Vehicle wheels

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle wheel capable of suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost and weight and improving aerodynamic performance when the vehicle is traveling. The rim portion (12) of the vehicle wheel (1) has an outer flange portion (122). A first inclined surface and a second inclined surface are provided in a region of the outer flange portion (122) where a gap portion (13) between each spoke portion (11) is arranged radially inward. The first inclined surface is formed on the axially outer side of the outer flange outer peripheral portion (122a). The second inclined surface is formed on the axially outer side of the outer flange inner peripheral portion (122b). The first inclined surface is inclined from the axially outer side to the axially inner side as it moves from the radially outer end to the radially inner side. The second inclined surface is a surface that is inclined from the axially inner side to the axially outer side as it moves from the radially outer side to the radially inner side, and extends radially inwardly relative to the rim body (121).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] For vehicles such as cars, in order to improve fuel efficiency or power efficiency, it is necessary to further reduce the Cd value (drag coefficient). In order to reduce the Cd value, people have been discussing various devices such as spoilers, deflectors, and undercovers. When the vehicle is driving, the airflow is disrupted by the wheels. In order to further reduce the Cd value, it is also important to reduce the air resistance caused by the wheels.

[0003] The wheel of the vehicle comprises: a center disc portion mounted on the hub of the vehicle body, a cylindrical rim portion coaxial with the center disc, and a spoke portion connecting the center disc portion and the rim portion. In order to cool the brake disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction relative to the center disc portion of the wheel and the tire mounted on the wheel, a plurality of spoke portions are provided in the circumferential direction, and gap portions are formed between the adjacent spoke portions in the circumferential direction. It is known that when a vehicle is running, air flows in and out of the wheel housing through the gap portions between the spokes in the wheel, disrupting the airflow and causing resistance.

[0004] Specifically, if Figure 8 As shown, the rim of the wheel is formed by the following components: an outer flange 922 arranged in an annular shape on the outside in the vehicle width direction, an inner flange (not shown) arranged in an annular shape on the inside in the vehicle width direction, and a cylindrical well 921 arranged between the outer flange 922 and the inner flange. When the vehicle is running, in the wheel involved in the prior art, the air E1 flowing outside the outer flange 922 flows along the outer side surface of the inner peripheral part of the outer flange 922, part of which flows backward (arrow E2), and part of which enters the inside of the wheel cover from the gap (arrow E3). The air E3 entering the inside through the gap will collide with the wheel hub and the inside of the wheel to become resistance.

[0005] People are discussing a technique for rectifying the airflow at the wheel during the running of the vehicle as described above (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a circular ring-shaped outer member is mounted on the outer side of the wheel. The outer member disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure capable of blocking a part of the gap between the spokes in the wheel, specifically, the radially outer region of the gap. It can be considered that in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, by mounting the outer member on the wheel, the inflow and outflow of air through the gap can be suppressed.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-179746. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in addition to the wheel, an external member is required, which increases the number of parts and leads to an increase in cost. In addition, the external member needs to be assembled to the wheel, so the work in the manufacturing process increases, which also leads to an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0011] Here, in order to reduce the air resistance at the wheel when the vehicle is running, the gaps between the spokes may be reduced.

[0012] However, the wheel is made of metal material, so if the gap is to be reduced, the amount of metal material used will increase accordingly, which will increase the weight of the wheel. Therefore, the fuel efficiency and power consumption efficiency will not be improved.

[0013] The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle wheel capable of suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost and weight and improving aerodynamic performance when the vehicle is running.

[0014] Technical means to solve technical problems

[0015] A vehicle wheel according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a center disc portion, a rim portion, and a plurality of spoke portions. The center disc portion is a portion mounted on a vehicle wheel hub (wheel hub). The rim portion is a cylindrical portion arranged radially outwardly with respect to the center disc portion at intervals. The plurality of spoke portions are connected between the center disc portion and the rim portion, and a gap portion is provided between adjacent components (spoke portions) in the circumferential direction.

[0016] In the vehicle wheel involved in this form, the rim portion includes an inner flange portion, an outer flange portion, and a rim body. In the direction in which the rotation center axis of the vehicle wheel extends, the side on which the hub is mounted relative to the center disk portion is the inner side in the axial direction, and the side opposite to the inner side in the axial direction sandwiching the center disk portion is the outer side in the axial direction. At this time, the inner flange portion is an annular portion arranged on the inner side in the axial direction. The outer flange portion is an annular portion arranged on the outer side in the axial direction. The rim body is a cylindrical portion formed integrally with the inner flange portion and the outer flange portion to connect the inner flange portion and the outer flange portion.

[0017] A first inclined surface and a second inclined surface are provided in a region of the outer flange portion where the gap portion is arranged on the radial inner side. The first inclined surface is a surface on the outer side in the axial direction, and is a surface that is inclined from the outer side in the axial direction to the inner side in the axial direction as it goes from the radial outer end portion of the outer flange portion to the radial inner side. The second inclined surface is a surface on the outer side in the axial direction, and is connected to the radial inner end portion of the first inclined surface, and is inclined from the inner side in the axial direction to the outer side in the axial direction as it goes from the radial outer side to the radial inner side, and extends to the surface on the radial inner side relative to the rim body.

[0018] In the vehicle wheel involved in the above-mentioned form, a region where a gap portion is arranged on the radial inner side, and a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface are provided on the axial outer side in the outer flange portion of the rim portion. The first inclined surface is a surface that is inclined from the axial outer side to the axial inner side as it moves from the radial outer side to the radial inner side. The second inclined surface is a surface connected to the first inclined surface, and is a surface that is inclined from the axial inner side to the axial outer side as it moves from the radial outer side to the radial inner side. When a vehicle equipped with the vehicle wheel involved in this form is driving, air flowing from the front of the vehicle will enter the axial inner side of the vehicle wheel through the gap portion between the spoke portions, but since the second inclined surface is provided on the outer flange portion, the air is guided by the second inclined surface and discharged to the axial outer side (outside in the vehicle width direction).

[0019] In addition, at the rear side of the vehicle relative to the rotation center axis of the vehicle wheel, the air flowing from the front of the vehicle will enter the wheel housing from between the rear end portion of the wheel and the wheel arch, but since the first inclined surface is provided on the outer flange portion, the air is guided by the first inclined surface and discharged to the outside in the axial direction (outside in the vehicle width direction). Therefore, if the vehicle wheel involved in the above-mentioned form is adopted, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle when running can be improved.

[0020] In addition, in the vehicle wheel according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are provided on the outer flange portion of the rim portion, thereby improving the aerodynamic performance as described above, and unlike the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, an external component that is not the same component as the wheel is not installed on the wheel. In addition, in the vehicle wheel according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the gap between the spokes in the circumferential direction is not integrally blocked by the metal material constituting the wheel. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the increase in manufacturing cost and the increase in wheel weight can be suppressed.

[0021] It can be: in the vehicle wheel involved in the above-mentioned form, when assuming a first imaginary plane orthogonal to the rotation center axis, in the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane, the angle formed by the first inclined plane and the first imaginary plane is greater than the angle formed by the second inclined plane and the first imaginary plane.

[0022] In the vehicle wheel involved in the above-mentioned form, the angle formed by the first inclined surface and the first imaginary surface is set to be larger than the angle formed by the second inclined surface and the first imaginary surface. Therefore, the vehicle wheel involved in the above-mentioned form is more advantageous in the following aspects: on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the rotation center axis of the vehicle wheel, air flowing from the front of the vehicle enters the wheel cover from between the rear end portion of the wheel and the wheel arch, and the air is guided by the first inclined surface to be discharged outward in the axial direction (outward in the vehicle width direction).

[0023] It can be that: in the vehicle wheel involved in the above-mentioned form, the outer flange portion has an outer flange outer peripheral portion and an outer flange inner peripheral portion. The outer flange outer peripheral portion includes the first inclined surface as a surface on the outer side in the axial direction, and constitutes the outer peripheral portion of the outer flange portion. The outer flange inner peripheral portion includes the second inclined surface as a surface on the outer side in the axial direction, and constitutes the inner peripheral portion of the outer flange portion. In addition, it can be that: in the vehicle wheel involved in this form, assuming that the second imaginary plane is a tangent plane to the outer flange outer peripheral portion and the outer flange inner peripheral portion from the outer side in the axial direction, the outer flange outer peripheral portion and the outer flange inner peripheral portion are formed so that the angle formed by the second imaginary plane and the first imaginary plane is less than 15°.

[0024] In the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, the angle formed by the second imaginary plane and the first imaginary plane is set to be less than 15 degrees. Therefore, the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment is more advantageous in that the air from the front of the vehicle that is about to enter the inner side in the axial direction of the vehicle wheel through the gap between the spokes is guided by the second inclined surface and discharged to the outer side in the axial direction (outer side in the vehicle width direction).

[0025] It can be: in the vehicle wheel involved in the above-mentioned form, when the connecting portion between the outer peripheral portion of the outer flange and the inner peripheral portion of the outer flange is a recessed portion, the outer peripheral portion of the outer flange and the inner peripheral portion of the outer flange are formed so that the depth of the recessed portion based on the second imaginary plane is less than 15 mm.

[0026] In the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, the depth of the concave portion based on the second imaginary surface is set to be 15 mm or less. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, when the direction of the air flowing along the first inclined surface is changed to the second inclined surface, and when the direction of the air flowing along the second inclined surface is changed to the first inclined surface, it is difficult for the air to stagnate in the concave portion. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of air vortices in the concave portion and its vicinity, which is more advantageous in improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

[0027] In the vehicle wheel according to the above aspect, the surface of the recessed portion on the outer side in the axial direction may be formed by a curved surface, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface may be connected via the curved surface of the recessed portion.

[0028] In the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, the surface of the outer side of the concave portion in the axial direction is formed by a curved surface. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are connected via the curved surface of the concave portion. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, the direction can be smoothly changed, so that the air flowing along the first inclined surface changes to the second inclined surface, and the air flowing along the second inclined surface changes to the first inclined surface, which is more advantageous in improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

[0029] In the vehicle wheel according to the above aspect, the outer peripheral portion of the outer flange may extend outward in the axial direction relative to the inner peripheral portion of the outer flange.

[0030] In the vehicle wheel according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the outer flange extends outward in the axial direction compared to the inner peripheral portion of the outer flange. Therefore, the air flowing from the front of the vehicle can be discharged outward in the axial direction (outward in the vehicle width direction) through the outer peripheral portion of the outer flange, which is the radially outer side of the vehicle wheel. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel according to the above-mentioned embodiment, it is more advantageous in suppressing the air flowing from the front of the vehicle from entering the wheel cover through the gap between the spokes.

[0031] In the vehicle wheel according to the above aspect, the center plate portion, the rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions may be integrally formed using a metal material.

[0032] In the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, the center disc portion, the rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions are integrally formed using a metal material. Therefore, there is no offset between the center disc portion, the rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions, and high dimensional accuracy can be achieved. In addition, in the vehicle wheel according to the above embodiment, by forming the center disc portion, the rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions as a whole, higher rigidity can be ensured compared to a two-piece or three-piece vehicle wheel.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] In the vehicle wheel according to each of the above-described aspects, it is possible to improve the aerodynamic performance during vehicle running while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost and weight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective view of the appearance structure of a vehicle wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 A top view of the appearance structure of a vehicle wheel;

[0037] Figure 3 For along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the III-III line section;

[0038] Figure 4 For Figure 3 An enlarged view of the A portion of FIG.

[0039] Figure 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow in front of the vehicle wheel, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow in the rear of the vehicle wheel;

[0040] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a vehicle wheel with a tire mounted thereon;

[0041] Figure 7 (a) is a graph showing the relationship between the opening area and ΔE, (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the depression depth and ΔE, and (c) is a graph showing the relationship between the inclination angle and ΔE;

[0042] Figure 8 The figure is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow at the wheel of a vehicle in the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment except for its essential structure.

[0044] 1. Appearance and structure of vehicle wheel 1

[0045] use Figures 1 to 3 The external appearance structure of the vehicle wheel 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the vehicle wheel 1, the center disc portion 10, the plurality of spoke portions 11, and the rim portion 12 are integrally formed using a metal material (e.g., an aluminum alloy (including a superhard aluminum alloy), a magnesium alloy). The center disc portion 10 is a portion mounted on a vehicle wheel hub (wheel hub), and has a plurality of bolt holes 101.

[0047] The spokes 11 extend in the radial direction and connect the center disk 10 and the rim 12. Figure 2 As shown, gaps 13 are provided between the spokes 11 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0048] The rim 12 includes a rim body 121, an outer flange 122, and an inner flange 123. The outer flange 122 and the inner flange 123 are respectively annular. The rim body 121 is formed integrally with the inner flange 123 and the outer flange 122, and is a cylindrical portion connecting the inner flange 123 and the outer flange 122.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in this specification, in the direction in which the rotation center axis Ax1 of the vehicle wheel 1 extends, the side of the mounting surface 102 on which the vehicle hub is mounted to the center disc portion 10 is defined as the axial inner side, and the side opposite to the axial inner side sandwiching the center disc portion 10 is defined as the axial outer side.

[0050] 2. Shape of the outer flange 122

[0051] use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shape of the region in which the gap 13 is arranged on the radially inner side of the outer flange portion 122 will be described. Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part A.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer flange portion 122 includes an outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a and an outer flange inner peripheral portion 122b formed integrally with each other. Figure 4 As shown in the cross section, the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a is a portion extending radially outward and axially outward from the axially outer end of the rim body 121. The outer flange inner peripheral portion 122b is a portion extending radially inward and axially outward from the axially outer end of the rim body 121, diverging from the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, it is assumed that the tangent plane (first imaginary plane Sv1) is tangent to the radially outer end of the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a and is aligned with the rotation center axis Ax1 (refer to Figure 3 ). In this case, the surface (first inclined surface 122d) on the radially inner side and the axially outer side of the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a is inclined and forms an angle θd with the first imaginary plane Sv1. More specifically, the first inclined surface 122d is a surface that is inclined from the axially outer side to the axially inner side as it moves from the radially outer end Pd1 to the radially inner end Pd2.

[0054] In addition, the radially outer and axially outer surface (second inclined surface 122e) of the outer flange inner peripheral portion 122b is inclined and forms an angle θe with the first imaginary plane Sv1. More specifically, the second inclined surface 122e is a surface that is inclined from the axial inner side to the axial outer side as it moves from the radially outer end Pe1 to the radially inner end Pe2 side.

[0055] The angle θd and the angle θe satisfy the following relationship.

[0056] θd>θe・・(Formula 1)

[0057] A recessed portion 122c that is recessed inward in the axial direction is inserted between the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a and the outer flange inner peripheral portion 122b. The surface of the recessed portion 122c on the outer side in the axial direction is formed by a curved surface. The first inclined surface 122d and the second inclined surface 122e are connected via the curved surface of the recessed portion 122c. The end Pe1 of the second inclined surface 122e corresponds to the connection point where the curved surface of the recessed portion 122c is connected to the first inclined surface 122d.

[0058] Next, a surface (second imaginary surface Sv2) is assumed that is tangent to the radially outer end of the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a and the radially inner end of the outer flange inner peripheral portion 122b from the axial outer side. At this time, the first imaginary surface Sv1 and the second imaginary surface Sv2 intersect and form an angle θ. In this embodiment, the angle θ satisfies the following relationship.

[0059] θ≦15°・・(Formula 2)

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, in the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment, the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122 a extends outward in the axial direction relative to the outer flange inner peripheral portion 122 b.

[0061] Next, let the outer diameter of the rim body 121 be D1, and let the inner diameter of the inner edge end 122f on the radial inner side of the outer flange inner peripheral portion 122b be D2. At this time, the outer diameter D1 and the inner diameter D2 satisfy the following relationship.

[0062] D2<D1 ・・(Formula 3)

[0063] By satisfying the above-mentioned relational expression 3, the second inclined surface 122 e also extends radially inwardly relative to the rim body 121 .

[0064] The depth L of the recessed portion 122 c based on the second virtual surface Sv2 is set so as to satisfy the following relationship.

[0065] L≦15mm・・(Formula 4)

[0066] The depth L of the recessed portion 122 c is defined by a straight-line distance between the intersection point P1 and the bottom P2 when a perpendicular line Ln3 is drawn from the recessed portion 122 c to the second virtual plane Sv2 .

[0067] 3. Airflow at the outer flange 122 when the vehicle is running

[0068] use Figure 5 The airflow at the outer flange portion 122 when the vehicle is running will be described. Figure 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view of airflow at an outer flange portion 122 at the front portion of a vehicle wheel 1 mounted on a vehicle, Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of airflow at the outer flange portion 122 at the rear portion of the vehicle wheel 1 .

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), when the vehicle is running, at the front of the vehicle wheel 1, air flows from the front of the vehicle to the rear on the axially outer side (arrow B1). Then, a part of the air flowing from the front is guided to the axially inner side along the first inclined surface 122d of the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a of the front of the vehicle wheel 1. The air guided to the axially inner side along the first inclined surface 122d changes direction to the axially outer side at the recess 122c, and is guided to the axially outer side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) along the second inclined surface 122e. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel 1 involved in this embodiment, at the front of the vehicle wheel 1, it is possible to suppress the air flowing from the front from being drawn into the inner side of the vehicle wheel 1 and the wheel cover.

[0070] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (b), when the vehicle is running, at the rear of the vehicle wheel 1, air flows from the front to the rear on the outside in the axial direction (arrow B2). Then, a part of the air flowing from the front is guided to the inside in the axial direction along the second inclined surface 122e of the inner peripheral portion 122b of the outer flange at the rear of the vehicle wheel 1. The air guided to the inside in the axial direction along the second inclined surface 122e changes direction to the outside in the axial direction at the recess 122c, and is guided to the outside in the axial direction (outside in the vehicle width direction) along the first inclined surface 122d. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel 1 involved in this embodiment, at the rear of the vehicle wheel 1, the air flowing from the front is discharged to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the stagnation of the airflow in the wheel cover can be suppressed.

[0071] 4. Values ​​related to the shape of the outer flange 122

[0072] use Figure 6 and Figure 7 The setting of various values ​​related to the shape of the outer flange portion 122 in the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0073] like Figure 6 1, a model of the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment with the tire 500 mounted thereon is shown. When the vehicle wheel 1 is mounted thereon, the outer side surface 500a of the tire 500 is at the most expanded position P3.

[0074] The respective parts of the outer flange portion 122 in the vehicle wheel 1 are as described above.

[0075] exist Figure 7In the graph shown in (a), the opening area AR of the gap 13 in the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment is plotted on the horizontal axis, and the kinetic energy loss ΔE of the air is plotted on the vertical axis. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the smaller the opening area AR is, the smaller the kinetic energy loss ΔE can be (arrow C1 ).

[0076] However, if the opening area AR of the vehicle wheel 1 is small, the air supplied to the brake will also be reduced. Therefore, if the opening area AR is too small, the brake performance will be reduced. After careful discussion, the inventors of the present application have come to the following conclusion: In order to minimize the kinetic energy loss △E of the air and ensure the brake performance, it is preferred to set the opening area AR1 to 350-400cm 2 More preferably, it is 380 to 390 cm 2 range.

[0077] Next, in Figure 7 In the graph shown in (b), the depth (depression depth) L of the recessed portion 122c in the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment is plotted on the horizontal axis, and the kinetic energy loss ΔE of the air is plotted on the vertical axis. Figure 7 As shown in (b), the smaller the depression depth L is, the smaller the kinetic energy loss △E can be (arrow C2). Figure 7 As shown in (b), in the graph of the relationship between the recess depth L and the kinetic energy loss ΔE, the relationship is not a linear function, but a multi-time function or an exponential function.

[0078] Apart from Figure 7 In addition to the graph shown in (b), the inventors of the present application also conducted intensive research on the quality and design of the vehicle wheel 1 and reached the following conclusion: in order to minimize the kinetic energy loss ΔE of the air, the recess depth L is preferably set to L1 (15 mm or less, more preferably 14 mm or less).

[0079] Next, in Figure 7 In the graph shown in (c), the angle (inclination angle) θ formed by the second imaginary surface Sv2 and the first imaginary surface Sv1 is the horizontal axis, and the kinetic energy loss △E of the air is the vertical axis. Figure 7 As shown in (c), the smaller the inclination angle θ is, the smaller the kinetic energy loss ΔE can be (arrow C3). Figure 7 In the graph shown in (c), when the inclination angle θ exceeds θ1 (15°), the rate of increase of the kinetic energy loss ΔE increases. Therefore, the inventors of the present application have concluded that in order to minimize the kinetic energy loss ΔE of the air, it is preferable to set the inclination angle θ to be less than θ1 (15°).

[0080] 5. Effect

[0081] In the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment, in the region where the gap 13 is arranged radially inward, the outer flange portion 122 of the rim portion 12 has a first inclined surface 122d and a second inclined surface 122e on the axially outer side. The first inclined surface 122d is a surface that is inclined from the axially outer side to the axially inner side as it moves from the radially outer side to the radially inner side. The second inclined surface 122e is a surface that is connected to the first inclined surface 122d with the recess 122c interposed therebetween, and is a surface that is inclined from the axially inner side to the axially outer side as it moves from the radially outer side to the radially inner side. When the vehicle equipped with the vehicle wheel 1 is running, the air flowing from the front of the vehicle will enter the axially inner side of the vehicle wheel 1 through the gap 13 between the spokes 11, but since the second inclined surface 122e is provided on the outer flange portion 122, the air is guided by the second inclined surface 122e and discharged to the axially outer side (outer side in the vehicle width direction).

[0082] In addition, on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the rotation center axis Ax1 of the vehicle wheel 1, the air flowing from the front of the vehicle will enter the wheel house from between the rear end portion of the wheel and the wheel arch, but since the first inclined surface 122d is provided on the outer flange portion 122, the air is guided by the first inclined surface 122d and discharged outward in the axial direction (outward in the vehicle width direction). Therefore, if the vehicle wheel 1 involved in this embodiment is used, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle when running can be improved.

[0083] In addition, in the vehicle wheel 1, the aerodynamic performance is improved by providing the first inclined surface 122d and the second inclined surface 122e on the outer flange portion 122 of the rim portion 12, and an external member that is not the same member as the wheel is not attached to the wheel as in the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. In addition, in the vehicle wheel 1, the gaps 13 between the spokes 11 in the circumferential direction are not integrally blocked by the metal material constituting the wheel 1. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel 1, the increase in manufacturing cost and the increase in wheel weight can be suppressed.

[0084] In the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment, the angle θd formed by the first inclined surface 122d and the first imaginary surface Sv1 is set to be larger than the angle θe formed by the second inclined surface 122e and the first imaginary surface Sv1. Therefore, the vehicle wheel 1 is advantageous in that the air flowing from the front of the vehicle enters the wheel housing from between the rear end portion of the wheel and the wheel arch on the vehicle rear side relative to the rotation center axis Ax1 of the vehicle wheel 1, and the air is guided by the first inclined surface 122d and discharged outward in the axial direction (outward in the vehicle width direction).

[0085] In the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment, the angle formed by the second imaginary plane Sv2 and the first imaginary plane Sv1 is set to be 15 degrees or less. Therefore, the vehicle wheel 1 is more advantageous in that the air from the front of the vehicle that is about to enter the axial inner side of the vehicle wheel 1 through the gaps 13 between the spokes 11 is guided by the second inclined surface 122e and discharged to the axial outer side (the outer side in the vehicle width direction).

[0086] In the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment, the depth L of the recessed portion based on the second imaginary surface Sv2 is set to be 15 mm or less (more preferably 14 mm or less). Therefore, in the vehicle wheel 1, when the direction of the air flowing along the first inclined surface 122d is changed to the direction along the second inclined surface 122e, and when the direction of the air flowing along the second inclined surface 122e is changed to the direction along the first inclined surface 122d, it is possible to make it difficult for the air to stagnate in the recessed portion 122c (suppress stagnation). Therefore, in the vehicle wheel 1, it is possible to suppress the generation of air vortices (airflow is disturbed) in the recessed portion 122c and its vicinity, which is more advantageous in improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

[0087] In the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment, the outer surface of the concave portion 122c in the axial direction, that is, the surface connecting the first inclined surface 122d and the second inclined surface 122e, is formed by a curved surface. Therefore, in the vehicle wheel 1, the direction can be smoothly changed so that the air flowing along the first inclined surface 122d changes to the second inclined surface 122e, and the air flowing along the second inclined surface 122e changes to the first inclined surface 122d, which is more advantageous in improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

[0088] In the vehicle wheel according to the present embodiment, the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a extends outward in the axial direction compared to the outer flange inner peripheral portion 122b. Therefore, the air flowing from the front of the vehicle can be discharged outward in the axial direction (outward in the vehicle width direction) through the outer flange outer peripheral portion 122a which is the radial outer side of the vehicle wheel 1. Therefore, the vehicle wheel 1 is more advantageous in suppressing the air flowing from the front of the vehicle from entering the wheel housing through the gaps 13 between the spokes 11.

[0089] In addition, in the vehicle wheel 1 according to the present embodiment, the center disc portion 10, the rim portion 12, and the plurality of spoke portions 11 are integrally formed using a metal material. Therefore, there is no displacement or the like between the center disc portion 10, the rim portion 12, and the plurality of spoke portions 11, and high dimensional accuracy can be achieved. In addition, in the vehicle wheel 1, by forming the center disc portion 10, the rim portion 12, and the plurality of spoke portions 11 as one body, higher rigidity can be ensured compared to a two-piece or three-piece vehicle wheel.

[0090] As described above, in the vehicle wheel according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the aerodynamic performance when the vehicle is running while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in weight.

[0091] [Variation example]

[0092] In the above embodiment, the outer flange 122 is formed in a shape where the angle θd is larger than the angle θe, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle wheel may include an outer flange formed in a shape where the angle θe is larger than the angle θd.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the angle θ formed by the second virtual plane Sv2 and the first virtual plane Sv1 is 15° or less. However, in the present invention, the angle θ may exceed 15°.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the depth L of the recessed portion 122 c based on the second imaginary plane Sv2 is 15 mm or less. However, in the present invention, the depth L may exceed 15 mm.

[0095] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the outer flange outer periphery 122a extends to the outside in the axial direction compared to the outer flange inner periphery 122b, but the present invention may also be such that the outer flange outer periphery and the outer flange inner periphery extend to the same level in the axial direction, or the outer flange inner periphery extends to the outside in the axial direction compared to the outer flange outer periphery.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the vehicle wheel 1 in which the center plate portion 10, the rim portion 12, and the plurality of spoke portions 11 are integrally formed using a metal material is taken as an example, but the present invention is also applicable to a two-piece or three-piece vehicle wheel.

[0097] Number Description

[0098] 1 Vehicle wheels

[0099] 10 Center plate

[0100] 11 Spoke

[0101] 12 Rim

[0102] 13. Gap

[0103] 121 Rim body

[0104] 122 External flange

[0105] 122a Outer flange periphery

[0106] 122b Inner circumference of outer flange

[0107] 122c recess

[0108] 122d First inclined surface

[0109] 122e Second inclined surface

[0110] 122f Inner edge

Claims

1. A wheel for a vehicle, characterized in that: have: a center disc portion mounted on a vehicle wheel hub; a cylindrical rim portion disposed radially outwardly at a distance from the center disk portion; A plurality of spokes connected between the center disk and the rim, with gaps between adjacent spokes in the circumferential direction; wherein: In the direction in which the rotation center axis of the vehicle wheel extends, when the side on which the hub is mounted relative to the center disc portion is regarded as the axial inner side, and the side opposite to the axial inner side sandwiching the center disc portion is regarded as the axial outer side, the rim portion has: an annular inner flange portion disposed on the inner side in the axial direction; an annular outer flange portion disposed outside the axial direction; A cylindrical rim body formed integrally with the inner flange and the outer flange and connected between the inner flange and the outer flange; In the outer flange portion, a region in which the gap portion is arranged radially inwardly is provided with: a first inclined surface, which is a surface on the axial outer side and is inclined from the axial outer side to the axial inner side as it moves from the radial outer end of the outer flange portion to the radial inner side; a second inclined surface, which is a surface on the axial outer side, connected to the radial inner end of the first inclined surface, and inclined from the axial inner side to the axial outer side as it extends from the connection point to the radial inner side, and extends to the radial inner side relative to the rim body; Assuming a first imaginary plane orthogonal to the rotation center axis, In the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, an angle formed by the first inclined surface and the first imaginary surface is larger than an angle formed by the second inclined surface and the first imaginary surface.

2. The vehicle wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer flange has: an outer flange outer peripheral portion, which includes the first inclined surface as a surface on the outer side in the axial direction and constitutes an outer peripheral portion of the outer flange portion; an outer flange inner peripheral portion, which includes the second inclined surface as a surface on the outer side in the axial direction and constitutes an inner peripheral portion of the outer flange portion; Assuming that the second imaginary plane is a tangent plane to the outer flange outer periphery and the outer flange inner periphery from the outside in the axial direction, the outer flange outer periphery and the outer flange inner periphery are formed so that the angle formed by the second imaginary plane and the first imaginary plane is less than 15°.

3. The vehicle wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the connection portion between the outer flange outer circumference and the outer flange inner circumference is a recessed portion, the outer flange outer circumference and the outer flange inner circumference are formed so that the depth of the recessed portion based on the second imaginary plane is 15 mm or less.

4. The vehicle wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer surface of the recess in the axial direction is formed by a curved surface. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are connected via the curved surface of the recessed portion.

5. The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The outer peripheral portion of the outer flange extends outward in the axial direction relative to the inner peripheral portion of the outer flange.

6. The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The center plate portion, the rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions are integrally formed using a metal material.

7. The vehicle wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that: The center plate portion, the rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions are integrally formed using a metal material.

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