Wheel cover for a vehicle wheel

Abstract

Wheel cover (100) for one wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of rows of openings (106), wherein each row of openings (106) comprises at least two openings (106) arranged in a radial direction; a plurality of flaps (104) pivotably configured with each of the at least two openings (106) of each plurality of rows of openings (106), each of the plurality of flaps (104) being biased to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening (106) to ensure an aerodynamic profile of the wheel cover (100), and in an open position to allow air to flow through the corresponding opening (106) to cool one or more brake components located inside the wheel; and a plurality of actuator arrangements (108), wherein an actuator arrangement (108) is configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings (106), wherein the actuator arrangement (108) comprises at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) arranged near the one or more brake components, wherein the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) is designed to expand in an axial direction when the temperature of one or more brake components increases, wherein the actuator arrangement (108) comprises a plurality of projections (404) facing the plurality of flaps (104) associated with the at least two openings (106), wherein the plurality of projections (404) are coupled to the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) such that an expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) leads to a movement of the plurality of projections (404) in the radial direction, and when the plurality of projections (404) are subject to movement as a result of the expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402), each of the plurality of projections (404) progressively engages in the corresponding flap (104), causing the plurality of flaps (104) to progressively begin to open as the temperature of one or more brake components increases, characterized in that each of the plurality of projections (404) is arranged in relation to each other such that the corresponding flap (104) is progressively opened, so that the flap (104) begins to move from the closed position to the open position after a radially more inwardly arranged flap (104) is in the open position.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a wheel cover for a vehicle wheel for improving the aerodynamic properties of the wheel without impairing the cooling of the vehicle's brake components.

[0002] A variety of techniques are used to improve the fuel consumption of motor vehicles. One such technique is aerodynamic profiling, also known as streamlining, in which the shape of the vehicle or one of its components is designed to reduce resistance to airflow while driving. By increasing the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency, the energy required to propel the vehicle through the air is reduced, resulting in improved fuel consumption.

[0003] One area of ​​aerodynamic inefficiency in conventional vehicles lies in the wheel design. A vehicle wheel generally comprises a hub and a number of spokes that connect the hub to an outer rim. Openings between the spokes provide a cooling path through which air can flow to the vehicle's braking components, such as brakes, calipers, drums, discs, etc. However, they also increase the vehicle's drag. As the number of openings in the wheel increases, or as the size of the openings increases, the vehicle's drag increases proportionally.

[0004] To counteract or reduce air resistance, a wheel cover is usually fitted to the wheel to improve its aerodynamic properties while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel cover generally reduces air resistance by closing the openings in the wheel. However, such wheel covers often obstruct the flow of ambient air to the brake components, which can significantly impair braking performance.

[0005] In the past, efforts have been made to overcome the aforementioned problem. For example, patent document KR 10 2008 0 044 686 A describes a wheel for a car that ensures a consistent brake disc temperature and improves the car's appearance. The wheel consists of a disc, a rim section, and a locking / opening device. The disc has a surface that borders and is coupled to a drive stage. The locking / opening device is installed in a vent hole formed in the disc of the wheel and opens the vent hole when the disc temperature exceeds a specified temperature and closes it when the disc temperature falls below the specified temperature. The wheel cover incorporates a propeller plate formed at a predetermined angle between the wheel and the drive stage.The propeller plate and brake disc are exposed to outside air via ventilation holes. The wheel is operated in such a way that the ventilation hole opens when the disc temperature reaches 150 °C or higher. When the plate temperature is less than 150 °C, the ventilation hole formed in the plate is closed by a switch. This switch incorporates a plate body that is positioned to block both the ventilation hole and an air passage formed within the plate body. For protection, the disc is made of a shape-memory alloy, allowing deformation in both directions.

[0006] Document US 4,593,953 A describes a device for covering a wheel on a motor vehicle. The device comprises a wheel cover mounted on the wheel and covering its outer surface, as well as at least one ventilation opening that connects the inside of the wheel to the ambient air. The device is equipped with a cover plate that closes the ventilation opening as long as the temperature inside the wheel does not exceed a predetermined value, and opens it as soon as the temperature exceeds this value. A heat sensor, for example made of a shape-memory alloy, is connected to the cover plate and deforms when the predetermined value is exceeded. This deformation pushes the cover plate away from the opening, thus opening it.

[0007] In another document, DE 10 2020 104 262 A1, he describes a valve assembly controlled by electromagnets. DE 10 2020 104 262 A1 describes a valve assembly controlled by a solenoid coil. DE 10 2020 104 262 A1 relates to a valve assembly for a motor vehicle, such as a pressure relief valve, and a method for its use. The valve assembly comprises a flap that moves between open and closed positions, a slide that moves along an axis with a positive arm that contacts the flap, and a solenoid coil that is controlled to move the slide precisely along the axis.

[0008] The device from the cited reference has the disadvantage of higher costs and reduced ease of maintenance because shape memory alloys are used to open and close the air passage formed in the disc body. These shape memory alloys are also susceptible to damage from the extreme vibrations and heat generated during braking. The wheel cover in the cited document thus requires frequent replacement of the shape memory alloys. Furthermore, the cooling of the brake disc depends on the operation of the shape memory alloys, which generally exhibit inefficient thermomechanical behavior, complex motion control, and poorer fatigue properties.

[0009] There is therefore a need in engineering to overcome the disadvantages, limitations and shortcomings associated with existing solutions by providing a simple, reliable and cost-effective solution that improves the aerodynamic properties of a vehicle's wheels while ensuring adequate cooling of the vehicle's brake components.

[0010] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel cover for a vehicle wheel that is configured to improve aerodynamics without impairing the vehicle's braking performance.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and reliable wheel cover capable of easily regulating the temperature of the vehicle's brake components based on the operating temperature of the brake components, while simultaneously improving their aerodynamic properties.

[0012] Another objective of the present disclosure is to improve the fuel consumption of a vehicle by reducing the air resistance generated by the vehicle's wheels.

[0013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective wheel cover that can be easily retrofitted to existing vehicles.

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wheel covers for motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a simple, reliable and cost-effective wheel cover suitable for mounting on the wheels of vehicles in order to improve aerodynamic properties and ensure efficient braking performance.

[0015] In one embodiment, the proposed wheel cover includes a plurality of rows of openings, each row having at least two radially arranged openings. A plurality of flaps is pivotably configured with each of the at least two openings of each plurality of rows of openings. Each of the plurality of flaps is biased to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening and ensure an aerodynamic profile for the wheel cover, and in an open position to allow air to flow through the corresponding opening to cool one or more brake components located in the wheel. The wheel cover also includes a plurality of actuator assemblies, one actuator assembly being configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings.

[0016] In one embodiment, the actuator assembly includes at least one temperature-sensitive spring located near one or more brake components. The at least one temperature-sensitive spring is designed to expand axially when the temperature of one or more brake components increases. The actuator assembly has a plurality of projections facing a plurality of flaps associated with the at least two openings. The plurality of projections are coupled to the at least one temperature-sensitive spring such that expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring causes movement of the plurality of projections in the radial direction.If the multitude of protrusions are subject to movement as a result of the expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring, each of the multitude of protrusions progressively engages the corresponding flap, causing the multitude of flaps to progressively begin to open as the temperature of one or more brake components increases.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of flaps can be pre-tensioned by a spring-loaded hinge so that it remains in the closed position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the at least one temperature-sensitive spring can be configured to extend in the axial direction along a guide rod that is arranged coaxially to the at least one temperature-sensitive spring.

[0019] In one embodiment, the at least one temperature-sensitive spring can have a lower end equipped with a spring retaining section of a lower part of the wheel cap and an upper end coupled to the plurality of projections, such that movement of the upper end in the axial direction by expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring leads to movement of the plurality of projections in the radial direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the guide rod can have a lower section that is attached to the spring retaining section and an upper section that is attached to a guide locking section of the lower part.

[0021] In one embodiment, the actuator arrangement can include a flap actuator to which the upper end of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring can be rigidly coupled. The plurality of projections can extend from the flap actuator.

[0022] In one embodiment, the actuator assembly can include a dust cover for covering the at least one temperature-sensitive spring. The dust cover can have a slot configured to expose the at least one temperature-sensitive spring to heat generated by the one or more brake components. The dust cover can be detachably attached to the flap actuator, with the at least one temperature-sensitive spring positioned between them.

[0023] Each of the multiple projections is arranged in relation to the others in such a way that the corresponding flap is progressively opened, so that the flap begins to move from the closed position to the open position after a radially more inwardly arranged flap is in the open position.

[0024] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of projections can move the corresponding flap from the closed position to the open position by pressing the corresponding flap as a result of the expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring based on the temperature increase of one or more brake components. The Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B illustrates an exemplary perspective view and a composite view of the proposed wheel cover for a wheel of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1C illustrates an exploded view of the wheel cover from the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary view of a flap which is pivotably coupled to a lower part of the wheel cover by a spring-loaded hinge, according to one embodiment. The Fig. Figures 3A to 3C illustrate, according to an embodiment of the present invention, various representations that depict the progressive opening of a plurality of flaps of the wheel cover. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of an actuator arrangement configured to progressively open the flaps in order to variably supply air to one or more brake components installed in the wheel, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary side view of the wheel cover with the flaps in the closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. The Fig. Figures 6A to 6C illustrate exemplary side views of the wheel cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the progressive opening of the flaps by the actuator arrangement.

[0025] The embodiments described herein relate to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective wheel cover for a vehicle wheel, configured to improve the wheel's aerodynamic properties while simultaneously providing sufficient cooling for one or more of the vehicle's brake components. The wheel cover can improve the vehicle's fuel economy by reducing drag generated by the wheel. The wheel cover enables progressive cooling of one or more of the vehicle's brake components based on their operating temperature.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of a hubcap 100, which is to be attached to a wheel of a vehicle. Fig. Figure 1B illustrates a perspective view of a wheel cover 100, which is detachably attached to the wheel 150 of a vehicle. The wheel cover 100 can be attached to the wheel 150 by means of a snap connection, ring fixation, fastening, or any suitable mounting technique. With reference to Fig. 1C includes the wheel cover 100, a lower part 102, and a plurality of rows of openings 106-1, 106-1 ... 106-N (hereinafter collectively referred to as "openings 106") formed in the lower part 102. The lower part 102 may be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes. Each row may have at least two openings 106 arranged in a radial direction of the wheel cover 100. The at least two openings 106 may be arranged to correspond to the open spaces present between a plurality of spokes of the wheel 150. The wheel cover 100 also includes a plurality of flaps 104-1, 104-2 ... 104-N (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "flaps 104") which are pivotably coupled to each opening 106 in the series of openings 106.Each of the flaps 104 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like, by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes. Each of the flaps 104 is pre-tensioned to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening 106 and ensure an aerodynamic profile of the wheel cover 100. Each flap 104 is configured to move from the closed position to an open position to allow air to flow through the corresponding opening 106 and to cool one or more brake components, such as brakes, brake pads, brake calipers, drums, discs, and the like, located in the wheel 150. As shown in . Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the wheel cover 100 includes a plurality of actuator assemblies 108-1, 108-2 ... 108-N (hereinafter also referred to as "actuator assemblies 108"). At least one of the actuator assemblies 108 is configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings 106.

[0027] The flaps 104 are detachably coupled to the openings 106. Each flap 104 is pivotably coupled to the corresponding opening 106 by fastening, snap-fit ​​connection, press fit, welding, gluing, or other joining processes. In one example, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the flap 104 is pivotally coupled to the opening 106 of the lower part 102 via a spring-loaded hinge 202 to position the flaps 104 in their normally closed position. For this purpose, the flaps 104 are biased into the closed position during normal vehicle operation to ensure a reduction in air resistance generated by the wheel 150. The flaps 104 are only actuated or moved into the open position when the temperature of the brake components located in the wheel 150 exceeds a threshold value. At this stage, the actuator assembly 108 allows the flaps 104 to progressively open radially along the wheel cover 100 to create a passage for ambient / fresh air, enabling it to flow to the brake components and thus effectively reducing their operating temperature.The extent of movement of the flaps 104 from the closed to the open position depends on the operating temperature of the brake components to ensure proper cooling of the brake components during braking operations. Thus, the wheel cover 100 of this disclosure improves the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle by reducing the drag generated by the wheel 150 when the flaps 104 are in the closed position. Furthermore, the wheel cover 100 ensures proper cooling of the brake components based on their operating temperature by moving the flaps 104 from the closed to the open position. The spring-loaded hinge 202 can be selected based on the preload force required to position the flaps 104 in their normally closed position. The spring-loaded hinge 202 can be made of metals or alloys.

[0028] The Fig. Figures 3A to 3C illustrate various diagrams that depict the progressive opening of the flaps 104. During normal vehicle operation, the flaps 104 of the openings 106 in each of the plurality of rows are in the closed position to significantly reduce the air resistance of the wheel 150. When the brake corresponding to the wheel 150 is applied by the vehicle's driver, the temperature of the brake components gradually rises. The movement of the flaps 104 from the corresponding closed position to the open position is a function of this temperature increase of the brake components. In one embodiment, with a slight temperature increase of the brake components, an innermost flap 104-1 is gradually opened in the radial direction, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 3A is illustrated. With a further increase in the temperature of the brake components, another (intermediate) flap 104-2 may begin to gradually open, as shown in Fig. Figure 3B shows the innermost flap 104-1 fully open, i.e., in the open position. Furthermore, if there is a significant increase in the temperature of the brake components, an outermost flap 104-3 may gradually open radially, as shown in Figure 3B. Fig. 3C is clearly shown, with the innermost flap 104-1 and the intermediate flap 104-2 in the open position. This configuration provides sufficient cooling of the brake components by allowing ambient air to flow towards them, depending on the operating temperature of the brake components. The flaps 104 open progressively to ensure that the reduction in drag is not significantly compromised during brake component cooling, thus maintaining an optimal balance between the vehicle's aerodynamic properties and braking performance.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the actuator assembly 108, which is configured to progressively open the flaps 104 to provide variable ambient air supply to the brake components installed in the wheel 150. The wheel cover encloses a plurality of actuator assemblies 108, with one actuator assembly 108 configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings 106. Each of the actuator assemblies 108 includes at least one temperature-sensitive spring 402, which is located near one or more brake components, such as brakes, calipers, brake pads, washers, etc. The temperature-sensitive spring 402 is exposed to the heat generated by the brake components and is designed to expand in an axial direction when the temperature of the brake components increases.The temperature-sensitive spring 402 can have a variable or constant spring stiffness and can be made of any temperature-sensitive material. The actuator assembly 108 also includes a plurality of projections 404-1, 404-2 ... 404-N (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "projections 404") facing the plurality of flaps 104 associated with the openings 106 of one of the rows of openings. The projections 404 are coupled to the temperature-sensitive spring 402 such that expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring 402 causes movement of the projections 404 in the radial direction.When the projections 404 are subject to movement as a result of the expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 402, each of the projections 404 progressively engages the corresponding flap 104, causing the flaps 104 to progressively open as the temperature of the brake components increases.

[0030] The projections 404 can form part of a flap actuator 406 and extend from / extend from it. The actuator is coupled to the temperature-sensitive spring 402 such that the actuator moves radially when the temperature-sensitive spring 402 expands due to an increase in the operating temperature of the brake components. The actuator 406 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes. The actuator assembly 108 can also include a dust cover 408, which is detachably attached to the flap actuator 406, with the temperature-sensitive spring 402 positioned between them. The dust cover 408 can be attached to the flap actuator 406 in such a way that it moves with the flap actuator 406 when the temperature-sensitive spring 402 expands.The dust cover 408 can be coupled to the flap actuator 406 by snap-fit, press fit, or other fastening techniques. The dust cover 408 protects the temperature-sensitive spring 402 from dust and other foreign particles and prevents their ingress. The dust cover has a slot 410 facing the brake components and configured to expose the temperature-sensitive spring 402 to the heat generated by the brake components. The dust cover 408 can be manufactured from materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like, using manufacturing processes such as casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, etc.

[0031] Now with reference to Fig. The actuator assembly 108 can also include a guide rod 502 arranged coaxially with the temperature-sensitive spring 402. The temperature-sensitive spring 402 is configured to expand axially along the guide rod 502 as the operating temperature of the brake components increases. The temperature-sensitive spring 402 can be in the form of a helical spring wound around the guide rod 502. The guide rod 502 can have a lower section 502-1, which is attached to a spring retaining section 504 of the lower part 102, and an upper section 502-2, which is securely pressed to a guide locking section 506 of the lower part 102. The guide rod 502 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like, using manufacturing processes such as casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, etc.The lower section 502-1 of the guide rod 502 is fastened to the spring retaining section 504 by a threaded fastening element 508 to prevent movement of the lower section 502-1 of the guide rod 502 while allowing expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 402 along the guide rod 502. The spring retaining section 504 and the guide locking section 506 extend from the rear of the lower part 102 of the wheel cover 100.

[0032] The temperature-sensitive spring 402 can include a lower end 402-1, which is pressed onto the spring retaining section 504 of the base 102, and an upper end 402-2, which is coupled to the projections 404, such that axial movement of the upper end 402-2 due to expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 402 results in radial movement of the projections 404. The upper end 402-2 of the temperature-sensitive spring 402 can be welded to the flap actuator 406, from which the projections 404 extend, so that the upper end 402-2 moves radially during expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 402 based on the temperature increase of the brake components. This movement of the upper end 402-2 enables the flap actuator 406 and subsequently the projections 404 to move in the radial direction.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the flaps 104 are pivotally coupled to the corresponding opening 106 of the lower part 102 via the spring-loaded hinge 202 in order to position the flaps 104 in the normally closed position. In the normal driving condition of the vehicle, the flaps 104 are biased in the closed position to ensure a reduction in the air resistance generated by the wheel 150. The flaps 104 are only progressively actuated or moved into the open position if the temperature of the brake components located in the wheel 150 exceeds a predetermined threshold. With reference to Fig. 6A The operating temperature of the brake components rises when a driver of the vehicle applies the brakes. At this stage, the upper end 402-2 of the temperature-sensitive spring 402 moves radially outward, with the lower end 402-1 securely pressed against the spring retaining section 504. This movement of the upper end 402-2 initiates a pivoting movement of the innermost flap 104-1 from its closed position to the open position by moving the corresponding projection 404-1, which engages with the innermost flap 104-1, radially outward, while the other projections 404-2 and 404-3 do not engage with the corresponding flaps 104-2 and 104-3. As a result, the innermost flap 104-1 moves into its open position, while the other flaps 104-2 and 104-3 remain in corresponding closed positions due to different slopes, i.e., length and inclination, of the projections 404-1, 404-2 and 404-3.As the operating temperature of the brake components continuously increases, the upper end 402-2 moves further radially upwards as a result of the expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 402. This movement of the upper end 402-2 engages the projection 404-2 with the corresponding intermediate flap 104-2 to initiate its progressive movement from its closed position to the open position, as shown in [reference]. Fig. 6B shown. This allows a greater flow of outside air through openings 106-1 and 106-2 to reach the brake components. If the temperature of the brake components continues to rise, the upper end 402-2 is moved further radially upwards to engage the projection 404-3 with the corresponding outermost flap 104-3, initiating its progressive movement from the closed to the open position, as shown in Fig. 6C shown.

[0034] Each of the projections 404 is arranged relative to the others such that the corresponding flap 104 is progressively opened, so that the flap 104 begins to move from the closed position to the open position after a radially more inwardly arranged flap 104 is in the open position. Each of the projections 404 moves the corresponding flap 104 from the closed position to the open position by pressing the corresponding flap 104 as a result of the expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 402 based on the temperature increase of the brake components.

[0035] Thus, the actuator arrangement 108 allows the flaps 104 to progressively open in the radial direction to provide progressively opening passages through which ambient / fresh air can flow to the brake components, thereby effectively reducing the operating temperature of the brake components. The extent of movement of each of the flaps 104 from the closed position to the open position depends on the operating temperature of the brake components to ensure proper cooling of the brake components during braking operations. Therefore, the wheel cover 100 of this disclosure improves the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle by reducing the drag generated by the wheel 150 when the flaps 104 are in the closed position.Furthermore, the wheel cover 100 ensures proper cooling of the brake components based on their operating temperature by progressively and sequentially moving each of the flaps 104 from the closed position to the open position. The wheel cover 100 significantly improves the vehicle's fuel consumption by effectively reducing the air resistance generated by the wheel 150, while simultaneously providing cooling for the brake components to enhance the vehicle's braking performance.

[0036] The present disclosure provides a wheel cover for a vehicle wheel which is configured to improve aerodynamics without affecting the vehicle's braking performance.

[0037] The present disclosure provides a simple and reliable wheel cover that is able to easily regulate the temperature of the vehicle's brake components based on the operating temperature of the brake components, while simultaneously improving their aerodynamic properties.

[0038] The present disclosure contributes to improving the fuel consumption of a vehicle by reducing the air resistance generated by the vehicle's wheels.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a cost-effective wheel cover that can be easily retrofitted to existing vehicles.

Claims

[1] Wheel cover (100) for a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of rows of openings (106), wherein each row of openings (106) comprises at least two openings (106) arranged in a radial direction; a plurality of flaps (104) pivotably configured with each of the at least two openings (106) of each plurality of rows of openings (106), each of the plurality of flaps (104) being biased to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening (106) to ensure an aerodynamic profile of the wheel cover (100), and in an open position to allow air to flow through the corresponding opening (106) to cool one or more brake components located inside the wheel; and a plurality of actuator arrangements (108), wherein an actuator arrangement (108) is configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings (106), wherein the actuator arrangement (108) comprises at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) arranged near the one or more brake components, wherein the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) is designed to expand in an axial direction when the temperature of one or more brake components increases, wherein the actuator arrangement (108) comprises a plurality of projections (404) facing the plurality of flaps (104) associated with the at least two openings (106), wherein the plurality of projections (404) are coupled to the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) such that an expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) leads to a movement of the plurality of projections (404) in the radial direction, and when the plurality of projections (404) are subject to movement as a result of the expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402), each of the plurality of projections (404) progressively engages in the corresponding flap (104), causing the plurality of flaps (104) to progressively begin to open as the temperature of one or more brake components increases, characterized by, that each of the plurality of projections (404) is arranged in relation to each other such that the corresponding flap (104) is progressively opened, so that the flap (104) begins to move from the closed position to the open position after a radially more inwardly arranged flap (104) is in the open position. [2] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flaps (104) is pre-tensioned by a spring-loaded hinge (202) such that they remain in the closed position. [3] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) is configured to extend in the axial direction along a guide rod (502) which is arranged coaxially to the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402). [4] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) has a lower end (402-1) which is equipped with a spring retaining section (504) of a lower part (102) of the wheel cover (100) and an upper end (402-2) which is coupled to the plurality of projections (404) such that a movement of the upper end (402-2) in the axial direction by expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) leads to a movement of the plurality of projections (404) in the radial direction. [5] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 3, wherein the guide rod (502) has a lower section (502-1) which is attached to the spring retaining section (504) and an upper section (502-2) which is attached to a guide locking section (506) of the lower part (102). [6] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 4, wherein the actuator arrangement (108) comprises a flap actuator (406) with which the upper end (402-2) of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) is rigidly coupled, wherein the plurality of projections (404) extend from the flap actuator (406). [7] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator arrangement (108) comprises a dust cover (408) for covering the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402), wherein the dust cover (408) has a slot (410) configured to expose the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) to the heat generated by the one or more brake components. [8] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 7, wherein the dust cover (408) is detachably attached to the flap actuator (406), wherein the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) is arranged between them. [9] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of projections (404) moves the corresponding flap (104) from the closed to the open position by pressing the corresponding flap (104) as a result of the expansion of the at least one temperature-sensitive spring (402) based on the temperature increase of one or more brake components.

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