Wheel mounting structure for vehicle

Abstract

A wheel fastening structure for a vehicle comprises a wheel hub, a wheel fitted around a hub head of the wheel hub on an inner diameter section of the wheel, a central locking bolt coupled to the hub head and configured to press the inner diameter section of the wheel against a hub flange of the wheel hub, and a pawl fitted between the central locking bolt and the hub head and configured to lock the central locking bolt in the hub head.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE Area of ​​the present disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technique for attaching a vehicle wheel to a wheel hub. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A vehicle is designed to transmit a driving force to its tires on a road surface and accordingly includes a structure designed to attach (fasten) each tire to a wheel and the wheel to the vehicle in order to attach the tire to the vehicle.

[0003] The wheel is attached to the vehicle's wheel hub. A rigid mounting structure between the wheel and the wheel hub is required for stable power transmission and improved vehicle durability.

[0004] In conventional cases, a structure for attaching a wheel to a wheel hub using a multitude of hub bolts and wheel nuts is widely used. This structure provides a very strong connection and high durability.

[0005] However, the wheel mounting structure, which uses a variety of hub bolts and wheel nuts, has the disadvantage that it takes a relatively long time to replace the wheel, and that the appearance of the wheel mounting structure is rather poor.

[0006] In view of the increasing popularity of high-performance vehicles and the recent advances in motorsport, a further reduction in wheel change time and a more aesthetically pleasing and elegant appearance of the wheel are required.

[0007] The information contained in this background to the present disclosure is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the present disclosure and should not be construed as an acknowledgment or any form of indication that this information constitutes the prior art already known to the person skilled in the art. QUICK OVERVIEW

[0008] Several aspects of the present disclosure aim to provide a wheel fastening structure for a vehicle which is designed to significantly reduce the time required for changing wheels and to effectively prevent the theft of a wheel, while also offering the advantage of creating an aesthetically pleasing and elegant appearance of the wheel.

[0009] The objectives of this disclosure are not limited to the one described above, and other, as yet undescribed, objectives of this disclosure will be better understood by those skilled in the art based on the following detailed description.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objectives can be achieved by providing a wheel fastening structure for a vehicle comprising a wheel hub, a wheel mounted around a hub head of the wheel hub on an inner diameter section of the wheel, a central locking bolt coupled to the hub head and configured to press the inner diameter section of the wheel against a hub flange of the wheel hub, and a latch located between the central locking bolt and the hub head and configured to lock the central locking bolt in the hub head.

[0011] The bolt can be positioned so that it releases a locked state of the central locking bolt by applying pressure to the bolt via the central locking bolt.

[0012] The locking bar can be attached to the hub head in such a way that it is linearly displaceable in an axial direction while being prevented from rotating, and it can be supported by the wheel hub while being elastically supported in the axial direction against the central locking bolt.

[0013] Detent teeth can be formed on the facing surfaces of the bolt and the central locking bolt to allow rotation of the central locking bolt in a fastening direction of the central locking bolt on the hub head, while preventing rotation of the central locking bolt in a direction opposite to the fastening direction.

[0014] A spring seat may be provided on the wheel hub. A spring may be installed between the spring seat and the latch to elastically support the latch against the central locking bolt.

[0015] A hub cavity can be formed in the wheel hub to reduce its mass. The spring seat can be supported by a snap ring located between the hub cavity and the center bolt.

[0016] A retaining ring can be fitted to the wheel hub to prevent the pawl, which is elastically supported by the spring, from being separated from the wheel hub.

[0017] A press ring with a wedge-shaped cross-section can be fitted between a head flange of the central locking bolt and the wheel to press the wheel against the hub flange.

[0018] The wedge-shaped cross-section of the press ring can comprise an inclined annular surface designed to be inclined with respect to the axial direction in order to contact the wheel, an inner circumferential annular surface designed to enclose the hub head of the wheel hub, and a bolt-facing surface designed to be perpendicular to the axial direction such that the bolt-facing surface is opposite the head flange of the central locking bolt.

[0019] A friction-reducing washer can be arranged between the surface of the press ring facing the bolt and the head flange of the central locking bolt to reduce the friction between them.

[0020] At least one friction-reducing groove can be formed on the head flange facing the friction-reducing disc in order to reduce the area of ​​the head flange that is in contact with the friction-reducing disc.

[0021] A sealing ring can be provided on a circumferential surface of the head flange of the central locking bolt to form a seal between the head flange and the wheel.

[0022] Tool engagement grooves and projections can be formed on the head flange of the central locking bolt in such a radially regular manner in a direction towards a predetermined tool that the tool engagement grooves and projections are arranged along a circumference of the head flange to enable the head flange to receive a rotational force from the predetermined tool in a state in which the predetermined tool exerts pressure to release the bolt through a tool insertion bore formed on a central section of the central locking bolt.

[0023] A cover cap can be fitted to the central locking bolt to close the insertion hole for the tool.

[0024] At least one threaded bolt can be attached to the hub flange of the wheel hub and protrude into a wheel hub groove of the wheel.

[0025] The bolt may comprise a threaded stud attached to the hub flange and a threaded stud sleeve designed to engage with the wheel hub groove and allow the threaded stud to extend through it. The threaded stud sleeve may be made of a different material than the threaded stud.

[0026] A brake disc can be mounted between the wheel hub and the wheel. The threaded bolt sleeve can have a larger diameter on the section that is inserted into the wheel hub groove than on the section that extends through the brake disc, in order to press the brake disc against the wheel hub by means of pressure exerted by the threaded bolt, thus securing the brake disc to the wheel hub.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a wheel hub assembly for a vehicle is provided comprising a hub flange having a flat surface perpendicular to an axial direction, a hub head projecting axially from the hub flange, a central locking bolt attached to the hub head and configured to press an inner diameter section of a wheel arranged around the hub head against the hub flange, and a latch configured to be linearly displaceable in an axial direction within the hub head while being secured against rotation to lock the central locking bolt in order to prevent rotation of the central locking bolt relative to the hub head.

[0028] At least one axially projecting bolt may be attached to the hub flange. The locking mechanism may be configured to release the central locking bolt from a locked state by axial pressure from a tool inserted into the central locking bolt through a central section of the central locking bolt.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a wheel for a vehicle is provided, comprising a section with an inner diameter that is configured to be mounted around a hub head projecting axially along a center of rotation of a hub flange to connect the wheel to a wheel hub having the hub head, the wheel hub further comprising a threaded bolt spaced apart from the hub head while projecting axially from the hub flange, and a wheel hub groove formed in a region surrounding the inner diameter section to receive the threaded bolt, the region surrounding the inner diameter section being configured to be pressed against the hub flange by a central locking bolt coupled to the hub head.

[0030] The methods and devices of the present disclosure have further features and advantages which are evident from the accompanying drawings contained herein and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present disclosure, or which are illustrated in more detail in these drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing a wheel mounting structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing a significant part of Fig. 1 shows; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view showing the essential part of Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 4 is a view that explains a state of a given tool that is part of a substantial part of Fig. 2 is used; Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of a wheel hub. Fig. 2 explained; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line F6-F6 in Fig. 4; Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing an example in which locking teeth are formed on the facing surfaces of a central locking bolt and a latch; Fig. Figure 8 is a view illustrating the structures of the central locking bolt and a press ring; Fig. Figure 9 is a view that explains a condition in which a friction-reducing washer is attached to the central locking bolt; Fig. Figure 10 is a view illustrating an exemplary condition in which the friction-reducing washer is removed from the central locking bolt and a friction-reducing groove is exposed. Fig. Figure 11 is a view showing by way of example the specified tool which is set up to fasten and release the central locking bolt of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 12 is a view showing the central locking bolt; Fig. Figure 13 is a view illustrating a method for inserting the specified tool into the central locking bolt; Fig. 14 is a view showing a state before the specified tool presses on the latch; Fig. Figure 15 is a view illustrating an exemplary state in which the specified tool is inserted into the central locking bolt, releases the lock and exerts a rotational force to rotate the central locking bolt; Fig. Figure 16 is a view showing a state in which the latch locks the central locking bolt to prevent rotation of the central locking bolt in the state of Fig. 14 to prevent; Fig. Figure 17 is a view showing a state in which the latch is in a locked state of the central locking bolt from the state of Fig. 15 releases; Fig. Figure 18 is a view that explains a coupling structure between a plurality of bolts mounted on the wheel hub and a wheel; and Fig. Figure 19 is a view showing an exemplary cross-section of the wheel connected to the bolts.

[0031] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and show a somewhat simplified representation of various features that illustrate the basic principles of this disclosure. The specific design features of this disclosure, as contained herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, are partly determined by the intended application and operating environment.

[0032] In the figures, the reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present disclosure in the different figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present disclosure(s) is / are described in connection with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the present description is not intended to limit the present disclosure(s) to these exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present disclosure is / are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the scope of the idea and protection of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0034] In the following description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a detailed description of known technologies is omitted if it could obscure the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to be limited by the accompanying drawings. It is understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes, insofar as they do not deviate from the concept and technical scope of protection of the present disclosure, are covered by the present disclosure.

[0035] It is understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc., can be used here to describe different elements, these elements should not be restricted by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0036] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms in the singular also include the meaning in the plural.

[0037] In the present description, the term “comprehensive”, “inclusive” or the like is intended to express the presence of the feature, number, step, process, element, part or combination of these and does not exclude any other feature, number, step, process, element, part or combination of these or any addition thereto.

[0038] Any number or plurality of components of any of the configurations disclosed herein may be included in the present disclosure. Such components may comprise any combination of characteristic parts disclosed herein and may be arranged to form any of the various configurations disclosed herein. Not only structures and arrangements of the components of the present disclosure, but also concepts relating to their use and operation, may be applied not only to various exemplary embodiments discussed herein, but also to exemplary embodiments with any number and in any combination.The following description describes various exemplary embodiments, which contain different characteristic parts with different arrangements, with reference to the attached drawing figures.

[0039] Various embodiments contained in the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, and identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals irrespective of the numerals in the drawing figures, and any redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0040] With reference to the Fig. References 1 to 19 include an exemplary embodiment of a wheel fastening structure for a vehicle in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a wheel hub 1, a wheel 5 mounted around a hub head 3 of the wheel hub 1, a central locking bolt 9 coupled to the hub head 3 and configured to press an inner diameter section 6 of the wheel 5 against a hub flange 7 of the wheel hub 1, and a pawl 11 configured to lock the central locking bolt 9 in the hub head 3.

[0041] That is to say, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the central locking bolt 9 is coupled to the hub head 3 in a state in which the inner diameter section 6, which is formed centrally on the wheel 5, is positioned around the hub head 3 of the wheel hub 1, the wheel 5 is attached to the wheel hub 1 in such a way that the wheel 5 can transmit driving force to the wheel hub 1. Furthermore, the central locking bolt 9 is locked in the wheel hub 1 by the pawl 11. Accordingly, the fastening state (assembly state) of the wheel 5 mounted on the wheel hub 1 can be ensured simply and securely.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it may therefore be possible to easily and immediately detach the wheel 5 from the wheel hub 1 simply by loosening the central locking bolt 9, and to firmly connect the wheel 5 to the wheel hub 1 simply by tightening the central locking bolt 9. Thus, the time required to replace the wheel 5 is very short, and the appearance of the wheel 5 can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and elegant.

[0043] To illustrate, see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Referenced: The wheel hub 1 is rotatably mounted on a steering knuckle 13 via a wheel bearing 15. A brake disc 17 is attached to the wheel hub 1, in addition to the wheel 5, and rotates together with the wheel hub 1. A brake disc cover 19 is also shown. The wheel hub 1 is designed to absorb a rotational force and rotate accordingly via a constant velocity joint (not shown).

[0044] The latch 11 is designed to release a locked state of the central locking bolt 9 by applying pressure to the latch via the central locking bolt 9.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pawl 11 is mounted on the hub head 3 so as to be linearly displaceable in an axial direction, while being prevented from rotating. Furthermore, the pawl 11 is supported by the wheel hub 1, while it is elastically supported in the axial direction against the central locking bolt 9.

[0046] For this purpose, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows teeth 21 incorporated into an inner circumferential surface of the hub head 3 to allow the pawl 11 to be moved linearly in the axial direction.

[0047] Naturally, a structure with grooves and projections corresponding to the teeth 21 is formed on a circumferential surface of the pawl 11, as shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 shown. Since the grooves and projections of the pawl 11 engage with the teeth 21 of the hub head 3, stable and smooth axial linear sliding of the pawl 11 within the hub head 3 is ensured.

[0048] The “axial direction” refers to the axial direction of rotation of the wheel hub 1.

[0049] A spring seat 23 is provided on the wheel hub 1, and a spring 25 is attached between the spring seat 23 and the pawl 11 to elastically support the pawl 11 against the central locking bolt 9.

[0050] A hub cavity 27 is formed on the wheel hub 1 to reduce the mass of the wheel hub 1. The spring seat 23 is held by a snap ring 29, which is located between the hub cavity 27 and the hub head 3.

[0051] Of course, in the case where the hub cavity 27 is not formed on the wheel hub 1, or in a similar case, the spring seat 23 and the snap ring 29 can be omitted.

[0052] Furthermore, a retaining ring 31 can be attached to the wheel hub 1 to prevent the pawl 11, which is elastically supported by the spring 25, from being separated from the wheel hub 1.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the spring 25 is accordingly enclosed in a space between the spring seat 23, which is supported (carried) by the snap ring 29, and the pawl 11, which is supported by the retaining ring 31, and the pawl 11 is held in a state in which it is elastically supported by the retaining ring 31 without being separated from the wheel hub 1, even when the central locking bolt 9 is disengaged. Accordingly, when replacing the wheel 5, there can be no inconvenience caused by separate handling of the pawl 11, and a simple and easy replacement of the wheel 5 can be achieved.

[0054] To illustrate, shows Fig. 5, that a snap ring coupling groove 33, which is configured so that the snap ring 29 can be attached to it, and a retaining ring coupling groove 35, which is configured so that the retaining ring 31 can be attached to it, are formed, provided that the teeth 21 are formed between them, and bolt fastening threads 37, to which the central locking bolt 9 is attached, are formed next to the retaining ring coupling groove 35.

[0055] As in Fig. Figure 7 shows that detent teeth 39 are formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the latch 11 and the central locking bolt 9 to allow rotation of the central locking bolt 9 in a fastening direction of the central locking bolt 9 on the hub head 3, while preventing rotation of the central locking bolt 9 in a direction opposite to the fastening direction.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a cross-section of the locking teeth 39 can form a right-angled triangle to allow rotation of the central locking bolt 9 in one direction.

[0057] Accordingly, although the rotation of the central locking bolt 9 in the direction in which the central locking bolt 9 is attached to the hub head 3 is carried out freely, the rotation of the central locking bolt 9 in the opposite direction is inhibited by the detent teeth 39, and accordingly the loosening of the central locking bolt 9 is prevented unless the pawl 11 is released.

[0058] Since the pawl 11 is held by the spring 25 in a state where it is continuously and elastically pressed against the central locking bolt 9, the loosening of the central locking bolt 9, which is coupled to the hub head 3, is naturally prevented unless the pawl 11 is released by a specified tool 41. Consequently, the possibility of the wheel 5 separating from the wheel hub 1 on its own is completely eliminated.

[0059] A press ring 45 with a wedge-shaped cross-section is attached between a head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9 and the wheel 5, which presses the wheel 5 against the hub flange 7.

[0060] Accordingly, when the central locking bolt 9 is attached to the hub head 3, the wheel 5 receives a pressure provided by the central locking bolt 9 via the press ring 45, without being pressed directly by the central locking bolt 9, and is accordingly pressed against the hub flange 7.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as described in Fig. Figure 8 shows the wedge-shaped cross-section of the press ring 45, an inclined ring surface 47 which is designed to be inclined with respect to the axial direction in order to contact the wheel 5, an inner ring circumferential surface 49 which is designed to enclose the hub head 3 of the wheel hub 1, and a bolt-facing surface 51 which is designed to be perpendicular to the axial direction such that the bolt-facing surface 51 faces the head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9.

[0062] A friction-reducing washer 53 is located between the surface 51 of the press ring 45 facing the bolt and the head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9 to reduce the friction between them.

[0063] If the central locking bolt 9 is attached to the hub head 3 in such a way that the press ring 45 presses the wheel 5 against the hub flange 7, the inclined ring surface 47 comes into contact with the wheel 5, and the surface 51 facing the bolt comes into contact with the friction-reducing disc 53.

[0064] Since a relatively large frictional force is generated between the inclined annular surface 47 of the press ring 45 and the wheel 5, no relative rotation is generated between the inclined annular surface 47 and the wheel 5 during the rotation of the central locking bolt 9. Conversely, since a relatively small frictional force is generated between the head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9 and the bolt-facing surface 51 of the press ring 45, deformation of the wheel 5 and the formation of friction marks on the wheel 5 can be prevented, and the tightening torque of the central locking bolt 9 can be reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, at least one friction-reducing groove 55 can be formed on the head flange 43 facing the friction-reducing disc 53 in order to reduce the area of ​​the head flange 43 that is in contact with the friction-reducing disc 53. Accordingly, it may be possible to further reduce the frictional force between the head flange 43 and the surface 51 of the press ring 45 facing the bolt.

[0066] To illustrate, in Fig. 8 the press ring 45 is shown in a state in which it is attached to the central locking bolt 9 by the retaining ring 31 in such a way that the press ring 45 is prevented from disengaging while it is able to perform a relative rotation.

[0067] On the other hand, it shows Fig. 9 a state in which the press ring 45 from Fig. 8 is removed and the friction-reducing disc 53 is still arranged on the head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9, and Fig. Figure 10 shows a state in which the friction-reducing disc 53 is removed and the friction-reducing groove 55 formed on the head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9 is exposed.

[0068] Meanwhile, a sealing ring 57 is attached to a circumferential surface of the head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9 in order to form a seal between the head flange 43 and the wheel 5.

[0069] This means that when the sealing ring 57 is mounted between the head flange 43 and the wheel 5, it is possible to prevent the ingress of foreign bodies into the space between the wheel 5 and the central locking bolt 9, in which the press ring 45 is housed. Accordingly, the function of a structure designed to generate a frictional force differential between the inclined ring surface 47 and the surface 51 of the press ring 45 facing the bolt can be stably maintained.

[0070] Tool engagement grooves and projections 61 are radially regular on the head flange 43 of the central locking bolt 9 in a direction towards the specified tool 41 such that the tool engagement grooves and projections 61 are formed along a circumference of the head flange 43 in order to enable the head flange 43 to receive a rotational force from the specified tool 41 in a state in which the specified tool 41 exerts pressure to release the latch 11 through a tool insertion bore 59 formed on a central section of the central locking bolt 9.

[0071] The specified tool 41 can be used in Fig. exhibit the shape shown in 11, and the tool engagement grooves and projections 61 can be the in Fig. 12 exhibit the shape shown. Accordingly, when the specified tool 41 moves towards the tool insertion opening 59 and the tool engagement grooves and projections 61 of the central locking bolt 9, it achieves the shape shown in Figure 12. Fig. Figure 13 shows a position shortly before a pressure position in which the specified tool 41 presses the latch 11, as in Fig. 14, and then presses the latch 11 in the pressure position, thereby releasing the coupling between the central locking bolt 9 and the latch 11, as shown in Fig. 15 shown.

[0072] Accordingly, in the state in which the specified tool 41 exerts pressure to release the latch 11, the specified tool 41 and the central locking bolt 9 are integrally rotatable in accordance with the engagement between the specified tool 41 and the tool engagement grooves and projections 61.

[0073] If the specified tool 41 is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction in which the central locking bolt 9 is attached to the hub head 3, the central locking bolt 9 can be separated from the hub head 3.

[0074] To illustrate, shows Fig. 16 a state in which the latch 11 still locks the central locking bolt 9 until the specified tool 41 presses on the latch 11, while Fig. 17 shows a state in which the specified tool 41 presses on the latch 11 and accordingly the latch 11 releases a locked state of the central locking bolt 9.

[0075] Meanwhile, a central cap 63 is attached to the central locking bolt 9 to seal the tool insertion bore 59. This prevents foreign objects or the like from entering the interior of the hub head 3 through the tool insertion bore 59, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing wheel assembly while ensuring the stable functioning of the pawl 11.

[0076] Accordingly, the sealing ring 57 is also installed between the central cap 63 and the central locking bolt 9.

[0077] According to the Fig. 18 and Fig. At least one bolt 67 is attached to the hub flange 7 of the wheel hub 1. The bolt 67 projects into a wheel hub groove 65 of the wheel 5.

[0078] This design prevents relative rotation of the wheel 5 with respect to the wheel hub 1, which is caused by a torque acting between the wheel 5 and the wheel hub 1. This ensures and maintains a secure and stable assembly between the wheel hub 1 and the wheel 5.

[0079] Furthermore, since a relative rotation between the wheel hub 1 and the wheel 5 is reliably prevented by design, and the bolt 67 neither protrudes from the wheel 5 nor is exposed when inserted into the wheel hub groove 65, the appearance of the wheel 5 can be significantly improved.

[0080] The bolt 67 can comprise a threaded bolt 69 attached to the hub flange 7 and a threaded bolt sleeve 71, which is designed to contact the wheel hub groove 65 and allow the threaded bolt 69 to extend through it. The threaded bolt sleeve 71 can be made of a different material than the threaded bolt 69.

[0081] For example, the threaded bolt 69 can be made of a steel material and the threaded bolt sleeve 71 can be made of aluminium, an aluminium alloy or the like.

[0082] The threaded bolt sleeve 71, which, as described above, is made of an aluminum alloy, can exhibit similar thermal expansion properties to the wheel 5, which is made of a material identical or similar to the aluminum alloy, even under thermal stress transferred to it from the brake disc 17 in the state where the threaded bolt sleeve 71 is inserted into the wheel 5. Accordingly, a tight and stable assembly condition can be maintained between the wheel 5 and the bolt 67.

[0083] Referring to Fig.19 the brake disc 17 is attached (mounted) between the wheel hub 1 and the wheel 5, and the threaded bolt sleeve 71 has a larger diameter on a section that is inserted into the wheel hub groove 65 than on a section that extends through the brake disc 17 in order to press the brake disc 17 against the wheel hub 1 by means of a pressure exerted by the threaded bolt 69, thereby fixing the brake disc 17 to the wheel hub 1.

[0084] Accordingly, the condition of the brake disc 17, which is fixed to the wheel hub 1, can be stably maintained by the threaded bolt sleeve 71, even when the wheel 5 is in a state in which it is separated from the wheel hub 1 in accordance with the removal of the central locking bolt 9 from the hub head 3.

[0085] Meanwhile, a wheel hub assembly used in the wheel mounting structure described above for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a hub flange 7 configured to form a flat surface perpendicular to an axial direction, a hub head 3 projecting from the hub flange 7 in the axial direction, a central locking bolt 9 attached to the hub head 3 and configured to press an inner diameter section 6 of a wheel 5, mounted around the hub head 3, against the hub flange 7, and a pawl 11 configured to be linearly displaceable in the axial direction within the central hub 3 while being prevented from rotating, in order to lock the central locking bolt 9 and prevent rotation of the central locking bolt 9 with respect to the hub head 3.

[0086] At least one axially projecting bolt 67 is attached to the hub flange 7, and the latch 11 is designed to release a locked state of the central locking bolt 9 by axial pressure of a tool inserted into the central locking bolt 9 through a central section of the central locking bolt 9.

[0087] Meanwhile, a wheel for a vehicle, used in the wheel mounting structure described above for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises an inner diameter section configured to accommodate a hub head 3, which projects axially along a center of rotation of a hub flange 7, in order to couple the wheel to a wheel hub 1 comprising the hub head 3, the wheel hub 1 further comprising a bolt 67 configured to be spaced apart from the hub head 3 while projecting axially from the hub flange 7. The wheel further comprises a wheel hub groove 65 provided in a region surrounding the inner diameter section 6 to receive the bolt 67.The area surrounding the inner diameter section 6 is designed such that it is pressed against the hub flange 7 by a central locking bolt 9 connected to the hub head 3.

[0088] As can be seen from the above description, the present disclosure provides a wheel fastening structure for a vehicle which is able to significantly reduce the time required for changing a wheel and effectively prevent the theft of a wheel, while being advantageous in terms of creating an aesthetically pleasing and elegant wheel appearance.

[0089] The effects achievable in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects of the present disclosure not yet described will be better understood by those skilled in the art based on the detailed description above.

[0090] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle can be described as being based on a concept that includes various means of transport. In some cases, the vehicle can be designed to be based on a concept that includes not only various land means of transport such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses traveling on roads, but also various means of transport such as airplanes, drones, ships, etc.

[0091] For the sake of simplicity and precise definition in the accompanying claims, the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "upwards", "downwards", "front", "backwards", "rear", "inside", "outside", "inwards", "outwards", "inward", "external", "internal", "external", "forwards", and "backwards" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the figures. The term "connect" or its derivatives refer to both a direct and an indirect connection.

[0092] The term “or”, used in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, should be understood as indicating “additional or alternative”.

[0093] The term "and / or" can encompass a combination of several related listed elements or any single element from a large number of related listed elements. For example, "A and / or B" includes all three cases such as "A", "B", and "A and B".

[0094] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “at least one of A or B” or to “at least one combination of at least one of A and B”. Furthermore, “one or more of A and B” may refer to “one or more of A or B” or “one or more combinations of one or more of A and B”.

[0095] In the present description, unless otherwise stated, a singular expression includes a plural expression, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0096] The terms used to describe the exemplary embodiments serve to describe predefined embodiments and are not intended to limit them. As used in the description of the exemplary embodiments and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The expression "and / or" is used to include all possible combinations of terms.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that a term such as "comprise" or "have" is intended to indicate that the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof described in the description are present, and does not exclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof are added or present.

[0098] Conditional expressions such as "if" and "when" are not limited to an optional case and should be interpreted such that, if a certain condition is met, the corresponding operation is performed or the corresponding definition is interpreted according to the specific condition.

[0099] Terms such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe different elements of the embodiments. However, the various components according to the embodiments should not be limited by the aforementioned terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, components can be combined to be implemented as a single unit, or some components can be omitted.

[0101] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They do not claim to be exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and of course, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to explain given principles of the present disclosure and their practical application, so that other skilled persons may be able to produce and use various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Wheel mounting structure for a vehicle, comprising the wheel mounting structure: a wheel hub; a wheel that is attached around a hub head of the wheel hub to an inner diameter section of the wheel; a central locking bolt coupled to the hub head and configured to press the inner diameter section of the wheel against a hub flange of the wheel hub; and a latch which is fitted and arranged between the central locking bolt and the hub head to lock the central locking bolt in the hub head. [2] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 1, wherein the pawl is configured to release a locked state of the central locking bolt by applying pressure to the pawl via the central locking bolt. [3] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 2, wherein the pawl is attached to the hub head in such a way that it is linearly displaceable in an axial direction while being prevented from rotating, and is supported by the wheel hub while being elastically supported against the hub head in the axial direction. [4] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 3, wherein detent teeth are formed on mutually facing surfaces of the pawl and the central locking bolt to allow rotation of the central locking bolt in a fastening direction of the central locking bolt on the hub head, while preventing rotation of the central locking bolt in a direction opposite to the fastening direction. [5] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 3, wherein a spring seat is provided on the wheel hub, and wherein a spring is provided between the spring seat and the pawl to elastically support the pawl against the central locking bolt. [6] Wheel mounting structure according to claim 5, wherein a hub cavity is formed at the wheel hub to reduce the mass of the wheel hub, and the spring seat is supported by a snap ring which is located between the hub cavity and the hub head. [7] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 6, wherein a retaining ring is attached to the wheel hub to prevent the spring-supported pawl from being separated from the wheel hub. [8] Wheel mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein teeth are formed on an inner circumferential surface of the hub head to guide an axial linear movement of the pawl, wherein a snap ring coupling groove, which is designed for fastening the snap ring to the snap ring coupling groove, and a retaining ring coupling groove, which is designed for fastening the retaining ring to the retaining ring coupling groove, are formed on the wheel hub, and wherein the snap ring coupling groove and the retaining ring coupling groove are arranged in a state in which the teeth are arranged between the snap ring coupling groove and the retaining ring coupling groove. [9] Wheel mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein teeth are formed on an inner circumferential surface of the hub head to guide an axial linear movement of the pawl, and wherein a structure with grooves and projections corresponding to the teeth is formed on a circumferential surface of the pawl and engages with the teeth of the hub head. [10] Wheel mounting structure according to claim 2, wherein a press ring having a wedge-shaped cross-section is fitted between a head flange of the central locking bolt and the wheel to press the wheel against the hub flange, and wherein the wedge-shaped cross-section of the press ring has an inclined annular surface which is designed to be inclined with respect to the axial direction in order to contact the wheel, an inner circumferential annular surface which is designed to enclose the hub head of the wheel hub, and a surface facing the bolt which is designed to be perpendicular to the axial direction such that the surface facing the bolt is opposite the head flange of the central locking bolt. [11] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 10, wherein a friction-reducing washer is provided between the surface of the press ring facing the bolt and the head flange of the central locking bolt to reduce the friction between them. [12] Wheel mounting structure according to claim 11, wherein at least one friction-reducing groove is formed on the head flange facing the friction-reducing disc in order to reduce an area of ​​the head flange which is in contact with the friction-reducing disc. [13] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 10, wherein a sealing ring is attached to a circumferential surface of the head flange of the central locking bolt to form a seal between the head flange and the wheel. [14] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 10, wherein on the head flange of the central locking bolt tool engagement grooves and projections are formed radially regularly in a direction towards a predetermined tool such that the tool engagement grooves and projections are arranged along a circumference of the head flange to enable the head flange to receive a rotational force from the predetermined tool in a state in which the predetermined tool exerts pressure to release the locking through a tool insertion bore formed on a central section of the central locking bolt. [15] Wheel fastening structure according to claim 14, wherein a central cap is attached to the central locking bolt to seal the tool insertion bore. [16] Wheel mounting structure according to claim 14, wherein the specified tool and the central locking bolt are arranged to be integrally rotatable in accordance with the engagement between the specified tool and the tool engagement grooves and projections in the state in which the specified tool exerts the pressure to release the lock, and wherein the central locking bolt is separated from the hub head based on the fact that the specified tool is rotated in a direction opposite to a fastening direction of the central locking bolt on the hub head. [17] Wheel mounting structure according to claim 2, wherein at least one bolt is attached to the hub flange of the wheel hub, while this bolt protrudes in order to be inserted into a wheel hub groove of the wheel, wherein the at least one bolt comprises the following a threaded bolt attached to the hub flange; and a threaded bolt sleeve configured to contact the wheel hub groove and to allow the threaded bolt to extend through the threaded bolt sleeve, wherein the threaded bolt sleeve is made of a material different from the material of the threaded bolt, wherein a brake disc is fitted between the wheel hub and the wheel, and wherein the threaded bolt sleeve has a larger diameter on a section inserted into the wheel hub groove than on a section extending through the brake disc, in order to press the brake disc against the wheel hub by means of pressure exerted by the threaded bolt, in order to fix the brake disc to the wheel hub. [18] Wheel hub assembly for a vehicle, comprising the wheel hub assembly: a hub flange with a flat surface perpendicular to an axial direction; a hub head that projects from the hub flange in the axial direction; a central locking bolt, which is attached to the hub head and is configured to press an inner diameter section of a wheel, which is fitted around the hub head, against the hub flange; and a pawl which is fitted and arranged between the central locking bolt and the hub head to be linearly displaceable in the axial direction within the hub head while being prevented from rotating, in order to lock the central locking bolt and to prevent rotation of the central locking bolt with respect to the hub head. [19] Wheel hub arrangement according to claim 18, wherein at least one axially projecting bolt is attached to the hub flange, and wherein the latch is arranged to release a locked state of the central locking bolt by axial pressure of a tool inserted into the central locking bolt through a central section of the central locking bolt. [20] Wheel for a vehicle, comprising the wheel: an inner diameter section configured to fit a hub head projecting axially along a center of rotation of a hub flange to couple the wheel to a wheel hub encompassing the hub head, the wheel hub further comprising a bolt spaced from the hub head while projecting axially from the hub flange; and a wheel hub groove formed in an area surrounding the inner diameter section to accommodate the bolt therein, wherein the area surrounding the inner diameter section is set up to be pressed against the hub flange by a central locking bolt coupled to the hub head.

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