Wheel assembly for vehicles of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type, related vehicle and method for aligning a wheel and the wheel assembly supports of a vehicle

Abstract

Wheel assembly comprising: a vehicle wheel (8) comprising a rim (12) and a tyre (16), a braking system (20) comprising a braking device (24), a removable wheel assembly connection (28) for said braking device, a wheel assembly support (32) supporting said rim, said tyre, said braking system, said braking device and said removable wheel assembly connection, a wheel assembly coupling interface (36), connected to said wheel assembly support and adapted to be coupled with a vehicle coupling interface (40); wherein said vehicle coupling interface is shaped and installed on the associable vehicle and is configured with a coupling profile, at least one removable connection for said braking device, adapted to be connected to said removable wheel assembly connection, at least one removable safety fastening system (48) between said at least one wheel assembly coupling interface and said at least one vehicle coupling interface.

Description

"WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLES OF THE QUICK- COUPLING / UNCOUPLING TYPE , RELATED VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING A WHEEL AND THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY SUPPORTS OF A VEHICLE" DESCRIPTIONFIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel assembly for vehicles of the quick coupling / uncoupling type , the related vehicle and a method for aligning a wheel and the wheel assembly supports of a vehicle . It is to be premised that the term vehicles must be understood in a broad sense , including two- , three- , four- or morewheeled vehicles with any type of propulsion, endothermic, electric and / or hybrid . Speci fically, the present invention finds particularly advantageous application in the field of motorcycles , having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel , preferably (but not necessarily) in racing applications .PRIOR ART

[0002] In general , in the field of vehicles , especially in racing, the need is known to be able to disassemble and reassemble the wheels in order to replace components , modi fy settings , repair parts and the like .

[0003] Disassembly and subsequent reassembly are often relatively slow and complex operations , as they providefor the disassembly and disconnection of various devices including the tyre , the rim, the relative braking devices and the related supports , such as for example forks , swingarms , spindles etc .

[0004] The relative slowness of such operations does not match well with the typical timeliness required in competitions .

[0005] In any case , even outside racing, the complexity and slowness of the aforementioned operations is a reason for increased management and maintenance costs for the user .

[0006] Therefore , the known solutions present a plurality of problems summarised below .

[0007] First of all , there is slowness in the installation and removal of the wheel assemblies .

[0008] Especially in active steps and in the racing field, this slowness discourages and disincentivises carrying out the replacement of the tyre . For example , in MotoGP it is absolutely common that in quali fying the rear tyre is changed but not the front one , with a certain disadvantage in terms of lap times and safety for the rider . These disassembly and replacement activities are therefore preferably carried out during idle or planned moments .

[0009] A further drawback consists in the use of various tools which, especially in the racing field, make tyrechanges that are not strictly necessary risky and inadvisable. It is common to see in MotoGP races a double set of tools (screwdrivers, wrenches) as happens in Fl.

[0010] For the same reasons as above, neither the brake discs nor the relative brake pads are replaced in crucial steps of the race.

[0011] The size (diameter) of the brake discs is also limited by the need to radially extract the brake calliper arranged "straddling" the braking band of the brake disc.

[0012] This entails that, when the brake discs are particularly large, such as for example the carbon discs of MotoGP, it is necessary to perform the following steps :

[0013] disconnect the hydraulic fittings of the brake callipers (at least one fitting per calliper) ,

[0014] disconnect the brake callipers from the fork feet (at least one pair of screws per calliper) ,

[0015] disassemble the wheel assembly by extracting the wheel axle (unscrew at least one screw for each fork foot plus one axle nut and at least the wheel axle) ,

[0016] unscrew the screws and disconnect the brake disc / brake calliper assembly (on average three screws and three pins per brake) .

[0017] Only at the end of the above steps, the tyre can be unseated and then changed. These operations in the racing field require over two minutes of work by qualified personnel and significant risks related to the various steps, among which thread seizure, tool breakage, presence of discharged screwdriver batteries.

[0018] In race steps, during the replacement of the rear tyre, the brake calliper remains in position installed on the motorcycle, so the removal of the wheel assembly is relatively simple. On the other hand, the subsequent insertion of the assembly presents pitfalls.

[0019] In fact, if the brake pads shift, the assembly does not fit; furthermore, if the calliper support has not been previously fixed, the wheel assembly fits but not the axle.

[0020] It is also common to replace the tyre but not the pads / disc, due to the above-mentioned risks, in relation to the front wheel assembly.

[0021] For cars, and in general for other vehicles equipped with wheel assemblies, the same problems described above apply .

[0022] The need for mounting / disassembling various components that are crucial for safety during a hectic race step, constrained to a sequence imposed by the characteristics of the known components (which must,precisely, be mounted and / or dismounted in precise sequences and in a short time ) entails the possibil ity of human error . For example , i f the pads are not set in place , during the hectic steps of a race , there is a risk of not braking correctly at the first actuation of the braking devices .

[0023] Furthermore , there is the risk of entering the track with hot tyres and cold discs / pads , at least partially compromising the ef ficiency of the vehicle .

[0024] All the above problems are also encountered during the maintenance step of production vehicles , wherein the danger is often not the stopwatch but rather wear and oxidised parts which, during disassembly, risk even breaking .PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] There is therefore a felt need to solve the drawbacks and limitations mentioned with reference to the prior art .

[0026] In particular, there is a felt need to be able to mount and dismount an entire wheel assembly, complete with calliper and relative brake discs , potentially all new and / or fully ef ficient , in a matter of seconds .

[0027] It is also necessary to minimise the number of screws , nuts , bolts to be mounted / dismounted to removethe wheel assembly, in order to reduce the associated risks of sei zing / breakage .

[0028] There is a felt need to reduce the number of tools required to mount and dismount an entire wheel assembly in order to limit the risks due to their use .

[0029] It is necessary to be able to increase the size of the brake discs compared to current standards linked to the need to radially extract the brake cal liper .

[0030] It is also necessary to ef ficiently replace the rear brake together with the tyre change .

[0031] It is necessary to be able to have the entire wheel assembly, tyres / rim / brakes / pads / calliper preheated .

[0032] Finally, it is necessary to be able to reduce the possibility of human error by limiting the interventions to a few essential assembly and disassembly steps of the wheel assembly components ; for example , by preparing several ready assemblies with the relative components in dedicated moments and then installing the entire assembly .

[0033] These needs are met by a wheel assembly for vehicles of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type in accordance with claim 1 and by a method for al igning a wheel and the wheel assembly supports of a vehicle in accordance with claim 23 .DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of its preferred and non-limiting embodiments , in which :

[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view, in exploded configuration, of a motorcycle wheel assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 shows the enlarged detail I I indicated in figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3 shows the enlarged detail I I I indicated in figure 1 ;

[0038] Figures 4-5 show various perspective views , in assembled and disassembled configurations , of possible embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a front view, in assembled configuration, of a wheel assembly according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the wheel assembly of figure 6 , along the section plane VI I-VI I indicated in figure 6 ;

[0041] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the wheel assembly of figure 6 , along the section plane VI I I-VI I I indicated in figure 6 ;

[0042] Figure 9 shows various perspective views , in assembled and disassembled configurations , of possible embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 shows various views in partial section of the embodiments of figure 9 ;

[0044] Figures 11- 12 show perspective views of enlarged details of the embodiments of figure 9 ;

[0045] Figure 13 shows a perspective view, partially in section, of a motorcycle wheel assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention .

[0046] The elements or parts of elements common between the embodiments described below will be indicated with the same reference numerals .DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] With reference to the above figures , 4 is globally used to denote an overall view of a wheel assembly for vehicles , in accordance with the present invention .

[0048] The automotive applications of the present invention may be various and do not constitute a limitation .

[0049] The wheel assembly 4 for vehicles of the quick- coupling / uncoupling type comprises a vehicle wheel 8 comprising a rim 12 provided with a relative tyre 16 . In the case of a wheel without a proper tyre , for the purposes of the present patent , the term "tyre" must be understood as the part of the wheel suitable for rollingon the working surface , for example the part of the train wheel suitable for rolling on the rail . For example , a tyre lacking a pneumatic part , i . e . solid . In the case of a cart , it means the part of the wheel suitable for rolling on the ground surface .

[0050] The wheel assembly 4 comprises at least one braking system 20 of a vehicle wheel ( for example a disc brake , for example a brake system with gyroscopic reducer, with or without clutch) .

[0051] Said braking system 20 comprises at least one braking device 24 , such as for example a brake calliper, a hydraulic brake calliper, an electromagnetic system, a solenoid and the like .

[0052] The wheel assembly 4 comprises at least one removable wheel assembly connection 28 for said braking device 24 ; for example , it may comprise a "quick" hydraulic fitting, of the "Staubli" type , connectable and disconnectable by hand, for example rigidly mounted on said braking device 24 so that it can be disconnected / connected with one hand only; it is also possible to provide a "quick compressed air" fitting, a "quick" connection for power and / or electric impulse signals and the like .

[0053] The wheel assembly 4 comprises at least one wheel assembly support 32 , adapted to mechanical ly androtatably support said rim 12 , said tyre 16 , said braking system 20 and said braking device 24 and said removable wheel assembly connection 28 for said braking device 24 .

[0054] The wheel assembly 4 comprises at least one wheel assembly coupling interface 36 , shaped and connected to said wheel assembly support 32 , adapted to be coupled with a vehicle coupling interface 40 .

[0055] In particular, said at least one vehicle coupling interface 40 is shaped and installed on the associable vehicle and is configured with a coupling profile , at least partially counter-shaped with respect to said wheel assembly coupling interface 36 . Preferably, said vehicle coupling interface 40 is adapted to exchange mechanical forces , for example braking forces , for example forces resulting from the circulation of the vehicle .

[0056] The wheel assembly 4 further comprises at least one removable connection for said braking device 44 , adapted to be connected to said removable wheel assembly connection 28 , which, for example , once connected, form together the braking circuit .

[0057] The wheel assembly 4 further comprises at least one safety fastening system 48 , removable , between said at least one wheel assembly coupling interface 36 and said at least one vehicle coupling interface 40 .

[0058] For example , said safety fastening system 48 may be of the quick type , for example a fork, for example a snap connection, for example a duckbill hook, for example a spring pin, for example a quick-release pin or a screw connection system, for example a system with a threaded through screw, for example with a locknut , said system may also be configured as an anti-theft safety system, for example a cylinder with a tubular safety key .

[0059] In accordance with one embodiment , said wheel assembly support 32 is a single support , adapted to simultaneously support said rim 12 , said tyre 16 , said braking system 20 , said braking device 24 and said removable connection for the braking device 44 .

[0060] For example , said wheel assembly support 32 is a wheel pin with appendages and / or geometries suitable to rotatably support said rim 12 , said tyre 16 , said braking system 20 , said braking device 24 and said removable connection 28 .

[0061] In accordance with one embodiment , said wheel assembly support 32 is a decomposable support , for example decomposable into at least two or more parts 33 , 34 connected to one another, adapted to simultaneously support said rim 12 , said tyre 16 , said braking system 20 , said braking device 24 and said removable connection 28 .

[0062] In accordance with one embodiment, said at least two parts 33,34 are connected to one another by means of a quick connection, such as a bayonet connection.

[0063] In accordance with one embodiment, said bayonet connection provides that at least one portion of the first of the two parts 33,34 is at least partially inserted into a housing of the second 34,33, wherein said at least one portion of the first part 33 has shaped profiles, for example grooves, and wherein said housing of the second part 34 is counter-shaped so that, for example following the insertion of the first part 33, in response to a rotation, at least partial, the two parts 33,34 are fastened at least in the axial direction, or in the axial and rotational direction, at least in one direction; for example, in the direction which enables cooperation in supporting and distributing braking and / or power transmission forces through the wheel.

[0064] In accordance with one embodiment, said bayonet connection system provides for an axial and radial clearance so that during the coupling step, for example during the relative rotation between the two components 33,34 of the wheel assembly support 32, said clearance (s) is / are gradually cancelled out, for example achieving a precise fit, both radial and axial.

[0065] In accordance with one embodiment, between the at least two parts 33,34 of said wheel assembly support 32 there is an elastic means 150, for example a spring 150, adapted to favour the axial offset of the two parts 33,34 when free from axial constraints.

[0066] In accordance with one embodiment, when the two parts 33,34 are free from axial constraints, the rim 12 may remain axially constrained to one of the two parts 33,34 themselves, for example said rim 12 remaining free to rotate on its own axis, while the braking device 24 may remain axially constrained to the other of the two parts 34,33, for example remaining free to rotate on its own axis. For example, during a maintenance operation it will be possible to replace only the assembly comprising the tyre 16 and the rim 12 with the relative wheel assembly support 32 or only the assembly comprising the braking device 20 and the wheel assembly support 32 or both .

[0067] In accordance with a constructional embodiment, between said rim 12 and said braking system, for example said brake disc 20, there is a coupling system suitable to transmit mechanical torque and / or power (for example in the case of coupling with a drive sprocket) . Said coupling system may be a simple axial sliding coupling that is counter-shaped so as to transmit said mechanicaltorque and / or power, for example with or without coupling play, for example by means of retaining means in position, even loosely, for example by means of magnets or removable detent parts ( spring-loaded balls ) that prevent accidental and undesired decoupling between the parts .

[0068] In accordance with one embodiment , said wheel assembly support 32 , 33 , 34 , said tyre 16 and said rim 12 may be suitable to be installed - with or without interfaces - on holding / support systems to allow the mounting / dismounting and / or balancing of the tyre 16 ; for example , an at least temporarily engageable interface may be provided in said assembly, for example a dummy made of plastic material , to allow the mounting / dismounting and / or balancing of the tyre 16 .

[0069] In accordance with one embodiment , between said at least two parts 33 , 34 of the support there are systems for adj usting the axial length of said wheel as sembly 4 .

[0070] For example , said length adj ustment systems comprise at least one calibrated thickness to be interposed between the components 33 , 34 of said at least one part of the wheel assembly support 32 .

[0071] In accordance with one embodiment , said at least two support parts 33 , 34 are configured in a telescopic manner, and with a hexagonal profile to still allow thetransfer of torsional torques. In accordance with another embodiment, said at least two telescopic support parts 33,34 have a profile different from the hexagonal one but still suitable to transmit torsional torques, for example with a profile suitable to be mounted in a univocal position in order to simplify the assembly steps and reduce possible errors during coupling.

[0072] In accordance with one embodiment, said wheel assembly supports 32,33,34 may comprise wear portions, for example removable "SLIDERS". Such sliders or protections, in case of a fall for example, can preserve the functionality / saf ety of the wheel assembly 4 and in particular of the removable wheel assembly connection 28.

[0073] In accordance with one embodiment, between said at least two support parts 33,34 there are axial abutment zones to allow reference and installation on balancing systems, for example tyre balancing systems.

[0074] In accordance with one embodiment, said wheel assembly support 32 is configured to at least partially accommodate hydraulic transmission systems; for example, it may comprise grooves for housing pipes or cables; for example, it may be configured to be traversed by fluids (appropriately drilled and connected) or electrical and / or signal connections.

[0075] In accordance with one embodiment , at least one part of said wheel assembly support 32 is configured to at least partially accommodate clutch assemblies ( for example comprising grooves in the central hub that act at least as partial abutment for at least one of the two , preferably both, the at least one fixed part ( thrust bearing 140 ) and the at least one sliding part (pressure plate 145 ) of the clutch, wherein fixed means a part with no axial or rotational movements by means of constraints and fastening systems , for example "SEEGER" rings , abutments , retaining rings and other means , and sliding means a part that can move axially but whose rotation relative to the support is prevented) .

[0076] In accordance with one embodiment , said wheel assembly coupling interfaces 36 and vehicle coupling interfaces 40 are configured so as to trans fer mechanical power to and from the wheel assembly 4 and the vehicle without mechanically weighing on said removable safety fastening system 48 .

[0077] For example , during the braking step in the forward direction of travel , said removable safety fastening system 48 is not mechanically stressed, and detachment of the two j oinable portions 36 , 40 is avoided during braking in the opposite direction of travel , being moderately ( or less ) mechanically stressed .

[0078] In accordance with one embodiment , said wheel assembly coupling interfaces 36 and vehicle coupling interfaces 40 are installed on sliding interfaces , so as to be able to vary the pos ition with respect to the associable vehicle .

[0079] For example , said sliding interfaces 36 , 40 are sliders 50 provided with mechanical adj ustments , for example screw-type , for example to allow the correct tensioning of a drive transmission chain, for example to vary the geometry of the vehicle . In applications where it is advantageous to vary the rigidity of the support fork of the sliding slider 50 ( figures 11- 12 ) , it is possible to provide at least one reinforcement rib 60 which can be mounted / moved to di f ferent positions to vary the rigidity of the fork supporting the sliding slider 50 .

[0080] It is important to note that in at least one embodiment , the installation of said wheel assembly 4 for vehicles in the at least one slider 50 , even when secured by the removable wheel assembly connection 28 , does not in itsel f constrain the translation of the wheel as sembly 4 , 50 , 28 along said vehicle coupling interface 40 , except for marginal and negligible friction; therefore , unlike known systems where tightening the wheel axle results in a considerable torque that mechanicallyintegrally j oins the wheel assembly with the vehicle support , the thrust along the component of the vehicle coupling interface 40 , both during acceleration and deceleration, is countered solely by the above-mentioned mechanical adj ustment system, for example screw-type .

[0081] This aspect is relevant because the connection systems of known wheel assemblies provide for pulling a spindle ( for example car wheel hub ) towards one of the stanchions , pulling the wheel assembly "tight" towards at least one of the stanchions ( in the case of a motorcycle ) . In other words , in known solutions the wheel axle is screwed towards one stanchion and has an edge that compresses bearings and spacers towards said stanchion, or compresses the wheel assembly between the two arms of a relative swingarm .

[0082] Conversely, in the present solution, once the wheel assembly 4 for vehicles is pre-assembled ( even by tightening the parts , this is not excluded) , the latter is simply fitted onto the vehicle wheel assembly supports 32 without axially compressing said supports , and therefore without modi fying the distance between the same supports ( i . e . , the distance between the connections ) . In this way, the distances between the connections remain intrinsically unchanged, the parallelism for example between the swingarm stanchions ( in the case of amotorcycle ) is maintained, and thus additional mechanical stress is avoided, both static and dynamic, which, for example in the case of telescopic forks , could lead to misalignments , i ssues with sliding, or even hydraulic leaks from the respective seals .

[0083] Obviously, i f required, the fastening system is capable of tightening the wheel assembly supports 32 ; for example , during rotation there may be a partial screwing during the engagement between the coupling interfaces 36 , 40 which causes an axial compression stroke , either approaching or moving away; in any case , preferably, the invention makes it possible to ensure the alignment , for example the parallelism, of the vehicle wheel assembly supports .

[0084] In accordance with one embodiment , said wheel assembly coupling interfaces 36 and vehicle coupling interfaces 40 are configured so as to have a connection profile therebetween which provides an at least partial translation for the assembly of said wheel as sembly 4 on said vehicle .

[0085] In accordance with a further embodiment , said wheel assembly coupling interfaces 36 and vehicle coupling interfaces 40 are configured so as to have a connection profile therebetween which provides an at least partialrotation for the assembly of said wheel assembly 4 on said vehicle .

[0086] For example , said at least partial rotation takes place around an operating axis W-W parallel to the rotation axis of said vehicle wheel 8 .

[0087] For example , said operating axis W-W is coincident with the rotation axis of said vehicle wheel 8 .

[0088] In accordance with a further embodiment , said operating axis W-W is eccentric with respect to said rotation axis of said vehicle wheel 8 , by a predetermined eccentricity .

[0089] For example , said at least partial eccentric rotation involves at least a partial stroke , or an arm, such that between an initial mounting step of the supported wheel assembly and a final mounting step of the coupled wheel assembly there i s a di f ference in the relative positioning of the assembly with respect to the vehicle , for example useful for restoring the correct tensioning of a transmission chain for the rear wheel of an associable motorcycle , for example to allow easy movement of the transmission chain before said partial eccentric coupling rotation .

[0090] In accordance with one embodiment , said eccentric operating axis W-W has an eccentricity such that when the vehicle undergoes mechanical stress , for example during avehicle braking step, said eccentricity contributes with an at least partial mechanical moment to keep the wheel assembly coupling interface and the vehicle coupling interface 36 , 40 coupled .

[0091] As mentioned above , the connection of the braking system may provide for at least one rigid interface , for example a "Staubli" fitting rigidly mounted on the brake calliper, so that it can be connected / disconnected with one hand only; otherwise the technician would have to hold one end of the j oint with one hand and the other end with the other hand, which is certainly possible but not practical .

[0092] The braking system connection could engage during the assembly step of the assembly, for example , during rotation, the j oint could establish the connection without requiring a separate movement ; for example , during rotation, a first part of the hydraulic fitting could engages a second part of said fitting, pressing a portion capable of opening the hydraulic circuit when pressed and establishing a connection ( for example a classic spring-loaded ball ) ; alternatively, it could be a disc-shaped part , for example evolvent-type , which connects the hydraulic circuit during rotation .

[0093] The type of connection of the braking system depends on the adopted system and may be realised in any knownmanner, for example radial, axial, inscribed or circumscribed, etc., all equally included in the invention .

[0094] The system may be configured to also be supported during a first installation step by means of guides or fittings, for example in such a way as to roughly align the parts, to facilitate the subsequent engagement step.

[0095] The wheel assembly may also comprise other devices / components , for example:

[0096] devices suitable to exchange rotational forces, for example a drive sprocket, for example connected to a transmission chain; and / or

[0097] tone wheels and, more generally, devices suitable to exchange information and / or acquire data, such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, torque meters, extensometers and all other sensors;

[0098] aerodynamic and protection elements, such as mudguards, winglets or cooling and / or ventilation systems, gyroscopic reduction systems, for example counter-rotating disc systems;

[0099] safety systems, for example clutch interfaces, for example for braking systems, for example hydraulic clutch systems with relative connections, quick and not;

[0100] electrical connections for power and / or signals , either "WIRED" ( cables ) or "WIRELESS" (wireless transmission systems ) ;

[0101] electric motors and / or generators and, more generally, devices suitable to apply a rotational torque or to recover energy (KERS ) from the rotation of the wheel ; and / or said other devices / components may be installed on the part of the device that remains connected to the vehicle or on the removable part , for example connected with stable systems ( screws / bolts ) or with quick connection means , i . e . , easily removable , for example by means of fittings .

[0102] Said wheel assembly may comprise at least one structural part of the vehicle , at least one portion thereof , preferably in its entirety, for example said wheel assembly comprises the swingarm of the vehicle and said vehicle coupling interface connects said vehicle and said wheel assembly comprising said swingarm to one another ; said wheel assembly may for example comprise a vehicle fork .

[0103] In the event that said wheel assembly comprises , for example , a suspended damping system, said damping system will be operatively connected to said assembly during the coupling step .

[0104] In the case of using the invention with a gyroscopic reduction system applied to the wheel as sembly 4 , said gyroscopic reduction system may act as support and abutment in the counter-shaping of said at least one vehicle wheel 8 .

[0105] In a further constructional embodiment , at least one of said wheel assembly supports 32 , 33 , 34 may have a shape factor or mass suitable to facilitate the disengagement rotation when free from the at least one removable safety fastening system 48 . For example , said mass may be represented by the braking device 24 appropriately positioned to facilitate the rotation of the assembly and therefore the disengagement .

[0106] In a further constructional variant , at least one of the wheel assembly release systems has shaped profiles suitable to facilitate coupling and uncoupling, for example hand grips , for example cavities , to allow handling with levers in the case of high coupling torques .

[0107] The present invention also relates to a method for aligning a wheel and the wheel assembly supports of a vehicle .

[0108] The method for aligning a wheel assembly 4 for vehicles , for example to obtain a correct parallelism, for example to a theoretical design plane , of the vehiclewheel 8 and the vehicle wheel assembly supports 32 via vehicle coupling interfaces 40 comprises the following steps :

[0109] detecting a nominal distance o f the vehicle wheel assembly supports 32 , or between at least one vehicle wheel assembly support 32 and said vehicle wheel 8 , so that said supports and / or said vehicle wheel 8 remain correctly pos itioned, for example aligned, for example parallel , for example when not subj ected to stresses and / or loads , for example detecting said distances and / or planes from the design;

[0110] pre-assembling said wheel assembly 4 for vehicles ;

[0111] checking the correspondence between the actual axial distance between said wheel assembly supports 32 and said nominal distance of the vehicle wheel assembly supports 32 , and / or - for example in the case of a single support 32 - between said support 32 and the vehicle wheel 8 ;

[0112] i f necessary, modi fying said distance between said wheel assembly supports 32 and / or between said wheel assembly support 32 and said vehicle wheel 8 , by means of a calibrated thickness , so as to obtain said nominal distance ;

[0113] inserting, coupl ing and fastening, by means of said safety fastening system 48 , said wheel assembly 4 for vehicles in the relative wheel assembly supports 32 so as to maintain the correct alignment between said wheel assembly supports 32 or between said wheel as sembly support 32 and said vehicle wheel 8 .

[0114] It is speci fied that the term "alignment" refers to correct geometric positioning, and therefore includes parallel ism, distance between points and planes , orthogonality and, more generally, compliance with design dimensions ; for example , it includes all those geometric combinations necessary for the proper operation of the vehicle components connected to the invention .

[0115] As can be appreciated from the above description, the present invention allows to overcome the drawbacks found in the prior art .

[0116] In particular, the present invention allows to disassemble and reassemble the wheels in order to replace components , modi fy setups , repair parts and the like , in extremely rapid times , incomparable to conventional solutions .

[0117] Indeed, unlike known solutions , there is no need to disassemble and disconnect various devices including the tyre , the rim, the braking devices and the related supports , such as forks , swingarms , spindles etc .

[0118] For this reason, the present invention is particularly suitable for use in sports competitions .

[0119] In any case , even outside competitions , the complexity and s lowness of the aforementioned operations increases costs for the user, and therefore the present invention enables a reduction in costs for the end user in case of tyre replacement .

[0120] Moreover, the wheel assembly according to the invention is suitable to be installed with a reduced number of tools , for example in such a way that tools are not required, and therefore the installation of the at least one wheel assembly is possible using only the operator' s hands .

[0121] Said at least one wheel assembly is suitable for cycles and motorcycles with at least one vehicle wheel , more generally it is suitable and applicable to vehicles capable of rolling .

[0122] Finally, said at least one wheel assembly is suitable for quadricycles , cars and road trains , more generally for any vehicle with at least one vehicle wheel unsuitable for rolling, or at least not normally designed to roll .

[0123] Furthermore , the present invention can be employed as a ' retrofit ' on existing vehicles : this system is in fact suitable to be installed both asoriginal equipment and on existing vehicles, for example by modif ying / replacing the fork f eet / stanchions / f ork / spindle or by modif ying / replacing part of the swingarm, possibly even part of a single- sided swingarm.

[0124] A person skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent and specific needs, may make numerous modifications and variations to the above-described solutions .

[0125] The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the following claims.List of references4: wheel assembly for vehicles8 : vehicle wheel12 : rim16: tyre20: braking system24: braking device28: removable wheel assembly connection for said braking device32: wheel assembly support33: first portion34: second portion36: wheel assembly coupling interface40: vehicle coupling interface44: removable connection for said braking device48: safety fastening system50: slider60: reinforcement rib140: thrust bearing145: pressure plate150: elastic meansW-W : operating axis

Claims

CLAIMS1. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles comprising:- a vehicle wheel (8) comprising a rim (12) provided with a relative tyre (16) ,- at least one braking system (20) of a vehicle wheel (8) , said braking system (20) comprising at least one braking device (24) ,- at least one removable wheel assembly connection (28) for said braking device (24) ,- at least one wheel assembly support (32) , adapted to mechanically and rotatably support said rim (12) , said tyre (16) , said braking system (20) and said braking device (24) and said removable wheel assembly connection (28) ,- at least one wheel assembly coupling interface (36) , shaped and connected to said wheel assembly support (32) , adapted to be coupled with a vehicle coupling interface (40) ;- wherein said at least one vehicle coupling interface (40) is shaped and installed on the associable vehicle and is configured with a coupling profile, at least partially counter-shaped with respect to said wheel assembly coupling interface (36) ,at least one removable connection for said braking device (44) , adapted to be connected to said removable wheel assembly connection (28) , which for example once connected together, at least partially create a braking circuit,- at least one removable safety fastening system (48) between said at least one wheel assembly coupling interface (36) and said at least one vehicle coupling interface (40) .

2. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein said wheel assembly support (32) is a single support, adapted to simultaneously support said rim (12) , said tyre (16) , said braking system (20) , said braking device (24) and said removable wheel assembly connection (28) .

3. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 2, wherein said wheel assembly support (32) is a wheel pin with appendages and / or geometries suitable to rotatably support said rim (12) , said tyre (16) , said braking system (20) , said braking device (24) and said removable wheel assembly connection (28) .

4. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein said wheel assembly support (32) is a decomposable support,for example decomposable into at least two or more parts(33,34) connected to each other, adapted to simultaneously support said rim (12) , said tyre (16) , said braking system (20) , said braking device (24) and said removable wheel assembly connection (28) .

5. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 4, wherein said at least two parts (33,34) are connected to each other by means of a quick connection, such as a bayonet connection .

6. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 5, wherein said bayonet connection envisages that at least one portion of the first (33) of the two parts is at least partially inserted into a housing of the second part (34) , wherein said at least one portion of the first part (33) has shapes, for example grooves, and wherein said housing of the second part (34) is counter-shaped so that, following the insertion of the first part (33) , in response to an at least partial rotation, the two parts (33,34) are fastened at least in an axial direction, or in an axial and rotational direction, at least in one direction.

7. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said bayonet connection system envisages an axial and radialclearance so that during the coupling step, for example during the relative rotation between the two parts (33,34) of the wheel assembly support (32) , said clearance (s) is / are cancelled.

8. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein between the at least two parts (33,34) of said wheel assembly support (32) there is an elastic means (150) , for example a spring, adapted to favour the axial offset of the two parts (33,34) when free of axial constraints .

9. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein between said at least two parts (33,34) there are systems for adjusting the axial length of said wheel assembly support (32) .

10. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 9, wherein said length adjustment systems comprise at least one calibrated thickness to be interposed between the parts (33,34) of said wheel assembly support (32) .

11. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein said at least two support parts (33,34) are configured in a telescopic manner, and with a couplingprofile suitable to allow the transfer of torsional torques .

12. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said wheel assembly support (32) is configured to at least partially accommodate hydraulic transmission systems .

13. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one part of said wheel assembly support (32) is configured to at least partially accommodate clutch assemblies.

14. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said wheel assembly coupling interfaces (36) and vehicle coupling interface (40) are configured so as to transfer mechanical power to and from the wheel assembly (4) and the vehicle without mechanically weighing on said safety fastening system (48) .

15. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said wheel assembly coupling interfaces (36) and vehicle coupling interface (40) are installed on sliding interfaces, so as to be able to vary the position with respect to the associable vehicle.

16. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 15, wherein said sliding interfaces are sliders (50) provided with mechanical adjustments, for example with screws, for example to allow the correct tensioning of a motion transmission chain for said wheel (8) .

17. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said wheel assembly coupling interfaces (36) and vehicle coupling interface (40) are configured so as to have a connection profile therebetween which provides an at least partial translation for the assembly of said wheel assembly (4) on said vehicle.

18. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said wheel assembly coupling interfaces (36) and vehicle coupling interface (40) are configured so as to have a connection profile therebetween which provides an at least partial rotation for the assembly of said wheel assembly (4) on said vehicle.

19. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 18, wherein said at least partial rotation takes place around an operating axis (W-W) parallel to the rotation axis of said vehicle wheel (8) , wherein said operating axis (W-W) iscoincident with the rotation axis of said vehicle wheel(8) or wherein said operating axis (W-W) is eccentric with respect to said rotation axis of said vehicle wheel (8) , by a predetermined eccentricity.

20. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 19, wherein said at least partial eccentric rotation involves at least a partial stroke, or an arm, such that between an initial assembly step of the supported wheel assembly (4) and a final assembly step of the coupled wheel assembly there is a difference in the relative positioning of the assembly with respect to the vehicle, for example useful for restoring the correct tensioning of a transmission chain for the rear wheel of an associable motorcycle.

21. Wheel assembly (4) of the quick-coupling / uncoupling type for vehicles according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said eccentric operating axis (W-W) has an eccentricity such that during steps of mechanical stress of the vehicle, for example during a vehicle braking step, said eccentricity contributes with an at least partial mechanical moment to keep the coupling interface of the wheel assembly (36) and the vehicle coupling interface (40) coupled.

22. Motorcycle comprising a wheel assembly for vehicles(4) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. Method for aligning a wheel assembly for vehicles (4) comprising a vehicle wheel (8) , the method comprising the steps of:- detecting a nominal distance of wheel assembly supports (32) of the vehicle, or between at least one vehicle wheel assembly support (32) and said vehicle wheel (8) , so that said supports and / or said vehicle wheel (8) remain correctly positioned, for example aligned, for example parallel, for example when not subjected to stresses and / or loads,- pre-assembling said wheel assembly for vehicles (4) ,- checking the correspondence between an effective mutual axial distance between said wheel assembly supports (32) and said nominal distance of the wheel assembly supports (32) of the vehicle, or between a wheel assembly support (32) and the vehicle wheel (8) , if necessary, modifying said distance between said wheel assembly supports (32) and / or between said wheel assembly support (32) and said vehicle wheel (8) , by means of a calibrated thickness, so as to obtain said nominal distance,- inserting, coupling and fastening by means of a safety fastening system (48) , said wheel assembly for vehicles (4) in the relative wheel assembly supports (32) so as to keep the correct alignment between said wheel assemblysupports (32) or between said wheel assembly support (32) and said vehicle wheel (8) .

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