Vehicle wheel structure

Abstract

This wheel structure for a vehicle is provided with: a wheel which is configured so as to support a tire and which is attached to the vehicle; and a wheel attachment member attached to a wheel, the wheel attachment member comprising: a main body part; a main engagement part provided on the main body part and engaged with an engaged part of the wheel; and a sub-engagement section that, in a state in which the main body section is fixed to the wheel by the main engagement section, is provided in a low-rigidity region in which the rigidity of the main body section is relatively reduced, and engages with an engageable section of the wheel, which is different from the engageable section.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, there is known a vehicle wheel structure disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6927079. In this vehicle wheel structure, a plurality of wheel covers formed to correspond to air holes provided in the wheel are fixed to the air holes, respectively.

[0003] In recent years, wheel mounting components, including wheel covers and accessories such as the aforementioned wheel caps, have been installed on wheels to enhance their design and aerodynamic properties. In these cases, the wheel mounting components sometimes adopt a plate shape, in addition to a frame shape like the aforementioned wheel caps. Typically, the wheel mounting components are secured in a manner that prevents them from falling off, by engaging engaging portions provided at the ends of a main body portion formed to correspond to air holes with engaged portions provided on spokes forming the air holes in the wheel.

[0004] Furthermore, when the wheel mounting component is secured to the wheel solely through the engagement of the engaged portion with the engaging portion, a region of relatively low rigidity may occur in the wheel mounting component. This can lead to flexural deformation, such as lifting, due to external forces such as air flow and vibrations caused by the vehicle's travel. Such flexural deformation can also cause abnormal noise, for example, due to repeated contact between the wheel mounting component and the wheel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a vehicle wheel structure capable of suppressing bending deformation occurring in a region where rigidity is relatively reduced when the wheel mounting member is mounted on the wheel.

[0006] The vehicle wheel structure involved in the first technical solution of the present disclosure comprises: a wheel, which is configured to support a tire and is assembled to a vehicle; and a wheel mounting component, which is mounted on the wheel, and the wheel mounting component comprises: a main body; a main engaging portion, which is arranged on the main body and engages with the engaged portion of the wheel; and a secondary engaging portion, which is arranged in a low-rigidity area of ​​the main body where the rigidity is relatively reduced, when the main body is fixed to the wheel by the main engaging portion, and engages with the engageable portion of the wheel that is different from the engaged portion.

[0007] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the low-rigidity region may be a region of the main body portion adjacent to a region where the main engaging portion is provided.

[0008] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, when a pair of main engaging portions are provided on the main body, the low-rigidity region may be located between regions where the pair of main engaging portions are provided.

[0009] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the low-rigidity region may be a region including a hole-forming portion having a through-hole formed in the main body.

[0010] It may also be configured such that, based on the vehicle wheel structure according to the first technical solution of the present disclosure, the through hole of the hole forming portion is formed to correspond to an air hole provided in the wheel and allowing air to circulate when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

[0011] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the through-hole of the hole-forming portion may be formed to accommodate a portion of a spoke constituting the wheel when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

[0012] It can also be constructed as follows: on the basis of the vehicle wheel structure involved in the first technical solution of the present disclosure, the low rigidity area is an area including a decorative part, and when the main body is fixed to the wheel, the above-mentioned decorative part decorates the surface of the main body corresponding to the outer side of the vehicle.

[0013] It can also be constructed so that, on the basis of the vehicle wheel structure involved in the first technical solution of the present disclosure, the auxiliary locking part has: a supporting part, which is upright on the main body; a locking claw, which is arranged to be supported by the supporting part and locked with the lockable part; and an abutment part, which abuts with the lockable part in priority to the locking claw when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

[0014] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the contact portion may be a rib provided to connect the support portion and the engagement claw.

[0015] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the engaged portion may be an elongated engaged hole, and the engaged hole may be formed with its longitudinal direction extending along the radial direction of the wheel.

[0016] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the wheel mounting member may be molded using a resin material.

[0017] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the main body may be formed so as to cover the entire surface of the wheel corresponding to the vehicle outer side when attached to the wheel.

[0018] It can also be constructed as follows: on the basis of the vehicle wheel structure involved in the first technical solution of the present disclosure, 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 wheel disc forming the wheel when installed on the wheel.

[0019] In the vehicle wheel structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion may connect the plurality of main body forming members at the center of the wheel disc in a state mounted on the wheel.

[0020] According to the vehicle wheel structure disclosed herein, a secondary engaging portion can be provided in a low-rigidity region that is susceptible to flexural deformation. Therefore, even if flexural deformation occurs in the low-rigidity region while the main body, i.e., the wheel mounting component, is mounted to the wheel via the primary engaging portion, the engagement of the secondary engaging portion with the engageable portion can suppress flexural deformation in the low-rigidity region.

[0021] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a vehicle wheel.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a wheel.

[0024] Figure 3 It is an enlarged view for explaining the engaged portion of the wheel.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining wheel mounting components.

[0026] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view for illustrating wheel mounting components.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at section VI-VI of FIG.

[0028] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view for explaining the auxiliary engaging portion of the wheel mounting member.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the center engaging portion of the wheel mounting member.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a modified example and is a diagram for explaining the decorative portion.

[0031] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining a wheel mounting member according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, the vehicle wheel structure of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition to the following embodiments, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms after various changes and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0033] 1. Implementation Method

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of this embodiment includes a wheel 11 constituting a vehicle wheel. The wheel 11 is assembled to the vehicle by supporting a tire 12. Furthermore, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of this embodiment includes a wheel cover 13 as a wheel mounting member to which the wheel 11 is mounted.

[0035] Here, when the wheel 11 is assembled in the vehicle, the side where the vehicle body is located relative to the wheel 11 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 "exterior surface." Furthermore, in the following description, the direction parallel to the rotation axis passing through the center of the wheel is referred to as the "axial direction," and the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis is referred to as the "radial direction."

[0036] The wheel 11 is made of an alloy such as aluminum or steel and is formed to include: a wheel disc 111 formed in a disc shape; and an annular rim 112 provided on the outer periphery of the wheel disc 111 and holding the tire 12. Figure 1 As shown, the wheel 11 is assembled to a hub (not shown) of the vehicle by fastening members T such as hub nuts or hub bolts. In this embodiment, the wheel 11 is made of an alloy such as aluminum, and the wheel disc 111 and the rim 112 are integrally formed into a single piece.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the wheel disc 111 has a hub hole 113 that extends along the axial direction and passes through the center portion 111C of the wheel disc 111. Here, the hub hole 113 can also function as a hole for attaching a decoration provided on the wheel 11 when the wheel cover 13 is not attached. In addition, inside the center portion 111C of the wheel disc 111, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown by the dotted line in FIG, the hub mounting portion 114 is provided for fixing the wheel 11 to the hub of the vehicle. In addition, in the present embodiment, the hub mounting portion 114 is cylindrical, but the shape of the hub mounting portion 114 is not limited to cylindrical.

[0038] The wheel disc 111 also has thick spokes 115 and thin fin spokes 116 on the outside that connect the rim 112 to the hub mounting portion 114. In this embodiment, the wheel disc 111 is provided with five spokes 115 extending radially from the hub mounting portion 114, and five fin spokes 116 extending radially from the hub mounting portion 114 between adjacent spokes 115.

[0039] In addition, the wheel disc 111 is formed between the adjacent spokes 115 and the fin spokes 116 and has air holes 117 for air circulation. Figure 2 As shown, the case where the disk 111 includes ten air holes 117 defined by the spokes 115 , the fin spokes 116 , the hub mounting portion 114 , and the rim 112 is exemplified.

[0040] Furthermore, depending on the arrangement and shape of the spokes 115 and the fin spokes 116, the air hole 117 may be, for example, divided by two spokes 115 and the rim 112, by two fin spokes 116 and the rim 112, or by one spoke 115, one fin spoke 116, and the rim 112. Furthermore, the air hole 117 may be, for example, divided by two spokes 115 and the hub mounting portion 114, by two fin spokes 116 and the hub mounting portion 114, or by one spoke 115, one fin spoke 116, and the hub mounting portion 114.

[0041] In addition, the wheel disc 111 has an engaged hole 118 as an engaged portion. The engaged hole 118 is formed in the shape of a long hole, for example, and engages with a main engaging portion 134 provided on the wheel cover 13 described later. The engaged hole 118 of this embodiment is provided at the connecting portion between the spoke 115 and the rim 112. In addition, for example, there is also a case where the engaged hole 118 is not provided at the connecting portion between the spoke 115 and the rim 112, but is instead built into the spoke 115. Here, the engaged hole 118 is formed so that the long side direction is along the radial direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 1 and 2 , the case where the engaged hole 118 is formed so that the side surface 118A is parallel to a line passing through the center of the wheel disc 111 in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, that is, a “radius” is exemplified.

[0042] Thus, when the main engaging portion 134 is engaged, unnecessary loads (stress) can be prevented from being applied to the main engaging portion 134 from the engaged hole 118. Furthermore, even in situations where, for example, the wheel cover 13 or a later-described component 14, which is a wheel mounting member, moves radially due to centrifugal force acting on the wheel cover 13, unnecessary loads (stress) can be prevented from being applied to the main engaging portion 134 from the engaged hole 118. The shape and arrangement of the engaged hole 118 are not limited thereto.

[0043] And, as Figure 2 As shown, the wheel disc 111 has an engageable portion 119 that is separate from the engaged holes 118 serving as the engaged portion. The engageable portion 119 is provided between adjacent engaged holes 118 in the circumferential direction of the wheel disc 111 constituting the wheel 11, and engages with a secondary engaging portion 136 provided on the wheel cover 13, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the engaged holes 118 are provided at the connection portion between the spokes 115 and the rim 112, so the engageable portion 119 is provided, for example, on the fin spokes 116.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the wheel cover 13 constituting the vehicle wheel structure 10 is formed to cover the surface corresponding to the outer side of the wheel 11, that is, the entire exterior surface, that is, to cover the air holes 117 provided in the wheel 11, and is attached to the wheel 11. Figure 4 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.

[0045] The main body 131 of this embodiment includes a plurality of main body forming members 132 and a connecting portion 133 that connects the plurality of main body forming members 132 at a central portion 111C of the disc 111 along the circumferential direction of the disc 111 when the main body 131 is attached to the wheel 11. Thus, the plurality of main body forming members 132 are integrated by the connecting portion 133, and the disc-shaped main body 131 is attached to the wheel 11 so as to cover the entire exterior surface of the disc 111 of the wheel 11.

[0046] In this embodiment, the main body 131 is shown as including five main body forming members 132. Specifically, if two air holes 117 adjacent to each other via fin spokes 116 are set together in the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, the main body 131 includes five main body forming members 132 to cover the five sets of air holes 117 throughout the entire wheel disc 111. The number of main body forming members 132 is not limited to this; at least one main body forming member may be used.

[0047] In the following description, the example in which the connecting portion 133 connects the plurality of main body forming members 132 at the center portion 111C of the disc 111 is illustrated, with the main body 131 attached to the wheel 11. However, it is apparent that the connecting portion 133 can also connect the main body forming members 132 at a location other than the center portion 111C of the disc 111, depending on the shape of the disc 111 of the wheel 11, or more specifically, the three-dimensional shapes of the spokes 115 and the fin spokes 116. In this case, the plurality of main body forming members 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.

[0048] The main body 131, that is, the plurality of main body forming members 132 each have a main engaging portion 134 formed to engage with the engaged portion of the wheel 11, that is, the engaged hole 118. Figure 5 As shown, when the main body forming member 132 is fixed to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, the main engaging portion 134 is arranged in a region Rm near the end of the main body forming member 132 in the circumferential direction of the wheel disc 111. Here, in this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which two pairs of main engaging portions 134 are provided so as to be arranged in the regions Rm near the respective ends of the main body forming member 132.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the main engaging portion 134 includes a leg portion 134L and a claw portion 134A. When the main body forming member 132 is fixed to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, the leg portion 134L is erected inside the main body forming member 132 and supports the claw portion 134A. The claw portion 134A is provided on the front end side of the leg portion 134L, that is, on the side opposite the engaged hole 118, and engages with the engaged hole 118.

[0050] Here, the main engaging portion 134 is formed of the same resin material as the main body portion 131, i.e., the main body forming member 132. Therefore, when the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the wheel 11, the main engaging portion 134 constantly overcomes the force acting outward on the wheel cover 13 due to air flow, etc., in order to engage with the engaged hole 118 and prevent the wheel cover 13 from falling off. This situation may cause so-called thermal creep, stress relaxation, and other degradations in the material properties of the main engaging portion 134, particularly the claw portion 134A.

[0051] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown, a backup clip 134B made of thin sheet metal is assembled to the main engaging portion 134, more specifically, the claw portion 134A. This ensures the rigidity of the main engaging portion 134 and prevents the wheel cover 13 from falling off when the main engaging portion 134 is engaged with the engaged hole 118.

[0052] In addition, if Figure 1 、 Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, the main body 131, i.e., each main body forming member 132, includes a hole-forming portion 135. The hole-forming portion 135 includes a through-hole 135K and a through-hole 135S formed in the plate-shaped general portion (general surface) of the main body forming member 132. The through-hole 135K is formed to correspond to the air hole 117 for circulating air when the main body 131, i.e., the main body forming member 132, is fixed to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11. The through-hole 135S is formed to accommodate a portion of the fin spoke 116 constituting the wheel 11 when the main body 131, i.e., the main body forming member 132, is fixed to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11.

[0053] Here, when the main body forming member 132 (main body 131) is fixed to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, the hole-forming portion 135 is provided in the region between the two paired main engaging portions 134. These two paired main engaging portions 134 are provided in a region Rm that includes each of the two end portions of the main body forming member 132 in the circumferential direction of the wheel disc 111 (wheel 11). Therefore, the provision of the hole-forming portion 135 in the main body forming member 132 (main body 131) relatively reduces the rigidity of the region between the two paired main engaging portions 134, that is, the plate-shaped general portion (general surface). Specifically, the hole-forming portion 135 is included in the low-rigidity region R, which is adjacent to the region Rm of the main body forming member 132 (main body 131) where the main engaging portions 134 are provided. More specifically, the region R exists between the regions Rm where the pair of main engaging portions 134 are provided.

[0054] When the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 by engaging the main engaging portion 134 with the engaged hole 118, the low-rigidity region R is prone to flexural deformation such as floating. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary engaging portion 136 is provided in the low rigidity region R of the main body portion 131 (main body forming member 132 ).

[0055] The secondary engaging portion 136 is configured such that, when the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) is fixed to the wheel 11 by the primary engaging portion 134, the low rigidity region R having relatively low rigidity in the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) engages with the engageable portion 119 of the wheel 11 (wheel disc 111) which is different from the engaged hole 118 serving as the engaged portion of the wheel 11. In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary engaging portion 136 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the elongated through hole 135S so as to embrace and engage the fin spoke 116 provided with the engageable portion 119 .

[0056] As in Figure 7 As shown in the enlarged form in FIG, the auxiliary engaging portion 136 has a supporting portion 136A, an engaging claw 136B and an abutting portion 136C. The supporting portion 136A is erected toward the inside from the back side 132B of the wall surface 132A of the main body forming component 132 (main body 131) formed by dividing the through hole 135K and the through hole 135S, and supports the engaging claw 136B. The engaging claw 136B is formed to protrude from the supporting portion 136A toward the fin spoke 116 when the main body forming component 132 (main body 131) is fixed to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, and is provided to engage with the engageable portion 119. The abutting portion 136C is a rib of a thin plate provided in a manner to connect the supporting portion 136A and the engaging claw 136B. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, in a state where the main body forming member 132 (main body portion 131 ) is fixed to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11 , the abutting portion 136C abuts against the engageable portion 119 in priority to the engaging claw 136B.

[0057] Here, in the secondary engaging portion 136 of the vehicle wheel structure 10, when the wheel cover 13, i.e., the main body 131 (main body forming member 132), is mounted on the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, including when the vehicle is running, the abutment portion 136C abuts against the engageable portion 119. Thus, in the secondary engaging portion 136, when, for example, a large external force that could cause the wheel cover 13, i.e., the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) to fall off the wheel 11 is not applied, the abutment portion 136C prevents flexural deformation, such as lifting, of the low-rigidity region R in the main body 131 (main body forming member 132).

[0058] Furthermore, in the secondary engaging portion 136 of the vehicle wheel structure 10, when the wheel cover 13, i.e., the main body 131 (main body forming member 132), is mounted on the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, and a large external force is applied that could cause the wheel cover 13, i.e., the main body 131 (main body forming member 132), to fall off the wheel 11, the engaging claw 136B engages with the engageable portion 119. Thus, the engaging claw 136B of the secondary engaging portion 136 prevents the wheel cover 13, i.e., the main body 131 (main body forming member 132), from falling off the wheel 11.

[0059] In addition, the wheel cover 13 of this embodiment has a work hole 137, and the work hole 137 can be used to insert the fastening member T (hub nut or hub bolt) for assembling the wheel 11 to the hub to perform the fastening operation. Figure 4 As shown, the working hole 137 is provided in the connecting portion 133 and is a through hole formed along the axial direction.

[0060] And, as Figure 8As shown, the wheel cover 13 of this embodiment has a center engaging portion 138, and the center engaging portion 138 is engaged with the annular protrusion 113A (see FIG. Figure 3 ) engages. The center engaging portion 138 includes a center claw 138A that engages with the protrusion 113A, and a wire loop 138B that urges the center claw 138A toward the protrusion 113A. Thus, when the wheel cover 13 is mounted, the center claw 138A and the wire loop 138B are inserted into the hub hole 113, whereby the center claw 138A engages with the protrusion 113A, thereby securing the wheel cover 13 to the wheel 11 (wheel disc 111).

[0061] In the vehicle wheel structure 10 thus constructed, the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the exterior surface of the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11. Specifically, the wheel cover 13 is mounted by engaging the center claw 138A of the center engaging portion 138 with the protrusion 113A of the hub hole 113 so that the rotational axes of the wheel 11 and the wheel cover 13 are aligned. Furthermore, the wheel cover 13 is mounted by engaging the claw 134A of the main engaging portion 134 with the engaged hole 118 provided in the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11, and by abutting the contact portion 136C of the secondary engaging portion 136 with the engageable portion 119 of the fin spoke 116 provided in the wheel disc 111. In this case, the wheel cover 13 is mounted to the wheel disc 111 without falling off, primarily by engaging the claw 134A of the main engaging portion 134 with the engaged hole 118, supported by the backup clip 134B.

[0062] Furthermore, when the vehicle is running, external forces caused by the flow of air accompanying the running, vibrations accompanying the running, etc. are input to the wheel housing 13, that is, the main body 131 (main body forming member 132). In this case, in the main body 131 (main body forming member 132), the region Rm where the main engaging portion 134 is provided has high rigidity and is therefore less likely to cause flexural deformation such as floating. However, flexural deformation such as floating is more likely to occur in the low-rigidity region R existing between the regions Rm.

[0063] However, the bending deformation of the low-rigidity region R is suppressed by causing the contact portion 136C of the secondary engaging portion 136 to embrace the fin spoke 116 and abut against the engageable portion 119. That is, in the vehicle wheel structure 10, in a normal state, the contact portion 136C formed as a rib abuts against the engageable portion 119, thereby preventing the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) from bending deformation.

[0064] Here, in a normal state, the vehicle wheel structure 10 is maintained in a state where the engaging claw 136B of the secondary engaging portion 136 is not engaged with the engageable portion 119, or is engaged with the engageable portion 119 with a small engaging force, that is, no external force is applied, or no large external force is applied. Therefore, the engaging claw 136B is kept in a state where unavoidable degradation of its material properties, such as thermal creep and stress relaxation, is less likely to occur. Furthermore, the engaging claw 136B is connected to the supporting portion 136A by the abutment portion 136C formed as a rib. Thus, even when a large external force is applied to the engaging claw 136B, such as during the operation of removing the wheel cover 13 from the wheel 11, the so-called rib effect prevents the engaging claw 136B from being damaged.

[0065] Here, when the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and the vehicle is running, the rib-shaped abutment portion 136C abuts the engageable portion 119, i.e., the fin spoke 116, on its side surface in the plate thickness direction, exerting a compressive force toward the plate surface as input due to vibration or other factors. Thus, for example, by adjusting the plate thickness of the abutment portion 136C, it is possible to suppress the effects of thermal creep, stress relaxation, and other degradation at the abutment portion between the abutment portion 136C and the engageable portion 119. As a result, under normal conditions, the abutment portion 136C abuts the engageable portion 119, preventing flexural deformation, such as lifting, in the low-rigidity region R of the main body 131 (main body forming member 132). Furthermore, the abutment portion 136C, through its so-called damping effect, can also dampen unnecessary vibrations in the low-rigidity region R, thereby preventing the generation of abnormal noise.

[0066] As can be seen from the above description, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of the embodiment includes: a wheel 11 configured to support a tire 12 and be assembled to a vehicle; and a wheel cover 13 as a wheel mounting member mounted on the wheel 11. The wheel cover 13 includes: a main body 131; a main engaging portion 134 provided on the main body 131 and engaging with an engaged hole 118, which is an engaged portion of the wheel 11; and a secondary engaging portion 136. When the main body 131 is fixed to the wheel 11 via the main engaging portion 134, a low-rigidity region R of the main body 131, having relatively reduced rigidity, engages with an engageable portion 119, which is different from the engaged hole 118, of the wheel 11. In this case, the wheel cover 13 is molded using a resin material.

[0067] In this case, the low rigidity region R is a region adjacent to the region Rm where the main engaging portion 134 is provided in the main body 131. In this case, when a pair of main engaging portions 134 are provided in the main body 131, the low rigidity region R is between the regions Rm where the pair of main engaging portions 134 are provided.

[0068] In this case, the low-rigidity region R is a region including the hole-forming portion 135, which includes a through-hole 135K and a through-hole 135S formed in the main body 131. In this case, the hole-forming portion 135 includes the through-hole 135K, which is formed to correspond to the air vent 117 provided in the wheel 11 for air circulation when the main body 131 is fixed to the wheel 11. Furthermore, in this case, the hole-forming portion 135 includes the through-hole 135S, which is formed to accommodate a portion of the fin spoke 116 constituting the wheel 11 when the main body 131 is fixed to the wheel 11.

[0069] In this case, the secondary engaging portion 136 includes a support portion 136A provided upright on the main body 131; an engaging claw 136B provided to be supported by the support portion 136A and to engage with the engageable portion 119; and a contact portion 136C that contacts the engageable portion 119 prior to the engaging claw 136B when the main body 131 is fixed to the wheel 11. In this case, the contact portion 136C is a rib provided to connect the support portion 136A and the engaging claw 136B.

[0070] In this case, the main body 131 is formed so as to cover the entire surface of the wheel 11 corresponding to the vehicle's outer side 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 connects the main body forming components 132 along the circumferential direction of the wheel disc 111 forming the wheel 11 when the main body 131 is mounted on the wheel 11. Furthermore, in this case, the connecting portion 133 connects the plurality of main body forming components 132 at the center portion 111C of the wheel disc 111 when the main body 131 is mounted on the wheel 11.

[0071] According to the vehicle wheel structure 10, the secondary engaging portion 136 can be provided in the low-rigidity region R, which is susceptible to flexural deformation such as lifting due to input of external forces such as air flow and vibrations associated with vehicle travel. Therefore, even if flexural deformation occurs in the low-rigidity region R when the main body 131 (main body forming member 132), that is, the wheel house 13, is attached to the wheel 11 via the main engaging portion 134, the secondary engaging portion 136, specifically, the contact portion 136C, engages with the engageable portion 119 in priority to the engaging claw 136B, thereby suppressing flexural deformation in the low-rigidity region R.

[0072] This prevents the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact between the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) and the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11. Furthermore, when the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the wheel 11, the contact portion 136C and the engageable portion 119 are maintained in a state of constant contact. Even if the low-rigidity region R is deformed, the contact portion 136C or the engaging claw 136B is prevented from repeatedly contacting the engageable portion 119. Thus, according to the vehicle wheel structure 10, the generation of abnormal noise caused by the contact between the auxiliary engaging portion 136 and the engageable portion 119 can be prevented.

[0073] 2. Modification

[0074] In the above embodiment, the main body 131 (each main body forming member 132) is provided with a hole-forming portion 135 composed of a through-hole 135K corresponding to the air hole 117 and a through-hole 135S that accommodates a portion of the fin spoke 116. Specifically, the above embodiment illustrates a case where the rigidity of the general portion (general surface) of the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) provided with the hole-forming portion 135 is relatively lower than the rigidity of the region Rm provided with the main engaging portion 134. In other words, the low-rigidity region R includes the region including the hole-forming portion 135.

[0075] In contrast, in order to further improve the design and commercial properties, Figure 9 As shown, a decorative portion 139 is provided on the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) of the wheel cover 13. The decorative portion 139 decorates the surface corresponding to the outer side of the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) when the wheel cover 13 is mounted on the wheel 11. Figure 9 As indicated by the thick solid line in the figure, the decorative portion 139 can include, for example, a step 139A formed by bending the outer surface of the main body 131 (main body forming member 132 ), a recessed groove 139B, and the like.

[0076] Furthermore, the decorative portion 139, which forms the steps 139A and grooves 139B on the main body 131 (main body forming member 132), has a relatively lower rigidity than the region Rm where the main engaging portion 134 is located. Specifically, in this case, the low-rigidity region R includes the decorative portion 139, which decorates the surface of the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) that faces the vehicle's outer side when the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) is secured to the wheel 11. Therefore, by providing the secondary engaging portion 136 in the low-rigidity region R where the decorative portion 139 is located, similar to the above-described embodiment, vibration, lifting, and the like can be suppressed. Consequently, in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0077] In addition, Figure 9 , in addition to the decorative portion 139, a through hole 135S constituting the hole forming portion 135 is provided in order to accommodate a portion of the fin spoke 116. However, it is obvious that the through hole 135S can be omitted depending on the shape of the spoke provided on the wheel disc 111, that is, only the decorative portion 139 can be formed on the main body 131 (main body forming member 132). Figure 9 , the through hole 135K corresponding to the air hole 117 is omitted. However, it goes without saying that, as needed, the through hole 135K can be provided in addition to the decorative portion 139, and the through hole 135K and the through hole 135S can be provided in addition to the decorative portion 139.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the wheel cover 13 is exemplified as a wheel mounting member 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. Figure 10 As shown, a part 14 similar to each of the main body forming members 132 of the above-described embodiment can be mounted on the wheel 11 as a wheel mounting member so as to block the air holes 117 of the wheel 11 .

[0079] The component 14 includes a main body 141, a main engaging portion 144, a through hole 145K and a through hole 145S forming a hole-forming portion 145, and a secondary engaging portion 146. The main body 141, the main engaging portion 144, the hole-forming portion 145, the through hole 145K, the through hole 145S, and the secondary engaging portion 146 are identical in structure to the main body forming member 132, the main engaging portion 134, the hole-forming portion 135, the through hole 135K, the through hole 135S, and the secondary engaging portion 136 described in the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, the description of the main body 141, the main engaging portion 144, the hole-forming portion 145, the through hole 145K, the through hole 145S, and the secondary engaging portion 146 will be omitted.

[0080] Furthermore, the component 14 has a fitting portion 149 that fits with the fin spoke 116 partially received by the through-hole 145S on the hub mounting portion 114 side of the fin spoke 116. Thus, for example, by bringing the fitting portion 149 into a fitted state with the fin spoke 116, the main engaging portion 144 and the auxiliary engaging portion 146 are then engaged with the engaged hole 118 and the engageable portion 119, respectively, thereby attaching (fixing) the component 14 to the wheel disc 111 of the wheel 11.

[0081] In this way, Figure 10In the illustrated component 14, similar to the aforementioned main body forming member 132, the rigidity of the hole-forming portion 145 of the main body 141, i.e., the general portion (general surface) where the through-holes 145K and 145S are formed, is relatively low compared to the rigidity of the region Rm where the main engaging portion 144 is provided. In other words, in component 14, the region including the hole-forming portion 145 is also included in the low-rigidity region R. Therefore, in component 14, similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the provision of the secondary engaging portion 146 in the low-rigidity region R including the hole-forming portion 145 can suppress vibration, lifting, and the like. Consequently, in this case, the same effects as those of the aforementioned embodiment are also achieved.

[0082] Furthermore, similarly to the decorative portion 139 including the aforementioned step 139A and groove 139B, the component 14 can also be decorated on the surface corresponding to the outer side of the main body 141 when mounted on the wheel 11. Furthermore, in this case, by providing the secondary engaging portion 146 in the decorated low-rigidity region R, vibration, lifting, etc. can be suppressed, similarly to the above-described embodiment.

[0083] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the auxiliary engaging portion 136 is exemplified as including the contact portion 136C. However, the contact portion 136C can be omitted from the auxiliary engaging portion 136 as needed. In this case, a predetermined gap is set between the engaging claw 136B and the engageable portion 119 so that the engaging claw 136B does not abut against the engageable portion 119, i.e., the fin spoke 116, in the normal state. Thus, in the normal state, the generation of abnormal noise caused by the abutment of the engaging claw 136B against the engageable portion 119, i.e., the fin spoke 116, is suppressed, and on the other hand, the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) can be prevented from falling off (so-called falling off) from the disc 111 of the wheel 11.

[0084] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and various modifications, a case where a pair of main engaging portions 134 or a pair of main engaging portions 144 are provided is exemplified, that is, a case where the low-rigidity region R exists between the regions Rm where the pair of main engaging portions 134 or the pair of main engaging portions 144 are provided. However, for example, when a fitting portion that fits with the spokes 115 and the rim 112 is provided on the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) or the main body 141, only one main engaging portion 134 or main engaging portion 144 may be provided on the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) or the main body 141.

[0085] In this case, the rigidity of the region Rm where the main engaging portion 134 or the main engaging portion 144 is provided and the region where the engaging portion engages is relatively high, while the rigidity of the region adjacent to the region Rm (the general portion) is relatively low. That is, in this case, the region adjacent to the region Rm (the general portion) becomes the low-rigidity region R. Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, by providing the auxiliary engaging portion 136 or the auxiliary engaging portion 146 in the low-rigidity region R, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0086] Furthermore, two main engaging portions 134 or two main engaging portions 144 are provided on the main body 131 (main body forming member 132) forming the wheel cover 13 of the above-described embodiment, or on the main body 141 forming the component 14 of the above-described modification. However, the number of main engaging portions 134 or 144 is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that three or more main engaging portions 134 or 144 may be provided. In this case, the three or more main engaging portions 134 or 144 may be arranged in a region Rm of the wheel disc 111, including the ends of the main body forming member 132 or the main body 141, and at least one main engaging portion 134 or 144 may be arranged to engage with an engaged portion provided on the rim 112.

[0087] Here, the first form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention comprises: a wheel, which is configured to support a tire and is assembled to a vehicle; and a wheel mounting component, which is mounted on the wheel, and the wheel mounting component comprises: a main body; a main engaging portion, which is arranged on the main body and engages with a engaged portion of the wheel; and a secondary engaging portion, which, when the main body is fixed to the wheel by the main engaging portion, is a low-rigidity area in the main body with relatively reduced rigidity, which engages with a engageable portion different from the engaged portion of the wheel.

[0088] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present disclosure, in addition to the first aspect of the vehicle wheel structure, the low rigidity region is a region adjacent to a region where the main engaging portion is provided in the main body.

[0089] In addition, the third form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed herein is constructed as follows: based on the second form of the vehicle wheel structure, when a pair of main engaging parts are provided on the main body, a low-rigidity area exists between each area where the pair of main engaging parts are provided.

[0090] In addition, a fourth aspect of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed herein is configured as follows: based on the vehicle wheel structure of any one of the first to third aspects, the low-rigidity region is a region including a hole-forming portion having a through hole formed in the main body.

[0091] In addition, the fifth form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention is constructed as follows: on the basis of the fourth form of the vehicle wheel structure, the through hole of the hole forming portion is formed to correspond to the air hole set on the wheel and allowing air to circulate when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

[0092] In addition, a sixth aspect of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed herein is configured such that, in addition to the fourth aspect, the through-hole of the hole-forming portion is formed to accommodate a portion of a spoke constituting the wheel when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

[0093] In addition, the seventh form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention is constructed as follows: on the basis of the vehicle wheel structure of any one of the first form to the sixth form, the low rigidity area is an area including a decorative part, and when the main body is fixed to the wheel, the above-mentioned decorative part decorates the surface of the main body corresponding to the outer side of the vehicle.

[0094] In addition, the eighth form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention is constructed as follows: on the basis of the vehicle wheel structure of any one of the first form to the seventh form, the auxiliary locking part has: a supporting part, which is upright on the main body; a locking claw, which is arranged to be supported by the supporting part and locked with the lockable part; and an abutment part, which abuts with the lockable part in priority to the locking claw when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

[0095] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel structure according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that, in addition to the vehicle wheel structure according to the eighth aspect, the contact portion is a rib provided to connect the support portion and the engagement claw.

[0096] In addition, a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle wheel structure according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the engaged portion is an elongated engaged hole formed with its longitudinal direction extending along the radial direction of the wheel.

[0097] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel structure according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that, in addition to the vehicle wheel structure according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the wheel mounting member is molded using a resin material.

[0098] In addition, the twelfth form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed herein is configured as follows: based on the vehicle wheel structure of any one of the first to eleventh forms, the main body is formed to cover the entire surface corresponding to the vehicle outer side of the wheel when installed on the wheel.

[0099] In addition, the thirteenth form of the vehicle wheel structure disclosed in the present invention is constructed as follows: on the basis of the twelfth form of the vehicle wheel structure, 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 wheel disc forming the wheel when the main body is installed on the wheel.

[0100] In addition, a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle wheel structure according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the connecting portion connects the plurality of main body forming members at the center of the wheel disc in a state where the main body is attached to the wheel.

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 A wheel mounting component mounted on the wheel, The wheel mounting component comprises: Main body; A main engaging portion, provided on the main body and engaging with the engaged portion of the wheel; and The auxiliary engaging portion is arranged in a low-rigidity area of ​​the main body where the rigidity is relatively reduced when the main body is fixed to the wheel by the main engaging portion, and engages with an engageable portion of the wheel that is different from the engaged portion.

2. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The low-rigidity region is a region of the main body portion adjacent to a region where the main engaging portion is provided.

3. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 2, wherein: When a pair of the main engaging parts are provided on the main body, The low-rigidity region exists between regions where a pair of the main engaging portions are provided.

4. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The low-rigidity region is a region including a hole-forming portion having a through-hole formed in the main body portion.

5. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 4, wherein: The through hole of the hole-forming portion is formed to correspond to an air hole provided in the wheel and allowing air to flow when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

6. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 4, wherein: The through hole of the hole-forming portion is formed to accommodate a portion of a spoke constituting the wheel in a state in which the main body is fixed to the wheel.

7. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The low-rigidity region is a region including a decorative portion that decorates a surface of the main body portion corresponding to the outer side of the vehicle when the main body portion is fixed to the wheel.

8. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary engaging portion has: A supporting portion, erected on the main body; An engaging claw, configured to be supported by the supporting portion and engaged with the engageable portion; and The abutment portion abuts against the engageable portion in priority to the engagement claw when the main body is fixed to the wheel.

9. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 8, wherein: The contact portion is a rib provided so as to connect the support portion and the engaging claw.

10. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein: The engaged portion is an engaged hole in the shape of a long hole. The engaged hole is formed such that its longitudinal direction is along the radial direction of the wheel.

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

12. 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.

13. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 12, 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 disc forming the wheel in a state where the main body portion is attached to the wheel.

14. The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 13, wherein: The connecting portion connects the plurality of main body forming members at a center portion of the wheel in a state in which the main body portion is attached to the wheel.

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