VEHICLE WHEEL

Abstract

A vehicle wheel that is connectable to a brake system may include a wheel rim and a wheel disk. The wheel rim and/or the wheel disk may include a support structure comprised of fiber-reinforced plastic. The wheel rim and/or the wheel disk, at least on a side of the support structure that faces the brake system, may have a thermo-function structure that in thermal terms is configured so as to be more conductive than the support structure and is disposed so as to extend in such a manner that thermal energy generated by the brake system is discharged from a first region of the wheel rim and/or of the wheel disk that on account of said thermal energy is highly stressed in thermal terms into a second region of the wheel rim and/or of the wheel disk (3) that is less stressed in thermal terms.

Claims

1.-13. (canceled)

14. A vehicle wheel that is connectable to a brake system, the vehicle wheel comprising: a wheel rim; and a wheel disk, wherein at least one of the wheel rim or the wheel disk includes a support structure comprised of fiber-reinforced plastic, wherein on a side of the support structure that faces the brake system at least one of the wheel rim or the wheel disk includes a thermo-function structure that in thermal terms is configured so as to be more conductive than the support structure, wherein the thermo-function structure extends such that thermal energy generated by the brake system is discharged from a first region of at least one of the wheel rim or the wheel disk that is stressed in thermal terms due to the thermal energy into a second region of at least one of the wheel rim or the wheel disk that is less stressed in thermal terms.

15. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure is configured to be highly thermally conductive.

16. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure contains carbon fibers.

17. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure is configured to be radiation-absorbing and radiation-emitting in an infrared wave range.

18. The vehicle wheel of claim 17 wherein the thermo-function structure is configured as a real blackbody.

19. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure contains pitch-based carbon fibers.

20. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure is comprised of a fibrous woven fabric, a fibrous knitted fabric, or a fibrous scrim.

21. The vehicle wheel of claim 20 wherein the fibrous woven fabric is elastic.

22. The vehicle wheel of claim 20 wherein the fibrous scrim is elastic.

23. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure is a first thermo-function structure of the wheel rim, the vehicle wheel comprising a second thermo-function structure of the wheel disk, wherein the first and second thermo-function structures are connected.

24. The vehicle wheel of claim 23 wherein the first and second thermo-function structures have a cover layer, at least in part.

25. The vehicle wheel of claim 24 wherein the cover layer is configured to be infrared-radiation-permeable.

26. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure extends to or into a side of the wheel disk and/or the wheel rim that faces away from the brake system.

27. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure is connected to a thermally conducting component of the vehicle wheel.

28. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure has a cover layer, at least in part.

29. The vehicle wheel of claim 28 wherein the cover layer is configured to be infrared-radiation-permeable.

30. The vehicle wheel of claim 14 wherein the thermo-function structure extends such that thermal energy generated by the brake system is substantially discharged from the first region into the second region.

Description

[0085] The vehicle wheel according to the invention will be explained in more detail hereunder by a plurality of exemplary embodiments. In the associated drawings, in each case in a schematic illustration:

[0086] FIG. 1 shows an isometric illustration of a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim and a wheel center from fiber-reinforced plastics material and in each case one thermo-function structure on the wheel rim and the wheel center;

[0087] FIG. 1a shows a sectional view of the vehicle wheel according to FIG. 1, in a section plane A;

[0088] FIG. 1b shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel, similar to that according to FIG. 1, in a section plane A, having a connected thermo-function structure on the wheel rim and the wheel center;

[0089] FIG. 1c shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel, similar to that according to FIG. 1, in a section plane A, having a mutually transitioning thermo-function structure on the wheel rim and the wheel center;

[0090] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel, similar to that of FIG. 1, having an alternative wheel center;

[0091] FIG. 2a shows an exploded sectional illustration of a wheel rim of the vehicle wheel according to FIG. 2, having a thermo-function structure;

[0092] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel, similar to that of FIG. 1, having a connected thermo-function structure on the wheel rim and about the entire wheel center;

[0093] FIG. 3a shows a sectional view of the vehicle wheel according to FIG. 3, through the spoke cross section;

[0094] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel, similar to that of FIG. 1, having a thermo-function structure and an infrared-radiation-permeable cover layer on the wheel rim and the wheel center.

[0095] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle wheel 1 according to the invention, having a wheel rim 2 and wheel disk 3 which is especially configured as a wheel center 3 having spokes 4. The wheel rim 2 and the wheel center 3 are in each case composed of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics material. The vehicle 1, by way of the wheel hub 5 of the wheel center 3, can be connected to a brake system 6 which in the exemplary embodiment is schematically illustrated and has a brake disk 6.

[0096] The wheel rim 2 on a rim internal side that faces the brake disk 6, and the wheel center 3 at least on a wheel disk internal side that faces the brake disk 6, having each case one thermo-function structure 7 according to the invention. The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 extends across the entire rim internal side to the two rim flanges 8 of the wheel rim 2.

[0097] The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 extends in the radial direction across the wheel center internal side to a wheel flange 9 of the wheel center 3 and can additionally protrude to or into the spoke intermediate spaces 10 of the wheel center 3, or completely fill said spoke intermediate spaces 10.

[0098] The thermo-function structures 7 of the wheel rim 2 and of the wheel center 3 cover in each case the rim-internal side surface of a support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2, or the surface of a support structure 11 of the wheel center 3 on the wheel-center-internal side and in the spoke intermediate spaces 10.

[0099] The wheel center 3 connected to the wheel rim 2, by way of the wheel flange 9 of the former, adjoins in a direct and planar manner the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2.

[0100] FIG. 1a relates to a sectional view of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIG. 1, along the section plane A, from which the details of the vehicle wheel 1 can be seen in more detail.

[0101] The support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 and of the wheel center 3 have in each case a plurality of tiers 12 of the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics material.

[0102] The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 in this exemplary embodiment is composed of a thin anodized aluminum sheet which is thermally conductive as well as radiation absorbing and radiation emitting in the infrared wave range.

[0103] The anodized aluminum sheet covers the surface of the support structure 11 of the wheel center 3 in a planar manner on the wheel-center internal side, and is preferably screw-fitted or adhesively bonded.

[0104] The use of an anodized aluminum sheet as the thermo-function structure 7 enables a cost-effective and requirement-compliant selective and flexible assembly on the wheel center 3.

[0105] Alternatively, the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 can be composed of a material woven fabric having anodized aluminum tapes and carbon fibers (not illustrated), wherein the carbon fibers in this case additionally contribute toward the thermal conductivity and toward the load-bearing property of the support structure 11 of the wheel center 3.

[0106] The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 in this exemplary embodiment is composed of a fibrous layer which contains pitch-based carbon fibers (pitch fibers) 13, or is composed of said fibrous layer. The fibrous layer can be configured as a braided fibrous woven fabric.

[0107] The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 by virtue of the pitch-based carbon fibers 13 is configured so as to be thermally highly conductive as well as in the form of a real blackbody which is particularly well radiation-absorbing and radiation-emitting in the infrared wave range.

[0108] The fibrous layer of the thermo-function structure 7, in addition to the thermal conduction function, thus assumes a support function for facilitating the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2.

[0109] Individual fibrous layers, fibrous woven fabrics/fibrous knitted fabrics, or pre-formed segmented fibrous semi-finished products can be applied to the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2, or to the support structure 11 of the wheel center 3, respectively, in order for the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 and/or of the wheel center 3 to be produced.

[0110] FIG. 1a shows the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIG. 1 in a stationary operating state immediately after a braking and travelling operation, hereunder referred to as the stationary phase.

[0111] The brake disk 6 which in the stationary phase is heated on account of a proceeding braking and travel operation of the vehicle wheel 1, generates an intensive thermal radiation (vertical arrow in FIG. 1a) which in a predominantly radially directed manner impacts the rim well, in particular the drop center 14, of the wheel rim 2 (hotspot of the wheel rim 2). The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 from pitch-based carbon fibers 13, as an almost real blackbody, absorbs said thermal radiation in a largely complete manner and directs the thermal energy from the hotspot of the wheel rim 2 along the thermo-function structure 7, both on the visible rim internal side as well as in the portion of the rim internal side that is obscured by the connection between the wheel rim 2 and the wheel center 3, in the direction of the two bead seats 15 and the two rim flanges 8 of the wheel rim 2 (horizontal arrows along the wheel rim 2 in FIG. 1a), said bead seats 15 and said two rim flanges 8 on account of the spacing thereof from the brake disk 6 being less stressed in thermal terms, and where the thermal energy is preferably emitted as thermal radiation to the atmospheric environment of the wheel rim 2 that in comparison to the hotspot of the wheel rim 2 and in comparison to the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 is tempered to a lesser extent (external horizontal arrows on the rim flanges 8 in FIG. 1a).

[0112] The thermal loading of the wheel rim 2 is locally minimized on account of the optimal distribution across the entire rim well, and thus protects the fiber-composite support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 which is disposed below the thermo-function structure 7.

[0113] The wheel center 3 in this operating state of the vehicle wheel (stationary phase) by virtue of the thermal convection that arises in the vertical direction along the contour of the wheel center 3 is imparted less thermal radiation and thus no substantially high thermal stress.

[0114] In the operating state during the active braking and travelling operation of the vehicle wheel 1, which is hereunder referred to as the braking phase and is not shown in FIG. 1a, the thermal radiation created on account of the heated brake disk 6 is transmitted largely axially in the direction of the wheel center 3 and predominantly in a region of the wheel center 3 which is close to the wheel hub 5 and lies so as to be particularly close to the brake disk 6 (hotspot of the wheel center 3) to the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3, said thermo-function structure 7 being from anodized aluminum sheet. Only minor proportions of the thermal radiation are reflected by the surface of the anodized aluminum sheet. The majority of the thermal radiation in this hotspot region of the wheel center 3 is absorbed by the heat-absorbing thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 4, and is dissipated as thermal energy along the thermo-function structure 7 in the direction of the wheel flange 9 of the wheel center 3 and of the spoke intermediate spaces 10 (not visible here) which are further spaced apart from the brake disk 6 and in thermal terms are also facilitated on account of the impinging airflow in the travelling operation. There, the thermal energy, preferably as thermal radiation, is emitted by the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 to the atmospheric environment of the wheel center 3 which in comparison to the hotspot of the wheel center 3 and the support structure 11 of the wheel center 3 is tempered to a lesser extent.

[0115] The wheel rim 2, in particular the rim well having the bead seats 15 and the rim flanges 8, as a result of the airflows arising on account of the travel, is in thermal terms only lightly stressed in this operating state.

[0116] FIG. 1b shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel 1, similar to that according to FIG. 1, along the section plane A, said vehicle wheel 1 having slight deviations in comparison to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1, 1a.

[0117] In order to avoid repetitions, only the points of differentiation in terms of the features and effective modes in comparison to the embodiment of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIGS. 1, 1a will be described hereunder.

[0118] The thermo-function structure 6 of the wheel center 3 according to this exemplary embodiment, as opposed to the embodiment according to FIG. 1a, is composed of a thin aluminum foil with a black coating, which is likewise both thermally conductive as well as radiation-absorbing and radiation-emitting in the infrared wave range.

[0119] The coated aluminum foil can be vapor-deposited, shrink-fitted, or adhesively bonded to the surface of the support structure 11 of the wheel center 3, or can be connected to the support structure 11 of the wheel center 3 in the curing process of the fiber-composite material. On account of the use of the coated aluminum foil as the thermo-function structure 11, the mass which does not contribute toward the load-bearing capability of the wheel center 3 can advantageously be reduced.

[0120] The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1b, as opposed to the embodiment according to FIG. 1a, extends completely across the wheel center internal side up to and including the wheel flange 9 such that the thermo-function structures 7 of the wheel center 3 and of the wheel rim 2 are connected to one another in the transition region from the wheel center 3 to the wheel rim 2.

[0121] The operating state of the vehicle wheel 1 is likewise shown in the stationary phase in FIG. 1b. The procedures and effects correspond in principle to the descriptions in FIG. 1a, but the usable heat transmission paths and emission faces can be an enlarged on account of the additional connection between the thermo-function structures 7 of the wheel rim 2 and the wheel center 3 in the embodiment according to FIG. 1b.

[0122] The thermal radiation which is largely absorbed by the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 is directed as thermal energy along the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 by way of the visible rim internal side as also in the obscured portion of the rim internal side to the two rim flanges 8 (horizontal arrows along the wheel rim 2 and on the rim flanges 8 in FIG. 1b), on the one hand, and also directed and distributed along the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 by way of the wheel center internal side (vertical arrow along the wheel center in FIG. 1b), where the thermal energy is in each case discharged into the environment that is tempered to a lesser extent.

[0123] As opposed to the description according to FIG. 1a, the thermal radiation created on account of the heated brake disk 6 in the operating state of the vehicle wheel 1 in the braking phase which is not shown in FIG. 1b, is largely transmitted to the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 from aluminum foil with a black coating, which as an almost real blackbody can absorb the thermal radiation in a largely complete manner.

[0124] The absorbed thermal radiation is dissipated as thermal energy along the thermo-function structure 7 in the direction of the wheel flange 9 and of the spoke intermediate spaces 10 (not visible here), and distributed onward by way of the connected thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2, by way of the visible rim internal side of the rim well as well as by way of the obscured portion of the rim internal side, in the direction of the two bead seats 15 and of the two rim flanges 8 of the wheel rim 2, where the thermal energy is in each case discharged into the environment that is tempered to a lesser extent.

[0125] The embodiment enlarges the thermal transmission paths in favor of heat transportation which is across a larger area and more effective, in a reciprocating manner from the rim internal side of the rim well toward the wheel center internal side, and vice versa to the environment of the vehicle wheel that on account of the operation is in each case tempered to a lesser extent, this further minimizing the thermal loading of the vehicle wheel.

[0126] FIG. 1c shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel 1, similar to that according to FIG. 1, along the section plane A, said vehicle wheel 1 having slight deviations in comparison to the embodiment according to FIG. 1b, wherein the operating state of the vehicle wheel 1 is likewise shown in the stationary phase.

[0127] In order to avoid repetitions, only the points of differentiation in terms of the features and effective modes in comparison to the embodiment of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIG. 1b will be described hereunder.

[0128] The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1c, as opposed to the embodiment according to FIG. 1b, extends only across the visible rim internal side to the transition region from the wheel rim 2 to the wheel center 3, where said thermo-function structure 7 is connected to the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 extending completely across the wheel center internal side such that the thermo-function structures 7 transition into one another.

[0129] The connection region between the wheel rim 2 and the wheel center 3 is thus excluded from the thermal transmission path of the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 such that said connection region can be imparted less thermal loading, and the operational reliability of thermally relevant connection constructions of the vehicle wheel can thus be improved.

[0130] Additionally derived are advantages in terms of production technology such as, for example, the possibility of retrofitting the thermo-function structures 7 to the internal side of an existing wheel, or to a wheel of integral or monolithic manufacture, respectively. Moreover, the application of the thermo-function structures 7 is possible in a manner independent of the production process of the vehicle wheel 1.

[0131] Here too, individual fibrous tiers, fibrous woven fabrics/fibrous knitted fabrics, or preformed, segmented fiber semi-finished products can be applied to the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 and of the wheel center 3 in order for the thermo-function structure to be produced.

[0132] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel 1, similar to the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b.

[0133] In order to avoid repetitions, only the points of differentiation in terms of the features and effective modes in comparison to the embodiment of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b will be described hereunder.

[0134] The vehicle wheel 1 according to FIG. 2 is a so-called hybrid vehicle wheel. As an alternative to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, said hybrid vehicle wheel has a wheel center 3 from aluminum or from magnesium (optionally with an additional black coating), said wheel center 3 thus being thermally conductive to highly thermally conductive and being radiation-absorbing and radiation-emitting in the infrared wave range.

[0135] The wheel center 3 per se thus acts as a thermally conducting component (3) of the vehicle wheel, as well as the thermo-function structure which in the case of a wheel center from fiber composite material is provided for the thermal protection of the fiber-composite material.

[0136] The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2, in a manner corresponding to FIG. 1, is composed of a fibrous layer having at least in part pitch-based carbon fibers (pitch fibers) 13, said fibrous layer being configured as a braided fibrous woven fabric 16 and, according to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b extending across the entire rim internal side of the wheel rim 2.

[0137] The metallic wheel center 3 by way of the wheel flange thereof thus adjoins the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 in a direct and planar manner.

[0138] On account of this direct link between the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 and the metallic wheel center 3, the usable thermal transmission paths and the emission faces can be enlarged, in a manner analogous to the embodiment according to FIG. 1b.

[0139] The operating state of the vehicle wheel 1 in the braking phase is shown in FIG. 2, wherein the procedures and effects correspond in principle to the braking phase described in FIGS. 1a, 1b.

[0140] The heat radiation which is emitted axially in the direction of the wheel center 3 (horizontal arrow close to the wheel hub 5 in FIG. 2) herein is absorbed directly by the metallic wheel center 3, wherein (without a black coating) only a minor part of the thermal radiation is reflected and with a black coating almost the entire heat radiation is absorbed.

[0141] The absorbed thermal energy by way of thermal transmission can be distributed across the entire body of the wheel center 3 (arrow along the wheel center 3 in FIG. 2) and be emitted over a large area across the entire surface of the wheel center 3, in particular also across the spoke intermediate spaces and across the wheel center external side (horizontal arrow on the wheel center external side); said absorbed thermal energy by way of the connection to the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 can additionally be dissipated in the direction of the rim well and onward by way of the visible rim internal side and by way of the obscured portion of the rim internal side in the direction of the rim flanges 8 dissipated to the environment (horizontal arrows along the wheel rim 2 and on the rim flanges in FIG. 2).

[0142] Conversely, in the operating state of the stationary phase of the vehicle wheel 1 (not illustrated here), the thermal radiation absorbed largely by way of the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 in the hotspot region of the rim well cannot only be dissipated and emitted in the direction of the bead seats 15 and the rim flanges 8 but also be transmitted and distributed by way of the connected metallic wheel center 3 and there be discharged, or emitted, respectively, into the environment.

[0143] FIG. 2a shows an exploded sectional illustration of a wheel rim 2 of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIG. 2, prior to the thermo-function structure 7 being applied to the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 on the rim internal side, and prior to the metallic wheel center 3 being assembled on the wheel rim 2.

[0144] The fibrous woven fabric 16 of the fibrous layer of the thermo-function structure 7 that contains the pitch fibers 13 here is configured in the form of a textile tube. The pitch fibers 13 which are oriented in the direction of the axle of the wheel rim 2, or of the vehicle wheel 1, respectively, are supported by fibers or threads 17 of the textile tube that run in the circumferential direction, and said pitch fibers 13 in terms of their orientation and positioning are largely fixed by said fibers or thread 17. When the thermo-function structure 7 is applied to the rim internal side of the wheel rim 2, a uniform positioning of the individual pitch fibers 13 running in parallel in the direction of the axle is thus guaranteed, this improving the distribution of thermal energy and the thermal dissipation along the thermo-function structure 7, in particular from the hotspot of the wheel rim 2 (drop center 14) in the direction of the two bead seats 15 and the rim flanges 8 of the wheel rim 2.

[0145] The support fibers or support threads 17 of the textile tube that run in the circumferential direction are configured so as to be elastic (for example from an elastomer), this facilitating the uniform and parallelized orientation and positioning of the pitch fibers 13.

[0146] The encircling elastic support threads 17 proved to be particularly advantageous for the configuration of a thermo-function structure 7 that is true to the contour in regions of the radial circumferential variation of the component geometry of the wheel rim 2.

[0147] In the production of the wheel rim 2 having the thermo-function structure 7, the elastic textile tube can thus first be fitted onto a mold that replicates the contour of the rim internal side of the wheel rim 2, and by means of corresponding cross-sectional expansions, or cross-sectional constrictions, respectively, of the elastic textile tube be molded precisely to the contour of the mold while retaining the desired fiber position and orientation of the pitch fibers 13, so as to configure the thermo-function structure 7 of the rim internal side of the wheel rim 2 to be true to the contour.

[0148] In order for the wheel rim 2 to be completed, the fibrous tiers of the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 in a subsequent braiding or winding procedure can be applied to the fibrous woven fabric 16 of the thermo-function structure 7 so as to be accurate in terms of the contour, and all fibrous tiers can subsequently be conjointly consolidated.

[0149] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel 1, similar to the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIG. 1.

[0150] In order to avoid repetitions, only the points of differentiation in terms of the features and effective modes in comparison to the embodiment of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIGS. 1, 1a will be described hereunder.

[0151] The wheel center 3 from carbon-fiber reinforced plastics material, as opposed to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1, 1a, has a thermo-function structure 7 from a fibrous layer comprising or being from pitch-based carbon fibers 13, said fibrous layer extending across the entire surface of the wheel center 3 and completely covering the latter.

[0152] This thermo-function structure 7, by virtue of the pitch-based carbon fibers, is thermally highly conductive as well as a real blackbody which is particularly well radiation-absorbing and radiation-emitting in the infrared wave range.

[0153] The wheel center 3 and likewise the wheel rim 2 thus possess in each case a thermo-function structure 7 of substantially identical properties and quality.

[0154] The operating state of the vehicle wheel 1 in the braking phase is shown in FIG. 3.

[0155] The thermal radiation which by the brake disk 6 is emitted axially in the direction of the vehicle wheel 1 (horizontal arrow in FIG. 3 in the wheel-hub-proximal region of the wheel center 3) is largely transmitted to the thermo-function structure 7 in the hotspot region of the wheel center 3, said thermo-function structure 7 as an almost real radiator absorbing the thermal radiation in a largely complete manner.

[0156] The absorbed heat as thermal energy along the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 is distributed about the entire circumference of the wheel center 3 (arrows along the internal and the external side of the wheel center 3 in FIG. 3) and can accordingly be emitted over a large area on the surface of the internal and the external side of the wheel center 3 that is less stressed in thermal terms, outside the hotspot region of the wheel center 3.

[0157] The thermal energy by way of the connection to the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 can additionally be dissipated in the direction of the rim well and of the rim flanges 8 (horizontal arrow along the rim well of the wheel rim 2 in FIG. 3).

[0158] In the stationery phase of the vehicle wheel 1 which is not illustrated, the thermal radiation which is largely absorbed by way of the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 in the hotspot region of the wheel rim 2 (drop center 14) can not only be dissipated and emitted in the direction of the bead seats 15 and the rim flanges 8 but also be transmitted to the connected thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 and be distributed about the entire circumference of the wheel center 3, where said thermal radiation can be emitted over a large area on the surface of the internal and the external side of the wheel center 3 that is less stressed in thermal terms.

[0159] This embodiment offers a maximum potential absorption of the thermal radiation generated in the respective operating states, and furthermore offers a particularly high degree of thermal transmission and maximum potential thermal distribution and emission faces in association with a particularly high degree of thermal emission.

[0160] On account thereof, a particularly efficient cooling effect can be achieved for the protection of the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 and the wheel disk 3 that is situated therebelow, since the pitch fibers 13, on account of the favorable mechanical properties thereof, in the thermo-function structures 7 can contribute toward the load bearing capability of the support structure 11 of the wheel rim 2 and the wheel disk 3, and consequently the mass required for the functioning of the vehicle wheel 1 can be optimized.

[0161] FIG. 3a shows a section illustrated in an enlarged manner through a spoke 4 of the wheel center 3 according to FIG. 3, along the section line B. The support structure 11 of the spoke 4 from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics material can be seen in detail from this illustration, said support structure 11 having a mold core 18 and a plurality of tiers 12 of the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics material that encircle the mold core 18 and are connected so as to abut one another and form the fibrous layers 12 of the support structure 11.

[0162] The thermo-function structure 7 which in the region of the spoke 4 is formed from two sub-tiers 19, the latter configured in the manner of half-shells and corresponding to preformed fibrous scrim 19, comprising or being formed from pitch-based fibers 13 which in each case comprise the support structure 11 of the spoke 4 on both sides of the spoke 4, is disposed so as to bear on the external circumference of the support structure 11.

[0163] The sub-tiers 19 in the manner of half-shells of the thermo-function structure 7 are disposed so as to overlap in the region of the spoke intermediate space 10, on account of which the heat transportation along the thermo-function structure 7 is improved in comparison to a connection of merely abutting preformed sub-tiers in a but joint, the thermal transmission and distribution about the circumference of the spoke 4 (in the direction of the arrows) also becoming more efficient.

[0164] Alternatively, the thermo-function structure 7 in the region of the spokes 4 can also be configured by way of pitch-based fibers 13 of a braided fibrous woven fabric, wherein the elastic textile tube to this end is placed onto the prefabricated support structure 11 of the spoke 4 and molded thereto in an enclosing manner (not illustrated).

[0165] The technological complexity for the production and the molding of the thermo-function structure 7 can thus be minimized, and the abutting seams, or overlapping seams, respectively, as are created on account of the preformed sub-tiers 19, can in particular be avoided, this even further improving the heat transmission and distribution about the circumference of the spoke 4.

[0166] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a vehicle wheel 1 having features similar to the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIGS. 1, 1b, and in the operating state of the braking phase corresponding to the operating state according to FIG. 2.

[0167] In order for repetitions to be avoided, only the points of differentiation in terms of the features and the effective modes in comparison to the embodiment of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIGS. 1, 1b and the operating state according to FIG. 2 will be described hereunder.

[0168] The wheel rim 2 and the wheel center 3 in the case of this exemplary embodiment are in each case composed of glass-fiber-reinforced plastics material. The support structures 11 of the wheel rim 2 and of the wheel center 3 have in each case a plurality of tiers 12 of the glass-fiber-reinforced plastics material. This fiber-composite material is indeed somewhat softer in comparison to the fiber-composite material of the support structures 11 of the vehicle wheel 1 according to FIGS. 1, 1b, but is more tolerant in relation to damage in terms of thermal influences.

[0169] The wheel center 3 and the wheel rim 2 have in each case a thermo-function structure 7 from a fibrous layer comprising or being from pitch-based carbon fibers 13.

[0170] The thermo-function structures 7 are thus thermally highly conductive as well as, as a real blackbody, particularly well radiation-absorbing and radiation-emitting in the infrared wave range.

[0171] The highly conductive and infrared radiation-absorbing and infrared radiation-emitting thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2 extends across the entire rim internal side to the rim flanges 8. The thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel center 3 extends across the wheel center internal side so as to include the wheel flange 9 and can additionally protrude to or into the spoke intermediate spaces 10, or fill the latter.

[0172] The highly conductive and infrared radiation-absorbing and infrared radiation-emitting thermo-function structures 7 of the wheel center 3, and the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim 2, are connected to one another in the transition region from the wheel center 3 to the wheel rim 2, corresponding to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1b.

[0173] The thermo-function structures 7 of the wheel disk 3 and of the wheel rim 2 have in each case an infrared radiation-permeable cover layer 20. Said cover layer 20 is preferably a transparent or slightly dyed PE film, or an infrared radiation-permeable lacquer, for example an acrylic-base lacquer.

[0174] Said cover layer 20 predominantly serves as the mechanical protection of the pitch fibers 13 of the covered region of the thermo-function structure 7, or else for the aesthetic design of the visible surface of the thermo-function structure 7, without significantly impeding the passage of the thermal radiation and weakening the absorption output or emission output, respectively, of the covered thermo-function structure 7.

[0175] Since the infrared radiation-permeable cover layer 20 in terms of thermal technology barely has any influence on the function of the thermo-function structure 7, the procedures and effective modes of the shown operating state of the vehicle wheel 1 in terms of thermal technology correspond in principle to the respective preceding descriptions pertaining to the operating state braking phase in the preceding exemplary embodiments according to the vehicle wheel according to FIGS. 1b, 2, and 3.

[0176] For design purposes, it is conceivable for the cover layer 20 in part, or in portions, respectively, to be designed so as to be dyed in an opaque manner, without disadvantageously compromising the required throughput performance for transmitting the thermal radiation.

[0177] The cover layer 20, for example in the region of the direct radiation input to the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim, or of the wheel center, respectively, such as, for example, in the region of the rim well/drop center and of the wheel-hub-proximal region of the wheel center internal side (thermal input regions) and/or in particularly radiation-effective thermal output regions (rim flange, spoke external side) can thus be configured in the aforedescribed manner so as to be infrared radiation-permeable, transparent, and in regions of a predominant heat transmission function of the thermo-function structure 7 of the wheel rim, or of the wheel center, respectively, (such as, for example, at the spoke intermediate spaces, at the wheel flange, at the transition from the drop center to the bead seat) can be configured so as to be dyed opaque (not illustrated).

[0178] The cover layer 20 configured so as to be infrared radiation-permeable, transparent, can furthermore be varied in arbitrary patterns, having a cover layer that is configured so as to be dyed opaque.

[0179] The transitions between the cover layer 20 configured so as to be infrared radiation permeable, transparent, and a cover layer configured so as to be dyed opaque can moreover be designed so as to be fluent.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0180] 1 Vehicle wheel [0181] 2 Wheel rim [0182] 3 Wheel disk, wheel center [0183] 4 Spoke of the wheel center [0184] 5 Wheel hub [0185] 6 Brake system having brake disk [0186] 7 Thermo-function structure [0187] 8 Rim flange [0188] 9 Wheel flange of the wheel disk, or the wheel center [0189] 10 Spoke intermediate space [0190] 11 Support structure [0191] 12 Tier, fibrous layer of the support structure [0192] 13 Pitch-based carbon fibers, pitch fibers [0193] 14 Drop center of the wheel rim [0194] 15 Bead seat [0195] 16 Fibrous woven fabric, textile tube [0196] 17 Threads, fibers, running in the circumferential direction [0197] 18 Mold core [0198] 19 Fibrous scrim, sub-tiers [0199] 20 Infrared-radiation-permeable cover layer