Vehicle wheel structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicular wheel structure that can prevent air from outflowing from inside to outside of a wheel.SOLUTION: In a vehicular wheel structure 10, a wheel fitting member 13 comprises: a cylindrical main body part 131 that is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of an annular rim 112 forming a wheel 11 and supporting a tire 12 on an outer peripheral surface thereof; a pair of fins 132 and 133 extended along an axial direction DL of the main body part 131 and arranged in parallel along a circumferential direction of the main body part 131, on the inner peripheral surface of the main body part 131; and a damming part 134 extended, along the circumferential direction of the main body part 131, on the inner peripheral surface of the main body part 131 so as to dam air flowing along the axial direction DL, in a state where the wheel fitting member 13 is fitted to the wheel 11 and is rotated together with the wheel 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle wheel structure. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a vehicle wheel and a vehicle tire (hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle wheel and the like") disclosed in Patent Document 1 are known. In conventional vehicle wheels and the like, a plurality of fins extending over substantially the entire width direction of the rim are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rim so as to be inclined with respect to the width direction of the rim. This allows air to flow from the inner side toward the outer side of the wheel. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-196005 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a traveling vehicle, that is, reducing the air resistance acting on the traveling vehicle, is important for improving the fuel efficiency or power consumption of the vehicle. In a traveling vehicle, usually, a side flow where air flows from the front to the rear in the front-rear direction along the side surface of the vehicle occurs, and the air that has entered under the vehicle body flows out from the inner side toward the outer side of the wheel. Meanwhile, the air flowing out from the inner side toward the outer side of the wheel disturbs the side flow, and as a result, the disturbance of the side flow may cause an increase in air resistance. Therefore, suppressing the outflow of air from the inner side toward the outer side of the wheel is essential for reducing air resistance.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle wheel structure capable of suppressing the outflow of air from the inner side toward the outer side of the wheel. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The wheel structure for a vehicle according to this disclosure comprises a wheel to be assembled to a vehicle and a wheel mounting member to be mounted on the wheel, wherein the wheel mounting member comprises a main body fixed to the inner circumferential surface of an annular rim that forms a wheel and supports a tire on its outer circumferential surface, a pair of fins extending along the axial direction of the main body and arranged in parallel along the circumferential direction of the main body on the inner circumferential surface of the main body, and a dam extending along the circumferential direction of the main body on the inner circumferential surface of the main body so as to block air flowing along the axial direction when the wheel mounting member is mounted on the wheel and rotating with the wheel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the wheel mounting member can suppress the outflow of air from the inside to the outside of the wheel by a pair of fins and a weir. As a result, the vehicle wheel structure can suppress the disturbance of the side flow by the air flowing out from the inside to the outside of the wheel. Therefore, the vehicle wheel structure can suppress the increase in air resistance acting on a moving vehicle, and as a result, can contribute to improving the fuel efficiency and electric power consumption of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating the vehicle wheel structure of an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a vehicle wheel. [Figure 3] This is a front view illustrating the wheel. [Figure 4] This is a rear view illustrating the wheel. [Figure 5] This is a front view illustrating the wheel mounting component. [Figure 6] This is a rear view illustrating the wheel mounting component. [Figure 7]This is a front view illustrating the mounting state of the wheel mounting component. [Figure 8] This is a rear view illustrating the mounting state of the wheel mounting component. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the airflow when the wheel mounting components are not installed. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of fins and weir sections on the wheel mounting component. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the air being drawn up and outward by the wheel mounting components. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the upward movement and backward outflow of air caused by the wheel mounting components. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the wheel mounting member of the first modified example. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the wheel mounting member of the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In addition to the embodiments described below, this disclosure can be implemented in various forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0010] 1. Embodiment As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of this embodiment includes a wheel 11 that constitutes a vehicle wheel. The wheel 11 supports a tire 12 and is assembled to the vehicle. The vehicle wheel structure 10 of this embodiment also includes a wheel mounting member 13 that is attached to the wheel 11. Hereinafter, the vehicle wheel structure 10 described below is illustrated as being applied to a drive wheel. It goes without saying that although the vehicle wheel structure 10 is illustrated as being applied to a drive wheel, it is also possible to apply the vehicle wheel structure 10 to a driven wheel.

[0011] Herein, when the wheel 11 is assembled to a vehicle, the side where the vehicle body Bo (refer to Fig. 2) is located relative to the wheel 11 is defined as "inner side", and the opposite side where the vehicle body Bo is not located is defined as "outer side". In the following description, a direction DL parallel to the rotation axis L passing through the center of the wheel including the wheel 11 and the wheel mounting member 13 is referred to as "axial direction DL". In the following description, a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis L is referred to as "radial direction". Further, in the following description, a direction along the front-rear direction of the vehicle is referred to as "front-rear direction".

[0012] The wheel 11 is made of an alloy such as aluminum or steel, and comprises a disk 111 formed in a disc shape, and a rim 112 annularly provided on an outer circumference of the disk 111 and holding a tire 12 on an outer circumferential surface. In the present embodiment, an example is illustrated where the wheel 11 is made of an alloy such as aluminum, and is a one-piece type in which the disk 111 and the rim 112 are integrally formed as shown in Fig. 2.

[0013] As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the disk 111 has a hub hole 113 formed to extend along the rotation axis L and penetrate through a central portion 111C of the disk 111. Herein, a protrusion is formed on the hub hole 113 along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface, and for example, the hub hole 113 can function as a hole for mounting an ornament provided on the wheel 11, or when a wheel cover (not shown) is mounted, can function as a hole for fixing the wheel cover by engaging a claw member provided on the wheel cover with the protrusion.

[0014] Further, on the inner side, the disk 111 has a hub mounting portion 114 that is fixed to the hub H by a fastening member T such as a hub nut or a hub bolt when the wheel 11 is assembled to the vehicle. The hub mounting portion 114 is provided in the central portion 111C of the disk 111.

[0015] Further, the disc 111 includes spokes 115 that connect the hub mounting portion 114 and the rim 112. In the present embodiment, an example is illustrated in which the disc 111, that is, the wheel 11, includes five spokes 115 extending radially from the hub mounting portion 114 toward the rim 112 in the radial direction.

[0016] Further, the disc 111 has air holes 116 formed between adjacent spokes 115. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, an example is illustrated in which the disc 111 includes five air holes 116 defined by two spokes 115, the hub mounting portion 114, and the rim 112. Note that, depending on the arrangement and shape of the spokes 115, the air holes 116 may be defined by, for example, two spokes 115 and the rim 112, or may be defined by two spokes 115 and the hub mounting portion 114.

[0017] Here, as shown in Figure 2, a disc brake Br is provided inside the wheel 11, more specifically, inside the hub H connected to the hub mounting portion 114. The disc brake Br includes a brake rotating body Br1 that rotates integrally with the wheel 11, and a caliper Br2 that presses a friction member against the brake rotating body Br1. Note that, although the case where the disc brake Br is provided is illustrated in the present embodiment, a drum brake may be provided instead.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wheel mounting member 13 constituting the vehicle wheel structure 10 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rim 112 of the wheel 11 and mounted to the wheel 11. The wheel mounting member 13 includes a main body portion 131, a fin 132, a fin 133, and a weir portion 134. Here, the wheel mounting member 13 is molded using, for example, a resin material.

[0019] In this embodiment, the main body 131 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to be inserted into the rim 112 of the wheel 11 and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rim 112. The length of the main body 131 in the axial direction DL is set so as to roughly coincide with the width of the rim 112 (see Figure 2). Here, the outer circumferential surface of the main body 131 is formed to correspond, for example, to a step formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rim 112. As a result, the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted by the engagement of the step provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rim 112 with the outer circumferential surface of the main body 131.

[0020] Fins 132 and 133 are arranged in parallel along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the main body 131, forming a pair. Furthermore, fins 132 and 133 extend along the axial direction DL of the main body 131. The extension of fins 132 and 133 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The weir 134 extends along the circumferential direction of the main body 131 to the inner surface so as to block the air flowing through the inside of the rim 112 along the axial direction DL when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotating together with the wheel 11. In this embodiment, the weir 134 extends along the circumferential direction so as to connect the pair of fins 132 and fins 133 to each other, more specifically, so as to connect the respective ends of the pair of fins 132 and fins 133 on the vehicle's inner side. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the weir 134 in this embodiment extends so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction DL and the extension direction DW.

[0022] In this embodiment, five structures S, each consisting of a pair of fins 132 and fin 133 and a weir 134, are provided along the circumferential direction of the main body 131, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. That is, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the same number of structures S as the five air holes 116 provided in the disc 111 of the wheel 11 are provided. However, the number of structures S consisting of a pair of fins 132 and fin 133 and a weir 134 is not limited to this, and it is possible to provide more structures S than the number of air holes 116, or fewer structures S than the number of air holes 116.

[0023] As described above, in the vehicle wheel structure 10 of this embodiment, the wheel mounting member 13 has the same number of structural elements S as the number of air vents 116. As a result, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11, the structural elements S can be arranged to correspond to each air vent 116.

[0024] Specifically, when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11, the weir portion 134 is positioned circumferentially offset from the air vent 116. The pair of fins 132 and 133, whose inner ends are connected by the weir portion 134, are positioned so that their outer ends coincide with the air vent 116. As a result, the vehicle wheel structure 10 can allow air that has flowed into the rim 112 to flow out of the vehicle through the structure S and the air vent 116. The outflow of air from the structure S toward the outside of the vehicle will be described below.

[0025] When the vehicle is in motion, as shown in Figure 9, air entering from the front in the longitudinal direction under the floor of the vehicle body Bo is compressed between it and the road surface R, and a portion of it flows from the inside to the outside of the wheel. Also, as mentioned above, the brake rotating body Br1 of the disc brake Br is positioned inside the wheel 11. As a result, the air that flows under the floor of the vehicle body and flows from the inside to the outside of the wheel must pass vertically below the brake rotating body Br1, and therefore most of it flows vertically downward through the inside of the rim 112.

[0026] In this case, for a wheel 11 without a wheel mounting member 13, as shown by the thick solid arrow in Figure 9, air flowing from the inside outwards downwards in the vertical direction of the rim 112 passes forcefully through the air vent 116, and the passed air flows along the sidewall 121 of the tire 12. Furthermore, when the vehicle is in motion, the tire 12 pushes the air on the road surface to the left and right, which can cause a horseshoe-shaped vortex (a so-called horseshoe vortex) to form, as shown by the thick solid arrow in Figure 9. In this case, the air that passes through the air vent 116 and flows along the sidewall 121 of the tire 12 may exacerbate the horseshoe vortex.

[0027] In this case, the horseshoe vortex, which is amplified by the air flowing out through the air vent 116, may increase air resistance by interfering with the side flow SF (see Figure 12) flowing along the side of the moving vehicle. Therefore, in order to suppress the amplified horseshoe vortex, it is necessary to reduce the amount of air that flows out forcefully through the air vent 116 downwards in the vertical direction of the rim 112.

[0028] Therefore, when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotating with the wheel 11, the pair of fins 132 and fin 133 and the weir 134, i.e., the structure S, scoop up the air so that the air that flows into the interior of the rim 112 from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle at the vertical downward position of the rim 112 flows out to the outside of the vehicle at the rear of the wheel 11, which is further in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than the air inlet position P (see Figures 11 and 12). Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the structure S is provided in correspondence with the air holes 116 provided in the disc 111.

[0029] Therefore, the structure S, consisting of a pair of fins 132 and 133 and a weir 134, causes the scooped-up air to flow out of the vehicle through a ventilation hole 116 that has moved with the rotation of the wheel 11 to be located behind the inlet position P. In this way, the wheel mounting member 13 causes air to flow out behind the wheel 11, thereby reducing the amount of air that flows out forcefully through the ventilation hole 116 downwards in the vertical direction of the rim 112, and as a result, the formation of horseshoe vortices can be suppressed.

[0030] By the way, for the structure S to allow air to flow out through the air vent 116 behind the wheel 11, the structure S, which rotates with the wheel 11, needs to guide the air to the rear in the front-rear direction of the air inlet position P. In other words, when the fins 132 and 133 are extended from the weir section 134 to the main body section 131, the extension needs to be such that, with the wheel mounting member 13 attached to the wheel 11, the air vent 116 located behind the lower inlet position P in the vertical direction of the rim 112 becomes the position from which air flows out.

[0031] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the extension direction DS1 of the fin 132, whose inner end is connected to the weir section 134 having an extension direction DW perpendicular to the axial direction DL, has an angle θ1 such that it is inclined toward the rotation direction of the main body section 131 (wheel 11) with respect to the axial direction DL. Similarly, the extension direction DS2 of the fin 133, whose inner end is connected to the weir section 134 having an extension direction DW perpendicular to the axial direction DL, has an angle θ2 such that it is inclined toward the rotation direction of the main body section 131 (wheel 11) with respect to the axial direction DL. In this embodiment, we illustrate the case where a pair of fins 132 and fin 133 are extended along the axial direction DL so that they are parallel to each other. Therefore, in the following description, we illustrate the case where angles θ1 and θ2 are the same angle θ. It goes without saying that angles θ1 and θ2 can be set to be different.

[0032] As described above, the angles θ (angles θ1 and θ2) are set according to the position that causes air flowing into the rim 112 of the wheel 11 from the inside of the vehicle outwards in the circumferential direction of the wheel 11, when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotating with the wheel 11, to flow outwards in the circumferential direction of the wheel 11, i.e., according to the air vent 116. In other words, the angle θ is set to a larger value the further the position of the air vent 116, which allows air surrounded by the structure S to flow out, is from the inflow position P, or in other words, the further the position of the weir 134 is shifted relative to the air vent 116.

[0033] By the way, in order to allow the air enclosed by the structure S to flow outwards, it is necessary to apply pressure to the air. As described above, the wheel mounting member 13 can scoop up the air that has flowed into the rim 112 of the wheel 11 through the structure S, so the scooped-up air rotates together with the wheel 11 and the wheel mounting member 13. As a result, centrifugal force acts on the scooped-up air, and it is compressed between the inner circumferential surface of the main body 131. This generates pressure in the air rotating inside the main body 131 due to compression.

[0034] In this case, when pressure is generated due to compression of the air surrounded by the structure S, it receives a reaction force from the weir 134, and is guided by the pair of fins 132 and 133 towards the air vent 116 and flows outward. Here, the centrifugal force acting on the air that has flowed into the wheel 11, i.e., the wheel mounting member 13, increases as the rotational speed and diameter of the churned-up air increase. And the greater the centrifugal force, the greater the pressure generated in the air, which allows it to be guided by the pair of fins 132 and 133 and flow to the air vent 116, which is far from the inflow position P.

[0035] Therefore, the angle θ is set according to the rotational speed of the wheel mounting member 13, which generates pressure that causes air to flow outwards from the vehicle due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotates together with the wheel 11. In other words, the angle θ can be set to a larger value as the rotational speed of the wheel 11 corresponding to the vehicle speed at which it is desired to reduce the air resistance acting on the moving vehicle increases. This makes it possible to move the position of the air outlet 116 that allows air to flow out from the structure S away from the inlet position P, thereby suppressing the promotion of horseshoe vortices.

[0036] Furthermore, as described above, the angle θ is set according to the size of the inner diameter of the wheel mounting member 13 (main body 131), which generates pressure that causes air to flow outwards from the vehicle due to the centrifugal force generated as the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotates with the wheel 11. In other words, the angle θ can be set to a larger value, for example, as the inner diameter of the wheel mounting member 13 increases when mounted on a large-diameter wheel 11. This makes it possible to move the position of the air outlet 116, which allows air surrounded by the structure S to flow out, away from the inlet position P, thereby suppressing the promotion of horseshoe vortex formation.

[0037] As described above, the vehicle wheel structure 10, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, first, at the inflow position P, the weir 134 of the structure S primarily blocks the inflow of air IF1 from inside the vehicle. When the angle θ is large, for example, in addition to the weir 134, the fins 133 also block the inflow of air IF1. As a result, the inflow IF2 of air that is not blocked by the weir 134 passes through the air vent 116 and becomes the outflow DF3 to the outside of the vehicle. Here, the outflow DF3 is caused by the inflow IF2, which is part of the air flowing in at the inflow position P. However, the inflow IF1, which accounts for the majority of the air flowing in at the inflow position P, is blocked by the weir 134 (and fins 133). Furthermore, much of the inflow IF2 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the main body 131 (wheel 11) and scraped up as it passes through the inside of the main body 131 (wheel 11) due to the rotational motion of the wheel 11 in the direction of rotation. Consequently, the outflow DF3 is less than when the wheel mounting member 13 is not installed, and the formation of horseshoe vortices is suppressed.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown by the dots in Figures 11 and 12, the air surrounded by the structure S at the inlet position P is churned up as the wheel 11 and wheel mounting member 13 rotate, and moves to the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the wheel 11. In this way, as the air surrounded by the structure S moves with rotation, pressure is generated in the air due to the action of centrifugal force. As a result, the air that has moved to the rear of the wheel 11 becomes the outflow DF1 and outflow DF2 to the outside of the vehicle through the air vent 116, as shown in Figure 11. In addition, as shown in Figure 12, the outflow DF1 and outflow DF2 flow towards the rear in the longitudinal direction, following the side flow SF.

[0039] As can be understood from the above description, the vehicle wheel structure 10 of the embodiment comprises a wheel 11 to be assembled to a vehicle and a wheel mounting member 13 to be mounted on the wheel 11. The wheel mounting member 13 comprises a main body portion 131 fixed to the inner circumferential surface of an annular rim 112 that forms the wheel 11 and supports the tire 12 on its outer circumferential surface, a pair of fins 132 and 133 extending along the axial direction DL of the main body portion 131 and arranged in parallel along the circumferential direction of the main body portion 131 on the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 131, and a dam portion 134 extending along the circumferential direction of the main body portion 131 on the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 131 so as to block air flowing along the axial direction DL when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotating with the wheel 11. In this case, the wheel mounting member 13 is molded using a resin material.

[0040] In this case, the weir section 134 extends along the circumferential direction of the main body section 131 so as to connect the pair of fins 132 and fins 133 to each other. In this case, the weir section 134 extends so as to connect the respective ends of the pair of fins 132 and fins 133 on the vehicle side.

[0041] In this case, the weir section 134 is extended such that the axial direction DL and the extension direction DW of the weir section 134 are perpendicular to each other.

[0042] In this case, the extension directions DS1 and DS2 of the fins 132 and 133, respectively, have angles θ1 and θ2 such that they are inclined toward the rotational direction of the main body 131 with respect to the axial direction DL of the main body 131. In this case, angles θ1 and θ2 are set according to the position of the air vent 116, which allows air flowing into the rim 112 of the wheel 11 from the inside of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle, to flow outwards in the circumferential direction of the wheel 11 when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotating with the wheel 11. In this case, angles θ1 and θ2 are set according to the rotational speed of the wheel mounting member 13, which generates pressure that causes air to flow outwards due to the centrifugal force generated with rotation. In this case, angles θ1 and θ2 are set according to the size of the inner diameter of the wheel mounting member 13, which generates pressure that causes air to flow outwards due to the centrifugal force generated with rotation.

[0043] In this case, the pair of fins 132 and 133 are extended along the axial direction DL such that their respective extension directions DS1 and DS2 are parallel to each other.

[0044] Furthermore, in these cases, when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotating together with the wheel 11, the pair of fins 132 and fins 133 and the weir 134 scoop up the air that has flowed into the interior of the rim 112 from the inside of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle at the vertical downward position of the rim 112, and causes it to flow out of the vehicle at the rear of the wheel 11, which is further forward and backward than the air inlet position P. In this case, the pair of fins 132 and fins 133 and the weir 134 are provided in correspondence with the air holes 116 provided in the disc-shaped disk 111 that forms the wheel 11, and the scooped-up air flows out of the vehicle through the air holes 116.

[0045] According to the vehicle wheel structure 10, the wheel mounting member 13, with its pair of fins 132 and fins 133 and weir 134, can suppress the outflow of air from the inside to the outside of the wheel 11. As a result, the vehicle wheel structure 10 can suppress the outflow DF3, which is the air flowing out from the inside to the outside of the wheel 11, from disturbing the side flow SF. Therefore, the vehicle wheel structure 10 can suppress the increase in air resistance acting on a moving vehicle, and as a result, can contribute to improving the vehicle's fuel efficiency and electric power consumption.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vehicle wheel structure 10, the wheel mounting member 13 is formed as a separate component from a resin material different from the wheel 11. In the vehicle wheel structure 10, the wheel mounting member 13 is attached to the wheel 11 by inserting it from the inside to the outside of the wheel 11 and fixing it to the inner circumferential surface of the rim 112. This makes it possible to manufacture a wheel mounting member 13 having a pair of fins 132 and fins 133 and a weir portion 134, that is, a structure S, at low cost, and also suppresses an increase in the manufacturing cost of the wheel 11 because there is no need to provide a fixing member to fix the wheel mounting member 13 to the wheel 11.

[0047] 2. First variation In the embodiments described above, the case in which the respective extension directions DS1 and DS2 of the pair of fins 132 and fin 133 are parallel to each other was illustrated. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the case in which the respective shapes of the pair of fins 132 and fin 133 are linear was illustrated.

[0048] Incidentally, the shape of the pair of fins 132 and 133 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 131 is not limited to a straight shape, and as shown in Figure 13, the shape of the pair of fins 135 and 136 may be curved. In this case, both the pair of fins 135 and 136 may be curved, or one of the pair of fins 135 and 136 may be a straight shape as illustrated in the above embodiment and the other may be curved. Also, in this case, as shown in Figure 13, both the pair of fins 135 and 136 may be curved shapes parallel to each other.

[0049] In other words, in the first modified example, at least one of the pair of fins 135 and 136 is curved and extends along the axial direction DL. In the first modified example, as in the embodiment described above, the wheel mounting member 13, with the pair of fins 135 and 136 and the weir 134, can scoop up the air that has flowed into the rim 112 and allow the scooped-up air to flow out at the rear of the wheel 11. Therefore, in the first modified example as well, the outflow of air from the inside to the outside of the wheel 11 can be suppressed, and the same effect as in the embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0050] 3. Second variation In the embodiments described above, the case in which the respective extension directions DS1 and DS2 of the pair of fins 132 and fin 133 are parallel to each other was illustrated. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the case in which the respective shapes of the pair of fins 132 and fin 133 are linear was illustrated.

[0051] Incidentally, the shape of the pair of fins 132 and 133 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 131 is not limited to a straight shape parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 14, the shapes of the pair of fins 137 and 138 may not be parallel to each other, that is, they may be curved shapes in which the respective extension directions of the pair of fins 137 and 138 intersect. In this case, since the shapes of the pair of fins 137 and 138 are curved shapes that are not parallel to each other, for example, the spacing W1 between the fins 137 and 138 along the circumferential direction on the outer side can be made smaller than the spacing W1 between the fins 137 and 138 along the circumferential direction on the weir side, i.e., the inner side. In other words, in this case, the respective extension directions of the pair of fins 137 and 138 intersect on the outer side of the vehicle.

[0052] As a result, when centrifugal force acts on the air surrounded by the structure S, which consists of a pair of fins 137 and 138 and a weir 134, the pressure generated in the surrounded air can be increased more quickly by narrowing the gap W2 on the side from which the air flows out. Therefore, in the case of the second modification, the air surrounded by the structure S can be guided and discharged by the pair of fins 137 and 138 to the wind vent 116, which is further away from the inlet position P.

[0053] Furthermore, in the second modified example, similar to the embodiment described above, the wheel mounting member 13, with its pair of fins 137 and 138 and weir 134, can scoop up the air that has flowed into the rim 112 and allow the scooped-up air to flow out from the rear of the wheel 11. Therefore, in the second modified example as well, the outflow of air from the inside to the outside of the wheel 11 can be suppressed, and the same effect as in the embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0054] 4. Other variations In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the weir portion 134 connects the inner ends of a pair of fins 132 and fin 133. In the above-described modifications, examples were given in which the weir portion 134 connects the inner ends of a pair of fins 135 and fin 136, and which connects the inner ends of a pair of fins 137 and fin 138. In other words, in the above-described embodiment and each of its modifications, an example was given in which the weir portion 134 is positioned at the inner end of the main body portion 131 (rim 112).

[0055] Incidentally, the arrangement of the weir 134 is not limited to being positioned at the inner ends of the pair of fins 132 and fins 133, that is, at the inner ends of the main body 131. For example, it can also be positioned in the central part of the pair of fins 132 and fins 133, that is, in the central part along the axial direction DL of the main body 131. In this case as well, the weir 134 can block air flowing along the axial direction DL, that is, air flowing from the inside out or from the outside in, when the wheel mounting member 13 is mounted on the wheel 11 and rotating with the wheel 11. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and its various modifications can be obtained.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which five weir sections 134 are provided at equal intervals around the main body 131 so as to connect a pair of fins 132 and fins 133. However, the weir sections 134 are not limited to being provided at equal intervals around the main body 131; for example, they can be provided in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the main body 131. In this case, adjacent structures S are also connected by the weir sections 134, so in particular, air flowing from the inside to the outside can be effectively blocked. Therefore, in this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment and its various modifications can be obtained.

[0057] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, the case in which the weir 134 connects a pair of fins 132 and fins 133, etc., was illustrated. However, the weir 134 does not necessarily need to connect a pair of fins 132 and fins 133, etc. For example, the weir 134 may be provided without being connected between a pair of fins 132 and fins 133, etc., or it may be provided to be connected to only one of the pair of fins 132 and fins 133, etc. In this case as well, the weir 134 can block the air flowing along the axial direction DL, so the same effects as in the embodiments and modifications described above can be obtained.

[0058] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, the case in which the weir 134 extends so that the axial direction DL and the extension direction DW of the weir 134 are perpendicular to each other was illustrated. However, the arrangement of the weir 134 is not limited to the case in which the axial direction DL and the extension direction DW are perpendicular to each other; for example, the weir 134 may be arranged so that the axial direction DL and the extension direction DW are at an acute or obtuse angle. Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, the case in which the weir 134 is provided in a straight line was illustrated. However, the shape of the weir 134 is not limited to a straight line; for example, it may be arc-shaped (curved). In these cases as well, the weir 134 can block the air flowing along the axial direction DL, so the same effects as in the embodiments and modifications described above can be obtained.

[0059] Furthermore, in the embodiments and variations described above, examples were given in which a pair of fins 132 and fins 133, etc., are parallel, curved, or intersecting, and the same structure S is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 131. However, if necessary, it is also possible to provide, for example, a pair of fins 132 and fins 133, etc., with different shapes, as structures S are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 131.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the case in which the wheel mounting member 13 has a pair of fins 132 and fins 133 was illustrated, and in the modified examples described above, the cases in which the wheel mounting member 13 has a pair of fins 135 and fins 136 and a pair of fins 137 and fins 138 were illustrated. However, it is also possible for the wheel mounting member 13 to have only one of the pair of fins 132 and fins 133, one of the pair of fins 135 and fins 136, and one of the pair of fins 137 and fins 138.

[0061] In this case, it is preferable that the wheel mounting member 13, as a structure S, has fins 132, 135, and 137 that are located on the rear side in the rotational direction of the wheel mounting member 13 mounted on the wheel 11, together with the weir portion 134. Furthermore, it is preferable that the wheel mounting member 13 has fins 132, 135, and 137 that are located on the rear side in the rotational direction of the wheel mounting member 13 mounted on the wheel 11, together with the weir portion 134 that is provided annularly along the circumferential direction of the main body portion 131. In this way, even if there is only one fin 132, fin 135, and fin 137, air can be scooped up, so the same effects as the embodiments and their variations described above can be obtained.

[0062] Furthermore, in the embodiments and variations described above, the case in which the main body 131 of the wheel mounting member 13 is a single cylindrical shape was illustrated. However, it is also possible to construct the main body 131 by dividing it along the axial direction DL. In this case, the cylindrical main body 131 can be constructed by fixing each divided member to the inner circumferential surface of the annular rim 112.

[0063] Herein, the first embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of the present disclosure comprises a wheel to be assembled to a vehicle and a wheel mounting member to be mounted on the wheel, wherein the wheel mounting member comprises a main body fixed to the inner circumferential surface of an annular rim that forms a wheel and supports a tire on its outer circumferential surface, a pair of fins extending along the axial direction of the main body and arranged in parallel along the circumferential direction of the main body on the inner circumferential surface of the main body, and a dam extending along the circumferential direction of the main body on the inner circumferential surface of the main body so as to block air flowing along the axial direction when the wheel mounting member is mounted on the wheel and rotating with the wheel.

[0064] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the fins are arranged in parallel along the circumferential direction of the main body so as to form pairs, compared to the first embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure.

[0065] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the weir portion extends along the circumferential direction of the main body portion so as to connect a pair of fins, in the vehicle wheel structure of the second embodiment.

[0066] Furthermore, the fourth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure is the third embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure, wherein the weir portion extends to connect the respective ends of the pair of fins on the vehicle's inward side.

[0067] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the weir portion is extended such that the axial direction and the extension direction of the weir portion are perpendicular to each other in any one of the vehicle wheel structures of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0068] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of the present disclosure, in any one of the vehicle wheel structures of the first to fifth embodiments, the direction in which the fins extend is angled such that it is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the main body toward the rotational direction of the main body.

[0069] Furthermore, the seventh embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure is configured such that, in the sixth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure, the angle is set according to a position that causes air flowing into the rim of the wheel from the inside of the vehicle outwards in the circumferential direction of the wheel, when the wheel mounting member is mounted on the wheel and rotating with the wheel.

[0070] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the angle is set according to the rotational speed of the wheel mounting member, which generates pressure that causes air to flow out of the vehicle due to the centrifugal force generated as it rotates, in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure.

[0071] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the angle is set according to the size of the inner diameter of the wheel mounting member that generates pressure that causes air to flow out of the vehicle due to the centrifugal force generated as it rotates, in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure.

[0072] Furthermore, in the tenth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of the present disclosure, in any one of the vehicle wheel structures of the second to ninth embodiments, a pair of fins are extended along the axial direction such that the respective extension directions of each fin are parallel to each other.

[0073] Furthermore, the eleventh embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of the present disclosure is a vehicle wheel structure of any one of the second to ninth embodiments wherein at least one of a pair of fins extends axially in a curved manner.

[0074] Furthermore, in the twelfth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of the present disclosure, in any one of the second to ninth embodiments of the vehicle wheel structure, the respective extension directions of the pair of fins are intersecting and extend along the axial direction.

[0075] Furthermore, in the thirteenth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the respective extension directions intersect on the outer side of the vehicle, as in the twelfth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure.

[0076] Furthermore, in the fourteenth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of the present disclosure, in any one of the vehicle wheel structures of the first to thirteenth embodiments, when the wheel mounting member is mounted on the wheel and rotating with the wheel, a pair of fins and a weir scoop up the air so that air that has flowed into the interior of the rim from the inside of the vehicle outwards at a vertical downward position of the rim is discharged outwards at the rear of the wheel, which is further forward and backward in the vehicle than the air inlet position.

[0077] Furthermore, the fifteenth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure is the vehicle wheel structure of the fourteenth embodiment, wherein a pair of fins and a weir are provided corresponding to air holes provided in the disc-shaped disc forming the wheel, and the air that is drawn up is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the air holes.

[0078] Furthermore, in the sixteenth embodiment of the vehicle wheel structure of this disclosure, the wheel mounting member is molded using a resin material in any one of the vehicle wheel structures of the first to fifteenth embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 10...Vehicle wheel structure, 11...Wheel, 111...Disc, 111C...Center part, 112...Rim, 113...Hub hole, 114...Hub mounting part, 115...Spoke, 116...Air vent, 12...Tire, 121...Sidewall, 13...Wheel mounting member, 131...Main body part, 132...Fin, 133...Fin, 134...Weir part, 135...Fin, 136...Fin, 137...Fin, 138...Fin, DS1, DS2...Extension direction, DW...Extension direction, DL...Axial direction, θ1, θ2, θ...Angle, S...Structure, P...Inlet position, SF...Side flow, IF1, IF2...Inlet, DF1, DF2, DF3...Outlet, T...Fastening member.

Claims

1. Wheels that are mounted on the vehicle, The wheel mounting member is attached to the wheel, The wheel mounting member is The main body portion is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the annular rim that forms the wheel and supports the tire on its outer circumferential surface, On the inner circumferential surface of the main body, a fin extending along the axial direction of the main body is provided, A vehicle wheel structure comprising: a weir extending from the inner surface of the main body along the circumferential direction of the main body so as to block air flowing along the axial direction when the wheel mounting member is mounted on the wheel and rotating together with the wheel.

2. The aforementioned fin, The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein the wheels are arranged in parallel along the circumferential direction of the main body so as to form a pair.

3. The aforementioned weir section, The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 2, wherein a pair of fins are extended along the circumferential direction of the main body so as to connect the two fins.

4. The aforementioned weir section, The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 3, further comprising an extension connecting the respective inner ends of a pair of fins on the vehicle side.

5. The aforementioned weir section, The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein the axial direction and the extension direction of the weir are perpendicular to each other.

6. The direction in which the fin extends is, The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, wherein the wheel has an angle such that it is inclined toward the rotational direction of the main body with respect to the axial direction of the main body.

7. The aforementioned angle is, In the state in which the wheel mounting member is attached to the wheel and rotates together with the wheel, The wheel structure for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the position is set according to the position at which air flowing into the rim of the wheel from the inside of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle is discharged toward the outside of the vehicle in the circumferential direction of the wheel.

8. The aforementioned angle is, The wheel structure for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the rotational speed of the wheel mounting member is set according to the rotational speed of the wheel mounting member that generates pressure to cause the air to flow out of the vehicle due to the centrifugal force generated as it rotates.

9. The aforementioned angle is, The wheel structure for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the inner diameter of the wheel mounting member is set according to the size of the inner diameter of the wheel mounting member that generates pressure to cause the air to flow out of the vehicle due to the centrifugal force generated as it rotates.

10. The respective extension directions in which the pair of fins are extended are The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 2, which extends along the axial direction so as to be parallel to each other.

11. At least one of the pair of fins is The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 2, which extends along the axial direction in a curved manner.

12. The respective extension directions in which the pair of fins are extended are The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 2, which extends along the axial direction so as to intersect with the axial direction.

13. Each of the aforementioned extension directions is The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 12, which intersects on the outer side of the vehicle.

14. In the state in which the wheel mounting member is attached to the wheel and rotates together with the wheel, A wheel structure for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a pair of fins and a weir scoop up the air that has flowed into the interior of the rim from the inside of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle at a point below the vertical direction of the rim, and causes the air to flow out of the vehicle toward the rear of the wheel, which is further in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than the point of air inflow.

15. The pair of fins and the weir section are The vehicle wheel structure according to claim 14, which is provided in correspondence with air holes provided in a disc-shaped disc that forms the wheel, and which causes the air that has been drawn up to flow out to the outside of the vehicle through the air holes.

16. The wheel mounting member is A vehicle wheel structure according to claim 1, molded using a resin material.

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