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] BACKGROUND 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 tire and wheel 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 portion 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 portion. The movable-side mounting portion has a movable-side mounting plate and an operating lever attached to the movable-side mounting plate, and the movable-side mounting plate has multiple locking piece insertion recesses provided at multiple positions around the circumference. The operating lever has a retractable operating piece slidably attached to its tip and extending and retracting from the outer periphery of the wheel cover body. The wheel cover body has multiple 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] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-19468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the wheel cover described in JP 2020-19468 A, to attach the wheel cover body to the movable-side mounting plate, first, align the multiple locking pieces on the wheel cover body with the multiple locking piece insertion recesses on the movable-side mounting plate, and then abut the movable-side mounting plate against the inner surface of the wheel cover body. Next, operate the operating lever to rotate the movable-side mounting plate relative to the wheel cover body, and press the inclined surface adjacent to the locking piece insertion recess into the gap formed by the locking pieces to lock it in place. Finally, engage the operating lever 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 above steps are reversed.

[0006] When attaching the wheel cover body to the movable-side mounting part, the movable-side mounting part located inside the wheel cover body is not visible. It is not easy to align the locking pieces located at multiple positions around the wheel cover body with the locking piece insertion recesses located at multiple positions around the wheel cover body. Furthermore, it requires force to operate the operating lever to press the movable-side mounting plate into the gaps formed by the locking pieces. Additionally, the large number of parts in the wheel cover makes it heavy and increases manufacturing costs.

[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 the 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 onto 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, maintaining the engaged state. [Effects 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a side view of a car in which a wheel cover according to one embodiment is used, and includes a front view of the wheel cover as seen from the outside. [Figure 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 and right direction). [Figure 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-side base portion and the fixed-side portion rotatably attached to the movable-side base portion. [Figure 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 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 INVENTION

[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 when the automobile V1 moves and the tire T1 rotates, the wheel cover 100 does not rotate. While the automobile V1 is moving, 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] FIG. 1 includes a front view of a wheel cover 100 as seen from the outside. An indicia 102, such as a picture, letter, symbol, or graphic, is provided on the outer surface of the wheel cover 100. 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, the 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 portion 104 that is fixed to the wheel, and a movable side portion 106 that is rotatably attached to the fixed side portion 104. The movable side portion 106 is attached to the fixed side portion 104 via a bearing B1. The movable side portion 106 is rotatable relative to the fixed side portion 104. The center of gravity of the movable side portion 106 is offset from the center of the wheel W1 (the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1). In the reference state of the wheel cover 100 that is attached to the wheel W1 and left stationary, the center of gravity of the movable side portion 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 multiple mounting holes 112. The mounting holes 112 penetrate the wheel mounting portion 108. The wheel mounting portion 108 is fixed to the wheel W1 using 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. These mounting holes 112 are used for a wheel W1 with four holes. 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 mounting 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] 2, the longitudinal direction of the wheel mounting portion 108 is horizontal, whereas in FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the wheel mounting portion 108 is vertical.

[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 main body 122. The wheel cover main body 122 has a disk shape as a whole. The wheel cover main body 122 is detachably attached to the movable side base part 120.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the movable-side base portion 120 and the fixed-side portion 104 rotatably attached to this movable-side base portion 120. In other words, Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the wheel cover 100 from which the wheel cover main 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 mounting portion 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 side 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 can 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 also be suspended from the plate portion 124 without via the bearing B2.

[0025] The center of gravity of the movable base portion 120 is offset from the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. The center of gravity of the movable base portion 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 portion 120 away from the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1. The center of gravity of the plate portion 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 swings to suppress rotation of the wheel cover main body 122. The weight 126 helps to maintain the stationary state of the wheel cover main body 122 in terms of both weight balance and rotation suppression.

[0027] The movable base portion 120 has a base engagement portion 128. The base engagement portion 128 engages with the wheel cover body 122. In this embodiment, the outer edge 130 of the plate portion 124 is the base 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 diagonally downward from one end of the upper edge 132. The second side edge 136 extends diagonally 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 relative to the vertical direction. In FIG. 4, the reference symbol CP1 denotes a plane that includes the rotation axis Z2 and is parallel to the vertical direction, and is also referred to as 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 to each other with respect to the line indicating the vertical center plane CP1. In plan view (rear view), the base-side engaging portions 128 are line-symmetrical to each other with respect to the 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 includes 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 one moves up and down. In the base-side tapered portion 140, the horizontal width D1 decreases toward the top. At the uppermost position, the horizontal width D1 can be 70 mm or more and 90 mm or less, or even 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-side base portion 120 has a notch 138. The notch 138 is provided on the upper edge of the movable-side base portion 120. The notch 138 forms a concave notch. The notch 138 is a portion of the outer edge portion 130 that is missing. The notch 138 is a portion of the upper edge portion 132 that is missing. As shown in FIG. 9 described below, the notch 138 prevents the movable-side base portion 120 from interfering with the operation of the fastening member F1 when attaching the fixed-side portion 104 to the wheel W1. By providing the notch 138, the movable-side base portion 120 (base-side engaging portion 128) can be enlarged to increase the engagement strength, while the fixed-side portion 104 can be easily attached to the wheel W1. The notch 138 is provided in only one location. By rotating the movable-side base portion 120 and aligning the notched portion 138 with the fastening points (four points for a four-hole wheel, five points for a five-hole wheel) provided at each circumferential position of the wheel W1, the fastening member F1 can be operated at all of the fastening points. Since the notched portion 138 is limited to one point, a decrease in the strength of the movable-side base portion 120 is suppressed, and a decrease in the engaging force of the base-side engaging portion 128 is also suppressed.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a rear view of the wheel cover body 122 as seen from the inside. A front view of the wheel cover body 122 as seen 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 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, which includes a cover-side tapered portion 152 (described below). 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 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 one end of the upper portion 146. The second side portion 150 extends obliquely downward from the other end of the upper portion 146. The first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150 extend at an angle relative to the up-down direction. A 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 central plane CP1. The second side portion 150 extends downwardly so as to move away from the vertical central plane CP1. In plan view (rear view), the first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150 are line-symmetrical with each other with respect to the line indicating the vertical central plane CP1. In plan view (rear view), the cover-side engagement portions 142 (cover-side insertion portions 144) are line-symmetrical with each other with respect to the line indicating the vertical central plane CP1. The vertical central 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 continuously changes as one moves up and down. In the cover-side tapered portion 152, the horizontal width D2 decreases 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, or even 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 main body 122 is detachable from the movable base portion 120. By hooking the cover-side engaging portion 142 onto the base-side engaging portion 128 from above, an engaged state is formed in which the cover-side engaging portion 142 engages with the base-side engaging portion 128 (see FIG. 2). In this engaged state, a tapered fit is formed between the base-side tapered portion 140 and the cover-side tapered portion 152. That is, the first side edge portion 134 abuts against the first side portion 148, and the second side edge portion 136 abuts against the second side portion 150.

[0036] The wheel cover 100 has a movement preventing portion 160 that prevents the wheel cover main body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable side base portion 120, thereby maintaining the engaged state. The movement preventing portion 160 is located below the rotation axis Z2. The movement preventing portion 160 is located on the longitudinal center plane CP1. The movement preventing portion 160 is configured with a screw fastening mechanism. The movement preventing portion 160 has a through hole 162 formed in the wheel cover main body 122, and a female screw hole 164 and a male screw 166 formed in the movable side base portion 120 (plate portion 124). A flange 168 is formed by burring the plate portion 124. The flange 168 elongates the female screw hole 164, thereby increasing the screw connection force and the strength of the screw connection portion.

[0037] A tool engagement portion for turning the male screw 166 with a tool may be provided on the surface of the head of the male screw 166. This tool engagement portion (hole, groove, etc.) may be a normal Phillips groove, flathead groove, hexagonal socket, 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 a tamper-resistant screw may be used for the male screw 166. The tool engagement portion may be, for example, a triangular socket.

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

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

[0040] Figure 9 shows the wheel cover body 122 removed from the wheel cover 100 attached to the wheel W1 of the tire T1. Figure 9 shows the wheel cover body 122 removed from the wheel cover 100 in use. The fixed side part 104 is fixed to the wheel W1 with fastening members F1 (bolts). 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 Figure 9 is a four-hole type.

[0041] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the 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 preventing part 160, is tightened. The movement preventing part 160 prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable base part 120, maintaining the engaged state. As a result, attachment of the wheel cover body 122 is complete. Attaching the wheel cover body 122 is easy.

[0042] To form the above-described 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) that constitutes 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-to-rear width D4 (see FIG. 7) of the recess 143 that constitutes the cover-side engaging portion 142 (the cover-side inserting portion 144). This insertion is a press fit. Insertion into the recess 143, which has a width in the front-to-rear direction, achieves insertion and engagement. This insertion and engagement prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving in the front-to-rear direction relative to the movable-side base portion 120.

[0043] As shown in Figure 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 148 of the cover-side insertion portion 144. The second side edge 136 of the outer edge 130 is inserted into the second side 150 of the cover-side insertion portion 144. These insertions ensure a strong insertion engagement. This insertion engagement reliably secures 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] Simultaneously with the insertion, the cover-side tapered portion 152 (see FIG. 6) is fitted from above into the base-side tapered portion 140 (see FIGS. 4 and 9). That is, the first side portion 148 of the cover-side tapered portion 152 abuts against the first side edge 134 of the base-side tapered portion 140, and the second side portion 150 of the cover-side tapered portion 152 abuts against the second side edge 136 of the base-side tapered portion 140 (see FIG. 2). Due to this tapered fitting, the wheel cover main body 122 cannot move downward relative to the movable-side base portion 120, nor can it move left or right.

[0046] 2, the upper edge 132 of the plate portion 124 abuts against the upper portion 146 of the cover-side engaging 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 tapered fit, this abutment may be avoided.

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

[0048] In this way, the cover-side engaging portion 142 is hooked onto the base-side tapered portion 140 from above, thereby achieving the insertion engagement and tapered fitting. In this state, the wheel cover body 122 is fixed to the movable-side base portion 120 unless the wheel cover body 122 moves 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] Attaching the wheel cover body 122 to the movable base part 120 is easy. 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 engaged with the base-side engagement part 128 from above. The engagement state is achieved simply by engaging it from above. In this engaged state, the wheel cover body 122 cannot move forward or backward, downward, or left or right relative to the movable base part 120. In other words, in this engaged state, the wheel cover body 122 can only move upward relative to the movable base part 120. Then, the attachment is completed by simply activating the movement-preventing part 160 (by tightening the male screw 166) (third step St3).

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

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

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

[0053] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for removing the wheel cover main body from the movable-side base part. In this procedure, the movement-preventing part 160 is released, and the wheel cover main body 122 is rotated 180° to be upside down (first step StA). When the wheel cover main body 122 is upside down (first step StA), the movable-side base part 120 is also upside down. In this state, the wheel cover main body 122 is moved downward (second step StB, third step StC). During this downward movement, the weight of the wheel cover main body 122 acts downward, making it easy to release the engagement. 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 main 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 main body 122 while using the wheel cover 100. For example, this may be when checking the air pressure of the tire T1 or when inflating the tire T1. If the wheel cover main body 122 covers the valve of the tire T1, it is difficult to check the air pressure or inflate the tire T1 with the wheel cover main body 122 attached. By making the wheel cover main body 122 easy to attach and detach, it can be made easy to check the air pressure and inflate the tire T1.

[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] Unless otherwise specified, in this application, the upper side, lower side, left-right direction, vertical 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 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 reference state, due to center of gravity balance, 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 specified, the configuration described in this application is the configuration in this reference state. While the wheel cover 100 is moving, some shaking occurs, but the reference state is substantially maintained. In other words, the stationary state is maintained while the vehicle V1 is moving.

[0057] The following appendix is ​​part of the invention included in the present application. This appendix is ​​the claim set at the time of filing of this application. [Appendix 1] The vehicle has 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 body has a cover-side engaging portion that engages with the movable-side base portion, the movable base portion has a base engaging portion that engages with the cover engaging portion, When the cover-side engaging portion is hooked onto the base-side engaging portion from above, an engaged state is formed in which the cover-side engaging portion is engaged with the base-side engaging portion, The wheel cover further includes a movement prevention portion that prevents the wheel cover body from moving upward relative to the movable base portion, thereby maintaining the engaged state. [Appendix 2] The cover-side engaging portion has a cover-side tapered portion whose horizontal width continuously changes as the cover-side engaging portion moves in the up-down direction, the base-side engaging portion has a base-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 that decreases toward the upper side. [Appendix 4] the movable base portion has a plate portion, 4. The wheel cover according to claim 1, wherein the base-side engaging 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 achieved by inserting the outer edge 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 portion 130 Outer edge of plate 132 Upper edge 134...first side edge 136...Second side edge 140···Base side tapered part 142 Cover side engagement portion 144 Cover side insertion part 146···Top 148 First side 150...Second side 152 Tapered part on cover side 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 unit relative to the fixed unit

Claims

1. The vehicle has 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 body has a cover-side engaging portion that engages with the movable-side base portion, the movable base portion has a base engaging portion that engages with the cover engaging portion, When the cover-side engaging portion is hooked onto the base-side engaging portion from above, an engaged state is formed in which the cover-side engaging portion is engaged with the base-side engaging portion, a movement prevention portion that prevents the wheel cover body from moving upward relative to the movable base portion to maintain the engaged state, The cover-side engaging portion has a cover-side tapered portion whose horizontal width continuously changes as the cover-side engaging portion moves in the up-down direction, the base-side engaging portion has a base-side tapered portion whose horizontal width changes continuously in correspondence with the cover-side tapered portion, In the engaged state, the cover-side tapered portion is fitted into the base-side tapered portion from above, The cover-side tapered portion has a horizontal width that decreases toward the upper side, The base-side tapered portion has a horizontal width that decreases toward the upper side, the cover-side tapered portion and the base-side tapered portion have a taper angle of 20° or more and 50° or less; A wheel cover in which, when the wheel cover attached to the wheel is left stationary in a standard state, a gap is provided between the lower end of the movable base portion and the wheel cover main body in a direction along the rotation axis.

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

3. The cover-side engagement portion has a cover-side insertion portion that is open downward, The wheel cover according to claim 2 , wherein the engaged state is established by inserting the outer edge of the plate portion into the cover-side insertion portion from below.

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