Rim for wheel assembled to house an electric vehicle motor.

Abstract

Rim for a wheel assembled to house an electric vehicle motor. The invention relates to a rim 10 for a wheel 7 with main axis A, comprising an internal cylindrical volume V whose axis coincides with the main axis A, the internal volume V having a main radius RV for housing an electric motor 4, the rim comprising an external hook 11 and an internal hook 20 for holding a tire in position on the rim, the rim 10 comprising a cylindrical extension 30 whose axis coincides with the main axis A, the cylindrical extension 30 extending radially from the main radius RV to a radius greater than the main radius RV and extending axially in an axial direction D parallel to the main axis A directed away from the external hook 11 such that the cylindrical extension 30 encloses the internal volume V beyond the internal hook 20 to protect the electric motor 4 in case of impact at the rim 10. Illustration: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Rim for wheel assembled to house an electric vehicle motor. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a rim for an assembled wheel housing an electric motor. The invention also relates to an assembled wheel comprising such a rim. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a rim or such an assembled wheel. Prior art

[0002] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises drive wheelsets. A rim of such a drive wheelset usually houses braking elements such as a disc and / or caliper and / or drum and / or brake shoes, the drive torque coming from a transmission shaft.

[0003] Some electric vehicles are equipped with a drive wheel assembly comprising an electric motor. Such an electric motor is generally arranged within a rim of such a drive wheel assembly and generally juxtaposed with braking elements.

[0004] Thus, such an electric motor, particularly when arranged next to such braking elements, protrudes from such a rim on the inner side of such an assembled wheel. This results in a risk of damage to such an electric motor when going up or down a curb and / or passing through a deep pothole and / or passing over certain types of manhole covers, or in other obstacle-crossing situations encountered by such a vehicle. This situation is unacceptable. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a rim that remedies the above disadvantages. In particular, the invention offers an economical rim that is simple to manufacture, without compromising the external aesthetics of such a rim. Summary of the invention

[0006] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a rim for a wheel, in particular for an assembled wheel, having a main axle, the rim comprising a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical internal volume with its axis coinciding or substantially coinciding with the main axle, the internal volume having a main radius to house an electric motor for driving the rotation of such a wheel, the rim comprising an external hook and an internal hook for holding a tire in position on the rim, the rim comprising a cylindrical extension with its axis coinciding or substantially coinciding with the main axle, the cylindrical extension extending radially from the main radius to a radius greater than the main radius and extending axially in an axial direction parallel to the main axis directed away from the outer hook so that the cylindrical extension envelops the internal volume beyond the inner hook in the axial direction to protect such an electric motor in case of impact at the rim.

[0007] The inner hook can extend between a rim radius and a maximum radius and the cylindrical extension can include an external cylindrical surface with a radius between the main radius and the maximum radius of the inner hook.

[0008] The inner hook can extend between a rim root radius and a maximum radius and the cylindrical extension can include an external cylindrical surface of radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim root radius.

[0009] The inner hook can extend between a rim radius and a maximum radius and the cylindrical extension can include an external cylindrical surface of radius equal to or substantially equal to the maximum radius of the inner hook.

[0010] The inner hook can extend between a rim radius and a maximum radius and the cylindrical extension can include an external frustoconical or substantially frustoconical surface that can extend from the maximum radius of the inner hook to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius or to the main radius or substantially to the main radius of the internal volume.

[0011] The inner hook can extend between a rim radius and a maximum radius and the cylindrical extension can include an external surface comprising a concave or convex rounded portion that can extend from the maximum radius of the inner hook to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius or to the main radius or substantially to the main radius of the internal volume.

[0012] The invention further relates to a wheel comprising a disc and a rim as defined above, the wheel being monobloc, in particular by being made from material.

[0013] The wheel can be made of aluminium alloy or composite material or steel.

[0014] The invention further relates to a wheel, in particular an assembled wheel, comprising a rim as defined above and an electric motor arranged within the internal volume.

[0015] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, comprising at least one wheel as defined above, or at least one rim as defined above. Presentation of the figures

[0016] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a preferred embodiment and variants. by way of example, in relation to the attached figures, including:

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic partial half-view in cross-section of a wheel, along a plane passing through the main axis, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic partial half-view in cross-section of a wheel, along a plane passing through the main axis, according to a first variant of the embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic partial half-view in cross-section of a wheel, along a plane passing through the main axis, according to a second and a third variant of the embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic partial half-view in cross-section of a wheel, along a plane passing through the main axis, according to a fourth and a sixth variant of the embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic partial half-view in cross-section of a wheel, along a plane passing through the main axis, according to a fifth and a seventh variant of the embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic partial half-view in cross-section of an assembled wheel depending on the method of implementation or a variant, according to a plan passing through the main axis, during a descent of a sidewalk. Detailed description

[0024] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a right-handed coordinate system XYZ is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, i.e., directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to the right, and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the backward direction.

[0025] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle 1, comprises at least one drive wheel assembly 2. For example, the vehicle comprises two drive wheels assemblies. For example, the two drive wheels assemblies are arranged at the front (traction) or the two drive wheels assemblies are arranged at the rear (propulsion).

[0026] The term "rim" refers to the cylindrical part of a wheel.

[0027] The term "wheel" refers to the cylindrical part of a wheel, namely the "rim," associated with a disc or disc fixed to the cylindrical part or formed from the same material as the cylindrical part. The disc or disc preferably includes holes for fixing such a wheel to a hub.

[0028] By "assembled wheel" is meant a wheel on which is mounted in particular a tire, and in the case of an electric drive wheel, an electric motor.

[0029] Alternatively, the vehicle comprises three, or even four assembled drive wheels 2, or even more in the case of a vehicle equipped with more than four assembled wheels.

[0030] The assembled wheel 2 comprises a wheel 7 and a tire 3. The wheel 7 comprises a rim 10 and a disc or disc 6. The assembled wheel 2 further comprises at least one electric motor 4 for driving the assembled wheel 2 in rotation. The at least one electric motor 4 is arranged within an internal volume V formed in the rim 10. More precisely, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 2] showing a preferred embodiment, the rim 10 of the assembled wheel 2 has a principal axis A of rotation. The rim 10 comprises the internal volume V or cavity, cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, whose axis coincides or substantially coincides with the principal axis A of rotation. The internal volume V has a principal radius RV. Thus, the electric motor 4 is housed, arranged (or even fixed at the level of a rotor of the motor, for example), within the internal volume V.

[0031] The rim 10 further includes an external or outer hook or shoulder 11. The The rim 10 also includes an inner or internal hook or shoulder 20. The inner and outer hooks 20 and 11 hold the tire 3 (not shown in Figures 2 to 6) in position relative to the rim 10. A rim bed 12 extends between the outer hook 11 and the inner hook 20. More precisely, the inner hook 20 extends between the radius R12 of the rim bed and a maximum radius R22. The maximum radius R22 corresponds to the radius of an outer surface 22 of the inner hook 20, that is, preferably the largest radius of the inner hook 20.

[0032] The rim 10 further includes a cylindrical extension 30 with its axis coincident, or sen The cylindrical extension 30 is likely to be confused with the main axis A. It extends radially from the main radius RV of the internal volume V to a radius greater than the main radius RV. In other words, the cylindrical extension 30 extends to a radius larger than the main radius RV of the internal volume V. The cylindrical extension 30 extends axially along an axial direction D parallel to the main axis A, directed away from the outer hook 11. Thus, the cylindrical extension 30 extends from the inner side of the rim 10. In other words, the cylindrical extension 30 extends in the direction of the vehicle.

[0033] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, the extension 30 envelops, covers, the volume internal V from and / or beyond the internal hook 20 along the axial direction D.

[0034] More specifically, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], in the preferred embodiment, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises an external cylindrical surface 39. The cylindrical surface 39 has a radius equal to, or substantially equal to, the rim radius R12. Alternatively, the cylindrical surface 39 may have a radius between the maximum radius R22 and the rim radius R12. Alternatively again, the cylindrical surface 39 may have a radius between the rim radius R12 and a radius greater than the principal radius RV of the internal volume V.

[0035] As illustrated in [Fig.3], in a first variant of the embodiment, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises an external cylindrical surface 31. The external cylindrical surface 31 then has a radius equal to, or substantially equal to, the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20. In other words, the inner hook 20 extends axially, on the inner side, towards the vehicle, so as to form the cylindrical extension 30. Alternatively, a step or shoulder is formed at the thickness E20 (see [Fig.2]), along the axial direction, of the inner hook 20 so that the external cylindrical surface 31 has a radius greater than the maximum radius R22, or has a radius smaller than the maximum radius R22, for example by only a few mm.

[0036] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], in a second embodiment, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises a frustoconical or substantially frustoconical external surface 32. The frustoconical external surface 32 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius R12. Alternatively, the external surface 32 extends from a radius slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than (for example, a few mm) the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius R12.Alternatively, the external surface 32 extends from a radius slightly less than, or slightly greater than (for example a few mm) the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius slightly less than, or slightly greater than (for example a few mm) the rim radius R12.

[0037] As illustrated in [Fig. 4] with dashed lines, in a third embodiment, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises a frustoconical, or substantially frustoconical, external surface 33. The frustoconical external surface 33 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to the principal radius RV, or substantially to the principal radius RV of the internal volume V. Alternatively, the frustoconical external surface 33 extends from a slightly smaller radius, or less The frustoconical external surface 33 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than (for example, a few mm) than, the main radius RV of the internal volume V. Alternatively, the frustoconical external surface 33 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than (for example, a few mm) than, the main radius RV of the internal volume V.

[0038] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], in a fourth embodiment, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises an external surface including a concave rounded portion 34. The concave rounded portion 34 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius R12. Alternatively, the concave rounded portion 34 extends from a radius slightly less than, or slightly greater than (for example, a few mm) the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius R12.

[0039] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], in a fifth embodiment, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises an external surface including a convex rounded portion 35. The convex rounded portion 35 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius R12. Alternatively, the convex rounded portion 35 extends from a radius slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than (for example, a few mm) the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius equal to or substantially equal to the rim radius R12.

[0040] As illustrated in [Fig. 5] with dashed lines, in a sixth embodiment, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises an external surface including a concave rounded portion 36. The concave rounded portion 36 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to the main radius RV or substantially to the main radius RV of the internal volume V. Alternatively, the concave rounded portion 36 extends from a radius slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than (for example, a few mm) the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to the radius main RV of the internal volume V. Alternatively, the rounded concave portion 36 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to a radius slightly less than, or slightly greater than (for example a few mm) the main radius RV of the internal volume V.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig.6] in dotted lines, in a seventh variant of the mode of In its construction, the cylindrical extension 30 comprises an external surface including a convex rounded portion 37. The convex rounded portion 37 extends from the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to the principal radius RV or substantially to the principal radius RV of the internal volume V. Alternatively, the convex rounded portion 37 extends from a radius slightly less than, or slightly greater than (for example, a few mm) the maximum radius R22 of the inner hook 20 to the principal radius RV of the internal volume V.

[0042] Preferably, the principal radius RV of the internal volume V along the cylindrical extension 30 in the axial direction D is constant or substantially constant, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6. Alternatively, the internal volume V has a non-constant radius, for example by forming at least a frustoconical portion.

[0043] Alternatively, the cylindrical extension 30 includes an external surface of a different shape than those described and / or includes a non-cylindrical internal surface, i.e. of non-constant internal radius.

[0044] Preferably, the rim 10 is monobloc, in particular by being made from a single piece of material. By For example, the rim is made of aluminum alloy, or composite material, or steel.

[0045] Alternatively, a circular element, a ring of cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape, is attached to a face 23 (illustrated in [Fig. 2]) of the inner hook 20. The attached element thus forms the cylindrical extension. For example, this circular element is fixed by screwing, for example by screws extending parallel to the main axis A, and / or by bonding, or even by welding.

[0046] Whatever its shape, the cylindrical extension 30 allows the internal volume V to be extended. Thus the internal volume V extends over the entire width, along the axial direction, occupied by the electric motor 4. Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig.2], a clearance J remains between the motor 4 and an end face 38 of the cylindrical extension 30. For example, the clearance J is a few mm.

[0047] Thus, the cylindrical extension 30 protects the electric motor 4 in the event of an impact on the rim 10. The clearance J maximizes this protection if necessary. This protection is achieved by creating an internal volume that houses the entire electric motor 4 of the assembled wheel 2.

[0048] The radial thickness of the cylindrical extension is preferably defined so as to be sufficiently robust so as not to break in the event of an impact, or even not to bend. By "impact," we mean, for example, contact against a curb and / or a manhole and / or a deep pothole at or near the inner hook 20. The determination of the radial thickness of the cylindrical extension is preferably defined according to the material of this cylindrical extension, and according to the rim itself in the case of an extension 30 made of material with the rim.

[0049] In addition, the assembled wheel 2 may include braking elements 5, for example, a brake disc and / or a brake caliper and / or a brake drum and / or brake shoes and / or a rigid or flexible brake fluid hose or pipe. These elements are preferably housed within the internal volume V so as to also be protected against such impacts. Generally, the braking elements are arranged on the outside of the rim, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6. If the braking elements are arranged on the inside of the rim, the cylindrical extension plays a particularly important protective role for these elements.

[0050] In summary, the solution offers optimal protection for an electric motor housed within a drive wheel assembly. The electric motor does not protrude from the inner or inner side of the rim due to the cylindrical extension that completely encloses it. As illustrated in [Fig. 7], this prevents any risk of damage to the electric motor 4 when going up or down a curb 100 and / or when passing through deep potholes and / or when passing over certain types of manhole covers, and more generally in all situations encountered by the vehicle equipped with drive wheel(s), each containing an electric motor. Indeed, the cylindrical extension 30, particularly its outer surface 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 39, is capable of absorbing such impacts.In other words, the cylindrical extension hits, rubs against, and comes into contact with such obstacles, particularly street furniture, "in place" of part of the electric motor 4. The electric motor is therefore perfectly protected by being housed within the internal volume V extending axially along the entire length of the motor.

[0051] In the event of a very high-intensity impact, the rim may break at the cylindrical extension. Such breakage does not necessarily damage the electric motor. If this occurs, the solution allows for the rim to be replaced using the original electric motor, which is much less expensive than replacing the entire electric motor.

[0052] Furthermore, the rim is economical and simple to manufacture, particularly by using manufacturing methods commonly used in the field of vehicle rims. It should be noted that the external side of the rim can be as aesthetically refined as that of other rims. usual ones without cylindrical extension. In addition, the cylindrical extension is barely, if at all, visible on the assembled drive wheel thus equipped.

[0053] For example, only the preferred embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 2], is compatible with wheel balancing weights that clip, lock, attach, or clamp onto the inner hook or the inner hook 20. For example, the other embodiments are compatible with balancing weights designed to be glued. In this case, the weights can be glued to the end surface 38 or to the external surface 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 39. Advantageously, the wheel balancing weights are glued to the inner surface of the internal volume V, i.e., the cylindrical surface of radius RV. Thus, the glued area of ​​the weight is not subject to detachment caused by the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the wheel.

[0054] The solution relating to a rim comprising a shape suitable for protecting an internal electric motor is particularly suitable for an assembled wheel of the IWM type (“In Wheel Motor” in Anglo-Saxon terms), in particular without internal transmission, for example in which the rim is fixed to a rotor of the electric motor.

[0055] Finally, the solution allows for the use of standard tires, meaning that the tread width does not need to be increased. This avoids additional costs, as wider tires are more expensive. Furthermore, by using standard-sized tires, increased friction, increased tire mass, and consequently, increased vehicle energy consumption are eliminated.

[0056] As a note, the solution therefore achieves the objective of providing a rim that prevents damage to an electric motor embedded in the rim when a vehicle crosses an obstacle, and has the advantage of being able to be used for wheels assembled from other vehicles, namely vans, trucks, buses, coaches, three-wheeled vehicles, or even motorcycles.

Claims

Claims

1. Rim (10) for a wheel (7), in particular for an assembled wheel (2), with a main axis (A) comprising a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical internal volume (V) with an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis (A), the internal volume (V) having a main radius (RV) for housing an electric motor (4) for rotating such a wheel, the rim (10) comprising an external hook (11) and an internal hook (20) intended to hold a tire (3) in position on the rim (10), characterized in that the rim (10) comprises a cylindrical extension (30) with an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis (A),the cylindrical extension (30) extending radially from the main radius (RV) to a radius greater than the main radius (RV) and extending axially in an axial direction (D) parallel to the main axis (A) directed opposite the outer hook (11) so that the cylindrical extension (30) envelops the internal volume (V) beyond the inner hook (20) in the axial direction (D) to protect such an electric motor (4) in the event of an impact at the rim (10).,

2. Rim (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner hook (20) extends between a rim base radius (R 12) and a maximum radius (R22) and in that the cylindrical extension (30) comprises a cylindrical external surface (39) with a radius between the main radius (RV) and the maximum radius (R22) of the inner hook (20).

3. Rim (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner hook (20) extends between a rim base radius (R 12) and a maximum radius (R22) and in that the cylindrical extension (30) comprises a cylindrical external surface (39) of radius equal or substantially equal to the rim base radius (R 12).

4. Rim (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner hook (20) extends between a rim base radius (R 12) and a maximum radius (R22) and in that the cylindrical extension (30) comprises a cylindrical external surface (31) of radius equal or substantially equal to the maximum radius (R22) of the inner hook (20).

5. Rim (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner hook (20) extends between a rim base radius (R 12) and a maximum radius (R22) and in that the cylindrical extension (30) comprises a frustoconical or substantially frustoconical external surface (32; 33) extending from the maximum radius (R22) of the inner hook (20) to a radius equal or substantially equal to the rim base radius (R12) or to the main radius (RV) or substantially to the main radius (RV) of the internal volume (V).

6. Rim (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner hook (20) extends between a rim base radius (R 12) and a maximum radius (R22) and in that the cylindrical extension (30) comprises an external surface comprising a concave (34; 36) or convex (35; 37) rounded portion extending from the maximum radius (R22) of the inner hook (20) to a radius equal or substantially equal to the rim base radius (R12) or to the main radius (RV) or substantially to the main radius (RV) of the internal volume (V).

7. Wheel (7) comprising a web (6) and a rim (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel (7) is a single piece, in particular being made of one material.

8. Wheel (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is made of aluminum alloy or composite material or steel.

9. Wheel, in particular assembled wheel (2), comprising a rim (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and an electric motor (4) arranged within the internal volume (V).

10. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), in particular electric motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one wheel according to one of claims 7 to 9, or at least one rim (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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