HIGH VOLUMETRIC CAPACITY RIM FOR VEHICLES AND RELATED WHEEL GROUP FOR VEHICLES

Description

DESCRIPTION SCOPE OF APPLICATION 5

[0001] The present invention relates to a rim for vehicles and their associated vehicle wheel assembly including said rim. It should be noted that the The term vehicles must be understood in a broad sense, including two, three, four or more wheeled vehicles 10 with any type of propulsion, endothermic, electric and / or mixed type. Specifically, the This invention finds application particularly advantageous in the motorcycle sector, having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, 15 preferably (but not necessarily) in racing applications. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In general, in the field of vehicles, it is known make wheels comprising a rim and a 20 tire that is fitted coaxially to the rim.

[0003] The rim comprises a central hub, configured to be connected to a frame, fork, swingarm or spindle of a vehicle. The central hub is 25 connected to an outer ring by a plurality of races. The outer ring identifies a channel toroidal delimited laterally by a pair of perimeter edges equipped with heels on which put on a tire. 5

[0004] Between the rim and the tire there is a volume that is filled with air or gas mixtures for provide the right support to the tire.

[0005] During the use of a vehicle the tire heats both due to hysteresis phenomena, during the 10 rolling, both for the friction exchanged with the land.

[0006] Heating the air (or gas mixture) necessarily involves an increase in pressure which may have unwanted technical effects. 15

[0007] In fact, the pressure can reach values excessive which can lead to deformation elastic and therefore irregular and localized wear of the tire (typically at the central tread area). 20

[0008] Furthermore, an over-inflated tire has a smaller tread footprint and therefore it may have less grip on the ground.

[0009] Obviously to overcome these problems it is known reduce the initial pressure inside the 25 tire, but this measure involves additional disadvantages and limitations. In fact, if the tire is cold, then it works badly, the footprint on the ground is excessive and tire wear is uneven and located on the lateral flanks. 5

[0010] The problem is essentially due to the excessive variation in gas pressure inside the tire which varies according to of its operating / working conditions.

[0011] This variation is particularly high in the 10 case of tires, for example of motorcycles, which they have relatively small dimensions and therefore small masses of gas inside them. Obviously, more the smaller the mass of gas, the more it will be subject to to high pressure variations during use 15 of the tire. This reduced gas mass, moreover, when braking, taking into account the condition compressible of the inscribed fluid, will allow a smaller footprint due to the sudden increase in blood pressure due to high 20 specific load of bar / cm3.

[0012] Added to this is the fact that in particular contexts, for example sports competitions, there are specific ones limits, imposed by regulation, on the increase of pressure or the absolute value of pressure that it 25 tire can have during the race, under penalty of vehicle disqualification. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The prior art does not teach, nor suggest, how significantly increase the mass of gas contained 5 between rim and tire.

[0014] There is therefore a need to resolve the drawbacks and limitations mentioned in reference to known art.

[0015] This requirement is satisfied by a rim for 10 vehicles in accordance with claim 1 and from a wheel group for vehicles in accordance with the claim 18.

[0016] According to this invention, the drawbacks and limitations cited in reference to the prior art are 15 solve by increasing the volume of gas contained between rim and spokes and rubber, and / or actively managing the gas temperature via radiant surfaces or means of conditioning. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20

[0017] Additional features and benefits of the this invention will be more understandable from the description below of his favorite and non-limiting examples of realization, in which: 25

[0018] Figure 1 represents a front view of a rim in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 represents a side view of the rim of figure 1; 5

[0020] Figure 3 represents a sectional view of the rim of figure 1, along the section plane III- III indicated in figure 2;

[0021] Figure 4 represents a sectional view of the rim of figure 1, along the section plane IV-IV 10 indicated in figure 2;

[0022] Figure 5 represents a sectional view of the rim of figure 1, along the section plane VV indicated in figure 3;

[0023] Figure 6 represents a sectional view of the 15 rim of figure 1, along the section plane VI-VI indicated in figure 5;

[0024] Figure 7 represents a sectional view of the rim of figure 1, along the section plane VII- VII indicated in figure 1, in configuration of 20 assembling a tire;

[0025] Figure 8a represents a sectional view of the rim of figure 1, along the section plane VIII- VIII indicated in figure 1;

[0026] Figure 8b represents a sectional view of the 25 rim of figure 1, along the section plane VIII- VIII indicated in figure 1, in accordance with a possible implementation variant;

[0027] Figure 9 represents the enlarged detail IX of figure 1; 5

[0028] Figure 10 represents the enlarged detail X of figure 7.

[0029] The elements or parts of elements in common between the embodiments described below will be indicated with the same numerical references. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] With reference to the above figures, with 4 it is globally indicated an overall view of a rim for vehicles, in accordance with this invention. 15

[0031] As previously mentioned, the term vehicles must be understood in a broad sense, including vehicles two, three, four or more wheels with any type of propulsion, internal combustion, electric and / or mixed type. Specifically, the present invention finds 20 particularly advantageous application in the sector of motorcycles, having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, preferably (but not necessarily) in racing applications.

[0032] The 4 wheel rim for vehicles comprises a hub 25 central 8, configured to be associated with a swivel support for the rim 4, around a rotation axis XX. The swivel support for the rim 4 can be of any type and can include, for example, a motorcycle fork, a 5 motorcycle swingarm, a support pin, a vehicle spindle and the like.

[0033] The rim 4 also comprises an outer ring 12, coaxial with respect to said rotation axis XX, which delimits a toroidal volume 16 (commonly called 10 rim channel) suitable to be closed by a 20 tire can be combined to cover the ring external 12 same.

[0034] Usually the outer ring 12 is axially symmetrical with respect to the said axis of rotation XX. 15

[0035] The rim 4 further comprises a plurality of 24 spokes that mechanically connect the central hub 8 to the outer ring 12, along respective directions radial RR. These radial RR directions can be perpendicular and incident with the axis of rotation XX 20 of rim 4.

[0036] Advantageously, at least one of said spokes 24 is at least partially hollowed out and delimits a reservoir blind 28, extending from a first open end 32, from the side of the outer ring 12, in connection 25 fluid with said toroidal volume 16, at a second blind end 36, from the side of the central hub 8.

[0037] Preferably, said blind tank 28 is extends radially from the outer ring 12 towards the central hub 8 so that the ratio between the volume 5 of the blind tank 28 and the volume of material resistant constituting the 24th race, hereinafter defined tank ratio, be at least 80%; for example, 80 cm3 of tank inscribed in 100 cm3 of material resistant constituent of the breed, preferably over 10 220%, for example 220 cm3 of tank inscribed in 100 cm3 of resistant material. It should be noted that with the term volume of resistant material constituting race 24 means the volume of all the material of race 24, extending from the first extremity 15 open 32 to the second blind end 36 which then helps define the structural rigidity of the race. It is noted that the aforementioned tank ratio distinguishes the invention from the known art; in the purpose of the invention to increase the available volume 20 of the gas in said toroidal volume 16, said ratio tank is therefore indicated in a deliberately distinctive feature of the invention and, said characteristic, to identify said blind tank 28 as a significant additional volume available for gas. 25

[0038] In accordance with one embodiment, the blind tank 28 extends radially from the ring external 12 to the central hub 8, so as to affect at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, of a radial length of the spoke 24, along said direction 5 radial RR. For radial length it extends the maximum radial extension of the 24-spoke, i.e. the distance between the attachment point of the 24-ray central hub 8 and the attachment point of the spoke to the outer ring 12. 10

[0039] In accordance with one embodiment, the blind tank 28 extending radially from the outer ring 12 to the central hub 8, can affect less than 50%, preferably at least 20%, in case the section ratio makes 15 however advantageous this ratio in order to increase significantly the volume of the toroidal volume 16.

[0040] Preferably, the total volume of said blind tanks 28 contributes to the toroidal volume 16 of at least 2%, preferably more than 5%. 20

[0041] In the context of this patent application with the the term “significantly increase” means a increase in useful toroidal volume compared to net necessary considered in the prior art for the mounting / dismounting the tire. More precisely 25 is intended to increase by more than 4.5%, preferably of more than 10%, the total toroidal volume described from the tire at rest, at the center of the crown, and from that described in final position towards said heels 44.

[0042] In accordance with one embodiment, said 5 blind tank 28 is counter-shaped to a profile outside of the 24th race, with respect to a section plane perpendicular to the radial direction RR of the spoke 24. In other words, the blind tank 28 follows the profile 4 external of the race 24 so that this 10 has a side wall of constant thickness or variable.

[0043] The outer ring 12 comprises a base 40, facing the 24 spokes, axially delimited by a pair of 44 heels suitable for interfacing with 15 the associable pneumatic 20, and in which, in corresponding to the said base 40, a seat is foreseen lowered and widened 48, which flares out towards the associable race 24, between opposite lateral edges 52, so that at least one of said lateral edges 52 20 has an overall 'Z' section (figure 8).

[0044] Preferably, said seat is lowered and widened 48 is configured to compete with the volume toroidal 16 of at least 2.5%, preferably more 5%. 25

[0045] In accordance with one embodiment, the outer ring 12 comprises a base 40, facing to the 24 spokes, axially delimited by a pair of 44 heels suitable for interfacing with the associated tire 20, and where, at said 5 base 40, a lowered and widened seat 48 is foreseen, which expands towards the associable race 24, between opposites side edges 52, so as to maintain said base 40 at least partially cantilevered, so that at least one of said lateral edges 52 present a total of 10 'F' section.

[0046] In accordance with one embodiment, the outer ring 12, corresponding to each first open end 32 of the spokes 24, comprises a pair of transverse ribs 56 arranged 15 respectively upstream and downstream of the first end open 32 of the 24 race.

[0047] Preferably, said transverse ribs 56 are housed inside said lowered seat and enlarged 48 and connect said opposite edges together 20 side 52.

[0048] The purpose of the transverse ribs 56 is to modify and in particular increase the stiffness structural of the outer ring 12 and therefore of the rim 4 in some critical points. In fact, the 25 presence of the lowered and widened seat 48, if from a side increases the toroidal volume 16 and therefore the mass total amount of gas that can be accommodated inside of the rim 4, on the other hand it weakens the rigidity structural of the rim 4 itself which could 5 incur excessive bending / deformation during the use of the vehicle. For this reason, the ribs transverse 56 significantly increase stiffness structural of the rim 4 without reducing significantly the toroidal volume 16 since 10 which occupy a decidedly small volume.

[0049] In accordance with one embodiment, said ribs 56 housed inside said seat lowered and widened 48 do not connect the above mentioned opposite lateral edges 52, for example to reduce or not 15 increase the structural stiffness of the rim 4.

[0050] Preferably, the transverse ribs 56 are directed along a transverse direction parallel to called axis of rotation XX of the rim 4.

[0051] In accordance with one embodiment, at least 20 one of said transverse ribs 56 is installed in removable way, for example along one or more guides toroidal so that their position can be varied angular, the number, size and shape at the aim of modifying the stiffness of the 25 circle; said transverse ribs 56 are then movable solidarity with circle 4 through the most well-known and various fastening systems, preferably of the type reversible, so as to allow for a subsequent one moving and / or removing. 5

[0052] An expert in the field may note that for the stiffness of the structure can be varied applied to the rim, for example to the 24 spokes, all those known solutions such as ribs, fins or others structural and aesthetic forms, all equally 10 falling within the scope of this invention.

[0053] In accordance with one embodiment, said rim is equipped with acquisition systems mechanical, electrical or electronic data, for example piezometric, such as elastomers, capable of 15 detect the elasticity of the rim and / or, as another non-exhaustive example, stiffness. These systems of data acquisition can be internal and / or external to the rim; these acquisition systems can be for example, installed on board the vehicle or part 20 of them, for example not exhaustive, a sensor of infrared temperature installed on the fork of a motorcycle.

[0054] Preferably, said at least one race 24, in correspondence of an internal and / or external surface 25 compared to the blind tank 28, includes finishes surface and / or colors to facilitate exchange thermal between the gas contained in the blind tank 28 and the environment outside the rim 4.

[0055] For example, in accordance with a possible form of 5 realization, said at least one race 24 is provided with fins on an external surface opposite to said blind tank 28, in order to increase the exchange thermal between the internal gas and the external environment, in so as to stabilize the temperature as much as possible and 10 therefore the pressure of the gas contained in the rim 4.

[0056] In accordance with a possible form of realization, said blind tank 28 is associated at least one gas-permeable material; for example, a spongy material that fills at least partially 15 said tank, for example to manage transfers of said gas; for example, a sponge of a material structurally and / or volumetrically responsive to temperature and / or pressure.

[0057] In accordance with a possible form of 20 realization of said material associated with said blind tank 28 is not permeable to gas and occupies at least partially a volume; for example, a variable volume air chamber containing a liquid and / or a gas and, also, the same 25 contained in the toroidal volume 16; This prediction is advantageous in managing pressure in the volume toroidal 16; for example, using a gas and / or a material with different responses depending on the temperature. 5

[0058] In accordance with a possible form of realization, at the open end 32 of said blind tank 28 is associated with at least one diaphragm perforated, or a net, which allows the exploitation of the blind tank volume 28 ma limits, at least 10 partially, the free circulation of gas. In agreement with a possible embodiment, the at least one perforated diaphragm is arranged at different heights relative to the open end 32 of the tank blind, so as to manage and counteract any waves 15 pressure in 24 races. It is also possible provide for different positions or heights of the diaphragm drilled in different races 24 or even differentiate the cross-section of the diaphragm hole(s) with respect to different 24 races, in order to manage and counter any potential 20 pressure waves in 24 rays.

[0059] Preferably, the outer ring 12 is provided with at least one through hole 60 closed by a valve for the introduction and expulsion of gas into said volume toroidal 16 and in said blind tanks 28 of the spokes 25 24.

[0060] In accordance with a possible form of realization, said through hole 60 is associated with a automatic pressure detection system and / or a pressure maintenance device 5 inside the toroidal volume 16.

[0061] The through hole 60 can be unique but they can a plurality of holes can also be foreseen. for example, it is possible to foresee the presence of two holes 60 loops to allow recirculation 10 of the air during preheating (e.g. with electric blanket), for example with dehumidified air.

[0062] In accordance with one embodiment said at least one through hole 60 is located in the development of said at least one race 24, for example in the second 15 blind end 36, for example along the direction radial RR of the side wall of the 24 spoke and preferably near said hub 8, in order to limit the increase in the general moment of inertia and thus the impact on the overall gyroscopic effect 20 of rim 4.

[0063] In accordance with a possible form of realization, said rim 4 is provided with 26 electrical connections with heating devices and / or coolants for a gas contained within 25 said toroidal volume 16.

[0064] For example, such heating devices and / or Coolants may include resistance thermometers, and / or pipes / cavities with liquids and / or gaseous media.

[0065] In accordance with one embodiment, said 5 at least one heating and / or cooling device is installed inside at least one 24-spoke, in correspondence of a lateral wall, internal to to the blind tank 28, for heating and / or active cooling of the gas contained in the tank 10 blind 28, and therefore of the entire toroidal volume 16. Preferably, but not exclusively, at least one saying heating and / or cooling device is located in proximity to the root of the said race, that is, in correspondence of the attack to the central hub 8, to the 15 in order to limit the increase in the moment of inertia general and therefore the impact on the gyroscopic effect rim assembly 4.

[0066] In one construction at least one of said active heating system can be installed 20 in other areas, such as in the canal or toroidal volume 16 of rim 4.

[0067] In one construction, between at least one said heating and / or cooling device and said body a material can be placed between the circle 25 insulating, preferably fireproof, possibly also paints, in order to limit heat loss with the outside.

[0068] In one construction, between said body of the rim 4 and said toroidal volume 16 can be 5 interposed an insulating material, preferably fireproof, possibly also paints, in order to limit the propagation of heat between the mass of gas and rim 4, for example even only partially, for example in at least one blind tank 28. 10

[0069] In accordance with a possible form of realization, said rim 4 is provided with at least a temperature sensor to manage the activation and turning off at least one of the said devices heating and / or cooling. For example, a thermostat 15 and / or a system interconnected to a corresponding data processing unit.

[0070] In accordance with a possible form of realization, said rim 4 is provided with at least an electrical contact 30 connected to a tire 20 advanced that requires such a connection. For tire advanced means, for example but not limited to, one tire equipped with heating systems tread and / or related sensors.

[0071] In one construction at least one said contact 25 electric 30 suitable for piercing the associable tire 20, protrudes from the side of the channel or outer ring 12 of the rim 4, e.g. from heel 44 of rim 4 and has a shape such that to make it possible for it to penetrate inside 5 of the outer part of the tire 20 directly or indirect. For example, said contact electric has the configuration of a protuberance of contact that could pierce the yielding part of the tire during the bead seating phase 10 tire 20 on rim 4 and / or be heated, externally and / or due to the Joule effect of the contact itself.

[0072] In one possible embodiment, said at least one said electrical contact 30, configured for to pierce, it can have a shape of your choice between a point 15 sharp or rounded, rigid or retractable; and / or a sheet equipped with an edge useful for cutting and penetrating the sidewall of the tire 20.

[0073] In one construction at least one of said electrical contacts 30 is connected via systems of 20 connection along the body of the circle up to rotating connections, e.g. sliding, ad example near the central hub 8, but more in general to any type of energy transmission and / or signal, up to the energy source and / or 25 control; for example, this connection can act as from power and control from a source coming from from the associated vehicle and / or from systems power supply inside the wheel itself, for example not exhaustive from regenerative braking systems. 5

[0074] In one construction form at least one contact electric 30 is of the wireless type, for example induction, for example suitable for transmitting current and / or voltage and / or signals, e.g. a coil inductive. For example, for use with a 10 advanced wireless tire.

[0075] In one construction at least one contact electrical is of the “wired” type, for example a contact direct, for example suitable for transmitting current and / or voltage and / or signals, for example at least one plate 15 metal facing the surface. For example, for use with an advanced wired type tire.

[0076] In one construction at least one of said 30 electrical contacts configured to pierce and / or wireless type and / or “wired” type is installed on a 20 support applicable to the rim 4, for example a disposable contact, e.g. adhesive, e.g. a printed circuit board with multiple contacts and / or IN / OUT. For example, this support can be replaced without necessarily having to replace the 25 rim 4 or tire 20.

[0077] Said power system connections can be electrically isolated from the rim 4.

[0078] Said power system connections 5 can be included in the rim structure 4 and can be equipped with appropriate systems sealants; for example, so-called sealing systems can be applied in order to prevent the gas leakage included in the blind tank 28 and 10 in the toroidal volume 16, in the case where said contact electric 30 must constructively cross its structure. For example, said electrical contact is a portion of the rim 12; for example, but not limited to, by electrically isolating some portions from each other, for example 15 example a right portion from a left portion, and / or an anterior portion from a posterior portion you get the so-called electrical contact. For example, it is it is also possible to connect a first portion to a first electrical contact, and a second portion to a 20 second electrical contact, for example closing the circuit through said advanced tire.

[0079] In accordance with a possible form of realization, said rim 4 is provided with at least a tire alignment system 20 on said 25 rim body 4. Said alignment system, for example, it can be useful for aligning parts requiring more or less precise alignment, for example non-exhaustive example, parts to be connected electrically. 5

[0080] In one construction at least one of said alignment systems is one to choose from a visual reference, such as a part painted and / or a sticker, a magnetic area and / or magnetized, such as a magnet. For example, in a 10 rim 4 made of non-magnetic material the reference can be a magnetically part responsive, for example of ferrous material fixed to the rim 4, for example along the heel part 44.

[0081] Furthermore, said alignment systems can 15 understand reference notches, interlocks and, more in general, any system suitable for identifying one or more suitable mounting positions.

[0082] It should be noted that, in one construction form, said electrical contact 30, configured to pierce, is 20 also suitable to avoid the relative rolling of the tire compared to the rim 4.

[0083] The rim 4 is preferably made of metallic material, such as aluminum, aluminum and its alloys, magnesium, steel, but it is not limited to only 25 metal materials; for example, the rim can be made with different types of material not metallic, such as carbon. In addition, the rim itself can feature a set of different types of materials depending on their 5 features, for example carbon for parts of the hub and toroidal volume (or channel) and aluminum for the 24 races.

[0084] As mentioned above, the present invention also concerns a vehicle wheel assembly comprising 10 a 4 rim and a 20 tire fitted on the ring outside 12 of said rim 4 so as to close hermetically sealed toroidal volume 16.

[0085] The wheel assembly is rotatably fixed to a wheel support which is provided on the 15 corresponding vehicle.

[0086] It is clear that the wheel assembly may comprise a plurality of additional devices and / or accessories, such as for example braking devices, brake bands braking, brake discs, disc brake calipers, wheels 20 phonics and similar, toothed crowns, pulleys, gears, data acquisition systems, data acquisition devices data acquisition and / or processing, control unit, temperature detectors (direct and / or indirect), of pressure, electrical and / or signal connections to / from 25 advanced tires, electrical connections, for example crawling and / or wireless, e.g. connections inductive.

[0087] As can be appreciated from what has been described, the This invention allows to overcome the 5 drawbacks presented in the prior art.

[0088] In particular, thanks to the increased volume between the rim and tire due to reservoirs in the spokes and / or the enlargement of the outer ring cavity of the rim, it is possible, with the same diameter of 10 wheel rolling, increase mass overall gas consumption which will therefore be less subject to pressure changes, obviously under the same conditions of use.

[0089] As seen, the increase in useful volume for the gas 15 is obtained both by exploiting the tanks in the races and increasing the toroidal volume of the outer ring which It has a lowered and widened seat.

[0090] It should be noted that the use of tanks in the spokes and the lowered channel towards the hub lead to 20 also improved vehicle handling as reduce the rotational moment of inertia compared to a well-known rim, to the advantage of ease of driving of the vehicle due to the reduced gyroscopic effect generated while driving the vehicle. 25

[0091] It should be noted that the use of the lowered seat and enlarged mechanically weakens the outer ring which therefore presents greater flexibility and torsion to external stresses. The stiffness of the outer ring, and of the rim in general, can 5 be increased or modified at will by the use of transverse ribs, appropriately arranged astride the races.

[0092] Furthermore, the spokes of the rim allow for a significant heat dissipation of the gas mass 10 contained in the wheel, since they act as heat exchangers and / or radiant elements.

[0093] Thanks to the increased mass of gas contained inside the rim and the wheel in general, it is possible, under the same operating conditions, 15 significantly limit temperature variations and then of gas pressure inside the tire.

[0094] Thanks to the ability to heat and / or cool actively the gas mass is also possible to manage 20 actively the temperature and therefore the pressure of the gas inside the tire.

[0095] This way the tire will always work the as much as possible in optimal inflation conditions, ensuring comfort, safety and regular consumption. 25

[0096] It should be noted that a greater volume of gas, considering the compressible condition of the gas inscribed, will allow for a greater footprint on the ground. This can be deduced by referring to the specific load expressed in bar / cm3 of volume available to the gas 5 compressed; considering that the only stressed part mechanically from the load of the weight of the vehicle is the portion of the flat tire, in fact, although the tire deformation tends to increase the instantaneous pressure, the largest inscribed volume 10 will allow a greater collapse of the elastic part (pneumatic) due to the lower specific load of bar / cm3.

[0097] In the case of competitions, it is also possible comply more easily with the imposed pressure limits 15 during the races.

[0098] A technician in the field, in order to satisfy contingent and specific needs, will be able to provide numerous modifications and variations to the above solutions described. By way of non-exhaustive example, it is 20 possible to apply a surface treatment anti-slip on at least one of the heels to avoid the rolling relative to the tire rim, and / or for example, it is possible to make the circle in a so-called “decomposable” format where, for example, for 25 construction and / or manufacturing and / or weight requirements, the circle is made in a single monolith or in different parts assembled in a more or less rigid way. Furthermore, said rim may have slits or openings useful for data exchange, for example with 5 wireless emitters, and / or lightening and / or aesthetics.

[0099] To an expert in the field it will be clear that in the purpose of this invention to allow the increase of the toroidal volume 16 total of gas through the 10 strategies described above through, including at least one of the structural strategies described above, also a possible rim configured with a single recess radial, for example by extending said walls 52 also up to the said hub 8, for example even just near 15 said hub 8 then possibly mechanically connected, it will be understood as if it were configured with a single race with a single tank 28, so always included in the scope of protection of the invention.

[00100] The scope of protection of the invention is defined 20 from the following claims. List of references 4: rim 8: central hub 12: outer ring 5 16: toroidal volume 20: tire 24: races 26: electrical connection 28: blind tank 10 30: electrical contact 32: first open end 36: second blind end 40: base 44: heels 15 48: lowered and widened seat 52: side edges 56: transverse ribs 60: through hole RR: radial direction 20 XX: axis of rotation

Claims

1. Rim (4) for vehicles comprising: - a central hub (8), configured to be associated with a rotatable support for the rim (4), around a rotation axis (XX), - an outer ring (12), coaxial with respect to said rotation axis (XX), which delimits a toroidal volume (16) suitable to be closed by an associable tyre (20) covering the outer ring (12) itself, - a plurality of spokes (24) which mechanically connect the central hub (8) to the outer ring (12), along respective radial directions (RR), - wherein at least one of said spokes (24) is at least partially recessed and delimits a blind reservoir (28), which extends from a first open end (32), on the side of the outer ring (12), in fluid connection with said toroidal volume (16), to a second blind end (36), on the side of the central hub (8).

2. Rim (4) according to claim 1, wherein said blind reservoir (28) extends radially from the outer ring (12) towards the central hub (8), so that the ratio between the volume of the blind reservoir (28) and the volume of resistant material constituting the spoke (24) is at least equal to 80%.

3. Rim (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said blind reservoir (28) is shaped counter-to an external profile of the spoke (24), with respect to a section plane perpendicular to the radial direction (RR) of the spoke (24).

4. Rim (4) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total volume of said blind tanks (28) contributes to the toroidal volume (16) by at least 2%, preferably more than 5%.

5. Rim (4) according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the outer ring (12) comprises a base (40), facing the spokes (24), axially delimited by a pair of beads (44) suitable for interfacing with an associated tyre (20), and wherein, in correspondence with said base (40), a lowered and widened seat (48) is provided, which flares out towards the associated spoke (24), between opposite lateral edges (52), so that at least one of said lateral edges (52) has an overall 'Z' or 'F' section.

6. Rim (4) according to claim 5, wherein the outer ring (12), at each first open end (32) of the spokes (24), comprises a pair of transverse ribs (56) arranged respectively upstream and downstream of the first open end (32) of the spoke (24).

7. Rim (4) according to claim 6, wherein said transverse ribs (56) are housed inside said lowered and widened seat (48).

8. Rim (4) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one of said transverse ribs (56) is installed in a removable manner, for example along one or more toroidal guides so as to be able to vary its angular position with respect to the rotation axis (XX) of the rim (4), and / or the number and / or size and / or shape of the toroidal ribs (56).

9. Rim (4) according to claim 8, wherein said removable transverse ribs (56) are fixed to the rim (4) by reversible connecting means.

10. Rim (4) according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein said lowered and widened seat (48) is configured so as to contribute to the toroidal volume (16) by at least 2.5%, preferably more than 5%.

11. Rim (4) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said at least one spoke (24), in correspondence with an internal and / or external surface with respect to the blind tank (28), comprises surface finishes and / or colours to facilitate the heat exchange between the gas contained in the blind tank (28) and the external environment.

12. Rim (4) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein said at least one spoke (24) is provided with fins on an external surface opposite said blind tank (28).

13. Rim (4) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said rim (4) is provided with electrical connections (26) for at least one heating and / or cooling device for a gas contained within said toroidal volume (16).

14. Rim (4) according to claim 13, comprising at least one heating and / or cooling device installed inside at least one spoke (24), in correspondence with a side wall, internal with respect to the blind tank (28), for the active heating and / or cooling of the gas contained in the blind tank (28), and therefore of the entire toroidal volume (16).

15. Rim (4) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a thermally insulating material is placed between at least one heating and / or cooling device on the rim (4).

16. Rim (4) according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein said rim (4) is provided with at least one electrical contact (30) connected to a tyre (20) equipped with tread heating systems and / or related sensors.

17. Rim (4) according to claim 16, wherein said at least one electrical contact (30) is adapted to pierce the associated tyre (20), protrudes from the side of the channel or external ring (12) of the rim (4), and has a shape such as to make it possible for it to penetrate inside the external part of the tyre (20). 15 18. Wheel assembly for a vehicle comprising a rim (4) according to any of claims 1 to 17, and a tyre (20) fitted onto the external ring (12) of said rim (4) so ​​as to hermetically close the toroidal volume (16).