Armor for a vehicle wheel's rubber tire

Abstract

The invention relates to armor for a rubber tire (22) of a vehicle wheel, the running surface of which is covered with an anti-slip chain (1) consisting of a series of tracks (3), the structure of which has tabs (5), wherein each tab (5) has parts which extend parallel to a side surface of the vehicle wheel, through which the anti-slip chain (1) is attached to the vehicle wheel as a hard bandage, wherein the tracks (3) of the anti-slip chain (1) are connected to each other in a hinge-like manner and the tabs (5) are formed integrally with the tracks (3).The armor is characterized by the fact that the tabs (5) are arranged on a non-connected side of the tracks (3) and are designed such that V-shaped curved recesses (7) are formed at the ends (6) of the tabs (5), which have inner leg surfaces (9) and outer leg surfaces (8), wherein the inner leg surfaces (9) serve to enclose a vehicle wheel shoulder (10) and the outer leg surfaces (8) have inclinations, wherein inclined surfaces of a toothed cover (15) designed as a rigid bandage are placed opposite the inclinations in order to create a snap connection between the cover (15) and the anti-skid chain (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to armor plating for a rubber tire of a vehicle wheel according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention belongs to the field of anti-slip protection for vehicle wheels and covers the need to create a simpler and more cost-effective design for mainly military vehicles, such as: rolling battle tanks, rolling howitzers, wheeled artillery, troop transports, vehicle and tank refueling vehicles.

[0003] Furthermore, this also includes agricultural civilian vehicles.

[0004] The invention relates to armor plating for rubber tires of vehicle wheels, the running surfaces of which are covered with anti-skid chains consisting of a series of tracks, and whose structure has tabs projecting outwards on both sides of the vertical axes of the vehicle wheels, by which the anti-skid chain is fastened to the vehicle wheels under a hard bandage.

[0005] Such armor plating is known from the following patents: CH 73878 A, CH 74901 A and CH 74292 A. The interpretation of the aforementioned patents indicates that this armor plating provides slip protection for tires, particularly pneumatic tires, with the aim of increasing the grip of vehicle wheels on ice and snow surfaces. The tracks are bound to the vehicle tires with iron tension chains to ensure adhesion.

[0006] A disadvantage is that tracks represent a limited number of interconnected links. This impairs the vehicles' ability to travel on uneven surfaces, such as bumpy roads, and on terrain with sandy, loamy, or shale-rich soil.

[0007] Furthermore, the bandage protects the rubber tire surfaces of the vehicle wheels from damage at small points where the tensioning chains run. This proves that this type of construction does not offer sufficient protection against shrapnel, sharp objects, and dirt.

[0008] It also proves disadvantageous that the anti-skid chains are attached to the vehicle wheels using lugs, which are connected to the wheel rims via a connecting link, an iron tension chain. This is similar to how conventional armor plating uses fasteners. Such a design complicates the entire construction, resulting in unnecessary weight and inefficient material usage, ultimately making it complicated and expensive to manufacture.

[0009] Document US 901 300 A discloses an armor for a rubber tire of a vehicle wheel according to the preamble of claim 1. In this case, the tracks of the anti-skid chain are connected to each other in a hinge-like manner and the tabs are formed integrally with the tracks, which simplifies manufacturing and use.

[0010] Furthermore, this design results in limited vehicle speeds because the iron tension chains, due to their structure, contain numerous holes in which a mass of mud, slush, gravel, and sand accumulates during travel, is dragged along, and accelerated outwards. This unnecessary work impairs engine performance and thus the vehicle's mobility.

[0011] Because of the aforementioned disadvantages, the application of known armor types is very limited.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to simplify and improve the design of known armor plating, as well as to reduce the cost and speed up its production. Furthermore, it is intended to expand the range of possible applications.

[0013] The problem is solved by armor having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] The problem relating to the invention is solved in conjunction with the preamble of claim 1 by arranging the tabs on unconnected sides of the tracks and by designing them such that a V-shaped curved recess is formed at their ends to impart this compliant effect, the inner leg surfaces of which serve to enclose the vehicle wheel shoulders, and the outer leg surfaces of which have an inclination which, in individual inclined surfaces opposite the inclination, is designed as a non-compliant bandage of toothed cover in order to create a snap connection between the latter and the anti-slip chain.

[0015] The armor according to the invention can be designed simply, safely and cost-effectively.

[0016] Further advantageous features are included in the dependent claims. The hinged connection of the tracks of the anti-skid chains advantageously ensures that each individual track in the anti-skid chain is able to assume an optimal position both in relation to other tracks and in relation to the unevenness of the ground surface.

[0017] This results in a long service life for the entire skid chain, thus giving the vehicle increased off-road capability and mobility.

[0018] The bolts connecting the tracks can be fitted with a rubber coating to enhance driving flexibility.

[0019] Incidentally, the design of the anti-slip track in the submitted invention is similar to the tracks used in battle tanks.

[0020] With the aim of economical armor construction, the legs created by the V-shaped depressions of the tabs serve on the one hand to encircle the shoulder of the vehicle wheels and on the other hand to bind the free ends of the tabs to the anti-skid tracks in order to hold them firmly on the vehicle running surfaces.

[0021] The invention provides a simple way to combine the anti-skid chains with the vehicle wheels in a snap connection using these features, by means of the rigid connecting links, which are a round toothed cover.

[0022] For this purpose, according to the invention, the free ends of the legs are inclined so that they effectively act like spring-loaded hooks by springing back to the applied pressure.

[0023] This results in a simple connection method, which offers a further advantage of the armor according to the invention compared to the prior art: shorter assembly time and the elimination of the loaded iron tension chain and fastening elements.

[0024] A further advantage of the invention arises from its compact and robust armor design. This includes the fact that the tabs with the tracks are individual pieces and that the legs encompassing the vehicle wheel shoulders are, by design, closely adapted to the vehicle wheels.

[0025] More on that below.

[0026] In the presented invention, the hard, rigidly toothed covers act as a rigid bandage instead of the iron tension chain shown as a connecting element in the prior art. This simplifies weight distribution and speeds up assembly.

[0027] The rubber rings incorporated into the armor structure give the presented invention a further advantage. The rubber rings solve the following two problems.

[0028] Firstly, they protect the vehicle's wheel rubber tires as a sealant against the ingress of dirt such as mud, sand, gravel, water, ice and snow, as well as against damage from shrapnel, scratches and scrapes from other scattered sharp objects.

[0029] Secondly, tension is created on the rubber tire area of ​​the outer and rear sides of the vehicle wheels, generated by the clamping pressure exerted on the cover during the closing of the snap connection. This results in increased friction between the rubber tires and the toothed cover, preventing the vehicle wheels from spinning or slipping within the anti-slip chains while driving.

[0030] This has a beneficial effect on extending the service life of the vehicle wheels.

[0031] The object according to the invention can be designed simply, cost-effectively, and compactly, saving space, and can be manufactured in just a few work steps. This makes it suitable for mass production.

[0032] Further advantageous features and embodiments are contained in the dependent claims.

[0033] The details of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are presented to an arbitrary scale. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and space-saving representation of an upper half of a first embodiment of the armor according to the invention in longitudinal section to explain a positioning of the in Fig. 2 Anti-slip strips on the vehicle tread, where the first one forms an endless band around the last one, with a toothed cover removed to show the view; Fig. 2 shows one from the Fig. 1 embodiment of a simple series of anti-slip strips, the entire length of which is designed to be broken off; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic and space-saving representation of an upper half of a second embodiment of the armor according to the invention in longitudinal section to explain a positioning of the in Fig. 4 Anti-slip strips on the vehicle treads are shown, with a cover removed to reveal the view; Fig. 4 shows one from the Fig. 3 embodiment of a double row of anti-slip strips, the entire length of which is designed to be broken off; Fig. Figure 5 shows the upper half of a toothed lid; Fig. 6 shows one in Fig. 5 lid shown in cross-section through its tooth; Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional representation of a vehicle wheel after the closure of a snap connection between a track of the skid chains and a toothed cover, which also illustrates a final state of the armor assembly, wherein the initial position of the toothed cover is indicated by the dashed lines, and wherein the representation is limited to save space between two intersecting axes of symmetry of the vehicle wheel and wherein the assembly joining pressure direction is shown with an arrow.

[0034] As can be seen from the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the anti-skid chains 1 encircle the vehicle treads 2 continuously in a continuous series of tracks 3 without gaps or intervals. The underside surface 4 of the tracks 3 is convexly curved to closely conform to the opposite vehicle tread 2.

[0035] As can be seen from the structural design of the armor according to Fig. 1 to 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, each individual track 3 has a tab 5 that is formed as a separate component. Further details reveal that a V-shaped curved recess 7 is formed at the free ends 6 of the tabs 5, giving the outer leg 8 a shape resembling a spring-loaded hook. This allows the ends of the outer legs 8 to provide a flexible action by springing back when actuated by the externally applied joining pressure.

[0036] Here, the inner legs 9 facing the vehicle wheels are also visible; these are designed in advance to form an open space between them in order to encompass the vehicle wheel shoulder 10 as closely as possible, as is Fig. 7 indicates. Together with the aforementioned close adaptation of the skid protection tracks 1 to the vehicle running surface 2, this contributes to the creation of a robust armor structure.

[0037] Furthermore, they show Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 the bolts 11, represented by a dot, which serve as an axis in a hinge-like connection between two adjacent tracks 3. The Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 different ways to create the anti-slip strip: 1. This is how it is in the Fig. 2 a simple and in the Fig. 4. A double row of anti-slip strips can be seen. The first row is in Fig. The fourth row is numbered 12 and the second row 13. Other variations for the pattern of the anti-slip strips are also permitted.

[0038] In the presented embodiments of the armor, the inclination of the free outer leg 8 forms a tangent 14 to the bent section. It is also taken into account that the relationship between the track material, its thickness, and the radius of the countersink bend, as well as the inclination angle of the outer leg, allows it to deviate and spring back by a certain amount in the short term when a pre-programmed joining pressure is applied.

[0039] These conditions are sufficient to ensure the proper functioning of the snap connection between the tracks 3 and the rigid, toothed cover 15. For this purpose, teeth 17 are formed on the surface 16 of the cover 15, and V-shaped recesses 7 with through-holes 18 are formed on the base.

[0040] The toothed, rigid cover 15 is round. Its teeth 17 are evenly distributed around the circumference and thus have a constant central angle. The teeth of the cover fulfill their function by acting on the free outer leg 8 to cause a deviation from its initial position.

[0041] For this purpose, the teeth of the toothed cover are inclined on their surface 19 facing the vehicle wheel. The angle of this chamfer is equal to the inclination of the outer surface 20 of the outer leg 8. Angles "β" within 30-45 degrees are typically used for the snap connections.

[0042] This is the reason for bringing the two surfaces 19 and 20 into contact, in order to translate a joining pressure applied in the horizontal plane to the cover 15 into a vertical displacement of the free outer leg 8 for actuation. This is due to the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is visible.

[0043] The inclined surface 19 of the teeth 17 forms a wedge to exert its effect as a lever during assembly.

[0044] As a result of the aforementioned force application, the outer legs 8 deviate from their original shape, bend elastically, and allow the teeth 17 of the toothed cover 15 to engage in the through-recesses 18. To achieve this deviation of the outer legs, the outer diameter "D" of the cover 15 is slightly larger than the inner diameter "D1" between the lowest positions of the bent tabs 5 by a functionally determined measurement. Fig. 7.

[0045] To achieve correct contact between the teeth 17 of the toothed cover 15 and the through-holes 18 of the anti-slip strip 1, it is necessary to align the linear distance between the through-holes 18 of the second with the distance between the teeth 17 along the arc, measured from the first. This requires calculations to ensure that the axes of the two coincide during assembly.

[0046] In further embodiments of the armor, the rubber rings 21 are incorporated into the structure of the armor, which are positioned in the area of ​​the rubber tires 22 between the lugs 5 and rims 23 on both sides of the vehicle wheels, as shown. Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 7.

[0047] The rubber rings 21 are held in place, for example by adhesive, and are subjected to clamping pressure after the snap-fit ​​connection is closed, thus fulfilling their sealing function. Therefore, the original thickness of the rubber ring 21 must be calculated to be slightly greater in order to ensure the tension of the rubber ring.

[0048] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 indicates that the edges 24 of the through-holes 18 are rounded. This prevents substandard assembly where the teeth 17 of serrated covers 15 penetrate the through-holes 18. The presence of sharp edges would lead to their breakage.

[0049] Incidentally, the Fig. 2 of the first embodiment of the armor, the slots 25 are formed on the flexible snap-fit ​​connection element, such as the tabs 5. These slots affect the flexibility of the tracks and facilitate their deformation or bending during assembly without breaking.

[0050] Fig. 3 and Fig. Section 4 describes a second embodiment of the armor, in which the anti-skid strips have two rows of tracks. The connecting parts of the tracks are raised and convex above the vehicle's body.

[0051] This embodiment has an advantage compared to the first embodiment, as it creates the possibility for the vehicle wheels and for the vehicle as a whole to penetrate even deeper into the ground and thus improve the grip for traction.

[0052] Furthermore, the additional details of the second embodiment can be found in the description of the first.

[0053] Closing the snap connection marks the end of the assembly. To do this, the toothed cover 15, with the rubber ring 21 attached to it, is positioned coaxially with the outer surfaces 20 of the outer legs 8 of the V-shaped recesses 7. The conically angled surfaces of the mating parts facilitate their self-centering upon contact.

[0054] For correct assembly, the toothed cover 15 is rotated until its teeth 17 align in pairs with the opposing tabs 5. Then, the toothed cover 15 is pushed axially towards the vehicle wheels using the required clamping force. A characteristic clicking sound indicates that the snap connection has been established.

[0055] At the same time, the rubber ring 21 nestles against the rubber tire 22 of the vehicle wheels and compacts the contact points.

[0056] Overall, after the snap connection is closed, the armor has a box-like structure in which the toothed cover 15 fulfills its function as a hard bandage. It moderately prevents the vehicle wheels from spinning in the anti-slip tracks 1 while driving.

[0057] It is advisable to slightly increase the tire pressure after installation to tighten the anti-skid tracks and ensure a tight fit. Conversely, when dismantling the armor to replace worn or damaged tracks, it is recommended to slightly reduce the tire pressure to loosen the anti-skid tracks. This facilitates handling the armor.

Claims

[1] Armor for a rubber tire (22) of a vehicle wheel, the running surface of which is covered with an anti-slip track (1) consisting of a series of tracks (3) and the structure of which has tabs (5), each tab (5) having parts which extend parallel to a side surface of the vehicle wheel by which the anti-slip track (1) is attached to the vehicle wheel as a hard bandage, the tracks (3) of the anti-slip track (1) being connected to each other in a hinge manner and the tabs (5) being formed integrally with the tracks (3), characterized by, that the tabs (5) are arranged on a non-connected side of the tracks (3) and are designed such that V-shaped curved recesses (7) are formed at the ends (6) of the tabs (5), which have inner leg surfaces (9) and outer leg surfaces (8), wherein the inner leg surfaces (9) serve to enclose a vehicle wheel shoulder (10) and the outer leg surfaces (8) have inclinations, wherein inclined surfaces of a toothed cover (15) designed as a rigid bandage are placed opposite the inclinations to create a snap connection between the cover (15) and the anti-slip chain (1). [2] Armor according to claim 1, characterized by , that the inclined surface of the lid (15) is formed on the sides of teeth (17) which are directed towards the outer leg surfaces (8) of the tabs (5), wherein through-holes (18) for receiving the teeth (17) are formed in the middles of the tabs (5). [3] Armor according to claim 2, characterized by , that the structure has elastic rubber rings (21) to protect the rubber tires (22) from damage, wherein the rubber rings (21) are pre-tensioned as a snap connection to prevent the vehicle wheel from slipping in the anti-slip chain (1) while driving.

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