Wheel with internal electric motor for automotive vehicles

Abstract

A wheel (14) of a motor vehicle (10), the wheel (14) comprising: a rotational axle (20); a rim (18) adapted to receive a tire (16) and comprising a first circular edge (66), a second circular edge (68) axially opposite to the first circular edge (66), a connecting flange (70) axially connecting the first circular edge (66) to the second circular edge (68); an electric motor (22) in the rim (18), the electric motor (22) comprising: a stator (42), a rotor (32) with an outer housing (26) surrounding the stator (42) and comprising an external centering surface (34). The connecting flange (70) comprises an internal centering surface (72) cooperating with the external centering surface (34) in order to center the rim (18) relative to the rotor (32). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel with internal electric motor for motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the centering of a drive wheel rim of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a wheel with an electric motor 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 on rims. Typically, a wheel has a cylindrical rim surrounding the axis of rotation. The wheel defines an internal housing in which a braking system is arranged, generally with a disc coupled to a brake caliper. Thus, the compactness of the wheel allows for larger components to be accommodated. In addition to braking torque, a wheel is capable of transmitting drive 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 the control of contact between the tire and the road. This is observed during the rebound movements of the suspension systems. Furthermore, the rigidity of the rim optimizes the maintenance of the tire within a predefined geometry despite lateral forces. Thus, the wheel contributes both directly and indirectly to safety.

[0004] It is known to install an electric motor in a vehicle wheel, or even in each wheel of a motor vehicle, in order to free up space, namely the volume of the motor, within the vehicle chassis. The drive torque applied to each wheel is then directly controlled by its motor, thus eliminating the need for a wheel drive differential. This type of wheel is referred to as a "wheel motor".

[0005] Document CN208247957U describes a hubless car wheel drive device. The wheel has a rim, the inside of which has a boss along the wheel's axle. A motor comprises an external rotor, a rotor section, a bearing, and an internal stator within the wheel. The boss forms a ring radially connecting the rim to the electric motor. However, the centering between the rim and the motor rotor remains approximate.

[0006] US patent 8459386B2 describes a wheel propulsion device for alternately propelling and retarding the rotation of a wheel supporting a motor vehicle. An electric drive motor is mounted on a wheel to provide a driving force for the vehicle. The electric drive motor comprises a radially internal motor stator designed to be fixed to a vehicle. The electric drive motor also comprises a radially external annular motor rotor designed to be mounted inside a wheel. It is driven in rotation relative to the motor stator by electromagnetic forces developed between the stator and the rotor.

[0007] The wheel comprises a radially internal, frustoconical, concentric annular rim surface. The motor rotor includes a complementary frustoconical annular projection surface disposed on a concentric projection or a chamfered circumferential surface that extends entirely outside the motor rotor housing. This arrangement allows for centering that facilitates assembly and disassembly. However, the positioning accuracy is limited. Furthermore, the rim remains heavy. Stability at the centering interface is restricted, which increases the stresses in the fastening screws.

[0008] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the centering of a rim with respect to an electric motor integrated into a motor vehicle wheel. The invention also aims to optimize the centering, mass, and rigidity of a motor vehicle wheel with an internal electric motor.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle wheel, the wheel comprising: an axis of rotation; a rim adapted to receive a tire and comprising a first circular edge, a second circular edge axially opposed to the first circular edge, a connecting web axially connecting the first circular edge to the second circular edge; an electric motor in the rim, the electric motor comprising: a stator, a rotor with an outer casing surrounding the stator and comprising an external centering surface; notable in that the connecting web comprises an internal centering surface cooperating with the external centering surface in order to center the rim relative to the rotor.

[0010] It will be understood that the invention proposes a wheel motor arranged so that the housing is in direct contact with the rim, for example in a frustoconical arrangement, allowing for optimized centering of the motor within the wheel. The dynamic balancing of the rim and tire is more precise with respect to the motor's axis of rotation.

[0011] Preferably, the internal centering surface comprises a first section in contact with the external centering surface and having a first diameter; a second section in contact with the external centering surface and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

[0012] Preferably, the outer casing comprises a main body with a tubular wall against the first section, and an annular cover against the second section; the first section being arranged in the rim axially opposite the second section.

[0013] Preferably, the first segment is axially at a distance from the first circular edge and the second circular edge.

[0014] Preferably, the second segment is axially at the level of the second circular edge.

[0015] Preferably, the stator has at least one fixing area intended to be fixed to a wheel support, the second section being axially between the first section and at least one fixing area.

[0016] Preferably, the electric motor includes a first bearing axially straddling the first section.

[0017] Preferably, the electric motor includes a second bearing axially overlapping the second section.

[0018] Preferably, the first bearing and the second bearing have equal diameters.

[0019] Preferably, the rotor includes centering pads projecting radially outwards and forming at least partially the external centering surface, the centering pads being radially in contact with the internal centering surface.

[0020] Preferably, the rim includes a mounting flange extending radially inwards and fixed to the rotor, the mounting flange being axially distant from the internal centering surface.

[0021] Preferably the mounting flange comprises a circular row of axial mounting holes.

[0022] Preferably, the joining wall comprises an axial segment with a straight profile which is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation at an angle of inclination between 5° and 20°.

[0023] Preferably, the wheel includes a central passage extending axially from the first circular edge to the second circular edge.

[0024] Preferably, the central passage has an axial length and an average diameter greater than the axial length.

[0025] Preferably, the veil comprises a thickness, the first section comprises an axial length greater than said thickness.

[0026] Preferably, the joining veil is an annular joining veil.

[0027] Preferably, the fixing flange includes a third diameter smaller than the first diameter.

[0028] Preferably, the wheel includes a first axial width, the electric motor includes a second axial width less than the first axial width.

[0029] Preferably, the electric motor comprises permanent magnets fixed to the outer casing axially at the level of the internal centering surface.

[0030] Preferably, the electric motor comprises electric coils fixed axially to the stator at the level of the internal centering surface.

[0031] Preferably, the electric motor comprises at least two ball bearings between the rotor and the stator, said bearings having the same diameter with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0032] Preferably, the ball bearings are angular contact ball bearings.

[0033] Preferably, the joining veil surrounds the motor.

[0034] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a wheel for a motor vehicle, the wheel comprising: a rotational axle; a rim adapted to receive a tire and comprising an internal centering surface with a first circular edge and a second circular edge axially opposite to the first circular edge; an electric motor in the rim, the electric motor comprising: a stator, a rotor with an outer casing surrounding the stator; notable in that the outer casing comprises a main body with a tubular wall having an external centering surface centered against the internal centering surface in order to center the rim relative to the rotor. Such a wheel allows for precise and firm centering of the wheel via the centering interface materialized by the external centering surface and the internal centering surface.

[0035] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a wheel; remarkable in that the wheel conforms to the first aspect.

[0036] Preferably, the wheel is a front steering wheel.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] Figure [Fig. 2] is an isometric view from the outside of an assembly for a wheel of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0041] Fig. 3 is an isometric view from inside an assembly for a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a wheel of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a cross-section of a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.

[0044] [Fig.6] is an enlargement of [Fig.5], centered on the joining veil.

[0045] 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".

[0046] When used in relation to the motor vehicle, the terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively designate what is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0047] The radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. When used in relation to the radial direction, the terms "internal" and "external" shall respectively designate that which is oriented towards the axis of rotation and towards the opposite of the axis of rotation.

[0048] 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" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0049] The term "axial" refers to a direction along the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0050] The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the direction The transverse axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the vehicle. These three axes define a right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved across the figures.

[0051] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

[0052] In the present description, equality between values ​​is not to be understood in the strict sense insofar as each equality allows a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

[0053] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0054] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the wheel mounting configuration, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0055] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0056] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 includes energy storage means, such as an electric battery, for powering the motor vehicle 10.

[0057] 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 various compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo area, and the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the suspension and steering systems.

[0058] The motor vehicle 10 includes ground connections formed by the wheels 14. In this case, four similar or identical wheels 14 are provided. Each wheel 14 includes a tire 16 associated with a rim 18. When the tire 16 is mounted around the rim 18, they define an annular chamber (not shown). The annular chamber is hollow and airtight. The annular chamber is inflated to a given pressure to adjust the contact area with the ground. The tire 16 includes a tubular tread and a sidewall on each side of the tread. The sidewalls form annular surfaces around an axis of rotation 20. The sidewalls are in contact with the rim 18. They extend radially.

[0059] Each rim 18 is mounted to rotate freely about the axis of rotation 20 relative to the structure 12 via a wheel support (not shown), itself connected to a suspension system. Each axis of rotation 20 is generally transverse. It can be substantially inclined to adjust comfort, stability, and driving precision.

[0060] At least one, or each, wheel 14 comprises an electric motor 22. The electric motor 22 is mounted inside the rim 18. It forms an integrated motor, also called a wheel motor. It is housed within the transverse thickness of the rim 18 and / or the tire 16.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one wheel is a steering wheel. It pivots about a vertical pivot axis in order to change the steering angle.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle comprises at least one steering wheel on the front axle, and wheels of a second type on the rear axle.

[0063] According to an alternative of the invention, the motor vehicle includes at least one electric motor freewheel.

[0064] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a wheel assembly for a motor vehicle from a first viewpoint, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to Figure 1. The rim is not shown for clarity. The wheel shown is a left front wheel.

[0066] The motor vehicle includes a wheel assembly. The assembly includes a wheel support 28, on which the electric motor 22 is fixed.

[0067] The electric motor 22 comprises a rotor 32 and a stator 42 inside the rotor 32. An outer casing 26 surrounds the rotor 32. The outer casing 26 forms the exterior of the rotor 32. The outer casing 26 protects the internal components of the electric motor 22 from external elements and projectiles. The outer casing 26 is generally cylindrical. The outer casing 26 surrounds the axis of rotation 20.

[0068] The assembly includes a central passage 80 along the stator 42. The central passage 80 is crossed by the axis of rotation 20. It forms a transverse clearance.

[0069] The outer casing 26 comprises a main body 30. The main body 30 comprises an external centering surface 34. The external centering surface 34 forms the exterior of the rotor 32. The external centering surface 34 is a cylindrical surface. It is formed by a tubular wall. The external centering surface 34 extends transversely and around the axis of rotation 20.

[0070] The main body 30 comprises a lateral face 36. The lateral face 36 is generally perpendicular to the external centering surface 34. It is generally a first face. The lateral face 36 extends vertically towards the axis of rotation 20 from the external centering surface 34. The lateral face 36 is a first axial end of the rotor 32.

[0071] The side face 36 has bosses 64 projecting axially from the outer casing 26. They project axially from the main body 30. The bosses 64 include mounting holes. The bosses 64 are distributed angularly around the axis of rotation 20. The bosses 64 are arranged in a circle. Each of them has an axial height of at least 0.50 mm, preferably at least 2.00 mm.

[0072] The rotor 32 includes centering studs 38 projecting radially outwards. The centering studs 38 are radial studs. They extend transversely across the outer housing 26. The centering studs 38 extend over the external centering surface 34, at a distance from the lateral face 36. The centering studs 38 form an external centering surface. The external centering surface is angularly segmented. The centering studs 38 are beveled. The centering studs 38 include mounting holes. The centering studs 38 are distributed angularly around the axis of rotation 20. The centering pads 38 are arranged on a circle. They each include a radial height of at least 0.30 cm, preferably of at least 1.00 cm.

[0073] The main body 30 is made of ferromagnetic material. The main body 30 is a single piece. It can be machined or comprise two parts welded together.

[0074] Figure 3 shows a motor vehicle wheel assembly from a second viewpoint, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The rim is not shown for clarity.

[0075] The wheel support 28 has an upper ball joint 40 at its top. The upper ball joint 40 is intended to be attached to a suspension arm. It allows pivoting movement for directional movements. The wheel support 28 has a first vertical arm 44 and a second vertical arm 46 attached to the stator 42. The second vertical arm 46 is axially spaced from the first vertical arm 44. They meet at the upper ball joint 40. They diverge downwards from each other. For example, they could be a front vertical arm and a rear vertical arm.

[0076] The motor vehicle comprises a longitudinal gap 48 between the first vertical arm 44 and the second vertical arm 46. The longitudinal gap 48 increases downwards. This arrangement provides rigidity that takes advantage of the inherent rigidity of the stator 42. Thus, the invention reduces the overall mass of the motor vehicle, and in particular optimizes the unsprung mass.

[0077] The wheel support 28 includes a horizontal arm 52. The horizontal arm 52 joins the first vertical arm 44 to the second vertical arm 46. The horizontal arm 52 reinforces and stiffens the wheel support 28.

[0078] The outer casing 26 includes an annular cover 54 against the main body 30. The annular cover 54 is generally perpendicular to the external centering surface 34. The annular cover 54 is generally flat. It forms a closing ring for the main body 30. It is parallel to the lateral face 36. The annular cover 54 is axially opposite to the lateral face 36. The annular cover 54 closes the main body 30 to enclose the rotor 32 within the outer casing 26. The annular cover 54 is at a second axial end of the rotor 32, opposite the first axial end. The annular cover 54 is made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0079] The annular cover 54 includes locking studs 56 projecting radially outwards. The locking studs 56 are distributed angularly around the axis of rotation 20. The locking studs 56 are arranged in a circle. Each of them has a radial height of at least 3 mm, preferably of at least minus 6 mm. The radial heights are average heights. The closing studs 56 each have an axial length of at least 1.00 cm, preferably at least 2.00 cm. The closing studs 56 are positioned opposite the centering studs 38. The closing studs 56 include fastening means 58, complementary to the fastening holes of the centering studs 38. The fastening means 58 include axially arranged screws. The closing studs 56 coincide with the centering studs 38 to fix the annular cover 54 to the main body 30. The centering studs 38 allow the main body 30 to be thinned.

[0080] The stator 42 is housed in the rotor 32. It is generally tubular. The stator 42 has at least one mounting area 60 connected to the wheel support 28. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stator 42 has several mounting areas 60, connected, for example, respectively to the first vertical arm 44, and / or to the second vertical arm 46 and / or to the horizontal arm 52.

[0081] Figure 4 shows a wheel 14 of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. In this case, the wheel shown is a right front wheel.

[0082] The axis of rotation 20 of the wheel 14 forms an axis of axial symmetry. The wheel 14 comprises a circular rim 18. It forms a ring around the axis of rotation 20. The axis of rotation 20 is generally horizontal. The rim 18 forms a tube inside the tire 16. It is rotationally balanced. At each axial end, the rim 18 includes a retaining flange for the sidewall of the tire 16.

[0083] The electric motor 22 is housed in the wheel 14. The rotor 32 is integral with the tire 16, and the stator 42 is fixed to the wheel support 28. The rotor 32 is fixed to the rim 18. The rim 18 includes a mounting flange 88 projecting inwards. The mounting flange 88 extends radially inwards.

[0084] The mounting flange 88 is fixed to the side face 36 of the outer housing 26. The mounting flange 88 is an annular flange. The mounting flange 88 comprises a circular row of axial mounting holes 62. The axial mounting holes 62 are axially open on the mounting flange 88. The axial mounting holes 62 are angularly distributed around the axis of rotation 20, opposite the bosses 64. Fastening means connect the bosses 64 to the axial mounting holes 62 in order to secure the rotor 32 to the rim 18.

[0085] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-section of a wheel 14 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0086] The wheel 14 includes a rim 18 receiving a tire 16. The wheel 14 integrates an electric motor 22 in the rim 18. It includes: a rotor 32 fixed to the rim 18; a stator 42 inside the rotor 32; the rotor 32 being surrounded by an outer casing 26 comprising an external centering surface 34.

[0087] The rim 18 comprises a first circular edge 66 and a second circular edge 68 axially opposite the first circular edge 66. The first circular edge 66 and the second circular edge 68 are axially connected by a connecting web 70. The connecting web 70 is an annular web. It is tubular and substantially conical. The connecting web 70 surrounds the electric motor 22. Said connecting web 70 comprises an internal centering surface 72. The internal centering surface 72 extends transversely around the axis of rotation 20. The internal centering surface 72 is opposite the external centering surface 34. The internal centering surface 72 is an internal annular surface.

[0088] The internal centering surface 72 comprises a first section 74, said first section 74 being axially distanced from the first circular edge 66 and the second circular edge 68. The first section 74 has a first diameter 76. The internal centering surface 72 comprises a second section 78. The first section 74 and the second section 78 are axial sections. The second section 78 is axially at the level of the second circular edge 68. The second section 78 has a second diameter 86 larger than the first diameter 76. The first section 74 is arranged in the rim 18, axially opposite the second section 78. The internal centering surface 72 is a frustoconical surface.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal centering surface 72, more generally the joining web 70, comprises an axial segment with a straight profile. The straight profile is a profile of revolution about the axis of rotation 20. The straight profile is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation 20 at an angle of inclination between 5° and 20°. Furthermore, the joining web 70 comprises a thickness, the first section 74 comprising an axial length greater than said thickness. The thickness is a radial thickness. It is an average thickness.

[0090] The stator 42 includes at least one fixing zone 60 intended to be fixed to the wheel support 28; the second section 78 is axially between the first section 74 and at least one fixing zone 60. The fixing zone 60 is axially opposite the first section 74 with respect to the second section 78.

[0091] The internal centering surface 72 cooperates with the external centering surface 34 to center the rim 18 relative to the rotor 32. The first section 74 and the second section 78 are both in contact with the external centering surface 34. The main body 30 is against the first section 74. The annular cover 54 is against the second section 78. The closing studs 56 and the centering studs 38 are radially in contact with the internal centering surface 72, at the level of the second section 78.

[0092] During the assembly of the wheel 14, the rim 18 is positioned around the electric motor 22. The rotor gradually enters the rim. Centering is ensured by the interaction between the internal centering surface 72 and the external centering surface 34. The rim 18 and the electric motor 22 are secured by attaching the mounting means connecting the bosses 64 on the lateral face of the outer housing 26 to the axial mounting holes 62 of the mounting flange 88. The mounting flange 88 is axially offset from the internal centering surface 72. The mounting flange 88 includes a third diameter, smaller than the first diameter 76.

[0093] Figure 6 is a cross-section of a wheel 14 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the rotor 32 has permanent magnets 94. The permanent magnets 94 are fixed axially to the outer casing 26 at the internal centering surface 72. The stator 42 includes electric coils 96 adapted to generate magnetic fields towards the permanent magnets 94. The electric coils 96 are fixed axially to the stator 42 at the internal centering surface 72.

[0095] The rotor 32 and the stator 42 comprise ferromagnetic material to form magnetic circuits around the permanent magnets 94 and the electric coils 96. The electric motor 22 is generally a rotating electric machine. It is capable of driving the rim 18 in rotation and of recovering energy to recharge an electric battery of the motor vehicle.

[0096] The stator 42 is axially located between the outer casing 26 and the annular cover 54. The electric motor 22 includes at least two ball bearings between the rotor 32 and the stator 42. The ball bearings allow the rotor 32 to rotate freely around the stator 42. The electric motor 22 includes a first ball bearing 90 integral with the outer casing 26. The first ball bearing 90 axially overlaps the first section 74.

[0097] The electric motor 22 includes a second ball bearing 92 integral with the annular cover 54. The second ball bearing 92 has the same diameter as the first ball bearing 90. The second ball bearing 92 axially overlaps the second section 78. The overlaps between the bearings and the sections facilitate the transmission of forces. This limits deformations of the rotor 32.

[0098] The wheel 14 includes a central passage 80 extending along the stator 42. The central passage 80 is traversed by the axis of rotation. The central passage 80 extends axially from the first circular edge 66 to the second circular edge 68. It forms a transverse clearance. The wheel 14 is without a central hub.

[0099] The wheel 14 includes a first axial width, the electric motor 22 includes a second axial width less than the first axial width.

[0100] The central passage 80 has an axial length 82 and a mean diameter 84 greater than the axial length 82. The axial length 82 is a maximum length. It is measured at the rim 18 or at the tire if the latter is wider. These proportions increase the cooling of the electric motor 22.

[0101] This arrangement facilitates the centering of the rim 18 relative to the electric motor 22. Centering is ensured around the electric motor 22. This frees up axial space. Thus, the electric motor 22 can occupy a maximum of the axial length of the rim 18, while maintaining space in the center of the wheel. This allows for increased power from the electric motor while freeing up space for other components such as the braking system.

[0102] The internal centering surface 72, more generally the joining surface 70, comprises an axial segment 24 with a straight profile which is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation 20 at an angle of inclination 98 between 5° and 20°. Preferably, the angle of inclination 98 is between 8° and 15°. Axially along the axial segment 24, the axial segment 24 has a constant thickness.

[0103] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0104] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Demands

1. Wheel (14) of a motor vehicle (10), the wheel (14) comprising: a rotation axis (20); a rim (18) adapted to receive a tire (16) and comprising a first circular edge (66), a second circular edge (68) axially opposed to the first circular edge (66), a connecting disc (70) axially connecting the first circular edge (66) to the second circular edge (68); an electric motor (22) in the rim (18), the electric motor (22) comprising: a stator (42), a rotor (32) with an outer casing (26) surrounding the stator (42) and comprising an external centering surface (34); characterized in that the connecting disc (70) comprises an internal centering surface (72) cooperating with the external centering surface (34) in order to center the rim (18) relative to the rotor (32).

2. Wheel (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal centering surface (72) comprises a first section (74) in contact with the external centering surface (34) and having a first diameter (76); a second section (78) in contact with the external centering surface (34) and having a second diameter (86) greater than the first diameter (76).

3. Wheel (14) according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer casing (26) comprises a main body (30) with a tubular wall against the first section (74), and an annular cover (54) against the second section (78); the first section (74) being arranged in the rim (18) axially opposite the second section (78).

4. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the first section (74) is axially at a distance from the first circular edge (66) and the second circular edge (68), and / or the second section (78) is axially at the level of the second circular edge (68); preferably, the stator (42) has at least one fixing zone (60) intended to be fixed to a wheel support (28), the second section (78) being axially between the first section (74) and at least one fixing zone (60).

5. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the electric motor (22) comprises a first ball bearing (90) axially overlapping the first section (74), and / or a second ball bearing (92) axially overlapping the second section (78); preferably, the first ball bearing (90) and the second ball bearing (92) have equal diameters.

6. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rotor (32) comprises centering studs (38) projecting radially outwards and forming at least partially the external centering surface (34), the centering studs (38) being radially in contact with the internal centering surface (72).

7. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rim (18) comprises a fixing flange (88) extending radially inwards and fixed to the rotor (32), the fixing flange (88) being axially distant from the internal centering surface (72); preferably the fixing flange (88) comprises a circular row of axial fixing holes (62).

8. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the joining web (70) comprises an axial segment (24) with a straight profile which is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation (20) at an angle of inclination (98) between 5° and 20°.

9. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wheel (14) comprises a central passage (80) extending axially from the first circular edge (66) to the second circular edge (68); preferably, the central passage (80) has an axial length (82) and a mean diameter (84) greater than the axial length (82).

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a wheel (14); characterized in that the wheel (14) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 9; preferably, the wheel (14) is a front steering wheel.

Images