FR3099721A1 - TRANSFORMABLE WHEEL WITH CONTINUOUS TREAD - Google Patents

Abstract

Convertible wheel with a continuous tread The invention relates to the field of convertible wheels usually by folding. The transformable wheel (1) according to the invention comprises a set of sectors (S) which in the compact configuration arranges the sectors so as to be compatible with the radii of curvature and counter-curvature of the flexible circumference (C). This flexible circumference (C) can act as a tread (BR). In terms of use, it can be used as a retractable wheel. In terms of application, the transformable wheel concerns many transformable and non-transformable equipment. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 9.

Description

TRANSFORMABLE WHEEL WITH CONTINUOUS TREAD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The field concerns wheels that can usually be transformed by folding, the unfolded wheel being the configuration for use in rolling mode, the folded wheel being the configuration for compacting when not rolling, in particular for storage.

The invention relates in particular to the wheels which are used in certain equipment (or systems or devices) that can be transformed to allow the equipment simply to roll.

It will be noted that the invention relates to numerous pieces of equipment, systems or apparatus which can be transformed in order to be able to be stored or deposited, and in particular transport trolleys, pushchairs, luggage, foldable medical equipment, foldable furniture, furniture for extras, garden furniture and camping equipment.

The term “transport trolley” is understood here to mean a transformable system (or apparatus), comprising at least one pair of legs substantially parallel to each other, able to roll when it is pulled or pushed and able to support at least one load. Consequently, it may be a hand truck, a handling trolley, a shopping trolley, a stretcher, or a trolley for loading/unloading loads from a vehicle, for example .

In this equipment with wheels, it is not usual to bend the wheels.

However, it is common in transformable equipment that if the wheel(s) are kept, the volume of the folded equipment is penalized by the presence of the wheels, especially when the wheels have a large diameter.

A first solution consists in making the wheels removable in order to store them separately. It is conventional for strollers or shopping carts that the wheels are thus made removable. It is conventional for the axle of the wheel to have a groove and for the wheel to have a means of blocking the positioning of the wheel along the axle of the wheel by a circlip. To make it easy to handle, the circlip is replaced by a kind of elastic clip which is lodged in the groove and which must be moved manually to release the wheel, often using a gripping element.

There are also foldable wheel solutions. In the prior art, the folding solution consists in partitioning the perimeter of the wheel into sectors and articulating these sectors between them. Such a foldable wheel solution is described in patent WO2014021480.

In fact, the wheel in unfolded mode is a circle that fits in a square whose side dimension is equal to the diameter of the wheel. In folded mode, the wheel takes on an elongated shape which forms part of a rectangle, the width of which becomes smaller than the diameter of the wheel and the length of which, on the other hand, is greater than the diameter. Indeed this is the consequence that the circumference of the wheel equal to 2 PI multiplied by the radius is globally preserved even distributed over several sectors.

We can consider that it is a gain in compactness insofar as the surface of the wheel in the compact configuration where it is folded is reduced compared to the surface of the normal wheel.

In this type of convertible wheel solution, the folding of the sectors creates discontinuities at each articulation which are ill-suited to wheels provided with tread. Furthermore, on smooth ground, in driving mode, passing from one sector to the next can generate noise and jolting perceived as undesirable.

In addition, the solutions for locking and switching from the rolling configuration to the compact configuration and vice versa are not the most ergonomic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To respond to these drawbacks, the convertible wheel according to the invention is compatible with a continuous tread although comprising a set of sectors.

The transformable wheel (1) according to the invention comprises a set of sectors (S) which in the compact configuration arranges the sectors so as to be compatible with the radii of curvature and countercurvature of the flexible circumference (C).

For this, this transformable wheel comprising a set of sectors articulated together in the plane of the wheel is such that between the rolling configuration and the compacting configuration, the distance to the periphery of at least two consecutive mobile sectors is reduced in the case of a salient angle or increased in the case of a re-entrant angle.

This transformable wheel also comprises comprises at least two sectors which retain the same location in the compacting configuration and in the rolling configuration.

In the compacting configuration, at least two consecutive sectors are articulated at a salient angle and are several millimeters apart.

In a compact configuration, at least two consecutive sectors are articulated at a re-entrant angle and are one to a few millimeters apart.

In the case of a re-entrant angle, the trajectory of the ends of two consecutive mobile sectors are substantially involutes of a circle.

According to one embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is directly obtained by the curvature of the circumference.

According to another embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is obtained by an articulation comprising several pivots.

The transformable wheel comprises a central part along a diameter and two moving elements moving on this central part along two radii.

The transformable wheel comprises a set of connecting rods with pivots between the two mobile elements and the mobile sectors.

The transformable wheel comprises means for moving the two moving elements apart or bringing them together.

In a simple way, the transformable wheel comprises as a means a locking device on the basis of levers.

In fact, the locking device in driving configuration comprises a lever.

This locking device in driving configuration also comprises a means of attachment to the axle of the wheel.

The convertible wheel also comprises a locking device in the compacting configuration which extends the mobile elements.

This locking device in compacting configuration also comprises a lever completed if necessary with a means of fixing on the axle of the wheel.

It is advantageous that this locking device in the compacting configuration also comprises means for orienting the wheel relative to the axis.

It is also advantageous for the same device to carry out both locking in rolling mode and in compacting mode.

In terms of manufacturing, it is advantageous for the tread to be manufactured with the outer part turned inwards.

In terms of use, it seems unprecedented to use a convertible wheel as a retractable wheel.

In this case, the means for moving the two mobile elements apart or bringing them together can be used to lift the equipment from the ground.

Depending on the uses, the convertible wheel can be used with at least a second wheel placed forward or backward.

It is possible to design the equipment so that the second wheel is fixed and therefore allows the equipment to be used in rolling mode.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference is made to the appended drawings.

Figure 1 shows a side view of the convertible wheel according to the invention in the running configuration.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the convertible wheel according to the invention in the compacting configuration.

Figure 3 shows in perspective view the convertible wheel according to the invention in the running configuration.

Figure 4 shows in perspective view the convertible wheel according to the invention in the compacting configuration.

Figure 5 illustrates in compaction mode, the articulation between two consecutive mobile sectors within the framework of a salient angle.

Figure 6 illustrates in compaction mode, the articulation between two consecutive mobile sectors within the framework of a re-entrant angle.

figure 7 illustrates in the compacting configuration, the case where the circumference comprises a tread about one centimeter thick.

Figure 8 shows the manufacture of the tread, outer part turned inwards.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment, in which the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is obtained directly by the curvature of the circumference.

Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment, in which the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is obtained by an articulation comprising several pivots in rolling configuration.

Figure 11 illustrates this other embodiment, in which the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is obtained by an articulation comprising several pivots in the compacting configuration

Figure 12 shows an example of reinforcement in the driving position of the joint between two mobile sectors in the form of a clip.

Figure 13 shows an example of reinforcement in the rolling position of the joint between two mobile sectors in the form of a lock.

Figure 14 shows in side view an example of reinforcement with additional connecting bars of the convertible wheel according to the invention in the running configuration.

Figure 15 shows in side view an example of reinforcement with additional connection bars of the convertible wheel according to the invention in the compacting configuration.

Figure 16 shows in perspective view an example of reinforcement with additional connection bars of the convertible wheel according to the invention in the running configuration.

Figure 17 shows in perspective view an example of reinforcement with additional connection bars of the convertible wheel according to the invention in the compacting configuration.

figure 18 shows the convertible wheel with the addition of a locking device in the rolling configuration.

figure 19 shows seen from above the locking device in the rolling configuration.

Figure 20 shows seen from above the locking device in the compacting configuration.

Figure 21 shows a side view of the locking device in the rolling configuration.

Figure 22 shows in side view the locking device in the intermediate configuration.

Figure 23 shows a side view of the locking device in the compaction configuration.

Figure 24 shows the detail of the wheel axle adapted to the locking means.

Figure 25 shows the locking device with a plate to accommodate the axle in the rolling configuration.

Figure 26 shows the locking device with a plate to accommodate the pin in the compacting configuration.

Figure 27 illustrates a use of convertible wheels as retractable wheels of equipment in rolling configuration.

Figure 28 illustrates the use of convertible wheels as retractable wheels of equipment in the compacting configuration.

Figure 29 illustrates the use of a convertible wheel as a retractable wheel for equipment in combination with a fixed wheel in the rolling configuration.

Figure 30 illustrates the use of a convertible wheel as a retractable wheel for equipment in combination with a fixed wheel in the compacting configuration.

To address these drawbacks, the convertible wheel according to the invention is compatible at its periphery with a continuous tread although comprising a set of sectors.

This transformable wheel comprises a set of sectors (S) hinged together in the plane of the wheel (1).

In the rolling configuration, the set of sectors (S) forms the equivalent of the rim of a wheel (1).

Of course, it is possible to ride directly on the sectors (2). However, it is preferable to be able to add to its periphery a continuous circumference (C) which can fulfill the tread function.

Conventionally, the sectors can be articulated together by a single pivot ensuring the rotation of two consecutive sectors (S).

In doing so, at the joint of the joints arise two problems.

In the case of a salient angle, to switch to compaction configuration, the circumference is locally subjected to an extension which can be destructive.

In the case of a nip point, to switch to compaction mode, the circumference is locally subjected to strong compression which can also be harmful.

The transformable wheel (1) according to the invention comprises a set of sectors (S) which in the compact configuration arranges the sectors so as to be compatible with the radii of curvature and countercurvature of the flexible circumference (C).

Figure 1 and Figure 3 illustrate a convertible wheel according to the invention in rolling configuration, respectively in side view and in perspective view.

It is made up of a set of sectors (S), some of which are mobile sectors (SM) in the traditional way, but also of two fixed sectors (SF), that is to say which retain the same location in compaction configuration than in the rolling configuration.

These two fixed sectors (SF1, SF2) represent a wheel portion with an angle of around 10 to 20°.

The other sectors (S) are mobile and in the example shown, there are six of them (SM1, SM2, SM3, SM4, SM5, SM6) representing a wheel portion of approximately 50 to 60°. This number is not limiting and can be adapted to the selected application.

Figure 2 and Figure 4 illustrate a convertible wheel according to the invention in the compacting configuration, respectively in side view and in perspective view.

In the compaction configuration, all the mobile sectors (SM) flatten and give an elongated shape to the convertible wheel.

The two fixed sectors (SF1, SF2) are positioned inside the mobile sectors (SM), which is an advantage.

Indeed, the circumference in the flattened position is reduced by the length of the two fixed sectors, which reduces the length accordingly and represents a gain in compactness.

The wheel comprises a central part (PC) along a diameter and two movable elements (R1) (R2) moving on this central part along two radii.

A set of connection bars (B, BX) with pivots connect the two mobile elements (R1) and (R2) to part of the mobile sectors (SM).

In rolling mode, the moving parts are close together. In compaction mode, they are far apart.

At the ends, the sectors SM 1 and SM2 as well as SM3 and SM4 are articulated at a salient angle.

In the other articulations, the mobile sectors SM1 and SM2, SM2 and SM3, SM4 and SM5 as well as SM5 and SM6 are articulated according to a re-entrant angle.

Figure 5 illustrates the articulation according to the invention of two consecutive mobile sectors in this case SM3 and SM4 within the framework of a salient angle.

The circumference is locally subject to an increase in curvature.

For example, the wheel is a 10 inch wheel with a diameter of 254 mm and a radius of 127 mm.

Locally, the part of the circumference corresponding to the fixed sector (SF) must make an angle (AC) of approximately 120° instead of an angle of, for example, 20°, which induces a division by 6 of the radius of curvature, i.e. approximately 20mm.

The reduction in the radius of curvature induces at the periphery, the need to bring the ends closer to the periphery of the two mobile sectors. The distance (D) can be calculated by simple trigonometry since it is the chord of an arc of a circle. Its value is the radius of curvature multiplied by twice the sine of half the vertex angle (AC). In the example given, this gives a decrease in distance (D, DS) of about 7 mm.

To allow this approach, the sector (SF) remains fixed, which creates the necessary space between the consecutive mobile sectors (SM), a space that does not exist in conventional solutions with a single pivot.

Figure 6 illustrates the articulation according to the invention of two consecutive mobile sectors in this case SM1 and SM2 within the framework of a re-entrant angle.

Due to the re-entrant angle, the circumference (C) takes off locally from the sectors SM1 and SM2 due to its curvature called countercurvature in this case.

For example, the countercurvature radius can be of the order of 20 mm, which induces a countercurvature angle (ACC) of approximately 50°.

When the mobile sector (SM1) moves away from the circumference (C), this is achieved by remaining tangent to the circumference at the point of contact (P1) which moves on the circumference (C). The end (E1) of the sector (SM1) then follows an involute trajectory (DC1).

Similarly when the mobile sector (SM2) moves away from the circumference (C), this is achieved by remaining tangent to the circumference at the point of contact (P2) which moves on the circumference (C). The end (E2) of the sector (SM2) then follows an involute trajectory (DC2).

The two mobile sectors (SM1) and (SM2) have distinct rotations along two axes of rotation positioned on the circumference (C) at (P1) and (P2), which is impossible in the classic configuration with a single pivot.

The distance between the points (P1) and (P2) can be calculated by simple trigonometry since it is the chord of an arc of a circle. Its value is the radius of curvature multiplied by twice the sine of half the vertex angle (ACC).

The distance (D, DR) between the points (E1) and (E2) can also be calculated by simple trigonometry since it is the difference in the previous distance between (P1) and (P2) and the length of l the arc of the countercurvature multiplied by the cosine of half the angle (ACC). In the example taken, this corresponds to a distance (D, DR) of approximately 1 mm.

The values actually depend on the radii of curvature and countercurvature admissible by the circumference (C).

In one embodiment, the circumference (C) is obtained by the equivalent of a flat belt typically 2 millimeters thick which effectively admits radii of curvature and countercurvature of the order of 20 mm. It is also very inextensible. It can of course, depending on the applications, be used directly as a tread.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment where the circumference consists of two components (C1) and (C2).

The first component (C1) is flexible but not very stretchy, like the equivalent of a flat belt.

The second component (C2) is thicker for example of the order of one cm, very extensible and not very compressible. This could be rubber or an EPDM-type synthetic product capable of producing a comfortable tread (BR).

Because the component (C2) is very extensible, the radius of curvature does not pose any difficulty and the circumference (C) in a salient angle remains the same.

On the other hand, because the component (C2) is not very compressible, the countercurvature radius can increase or even become incompatible with the expected use.

Figure 7 shows the example where at least the countercurvature radius is equal to the radius of the wheel in running mode.

One way to guarantee this is to manufacture the circumference (C), at least the component (C2) acting as the tread (BR) is manufactured with the outer part turned inwards as shown in Figure 8.

Effectively in this case, at rest the circumference (C) thus manufactured has a guaranteed countercurvature radius equal in value to the radius of the circumference in rolling configuration.

In its use in rolling and compacting configuration, the circumference thus produced is always in extension on the component (C2). The component retains its low compressibility qualities like a conventional solid tire to support the load while being comfortable.

As illustrated in Figure 9, according to one embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) is directly obtained by the curvature and the countercurvature of the circumference (C).

In the case of a circumference made by the equivalent of a flat belt, the circumference (C) can be secured, for example glued to the mobile sectors (SM) except locally at the ends at the location of the joints of the mobile sectors (SM) between them.

In figure 9, the circumference and the sectors can be manufactured jointly in a single material such as polypropylene or by overmolding one material on another.

Depending on the applications, it may be preferred depending on the load to relieve the circumference (C) locally at the joints, or even to do without it.

According to another embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is obtained a mechanical articulation independently of the circumference (C) at the re-entrant angles.

This involves using mechanisms that guarantee that in driving configuration the mobile sectors are contiguous and that in compacting configuration there is a distance (D, DR).

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate such a mechanism respectively in rolling configuration and compacting configuration.

In this case, it is a mechanism with several pivots (P). The two pivots (P1) and (P2) are secured respectively to the mobile sectors (SM1) and (SM2). The central pivot (PC) is independent of the mobile sectors (SM). There are also two slides (J, J1) and (J, J2).

Other mechanisms are possible but they require several pivots (P), single pivot solutions are not suitable.

It may also be necessary to reinforce the convertible wheel (1) so that in driving configuration it can support heavier loads. These are joints at re-entrant angles.

Figure 12 illustrates a first embodiment of such a reinforcement. It consists of a flexible blade (CL) attached to the mobile sector in the example (SM2) which is clipped onto a tongue (L) of the neighboring mobile sector (SM1).

Alternatively, Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of such reinforcement. This is a curved latch (V) which rotates to position itself between the two mobile sectors. Potentially it is clipped thanks to the notch (E) with the flexible blade (CL) of the neighboring mobile sector (SM2) as previously in figure 12. The lock is to be manipulated by the user using the button (B) and by moving it into the slot (FB).

These two types of reinforcement require manipulations that are not necessarily ergonomic.

A third embodiment of such a reinforcement consists in adding connecting bars (B, BX) between the mobile elements (R1) and (R2) and the mobile sectors (SM2) and (SM5). These connecting bars will position themselves automatically in the rolling position without manipulation by the user.

Figure 14 and Figure 16 illustrate this reinforcement with additional connecting bars (B, BX) in rolling configuration respectively in side view and in perspective view.

Figure 15 and Figure 17 show how its additional tie bars (B, BX) automatically fold into compaction configuration in side view and perspective view respectively.

These additional link bars (B, BX) have other advantages than simple reinforcement. The X-shaped cross structure guarantees during the manipulation of the transformable wheel (1) that the mobile sectors (SM2) and (SM5) move in parallel with the central part (PC) and therefore with the fixed diameter of the wheel, and therefore similarly between them as well.

It is therefore possible from the rolling configuration to fold the convertible wheel (1) by holding the mobile sectors (SM2) and (SM5) in each hand then bringing them closer together until the compacting configuration is obtained.

It is therefore possible from the compacting configuration to unfold the convertible wheel (1) by holding the mobile sectors (SM2) and (SM5) in each hand then moving them away until the rolling configuration is obtained.

Locking in the rolling position nevertheless remains necessary, for example by a removable pin.

Alternatively, it is possible from the rolling configuration to fold the convertible wheel (1) by moving the moving elements (R1) and (R2) away until the compacting configuration is obtained and from the compacting configuration to unfold the convertible wheel (1) by bringing the moving elements (R1) and (R2) closer together until the rolling configuration is obtained.

It is therefore possible to automatically transform the transformable wheel by using a means (M) to move the two mobile elements (R1) and (R2) closer together or further apart.

It is advantageous in the driving position that the two mobile elements (R1) and (R2) are then energized and retransmit this voltage to the mobile sectors by the connecting bars (B, BY) and translated into extension for the connecting bars ( B,BX).

It is advantageous in the compacting position that the two mobile elements R1) and (R2) are then in extension and retransmit this extension to the mobile sectors by the connecting bars (B, BY) and translated into voltage for the connecting bars (B, BX).

For heavy loads, this means (M) could even be a jack or a mechanical device similar to a spare wheel jack. The X structure of the additional connection bars (B, BX) allows, if necessary, at the same time to lift the equipment (E) equipped with such convertible wheels (1).

In a simpler way, the transformable wheel (1) comprises as means (M) a locking device (DV) on the basis of levers (L1) and (L2) as shown in Figure 18.

This locking device (DV) is shown in the running configuration (DC) in FIG. 19 in top view and in FIG. 21 in side view.

In this embodiment, the locking device (D) is composed of a rectangular ring (L1) secured in rotation to the movable element (R1), hinged in rotation to a lever (L2) also secured in rotation to the mobile element (R2).

The difference in length between the centers between the rectangular ring (L1) and the lever (L2) is defined to create a tension between the two mobile elements (R1, R2) and in particular to ensure the locking of the central part (PC ) which includes the location of the axis (A) of the transformable wheel (1).

The locking device (DR) in driving configuration can also comprise a means of attachment to the axle (A).

It is also advantageous for the convertible wheel (1) to comprise a locking device (DC) in the compacting configuration which extends the mobile elements (R1) and (R2).

Still for reasons of ergonomics, the locking device (DV) in the compaction configuration (DC) can include a lever (L2).

This is shown in figure 20 with the side view detail in figure 23.

In this embodiment, the locking device is composed of a rectangular ring fixed in rotation to a mobile element (R1), hinged in rotation to a lever (L2) also fixed in rotation to a mobile element (R2).

The sum of the center distance lengths of the lever (L2) and of the rectangular ring (L1) is defined to create an extension between the two mobile elements (R1, R2) and in particular to obtain the achievement of the circumference (CC) maximum elongation in compaction configuration.

The locking device (DC) in the compacting configuration can also include a means of attachment to the axis (A).

In addition, the locking device in the compacting configuration (DC) can also comprise a means for orienting the wheel relative to the axis in the compacting configuration.

It is also advantageous for the same device (DV) to carry out both the locking in rolling mode (DR) and in compacting mode (DC).

To do this, the center distance lengths of the lever (L2) and of the rectangular ring (L1) must be calculated so that their difference corresponds to the configuration in rolling mode and their sum corresponds to the configuration in compacting mode as shown. in Figures 19 and 20.

Figure 24 shows the detail of the axis (A) in a preferred embodiment.

The axle (A) first of all comprises a groove (G) similar to that used to hold the wheel on its axle in a conventional manner.

It also has a non-cylindrical geometric shape (ME) at its end.

Retaining the retractable wheel (1) on its axis (A) can of course be carried out in the conventional way by a groove and a circlip or a clip at the level of the central element (PC).

The same device can be used with the groove (G) to block the rectangular ring (L1) on the axle (A) in rolling configuration. For this, it is necessary to integrate, as shown in figure 25, a plate (PR) with the clip sliding in the groove (G).

The same device can also be used with the groove (G) to block the rectangular ring (L1) on the axis (A) in compaction configuration. To do this, a plate (PC) must be integrated as shown in figure 26 with the clip sliding in the groove (G).

It is also possible to block the rotation of the convertible wheel (1) in the compacting configuration by using the geometric shape (ME) positioned in a space (F) provided for this purpose in the plate (PC). This shape (ME) can be a flat allowing two 180° positions of the convertible wheel (1) in the compacting position.

Possibly, it is possible not to use the securing of the convertible wheel (1) on its axis (A) at the level of the central element (PC).

In this case, in the intermediate position as illustrated in figure 22, the transformable wheel (1) is held on the axle (A) neither by the plate (PR) nor by the plate (PC) and the transformable wheel (1) can be removed from the equipment (E) as a removable wheel.

In terms of use, it seems unprecedented to use a convertible wheel as a retractable wheel.

Depending on the uses, the convertible wheel can be used with at least a second wheel placed forward or backward.

This is illustrated in Figure 27 in rolling configuration and Figure 28 in retracted configuration.

In this example the equipment (E) is equipped with a first convertible wheel (1) and a second convertible wheel (2) placed in front or behind the first.

In driving configuration, the axes of the wheels (1, 2) are positioned at a distance from the ground (SO) equal to the radius, defined so that the equipment (E) has sufficient ground clearance to drive.

In the retracting configuration, the axles of the wheels (1, 2) remain positioned at the same location on the equipment (C) unlike conventional wheel retracting solutions. On the contrary, it is the shapes of the transformable wheels (1) which adapt to allow the equipment (E) to rest on the ground (SO).

In this case, the locking device (DR) can be used to lift the equipment (E) from the ground (SO).

As illustrated in Figure 29 in rolling configuration and Figure 30 in retracted configuration, it is also possible to design the equipment (E) so that the second wheel (2) is fixed and therefore allows the equipment to be used in rolling mode with a minimum ground clearance value.

These retracting solutions have the advantage of being external to the equipment (E) and therefore of not penalizing its useful volume by the presence of internal mechanisms.

In terms of industrial application, the convertible wheel concerns many convertible equipment such as a stroller or not such as a vehicle as a spare wheel.

The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and represented, but a person skilled in the art will know how to make any variant in accordance with his spirit for a range of products in different fields.

Claims (20)

Convertible wheel (1) comprising a set of sectors (S) hinged together in the plane of the wheel, characterized in that between the rolling configuration and the compacting configuration, the distance (D) at the periphery of at least two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) is reduced in the case of a salient angle or increased in the case of a re-entrant angle. Wheel according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two sectors (SF) which retain the same location in the compacting configuration and in the rolling configuration. Wheel according to any one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, in the compacting configuration, at least two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) are articulated at a re-entrant angle and are separated by one to a few millimetres. Wheel according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the case of a re-entrant angle, a trajectory of the ends of two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) is substantially an involute of a circle (DC). Wheel according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized by the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) being obtained by the curvature of the circumference (C). Wheel according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized by the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors (SM), an articulation comprising several pivots (P) is obtained. Wheel according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a central part (PC) along a diameter and two mobile elements (R1) and (R2) moving on this central part along two radii. Wheel according to Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a set of connection bars (B) with pivots between the two mobile elements (R1) and R2) and the mobile sectors (SM). Wheel according to any one of Claims 7 to 8, characterized in that it includes a means (M) for moving the two moving elements (R1) and (R2) apart or bringing them together. Wheel according to any one of Claims 7 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a locking device (DR) in the rolling configuration using a lever (L2). Wheel according to Claim 10, characterized in that the locking device (DR) comprises a means of attachment to the axle (A) of the wheel (1) in the running configuration. Wheel according to any one of Claims 7 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a locking device (DC) in the compacting configuration which extends the mobile elements (R1) (R2). Wheel according to Claim 12, characterized in that the locking device (DC) in the compacting configuration comprises a lever (L2). Wheel according to Claim 12, characterized in that the locking device (DC) in the compacting configuration comprises a means of attachment to the axle (A) of the wheel (1). Wheel according to Claim 12, characterized in that the locking device (DC) in the compacting configuration comprises means for orienting the wheel (1) with respect to the axis (A) of the wheel (1). Method of manufacturing a convertible wheel characterized in that the tread (BR) is manufactured with the outer part turned inwards. Use of a convertible wheel (1) characterized by the fact that it is used as a retractable wheel. Use according to Claim 17, characterized in that a means (M) is used to lift equipment (E) from the ground (SO). Use according to any one of Claims 17 to 18, characterized in that the convertible wheel (1) is used with at least one second wheel (2). Use according to Claim 19, characterized in that the second wheel (2) is fixed.