Continuous chain mesh, Anti-skid device, and continuous chain mesh element with at least one continuous chain mesh element overmolded by a plastic body

Abstract

To provide a slide preventing device capable of avoiding damage of a wheel housing while giving excellent traction force, having a long service life, and manufactured at low cost.SOLUTION: Shown is a continuous chain mesh (10) for an anti-skid device to be mounted on a vehicle wheel, comprising chain strands (14) which, in the mounted state on the vehicle wheel, rest on the tread surface of the vehicle wheel, and one or more continuous chain mesh elements (18) which, in the mounted state on the vehicle wheel, likewise rest on the tread surface of the vehicle wheel and comprise a plastic body overmolding at least one of the chain strands (14). Such a continuous chain mesh is inexpensive to manufacture in a wide variety of variations and provides good traction and wear characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a continuous chain mesh for an anti-skid device mounted on a vehicle wheel, to an anti-skid device comprising such a continuous chain mesh, and to such a continuous chain mesh or a continuous chain mesh element for such an anti-skid device. [Background technology]

[0002] Anti-skid devices are typically mounted on vehicle wheels when traction is insufficient on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, and mud. A continuous chain mesh of such anti-skid devices rests on the tread surface of the tire of the vehicle wheel to increase traction. Known anti-skid devices include snow and mud chains.

[0003] Anti-skid devices can be mounted to vehicle wheels in various ways. For example, some anti-skid devices are mounted only to the outside of the vehicle wheel using wheel bolts, or to a central opening in the rim. Other anti-skid devices have an internal mount on the inside of the vehicle wheel facing the body and an external mount on the outside of the vehicle wheel located on the opposite side. These anti-skid devices do not need to be mounted to the rim.

[0004] In modern passenger cars, the distance between the vehicle wheel and the wheel housing is often very short, so the anti-skid device must not be too expensive to provide good traction while avoiding damage to the wheel housing, and at the same time, it must have a long service life and be inexpensive to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0005] With this in mind, the present invention aims to create an improved continuous chain mesh that meets these requirements.

[0006] This object is met by a continuous chain mesh (10) for an anti-skid device mounted on a vehicle wheel, the continuous chain mesh comprising chain strands that rest on the tread surface of the vehicle wheel when mounted on the vehicle wheel, and one or more continuous chain mesh elements that also rest on the tread surface of the vehicle wheel when mounted on the vehicle wheel and that have a plastic body overmolding at least one of the chain strands.

[0007] An anti-skid device fulfilling the above-mentioned objectives comprises such a continuous chain mesh. The objectives are further fulfilled by such a continuous chain mesh or a continuous chain mesh element for an anti-skid device, the continuous chain mesh element comprising a plastic body and chain strands, the chain strands being overmolded by the plastic body.

[0008] Overmolding of the chain strands, or insert molding as it is also called, allows for a very stable and permanent connection between at least one chain strand and a continuous chain mesh element, even when the overall construction height is low. Overmolding of the at least one chain strand can be easily automated, for example, in that the at least one chain strand is simply inserted into a mold. The modular design of the molds used thus allows for the production of a wide variety of variations.

[0009] The tighter the connection between the plastic body and the at least one chain strand obtained by overmolding, the easier it is to maintain the structurally predetermined position and / or alignment of the continuous chain mesh element relative to the at least one chain strand.

[0010] Finally, overmolding allows a wide variety of materials to be simply combined or exchanged within a plastic body, allowing the plastic body to be optimally adapted to its corresponding function.

[0011] The above solution can be further improved by the following configurations, which are independent of each other, advantageous in themselves and can be combined with each other randomly.

[0012] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of continuous chain mesh elements may comprise a plastic body, whereby at least two of the chain strands are overmolded to be spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the position and orientation of the at least two overmolded chain strands relative to each other may be determined by the plastic body, which then functions as a spacer.

[0013] In particular, when mounted on a vehicle wheel, the plastic body can connect at least two circumferentially traversing overmolded chain strands. In this configuration, the plastic body functions as a traction-enhancing ladder element, increasing traction and positional stability of the continuous chain mesh mounted on the tread surface. Positional stability can be further increased when multiple continuous chain mesh elements with plastic bodies are circumferentially spaced apart from one another and interconnect chain strands that run side by side in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The at least two overmolded chain strands mounted on the vehicle wheel can extend at least partially in the circumferential direction, i.e., parallel to the circumferential direction or at an angle to the circumferential direction. The chain strands of the continuous chain mesh do not have to extend parallel to each other, but can also extend diagonally or laterally to each other, towards each other or away from each other. In one embodiment, the continuous chain mesh can have two chain strands extending parallel to each other in the circumferential direction, which are connected to each other by the plastic body of the continuous chain mesh element, in particular at regular or even intervals. The circumferentially extending chain strands improve directional stability.

[0015] In one configuration, the circumferentially extending chain strand extends through a plurality of plastic bodies arranged circumferentially one behind the other. At least one chain strand, preferably two chain strands, can be circumferentially endless or uninterrupted, meaning that the same sequence of chain links always continues circumferentially in succession, so that the beginning or end of the chain strand is not discernible.

[0016] The continuous chain mesh can also have one or more chain strands that, when in a loaded state, extend generally axially and connect two generally circumferentially extending chain strands. The point where the axially extending chain strand connects to the circumferentially extending chain strand can be overmolded with a plastic body, as described herein. The area where a chain link of the axially extending chain strand is suspended from a chain link of the circumferentially extending chain strand, or a chain link shared by these two chain strands, is optionally embedded in the plastic body, along with at least a portion of the chain link adjacent to the chain link.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the continuous chain mesh can comprise at least one chain strand that extends around a tire shoulder when mounted on a vehicle wheel. When mounted on a vehicle wheel, such a chain strand can also connect, particularly axially, two or more chain strands that are mounted on the tread surface. The point where the chain strand that extends around the tire shoulder connects to the circumferentially extending chain strand that is mounted on the tread surface can be overmolded in a configuration as described above for the generally axially extending chain strand.

[0018] The overmolded chain strands can be round steel chain strands, sectional chain strands, or armored chain strands, which also allows for a variety of chain shapes to be present in the continuous chain mesh of each overmolded area.

[0019] The chain strand can have alternating upright or horizontal chain links in the direction of the chain strand, specifically in the area overmolded by the plastic body. This means that, for example, in the case of a round or partial chain strand, the plane spanned by the chain links is alternately aligned approximately tangentially or parallel to the tread surface ("horizontal") and perpendicular to the tread surface ("upright") when mounted on a vehicle wheel. Alternatively or additionally, the chain strand can have, at least in the overmolded area, chain links that rest at an angle on the tread surface when mounted, with their planes inclined alternately at about +30° to about +60° and about -30° to about -60° relative to the tread surface.

[0020] According to a further advantageous configuration, when mounted on a vehicle wheel, at least one overmolded chain strand at least partially protrudes from the plastic body, specifically from the side of the plastic body facing the tread surface and / or from the side of the plastic body facing away from the tread surface. The protruding portion can be exposed or not covered with plastic material. In this configuration, certain material properties of the chain strand, such as hardness or abrasion resistance, can be shared with the surface of the plastic body. In this way, the protruding portion of the chain strand protects the plastic body. In particular, when at least a portion of the chain strand protrudes beyond the plastic body, the continuous chain mesh rolls along the protruding portion or rests on the protruding portion of the tread surface.

[0021] The plastic body can be made of at least a plastic material, at least a rubber material, and / or at least an elastomeric material. The plastic body can be manufactured from a single plastic material in a single-component process, or from multiple plastic materials in a multi-component process. One candidate plastic is, for example, polyurethane, but other materials such as PE, in particular HDPE, can of course also be used.

[0022] In one embodiment, the plastic body is a rectangular body having a longitudinal axis extending generally transverse to the direction of extension of the at least one overmolded chain strand and / or generally transverse to the circumferential direction. For example, the plastic body can be configured as a strip whose axial length is at least three times its circumferential width. The radial height is preferably at most the height of the chain strand when mounted on a vehicle wheel at the tread surface, and more preferably less.

[0023] Plastic bodies manufactured using multi-component processes allow local material properties to be tailored to the locally required function. For example, the strength and / or hardness at one point on the plastic body can be greater than in adjacent areas by using a different material, e.g., to achieve increased wear resistance at that point. This can be useful when the plastic body includes traction-enhancing elements, such as protrusions and / or ribs, that extend away from the tread surface. Elasticity can be increased at other points on the plastic body by using a different material locally. For example, the plastic body can be locally increased in plasticity or flexibility to better adapt to the deformation behavior of the tire during rolling.

[0024] In addition to the at least one overmolded chain strand, at least one of the plurality of continuous chain mesh elements may include at least one element at least partially embedded in the plastic body and having greater strength and / or hardness than the plastic body. Such an embedded overmolded element may be used to reinforce the plastic body to improve fatigue strength. In one variation, the at least one embedded or overmolded element may protrude from the plastic body at least on the side away from the tread surface when mounted on a vehicle wheel, and in a further configuration, may protrude beyond the plastic body. In this case, the embedded element may function as a traction aid or wear protection. It is advantageous to manufacture the at least one embedded element from a metal material, for example, a piece of sheet metal. The plane of the embedded element may be aligned perpendicular to the tread surface when the continuous chain mesh is mounted on a vehicle wheel. The edges of the embedded element protruding from or beyond the plastic body may be straight, but may also be notched and / or wavy, for example, to better dig into ice and mud.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, at least one embedding element may be configured as a fastening element for attaching a holder for the anti-slip device. For example, the holder may be suspended from the fastening element. The fastening element may include an eyelet, a hook, a clip, a leg, and / or a snap hook.

[0026] According to a further configuration, at least one of the plurality of continuous chain mesh elements can comprise a plastic body having a predetermined breaking point. The predetermined breaking point can be a mechanically weakened area, the strength of which is reduced compared to adjacent areas. Such a reduction in mechanical strength can be achieved, for example, by reducing the cross section and / or by using a weaker material in the area of ​​the predetermined breaking point.

[0027] The predetermined breaking point can be positioned between two chain strands overmolded by the plastic body. Such a continuous chain mesh element can be used as a shortening element, for example, when the chain strands overmolded by the plastic body having the predetermined breaking point converge toward the plastic body, for example, in an X- or V-shape, outside the overmolded region on at least one of at least two circumferentially arranged sides of the plastic body. If the plastic body is separated at the predetermined breaking point, the continuous chain mesh can be expanded to accommodate a vehicle wheel with a larger diameter. Alternatively, the predetermined breaking point can be used to prevent damage to the entire anti-skid device or the vehicle wheel in the event of a local overload on the continuous chain mesh.

[0028] When mounted on a vehicle wheel, the plastic body of at least one of the plurality of continuous chain mesh elements can extend beyond at least one tire shoulder of the vehicle wheel, for example, to the tire sidewall or to the wheel rim. This configuration allows the plastic body to be used for indirect or direct attachment of the continuous chain mesh to the vehicle wheel. The plastic body can then form at least one arm that reaches around the tire shoulder, on which, specifically at its end, is embedded, i.e., overmolded, fastening elements. The arm can extend to the tire shoulder or to the rim.

[0029] Such fastening elements allow the holder of the anti-skid device to be attached to the plastic body. The holder can have spokes that extend radially inward toward the wheel hub and are attached to the fastening elements. Alternatively or additionally, the holder can have side strands that extend continuously in the circumferential direction, in particular along the tire sidewall or rim.

[0030] The continuous chain mesh can include at least one continuous chain mesh element with only one arm extending beyond either the inner or outer tire shoulder. In such cases, it is advantageous to alternate, specifically equidistantly, the continuous chain mesh elements with inwardly extending arms in the circumferential direction, and continuous chain mesh elements with outwardly extending arms, between which additional continuous chain mesh elements without arms can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide at least one continuous chain mesh element with both inwardly and outwardly extending arms. Again, it is advantageous to provide multiple such continuous chain mesh elements in the continuous chain mesh, specifically equidistantly, between which additional continuous chain mesh elements with plastic bodies of different configurations, as described above, can be provided.

[0031] A wide variety of continuous chain mesh elements can be present in the continuous chain mesh, each with different characteristics of the type described above. For example, a continuous chain mesh element can include one or more arms as well as embedded elements. A plastic body having a predetermined break point can also be configured with or without embedded elements. A continuous chain mesh can be integrally spliced ​​with multiple identically configured continuous chain mesh segments that are integrally spliced ​​circumferentially. Continuous chain mesh elements of different configurations can be present in a continuous chain mesh segment. Overmolding allows such continuous chain mesh segments to be manufactured in a single operation in which all of the plastic bodies of the continuous chain mesh segments are manufactured simultaneously.

[0032] If several different continuous chain mesh elements with differently shaped plastic bodies are known, the different plastic bodies can each have a section of the same shape. During overmolding, the same (basic) mold, which is identical for the different plastic bodies, can be used for this section. The different parts can then be easily manufactured using a mold that complements the basic mold. For example, such a basic mold can be complemented by a mold that forms the above-mentioned arms during overmolding. If this complementary mold is not available, a plastic body without arms is molded in this example.

[0033] The continuous chain mesh and anti-skid devices having the continuous chain mesh are particularly configured for use in passenger vehicles.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the combination of the above-mentioned features is shown as an example only. If the technical effect related to this feature is important for a specific application, the above-mentioned feature not present in the embodiment can be added. Conversely, if the technical effect related to this feature is not important for a specific application, the feature present in the embodiment can also be omitted according to the above description.

[0035] The same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond to one another in terms of function and / or structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle wheel with an anti-skid device as viewed from the outside; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle wheel and anti-skid device of FIG. 1 as viewed from the inside. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a continuous chain mesh of the anti-slip device in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram of the continuous chain mesh in FIG. 3 in an unwound state. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a detail of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a continuous chain mesh element of the continuous chain mesh in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic side view of a further anti-skid device as viewed from the outside; [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic view of the anti-skid device of FIG. 7 viewed in the radial direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] 1 and 2 show diagrammatically an anti-skid device 2 mounted on a vehicle wheel 1. The vehicle wheel 1 comprises a tire 6 mounted on a rim 4 and rolling on a tread surface 8 thereof.

[0038] The continuous chain mesh 10 of the anti-skid device 2 rests on the tread surface 8 and extends circumferentially 12 around the tire 6 when the anti-skid device 2 is mounted on the vehicle wheel 1. The continuous chain mesh 10 helps to increase the traction of the tire 6 on slippery surfaces such as mud, ice, or snow.

[0039] The continuous chain mesh 10 comprises one or more chain strands 14 at least partially resting on the tread surface 10. At least one chain strand 14 may also extend at least partially in the circumferential direction 12, but need not necessarily extend parallel to the circumferential direction 12. For example, chain strands extending parallel to the circumferential direction 12 increase directional stability, while chain strands 14 extending at an angle to or transverse to the circumferential direction 12 increase traction. Thus, the direction in which the chain strands 14 extend provides a desirable compromise between directional stability and increased traction.

[0040] Instead of at least one chain strand 14 being circumferentially continuous, there may be a plurality of chain strands 14 arranged circumferentially one behind the other.

[0041] Regardless of whether and how the chain strands 14 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction 12, at least two chain strands 14 may be arranged at least partially next to each other or may extend parallel to each other in the axial direction 16.

[0042] The chain strands 14 may be formed, for example, from armor, round steel, or partial chain strands. In the continuous chain mesh 10, the chain strands may be combined with belts and / or cables.

[0043] The continuous chain mesh 10 further includes continuous chain mesh elements 18. Different configurations of the continuous chain mesh elements 18 can exist, each with a different function. Regardless of their configuration and function, the continuous chain mesh element 18 has a plastic body 20 injection molded around at least one chain strand 14. The plastic body can be made from a single plastic material or formed from multiple different plastic materials in a multi-component process. The plastic material used can be a polyurethane (PE), such as HDPE, or a rubber or elastomeric material. The plastic body 20 can be injection molded around all of the chain strands 14 of the type described above.

[0044] An individual continuous chain mesh element 18, designated 18a in FIG. 1, can be used, for example, to attach the continuous chain mesh 10 to a vehicle wheel 1. Another continuous chain mesh element 18b can be used solely to increase traction, while another continuous chain mesh element 18c can be used as a shortening element that, when removed, expands the continuous chain mesh 10 to accommodate a larger tire diameter. The continuous chain mesh elements 18 can also serve multiple different functions. For example, the continuous chain mesh element 18a or the continuous chain mesh element 18c can also have a traction-enhancing function.

[0045] The continuous chain mesh element 18a used to attach the continuous chain mesh 10 to the vehicle wheel 1 can have one or two arms 22, which can extend axially 16 across the tread surface 8 and tire shoulder 24. The arms 22 then extend radially 28 along the tire sidewall 26.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous chain mesh element 18a is provided, for illustrative purposes only, with two arms positioned opposite each other relative to the tread surface 8, with one arm 22 extending about a tire shoulder 24 on the outer side 30 of the tire 6 and the other arm 22 extending about a tire sidewall 26 on the inner side 32 of the vehicle wheel 1. Alternatively or cumulatively, the vehicle element 18a can also be provided with only one arm 22 extending about the outer side 30 tire sidewall 24 or the inner side 32 tire sidewall 26 to the tire sidewall 26 or rim 4. In such a configuration, continuous chain mesh elements 18a with arms 22 extending to the inner side 32 and continuous chain mesh elements 18a with arms 22 extending to the outer side 30 can be provided alternating in the circumferential direction 12.

[0047] The fastening elements 34 can be attached to the arms 22, particularly in the region of the tire shoulder 24, the tire sidewall 26, and / or the rim 4. Such fastening elements 34 can be used to attach an inner holder 36 or an outer holder 38. The inner holder 36 is arranged on the inner side 32 and is provided with side strands 40 extending in the circumferential direction 12, for example in the form of chains, belts, ropes, or brackets. Overmolding allows for quick production changeover between different types of chain strands 14.

[0048] The fastening elements 34 may be embedded in the plastic body 20, i.e., overmolded by the plastic body.

[0049] The outer holder 38 is disposed on the outside of the vehicle wheel and, in one configuration, can have side strands 40 like the inner holder 36. In the embodiment shown by way of example, the outer bracket 38 has spoke arms 42 extending in the radial direction 28, which converge in the radial direction 28 toward and are held together by a hub member 44. Annular side strands can be provided instead of the hub member 44. The spoke arms 42 can be configured to be flexible, for example, in the form of a belt, rope, or chain, or can preferably be formed from an elastic solid, for example, a spoke-like bracket that is elastically flexible in the axial direction 16. If the elastic solid is a spoke arm 42, the inner holder 36 can be omitted if the anti-skid device 2 includes a device for tensioning the arm 22 relative to the vehicle wheel 1.

[0050] The fastening elements 34 are preferably configured to suspend the inner holder 36 and / or the outer holder 38. For example, the fastening elements 34 can be configured in the shape of hooks, eyes, shackles, or snap hooks.

[0051] 3 in its unmounted state without vehicle wheel 1, is preferably configured symmetrically with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to axial direction 16 so that attention does not have to be paid to its orientation during manufacture of the continuous chain mesh. Furthermore, it can be seen that each continuous chain mesh element 18 in the illustrated embodiment connects two chain strands 14 extending in circumferential direction 12 to each other in axial direction 16, and thus the continuous chain mesh elements 18 are also used as spacers to hold the chain strands 14 in the orientation and position determined by overmolding.

[0052] Of course, in alternative embodiments, each continuous chain mesh element 18 may connect to only one chain strand 14 and extend primarily in the circumferential direction 12, for example.

[0053] Figure 4 shows the continuous chain mesh 10 of Figure 10 when unwound. To produce a closed ring-shaped continuous chain mesh 10, for example, both ends of at least one chain strand 14 arranged in a circumferential direction 12 are connected to each other.

[0054] The continuous chain mesh 10 can be constructed from a plurality of identical continuous chain mesh segments 46 arranged in a row in the circumferential direction 12. FIG. 5 shows such a continuous chain mesh segment 46 by way of example only, where the chain strands 14 are made from round or partial steel chain strands having chain links 48. As already mentioned above, armored chains can also be used instead of round or partial steel chains. At least one chain link 48 of the chain strand 14 is overmolded with a plastic body 20 in the direction of the longitudinal extension 52 of the chain strand 14. Specifically, one to five (continuous) chain links 48 of the chain strand 14 can be embedded in or overmolded with the plastic body 20.

[0055] The chain links 48 can be arranged alternately vertically or horizontally within the plastic body. This is understood to mean that the planes 50 spanned by each chain link 48 are aligned alternately perpendicular and parallel to the tread surface 8 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Alternatively, the chain links 48 within the plastic body 20 can also be arranged alternately at an angle on the tread surface 8 of the tire 6. In this case, the planes 50 of the chain links 48 are oriented at an angle between about 30° and about 60° relative to the tread surface 8, with the planes 50 of adjacent chain links 48 each oriented at an angle between about −30° and about −60° relative to the tread surface 8. The chain strand 14 can have any combination of portions with vertical and horizontal chain links 48 and portions with angled chain links 48.

[0056] The alignment of the chain links 48 and the orientation of the longitudinal extension 52 of the chain strand 14 between two continuous chain mesh elements 18 is substantially determined by the alignment or orientation in which the chain strand 14 is overmolded by the plastic body 20.

[0057] The length 54 of the region of the chain strand 14 overmolded by the plastic body 20 is at least one length 56 of the chain link 48, for example, approximately 1 to 5 lengths 56 of the chain link 48.

[0058] The overmolded portions of the chain strands 14 embedded in the plastic body 20 do not need to be completely overmolded. In the mounted state, the chain strands 14 can at least partially protrude from the plastic body 20 on the side facing the tread surface 8 and / or the side away from the tread surface 8. Thus, protruding portions 58 of the chain strands 14 protruding from the overmolding are shown by way of example in FIG. 5 . The number of portions 58 protruding from the plastic body 20 can vary. For example, the legs 60 of each or all of the chain links 48 overmolded by the plastic body 20 can protrude from the plastic body 20 at least partially on the side of the tread surface or on the side opposite the side of the tread surface. The portions 58 increase traction and reduce wear on the plastic body, especially when at least one portion 58 protrudes beyond the plastic body 20 on the side.

[0059] In addition to at least one overmolded chain strand 14 and optionally at least one fastening element 34, a further overmolded element 62 (hereinafter referred to as embedded element 62) may be present within the plastic body 20.

[0060] The embedding element 62 can be for reinforcement and / or to increase traction. When used for reinforcement, the embedding element 62 can be completely embedded in the plastic body 20, e.g., not protruding anywhere from the plastic body 20.

[0061] When used to increase traction, at least one embedded element 62 can be mounted in the radial direction 28 on the side of the plastic body 20 away from the tread surface 8 and protrude outward. The protruding portion 58 can be formed in the form of a strip or a point. At least a portion 58 of such embedded element 62 protruding from the plastic body 20 can be formed, for example, in a partially straight, sawtooth, or curved, in particular wavy, shape, and configured as a rib oriented transverse to the circumferential direction 12, like the tread surface element 18b, or inclined along the circumferential direction 12 or parallel to the tread surface element.

[0062] As already mentioned, individual portions of the plastic body 20 can be made of different plastics having different material properties, for example, different hardness or flexibility, so that the arms 22 can have portions of increased flexibility that allow them to be more easily wrapped around the tire shoulder 24 in the loaded state of the continuous chain mesh 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0063] The continuous chain mesh elements 18 a, 18 b, 18 c can have different configurations. Each or all of the plastic bodies 20 of the different continuous chain mesh elements 18 a, 18 b, 18 c can be rectangular, with the longitudinal extension of the plastic bodies 20 oriented, for example, transverse to the circumferential direction 12.

[0064] The chain strands 14 overmolded by the continuous chain mesh elements 18c can converge toward each other from both sides along the circumferential direction 12, resulting in, for example, X-shaped continuous chain mesh elements 18c. The continuous chain mesh elements 18c are used as shortening elements that reduce the diameter or circumference of each of the continuous chain meshes 10.

[0065] The continuous chain mesh element 18c can include a predetermined break point 64, the mechanical strength of which is reduced compared to adjacent regions, for example, by a reduced cross section. In such a case, the predetermined break point 64 does not include the embedded element 62.

[0066] At the predetermined breaking point 64, the continuous chain mesh element 18c is easily broken, e.g., cut or broken, resulting in separation of the previously connected chain strands 14. The breaking increases the diameter of the continuous chain mesh in the circumferential direction 12, provided that all chain strands 14 remain integrated within the shortening element 18c in this radial plane.

[0067] The plastic bodies 20 of different continuous chain mesh elements 18 may each include portions with the same shape. The same basic mold can be used for the portions with the same shape during overmolding. Additional molds can be added to the basic mold to supplement the latter with additional portions. For example, the basic mold of continuous chain mesh element 18b is identical to that of continuous chain mesh element 18a, and arms 22 are additionally molded onto continuous chain mesh element 18a. Furthermore, continuous chain mesh element 18c can also be identical to that of at least one of the other continuous chain mesh elements 18b, 18c. If a predetermined break point 64 is required, for example, the embedding element 62 can be omitted.

[0068] 6 shows that the embedding element 62 can have at least one cutout 66 embedded in the plastic body 20, thereby improving the fixation to the plastic body 20. Alternatively, or in addition to the at least one cutout 66, one or more penetrations 68 can also be present in the region of the embedding element 62 arranged in the plastic body 20, with the material of the plastic body 20 extending through the penetrations 68.

[0069] The two chain links 48 of the two chain strands 14 are respectively overmolded with the plastic body 20, and the planes 50 of the overmolded chain links 48 in the assembled state are alternately embedded in the plastic body 20 at an angle relative to the tread surface 8 or to the bottom surface 70 of the plastic body 20 resting on the tread surface 8. As already mentioned above, the angle of the planes 50 relative to the tread surface 8 or to the bottom surface 70, respectively, here alternately lies in the range of about +30° to about +60° and in the range of about -30° to about -60°.

[0070] 7 and 8 show an anti-skid device 2 that, in contrast to the anti-skid device 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2, does not have an inner holder 36 and an outer holder 38, but only an outer holder 38 with spoke arms 42 that are elastically bendable in the axial direction 16. A hub member 44 of this outer holder 38 is attached to the rim 4 so that the spoke arms 42 are deflected and independently press the continuous chain mesh 10 against the tread surface 8. The continuous chain mesh 10 may have a slightly different shape, in particular stiffer arms 22 and a different configuration of fastening elements 34. By adapting the material of the plastic body 20 of the continuous chain mesh elements 18a and / or by changing the mold that forms the arms 22 during overmolding, it is possible to change in a simple and inexpensive way using the same basic mold from the continuous chain mesh 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 to the modified continuous chain mesh 10 of FIGS. 7 and 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Vehicle Wheel 2 Anti-skid device 4 rims 6 Tires 8 Tread surface 10 continuous chain mesh 12 Circumferential direction 14 Chain Strands 16 Axial Direction 18, 18a, 18b, 18c Continuous chain mesh elements 20 Plastic Body 22 Arm 24 Tire shoulder 26 Tire sidewall 28 Radial 30 Outside of vehicle wheel 32 Inside of vehicle wheel 34 Fastening Elements 36 Internal holder 38 External holder 40 Side Strands 42 spoke arms 44 Hub parts 46 continuous chain mesh segments 48 Chain Link 50 Chain link flats 52 Longitudinal extension of chain strand 54 Overmolding length 56 chain link length 58 Chain strand protruding from overmolding 60 Legs 62 Embedded / Overmolded Elements 64 Predetermined Breaking Point 66 Notch 68 Through Hole 70 Bottom of plastic body

Claims

1. A continuous chain mesh (10) for an anti-skid device (2) mounted on a vehicle wheel (1), comprising: a chain strand (14) mounted on the vehicle wheel (1) and placed on the tread surface (8) of the vehicle wheel (1); and one or more continuous chain mesh elements (18) that are similarly placed on the tread surface (8) of the vehicle wheel (1) when mounted on the vehicle wheel (1) and that have a plastic body (20) that overmolds at least one of the chain strands (14).

2. 2. The continuous chain mesh (10) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of chain mesh elements (18) comprises a plastic body (20) overmolding at least two of the chain strands (14) in spaced relation to one another.

3. 3. The continuous chain mesh (10) of claim 2, wherein the plastic body (20) mounted on the vehicle wheel (1) connects at least two overmolded chain strands (14) together across the circumferential direction (12).

4. 3. The continuous chain mesh (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two overmolded chain strands (14) mounted on the vehicle wheel (1) extend at least partially in a circumferential direction (12).

5. The continuous chain mesh (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least two plastic bodies interconnected by at least one said chain strand (14), spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction when mounted on the vehicle wheel (1).

6. The continuous chain mesh (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one overmolded chain strand (14) mounted on the vehicle wheel (1) at least partially protrudes from the plastic body (20).

7. The continuous chain mesh (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plastic body (20) is made of at least one plastic material, at least one rubber material, and / or at least one elastomeric material.

8. 10. The continuous chain mesh (10) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of continuous chain mesh elements (18) comprises, in addition to at least one overmolded chain strand (14), at least one element (62) that is at least partially embedded in the plastic body (20) and has a strength and / or hardness greater than that of the plastic body (20).

9. 9. The continuous chain mesh (10) of claim 8, wherein said at least one embedded element (62) is made of a metallic material.

10. 10. The continuous chain mesh (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one embedded element (62) in a mounted state on the vehicle wheel (1) protrudes from the plastic body (20) on a side remote from the tread surface (8).

11. The continuous chain mesh (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one embedded element (62) is configured as a fastening element (34) for attaching a holder (36, 38) of the anti-slip device (2).

12. The continuous chain mesh (10) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of continuous chain mesh elements (18) comprises a plastic body (20) having a predetermined breaking point (64).

13. The continuous chain mesh (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plastic body (20) mounted on the vehicle wheel (1) extends across at least one tire shoulder (24) of the vehicle wheel (1).

14. An anti-slip device (2) comprising a continuous chain mesh (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 15. The anti-skid device (2) according to claim 14, wherein the anti-skid device (2) comprises an external holder (38) arranged on the outer side (30) of the vehicle wheel (1) when mounted on the vehicle wheel (1) and / or an internal holder (36) arranged on the inner side (32) of the vehicle wheel (1) when mounted on the vehicle wheel (1), the internal holder (36) and / or the external holder (38) being attached to the plastic body (20) of at least one of the plurality of continuous chain mesh elements (18).

16. A continuous chain mesh (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a continuous chain mesh element (18) for an anti-skid device (2) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a plastic body (20) and chain strands (14) overmolded by the plastic body (20).

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