Motor vehicle wheel rim
The motor vehicle wheel design addresses rigidity and weight balance by integrating a rim with a hook and straight portion, using materials with varying densities, enhancing rigidity and safety while maintaining a lightweight structure.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing motor vehicle wheels face challenges in achieving a balance between rigidity, mass, safety, and cost, particularly in designs that combine aluminum and steel components, where there is a need to enhance rigidity without significantly increasing weight.
The wheel design incorporates a rim with a profile of revolution featuring a hook and a straight portion extending radially towards the axis of rotation, using materials with differing densities, such as aluminum alloy for the rim and steel for the joining web, to enhance rigidity and resistance to impacts.
The design provides increased rigidity, improved tire support, reduced risk of leaks, and optimized safety by maintaining the wheel's shape under dynamic conditions, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective structure.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Motor vehicle wheel rim
[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle wheels. More specifically, the invention relates to a wheel with a rim featuring 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. Typically, a wheel has a cylindrical rim surrounding a disc perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The disc is generally attached to a hub, similar to the vehicle's steering knuckle. The wheel defines 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 allows for larger components. In addition to braking torque, a wheel is capable of transmitting engine torque during the acceleration phases of the motor vehicle. Reducing the wheel's rotational inertia optimizes these acceleration phases.
[0003] Each wheel constitutes an unsprung mass. When this mass increases, comfort is negatively impacted, as is vehicle handling. Indeed, increasing this mass increases the inertia of the suspension system, thus compromising contact between the tire and the road, particularly during suspension rebound. Furthermore, wheel rigidity optimizes tire stability within a predefined geometry despite lateral forces. Thus, the wheel contributes both directly and indirectly to safety. The choice of wheel materials allows for a certain compromise to be achieved between the various constraints.
[0004] Document FR3050400A1 describes a motor vehicle comprising a wheel fitted with a rim. The rim is made of an aluminum alloy sheet, fixed to the circumference of a disc made of a steel sheet. The disc is fixed by assemblies connecting the aluminum sheet of the rim and the steel sheet of the disc, which overlap. The assemblies have 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 against the aluminum sheet of the rim around this hole.
[0005] One 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 made solely of 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 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 provides a motor vehicle wheel; the wheel comprising an axis of rotation; a rim around the axis of rotation; a connecting disc between the axis of rotation and the rim; the rim comprising a tire sidewall retaining rim, the retaining 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 to 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 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 right-hand portion optimizes rigidity thanks to its straightness and radial length. This stiffens and reinforces the retaining rim. Under dynamic conditions, it provides firmer support for the tire. The wheel becomes more precise. Furthermore, the rim is more resistant to impacts. When the wheel strikes a curb, the rim retains its shape. The risk of a leak at the point of impact 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 metallic surface generated by the straight portion of the profile of revolution; 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 retaining rim of the tire sidewall, the second retaining rim comprising a circular free edge surrounding the straight portion.
[0014] Preferably, the joining veil 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 smaller than the inner radius.
[0015] Preferably, axially, the rim comprises a first half and a second half, the joining disc and the straight portion being in the second half.
[0016] Preferably, the rim comprises a tubular bearing 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.
[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 includes an axial junction extending axially from the radial junction towards the opposite of the straight portion; the straight portion extending radially towards the interior of the axial portion.
[0019] Preferably, the wheel includes a median plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and axially to the center of the wheel.
[0020] Preferably, the inner end is towards the median plane.
[0021] Preferably, the rim comprises a first material with a first thermal conductivity, and the joining veil comprises a second material with a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity.
[0022] Preferably, the joining veil comprises a central opening and fixing holes 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 to the first retaining rim, the second retaining rim comprising 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 to 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 connecting disc inside the rim; the rim comprising a tire sidewall retaining edge, the retaining edge having an external groove open radially towards the axis of rotation, a radial connecting ring extending from the external groove on an axially internal side; remarkable in that the profile of The revolution also includes a flat disc extending from an axially external side of the outer 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 flange, the retaining flange 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; notable 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 resistance of the wheel at the retaining flange.
[0028] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a wheel with a rim and a tire mounted around said rim; remarkable in that the wheel conforms to the invention.
[0029] Preferably, the first half is one half towards the center of the motor vehicle, and the second half is towards the outside of the motor vehicle.
[0030] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.
[0031] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.
[0032] Fig. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.
[0033] Fig. 2 shows, along its axis of rotation, a wheel of a motor vehicle according to the invention.
[0034] Fig. 3 is a cross-section of a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.
[0035] Figure 4 is an enlargement of a vehicle wheel retaining rim automobile according to the invention.
[0036] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or wheel to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively refer to what is directed outward from the wheel and inward from the wheel, unless otherwise specified.
[0037] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the principal direction of travel 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 main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.
[0039] The terms "axial" and "axially" refer to an orientation along the axis of rotation. The terms "radial" and "radially" refer 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 right-handed trihedron.
[0041] In this description, the ranges of values include the bounds that delimit them.
[0042] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the wheel mounting configuration, unless otherwise explicitly stated.
[0043] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.
[0044] Figure 1 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 the main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delineates different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo area, and the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped and welded sheet metal parts.
[0046] The structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, suspension systems, steering system, and 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 hollow and sealed. The annular chamber is inflated to a given pressure to adjust the contact area 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 freely about an axis of rotation 20 relative to the structure 12. Each axis of rotation 20 is generally transverse. It can be substantially inclined in order to adjust comfort, stability, and driving precision.
[0049] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.
[0050] Figure 2 shows a front view of a wheel 18 of a motor vehicle. The vehicle The automobile corresponds to the one shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. The view is oriented along the axis of rotation 20, from outside the motor vehicle.
[0051] The wheel 18 has a rotation axis 20, which forms a central axis of symmetry. The wheel 18 comprises a circular rim 22. It forms a ring around the rotation axis 20. The rim 22 forms the circular portion at the periphery of the wheel 18. It is rotationally balanced. At each axial end, the rim 22 includes a tire sidewall retaining flange 24.
[0052] The wheel 18 further includes a physical connecting disc 26 between the axis of rotation 20 and the rim 22. The connecting disc 26 is inside the rim 22, which surrounds it. The connecting disc 26 thus forms a radial connection. It generally forms a disc. It may be a solid disc. In this case, the connecting disc 26 includes openings and radial arms that are distributed alternately around the axis of rotation 20. The openings allow cooling of a braking system housed in the wheel 18.
[0053] The connecting disc 26 includes a central opening 28 and mounting holes 30 distributed around the central opening 28. The mounting holes 30 are configured for attaching the wheel to a hub of the motor vehicle. For example, the connecting disc 26 includes four to five mounting holes 30. The central opening 28 is adapted to ensure centering.
[0054] The rim 22 includes a reflective metal surface 32. The reflective metal surface 32 is flat. 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 external end of the rim 22. The reflective metal surface 32 may be surface-treated. The reflective metal surface 32 is optionally polished. It may include 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 metallic surface 32 has a roughness Ra of 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 metallic surface The reflective surface reflects light back to the vehicle. This improves the visibility of the carrier vehicle, which contributes to safety.
[0056] According to one option of the invention, the wheel includes a coating, for example cataphoresis, with the exception of the reflective metallic 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 disc 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 disc 26 comprises steel. The aluminum alloy rim 22 is cast and then machined. The raw machined surface is then varnished. Such a coating is commonly referred to as "diamond plating." The wheel can be a hybrid with respect to its materials. It optimizes mass, rigidity, and production costs. The rim 22 can be cast or made from a tube by roller rolling. The joining disc 26 can be produced by stamping a blank sheet. 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 metallic 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 metallic 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 alternate around the axis of rotation.
[0061] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the wheel 18 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The wheel 18 is cut along its diameter.
[0062] The rim 22 has essentially a constant thickness. It includes at least one tire sidewall retaining flange 24 (not shown). The retaining flange 24 marks an increase in diameter. It forms an external flange. The retaining flange 24 has a profile of revolution 36 about the axis of rotation 20. The retaining flange 24 is generated by rotating the profile of revolution 36 about the axis of rotation 20. It is symmetrical.
[0063] The profile of revolution 36 includes a hook 38 open radially towards the axis of rotation 20, i.e., towards the inside of the wheel 18. Along the axis of rotation 20, the hook 38 has an inner end and an outer end axially opposite the inner end. The hook 38 forms an arched portion. It generates an external groove open towards the axis of rotation 20, i.e., an outer half of a torus.
[0064] The profile of revolution 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 located at the midpoint 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 outer groove.
[0065] The profile of revolution 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 conical base. It may include a frustoconical surface. The flat ring extends inwards from the outer groove.
[0066] The rim 22 includes a reflective metallic surface 32 generated by the straight portion 42 of the profile of revolution 36. The straight portion 42 forms an axial end of the rim 22. Thus, the reflective metallic surface 32 forms the outer end of the wheel vis-à-vis the vehicle.
[0067] The wheel 18 includes a median plane 44. The median plane 44 is axially located at the center 34 of the wheel 18. It divides the rim 22 into two parts of equal length. The median plane 44 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20. The inner end is towards the median plane 44, and the outer end is opposite the median plane 44.
[0068] The retaining rim 24 is a first retaining rim 46; the rim 22 includes a second retaining rim 48 of a second sidewall of the tire (not shown). The second retaining rim 48 includes a second hook symmetrical to that of the first retaining rim 46; with a symmetrical profile of revolution. The second retaining rim 48 includes 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. The latter is thus reinforced, which is beneficial when it is on the outside of the vehicle since it is more likely to strike a curb. Thus, the invention optimizes the mass, safety, and strength of the wheel 18.
[0069] The joining wall 26 comprises an outer radius 52 from the axis of rotation 20. The outer radius 52 is the maximum radius of the joining wall 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 section 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 by at least 5%; more preferably by at least 10%. This difference implies an elongation of the straight section 42, which strengthens the wheel 18.
[0070] Axially, the rim 22 comprises a first half 56 and a second half 58. The connecting disc 26 and the straight portion 42 are arranged in the second half 58. Thus, the rim 22 is reinforced where the connecting disc 26 is located, that is, in a section subject to concentrated mechanical stresses. Wheel deformations are reduced. The invention improves the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle.
[0071] Depending on the mounting direction 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 following description, the first retaining rim will be referred to as the retaining rim; unless the contrary is explicitly mentioned.
[0073] Figure 4 shows an enlargement of the retaining rim 24 of a motor vehicle wheel rim. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.
[0074] The retaining rim 24 has a profile of revolution 36 about 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 around its entire circumference. An inflation orifice or electronic control devices (not shown) can be added at specific angular positions. The profile of revolution 36 has a hook 38 with one side concave towards the axis of rotation 20. It may have two radii of curvature. It defines an annular groove 60 open towards the axis of rotation 20.
[0075] The hook 38 has an inner end 62 and 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 via 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 it. This orientation optimizes the rigidity and mass of the wheel.
[0076] The rim further 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 aligned with the tire sidewall. The tubular bearing surface 66 extends axially from the radial junction 40. towards the opposite side of the straight section 42. The straight section 42 extends radially towards the inside of the tubular span 66. The straight section 42 radially overlaps the tubular span 66. The minimum radius of the straight section 42 can be less than that of the tubular span 66. This feature increases the radial height of the straight section 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 followed by a section curved 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 presented by all the figures.
[0079] Figures 2 to 4 are isometric views. Each of these figures is drawn to a specific scale and in actual proportions. However, in [Fig. 4] the distances from the axis of rotation to the median plane are figurative.
Claims
Demands
1. Wheel (18) of a motor vehicle (10); the wheel (18) comprising an axis of rotation (20); a rim (22) about the axis of rotation (20); a connecting disc (26) between the axis of rotation (20) and the rim (22); the rim (22) comprising a retaining rim (24) for a sidewall of a tire (16), the retaining rim (24) having a profile of revolution (36) about 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 to the inner end (62), the profile of revolution (36) having a radial junction (40) extending from the inner end (62);characterized in that the profile of revolution (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) and in that the rim (22) comprises a first material having a first density, and the joining web (26) comprises a second material having a second density greater than the first density; preferably, the rim (22) comprises an aluminum alloy, and the joining web (26) comprises steel.
2. Wheel (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rim (22) comprises a reflective metallic surface (32) generated by the straight portion (42) of the profile of revolution (36); preferably, the straight portion (42) forms an axial end of the rim (22).
3. Wheel (18) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, 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).
4. Wheel (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining rim (24) is a first retaining rim (46); the rim (22) comprising a second retaining rim (48) of tire sidewall (16), the second retaining rim (48) comprising a circular free edge surrounding the straight portion (42).
5. Wheel (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the joining disc (26) comprises an external radius (52) from the axis of rotation (20), and the straight portion (42) comprises a radius interior (54) from the axis of rotation (20); the outer radius (52) being less than the inner radius (54).
6. Wheel (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that axially, the rim (22) comprises a first half (56) and a second half (58), the joining disc (26) and the straight portion (42) being in the second half (58).
7. Wheel (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rim (22) comprises a tubular bearing surface (66) extending axially from the radial joint (40) towards the opposite of the straight portion (42); the straight portion (42) extending radially towards the inside of the tubular bearing surface (66).
8. Wheel (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 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).
9. 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) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 8.