Wheel Covers

Abstract

To provide a wheel cover that does not rotate even when a tire rotates and allows for easy attachment and detachment of a cover body.SOLUTION: A wheel cover 100 includes: a fixed side part 104 fixed to a wheel W1; and a movable side part 106 rotatably installed in the fixed side part 104 via a bearing B1. The movable side part 106 has a movable-side base part 120 fixed to the bearing B1 and a wheel cover body 122 detachably installed to the movable-side base part 120. The wheel cover body 122 has a cover-side engagement part 142 to engage with the movable-side base part 120. The movable-side base part 120 has a base-side engagement part 128 to engage with the cover-side engagement part 142. An engagement state in which the cover-side engagement part 142 is engaged with the base-side engagement part 128 is formed with the cover-side engagement part 142 hooked on the base-side engagement part 128 from the upper side. A movement checking part 160 is further provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel cover that is attached to a wheel of an automobile or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Wheel covers are known that are attached to the wheels of automobiles such as passenger cars, trucks, and buses and do not rotate even when the tires and wheels rotate.

[0003] JP 2020-19468 A discloses a wheel cover having a fixed side mounting fixture fixed to a wheel and a movable side mounting part attached via a bearing to a mounting shaft fixed to the center of the fixed side mounting fixture. A wheel cover body is detachably attached to the movable side mounting part. The movable side mounting part has a movable side mounting plate and an operation lever attached to the movable side mounting plate, and the movable side mounting plate has a plurality of locking piece insertion recesses provided at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction. The operation lever has a retractable operation piece that is slidably attached to the tip of the operation lever and expands and contracts so as to be retractable from the outer periphery of the wheel cover body. The wheel cover body has a plurality of locking pieces arranged on its inner surface corresponding to the locking piece insertion recesses. The wheel cover body is attached to the movable side mounting plate using these locking pieces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-19468 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the wheel cover described in JP 2020-19468 A, in order to attach the wheel cover body to the movable side mounting plate, first, the movable plate mounting plate is abutted against the inner surface of the wheel cover body while aligning the multiple locking pieces of the wheel cover body with the multiple locking piece insertion recesses of the movable side mounting plate. Next, the operating lever is operated to rotate the movable side mounting plate relative to the wheel cover body, and the inclined surface portion adjacent to the locking piece insertion recess is pressed into the gap formed by the locking piece to lock it. Finally, the operating lever is engaged with a stopper formed on the inner surface of the wheel cover body to prevent the wheel cover body from rotating relative to the movable side mounting plate. To remove the wheel cover body, the reverse procedure is required.

[0006] When the wheel cover body is attached to the movable side attachment part, the movable side attachment part located inside the wheel cover body cannot be seen. It is not easy to align the locking pieces at multiple circumferential positions of the wheel cover body with the locking piece insertion recesses at multiple circumferential positions of the movable side attachment plate. In addition, force is required to operate the operating lever and press the movable side attachment plate into the gaps formed by the locking pieces. In addition, the wheel cover has a large number of parts, so it is easy for it to be heavy and the manufacturing costs to increase.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a wheel cover that does not rotate even when the tire rotates, and that allows the wheel cover body to be easily attached and detached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect, the wheel cover comprises a fixed side portion fixed to a wheel of an automobile, and a movable side portion rotatably attached to the fixed side portion via a bearing. The center of gravity of the movable side portion is offset from the axis of rotation of the movable side portion relative to the fixed side portion. The movable side portion has a movable side base portion fixed to the bearing, and a wheel cover main body detachably attached to the movable side base portion. The wheel cover main body has a cover side engaging portion that engages with the movable side base portion. The movable side base portion has a base side engaging portion that engages with the cover side engaging portion. With the cover side engaging portion hooked on the base side engaging portion from above, an engaged state is formed in which the cover side engaging portion engages with the base side engaging portion. A movement preventing portion is further provided that prevents the wheel cover main body from moving upward relative to the movable side base portion to maintain the engaged state. Effect of the Invention

[0009] As one aspect, in a wheel cover that does not rotate even when the tire rotates, the wheel cover body can be easily attached and detached. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a side view of an automobile in which a wheel cover according to an embodiment is used, and includes a front view of the wheel cover as seen from the outside. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2 is a rear view of the wheel cover as seen from the inside of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the longitudinal direction of the fixed side portion is oriented horizontally (left-right direction). [Diagram 3] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 2. However, in Fig. 3, unlike Fig. 2, the longitudinal direction of the fixed side portion is oriented in the up-down direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the movable base portion and the fixed portion rotatably attached to the movable base portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a rear view of the wheel cover body as seen from the inside. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the wheel cover body has been removed from the wheel cover attached to the wheel of the tire. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for attaching the wheel cover body to the movable-side base portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for removing the wheel cover body from the movable-side base portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of an automobile V1 with a wheel cover 100 according to one embodiment attached to the wheel of a tire T1. Although not shown, the wheel cover 100 is attached to all (four) tires T1. Even if the automobile V1 runs and the tire T1 rotates, the wheel cover 100 does not rotate. While the automobile V1 runs, the wheel cover 100 appears to be stationary. In this application, this state is also referred to as a stationary state. The wheel cover 100 is also referred to as a hub cap in English.

[0013] 1 includes a front view of a wheel cover 100 seen from the outside. The outer surface of the wheel cover 100 is provided with an indicia 102 such as a picture, a letter, a symbol, a figure, etc. The indicia 102 does not rotate while the vehicle V1 is moving. The indicia 102 can be distinguished while the vehicle V1 is moving. The indicia 102, which does not rotate while the vehicle V1 is moving, is eye-catching.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a rear view of the wheel cover 100 as seen from the inside. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, a wheel W1 to which the wheel cover 100 is attached is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).

[0015] The wheel cover 100 has a fixed side part 104 fixed to the wheel, and a movable side part 106 rotatably attached to the fixed side part 104. The movable side part 106 is attached to the fixed side part 104 via a bearing B1. The movable side part 106 is rotatable relative to the fixed side part 104. The center of gravity of the movable side part 106 is offset from the center of the wheel W1 (the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1). In a reference state in which the wheel cover 100 is attached to the wheel W1 and left stationary, the center of gravity of the movable side part 106 is located directly below (vertically below) the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1.

[0016] The fixed side portion 104 has a wheel mounting portion 108 and a shaft portion 110. The wheel mounting portion 108 is a plate-shaped member. The wheel mounting portion 108 has a plurality of mounting holes 112. The mounting holes 112 penetrate the wheel mounting portion 108. The wheel mounting portion 108 is fixed to the wheel W1 by utilizing bolts or nuts that attach the wheel W1 to the hub of the automobile V1. The wheel mounting portion 108 is fixed to the wheel W1 by passing the bolts or nuts through the mounting holes 112. In this embodiment, there are two mounting holes 112, and the two mounting holes 112 are arranged on the same line. This mounting hole 112 is used for a four-hole wheel W1. If the wheel W1 has five holes, there may be three mounting holes 112. The center of gravity of the wheel mounting portion 108 is set to be located on the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. The center of gravity of the wheel attachment portion 108 is located on the rotation axis Z2 of the relative rotation between the fixed-side portion 104 and the movable-side base portion 120.

[0017] The fixed side portion 104 is fixed to the wheel W1 at a position including the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel of the automobile. In other words, the fixed side portion 104 is fixed to the wheel W1 at a position that allows the rotation axis Z2 to coincide with the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1.

[0018] In addition, while the longitudinal direction of the wheel mounting portion 108 is horizontal in FIG. 2, the longitudinal direction of the wheel mounting portion 108 is vertical in FIG.

[0019] The shaft portion 110 is fixed to the wheel mounting portion 108. The shaft portion 110 may be integrally formed with the wheel mounting portion 108. When the fixed side portion 104 is fixed to the wheel W1, the center line of the shaft portion 110 coincides with the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. The shaft portion 110 is fixed to the inner ring side of the bearing B1.

[0020] The movable side part 106 has a movable side base part 120 and a wheel cover body 122. The wheel cover body 122 has a disk shape as a whole. The wheel cover body 122 is attached to the movable side base part 120 in a detachable manner.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the movable base part 120 and the fixed part 104 rotatably attached to the movable base part 120. In other words, Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the wheel cover 100 from which the wheel cover body 122 has been removed. This member is unitized. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 4. Note that in Figs. 4 and 5, the longitudinal direction of the wheel attachment part 108 is the up-down direction.

[0022] The fixed side part 104 is attached to the wheel W1 so that the rotation axis Z2 of the movable base part 120 relative to the fixed side part 104 coincides with the rotation axis Z1.

[0023] The movable base portion 120 has a plate portion 124. The plate portion 124 is formed of a plate (flat plate). From the viewpoint of reducing the weight of the movable base portion 120 and enhancing the center of gravity effect of the weight 126 (described later), the material of the plate portion 124 may be an aluminum alloy.

[0024] The movable base portion 120 has a weight 126. The weight 126 is rotatably attached to the plate portion 124. The weight 126 is attached to the lower part of the plate portion 124. The weight 126 is attached to the plate portion 124 via a bearing B2. The weight 126 may be suspended from the plate portion 124 without via the bearing B2.

[0025] The center of gravity of the movable base part 120 is offset from the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. The center of gravity of the movable base part 120 is located below the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. The weight 126 contributes to moving the center of gravity of the movable base part 120 away from the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. The center of gravity of the plate part 124 is also located below the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1.

[0026] The weight 126 contributes to moving the center of gravity of the movable base portion 120 (movable side portion 106) away from the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. Furthermore, the weight 126 can swing to suppress rotation of the wheel cover body 122. The weight 126 helps to maintain the stationary state of the wheel cover body 122 in terms of both weight balance and rotation suppression.

[0027] The movable base portion 120 has a base side engagement portion 128. The base side engagement portion 128 engages with the wheel cover body 122. In this embodiment, an outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124 is the base side engagement portion 128.

[0028] The outer edge 130 of the plate portion 124 has an upper edge 132, a first side edge 134 located on one side in the left-right direction, and a second side edge 136 located on the other side in the left-right direction. The upper edge 132 extends horizontally. The upper edge 132 is located above the rotation axis Z2 (rotation axis Z1). The first side edge 134 extends obliquely downward from one end of the upper edge 132. The second side edge 136 extends obliquely downward from the other end of the upper edge 132. The first side edge 134 and the second side edge 136 extend at an angle with respect to the vertical direction. In FIG. 4, the reference symbol CP1 indicates a plane that includes the rotation axis Z2 and is parallel to the vertical direction, and is also called a vertical center plane. The vertical center plane CP1 is located between the first side edge 134 and the second side edge 136. The first side edge 134 extends downward so as to move away from the vertical center plane CP1. The second side edge 136 extends downward so as to move away from the vertical center plane CP1. In plan view (rear view), the first side edge 134 and the second side edge 136 are line-symmetrical with respect to the straight line indicating the vertical center plane CP1. In plan view (rear view), the base side engagement portions 128 are line-symmetrical with respect to the straight line indicating the vertical center plane CP1.

[0029] The upper edge 132, the first side edge 134, and the second side edge 136 constitute the base side engagement portion 128. The base side engagement portion 128 has a base side tapered portion 140. The base side tapered portion 140 is a portion including the first side edge 134 and the second side edge 136. In the base side tapered portion 140, the horizontal width D1 changes continuously as the base side moves in the up and down direction. In the base side tapered portion 140, the horizontal width D1 becomes smaller toward the upper side. At the uppermost position, the horizontal width D1 can be 70 mm or more and 90 mm or less, and further 75 mm or more and 85 mm or less. In this embodiment, the horizontal width D1 at the uppermost position is 80 mm.

[0030] The movable base part 120 has a notch 138. The notch 138 is provided on the upper edge of the movable base part 120. The notch 138 forms a concave cutout. The notch 138 is a part of the outer edge part 130 that is missing. The notch 138 is a part of the upper edge part 132 that is missing. As shown in FIG. 9 described later, the notch 138 prevents the movable base part 120 from interfering with the operation of the fastening member F1 when the fixed side part 104 is attached to the wheel W1. By providing the notch 138, the movable base part 120 (base side engagement part 128) can be enlarged to increase the engagement strength, while the fixed side part 104 can be easily attached to the wheel W1. The notch 138 is provided in only one place. By rotating the movable base part 120 and aligning the notch 138 with the fastening points (four points for four holes, five points for five holes) provided at each position in the circumferential direction of the wheel W1, the fastening member F1 can be operated at all fastening points. Since the notch 138 is limited to one point, a decrease in the strength of the movable base part 120 is suppressed, and a decrease in the engaging force of the base side engaging part 128 is also suppressed.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a rear view of the wheel cover body 122 as viewed from the inside. A front view of the wheel cover body 122 as viewed from the outside is shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 6.

[0032] The wheel cover body 122 has a cover side engaging portion 142. The cover side engaging portion 142 is formed on the inner surface side of the wheel cover body 122. When the wheel cover body 122 is attached to the movable side base portion 120, the cover side engaging portion 142 engages with the base side engaging portion 128. The cover side engaging portion 142 has a cover side inserting portion 144. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover side engaging portion 142 forms a recess 143 that is open downward. This recess 143 constitutes the cover side inserting portion 144. The cover side inserting portion 144 constitutes the cover side engaging portion 142 including a cover side tapered portion 152 (described later). The outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124 is inserted into the cover side inserting portion 144 from below. The outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124 is inserted into the cover side inserting portion 144 from below. This insertion forms the above-mentioned engaged state.

[0033] The cover side engaging portion 142 (cover side inserting portion 144) has a shape corresponding to the base side engaging portion 128. The cover side engaging portion 142 (cover side inserting portion 144) has an upper portion 146, a first side portion 148 located on one side in the left-right direction, and a second side portion 150 located on the other side in the left-right direction. The upper portion 146 extends horizontally. The upper portion 146 is located above the rotation axis Z2 (rotation axis Z1). The first side portion 148 extends obliquely downward from an end on one side of the upper portion 146. The second side portion 150 extends obliquely downward from an end on the other side of the upper portion 146. The first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150 extend at an angle with respect to the up-down direction. The vertical center plane CP1 is located between the first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150. The first side portion 148 extends downwardly so as to move away from the vertical center plane CP1. The second side portion 150 extends downwardly so as to move away from the vertical center plane CP1. In plan view (rear view), the first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150 are line-symmetrical with respect to the straight line that indicates the vertical center plane CP1. In plan view (rear view), the cover side engagement portions 142 (cover side insertion portions 144) are line-symmetrical with respect to the straight line that indicates the vertical center plane CP1. The vertical center plane CP1 divides the upper portion 146 into two equal parts.

[0034] The upper portion 146, the first side portion 148, and the second side portion 150 constitute the cover side engagement portion 142 (cover side insertion portion 144). The cover side engagement portion 142 has a cover side tapered portion 152. The cover side tapered portion 152 is constituted by the first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150. In the cover side tapered portion 152, the horizontal width D2 changes continuously as the cover side moves in the up and down direction. In the cover side tapered portion 152, the horizontal width D2 becomes smaller toward the upper side. The horizontal width D2 is the horizontal distance between the first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150. At the uppermost position, the horizontal width D2 can be set to 70 mm or more and 90 mm or less, and further 75 mm or more and 85 mm or less. In this embodiment, the horizontal width D2 at the uppermost position is 80 mm.

[0035] In the wheel cover 100, the wheel cover body 122 is detachable from the movable side base part 120. The cover side engaging part 142 is hooked from above onto the base side engaging part 128 to form an engaged state in which the cover side engaging part 142 is engaged with the base side engaging part 128 (see FIG. 2). In this engaged state, a taper fit is formed between the base side tapered part 140 and the cover side tapered part 152. That is, the first side edge part 134 abuts against the first side part 148, and the second side edge part 136 abuts against the second side part 150.

[0036] The wheel cover 100 has a movement prevention part 160 that prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable side base part 120 to maintain the engagement state. The movement prevention part 160 is located below the rotation axis Z2. The movement prevention part 160 is located on the vertical center plane CP1. The movement prevention part 160 is configured with a screw fastening mechanism. The movement prevention part 160 has a through hole 162 formed in the wheel cover body 122, a female screw hole 164 formed in the movable side base part 120 (plate part 124), and a male screw 166. A flange 168 is formed by burring the plate part 124. The female screw hole 164 is elongated by the flange 168, and the screw connection force and the strength of the screw connection part are increased.

[0037] A tool locking portion for turning the male screw 166 with a tool may be provided on the head surface of the male screw 166. This tool locking portion (hole, groove, etc.) may be a normal Phillips groove, flat head groove, hexagonal hole, etc., but may also be in a form that only a special tool can engage. In other words, what is called a tamper-proof screw or tamper-resistant screw may be used for the male screw 166. The tool engagement portion may be, for example, a triangular hole.

[0038] The movement prevention unit 160 is not limited to a screw mechanism. For example, an automatic engagement mechanism may be adopted in which the protrusion biased in the protruding direction and the recessed portion are automatically engaged by moving the wheel cover body 122 downward relative to the movable base unit 120. In this case, an operation unit that releases the engagement by a pressing operation or the like may be provided.

[0039] The wheel cover body 122 has a straightening portion 170. The straightening portion 170 forms a recess 172 on the outer edge of the wheel cover body 122. This recess 172 is provided on the inner surface of the wheel cover body 122. This recess 172 extends to the outer edge 122a of the wheel cover body 122 along the radial direction of the wheel W1 (wheel cover body 122). When the wheel cover 100 is attached to the wheel W1 of the automobile V1, the straightening portion 170 is located on the rear side of the automobile V1. When the automobile V1 runs, airflow passes through the straightening portion 170. This airflow generates a force that maintains the stationary state of the wheel cover 100. The straightening portion 170 contributes to suppressing the rotation of the wheel cover body 122 and maintaining the stationary state.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a state where the wheel cover body 122 is removed from the wheel cover 100 attached to the wheel W1 of the tire T1. Fig. 9 shows a state where the wheel cover body 122 is removed from the wheel cover 100 in use. The fixed side part 104 is fixed to the wheel W1 by a fastening member F1 (bolt). The movable side base part 120, which is rotatable relative to the fixed side part 104, is stationary with its center of gravity below the rotation axis Z1 (the rotation axis Z2) of the wheel W1. The wheel W1 shown in Fig. 9 is a four-hole type.

[0041] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for attaching the wheel cover body to the movable base part. In this attachment, the wheel cover body 122 is hung from above on the movable base part 120 to form an engaged state. Next, the male screw 166, which is the movement prevention part 160, is tightened. The movement prevention part 160 prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable base part 120, and maintains the engaged state. As a result, the attachment of the wheel cover body 122 is completed. The wheel cover body 122 can be easily attached.

[0042] In forming the above-mentioned engaged state, the wheel cover body 122 is moved from the top to the bottom, whereby the base side engaging portion 128 (the outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124) is inserted into the cover side engaging portion 142 (the cover side inserting portion 144) constituting the downwardly open recess 143 (see Figs. 2, 3 and 7). The thickness D3 (see Fig. 5) of the outer edge portion 130 is substantially the same as the front-rear width D4 (see Fig. 7) of the recess 143 constituting the cover side engaging portion 142 (the cover side inserting portion 144). This insertion is a press fit. The insertion into the recess 143 having a front-rear width achieves insertion engagement. This insertion engagement makes the wheel cover body 122 unable to move in the front-rear direction relative to the movable side base portion 120.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2, the upper edge 132 of the outer edge 130 is inserted into the upper portion 146 of the cover side insertion portion 144. The first side edge 134 of the outer edge 130 is inserted into the first side portion 148 of the cover side insertion portion 144. The second side edge 136 of the outer edge 130 is inserted into the second side portion 150 of the cover side insertion portion 144. These insertions ensure strong insertion engagement. This insertion engagement reliably achieves fixation of the wheel cover body 122 in the engaged state.

[0044] In this embodiment, the base-side engaging portion 128 is inserted into the cover-side engaging portion 142, but the cover-side engaging portion 142 may be inserted into the base-side engaging portion 128. In this case, the base-side engaging portion 128 may have a recess that is open upward. That is, the cover-side engaging portion 142 and the base-side engaging portion 128 may be fixed in the front-rear direction by forming an insertion engagement between them, in which one is inserted into the other.

[0045] At the same time as the above insertion, the cover side taper portion 152 (see FIG. 6) is fitted from above into the base side taper portion 140 (see FIGS. 4 and 9). That is, the first side portion 148 of the cover side taper portion 152 abuts against the first side edge portion 134 of the base side taper portion 140, and the second side portion 150 of the cover side taper portion 152 abuts against the second side edge portion 136 of the base side taper portion 140 (see FIG. 2). Due to this taper fitting, the wheel cover main body 122 is unable to move downward relative to the movable side base portion 120, and is also unable to move in the left-right direction.

[0046] 2, the upper edge 132 of the plate portion 124 abuts against the upper portion 146 of the cover side engagement portion 142, but this abutment does not have to be achieved. From the viewpoint of absorbing dimensional errors of each portion and reliably achieving the above-mentioned taper fit, this abutment may be avoided.

[0047] In Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, the double-headed arrow θ1 indicates the gradient angle of the first side edge 134, the second side edge 136, the first side portion 148, and the second side portion 150. This gradient angle is an angle with respect to the vertical direction. The taper angle is twice this angle θ1. From the viewpoint of facilitating taper fitting and enhancing ease of installation of the wheel cover body 122, the taper angle of the base side taper portion 140 and the cover side taper portion 152 is preferably 20° or more, more preferably 25° or more, and more preferably 30° or more. From the viewpoint of fixation in the left-right direction, this taper angle is preferably 50° or less, more preferably 45° or less, and more preferably 40° or less. In the above embodiment, this taper angle is 35°.

[0048] In this way, the cover side engaging portion 142 is hooked from above onto the base side tapered portion 140, thereby achieving the insertion engagement and the taper fitting. In this state, the wheel cover body 122 is fixed to the movable side base portion 120 as long as the wheel cover body 122 does not move upward relative to the movable side base portion 120. Here, the movement preventing portion 160 functions to prevent the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable side base portion 120. As a result, the wheel cover body 122 is fixed to the movable side base portion 120.

[0049] The wheel cover body 122 is easily attached to the movable base part 120. As shown in the first step St1 and the second step St2 in FIG. 10, the wheel cover body 122 is brought close to the movable base part 120 from above, and the cover side engagement part 142 is hooked from above onto the base side engagement part 128. The above-mentioned engagement state is achieved simply by hooking from above. In this engagement state, the wheel cover body 122 does not move in the front-rear direction, does not move downward, and does not move left-right relative to the movable base part 120. That is, in this engagement state, the wheel cover body 122 is in a state in which it can only move upward relative to the movable base part 120. After that, the attachment is completed (third step St3) simply by operating the movement prevention part 160 (tightening the male screw 166).

[0050] As shown in the figure of the second step St2, during attachment, the movable side base portion 120 is not visible, and the cover side engagement portion 142 on the inside (back side) of the wheel cover body 122 is also not visible. However, because the base side engagement portion 128 and the cover side engagement portion 142 are engaged with each other by insert engagement from above and taper fitting, the base side engagement portion 128 and the cover side engagement portion 142 can be easily engaged with each other even if the positional relationship between them is not strictly adjusted. Therefore, the wheel cover body 122 can be easily attached.

[0051] The form of taper fitting is not limited as long as the cover side taper portion 152 can be taper-fitted into the base side taper portion 140 from above.

[0052] The wheel cover body 122 can be removed by reversing the procedure shown in Fig. 10. That is, after releasing the movement prevention portion 160, the wheel cover body 122 can be moved upward. In addition to this procedure, the procedure shown in Fig. 11 can also be adopted as a more preferable method.

[0053] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for removing the wheel cover body from the movable side base part. In this procedure, the movement prevention part 160 is released, and the wheel cover body 122 is rotated 180° to be turned upside down (first step StA). When the wheel cover body 122 is turned upside down (first step StA), the movable side base part 120 is also turned upside down. In this state, the wheel cover body 122 is moved downward (second step StB, third step StC). During this downward movement, the weight of the wheel cover body 122 acts on the lower side, so that the engagement can be easily released. Note that at the moment the engagement is released, the movable side base part 120 is turned upside down due to its weight balance and returns to its original state (FIG. 9).

[0054] In this way, the wheel cover body 122 can be easily attached and detached. Therefore, it is easy to attach the wheel cover 100 to the wheel W1. Furthermore, there are situations when it is desired to remove the wheel cover body 122 while using the wheel cover 100. For example, this is when checking the air pressure of the tire T1 or filling the tire T1 with air. If the wheel cover body 122 covers the valve of the tire T1, it is difficult to check the air pressure or fill the tire with air while the wheel cover body 122 is attached. By making the wheel cover body 122 easy to attach and detach, it is possible to easily check the air pressure and fill the tire with air.

[0055] The wheel cover 100 has a simpler mounting structure and fewer parts than the wheel cover described in JP 2020-19468 A. The wheel cover 100 can achieve weight reduction and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0056] In addition, unless otherwise stated, in this application, the upper side, lower side, left-right direction, up-down direction, front-rear direction, and horizontal direction are defined in a reference state in which the wheel cover 100 attached to the wheel W1 is placed stationary. The left-right direction coincides with the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction coincides with the direction of the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. In the above-mentioned reference state, due to the balance of the center of gravity, the center of gravity of the movable side part 106 is located directly below (vertically downward) the rotation axis Z2 of the movable side base part 120. Unless otherwise stated, the configuration described in this application is the configuration in this reference state. While the automobile V1 is traveling, the wheel cover 100 slightly wobbles, but the reference state is substantially maintained. In other words, while the automobile V1 is traveling, the above-mentioned stationary state is maintained.

[0057] The following appended claims are part of the invention contained in this application. [Appendix 1] The vehicle has a fixed side portion that is fixed to a wheel of an automobile, and a movable side portion that is rotatably attached to the fixed side portion via a bearing, the center of gravity of the movable side is offset from an axis of rotation of the movable side relative to the fixed side; The movable side portion has a movable side base portion fixed to the bearing and a wheel cover main body detachably attached to the movable side base portion, The wheel cover body has a cover side engagement portion that engages with the movable side base portion, the movable base portion has a base side engaging portion that engages with the cover side engaging portion, an engagement state is formed in which the cover side engagement portion is engaged with the base side engagement portion in a state in which the cover side engagement portion is hooked from above onto the base side engagement portion, The wheel cover further includes a movement preventing portion that prevents the wheel cover body from moving upward relative to the movable base portion to maintain the engaged state. [Appendix 2] The cover-side engagement portion has a cover-side tapered portion whose horizontal width changes continuously as the cover-side engagement portion moves in the vertical direction, the base-side engagement portion has a cover-side tapered portion whose horizontal width changes continuously in correspondence with the cover-side tapered portion, 2. The wheel cover according to claim 1, wherein in the engaged state, the cover side tapered portion is fitted into the base side tapered portion from above. [Appendix 3] The cover-side tapered portion has a horizontal width that decreases toward the upper side, 3. The wheel cover according to claim 2, wherein the base side tapered portion has a horizontal width which becomes smaller toward the upper side. [Appendix 4] The movable base portion has a plate portion, The wheel cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base side engagement portion is an outer edge portion of the plate portion. [Appendix 5] The cover-side engagement portion has a cover-side insertion portion that is open downward, 5. The wheel cover according to claim 4, wherein the engaged state is formed by inserting the outer edge portion of the plate portion into the cover-side insertion portion from below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 100···Wheel cover 102...display 104 Fixed side 106 Movable side 108···Wheel mounting part 110... Shaft 112···Mounting hole 120···Movable base part 122···Wheel cover body 124 Plate section 126... weight 128 Base side engagement part 130... Outer edge of plate portion 132...Upper edge 134...first side edge 136...Second side edge 140···Base side tapered section 142 Cover side engagement portion 144 Cover side insertion part 146...Top 148...First side 150...Second side 152 ···Cover side tapered part 160...Movement prevention part 170... Rectifier section V1...Automotive T1···Tire W1···Wheel B1, B2... Bearings Z1: Wheel rotation axis Z2: Rotation axis of the movable base part relative to the fixed side

Claims

1. The wheel has a fixed side portion that is fixed by fastening members to a plurality of fastening points provided at each position in the circumferential direction of the wheel of the vehicle, and a movable side portion that is rotatably attached to the fixed side portion via a bearing, the center of gravity of the movable side is offset from an axis of rotation of the movable side relative to the fixed side; The movable side portion has a movable side base portion fixed to the bearing and a wheel cover main body detachably attached to the movable side base portion, The wheel cover body has a cover side engagement portion that engages with the movable side base portion, the movable base portion has a base side engaging portion that engages with the cover side engaging portion, an engagement state is formed in which the cover side engagement portion is engaged with the base side engagement portion in a state in which the cover side engagement portion is hooked from above onto the base side engagement portion, A movement prevention portion is further provided to prevent the wheel cover body from moving upward relative to the movable base portion to maintain the engaged state, the movable base portion has a notch formed by removing a part of an upper edge portion of the movable base portion, the notch prevents the movable base portion from interfering with the operation of the fastening member when the fixed portion is attached to the wheel, The wheel cover is configured so that the notch is provided in only one location, and by rotating the movable base portion and aligning the notch with multiple fastening points provided at each circumferential position of the wheel, the fastening member can be operated at all of the fastening points.

2. A wheel cover as described in claim 1, wherein the upper edge portion of the movable side base portion excluding the chipped portion is inserted into the upper portion of the cover side engagement portion.

3. The cover-side engagement portion has a cover-side tapered portion whose horizontal width changes continuously as the cover-side engagement portion moves in the vertical direction, the base-side engagement portion has a base-side tapered portion whose horizontal width changes continuously in correspondence with the cover-side tapered portion, 3. The wheel cover according to claim 1, wherein in the engaged state, the cover-side tapered portion is fitted into the base-side tapered portion from above.

4. The cover-side tapered portion has a horizontal width that decreases toward the upper side, 4. The wheel cover according to claim 3, wherein the base side tapered portion has a horizontal width that decreases toward the upper side.

5. The movable base portion has a plate portion, 3. The wheel cover according to claim 1, wherein the base side engaging portion is an outer edge portion of the plate portion.

6. The cover-side engagement portion has a cover-side insertion portion that is open downward, The wheel cover according to claim 5 , wherein the engaged state is established by inserting the outer edge portion of the plate portion from below into the cover-side insertion portion.

7. The taper angle of the cover side taper portion and the base side taper portion is 20° or more and 50° or less, 5. The wheel cover according to claim 4, wherein in a reference state in which the wheel cover attached to the wheel is left stationary, a vertical gap is provided between the lower end of the movable base portion and the wheel cover body.

Images