Tire for a vehicle wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle wheel rim, comprising a rim body (12) with a hub section (14), a rim base (16), multiple support sections (20) arranged between the hub section (14) and the rim base (16), at least one intermediate space (22) arranged between the support sections (20), and at least one cover element (28) coupled to the intermediate space. This cover element can be moved from a first position to a second position by means of an actuating device, and the coverage of the intermediate space by the cover element in the first position differs from the coverage of the intermediate space by the cover element in the second position. The cover element is deformed when moving from the first to the second position.The drive device consists of a thermal element (40; 40') that automatically starts to move the cover element (28) from the first position to the second position when a first defined temperature is exceeded.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rim for a vehicle wheel according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a rim is known from EP 3 694 727 B1.

[0002] Modern vehicles are designed to have the lowest possible air resistance in order to reduce energy consumption, especially at higher speeds. The rims of the vehicle wheels also contribute to reducing air resistance. To achieve the smoothest possible airflow around a vehicle rim, its outer surface should be as smooth and closed as possible to minimize air turbulence that increases air resistance.

[0003] On the other hand, there is also the need to effectively cool the brakes of a vehicle, which are typically located in the space enclosed by the wheel rims. This requires the highest possible airflow across the rim surface to ensure sufficient airflow to the brakes both while the vehicle is moving and stationary. This requirement directly contradicts the previously explained requirement for a rim surface that is as closed as possible.

[0004] To resolve this conflict of objectives, the aforementioned European patent 3 694 727 proposes a generic rim for a vehicle wheel in which openings in the rim surface are closed by one or more cover elements. Such a cover element can deform between a first position and a second position by pneumatic, electrical, or magnetic actuation in order to open spaces in the rim surface as needed, allowing cooling air to flow through these spaces. However, this known solution requires, firstly, pneumatic, electrical, or magnetic actuators to deform the cover element(s) from a first position to a second position, and secondly, associated sensors (temperature sensor, vehicle speed sensor, etc.).) and a control logic that interacts with this sensor technology to decide when a cover element should deform from its first position to its second position. This obviously results in increased complexity and costs.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a solution to the described conflict of objectives that, on the one hand, retains the advantages of the known solution and, on the other hand, is less complex and more cost-efficient. From DE 10 2011 016534 A1, a rim with cover elements for gaps is known, wherein each cover element can be moved between two positions. A thermal expansion element is used as the actuating element, which can adjust the associated cover element depending on the temperature.

[0006] Starting from the aforementioned prior art, this problem is solved according to the invention by a rim for a vehicle wheel which has the features specified in claim 1. A rim for a vehicle wheel according to the invention is therefore characterized in that an actuating device, by means of which a cover element can be moved from a first position to a second position, is formed by a so-called expansion material working element, which automatically begins to move the cover element from the first position towards the second position when a first predefined temperature is exceeded, wherein several or all cover elements interact with a single expansion material working element as the actuating device.

[0007] Expansion elements are well-known. They have been used for many years in thermostats to maintain a desired temperature in cooling and / or heating fluid circuits. An expansion element typically consists of a housing and a piston- or plunger-like component enclosed by an expansion material located within the housing. A diaphragm or elastomer insert, which is force-transmitting to the piston or plunger, usually serves to seal the housing of an expansion element. Oil, wax, and hard paraffin, for example, have become established as expansion materials. When the expansion material is subjected to external temperature, it expands upon exceeding a predefined temperature, thereby moving the piston- or plunger-like component, thus implementing valve control in a thermostat.When the temperature falls below a second predefined temperature, which is higher than the first predefined temperature, the volume of the expansion material decreases again, allowing the piston- or plunger-like component to return to its initial position, usually by a spring force. Depending on the position of the piston or plunger, a flow of cooling and / or heating fluid can be regulated by means of an associated valve to maintain the temperature in a heating and / or cooling system at a substantially constant level.

[0008] Expansion joints can be manufactured in a wide variety of configurations by appropriately dimensioning their components and selecting and designing the expansion material used. These joints can provide a desired actuation force, a desired small or large stroke, and a desired control range within a broad spectrum. The temperature range in which such expansion joints can be used for control is, for example, -20 °C to +130 °C, but can extend significantly beyond this range for special requirements. The first and second predefined temperatures are determined by the appropriate selection and design of the expansion material and define the desired control range in °C, e.g., 60–80 °C, 65–80 °C, 71–85 °C, 75–90 °C, 83–95 °C, etc. Expansion joints of the type described are used, for example, in...Manufactured and distributed by ACS GmbH in 83703 Gmund / Germany.

[0009] The actuating device of the rim according to the invention, formed by a thermal expansion element, reliably ensures that the cover elements associated with the actuating device are moved from the first position towards the second position when the first predefined temperature is exceeded, without the need for a pneumatic, electrical or magnetic actuator controlled by a sensor for detecting a temperature and / or other parameters.

[0010] Preferably, the cover element(s) is designed to have a planar extent extending predominantly in the radial and circumferential directions. This ensures, firstly, that such a cover element can be easily deformed, and secondly, that any gap associated with the cover element can be reliably opened and closed.

[0011] In preferred embodiments of the rim according to the invention, each cover element has a fastening section that is immovably connected to the rim body, wherein this fastening section is preferably located radially outside the rim body and / or extends circumferentially. In this way, each cover element is securely fixed to the rim body. A fastening section arranged radially outside the rim body advantageously allows an actuating device associated with the cover element to be located in a radially inner region of the rim. In the radially inner region of the rim, an additional mass results in lower circumferential forces when the rim rotates.

[0012] In preferred embodiments of the rim according to the invention, the cover element has an actuating section that is movably arranged relative to the rim body, in particular slidably arranged, wherein this actuating section is preferably located inside the rim and / or extends circumferentially, and wherein the actuating section is preferably movable or slidable in an axial and / or a radial direction and / or circumferential direction. An arrangement of the actuating section radially inside the rim advantageously allows this actuating section to be coupled with an actuating device of the associated cover element that is also arranged radially inside.The actuating section of the cover element is preferably present in addition to the aforementioned fastening section, so that a cover element comprises, for example, a radially outer fastening section and a radially inner actuating section. Preferably, the actuating section of a cover element is arranged to be displaceable or pivotable relative to the rim body, and such displacement or pivoting can preferably be guided, i.e., proceed along a predetermined path of movement.

[0013] Preferably, the first position of the cover element is one in which the space associated with the cover element is more completely covered by the cover element than in the second position. Thus, the second position is a more open position compared to the first. The first position can be the position in which the space associated with the cover element is completely covered by the cover element. Such a position can also be referred to as the closed position of the cover element. The second position can be a position in which the cover element assumes a maximum opening position with respect to the space associated with it. Such a position can also be referred to as the fully open position of the cover element. Intermediate opening positions are also possible.

[0014] Preferably, one or more cover elements, when transitioning from the first position to the second position, curve axially outwards or inwards at least partially relative to the rim surface. With a cover element extending over a flat area as described above, such partial curvature of the cover element, either axially outwards or axially inwards, can be used to create openings between the cover element and the rim body on two opposite sides of the cover element (for example, on two sides opposite in the circumferential direction), through which air can flow into the space within the rim associated with the cover element. Alternatively and / or additionally, partial curvature of the cover element can also occur on only one side of the cover element, e.g.To promote a directed flow of cooling air into the gap between the rim and the wheel rim when the vehicle is in motion, for example, by ensuring that the opening created by the curvature of the cover element between the cover element and the rim body is at least temporarily oriented towards one direction of travel of the vehicle. Rims according to the invention preferably have several gaps formed in their rim body, with each of these gaps being assigned a cover element. Preferably, each gap is assigned a cover element.

[0015] According to the invention, several or all cover elements interact with a single expansion material working element as an actuating device. Preferably, such a single expansion material working element is arranged in the hub section of the rim body. In the hub section of the rim body, the mass associated with the single actuating device results in virtually no circumferential forces during rotation of the rim, which is advantageous for smoother running of the rim.

[0016] If the expansion element is arranged in the hub section of the rim body, then the actuating sections of the cover elements interacting with this expansion element are preferably provided with a projection that is pivotally connected to the respective actuating section and extends into the hub section of the rim body. Via such projections, the actuating device, in the form of a single expansion element, can actuate the multiple or each cover element. According to a preferred embodiment, all these projections are pivotally connected to an actuating plate that is movably arranged in the hub section of the rim body.The piston or plunger of the single expansion element can then act on this actuating plate, which extends at least substantially perpendicular to an axial direction along which the piston or plunger of the expansion element moves, in a substantially axial direction to move the cover elements from the first position to the second position. This axial direction can also be an axial direction with respect to the rim, in particular the central axis of the rim.

[0017] Regardless of whether a rim according to the invention has one or more actuating devices, the cover element, multiple cover elements, or each cover element are preferably made of, or comprise at least one, an elastically reversibly deformable material. In this way, a spring force can build up in the deformed cover element during the transition from the first position to the second position. When the temperature falls below the aforementioned predefined second temperature, this spring force causes the cover element, multiple cover elements, or each cover element to automatically return from the second position to the first position. Such a design of the cover element, multiple cover elements, or each cover element eliminates the need for a separate return spring or springs, thus further simplifying the design of the rim according to the invention.If desired, or required in the case of a cover element material that does not generate a spring-like restoring force, one or more restoring spring elements can also be used.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of rims according to the invention are characterized in that, when the cover element(s) assume a position in which a gap associated with the respective cover element is completely covered, the cover element(s) run at least substantially flush with the support sections that define the respective gap to which the respective cover element is assigned. In other words, the respective cover element then runs substantially flush with the vehicle-side surface of the rim body.

[0019] The invention also relates to a vehicle wheel which is equipped with a rim according to the invention, and furthermore to a vehicle which has one or more vehicle wheels which are equipped with a rim according to the invention.

[0020] The rim according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. These show: Figure 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of a rim according to the invention for a vehicle wheel, Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the rim. Figure 1 shown, first embodiment along line BB in Figure 1 , Figure 3, section X from Figure 2 in enlarged view, Figure 4 the view from Figure 3 , however with the cover element open, Figure 5 a perspective sectional view of the in Figures 1 to 4Figure 6 shows a slightly modified version of the first embodiment, Figure 7 shows a perspective sectional view of part of the first embodiment in a state with open cover elements, Figure 8 shows a perspective partial sectional view of a cover element assembly according to the first embodiment, Figure 9 shows a second, non-inventive embodiment of a rim for a vehicle wheel in top view, Figure 9 shows one of the Figure 3 corresponding view of the second embodiment, Figure 10, one of the Figure 4 corresponding view of the second embodiment, Figure 11 a perspective partial sectional view of a detail of the second embodiment in an unactuated state in which a cover element is closed, and Figure 12 a view similar to the view from Figure 11 in an activated state in which the cover element is open.

[0021] Based on the Figures 1 to 7A first embodiment of a rim 10 according to the invention for a vehicle wheel will now be described in more detail. The rim 10 can, for example, be a so-called light alloy rim for a passenger car, which has been manufactured from a light metal alloy, for example by means of a casting process, in a generally known manner and therefore not explained in detail here.

[0022] The rim 10 comprises a rim body 12, which may, for example, be made of the aforementioned light metal alloy by casting, with a hub section 14 arranged in the center of the rim 10 and a radially outer ring-shaped rim bed 16 for receiving a tire (not shown). The hub section 14, arranged concentrically to a central axis M, serves, among other things, to fasten the rim 10 to a vehicle (not shown) and has several (in this case five) bolt holes 18, which run parallel to the central axis M and each serve to receive a screw bolt (not shown) with which the rim 10 can be bolted to an axle or wheel suspension of a vehicle.

[0023] Between the radially inner hub section 14 and the radially outer rim bed 16, several (here five) support sections 20 extend, which are often also referred to as arms or spokes. In the present case, the hub section 14, the support sections 20, and the rim bed 16 are formed integrally by casting the rim body 12, but this is not mandatory. Rather, depending on the material used for the rim body 12 and the manufacturing process of the rim body 12, embodiments are also possible in which the rim body 12 consists of several parts that are manufactured separately and then joined together.

[0024] Two adjacent support sections 20 in a circumferential direction U of the rim 10 define a space 22 between them, which forms a passage opening between a rim top surface 24 and an interior space 26 of the rim 10 enclosed by the rim bed 16. If the rim 10 is mounted on an axle or wheel suspension (not shown) of a vehicle, then this interior space 26 of the rim usually contains a vehicle brake (not shown) rigidly connected to the axle or wheel suspension of the vehicle, often a so-called disc brake, with which the vehicle can be slowed down. Due to the frictional heat generated during braking by the friction between a rotating component (e.g., drum or disc) of the brake and stationary friction linings (brake pads) of the brake, such a vehicle brake can become very hot in operation and must therefore be cooled so that it can reliably perform its braking function.The gaps 22 of the rim body 12 allow air exchange between the interior 26 of the rim 10 and the ambient atmosphere, enabling cool air to flow towards the brake and hot air to flow away from the brake. However, during driving, the gaps 22 cause air turbulence, which increases drag and therefore leads to higher fuel consumption of the vehicle.

[0025] To at least temporarily eliminate the drag-increasing effect of the gaps 22 while still allowing sufficient cooling of the vehicle brakes, cover elements 28 are provided for the gaps 22. In the illustrated embodiment, each gap 22 is assigned a cover element 28. Viewed from above, each cover element 28 has an approximately pie-slice shape and serves to cover its assigned gap 22 from the outside. Each cover element 28 is a planar element that extends mainly radially and circumferentially U, and whose thickness is much less than its radial and circumferential extent. In the illustrated embodiment, each cover element 28 extends from the hub section 14 to almost the outer circumferential edge 30 of the rim body 12.In the area of ​​the hub section 14, each cover element 28 is provided with a round opening 32, which allows access to a bolt hole 18 located below it or to a screw bolt located in the bolt hole 18. One of the cover elements 28 is further provided near its radially outer end with another round through-opening 34, which allows access to a tire valve 36 located below it, through which air can be supplied to or extracted from the vehicle wheel when the tire is mounted. Near the radially inner end of each support section 20 and circumferentially between each pair of bolt holes 18, so-called poly-control bores 38 are also formed in the rim body 12, which are used by some vehicle manufacturers for adjusting the toe-in of a vehicle wheel. However, these poly-control bores 38 have no function within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] How to get better from the Figures 3and 4 As can be seen, each cover element 28 can assume a first position, which, for example, is in Figure 3 The closed position shown can be, and can be transformed from a first position into a second position, which, for example, is the one shown in Figure 4 The open position shown can be [this]. The transfer of a cover element 28 from a first position to a second position is effected by deforming the cover element 28 by means of an actuating device formed by a so-called expansion material working element 40, which automatically begins to move the cover element 28 from the first position towards the second position when a first predefined temperature is exceeded. In the first embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 7The expansion material working element 40 is housed in a central recess 41 of the hub section 14, which extends axially and here concentrically to the central axis M through the hub section 14 of the rim body 12.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, each cover element 28 is deformed by displacing its radially inner end region in a radial direction (radially outwards) such that a central part of the cover element 28 with respect to its radial extent bulges upwards in a substantially axial direction, i.e., away from the rim surface 24. Thus, as soon as a cover element 28 is displaced from its Figure 3When the cover element 28 has been moved from its closed position to a second position, openings 42 are formed on both sides of it between the respective support section 20 and the cover element 28, through which air can flow in and out of the space 22 located under the cover element 28. The second position of the cover element 28 can thus be the Figure 4 The position shown is in which the cover element 28 assumes its maximum possible opening position; however, it can also be any position between the positions shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The positions shown are (in such an intermediate position the openings 42 are then correspondingly smaller).

[0028] To enable each cover element 28 to deform as previously explained, in the illustrated embodiments it consists of an elastically reversibly deformable material (e.g., a suitable plastic or a suitable metal or metal alloy) and is fixed to the rim body 12 in the region of its radially outer end. In the illustrated embodiments, this fixing is achieved by means of a fastening section 44, which forms the radially outer part of the cover element 28 and is supported, for example, by a tab 46 in the radial direction on the rim body 12. For this purpose, a groove 48 can be provided in the region of the circumferential edge 30 of the rim body 12 (see Fig. 6) be provided into which the tab 46 connected to the fastening section 44 engages. Alternatively, a support 50 bearing against the circumferential edge 30 can be provided, against which the tab 46 is supported in the radial direction, for example by a positive engagement between the tab 46 and a radially inwardly directed projection 52 formed on the support 50 (see Figures 9 to 11 ) or by fixing the tab 46 to the bracket 50 by means of, for example, a screw or a rivet, or by gluing, etc. (see Figure 12 , where a fastening element in the form of a screw or rivet is not shown).

[0029] Furthermore, each cover element 28 is mounted in the region of its radially inner end section in such a way that it is held on the rim body 12 on the one hand and is radially displaceable on the other. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiments, each cover element 28 has a radially inner actuating section 54, which is connected to an elongated hole 56 (see Fig. 5 The rim body 12 is provided with a slot through which a screw 58 extends, securing the actuating section 54 to the rim body 12. The screw 58 has a screw head whose diameter is larger than the width of the slot 56, so that the interaction of the slot 56 with the screw 58 provides radial guidance for the actuating section 54. The actuating section 54 of each cover element 28 can thus be displaced radially within the range defined by the length of the slot 56 (i.e., its radial extent).

[0030] The aforementioned expansion element 40 is used to effect such a displacement. This expansion element 40 has a housing 60 for receiving an expansion material 62, the volume of which changes depending on the ambient temperature. When a predefined first temperature (determined by the selection and design of the expansion material 62) is exceeded, the volume of the expansion material 62 increases. When a predefined second temperature, which is higher than the predefined first temperature, is reached, the volume of the expansion material 62 decreases again. A piston or plunger 64, guided in a sealed manner with respect to the interior of the housing 60, projects with one end into the housing 60 and is pushed out of the housing 60 when the volume of the expansion material 62 increases. This temperature-dependent, automatic movement of the plunger 64 is used to actuate the cover elements 28.The design of the expansion element 40 is shown here only as an example and does not need to be explained in more detail, since expansion elements have been known and commercially available in the field of liquid thermostats for a long time.

[0031] In the Figures 1 to 7 In the first embodiment shown, the expansion material working element 40 is arranged in the recess 41 in the center of the hub section 40 of the rim body 12, and the movement of its plunger 64 is used to actuate all cover elements 28 simultaneously. In this embodiment, the housing 60 of the expansion material working element 40 is received in a bracket 66, which is attached to the rim body 12 from the inside of the rim 26 and serves as a holder for the expansion material working element 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 60 is divided by a section 68 (see Fig. 3) with an enlarged outer diameter designed so that it can be supported in the axial direction on the console 66 when the plunger 64 is pushed out of the housing 60.

[0032] To enable the stroke movement of the plunger 64 to be transmitted to the cover elements 28, each actuating section 64 is pivotally connected to a projection 70 that extends downwards from the actuating section 64 (i.e., towards the expansion material working element 40) into the recess 41. In the illustrated embodiment, all projections 70 are also pivotally connected at their other end to an actuating plate 72, which is axially displaceable within the recess 41 and extends perpendicular to the central axis M. To actuate the cover elements 28, a free end 74 of the plunger 64 comes into contact with the underside of the actuating plate 72 facing it and pushes the latter axially outwards, i.e., towards the rim's upper surface 24.This causes the extensions 70, which are articulated on one side to the actuating plate 72 and on the other side to the associated actuating section 54, to be pushed radially outwards, thus also displacing each actuating section 54 radially outwards, resulting in the already described bulging of each cover element 28.

[0033] A cover 76 serves as an axial counter-bearing for the extensions 70 and the radially inner ends of the actuating sections 54 during such actuation. This cover 76 covers the central area of ​​the hub section 14 on the rim surface 24, and in particular the recess 41. Below this cover 76, in the hub section 14 between the bracket 66 and the cover 76, is a counter-ring 78. One or more screws 80 extend through this counter-ring and engage in corresponding threaded bores formed on the inside of the cover 76. Tightening the screws 80 forms a unit consisting of the cover 76 and the counter-ring 78. This unit is clamped to the rim body 12 by a circumferential flange 82 that projects radially between the cover 76 and the counter-ring 78 into the recess 41, thereby securing it to the rim body 12.

[0034] In the Figures 1 to 3 , 5 and 7The unactuated state of the cover elements 28 is shown, in which each cover element 28 rests essentially flush on the rim surface 24 and thereby closes or covers the gap 22 located beneath the cover element 28. Due to the small thickness of each cover element 28, in this state the cover elements 28 are essentially flush with the support sections 20 and the rim surface 24, thus largely preventing drag-increasing turbulence when air flows around the rim surface 24. In this state, the extensions 70 extend downwards at an angle from the plane of the actuating sections 54 into the recess 41 in the hub section 14, i.e., they extend downwards towards the expansion element 40. The actuating plate 72 assumes a position that is axially closer to the expansion element 40 in this state, i.e., the actuating plate 72 lies deeper in the central recess 41.

[0035] In the Figures 4 and 6 Figure 1 shows a state in which the cover elements 28 are maximally actuated, i.e., in which the cover elements 28 are in their maximum open position. As shown from Figure 4 and 6 As can be seen, in this state the stroke of the plunger 64 is so large that the actuating plate 72 rests against the inner surface of the cover 76 facing it, whereby the extensions 70 and the actuating sections 54 connected to them are displaced radially outwards as far as is possible in this embodiment. The axial outward bulging of each cover element 28 is thus at its maximum (relative to the illustrated embodiment) and the openings 42 are as large as possible in this embodiment.

[0036] Because in the illustrated embodiments each cover element 28 consists of an elastically reversibly deformable material, or at least the bulging area of ​​each cover element 28, a spring force is built up in each cover element 28 when transitioning from a closed or more closed position to a more open position. This spring force acts in a restoring direction, i.e., in a direction that closes the associated cover element 28. Starting from the position in the Figures 4 and 6In the depicted state, when the ambient temperature of the expansion material working element 40 falls below the second predefined temperature, the volume of the expansion material 62 decreases, and the lifting force acting on the plunger 64 decreases or even disappears entirely (after falling below the first predefined temperature). The spring force built up in each cover element 28, which acts back on the actuating plate 72 via the actuating sections 54 and the extensions 70, then causes the actuating plate 72 to move axially inwards, i.e., downwards, within the recess 41, pressing the plunger 64 into the housing 60. This return movement continues until an equilibrium is reached between the returning spring force and the lifting force supplied by the expansion material working element 40.If the expansion material working element 40 no longer provides a lifting force, which is the case from when the first predefined temperature is undershot, the cover elements 28 are returned to their original position by the restoring spring force built up in them. Figures 1 to 3 , 5 and 7 The closed position shown is moved.

[0037] In embodiments of a rim 10 according to the invention, in which a restoring spring force builds up in the cover elements 28 when they are opened, the cover elements 28 are therefore not only opened automatically (depending on the first predefined temperature by the expansion material working element 40), but also automatically reset or closed (by the restoring spring force and depending on the second predefined temperature). In embodiments in which cover elements 28 are used that do not build up a spring force when deformed, one or more separate restoring spring elements can additionally be used to effect a reset of opened cover elements 28 towards the closed position (not shown).

[0038] Figure 7Figure 1 shows, detached from a rim body 12, a cover element assembly 90, which consists of the cover elements 28 with their actuating sections 54 and the associated extensions 70, as well as the associated actuating plate 72, the expansion material working element 40 with its plunger 64, the bracket 66, the cover 76, and the counter ring 78 with screws 80. The structure of this cover element assembly 90 corresponds to that shown in the Figures 1 to 6The arrangement shown. The cover elements 28, together with the extensions 70 and the actuating plate 72, can be manufactured as a single component, for example, by injection molding. In such a case, the articulated connections between the actuating plate 72 and the extensions 70 on the one hand, and between the extensions 70 and the actuating sections 54 on the other, can be formed by so-called foil hinges or foil pivots. Such a one-piece design can also be made of sheet metal. Alternatively, the cover elements 28, in particular, can be manufactured as separate components (possibly together with the associated extension 70), and the actuating plate 72 can be a separate component (if desired, together with the required extensions 70), or the cover elements 28, the extensions 70, and the actuating plate 72 can each be manufactured as separate components.The only important thing is that the axial stroke movement of the plunger 64 of the expansion material working element 40 is converted into a radial displacement of the actuating sections 54 of the cover elements 28. A cover element assembly 90 as described above can also be subsequently mounted on a rim body 12 provided for this purpose.

[0039] In the Figures 8 to 12A second embodiment of a rim 10 for a vehicle wheel, not according to the invention, is shown. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in that it lacks a centrally located expansion element 40 in the recess 41, which is capable of actuating all cover elements 28 together in the manner described above. Instead, in the second embodiment, each cover element 28 is actuated by its own associated expansion element 40'. Therefore, in this second embodiment, the bracket 66, the actuating plate 72, the extensions 70, the cover 76, and the counter ring 78 with screws 80 are absent. Instead, an expansion element 40' is arranged below the actuating section 54' of each cover element 28. The housing 60' of this expansion element is pivotably connected at its end facing away from the plunger 64' to an inner retaining ring 84, which serves as a radial inner bearing for the cover elements 28.The inner retaining ring 84 can consist of a single piece or be composed of several sections and be made of plastic, metal, or another suitable material. For example, each cover element 28 can be assigned its own section of the inner retaining ring 84, so that each cover element 28 can be inserted into or removed from the rim body 12 as a separate assembly. The radially outer holder 50 can be made in one piece or be composed of several elements in the circumferential direction U, depending on how the tab 46 of the cover element 28 is fixed to the holder 50.

[0040] For easy connection to the rim body 12, the inner retaining ring 84 and / or the ring-shaped holder 50 can be clipped into the recesses of the rim body 12 formed by the gaps 22. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 11shown, locking lugs 94 and 96 are formed axially inside the inner retaining ring 84 and / or on the annular holder 50, which lock behind an edge of the recesses formed by the spaces 22 in the rim body 12.

[0041] The expansion material working element 40' extends as in the Figures 9 to 12In the second embodiment, the plunger 64' is shown in a radial direction and is pivotable about an axis T arranged tangentially to the circumferential direction U by means of the described mounting of its housing 60' on the inner retaining ring 84. For the force-transmitting connection of the expansion material working element 40' with the cover element 28, the free end of the plunger 64' is pivotably connected, in the manner of a connecting rod, to an actuating lug 86, which is fixedly attached to the inside of the cover element 28 and extends axially inwards. A pin 88, extending perpendicular to the actuating lug 86, is attached to the actuating lug 86 and engages in an eye 92 at the free end of the plunger 64' to pivotally connect the plunger 64' to the cover element 28.

[0042] The function of the expansion material working element 40' is essentially the same as previously described in connection with the first embodiment. An increase in volume of the expansion material 62, triggered by exceeding the first predefined temperature, causes the plunger 64' to be pushed out of the housing 60'. However, unlike the first embodiment, the movement of the plunger 64' does not occur in an axial direction (as in the first embodiment), but rather in a substantially radial direction. The movement of the plunger 64' is transmitted via the pin 88 and the actuating tab 86 to the associated cover element 28, whose actuating section 54' is mounted to be radially displaceable, analogous to the actuating section 54 of the first embodiment, and consequently displaces radially, causing the cover element 28 to bulge. Such a bulged, actuated state of the cover element according to the second embodiment is in Figure 12As shown, in the first embodiment, a spring force builds up when the cover element 28 transitions from a closed to an open position, just as in the first embodiment, as soon as the second predefined temperature is undershot. The other functions of the cover elements 28 in the second embodiment and the advantages achieved thereby correspond to those of the first embodiment.

Claims

1. Rim (10) for a vehicle wheel, having - a rim body (12), which has -- a hub portion (14), -- a rim well (16) for receiving a tyre, -- a plurality of carrier portions (20) arranged between the hub portion (14) and the rim well (16), and -- at least one intermediate space (22) arranged between carrier portions (20), - at least one cover element (28), which is associated with an intermediate space (22), wherein -- the cover element (28) can be transferred by means of an actuating device from a first position into a second position, and wherein a coverage of the intermediate space (22) by the cover element (28) in the first position is different from a coverage of the intermediate space (22) by the cover element (28) in the second position, and wherein -- the cover element (28) deforms as it moves from the first position into the second position, characterised in that - the actuating device is formed by an expansion material working element (40), which, when a first predefined temperature is exceeded, automatically begins to displace the cover element (28) from the first position in the direction towards the second position, - the rim body (12) has a plurality of intermediate spaces (22), wherein a plurality, preferably all, of the intermediate spaces (22) each have an associated cover element (28), and - a plurality or all of the cover elements (28) cooperate with a single expansion material working element (40) as the actuating device.

2. Rim according to claim 1, characterised in that the expansion material working element (40) has a housing (60; 60') and a piston or plunger (64; 64'), which is surrounded by an expansion material contained in the housing (60; 60'), the volume of which expansion material changes in dependence on the temperature.

3. Rim according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cover element (28) has a fastening portion (44), which is non-displaceably connected to the rim body (12) of the rim (10), wherein the fastening portion (44) is preferably located radially on the outside with respect to the rim and / or extends in the circumferential direction (U).

4. Rim according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the cover element (28) has an actuating portion (54; 54'), which is movable, in particular displaceable, relative to the rim body (12) of the rim (10), wherein the actuating portion (54; 54') is preferably located radially on the inside with respect to the rim and / or extends in the circumferential direction (U), and wherein the actuating portion (54; 54') is preferably movable or displaceable in an axial direction (A) and / or in a radial direction (R) and / or in a circumferential direction (U).

5. Rim according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first position is a position in which the intermediate space (22) is covered by the cover element (28) to a greater extent than in the second position, wherein the first position is preferably covered completely.

6. Rim according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second position is a position in which the intermediate space (22) is covered by the cover element (28) to a lesser extent than in the first position, wherein the second position is preferably a position in which the cover element (28) assumes a maximum opening position.

7. Rim according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, as the cover element (28) moves from the first position into the second position, it curves axially outwards or axially inwards with respect to the rim at least in some regions.

8. Rim according to claim 1, characterised in that the single expansion material working element (40) is arranged in the hub portion (14) of the rim body (12).

9. Rim according to claim 8, characterised in that actuating portions (54) of a plurality or of all of the cover elements (28) are each connected to a projection (70), which is connected in an articulated manner to the respective actuating portion (54) and reaches into the hub portion (14) of the rim body (12).

10. Rim according to claim 9, characterised in that all the projections (70) are connected in an articulated manner to an actuating plate (72), which is displaceably arranged in a recess (41) of the hub portion (14) of the rim body (12) and is acted upon in an at least substantially axial direction by a piston or plunger (64) of the single expansion material working element (40) in order to transfer the cover elements (28) from the first position into the second position.

11. Rim according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the, a plurality or each cover element (28) comprises an elastically reversibly deformable material, which exerts a spring force during the transfer from the first position into the second position, said spring force ensuring, when the temperature falls below a second predefined temperature, that the, a plurality or each cover element (28) moves back from the second position in the direction towards the first position.

12. Rim according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, when the cover element (28) or the cover elements (28) assume(s) a position in which an intermediate space (22) associated with the respective cover element (28) is covered completely, the cover element(s) (28) extend(s) at least substantially flush with the carrier portions (20) delimiting the respective intermediate space (22) with which the respective cover element is associated.

13. Vehicle wheel, characterised in that it comprises a rim (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Vehicle, characterised in that it has at least one vehicle wheel according to claim 13.

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