Connecting parts for wheel cap floating assembly

The connecting component for wheel cap assemblies addresses vibration and rotation issues by using elastic members to secure the assembly, ensuring stability and ease of replacement.

JP3256311UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19JIANGSU GATES AUTO PARTS CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU GATES AUTO PARTS CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-04-23
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing wheel cap assemblies experience vibration and rotation issues due to rigid connections, making them difficult to replace and affecting the aesthetic appearance.

Method used

A connecting component for a wheel cap assembly featuring a wheel cap body with an engagement seat and a base, utilizing elastic members to secure the assembly and prevent rotation, with engaging legs and projections that allow easy detachment.

Benefits of technology

The solution stabilizes the assembly, reduces vibration, and facilitates quick replacement of the wheel cap while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

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Abstract

This invention provides a connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly that enables quick replacement of the wheel cap, enhances the structural stability of the floating assembly, and reduces rotational and vibration issues. [Solution] The system includes a wheel cap, a floating assembly 2, and a wheel 3. The wheel cap includes a wheel cap body 11 and an engagement seat 12 connected to the wheel cap body, the engagement seat being provided with a first engagement leg 13 and an engagement groove. The floating assembly includes a base 21 provided with a second engagement leg, the base being positioned inside the engagement seat, the second engagement leg engaging with the engagement groove. The wheel is provided with a central hole 31 on its inner wall, the first engagement leg being inserted into the central hole and engaging with the first engagement protrusion. This allows for quick replacement of the wheel cap, improves the structural stability of the floating assembly, and reduces rotation and vibration phenomena.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of automotive wheels, and particularly relates to a connecting component for a floating assembly of a wheel cap.

Background Art

[0002] A wheel is mainly a component for mounting and supporting a tire. A wheel cap is attached to the outside of the wheel and serves to prevent dust, protect wheel bolts, and improve the aesthetic appearance through decoration. Currently, an engaging mechanical connection structure is generally adopted for connecting the wheel and the wheel cap. However, this connection method has several drawbacks. After the elastic engaging legs on the back of the wheel cap are fully fitted into the corresponding engaging grooves of the wheel, the reverse hooks form a rigid lock with the engaging grooves, resulting in extremely difficult removal. In addition, the surface of existing wheel caps is often provided with a nameplate cover with a brand logo or a decorative pattern, and the nameplate cover is mainly fixed to the surface of the wheel cap by an engaging or adhesive method. In actual use, due to continuous vibrations caused by vehicle driving and wear of the connection structure itself, the nameplate cover is likely to rotate relatively easily, which may affect the visual aesthetic appearance and the overall texture of the product.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the problems in the prior art that the floating assembly is prone to vibration, relatively easy to rotate with respect to the wheel cap, and difficult to replace the wheel cap. Thereby, not only can the wheel cap be quickly replaced, but also the structural stability of the floating assembly can be enhanced, and a connecting component for a floating assembly of a wheel cap that can reduce rotation and vibration can be provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, this invention provides a connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly. A wheel cap comprising a wheel cap body and an engagement seat connected to the wheel cap body, wherein the engagement seat is provided with a first engagement leg and an engagement groove, A floating assembly comprising a base provided with a second engaging leg, wherein the base is located inside the engaging seat and the second engaging leg engages with the engaging groove, A wheel having a central hole on its inner wall with a first engaging projection, wherein the first engaging leg is inserted into the central hole and engages with the first engaging projection by the elastic force of an elastic member, Includes.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement seat has a plurality of first engagement legs arranged in an annular manner, and an elastic member is provided inside the plurality of first engagement legs, and the elastic member biases the plurality of first engagement legs radially outward, causing them to expand.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second engaging projection and a third engaging projection are provided on the inner side of the first engaging leg, the second engaging projection and the third engaging projection abut against both sides of the elastic member, and the third engaging projection extends along the axial direction of the wheel cap.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the engaging seat includes a sleeve connected to the wheel cap body and a step provided on the inner wall of the sleeve, and the base is in contact with the step.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement groove is provided in the step.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first engaging base and a second engaging base are provided on one side of the step, the first engaging base and the second engaging base are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the engaging groove, the second engaging base has a longer length in the axial direction of the wheel cap than the first engaging base, and the second engaging base is provided with a guide slope.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step abuts the wheel along the axial direction of the wheel cap.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the two opposing groove walls of the engagement groove gradually decreases along the insertion direction of the second engagement leg.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a support seat is provided on the outer edge of the wheel cap, and the support seat is in contact with the wheel.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first engaging leg is interlocked with the wheel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The above technical solution of this invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art. In the connection of the wheel cap floating assembly according to this invention, a second engaging leg is provided on one side of the base, and an engaging groove is provided on the engaging seat. When assembling the base and the engaging seat, inserting the second engaging leg into the engaging groove not only fixes the base and the wheel cap, reducing vibration of the floating assembly but also preventing relative rotation of the floating assembly, thereby ensuring the overall aesthetic appearance of the product. An elastic member provides a sustained engaging force to the first engaging leg, and by removing the elastic member, the engagement between the wheel cap and the wheel can be quickly released, reducing the difficulty of replacing the wheel cap. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] In order to make the contents of this invention clearer, the present invention will be described in more detail below, based on specific embodiments and accompanied by drawings. [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection of the wheel cap floating assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is another cross-sectional view showing the connection of the wheel cap floating assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of section A shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the wheel cap. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. This will enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments shown are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, a connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly is disclosed. A wheel cap comprising a wheel cap body 11 and an engagement seat 12 connected to the wheel cap body 11, wherein the engagement seat 12 is provided with a first engagement leg 13 and an engagement groove 14, A floating assembly 2 including a base 21 provided with a second engaging leg 211, wherein the base 21 is positioned inside an engaging seat 12 and the second engaging leg 211 engages with an engaging groove 14, A wheel 3 having a central hole 31 with a first engaging projection 32 on its inner wall, wherein a first engaging leg 13 is inserted into the central hole 31 and engages with the first engaging projection 32, Includes.

[0018] In the connection of the floating assembly of the wheel cap according to this embodiment, a second engaging leg 211 is provided on one side of the base 21, and an engaging groove 14 is provided on the engaging seat 12. When assembling the base 21 and the engaging seat 12, the second engaging leg 211 fits into the engaging groove 14, which can not only fix the base 21 and the wheel cap to reduce the vibration of the floating assembly 2, but also prevent the relative rotation of the floating assembly 2, and thus ensure the aesthetic appearance of the whole product. In addition, the elastic member 4 applies a continuous engaging force to the first engaging leg 13, and by removing the elastic member 4, the engagement between the wheel cap and the wheel 3 can be quickly released, reducing the difficulty of replacing the wheel cap.

[0019] Furthermore, the engaging seat 12 has a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends and is connected to the central part of the wheel cap body 11. The floating assembly 2 includes a nameplate or the like, and the first engaging convex part 32 is an annular protruding structure extending in the circumferential direction along the inner wall of the central hole 31.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment of the present invention, six first engaging legs 13 are arranged annularly, evenly and at intervals on the engaging seat 12. The inner sides of the six first engaging legs 13 are in contact with the elastic member 4, and the elastic member 4 expands the six first engaging legs 13 radially outward so that the first engaging legs 13 and the first engaging convex part 32 are surely engaged.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, a second engaging convex part 131 and a third engaging convex part 132 are provided inside each first engaging leg 13. The second engaging convex part 131 and the third engaging convex part 132 are in contact with both sides of the elastic member 4 along the axial direction of the wheel cap, fix the position of the elastic member 4, and prevent it from shifting or falling off during use. The third engaging convex part 132 extends along the axial direction of the wheel cap.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement seat 12 includes a sleeve 121 connected to the wheel cap body 11, and a step 122 connected to the inner wall of the sleeve 121. The step 122 extends circumferentially around the sleeve 121, forming an annular step 122, and the base 21 abuts against the step 122. The step 122 provides the base 21 with a uniform support surface.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, an engagement groove 14 is provided in the step 122. This aims to simplify the structure of the engagement seat 12 by integrating the support function and the locking function into a single structure.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, a first engagement base 15 and a second engagement base 16 are provided on the side of the step 122 that abuts against the base 21, and the first engagement base 15 and the second engagement base 16 are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the engagement groove 14. When the second engagement leg 211 is inserted into the appropriate position, the first engagement base 15 and the second engagement leg 211 engage, and the second engagement base 16 plays a role in supporting the second engagement leg 211. The second engagement base 16 has a longer axial length in the wheel cap than the first engagement base 15, and the second engagement base 16 is provided with a guide slope, which is for guiding the second engagement leg 211 and constantly elastically deforms during the process of the second engagement leg 211 being inserted into the engagement groove 14, so as to finally engage with the first engagement base 15. The guide slope is shown as the third guide slope 161.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the step 122 abuts against the wheel 3 along the axial direction of the wheel cap, and the end face of the wheel 3 further supports the wheel cap, thereby improving the stability of the wheel cap.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the opposing groove walls on both sides of the engagement groove 14 gradually narrows along the insertion direction of the second engagement leg 211. This causes the engagement groove 14 to form a wedge-shaped guide, enabling the second engagement leg 211 to be quickly inserted into the engagement groove 14. Furthermore, both opposing groove walls on both sides of the engagement groove 14 are provided as slopes, specifically the first guide slope 1221 and the second guide slope 1222.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, a support seat 17 is provided on the outer edge of the wheel cap, and the support seat 17 is in contact with the wheel 3. By supporting the outer edge of the wheel cap with the support seat 17, deformation and vibration of the outer edge of the wheel cap are reduced.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first engaging leg 13 is interlocked with the wheel 3, thereby initially fixing the engaging seat 12 in place and preventing it from easily coming loose or moving during subsequent operations (e.g., mounting of elastic members or floating assemblies).

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 4 is preferably a retaining ring.

[0030] The operating principle for connecting the wheel cap floating assembly described in this invention is as follows: After aligning the multiple first engaging legs 13 with the central hole 31, the wheel cap is pressed firmly, causing the first engaging legs 13 to engage with the first engaging projection 32, thereby achieving a temporary engagement between the wheel 3 and the wheel cap. Next, the elastic member 4 is attached to the first engaging legs 13, and the biasing force of the elastic member 4 expands the multiple first engaging legs 13 outward, locking the wheel 3 and the wheel cap. Then, the second engaging leg 211 of the base 21 is aligned with the engagement groove 14, and the floating assembly 2 is pressed firmly until the second engaging leg 211 and the first engaging base 15 are fully engaged. This completes the connection between the wheel cap and the floating assembly 2.

[0031] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative examples to clearly illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit its embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make other different modifications or variations based on the above description. It is unnecessary and impossible to cover all embodiments. Any obvious modifications or variations derived therefrom fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 11. Wheel cap body, 12 Engaging seat, 121 sleeves, 122 steps, 1221 First guide slope, 1222 Second guide slope, 13 first engagement leg; 131 second engagement protrusion, 132 third engagement protrusion, 14 Engagement groove, 15 First engaging base, 16. Second engaging base, 161 Third guide slope, 17 Support seat, 2 Floating Assembly, 21 base, 211 second engagement leg, 3 wheels, 31 center hole, 32 first engagement convex portion; 4 Elastic members

Claims

1. A connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly, A wheel cap comprising a wheel cap body and an engagement seat connected to the wheel cap body, wherein the engagement seat is provided with a first engagement leg and an engagement groove, A floating assembly comprising a base provided with a second engaging leg, wherein the base is located inside the engaging seat and the second engaging leg engages with the engaging groove, A wheel having a central hole on its inner wall with a first engaging projection, wherein the first engaging leg is inserted into the central hole and engages with the first engaging projection by the elastic force of an elastic member, A connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly, characterized by including the following:

2. The connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the engagement seat has a plurality of first engagement legs arranged in an annular manner, an elastic member is provided inside the plurality of first engagement legs, and the elastic member biases the plurality of first engagement legs radially outward to expand them.

3. The connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that a second engaging projection and a third engaging projection are provided on the inside of the first engaging leg, the second engaging projection and the third engaging projection abut against both sides of the elastic member, and the third engaging projection extends along the axial direction of the wheel cap.

4. The connecting component for a floating assembly of a wheel cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the engaging seat includes a sleeve connected to the wheel cap body and a step provided on the inner wall of the sleeve, and the base abuts against the step.

5. The connecting part for a floating assembly of a wheel cap according to claim 4, characterized in that the engagement groove is provided in the step.

6. A connecting component for a floating assembly of a wheel cap according to claim 4, wherein a first engaging base and a second engaging base are provided on one side of the step, the first engaging base and the second engaging base are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the engaging groove, the second engaging base has a longer length in the axial direction of the wheel cap than the first engaging base, and the second engaging base is provided with a guide slope.

7. The connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the step abuts against the wheel along the axial direction of the wheel cap.

8. The connecting component for a wheel cap floating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the two opposing groove walls of the engagement groove gradually decreases along the insertion direction of the second engagement leg.

9. The connecting component for a floating assembly of a wheel cap according to claim 1, characterized in that a support seat is provided on the outer edge of the wheel cap, and the support seat is in contact with the wheel.

10. The connecting component for a floating assembly of a wheel cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the first engaging leg is tightly fitted with the wheel.