ATTACHMENT FOR A VEHICLE WHEEL

Abstract

An attachment for a vehicle wheel enables driving operation with limited tire function. The attachment includes a base body and a fastening device for fastening the attachment to a rim of the vehicle wheel, wherein the base body, when seen in an axial direction, is circular or annular in shape.

Claims

1.-25. (canceled)

26. An attachment for a vehicle wheel for enabling driving operation with limited tire function, the attachment comprising: a base body, and a fastening device for fastening the attachment to a rim of the vehicle wheel, wherein the base body, when seen in an axial direction, is circular or annular in shape.

27. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one detachable fastening member.

28. The attachment as claimed in claim 27, wherein the fastening device is configured such that the at least one detachable fastening member, in at least two positions which are arranged offset relative to one another in the radial direction, can be connected to the base body, wherein the at least two positions are each adapted to a specific rim diameter.

29. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastening device is configured to be adaptable in respect of the rim diameter.

30. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one fastening member which, in a state connected to the base body, is movable in at least one of a radial or axial direction relative to the base body.

31. The attachment as claimed in claim 27, wherein the fastening device comprises a coupling mechanism which couples a movement of at least two movable fastening members in at least one of a radial or an axial direction.

32. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one of a spring mounted fastening member or a spring mounted holding lug to fasten the fastening device to the attachment.

33. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastening device comprises a hook portion configured to engage behind a rim flange of the rim of the vehicle wheel.

34. The attachment as claimed in claim 33, wherein the fastening device comprises a contact portion arranged on the hook portion, wherein the contact portion comprises a resilient, elastic coating for preventing damage to the rim flange.

35. The attachment as claimed in claim 34, wherein the contact portion is curved in a circumferential direction in order to rest flat on the rim flange.

36. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastening device is configured to contact the rim over at least a sixth of its circumferential extent upon mounting of the attachment on the vehicle wheel.

37. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastening device is configured such that the attachment, on fastening to the rim of the vehicle wheel, is urged in an axial direction towards the rim.

38. The attachment as claimed in claim 37, wherein the fastening device comprises a clamping surface sloped radially inwards in a linear or arcuate manner, and wherein the fastening device is configured such that the clamping surface, on fastening of the attachment to the rim of the vehicle wheel, moves radially inwards.

39. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the base body comprises a rim-side part and a part remote from the rim which is detachable from the rim-side part.

40. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the base body comprises at least two circumferential segments connected together in the circumferential direction via a detachable folding mechanism or an engagement structure.

41. The attachment as claimed in claim 26, wherein the attachment comprises a tread body formed of an elastically resilient material or has an elastically resilient structure.

42. An attachment set for a vehicle wheel, comprising: a first attachment for fastening to a rim of the vehicle wheel on a vehicle side thereof, and a second attachment for fastening to the rim of the vehicle wheel on a side of the vehicle wheel opposite the vehicle side, wherein at least one of the first and second attachments includes a base body, and a fastening device for fastening the at least one of the first and second attachments to the rim of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the base body, when seen in an axial direction, is circular or annular in shape.

43. The attachment set of claim 42, further comprising a connecting element with which the first and second attachments can be fastened to one another on opposite sides of the vehicle wheel and mutually against the vehicle wheel in order to permit fastening of the at least one of the first and second attachments to the rim of the vehicle wheel via the fastening device.

44. A system, comprising: a vehicle wheel, and at least one attachment for the vehicle wheel for enabling driving operation with limited tire function, wherein the at least one attachment includes a base body, and a fastening device for fastening the at least one attachment to a rim of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the base body, when seen in an axial direction, is circular or annular in shape.

45. The system in claim 44, wherein the at least one attachment: (i) has a recess via which the at least one attachment can be screwed to the rim of the vehicle wheel with a fastening screw engaging a screw hole defined in the rim of the vehicle wheel, or (ii) is configured to be connected to the rim of the vehicle wheel via a self-tensioning or self-locking bolt-and-hole connection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In the drawings:

[0038] FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of an attachment according to the invention in different views;

[0039] FIGS. 5 to 8 show the attachment of FIG. 1 in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel in different views;

[0040] FIG. 9 shows a detailed representation of an alternative embodiment of fastening means of the attachment;

[0041] FIGS. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of the attachment in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel (FIG. 10) and shown in part and in the disassembled state (FIG. 11);

[0042] FIGS. 12 to 15 show an alternative embodiment of the attachment in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel (FIGS. 12 to 14; in FIG. 14 cut along line XIV-XIV from FIG. 13) and shown in part and in the disassembled state (FIG. 15);

[0043] FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment shown in part and in the disassembled state;

[0044] FIGS. 17 to 19 show an alternative embodiment of the attachment in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel (FIGS. 17 to 19; in FIG. 19 cut along line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17);

[0045] FIG. 20 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel;

[0046] FIGS. 21 to 24 show an alternative embodiment of the attachment (FIG. 21 in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel, in FIG. 22 without the vehicle wheel, FIG. 23 without the vehicle wheel and folded, FIG. 24 cut along line XXIV from FIGS. 21);

[0047] FIGS. 21 to 24 show an alternative embodiment of the attachment (FIG. 21 in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel, in FIG. 22 without the vehicle wheel, FIG. 23 without the vehicle wheel and folded, FIG. 24 cut along line XXIV from FIG. 21);

[0048] FIG. 25 shows an attachment set in the state mounted on a vehicle wheel;

[0049] FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment set in a schematic representation and in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel; and

[0050] FIG. 27 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment set in a schematic representation and in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In the following figures, corresponding components and elements carry the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, not all reference numerals are repeated in all figures.

[0052] An attachment 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1, wherein the vehicle wheel 12 is not shown in FIG. 1 (the vehicle wheel 12 is, however, shown together with the attachment 10 in FIGS. 5 to 8, for example). The attachment 10 serves to enable vehicle operation with limited tire function.

[0053] The vehicle wheel 12 is a vehicle wheel 12 of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle is not shown. Driving operation with limited tire function means in the present case driving operation in which a tire 14 of the vehicle wheel 12 (see, for example, FIGS. 5 to 8) cannot be operated with the properties that it exhibits under usual road conditions and the usual tire condition. This can mean, for example, driving with a flat tire 14 or also operation of the vehicle in icy or snowy conditions. The preferred field of application of the present invention is to enable driving with a flat tire 14.

[0054] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is suitable in particular for enabling driving operation in snowy or icy conditions.

[0055] The attachment 10 generally comprises a base body 20 and a fastening device 24 for fastening the attachment 10 to a rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12.

[0056] The base body 20, when seen in an axial direction 28, is circular or largely annular in shape (see, for example, FIG. 1). This means that the base body 20 in its assembled state, as is shown, for example, in FIG. 1, in which it is also mounted on the vehicle wheel 12 in driving operation, has the shape just mentioned.

[0057] In the present case, axial direction 28 means the direction of the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel 12. A radial direction 30 means the direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel 12. The tire 14 of the vehicle wheel 12 is thus arranged radially outwards, when seen from the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12. A bolt circle 32 (see, for example, FIG. 6) of the vehicle wheel 12, for example, is located radially inwards.

[0058] The fastening device 24 can comprise at least one detachable fastening means 32, advantageously a plurality of detachable fastening means (see, for example, FIGS. 1 to 11).

[0059] The fastening device 24 can also be so configured that the detachable fastening means 32 in at least two positions P1 and P1 which are arranged offset relative to one another in the radial direction 30 can each be connected to the base body 20 in positions P1 and P2 which are adapted to a specific rim diameter (see FIG. 16, which shows such an exemplary embodiment in a representation corresponding to the representation of FIG. 2).

[0060] Advantageously, the fastening device 24 is so configured that it is adaptable in respect of a rim diameter. This can be achieved, for example, via fastening means 32 which are movable, in particular as shown in FIG. 1 displaceable, in the radial direction 30.

[0061] In FIG. 1, the fastening means 32 of the fastening device 24 are each detachably fastened to holding lugs 34. The fastening of the fastening means 32 to the holding lugs 34 is so configured that the fastening means 32 are displaceable in the radial direction relative to the base body 20, or relative to the holding lugs 34. The holding lugs 34 are fixedly connected to the base body 20. As a result of the displacement of the fastening means 32, the attachment 10 can be adapted to different rim diameters. It is, however, also conceivable to achieve an adaptable fastening device 24 by pivoting fastening means 32. Preferably, however, the fastening means 32 are displaceable in the radial direction 30 as well as in the axial direction 28 relative to the base body 20 or relative to the holding lugs 34.

[0062] The fastening means 32 can be spring mounted relative to the holding lugs 34. Likewise, the holding lugs 34 can be spring mounted relative to the base body 20.

[0063] It is additionally advantageous if the fastening device 24 comprises a coupling mechanism 36. This coupling mechanism 36, as is shown schematically in FIG. 1, for example, can couple a movement of at least two movable, preferably (as shown in FIG. 1) all of the movable, fastening means 32 in the radial direction 30 and/or in the axial direction 28. Preferably, the coupling mechanism 36 is so configured that the movement of the coupled movable fastening means 32 is uniform, that is to say they move radially (or axially) inwards or radially (or axially) outwards at the same speed. Such a coupling mechanism 36 can be combined with all the embodiments described here which comprise fastening means 32, and such combinations are subject-matter of the present invention.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment (as is to be seen, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9), the fastening device 24, or the fastening means 32 thereof, comprise or comprises a hook portion 38 which is configured to engage behind a portion 40, in particular a rim flange 40, of the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12 (this engagement is shown, for example, in FIG. 8).

[0065] Preferably, the fastening device 24 has a contact portion 42 or a plurality of contact portions 42 (the contact portions 42 are clearly visible in FIG. 3, for example), which is preferably arranged on the hook portion 38. The contact portions advantageously have a resilient, elastic coating 44 which serves to prevent damage to the portion of the rim 26, in particular of the rim flange 40.

[0066] The contact portion 42, or the hook portion 38, can, as is clearly visible in FIG. 3 and also in particular in FIG. 9, be configured to be curved in a circumferential direction 46, in order to conform to, or rest flat against, the rim flange 40 when the attachment 10 is mounted on the rim 26.

[0067] The fastening device 24 is preferably so configured that it contacts, in particular via the hook portions 38 and/or the contact portions 42, the rim 26, in particular the rim flange 40, over at least a sixth (see FIG. 9), preferably a quarter, preferably a third, preferably half, of the circumferential extent thereof when the attachment 10 is mounted on the vehicle wheel 12.

[0068] In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the fastening means 32 have prolongations 48 which are extended and curved in the circumferential direction 46 and which permit broad, flat contacting of the rim flange 40, so that the contact portions 42 of the respective fastening means 32 rest on the rim flange 40 over at least a sixth of the circumferential extent thereof.

[0069] The fastening device 24 is preferably so configured that the attachment 10, on fastening to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12, is urged in the axial direction 28 towards the rim 26 (see, for example, the curved form of the hook portions in FIG. 3).

[0070] Such urging of the attachment in the direction of the rim 26 is preferably achieved by a corresponding form of the fastening means 32 or the contact portion 42 of the fastening device 24, in particular the hook portion 38.

[0071] The fastening device 24 advantageously comprises at least one clamping surface 50 which, when seen in the axial direction 28, slopes radially inwards, preferably in a linear or arcuate manner, wherein the fastening device 24 is so configured that the clamping surface 50, on fastening of the attachment 10 to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12, moves, in particular is displaced, radially inwards, and the clamping surface 50 is so configured that the attachment 10, on fastening to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12, is urged in the axial direction 28 towards the rim 26.

[0072] Such a clamping surface 50 is configured, for example in FIG. 3, as part of the contact portions 42 or of the hook portions 38. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the clamping surfaces 50 are so curved that the attachment 10, when the fastening means 32 move radially inwards on mounting of the attachment 10 on the rim 26, is urged by the curve of the clamping surfaces 50 in the axial direction 28 towards the vehicle wheel 12. To that end, the clamping surfaces 50 do not, however, have to be curved, as shown in FIG. 3. They can also be, for example, straight and slope radially inwards, when seen from an outer side 52 of the attachment 10. For the function of the clamping surfaces 50, it is sufficient that they slope radially inwards when seen from the outer side 52 of the attachment 10, looking in the axial direction 28.

[0073] The base body 20 can, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 3, comprise a rim-side part 56 and a part 58 which is remote from the rim and can be detached from the rim-side part.

[0074] The base body 20 can thus, for example in the embodiment of FIG. 3, be divided into two parts 56 and 58 having largely the shape of an annular disc.

[0075] The base body 20, or optionally the rim-side part 56 and the part 58 remote from the rim, advantageously comprises or comprise at least two circumferential segments 60.

[0076] In the example of FIG. 1, the rim-side part 56 and the part 58 remote from the rim each comprise four circumferential segments 60. One of these circumferential segments 60 of the attachment 10, which is shown in FIG. 1, is shown in FIG. 2 in a detailed representation.

[0077] In the case of the attachment 10 shown in FIG. 1, the circumferential segments 60 are connected together by an interlocking holding means 62. A prolongation 64 in dovetail form in the circumferential direction 46 is thereby inserted into a corresponding recess 66 of the adjacent segment 60. Via screw holes 68, screws can be screwed into corresponding screw receivers 70 on the recess 66 and the segments 60 thus fixedly connected together. The use of screws in combination with the screw holes 68 and the screw receivers 70 is not essential; instead, other fastening mechanisms, such as, for example, clips or clamps, can also be used.

[0078] The holding means 62 shown, for example, in FIG. 1 having the prolongations 64 in dovetail form and the corresponding recesses 66 represents a possible embodiment of an engagement structure 70 in the circumferential direction 46 for the detachable connection of the circumferential segments 60.

[0079] The circumferential segments 60 can also be connected together in the circumferential direction 46 via a, preferably detachable, folding mechanism 74. Such an embodiment is shown, for example, in FIG. 10.

[0080] It is advantageous if the rim-side part 56 and the part 58 remote from the rim, or a segment 60 of each of the rim-side part 56 and the part 58 remote from the rim, form in the assembled state a receiving portion 80 in which a tread body 84, or a segment 86 of the tread body 84 (which in respect of its circumferential extent is formed corresponding to the circumferential segments 60 of the base body 20), can be inserted on assembly into the assembled state in such a manner that it is held in an interlocking manner, in particular via an interlocking engagement 88.

[0081] Preferably, the attachment 10 is formed with a tread body 84 which is shock-absorbing.

[0082] Preferably, the tread body 84 is formed of an elastically resilient material 90, for example rubber or another elastically resilient polymer. Alternatively or in addition, the tread body 84 can also have an elastically resilient structure, in particular a structure comprising voids 92 and/or holes 94 or openings 94 (see FIG. 4, left). In FIG. 22, one of the segments 86 of the tread body 84 is shown with such openings 94 and a further segment 86 of the tread body 84 is shown without such openings 94. Preferably, however, the tread body 84 is uniform over its entire circumferential extent, that is to say formed either with openings 94 or without openings 94.

[0083] A running surface 100, that is to say the contact surface of the attachment 10 with the road, can be formed by the tread body 84, or the radially outer surface thereof.

[0084] In an embodiment variant, as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 17 to 19, a radially outer running surface 100 of the attachment 10 extends, when seen in the direction of the vehicle wheel 12 in the axial direction 28, into a rim mouth of the rim 26, when the attachment 10 is fastened to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12. In FIG. 8, the rim mouth 105 is marked with a corresponding reference numeral, and a rim mouth is designated with reference numeral 107. The form with such a running surface 100 can of course also be combined with the segments 60 which are detachably connected together, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1.

[0085] The attachment 10 can also have an additional fastening element 110. The additional fastening element 110 is provided to fasten the attachment 10 in the middle region of the rim 26. To that end, the additional fastening element 110 can be configured, for example, to fasten the attachment 10 to the rim 26 in the region of the bolt circle 32, in particular at the bolt circle 32 (as shown in FIG. 20) and/or at a central opening 109 (the central opening 109 is provided with a reference numeral in FIG. 6, for example) of the rim 26 and/or at a spoke 112 of the rim 26.

[0086] Such an additional fastening element 110 can, as shown in FIG. 20, be formed in one piece with the base body 20 of the attachment 10. Alternatively, however, it is likewise possible for the additional fastening element 110 to be detachably fastened to the attachment 10. Preferably, the fastening of the additional fastening element 110 is such that the additional fastening element 110 is movable, preferably displaceable and/or pivotable, relative to the attachment 10.

[0087] For example, the additional fastening element 110 can be in such a form that it can be pushed into the base body 20 of the attachment 10 or it can be in foldable form. The additional fastening element 110 can also have a joint in the region of the bolt circle 32, so that it consists, for example, of two individual elements. The additional fastening element 110 can be combined with the different embodiments of the base body 20 of the attachment 10.

[0088] As is shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, it can be advantageous if the base body 20 has openings 115. These openings 115 can on the one hand reduce the weight of the base body 20 and thus of the attachment 10. On the other hand, these openings 115 can serve to make the attachment 10 easily foldable (see FIG. 23). In the folded state, elements protruding from the surface of the base body 20, such as, for example, the fastening device 24, can easily be folded into the openings 115 (see FIG. 23).

[0089] The present invention also provides an attachment set 120 for a vehicle wheel 12, characterized in that it comprises an attachment 10a for fastening to the rim 26 of the vehicle 12 on the vehicle side, and a further attachment 10b for fastening to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12 on the side remote from the vehicle, wherein at least one of the two attachments 10a, 10b is configured as described above.

[0090] Preferably, both attachments 10a, 10b, as shown in FIG. 24, are formed according to one of the further embodiments described herein.

[0091] Preferably, the attachment set 120 comprises a connecting element 130 with which the two attachments 10a, 10b of the attachment set 120 can be fastened, in particular clamped, in a loss-proof manner on opposite sides of the vehicle wheel 12 and mutually against the vehicle wheel 12, in order to permit final fastening via the fastening means 24. To that end, the connecting element 130 can be so configured, for example, that it can be hooked into the two attachments 10a, 10b. If the connecting element 130 is to clamp both attachments 10a, 10b against the vehicle wheel 12, then the connecting element 130 can be in such a form that it can be shortened via a screw mechanism or in such a form that it can be shortened by being pushed in. In the variant which can be shortened by being pushed in, pushing in should be possible with low resistance and removal should be possible only after actuation of a detachment mechanism, in order to prevent unintentional detachment. The connecting element 130 can also be in resilient form so that it is tensioned on fitting and then clamps the two attachments 10a, 10b against the vehicle wheel 12 by its residual stress.

[0092] The invention also provides a system 140 comprising a vehicle wheel 12 and an attachment 10 or an attachment set 120 for a vehicle wheel 12, wherein the attachment 10 or the attachment set 120 is configured according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0093] Preferably, in the system 140, the attachment 10, or at least one of the attachments 10, has a recess 150 (see, for example, FIG. 14 or FIG. 26) via which the attachment 10 can be screwed to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12, wherein the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12 comprises a screw hole 160 for receiving a corresponding fastening screw 170, as is shown schematically in FIG. 26.

[0094] Alternatively, the attachment 10, or at least one of the attachments 10, can be capable of being connected to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12 via a bolt-and-hole connection 180, which is preferably of self-tensioning and/or self-locking form, as is shown schematically in FIG. 27.