Modular unit for arranging in a hub of a vehicle wheel having movable aero elements, and wheel for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular unit for arranging in a hub (41) of a vehicle wheel (39) having movable aero elements (451, 453), comprising an electrical energy supply and an actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and which is provided for adjusting the aero elements (451, 453) movably mounted on the vehicle wheel (39), wherein the actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) can be controlled by an electronic unit. In a modular unit which meets the installation space requirements of a vehicle wheel and allows repair-friendly disassembly, the actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) comprises an electric motor (5) which is operatively connected to a coupling element (11), which generates a linear movement from the motor rotational movement, by means of a transmission element which transmits the motor rotational movement, the coupling element (11) being connected to a driver unit (15) which is designed to actuate the movable aero elements (451, 453).

Description

[0001] Modular unit for arrangement in a hub of a vehicle wheel with movable aerodynamic elements and wheel for a motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a modular unit for arrangement in a hub of a vehicle wheel, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a wheel for a motor vehicle according to claim 6.

[0003] From DE 102022 001 651 A1, a wheel for a motor vehicle is known, comprising a wheel hub arranged centrally within the wheel and a wheel rim arranged radially around the circumference of the wheel. A wheel disc is arranged in an intermediate area between the wheel hub and the wheel rim, and this disc is divided into several separate, movable disc segments. An actuator integrated into the wheel hub changes the angular position of the movable disc segments. Two different operating states can be set, in which the disc segments are either completely closed or assume an angular position to form an air gap, allowing airflow to reach the rear of the wheel, for example, to cool the vehicle's brake discs.

[0004] EP 3 530482 A1 discloses a wheel, in particular a light alloy wheel, with a hub having a cylindrical cavity in which an actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy is arranged. The actuator is part of a modular unit that is arranged in place of a hub cap and is rotationally fixed to the hub. In addition to the actuator, the modular unit comprises an energy storage device and a wireless control unit for controlling a consumer, for example, the actuator. The object of the invention is to provide a modular unit for arrangement in the hub of a vehicle wheel with movable aerodynamic elements, which meets the installation space requirements of a vehicle wheel and allows for easy disassembly for repairs.

[0005] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further features, applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures or explained with reference to the figures.

[0006] The problem is solved with the subject matter of claim 1 or claim 6.

[0007] In the modular unit described at the beginning, for arrangement in a hub of a vehicle wheel with movable aerodynamic elements, comprising an electrical power supply and an actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy for adjusting aerodynamic elements movably mounted on the vehicle wheel, wherein the actuator can be controlled by an electronic unit, the actuator comprises an electric motor which is operatively connected via a transmission element that transmits the motor rotational movement to a coupling element that generates a linear movement from the motor rotational movement, wherein the coupling element is connected to a drive unit designed for actuating the movable aerodynamic elements.The modular unit allows for centralized mounting on the wheel, thereby increasing the service life of the components and improving their resistance to centrifugal forces and vibrations occurring in the vehicle, as well as to thermal stresses. Such a modular unit is suitable for use in various vehicle wheels, which is why large quantities can be manufactured in series production.

[0008] The aforementioned aerodynamic elements are preferably tiltable disc segments of a wheel disc arranged in the intermediate area between the wheel rim and the wheel hub. This disc is divided into at least two movable disc segments separated from each other by a gap. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wheel disc is divided into four preferably identical disc segments.

[0009] In one embodiment, the transmission element is designed as a hollow spindle shaft that encloses the electric motor. The outer wall of the hollow spindle shaft is positively engaged with the coupling element for the linear displacement of the drive element. This results in a particularly compact unit that requires very little axial installation space and can therefore be easily stowed in the hub of the vehicle wheel. The integration of signal and power transmission within the modular unit also contributes to this compactness.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a runner positioned on the coupling element engages, in a retractable manner, in a spindle thread on the outer wall of the hollow spindle shaft along its longitudinal extent to execute an axial movement. Because the coupling element is arranged around the hollow spindle shaft, only a small amount of space is required to convert the motor's rotary motion into the linear motion of the drive unit.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the electric motor, the transmission element, and the coupling element are mounted in a cylindrical housing, which is overlaid by the ring-shaped drive unit. The drive unit has at least one receiving element for an aerodynamic element of the wheel along its circumference. This allows the modular unit to be particularly well adapted to the installation space constraints in the vehicle wheel.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the receiving element is pocket-shaped, with locking lugs on the opposing inner sides of the pocket for securing the aerodynamic element. This allows the aerodynamic element to be easily anchored in the drive unit of the modular unit installed in the vehicle wheel. This simplifies both the installation and removal of the modular unit for potential repairs.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wheel for a vehicle, comprising a wheel hub arranged centrally within the wheel, a wheel rim arranged radially around the circumference of the wheel, and a wheel disc arranged in the intermediate area between the wheel rim and the wheel hub, which is divided into at least two movable disc segments separated from each other by a gap, the angular position of which can be changed by an actuator integrated in the wheel hub. The actuator is part of a modular unit that has at least one feature described in this patent application.By means of such a vehicle wheel, the brake discs of the vehicle can preferably be cooled in case of overheating by means of different angular positions of the disc segments, which are set by the movement mechanism housed in the modular unit, since the angular position sets an air gap between the disc segments through which a convective flow reaches the back of the vehicle wheel.

[0014] In one embodiment, a drive unit of the modular unit is connected to the disc segments via connecting elements, each of which engages in a pocket-shaped receiving element of the drive unit. Thus, the disc segments of the vehicle wheel only need to have corresponding connecting elements that can be easily retrofitted to the disc segments.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the connecting elements are designed as swivel joints and preferably feature a ball coupling which is inserted into the pocket-shaped receiving element. The use of the ball coupling allows for sufficient response to vibrations and centrifugal forces that occur during vehicle operation without the connection between the disc segment and the pocket-shaped receiving element of the drive unit becoming detached.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the pocket-shaped receiving element for inserting the ball coupling into a cavity behind the locking lugs is elastically designed. This enables quick assembly of the disc segments onto the drive unit, which nevertheless remain reliably connected even when the vehicle wheel is in motion.

[0017] In another embodiment, the drive unit is designed as a design element that simultaneously covers the wheel bolts. This enhances the appearance of the vehicle wheel while maintaining the function performed by the modular unit.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which at least one exemplary embodiment is described in detail. The described features can, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, optionally also independently of the claims. The following are shown:

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a section of a highly schematic embodiment of a modular unit according to the invention, in sectional view.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows an external view of the modular unit according to the invention in the assembled state,

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle wheel according to the invention with modular unit in section, and

[0022] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment for coupling the disc segments of the vehicle wheel with the drive unit of the modular unit.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a highly schematic section of the modular unit 1 according to the invention. The modular unit 1 comprises a motor cage (not shown) in which an electric motor 5 with a motor shaft 33 and a gearbox (not shown) are arranged, preferably slide-in. A hollow spindle shaft 9 is inserted into the motor cage from the opposite side and encompasses the electric motor 5. A coupling element 11, designed as a spider, engages the outside of the hollow spindle shaft 9 by means of a rotor (not shown). A drive ring 15 is connected to the coupling element 11 and is driven by the coupling element 11 into a linear back-and-forth motion.In Figure 1, the coupling element 11 and the associated or formed drive ring 15 are shown in two positions each, the left position of coupling element 11 and drive ring 15 according to Figure 1 being designated as “Position A” and corresponding to the position shown in Figure 2a, while the right position of coupling element 11 and drive ring 15 according to the representation of Figure 1 being designated as “Position B” and corresponding to the position shown in Figure 2b.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, not shown in the figures, accumulators are embedded in the motor cage, surrounding the hollow spindle shaft 9. A generator holder serves as a support for an unbalanced generator, which charges the accumulators while the vehicle is in motion. The generator holder also carries a power electronics unit (not shown). An outer housing 23 covers and seals a rotating unbalanced weight and the motor cage with the components arranged therein, in particular components 5, 7, 9, 15, and the gearbox.

[0025] The outer housing 23 is sealed with a membrane that simultaneously allows moisture to escape from the outer housing 23. The electric motor 5, which is inserted into the motor cage including the gearbox, is covered with an electronics cover. This cover serves to seal control electronics (not shown) and to house electronic components. The electronics cover also has a membrane on the outside to allow moisture to escape. A wheel cover 31 completes the modular unit 1 as a visible part.

[0026] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, which is not shown in the figures, or not shown in detail, the motor cage has various recesses in its radial extension to facilitate the sequential assembly of the electric motor, the hollow spindle shaft 9, the coupling element 11, and the accumulators. The centrally arranged electric motor 5 is operatively connected to the surrounding hollow spindle shaft 9 via its motor shaft 33 (see Figure 1), thereby transmitting the rotary motion of the electric motor 5 to the hollow spindle shaft 9. The hollow spindle shaft 9 has a spindle thread 35 on its outer circumference, into which the rotor of the coupling element 11 engages positively and is guided back and forth in a linear motion in the axial direction, depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor 5, as indicated, for example, by a double arrow 13 in Figure 1.This causes the drive ring 15, connected to the coupling element 11, to move back and forth. The drive ring 15 has drive pockets 36 along its circumference that project beyond the outer housing 23. The opening created by the drive ring 15 is sealed by the overlap of the coupling element 11 and the outer housing 23.

[0027] An external view of the modular unit 1 according to the invention in its assembled state is shown in Fig. 2. The outer housing 23 with the integrated linear guide is shown, which is only visible externally through the coupling element 11 and the drive ring 15, with the drive pockets 36 projecting radially from the outer housing 23. The wheel cover 31 serves to cover the mounting screws of the modular unit 1 on the vehicle wheel. Fig. 2a shows the drive ring 15 and the coupling element 11 in a first position (A) of the linear movement L with a stop against the wheel cover 31. According to Fig. 2b, the coupling element 11 and the drive ring 15 have moved linearly towards the end of the outer housing 23 into a position (B) of the linear movement, thereby covering a travel distance of approximately 20 mm.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle wheel 39 according to the invention, including the modular unit 1, in cross-section. The vehicle wheel 39 has a wheel hub 41 located centrally within the vehicle wheel 39, which is connected to an axle of the vehicle. A wheel rim 43 is arranged circumferentially around the peripheral circumference of the vehicle wheel 39, on which a tire (not shown) can be mounted. Furthermore, a circular wheel disc 45 is located between the wheel hub 41 and the wheel rim 43. This disc is, for example, divided into four equally sized movable disc segments, each of which thus occupies approximately a quarter of the surface of the vehicle wheel 39. For clarity, only two disc segments, 451 and 453, are shown in Figure 3.

[0029] The modular unit 1 is integrated into the wheel hub 41 such that the wheel cover 31 faces outwards. The disc segments 451, 453 are coupled to the drive pockets 36 of the drive ring 15 via connecting elements 47. The linear movement of the drive ring 15 allows two different angular positions of the disc segments 451, 453 to be set depending on a desired operating condition.

[0030] In a first operating state, the drive ring 15 is in a disengaged position A (see Fig. 2a), with the segment discs 451 and 453 of the wheel disc 45 lying flush against the wheel rim 43. This forms a laterally closed cover for the vehicle wheel 39. In a second operating state, for example, during heavy braking or if the vehicle's brake discs overheat during operation, the drive ring 15 is moved into a retracted position B by the linear movement L (see Fig. 2b). The drive ring 15, via the connecting elements 47, tilts the disc segments 451 and 453 by a specific angle as the electric motor 5 moves, thus moving the drive ring 15.This creates an air gap 49, for example an annular gap, between the edge area of ​​the disc segments 451 , 453 adjacent to the wheel rim 43 and the wheel rim 43, through which an airflow can reach the rear of the vehicle wheel 39 to cool the vehicle's brake discs.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an embodiment for coupling the disc segments 451, 453 of the vehicle wheel 39 with the drive ring 15 of the modular unit 1. The connecting elements 47 arranged at the ends of the disc segments 451 and 453 are designed as ball couplings. Each ball coupling is pressed into a drive pocket 36. This requires overcoming the resistance of two opposing locking lugs 49, 51, each of which is located on the inside of a pocket side 351, 353 of the drive pocket 35. The inner sides of the pockets 351, 353 form an opening 53 for inserting the respective ball coupling, with the inner side of the pocket 353 having a free end 55, thus ensuring a certain degree of elasticity of this pocket side 353. Once the ball coupling has overcome the locking lugs 49, 51, it is securely held in the drive pocket 35 and protected from slipping out by the locking lugs 49, 51.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Modular unit for arrangement in a hub (41) of a vehicle wheel (39), with movable aerodynamic elements (451, 453), comprising an electrical power supply and an actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) converting electrical energy into mechanical energy for adjusting the aerodynamic elements (451, 453) movably mounted on the vehicle wheel (39), wherein the actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) can be controlled by an electronic unit, characterized in that the actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) comprises an electric motor (5) which is operatively connected via a transmission element transmitting the motor rotational movement to a coupling element (11) generating a linear movement from the motor rotational movement, wherein the coupling element (11) is connected to a drive unit (15) designed for actuating the movable aerodynamic elements (451, 453).

2. Modular unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission element is designed as a hollow spindle shaft (9) which encloses the electric motor (5), wherein the outer wall of the hollow spindle shaft (9) is in a positive engagement with the coupling element (11) for linear displacement of the drive unit (15).

3. Modular unit according to claim 2, characterized in that a runner positioned on the coupling element (11) is capable of moving up and down to perform an axial movement into a spindle thread (35) of the outer wall of the spindle hollow shaft (9) along its longitudinal extent.

4. Modular unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric motor (5), the transmission element (9) and the coupling element (11) are mounted in a cylindrical housing (23) which is overlaid by the ring-shaped drive unit (15), wherein the drive unit (15) has at least one receiving element (36) for an aero element (451, 453) of the vehicle wheel along its circumference.

5. Modular unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving element (35) is pocket-shaped, wherein locking lugs (49, 51) for fastening the aero element (451 , 453) are formed on the opposing inner sides (351, 353) of the pocket.

6. Wheel for a vehicle, comprising a wheel hub (41) arranged centrally in the wheel (39), a wheel rim (43) arranged radially in the circumferential region of the wheel (39) and a wheel disc (45) arranged in the intermediate region between the wheel rim (43) and the wheel hub (41), which is divided into at least two movable disc segments (451, 453) separated from each other by a separating gap, the angular position of which can be changed when actuated by an actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) integrated in the wheel hub (41), characterized in that the actuator (5, 9, 11, 15) is part of a modular unit (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

7. Wheel according to claim 6, characterized in that a drive unit (15) of the modular unit (1) is coupled via connecting elements (47) to the disc segments (451 , 453) which engage in each a pocket-shaped receiving element (36) of the drive unit (15).

8. Wheel according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting elements (47) are designed as swivel joints and preferably have a ball coupling which is inserted into the pocket-shaped receiving element (36).

9. Wheel according to claim 8, characterized in that the pocket-shaped receiving element (36) for inserting the ball coupling (47) into a cavity behind the locking lugs (49, 51) is elastically designed.

10. Wheel according to at least one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the drive unit (15) is designed as a design element for simultaneous wheel bolt cover.

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