Wheel cover

Abstract

To provide a wheel cover that does not rotate even when the tire rotates, and in which the shape of the wheel cover body is asymmetrical, the mold for the wheel cover body can be standardized. [Solution] The wheel cover 100 comprises a fixed side portion 104 fixed to the wheel W1 and a movable side portion 106 rotatably attached to the fixed side portion 104. The wheel cover body 122 of the movable side portion 106 has a disc portion 180 and a mounting member 182 attached to the inner surface of the disc portion 180. The mounting member 182 is configured to be fixed to the disc portion 180 in a first state J1 and a second state J2 which is the inverted version of the first state J1. Between the first state J1 and the second state J2, the rotation axis of the movable side portion 106 and the intersection point of the disc portion 180 coincide.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a wheel cover that is attached to a wheel of an automobile such as a passenger car, a truck, or a bus and does not rotate even when the tire and the wheel rotate.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-072553 discloses a structure that can facilitate the attachment and detachment of a wheel cover body in a wheel cover that does not rotate even when the tire rotates. This wheel cover body has a rectifying portion at one location on the outer edge of the wheel cover body. When the wheel cover is attached to a wheel of an automobile, this rectifying portion is arranged on the rear side of the automobile.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the wheel cover described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-072553, due to the presence of the rectifying portion, the wheel cover body attached to the right wheel is different from the wheel cover body attached to the left wheel. That is, a wheel cover body for the right side and a wheel cover body for the left side are required. In this case, two types of molds are required to mold the wheel cover body, and the manufacturing cost increases. Although it is also possible to use a mold with an insert structure including a mold body and an insert, in this case, there are also problems such as an increase in mold costs and an increase in the number of processes during molding, resulting in an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a wheel cover that does not rotate even when the tire rotates, and which allows for the use of a common mold for the wheel cover body even when the shape of the wheel cover body is asymmetrical. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, 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 comprises a movable base portion fixed to the bearing and a wheel cover body detachably attached to the movable base portion. The movable base portion has a base-side engaging portion that engages with the wheel cover body. The wheel cover body comprises a disc portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a mounting member that is attached to the inner surface of the disc portion and forms a cover-side engaging portion on the wheel cover body that engages with the movable base portion. An engaged state is formed in which the cover-side engaging portion engages with the base-side engaging portion. The mounting member is configured to be fixed to the disc portion in a first state and a second state which is the first state inverted vertically. The intersection point between the rotation axis of the movable side and the disc portion coincides between the engagement state of the mounting member in the first state and the engagement state of the mounting member in the second state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] One aspect of this is that, in the case of wheel covers that do not rotate even when the tires rotate, the mold for the wheel cover body can be standardized even if the shape of the wheel cover body is asymmetrical. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]Figure 1(a) is a left side view of an automobile using the wheel cover according to the first embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a right side view of the automobile. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) also include a front view of the wheel cover as seen from the outside. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view of the left wheel cover shown in Figure 1(a), seen from the inside. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear view of the right-hand wheel cover shown in Figure 1(b), seen from the inside. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2, and is also a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the movable base portion and the fixed portion that is rotatably attached to the movable base portion. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear view of the left wheel cover body according to the first embodiment, as seen from the inside. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a rear view of the right wheel cover body according to the first embodiment, as seen from the inside. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 7, and is also a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a rear view of the disc molded body which will be the disc portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the disc molded body shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view of the mounting member according to the first embodiment, as seen from the side of the disc portion. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the mounting member shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the wheel cover removed from its mounting on the tire's wheel. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the procedure for attaching the wheel cover body to the movable base. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for removing the wheel cover body from the movable base portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a process diagram showing a procedure for separately manufacturing a left wheel cover body and a right wheel cover body from a common disk molded body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is, like FIG. 10, a rear view of the disk molded body. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a view in which attachment members in the first state and attachment members in the second state are added in phantom lines to the rear view of the disk molded body. [Figure 20] FIG. 20(a) is a left side view of an automobile in which a wheel cover according to the second embodiment is used, and FIG. 20(b) is a right side view of the automobile. FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b) include a front view of the wheel cover as seen from the outside. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a rear view of the left wheel cover shown in FIG. 20(a) as seen from the inside. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the right wheel cover shown in FIG. 20(b) as seen from the inside. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 21 and is also a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a rear view of the left wheel cover body according to the second embodiment as seen from the inside. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a rear view of the right wheel cover body according to the second embodiment as seen from the inside. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 24 and is also a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a rear view of the disk molded body that becomes the disk portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a plan view of the attachment member according to the second embodiment as seen from the side of the disk portion. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the attachment member of FIG. 28. [[ID=]41] [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a process diagram showing the procedure for manufacturing the left wheel cover body and the right wheel cover body separately from a common disc molded body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a rear view of a modified disc molded body. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a rear view of another modified disc molded body. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a rear view of the wheel cover body according to yet another modified example. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a plan view of the mounting member according to the third embodiment, as seen from the side of the disc portion. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a rear view of the disc molded body according to the third embodiment. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a rear view of the wheel cover body according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

[0011] Figure 1(a) is a left side view of an automobile V1 in which a wheel cover 100 according to the first embodiment is attached to the wheel of a tire T1. Figure 1(b) is a right side view of an automobile V1 in which a wheel cover 100 is attached to the wheel of a tire T1. Although not shown, wheel covers 100 are attached to all (four) tires T1. The wheel covers 100 are classified into a right wheel cover 100R attached to the right tire T1 and a left wheel cover 100L attached to the left tire T1. The left wheel cover 100L is shown in the left side view of Figure 1(a). The right wheel cover 100R is shown in the right side view of Figure 1(b). In this specification, the wheel cover 100 refers to the same items as the left wheel cover 100L and the right wheel cover 100R.

[0012] Even when the automobile V1 is moving and the tire T1 is rotating, the wheel cover 100 does not rotate. While the automobile V1 is moving, the wheel cover 100 may oscillate slightly, but it appears to be almost stationary. In this application, this state is also referred to as the stationary state.

[0013] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) include a front view of the wheel cover 100 as seen from the outside. The outer surface of the wheel cover 100 is provided with a display 102 such as a picture, letters, symbols, or graphic. The display 102 does not rotate while the vehicle V1 is in motion. Therefore, the content of the display 102 can be discerned while the vehicle V1 is in motion. The display 102, which does not rotate while the vehicle V1 is in motion, is eye-catching.

[0014] Figure 2 is a rear view of the left wheel cover 100L, seen from the inside. Figure 3 is a rear view of the right wheel cover 100R, seen from the inside. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is also a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. That is, the cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2 and the cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3 are identical. In Figure 4, the wheel W1 to which the wheel cover 100 is attached is shown by a dashed line (two-dot line).

[0015] The left wheel cover 100L and the right wheel cover 100R differ in their wheel cover body 122 (described later). Specifically, the wheel cover body 122 is classified into the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R. The position of the airflow rectifier 170 differs between the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R. The airflow rectifier 170 will be described later.

[0016] 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 standard state of the wheel cover 100 attached to the wheel W1 and stationary, the center of gravity of the movable side portion 106 is located directly below (downward in the vertical direction) the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1.

[0017] The fixed side portion 104 is the same for both the left wheel cover 100L and the right wheel cover 100R. On the other hand, the movable side portion 106 differs between the left wheel cover 100L and the right wheel cover 100R. In the left wheel cover 100L, the wheel cover body 122 of the movable side portion 106 is the left wheel cover body 122L. In the right wheel cover 100R, the wheel cover body 122 of the movable side portion 106 is the right wheel cover body 122R.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, 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 pass through the wheel mounting portion 108. In this embodiment, the wheel mounting portion 108 is fixed to the wheel W1 by utilizing the bolts or nuts used to 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 three mounting holes 112, and the three mounting holes 112 are arranged on the same circle. This wheel mounting portion 108 is used for a 5-hole wheel W1. 5 holes means that there are five holes (bolt holes) for passing bolts through. When the wheel W1 has 5 holes, there may be three mounting holes 112, as in this embodiment. Corresponding to the three mounting holes 112, the wheel mounting portion 108 has a shape that splits into two branches midway along its longitudinal direction. The shape of the wheel mounting portion 108 can be set to correspond to the number of bolt holes in the wheel W1. For example, if the wheel W1 has four holes, the number of mounting holes 112 can be two. In this case, the shape of the wheel mounting portion 108 can be a simple shape along a straight line. Note that the structure of the wheel mounting portion 108 is not limited, nor is the structure for attaching the wheel mounting portion 108 to the wheel W1 limited.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The shaft portion 110 is fixed to the wheel mounting portion 108. The shaft portion 110 may be integrally molded 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 (see Figure 4).

[0021] The movable side portion 106 comprises a movable side base portion 120 and a wheel cover body 122. The wheel cover body 122 is detachably attached to the movable side base portion 120. As described above, the wheel cover body 122 is classified into a left wheel cover body 122L and a right wheel cover body 122R. In this specification, the wheel cover body 122 is described in relation to both the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R.

[0022] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the movable base portion 120 and the fixed portion 104 which is rotatably attached to the movable base portion 120. In other words, Figure 5 is a plan view showing the wheel cover 100 with the wheel cover body 122 removed. This component is unitized. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 5.

[0023] The fixed side portion 104 is attached to the wheel W1 such that the axis of rotation Z2 of the movable side base portion 120 relative to the fixed side portion 104 coincides with the axis of rotation Z1.

[0024] 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 a metal with a low specific gravity, such as an aluminum alloy.

[0025] 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 the bearing B2. The weight 126 may be fixed to the plate portion 124.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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, by swinging relative to the plate portion 124, the weight 126 can suppress the swinging of the wheel cover body 122 while the automobile V1 is in motion. The weight 126 helps maintain the stationary state of the wheel cover body 122 in terms of both weight balance and swing suppression.

[0028] The movable base portion 120 has a base-side engaging portion 128. The base-side engaging portion 128 engages with the wheel cover body 122. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124 is the base-side engaging portion 128.

[0029] The outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124 has an upper edge portion 132, a first side edge portion 134 located on one side in the left-right direction, and a second side edge portion 136 located on the other side in the left-right direction. The upper edge portion 132 extends horizontally. The upper edge portion 132 is located above the rotation axis Z2 (rotation axis Z1). The first side edge portion 134 extends diagonally downward from one end of the upper edge portion 132. The second side edge portion 136 extends diagonally downward from the other end of the upper edge portion 132. The first side edge portion 134 and the second side edge portion 136 extend inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In Figure 5, the symbol CP1 indicates a plane that includes the rotation axis Z2 and is parallel to the vertical direction, and is also called the vertical center plane. The vertical center plane CP1 is located between the first side edge portion 134 and the second side edge portion 136. The first side edge 134 extends away from the vertical center plane CP1 as it moves downward. The second side edge 136 extends away from the vertical center plane CP1 as it moves downward. In a plan view (rear view), the first side edge 134 and the second side edge 136 are symmetrical with respect to the line indicating the vertical center plane CP1. In a plan view (rear view), the base side engaging portion 128 is symmetrical with respect to the line indicating the vertical center plane CP1.

[0030] 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 it moves in the vertical direction. In the base-side tapered portion 140, the horizontal width D1 decreases as it moves upward. At the uppermost position, the horizontal width D1 can be 70 mm or more and 90 mm or less, and furthermore, 75 mm or more and 85 mm or less. In this embodiment, the horizontal width D1 at the uppermost position is 80 mm.

[0031] The movable base portion 120 has a notch 138. The notch 138 is provided on the upper edge portion 132 of the movable base portion 120. The notch 138 forms a concave cutout. The notch 138 removes a portion of the outer edge portion 130. The notch 138 removes a portion of the upper edge portion 132. As shown in Figure 14, described later, the notch 138 prevents the movable base portion 120 from obstructing 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 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. Only one notch 138 is provided. By rotating the movable base portion 120 and aligning the notches 138 with the fastening points (5 points if there are 5 holes, 4 points if there are 4 holes) located at each circumferential position of the wheel W1, the fastening member F1 can be operated at all fastening points. Since the notches 138 are kept to a minimum of one location, the reduction in strength of the movable base portion 120 is suppressed, and the reduction in the engagement force of the base-side engaging portion 128 is also suppressed.

[0032] Figure 7 is a rear view of the left wheel cover body 122L seen from the inside, and Figure 8 is a rear view of the right wheel cover body 122R seen from the inside. Note that the front view of the left wheel cover body 122L seen from the outside is included in Figure 1(a), and the front view of the right wheel cover body 122R seen from the outside is included in Figure 1(b). Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 7, and is also a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 8.

[0033] 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 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 insertion portion 144. As shown in Figure 9, the cover-side engaging portion 142 forms a recess 143 that is open to the lower side. This recess 143 constitutes the cover-side insertion portion 144. The cover-side insertion portion 144 constitutes the cover-side engaging portion 142, which includes a cover-side tapered portion 152 (described later). The outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124 is inserted into the cover-side insertion portion 144 from below. The outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124 is inserted into the cover-side insertion portion 144 from below. This insertion creates an engaged state (described later).

[0034] The cover-side engaging portion 142 (cover-side insertion portion 144) has a shape corresponding to the base-side engaging portion 128. The cover-side engaging portion 142 (cover-side insertion 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 diagonally downward from one end of the upper portion 146. The second side portion 150 extends diagonally downward from the other end of the upper portion 146. The first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150 extend inclined with respect to the vertical 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 away from the vertical center plane CP1 as it moves downward. The second side portion 150 extends away from the vertical center plane CP1 as it moves downward. In a plan view (rear view), the first side portion 148 and the second side portion 150 are symmetrical with respect to the line indicating the vertical center plane CP1. In a plan view (rear view), the cover-side engaging portion 142 (cover-side insertion portion 144) is symmetrical with respect to the line indicating the vertical center plane CP1. The vertical center plane CP1 bisects the upper portion 146.

[0035] The upper part 146, the first side part 148, and the second side part 150 constitute the cover-side engaging part 142 (cover-side insertion part 144). The cover-side engaging part 142 has a cover-side tapered part 152. The cover-side tapered part 152 is composed of the first side part 148 and the second side part 150. In the cover-side tapered part 152, the horizontal width D2 changes continuously as it moves in the vertical direction. In the cover-side tapered part 152, the horizontal width D2 decreases as it goes towards the top. The horizontal width D2 is the horizontal distance between the first side part 148 and the second side part 150. At the uppermost position, the horizontal width D2 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 D2 at the uppermost position is 80 mm.

[0036] In the wheel cover 100, the wheel cover 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 Figures 2 and 3). 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.

[0037] The wheel cover 100 has a movement-retaining portion 160 that prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable base portion 120 and maintains the engaged state. The movement-retaining portion 160 is located below the rotation axis Z2. The movement-retaining portion 160 is located on the vertical center plane CP1. The movement-retaining portion 160 is constructed by a screw fastening mechanism. The movement-retaining portion 160 has a through hole 162 formed in the wheel cover body 122, a female screw hole 164 formed in the movable base portion 120 (plate portion 124), and a male screw 166. A flange 168 is formed by burring the plate portion 124 (see Figure 6). The flange 168 lengthens the female screw hole 164, increasing the screw coupling force and the strength of the screw coupling portion.

[0038] The head surface of the male screw 166 may be provided with a tool-locking portion for turning the male screw 166 with a tool. This tool-locking portion (hole, groove, etc.) may be a normal Phillips groove, slotted groove, hexagonal socket, etc., but it may also be a form that can only be engaged with a special tool. In other words, the male screw 166 may be a tamper-proof screw or a screw designed to prevent tampering. The tool engagement portion may be, for example, a triangular hole.

[0039] The movement-blocking part 160 is not limited to a screw fastening mechanism. For example, an automatic engagement mechanism may be employed in which a projection biased in the protruding direction and a recess automatically engage when the wheel cover body 122 is moved downward relative to the movable base part 120. In this case, an operating part for releasing the engagement by pressing or the like may be provided. The mechanism of the movement-blocking part 302 in the wheel cover 300 of the second embodiment described later may also be employed.

[0040] The wheel cover body 122 has a flow straightening section 170. The flow straightening section 170 has a recess 172 formed 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 along the radial direction of the wheel W1 (wheel cover body 122) to the outer edge 122a of the wheel cover body 122. When the wheel cover 100 is attached to the wheel W1 of the automobile V1, the flow straightening section 170 is located on the rear side of the automobile V1. When the automobile V1 is moving, airflow passes through the flow straightening section 170. This airflow generates a force that maintains the wheel cover 100 in a stationary state. The flow straightening section 170 contributes to suppressing the rotation of the wheel cover body 122 and maintaining its stationary state.

[0041] Figure 10 is a rear view of the disc molded body 180M, and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the disc molded body 180M. Figure 12 is a plan view of the mounting member 182 as seen from the side of the disc portion 180, and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the mounting member 182. The disc molded body 180M is a molded product in the stage prior to the disc portion 180. In this embodiment, the disc portion 180 is completed by forming a through hole 162 in the disc molded body 180M and applying the marking 102.

[0042] The wheel cover body 122 is composed of multiple components. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the wheel cover body 122 has a disc portion 180 and a mounting member 182. The wheel cover body 122 is formed by fixing the mounting member 182 to the disc portion 180. In this embodiment, the mounting member 182 is fixed to the disc portion 180 with screws sc.

[0043] The disc molded body 180M is formed using a mold. In this embodiment, the disc molded body 180M is formed by injection molding. In this embodiment, the disc molded body 180M is made of resin. The method of molding the disc molded body 180M is not limited.

[0044] The disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180) has a central portion 184 and a peripheral portion 186. The peripheral portion 186 is formed around the entire circumference of the central portion 184. The central portion 184 constitutes a circular region centered on the rotation axis Z2. The thickness of the central portion 184 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral portion 186. A step 188 is formed at the boundary between the central portion 184 and the peripheral portion 186. The inner surface 184a of the central portion 184 is flat. The inner surface 186a of the peripheral portion 186 is a concave curved surface.

[0045] The disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180) has a plurality of screw holes s1. In this embodiment, six screw holes s1 are provided. The screw holes s1 are used to fasten the mounting member 182 with screws. In this embodiment, five of the six screw holes s1 are used to fasten the mounting member 182 with screws. Of these, four are screws sc related to the joint portion G1 described later. All screw holes s1 are provided on the inner surface 184a of the central portion 184.

[0046] The disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180) has a boss projection 190. The boss projection 190 is formed during the molding of the disc molded body 180M. The boss projection 190 is provided on the inner surface of the disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180). The boss projection 190 is provided on the central portion 184. Multiple boss projections 190 are provided. In this embodiment, the number of boss projections 190 is 4. The boss projection 190 protrudes from the inner surface of the disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180). The boss projection 190 protrudes from the inner surface 184a of the central portion 184. The boss projection 190 has a screw hole s1 into which a screw sc is screwed.

[0047] The disc molded body 180M has pilot holes 192. The pilot holes 192 are formed during the molding of the disc molded body 180M. The pilot holes 192 are provided on the inner surface of the disc molded body 180M. The pilot holes 192 are provided in the central part 184. Multiple pilot holes 192 are provided. In this embodiment, there are 2 pilot holes 192. The pilot holes 192 do not penetrate the disc molded body 180M. The disc molded body 180M does not have a through hole 162. The pilot holes 192 function as pilot holes when drilling the through hole 162. The pilot holes 192 position the through hole 162. One of the multiple (2) pilot holes 192 is drilled with a drill or the like to become the through hole 162.

[0048] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the mounting member 182 is a substantially U-shaped member overall. The mounting member 182 is a plate-shaped member. That is, the mounting member 182 has a shape that can be formed from a flat plate by cutting only. The mounting member 182 has a contact surface 196 that abuts against the disc portion 180, and a back surface 198 (see Figures 7 and 8) which is the opposite side of the contact surface 196 and oriented toward the fixed side portion 104 (wheel W1 side). The contact surface 196 is a flat surface. The back surface 198 is a flat surface. The contact surface 196 and the back surface 198 are parallel to each other.

[0049] The mounting member 182 has an upper part 200, a first extension 202 extending downward from one end of the upper part 200, and a second extension 204 extending downward from the other end of the upper part 200. The lateral distance between the first extension 202 and the second extension 204 increases continuously as it goes downward. The mounting member 182 has a taper that widens as it goes downward and defines a tapered space 206 that is open downward. The contact surface 196 extends continuously across the upper part 200, the first extension 202, and the second extension 204. The back surface 198 also extends continuously across the upper part 200, the first extension 202, and the second extension 204.

[0050] The mounting member 182 has an inner edge 208 facing the tapered space 206. The inner edge 208 extends continuously across the upper part 200, the first extension 202, and the second extension 204. The lateral distance between the inner edge 208 of the first extension 202 and the inner edge 208 of the second extension 204 increases continuously as it moves downward.

[0051] The mounting member 182 has a lower surface 212 that is lower than the contact surface 196. A stepped surface 210 is formed at the boundary between the contact surface 196 and the lower surface 212. The lower surface 212 extends from the stepped surface 210 to the inner edge 208. The lower surface 212 is formed along the inner edge 208. The thickness of the mounting member 182 at the lower surface 212 is thinner than the thickness of the mounting member 182 at the contact surface 196 by the height of the stepped surface 210. The stepped surface 210 is formed along the inner edge 208. The stepped surface 210 extends continuously across the upper part 200, the first extended portion 202, and the second extended portion 204.

[0052] As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 9, when the mounting member 182 is attached to the disc portion 180, a gap 214 is formed between the lower surface 212 of the mounting member 182 and the disc portion 180. The gap 214 is open on its lower side and closed on its upper side by the stepped surface 210. The width of the gap 214 in the front-rear direction is equal to the height of the stepped surface 210. The gap 214 forms the recess 143 described above. The stepped surface 210 and the gap 214 form the cover-side engaging portion 142 described above.

[0053] As shown in Figure 12, the mounting member 182 has a screw insertion hole s2 through which a screw sc passes. Multiple screw insertion holes s2 are provided. In this embodiment, five screw insertion holes s2 are provided. The screw sc passes through the screw insertion hole s2 and is screwed into the screw hole s1 of the disc portion 180 (see enlarged view in Figure 9). Four of the five screw insertion holes s2 are the coupling portion G1, which will be described later.

[0054] The mounting member 182 has recesses 220 that receive the boss projection 190 of the disc portion 180. Multiple recesses 220 are provided. The recesses 220 are provided on the contact surface 196. In this embodiment, the recesses 220 are formed together with the screw insertion holes s2. In other words, the screw insertion holes s2 include the recesses 220. The screw insertion holes s2 are formed on the bottom surface of the recesses 220. In this embodiment, four of the five screw insertion holes s2 have recesses 220. The shape of the recesses 220 corresponds to the shape of the boss projection 190.

[0055] Multiple positioning sections P1 are formed between the disc portion 180 and the mounting member 182. These positioning sections P1 enable the positioning of the mounting member 182 relative to the disc portion 180. In this embodiment, the positioning section P1 is composed of the boss protrusions 190 of the disc portion 180 and the recesses 220 of the mounting member 182. Positioning by the positioning section P1 is achieved when all of the multiple (four) boss protrusions 190 engage (insert) into all of the multiple (four) recesses 220. After this positioning, each boss protrusion 190 is fastened with screws sc. The positioning section P1 also determines the orientation of the mounting member 182 relative to the disc portion 180. The positioning section P1 enables the mounting member 182 to be mounted in the correct orientation and position.

[0056] Multiple connecting parts G1 are formed between the disc portion 180 and the mounting member 182. These connecting parts G1 secure the mounting member 182 to the disc portion 180. In this embodiment, the connecting parts G1 are screw fastenings between the screw holes s1 of the disc portion 180 and the screw insertion holes s2 of the mounting member 182. The mounting member 182 is secured by the connecting parts G1 through the connection (screw fastening) of multiple (four) screw holes s1 and multiple (four) screw insertion holes s2. The orientation of the mounting member 182 relative to the disc portion 180 is also determined by these connecting parts G1. Multiple connecting parts G1 allow the mounting member 182 to be fixed in the correct orientation and position.

[0057] Figure 14 shows the wheel cover body 122 removed from the wheel cover 100 attached to the wheel W1 of tire T1. Figure 14 shows the wheel cover body 122 removed from the wheel cover 100 while in use. The fixed side portion 104 is fixed to the wheel W1 by fastening member F1 (bolt). The movable side base portion 120, which is rotatable relative to the fixed side portion 104, is stationary with its center of gravity below the rotation axis Z1 (the rotation axis Z2) of the wheel W1. Note that the wheel W1 in this embodiment is a 5-hole type.

[0058] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the procedure for attaching the wheel cover body to the movable base. In this attachment, the wheel cover body 122 is placed over the movable base 120 from above, forming an engagement state. Next, the male screw 166, which is the movement-restricting part 160, is tightened. The movement-restricting part 160 prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable base 120, and the engagement state is maintained. As a result, the attachment of the wheel cover body 122 is completed. Attaching the wheel cover body 122 is easy.

[0059] In forming the above-described engagement state, the wheel cover body 122 is moved from top to bottom, causing the base-side engagement portion 128 (outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124) to be inserted into the cover-side engagement portion 142 (cover-side insertion portion 144) which constitutes the recess 143 that is open downwards (see Figures 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8). The thickness D3 of the outer edge portion 130 (see Figure 6) is approximately the same as the front-rear width D4 (see Figure 9) of the recess 143 which constitutes the cover-side engagement portion 142 (cover-side insertion portion 144). This insertion is by press-fitting. Insertion engagement is achieved by insertion into the recess 143 which has a front-rear width. Due to this insertion engagement, the wheel cover body 122 is unable to move in the front-rear direction relative to the movable base portion 120.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper edge 132 of the outer edge 130 is inserted into the upper part 146 of the cover-side insertion part 144. Furthermore, the first side edge 134 of the outer edge 130 is inserted into the first side 148 of the cover-side insertion part 144. Additionally, the second side edge 136 of the outer edge 130 is inserted into the second side 150 of the cover-side insertion part 144. These insertions provide a strong engagement. This engagement ensures secure fixation of the wheel cover body 122 in the engaged state.

[0061] In this embodiment, the base-side engaging portion 128 is inserted into the cover-side engaging portion 142, but the opposite may also be true: 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 to the upper side. That is, the cover-side engaging portion 142 and the base-side engaging portion 128 are fixed in the front-rear direction by forming an insertion engagement in which one is inserted into the other.

[0062] Simultaneously with the insertion described above, the tapered portion 152 on the cover side (see Figures 7 and 8) is fitted onto the tapered portion 140 on the base side (see Figures 5 and 14) from above. That is, the first side portion 148 of the tapered portion 152 on the cover side abuts against the first side edge portion 134 of the tapered portion 140 on the base side, and the second side portion 150 of the tapered portion 152 abuts against the second side edge portion 136 of the tapered portion 140 on the base side (see Figures 2 and 3). This tapered fitting prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving downward relative to the movable base portion 120, and also prevents it from moving left or right.

[0063] In Figures 2 and 3, the upper edge 132 of the plate portion 124 is shown to be in contact with the upper part 146 of the cover-side engaging portion 142, but this contact is not required. From the viewpoint of ensuring that the tapered fit is reliably achieved by absorbing dimensional errors in each part, this contact may be avoided, and a gap may be formed between the upper edge 132 of the plate portion 124 and the upper part 146 of the cover-side engaging portion 142 in the engaged state.

[0064] In Figures 5, 7, and 8, the double arrow θ1 indicates the gradient angle of the first side edge 134, the second side edge 136, the first side 148, and the second side 150. This gradient angle is an angle with respect to the vertical. Twice this angle θ1 is the taper angle. From the viewpoint of facilitating tapered fitting and improving the ease of mounting the wheel cover 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 more preferably 30° or more. From the viewpoint of stability 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 was set to 35°.

[0065] 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 described above. In this state, the wheel cover body 122 is fixed to the movable base portion 120 unless it moves upward relative to the movable base portion 120. Here, the movement-blocking portion 160 functions to prevent the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable base portion 120. As a result, the wheel cover body 122 is fixed to the movable base portion 120.

[0066] Attaching the wheel cover body 122 to the movable base portion 120 is easy. As shown in the first step St1 and second step St2 of Figure 15, the wheel cover body 122 is brought close to the movable base portion 120 from above, and the cover-side engaging portion 142 is hooked onto the base-side engaging portion 128 from above. The above engagement state is achieved simply by hooking it from above. In this engagement state, the wheel cover body 122 does not move in the front-back direction, downward direction, or left-right direction relative to the movable base portion 120. In other words, in this engagement state, the wheel cover body 122 can only move upward relative to the movable base portion 120. After that, the attachment is completed simply by activating the movement-blocking portion 160 (tightening the male screw 166) (third step St3).

[0067] As shown in the diagram of the second step, St2, the movable base portion 120 is not visible during installation, and the cover-side engaging portion 142 on the inside (back side) of the wheel cover body 122 is also not visible. However, since the engagement between the base-side engaging portion 128 and the cover-side engaging portion 142 is an insertion engagement from above and a tapered fit, the two can be easily engaged even if the positional relationship between the base-side engaging portion 128 and the cover-side engaging portion 142 is not strictly adjusted. Therefore, the wheel cover body 122 can be easily installed.

[0068] The form of the tapered fitting is not limited. It is sufficient if the tapered portion 152 on the cover side can be tapered-fitted to the tapered portion 140 on the base side from above.

[0069] The wheel cover body 122 can be removed by the reverse procedure shown in Figure 15. That is, after releasing the movement-blocking part 160, the wheel cover body 122 can be moved upward. In addition to this procedure, the procedure shown in Figure 16 may also be adopted as a more preferred method.

[0070] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the procedure for removing the wheel cover body from the movable base. In this procedure, the movement-blocking part 160 is released and the wheel cover body 122 is rotated 180° to invert it (first step StA). When the wheel cover body 122 is inverted (first step StA), the movable base 120 is also inverted. 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 downward, making it easy to release the engagement. At the moment the engagement is released, the movable base 120 returns to its original position by inverting due to its weight balance (see the movable base 120 shown in the third step StC of Figure 16). In the first step StA, when the wheel cover body 122 is rotated 180° and inverted, the plate portion 124 of the movable base portion 120 also inverts, but the weight 126 does not invert and remains hanging downwards. This shortens the distance from the rotation axis Z2 to the end of the weight 126. As a result, when moving the wheel cover body 122 downwards (second step StB), the weight 126 is less likely to hit the wheel cover body 122, making it easier to remove the wheel cover body 122. Combined with the above effect due to the weight of the wheel cover body 122, it is made easy to remove the wheel cover body 122 downwards.

[0071] Although Figures 15 and 16 show the left wheel cover body 122L, the method of attachment and detachment is the same for the right wheel cover body 122R. Attaching and detaching the wheel cover body 122 to the movable base portion 120 is easy.

[0072] In Figure 4, the double arrow D5 indicates the vertical gap between the lowest end of the movable base portion 120 and the wheel cover body 122. Distance D5 is measured in a reference state where the wheel cover 100 attached to the wheel W1 is stationary. When the engaged wheel cover body 122 is removed from the movable base portion 120, moving the wheel cover body 122 upward by a distance D5 relative to the movable base portion 120 causes the lower end of the movable base portion 120 to come into contact with the wheel cover body 122. In this embodiment, the lowest end of the movable base portion 120 is the lower end of the weight 126.

[0073] In Figure 2, the double arrow D6 indicates the insertion length of the base-side engaging portion 128 of the movable base portion 120 into the cover-side engaging portion 142 of the wheel cover body 122. The insertion length D6 is measured along the vertical direction. When the wheel cover body 122 is moved upward by a distance D6 or more relative to the movable base portion 120, the wheel cover body 122, which is engaged, can be released from the movable base portion 120. Note that the insertion length D6 is equal to the insertable length D7 of the cover-side insertion portion 144 (see Figure 7). The insertable length D7 is also measured along the vertical direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the distance D5 is greater than the insertion length D6. Therefore, when removing the wheel cover body 122 from the movable base portion 120, the wheel cover body 122 may detach from the base-side engagement portion 128 before it hits the lowest end of the movable base portion 120. Thus, the ease of attaching and detaching the wheel cover body 122 is enhanced.

[0075] Figure 17 is a process diagram showing the procedure for manufacturing the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R from the disc molded body 180M related to the wheel cover 100 of the first embodiment. The left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R are manufactured from a common disc molded body 180M.

[0076] The disc molded body 180M will be either a left-hand disc section 180L or a right-hand disc section 180R. If one of the two pilot holes 192 in the disc molded body 180M is drilled into a through hole 162, it will become a left-hand disc section 180L. If the other of the two pilot holes 192 in the disc molded body 180M is drilled into a through hole 162, it will become a right-hand disc section 180R. Whether it becomes a left-hand disc section 180L or a right-hand disc section 180R is determined by which of the two pilot holes 192 is drilled into a through hole 162. As shown in the middle section of Figure 17, the position of the rectifier section 170 differs by 180 degrees between the left-hand disc section 180L and the right-hand disc section 180R, while the position of the through hole 162 is the same. Note that drilling the through hole 162 is not mandatory. Instead of the pilot hole 192, two through holes 162 may be formed in the disc molded body 180M. Also, depending on the structure of the movement-retaining part 160, the through holes 162 may be unnecessary.

[0077] In the fabrication of the left wheel cover body 122L, the mounting member 182 is attached to the left disc portion 180L in the correct orientation. In the fabrication of the right wheel cover body 122R, the mounting member 182 is attached to the right disc portion 180R in the correct orientation. As shown in the lower part of Figure 17, the position of the rectifier portion 170 differs by 180 degrees between the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R, while the position and orientation of the mounting member 182 are the same.

[0078] As shown in the lower part of Figure 17, the orientation of the disc molded body 180M is inverted vertically between the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R. In other words, the orientation of the mounting member 182 relative to the disc molded body 180M is inverted vertically between the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R. By changing the orientation of the mounting member 182 by 180 degrees, the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R can be manufactured from a common disc molded body 180M.

[0079] As shown in the lower part of Figure 17, the mounting member 182 is fixed to the disc portion 180 in a first state J1 and a second state J2 which is the inverted version of the first state J1. The first state J1 refers to the state of the mounting member 182 in the left wheel cover body 122L. The second state J2 refers to the state of the mounting member 182 in the right wheel cover body 122R. When the mounting member 182 is fixed to the disc portion 180 in the first state J1, the left wheel cover body 122L is manufactured. When the mounting member 182 is fixed to the disc portion 180 in the second state J2, the right wheel cover body 122R is manufactured. The first state J1 and the second state J2 are related in that the mounting member 182 is inverted (rotated 180 degrees) relative to the disc portion 180. In the lower part of Figure 17, the mounting member 182 is shown in the same orientation, but the disc portion 180 is inverted (rotated 180 degrees). This means that if the disc portion 180 is oriented in the same direction (for example, with the rectifier portion 170 on the left), the mounting member 182 will be inverted vertically.

[0080] The engagement state of the mounting member 182 in the first state J1 is shown in Figure 2. The engagement state of the mounting member 182 in the second state J2 is shown in Figure 3. The disc portion 180 has an intersection point K1 with the rotation axis Z2 (see Figure 9). In the first state J1 and the second state J2, the mounting member 182 is fixed to the disc portion 180 while positioning is achieved by the positioning portion P1 (boss convex portion 190 and concave portion 220). A common positioning portion P1 is used in both the first state J1 and the second state J2. The intersection point K1 between the rotation axis Z2 and the disc portion 180 coincides between the engagement state of the mounting member 182 in the first state J1 (Figure 2) and the engagement state of the mounting member 182 in the second state J2 (Figure 3). Therefore, both the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R can function as wheel covers 100 that rotate around the rotation axis Z2. As a result, the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R can be manufactured using a common disc molded body 180M, and only one type of mold can be used to produce the disc portion 180.

[0081] In the process diagram of Figure 17, the mounting member 182 is attached after the through hole 162 is formed, but it is obvious that the through hole 162 may be formed after the mounting member 182 is attached. Although not shown, the markings 102 (see Figures 1(a) and 1(b)) may be formed on the outer surface of the disc molded body 180M after it has been determined whether it is the left disc portion 180L or the right disc portion 180R.

[0082] Figure 18 is a rear view of the disc molded body 180M, similar to Figure 10. Figure 19 is a rear view of the disc molded body 180M with the mounting member 182 for the first state J1 and the mounting member 182 for the second state J2 added as dashed lines (two-dot dashed lines).

[0083] In the disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180), the multiple positioning portions P1 overlap with the multiple positioning portions P1 before rotation when rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis Z2. The multiple (four) positioning portions P1 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line L1 extending vertically through the intersection point K1, and also symmetrically with respect to a straight line L2 extending horizontally through the intersection point K1. The four positioning portions P1 are positioned at each of the four corners of a rectangle 222 centered at the intersection point K1. Two sides of the rectangle 222 extend horizontally, and the other two sides extend vertically.

[0084] As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, the mounting member 182 can be easily and accurately positioned in either the first state J1 or the second state J2 using a common positioning part P1. In other words, the mounting member 182 is positioned in only two ways relative to the disc portion 180: the first state J1 and the second state J2. With this configuration, the mounting member 182 can be easily and accurately attached to the disc portion 180 even when it is inverted. Since the positioning part P1 is common to both the first state J1 and the second state J2, the structure of the disc portion 180 can be simplified, and easy and accurate assembly is possible.

[0085] As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the multiple positioning units P1 are arranged so that they overlap with the multiple positioning units P1 before rotation when rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis Z2. The position and number of positioning units P1 are not limited to the four locations in this embodiment. For example, in the third embodiment described later, there are two positioning units P1.

[0086] In the disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180), the multiple joints G1 overlap with the multiple joints G1 before rotation when rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis Z2. The multiple (four) joints G1 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line L1 extending vertically through the intersection point K1, and also symmetrically with respect to a straight line L2 extending horizontally through the intersection point K1. The four joints G1 are located at each of the four corners of a rectangle 222 centered at the intersection point K1.

[0087] As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, the mounting member 182 can be fixed in both the first state J1 and the second state J2 using a common connecting part G1. Therefore, the mounting member 182 can be easily and accurately attached to the disc portion 180 even when it is inverted. Since the connecting part G1 is common to both the first state J1 and the second state J2, the structure of the disc portion 180 can be simplified, and easy and accurate assembly is possible.

[0088] As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the multiple connecting parts G1 are arranged so that they overlap with the multiple connecting parts G1 before rotation when rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis Z2. The position and number of connecting parts G1 are not limited to the four locations in this embodiment. For example, in the third embodiment described later, there are two connecting parts G1.

[0089] In this embodiment, multiple connecting parts G1 and multiple positioning parts P1 are provided at the same location. Therefore, the shape of the molded disc body 180M can be simplified, and efficient and accurate assembly is possible.

[0090] In this embodiment, both the connecting portion G1 and the positioning portion P1 are provided, but the positioning portion P1 may be omitted, and only the connecting portion G1 may be provided. Even with only the connecting portion G1, by arranging the connecting portion G1 as described above, the mounting member 182 can be inverted to its upper limit and fixed in the correct position. By providing the positioning portion P1 in addition to the connecting portion G1, the positioning of the mounting member 182 relative to the disc portion 180 becomes easier, and the efficiency during assembly can be increased.

[0091] Figure 20(a) is a left side view of an automobile V1 in which the wheel cover 300 according to the second embodiment is attached to the wheel of tire T1. Figure 20(b) is a right side view of an automobile V1 in which the wheel cover 300 is attached to the wheel of tire T1. Although not shown, the wheel covers 300 are attached to all (four) tires T1. The wheel covers 300 are classified into a right wheel cover 300R attached to the right tire T1 and a left wheel cover 300L attached to the left tire T1. The left wheel cover 300L is shown in the left side view of Figure 20(a). The right wheel cover 300R is shown in the right side view of Figure 20(b). In this specification, the wheel cover 300 refers to parts common to both the left wheel cover 300L and the right wheel cover 300R. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for parts that are the same as or corresponding to parts in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0092] Unlike the wheel cover 100 described above, the wheel cover 300 of this embodiment does not have the through-hole 162 and male screw 166 that constitute the movement-blocking portion 160. In the wheel cover 300, the display 102 is fully displayed. In other words, in the wheel cover 300, no part of the display 102 is obscured by the through-hole 162 and male screw 166.

[0093] Figure 21 is a rear view of the left wheel cover 300L, seen from the inside. Figure 22 is a rear view of the right wheel cover 300R, seen from the inside. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 21. Figure 23 is also a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 22. That is, the cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 21 and the cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 22 are identical. In Figure 23, the wheel W1 to which the wheel cover 100 is attached is shown by a dashed line (two-dot dashed line). The wheel cover body 122 differs between the left wheel cover 300L and the right wheel cover 300R.

[0094] The wheel cover 300 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 standard state of the wheel cover 100 attached to the wheel W1 and stationary, the center of gravity of the movable side portion 106 is located directly below (downward in the vertical direction) the rotation axis Z1 of the wheel W1.

[0095] The fixed side portion 104 is the same for both the left wheel cover 300L and the right wheel cover 300R. On the other hand, the movable side portion 106 differs between the left wheel cover 300L and the right wheel cover 300R. In the left wheel cover 300L, the wheel cover body 122 of the movable side portion 106 is the left wheel cover body 122L. In the right wheel cover 300R, the wheel cover body 122 of the movable side portion 106 is the right wheel cover body 122R.

[0096] Figure 24 is a rear view of the left wheel cover body 122L seen from the inside, and Figure 25 is a rear view of the right wheel cover body 122R seen from the inside. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 24, and is also a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 25.

[0097] The wheel cover 300 has a movement-blocking portion 302 that prevents the wheel cover body 122 from moving upward relative to the movable base portion 120 and maintains the engaged state. However, the structure of the movement-blocking portion 302 is different from the movement-blocking portion 160 of the first embodiment described above. In the first embodiment, the movement-blocking portion 160 is a screw fastening mechanism. In contrast, in this embodiment, the movement-blocking portion 302 is a mechanism that engages the movable base portion 120 with an engaging projection 304 provided on the wheel cover body 122. In this embodiment, the movement-blocking portion 302 employs a mechanism that brings the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 into contact with the engaging projection 304 provided on the wheel cover body 122. As described above, the wheel cover 100 of the first embodiment has a through hole 162, but the wheel cover 300 of this embodiment does not have a through hole 162.

[0098] In the wheel cover body 122, the engaging projections 304 are provided in two locations. The engaging projections 304 include a left-side engaging projection 304L that abuts against the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 in the left-side wheel cover body 122L, and a right-side engaging projection 304R that abuts against the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 in the right-side wheel cover body 122R. The engaging projections 304 (left-side engaging projection 304L, right-side engaging projection 304R) are located on the vertical center plane CP1. In this embodiment, the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 is the lower end of the plate portion 124.

[0099] As shown in Figure 24, in the left wheel cover body 122L, the left engaging projection 304L is located below the rotation axis Z2, and the right engaging projection 304R is located above the rotation axis Z2. In the left wheel cover body 122L, the left engaging projection 304L functions as a movement-blocking part 302, while the right engaging projection 304R does not function as a movement-blocking part 302. As shown in Figure 25, in the right wheel cover body 122R, the right engaging projection 304R is located below the rotation axis Z2, and the left engaging projection 304L is located above the rotation axis Z2. In the right wheel cover body 122R, the right engaging projection 304R functions as a movement-blocking part 302, while the left engaging projection 304L does not function as a movement-blocking part 302. The left engaging projection 304L engages with the movable base part 120 in the engagement state of the mounting member 182 in the first state J1. The right-side engaging projection 304R engages with the movable-side base portion 120 in the engagement state of the mounting member 182 in the second state J2.

[0100] Figure 27 is a rear view of the disc molded body 180M. The disc molded body 180M is a molded product in the preliminary stage of the disc portion 180. The engaging projection 304 is integrally molded as part of the disc molded body 180M. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to form a through hole 162 in the disc molded body 180M. In this embodiment, the pilot hole 192 in the first embodiment is not provided. The arrangement of the boss projection 190 and the screw hole s1 is the same as in the first embodiment. The disc portion 180 is completed when the marking 102 is applied to the disc molded body 180M.

[0101] Figure 28 is a plan view of the mounting member 182 in this embodiment as seen from the disc portion side, and Figure 29 is a perspective view of the mounting member 182.

[0102] The mounting member 182 has an insertion width expanding surface 183 that partially expands the aforementioned front-rear width D4 (see Figure 9). The insertion width expanding surface 183 is formed by chamfering the corner of the inner edge 208 on the disc portion side. The insertion width expanding surface 183 is formed in the range from the intermediate position of the first extended portion 202 and the second extended portion 204 to the lower end. In the region where the insertion width expanding surface 183 is formed, the front-rear width of the gap 214 (see Figure 9) is expanded. The insertion width expanding surface 183 facilitates the insertion of the base-side engaging portion 128 (outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124) into the cover-side engaging portion 142 (recess 143) in the presence of the engaging projection 304.

[0103] Except for the presence or absence of the insertion width expansion surface 183, the mounting member 182 in this embodiment is the same as the mounting member 182 in the first embodiment.

[0104] As described above, the base-side engaging portion 128 (outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124) is inserted into the cover-side engaging portion 142 (cover-side insertion portion 144) which constitutes the recess 143 that opens downwards (see Figures 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8). The thickness D3 of the outer edge portion 130 (see Figure 6) is approximately the same as the front-rear width D4 (see Figure 9) of the recess 143 which constitutes the cover-side engaging portion 142 (cover-side insertion portion 144). However, in the portion where the insertion width expansion surface 183 is formed, the front-rear width of the recess 143 is expanded, and this insertion width expansion surface 183 is formed up to the lower end of the recess 143 (cover-side insertion portion 144). Therefore, the lower opening of the recess 143 is enlarged by the insertion width expansion surface 183, making it easier to start insertion into the recess 143.

[0105] Attaching the wheel cover body 122 to the movable base portion 120 is even easier compared to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, it is necessary to tighten the male screw 166 in the third step St3. However, in this embodiment, this is not necessary, and the cover-side engaging portion 142 is hooked onto the base-side engaging portion 128 from above. The movement-blocking portion 302 functions automatically simply by hooking it from above. That is, when the cover-side engaging portion 142 is hooked onto the base-side engaging portion 128 from above to form the above-mentioned engagement state, the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 comes into contact with the engaging projection 304 (see Figures 21 and 22), and the movement-blocking portion 302 functions.

[0106] Compared to the first embodiment, the wheel cover body 122 is even easier to remove in this embodiment. When removing the wheel cover body 122, the lower part of the wheel cover body 122 is pulled forward in the front-rear direction (see the black arrow in Figure 23) while the wheel cover body 122 is moved vertically. By pulling the lower part of the wheel cover body 122 forward in the front-rear direction, the disc portion 180 is elastically deformed, and the engagement between the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 and the engaging projection 304 is released. Thus, in this embodiment, the movement-blocking portion 302 is also easily released, and unlike in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to remove the male screw 166 when removing the wheel cover body 122.

[0107] The manner in which the engaging projection 304 engages with the movable base portion 120 is not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment. The engaging projection 304 may engage with a portion of the movable base portion 120 other than its lower edge. For example, the engaging projection 304 may engage with a recess provided at any location on the movable base portion 120.

[0108] Figure 30 is a process diagram showing the procedure for manufacturing the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R from the disc molded body 180M related to the wheel cover 300 of the second embodiment. The left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R are manufactured from a common disc molded body 180M.

[0109] As described above, the engaging projection 304 is integrally molded as part of the disc molded body 180M. The disc molded body 180M includes the engaging projection 304. That is, the disc molded body 180M includes a left-side engaging projection 304L and a right-side engaging projection 304R.

[0110] The disc molded body 180M is either a left disc section 180L or a right disc section 180R. In this embodiment, the left disc section 180L and the right disc section 180R are exactly the same. That is, the disc section 180 is common to both the left and right sides. In the middle section of Figure 30, the relationship between the left disc section 180L and the right disc section 180R is simply inverted vertically. Unlike the first embodiment, it is not necessary to drill through holes 162 in the disc molded body 180M. Unlike the first embodiment, it is not necessary to process (drill holes in) the disc molded body 180M separately for right and left use.

[0111] Next, the mounting member 182 is attached, and the wheel cover body 122 is completed. The only difference between the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R is the orientation of the mounting member 182. In the left wheel cover body 122L, the mounting member 182 is attached in the first state J1. In the right wheel cover body 122R, the mounting member 182 is attached in the second state J2.

[0112] In this second embodiment, the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R can be manufactured using a common disc molded body 180M, and only one type of mold is required to produce the disc portion 180. Furthermore, the disc portion 180 is common to both the left and right sides, and the left wheel cover body 122L and the right wheel cover body 122R can be manufactured simply by changing the orientation of the mounting member 182. In addition, the wheel cover body 122 can be easily attached to and removed from the movable base portion 120.

[0113] Figure 31 is a rear view of a modified disc portion 180 with a different configuration of the engaging projection 304. In this embodiment, the engaging projection 304 extends along a circle centered at intersection K1. This engaging projection 304 includes a left-side engaging projection 304L and a right-side engaging projection 304R. In this embodiment, the left-side engaging projection 304L and the right-side engaging projection 304R are connected. This engaging projection 304 extends over the entire circumferential direction, except for the portion where the rectifier 170 is provided. Such a circumferentially long engaging projection 304 also helps to increase the strength of the disc portion 180.

[0114] Figure 32 is a rear view of the disc portion 180 of another modified example in which the shape of the engaging projection 304 differs. In this embodiment, the engaging projection 304 is separated into a left engaging projection 304L and a right engaging projection 304R, which is the same as the embodiment in Figure 27. In this embodiment, each of the left engaging projection 304L and the right engaging projection 304R extends along a circle centered on the intersection K1. Such a shape is also possible for the engaging projection 304.

[0115] As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 23, the engaging projection 304 has a contact surface 306 that abuts against the movable base portion 120 (lower edge 121). The contact surface 306 is inclined so that it approaches the rotation axis Z2 as it moves towards the front side in the front-rear direction (towards the root side of the engaging projection 304). This inclination allows for easy and reliable contact between the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 and the contact surface 306 when attaching the wheel cover body 122 to the movable base portion 120. This inclination also facilitates the removal of the wheel cover body 122 from the movable base portion 120. As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 23, the lower edge 121 of the movable base portion 120 abuts against the root of the engaging projection 304 (the upper end of the contact surface 306).

[0116] In this embodiment, the front-to-back width D4 of the gap 214 (see Figure 9) is 4.5 mm, while the thickness D3 (see Figure 6) of the base-side engaging portion 128 (plate portion 124) inserted into the gap 214 is 4.0 mm. Thus, the front-to-back width D4 of the gap 214 is 0.5 mm greater than the thickness D3 (see Figure 6) of the base-side engaging portion 128 (plate portion 124). This difference (D4-D3) can be, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 0.5 mm. These dimensions can be set considering ease of insertion and reliability of the engagement state.

[0117] In Figure 32, the double arrow H1 indicates the radius of the disc portion 180. This radius is measured in the front or rear view of the wheel cover. In Figure 32, the double arrow H2 indicates the distance between the engaging projection 304 and the intersection K1. This distance H2 is measured along the vertical direction. This distance H2 is the distance between the portion of the engaging projection 304 that contacts the lower edge 121 and the intersection K1. As described above, when removing the wheel cover body 122, the disc portion 180 is elastically deformed to displace the engaging projection 304 forward. By increasing the distance H2, the force required for this elastic deformation can be reduced, and as a result, the removal of the wheel cover body 122 can be made easier. From this viewpoint, H2 / H1 is preferably 0.4 or more, more preferably 0.5 or more, and most preferably 0.6 or more. If H2 / H1 is too small, the release of the engaged state may become excessively easy. From the viewpoint of ensuring the maintenance of the engagement state, H2 / H1 is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.7 or less.

[0118] Figure 33 is a rear view of the wheel cover body 122 according to another modified example. In this modified example, a sliding projection 310 is provided on the inner surface of the disc portion 180. The sliding projection 310 extends in the vertical direction. The sliding projection 310 is located between the first extended portion 202 and the second extended portion 204 of the mounting member 182. The sliding projection 310 reduces the contact area between the inner surface of the disc portion 180 and the plate portion 124 when the plate portion 124 is slid into the gap 214, thereby facilitating smooth sliding insertion. The height of the sliding projection 310 can be set to, for example, about 0.2 mm (0.1 to 0.3 mm).

[0119] Figure 34 is a plan view of the mounting member according to the third embodiment, viewed from the side of the disc portion. Figure 35 is a rear view of the disc molded body according to the third embodiment. Figure 36 is a rear view of the wheel cover body according to the third embodiment.

[0120] In the third embodiment, there are two positioning parts P1. In the third embodiment, there are two connecting parts G1.

[0121] Multiple positioning sections P1 are formed between the disc portion 180 and the mounting member 182. These positioning sections P1 enable the positioning of the mounting member 182 relative to the disc portion 180. In this embodiment as well, the positioning section P1 is composed of the boss protrusions 190 of the disc portion 180 and the recesses 220 of the mounting member 182. Positioning by the positioning section P1 is achieved when all of the multiple (two) boss protrusions 190 engage (insert) into all of the multiple (two) recesses 220. After this positioning, each boss protrusion 190 is fastened with screws sc. The positioning section P1 also determines the orientation of the mounting member 182 relative to the disc portion 180. The positioning section P1 enables the mounting member 182 to be mounted in the correct orientation and position.

[0122] In this third embodiment as well, in the disc molded body 180M (disk portion 180), the multiple positioning portions P1 overlap with the multiple positioning portions P1 before rotation when rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis Z2. The multiple (two) positioning portions P1 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line L1 extending vertically through the intersection K1 as the axis of symmetry, and also symmetrically with respect to a straight line L2 extending horizontally through the intersection K1 as the axis of symmetry. The two positioning portions P1 are arranged on the straight line L2 extending horizontally through the intersection K1. The two positioning portions P1 are arranged to the left and right of the intersection K1, respectively, such that their distances from the intersection K1 are the same.

[0123] In this embodiment as well, the mounting member 182 can be easily and accurately positioned in either the first state J1 or the second state J2 using a common positioning part P1. In other words, the mounting member 182 is positioned in only two ways relative to the disc portion 180: the first state J1 and the second state J2. With this configuration, the mounting member 182 can be easily and accurately attached to the disc portion 180 even when it is inverted. Since the positioning part P1 is common to both the first state J1 and the second state J2, the structure of the disc portion 180 can be simplified, and assembly can be easily and accurately performed.

[0124] In this embodiment, the vertical distance X1 (see Figure 36) between the lowest connecting portion G1 (screw sc) and the lower end of the mounting member 182 can be increased. This makes it easier to (slightly) lift the lower end of the mounting member 182 from the disc portion 180 when inserting the base-side engaging portion 128 (outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124) into the cover-side engaging portion 142. As a result, insertion of the base-side engaging portion 128 (outer edge portion 130 of the plate portion 124) into the cover-side engaging portion 142 (recess portion 143) can be facilitated in the presence of the engaging projection 304.

[0125] Unless otherwise specified, in this specification, the upper, lower, left-right, up-down, front-rear, and horizontal directions are defined in the reference state in which the wheel covers 100 and 300 attached to the wheel W1 are 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 reference state, due to the balance of the center of gravity, the center of gravity of the movable side portion 106 is located directly below (downward in the vertical direction) the rotation axis Z2 of the movable side base portion 120. Unless otherwise specified, the configurations described in this specification are the configurations in this reference state. While the automobile V1 is in motion, some oscillation occurs in the wheel covers 100 and 300, but the reference state is substantially maintained.

[0126] The following notes constitute part of the invention included in this application. These notes represent the claim set at the time of filing. [Note 1] It comprises a fixed side portion that is fixed to the 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 the axis of rotation of the movable side relative to the fixed side. The movable side portion comprises a movable side base portion fixed to the bearing and a wheel cover body detachably attached to the movable side base portion. The movable base portion has a base-side engaging portion that engages with the wheel cover body, The wheel cover body has a disc portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a mounting member that is attached to the inner surface of the disc portion and has a cover-side engaging portion formed on the wheel cover body that engages with the movable-side base portion. The cover-side engaging portion is engaged with the base-side engaging portion, forming an engaged state. The mounting member is configured to be fixed to the disc portion in a first state and a second state which is the first state inverted vertically. A wheel cover in which the intersection point of the rotation axis of the movable side and the disc portion coincides between the engagement state of the mounting member in the first state and the engagement state of the mounting member in the second state. [Note 2] Multiple positioning parts are formed to achieve positioning between the disc portion and the mounting member, In the first and second states, the mounting member is fixed to the disc portion while positioning by the positioning portion is achieved. The wheel cover described in Appendix 1, wherein the same positioning portion is used in both the first state and the second state. [Note 3] The mounting member is fixed to the disc portion with screws. The wheel cover according to Appendix 2, wherein the positioning portion comprises a boss projection provided on the inner surface of the disc portion and having a screw hole into which the screw is threaded, and a recess provided on the mounting member that receives the boss projection. [Note 4] The wheel cover according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the engagement state is formed when the cover-side engagement portion is hooked onto the base-side engagement portion from above. [Note 5] The wheel cover according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the inner surface of the disc portion is provided with a left-side engaging projection that engages with the movable base portion in the engagement state of the mounting member in the first state, and a right-side engaging projection that engages with the movable base portion in the engagement state of the mounting member in the second state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 100... Wheel cover 100L...Left-side wheel cover 100R...Right-side wheel cover 102...display 104...Fixed side 106...Movable side 108...Wheel mounting section 110... Shaft 112... Mounting holes 120...Movable side base 122...Wheel cover body 122L...Left-side wheel cover body 122R...Right-side wheel cover body 124...Plate section 126... weight 128... Base-side engagement part 130...Outer edge of the plate section 132...Upper edge 134...first side edge 136...Second side edge 140...Base side tapered section 142...Cover-side engagement part 144...Cover side insertion part 146...Top 148...First side 150...Second side 152... Tapered section on the cover side 160...Movement prevention part 170... Rectifier section 180...Disk section 180M... Disc molded body 180L...Left-side disc section 180R... Right-hand disc section 182...Mounting parts 190...Boss protrusion 192...Pilot hole 196...Abutment surface 198...Back side 210...Step surface 212...lower surface 220···recess 300... Wheel cover 302...Movement prevention part 304...Engagement protrusion 304L...Left engagement protrusion 304R...Right engagement protrusion s1...Screw hole s2...Screw insertion hole h...screws V1... Automobile T1... Tires W1... Wheels B1, B2... Bearings P1...Positioning section G1...Joining part Z1... Wheel rotation axis Z2...Axis of rotation of the movable base relative to the fixed side. K1... The intersection of the axis of rotation of the movable base portion relative to the fixed portion and the disc portion.

Claims

1. It comprises a fixed side portion that is fixed to the 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 the axis of rotation of the movable side relative to the fixed side. The movable side portion comprises a movable side base portion fixed to the bearing and a wheel cover body detachably attached to the movable side base portion. The movable base portion has a base-side engaging portion that engages with the wheel cover body, The wheel cover body has a disc portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a mounting member that is attached to the inner surface of the disc portion and has a cover-side engaging portion formed on the wheel cover body that engages with the movable-side base portion. The shape of the aforementioned disc portion is asymmetrical, The cover-side engaging portion is engaged with the base-side engaging portion, forming an engaged state. The mounting member is configured to be fixed to the disc portion in a first state and a second state which is the first state inverted vertically. Between the engagement state of the mounting member in the first state and the engagement state of the mounting member in the second state, the intersection point of the rotation axis of the movable side and the disc portion coincides. A wheel cover provided on the inner surface of the disc portion, having a left-side engaging projection that engages with the movable base portion in the engagement state of the mounting member in the first state and does not engage with the movable base portion in the engagement state of the mounting member in the second state, and a right-side engaging projection that engages with the movable base portion in the engagement state of the mounting member in the second state and does not engage with the movable base portion in the engagement state of the mounting member in the first state.

2. Multiple positioning parts are formed to achieve positioning between the disc portion and the mounting member, In the first and second states, the mounting member is fixed to the disc portion while positioning by the positioning portion is achieved. The wheel cover according to claim 1, wherein the same positioning portion is used in both the first state and the second state.

3. The mounting member is fixed to the disc portion with screws. The wheel cover according to claim 2, wherein the positioning portion comprises a boss projection provided on the inner surface of the disc portion and having a screw hole into which the screw is threaded, and a recess provided on the mounting member for receiving the boss projection.

4. The wheel cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engagement state is formed when the cover-side engagement portion is hooked onto the base-side engagement portion from above.

5. The device comprises a fixed side portion that is fixed to the 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 the axis of rotation of the movable side relative to the fixed side. The movable side portion comprises a movable side base portion fixed to the bearing and a wheel cover body detachably attached to the movable side base portion. The movable base portion has a base-side engaging portion that engages with the wheel cover body, The wheel cover body has a disc portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a mounting member that is attached to the inner surface of the disc portion and has a cover-side engaging portion formed on the wheel cover body that engages with the movable-side base portion. The shape of the aforementioned disc portion is asymmetrical, The cover-side engaging portion is engaged with the base-side engaging portion, forming an engaged state. The mounting member is configured to be fixed to the disc portion in a first state and a second state which is the first state inverted vertically. Between the engagement state of the mounting member in the first state and the engagement state of the mounting member in the second state, the intersection point of the rotation axis of the movable side and the disc portion coincides. Multiple positioning parts are formed to achieve positioning between the disc portion and the mounting member, In the first and second states, the mounting member is fixed to the disc portion while positioning by the positioning portion is achieved. The same positioning unit is used in both the first and second states. The aforementioned mounting member has a taper that widens towards the bottom, defining a tapered space that opens downwards.

6. The mounting member is fixed to the disc portion with screws, The wheel cover according to claim 5, wherein the positioning portion comprises a boss projection provided on the inner surface of the disc portion and having a screw hole into which the screw is threaded, and a recess provided on the mounting member that receives the boss projection.

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