Wheel for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Wheel for a motor vehicle. Wheel (2) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a wall (11) and at least one raised feature (10A, 10B) projecting from this wall, the at least one raised feature (10A, 10B) being formed by local deformation of said wall (11), the at least one raised feature being intended to form a rotational stop about an axis of rotation (Y) of the wheel for a hubcap (3). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel for a motor vehicle Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a wheel assembly comprising such a wheel and a hubcap fixed to the wheel. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a wheel and / or such a wheel assembly. State of the prior art

[0002] The wheels of motor vehicles are traditionally equipped with hubcaps. A hubcap is a type of cover, generally made of plastic or sheet metal, of stylized shape, and attached to a wheel to improve its appearance or aerodynamics or to protect the wheel against projections. A hubcap generally comprises elastic means by means of which it is fixed in a circular groove of the wheel.

[0003] A hubcap is subjected to mechanical and thermal stresses linked to the use of the vehicle. In particular, when the vehicle is braking or accelerating, the hubcap is subjected to an inertial torque which tends to make it rotate relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation of the wheel. These mechanical stresses are particularly high during heavy braking, or during activation of an ABS or ESP system since such a system generates vibrations, or during regenerative braking.

[0004] Rotation of the hubcap relative to the wheel is detrimental. Indeed, rotation of the hubcap can impact the aesthetic appearance of the wheel or lead to the hubcap becoming detached. In addition, a tire inflation valve generally passes through a hole provided in the hubcap. If the hubcap pivots relative to the wheel, the edge of this hole can exert pressure which tends to twist the inflation valve. This can lead to air leakage from the tire.

[0005] To prevent a hubcap from rotating relative to the wheel around the axis of rotation of the wheel, it is known to increase the interference of the elastic means cooperating with the circular groove. However, when this interference is too great, the installation of the hubcap or its removal can be particularly difficult to carry out.

[0006] It is also known to provide on the hubcap counter-forms cooperating with screw heads for fixing the wheel to a wheel hub. However, this solution also has disadvantages. Indeed, during intensive braking, for example when descending road passes, a braking means of the vehicle can rise to temperatures very high temperatures, for example around 700°C. The heat generated by the braking system is transmitted to the wheel and in particular to the wheel fixing screws which also become very hot. The counter-forms of the hubcap in contact with the fixing screw heads can thus deteriorate under the effect of heat, which leads to the loss of the anti-rotation function.

[0007] Furthermore, it is also desirable to provide annular-shaped hubcaps. Such a hubcap comprises a central opening clearing the heads of the screws for fixing the wheel to a wheel hub. Such a hubcap has the advantage of being lighter and of offering new possibilities for decorating the wheels of a vehicle. However, such a hubcap can no longer be blocked in rotation by cooperation of counter-forms with the heads of the screws for fixing the wheel. Presentation of the invention

[0008] The aim of the invention is to provide a wheel for a motor vehicle which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the wheels known from the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a wheel for a motor vehicle which is both simple to manufacture and allows any type of hubcap to be locked in rotation. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention relates to a wheel for a motor vehicle, the wheel comprising a wall and at least one relief projecting from this wall, the at least one relief being formed by local deformation of said wall, the at least one relief being intended to form a rotational stop around an axis of rotation of the wheel for a hubcap.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the wheel comprises a rim intended to receive a tire, and a disc secured to the rim, the disc being intended to be fixed to a wheel hub, said at least one relief being projecting from a wall of the rim.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the wheel further comprises a hole for a tire inflation valve.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the at least one relief is included in the same angular sector as said hole, the angular sector comprising an angle less than or equal to 30°.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the at least one relief is positioned on a virtual circle centered on the axis of rotation of the wheel and passing through said hole.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the wheel comprises at least two reliefs projecting from said wall.

[0016] The invention also relates to a wheel assembly comprising a wheel as defined above and a hubcap fixed to the wheel, the hubcap comprising at least one stop means intended to bear against the at least one relief to block a rotation of the hubcap around the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the hubcap comprises a central opening releasing a wheel attachment interface for attaching the wheel to a wheel hub.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the wheel comprises a circular groove centered around the axis of rotation of the wheel, and the hubcap comprises fixing means cooperating with said groove to fix the hubcap to the wheel.

[0019] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel as defined previously, and / or at least one wheel assembly as defined previously. Presentation of figures

[0020] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0021] [Fig.l] is a front view of a wheel assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Fig.2] is a front view of a wheel according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig. 3] a sectional view, along a first radial section plane, of a part of the wheel assembly.

[0024] [Fig.4] a sectional view, along a second radial sectional plane, of a part of the wheel assembly.

[0025] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of a relief cooperating with two stop means.

[0026] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of a relief cooperating with a single means of stop.

[0027] [Fig.7] is a partial front view of a portion of the wheel of [Fig.2].

[0028] [Fig.8] is a partial rear view of part of the wheel of [Fig.2]. Detailed description

[0029] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a wheel assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The wheel assembly 1 comprises a wheel 2 and a hubcap 3 fixed to the wheel 2. The wheel assembly 1 is intended to be equipped with a tire, and to be fixed to a wheel hub of a motor vehicle. The wheel assembly 1 is intended to rotate about an axis of rotation Y. The axis of rotation Y is parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle. A motor vehicle may in particular comprise at least one wheel assembly 1 according to the invention, preferably four wheel assemblies 1 according to the invention. The wheel assembly 1 further comprises an inflation valve 4 allowing the inflation of a tire. The inflation valve 4 extends through a hole provided in the hubcap 3.

[0030] The wheel 2 is illustrated in [Fig.2]. The wheel 2 comprises a rim 5 intended to receive a tire, and a disc 6 secured to the rim 5. The disc 6 is intended to be fixed to a wheel hub. The rim 5 and the disc 6 may be two metallic elements, for example made of steel. The rim 5 and the disc 6 are preferably formed by stamping, that is to say by deforming and cutting a metal sheet. This process is simple to implement. The metal sheet used to manufacture the rim 5 and / or the disc 6 may, for example, have a thickness of between 1.5 mm and 8 mm. The rim 5 and the disc 6 may be welded, screwed or even riveted to each other. The rim 5 and the disc 6 may also form a single monolithic element.

[0031] The disc 6 comprises in particular a fixing interface 7 for fixing the wheel 2 to a wheel hub. The disc 6 therefore makes it possible to secure the rim 5 to a wheel hub. In this case, the fixing interface 7 comprises five fixing holes intended to cooperate with five fixing screws. Alternatively, the fixing interface 7 could be different and in particular comprise any other number of fixing holes. The disc 6 also comprises a set of ventilation holes 8 intended to evacuate hot air coming from a braking means.

[0032] The rim 5 comprises a generally tubular shape. Conventionally, the rim 5 comprises an inner rim and an outer rim intended to cooperate respectively with two sidewalls of a tire. The inner rim and the outer rim are connected by a wall 11. This wall 11 is therefore intended to close an inflatable chamber of the tire. The rim 5 also comprises a hole 9 through which the inflation valve 4 is arranged. The hole 9 is made in the wall 11. The hubcap 3 extends at least up to the height of the hole 9. The hubcap 3 also comprises a hole opposite the hole 9 for the passage of the inflation valve 4.

[0033] The rim 5 further comprises two reliefs 10A, 10B projecting from the wall 11 of the rim. Each of the two reliefs 10A and 10B is intended to form a rotation stop to block the rotation of the hubcap 3 relative to the wheel 2 around the axis of rotation Y.

[0034] As can be seen in [Fig.3] and in [Fig.4], the hubcap 3 comprises at least one stop means 12A, 12B intended to bear against at least one relief 10A, 10B to block the rotation of the hubcap 3 around the axis of rotation Y. The hubcap 3 may in particular comprise as many stop means as the wheel 2 comprises reliefs. In this case, the hubcap may comprise a first stop means 12A cooperating with the first relief 10A, and a second stop means 12B cooperating with the second relief 10B. The cooperation of the first stop means 12A with the first relief 10A can provide a rotational stop in a first direction of rotation about the rotation axis Y. The cooperation of the second stop means 12B with the second relief 10B can provide a rotational stop in a second direction of rotation about the rotation axis Y, the second direction of rotation being opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0035] Alternatively, as shown schematically in [Fig. 5], the hubcap 3 could comprise two stop means 12A and 12B cooperating with the same relief 10 of the wheel to block the rotation of the hubcap in both directions of rotation. In this case, the two stop means 12A and 12B are advantageously positioned on either side of the relief 10 and spaced from each other by a distance substantially equal to or slightly greater than the width of the relief. According to another alternative, shown schematically in [Fig. 6], the hubcap 3 could comprise a single stop means 12 cooperating with a single relief 10 of the wheel to block the rotation of the hubcap in both directions of rotation. The shape of the stop means 12 can then match the shape of the relief 10.According to yet another variant, the hubcap 3 could comprise a single stop means cooperating with two separate reliefs of the wheel to block the rotation of the hubcap in both directions of rotation.

[0036] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 7, the wheel 2 comprises two distinct reliefs. Alternatively, the number of reliefs could be equal to any number greater than or equal to one. According to the embodiment shown, the reliefs 10A and 10B are formed in a wall 11 of the rim 5. Preferably, the portion of the wall 11 in which the reliefs 11A and 1B are arranged extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the wheel. Alternatively, the reliefs could also be made in a portion of the wall 11 perpendicular to the wall 11 of the rim. Alternatively, this relief or these reliefs could also be formed in any other location on the wheel, in particular in a wall of the disc 6.

[0037] The at least one stop means 12A, 12B may be arranged on an internal face of the hubcap 3, said internal face being intended to face the wheel 2. The hubcap 3 may be an injected plastic part. The at least one stop means 12A, 12B may form a monolithic assembly with a body of the hubcap. Thus, it is not necessary to provide for the attachment of a stop means to the hubcap 3.

[0038] Note that the reliefs 10A, 10B are distinct from any ventilation hole 8 of the wheel. The ventilation holes 8 can therefore be left free and provide optimal ventilation. The ventilation holes 8 are not partially blocked by a fixing means or a means for locking the hubcap 3 in rotation.

[0039] The hubcap 3 further comprises fixing means 13 intended to cooperate with a circular groove 14 formed in the rim 5 to ensure that the hubcap is retained parallel to the axis of rotation Y. Said groove 14 is centered on the axis of rotation Y. The fixing means 13 may in particular comprise elastic means, such as fixing clips and / or a metal wire intended to deform when the hubcap 3 is fixed to the wheel 2. The fixing means 13 may extend substantially parallel to the axis of rotation Y. The hubcap 3 may be intended to be force-fitted in the wheel 2. The cooperation of the fixing means 13 with the groove 14 aims to provide retention of the hubcap parallel to the axis of rotation Y. This cooperation may nevertheless induce a certain resistance to the rotation of the hubcap 3 relative to the wheel 2 around the axis of rotation Y due to the friction exerted by the fixing means 13 against the groove 14. However, the cooperation of the fixing means 13 with the groove 14 does not provide blocking of the rotation of the hubcap 3 relative to the wheel 2 around the axis of rotation Y. On the contrary, the blocking of the rotation of the hubcap 3 relative to the wheel 2 around the axis of rotation Y is obtained by the cooperation of the stop means 12A and 12B with the reliefs 10A and 10B.

[0040] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the stop means 12A, 12B can be arranged at the end of the fixing means 13. The reliefs are arranged below the groove 14 and distinct from the groove 14. Since the radial interference between the fixing means 13 and the groove 14 is mainly intended to ensure retention of the hubcap parallel to the axis of rotation Y and not a blocking in rotation about the axis of rotation Y, this radial interference can be reduced. Consequently, it is also possible to reduce the interference between the fixing means 13 and a threshold delimiting the groove 14, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the hubcap 3 to the wheel 2.

[0041] According to the embodiment presented, the hubcap 3 is of the annular type. It comprises a central opening 15 releasing the attachment interface 7 of the wheel to a wheel hub. As can be seen in [Fig.l], the wheel assembly 1 may optionally comprise a secondary hubcap 16 covering the attachment interface 7. The hubcap 3 and the secondary hubcap 16 may be without contact with each other. The ventilation holes 8 may be uncovered or only partially covered by the hubcap 3 and / or the secondary hubcap 16, so as to facilitate the evacuation of the heat generated by a braking means.

[0042] [Fig.7] illustrates in more detail a portion of the wheel 2 comprising the hole 9 and the reliefs 10A and 10B. [Fig.8] illustrates the relief 10A from the face of the wall 11 opposite the face visible in [Fig.7]. The reliefs 10A and 10B are produced by local deformation of the wall 11. These reliefs can in particular be obtained by means of a stamping tool movable parallel to the axis of rotation Y1 to deform the wall 11. The reliefs are thus very easy to produce. The reliefs are therefore not elements added to the wheel. The reliefs are formed without adding or removing material. In particular, the reliefs are not formed by welding a metal part onto the wall 11. Producing the reliefs by local deformation of a wall makes it possible not to disturb the balancing of the wheel 2. The reliefs 10A, 10B are in particular formed during the stamping of the rim 5 and / or the disc 6.

[0043] The reliefs 10A and 10B do not include any opening, which makes it possible to preserve the sealing of the rim 5 and therefore the possibility of inflating the tire. In the event that these reliefs are formed in the disc 6, the reliefs could include a central opening. In this case, the central opening is preferably made without removing material, so as not to modify the balancing of the wheel.

[0044] It is noted that the reliefs 10A and 10B may have the shape of a dome. Other shapes could be envisaged. Nevertheless, the reliefs preferably do not include any sharp edges which could then form areas of weakness of the wheel and / or which could injure a person handling the wheel.

[0045] Advantageously, each relief 10A, 10B is included in the same angular sector as the hole 9, the angular sector comprising an angle A1 less than or equal to 30°, preferably less than or equal to 15°, or even less than or equal to 10°. Thus the hole 9 and the reliefs 10A, 10B are close to each other and can be formed during the same stamping operation. The stamping tool for producing the hole 9 and the reliefs 10A, 10B remains simple to produce. In addition, the rotation of the hubcap is thus blocked near the inflation valve 4, which ensures that the hubcap will not press on the inflation valve 4 even in the event of deformation of the hubcap.

[0046] Furthermore, the reliefs 10A and 10B are positioned on a virtual circle C1 centered on the axis of rotation Y and passing through the hole 9. This also makes it possible to obtain good proximity between the hole 9 and the reliefs 10A and 10B. In addition, the relatively distant positioning of the reliefs 10A and 10B relative to the axis of rotation Y of the wheel makes it possible to minimize the forces exerted by the reliefs 10A, 10B on the stop means 12A, 12B for a given inertia torque. The stop means of the hubcap thus withstand lower forces than counter-forms positioned closer to the axis of rotation Y and which would cooperate with screw heads for fixing the wheel to a wheel hub. Finally, the stop means 12A, 12B are in abutment against a generally colder zone of the wheel 2.

[0047] Finally, thanks to the invention, a wheel assembly is provided comprising a wheel and a hubcap fixed to the wheel. The hubcap is locked in rotation relative to the wheel. This prevents the hubcap from pressing on the inflation valve 4, which could cause air to leak from the tire. Locking the hubcap in rotation is very simple to achieve and does not require any additional steps compared to the conventional manufacturing process for a wheel and hubcap. Only the tools necessary for manufacturing the wheel and hubcap need to be adapted.

Claims

Claims

1. Wheel (2) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a wall (11) and at least one relief (10A, 10B) projecting from this wall, the at least one relief (10A, 10B) being formed by local deformation of said wall (11), the at least one relief being intended to form a rotation stop around an axis of rotation (Y) of the wheel for a hubcap (3).

2. Wheel (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a rim (5) intended to receive a tire, and a disc (6) secured to the rim, the disc being intended to be fixed to a wheel hub, said at least one relief (10A, 10B) projecting from a wall of the rim (5).

3. Wheel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a hole (9) for an inflation valve (4) for inflating a tire.

4. Wheel (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - the at least one relief (10A, 10B) is included in the same angular sector as said hole (9), the angular sector comprising an angle (Al) less than or equal to 30°, and / or in that: - the at least one relief (10A, 10B) is positioned on a virtual circle (Cl) centered on the axis of rotation (Y) of the wheel and passing through said hole (9).

5. Wheel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two reliefs (10A, 10B) projecting from said wall (11).

6. Wheel assembly (1), characterized in that it comprises a wheel (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a hubcap (3) fixed to the wheel, the hubcap comprising at least one stop means (12A) intended to bear against the at least one relief (10A) to block rotation of the hubcap around the axis of rotation (Y) of the wheel.

7. Wheel assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hubcap (3) comprises a central opening (15) releasing a fixing interface (7) of the wheel (2) for fixing the wheel to a wheel hub.

8. Wheel assembly (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the wheel (2) comprises a circular groove (14) centered around

9. the axis of rotation (Y) of the wheel, and in that the hubcap comprises fixing means (13) cooperating with said groove (14) to fix the hubcap to the wheel. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one wheel (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, and / or at least one wheel assembly (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8.

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