FLAT RUNNING DEVICE
The flat bearing device simplifies installation and assembly on vehicle wheel rims by using an inner ring with a slot and annular boss to guide sectors, allowing easy adaptation to different rim sizes and secure elastic band locking, addressing installation and compatibility issues of existing devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023012408
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-11-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing flat running devices face challenges in installation around vehicle wheel rims, are specific to a given rim type, and often require complex assembly due to differences in rim dimensions.
A flat bearing device with an inner ring, sectors, and a one-piece elastic band, featuring a slot, annular boss, wedging feet, and locking means, allowing easy mounting and adaptation to different rim sizes through the inner ring's adjustability.
Facilitates simplified installation and secure assembly on various rim types by minimizing components and ensuring easy cooperation, with the inner ring's slot and annular boss guiding sectors and locking means reinforcing the elastic band's axial locking.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: FLAT RUNNING DEVICE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a flat bearing device for mounting around a wheel rim of a vehicle, and a method of installing this device. Technological background
[0002] Run-flat devices are known in the art and already used for various applications, both civil and military. The aim of such a device is to allow the vehicle to continue to roll in the event of a tire failure on a wheel on which it is mounted. The tire failure may, for example, be due to it bursting or deflating. The rolling device then allows the vehicle to continue to roll for a certain distance so that it can be repaired or made safe.
[0003] Document CN-A-102673321 describes an example of a flat rolling device comprising an internal ring mounted around a rim and on which sectors and an elastic band are jointly fixed.
[0004] Document US-A1-2006 / 0219345 describes another example of a flat rolling device comprising an elastic band made of a single piece mounted around sectors.
[0005] These flat-running devices may nevertheless have disadvantages, in particular difficulties in installation around a rim or difficulties in mounting the elastic band around the sectors. Another disadvantage may lie in the fact that each part of the flat-running device is designed for a given type of rim and therefore cannot be used on a rim of a different type, for example with a larger diameter. A given flat-running device is then specific to a given type of rim.
[0006] Also, an objective of the invention is to propose a flat rolling device not having at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.
[0007] An objective of the invention is thus to propose a flat rolling device which is easy to mount. Summary of the invention
[0008] There is therefore proposed a flat bearing device intended to be mounted around a single-piece wheel rim of a vehicle, the device comprising: - an inner ring comprising a radially inner face intended to be mounted against the one-piece rim, a radially outer face, a first lateral face and a second lateral face, both connecting the radially inner face dially internal to the radially external face, the internal ring further comprising: • a slot extending across the width of the inner ring between the first lateral face and the second lateral face, • an annular boss arranged on the radially external face, and • at least one wedging foot intended to bear against the rim; - at least two sectors, each sector being provided with a radially internal periphery and a radially external periphery, and comprising: • a groove arranged on the radially internal periphery to cooperate with the annular boss of the internal ring, • a first lateral edge flaring radially outwards from the radially external periphery and having a circumferential angular extent defining that of the sector, and • a second lateral edge flaring radially outwards from the radially outer periphery and having a circumferential angular extent less than the circumferential angular extent of the first lateral edge, so that once the sectors are mounted on the inner ring, the second lateral edges of the sectors define openings; - a one-piece elastic band configured to be mounted against the radially outer periphery of the sectors; - at least two locking means, each intended to be inserted into one of the openings to hold the sectors together, each locking means comprising a lateral edge configured to come into the circumferential extension of the second lateral edge of each sector.
[0009] Thus, thanks to the invention, a simplification of the installation of the flat bearing device is ensured with a minimum of elements to be mounted and easily cooperating with each other. Indeed, the slot of the internal ring allows it to open radially to be able to be installed around a one-piece rim, without being hindered by the edges of the rim whose respective diameters are generally greater than the diameter of the central part of the rim around which the device is intended to be installed. In addition, the sectors are guided by the annular boss of the internal ring to be easily mounted and centered on the ring. The differences in dimensions for the respective angular extents of the first and second lateral edges of the sectors make it possible to define openings which can serve as grips for the installation of the elastic band around the sectors, and therefore facilitate its assembly.Furthermore, the locking means, and in particular their lateral edges, make it possible to reinforce the axial locking of the elastic band between the first and . second lateral edges of the sectors, and also allow, in use, to prevent the elastic band from disengaging from the radially outer periphery of the sectors.
[0010] The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation from one another or in combination with one another: - the openings defined by the second lateral edges of the sectors are diametrically opposed, - the internal ring and / or each sector and / or each locking means are made of plastic, composite or metallic material, - each of the sectors comprises at least one axial recess provided in the first lateral edge and / or in the second lateral edge, - each lateral edge of the locking means has a circumferential angular extent substantially equal to the circumferential angular extent of the second lateral edge of a sector, - each sector has a first end and a second end, these ends having means of cooperation, - the means of cooperation are mechanical or magnetic.
[0011] The invention also relates to a wheel of a vehicle comprising a one-piece rim and a run-flat device as described above, the device being mounted in a tire around the one-piece rim.
[0012] The invention also relates to a method of installing a flat running device as described in the above, the method comprising the following steps: a. install the inner ring around the rim so that the shimming foot(s) rest against the rim; b. mounting each of the sectors on the inner ring by inserting the annular boss into the groove of the sectors so that once the sectors are mounted on the inner ring, the second side edges of the sectors define openings; c. installing the one-piece elastic band against the radially outer periphery of the sectors; and d. insert each of the locking means into one of the openings and secure each locking means so as to hold the sectors together. Brief description of the figures
[0013] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
[0014] [Fig.l] represents an exploded schematic view of the flat rolling device according to the invention,
[0015] [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of the inner ring of [Fig.l],
[0016] [Fig.3] represents a schematic perspective view of a sector of [Fig.l],
[0017] [Fig.4] represents a schematic perspective view of an assembly of two sectors and a locking means, not mounted on the internal ring,
[0018] [Fig.5] represents a very schematic view of [Fig.4], in particular to illustrate the angular extent of the sectors, the first and second lateral edges and the locking means,
[0019] [Fig.6] shows very schematic views of different configurations (A, B and C) for the inner ring, mounted on different one-piece rims,
[0020] [Fig.7] represents a schematic view of a wheel of a vehicle equipped with the flat rolling device according to the invention,
[0021] [Fig.8] represents a schematic sectional view of the wheel of [Fig.7]. Detailed description of the invention
[0022] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a flat bearing device 1 of which at least some of the different parts which compose it are separated from each other. This flat bearing device 1 thus comprises an internal ring 2, at least two sectors 3a, 3b, an elastic band 4, at least two locking means 5 and fixing elements such as screws 6 and nuts 7. The flat bearing device 1 is further intended to be mounted around a one-piece rim 8 of a wheel 9 of a vehicle which is illustrated in [Fig. 6] and 7.
[0023] With reference to [Fig. 2], the inner ring 2 of the device 1 comprises a radially inner face 23 intended to be mounted against the one-piece rim 8, a radially outer face 24, a first lateral face 25 and a second lateral face 26. The first and second lateral faces 25, 26 both connect the radially inner face 23 to the radially outer face 24.
[0024] The inner ring 2 further comprises a slot 27 extending over the width of the inner ring 2 between the first lateral face 25 and the second lateral face 26.
[0025] The inner ring 2 also comprises an annular boss 22 arranged on the radially outer face 24. The annular boss 22 may extend over the entire circumference of the radially outer face 24 or over predetermined portions of the radially outer face 24.
[0026] The inner ring 2 also comprises at least one wedging foot 21 intended to bear against the one-piece rim 8. The inner ring 2 may comprise a single wedging foot 21 which extends axially outwards from the first lateral face 25 and / or from the second lateral face 26. It is understood that this single wedging foot 21 is circular.
[0027] The inner ring 2 may comprise a plurality of wedging feet 21 intended to bear against the one-piece rim 8. The wedging feet 21 may extend axially outwards from the first lateral face 25 and / or from the second lateral face 26. The plurality of wedging feet 21 may be distributed circumferentially on the first lateral face 25 and / or the second lateral face 26. It is understood that the wedging feet 21 may be distributed on only one of the lateral faces 25, 26. For example, in [Fig. 2], the wedging feet 21 all extend from the second lateral face 26. A plurality of wedging feet 21 has the advantage of allowing the device 1 to be made lighter than a single circular wedging foot.
[0028] The wedging feet 21 can be distributed alternately, that is to say that one wedging foot can extend from the first lateral face 25 and another can extend from the second lateral face 26.
[0029] The device 1 comprises at least two sectors 3a, 3b. An example of a sector 3a, 3b is shown in [Fig. 3]. Each sector 3a, 3b is provided with a radially internal periphery 32 and a radially external periphery 33.
[0030] Each sector 3a, 3b further comprises a groove 31 arranged on the radially internal periphery 32. This groove 31 is configured to cooperate with the annular boss 22 of the internal ring 2.
[0031] Each sector 3a, 3b also comprises a first lateral edge 34 which flares radially outwards from the radially outer periphery 33. This first lateral edge 34 has a circumferential angular extent a defining that of the sector 3a, 3b. In other words, the angular extent of a sector 3a, 3b is identical to the angular extent of the first lateral edge 34. Each sector 3a, 3b also comprises a second lateral edge 35 which flares radially outwards from the radially outer periphery 33. This second lateral edge 35 has a circumferential angular extent [3 which is less than the circumferential angular extent a of the first lateral edge 34, as shown in [Fig.5]. In this way, once the sectors 3a, 3b are mounted on the internal ring, the second lateral edges 35 of the sectors 3a, 3b define openings 36.
[0032] Each sector 3a, 3b has a first end 30a and a second end 30b. The first end 30a of a first sector 3a is configured to cooperate with the second end 30b of a second sector 3b. It is understood that, in the case where the device 1 comprises two sectors 3a, 3b, the second end 30b of the first sector 3a is configured to cooperate with the first end 30a of the second sector 3b.
[0033] Advantageously, each sector 3a, 3b comprises at each of its ends 30a, 30b of the cooperation means 39a, 39b, a first cooperation means 39a of a first end 30a of a given first sector 3a being configured to cooperate with a second cooperation means 39b of a second end 30b of a second sector 3b. These cooperation means 39a, 39b may take the form of a tenon 39a and a mortise 39b, the tenon 39a of a given sector 3a being configured to cooperate with the mortise 39b of another sector 3b. It is understood that there is a mechanical assembly of the sectors 3a, 3b. Alternatively, the cooperation means 39a, 39b may take the form of magnets. It is understood that there is a magnetic assembly of the sectors 3a, 3b.
[0034] These cooperation means 39a, 39b at the ends 30a, 30b of each sector 3a, 3b make it possible to hold the sectors 3a, 3b together on the internal ring 2 while waiting to receive an elastic band 4 as detailed later.
[0035] Advantageously, the sectors 3a, 3b are rigid.
[0036] Advantageously, the sectors 3a, 3b are identical. This makes it easier to in interchangeability by replacing a used sector with another without having compatibility problems with other parts. This also makes their production easier while reducing costs.
[0037] Advantageously, each of the sectors 3a, 3b comprises at least one axial recess 38 formed in the first lateral edge 34 and / or in the second lateral edge 35. Each recess 38 may be blind or through. Each axial recess 38 may have a generally cylindrical shape. This axial recess 38 allows a reduction in mass of the sector 3a, 3b without harming the mechanical properties, in particular compressive strength, of the sector 3a, 3b.
[0038] The first lateral edge 34 may have a first frustoconical surface 34' which extends radially outward from the radially outer periphery 33. The second lateral edge 35 may have a second frustoconical surface 35' which extends radially outward from the radially outer periphery 33.
[0039] The flat rolling device 1 also comprises an elastic band 4 made from a single piece. A single piece is understood to mean a piece that is continuous. Preferably, the elastic band 4 is not split across its width. It is understood that the elastic band 4 takes the form of a closed ring. The elastic band 4 is configured to be mounted against the radially outer periphery 33 of the sectors 3a, 3b.
[0040] In particular, the elastic band 4 has a tread 41 intended to be in contact with the ground or the deflated / burst tire during a failure of the wheel on which the run-flat device 1 is installed.
[0041] The elastic band 4 may be made of elastomer material.
[0042] The flat rolling device 1 comprises at least two locking means 5. Each of these locking means 5 is intended to be inserted into one of the openings 36 to hold the sectors 3a, 3b together. Each locking means 5 comprises a lateral rim 51 configured to come into the circumferential extension of the second lateral edge 35 of each sector 3a, 3b. This aspect is detailed below with figures 4 and 5. It is further understood that the lateral rim 51, when the locking means 5 is inserted into the opening 36, flares radially outwards from the radially external periphery 33 of the sectors 3a, 3b.
[0043] Each locking means 5 is fixed to the sectors 3a, 3b, in one of the openings 36, by at least two screws 6 each held by a nut 7. Each screw 6 is inserted through a passage 52 of the locking means 5 and an orifice 37 formed in the first lateral edge 34 of a sector 3a, 3b. For given screws 6, one locking means 5 is common but not the sectors 3a, 3b. In other words, a first screw / nut assembly 6, 7 connects the locking means 5 to a first sector 3a while a second screw / nut assembly 6, 7 connects the locking means 5 to a second sector 3b.
[0044] The lateral edge 51 of each locking means 5 may have a frustoconical surface 51' which extends radially outwards. This frustoconical surface 51' is configured to extend in the extension of the second frustoconical surface 35' of the second lateral edges 35 of the sectors 3a, 3b.
[0045] Figures 4 and 5 show the assembly of two sectors 3a, 3b, as it could be on an internal ring 2. For reasons of illustration, the internal ring 2 is not shown. The assembly is furthermore completed by a locking means 5 in one of the openings 36.
[0046] When the sectors 3a, 3b are assembled, the first lateral edge 34 of the sector 3a comes in the circumferential extension of the first lateral edge 34 of the sector 3b. It is understood that the same is true for the first frustoconical surface 34' of each first lateral edge 34, where appropriate.
[0047] The second lateral edge 35 having a circumferential angular extent [3 less than the circumferential angular extent a of the first lateral edge 34, openings 36 are defined between each of the second lateral edges 35 of the sectors 3a, 3b. The openings 36 are advantageously defined to be diametrically opposed, one with respect to the other. It is understood that the second lateral edges 35 and that the locking means 5 are also respectively diametrically opposed. In use, this makes it possible to ensure good balancing of the rolling device 1 and to avoid unbalance.
[0048] When one of the locking means 5 is inserted into one of the openings 36 to hold the sectors 3a, 3b together, the lateral edge 51 of the locking means 5 comes into the circumferential extension of each of the second lateral edges 35 of the sectors 3a, 3b that the locking means holds together. It is understood that it the same applies to the frustoconical surface 51' of the lateral edge 51 with the second frustoconical surfaces 35' of the second lateral edges 35, where applicable.
[0049] With reference to [Fig. 5], the first lateral edge 34 has a circumferential angular extent a which is at most equal to 180° (degrees). The second lateral edge 35 has a circumferential angular extent [3 which is less than the circumferential angular extent a of the first lateral edge 34. The circumferential angular extent [3 of the second lateral edge 35 may be between 30° and 150°. In the example of [Fig. 5], the circumferential angular extent [3 of the second lateral edge 35 is substantially equal to 120°.
[0050] The lateral edge 51 of each locking means 5 may have a circumferential angular extent co substantially equal to the circumferential angular extent [3 of the second lateral edge 35 of a sector 3a, 3b. It is understood that in such a case, for reasons of geometric limitations, the circumferential angular extent co of the lateral edge 51 is substantially equal to the circumferential extent of the second lateral edge 35 without being greater than the latter. In such a case, the circumferential angular extent co of the lateral edge 51 is at most equal to 120°.
[0051] The circumferential angular extent co of the lateral edge 51 may, furthermore, be less than or greater than the circumferential angular extent [3 of the second lateral edges 35.
[0052] We are now interested in [Fig. 6] which represents several cases A, B, C in which the radius of the one-piece rim 8 varies. For example, in case A, the radius of the rim 8 is RI, in case B, the radius of the rim 8 is R2 and in case C, the radius of the rim 8 is R3, so that R3 < RI < R2.
[0053] The annular boss 22 which extends on the radially external face 24 of the internal ring 2 has a predefined height h which extends radially from the radially external face 24. The annular boss 22 being designed to cooperate with the groove 31 of the sectors 3a, 3b, it is understood that the predefined height h of the annular boss 22 is substantially equal to the radial dimensions of the groove 31 of the sectors 3a, 3b. This height h is intended to be fixed. By fixed is meant that the variation in the dimension is small, or even negligible.
[0054] The height h of the annular boss 22 being fixed, the inner ring 2 has a thickness which can vary in order to compensate for the variation in the radius, and therefore in the diameter, of the rims 8. In practice, from one model to another, the radius of a one-piece rim 8 can change. It is then of interest to have an inner ring 2 which is adaptable without having to make geometric modifications to the sectors 3a, 3b and locking means 5. More precisely, it is the radial dimension wl, w2, w3 which separates the radially inner face 23 from the radially outer face 24 which can then vary. It is understood that in case A with a one-piece rim 8 of radius RI, the inner ring 2 has a radial dimension wl; in case B with a one-piece rim 8 of radius R2, the inner ring 2 has a radial dimension w2; and in case C with a one-piece rim 8 of radius R3, the inner ring 2 has a radial dimension w3, so that w3 > wl > w2 since R3 < RI < R2. It is understood that the radial dimension wl, w2, w3 varies inversely with the radius RI, R2, R3 of the rim.
[0055] It is understood that the radius RI, R2, R3 of the rim 8 is equivalent to the radius of the radially internal face 23 of the internal ring 2.
[0056] It is understood that the inner ring 2 can be modified to adapt to different one-piece rims 8 without the other elements of the flat rolling device 1, such as the sectors 3a, 3b, the elastic band 4 or the locking means 5, being modified. It is in particular the radial dimension which separates the radially inner face 23 from the radially outer face 24 which can be modified.
[0057] This has the advantage of facilitating the installation of the flat bearing device 1 insofar as only the internal ring needs to be adapted to the one-piece rim 8. This also represents a gain in efficiency for the operators who do not have to look for the correct product reference for the sectors 3a, 3b, locking means 5, elastic band 4, the latter then being standard for any type of rim 8.
[0058] In the invention, the inner ring 2 and / or each sector 3a, 3b and / or each locking means 5 may be made of plastic, composite or metallic material. It is understood that the inner ring 2, each sector 3a, 3b and each locking means 5 may all be made of the same material. It is also understood that among the inner ring 2, each sector 3a, 3b and each locking means 5, at least one of the aforementioned elements may be made of a material different from the other elements.
[0059] It is understood that the flat rolling device 1 may be in the form of a kit in which each element or part of the elements of the device 1 is separated from the other elements.
[0060] The kit may thus comprise an internal ring 2, at least two sectors 3a, 3b, an elastic band 4 made from a single piece, at least two locking means 5 and at least four fixing elements such as screws 6 and nuts 7, each of the aforementioned elements being as described above.
[0061] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the invention also relates to a wheel 10 of a vehicle, this wheel 10 comprising a one-piece rim 8 and a run-flat device 1 as described above. The run-flat device 1 is furthermore mounted in a tire 9 around the one-piece rim 8.
[0062] Advantageously, within this wheel 10 the flat rolling device 1 is designed such that a ratio between the height H of the device 1, defined radially, and the height P of the tire 9, defined radially between the one-piece rim 8 and the external face of the tire in a nominal operating state, that is to say inflated, is between 0.4 and 0.6, and preferably between 0.45 and 0.55. This is an optimum to facilitate the mounting of the device 1 on the one-piece rim 8 without weakening it in use.
[0063] The invention also relates to a method of installing, around a one-piece rim 8, a flat-rolling device 1 as described above. This method comprises the following steps: a. install the inner ring 2 around the one-piece rim 8 so that the wedging foot(s) 21 rest against the rim 8; b. mounting each of the sectors 3a, 3b on the inner ring 2 by inserting the annular boss 22 into the groove 31 of the sectors 3a, 3b so that once the sectors 3a, 3b are mounted on the inner ring 2, the second lateral edges 35 of the sectors 3a, 3b define openings 36; c. installing the elastic band 4 made of a single piece against the radially external periphery 33 of the sectors 3a, 3b; and d. inserting each of the locking means 5 into one of the openings 36 and fixing each locking means 5 so as to hold the sectors 3a, 3b together.
[0064] In step a), the inner ring 2 which is split can be deformed radially so as to have a diameter greater than its initial diameter. Thanks to this deformation, the inner ring 2 can more easily pass one of the rim flanges which generally have diameters greater than the diameter of the central part of the rim 8. The inner ring 2 is further configured to resume, if necessary, its initial shape after having been deformed.
[0065] Still in step a), the wedging foot(s) 21 can be placed against a rim flange as seen in [Fig.8].
[0066] In step c), to facilitate the installation of the elastic band 4 made from a single piece, the latter can be passed through the openings 36 to be mounted against the radially external periphery 33 of the sectors 3a, 3b. The openings 36 make it possible to guarantee a better grip for the elastic band 4.
[0067] In step d), once the elastic band 4 is mounted against the radially external periphery 33, the latter is axially locked between the first and second lateral edges 34, 35 of the sectors 3a, 3b. The locking means 5 inserted in the openings 36 then reinforce the axial locking of the elastic band 4. The locking means 5 make it possible to prevent, in use, the elastic band 4 from disengaging through the openings 36 of the radially external periphery 33.
[0068] In step d), the locking means 5 can be secured to the sectors 3a, 3b with fixing elements such as screws 6 and nuts 7.
[0069] In light of the foregoing, it is understood that the flat bearing device 1 has the advantage of ensuring a simplification of the installation of the flat bearing device with a minimum of elements to be mounted, while allowing these different elements to cooperate easily with each other. Indeed, the slot of the internal ring allows it to open radially so that it can be installed around a one-piece rim, without being hindered by the edges of the rim, the respective diameters of which are generally greater than the diameter of the central part of the rim around which the device is intended to be installed. In addition, the sectors are guided by the annular boss of the internal ring to be easily mounted and centered on the ring.The differences in dimensions for the respective angular extents of the first and second lateral edges of the sectors make it possible to define openings which can serve as grips for the installation of the elastic band around the sectors, and thus facilitate its assembly. Furthermore, the locking means, and in particular their lateral edges, make it possible to reinforce the axial locking of the elastic band between the first and second lateral edges of the sectors, and also make it possible, in use, to prevent the elastic band from disengaging from the radially outer periphery of the sectors.
Claims
Claims
1. Flat bearing device (1) intended to be mounted around a one-piece rim (8) of a vehicle wheel, said device comprising: - an inner ring (2) comprising a radially inner face (23) intended to be mounted against the one-piece rim, a radially outer face (24), a first lateral face (25) and a second lateral face (26), both connecting the radially inner face to the radially outer face, said inner ring (2) comprising: • a slot (27) extending across the width of the internal ring between the first lateral face (25) and the second lateral face (26), • an annular boss (22) arranged on the radially external face (24), and • at least one wedging foot (21) intended to bear against said rim (8); - at least two sectors (3a, 3b), each sector being provided with a radially internal periphery (32) and a radially external periphery (33), and comprising: • a groove (31) arranged on the radially internal periphery (32) to cooperate with the annular boss (22) of the internal ring (2), • a first lateral edge (34) widening radially outwards from the radially external periphery (33) and having a circumferential angular extent (a) defining that of the sector (3a, 3b), and • a second lateral edge (35) widening radially outwards from the radially outer periphery (33) and having a circumferential angular extent (|3) less than the circumferential angular extent (a) of the first lateral edge (34), so that once said at least two sectors (3a, 3b) are mounted on the internal ring (2), the second lateral edges (35) of said at least two sectors define openings (36); - an elastic band (4) made of a single piece, configured to be mounted against the radially external periphery (33) of said at least two sectors (3a, 3b); - at least two locking means (5), each being intended to be inserted into one of the openings (36) to hold said at least two sectors (3a, 3b) together, each locking means (5) comprising a lateral edge (51) configured to come in the circumferential extension of the second lateral edge (35) of each sector (3a, 3b).
2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said openings (36) defined by the second lateral edges (35) of said at least two sectors (3a, 3b) are diametrically opposite.
3. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the internal ring (2) and / or each sector (3a, 3b) and / or each locking means (5) are made of plastic, composite or metallic material.
4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which each of the sectors (3a, 3b) comprises at least one axial recess (38) formed in the first lateral edge (34) and / or in the second lateral edge (35).
5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each lateral edge (51) of said at least two locking means (5) has a circumferential angular extent (œ) substantially equal to the circumferential angular extent (|3) of the second lateral edge (35) of a sector (3a, 3b).
6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which each sector (3a, 3b) comprises a first end (30a) and a second end (30b), said ends comprising cooperation means (39a, 39b).
7. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein said cooperation means (39a, 39b) are mechanical or magnetic.
8. Wheel (10) of a vehicle, said wheel comprising a one-piece rim (8) and a run-flat device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, said device being mounted in a tire (9) around said one-piece rim (8).
9. A method of installing a run-flat device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 around a one-piece rim (8), said method comprising the following steps: a. installing the inner ring (2) around said one-piece rim (8) so that said at least one wedging foot (21) rests against said rim; b. mounting each of the sectors (3a, 3b) on said inner ring by inserting the annular boss (22) into the groove (31) of said sectors so that once said sectors are mounted on the inner ring, the second lateral edges of said sectors define openings (36); c. installing the elastic band (4) made of a single piece against the radially external periphery (33) of said sectors (3a, 3b); And d. inserting each of the locking means (5) into one of the openings (36) and fixing each locking means so as to hold said sectors (3a, 3b) together.