Component for covering a cavity of a motor vehicle wheel

Abstract

A component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) has a support unit (4) designed to cover the cavity (2) of the motor vehicle wheel (1) and which is connectable to or connected to the motor vehicle wheel (1). The support unit (4) is movable in the axial direction of the motor vehicle wheel (1). Furthermore, a running surface (3) is provided which can be formed in the axial direction between the motor vehicle wheel (1) and the support unit (4), wherein the running surface (3) is receptacleable by the support unit (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a component for covering a cavity of a motor vehicle wheel.

[0002] Modern motor vehicle wheels come in a wide variety of designs, but their essential functions are always to bear the vehicle's load, transmit power and traction, and contribute to road holding and braking. Wheels also contribute to the vehicle's suspension. Most motor vehicle wheels consist of a tire and a rim.

[0003] The tire forms the supporting structure of the wheel and must withstand the pressure resistance of the air from within, as well as all other stresses caused by contact with the road. The rim, on the other hand, to which the tire is mounted, is a rigid element (usually made of metal) that connects the vehicle's wheel hub to the wheel in a way that is both fixed and detachable.

[0004] Due to the wide variety of vehicle types (passenger cars, trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles such as those of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), etc.), a correspondingly diverse range of requirements is placed on the wheels, resulting in the use of numerous different wheel designs today. For example, one typical design involves constructing the rim in such a way that a cavity is formed within the wheel. This space typically remains unused or is simply covered by a fairing. This unused space, therefore, offers several possibilities for implementing new or existing technical functions.

[0005] For example, EP 0 210 219 A1 describes a lighting device mounted on the wheel, more precisely on the fairing element, to increase the vehicle's visibility at night. In this device, a static element has a weight and induces current in the generator's induction coils, which are connected via a wire to lamps mounted on the rotating fairing element of the wheel.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention is based on the objective of proposing a component that is suitable both for cladding a cavity of a motor vehicle wheel and as a carrier element for at least one further additional function.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a component for covering a cavity of a motor vehicle wheel according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] A component for covering a cavity of a motor vehicle wheel comprises a support unit designed to cover the cavity of the motor vehicle wheel and which is connectable to or connected to the motor vehicle wheel. The support unit is movable in the axial direction of the motor vehicle wheel. Furthermore, a running surface is provided, which is formed or can be formed in the axial direction between the motor vehicle wheel and the support unit, and wherein the running surface is received or accommodated by the support unit.

[0009] This design allows the carrier unit to have both an extended and a retracted state. In the extended state, the distance between the carrier unit and the potential vehicle wheel is greater than in the retracted state. Furthermore, in the retracted state, the tread is supported by the carrier unit, whereas in the extended state, the tread is formed between the carrier unit and the vehicle wheel. Thus, the tread typically changes its vertical orientation (radial to the vehicle wheel) in the retracted state to a horizontal orientation (axial) in the extended state.This component increases the running surface of the vehicle wheel, making it easier to maneuver the vehicle, especially off-road, or quickly generating an additional running surface in emergencies, for example for disaster vehicles.

[0010] Furthermore, the component has the advantage of being space-saving, fitting neatly over the cavity of a vehicle wheel and thus easily integrating into existing wheel designs. Dividing the tread into two distinct areas allows its properties to be individually tailored to different applications. This design also facilitates the easy replacement of damaged elements.

[0011] Furthermore, the running surface can comprise at least two running surface elements and at least one intermediate element. By dividing the running surface into two distinct areas, its properties can be individually adapted to different applications. This design also allows for easy replacement of damaged elements. The running surface elements and / or the intermediate element are typically flexible and formable, meaning they are not rigid, adaptable to various shapes, profiled, mechanically durable, cost-effective, and easily replaceable.

[0012] Furthermore, the running surface, in particular the running surface elements and / or the at least one intermediate element, can be designed to be foldable. This makes it possible to position the running surface or the running surface elements and / or the intermediate element even more compactly on or in the support unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the support unit can be connected to the vehicle wheel via the tread and / or a wheel hub. This connection ensures that the cavity is protected from external environmental influences, allowing for the possible placement of additional elements within the cavity. The connection can also be designed to be detachable, enabling the entire component to be replaced if necessary.

[0014] Furthermore, the support unit can have guide rails in which the running surface is received. The design of these guide rails or guide grooves determines how and where the running surface is received by the support unit. This ensures that the position of the running surface on or in the support unit is always reproducible. The support unit can, for example, be constructed using a spaceframe design.

[0015] Furthermore, the guide rails can be integrated within the support unit. "Integrated" here means that the guide rail is completely surrounded by the structure or material of the support unit. In other words, cavities can be formed within the support unit in which the running surface can be accommodated.

[0016] Furthermore, a tensile force in the radial direction of the vehicle wheel can be applied by a pulling device or by radially displacing the carrier unit onto the tread. An external tensile force allows the tread to be moved into its intended position on or within the carrier unit more quickly and with greater precision during the component's insertion process.

[0017] Furthermore, a surface of the support unit facing away from the cavity can have a sinusoidal profile to accommodate the running surface, particularly to allow the horizontal running surface elements to slide smoothly onto the vertical support element. This profile improves the placement of the running surface on or within the support unit, as it enables optimal space utilization and, in particular, eliminates the need for folding.

[0018] The technical design of the carrier unit follows the requirements necessitated by its function. The carrier unit's shape is determined according to the principle of "form follows function".

[0019] Furthermore, the carrier unit can be covered by a capsule unit. In this case, the capsule unit covers the carrier unit, protecting the running surface from environmental influences when retracted. This further reduces maintenance and servicing requirements, as well as the risk of damage.

[0020] Furthermore, the running surface, in particular the running surface elements and the at least one intermediate element, can comprise at least one textile material. The textile material can be a technical textile material, especially in combination with a rubber material. In particular, the material is designed as a mechanically resilient material under tension and compression, capable, for example, of supporting the weight of a truck. However, it is also possible to use a hybrid material, a fiber-reinforced composite material, or a fiber-optimized technical textile material.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the device are shown in the drawings and are described below with reference to the Fig. 1-4 described. Recurring features are identified with identical reference symbols.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1. A lateral schematic drawing of a component for covering a cavity of a motor vehicle wheel, connected to the motor vehicle wheel in the retracted state. Fig. 2 a frontal schematic drawing of the components made of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a lateral schematic drawing of a component for covering a cavity of a motor vehicle wheel, connected to the motor vehicle wheel in the extended state and Fig. 4 a frontal schematic drawing of the components made of Fig. 3.

[0023] In Fig. In this embodiment, a support unit 4 is connected to a motor vehicle wheel 1 via a running surface 3. The support unit 4 completely covers a cavity 2 of the motor vehicle wheel 1, so that the cavity 2 is shielded from external environmental influences by the connection between the support unit 4 and the motor vehicle wheel 1 via the running surface 3. The cavity 2, which is formed between the motor vehicle wheel 1 and the support unit 4 by the connection of the support unit 4 and the motor vehicle wheel 1 via the running surface 3, is hereinafter referred to as the expansion cavity. A movement unit 7, in this embodiment a hydraulic unit, is also arranged in the cavity 2, which is designed to move the support unit 4 in the axial direction of the motor vehicle wheel 1.Thus, the hydraulic unit can perform the function of increasing the distance between the support unit 4 and the vehicle wheel 1, i.e., extending the support unit 4, and conversely, decreasing the distance between the support unit 4 and the vehicle wheel 1, i.e., retracting the support unit 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a stabilizing unit 8, here a hose unit, is arranged inside the cavity 2, which is designed to stabilize the running surface 3.

[0024] This results in two possible final states in which the component can exist. The first is the retracted state as it appears in Fig. Figure 1 shows the hydraulic device or the traversing unit 7 fully retracted, so that the support unit 4 flush covers the cavity 2 and thus no expansion cavity is formed. This means that the axial distance between the support unit 4 and the vehicle wheel 1 is minimal, and the area of ​​the cavity 2, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the vehicle wheel 1, corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the support unit 4. In this retracted state, the stabilizing unit 8 can be completely accommodated by the cavity 2 of the vehicle wheel 1. For example, the hose unit can be folded, stacked, or rolled up and placed in the cavity 2 in this state.

[0025] Furthermore, the retracted state is characterized by the fact that the running surface 3, in this example, is received by guide rails 5, which are formed here between the support unit 4 and a capsule unit 6. The capsule unit 6 is designed such that it completely covers the support unit 4. An additional cavity may be formed between the capsule unit 6 and the support unit 4, so that the received running surface 3 is located within this cavity on the support unit 4 when retracted. Thus, in the retracted state, the running surface 3 is protected from external environmental influences.

[0026] Furthermore, the guide rails 5 can also be formed within the support unit 4. Alternatively, the running surface 3 can also rest on the surface of the support unit 4 that is formed on the side facing away from the vehicle wheel 1. In this case, the running surface 3 can, for example, be folded. Particularly preferably, the running surface 3 is formed from running surface elements 3b and intermediate elements 3a, which together form the running surface 3. The placement of the various elements on the support unit 4 is in Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0027] The second final state is the so-called extended state, which is in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. In this state, the axial distance between vehicle wheel 1 and carrier unit 4 is at its maximum, meaning the expansion cavity also reaches its maximum volume. This also means that the travel unit 7 is fully extended. Furthermore, in this state, the running surface 3 is formed between vehicle wheel 1 and carrier unit 4, thus extending the running surface of vehicle wheel 1. This means that, during the axial extension movement of the travel unit 7, the running surface 3 is moved from its vertical position or mounting on a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of vehicle wheel 1 (when retracted) to a horizontal position, or a surface parallel to the axial direction of vehicle wheel 1, between vehicle wheel 1 and carrier unit 4.

[0028] In other words, the running surface 3 can be automatically pulled out of its stable tracks, i.e., the guide rails 5, over the inflating air hose as the carrier unit 4 extends. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting the carrier unit 4 to the wheel hub of the vehicle wheel 1. When the carrier unit 4 retracts, the running surface 3 is pushed back into its intended position in the retracted state. Alternatively, or to assist during the retraction movement of the carrier unit 4, a pulling device can be provided on the carrier unit 4, which exerts a pulling force on the running surface 3 or on the running surface elements 3b and intermediate elements 3a.

[0029] Additionally, in this embodiment, the stabilizing unit 8, for example the hose unit, can expand into the expansion cavity and stabilize the running surface 3. The expansion of the hose unit can be achieved, for example, by supplying air into the hose unit, so that an air-filled stabilizing unit 8 is present in the extended state. Analogously to Fig. 2 represents Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows how the running surface elements 3b and the intermediate elements 3a are arranged in the extended state and thus span the running surface 3.

[0030] In summary, the component can be understood as a flexible (also retrofittable), profiled, load-bearing, single-, double-, or multi-layered cladding element for wheels, auxiliary wheels, or flexi-wing wheels, which, in a stable construction (e.g., "space-frame"), serves as a support element. The component fulfills multifunctional additional functions, such as accommodating wheel and tire components (made of textiles, plastics, elastomers, metals, or hybrid materials) and bearing their loads. Furthermore, additional sensor and control elements can be integrated.

[0031] For a retractable auxiliary wheel that can be integrated into a rim, parts of the system can be integrated into the wheel fairing. This allows the stable surface (e.g., in spaceframe construction) to accommodate sliding profile elements, i.e., the tread 3. In this configuration, the tread 3 can be positioned on the outside of the carrier unit 4, i.e., on the side facing away from the vehicle wheel 1. This means that, firstly, the degree of soiling of the tread 3, or of the tread elements 3b and the intermediate elements 3a, after use is negligible, and secondly, the system utilizes additional installation space. Furthermore, relatively straightforward replacement of wear parts is possible.

[0032] This component thus ensures better functionality in practice, as it can be used more universally for other applications of specialized vehicles, such as those used by the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). It can also be used for other components like snow chains, "snow socks," spikes, and / or similar items. Furthermore, the system is more cost-effective and easier to repair.

[0033] Therefore, the new functionality of the wheel cover, i.e., the carrier unit 4, as a support element for components of an additional wheel is particularly noteworthy. The use of this surface on the wheel goes far beyond its previous function as a decorative cover. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 210 219 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1), comprising: a support unit (4) designed to cover the cavity (2) of the motor vehicle wheel (1) and which is connectable or connected to the motor vehicle wheel (1), wherein the carrier unit (4) is movable in the axial direction of the motor vehicle wheel (1), a running surface (3) which can be formed in the axial direction between the motor vehicle wheel (1) and the carrier unit (4), and wherein the running surface (3) can be received by the support unit (4). [2] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the running surface (3) has at least two running surface elements (3b) and at least one intermediate element (3a). [3] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the running surface (3), in particular the running surface elements (3b) and / or the at least one intermediate element (3a), are designed to be foldable. [4] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier unit (4) can be connected to the motor vehicle wheel (1) via the running surface (3) and / or via a wheel hub of the motor vehicle wheel (1). [5] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier unit (4) has guide rails (5) in which the running surface (3) can be received. [6] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the guide rails (5) are formed within the carrier unit (4). [7] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a tensile force in the radial direction of the motor vehicle wheel (1) can be applied by a tensile device or by the axial displacement of the support unit onto the running surface. [8] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a surface of the carrier unit (4) has a sinusoidal profile for receiving the running surface (3). [9] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier unit (4) is covered by a capsule unit (6). [10] Component for covering a cavity (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the running surface (3), in particular the running surface elements (3b) and the at least one intermediate element (3a), comprises at least one textile material.

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