Vehicle composite wheel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle composite wheel, which can reinforce the structure of a wheel hub coupled to an axle when a vehicle wheel is manufactured using composite fibers. The present invention for implementing same may comprise: a rim made of a composite fiber material and formed in a hollow cylindrical shape; a plurality of outer spokes made of a composite fiber material, and radially arranged in the opening of the rim with respect to a central axis line; a wheel hub, which is made of a composite fiber material, is disposed on the central axis line of the rim by means of the outer spokes, and has a plurality of fastening holes in a circular recess part so as to be couplable to the axle through hub bolts; a composite preform ring coupled thereto to encompass the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub; inner spokes respectively spaced apart from the inner peripheral surfaces of the outer spokes toward the central axis line, and each having one side coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the rim and the other side coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the composite preform ring; and an outer ring which is coupled thereto to encompass the outer peripheral surface of the composite preform ring to which the other sides of the inner spokes are coupled, and thus presses and fixes the other sides of the inner spokes to the wheel hub.

Description

Composite wheels for vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite wheel for a vehicle capable of reinforcing the joint structure of a wheel hub and a spoke when manufacturing a vehicle wheel using a composite fiber, which is a lightweight material.

[0002]

[0003] Typically, a vehicle wheel consists of a rim, which supports the tire, and spokes, which support the rim to the hub. These vehicle wheels can be categorized by material, manufacturing method, structure, and design.

[0004] Specifically, the vehicle wheels can be classified into steel wheels made of steel, aluminum wheels made of aluminum alloy, and magnesium wheels made of magnesium alloy.

[0005] The material of these vehicle wheels is directly related to the vehicle's weight. With the recent development of hybrid vehicles, weight reduction is becoming a key issue for improving energy efficiency, or fuel economy. Consequently, the need for lightweight wheels that maintain strength is also growing.

[0006] Accordingly, composite wheels using reinforced fibers have recently been developed. Compared to the aforementioned steel or aluminum wheels, composite wheels are lighter and can offer similar or even improved strength.

[0007] However, the structure of the wheel hub that is connected to the axle of the existing composite wheel may be weak, and therefore, a structure that can reinforce the strength of the wheel hub is required.

[0008]

[0009] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide a composite wheel for a vehicle that can reinforce the strength of a wheel hub coupled to an axle and the joint structure of a wheel hub and a spoke when manufacturing a vehicle wheel using composite fibers.

[0010]

[0011] In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides a composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising: a rim formed in a hollow cylindrical shape of a composite fiber material; a plurality of outer spokes of the composite fiber material radially arranged with respect to a central axis within an opening of the rim; a wheel hub of the composite fiber material arranged on the central axis of the rim via the outer spokes and having a plurality of fastening holes provided in circular grooves so as to be coupled to an axle via hub bolts; a composite preform ring coupled to surround an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub; an inner spoke spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the outer spoke in the direction of the central axis, one end of which is coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the rim and the other end of which is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the composite preform ring; and an outer ring coupled to surround an outer circumferential surface of the composite preform ring to which the other end of the inner spoke is coupled, and the other end of the inner spoke is press-fixed to the wheel hub.

[0012] In this case, the wheel hub includes a first disc arranged on the inner bottom surface; and a second disc arranged on the opposite side of the bottom surface; and the first and second discs may each have a through hole communicating with the fastening hole.

[0013] In addition, the composite wheel for the vehicle may include a structural reinforcing bush made of a metal material inserted into the fastening hole and the through hole.

[0014] In addition, the upper surface of the first disk may include a metal washer that is fixedly caught on a flange of the structural reinforcement bush when the structural reinforcement bush is inserted into the through hole of the first disk.

[0015] In addition, the lower surface of the second disk may include a fastening nut made of a metal material having a screw hole formed therein so that the structural reinforcing bush inserted into the through hole of the second disk can be screwed.

[0016] In addition, the lower surface of the second disk may include a mounting groove formed to prevent movement by mounting the fastening nut.

[0017] In addition, one end of the above fastening nut may be formed with a corresponding dimension so as to be aligned with the outer diameter of an outer ring that wraps around and fixes the outer surface of the wheel hub, thereby supporting the bottom surface of the outer ring.

[0018] In addition, a filling space is provided between the outer spoke and the inner spoke, and the filling space may include urethane foam being filled.

[0019] In addition, the portion where the outer spoke and the composite preform ring contact each other within the filling space may include a composite fiber material reinforcing material formed with a first surface that interfaces with the inner surface of the outer spoke, and a second surface formed in the shape of the letter 'ㄱ' at the end of the first surface and that interfaces with the outer surface of the composite preform ring.

[0020]

[0021] The composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention having the above configuration can reinforce the structure by combining a composite preform ring and a metal outer ring at the portion where the wheel hub and spoke made of composite fiber material are combined.

[0022] In addition, by arranging the first and second discs on the inner bottom surface of the circular groove of the wheel hub and the lower surface of the wheel hub, and applying a configuration including a metal structural reinforcement bushing within the fastening hole where the hub bolt is coupled, the wheel hub portion coupled to the vehicle's rotational axis can be strongly reinforced.

[0023]

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a plan view of a composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 3;

[0029] Fig. 6 is a detailed view of part 'A' of Fig. 5.

[0030] Figure 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view as viewed from the bottom of a composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 8 is a detailed view of the 'B' portion of Fig. 5.

[0032] Figure 9 is a partial detailed drawing showing a joint structure in which a fastening nut according to the present invention supports an outer ring.

[0033] ※Explanation of symbols※

[0034] 100: Composite wheel for vehicle 110: Rim

[0035] 120: Spoke 121: Outer spoke

[0036] 123: Inner spoke 125: Reinforcement

[0037] 125a: Page 1 125b: Page 2

[0038] 127: Urethane foam 130: Wheel hub

[0039] 131: Circular groove 133: Fastening hole

[0040] 135: Composite preforming 137: Outer ring

[0041] 140: 1st disc 141, 151: Through hole

[0042] 150: 2nd disc 153: Settling groove

[0043] 160: Bush for structural reinforcement 161: Flange

[0044] 163: Washer 165: Fastening nut

[0045]

[0046] The configuration and operation of a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] Here, when adding reference signs to components of each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are indicated with the same signs as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a composite wheel for a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a composite wheel (100) for a vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may include a rim (110), a spoke (120), a wheel hub (130), a composite preform ring (135), and an outer ring (137).

[0050] The composition of the present invention is described in detail as follows.

[0051]

[0052] First, the rim (110) constitutes the main outer frame of a composite wheel (100) for a vehicle, and the rim (110) can be formed by using a prepreg material or a preform material in which a binder is applied to composite fibers to form a hollow cylindrical composite fiber preform.

[0053] Specifically, the rim (110) may be formed of a composite fiber material such as carbon fiber or glass fiber, and may be formed through a winding or braiding process. In this case, the present invention does not specifically limit the type of composite fiber material.

[0054]

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the spokes (120) are arranged radially in multiple numbers within the opening of the rim (110) with respect to the central axis of the rim (110), and these spokes (120) may be formed of the same composite fiber preform material as the rim (110). The specific structure of the spokes (120) will be described together with the wheel hub (130) described below.

[0056] In this case, the plurality of spokes (120) and wheel hub (130) can be integrally joined to the rim (110) through a process such as stitching or metal Z-pinning.

[0057]

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the wheel hub (130) is fixed on the central axis of the rim (110) via a plurality of spokes (120), and the wheel hub (130) can be formed of a composite fiber preform material.

[0059] In this case, the wheel hub (130) may have a structure in which a circular groove (131) is provided with an upper opening based on the drawing. In addition, a plurality of fastening holes (133) may be provided within the circular groove (131) at a predetermined angle based on the central axis so that the hub can be connected to the axle via a hub bolt.

[0060] Additionally, a composite preform ring (135) may be provided to reinforce the structure by being combined to surround the outer surface of the wheel hub (130).

[0061] In addition, the specific joint structure of the spoke (120) for fixing the wheel hub (130) is described as follows.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, the spoke (120) may include an outer spoke (121) made of a composite fiber material, which is arranged radially with respect to a central axis within an opening of a rim (110), and an inner spoke (123) which is arranged spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer spoke (121) in the direction of the central axis of the rim (110), and one side (123a) is coupled to the inner surface of the rim (110) and the other side (123b) is coupled to the outer surface of a composite preform ring (135).

[0063] In addition, an outer ring (137) made of a metal material that wraps and fixes the outer surface of the other side (123b) of the inner spoke (123) together with the outer surface of the composite preform ring (135) to which the other side (123b) of the inner spoke (123) is joined may be provided.

[0064] That is, the above outer ring (137) has the effect of press-bonding the other side (123b) of the inner spoke (123) between the composite preform ring (135) and the metal outer ring (137). Accordingly, the other side (123b) of the inner spoke (123) can be firmly fixed to the outer surface of the wheel hub (130).

[0065] Additionally, a filling space may be provided between the outer spoke (121) and the inner spoke (123) constituting the spoke (120), and the filling space may be filled with urethane foam (127).

[0066] In addition, in the area where the outer spoke (121) and the composite preform ring (135) come into contact within the above-mentioned filling space, a reinforcing material (125) of a composite fiber preform material formed by a first surface (125a) that interfaces with the inner surface of the outer spoke (121), as shown in FIG. 6, and a second surface (125b) that is formed in the shape of the letter 'ㄱ' at the end of the first surface (125a) and interfaces with the outer surface of the composite preform ring (135) can be combined.

[0067]

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7, a first disk (140) may be placed on the inner bottom surface of the wheel hub (130), and a second disk (150) may be placed on the opposite side of the bottom surface.

[0069] The above first and second disks (140) (150) can reinforce the structure of the wheel hub (130), which is a part that comes into direct contact when the vehicle composite wheel (100) is coupled to the axle.

[0070] Specifically, the first and second disks (140) and (150) may be made of a metal material to increase structural reinforcement efficiency. The present invention does not specifically limit the specific type of metal material.

[0071] In addition, the first and second disks (140)(150) may be provided with corresponding through holes (141)(151) (see FIG. 2) that communicate with the fastening holes (133) provided in the wheel hub (130).

[0072]

[0073] Referring to Fig. 8, a metal structural reinforcing bush (160) may be provided in the circular groove (131) of the wheel hub (130) to reinforce the structure of the wheel hub (130) by being inserted into the connecting hole (133) and the through hole (141) (151).

[0074] Specifically, a flange (161) may be provided on one edge of the structural reinforcement bush (160). That is, when the structural reinforcement bush (160) is inserted into the fastening hole (133) of the wheel hub (130) that is connected to the through holes (141) (151) of the first and second disks (140) (150), the flange (161) portion may be arranged to be caught on the upper surface of the first disk (140). Accordingly, the structural reinforcement bush (160) can be fixed in an accurate position without moving within the wheel hub (130).

[0075] In this case, a metal washer (163) may be provided on the upper surface of the first disk (140) to reinforce the joint structure of the structural reinforcement bush (160). The washer (163) may be fixed by being caught on the flange (161) when the structural reinforcement bush (160) is inserted into the through hole (141) of the first disk (140).

[0076]

[0077] In addition, a metal fastening nut (165) having a screw hole (165a) formed therein may be provided on the bottom surface of the second disk (150) so that the structural reinforcement bush (160) inserted into the through hole (151) of the second disk (150) can be screw-connected.

[0078] In this case, a mounting groove (153) (see Fig. 7) in which the mounting nut (165) is mounted may be formed on the bottom surface of the second disk (150) where the mounting nut (165) is positioned. Accordingly, the mounting nut (165) can be prevented from moving.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, one end (165b) of the fastening nut (165) can be formed with the same dimensions so as to be aligned with the outer diameter of the outer ring (137) made of a metal material that wraps around and fixes the outer surface of the wheel hub (130) when the fastening nut (165) is coupled to the fixing groove (153).

[0080] In other words, the upper surface of one end (165b) of the above-mentioned fastening nut (165) can be formed into a structure that supports the lower surface (137a) of the outer ring (137). Accordingly, the outer ring (137) can be prevented from coming off.

[0081]

[0082] Then, the manufacturing process of the vehicle composite wheel (100) according to the present invention having the above configuration will be explained.

[0083] First, a composite fiber preform material is prepared by applying a binder to prepreg material or composite fiber.

[0084] Then, using the above-prepared composite fiber preform material, components including the composite rim (110), the outer spoke (121) and the inner spoke (123) constituting the spoke (120), the reinforcing material (125), the urethane foam (127), the composite preform ring (135), and the first and second discs (140) (150) are formed, respectively (see Fig. 2).

[0085] Then, each of the formed components is combined to form a composite wheel preform, which is then placed in a mold, impregnated with resin using an autoclave or RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) method, and cured through a heat process.

[0086] The composite wheel hardened through the above heat process is demolded and then drilled to form a fastening hole (133) and a through hole (141, 151) (see Fig. 6), and a mounting groove (153) is machined on the bottom surface of the second disk (150) (see Fig. 7).

[0087] Then, the bushing (160) for structural reinforcement, in which the washer (163) is fitted and inserted into the fastening hole (133) and the through hole (141, 151), is placed on the upper surface of the first disk (140) while the fastening nut (165) is embedded in the above-mentioned fixing groove (153).

[0088] After that, when the above-mentioned structural reinforcing bush (160) is screwed into the screw hole (165b) of the fastening nut (165) (see FIG. 8), the manufacturing of the vehicle composite wheel (100) according to the present invention is completed (see FIG. 1).

[0089]

[0090] The composite wheel (100) for a vehicle according to the present invention can reinforce the structure by combining a composite preform ring (135) and a metal outer ring (137) at the portion where the wheel hub (130) and spoke (120) of the composite fiber material are combined when manufacturing the vehicle wheel using the composite fiber material.

[0091] In addition, by arranging the first and second disks (140) (150) on the inner bottom surface of the circular groove (131) of the wheel hub (130) and the lower surface of the wheel hub (130), and by applying a configuration including a metal structural reinforcement bush (160) in the fastening hole (133) where the hub bolt is coupled, the part of the wheel hub (130) coupled to the rotational axis of the vehicle can be firmly reinforced.

[0092]

[0093] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with specific embodiments above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible within a scope that does not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rim of composite fiber material formed into a hollow cylindrical shape; A plurality of outer spokes made of composite fiber material arranged radially with respect to a central axis within the opening of the above rim; A wheel hub made of a composite fiber material, which is arranged on the central axis of the rim via the outer spokes and has a plurality of fastening holes in a circular groove so that it can be connected to an axle via a hub bolt; A composite preform ring that is bonded to surround the outer surface of the wheel hub; An inner spoke which is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer spoke in the direction of the central axis, and one side of which is joined to the inner surface of the rim and the other side of which is joined to the outer surface of the composite preform ring; and A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising an outer ring that surrounds the outer surface of the composite preform ring to which the other side of the inner spoke is joined, and presses and fixes the other side of the inner spoke to the wheel hub side.

2. In paragraph 1, A first disc arranged on the inner bottom surface of the wheel hub; and A second disk is disposed on the opposite side of the above floor surface; A composite wheel for a vehicle, wherein the first and second discs each have a through hole communicating with the fastening hole.

3. In paragraph 2, The above composite wheel for the vehicle is, A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising a metal material bush for structural reinforcement inserted into the above-mentioned fastening hole and through hole.

4. In paragraph 3, On the upper surface of the first disk, A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising a washer made of a metal material that is fixedly caught on a flange of the structural reinforcement bush when the structural reinforcement bush is inserted into the through hole of the first disk.

5. In paragraph 3, On the bottom of the above second disk, A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising a fastening nut made of a metal material having a screw hole formed therein so that the structural reinforcing bush inserted into the through hole of the second disk can be screwed.

6. In paragraph 5, On the bottom of the above second disk, A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising a mounting groove formed to prevent movement by mounting the above-mentioned fastening nut.

7. In paragraph 5, One end of the above fastening nut is, A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising a wheel formed with dimensions corresponding to the outer diameter of an outer ring that wraps and fixes the outer surface of the wheel hub and supports the bottom surface of the outer ring.

8. In paragraph 1, A filling space is provided between the outer spoke and the inner spoke. A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising a urethane foam filled in the above-mentioned filling space.

9. In paragraph 8, In the above filling space, at the part where the outer spoke and the composite preform ring come into contact, A composite wheel for a vehicle, comprising a composite fiber material reinforcing member formed of a first surface that interfaces with the inner surface of the outer spoke, and a second surface formed in the shape of the letter 'ㄱ' at the end of the first surface and that interfaces with the outer surface of the composite preform ring;

Images