Wheel with internal electric motor and brake for motor vehicle

The wheel design optimizes space and thermal management by integrating the braking system within the stator, enhancing the power and torque of the electric motor, addressing space and heat transfer limitations in existing designs.

FR3167981A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-01STELLANTIS AUTO SAS +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
Filing Date
2024-10-28
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing wheel designs for motor vehicles restrict the space available for electric motors and braking systems, limiting their power and torque, and the heat generated during braking affects motor performance.

Method used

The wheel design integrates an electric motor with a rotor and stator within the rim, featuring a radial junction that positions the braking system's friction portion inside the stator, optimizing space and reducing heat transfer, allowing for increased power and torque.

Benefits of technology

This design enhances the power and torque of the electric motor while improving thermal protection, resulting in a more compact and efficient wheel assembly.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel (14) for a motor vehicle, such as a wheel without a central hub. The wheel (14) comprises: a rotating axle; a rim (18) receiving a tire (16); an electric motor (22) in the rim and comprising: a rotor (32) fixed to the rim (18); a stator (42) inside the rotor and having an internal annular surface (50) around the rotating axle; a braking system (24) with a disc (30) and a caliper (26). The disc (30) comprises a friction portion (38) cooperating by friction with the caliper; and a junction (70) connecting the friction portion to the rotor (32). The junction (70) includes a radial portion (72) extending radially within the internal annular surface (50) of the stator to arrange the friction portion (38) and the stirrup (26) radially within the stator (42). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 6
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Description

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

[0001] The invention relates to the arrangement of a disc brake in a drive wheel of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a wheel with an integrated electric motor and brake 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 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 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. This is observed during the rebound movements of the suspension systems. Furthermore, the rigidity of the rim optimizes tire positioning according to a predefined geometry despite lateral forces. Thus, the wheel contributes both directly and indirectly to safety.

[0004] In order to free up space within the structure of the motor vehicle, it is advantageous to arrange electric motors in its wheels. At these locations, the electric motors are situated alongside the braking systems, which are also located inside the wheels.

[0005] US patent 8459386B2 describes a wheel propulsion device for alternately propelling and braking the rotation of a wheel supporting a motor vehicle. An electric drive motor is mounted on a wheel to provide motive power to the vehicle. The electric drive motor includes a radially internal motor stator for mounting on a vehicle. The electric drive motor also includes a radially external annular motor rotor for mounting inside a wheel. It is driven in rotation relative to the motor stator by electromagnetic forces developed between the stator and the rotor.

[0006] The internal stator of the electric drive motor includes central elements such as a motor shaft which is fixed to a vehicle structure, such as a The wheel hub carrier. The disc brake system includes a caliper mounted on the vehicle in an axially internal position within the housing of the electric drive motor's rotor. This arrangement limits the space available for the electric drive motor, restricting its maximum power and torque.

[0007] Document CN208247957U describes a hubless car wheel drive device. The wheel has a rim, the inside of which has a boss along the wheel axle. A motor comprises an external rotor, a rotor section, a bearing, and an internal stator within the wheel. A brake caliper is firmly attached to the bearing. The brake disc is connected to the electric motor rotor. The brake caliper is axially external to the electric motor. This arrangement limits the space available for the electric motor within the wheel. This aspect therefore restricts the performance of the electric motor. Furthermore, during braking, the brake caliper heats up and transfers this heat to the electric motor, thus reducing its performance. Among other things, the physical properties of permanent magnets change when they heat up.

[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 increase the power of an electric motor in a wheel equipped with a braking system for a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the assembly, thermal protection, and power of an electric motor in a motor vehicle wheel.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a wheel for a motor vehicle, the wheel comprising: an axle of rotation; a rim adapted to receive a tire; an electric motor in the rim and comprising: a rotor fixed to the rim; a stator inside the rotor and having an internal annular surface around the axle of rotation; a braking system with a disc fixed to the rotor, a caliper fixed to the stator, the disc comprising a friction portion adapted to cooperate by friction with the caliper; a junction connecting the friction portion to the rotor; notable in that the junction comprises a radial portion extending radially inside the internal annular surface of the stator in order to arrange the friction portion radially inside the stator.

[0010] The presence of the radial portion and its radial elongation allow it to bypass the stator and place the friction portion within its diameter. Consequently, the yoke is brought closer to the axis of rotation, freeing up radial space outwards for the electric motor. The dimensions of the latter can then be freely optimized to increase its power and torque.

[0011] Preferably, the junction comprises an axial portion connecting the radial portion to the friction portion.

[0012] Preferably, the radial portion is axially towards the outside of the wheel relative to the friction portion.

[0013] Preferably, the radial portion comprises a radial end fixed to the rotor and radially opposite the friction portion.

[0014] Preferably, the stator includes at least one mounting stud for the caliper projecting radially into the interior of the internal annular surface; the stator includes a first axial end facing the disc, an axial separation between the first axial end and at least one mounting stud.

[0015] Preferably, the rotor comprises a first face, a second face axially opposed to the first face and having first bosses projecting axially on the rotor, the radial portion being fixed to said first bosses.

[0016] Preferably, the rotor further comprises second bosses projecting axially on the rotor, the rim being fixed to said second bosses; preferably the first bosses are offset angularly and / or radially with respect to the second bosses.

[0017] Preferably, the radial portion comprises a plurality of radial branches distributed angularly around the friction portion.

[0018] Preferably, the radial branches extend radially at the level of the stator.

[0019] Preferably, the wheel comprises a central passage extending from the portion radial and along the stator.

[0020] Preferably, the central passage has an axial length and an average diameter greater than the axial length.

[0021] Preferably, the friction portion comprises a first maximum diameter, the internal annular surface has a second maximum diameter greater than the first maximum diameter.

[0022] Preferably, the friction portion is axially in the stator.

[0023] Preferably, the stirrup is radially away from the internal annular surface of the stator.

[0024] Preferably, the rotor includes second bosses projecting axially, the rim being fixed to said second bosses.

[0025] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle wheel, the wheel comprising: a rotational axis; a rim adapted to receive a tire; an electric motor in the rim and comprising: a rotor fixed to the rim; a stator inside the rotor having an internal annular surface around the rotational axis; a braking system with a disc fixed to the rotor, a caliper fixed to the stator, the disc comprising a friction portion adapted to cooperate by friction with the caliper; a junction connecting the friction portion to the rotor; notable in that the internal annular surface has a minimal diameter, the friction portion comprising an outer diameter smaller than the minimum diameter. Such a wheel optimizes engine performance. It tends to shift the caliper inwards.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle wheel, the wheel comprising: a rotational axle; a rim adapted to receive a tire; an electric motor in the rim and comprising: the electric motor comprising: a rotor fixed to the rim; a stator in the rotor, the stator having a first end, a second end axially opposite the first end; a braking system with a disc fixed to the rotor facing the first end of the stator, a caliper fixed to the stator; notable in that the stator further comprises caliper mounting studs extending radially inwards, an axial separation between the first end and the mounting studs; the caliper extending axially from the mounting studs to the first face. This solution improves the compactness of the wheel. It optimizes the motor's performance, despite thermal phenomena.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a wheel; remarkable in that the wheel conforms to the invention.

[0028] Preferably, the disc is arranged on the wheel towards the outside of the motor vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a wheel support, the wheel support having a first vertical arm fixed to the stator, a second vertical arm fixed to the stator and axially at a distance from the first vertical arm; the motor vehicle comprising a longitudinal gap extending between the first vertical arm and the second vertical arm.

[0030] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises four wheels according to the invention.

[0031] Preferably, the wheel is a front wheel.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0035] Figure [Fig. 2] shows a side view of a wheel of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an assembly for a vehicle wheel automobile according to the invention.

[0037] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of an electric motor for a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a braking system for a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a cross-section of a wheel of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] In the following description, the term "understand" is synonymous with "include" and is not restrictive 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 term "consist of".

[0041] When used in relation to the motor vehicle, the terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively designate what is directed outwards from the vehicle and inwards from the vehicle.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0045] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

[0046] In the present description, the equality between the 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.

[0047] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their 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.

[0048] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the wheel mounting configuration, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0049] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 comprises a tire 16 attached to 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 specific 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 an axis of rotation 20. The sidewalls are in contact with the rim 18. They extend radially.

[0053] 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). Each axis of rotation 20 is generally transverse. It can be substantially inclined to adjust comfort, stability, and driving precision.

[0054] 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. It is housed within the transverse thickness of the rim 18 and / or the tire 16.

[0055] At least one, or each, wheel 14 includes a braking system 24. The braking system 24 is housed in the wheel 14. It extends into the electric motor 22. The braking system 24 includes a brake caliper 26. The brake caliper 26 cooperates by friction with the disc in order to slow down or stop the motor vehicle 10. The caliper 26 is arranged radially within the disc and therefore within the rim 18.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to an alternative of the invention, the motor vehicle includes at least one electric motor freewheel and / or a drum brake.

[0059] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a front view of a wheel 14 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to Figure 1. The view is oriented along the axis of rotation 20, from outside the motor vehicle. In this case, the wheel shown is a right front wheel.

[0061] A wheel support 28 holds the wheel 14. It has an upper ball joint to allow directional movement. The wheel 14 has a rotation axis 20, which forms an axis of axial symmetry. The wheel 14 includes a circular rim 18. It forms a ring around the rotation axis 20. The rotation axis 20 is generally horizontal. The rim 18 forms a ring 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.

[0062] The wheel 14 has an electric motor 22. The electric motor 22 is housed within the wheel 14. It has a rotor 32 integral with the tire 16, and a stator fixed to the wheel support 28. The rotor 32 is fixed to the rim 18. The rim 18 has a radial flange 34 projecting inwards. The radial flange 34 is fixed to an axial face of the rotor 32. It is an annular flange.

[0063] The braking system 24 includes a disc 30. The disc 30 forms a flat ring; perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20. The disc 30 is fixed to the rotor 32. It is fixed to the same axial face of the rotor 32 as the rim 18. The disc 30 is surrounded by the radial flange 34.

[0064] The braking system 24 includes a caliper 26. The caliper 26 is radially open outwards. It is open in the opposite direction to the axis of rotation 20. The caliper 26 receives two brake pads 36. The brake pads 36 clamp the disc 30 together. Each pad includes a friction lining. When the caliper 26 is actuated, it pushes the brake pads 36 against the disc 30, thus generating a braking effect.

[0065] Figure 3 shows a wheel assembly for 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 2. The rim is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0066] The motor vehicle includes a wheel support 28. 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 electric motor 22 is attached to the wheel support 28. It includes a rotor 32 and a stator 42 inside the rotor 32.

[0067] The wheel support 28 has a first vertical arm 44 and a second vertical arm 46 fixed 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 are a front vertical arm and a rear vertical arm.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The braking system 24 is transversely opposite the wheel support 28. In particular, the disc 30 and the caliper 26 are transversely opposite the wheel support 28, which positions them outwards and improves their cooling. Therefore, this limits the heating of the electric motor 22.

[0070] Figure 4 shows an electric motor 22 for a motor vehicle wheel, 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. The braking system is not shown for clarity. The wheel support 28 is visible in the background.

[0071] The stator 42 is housed within the rotor 32. It has an internal annular surface 50. The internal annular surface 50 surrounds the axis of rotation of the wheel. It is generally tubular. The stator 42 includes at least one mounting stud 52; preferably two mounting studs 52. The mounting studs 52 are intended to be fixed to the brake system caliper. Each mounting stud 52 projects radially inward from the internal annular surface 50. The mounting studs 52 receive mounting pins connected to the caliper.

[0072] The stator 42 comprises a first axial end 54 intended to face the disc, and a second axial end facing the wheel support 28. The first axial end 54 is opposite the second axial end. It forms a circle. The stator 42 has an axial separation 56 between the first axial end 54 and at least one mounting stud 52. This arrangement provides a mounting area for the caliper, which can be mounted by engaging it on the disc; this facilitates assembly.

[0073] The rotor 32 comprises a first face 58, for example towards the wheel support 28, a second face 60 axially opposite the first face 58, and perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The second face 60 has first bosses 62 projecting axially onto the rotor 32. These first bosses 62 have mounting holes. The first bosses 62 are distributed angularly around the axis of rotation. The first bosses 62 are arranged on a first circle. Each has an axial height of at least 0.50 mm, preferably at least 2.00 mm.

[0074] The disc includes a junction with a radial portion fixed to said first bosses 62. This arrangement allows an axial offset between the disc of the braking system and the rotor 32, which improves heat dissipation during braking phases, and therefore reduces heating of the electric motor 22. As a result, its performance is preserved.

[0075] The rotor 32 further includes second bosses 64 projecting axially on the rotor 32. The second bosses 64 are arranged on the second face 60. The rim is intended to be fixed to the said second bosses 64. This allows an offset between the second face 60 and the rim flange, and therefore cooling by convection.

[0076] The second bosses 64 are arranged on a second circle surrounding the first circle. The second bosses 64 and the first bosses 62 alternate. They are on the same face. The first bosses 62 are offset angularly and / or radially with respect to the second bosses 64. This arrangement facilitates airflow for cooling the rotor 32.

[0077] The mounting studs 52 are the first mounting studs. According to one option of the invention, the stator includes second mounting studs 66 connected to the wheel support 28. They are located on the first face 58. The wheel has a lower ball joint for attachment to a suspension arm. The second mounting studs 66 are axially opposed to the first mounting studs.

[0078] According to an alternative of the invention, the first bosses and the second bosses are on two opposite faces of the rotor.

[0079] According to an alternative of the invention, the first bosses and the second bosses are arranged on the same circle.

[0080] According to an alternative of the invention, the disc and the rim are fixed to the first bosses.

[0081] Figure 5 shows a braking system 24 with a disc 30 and its caliper 26 for a motor vehicle wheel, 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. The electric motor is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0082] The caliper 26 has an actuator. The actuator is hydraulic or electric. It is connected to a central control device of the motor vehicle. The actuator presses and moves the brake pads 36 towards each other; and therefore against the opposite faces of the disc 30.

[0083] The disc 30 forms the rotating part of the braking system 24. It includes a friction portion 38 adapted to cooperate by friction with the caliper 26, in particular with the brake pads 36. The friction portion 38 forms a flat ring. It comprises two parallel rings and vents between them. It has a free edge facing the axis of rotation 20. The axis of rotation 20 is a geometric axis.

[0084] The disc 30 also includes a junction 70 connecting the friction portion 38 to the rotor of the electric motor. The junction 70 comprises a radial portion 72 and an axial portion 74. The radial portion 72 and / or an axial portion 74 are annular portions. They are around the axis of rotation 20. The axial portion 74 is tubular. It generally has a constant diameter. It extends axially from the friction portion 38. The radial portion 72 extends radially from the axial portion 74. The radial portion 72 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20.

[0085] The radial portion 72 comprises a plurality of radial branches 76 distributed angularly around the friction portion 38. They are distributed around the axis of rotation. The radial branches 76 form a star. They extend radially outwards from the axial portion 74. The radial branches 76 have free ends facing away from the axis of rotation 20. The radial branches 76 include means for attachment to the rotor; for example, to the first bosses.

[0086] According to one option or alternative of the invention, the radial portion is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation at an angle of inclination between 45° and 70°.

[0087] Figure 6 is a cross-section of a wheel 14 of a motor vehicle, according to a method of realization of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 5.

[0088] 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 and having an internal annular surface 50 around the axis of rotation of the wheel 14.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the rotor 32 has permanent magnets, and the stator 42 includes electric coils capable of generating magnetic fields towards the permanent magnets. The rotor 32 and the stator 42 include ferromagnetic material to form magnetic circuits around the magnets and coils. The electric motor 22 is generally a rotating electric machine. It is capable of driving the rotating rim and recovering energy to recharge an electric battery.

[0090] The rotor 32 comprises an annular housing and an annular cover, preferably made of a ferromagnetic material. The stator 42 is axially positioned between the annular housing. and the annular cover. The electric motor 22 comprising a first bearing integral with the annular housing, a second bearing integral with the annular cover and having the same diameter as the first bearing.

[0091] A braking system 24 has a disc 30 fixed to the rotor 32 and a caliper 26 fixed to the stator 42. The braking system 24 is axially opposite the wheel support 28. The disc 30 includes a friction portion 38 adapted to cooperate by friction with the caliper 26. A junction 70 physically connects the friction portion 38 to the rotor 32. The junction 70 includes a radial portion 72 extending radially inside the internal annular surface 50 of the stator 42 in order to arrange the friction portion 38 radially inside the stator 42. Thus, both the caliper 26 and the disc 30 free up space to lengthen the electric motor 22. The latter is more torquey and more powerful.

[0092] The junction 70 comprises an axial portion 74 connecting the radial portion 72 to the friction portion 38. The axial portion 74 is generally tubular. It may be substantially conical. The radial portion 72 is axially outward from the wheel 14 relative to the friction portion 38. That is to say, the friction portion is axially toward the center of the wheel relative to the radial portion 72. This arrangement increases the space available for the electric motor 22 while keeping the friction portion 38 inside the stator 42. This latter aspect results in a more compact design for the wheel 14.

[0093] The radial portion 72 comprises a radial end 78 fixed to the rotor 32 and radially opposite the friction portion 38. The radial end 78 forms the free end. It is a free end. It is formed by the ends of the radial arms.

[0094] The wheel 14 includes a central passage 80 extending from the radial portion 72 and along the stator 42. The central passage 80 is traversed by the axis of rotation. It forms a transverse clearance. The wheel 14 is without a central hub. 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 the tire 16 if the latter is wider. These proportions increase the cooling of the electric motor 22 and the braking system 24.

[0095] As shown in the present figure, the friction portion 38 comprises a first maximum diameter. The internal annular surface has a second maximum diameter larger than the first maximum diameter. Thus, the friction portion is ingested into the stator 42. The friction portion 38 is housed axially within the stator. The stirrup 26 is radially offset from the internal annular surface 50 of the stator 42. Again, this contributes to cooling.

[0096] According to a preferred embodiment, the rim 18 comprises a metallic material such as steel and / or aluminum. According to an alternative of the invention, the rim is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0097] The rim comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic material based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably from 10 to 80% by weight; more preferably from 20 to 60% by weight or from 30 to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the vehicle's environmental footprint.

[0098] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0099] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. Each one respects a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Demands

1. Wheel (14) of a motor vehicle (10), the wheel (14) comprising: a rotational axle (20); a rim (18) adapted to receive a tire (16); an electric motor (22) in the rim (18) and comprising: a rotor (32) fixed to the rim (18); a stator (42) inside the rotor (32) and having an internal annular surface (50) around the rotational axle (20); a braking system (24) with a disc (30) fixed to the rotor (32), a caliper (26) fixed to the stator (42), the disc (30) comprising a friction portion (38) adapted to cooperate by friction with the caliper (26); a junction (70) connecting the friction portion (38) to the rotor (32); characterized in that the junction (70) comprises a radial portion (72) extending radially inside the internal annular surface (50) of the stator (42) in order to arrange the friction portion (38) radially inside the stator (42).

2. Wheel (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the junction (70) comprises an axial portion (74) connecting the radial portion (72) to the friction portion (38); preferably, the radial portion (72) is axially outward from the wheel (14) relative to the friction portion (38).

3. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the radial portion (72) comprises a radial end (78) fixed to the rotor (32) and radially opposite the friction portion (38).

4. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stator (42) comprises at least one mounting stud (52) of the caliper (26) projecting radially into the inner annular surface (50); the stator (42) comprises a first axial end (54) facing the disc (30), an axial separation (56) between the first axial end (54) and at least one mounting stud (52).

5. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotor (32) comprises a first face (58), a second face (60) axially opposed to the first face (58) and having first bosses (62) projecting axially on the rotor (32), the radial portion (72) being fixed to said first bosses (62).

6. Wheel (14) according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotor (32) further comprises second bosses (64) projecting axially from the rotor (32), the rim (18) being fixed to said second bosses (64); preferably the first bosses (62) are offset angularly and / or radially with respect to the second bosses (64).

7. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the radial portion (72) comprises a plurality of radial branches (76) distributed angularly around the friction portion (38); preferably, the radial branches (76) extend radially at the level of the stator (42).

8. Wheel (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wheel (14) comprises a central passage (80) extending from the radial portion (72) and along the stator (42); preferably, the central passage (80) has an axial length (82) and a mean diameter (84) greater than the axial length (82).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a wheel (14); characterized in that the wheel (14) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the disc (30) is arranged on the wheel (14) towards the outside of the motor vehicle (10).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a wheel support (28), the wheel support (28) having a first vertical arm (44) fixed to the stator (42), a second vertical arm (46) fixed to the stator (42) and axially at a distance from the first vertical arm (44); the motor vehicle (10) comprising a longitudinal gap (48) extending between the first vertical arm (44) and the second vertical arm (46).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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