed on the outer side of the base 5.1. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in an alternative arrangement of the shielding member 9, the outer side of the ring 5 is covered by a decorative ring 12, in which a third through hole corresponding to the aforementioned hole is arranged. The decorative ring 12 is adapted to the diameter of the rim 2 and is substantially flat except for a short angled section constructed at its radially outer edge. The angled section is a few millimeters wide and points inward at a right angle when the device 3 is assembled, such that the angled section has no or only a small gap relative to the radially outer wide side of the base 5.1. The decorative ring 12 is fixed to the ring 5, for example, by means of a capped threaded member; alternatively, the angled section is slightly wider and has a locking nose that can be locked into the groove 5.4. The decorative ring 12 can have various different designs and can be easily replaced.

[0055] To assemble the device 3 onto the wheel, firstly, by correspondingly rotating the tensioning thread 8, the ring 5 is opened to such an extent that the tongue 5.2 can fit onto the rim flange 4. The tensioning thread 8 should not be completely removed from the first blind hole 7, so that a small pitch remains therein. By reversing the rotation of the tensioning thread 8, the diameter of the device is reduced to such an extent that the tongue 5.2 fits snugly against the rim flange 4 with a slight preload. Finally, the wheel is secured to the vehicle. The device is reliably secured to the wheel: on the one hand by the larger outer diameter of the rim flange 4 compared to the minimum diameter of the tongue 5.2, and on the other hand by clamping the tongue 5.2 between the rim flange 4 and the tire 1. If necessary, the cover 9 or alternatively the decorative ring 12 is externally secured to the base 5.1.

[0056] To remove the device 3 from the wheel (e.g., for device replacement or when changing tires), the cover 9 or decorative ring 12 may be removed from the base 5.1. The ring 5 is opened to such an extent by correspondingly rotating the tensioning thread 8 that the tongue 5.2 can be pulled off the rim flange 4 and the device 3 can be removed from the wheel.

[0057] List of reference numerals

[0058] 1. Tire

[0059] 2 rims

[0060] 3 devices

[0061] 4. Rim flange

[0062] 5 rings

[0063] 5.1 Matrix

[0064] 5.2 Tongue-shaped part

[0065] 5.3 End side

[0066] 5.4 Slot

[0067] 6 gaps

[0068] 7 First blind hole

[0069] 8 tensioning threaded parts

[0070] 9. Covering components

[0071] 10 spindles

[0072] 11. Locking spring

[0073] 12 Decorative Rings

Claims

1. A device for protecting the wheel rim (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein, The outer side of the rim flange (4) is covered by the device (3), wherein the device (3) is composed of a ring (5) whose diameter is compatible with the diameter of the rim flange (4), wherein, in order to fix the device (3) at the rim flange (4), the ring (5) has a surrounding tongue (5.1) that can clamp between the inner side of the rim flange (4) and the sidewall of the tire (1), characterized in that the single ring (5) is made of a hard material and has a continuous radial gap (6), and the end side (5.3) of the ring formed by the gap (6) can be connected by means of a tensioning thread (8), wherein a blind hole (7) is provided in each of the end sides (5.3) formed by the gap (6), wherein a reverse internal thread is provided in the blind hole, wherein the tensioning thread (8) is screwed into the internal thread of the blind hole (7), the tensioning thread having two reverse external threads.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ring (5) is made of light metal or light metal alloy.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ring (5) is made of carbon composite material.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the ring (5) is not tensioned, the gap (6) has a width of 5 mm to 20 mm.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The tensioning threaded part (8) has different nominal diameters of its thread.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The gap (6) can be covered by a shield (9).

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A decorative ring (12) can be fixed at the outward-pointing side of the ring (5).

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shield (9) includes a device for securing the tension threaded member (8) to prevent rotation.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The decorative ring (12) includes a device for securing the tension threaded member (8) to prevent rotation.

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