MULTI-PART VEHICLE WHEEL WITH A SEAL

Abstract

A vehicle wheel includes a wheel disk, a wheel rim, and at least one connection element that connects the wheel disk to the wheel rim. The connection element is guided through a passage in the wheel rim and is joined in the wheel disk. A seal is provided to hermetically seal the passage of the wheel rim. One or more such seal is arranged between a connection region of the wheel disk and a connection region of the wheel rim, wherein the seal surrounds the connection element in a contact-free manner.

Claims

1.-17. (canceled)

18. A vehicle wheel comprising: a wheel disk; a wheel rim; a connection element that connects the wheel disk to the wheel rim; wherein the connection element is guided through a passage in the wheel rim and is joined in the wheel disk; and a seal configured to hermetically seal the passage of the wheel rim and arranged between a wheel disk connection region and a wheel rim connection region, wherein the seal surrounds the connection element in a contact-free manner.

19. The vehicle wheel of claim 18 wherein the seal is arranged between at least one wheel disk connection face of the wheel disk connection region and at least one wheel rim connection face of the wheel rim connection region.

20. The vehicle wheel of claim 18 wherein the connection element is part of a multi-part connection arrangement, wherein the seal is arranged in a contact-free manner with respect to the connection arrangement.

21. The vehicle wheel of claim 19 wherein the seal is constructed and arranged such that at least one wheel disk connection face or a portion of the wheel disk connection face of the wheel disk and at least one wheel rim connection face or a portion of the wheel rim connection face of the wheel rim is formed in each case as a first contact face for direct contact of the wheel disk with the wheel rim and/or for indirect contact of the wheel disk and/or the wheel rim by means of a connection arrangement.

22. The vehicle wheel of claim 19 wherein at least one wheel disk connection face or a portion of the wheel disk connection face of the wheel disk and at least one wheel rim connection face or a portion of the wheel rim connection face of the wheel rim is formed in each case as a second contact face for direct contact of the seal with the wheel disk and with the wheel rim.

23. The vehicle wheel of claim 20 wherein the connection arrangement comprises one or more bush portions.

24. The vehicle wheel of claim 20 wherein the connection arrangement comprises one or more perforated disks and/or one or more perforated plates.

25. The vehicle wheel of claim 20 wherein the seal is arranged so as to extend coaxially around one or more connection elements or around one or more connection arrangements.

26. The vehicle wheel of claim 18 wherein at least two seals are arranged so as to extend radially around the periphery of the wheel disk or the wheel rim.

27. The vehicle wheel of claim 22 wherein the seal is connected in a substance-to-substance manner to the second contact face of the wheel disk connection region of the wheel disk and/or to the second contact face of the wheel rim connection region of the wheel rim.

28. The vehicle wheel of claim 19 wherein in a wheel disk connection face and/or in a wheel rim connection face there is formed one or more grooves in which the seal is arranged.

29. The vehicle wheel of claim 19 wherein in an edge zone of a wheel disk connection face and/or in an edge zone of wheel rim a connection face there is formed a recess in which the seals is arranged.

30. The vehicle wheel of claim 18 wherein the seal is constructed as a sealing element.

31. The vehicle wheel of claim 18 wherein the seal is formed from a sealing mass.

32. The vehicle wheel of claim 18 wherein the seal comprises resilient material.

33. The vehicle wheel of claim 22 wherein the second contact face of the wheel disk connection region of the wheel disk and/or the second contact face of the wheel rim connection region of the wheel rim comprises a fluid-tight coating.

34. The vehicle wheel of claim 20 wherein the connection arrangement comprises one or more longitudinal bush portions.

Description

[0153] In the drawings:

[0154] FIG. 1 is a sectioned illustration of a one-sided cut-out of a vehicle wheel with a star-shaped wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of connection elements with in each case a seal in an annular groove in the contact face (connection face) of the connection region of the spoke of the wheel disk,

[0155] FIG. 2 is an isometric sectioned illustration of the star-shaped wheel disk according to FIG. 1,

[0156] FIG. 3 is a sectioned illustration of a one-sided cut-out of a vehicle wheel with a bowl-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of connection elements, having two seals in a groove which extends radially around the periphery of the connection region of the wheel flange of the wheel disk in the contact face (connection face) of the wheel flange,

[0157] FIG. 4 is an isometric sectioned illustration of the bowl-like wheel disk according to FIG. 3,

[0158] FIG. 5a is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of connection arrangements, in each case having a seal in an annular groove in the contact face (connection face) of the connection region of the spoke of the wheel disk,

[0159] FIG. 5b is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a bowl-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of connection arrangements, having two seals in a respective groove which extends radially around the periphery of the connection region of the wheel flange of the wheel disk in the contact face (connection face) of the wheel flange,

[0160] FIG. 6a is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of connection arrangements, in each case having a seal in an annular recess in an edge zone of the connection region of the spoke of the wheel disk,

[0161] FIG. 6b is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a bowl-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of connection arrangements, having two seals in a respective recess in an edge zone of the connection region of the wheel flange of the wheel disk,

[0162] FIG. 7 is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a bowl-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of connection arrangements, having two seals in a groove which extends radially around the periphery of the connection region of the wheel rim in the contact face (connection face) of the connection region of the wheel rim,

[0163] FIG. 8 is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel with a star-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of alternative connection arrangements, in each case having an annular seal between the contact faces (connection faces) of the connection regions of the wheel rim and the spoke of the wheel disk,

[0164] FIG. 9 is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of additional alternative connection arrangements, in each case having an annular seal between the contact faces (connection face) of the connection regions of the wheel rim and the spoke of the wheel disk,

[0165] FIG. 10 is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk which is connected to a coated wheel rim by means of connection arrangements, in each case having a seal in an annular recess in an edge zone of the connection region of the coated spoke of the wheel disk,

[0166] FIG. 11 is a sectioned illustration of a cut-out of a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk which is connected to the wheel rim by means of alternative connection arrangements, in each case having an annular seal between the contact faces (connection faces) of the connection regions of the wheel rim and the spoke of the wheel disk.

[0167] In the examples explained below, reference is made to the appended drawings which form a part of the possible examples included by the invention and in which for the purposes of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be applied are shown.

[0168] Of course, other embodiments may also be used and structural or logical modifications can be made without departing from the protective scope of the present invention. The invention includes the fact that the features of the different exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined with each other, unless otherwise explicitly set out. The following extensive description is therefore not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense; the protective scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0169] In the context of this description, the terms “coupled”, “join” and “connected/connect” are used to describe both a direct and an indirect coupling, a direct or indirect joining and a direct or indirect connection.

[0170] In the Figures, identical or similar components/elements are given identical reference numerals as long as this is advantageous.

[0171] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim 1 and a star-like wheel disk 2 having wheel spokes 3. The wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1 comprises an aluminum alloy.

[0172] The wheel rim 1 is connected in a non-positive-locking manner to the star-like wheel disk 2 by means of a plurality of connection elements 4 which are arranged in accordance with the number of spokes around the periphery of the wheel rim and which are constructed, for example, as a screw. FIG. 1 is a section directly through a connection element 4, which engages through a passage 5 of the wheel rim 1 leading into a joining channel 6 of a wheel spoke 3 of the wheel disk 1, which joining channel is constructed with an inner thread 1.

[0173] In order to connect the star-like wheel disk 2 to the wheel rim 1, they each have special connection regions with connection faces at which these wheel elements adjoin each other. The connection region of the star-like wheel disk according to the embodiment is formed at the end of each spoke 3 of the wheel disk 2 and in each case has a connection face which is formed partially as the first contact face 7.1 and which in the illustrated assembled state of the vehicle wheel is directly in contact with a first contact face 8.1 of the connection face of the connection region of the wheel rim 1.

[0174] As a result of the non-positive-locking connection brought about by the connection elements 4 between the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2, these first contact faces 7.1, 8.1 are subjected to a considerable surface pressure.

[0175] In another portion of the connection face of the connection region of the wheel disk 2 or the wheel spokes 3, adjacent to the first contact faces 7.1 of the spoke ends of the wheel spokes 3, concentrically arranged grooves 9 are formed in each case annularly around a joining channel 6.

[0176] A resilient seal 10 in the form of an O-ring (sealing ring) or a flat seal (annular sealing disk) which comprise fluoro rubber is arranged in each of the grooves 9.

[0177] The seals 10 consequently surround the connection elements 4 with a contact-free spacing and enclose the passage 5 through the wheel rim 1.

[0178] In the groove 9, second contact faces (sealing faces) 7.2 against which in the illustrated assembled state of the vehicle wheel the seal 10 lies directly are formed.

[0179] There is formed in another portion of the connection face of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 a second contact face (sealing face) 8.2 which in the illustrated assembled state of the vehicle wheel is directly in contact with the seal 10.

[0180] The resilient seal 10 has with respect to the dimensions of the groove 9 a specific excess dimension. Accordingly, the resilient seal 10 when the connection elements 4 are screwed is compressed to a defined thickness which corresponds to the groove depth. The pretensioning force of the screw 4 applies, via the connection face of the wheel rim 1 and consequently via the contact faces 8.1, 8.2 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1, and via the connection face of the wheel disk 2 and consequently via the contact faces 7.1, 7.2 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1, a pressing force to the seal 10 in the groove 9 which allows the seal 10 to be securely supported on the sealing faces 7.2 of the groove 9 and on the sealing face 8.2 which corresponds to the seal 10 in the connection face of the wheel rim 1 and thus ensures reliable sealing of the wheel rim 1 or the tire chamber 11 which is located on the rim outer side with respect to the external environment.

[0181] Under the compression stress of the resilient seal 10, the sealing effect is ensured even in the case of dynamically changing loading of the connection. As a result of the fixed arrangement of the sealing ring 10 in the groove 9, a creeping of the seal 10 and consequently the settling of the connection is further prevented.

[0182] The force transmission between the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2 is not influenced by the seal 5 which acts partially on the sealing faces 7.2, 8.2 since the seal 10 is not located directly in the force path between the corresponding directly mutually contacting contact faces 7.1, 8.1 of the connection regions of the wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1, wherein the applied pressing force of the sealing ring 10 is negligibly small with respect to the pretensioning force of the screw 4 and consequently with respect to the surface pressure between the corresponding contact faces 7.1, 8.1.

[0183] FIG. 2 shows the star-like wheel disk 2 according to FIG. 1 in a clear isometric sectioned illustration. The star-like wheel disk 2 according to this embodiment comprises a total of eight spokes 3. At the spoke ends of the spokes 3, the connection faces are formed with the contact faces 7.1 and—as can be clearly seen—formed in each case with a groove 9 which is arranged so as to extend concentrically and annularly around the joining channel 6.

[0184] An O-ring (sealing ring) or a flat seal (annular sealing disk) of fluoro rubber is arranged in the grooves 9, as a seal 10 in each case.

[0185] FIG. 3 shows a vehicle wheel with a bowl-like wheel disk 2. The wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1 comprise an aluminum alloy.

[0186] The wheel rim 1 is connected in a non-positive-locking manner to the bowl-like wheel disk 2 by means of a plurality of connection elements 4 which are arranged in a state distributed around the periphery and which in the embodiment are constructed as a screw. FIG. 3 shows a section directly through a connection element 4 which engages through a passage 5 of the wheel rim 1 leading into a joining channel 6 of the wheel disk 2 constructed with an inner thread.

[0187] In order to connect the bowl-like wheel disk 2 to the wheel rim 1, they have in each case special connection regions with radially extending connection faces at which these wheel elements adjoin each other. In the bowl-like wheel disk 2, the connection region is formed on the outer periphery of the wheel disk 2 (wheel flange) and has a radially extending connection face which is partially formed as a radially extending first contact face 7.1 which in the illustrated assembled state of the vehicle wheel is directly in contact with the radially extending first contact face 8.1 of the connection face of the connection region of the wheel rim 1.

[0188] In another portion of the connection face of the connection region of the wheel disk 2, adjacent to the first contact faces 7.1 of the wheel disk 2, there are introduced along the periphery of the wheel disk 2 two grooves 9′, 9″ which extend with a specific spacing at both sides of the joining channels 6 of the wheel disk 2 which are arranged around the periphery of the wheel disk.

[0189] There are arranged in the grooves 9′, 9″ two resilient seals 10′, 10″ which are constructed as large O-rings (sealing rings) or flat seals (sealing strip) of fluoro rubber.

[0190] In the radially peripheral grooves 9′, 9″ there are formed second contact faces (sealing faces) 7.2 against which the seals 10′, 10″ lie directly in the illustrated assembled state of the vehicle wheel.

[0191] In another portion of the connection face of the connection region of the wheel rim 1, there are formed at both sides of the passages 5 of the connection elements 4 radially extending second contact faces (sealing face) 8.2, which in the illustrated assembled state of the vehicle wheel is in each case directly in contact with the seals 10′, 10″.

[0192] The operating principle of the force transmission of the connection from the connection element 4 via the first contact faces 7.1, 8.1 of the connection regions of the wheel flange of the wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1 and the sealing action via the sealing faces 7.2, 8.2 via the oversized seals 10′, 10″ in the grooves 9′, 9″ is carried out in a similar manner to the description according to FIGS. 1 and 2, to which reference may be made.

[0193] In the illustrated final state (assembled state), consequently, the two seals 10′, 10″ enclose at both sides all the passages 5 through the wheel rim 1 and surround all the connection elements 4 with contact-free spacing with respect to the connection elements 4.

[0194] All the connection elements 4 are located as a result of the external arrangement of the seals 10′, 10″ according to the invention together and completely in the excess pressure region of the tire chamber 11 so that the connection elements 4 do not have to be sealed individually.

[0195] FIG. 4 shows the bowl-like wheel disk 2 according to FIG. 3 for illustration as an isometric sectioned illustration.

[0196] The two grooves 9′, 9″ which extend radially over the periphery of the connection region of the wheel flange of the bowl-like wheel disk 2 and in which the seals 10′, 10″ extend in an annular manner can be seen clearly.

[0197] The grooves 9′, 9″ are arranged at both sides of the joining channels 6 so that the seals 10′, 10″ in the assembled state of the vehicle wheel not illustrated here completely surround all the connections which extend through the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2.

[0198] This embodiment for sealing the wheel rim 1 is particularly efficient since it can be produced with little technical and technological complexity.

[0199] FIG. 5a shows a vehicle wheel with a wheel rim 1 and a star-like wheel disk 2 with spokes 3 which are connected in comparison with the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 by means of a plurality of connection arrangements 12 which are arranged in accordance with the number of spokes around the periphery of the wheel rim.

[0200] The wheel disk 2 comprises aluminum alloy whilst the wheel rim 1 according to this embodiment comprises fiber-composite material.

[0201] According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the connection faces, in particular in the contact faces 7 of the wheel spokes 3, first contact faces 7.1 and annular grooves 9 which are concentrically arranged in each case around a joining channel 6 with second contact faces 7.2 and in which a resilient sealing ring 10 or a sealing disk 10 of fluoro rubber is arranged are formed.

[0202] Only the differences with respect to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 are intended to be explained below.

[0203] In the embodiment according to FIG. 5a, the non-positive-locking connection between the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2 is carried out by means of the connection arrangements 12 which each comprise a screw 4 as a connection element 4 and an integral bush 13. The bush 13 covers the passage 5 of the wheel rim 1 and terminates flush with the connection face, in particular with the contact face 8.1 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1. The connection element 4 is guided through the bush 13 and engages in the inner thread of the joining channel 6 in the spoke ends of the wheel disk 2, wherein a screw head 14 of the screw 4 is located in the conically expanded edge of the bush 13.

[0204] The force path of the connection is carried out in this instance primarily via the connection element 4 and the bush 13 on the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2, wherein an end-side contact face 15 of the bush 13 and the first contact face 8.1 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 together with the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the wheel disk 2, wherein the contact faces are in each case directly in contact with each other as illustrated.

[0205] The bush 13, preferably of titanium alloy, serves to protect the fiber-composite material of the wheel rim 1 from undesirable vibration friction wear by compensating for the forces introduced by the screw 6 into the passage 5 of the wheel rim 1. In particular, the conically expanded edge of the bush 13 reduces the surface pressure in the edge region of the passage 5 through the wheel rim 1.

[0206] In the context of the invention, in this embodiment the annular groove 9 which is incorporated in the connection face, in particular in the contact face 7 of the wheel disk 2, is spaced apart from the joining channel 6 in such a manner that the enclosed seal 10 in the assembled state does not contact the bush 13 or the end-side contact face 15 of the bush 13.

[0207] Each of the seals 10 consequently surrounds in each case the entire connection arrangement 12 comprising the connection element 4 and bush 13 with a contact-free spacing.

[0208] The operating principle of the force transmission of the connection from the connection element 4 via the contact faces 7.1, 8.1, 15 of the connection regions of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1 and the sealing action via the sealing faces 7.2, 8.2 through the oversized seal 10 located in the annular groove 9 is carried out in a similar manner to the description according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0209] The entire connection arrangement 12 is located as a result of the external arrangement of the seal 10 according to the invention completely in the excess pressure region of the tire chamber 11 so that the components of the connection arrangement 12 which are involved in the connection do not have to be sealed separately.

[0210] FIG. 5b is an illustration for a similar embodiment according to FIG. 5a, but with a bowl-like wheel disk 2 using two radially peripheral seals 10′, 10″ according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0211] Accordingly, in the radially peripheral connection face, in particular in the contact face 7 of the wheel flange of the bowl-like wheel disk 2, there are formed at both sides of the connection arrangements 12 a radially peripheral groove 9′, 9″ in which there is arranged a respective radially peripheral seal 10′, 10″, for example, comprising fluoro rubber, which enclose and seal all the connection arrangements 12 at both sides in a similar manner to the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0212] FIG. 6a illustrates a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 5a. A cut-out of a vehicle wheel with a star-like wheel disk 2 with spokes 3 of aluminum alloy and a wheel rim 1 of fiber-composite material is shown, in a state connected by means of a plurality of connection arrangements 12 and having an alternative arrangement of the seal 10.

[0213] Only the differences with respect to the embodiment according to FIG. 5a are intended to be explained below.

[0214] In the embodiment according to FIG. 6a, in place of an annular groove in the connection face, in particular in the contact face 7 of each spoke end of the star-like wheel disk 2, an edge-side, peripheral recess 16 is formed on the outer edge of the connection face, in particular in the contact face 7 of the spoke end and adjacent to the first contact face 7.1.

[0215] In this shoulder 16 which is formed in this manner around the first contact face 7.1, a seal 10 is arranged as a resilient sealing ring or annular sealing disk 10 which in a similar manner to the seal formation according to FIG. 5a in the connected state is compressed to a defined shape and thickness according to the annularly extending joint which is produced between the second contact faces (sealing faces) 8.2 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the second contact faces (sealing faces) 7.2 of the recess 16 in the edge zone of the connection face of the connection region of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2.

[0216] Also in this manner, as described above, a reliable sealing action under the loading of the connection is ensured and at the same time the force transmission between the wheel rim and the wheel disk is not influenced in a disadvantageous manner.

[0217] Alternatively, the seal 10 according to FIG. 6a may also be constructed as a sealing mass, preferably, for example, of silicone. In this instance, the sealing can be carried out after the final assembly of the vehicle wheel in which the sealing mass 10 is pressed into the annularly extending joint which is produced between the connection face, in particular the contact face 7 of the wheel rim 1, and the recess 16 in the connection face of the wheel disk 2 and can subsequently harden.

[0218] As a result of the edge-side formation of a laterally open shoulder 16 of the spoke end, an unfavorably thin residual wall thickness of the spoke end which may, for example, be produced by an edge-side groove located close to the edge, is bypassed and consequently the risk of material breaking out from the spoke end, which could impair the reliability of the connection, is prevented.

[0219] In this regard, this embodiment is advantageous with connection arrangements 12 which require a particularly large amount of space or very narrow spokes which require a seal 10 which is supported particularly close to the edge of the spoke end in order to ensure the spacing with respect to the connection arrangement 12.

[0220] Furthermore, a milling of the recess or the shoulder 16 can be carried out in a very practical manner in technical production terms, and consequently in a particularly cost-effective manner.

[0221] FIG. 6b is an illustration of a similar embodiment according to FIG. 6a, but with a bowl-like wheel disk 2 using two seals 10′, 10″ which are arranged in an edge-side recess 16′, 16″ which extends radially around the connection region of the wheel flange of the wheel disk 2 according to FIGS. 3 and 4 and which seal all the connection arrangements 12 in a similar manner to the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4 at both sides in an enclosed manner.

[0222] In this instance, in the edge zone of the radially peripheral connection face, in particular in the edge zone of the radially peripheral contact face 7 of the wheel flange of the bowl-like wheel disk 2 and adjacent to the radially peripheral first contact face 7.1, there is formed at both sides a shoulder 16′ 16″ with corresponding radially peripheral second contact faces 7.2 in which the seals 10′, 10″ are arranged.

[0223] Consequently, with respect to a groove formation with a narrow residual wall thickness in the peripheral connection face/contact face 7 of the wheel flange of the bowl-like wheel disk 2, the risk of material breaking away in the edge region of the peripheral connection face/contact face 7 of the wheel flange of the bowl-like wheel disk 2 can also be prevented in this case.

[0224] FIG. 7 shows a vehicle wheel having a bowl-like wheel disk 2 of aluminum alloy and a wheel rim 1 of fiber-composite material according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 5b and 6b, which in a similar manner to these embodiments are connected by means of a plurality of connection arrangements 12 which are arranged around the periphery of the wheel rim 1 and which each comprise a screw 4 and a single-piece bush 13.

[0225] Only the differences in relation to the embodiment according to FIGS. 5b, 6b are described below.

[0226] In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, in the connection region of the wheel rim 1 there are two radially extending grooves 9′, 9″ which are incorporated at both sides of the passages 5 of the wheel rim 1 and with spacing therefrom in the connection face, in particular in the contact face 8 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1.

[0227] The seals 10′, 10″ are arranged in these two grooves 9′, 9″.

[0228] In the context of the invention, also in this embodiment, the peripheral grooves 9′, 9″ which are incorporated in the connection face/contact face 8 are spaced apart from the passages 5 of the wheel rim 1 in such a manner that the enclosed seals 10′ 10″ do not contact the bushes 13 which in each case line a passage 5.

[0229] The seals 10′, 10″ also thereby enclose all the connection arrangements 12 of the wheel at both sides and with contact-free spacing.

[0230] The operating principle of the force transmission of the connection from the connection element 4 via the contact faces 7.1, 8.1, 15 of the connection regions of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1 and the sealing effect via the sealing faces 7.2, 8.2 via the oversized seals 10′, 10″ located in the peripheral grooves 9′, 9″ is carried out in a similar manner to the description according to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b and according to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0231] It is conceivable and included by the invention that as an alternative to the above-described embodiment according to FIG. 7, in the connection region of the wheel rim 1, in a state spaced apart in each case around a passage 5 of the wheel rim 1, there is incorporated in the connection face/contact face 8 of the wheel rim 1 an annular groove 9 in which the seal 10 is arranged in each case.

[0232] Consequently, each connection arrangement 12 is individually enclosed and sealed by a seal 10 in each case.

[0233] It is further conceivable and included by the invention that the above embodiment according to FIG. 7 may also be constructed for a vehicle wheel with a star-like wheel disk 2 with spokes 3 and a wheel rim 1 in a similar manner to the embodiment according to FIGS. 5a and 6a, wherein in a state spaced apart around a passage 5 of the wheel rim 1 in each case there is incorporated into the individual connection faces/contact faces 8 of the wheel rim 1 which correspond to the connection faces of the spoke ends 3 of the wheel disk 2 an annular groove 9 in which a seal 10 is arranged in each case.

[0234] FIG. 8 shows a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk 2 with spokes 3 of an aluminum alloy and a wheel rim 1 of fiber-composite material which in a similar manner to the embodiment according to FIGS. 5a and 6a are connected by means of a plurality of connection arrangements 12 which are arranged in accordance with the number of spokes around the periphery of the wheel rim 1.

[0235] Only the differences with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 5a to 6a will be explained below.

[0236] The non-positive-locking connection between the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2 is carried out in the embodiment according to FIG. 8 in contrast to the embodiments according to 5a and 6a by connection arrangements 12 which each comprise a screw 4 as a connection element 4 and a multi-portion bush 13 with two mutually engaging bush portions 13.1, 13.2. The bush portions 13.1, 13.2 may be formed from a different material, but both comprise in the embodiment titanium alloy.

[0237] The first bush portion 13.1 encloses the passage 5 of the wheel rim 1 and comprises a projection over the connection face, in particular over the contact faces 8.1, 8.2 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1. A second bush portion 13.2 in the form of a perforated disk surrounds the first bush portion 13.1 in an annular manner in the region of the projection and is consequently in the assembled state of the vehicle wheel supported between the first contact face 8.1 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2. The connection element 4 is guided through the first bush portion 13.1 and engages in the inner thread of the joining channel 6 in the wheel disk 2, wherein a screw head 14 of the connection element 4 is located in the conically expanded edge of the first bush portion 13.1.

[0238] The force path of the connection according to FIG. 8 is carried out primarily via the connection element 4 and the bush portions 13.1 13.2 on the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2, wherein an end-side contact face 15.1 of the first bush portion 13.1 is directly in contact with the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the spokes 3 and the two-sided contact faces 15.2 of the second bush portion 13.2 are in each case directly in contact with the first contact face 8.1 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and with the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2.

[0239] In this embodiment, the wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1 are indirectly in contact via the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the spokes 3 and the first contact face 8.1 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1, that is to say, via the first bush portion 13.1 and the second bush portion 13.2 of the connection arrangement 12.

[0240] As a result of the interposition of the second bush portion 13.2 between the first contact faces 7.1, 8.1, a joint is produced around the outer edge of the second, perforated-disk-like bush portion 13.2 between the free connection face/contact face 8 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the free connection face/contact face 7 of the spoke ends of the wheel disk 2.

[0241] This joint which is produced can be used for the arrangement of the seal 10, for example, an oversized sealing ring or a sealing mass which in the assembled state lies against the sealing faces 7.2, 8.2 of the wheel disk 2 or the wheel rim 1, wherein according to the above embodiments a reliable sealing action under the load of the connection is ensured and the force transmission between the wheel rim 1 and wheel disk 2 remains uninfluenced.

[0242] The entire connection arrangement 12 is located as a result of the arrangement of the seal 10 according to the invention completely in the excess pressure region of the tire chamber 11 so that the components 4, 13.1, 13.2 of the connection arrangement involved in the connection do not have to be separately sealed.

[0243] According to the invention, the seal 10 is constructed and arranged in such a manner that it has a radial spacing with respect to the periphery of the perforated-disk-like, second bush portion 13.2 so that the seal 10 additionally remains uninfluenced by the micro-movements of the connection arrangement 12 to the greatest possible extent.

[0244] This embodiment of the connection arrangement 12 according to FIG. 8 improves, on the one hand, the compensation for the micro-movements which occur in the connection. As a result of the multi-portion bush with the bush portions 13.1, 13.2, the vibration friction wear of the fiber-composite material of the wheel rim 1 resulting from the micro-movements between the wheel disk 2 and wheel rim 1 can be further reduced without reducing the sealing action. Consequently, the reliability of the connection of a wheel disk 2 to a wheel rim 1 in particular of fiber-composite material is further increased.

[0245] On the other hand, the geometry of the two-portion bush 13.1, 13.2 which protrudes at the rim inner side minimizes the necessary precautions for the placement and fixing of the seal 10 between the connection faces/contact faces 7, 8 of the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2. In particular, no grooves, shoulders or recesses for fixing the position of the seal 10 in the connection faces/contact faces 7, 8 have to be provided, which, on the one hand, simplifies and makes the production of the sealing connection of the vehicle wheel more cost-effective and, on the other hand, prevents local weakening of the wheel rim 1, in particular comprising fiber-composite material, and the wheel disk 2.

[0246] FIG. 9 shows a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk 2 with spokes 3 of aluminum alloy and a wheel rim 1 of fiber-composite material similar to the embodiment according to FIG. 8.

[0247] In the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the non-positive-locking connection between the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2 is carried out by means of a plurality of connection arrangements 12 which are arranged around the periphery of the vehicle wheel in accordance with the number of spokes and which comprise a screw 4 as a connection element 4 and a bush 13.1 which encloses the passage 5 and which protrudes beyond the connection face and in particular beyond the contact faces 8.1, 8.2 of the wheel rim 1, in a similar manner to the first bush portion 13.1 in the embodiment according to FIG. 8, and furthermore a perforated disk 17 which is arranged separately from the bush portion 13.1.

[0248] The bush 13.1 and perforated disk 17 comprise, for example, a titanium alloy.

[0249] The perforated disk 17 is supported in the assembled state of the vehicle wheel between the connection face/contact face 8 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the connection face/contact face 7 of the connection region of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2, wherein the perforated disk 17 extensively surrounds the passage 5 of the wheel rim 1. The perforated disk 17 has an angled edge which encloses the edge region of the connection face of the spoke end 3 of the wheel disk 2 and at the same time fixes the perforated disk 17 in position.

[0250] The connection element 4 is guided through the bush portion 13.1 and engages in the inner thread of the joining channel 6 in the wheel disk 2, wherein a screw head 14 is located in the conically expanded edge of the bush portion 13.1.

[0251] The force path of the connection is carried out here primarily via the connection element 4, the bush portion 13.1 and the perforated disk 17 on the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2, wherein the end-side contact face 15.1 of the bush portion 13.1 is directly in contact with the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the spokes 3 and the two-sided contact faces 18 of the perforated disk 17 are in direct contact in each case with the first contact face 7.1 of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2 and with the first contact face 8.1 of the wheel rim 1.

[0252] In this embodiment, the wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1, via the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the spokes 3 and the first contact face 8.1 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 are also indirectly in contact, that is to say, via the bush portion 13.1 and the perforated disk 17 of the connection arrangement 12.

[0253] The perforated disk 17 is constructed and arranged in such a manner that, in the assembled state at the inner side (hole side), an annular hollow space is formed and is delimited by a free portion of the connection face/contact face 8 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1, a free portion of the connection face/contact face 7 of the connection region of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2 and a peripheral face of the bush portion 13.1.

[0254] This hollow space can be used for the arrangement of the seal 10, in particular as a sealing ring or annular sealing disk.

[0255] The seal 10 is in the assembled state incorporated in the hollow space with play/with spacing between the outer wall/outer peripheral face of the bush 13.1 and the inner wall of the perforated disk 17 and seals in accordance with the reliable sealing manner according to the above embodiments the tire chamber 11 of the wheel rim 1 with a contact-free and damage-free spacing from the connection arrangement 12.

[0256] In the arrangement according to FIG. 9, not the entire connection arrangement 12, but in addition to the connection element 4 only the bush portion 13.1 of the connection arrangement 12 is located in the excess pressure region of the tire chamber 11, wherein the seal 10 is arranged in a manner enclosed by another component of the connection arrangement (perforated disk 17).

[0257] Consequently, on the one hand, secure sealing of the tire chamber 11 of the wheel rim 1 is ensured and, on the other hand, an additional protection of the seal 10 is provided from external harmful influences of the environment.

[0258] According to the invention, the embedded seal 10 is constructed and arranged in such a manner that, on the one hand, it surrounds the outer wall/outer peripheral face of the bush 13.1 with spacing and, on the other hand, is arranged with spacing from the inner wall of the perforated disk 17.

[0259] Consequently, the incorporated seal 10 is located with contact-free, damage-free spacing from the connection arrangement 12 and is in the incorporated arrangement thereof additionally protected from external harmful influences of the environment.

[0260] In the above embodiment according to FIG. 9, grooves, shoulders or recesses for fixing the position of the seal 10 in the connection faces/contact faces 7, 8 of the wheel rim 1 or the wheel disk 2 are also dispensable, which, on the one hand, makes the production of the sealing connection of the vehicle wheel simpler and more cost-effective and, on the other hand, prevents local weakening of the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2.

[0261] Not least the perforated disk 17 of the connection arrangement 12 which can be seen externally (from the outer side) can be used to configure the vehicle wheel.

[0262] The embodiment according to FIG. 9 can also be conceived as an embodiment having a bowl-like wheel disk 2 using one or more perforated plates (perforated metal strips) which extend around the periphery of the wheel flange of the wheel disk 2 and which enclose the wheel flange (not illustrated).

[0263] A perforated plate which is constructed as a whole/in one piece (not illustrated) may be constructed so as to extend radially in a strip-like manner with corresponding perforated recesses around the periphery of the wheel flange in order in the assembled state to surround the passages of the connection elements 4 or the connection arrangements 12 and the seals (sealing rings) 10 thereof in each case with spacing.

[0264] A plurality of perforated plates may, for example, be arranged in a state divided in two at both sides of the wheel flange of the wheel disk 2 and may be constructed to extend radially in a strip-like manner with a consistent or different strip width or with corresponding recesses around the periphery of the wheel flange in order thus in the assembled state to surround the passages of the connection elements 4 or the connection arrangements 12 and the seals (sealing rings or radially peripheral seal) 10 thereof in each case with spacing. The two divided perforated plates may thus be constructed in such a manner that they lie against each other at the intermediate spaces adjoining the seals (sealing rings) 10.

[0265] These embodiments may also enclose the sealing rings 10 completely and with play which in turn enclose all the connection elements 4 or connection arrangements 12 with play and in a completely sealing manner.

[0266] Such embodiments and arrangements of the perforated plate or perforated plates also protect the sealing rings 10 from external harmful influences of the environment.

[0267] FIG. 10 shows a vehicle wheel with a star-like wheel disk 2 with spokes 3 of aluminum alloy, for example, EN AW-6082, and a wheel rim 1 of fiber-composite material, for example, CFRP with epoxy resin matrix which in a similar manner to the embodiment according to FIG. 6a are connected by means of a plurality of connection arrangements 12 which are arranged in accordance with the number of spokes around the periphery of the wheel rim 1.

[0268] Only the differences in relation to the embodiment according to FIG. 6a will be explained below.

[0269] The seal 10 is arranged in the annularly extending joint between the second contact faces (sealing faces) 8.2 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the second contact faces (sealing faces) 7.2 of the recess 16 in the edge zone of the connection face of the connection region of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2.

[0270] The surface of the wheel rim 1 at the inner side and the surface of the spokes 3 of the wheel disk 2 are in each case covered with a coating 19/layer of paint 19, for example, based on a two-component acrylic paint system which primarily serves to mechanically protect and seal the wheel rim 1 of fiber-composite material and the wheel disk 2 of aluminum. The coating 19 may be constructed in multiple layers from individual paint layers 19.

[0271] This coating 19/layer of paint 19 additionally covers the second contact face (sealing face) 8.2 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the second contact faces (sealing faces) 7.2 of the recess 16 completely so that the coating/layer of paint 19 is arranged between the seal 10 and the respective second contact faces 7.2 and 8.2.

[0272] With this coating 19/layer of paint 19, moisture is prevented from penetrating from the outer side and via the boundary regions between the seal 10 and the sealing face(s) 7.2, 8.2 into the connection between the wheel rim 1 and wheel disk 2 and into the connection arrangement 12, whereby occurrences of corrosion as a result of the material combinations used between the wheel rim 1, wheel disk 2 and connection arrangement 12 can be prevented.

[0273] Explicitly, the first force-transmitting contact faces 7.1, 8.1 in the connection region of the wheel disk 2 and the wheel rim 1 comprise no coating 19 so that coating material is prevented from being located in the force path of the connection in order not to impair the effectiveness of the force transmission for ensuring the high connection quality.

[0274] This embodiment of the coating 19 may also be used in all embodiments described above.

[0275] FIG. 11 shows a vehicle wheel having a star-like wheel disk 2 with spokes 3 of aluminum alloy and a wheel rim 1 of fiber-composite material, which, in a similar manner to the embodiment according to FIG. 8, are connected to each other by means of a plurality of connection arrangements 12 which are arranged in accordance with the number of spokes around the periphery of the wheel rim 1.

[0276] Only the differences in relation to the embodiment according to FIG. 8 will be explained below.

[0277] The connection arrangements 12 for non-positive-locking connection between the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2 each have a screw 4 as a connection element 4 and a multi-portion longitudinal bush 20 having two mutually engaging bush portions 20.1, 13.2. The multi-portion longitudinal bush 20 comprises a first longitudinal bush portion 20.1, which encloses the passage 5 of the wheel rim 1 and which coaxially surrounds the connection element 4, and a second perforated-disk-like longitudinal bush portion 20.2, which surrounds the first longitudinal bush portion 20.1 in an annular manner.

[0278] The connection element 4 is guided through the first longitudinal bush portion 20.1 and engages in the inner thread of the joining channel 6 in the wheel disk 2, wherein the screw head 14 is located in the conically expanded edge of the longitudinal bush portion 20.1.

[0279] The second perforated-disk-like longitudinal bush portion 20.2 is supported in the assembled state of the vehicle wheel between the first contact face 8.1 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the first contact face 7.1 of the connection region of the spoke ends 3 of the wheel disk 2.

[0280] The shaft of the first longitudinal bush portion 20.1 comprises in the assembled state of the vehicle wheel a clear projection over the contact faces 8.1, 8.2 of the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and over the second, perforated-disk-like longitudinal bush portion 20.2, wherein the shaft of the first longitudinal bush portion 20.1 extends into a recess of the joining channel 6 of the spoke 3 of the wheel disk 2, which recess corresponds to the shape of the shaft, so that the longitudinal bush portion 20.1 is connected in a positive-locking manner to the wheel disk 2.

[0281] The seal 10, for example, an oversized sealing ring or a sealing mass can be arranged in the joint which is formed between the connection region of the wheel rim 1 and the spoke ends 3 by the interposition of the second longitudinal bush portion 20.2 between the contact faces 7.1, 8.1, wherein this is constructed and arranged in such a manner that it maintains a radial spacing with respect to the periphery of the second longitudinal bush portion 20.2. In this manner, the seal remains uninfluenced by the force transmission and dynamic micro-movements between the wheel rim 1 and wheel disk 2 to the greatest possible extent and consequently ensures a reliable sealing action.

[0282] With this embodiment of the connection arrangement 12 by means of the multi-portion longitudinal bush 20, there is a particularly efficient differentiation of the force transmission via the connection by the screw 4 as a connection element selectively taking over the transmission of the longitudinal or tensile forces in an axial direction and the coaxially surrounding longitudinal bush portion 20.1 receiving transverse forces and bending torques in a radial direction.

[0283] In contrast to FIG. 8, where the transverse forces and bending torques are transmitted in a radial direction via the frictional engagement resulting from the screw pretensioning, as a result of the positive-locking embedding of the first longitudinal bush portion 20.1 in the spoke 3, a substantially more rigid and play-free connection is produced between the wheel rim 1 and wheel disk 2. The dynamic micro-movements between the wheel rim 1 and the wheel disk 2 can thereby be further reduced, whereby the influence of these micro-movements on the seal 10 further decreases and consequently the sealing action can be further improved.

[0284] Naturally, the invention also includes embodiments of connection arrangements 12 which comprise a single-piece longitudinal bush 20 which, for example, comprises only the first longitudinal bush portion 20.1. These embodiments could be used with the same above-described advantageous effects, for example, as an alternative to the bush 13 in the embodiments according to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and 7.

[0285] The term “and/or” used in the claims, when it is used in a series of two or more elements, means that each of the listed elements can be used alone or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used.

[0286] If, for example, a relationship which contains the components A, B and/or C is described, the possible relationship may contain the component A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C in combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0287] 1 Wheel rim [0288] 2 Wheel disk [0289] 3 Spoke [0290] 4 Connection element, screw [0291] 5 Passage of the wheel rim [0292] 6 Joining channel of the wheel disk [0293] 7 Contact face (of the connection region of the wheel disk) [0294] 7.1 First contact face [0295] 7.2 Second contact face (sealing face) [0296] 8 Contact face (of the connection region of the wheel rim) [0297] 8.1 First contact face [0298] 8.2 Second contact face (sealing face) [0299] 9 Groove ′, ″ [0300] 10 Seal, sealing ring, sealing disk, sealing mass ′, ″ [0301] 11 Tire chamber [0302] 12 Connection arrangement [0303] 13 Bush, bush portion [0304] 13.1 First bush portion, [0305] 13.2 Second bush portion [0306] 14 Screw head [0307] 15 Contact face (of the bush, the bush portion) [0308] 15.1 Contact face of the first bush portion [0309] 15.2 Contact face of the second bush portion [0310] 16 Recess, shoulder ′, ″ [0311] 17 Perforated disk [0312] 18 Contact face (of the perforated disk) [0313] 19 Coating/layer of paint [0314] 20 Longitudinal bush [0315] 20.1 First longitudinal bush portion [0316] 20.2 Second longitudinal bush portion [0317] 21 Contact face (of the longitudinal bush, the longitudinal bush portion) [0318] 21.1 Contact face of the first longitudinal bush portion [0319] 21.2 Contact face of the second longitudinal bush portion