WHEEL FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE FOR ENERGY RECOVERY

Abstract

A wheel (1) for a motor vehicle for energy recovery, which is mounted on a drive shaft (8), comprising: a rim (3) with a rim base (19); a tire (2) which sits on the rim (3) and has an inner surface (16) and a tread surface (17) opposite the inner surface (16); characterized by a functional bell (20) with a plurality of foldable actuating units (13), wherein the functional bell (20) with the actuating units (13) is slid onto and sits on the rim base (19), whereby the actuating units (13) interact with the inner surface (16) of the tire (2); and a power generator (10) consisting of a stator (11) and a rotor (12), wherein a seat (32) for the rotor (12) is slidable onto the rim base (19) and ring-shaped permanent magnets (22) of the rotor (12) are rotatably mounted on the seat (32) by means of a bearing (30), wherein a rim closure (4) is attached to the drive shaft (8) by means of screws (5), which has coils (21) of the stator (11) mounted in a ring shape.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel for a motor vehicle for energy recovery.

[0002] European patent application EP 3 540 921 A1 discloses a wheel with an electrical energy generation system for generating electrical energy in a rolling wheel. An electrical generator comprises a rotor and a stator, each combined with a rotational axis of a lever element. The deformation of the running surface toward the center axis of the wheel causes the lever element to rotate about the rotational axis. The lever element and the electrical generator are arranged and configured such that the rotational movement of the rotational axis generated by the lever element is transferred to the rotor of the electrical generator and converted into electrical energy by the electrical generator.

[0003] The subsequently published European patent application EP 4 039 974 A1 discloses a wheel generator for generating electrical energy in a rolling wheel of a vehicle from the deformation of the wheel tire due to contact with the road surface. For this purpose, lever elements are rotatably mounted at a first end. At a second end, the lever element is in contact with the inner side of the wheel tire via at least one contact element such that deformation of the wheel tire due to contact with the road surface causes a rotational movement of the lever element. Each lever element is assigned an electrical generator that converts the transmitted mechanical force into electrical energy.

[0004] Chinese Utility Model CN ​​210490678 U relates to an auxiliary power wheel comprising a rim, a brake mounting member attached to a vehicle body, a stator for power generation, a permanent magnet rotor corresponding to the stator, and a power collection device for collecting electrical energy from the stator. The stator is attached to the rim. The permanent magnet rotor is fixed to the periphery of an annular rotor support. The rotor support is designed to slide or roll on the inner surface of a tire to be mounted. Due to the deformation of the tire during rotation, the kinetic energy of the tire's rotation can be fully utilized and converted into electrical energy.

[0005] European patent EP 3 328 662 B1 discloses a wheel for electric or hybrid propulsion that can recover at least part of the energy required to deform the wheel's tire during rotation. For this purpose, several hydraulic actuators are provided, each comprising a cylinder and an axially retractable piston. The hydraulic actuator moves toward the interior of the cylinder due to the deformation of the tire zones corresponding to the hydraulic actuators that come into contact with the ground during each wheel rotation. This initiates a circulation of hydraulic oil, which is used to generate electrical energy.

[0006] Korean patent application KR 2013 0029925 A relates to a wheel for energy harvesting based on the piezoelectric effect. The wheel comprises a rim unit, a tire unit, and an energy conversion unit. The rim unit is connected to a rotating shaft of the vehicle. The tire unit is contained in a left side of the rim unit. The energy conversion unit is provided between a curved surface of the rim unit and the tire unit and is formed of a piezoelectric material to convert energy.

[0007] Korean patent application KR 2013 0056415 A relates to an energy harvesting device that utilizes the rotational energy of a vehicle. It includes a coil belt, a permanent magnet, and a power charging module. The coil belt consists of a thin, plate-shaped belt with a coil. The coil belt is contained in an outer periphery of a wheel rim and rotates with the rim. The permanent magnet is contained on an outer surface of a brake caliper assembly attached to the inside of the rim.

[0008] European patent EP 2 493 706 B1 relates to a method and system for generating electrical energy in a tire. A housing extending along a longitudinal axis X is provided. At least one electrical winding, at least one magnet movable within the housing along the longitudinal axis X, and a force-providing element positioned at at least one of two opposite ends of the housing, which is adapted to exert a force on the magnet along the longitudinal axis X, are provided. The force changes along the longitudinal axis X are utilized to effect changes in the magnet position relative to the at least one electrical winding, and the electrical energy generated via the at least one electrical winding is collected.

[0009] German utility model DE 20 2013 011 055 U1 discloses a current-supplying wheel. Piezoelectric elements are positioned in the required number along the circumference of a tire's carcass by means of two ring conductors. The piezoelectric elements are sufficiently covered by the rubber tread.

[0010] German patent application DE 10 2020 118 263 A1 relates to a system and method for an energy harvester proximate a rotatable component of a vehicle wheel. The energy harvester system may comprise a substrate having a first surface configured to contact and remain fixedly in contact with a surface of a wheel. A second surface having a piezoelectric component is disposed opposite the first surface and configured such that a piezoelectric component generates energy in response to a mechanical load. Upon loading, the piezoelectric component deforms.

[0011] German patent application DE 10 2016 012 082 A1 relates to a power generation device for a vehicle. The power generation device comprises a rim, which, together with a tire, forms a vehicle wheel. The rim has a number of openings in a filling chamber of the vehicle wheel, which openings are sealed with a membrane containing a piston made of a magnetic material. The membrane is arranged between the rim and an induction coil, in which the piston is movable depending on fluctuations in the tire's internal pressure.

[0012] German patent application DE 10 2007 007 016 A1 relates to a tire module designed to detect tire condition variables in motor vehicle tires. A conversion unit is provided in which kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy. The conversion unit is integrated into a flexural body.

[0013] The German utility model DE 20 2019 003 936 U1 describes the generation of additional power and its storage in the battery installed in a motor vehicle. The dynamos are to be mounted under the vehicle near the wheel or near the drive shaft, so that the power is connected either via direct contact with the wheel (inside the rim or tire) or via a joint to the drive shaft. When the vehicle's engine is started, the power generated by the rotation of the shaft is transferred to the battery located in the vehicle.

[0014] The object of the invention is to provide a wheel for a motor vehicle in order to recover energy in the form of electricity from the deformation of the wheel while driving the motor vehicle.

[0015] This object is achieved by a wheel for a motor vehicle comprising the features of claim 1.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the invention comprises a wheel for a motor vehicle for energy recovery, which wheel is mounted on a drive shaft. The wheel comprises a rim with a rim base. A tire of the wheel is mounted on the rim. The tire has an inner surface and a tread opposite the inner surface. A bell housing is provided with a plurality of foldable actuating units, wherein the bell housing with the actuating units can be pushed onto the rim base and is seated thereon. The actuating units thus interact with the inner surface of the tire. A power generator consisting of a stator and a rotor can be pushed onto the rim base with a seat for the rotor. The rotor has annularly mounted permanent magnets that are rotatably mounted on the seat by means of a bearing. A rim closure is attached to the drive shaft by means of screws, which has annularly mounted stator coils.

[0017] Each operating unit of the function bell has a drive lever and at least one working lever.

[0018] At least one working lever, which is at least the actuating unit opposite a travel path, is operatively connected to the rotor on the rim base in order to rotate it about an axis of the wheel, whereby a rotating relative movement between the permanent magnets of the rotor and the coils of the stator can be generated.

[0019] This has the advantage that the numerous actuating units arranged on the wheel rim's bell housing enable constant and continuous power generation while a motor vehicle is moving. Furthermore, the bell housing and the power generator can be designed to be interchangeable.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the coils of the power generator, which are provided on the wheel rim closure, are connected to a current collector via electrical lines. The current collector is located on a drive shaft of the wheel. The current collector serves not only to collect current but also to control and measure the optimal setting of the actuating units, in particular the working levers, for power generation. Furthermore, an electrical control system is also used for the installation and replacement of the power generator. The electrical control system for this can be installed in the motor vehicle, for example.

[0021] The advantage of interchangeable functional units, such as the generator and the control bell, is that they can be replaced quickly and easily thanks to the modular system. All seals, parts, and electrical connectors are integrated into the generator and the control bell. In addition, the vehicle has left and right wheels, so at least left and right control bells are required for the direction of travel.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the coils on the wheel lock can be adjusted by a servomotor to adjust the distance and angle to the permanent magnets. This allows for optimal current yield from the rotating wheel while the vehicle is moving.

[0023] According to one embodiment, each actuating unit is in contact with the inner surface of the tire via at least one friction-reducing element. The friction-reducing element can be in rolling contact with the inner surface of the tire via at least one roller or in sliding contact with the inner surface of the tire via at least one skid. The advantage of the friction-reducing elements (roller or skid) is that they enable better force absorption of the working levers with the tire.

[0024] According to one embodiment, several sensors are provided for measuring the distance between the inner surface of the tire and the working levers. A servo motor is provided for adjusting the optimal distance between the working levers and the inner surface of the tire. The several sensors are distributed around the circumference of the tire on the working levers. An average is calculated from the measurement signals from the several sensors. This allows the extent of deformation (flattening) of the tire to be continuously adjusted during driving.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rotor comprises at least one drive disk, into which at least one working lever of the actuating unit engages and sets it in rotation when the actuating unit comes into contact with a flattened portion of the tire. According to one embodiment, the rotor comprises precisely one drive disk. According to another embodiment, the rotor comprises two drive disks. According to one embodiment, the actuating units come into contact with the flattened portion of the tire one after the other as the wheel rotates along the travel path. The working levers are arranged such that they interact alternately with one side and the other side of the drive disk or the two drive disks.

[0026] The working levers cause the rotor of the generator to rotate when engaged, with the deformation of the tire ensuring a precise fit on the appropriate side of the rotor of the generator.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating units are hinged to the function bell. Each operating lever of the actuating units is assigned a spring-loaded engagement sensor.

[0028] The advantage is that the control bell, which also houses the generator, guides the operating units of the working levers one after the other to the flattening of the tire during travel. The engagement of the working levers with the drive pulley or the two drive pulleys of the generator occurs continuously throughout the journey.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the drive lever of each actuating unit is hinged to a first adjustment ring mounted on the function bell. A guide rod connects a second adjustment ring to the drive lever of each actuating unit. According to one embodiment, several preload elements connect the first adjustment ring and the second adjustment ring to each other.

[0030] The advantage of the guide rod is that it prevents individual overloading of the function levers, for example, if a pothole or stone suddenly deforms the tire while driving. This allows the working lever to quickly compensate for this temporary change.

[0031] The second adjustment ring adjusts all working levers to a basic setting via several guide rods. The first adjustment ring is mounted on the operating bell. Several pre-tensioning elements pre-tension the working levers to a working position. A power transmission element (cable or chain) in conjunction with a servomotor moves the working lever to its basic position.

[0032] The operating lever is assigned a spring-loaded engagement sensor with two functions. First, before the actual movement of the operating lever, it engages the engagement rollers of the generator rotor. After the movement of the operating lever, it releases the engagement rollers of the generator rotor. Second, after the operating lever has completed its movement, it returns the generator to its home position. The return to the home position is also assisted by centrifugal force.

[0033] Pairs of forward and backward travel stops for the working levers can be provided on the second adjustment ring. These can also be attached to the guide rods. The area between the stops of a pair is the working range of the individual working lever during one rotation of the wheel.

[0034] The actuator does not directly move the power transmission element (cable or chain), but rather the second adjustment ring around the first adjustment ring, which is located on the control bell. The first adjustment ring moves the power transmission elements (cables or chains), thus adjusting the second adjustment ring. The adjustment of the second adjustment ring, in turn, adjusts the function levers via the guide rods.

[0035] A further design of the operating lever enables the respective operating lever to automatically engage the drive disk of the generator's rotor. Here, the operating lever has a slotted hole on the side intended for engagement. This slot ensures that, during the function sequence, the operating lever first engages the drive disk of the generator's rotor, allowing the rotor to begin operating.

[0036] Another embodiment for generating power through the wheel by means of the tire rolling on the road is characterized by the fact that the working levers, set in motion by the flattening of the tire, interact with a gear ring that rotates the generator's rotor. The gear ring, which carries the permanent magnets, rotates around the wheel rim's axis. As a result, the coils generate electricity, which is then delivered to the vehicle via the axle.

[0037] The invention and its advantages will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, without thereby limiting the invention to the embodiment shown. The proportions in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for clarity. Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a wheel for a motor vehicle for energy recovery. Fig. 2 shows a schematic, perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a wheel for a motor vehicle for energy recovery. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic, perspective sectional view of the embodiment of the wheel from Fig. 2 in an exploded view. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the power generator. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the power generator. Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a tire perpendicular to the axle and the arrangement of the actuating units with drive levers and working levers. Fig. Figures 7 to 10 show a schematic representation of the sequence and function of the working levers when the wheel is rotating. Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a basic position of the drive levers and working levers. Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of the position of the drive lever and working lever in the event of a sudden obstacle on the road. Fig. 13 to 14 show a schematic representation of the position of the drive lever and the working lever in the event of a sudden obstacle on the roadway according to a further embodiment. Fig. 15 to 16 show a schematic representation of another embodiment of the actuating unit. Fig. 17 shows a schematic, perspective sectional view of another embodiment of the wheel in an exploded view.

[0038] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The figures merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, without, however, limiting the invention to the illustrated exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a wheel 1 for a motor vehicle (not shown) configured for energy recovery. The wheel 1 comprises a conventional tire 2 mounted on a rim 3 defining a rim base 19. The tire 3 has a tread 17, and opposite the tread 17 is an inner surface of the tire 2.

[0040] A functional bell 20 is located on the rim base 19. The functional bell 20 supports an annular power generator 10, which comprises a stator 11 and a rotor 12. In the embodiment shown here, several annularly arranged permanent magnets 22 are located on the rotor 12. The stator 11, which is provided on the rim closure 4, supports several annularly arranged coils 21.

[0041] During a rotating relative movement between the stator 11 and the rotor 12, a current is induced by the permanent magnets 22 in the coils 21. Electrical lines 26 connect the coils 21 to a current collector 6, which is mounted on a drive shaft 8 rotatable about an axis 7. The current collector 6 serves not only to collect current but also to control and measure the optimal setting for power generation with the annular power generator 10 and the required actuating units 13.

[0042] Several actuating units 13 are assigned to the function bell 20, wherein the actuating units 13 cause a rotary movement of the rotor 12 of the power generator 10. The actuating units 13 consist of a drive lever 14 and a working lever 15. The working levers 15 interact precisely with the rotor 12 of the power generator 10 in that the operative connection is established by the deformation of the tire 2 while traveling on the track 9 on at least one of the two sides of the rotor 12 of the power generator 10. The actuating units 13 can be folded in for mounting the tire 2. Likewise, the actuating units 13 can be removed as a whole with the power generator 10 from the rim 3 for maintenance or, if necessary, replacement. Each of the working levers 15 is assigned a sensor 23 that determines the distance between the inner surface 16 of the tire 2 and the working levers 15.The optimal distance between the working levers 15 and the inner surface 16 of the tire 2 can be adjusted using a servomotor (not shown here). An average is calculated from the signals from the several sensors 23 assigned to the working levers 15 around the circumference of the tire 2. The peak deformation of the tire 2 is then continuously adjusted during travel.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic, perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a wheel 1 for a motor vehicle (not shown), so that energy recovery in the form of electricity is possible with the tire. A conventional tire 2 is mounted on a rim 3, which is completed by a rim closure 4, which is held by screws 5. On the rim base 19 sits the functional bell 20, on which the rotor 12 of the power generator 10 is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing 30. In the embodiment described here, the permanent magnets 22 (see Fig. 1) on the rotor 12 and the coils 21 (see Fig. 1) is attached to the rim closure 4. The actuating units 13 are also provided on the function bell 20. The operating levers 15 of the actuating units 13 interact with the inner surface 16 of the tire 2. Each operating lever 15 is provided with rollers 25 to better absorb the force from the tire 2. Each of the operating levers 15 is connected to the corresponding drive lever 14 of the corresponding actuating unit 13. At least one brake disc 29 can be connected to the drive shaft 8.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a schematic, perspective sectional view of the embodiment of the wheel 1 from Fig. 2 in an exploded view. When assembling the wheel 1, the tire 2 is first secured to the rim 3. The function bell 20 with the actuating units 13 is pushed onto the rim base 19. The drive shaft 8 is provided with connector sockets 27, which interact with corresponding connectors 28 of the function bell 20 for the electrical wiring when the function bell 20 is seated on the rim base 19. The electrical wiring leads to the current collector 6. Sensors 23 are assigned to the actuating units 13 of the function bell 20, with which the distance between the working levers 15 can be determined and adjusted via a servomotor 24. A seat 32 for the rotor 12 of the power generator 20 can be pushed onto the function bell 20. The rotor 12 carries the permanent magnets 22 arranged radially and is rotatably mounted on the seat 32 by means of the bearing 30. The rim closure 4 is attached to the drive shaft 8 by means of screws 5.The stator 11 of the generator 10 is defined by the rim closure 4, which carries several radially arranged coils 21. The current induced in the coils 21 can be conducted to the current collector 6 via a connector 28.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the power generator 10, wherein the working levers 15 are not fully shown. The operating bell 20 is mounted in the direction of the axis 7 on the rim 3 (see Fig. 1) and then sits firmly on the rim base 19 (see Fig. 1). Two radially encircling elevations 34 are provided on the function bell 20, both of which have a plurality of eyelets 35 formed thereon. The eyelets 35 serve to support the drive levers 14 for the actuating unit 13. By rotating the rim 3 while the motor vehicle is moving, the actuating units 13 are successively brought into the working position. The drive levers 14 are further supported by means of a radially encircling bearing ring 36, which is used to adjust the working functions by means of a servomotor 24 (see Fig. 3). A drive disk 37 and the rotor 12 with the permanent magnets 22 of the power generator 10 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner and are mounted on the operating bell 20 by the bearing 30 for rotation about the axis 7. The operating levers 15 interact successively with the drive disk 37 while the motor vehicle is traveling, thus causing the rotor 12 to rotate. The operating levers 15 engage alternately on two sides of the drive disk 37 in order to compensate for the tilting of the operating levers 15 while the motor vehicle is traveling.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the power generator 10, in which the working levers 15 are also not fully shown. In this embodiment, two drive disks 37 and the rotor 12 are connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the permanent magnets 22 of the power generator 10 and are rotatably mounted on the function bell 20 about the axis 7 by the bearing 30. With each of the drive disks 37, the working levers 15 alternately engage the two sides of each drive disk 37. Otherwise, the structure described here is identical to that of Fig. 4 identical.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a tire 2 perpendicular to the axis 7 and the arrangement of the actuating units 13 with drive levers 14 and working levers 15. The permanent magnets 22 are located on the rotor 12 of the power generator 10. The coils 21 are distributed accordingly around the axis 7 so that the moving permanent magnets 22 interact with the coils 21 to generate the current. The working levers 15 interact with engagement rollers 38 of the drive disk 37 to rotate the rotor 12 of the power generator 10. A spring-loaded engagement sensor 39 is assigned to each working lever 15. The spring-loaded engagement sensors 39 have two functions. Firstly, the spring-loaded engagement sensors 39 ensure engagement with the engagement rollers 38 of the drive disk 37 before the actual movement of the working lever 15 and release after the movement of the working lever 15.Secondly, the spring-loaded engagement sensors 39 ensure that the working lever 15 returns to its home position after its operation. The return to the home position is also assisted by the centrifugal force during the rotation of the wheel 1. The home position of the working lever 15 is always reached when the rollers 25 of the working lever 15 and the spring-loaded engagement sensor 39 are not in contact with the flattened portion 18 of the tire 2 as the wheel 1 rolls. The working levers 15 thus remain in the home position without action.

[0048] Furthermore, a limit stop 40 for the working levers 15 is provided on the second adjustment ring 44, which limits the movement of the corresponding working lever 15 in the direction of rotation and against the direction of rotation of the wheel 1. The drive levers 14 remain inactive even during the rotation of the wheel 1 after assuming the home position.

[0049] A guide rod 41 connects a second adjustment ring 44 with a drive lever 14. The drive levers 14 are brought into the home position via the guide rod 41. The first adjustment ring 42 is attached to the function bell 20 (see Fig. 2). The second adjustment ring 44 for the working levers 15 is preloaded relative to the first adjustment ring 42 by a plurality of elastic preload elements 45, which can be designed, for example, in the form of springs. A force transmission element 43, which can be, for example, a cable or a chain, returns the second adjustment ring 44 for the working levers 15 to its initial position. The force transmission element 43 should not be rigid, so that the drive levers 14 can deflect in the event of overload.

[0050] The actuator 24 does not directly move the power transmission element 43 (such as a cable or chain) but rather the second adjustment ring 44 for the working levers 15 around the function bell 20, which in turn moves the at least one power transmission element 43 in order to thereby adjust the second adjustment ring 44 for the working levers 15, which leads to an adjustment of the guide rod 41 and the drive levers 14.

[0051] The Fig. 7 to 10 show a schematic representation of the sequence and function of the working levers 15 when the wheel 1 or tire 2 is rotating.

[0052] In Fig. 7 shows the situation that the working lever 15 is in a rolling direction 49 on the track 9 (see Fig. 1) has not yet reached the flattening 18 of the inner surface 16 of the tire 2. In this position, the working lever 15 with the rollers 25 is pressed against the inner surface 16 of the tire 2 by centrifugal force. The distance to the inner surface 16 of the tire 2 can be measured using a laser beam 50, which is aligned such that its extension extends through the axis 7. A laser (not shown here) could, for example, be attached to the drive lever 14, since the drive lever 14 always provides a clear view of the inner surface 16 of the tire 2. The distance of the working lever 15 is optimally adjusted by the servo motor 24. The servo motor 24 receives an optimal setting through the measurement with the laser beam 50 in conjunction with the vehicle electronics (not shown here). The working lever 15 engages with the engagement rollers 38 of the drive pulley 37.

[0053] Fig. Figure 8 shows the situation when, as the wheel 1 continues to roll in a direction of travel 49, the working lever 15 approaches the flattening 18 of the tire 2. The flattening 18 of the tire 2 is caused by the weight of the motor vehicle when it is on the track 9 (see Fig. 1). As wheel 1 rotates, spring-loaded engagement sensor 39 first reaches flattened portion 18. Spring-loaded engagement sensor 39 can comprise a roller or slider loaded with an elastic element 52. Engagement sensor 39 thus provides working lever 15 to drive pulley 37 and its engagement rollers 38.

[0054] Fig. Figure 9 shows the situation when, as the wheel 1 continues to roll in a direction of travel 49, the working lever 15 is located on the flattened portion 18 of the tire 2. With the rollers 25, the working lever 15 moves on the flattened portion 18, and the drive pulley 37 is rotated via a lever action of the working lever 15. The movement of the working lever 15 can encompass part or all of the flattened portion 18 of the tire 2. The duration of contact of the working lever 15 with the flattened portion 18 depends on the travel path 9 (see Fig. 1) and the speed of the other working levers 15 following the rotation of the wheel 1 (for the arrangement of the working levers 15 see Fig. 6), which cause the drive disk 37 to rotate 53. Thus, the current generated by the rotation 53 of the drive disk 37 can be more or less.

[0055] Fig. Figure 10 shows the situation when, as wheel 1 continues to roll in a direction of travel 49, the working lever 15 has again left the flattened portion 18 of tire 2. After leaving the flattened portion 18, the working lever 15 returns to its home position. The return to the home position is effected by the preload element 45, which also causes the working lever 15 to be moved into the working position. The centrifugal force during the rotation of wheel 1 assists the return to the home position. During this time, at least one other working lever 15 is located in the area of ​​the flattened portion 18 of tire 2.

[0056] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of the home position of the drive levers 14 and the working levers 15. The home position can be used during a longer standstill or when driving off-road. The home position is also useful when assembling wheel 1 of the vehicle, as the lever mechanisms cannot be damaged in this position. The home position is set by the vehicle control system via the servomotor 24.

[0057] Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of the position of drive lever 14 and working lever 15 in the event of a sudden obstacle 54 on the travel path 9, which abruptly deforms the tire 2 in the area of ​​the flattening 18. Here, there are two possible escape routes for the drive lever 14 and the working lever 15. Firstly, this can be achieved via the power transmission element 43 (cable or chain) that runs from the servomotor 24 to the adjustment ring 44 for the working lever 15. Secondly, an overload protection device 55 can lead from the adjustment ring 44 for the working lever 15 to the drive lever 14. Once the obstacle 54 on the travel path 9 has been removed, the basic position is resumed.

[0058] Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show a schematic representation of the position of the drive lever 14 and the working lever 15 according to a further embodiment of the invention in the event of a sudden obstacle 54 on the travel path 9. In this embodiment, the mode of operation and the direction of rotation of the drive disk 37 are identical to the embodiment of Fig. 12. The difference lies in the arrangement of the drive levers 14, the pre-tensioning elements 45, the servomotor 24 and the associated power transmission elements 43. These are aligned so that the working levers 15 deflect when necessary inside the wheel 1 in the direction of travel 49 of the motor vehicle. Here, the working levers 15 deflect in the direction of travel 49 of the vehicle. Likewise, the servomotor 24, the power transmission element 43 and the pre-tensioning element 45 are also arranged in a different manner compared to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, mounted on the other side.

[0059] Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 show a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the actuating unit 13. In this embodiment, the working lever 15 is provided with an elongated hole 60 on the side intended for the engagement of the working lever 15 with the drive disk 37. This elongated hole 60 causes the one working lever 15, on whose side the elongated hole 60 is formed, to initially engage with the drive disk 37. An axle 61 is movable in the elongated hole 60 and is a connection of the drive levers 14. The working lever 15 is provided with a plurality of rollers 25, which extend transversely to the inner tread 17 of the tire 2 (see Fig. 2). On the opposite side of the working lever 15 with the slot 60, the axle 61 is held by a tilting bearing 62. Furthermore, on the side of the working lever 15 with the slot 60, a spring-loaded roller 63 is connected to the working lever 15. The drive lever 14 is in the Fig. 15 shown illustration is cut out in order to be able to show the tilting bearing 62 of the axle 61. In the illustration of the Fig. 16, the drive lever 14 is also cut out to show the attachment of the axle 61 in the slot 60. In this illustration, the working lever 15 engages the other side of the drive disk 37 than in the illustration of the Fig. 15.

[0060] Fig.17 shows a schematic, perspective sectional view of another embodiment of the wheel 1 in an exploded view. During assembly of the wheel 1, the tire 2 is first secured to the rim 3. The functional bell 20 with the actuating units 13 is pushed onto the rim base 19. A seat 32 for the rotor 12 of the power generator 10 can be pushed onto the functional bell 20. The rotor 12 carries the permanent magnets 22 arranged radially. The rim closure 4 is fastened to the drive shaft 8 by means of screws 5. The stator 11 of the power generator 10 is defined by the rim closure 4 and has a radially circumferential projection 46 that carries the plurality of coils 21.

[0061] It is believed that the present disclosure and many of the advantages recited therein will be understood from the foregoing description. It will be apparent that various changes in form, construction, and arrangement of components may be made without departing from the disclosed subject matter. The form described is merely illustrative, and it is the intent of the appended claims to encompass and embrace such changes. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims. List of reference symbols 1 wheel 2 tires 3 rim 4 rim closure 5 screw for rim closure 6 pantographs 7 Axis 8 Drive shaft 9 Driveway 10 power generators 11 Stator 12 Rotor 13 Actuating unit 14 drive levers 15 working levers 16 inner surface 17 Tread 18 Flattening 19 rim base 20 Function bell 21 coil 22 permanent magnets 23 Sensor 24 actuator 25 rolls 26 electrical cable 27 plug sockets 28 plugs 29 brake disc 30 warehouses 32 seats 34 Survey 35 eyelet 36 bearing ring 37 Drive pulley 38 engagement rollers 39 spring-loaded intervention sensor 40 Limit 41 guide rods 42 first setting ring 43 Power transmission element 44 second adjustment ring 45 Preload element 46 lead 49 Direction of travel 50 laser beam 51 roller, glider 52 elastic element 53 rotation 54 Obstacle 55 Overload protection 60 slot 61 Axis 62 Tilting bearing 63 spring-loaded roller

Claims

[1] A wheel (1) for a motor vehicle for energy recovery, mounted on a drive shaft (8), comprising: a rim (3) with a rim base (19); a tire (2) mounted on the rim (3) and having an inner surface (16) and a tread (17) opposite the inner surface (16); characterized by a functional bell (20) with a plurality of foldable actuating units (13), wherein the functional bell (20) with the actuating units (13) can be pushed onto the rim base (19) and sits thereon, whereby the actuating units (13) interact with the inner surface (16) of the tire (2); and a power generator (10) consisting of a stator (11) and a rotor (12), wherein a seat (32) for the rotor (12) can be pushed onto the rim base (19) and annularly mounted permanent magnets (22) of the rotor (12) are rotatably mounted on the seat (32) by means of a bearing (30), wherein a rim closure (4) is fastened to the drive shaft (8) by means of screws (5), which has coils (21) of the stator (11) mounted in a ring. [2] Wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein each actuating unit of the functional bell (20) has a drive lever (14) and at least one working lever (15), wherein the working lever (15) of at least that actuating unit (13) which is opposite a travel path (9) is in operative connection with the rotor (12) on the rim base (19) in order to rotate it about an axis (7) of the wheel (1), whereby a rotating relative movement can be generated between the permanent magnets (22) of the rotor (12) and the coils (21) of the stator (11). [3] Wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coils (21) of the stator (11) are connected to a current collector (6) via electrical lines (26) and the current collector (6) is seated on the drive shaft (8) of the wheel (1). [4] Wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein each actuating unit (13) is in contact with the inner surface (16) of the tire (2) via at least one friction-reducing element, the friction-reducing element being in rolling contact with the inner surface (16) of the tire (2) via at least one roller (25) or in sliding contact with the inner surface (16) of the tire (2) via at least one skid. [5] Wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rotor (12) comprises at least one drive disc (37) into which at least one working lever (15) of the actuating unit (13) engages, which is in contact with a flattened portion (18) of the tire (2), and thus sets the drive disc (37) in rotation. [6] Wheel (1) according to claim 5, wherein the rotor (12) comprises two drive discs (37). [7] Wheel (1) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein upon rotation of the wheel (1) along the travel path (9), the actuating units (13) successively come into contact with the flattening (18) of the tire (2) and the working lever (15) is alternately operatively connected to one side and the other side of the drive pulley (37) or the drive pulleys (37). [8] Wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein each working lever (15) of the actuating units (13) is assigned a spring-loaded engagement sensor (39). [9] Wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the drive lever (14) of each actuating unit (13) is articulated to a first adjusting ring (42) mounted on the function bell 20, and a guide rod (41) connects a second adjusting ring (44) to the drive lever (14) of each actuating unit (13). [10] Wheel (1) according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of biasing elements (45) interconnect the first adjusting ring (42) and the second adjusting ring (44).

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