Motor vehicle wheel rim

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel (18) for a motor vehicle. The wheel comprises a rotational axis (20); a rim (22); and a connecting disc (26). The rim includes a tire sidewall retaining flange (24), the retaining flange having a profile of revolution (36) about the rotational axis, said profile of revolution comprising a hook (38) open radially towards the rotational axis and having an inner end and an outer end. The profile of revolution has a radial joint (40) extending from the inner end and a straight portion (42) extending radially from the outer end of the hook (38) towards the rotational axis (20) in order to extend the hook towards the rotational axis. The rim is made of aluminum, and the straight portion (42) forms a reflective metallic surface. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle wheel rim

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle wheels. The invention relates more specifically to a wheel with a rim with flanges for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] The grip of a motor vehicle depends on its tires which are mounted around wheels. Commonly, a wheel has a cylindrical rim encircling a disc perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The disc is generally fixed to a hub, such as a steering knuckle of the vehicle. The wheel delimits an internal housing in which a braking system is arranged, such as a disc coupled to a brake caliper. Thus, the compactness of the wheel makes it possible to increase the size of the equipment it receives. In addition to the braking torque, a wheel is capable of transmitting engine torque during the acceleration phases of the motor vehicle. Reducing the rotational inertia of the wheel optimizes these acceleration phases.

[0003] Each wheel forms a so-called unsprung mass. When this mass increases, comfort is penalized; as is the vehicle's behavior. Indeed, increasing this mass increases the inertia of the suspension system, so that the preservation of contact between the tire and the road is penalized; particularly during the relaxation movements of the suspension systems. Furthermore, the rigidity of the wheel optimizes the maintenance of the tire according to a predefined geometry despite lateral forces. Thus, the wheel contributes directly and indirectly to safety. The choice of wheel materials makes it possible to achieve a certain compromise between the different constraints.

[0004] Document FR3050400A1 presents a motor vehicle comprising a wheel fitted with a rim. The rim is made from an aluminum alloy sheet, fixed to the contour of a disc made from a steel sheet. The disc is fixed by assemblies connecting the aluminum sheet of the rim and the steel sheet of the disc which are superimposed. The assemblies comprising connecting pins having a point passing through a hole in the aluminum sheet of the rim, the front end of which is welded to the steel sheet of the disc, and a rear head bearing on the aluminum sheet of the rim around this hole.

[0005] An advantage of this wheel is that the connecting pins can be installed simply and quickly in a single operation. The wheel has a significantly reduced mass compared to a wheel formed solely from steel sheets. However, there is a need to increase the rigidity of such a wheel.

[0006] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to increase the rigidity of a motor vehicle wheel rim. The invention also aims to optimize the rigidity, mass, safety, and cost of a motor vehicle wheel.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle wheel; the wheel comprising an axis of rotation; a rim around the axis of rotation; a junction web between the axis of rotation and the rim; the rim comprising a rim for holding the tire sidewall, the holding rim having a profile of revolution around the axis of rotation, said profile of revolution comprising a hook open radially towards the axis of rotation and having an inner end, an outer end axially opposite the inner end, the profile of revolution having a radial junction extending from the inner end; remarkable in that the profile of revolution further comprises a straight portion extending radially from the outer end of the hook towards the axis of rotation in order to extend the hook towards the axis of rotation.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that the invention proposes a rim with a rim hook with a radial flange on the outside, which has a straight profile.

[0009] The straight shape of the straight portion optimizes rigidity thanks to its straightness and radial length. Thus, the retaining edge is stiffened and reinforced. In dynamic conditions, it forms a firmer support for the tire. The wheel becomes more precise. In addition, the edge is more resistant to impacts. When the wheel hits a curb, the edge retains its shape. The risk of leakage at the impact point is reduced. Safety is optimized.

[0010] Preferably, the rim comprises a first material with a first density, and the joining web comprises a second material with a second density greater than the first density; preferably, the rim comprises an aluminum alloy, and the joining web comprises steel.

[0011] Preferably, the rim comprises a reflective metal surface generated by the straight portion of the revolution profile; preferably, the straight portion forms an axial end of the rim.

[0012] Preferably, the straight portion is perpendicular to the axis of rotation; preferably, the straight portion extends radially along the radial junction.

[0013] Preferably, the retaining rim is a first retaining rim; the rim comprising a second rim for retaining the tire sidewall, the second retaining rim comprising a circular free edge surrounding the straight portion.

[0014] Preferably, the joining web comprises an outer radius from the axis of rotation, and the straight portion comprises an inner radius from the axis of rotation; the outer radius being less than the inner radius.

[0015] Preferably, axially, the rim comprises a first half and a second half, the junction web and the straight portion being in the second half.

[0016] Preferably, the rim comprises a tubular bearing surface extending axially from the radial junction towards the opposite of the straight portion; the straight portion extending radially towards the inside of the tubular bearing surface.

[0017] Preferably, the straight portion is a first straight portion, the radial junction comprising a second straight portion radially shorter than the first straight portion.

[0018] Preferably, the profile comprises an axial junction extending axially from the radial junction towards the opposite of the straight portion; the straight portion extending radially towards the inside of the axial portion.

[0019] Preferably, the wheel comprises a median plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and axially to the center of the wheel.

[0020] Preferably, the internal end is towards the median plane.

[0021] Preferably, the rim comprises a first material with a first thermal conductivity, and the junction web comprises a second material with a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity.

[0022] Preferably, the junction veil comprises a central opening and fixing orifices distributed around the central opening.

[0023] Preferably, the second straight portion is parallel to the first straight portion.

[0024] Preferably, the retaining rim is a first retaining rim, the profile of revolution is a first profile, the hook is a first hook, the external end is a first external end; the rim comprising a second retaining rim axially opposite the first retaining rim, the second retaining rim comprises a second profile of revolution around the axis of rotation, said second profile of revolution comprising a second hook with a second external end opposite the first external end and forming a free edge of the second rim.

[0025] Preferably, the straight portion comprises a height greater than or equal to 10 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 20 mm.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle wheel; the wheel comprising an axis of rotation; a rim around the axis of rotation; a joining web inside the rim; the rim comprising a rim for holding the tire sidewall, the holding rim having an external gutter open radially towards the axis of rotation, a radial joining ring extending from the external gutter on an axially internal side; remarkable in that the profile of revolution further comprises a flat disc extending from an axially external side of the external gutter. Thanks to the flat disc, the wheel is stiffened.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle wheel rim; the rim comprising an axis of rotation; a median plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation; the rim comprising a tire sidewall retaining rim, the retaining rim having an annular groove open radially towards the axis of rotation and bordered axially, on the side of the median plane, by a radial junction extending from the first end; remarkable in that on the side opposite the median plane, the annular groove is bordered by a flat annular flange in order to extend the annular groove towards the axis of rotation. The radial extension of the annular groove increases the strength of the wheel at the level of the retaining rim.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a wheel with a rim and a tire mounted around said rim; remarkable in that the wheel is in accordance with the invention.

[0029] Preferably, the first half is a half towards the center of the motor vehicle, and the second half is towards the outside of the motor vehicle.

[0030] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0031] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0032] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0033] [Fig.2] shows, along its axis of rotation, a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.

[0034] [Fig. 3] is a section of a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.4] is an enlargement of a vehicle wheel retaining flange at car according to the invention.

[0036] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or wheel to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the wheel and towards the inside of the wheel; unless a specific clarification is added.

[0037] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle.

[0038] The term "front" refers to the primary direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0039] The term "axial" and the term "axially" correspond to an orientation along the axis of rotation. The term "radial" and the term "radially" correspond to an orientation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0040] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron.

[0041] In the present description, the ranges of values ​​include the limits which delimit them.

[0042] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the wheel mounting configuration, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0043] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0044] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0045] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0046] The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems.

[0047] The motor vehicle 10 comprises ground connections 14, in this case four ground connections 14. Each ground connection 14 comprises a tire 16 associated with a wheel 18. When the tire 16 is mounted around the wheel 18, they define an annular chamber (not shown). The annular chamber is hollowed out and sealed. The annular chamber is inflated to a given pressure in order to adjust the contact surface with the ground. The tire 16 comprises a cylindrical tread, and a sidewall on each side of the tread. The sidewalls form annular surfaces around the axis of rotation 20. The sidewalls are in contact with the wheel 18. They extend radially.

[0048] Each wheel 18 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation 20 relative to the structure 12. Each axis of rotation 20 is generally transverse. It can be tilted significantly to adjust comfort, stability, driving precision.

[0049] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0050] [Fig.2] shows from the front a wheel 18 of a motor vehicle. The vehicle at tomobile corresponds to that presented in relation to [Fig.l]. The view is oriented along the axis of rotation 20, from outside the motor vehicle.

[0051] The wheel 18 has an axis of rotation 20, which forms a central axis of symmetry. The wheel 18 comprises a rim 22 of circular shape. It forms a ring around the axis of rotation 20. The rim 22 forms the circular part at the periphery of the wheel 18. It is rotationally balanced. At each axial end, the rim 22 comprises a tire sidewall retaining rim 24,

[0052] The wheel 18 also comprises a physical connecting web 26 between the axis of rotation 20 and the rim 22. The connecting web 26 is inside the rim 22 which surrounds it. The connecting web 26 therefore forms a radial connection. It generally forms a disc. It can be a solid disc. In this case, the connecting web 26 comprises openings and radial branches which are distributed alternately around the axis of rotation 20. The openings allow cooling of a braking system housed in the wheel 18.

[0053] The junction web 26 comprises a central opening 28 and fixing orifices 30 distributed around the central opening 28. The fixing orifices 30 are configured for fixing the wheel to a hub of the motor vehicle. For example, the junction web 26 comprises four to five fixing orifices 30. The central opening 28 is adapted to ensure centering.

[0054] The rim 22 comprises a reflective metal surface 32. The reflective metal surface 32 is planar. It forms a ring around the axis of rotation 20. The reflective metal surface 32 is a mirror surface. It reflects light in the visible spectrum. It is arranged at an outer end of the rim 22. The reflective metal surface 32 may receive a surface treatment. The reflective metal surface 32 is optionally polished. It may comprise bare metal. Radially, the reflective metal surface 32 has a height of between 5 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0055] The reflective metal surface 32 comprises a roughness Ra less than or equal to 0.8 pm, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 pm. When another vehicle illuminates the motor vehicle carrying the wheel 18, the reflective metal surface reflects its light back to it. This improves the visibility of the carrying vehicle, which contributes to safety.

[0056] According to one option of the invention, the wheel comprises a coating, for example of ca- taphoresis, except for the reflective metal surface 32.

[0057] According to one option, the wheel 18 is equipped with an external hubcap (not shown). The external hubcap is attached to the rim behind the reflective metal surface 32; preferably inside the reflective metal surface 32.

[0058] The rim 22 comprises a first material with a first density, and the joining web 26 comprises a second material with a second density greater than the first density. Advantageously, the rim 22 comprises an aluminum alloy, and the joining web 26 comprises steel. The aluminum alloy rim 22 is made by casting, then is machined. The rough machined surface then receives a varnish. Such a coating is commonly referred to as “diamond plating”. The wheel can be hybrid in terms of its materials. It optimizes mass, rigidity, and production costs. The rim 22 can be molded or made from a tube by roller rolling. The joining web 26 can be produced by stamping a rough sheet metal. They can be joined by welding.

[0059] According to one option, the first material has a first thermal conductivity, and the second material has a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity. This aspect promotes the cooling of the tire mounted around the rim 22.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the reflective metal surface 32 has a continuous circular inner edge. According to an alternative (not shown) of the invention, the inner edge has discontinuities. For example, the inner edge has cutouts such as crenellations. Thus, the reflective metal surface has first angular segments with a first inner radius, and second angular segments with a second inner radius greater than the first inner radius. The first and second angular segments form an alternation around the axis of rotation.

[0061] [Fig. 3] shows a section of the wheel 18 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The wheel 18 is cut according to its diameter.

[0062] The rim 22 has essentially a constant thickness. It comprises at least one tire sidewall retaining rim 24 (not shown). The retaining rim 24 marks an increase in diameter. It forms an external flange. The retaining rim 24 has a profile of revolution 36 around the axis of rotation 20. The retaining rim 24 is generated by rotation of the profile of revolution 36 around the axis of rotation 20. It is symmetrical.

[0063] The revolution profile 36 comprising a hook 38 open radially towards the axis of rotation 20, therefore towards the inside of the wheel 18. Along the axis of rotation 20, the hook 38 has an internal end, an external end axially opposite to the inner end. The hook 38 forms an arcuate portion. It generates an external gutter open towards the axis of rotation 20, that is to say an external half of a torus.

[0064] The revolution profile 36 has a radial junction 40 extending from the inner end. The radial junction 40 extends radially from the hook 38, and optionally axially towards the center 34 of the wheel 18. The center 34 is a geometric point. It is axially in the middle of the wheel 18, on the axis of rotation 20. The radial junction 40 generates around the axis of rotation 20 a ring, or a ring, generally flat inside the external gutter.

[0065] The revolution profile 36 further comprises a straight portion 42. The straight portion 42 is rectilinear. The straight portion 42 extends radially from the outer end of the hook 38 towards the axis of rotation 20 in order to extend the hook 38 towards the axis of rotation 20. The straight portion 42 generates a flat ring, or optionally a cone base. It may comprise a frustoconical surface. The flat ring extends the outer gutter inwards.

[0066] The rim 22 comprises a reflective metal surface 32 generated by the straight portion 42 of the revolution profile 36. The straight portion 42 forms an axial end of the rim 22. Thus, the reflective metal surface 32 forms the outer end of the wheel with respect to the vehicle.

[0067] The wheel 18 comprises a median plane 44. The median plane 44 is axially at the center 34 of the wheel 18. It divides the rim 22 into two parts of the same length. The median plane 44 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20. The inner end is towards the median plane 44, and the inner end is opposite the median plane 44.

[0068] The retaining rim 24 is a first retaining rim 46; the rim 22 comprising a second retaining rim 48 of a second sidewall of the tire (not shown). The second retaining rim 48 comprises a second hook symmetrical to that of the first retaining rim 46; with a symmetrical revolution profile. The second retaining rim 48 comprises a circular free edge 50 surrounding the straight portion 42. Thus, the straight portion 42 forms a more extensive reinforcing flange on the side of the first retaining rim 46. Thus the latter is reinforced, which is beneficial when it is outside the vehicle since it is more likely to hit a curb. Thus, the invention optimizes the mass, safety and strength of the wheel 18.

[0069] The joining web 26 comprises an outer radius 52 from the axis of rotation 20. The outer radius 52 is the maximum radius of the joining web 26. The straight portion 42 comprises an inner radius 54 from the axis of rotation 20. The inner radius 54 is the minimum radius, for example measured against the free edge of the straight portion 42. The outer radius 52 is less than the inner radius 54. The outer radius 52 is shorter than the inner radius 54, for example by at least 2%, preferably of at least 5%; more preferably of at least 10%. This difference implies an elongation of the straight portion 42, which reinforces the wheel 18.

[0070] Axially, the rim 22 comprises a first half 56 and a second half 58. The joining web 26 and the straight portion 42 are arranged in the second half 58. Thus, the rim 22 is reinforced where the joining web 26 is located, that is to say in a section concentrating mechanical stresses. The deformations of the wheel are reduced. The invention improves the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle.

[0071] Depending on the direction of mounting of the wheel 18, the first half 56 is towards the inside of the motor vehicle and protects a brake disc. The second half 58 is towards the outside of the motor vehicle.

[0072] In the remainder of the description, the first retaining edge will be referred to as the retaining edge; unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0073] [Fig. 4] shows an enlargement of the retaining flange 24 of a motor vehicle wheel rim. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0074] The retaining rim 24 has a profile of revolution 36 around the axis of rotation 20. The profile of revolution 36 corresponds to a slice of the retaining rim 24 taken along a plane including the axis of rotation 20. The profile of the retaining rim 24 is identical all around. An inflation orifice or electronic control devices (not shown) may be added at specific angular positions. The profile of revolution 36 has a hook 38 with a concave side towards the axis of rotation 20. It may have two radii of curvature. It delimits an annular groove 60 open towards the axis of rotation 20.

[0075] The hook 38 has an inner end 62, an outer end 64 axially opposite the inner end 62. The inner end 62 is on the side of the median plane 44. The profile of revolution 36 extends by a radial junction 40 from the inner end 62. On the opposite side, the profile of revolution 36 extends in a straight portion 42 from the outer end 64. The straight portion 42 tends towards the axis of rotation 20, preferably perpendicular to the latter. This orientation optimizes the rigidity and mass of the wheel.

[0076] The rim also comprises a tubular bearing surface 66. The tubular bearing surface 66 has a constant radius, or one varying by at most 10%, preferably by at most 3%. The tubular bearing surface 66 forms a ring. It may be axially at the level of the tire sidewall. The tubular bearing surface 66 extends axially from the radial junction 40 towards the opposite of the straight portion 42. The straight portion 42 extends radially towards the inside of the tubular bearing surface 66. The straight portion 42 radially overlaps the tubular bearing surface 66. The minimum radius of the straight portion 42 may be less than that of the tubular bearing surface 66. This feature increases the radial height of the straight portion 42, and therefore the rigidity of the rim.

[0077] The straight portion 42 extends radially along the radial junction 40. They each border, and delimit, the annular groove 60. The radial junction 40 may comprise a straight section, then a section arcuate towards the median plane 44. Thus, the straight portion 42 is a first straight portion, and the radial junction 40 comprises a second straight portion radially shorter than the first straight portion. They may be parallel. Being more extensive, the straight portion 42 increases the rigidity towards the outside of the motor vehicle.

[0078] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

[0079] Figures 2 to 4 are isometric views. These figures each respect a specific scale and real proportions. However, in [Fig.4] the distances from the axis of rotation and the median plane are figurative.

Claims

Claims

1. Wheel (18) of a motor vehicle (10); the wheel (18) comprising an axis of rotation (20); a rim (22) around the axis of rotation (20); a junction web (26) between the axis of rotation (20) and the rim (22); the rim (22) comprising a retaining rim (24) for the sidewall of the tire (16), the retaining rim (24) having a profile of revolution (36) around the axis of rotation (20), said profile of revolution (36) comprising a hook (38) open radially towards the axis of rotation (20) and having an inner end, an outer end axially opposite the inner end (62), the profile of revolution (36) having a radial junction (40) extending from the inner end (62); characterized in that the revolution profile (36) further comprises a straight portion (42) extending radially from the outer end of the hook (38) towards the axis of rotation (20) in order to extend the hook (38) towards the axis of rotation (20).

2. Wheel (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rim (22) comprises a first material with a first density, and the joining web (26) comprises a second material with a second density greater than the first density; preferably, the rim (22) comprises an aluminum alloy, and the joining web (26) comprises steel.

3. Wheel (18) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the rim (22) comprises a reflective metal surface (32) generated by the straight portion (42) of the revolution profile (36); preferably, the straight portion (42) forms an axial end of the rim (22).

4. Wheel (18) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the straight portion (42) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (20); preferably, the straight portion (42) extends radially along the radial junction (40).

5. Wheel (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the retaining rim (24) is a first retaining rim (46); the rim (22) comprising a second retaining rim (48) of the tire sidewall (16), the second retaining rim (48) comprising a circular free edge surrounding the straight portion (42).

6. Wheel (18) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the junction web (26) comprises an outer radius (52) from the axis of rotation (20), and the straight portion (42) comprises an inner radius (54) from the axis of rotation (20); the outer radius (52) being less than the inner radius (54).

7. Wheel (18) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that axially, the rim (22) comprises a first half (56) and a second half (58), the junction web (26) and the straight portion (42) being in the second half (58).

8. Wheel (18) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rim (22) comprises a tubular bearing surface (66) extending axially from the radial junction (40) towards the opposite side of the straight portion (42); the straight portion (42) extending radially towards the inside of the tubular bearing surface (66).

9. Wheel (18) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the straight portion (42) is a first straight portion (42), the radial junction (40) comprising a second straight portion (42) radially shorter than the first straight portion (42).

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a wheel (18) with a rim (22) and a tire (16) mounted around said rim (22); characterized in that the wheel (18) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9.

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