Lock for wheel rim and assemblies, systems, and methods thereof

A wheel rim assembly and components, systems, and methods thereof can have a rim base with at least one slot at an outer end portion thereof, a bead seat band radially outward of the outer end portion of the rim base, and at least one lock provided in the at least one slot. The bead seat band may be in direct contact with the outer end portion of the rim base. The lock can have a first portion that is provided in the slot of the rim base and a second portion that is outside of the slot. The second portion may be adjacent to the bead seat band. The wheel rim assembly may be free of or without a lock ring at the outer end portion of the rim base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a lock for wheel rims and assemblies, systems, and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND

Conventional wheel rim designs may use a compressive-force lock ring to prevent movement of components in a direction along an axis of rotation of the wheel rim. Larger wheel rim designs may also use a driver key to prevent indexing/rotation of the rim components relative to each other, for instance, while under load. Assembly of such wheel rim designs may be relatively complicated, however. Improper assembly may lead to negative performance impacts, such as undesirable relative movement between rim components and corresponding disruption between rim component interfaces and/or the lock ring coming off with significant force.

U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2016/0311254 (“the '254 publication”) describes a wheel assembly with a low profile outboard driver locking arrangement. The '254 publication describes that the wheel assembly includes a locking ring radially and axially interposed between the rim and flange member. The '254 publication also describes a locking arrangement mounted between the rim and a flange member slidably received on the rim. According to the '254 publication, the locking ring prevents the flange member from sliding axially off the rim once the elements are assembled with a tire. Also according to the '254 publication, a key is received by the locking arrangement to prevent rotational movement of the rim relative to the flange member and vice versa. As noted above, a lock ring and/or driver key may be undesirable in certain instances.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a wheel rim assembly. The wheel rim assembly can comprise: a rim base having at least one slot at an outer end portion thereof; a bead seat band radially outward of and in direct contact with the outer end portion of the rim base; and at least one lock respectively provided in the at least one slot. Each said at least one lock can have a first portion that is provided in the at least slot of the rim base and a second portion that is outside of the slot and adjacent to the bead seat band. The wheel rim assembly can be free of a lock ring at the outer end portion of the rim base between the rim base and the bead seat band.

In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method regarding a multi-component wheel rim. The method can comprise: providing a rim base of the multi-component wheel rim, the rim base having an inner end portion, an outer end portion opposite the inner end portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner end portion and the outer end portion, a plurality of slots extending through the outer end portion of the rim base, the slots being spaced apart from each other around a circumference of the rim base; providing a bead seat band of the multi-component wheel rim, the bead seat band being adapted to, when assembled, circumscribe the outer end portion of the rim base such that a portion of the bead seat band is in direct contact with the outer end portion of the rim base; and providing a plurality of locks respectively provided in the plurality of slots of the outer end portion of the rim base, each of the locks having a base and a first projection, the first projection extending from a first side of the base and being adapted to extend into the slot of the rim base when assembled.

In yet another embodiment, a multi-component wheel rim for a tire of a construction or manufacturing vehicle is described. The multi-component wheel rim can comprise: a rim base having an inner end portion, an outer end portion opposite the inner end portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner end portion and the outer end portion in a direction of a central longitudinal axis of the multi-component wheel rim, a plurality of slots extending entirely through the outer end portion of the rim base, the slots being spaced apart from each other around a circumference of the rim base; a pair of side rings, a first side ring of the pair of side rings circumscribing the outer end portion of the rim base and a second side ring of the pair of side rings circumscribing the inner end portion of the rim base; a bead seat band circumscribing the outer end portion of the rim base and being circumscribed by the first side ring such that a portion of the bead seat band is between and in direct contact with the first side ring and the outer end portion of the rim base; and a plurality of locks respectively provided in the plurality of slots of the outer end portion of the rim base, each of the locks being elongate with a base and a first projection, the first projection extending from a first side of the base and into the slot of the rim base, and the base being outside of the slot of the rim base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a lock for wheel rims and assemblies, systems, and methods thereof.

Wheel rims are used to install tires to vehicles, such as manufacturing or construction vehicles (e.g., wheel loaders). Wheel rims used on vehicles with relatively large tires may have structurally reinforced beads that are not sufficiently deformable to slide over side flanges of the rims. As a result, the rims can be formed of multiple pieces, for example, three pieces, four pieces, or five pieces, to facilitate mounting the tires on the rims and removing the tires from the rims. In the case of three- and four-piece wheel rims an outer flange or side ring may also serve as a bead seat band, also known as a taper band or an advance band. Such rims formed of multiple pieces may be referred to as multi-piece wheel rims.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a wheel rim assembly100according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, andFIG.2is an enlarged sectional view of an outer end portion of the wheel rim assembly100.

The wheel rim assembly100can include a wheel rim102and a pair of flanges, particularly a first flange110and a second flange112provided in spaced relation to each other. The first flange110and the second flange112may be referred to as a first side ring110and a second side ring112, respectively.

The wheel rim102can be comprised of a rim base104on which a tire150(shown, diagrammatically, inFIG.2) can be mounted, and the first and second side rings110,112can hold the tire150on the rim base104. The first side ring110and the second side ring112can define bead seats that receive respective tire beads (FIG.2shows tire bead152associated with the first side ring110). In this regard, the bead seats can assist with securing the tire150on the rim base104. As shown inFIG.1, the first side ring110can circumscribe the rim base104, particularly a periphery or outer end portion105thereof. Likewise, the second side ring112can circumscribe the rim base104, particularly an inner end portion107thereof opposite the outer end portion105. In the context of the present application inner and outer may refer to the orientation of the wheel rim102when provided or as intended to be provided on an axle of a vehicle.

The wheel rim assembly100can also include a bead seat band120. As shown inFIG.1andFIG.2, the bead seat band120can be positioned about the periphery or outer end portion105of the rim base104, for instance, circumscribing some or all of the outer end portion105of the rim base104. Also shown inFIG.1andFIG.2, the bead seat band120can be provided between the rim base104and the first side ring110, where the first side ring110may circumscribe some or all of the bead seat band120. Discussed in more detail below, the bead seat band120can be in direct contact with the outer end portion105of the rim base104and the first side ring110, on opposite surfaces of the bead seat band120.

The wheel rim assembly100can also include one or more locks130.FIG.1, for instance, shows for locks130, though embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited. That is, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include one lock130or multiple locks, such as two locks130, three locks130, or four locks130, such as shown inFIG.1. Discussed in more detail below, the one or more locks130may be provided in lieu of a lock or locking ring. Hence, wheel rim assemblies, such as wheel rim assembly100, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, may be free of or without the lock or locking ring between the outer end portion105of the rim base104and the first side ring110. Optionally, the one or more locks130may be provided in lieu of one or more driver keys. Wheel rim assemblies according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, therefore, may also be considered free of or without any driver keys. According to one or more embodiments, the locks130may be spaced equally around the circumference of the wheel rim assembly100such that the locks130are spaced from each other by an equal distance.FIG.1, for instance, shows the locks130spaced from adjacent locks130by ninety degrees.

FIG.3Ais a perspective view of the exemplary rim base104. The rim base104may be defined at opposing ends by the outer end portion105and the inner end portion107. A middle portion106may extend between the outer end portion105and the inner end portion107in a direction of a central longitudinal axis of the rim base104. Notably, the rim base104may have one or more slots108.FIG.3A, for instance, shows the rim base104having four slots108. According to one or more embodiments, the slots108may be spaced equally around the circumference of the rim base104such that the slots108are spaced from each other by an equal distance.FIG.3A, for instance, shows the slots108spaced from adjacent slots108by ninety degrees.

The slots108may have a length greater than a width, where the length of the slots108can extend in a circumferential direction of the rim base104. According to one or more embodiments, the slots108may extend entirely through the outer end portion105of the rim base104in a thickness direction of the rim base104. Discussed in more detail below, each slot108may be sized to receive and retain a portion of a corresponding one of the locks130.

FIG.3Bshows an exemplary lock130according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The lock130, which may be elongate, may have a base132and a first projection136extending from a first side of the base132. The base132may be referred to herein as a second portion of the lock130and the first projection136may be referred to as a first portion of the lock130. Optionally, the lock130may have a second projection138, which may extend from a second side of the base132opposite the first side, such as shown inFIG.3B. The second projection138may also be considered part of the above-discussed second portion of the lock130in one or more embodiments.

The base132may have opposing ends, each of which may be flat and optionally parallel to each other. A bottom wall of the base132, i.e., the first side of the base132from which the first projection136extends, can be curved or arcuate, for instance, to match or substantially match the curvature of the rim base104. The base132may also have a pair of sidewalls, which may be referred to as an inner sidewall133and an outer sidewall134. The inner sidewall133may be angled or inwardly sloping. Optionally, the outer sidewall134may be inwardly angled or sloping. Hence, the inner sidewall133and the outer sidewall134may be referred to as inner inwardly sloping sidewall133and outer inwardly sloping sidewall134. As shown inFIG.3B, a top wall135(and optionally the second projection138) may connect the inner sidewall133and the outer sidewall134. Optionally, the lock130may be symmetrical. Hence, the inner or outer characterizations of the sidewalls133,134may change based on the orientation of the lock130.

The first projection136may have a length less than a length of the base132. The first projection136may also have a width less than a width of the base132. On the other hand, the first projection136may extend in a thickness direction more than the base132. That is, the first projection136may be viewed as being thicker than the base132.

The second projection138may have a length less than the length of the base132. The second projection138may also have a width less than the width of the base132. On the other hand, the second projection138may extend in a thickness direction more than the base132. That is, the second projection138may be viewed as being thicker than the base132. Optionally, the length of the second projection138may be less than the length of the first projection136. The heights of the first projection136and the second projection138in the thickness direction of the lock130may be the same or different. For instance, the height of the first projection136may be greater than the height of the second projection138.

The configuration of the lock130may be to act as a key to ensure proper placement in the wheel rim assembly100. For instance, the first projection136may be sized to be friction-fit into the slot108of the rim base104but may be too long to be received in the cut-out122of the bead seat band120. Additionally or alternatively, the second projection138may be sized to be friction-fit in the cut-out122but not in the slot108of the rim base104.

FIG.3Cis a perspective view of the exemplary bead seat band120. As noted above, the bead seat band120may fit around the rim base104, particularly the outer end portion105thereof. The bead seat band120can include one or more notches or cut-outs122.FIG.3C, for instance, shows four cut-outs122. According to one or more embodiments, the cut-outs122may be spaced equally around the circumference of the bead seat band120such that the cut-outs122are spaced from each other by an equal distance.FIG.3C, for instance, shows the cut-outs122spaced from adjacent cut-outs122by ninety degrees. The cut-outs122may extend entirely through the bead seat band120. Generally, the cut-outs122may be sized to receive a portion of the lock130, such as the second projection138of the lock130. Optionally, the cut-outs122may be a cut-out into an outer edge of the bead seat band120, such as shown inFIG.3C, rather than inward of the outer edge of the bead seat band120.

Returning toFIG.1andFIG.2, each lock130may be provided in or received by a corresponding one of the slots108in the outer end portion105of the rim base104. As shown, the first projection136of the lock130may extend into the slot108. Optionally, the first projection136may not extend past the bottom of the slot108. When the first projection136of the lock130is in the slot108the base132of the lock130may not extend into the slot108. That is, according to one or more embodiments, no part of the base132of the lock130may extend into the slot108. The bottom surface of the base132may be flush with the outer radial surface of the rim base104. The lock130may be engaged with the rim base104in the slot108without use of an adhesive.

As shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, as well asFIG.2, each lock130may be provided in or received by a corresponding one of the cut-outs122of the bead seat band120. In particular, according to one or more embodiments, the second projection138of the lock130may be provided in or received by the cut-out122of the bead seat band120. The second projection138may extend at least all the way through the cut-out122in a thickness direction of the cut-out122. Optionally, the second projection138may project from an outer radial surface of the bead seat band120, such as shown inFIG.4.

According to one or more embodiments, when the lock130is positioned in the cut-out122of the bead seat band120the base132of the lock130may be adjacent to the bead seat band120, such as shown inFIG.2. For instance, at least a portion of the inner sidewall133of the lock130may directly interface or contact the bead seat band120, such as shown inFIG.4. As shown inFIG.5, the top wall135of the lock130may also be in direct contact with the bead seat band120, particularly a radially inner surface of the bead seat band120. Optionally, a gap may exist on one or both ends of the second projection138relative to inner surfaces of the bead seat band120that define the cut-out122. Such gap(s) may accommodate placement of the second projection138in the cut-out122. The lock130may be engaged with the bead seat band120in the cut-out122without use of an adhesive.

Turning toFIG.6andFIG.7, these figures show a wheel rim assembly200according to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Notably, the locks230can be without a second projection, and a base232of each of the locks230can be provided in respective cut-outs222of a bead seat band220. The cut-outs222of the bead seat band220may also have outer radially walls defined by the bead seat band220, rather than being open as in the previous embodiment. That is, the cut-outs222may be defined on all sides by the bead seat band220. Optionally, the bead seat band220may also interface or be in direct contact with more of inner sidewall233of base232of lock230as compared to the previous embodiment. Such interface between the bead seat band220and the inner sidewall233may create a seal therebetween. The bead seat band220may be comprised of two components fixed (e.g., welded) together, that is, one component of the combination that abuts the inner sidewall233and another component of the combination that forms the top and end walls of the cut-outs222that are integral or formed in one piece as the bead seat band220as an end component.

FIG.8is a sectional view of an outer end portion of a wheel rim assembly300according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In the wheel rim assembly300a lock330may be the same or the lock230discussed in the previous embodiment, but the interface with bead seat band320may be different. In particular, the bead seat band320may not include any cut-outs, and the bead seat band320may interface or be in direct contact with inner sidewall333of base332of lock330. Such interface between the bead seat band320and the inner sidewall333may create a seal therebetween. Top wall335of the base332may be provided adjacent to an inner radial wall of the bead seat band320.

FIG.9is a sectional view of an outer end portion of a wheel rim assembly400according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. The wheel rim assembly400is similar to the wheel rim assembly200ofFIG.6andFIG.7but without cut-outs222. Hence, bead seat band420may interface or be in direct contact with inner sidewall433of base432of lock430. In this embodiment, the bead seat band420may not extend over the top wall435of the base432.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As noted above, the present disclosure relates to locks for wheel rims and assemblies, systems, and methods thereof.

Wheel rims are used to install tires to vehicles, such as manufacturing or construction vehicles (e.g., wheel loaders). Wheel rims used on vehicles with relatively large tires may have structurally reinforced beads that are not sufficiently deformable to slide over side flanges of the rims. As a result, the rims can be formed of multiple pieces, for example, three pieces, four pieces, or five pieces, to facilitate mounting the tires on the rims and removing the tires from the rims. ThoughFIGS.1-9show and describe wheel rim assemblies in the context of five-piece wheel rim assemblies, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited. Rather, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may also implement or involve other multi-piece wheel rim assemblies, such as three- and four-piece wheel rim assemblies. In the case of three- and four-piece wheel rim assemblies an outer flange or side ring may also serve as a bead seat band, such as bead seat bands120,220,320, and420. That is, the outer flange or side ring and the bead seat band may be integral or formed in one piece. As a non-limiting example, wheels having diameters of twenty-nine inches or greater may be five-piece wheel rim assemblies.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a wheel rim assembly that can implement a lock, such as locks130,230,330,430described above, in lieu of a lock ring, to provide the functionality of the lock ring. Hence, wheel rim assemblies according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter (e.g., wheel rim assemblies100,200,300,400), may be free of or without the lock or locking ring between the outer end portion of the rim base and the bead seat band and first side ring.

Implementation of one or more locks (e.g., locks130,230,330,430) according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, therefore, can prevent movement of other components in the direction along the central longitudinal axis of rotation of the rim. Accordingly, one or more locks according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may, as a primary function, for instance, preventing or minimize movement of at least the rim base and the bead seat band in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the wheel rim. The one or more locks may also prevent or minimize such movement of the first side ring and/or the tire bead adjacent the first side ring. Such prevention or minimization may be helpful to maintain sealing contact between the rim base and the bead seat band and/or sealing contact between the bead seat band and the first flange (in a case that the two are separate components). As noted above, sealing contact may also be made between the inner sidewall of the lock(s) and the bead seat band. Moreover, such primary function may be with the assistance of the pressure of the tire when the tire is inflated to an operation range (e.g., a tire pressure for driving), and may help retain air (or other fluid) in the inflated tire.

Also, when vehicles having multi-piece wheel rims rapidly accelerate or decelerate, one or more of the tires may resist spinning with respect to the ground while the wheel rims are responding to drive trains of the vehicles attempting to rotate the tires. This can result in relative movement between the rims and the tires. More particularly, frictional engagement between side flanges of the wheel rims and the tires can cause the side flanges to move in unison with the tires while the rim bases move in response to the drive trains, either faster or slower than the tires. As a result, the rim bases may move relative to the side flanges, which, in turn, may cause parts of the rims to separate and/or allow air to leak between parts of the rims.

Implementation of one or more locks (e.g., locks130,230,330,430) according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can prevent or minimize indexing or rotation of rim components. That is, implementation of one or more locks according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide, as a secondary function, for instance, preventing or minimizing rotation or indexing of at least the rim base and the bead seat band relative to each other. The one or more locks can also prevent rotational movement or indexing of the first and/or second side rings relative to the rim base and/or bead seat band.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may also involve a method. The method can involve or include providing a wheel rim assembly according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as wheel rim assemblies100,200,300,400. Such method may include or be characterized as assembly of the wheel rim assembly or a corresponding tire assembly comprised of the wheel rim assembly.

The providing may thus include providing the wheel rim assembly a rim base, providing a bead seat band, and providing one or more locks, such one of those shown and described herein with respect to wheel rim assemblies100,200,300,400. One or more flanges or side rings, such as those described herein, can be provided with respect to wheel rim assemblies100,200,300,400. As noted above, according to one or more embodiments the bead seat band and outer flange or side ring may be unitary or formed in one piece (e.g., for three- or four-piece wheel rim assemblies).

The providing may constitute providing the individual components for the wheel rim assembly (e.g., wheel rim assemblies100,200,300,400) in unassembled form. Alternatively, the providing may constitute providing the individual components for the wheel rim assembly in assembled form. In either case, the wheel rim assembly can be without or free of a lock or locking ring. This lacking may be characterized as the wheel rim assembly not having a compressed part (i.e., the lock ring). Notably, one or more locks according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter (e.g., locks130,230,330,430) can interface with each of a rim base and a bead seat band according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Moreover, such interfaces can be without use of an adhesive. Accordingly, locks according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be adapted to be provided across different types of wheel assemblies (e.g., three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece assemblies) and/or across different sizes of wheel assemblies (e.g., twenty-nine inch diameter or greater or below twenty-nine inch diameter).

Going from the unassembled form to the assembled form may be characterized as mounting the wheel rim assembly or tire assembly (including wheel rim assembly) to an axle of a vehicle. Such mounting may be characterized as vertical or horizontal mounting. Thus, the method can include assembling the wheel rim assembly or tire assembly (including wheel rim assembly), according to a configuration of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such wheel rim assemblies100,200,300,400. As noted above, the assembly can be performed without use of a lock or locking ring, which may make assembly relatively more easy and/or more secure, particularly because it is not necessary to take into account the compressive force (including the need to first stretch or expand the lock ring to go over the rim base) in the case of assembling with the lock ring. That is, assembling using the one or more locks according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may merely involving providing the lock(s), without compressive force and the need to stretch or expand the lock(s), in the slot(s) of the outer end portion of the rim base and the cut-out(s) of the bead seat band.

One or more assembly tools may be used to assemble the wheel rim assembly. For instance, when the wheel rim assembly may be subject to gravitational forces that would cause one or more of the wheel rim assembly components to fall apart (e.g., down), such as during a vertical mounting or assembly process, one or more assembly tools may be used to retain the wheel rim assembly in place. For example, the one or more assembly tools may be removably coupled to the outer surface of the outer end portion of the rim base and extend radially outward and around the top surface of the lock, for instance, the top surface of the second projection, to ensure the lock stays in place. The one or more assembly tools can be removed after assembly of the wheel rim assembly or tire assembly (including wheel rim assembly). Optionally, flange locks may be removably provided to prevent flange rotation during the assembly. Once the components of the wheel rim assembly are properly provided, the tire can be inflated, for instance, to an operating or driving inflation pressure for the particular tire, vehicle, and/or road surface.