Vehicle wheel structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel structure for a vehicle, comprising: a wheel which supports a tire and is assembled to the vehicle; and a wheel cover as a wheel mounting member attached to a wheel, the wheel cover having: a main body part; the wheel cover includes a main body portion and an engaging portion provided to the main body portion, the wheel has an engaged portion extended to engage with the engaging portion, and the engaged portion is extended to be relatively close to the engaging portion in a region where the engaging portion moves relative to the engaged portion in a state where the wheel cover is attached to the wheel by engaging the engaging portion with the engaged portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel structure for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a cover disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-193693 is known. This conventional cover has three engaging portions: an engaging portion that engages with a step provided on the wheel, and two engaging portions that engage with through-holes provided at two locations. Furthermore, the conventional cover's radial and circumferential position relative to the wheel is determined by the engagement of these three engaging portions with the step and through-holes provided on the wheel.

[0003] In recent years, wheel mounting components, including wheel covers and accessories such as the aforementioned conventional covers, have been installed on wheels for the purpose of improving the wheel's exterior design and aerodynamic characteristics. In such cases, the wheel mounting components may have a plate shape in addition to a frame shape like the aforementioned conventional covers.

[0004] It should be noted that when a vehicle is traveling, external forces acting on the wheel mounting components may be applied in a direction that causes the wheel mounting components to become dislodged due to wind pressure, vibration, impact with water, snow, etc. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a trend toward larger diameters (larger wheels) for vehicles, which may also generate large centrifugal forces on the wheel mounting components that rotate with the wheels.

[0005] Therefore, when using the conventional cap engagement structure, if material degradation occurs at the engagement portion, or if external forces or centrifugal forces act on the wheel mounting member, i.e., the engagement portion, particularly the engagement portion engaged with the step portion, may move relative to the step portion. This reduces the engagement between the step portion and the engagement portion, lowering the engagement force and potentially causing the wheel mounting member to fall off. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a vehicle wheel structure capable of preventing a wheel mounting component mounted on a wheel from falling off.

[0007] The vehicle wheel structure of the disclosed embodiment comprises: a wheel, which supports a tire and is assembled to a vehicle; and a wheel mounting component, which is mounted on the wheel, the wheel mounting component having: a main body; and a locking portion, which is arranged on the main body, the wheel having a locked portion extended and engaged with the locking portion, and when the wheel mounting component is mounted on the wheel by locking the locking portion with the locked portion, in an area where the locking portion moves relative to the locked portion, the locked portion is extended and relatively close to the locking portion.

[0008] According to the vehicle wheel structure of the disclosed embodiment, even if the engaging portion moves relative to the engaged portion, the engaged portion can be maintained at the destination of the engaging portion's movement. Thus, even if external forces or centrifugal forces act on the wheel mounting component and the engaging portion moves relative to the engaged portion, the engaged state between the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be maintained. Consequently, the wheel mounting component can be prevented from falling off the wheel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a vehicle wheel.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of section II-II.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a wheel.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an engaged portion extending from a wheel.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining wheel mounting components.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the engaging portion of the wheel mounting member.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the relative movement of the engaging portion.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the relative movement of the engaging portion.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a diagram for explaining the engaged state of the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

[0019] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining a wheel according to a first modification.

[0020] Figure 11 It is a diagram for explaining an engaged portion extending from a wheel according to a first modified example.

[0021] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining the engaged state of the engaging portion and the engaged portion according to the first modification.

[0022] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining a wheel mounting member according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, a vehicle wheel structure as an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms by various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art in addition to the following embodiments.

[0024] 1. Implementation Method

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of this embodiment includes a wheel 11 constituting a wheel of the vehicle. The wheel 11 supports a tire 12 and is assembled to the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of this embodiment includes a wheel cover 13 as a wheel mounting member mounted on the wheel 11. The vehicle wheel structure 10 described below is illustrated as being used for a wheel serving as a driving wheel. Furthermore, although the vehicle wheel structure 10 is illustrated as being used for a wheel serving as a driving wheel, it goes without saying that the vehicle wheel structure 10 can also be used for a wheel serving as a driven wheel.

[0026] Here, the side where the vehicle body is located relative to the wheel 11 when the wheel 11 is assembled on the vehicle is referred to as the "inner side," and the opposite side where the vehicle body is not located is referred to as the "outer side." In the following description, the "outer side" of the wheel 11 may also be referred to as the "design surface." Furthermore, in the following description, the direction parallel to the rotation axis L passing through the center of the wheel including the wheel 11 is referred to as the "axial direction," and the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis L is referred to as the "radial direction."

[0027] The wheel 11 is made of an alloy such as aluminum or steel, and is composed of a disc 111 formed in a disc shape and a ring-shaped rim 112 provided on the outer periphery of the disc 111 and holding the tire 12. In this embodiment, the wheel 11 is made of an alloy such as aluminum, such as Figure 2 1 , the case where the plate body 111 and the rim 112 are integrally molded as a single piece is exemplified.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, disc body 111 has a hub hole 113 extending along the axial direction and penetrating a central portion 111C of disc body 111. Hub hole 113 has protrusions formed along the circumference of its inner peripheral surface. For example, hub hole 113 can function as a hole for engaging a claw member provided on wheel cover 13 with the protrusions to secure wheel cover 13 when the wheel cover 13 is mounted. Furthermore, when wheel cover 13 is not mounted, hub hole 113 can function as a hole for attaching a decorative part provided on wheel 11.

[0029] The disc 111 has a hub mounting portion 114 on the inner side thereof for being fixed to the hub H by fastening members T such as hub nuts or hub bolts when the wheel 11 is assembled to the vehicle. The hub mounting portion 114 is provided at the center of the wheel 11, i.e., at the central portion 111C.

[0030] The disc body 111 also includes spokes 115 that connect the hub mounting portion 114 to the rim 112 that supports the tire 12 on the outer peripheral side, which is the outer side, in the radial direction of the wheel 11. In this embodiment, the disc body 111, that is, the wheel 11, includes five spokes 115 that extend radially from the hub mounting portion 114 toward the rim 112 in the radial direction.

[0031] In addition, the disc body 111 has air holes 116 formed between adjacent spokes 115. In this embodiment, as Figure 3 The figure shows an example in which the disc body 111 has five air holes 116 defined by two spokes 115, a hub mounting portion 114, and a rim 112. Depending on the arrangement and shape of the spokes 115, for example, the air holes 116 may be defined by two spokes 115 and the rim 112, or by two spokes 115 and the hub mounting portion 114.

[0032] As will be described later, the engaged portion 117 is extended along the circumferential side surface of the spoke 115 so as to engage with the engaging portion 134 provided on the main body 131 of the wheel cover 13. Figure 4 As shown, the engaged portion 117 is extended in the region R where the engaging portion 134 moves relative to the engaged portion 117, and the extension direction Ds of the engaged portion 117 radially outward is parallel to the movement direction Dm of the engaging portion 134 radially outward.

[0033] Specifically, the extension direction Ds of the engaged portion 117 is set to form an angle θ (θ ≥ θ / 2) with respect to the radial direction Dr, indicated by the two-dot chain line, along the side surface of the spoke 115. Here, θ is the angle ALB formed by points A and B in the radial direction Dr and the rotation axis L on a virtual plane (not shown) perpendicular to the rotation axis L. In this embodiment, the angle θ is set to θ = θ / 2. Thus, in this embodiment, the engaged portion 117 is extended so that, when the engaging portion 134 moves relative to the engaged portion 117, as described later, the movement direction Dm of the engaging portion 134 and the extension direction Ds are parallel to each other.

[0034] In this embodiment, the engaged portion 117 extends from the hub mounting portion 114 toward the rim 112 on the side surfaces of each of the two adjacent spokes 115. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the extending directions Ds of the two engaged portions 117 extending from the hub mounting portion 114 toward the rim 112 are parallel to each other. Specifically, this embodiment illustrates a case where the extending directions Ds of the engaged portions 117 are parallel, and each extending direction Ds is parallel to the movement direction Dm of the engaging portion 134, described later.

[0035] Here, as Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a disc brake B is provided on the inner side of the wheel 11, more specifically, on the inner side of the hub H connected to the hub mounting portion 114. The disc brake B includes a brake rotor B1 that rotates integrally with the wheel 11, and a brake caliper B2 that presses a friction member against the brake rotor B1. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the disc brake B is provided is illustrated, but a drum brake may also be provided. In addition, in the case where the wheel is a driving wheel, as in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, a drive shaft S is connected to the wheel hub H, which is assembled with the hub mounting portion 114. The drive shaft S is housed within the axle J, which is provided so as to pass through the wheel hub H and the brake rotor B1. Furthermore, if the wheel is a driven wheel, the front end of the drive shaft S is inserted into the wheel hub hole 113.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the wheel cover 13 constituting the vehicle wheel structure 10 is formed to cover the entire or part of the surface corresponding to the outer side of the wheel 11, that is, the design surface, that is, to cover the air holes 116 provided on the wheel 11, and is mounted on the wheel 11. Figure 5 As shown, the wheel cover 13 includes a main body 131 as a main component. Here, the wheel cover 13 is molded using, for example, a resin material.

[0037] The main body 131 of this embodiment includes a plurality of main body forming components 132 and a connecting portion 133 that connects the plurality of main body forming components 132 at the center portion 111C of the disc 111 along the circumferential direction of the wheel 11 when mounted on the wheel 11. Thus, the plurality of main body forming components 132 are integrated by the connecting portion 133, and the disc-shaped main body 131 is mounted so as to cover the entire design surface of the disc 111 of the wheel 11.

[0038] In this embodiment, the main body 131 is illustrated as having multiple fan-shaped main body forming members 132. Specifically, the main body 131 includes five main body forming members 132 to cover or decorate the five air holes 116 provided in the disc 111 of the wheel 11. The number of main body forming members 132 is not limited to this; any number of main body forming members 132 is sufficient. Furthermore, the shape of the main body forming members 132 is not limited to a fan-shaped shape; various shapes are possible.

[0039] In this embodiment, the example in which the connecting portion 133, when attached to the wheel 11, connects the plurality of main body components 132 at the wheel 11, i.e., the center portion 111C of the disc 111, is shown. However, the connecting portion 133 can also connect the main body components 132 at a location other than the center portion 111C of the wheel 11, i.e., the disc 111, depending on, for example, the shape of the disc 111 of the wheel 11, or more specifically, the three-dimensional shape of the spokes 115. In this case, the plurality of main body components 132 can be integrated by the connecting portion 133, and the disc-shaped main body 131 can be attached to the disc 111 of the wheel 11.

[0040] The main body 131, that is, the plurality of main body forming members 132, each has an engaging portion 134 formed to engage with the engaged portion 117 of the spoke 115 extending from the disc 111 (wheel 11). In this embodiment, the engaging portion 134 is configured to engage with the engaged portion 117 extending from each of the two spokes 115.

[0041] Although detailed description is omitted, when the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the wheel 11, in addition to the engagement of the engagement portion 134 with the engaged portion 117, for example, the protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hub hole 113 and the claw member provided on the connecting portion 133 can also be engaged (see FIG. Figure 2 ), the peripheral groove provided on the rim 112 is engaged with the fixing member. In this way, the wheel cover 13 can be mounted on the wheel 11.

[0042] like Figure 6As shown, the engaging portion 134 includes two sets of supporting portions 134A and engaging claws 134B, each of which is configured to engage with the two engaged portions 117 extending from the spoke 115. The supporting portion 134A is disposed upright on the inner side of the main body forming member 132 when it is secured to the disc 111 of the wheel 11, and supports the engaging claws 134B. The engaging claws 134B are disposed at the front end of the supporting portion 134A. Furthermore, the engaging claws 134B are configured to protrude toward the spoke 115 when the main body forming member 132 is secured to the disc 111 of the wheel 11, and engage with the engaged portions 117 extending from the spoke 115.

[0043] Here, in the engaging portion 134, the engaging claw 134B is engaged with the engaged portion 117 with a predetermined engagement amount so that the wheel cover 13 does not fall off when the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the wheel 11. That is, in the engaging portion 134, the supporting portion 134A is supported so as to press the engaging claw 134B toward the spoke 115, thereby maintaining the engagement between the engaging claw 134B and the engaged portion 117.

[0044] It should be noted that the engaging portion 134 is also formed of a resin material, similar to the main body 131, or the main body forming member 132. Therefore, if the supporting portion 134A continues to press the engaging claw 134B engaged with the engaged portion 117 toward the spoke 115, that is, if the engaging portion 134 continues to be engaged with the engaged portion 117, the reaction force acting from the engaged portion 117 in the circumferential direction of the wheel 11 continues to act on the supporting portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B. Furthermore, if the supporting portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B continue to overcome the reaction force, deterioration of the material properties of the supporting portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B, such as thermal creep and stress relaxation, may occur.

[0045] Therefore, the engaging portion 134 of this embodiment is assembled with a thin metal backup clip 134C as a biasing member for biasing the supporting portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B toward the spoke 115 in order to overcome the reaction force acting from the engaged portion 117. Figure 6 As shown, the support clip 134C is assembled and held between the support portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B, and the receiving portion 134D. Thus, the support clip 134C elastically deforms between the support portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B, and the receiving portion 134D, thereby absorbing the reaction force acting on the support portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B from the engaged portion 117.

[0046] In addition, the wheel cover 13 of this embodiment has a work hole 135, which allows a fastening member T (hub nut or hub bolt) for assembling the wheel 11 to the hub H to be inserted therethrough for tightening. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the working hole 135 is provided in the connecting portion 133 and is a through hole formed along the axial direction.

[0047] The wheel cover 13 thus constructed is mounted on the outer design surface of the wheel 11 by engaging the engaging portion 134 provided on the main body forming member 132 (main body 131) with the engaged portion 117 of the spoke 115 extending from the disc 111 (wheel 11). Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a state where the wheel cover 13 of this embodiment is mounted on the wheel 11 , each main body forming member 132 can cover the air hole 116 and can also cover the rim 112 of the wheel 11 .

[0048] It should be noted that when the vehicle is traveling, a portion of the air entering under the floor of the vehicle body (not shown) flows from the inside to the outside of the wheel. Therefore, the external force caused by the flow of air acts from the inside to the outside on the wheel cover 13 mounted on the wheel 11 of the traveling vehicle. In addition, if the vehicle is traveling in rainy or snowy conditions, the air flowing from the inside to the outside of the wheel causes water and snow (ice) to flow from the inside to the outside of the wheel. Therefore, in addition to the external force caused by the flow of air, the wheel cover 13 mounted on the wheel 11 of a vehicle traveling in rainy or snowy conditions is also subjected to external force from the inside to the outside due to the collision of water, snow (ice), etc.

[0049] Here, as in Figure 7 As schematically shown in FIG, it is assumed that an external force indicated by a thick arrow acts from the inside toward the outside on the main body forming part 132 (main body 131) indicated by a single dotted line. In this situation, since the external force acts from the inside toward the outside, the main body forming part 132 (main body 131) temporarily generates a convex flexural deformation (elastic deformation) toward the outside as indicated by the solid line. Therefore, as in FIG Figure 7 As indicated by the circular arrows in the figure, the two sets of support portions 134A and engaging claws 134B constituting the engaging portion 134 provided upright on the inner side, i.e., the back side, of the main body forming member 132 (main body 131) are displaced in a direction approaching each other in the circumferential direction.

[0050] In addition, as in Figure 8As schematically shown in FIG, a situation is assumed in which an external force, indicated by a thick arrow, acts from the inside toward the outside on the radially outer side, that is, on the rim 112 side of the wheel 11, on the main body forming member 132 (main body), indicated by a dashed line and connected to the connecting portion 133 on the radially inner side. As described above, the brake rotor B1 of the disc brake B is positioned on the inner side of the wheel 11. Furthermore, the vehicle body (not shown) is located on the inner side of the wheel 11. Therefore, since air, water, etc., which flows under the floor of the vehicle body and circulates from the inner side to the outer side of the wheel, needs to pass vertically below the brake rotor B1, most of it flows on the rim 112 side of the wheel 11.

[0051] Therefore, in this situation, since the external force acts from the inside to the outside on the radial outside, the main body forming part 132 (main body) which is connected to the connecting part 133 on the radial inside, that is, fixed on the radial inside, becomes a so-called cantilever beam. Therefore, as shown by the solid line, the main body forming part 132 (main body) temporarily generates flexural deformation (elastic deformation) toward the outside. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8 As indicated by the circular arrows, the two sets of support portions 134A and engaging claws 134B constituting the engaging portion 134 erected inside the main body forming member 132 (main body), i.e., on the back side, are displaced radially outward, i.e., in the moving direction Dm.

[0052] Furthermore, when the vehicle is moving, centrifugal force in the radial direction acts on the wheel cover 13 mounted on the wheel 11, particularly on the main body 132, and vibration from the road surface is also input. In addition, the centrifugal force and vibration may also contribute to the temporary bending deformation (elastic deformation) of the main body 132 (main body), resulting in a situation that promotes the Figure 8 The displacement of the support portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B is shown.

[0053] In this manner, when the engaging portion 134 provided on the main body forming member 132 (main body) temporarily flexes (elastically deforms) due to an external force, for example, the engaging claw 134B displaces along with the supporting portion 134A. When the engaging claw 134B engages with the engaged portion 117, the displacement of the engaging claw 134B constitutes relative movement relative to the engaged portion 117. Furthermore, the range of relative movement of the engaging claw 134B relative to the engaged portion 117 is defined as region R.

[0054] It should be noted that, as described above, the extending direction Ds of the engaged portion 117 extending from the spoke 115 is set to have an angle θ=θ / 2 with respect to the radial direction Dr. In addition, in this embodiment, the two engaged portions 117 are extended from the spoke 115 in a manner parallel to the extending direction Ds. Figure 9 As shown, in the region R, even if the engaging claw 134B moves relative to the engaged portion 117 in the movement direction Dm, the engaging claw 134B can maintain the engaged state with the engaged portion 117. That is, in this case, the engaged portion 117 is present even at the position to which the engaging claw 134B is displaced, and a sufficient engagement amount can be provided to maintain the engaged state, thereby preventing the wheel cover 13 from falling off the wheel 11.

[0055] On the other hand, if the angle θ is θ<θ / 2, the extending direction Ds is close to Figure 9 The radial direction Dr is indicated by the two-dot chain line. In this case, the engaging claw 134B of the engaging portion 134, indicated by the thin single-dot chain line, has some engagement with the engaged portion 117 before relative movement. However, if the engaging portion 134 moves relative to the wheel as indicated by the solid line, there may be no engaged portion 117 at the destination, or even if there is, the engagement between the engaging claw 134B and the engaged portion 117 is small. As a result, the engagement force decreases, increasing the likelihood of disengagement. Specifically, when the angle θ is θ < θ / 2, the wheel house 13 is more likely to fall off the wheel 11.

[0056] As can be understood from the above description, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of the embodiment includes: a wheel 11 that supports a tire 12 and is assembled to a vehicle; and a wheel cover 13 as a wheel mounting member that is mounted to the wheel 11. The wheel cover 13 includes a main body 131 and an engaging portion 134 provided on the main body 131. The wheel 11 includes an engaged portion 117 that extends and engages with the engaging portion 134. When the wheel cover 13 is mounted to the wheel 11 by engaging the engaging portion 134 with the engaged portion 117, the engaged portion 117 extends and is relatively close to the engaging portion 134 in a region R where the engaging portion 134 moves relative to the engaged portion 117. In this case, the wheel cover 13 is molded using a resin material.

[0057] In this case, the engaged portion 117 is provided on the spoke 115, which is assembled to the hub mounting portion 114 of the vehicle's hub H at the center portion 111C of the disc 111, which is the center side of the wheel 11, and is connected to the rim 112 that supports the tire 12 on the outer peripheral side of the wheel 11. The engaging portion 134 engages with the engaged portions 117 provided on two spokes 115 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the wheel 11. In this case, the engaged portions 117 provided on the two adjacent spokes 115 extend parallel to each other from the hub mounting portion 114 side toward the rim 112 side.

[0058] In these cases, the engaging portion 134 includes a supporting portion 134A erected relative to the main body 131, and an engaging claw 134B supported by the supported portion 134A and engaged with the engaged portion 117. In this case, the engaging portion 134 includes a supporting clip 134C as a biasing member. When the engaging claw 134B is engaged with the engaged portion 117, the supporting clip 134C biases the supporting portion 134A and the engaging claw 134B to overcome a reaction force acting from the engaged portion 117 in the circumferential direction of the wheel 11.

[0059] In this case, the main body 131 is formed so as to cover the entire surface of the wheel 11 corresponding to the outer side of the vehicle when mounted on the wheel 11. In this case, the main body 131 includes a plurality of main body forming components 132 and a connecting portion 133 that, when mounted on the wheel 11, connects the main body forming components 132 along the circumferential direction of the wheel 11. Furthermore, in this case, the connecting portion 133 connects the plurality of main body forming components 132 at the central portion 111C of the disc 111 of the wheel 11 when mounted on the wheel 11.

[0060] According to the vehicle wheel structure 10, in region R, even if the engaging portion 134 moves relative to the engaged portion 117, the engaged portion 117 can be maintained at the destination of the engaging portion 134's movement. Thus, even if external forces, vibrations, centrifugal forces, etc. act on the wheel cover 13 and the engaging portion 134 moves relative to the engaged portion 117, the engaged state between the engaging portion 134 and the engaged portion 117 can be maintained. Consequently, the wheel cover 13 can be prevented from falling off the wheel 11.

[0061] Furthermore, since the engagement state between the engaging portion 134 and the engaged portion 117 can be maintained, the occurrence of flexural deformation in the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) can be suppressed. Thus, according to the vehicle wheel structure 10, for example, the occurrence of abnormal noise caused by the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) contacting the wheel 11 can be prevented.

[0062] 2. First Modification

[0063] In the above embodiment, the case where the extending directions Ds of the engaged portions 117 extending from the two spokes 115 are parallel is exemplified. In this case, the moving direction Dm of the engaging portion 134 is also parallel to the extending direction Ds, and even when the engaging portion 134 moves relatively within the region R, the engaged portion 117 remains at the destination of the movement.

[0064] It should be noted that in order to more reliably maintain the engagement state with the engagement portion 134, Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the engaged portions 118 provided on two adjacent spokes 115 are extended to each spoke 115 so as to approach each other in the circumferential direction of the wheel 11 from the hub mounting portion 114 toward the rim 112. That is, in the first modified example, the engaged portions 118 are extended so that the extending direction Ds intersects with the moving direction Dm of the engaging portion 134.

[0065] Specifically, in the first modification, if Figure 11 As shown, the angle θ1 formed by the radial direction Dr and the extending direction Ds is set to θ1>θ / 2 and is larger than the angle θ described in the above embodiment. Figure 12 As schematically shown in FIG, if the engaging portion 134 moves relative to the engaged portion 118 in the radially outward movement direction Dm, the engagement amount with the engaging claw 134B increases. Therefore, in this first modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can also be obtained.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first modified embodiment, the engagement between the engaging claw 134B of the engaging portion 134 and the engaged portion 118 can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, for example, the size of the engaging claw 134B in the first modified embodiment can be reduced compared to the size of the engaging claw 134B described in the above-described embodiment. Even when the size of the engaging claw 134B is reduced to miniaturize the entire engaging portion 134, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be expected.

[0067] 3. Second Modification

[0068] In the above embodiment and the first modification, the wheel cover 13 as the wheel mounting member is illustrated in which a plurality of (for example, five) main body forming members 132 forming the main body 131 are connected by the connecting portion 133. Alternatively, Figure 13 As shown, an accessory part 14 similar to each of the main body forming parts 132 of the above-described embodiment is mounted on the wheel 11 as a wheel mounting member so as to block the air hole 116 of the wheel 11 .

[0069] The accessory 14 includes a main body 141 and an engaging portion 144. The main body 141 and the engaging portion 144 are identical to the main body forming member 132 and the engaging portion 134 described in the above embodiment. Therefore, their description will be omitted.

[0070] The accessory 14 also includes a fitting portion 146 that fits with the spoke 115 on the hub mounting portion 114 side of the spoke 115. Thus, for example, the fitting portion 146 is fitted with the spoke 115, and then the engaging portion 144 is engaged with the engaged portion 117 or the engaged portion 118, thereby attaching (fixing) the accessory 14 to the disc 111 of the wheel 11.

[0071] In this way, Figure 13 In the illustrated accessory 14, as in the aforementioned embodiment and first modified example, external forces, vibrations, centrifugal forces, and the like act as the vehicle travels. Therefore, in the accessory 14, the engaging portion 144 also moves relative to the engaged portion 117 or the engaged portion 118. Unlike the aforementioned embodiment and first modified example, the accessory 14 is not interconnected. Therefore, in the case of the accessory 14, the main body 141 is less likely to flex (elasticly deform) as described in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0072] However, since each accessory 14 is independently mounted on the disc 111 of the wheel 11, it is easily displaced radially outward of the wheel 11 due to centrifugal force. In other words, the engaging portion 144 of the accessory 14 is displaced relative to the engaged portion 117 or the engaged portion 118 due to centrifugal force.

[0073] It should be noted that, even in the wheel 11 to which the accessory 14 is mounted, the engaged portion 117 or the engaged portion 118 is provided, similarly to the above-described embodiment and the first modified example. Therefore, even if centrifugal force acts on the accessory 14 and the engaging portion 144 is displaced relative to the engaged portion 117 or the engaged portion 118, the engaged portion 117 or the engaged portion 118 can be located at the destination of the engagement portion 144. Therefore, in the second modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and the first modified example can be achieved.

[0074] 4. Other variations

[0075] In the above-described embodiment and various modifications, each of two adjacent spokes 115 is provided with an engaged portion 117 or 118, and the engaging portion 134 includes two sets of supporting portions 134A and engaging claws 134B for engaging with each of the engaged portions 117 or 118. However, if an engaged portion 117 or 118 is provided on one of the two adjacent spokes 115, and other engaging components are provided on the other spoke 115, rim 112, or / and hub mounting portion 114, the engaging portion 134 may include only one set of supporting portions 134A and engaging claws 134B. In this case, the presence of the engaged portion 117 or 118 at the destination of relative movement of the engaging portion 134 can prevent the wheel cover 13 and the accessory 14 from falling off, along with the other engaging components.

[0076] In addition, the above-described embodiment and various modifications illustrate the case where a single engaging portion 134 is provided. However, the number of engaging portions 134 is not limited to one, and multiple engaging portions 134 may be provided as needed. In this case, the wheel house 13 and the accessory 14 can also be prevented from falling off, similar to the above-described embodiment and various modifications.

[0077] Here, the first embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention comprises: a wheel, which supports a tire and is assembled to a vehicle; and a wheel mounting component, which is mounted on the wheel, the wheel mounting component having: a main body; and a locking portion, which is arranged on the main body, the wheel having a locked portion extended to be engaged with the locking portion, and when the wheel mounting component is mounted on the wheel by locking the locking portion with the locked portion, in an area where the locking portion moves relative to the locked portion, the locked portion is extended to be relatively close to the locking portion.

[0078] In addition, the second type of vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention is proposed on the basis of the first type of vehicle wheel structure, and the engaged portion is provided on the spoke, which is connected to the hub mounting portion of the vehicle's hub that is assembled on the center side of the wheel and the rim that supports the tire on the outer peripheral side of the wheel, and the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portions of two spokes that are respectively provided adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the wheel.

[0079] Furthermore, the third aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle wheel structure according to the second aspect, wherein the engaged portions provided on two adjacent spokes extend parallel to each other from the hub mounting portion toward the rim.

[0080] In addition, the fourth aspect of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention proposes, based on the second aspect of the vehicle wheel structure, that each engaged portion provided on two adjacent spokes extends from the hub mounting portion side toward the rim side and is provided on each spoke in a manner approaching each other in the circumferential direction of the wheel.

[0081] Furthermore, a fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle wheel structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the engaging portion includes a support portion erected on the main body portion and an engaging claw supported by the support portion and engaged with the engaged portion.

[0082] In addition, the sixth form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention is proposed on the basis of the fifth form of the vehicle wheel structure, and the engaging portion has a force-applying component that applies force to the supporting portion and the engaging claw in a manner that overcomes the reaction force acting from the engaged portion along the circumferential direction of the wheel when the engaging claw is engaged with the engaged portion.

[0083] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel structure according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is based on the vehicle wheel structure according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the wheel mounting member is molded using a resin material.

[0084] Furthermore, an eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle wheel structure according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the main body is formed to cover the entire surface of the wheel corresponding to the outer side of the vehicle when mounted on the wheel.

[0085] In addition, the ninth form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention is proposed on the basis of the eighth form of the vehicle wheel structure, and the main body has: a plurality of main body forming components; and a connecting portion, which connects the main body forming components along the circumferential direction of the disc body forming the wheel when installed on the wheel.

[0086] Furthermore, a tenth aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle wheel structure according to the ninth aspect, wherein, in a state mounted on the wheel, the connecting portion connects the plurality of main body forming members at the center of the disc.

Claims

1. A vehicle wheel structure, characterized in that: The vehicle wheel structure comprises: a wheel configured to support a tire and assembled to a vehicle; and The wheel mounting member is configured to be mounted on the wheel. The wheel mounting component has: the main body; and The engaging portion is provided on the main body portion, The wheel has an engaged portion that is extended and engaged with the engaging portion. In a state where the wheel mounting member is mounted on the wheel by engaging the engaging portion with the engaged portion, In a region where the engaging portion moves relative to the engaged portion, the engaged portion is extended to be relatively close to the engaging portion.

2. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The engaged portion is provided on a spoke that connects a hub mounting portion that is assembled to a hub of the vehicle on the center side of the wheel and a rim that supports a tire on the outer peripheral side of the wheel. The engaging portion engages with the engaged portions provided on two spokes adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the wheel.

3. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 2, wherein: The engaged portions provided on two adjacent spokes are provided on the spokes so as to extend from the hub mounting portion side toward the rim side in parallel with each other.

4. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 2, wherein: The engaged portions provided on two adjacent spokes are extended from the hub mounting portion side toward the rim side so as to approach each other in the circumferential direction of the wheel.

5. The vehicle wheel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The engaging portion has: A supporting portion, erected on the main body; and The engaging claw is supported by the supporting portion and engaged with the engaged portion.

6. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 5, wherein: The engaging portion includes an urging member that urges the support portion and the engaging claw to overcome a reaction force acting from the engaged portion in the circumferential direction of the wheel in a state in which the engaging claw is engaged with the engaged portion.

7. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The wheel mounting member is molded using a resin material.

8. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The main body is formed so as to cover the entire surface of the wheel corresponding to the outer side of the vehicle when attached to the wheel.

9. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 8, wherein: The main body has: a plurality of body-forming components; and The connecting portion connects the main body forming members along the circumferential direction of the wheel when the connecting portion is attached to the wheel.

10. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 9, wherein: When mounted on the wheel, the connecting portion connects the plurality of main body forming members at the center of the wheel.

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