Wheel rim assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wheel rim assembly and a vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of vehicles. The wheel rim assembly comprises a wheel rim body and a wheel rim cover plate. The wheel rim body has a columnar structure and an axial through hole. The wheel rim cover plate is located on the outer side of the wheel rim body and is rotationally connected with the wheel rim body. The rotation axis of the wheel rim cover plate coincides with the axis of the wheel rim body. The wheel rim assembly is in a first state when the vehicle moves at a constant speed. In the first state, the position of the wheel rim cover plate corresponds to the area close to the tail of the vehicle on the outer side of the wheel rim body, and the position of the wheel rim cover plate is opposite to the through hole. The wheel rim assembly is in a second state when the vehicle decelerates. In the second state, the wheel rim cover plate rotates. When the vehicle moves at a constant speed, the air intake of the wheel rim assembly is small, the wind resistance of the vehicle is small, and the energy consumption of the vehicle is low. When the vehicle decelerates, the air intake of the through hole on the wheel rim body increases, meeting the heat dissipation requirement of the brake disc, and the wind resistance and the heat dissipation requirement of the brake disc are considered.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of vehicles, in particular to a wheel rim assembly and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to reduce the energy consumption of automobiles, manufacturers further enhance the wind resistance requirements of automobiles. Due to the pressure difference of air flow on the side of the wheel rim and the tire, the air flow enters the inside of the wheel rim through the wheel rim opening, resulting in large energy loss and large wind resistance coefficient.

[0003] In the related art, the wheel rim opening area is usually reduced or a fully enclosed wheel rim cover is used to reduce the air flow entering the inside of the wheel rim and reduce the wind resistance coefficient of the vehicle.

[0004] When the vehicle is braking, the friction between the brake pad and the brake disc converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy of the brake disc, and the brake disc dissipates heat through air flow. In the wheel rim structure described above, the air flow through the brake disc is small, the brake disc heats up quickly, and the braking performance will be attenuated. How to balance the reduction of wind resistance and the heat dissipation requirement of the brake disc is a problem to be solved in the field of wheel rims. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wheel rim assembly and a vehicle, which can solve the above technical problems existing in the related art. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, a wheel rim assembly is provided, which includes a wheel rim body and a wheel rim cover.

[0007] The wheel rim body has a columnar structure and has an axial through hole.

[0008] The wheel rim cover is located on the outside of the wheel rim body and is rotationally connected with the wheel rim body. The rotation axis of the wheel rim cover coincides with the axis of the wheel rim body.

[0009] The wheel rim assembly is in a first state when the vehicle is moving at a constant speed. In the first state, the position of the wheel rim cover corresponds to the area close to the tail of the wheel rim body on the outside, and the position of the wheel rim cover is opposite to the through hole. The wheel rim assembly is in a second state when the vehicle is decelerating. In the second state, the wheel rim cover rotates.

[0010] In some embodiments, the wheel rim cover includes a first part and a second part. The first part has a semicircular structure, and the second part is connected with the straight edge of the semicircular structure. The distance between any point on the edge of the second part and the axis of the wheel rim body is less than or equal to the radius of the semicircular structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rim assembly also includes a counterweight block, which is connected to the rim cover plate, and the center of gravity of the assembly formed by the rim cover plate and the counterweight block is located on the plane determined by the straight edge of the semicircular structure and the axis of the rim body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rim assembly further includes a bearing, the axis of the bearing coincides with the axis of the rim body, the outer wall of the bearing is connected to the rim body, and the inner wall of the bearing is connected to the rim cover plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rim assembly further includes a fixing member having a threaded hole, a center line of the threaded hole coincides with a rotation axis of the rim cover, and the rim cover is connected to the threaded hole by a bolt.

[0014] In some embodiments, the rim assembly further includes a washer located between the nut of the bolt and the rim cover in the axial direction of the rim cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rim assembly further includes a magnetic member connected to a side of the rim cover plate facing the rim body and at least partially opposite to a region of the rim body without a through hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the outer edge of the rim cover is flush with the bead protection line of the tire.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rim cover is made of plastic.

[0018] In a second aspect, a vehicle is provided, comprising the wheel rim assembly according to any one of the first aspects.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure include at least:

[0020] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of uniform motion of the vehicle, the position of the rim cover plate is opposite to the through hole on the rim body, the rim cover plate is opposite to the windward area of the rim body (i.e. the area close to the tail of the vehicle outside the rim body), and the through hole can only be connected with the external environment in the leeward area of the rim body (i.e. the area close to the head of the vehicle outside the rim body). Since the impact of the air on both sides of the vehicle body on the leeward area is small, the air intake amount of the through hole on the rim assembly is small, the wind resistance of the vehicle is small, and the energy consumption of the vehicle is low. In the case of deceleration motion of the vehicle, the rim cover plate rotates, and the through hole can be connected with the external environment in the windward area of the rim body or in the leeward area of the rim body. Since the impact of the air on both sides of the vehicle body on the windward area is greater than that on the leeward area, compared with the case of uniform motion of the vehicle, the air intake amount of the through hole on the rim body in the case of deceleration motion of the vehicle is greater, which can meet the heat dissipation requirement of the brake disc, and thus the wind resistance of the vehicle and the heat dissipation requirement of the brake disc are considered.

[0021] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not limiting to the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0023] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a rim assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a rim cover plate provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 is one of assembly schematic diagrams of a rim cover plate and a rim body provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 is the second assembly schematic diagram of a rim cover plate and a rim body provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 is an assembly schematic diagram of a rim cover plate and a tire provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] LIST OF REFERENCES

[0029] 1, rim body, 10, through hole;

[0030] 2, rim cover plate, 21, first part, 22, second part;

[0031] 3. Counterweight;

[0032] 4. Bearings;

[0033] 5. Fixing piece, 50. Threaded hole;

[0034] 6. Gasket;

[0035] 7. Magnetic parts;

[0036] 8. Bolts;

[0037] 9. Tire, 90. Rim protection line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a rim assembly, which may include a rim body 1 and a rim cover plate 2 .

[0040] The following are the various components of the rim assembly:

[0041] 1. Rim body 1

[0042] The rim body 1 has a columnar structure, which extends in the axial direction of the rim body 1. The outer wall of the rim body 1 extending in the radial direction is connected to the tire 9 of the vehicle.

[0043] The vehicle's brake assembly (brake disc, brake caliper, etc.) is located in the internal cavity formed by the sidewall of the rim body 1. During vehicle driving, the brake disc rotates along with the tire 9. When braking, the brake caliper clamps the brake disc. The brake caliper has brake pads, which are squeezed onto the brake disc, generating friction and slowing down the vehicle.

[0044] The rim body 1 has an axial through hole 10, referring to Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of a wheel rim assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Air from the vehicle's external environment can enter the internal cavity of the wheel rim body 1 through the through-hole 10. The vehicle's brake assembly is located within this cavity. When the brake assembly is in operation, the brake caliper clamps the brake disc, and the brake pads of the brake caliper and the brake disc generate a large friction force, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into the heat energy of the brake disc, thereby achieving deceleration or stopping of the vehicle. The air flowing into the cavity from the through-hole 10 can be used to dissipate heat from the brake disc, which transfers heat to the air surrounding the brake disc, thereby preventing adverse phenomena such as the brake disc rapidly heating up and breaking, and the vehicle's brake function failing.

[0045] The present disclosure does not impose specific restrictions on the shape, size, or number of through-holes 10, and these may be determined based on parameters such as the airflow rate required by the brake assembly and the size of the rim body 1. For example, the rim body 1 may have multiple circular holes evenly distributed around the circumference, or it may have a single annular through-hole 10.

[0046] 2. Rim cover 2

[0047] The rim cover plate 2 is located outside the rim body 1 and is rotatably connected to the rim body 1. On the one hand, the rim cover plate 2 can rotate relative to the rim body 1, that is, the rim cover plate 2 and the rim body 1 can have different rotational speeds. On the other hand, when the vehicle is driving, the rim body 1 and the vehicle's tire 9 rotate together, and the rim cover plate 2 can be fixed relative to the rotation axis of the rim cover plate 2.

[0048] The rotation axis of the rim cover plate 2 coincides with the axis of the rim body 1. The coaxial design of the rim cover plate 2 and the rim body 1, on the one hand, can ensure that the rim cover plate 2 and the rim body 1 maintain high precision and stability during the rotational movement, reduce vibration and noise, and improve overall performance; on the other hand, it can simplify the structural complexity of the rim assembly and reduce the cost of manufacturing, installing, and maintaining the rim assembly.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is one of the assembly schematic diagrams of a rim cover and a rim body provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The rim assembly is in a first state when the vehicle moves at a constant speed. In the first state, the X-axis direction in the figure is the flow direction of the gas on the surface of the vehicle body. The position of the rim cover 2 corresponds to the area on the outside of the rim body 1 near the rear of the vehicle, and the position of the rim cover 2 is opposite to the through hole 10.

[0050] Because the area on the outside of the rim body 1 near the rear of the vehicle is the windward area of ​​the rim body 1, the air from both sides of the vehicle body has a greater impact on the windward area of ​​the rim body 1. The rim cover plate 2 is opposite the through-hole 10 located in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1, and the through-hole 10 on the rim body 1 cannot communicate with the external environment of the vehicle body in the windward area. As the rim body 1 rotates, the through-hole 10 on the rim body 1 moves to the area of ​​the rim body 1 near the front of the vehicle, and the through-hole 10 can be exposed to the external environment of the vehicle body. That is, the through-hole 10 on the rim body 1 is connected to the external environment of the vehicle body in the leeward area of ​​the rim body 1.

[0051] The air on both sides of the vehicle body has less impact on the leeward area, so when the rim assembly is in the first state, the overall air intake volume of the through-hole 10 on the rim body 1 is relatively small. On the one hand, the smaller air intake volume can meet the low-frequency and short-duration braking action of the brake assembly. On the other hand, it can reduce the vehicle's drag coefficient and reduce the vehicle's energy consumption when traveling at a constant speed.

[0052] Reference Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is the second assembly diagram of a rim cover and a rim body provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rim assembly is in a second state when the vehicle is decelerating. In the second state, the X-axis direction in the figure is the flow direction of the gas on the surface of the vehicle body, and the rim cover 2 rotates.

[0053] At this time, the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 can be exposed in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1. The through holes 10 on the rim body 1 are connected to the external environment of the vehicle body in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1. The air from both sides of the vehicle body has a greater impact on the windward area, so the air intake volume of the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 is relatively large. When the vehicle decelerates, the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 can be connected to the external environment in both the leeward area of ​​the rim body 1 and the windward area of ​​the rim body 1.

[0054] Compared with the first state, the air intake of the through hole 10 on the rim body 1 increases, thereby meeting the high-load working conditions of the brake assembly and avoiding adverse phenomena such as rapid heating of the brake assembly and breakage, failure of the vehicle's brake function, etc.

[0055] The present disclosure does not specifically limit the implementation method of the rotation of the rim cover plate 2, and can be matched and set according to factors such as the usage scenarios of different vehicles and the cost budget of the rim assembly. For example: the rim cover plate 2 can move according to its own inertia. When the vehicle decelerates, the rim cover plate 2 has a tendency to move forward at the original speed in order to maintain its uniform linear motion state. Since it is rotationally connected to the rim body 1, the rim cover plate 2 rotates. For another example: the rim cover plate 2 can be driven by a motor to move. When the vehicle is traveling at a uniform speed, the motor drives the rim cover plate 2 to be located at a position opposite to the windward area of ​​the rim body 1. When the vehicle decelerates, the motor drives the rim cover plate 2 to rotate at a preset speed or the motor drives the rim cover plate 2 to move from a position opposite to the windward area of ​​the rim body 1 to a position opposite to the leeward area of ​​the rim body 1, and maintain this position.

[0056] In some embodiments, the outer edge of the rim cover 2 is flush with the wheel flange protection line 90 of the tire 9. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a rim cover and tire according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flush design creates a smoother transition between the tire 9 and the rim assembly, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. It also reduces air turbulence and wind resistance, thereby improving the vehicle's energy efficiency and driving stability. It also reduces noise generated by air flow, improving in-vehicle comfort.

[0057] In some embodiments, the rim cover 2 is made of plastic. First, plastic is easy to process into various shapes and can be formed by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding and other processes. This molding performance simplifies the production process of plastic products and can achieve different shapes and sizes of rim covers 2 corresponding to different models. Second, the density of plastic material is low, so the rim cover 2 made of plastic material is light in weight, avoiding increasing the overall mass of the vehicle and increasing energy consumption. Third, plastic material has good corrosion resistance and strong resistance to chemical substances such as water, acid and alkali. Since the rim cover 2 is located on the outer surface of the vehicle, the liquid splashed by the tire 9 during daily use is not easy to cause damage to the rim cover 2, thereby extending the service life of the rim cover 2.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a rim cover provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rim cover 2 may include a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 .

[0059] 2.1. Part I 21

[0060] The first part 21 has a semicircular structure. The first part 21 of the semicircular structure corresponds to the area on the outer side of the rim body 1 near the rear of the vehicle, which can ensure that when the through hole 10 on the rim body 1 moves in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1, the first part 21 is always opposite to the through hole 10, thereby avoiding the through hole 10 in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1 from being connected to the external environment of the vehicle body, thereby avoiding increasing the ventilation volume of the rim assembly and the wind resistance of the vehicle.

[0061] The radius of the first portion 21 is greater than or equal to a first reference distance, which is the distance from any point on the edge of each through-hole 10 region of the rim body 1 to the axis of the rim body 1. Thus, in the windward region of the rim body 1, the first portion 21 can be opposite to each through-hole 10 on the rim body 1 and completely opposite to each through-hole 10 region on the rim body 1. This ensures that when any through-hole 10 moves in the windward region of the rim body 1, the first portion 21 always faces the through-hole 10, preventing the through-hole 10 from communicating with the vehicle's external environment in the windward region of the rim body 1, thereby avoiding increasing the rim assembly's ventilation capacity and the vehicle's wind resistance.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the radius of the first portion 21 is less than or equal to the radius of the rim body 1. The rotation axis of the rim cover plate 2 coincides with the axis of the rim body 1, and the radius of the first portion 21 is less than or equal to the radius of the rim body 1. This prevents a local area of ​​the first portion 21 from exceeding the cross-sectional area of ​​the rim body 1 perpendicular to the axial direction, thereby preventing the rim cover plate 2 and the tire 9 connected to the radial outer wall of the rim body 1 from being squeezed or rubbed against each other, thereby preventing the tire 9 from being scratched or the rim cover plate 2 from being worn.

[0063] In some embodiments, the radius of the first portion 21 is equal to the first reference distance and is less than or equal to the radius of the rim body 1. While ensuring that the rim body 1 can cover the through hole 10 in the windward region of the rim body 1 and prevent the through hole 10 from communicating with the external environment of the vehicle body in the windward region of the rim body 1, the radius of the first portion 21 can be reduced as much as possible. In this case, the material used for the first portion 21 is small, the manufacturing cost is low, and the mass of the first portion 21 is also low, thereby reducing the increase in vehicle energy consumption caused by the rim cover 2.

[0064] 2.2. Part II 22

[0065] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the second portion 22 is connected to the straight edge of the semicircular structure, and the distance between any point on the edge of the second portion 22 and the axis of the rim body 1 is less than or equal to the radius of the semicircular structure.

[0066] The distance between at least some points on the edge of the second portion 22 and the axis of the rim body 1 is less than the first reference distance. In the first state, the first portion 21 is located in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1, and the second portion 22 connected to the first portion 21 is located in the leeward area of ​​the rim body 1. At this time, the second portion 22 avoids the through hole 10 in the rim body 1, ensuring that a portion of the through hole 10 in the rim body 1 is connected to the external environment of the vehicle body in the leeward area of ​​the rim body 1. This further reduces the amount of air intake into the rim assembly when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, lowers the vehicle's drag coefficient at a constant speed, and reduces the vehicle's energy consumption during constant speed driving.

[0067] In some embodiments, the distance between at least some points on the edge of the second part 22 and the axis of the rim body 1 is less than a second reference distance, and the second reference distance is the minimum value of the distance from any point on the edge of each through hole 10 area of ​​the rim body 1 to the axis of the rim body 1.

[0068] In the first state, the first part 21 is located in the windward area of the rim body 1, and the second part 22 connected with the first part 21 is located in the leeward area of the rim body 1, and the second part 22 avoids the through holes 10 on the rim body 1, ensuring that the entire area of any one of the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 is in communication with the external environment of the vehicle body in the leeward area of the rim body 1.

[0069] In the second state, the rim cover plate 2 is rotated, and the second part 22 can be rotated to the windward area of the rim body 1. Similar to the first state, the second part 22 avoids the through holes 10 on the rim body 1, ensuring that the entire area of any one of the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 is in communication with the external environment of the vehicle body in the windward area of the rim body 1.

[0070] In the second state, the second part 22 ensures that the entire area of any one of the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 is in communication with the external environment of the vehicle body in the windward area of the rim body 1, ensuring that when the vehicle is decelerating, external air can enter the internal cavity of the rim body 1 from the entire area of the through holes 10, further improving the air intake of the rim assembly in the vehicle deceleration scenario, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the brake assembly, and avoiding brake failure of the vehicle.

[0071] 3. The weight block 3

[0072] Referring to Figure 1 The rim assembly can further include a weight block 3 connected with the rim cover plate 2. The center of gravity of the assembly formed by the rim cover plate 2 and the weight block 3 is located on the plane determined by the straight line of the semicircular structure and the axis of the rim body 1, and it is ensured that, under the action of no external force, the first part 21 of the rim cover plate 2 corresponds to the windward area of the rim body 1, and the second part 22 of the rim cover plate 2 corresponds to the leeward area of the rim body 1. On the one hand, it is ensured that in the first state, the first part 21 of the rim cover plate 2 can cover the through holes 10 in the windward area of the rim body 1; on the other hand, it is ensured that after the rim cover plate 2 is rotated, it returns to the starting position, that is, the first part 21 of the rim cover plate 2 corresponds to the windward area of the rim body 1, and the second part 22 of the rim cover plate 2 corresponds to the leeward area of the rim body 1.

[0073] The connection relationship between the weight block 3 and the rim cover plate 2 is not specifically limited in the present disclosure, and can adopt detachable connection modes such as threaded fastening connection, buckle connection, etc., or non-detachable connection modes such as glue dispensing, welding, etc. The specific connection mode can be matched and set according to the use scenario of the rim assembly, the connection strength of the weight block 3 and the rim cover plate 2 required by different vehicles, etc.

[0074] The present disclosure does not specifically limit the mass, shape, and relative position of the counterweight 3 to the rim cover 2 , and the mass and shape of the rim cover 2 can be calculated by performing a certain torque calculation.

[0075] 4. Bearing 4

[0076] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the rim assembly can also include a bearing 4, the axis of the bearing 4 coincides with the axis of the rim body 1, the rim body 1 has a center hole, the bearing 4 is located in the center hole of the rim body 1, the outer wall of the bearing 4 is connected to the rim body 1, and the inner wall of the bearing 4 is connected to the rim cover plate 2.

[0077] Bearing 4 ensures independent movement of the rim cover plate 2 and rim body 1, to which its inner and outer walls are connected. This means the rim cover plate 2 and rim body 1 can rotate synchronously at the same speed, or at different speeds, resulting in differential motion. The rim body 1 is connected to the wheel and rotates at the same speed as the wheel, while the speed of the rim cover plate 2 can be set to match its drive mode.

[0078] The present disclosure does not specifically limit the size of the bearing 4, and the bearing 4 can be selected based on the size, shape, and other parameters of the rim cover 2 and the rim body 1. The present disclosure does not specifically limit the type or material of the bearing 4, and the bearing 4 can be selected based on factors such as the stress, strength requirements, and manufacturing cost.

[0079] 5. Fixing piece 5 and gasket 6

[0080] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the rim assembly may further include a fixing member 5 having a threaded hole 50. The centerline of the threaded hole 50 coincides with the rotation axis of the rim cover plate 2. The rim cover plate 2 and the threaded hole 50 are connected by a bolt 8. The bolt 8 and the fixing member 5 work together to limit the axial movement of the rim cover plate 2. On the one hand, this prevents the rim cover plate 2 from moving outward in the axial direction and falling off the rim body 1; on the other hand, it prevents the rim cover plate 2 from moving inward in the axial direction, which could cause contact between the rim cover plate 2 and the rim body 1, resulting in friction and causing damage or breakage of the rim cover plate 2.

[0081] The rim assembly may also include a gasket 6, which is located between the nut of the bolt 8 and the rim cover plate 2 along the axial direction of the rim cover plate 2. On the one hand, the gasket 6 increases the contact area between the nut and the rim cover plate 2, reduces stress concentration in the contact area between the nut and the rim cover plate 2, and reduces wear on the rim cover plate 2 caused by direct contact between the nut and the rim cover plate 2. On the other hand, the elastic properties of the gasket 6 can absorb some vibration energy, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the rim assembly.

[0082] 6. Magnetic parts 7

[0083] The rim assembly may further include a magnetic member 7, which is connected to the side of the rim cover plate 2 facing the rim body 1 and is at least partially opposite to the area of ​​the rim body 1 without the through hole 10. The side of the rim body 1 opposite to the rim cover plate 2 has a magnetic layer (for example, magnetic paint), one end of the magnetic member 7 is opposite to the magnetic layer, and the magnetic pole of the end of the magnetic member 7 opposite to the magnetic layer is the same as the magnetic pole of the magnetic layer. According to the magnetic principle that like charges repel, there is a repulsive force between the magnetic member 7 and the magnetic layer, thereby ensuring a certain safety gap between the magnetic member 7 and the magnetic layer, to avoid friction between the rim body 1 and the rim cover plate 2 due to the rotation of at least one element when the rim body 1 and the rim cover plate 2 are in contact, thereby causing adverse phenomena such as wear, cracking, and deformation of the rim body 1 or the rim cover plate 2.

[0084] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a vehicle, which may include a rim assembly as described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0085] The present disclosure does not specifically limit the type of vehicle, for example, sedans, buses, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), etc. The vehicle can be a fuel vehicle, a pure electric vehicle (Blade Electric Vehicles, referred to as BEV, or EV), or a hybrid electric vehicle (Hybrid Electric Vehicle, referred to as HEV), such as extended-range type, plug-in type, etc.

[0086] The present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of rim assemblies a vehicle may include; the number of rim assemblies may be determined based on vehicle type, drag coefficient requirements, braking capacity, and other parameters. For example, a sedan vehicle may be used as an example. For example, two rim assemblies may be provided, one located at each of the sedan's rear wheels. Because the windward areas of the rear wheel rims are significantly impacted by the flowing air, rim assemblies located at the rear wheels can reduce the vehicle's drag coefficient. For another example, four rim assemblies may be provided, one located at each of the sedan's four wheels, further reducing the vehicle's drag coefficient and thus further reducing energy consumption at a constant speed.

[0087] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle may further include a tire 9, which is connected to the outer wall of the rim body 1. The present disclosure does not specifically limit the connection method between the tire 9 and the rim body 1, and can be matched and set according to parameters such as the type and size of the tire 9. For example, the inner side of the tire 9 has a groove, and the edge of the rim body 1 has a corresponding protrusion, and the groove and protrusion fit together to achieve the connection between the tire 9 and the rim body 1.

[0088] In some embodiments, the vehicle may further include a brake assembly located within the internal cavity formed by the rim body 1 and connected to the wheel drive shaft. The brake assembly may include a brake disc and a brake caliper. During vehicle operation, the brake disc rotates along with the tire 9, with a gap between the brake caliper and the brake disc. When the vehicle brakes, the brake caliper clamps the brake disc, generating significant friction between the brake pads of the caliper and the brake disc, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into thermal energy of the brake disc, thereby decelerating or stopping the vehicle.

[0089] When the brake pads and brake discs of the brake caliper are squeezed together to generate friction, a large amount of heat is generated in the contact area between the two. The brake components need to dissipate heat to the air around them. This means that when the vehicle is braking for a long time or in an emergency, sufficient airflow is required to cope with the high-load braking conditions in such scenarios.

[0090] When the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, the rim cover 2 in the embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the area of ​​the outer side of the rim body 1 near the rear of the vehicle. Since the area of ​​the outer side of the rim body 1 near the rear of the vehicle is the windward area of ​​the rim body 1, the air on both sides of the vehicle body has a greater impact on this area, and the rim cover 2 is located corresponding to the area of ​​the outer side of the rim body 1 near the rear of the vehicle.

[0091] At this time, the through-holes 10 on the rim body 1 cannot communicate with the external environment of the vehicle body in the windward area. As the rim body 1 rotates, the through-holes 10 on the rim body 1 move to the area of ​​the rim body 1 near the front of the vehicle, where they can be exposed to the external environment of the vehicle body. That is, the through-holes 10 on the rim body 1 communicate with the external environment of the vehicle body in the leeward area of ​​the rim body 1. Because the air on both sides of the vehicle body has less impact on the leeward area, the overall air intake of the through-holes 10 on the rim body 1 is relatively small when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed. On the one hand, the smaller air intake can meet the low-frequency and short-duration braking actions of the brake assembly. On the other hand, it can reduce the vehicle's drag coefficient and reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle when traveling at a constant speed.

[0092] When the vehicle decelerates, affected by its own inertia, the rim cover 2 in the disclosed embodiment rotates around the rotation axis of the rim cover 2 from a position corresponding to the area on the outside of the rim body 1 close to the rear of the vehicle, and the through hole 10 on the rim body 1 can be exposed in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1. The through hole 10 on the rim body 1 is connected with the external environment of the vehicle body in the windward area of ​​the rim body 1. The air on both sides of the vehicle body has a greater impact on the windward area, so the air intake of the through hole 10 on the rim body 1 is relatively large at this time.

[0093] When the vehicle decelerates, the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 can communicate with the outside environment in both the leeward and windward areas of the rim body 1. Compared to a vehicle traveling at a constant speed, the air intake through the through holes 10 on the rim body 1 is increased, thereby meeting the high-load conditions of the brake assembly and preventing adverse phenomena such as rapid heating of the brake assembly, breakage, and vehicle brake failure.

[0094] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0095] It is understood that in this disclosure, "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar. "And / or" describes the association relationship of related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. The singular forms "a", "the" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0096] It will be further understood that the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various types of information, but such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish information of the same type from one another and do not indicate a particular order or level of importance. In fact, the terms "first," "second," and the like are fully interchangeable. For example, first information could be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information could be referred to as first information without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0097] It can be further understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this embodiment and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation.

[0098] It is further understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral molding; they may refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communication between them; they may refer to direct connections without any other components between them, or indirect connections through an intermediary; they may refer to internal communication between two elements, or interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0099] It is further understood that although operations are described in a particular order in the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure, this should not be construed as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a serial order, or that all of the operations shown be performed to obtain the desired results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the solutions disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the claims.

[0101] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rim assembly, characterized in that: The rim assembly comprises a rim body (1) and a rim cover plate (2); The rim body (1) has a columnar structure and an axial through hole (10); The rim cover plate (2) is located outside the rim body (1) and is rotatably connected to the rim body (1); the rotation axis of the rim cover plate (2) coincides with the axis of the rim body (1); the rim cover plate (2) comprises a first portion (21) and a second portion (22); the first portion (21) has a semicircular structure; the second portion (22) is connected to a straight edge of the semicircular structure; and the distance between any point on the edge of the second portion (22) and the axis of the rim body (1) is less than the radius of the semicircular structure; The rim assembly is in a first state when the vehicle is moving at a constant speed. In the first state, the position of the first portion (21) corresponds to an area of ​​the outer side of the rim body (1) close to the rear of the vehicle, and the position of the first portion (21) is opposite to the through hole (10) located in the windward area of ​​the rim body (1). The rim assembly is in a second state when the vehicle is moving at a decelerated speed. In the second state, the rim cover (2) rotates.

2. The rim assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rim assembly further comprises a counterweight (3), the counterweight (3) being connected to the rim cover (2), and the center of gravity of an assembly formed by the rim cover (2) and the counterweight (3) being located on a plane defined by the straight edge of the semicircular structure and the axis of the rim body (1).

3. The rim assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rim assembly further comprises a bearing (4), the axis of the bearing (4) coincides with the axis of the rim body (1), the outer wall of the bearing (4) is connected to the rim body (1), and the inner wall of the bearing (4) is connected to the rim cover plate (2).

4. The rim assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rim assembly further comprises a fixing member (5), the fixing member (5) having a threaded hole (50), the center line of the threaded hole coincides with the rotation axis of the rim cover plate (2), and the rim cover plate (2) and the threaded hole (50) are connected via a bolt (8).

5. The rim assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The rim assembly further comprises a gasket (6), wherein in the axial direction of the rim cover plate (2), the gasket (6) is located between the nut of the bolt (8) and the rim cover plate (2).

6. The rim assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rim assembly further comprises a magnetic member (7), the magnetic member (7) being connected to a side of the rim cover plate (2) facing the rim body (1) and at least partially opposite to an area of ​​the rim body (1) without a through hole (10).

7. The rim assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The outer edge of the rim cover (2) is flush with the wheel rim protection line (90) of the tire (9).

8. The rim assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The wheel rim cover (2) is made of plastic.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the rim assembly according to any one of claims 1-8.

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