Wheel protection device incorporating a heat shield

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel protection device (100), comprising a tire sidewall protection device (110) including: a shield (112) having an annular shape; a ring (114) having an axis (B) and being integral with the shield and comprising: a connecting portion (114a) for the integral connection of the ring to the shield; a fastening portion (114b) for attaching to a wheel rim; According to the invention, the protection device further includes a removable heat shield (126) and a fastening device (122) for removably attaching the heat shield to the tire sidewall protection device. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel protection device comprising a heat shield technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tire protection for vehicles, such as military vehicles. Since this type of vehicle is designed to operate on rough terrain, the sidewalls of the tires are frequently subjected to impacts that can damage or puncture them. Furthermore, this type of vehicle is often required to travel over mined terrain.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a wheel protection device arranged to mask the infrared signature of the wheel. Previous technique

[0003] To limit the risk of damage to all-terrain vehicle tires, it is known to use tire protection devices. Generally, these protective devices are designed to protect the sidewalls of the tires.

[0004] Such a protection device is described in particular in document EP 4 210 969.

[0005] Furthermore, in a military context, it is known that some mines have an infrared detector which triggers the explosion of the mine when a heat source passes near the mine.

[0006] Mines of this type can be located on the ground and oriented so that the infrared detector is able to capture infrared radiation emitted at a height of approximately 1 meter considered from the ground.

[0007] A vehicle wheel traditionally comprises a rim, most often metallic, which carries a tire. When the vehicle is moving, the tire and the rim heat up, thus constituting a source of infrared radiation that can be detected by the mine's infrared detector.

[0008] EP 1 480 001 describes an infrared masking device comprising an annular brush disposed in front of the tire, at a certain axial distance from the sidewall. The masking device further comprises a thermal screen coaxial with the brush. This device is intended for use in masking the low-pressure tires of a vehicle carrying a mine-clearing system.

[0009] This type of vehicle is not intended to operate on rough terrain which may damage the tires, it being specified that the bristle brush may be damaged and no longer play its role as a cooler. Description of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims in particular to provide a road protection device that both protects the tire from mechanical shocks while masking infrared radiation.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a wheel protection device, comprising:

[0012] a tire sidewall protection device comprising:

[0013] a shield having an annular shape;

[0014] a crown having an axis and being integral with the shield and comprising:

[0015] a connecting part for the solid connection of the crown to the shield;

[0016] a part for securing to a wheel rim.

[0017] Characteristically, the wheel protection device further comprises a heat shield which is removable and a fixing device for fixing the heat shield in a removable manner to the tire sidewall protection device.

[0018] The shield material is chosen to protect the tire sidewall against impacts. It may also be chosen to block the tire's infrared radiation. Preferably, but not exclusively, the shield is made of a polymer material.

[0019] The heat shield also serves to block infrared radiation. Preferably, the shield material is also a polymer. For example, it can be made of

[0020] styrene-butadiene (SBR), nitrile rubber (NBR), polychloroprene (CR), or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM). The polymer material can advantageously be reinforced with textile or metallic fibers.

[0021] The fastening device allows the heat shield to be mounted and removed from the tire protection device, making it possible to choose the heat shield best suited to the type of wheel on which the wheel protection device is to be mounted. Also, thanks to the invention, different types of heat shields can be used with the tire sidewall protection device.

[0022] This modularity also makes it easy to adapt the properties of the thermal screen to the type of mines present in the field.

[0023] The heat shield can also be easily replaced if damaged.

[0024] The heat shield may have the shape of a disc, a polygon, or any other suitable geometric shape.

[0025] Preferably, the heat shield is attached to the shield. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the heat shield could alternatively be attached to the crown.

[0026] Advantageously, the fastening device includes first fastening elements located on the thermal screen.

[0027] Preferably, the first fixing elements are arranged along a peripheral portion of the heat shield.

[0028] When the heat shield has a polygonal shape, the first fixing elements can be located at the vertices of the polygon.

[0029] Preferably, the fastening device comprises at least three initial fastening elements.

[0030] Preferably, each of the first fastening elements comprises a portion attached to the heat shield and a free portion. The portion attached to the heat shield may be embedded in the material constituting the heat shield.

[0031] Advantageously, the fastening device further includes second fastening elements located on the shield.

[0032] It is understood that the first and second fixing elements are arranged to cooperate with each other in order to achieve the removable fixing of the heat shield to the shield.

[0033] The second fixing elements are preferably arranged annularly along the circumferential length of the shield.

[0034] Preferably, each of the second elements comprises a part fixed to the shield and another free part intended to cooperate with the free portion of a first fixing element.

[0035] Here again, the part attached to the shield can be embedded in the material constituting the shield.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, considered in a plane containing the axis of the crown, the shield has a general shape of a half-torus, and the second fixing elements are arranged on an inner portion of the shield.

[0037] It is understood that, viewed in a cross-sectional plane passing through the axis of the shield, the latter presents two thick circular arcs. The inner portion of the shield corresponds to the surface portions of the two circular arcs that are opposite each other, that is to say, oriented towards the axis of the shield.

[0038] The inner portion of the shield has a rotational symmetry about the axis of the shield.

[0039] Preferably, considered in a plane containing the axis of the crown, the heat shield is located axially between the crown and an axial vertex of the shield.

[0040] It is understood that the axial vertex of the shield corresponds to one of the vertices of the aforementioned circular arcs.

[0041] This arrangement results in the heat shield being located axially between a plane passing through the axial apex of the shield and the crown. In other words, the heat shield is axially recessed within an internal volume of the shield, defined between the two arcs of the circle, thanks to which the shield also protects the heat shield in case of axial impact.

[0042] Advantageously, the heat shield has a cross-section at least equal to the cross-section of the crown, thanks to which the heat shield can mask the thermal radiation emanating from the crown, and from the part of the rim arranged behind the crown.

[0043] Preferably, the heat shield radially covers a portion of the shield.

[0044] The cross-section of the heat shield is preferably at least equal to the inner diameter of the shield. One advantage is to mask some of the thermal radiation generated by the shield, particularly by the portion of the shield connected to the corona. The heat emitted by the corona tends to diffuse into the portion of the shield in the immediate vicinity of the corona's periphery, causing this part of the shield to heat up. The heat shield is arranged to mask the thermal radiation emanating from this part of the shield.

[0045] Advantageously, the thermal screen is made of polymer.

[0046] Preferably, the shield comprises a polymer material. For example, it can be made of SBR, NBR, CR, or CSM. The polymer material can advantageously be reinforced with textile or metallic fibers.

[0047] Advantageously, the second fastening elements extend into the thickness of the shield. The second fastening elements are then fixed by the polymer.

[0048] According to a non-exclusive embodiment, the fastening device is of the toggle type. In a manner known elsewhere, a toggle type fastening device comprises a loop-forming portion and a core intended to be engaged in the loop so as to be substantially orthogonal to the loop strands. The core is then held in place by the inner wall of the shield, ensuring that the heat shield is retained on the shield.

[0049] One advantage of this type of fastening is its robustness and ease of handling.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment, the fastening device further comprises an adapter piece integral with the crown fastening part, the adapter piece further comprising a wheel rim mounting part.

[0051] This adapter piece makes it easier to maintain the protection device.

[0052] The invention further relates to a bearing assembly comprising:

[0053] a wheel comprising a rim having a rim axle, and a tire mounted on the rim and having at least one sidewall; and

[0054] a wheel protection device according to the invention, the wheel protection device being mounted to the rim and the shield covering the sidewall, the heat shield being arranged axially in front of the rim.

[0055] The crown can be mounted directly to the rim, for example by being attached to the rim bolts. Alternatively, the protective device is attached to the rim via the aforementioned adapter piece. The adapter piece can be attached directly to the rim, while the crown is mounted to the adapter piece, so that the crown is axially offset from the rim.

[0056] Advantageously, considered in a plane perpendicular to the rim axis, the heat shield has a cross-section at least equal to the cross-section of the rim.

[0057] Also, the heat shield masks the thermal radiation emanating axially from the rim. Description of the drawings

[0058] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] [Fig-1] Figure [Fig.1] illustrates, in perspective, an example of a bearing assembly according to the invention comprising a wheel equipped with a protective device according to the invention;

[0060] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a front view of the bearing assembly of the [Fig.1];

[0061] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of the [Fig.1] taken along a plane passing through the axis of the wheel;

[0062] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view of the protective device taken along a plane passing through the axis of the shield; and

[0063] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a front view of the bearing assembly of the [Fig.2] without the heat shield. Detailed description

[0064] Using figures 1 to 3, we will describe a bearing assembly 10 according to the invention which, in this example, is intended to equip an all-terrain vehicle, such as a military vehicle.

[0065] The bearing assembly 10 comprises a wheel 12 including a rim 14, more clearly visible in [Fig. 3], having a rim axle A, and a tire 16 mounted on the rim. The tire 16 comprises a first sidewall 16a and a second sidewall 16b opposite the first sidewall 16a.

[0066] The bearing assembly 10 also includes a wheel protection device 100 mounted on the rim 14 and illustrated in [Fig. 4]. In this non-limiting example, the rim is in two parts. It comprises a first part 14a and a second part 14b which are fastened to each other by means of fasteners 15, in this example bolts. In this example, the wheel protection device 100 is attached to the second rim part 14b by means of the fasteners 15.

[0067] According to the invention, the wheel protection device 100 comprises a tire sidewall protection device 110 which includes a shield 112 having an annular shape, as well as a crown 114 having an axis B and being integral with the shield 112. When the wheel protection device 100 is mounted on the rim 14, it is observed that the axes A and B are coincident.

[0068] The crown includes a connecting part 114a for the solid connection of the crown 114 to the shield 112, and a securing part 114b for securing the crown to the rim 14. The securing part 114b is provided with holes 114c into which the fixing elements 15 of the rim 14 engage.

[0069] In accordance with the invention, the protective device further comprises a removable heat shield 120. The wheel protection device also includes a fastening device 122 for removably attaching the heat shield 120 to the tire sidewall protection device 110.

[0070] The thermal screen 120 has the function of masking the thermal radiation emanating from the wheel, and more particularly from the rim 14. As explained above, the thermal radiation results in particular from the heating of the rim or the braking system, or even the tire.

[0071] In this example, the thermal screen is made of polymer, for example an SBR reinforced with textile and metallic fibers.

[0072] Similarly, the shield preferably comprises a polymer material.

[0073] As illustrated in [Fig.1], in this non-limiting example, the heat shield 120 is mounted to the shield 112.

[0074] In this example, the heat shield has a polygonal shape with curved sides.

[0075] As can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the fastening device 122 includes first fastening elements 124 which are located on the thermal screen.

[0076] In this example, the first fastening elements 124 are arranged along a peripheral portion 125 of the heat shield. More precisely, in this example, the first fastening elements 124 are arranged at the vertices of the polygon forming the heat shield.

[0077] The fastening device 122 further comprises second fastening elements 130 located on the shield 112. As illustrated in [Fig. 4], in this example, the first fastening elements 124 are Brandenburg-type fasteners formed of a loop 124a connected to a core 124b, while the second fastening elements 130 consist of through holes formed in the thickness e of the shield and adapted to receive and retain the aforementioned Brandenburg-type fastener. In [Fig. 5], the bearing assembly 10 according to the invention is shown without the heat shield 120, in order to better represent the second fastening elements 130.

[0078] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that, considered in a plane P containing the axis B of the crown, the shield has a general semi-torus shape comprising two arch-shaped portions 112a and 112b. Referring to [Fig. 3], it can also be seen that the shield 112 covers the first flank 16a, the heat shield 120 being positioned axially in front of the rim 14. The arched portions 112a and 112b at least partially cover the first flank 16a.

[0079] It is also observed that the second fixing elements 130 are located on an inner portion 113 of the shield 112. This inner portion 113 has an annular shape which is directed towards the axis B. It is also observed that, considered in the plane P containing the axis of the ring, the heat shield 120 is located axially between the ring 114 and an axial vertex 115 of the shield 112. This arrangement allows the shield to protect the heat shield 120 against impacts.

[0080] The axial distance between the ring 114 and the heat shield 120 is referenced h on the detail view of [Fig.4].

[0081] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the heat shield 120 has a cross-section S1 which, in this example, is larger than the cross-section S2 of the ring. The ring has an outer radius R, so its cross-section corresponds to the surface area of ​​a disk of radius R. The cross-section SI corresponds approximately to the surface area of ​​the polygon constituting the heat shield 120.

[0082] Considered in a plane Q perpendicular to the axis A of the rim, the cross-section of the heat shield 120 is at least equal to, preferably greater than, the cross-section S 3 of the rim. The cross-section of the rim corresponds substantially to the surface of the disk of diameter D illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0083] With the help of figures 4 and 5, it is understood that the thermal screen 120 radially covers a part of the shield 120, and more precisely a part of the inner portion 113 of the shield, thanks to which the thermal screen can also mask the infrared radiation emanating from this part of the shield.

[0084] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the heat shield could have a shape other than a polygon. Alternatively, the heat shield could be attached to the crown instead of being mounted on the shield.

Claims

Demands

1. Wheel protection device (100), comprising: a tire sidewall protection device (110) including: a shield (112) having an annular shape; a ring (114) having an axis (B) and being integral with the shield and including: a connecting part (114a) for the integral connection of the ring to the shield; a fastening part (114b) to a wheel rim; characterized in that it further comprises a heat shield (126) which is removable as well as a fastening device (122) for removably attaching the heat shield to the tire sidewall protection device.

2. Wheel protection device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device (122) comprises first fastening elements (124) located on the heat shield.

3. Wheel protection device according to claim 2, wherein the first fastening elements (124) are arranged along a peripheral portion (125) of the heat shield.

4. Wheel protection device according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the fastening device (122) further comprises second fastening elements (130) located on the shield.

5. Wheel protection device according to claim 4, in which, considered in a plane (P) containing the axis (B) of the crown, the shield has a general shape of a half-torus, and in which the second fixing elements (130) are arranged on an inner portion (113) of the shield (112).

6. Wheel protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, considered in a plane (P) containing the axis of the crown, the heat shield (120) is located axially between the crown (114) and an axial vertex (115) of the shield (112).

7. Wheel protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat shield (120) has a cross-section (51) which is at least equal to the cross-section (52) of the crown.

8. Wheel protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat shield (120) radially covers a portion of the shield (112).

9. Wheel protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat shield (120) is made of polymer.

10. Wheel protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shield comprises a polymer material.

11. Wheel protection device according to claims 4 and 10, wherein the second fixing elements (130) extend into the thickness (e) of the shield (112).

12. Wheel protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening device (122) is of the toggle type.

13. A rolling assembly (10) comprising: a wheel (12) including a rim (14) having a rim axle, and a tire (16) mounted on the rim and having at least one sidewall; and a wheel protection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the wheel protection device being mounted to the rim (14) and the shield (112) covering the sidewall (16a), the heat shield (120) being arranged axially in front of the rim (14).

14. Assembly according to claim 13, in which, considered in a plane (Q) perpendicular to the rim axis (A), the heat shield (120) has a section (51) at least equal to the cross section (53) of the rim.

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