Patent Application
20220169071
Example embodiments generally relate to motor vehicles and more particularly relate to a wheel rim of a motor vehicle.
The structural design of the rim assembly as part of the wheel assembly of a motor vehicle must take into account, amongst other factors, the cooling of a brake system, the speed-dependent aerodynamic resistance, and an aesthetic effect of the external appearance. Cooling of the brake system with the aim of preventing an excessive rise in temperature during times of high braking performance is necessary in order to even out the available braking effect. The aerodynamic resistance is taken into account with the aim of reducing energy consumption and the associated CO2 emissions, desirable for environmental policy reasons.
To take account of these criteria, various possible solutions are known which however only often consider partial aspects.
A cover portion is known for example from DE 10 2016 003 259 A1. This is characterized by an arrangement of cover parts which are arranged so as to be movable in the peripheral direction between a position closing an arrangement of passage openings in the wheel rim body and a position opening these, i.e. for axial through-flow. The drive for this movement of the cover parts is a centrifugal mechanism in which a peripheral force can be exerted on each of the cover parts via a lever, the mounting point of which is held so as to be radially displaceable under spring force in a specific radial deflection. Under the centrifugal force, accordingly a greater or lesser deflection of the cover part takes place, opening a corresponding part of the assigned passage opening for through-flow. Alternatively, the cover parts may be combined into a disc-like covering element which is arranged as a structural unit so as to be movable in the peripheral direction by means of said centrifugal mechanism; in each case, the solution for the structural design of the speed-dependent movement of the cover element or cover parts is comparatively complex. In addition, the aspect of aerodynamics of the vehicle wheel equipped with such a rim has not been taken into account.
Some example embodiments may provide a wheel rim assembly for a wheel of a motor vehicle. The wheel rim assembly may include a wheel rim and a cover portion arranged on an outside of the wheel rim. The cover portion may be guided on the wheel rim so as to be movable relative to the wheel rim between an open position allowing an air flow between the outside and an inside of the wheel rim, and a closed position preventing the air flow. Conversion from the open position to the closed position takes place automatically based on an operating state of the wheel. The cover portion may be configured as a disc-like component covering the outside. The cover portion may be arranged movably parallel to an axis of the wheel rim between the open position and the closed position, in the open position opening a ring gap between an edge of the cover portion and the wheel rim.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other. It should be noted that the features and measures presented individually in the following description can be combined in any technically feasible manner, giving rise to further embodiments of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and specifies aspects of some example embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the figures.
A cover portion 3 is arranged on the outside 4 of the wheel rim 1, completely covering the vehicle wheel and giving the vehicle wheel favorable aerodynamic properties in the position shown in
On a side of the cover portion 3 that faces the wheel rim 1, the cover portion 3 carries a ring web 5, which is received in a ring groove 6 of the dish portion 2 and serves for mounting and guidance on the dish portion 2. The ring groove 6 is spaced from the wheel rim 1 in the radial direction viewed onto the axis 7, i.e. its rotational axis, i.e. effectively offset towards the outside. Correspondingly, the ring web 5 is arranged on the cover portion 3. The direct contacting inside the ring groove 6 takes place via a helical or thread-style structure 8, such that depending on a relative movement of the cover portion 3 relative to the dish portion 2, a shift of the cover portion along the axis 7 is triggered. This structural design of the engagement of the ring web 5 with the ring groove 6 for implementing this force-guided movement of the cover portion 3 relative to the wheel rim 1 is arbitrary in itself and can be achieved with any means known to the person skilled in the art.
In the open position, shown in
Correspondingly to the said angular element which defines the rotational angle between the closed position shown in
To support an air circulation, the inside of the cover portion 3 may be equipped with vanes 12 which may alternatively also be provided on the side of the dish part 2 facing the cover portion 3. A possible form of such vanes 12 is indicated schematically in
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
For a vehicle wheel which is equipped with a wheel rim assembly designed in the manner described above, a demand-driven cooling effect in the area of the brake system can easily be achieved, wherein simultaneously an economic vehicle operation is ensured because of the closed state of the wheel rim.
At a minimum level of acceleration of the vehicle, relative rotational movements of the cover portion 3 occur relative to the wheel rim 1; since no carrier effect is exerted by the wheel rim 1 on the cover portion 3, due to inertia the latter executes a rotation relative to the wheel rim 1 according to the direction of acceleration and accordingly triggers the open position or closed position.
Stable operation is ensured in that, to change the position of the cover portion 3, a minimum level of acceleration must be present in order to overcome the retaining force of the magnetic bodies 11 and move the cover portion 3 between said positions in the one or other direction. Because of the magnetic fixing in said positions, at the same time it is ensured that small vibrations or slight changes in acceleration cannot themselves trigger changes in the position of the cover portion 3.
The arrangement of the magnetic bodies 11 and the forces to be generated are adapted to the peripheral conditions described initially.
On an inside of the cover portion 3, i.e. on the side facing the outside 4 of the wheel rim 1, the cover portion 3 may also have a contact element. The contact element may be arranged on the outer end of the cover portion 3. The contact element may include a soft flexible material so as to avoid a hard contact on the wheel rim 1, whereby damage e.g. scratches to the wheel rim 1, i.e. its outside 4, are avoided, which is desirable in particular in the case of alloy wheel rims. The contact element may also have a sealing function when this cover portion 3 is arranged in its closed position. The contact element may also prevent disruptive rattling noises when the cover portion 3 rests completely on the wheel rim in its closed position. The dimensions of the contact element may be designed so as to prevent undesirable air turbulence and not significantly affect the dimensions of the ring gap 10.
As can be appreciated from the descriptions above, the cover portion 3 may suitably be designed, i.e. in its stiffness, such that in the open position, the action of travel wind does not cause fluttering of the cover element, wherein the cover portion 3 is effectively stabilized.
In an example embodiment, it may also be provided that several thread-like structures 8 are provided which are offset in the circumferential direction and have correspondingly designed magnetic bodies 11.
Accordingly, a wheel rim assembly for a wheel of a motor vehicle may be provided. The wheel rim assembly may include a wheel rim and a cover portion arranged on an outside of the wheel rim. The cover portion may be guided on the wheel rim so as to be movable relative to the wheel rim between an open position allowing an air flow between the outside and an inside of the wheel rim, and a closed position preventing the air flow. Conversion from the open position to the closed position takes place automatically based on an operating state of the wheel. The cover portion may be configured as a disc-like component covering the outside. The cover portion may be arranged movably parallel to an axis of the wheel rim between the open position and the closed position, in the open position opening a ring gap between an edge of the cover portion and the wheel rim.
The wheel rim assembly of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the system. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the cover portion may be arranged so as to be freely rotatable about the axis relative to the wheel rim. In an example embodiment, the cover portion may be configured as a component having a smooth surface region, and closed on a side facing the outside. In some cases, the cover portion may be mounted on the wheel rim via a ring web, the ring web being in engagement with a ring groove of the wheel rim. Axes of the ring web and the ring groove may extend parallel to the axis of the wheel rim. In an example embodiment, the assembly may further include means for connecting a movement of the cover portion in a direction parallel to the axis to a rotational movement about the axis in the manner of a forced guidance. In some cases, the means for connecting may be formed by a thread-style guidance of the ring web inside the ring groove. In an example embodiment, a rotational movement of the cover portion about the axis may be limited in rotational angle according to a design of the ring gap. In some cases, end points of the rotational movement, limited in rotational angle, are secured by magnetic bodies.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102020215023.0 | Nov 2020 | DE | national |
