Wheel spider

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel (1) wound from fiber-reinforced plastic having a wheel spider (2) and a rim well (3). Here, it is essential to the invention that a plurality of rings (4) which bear against one another and are connected to one another in a common surface form the wheel spider (2), wherein the wheel spider (2) and the rim well (3) have synthetic-resin-impregnated, wound carbon fibers and are cohesively connected to one another.

Abstract: A wheel for a motor vehicle has a wheel spider having hollow spokes communicating a first annular duct arranged concentrically with respect to the wheel axle with a second annular duct which is formed by the wheel spider and the rim. In the area of the first annular duct, a tire inflation valve is arranged. The hollow spokes are constructed with at least one air opening in the second annular duct, for conducting air into a tire interior.

Abstract: This application discloses a machine having a plurality of dies that coact with an assembled wheel to true any axial or radial runout present in the wheel rim and for performing certain other forming operations simultaneously with the truing. The machine is comprised of a fixed base plate having a pilot die that engages and locates the wheel spider and is adapted to engage the inner periphery of the run. Rounding dies are supported for movement in a radial direction and engage the periphery of the rim, which is preferably formed oversize when the wheel is assembled, for bringing the rim into axial and radial alignment. When the rim is held in its true position by the rounding dies, a machining or forming operation is performed upon a locating opening in the spider so that the rim will be true with respect to its axis of rotation as defined by this locating opening. If the wheel is located by its central opening, a machining operation may be performed upon this central opening when the rim is held in its true position. If the wheel is located by the attachment holes formed in the spider around the central opening, these holes may be accurately located and formed by forming members carried by a ram that engage the spider and which accomplish a finish forming operation upon the wheel attachment holes of the spider. Lift-out fingers are pivotally carried by the ram for lifting the rounded wheel out of the die base assembly.

Abstract: A wheel for a motor vehicle comprises a wheel spider with hollow spokes formed from a first material and a rim formed from a second material. The wheel spider is connected to the rim by way of friction welding. The wheel spider may be formed by casting and the rim may be formed by casting or forging and may be further formed by rolling. The wheel spider and the rim may be selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, titanium or titanium alloy. A process for making the vehicle wheel by forming the wheel spider from a first material and the rim from a second material and connecting the wheel spider with the rim by friction welding.