A styled steel wheel for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a steel wheel for a vehicle. The steel wheel can comprise the following. A rim (101), a styled-disc (102), wherein the styled-disc (102) can include a disc flange (103) and a disc profile region (104). The disc profile region (104) can include a disc profile edge (104a), a hub portion (105), spokes (106), and vent holes (107). The spoke (106) can include a base portion (106a), and a projecting portion (106b) at two ends of the base portion (106a). The projecting portion (106b) of adjacent spokes (106) can be connected to form a circumferential edge (106c) around the vent hole (117). A width of the spoke (106) can vary along the length of the spoke (106). A radius of curvature of the vent hole (107) can vary along a circumference of the circumferential edge (106c), thereby reducing stresses, and imparting higher ventilation and stability.

Description

A STYLED STEEL WHEEL FOR A VEHICLEFIELD

[0001] The embodiment herein generally relates to a wheel for a vehicle. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a styled steel wheel for a vehicle with a wheel rim and disc.BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Vehicles wheels are generally made of alloy or steel. Steel wheels are commonly used in heavy vehicles and passenger vehicles owing to their costeffectiveness, strength, ductility and other material properties. Alloy wheels have started replacing steel wheels in various passenger cars owing to their reduced weight that contributes to better efficiency and fuel economy of the vehicle.

[0003] However, the reduced strength and inferior material properties of the alloy wheels as compared to steel wheels limit their utilization in heavy and passenger vehicles. Moreover, alloy wheels are significantly expensive than steel wheels. Hence, of late, there have been developments in the wheel manufacturing industry to fabricate steel wheels as an alternative to alloy wheels. Yet, these wheels lack the desired properties to match the efficiency and fuel economy as achieved by the alloy wheels. Further, improper fabrication of the steel wheels can affect their strength and their capability of sustaining high loads. Furthermore, such fabricated wheels can have higher stresses and reduced stability, specifically under heavy loads.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved styled steel wheel with styling similar to alloy wheels capable of imparting adequate strength to withstand heavy loads. Moreover, there is a need for a cost-effective steel wheel for passenger vehicle.OBJECTS

[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

[0006] A main object of the present disclosure is to provide a styled steel wheel for a vehicle.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a steel wheel for a passenger vehicle that is capable of withstanding high loads.

[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective styled steel wheel for passenger vehicles.

[0009] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a styled steel wheel with larger ventilation that includes adequate strength.

[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a styled steel wheel imparting efficiency and fuel economy to the vehicle.

[0011] The other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.SUMMARY

[0012] In view of the foregoing, embodiments herein provide a styled steel wheel for a vehicle.

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment, the styled steel wheel can comprise the following. The styled steel wheel includes a rim, and a styled disc attached to the rim. The styled disc can include a disc flange and a disc profile region. The disc profile region can include a disc profile edge, a hub portion, a plurality of spokes, and a plurality of vent holes. The spoke can extend from the hub portion to the disc profile edge, wherein the spoke can include a base portion, and aprojecting portion at two ends of the base portion. The projecting portion of adjacent spokes can be connected to form a circumferential edge around the vent hole. A width of the spoke can vary along the length of the spoke. A radius of curvature of the vent hole can vary along a circumference of the circumferential edge, thereby reducing stresses, and imparting ventilation and stability to the styled steel wheel.

[0014] In accordance with an embodiment, the spoke can be divided along the length into a first segment at the hub mounting portion, a third segment at the disc profile edge, and a second segment between the first segment and the third segment. The width of the second segment less than a width of the first segment and the third segment, and a width of the third segment less than a width of the first segment, for imparting strength and capability to withstand heavy loads.

[0015] In an embodiment, the circumferential edge can include a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section is located at an end of the circumferential edge, the third section is located at another end of the circumferential edge, and the second section is located between the first section and the third section. The radius of curvature of the second section is less than the radius of the first section and the third section.

[0016] In an embodiment, the radius of the third section is greater than the radius of the first section thereby forming the vent hole in an asymmetrical shape. In an embodiment, a shape of the vent hole is ovoid.

[0017] In an embodiment, a height of the projecting portion relative to a first end and a second end of the base portion varies for the first segment, the secondsegment, and the third segment. In an embodiment, a height of the projecting portion at the first end and the second end of the first segment can include a variation in a range between 0% and 35%. In an embodiment, a height of the projecting portion at the first end and the second end of the second segment can include a variation in a range between 0% and 50%. In an embodiment, a height of the projecting portion at the first end and the second end of the third segment can include a variation in a range between 0% and 120%.

[0018] In an embodiment, the width of the second segment less than the width of the first segment by a range of 20% to 80%, and the width of the third segment greater than the width of the second segment by a range of 4% to 15%.

[0019] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[0021] Fig. la illustrates a front view of a styled steel wheel for a vehicle, according to an embodiment herein;

[0022] Fig. lb illustrates a magnified view of the front view of the styled steel wheel for a vehicle of Fig. la, according to an embodiment herein;

[0023] Fig.lc illustrates a magnified view of the front view of the styled steel wheel for a vehicle of Fig. la, according to an embodiment herein;

[0024] Fig.2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spoke for showing width variation, according to an embodiment herein; and

[0025] Fig.2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spoke for showing height variation, according to an embodiment herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0027] As mentioned above, there is a need an improved styled steel wheel with styling similar to alloy wheels that is capable of imparting adequate strength to withstand heavy loads. In particular, there is a need for a cost-effective styled steel wheel for passenger vehicle. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing “A Styled Steel Wheel for a Vehicle”. Referring now to the drawings, FIGS, la through 2b, where similar reference characters denote correspondingfeatures consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

[0028] Fig. la illustrates a front view of a styled steel wheel for a vehicle. In an embodiment, the styled steel wheel 100 includes a rim 101 and a styled disc 102. In an embodiment, the rim 101 is joined to the styled disc 102. The rim 101 can be joined to the styled disc 102 by means including but not limited to welding.

[0029] In an embodiment, the styled disc 102 includes a disc flange 103 and a disc profile region 104. The disc profile region 104 can include a disc profile edge 104a, a hub mounting portion 105, a plurality of spokes 106, and a plurality of vent holes 107.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the disc profile edge 104a can extend perpendicular from the disc flange 103.

[0031] In an embodiment, the hub mounting portion 105 can include a plurality of bolt holes 109. The spoke 106 can extend between the hub mounting portion105 and the disc profile edge 104a. The vent hole 107 can be formed between two adjacent spokes 106. The spokes 106 can extend axially outward from the hub mounting portion 105 to the disc profile edge 104a.

[0032] In an embodiment, an arrangement of the bolt holes 109 relative to an axis of the spokes 106 may include one of being in line with the axis of the spoke106 or being between the spokes 106. In an embodiment, the spoke 106 can be aligned at an angle Al relative to an axis of the bolt hole 109. The angle Al can be selected from a range of 1° to 90°, preferable from a range of 1° to 60°.

[0033] The number of bolt holes 109 and the number of spokes 106 may or may not be equal. For example, a ratio of the number of spokes and the number of bolt holes can include one of 4 / 4, 5 / 4, 4 / 5 etc.

[0034] Fig. lb illustrates a magnified view of the front view of the styled steel wheel for a vehicle of Fig. la.

[0035] In an embodiment, the spoke 106 can include a plurality of segments along the length. The segments can include a first segment 115, a second segment 117, and a third segment 119. The first segment 115 can be located on the spoke 106 towards the hub mounting portion 105. The third segment 119 can be located on the spoke 106 towards the disc profile edge 104a. The second segment 117 can be located between the first segment 115 and the third segment 119.

[0036] In an embodiment, a width of the spoke 106 can vary along the length of the spokes. The width of the second segment 117 is less than the width of the first segment 115 and the width of the third segment 119. The width of the third segment 119 is less than a width of the first segment 115. The variation in width of the spoke imparts adequate strength to the wheel and the capability to withstand heavy loads. The styled steel wheel imparts stability under heavy loads.

[0037] In an embodiment, the width of the second segment 117 less than the width of the first segment 115 by a range of 20% to 80%. The width of the third segment 119 greater than the width of the second segment 117 by a range of 4% to 15%.

[0038] Fig.lc illustrates a magnified view of the front view of the styled steel wheel for a vehicle of Fig. la. In an embodiment, the spoke 106 can include a base portion 106a and a projecting portion 106b at two ends of the base portion 106a. The projecting portion 106b can extend outward relative to the base portion 106a. The projecting portion 106b of adjacent spokes 106 can be connected to form a circumferential edge 106c. The circumferential edge 106c can function as ribs around the vent hole 107 to provide higher ventilation and impart strength to the wheel.

[0039] In an embodiment, the vent hole 107 can include an asymmetrical shape. The shape can include but not limited to an ovoid. In an embodiment, a radius of curvature of the vent hole 107 can vary along the circumferential edge 106c.

[0040] In an embodiment, the circumferential edge 106c can include a first section 107a, a second section 107b, and a third section 107c. The first section 107a is located at one end of the circumferential edge 106c, the third section 107c is located at another end of the circumferential edge 106c, and the second section 107b is located between the first section 107a and the third section 107c. The first section 107a can include a radius of curvature Rl, the second section 107b can include a radius of curvature R2, and the third section 107c can include a radius of curvature R3.

[0041] In an embodiment, the radius R2 of the second section 107b is less than the radius Rl of the first section and the radius R3 of the third section 107c. The radius Rl of the first section is greater than the radius R3 of the third section. The variation in the radius of curvature in the sections of the vent hole 107 imparts an asymmetrical shape to the vent hole. The asymmetrical shape of the vent hole increases ventilation of the wheel and prevents crack propagation by reducing development of stresses.

[0042] Fig.2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the (i) first segment, (ii) second segment, and (iii) third segment of spoke for showing width variation. Fig. 2a (i) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first segment 115 of the spoke. The spoke 106 includes the base portion 106a and the projecting portion 106b at two ends of the base portion 106a. The spoke can include a width W1 of the base portion 106a, and a total width W’ l. The total width W’ l includes the projecting portions 106b, and the base portion 106a. Fig. 2a (ii) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second segment 117 of the spoke. The spoke can include a width W2of the base portion 106a, and a total width W’2. Fig. 2a (iii) illustrates a cross- sectional view of the third segment 119 of the spoke. The spoke can include a width W3 of the base portion 106a, and a total width W’3.

[0043] The width W2 and W’2 of the second segment 117 is less than the width W1 and W’ 1 of the first segment 115, and W3 and W’3 of the third segment 119.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, a variation in the width W1 and W’ l can vary in a range between 65% and 180%.

[0045] Fig.2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the (i) first segment, (ii) second segment, and (iii) third segment of spoke for showing height variation. Fig. 2b (i) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first segment 115 of the spoke. The spoke 106 includes the base portion 106a and the projecting portion 106b at two ends 106c, 106d of the base portion 106a. The spoke can include a height Hl at a first end 106c of the projecting portion 106a and a height H2 at a second end 106d of the projecting portion 106a. Fig. 2a (ii) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second segment 117 of the spoke. The spoke can include a height H3 at a first end 106c of the projecting portion 106a and a height H4 at a second end 106d of the projecting portion 106a. Fig. 2a (iii) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the third segment 119 of the spoke. The spoke can include a height H5 at a first end 106c of the projecting portion 106a and a height H6 at a second end 106d of the projecting portion 106a.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, a difference in height between Hl and H2 of the first segment 115 can vary in a range between 0% and 35%, a difference in height between H3 and H4 of the second segment 117 can vary in a range between 0% and 50%, and a difference in height between H5 and H6 of the third segment 119 can vary in a range between 0% to 120%

[0047] A main advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel includes a large vent hole area while imparting strength and capability of withstanding loads.

[0048] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel constitutes a large vent hole area thereby imparting higher ventilation.

[0049] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel includes spokes of width varying along the length while maintaining strength and capability to withstand load.

[0050] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel includes asymmetrical vent hole that includes a larger area thereby reducing material consumption for wheel manufacturing.

[0051] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel with an asymmetrical vent hole has reduced stresses when utilized in passenger vehicles.

[0052] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel with varying spoke width and asymmetrical vent hole imparts better stability under heavy loads.

[0053] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel is cost-effective due to reduced material consumption.

[0054] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the styled steel wheel improves efficiency and fuel economy of the vehicle.

[0055] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehendedwithin the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

We claim:

1. A steel wheel for a vehicle, comprising: a rim (101); a styled disc (102) attached to the rim (101); wherein the styled disc (102) including a disc flange (103) and a disc profile region (104); wherein the disc profile region (104) including a disc profile edge (104a), a hub portion (105), a plurality of spokes (106), and a plurality of vent holes (107); wherein the spoke (106) extending from the hub portion (105) to the disc profile edge (104a), the spoke (106) including a base portion (106a), and a projecting portion (106b) at two ends of the base portion (106a), wherein the projecting portion (106b) of adjacent spokes (106) connected to form a circumferential edge (106c) around the vent hole (117); wherein a width of the spoke (106) varying along the length of the spoke (106); and a radius of curvature of the vent hole (107) varying along a circumference of the circumferential edge (106c), thereby reducing stresses, and imparting ventilation and stability to the steel wheel.

2. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spoke (106) divided along the length into a first segment (115) at the hub portion, a third segment (119) at the disc profile edge (104a), and a second segment (117) between the first segment (115) and the third segment (119); and wherein the varying width including a width of the second segment (117) less than a width of the first segment (115) and the third segment (119), and a width of the third segment (119) less than a width of the first segment (115), for imparting strength and capability to withstand heavy loads.

3. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circumferential edge (106c) including a first section (107a), a second section (107b), and a third section (107c), wherein the first section (107a) located at an end of the circumferential edge (106c), the third section (107c) located at another end of the circumferential edge (106c), and the second section (107b) located between the first section (107a) and the third section (107c), and wherein the radius of curvature of the second section (107b) less than the radius of the first section (107a) and the third section (107c).

4. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the radius of the third section (107c) greater than the radius of the first section (107a) thereby forming the vent hole (107) in an asymmetrical shape.

5. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 1, wherein a height of the projecting portion (106b) varying relative to a first end (106c) and a second end (106d) of the base portion (106a) for the first segment (115), the second segment (117), and the third segment (119).

6. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 5, wherein a height of the projecting portion (106b) at the first end (106c) and the second end (106d) of the first segment (115) including a variation in a range between 0% and 35%.

7. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 5, wherein a height of the projecting portion (106b) at the first end (106c) and the second end (106d) of the second segment (117) including a variation in a range between 0% and 50%.

8. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 5, wherein a height of the projecting portion (106b) at the first end (106c) and the second end (106d) of the third segment (119) including a variation in a range between 0% and 120%.

9. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the width of the second segment (117) less than the width of the first segment (115) by a range of 20% to 80%, and wherein the width of the third segment (119) greater than the width of the second segment (115) by a range of 4% to 15%.

10. The steel wheel as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shape of the vent hole (107) is ovoid.

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