Dust hub cap

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dust hub cap (2) for a rim (4) of a vehicle wheel, comprising means for directing air (10) arranged in a circle around a common central area, which extend toward the central area; a hollow-shaped filter (20) arranged in the central area such that the means for directing air (10) converge toward the side perimeter of the filter (20); and an air outlet (30) that is in communication with the inner hollow of the filter (20), the air outlet (30) serving to allow the filtered air to exit the hub cap (2). The hub cap (2) may be couplable to the rim (4), or it can be at least partially built into the rim (4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Dust-proof hubcaps

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicles, and more specifically to the field of hubcaps for vehicle wheels.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the case of vehicles with disc brake systems, dust is generated during braking from the friction material of the disc brake pads.

[0007] It is a problem of great impact, since a large proportion of vehicles use this braking system, and therefore the amount of PM.10 particles (<10 microns) emitted by the brakes is enormous. This emission of PM.10 particles poses a problem for the health of people (and animals), as these particles are especially harmful to the respiratory system. Furthermore, the pollution generated by brake dust is also significant, since it is made up of resins, binders, semi-metallic components, graphite, etc., which are emitted into the environment, subsequently deposited on roadsides and finally washed by rain into riverbeds, where they contaminate the water and harm the animals that live there and the following links in the food chain.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention solves the problems of dust generated during vehicle braking, originating from the friction material of disc brake pads.

[0010] To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention provides a dust cap for a vehicle wheel rim, as described in claim 1.

[0011] For clarification: A wheel rim includes an outer portion housing a tire and a connecting bracket that connects the rim to the vehicle's hub. The hubcap spatially defines a rim side, which faces the rim connecting bracket when the hubcap is installed on the rim, and a view side opposite the rim side.

[0012] Specifically, the dust cover of the present invention comprises:

[0013] - air directing elements arranged in a circle around a common central area, extending towards the central area;

[0014] - a hollow-shaped filter, arranged in the central area so that the air guides converge towards the lateral perimeter of the filter, the filter being responsible for capturing brake dust and receiving the filtered air in its inner cavity; and

[0015] - an air outlet, which is in communication with the inner cavity of the filter.

[0016] The hubcap may be attachable to the rim by means of a coupling means, or be at least partially integrated into the rim.

[0017] Air ducts collect airflow from the vehicle, brake dust from the vehicle's braking system, and redirect the airflow, along with the brake dust, to the centerline. The filter captures the brake dust and receives the filtered air in its interior cavity. The air outlet allows filtered air to escape to the outside of the hubcap.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0019] Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprise" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. Furthermore, the word "comprises" includes the case of "consists of." For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be apparent in part from the description and in part from the practice of the invention. The following examples are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention covers all possible combinations of embodiments indicated herein.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following figures, where the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0022] Figure 1 includes two drawings (Figures 1a and 1b) showing a dust cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dust cap shown in Figure 1 is adapted to be mounted on a right-hand wheel rim of a vehicle. Figure 1a shows a front perspective view. Figure 1b shows a rear perspective view.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the dust cap of Figure 1 mounted on a right-hand wheel rim of a vehicle.

[0024] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 without representing the wheel tire, so that the rim can be seen.

[0025] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the dust cover in Figure 3.

[0026] Figure 5 includes two drawings (Figure 5a and Figure 5b) showing an intermediate piece of the dust cover of Figure 4. Figure 5a shows a front perspective view. Figure 4b shows a rear perspective view.

[0027] Figure 6 shows a filter of the dust cover of Figure 4.

[0028] Figure 7 includes two drawings (Figure 7a and Figure 7b) showing a nut cap of the dust cap of Figure 4, for attaching the cap to the rim. Figure 7a shows a front perspective view. Figure 7b shows a rear perspective view.

[0029] Figure 8 includes two drawings (Figure 8a and Figure 8b) showing an outer cover of the dust cover of Figure 4. Figure 8a shows a front perspective view. Figure 8b shows a rear perspective view.

[0030] Figures 9a - 9e show the operating principle of a hubcap located on a rim, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present invention discloses an anti-dust hubcap (2) for a vehicle wheel rim (4), which allows the capture of dust generated during braking of a vehicle, originating from the friction material of the disc brake pads.

[0033] As is known in the art, in general, a rim (4) includes two parts: - A cylindrical outer part (4a) in which a tire (6) is housed.

[0034] - An inner part responsible for making the rim (4) integral with the vehicle's hub. The inner part helps resist the stresses to which the rim (4) is subjected and keeps the outer part at a uniform distance from the hub.

[0035] In this document, the inner part of the rim (4) is referred to as the “connector support” (4b). The tire (6) and the aforementioned parts of the rim (4) can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.

[0036] In order to explain more clearly some technical characteristics of the invention, two spatial reference areas are set out below. Specifically, the hubcap (2) spatially defines a “rim side” (identified in Figures 1a and 1b as LL, by way of explanatory example) and a “view side” (identified in Figures 1a and 1b as LV, by way of explanatory example). The rim side is intended to face the connecting support (4b) of the rim (4) when the hubcap (2) is located on the rim (4). The view side is the side opposite the rim side, and is intended to be visible when the hubcap (2) is located on the rim (4).

[0037] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 4, the hubcap (2) of the present invention comprises:

[0038] - air directors (10) arranged in a circle around a common central area so that they extend towards the central area;

[0039] - a hollow-shaped filter (20), preferably of hollow cylindrical shape, which is arranged in the central area such that the air directing elements (10) converge towards the lateral perimeter of the filter (20); and

[0040] - an air outlet (30), which is in communication with an interior cavity of the filter (20).

[0041] For clarification purposes, in this document, the term "lateral perimeter of the filter" is to be understood as the outer surface of the filter between its ends. Figure 6 includes references PL and E to visually show, by way of explanatory example, the arrangement of the lateral perimeter and ends of the filter, respectively, according to the preferred embodiment shown in this figure.

[0042] The hubcap (2) can be coupled on the rim side to the rim (4) by means of a coupling means, or it can be integrated into the rim (4), at least partially.

[0043] According to the preferred embodiment, the hubcap (2) is arranged coaxially with the vehicle wheel, as shown in Figure 2; that is, the axis of revolution of the hubcap (XT) coincides with the axis of revolution of the wheel (XR). In Figures 1 to 4, the reference XT is included on a dashed line to visually show, by way of explanatory example, the arrangement of the axis of revolution of the hubcap, according to the preferred embodiment shown in these figures, which in this case is a central axis. In Figure 2, the reference XR is included under a dashed line to visually show, by way of explanatory example, the arrangement of the axis of revolution of the wheel, according to the preferred embodiment shown in this figure.

[0044] The air directors (10) are responsible for the following functions: Receiving air flow in which the vehicle is immersed, receiving brake dust from the vehicle's braking system, and redirecting the air flow together with the brake dust towards the central area of ​​the hubcap.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the air directors (10) are angularly spaced apart from each other, preferably at regular intervals (i.e. equidistant from each other), as shown in Figure 8b. The angular arrangement of the air directors (10) at regular intervals ensures that the air flow towards the central area of ​​the hubcap is as uniform as possible.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the air directors (10) are arranged on a single base, preferably circular, such that the air directors (10) protrude from the base in the direction of the rim side of the hubcap, as can be seen in Figures 1a, 1b, 3, 4, 8a and 8b. In this document, this base is called “base for directors” (32) in order to clearly differentiate it from other bases. The air directors (10) can be fixed to the base for directors (32) by a fixing means, for example, by adhesive, welding, tongue and groove, clipping, etc., or they can be integrated into the base for directors (32) forming a single body.

[0047] Preferably, the base for addressers (32) comprises a central opening in its central area, which forms the air outlet (30) on the visible side of the hubcap, as shown in Figures 1a, 2, 3, 4, 8a and 8b, such that the filtered air that is in the inner cavity of the filter (20) can exit to the outside of the hubcap (2), preferably, in an axial direction. Preferably, the central opening is smaller than or equal to the inner contour of the filter (20) (for clarification, this means, for example, that in a particular case in which the filter (20) is hollow cylindrical, the central opening is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the filter). Preferably, the central opening of the base for addressers (32) is circular.According to the preferred embodiment, the base for addressers (32) and its central opening are circular and concentric with each other; preferably, the central opening has a diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the filter (20).

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, the air outlet (30) is formed by several openings; for example, several openings arranged in a circle around the axis of revolution of the hubcap (XT). Preferably, the openings are arranged in the base for the steering column (32), on the visible side of the hubcap.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the base for addressers (32) and the air addressers (10) form an outer cover (40), as shown in Figures 4 and 8. Preferably, the outer cover (40) is circular, in which the base for addressers (32) is circular. Preferably, the outer diameter of the outer cover (40) is less than or equal to the diameter of the rim (4), and greater than the outer lateral contour of the filter (20) (for clarification, this means, for example, that in a particular case in which the filter is hollow cylindrical, the outer diameter of the outer cover (40) is greater than the outer diameter of the filter).

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer cover (40) of the hubcap (2) is joined to an intermediate piece (50) carrying the filter (20) which will be detailed later.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the air guides (10) are blades, preferably in the form of a board, plank, or similar, flat or curved. For reference purposes, each blade spatially defines a zone called the "front portion," which is the portion of the blade that is located forward in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle on which the hubcap is mounted. This involves the following:

[0052] - In the case of a hubcap intended to be mounted on a wheel rim on the right side of the vehicle, such as the hubcap in figures 1 to 9, the “front part” (identified in figure 1 b as PD, as an explanatory example) is the part of the blade that is located in the front in an anti-clockwise direction, observing the blade from the rim side.

[0053] - In the case of a hubcap intended to be mounted on a wheel rim on the left side of the vehicle, the “front” is the part of the blade that is located forward in a clockwise direction, observing the blade from the rim side.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the blades, at least their respective front parts, are curved longitudinally, preferably in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle on which the hubcap is mounted, the blades visually running from the central area towards the perimeter of the hubcap (2). This involves the following:

[0055] - In the case of a hubcap intended to be mounted on a wheel rim on the right side of the vehicle, such as the hubcap in figures 1 to 9, the blades, at least their respective front parts, are curved counterclockwise, observing the blades from the rim side and visually scanning the blades from the central area towards the perimeter of the hubcap (2), as shown in figures 1 by 8b.

[0056] - In the case of a hubcap intended to be mounted on a wheel rim on the left side of the vehicle, the blades, at least their respective front parts, are curved clockwise, observing the blades from the rim side and visually scanning the blades from the central area towards the perimeter of the hubcap (2).

[0057] The curved shape of the blade increases the flow of outside air towards the filter (20). Thanks to the curved shape of the blade, the air director (10) accelerates the air flowing towards the filter (20); and, consequently, the air flow reaching the filter (20) is greater and has more speed, thereby increasing the possibility that the filter (20) retains the dirt particles that the air flow may carry. Preferably, the blades, at least their respective front parts, are curved longitudinally in the form of a circular arc.

[0058] The hubcap (2) can have different configurations with respect to the number of air directing elements (10), giving rise to different particular embodiments. The optimal number of air directing elements (10) depends on various factors, such as, for example, the rim size. The optimal number is that which allows the maximum flow of air towards the central area. This is determined, for example, by the space between two successive air directing elements (10), which cannot be too small to prevent the entry of air, nor too large to prevent sufficient flow from being redirected towards the central area. For standard automotive rim sizes, the optimal number is between 8 and 12 air directing elements (10).

[0059] The optimum size of the air guiders (10) depends on several factors, such as, for example, the diameter of the rim, diameter of the filter, etc. The optimum thickness of the air guiders (10) depends on several factors; for example, the thickness of the blades will be sufficient to withstand the stresses derived from the air flow and the weight of the assembly, and not so great as to add much weight to the assembly or reduce the air flow.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the air directors (10) are made of polymeric material, due to the following advantages:

[0061] - Low density, low weight.

[0062] - Easy to mold, and therefore, the possibility of manufacturing an infinite number of geometries. Waterproof and corrosion-resistant, allowing the hubcap to be exposed to adverse weather conditions, such as water, snow, salt spray, etc.

[0063] Low manufacturing cost.

[0064] The filter (20) is the component of the hubcap (2) responsible for capturing the dust generated during braking, which is suspended in the air flowing towards it, and for receiving the filtered air in its interior cavity. According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the filtering is carried out in a direction perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the wheel (XR). The filter (20) has a hollow shape, that is, the body of the filter (20) has the shape of a hollow closed profile, for example, in the form of a hollow cylinder, hollow prism, etc. Preferably, the filter (20) has the shape of a hollow cylinder, as shown in Figures 4 and 6. Preferably, the filter (20) is arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of revolution of the wheel (XR). The cylindrical shape makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the filter (20) that can be used in the hubcap and to maximize the efficiency of the filtering.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the hubcap (2) comprises an intermediate piece (50) that carries the filter (20). The intermediate piece (50) adds robustness to the assembly, serves as a fastener for the filter (20) and as a connection between the outer cover (40) and the vehicle hub. The intermediate piece (50) is arranged between the outer cover (40) and the rim (4).

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate piece (50) comprises a base, preferably of a circular shape, as shown in Figures 4, 5a and 5b. In this document, this base is called “intermediate piece base” (52) in order to clearly differentiate it from other bases. According to the preferred embodiment, the filter (20) is limited at one of its ends (specifically, its end located towards the rim side of the hubcap) by the intermediate piece base (52); and is open, at least partially, at the opposite end (specifically, its end located towards the visible side of the hubcap); such that the air outlet (30) of the hubcap (2) is formed in the open end of the filter (20) itself.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate piece (50) comprises a filter support (54), which starts from the base of the intermediate piece (52) and projects therefrom in an axial direction, preferably towards the visible side of the hubcap, as shown in Figures 4, 5a and 5b. The filter support (54) has a hollow shape, i.e. the body of the support is in the form of a hollow closed profile, for example, in the form of a hollow cylinder, hollow prism, etc. Preferably, the filter support (54) is in the form of a hollow cylinder. The filter support (54) has through holes (i.e. holes passing through the wall of the filter), which allow the passage of air into the interior cavity of the filter support (54). According to a preferred embodiment, the base of the intermediate piece (52) is larger than the filter support (54), so that it protrudes forming an overhang around the filter support (54).

[0068] As shown in Figures 4 and 5a, according to a preferred embodiment: The intermediate piece base (52) is a circular disc and the filter support (54) is in the form of a ring. Both are arranged coaxially with each other. The intermediate piece base (52) has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the filter support (54). Consequently, the intermediate piece base (52) projects radially from the filter support (54) in the form of a cap, called the intermediate piece cap.

[0069] Optionally, the intermediate piece base (52) may have radial projections (56) that protrude around it in a radial direction. These radial projections (56) allow the intermediate base (52) to be supported on the rim (4) in those cases in which the main body of the intermediate piece base (52) cannot do so by itself, for example, because the coupling area of ​​the rim (4) is not flat, as can be seen in Figure 4. For clarification purposes, the main body of the intermediate piece base is defined as the part from which the radial projections (56) protrude. According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate piece base (52) has protruding beams that protrude radially in the manner of spokes, preferably equidistant from each other, as shown in Figures 4, 5a and 5b.

[0070] Below are some examples of how to fix the filter (20) to the intermediate piece (50):

[0071] - According to a particular embodiment, the filter (20) is a strip that is wrapped around the filter support (54) and one end of the filter (20) is joined to the other, for example, by clipping both ends.

[0072] - According to another particular embodiment, the filter (20) is fixed by means of adhesive.

[0073] - According to another particular embodiment, the filter (20) is fixed by mechanical fixing. The filter (20) can be fixed between the filter support (54), the intermediate piece base (52) and the base for addressers (32); for example, by means of rods arranged perpendicular to the intermediate piece base (52) (parallel to the wheel axis), which when rotated fix the filter (20) to the filter support (54).

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer cover (40) of the hubcap (2) is joined to the intermediate piece (50), preferably, by means of a detachable connection, for example, by clipping.

[0075] Preferably, the connection between the outer cover (40) and the intermediate piece (50) is made by means of a clipping system with two clips (62), as shown in figure 4, and is explained below: The clips (62) start from the base for addressers (32) and protrude axially from it towards the intermediate piece (50). The clips (62) are hooked into respective clipping holes (64) made in the base of the intermediate piece (52). For example, each clip (62) is hooked into the corresponding clipping hole (64) by means of a tab that protrudes transversely from the longitudinal body of the clip (62) in an extreme area.

[0076] Preferably, the clips (62) are arranged in a circle around the axis of revolution of the hubcap (XT). As shown in Figures 4, 8a and 8b, according to a preferred embodiment, the clips (62) start from the contour of the circular central opening of the base for addressers (32). As shown in Figures 4, 5a and 5b, according to a preferred embodiment, in which the intermediate piece (50) comprises two holes for fixing to the rim (70), the clipping holes (64) are preferably arranged in respective angular zones defined between successive holes for fixing to the rim (70).

[0077] Thanks to the fact that the outer cover (40) is coupled to the intermediate piece (50) by means of a detachable joint, the outer cover (40) is interchangeable. That is, the same outer cover (40) can be used for rims of different configurations (for example, in vehicles with 5, 6 or any number of fixing nuts (8) of the rim, regardless of the size), since the anchoring to the vehicle's hub depends on the intermediate piece (50) and not on the outer cover (40). As for the capacity of the outer cover (40) to be mounted on any rim, preferably, other additional issues are taken into consideration:

[0078] - The outer diameter of the outer cap (40) cannot exceed the diameter of the rim (4).

[0079] - Whatever the geometry of the rim (4), it must be ensured that the hubcap (2) does not extend beyond the body on the transverse axis of the vehicle.

[0080] With respect to the number of clips (62) and clipping holes (64), there may be different configurations, giving rise to different particular embodiments. The optimal number of clips (62) and clipping holes (64) depends on various factors, such as, for example, the configuration of the rim (4). For example, according to a particular embodiment, in which the intermediate piece (50) comprises several holes for fixing to the rim (70), the number of clips (62) of the outer cover (40) is equal to the number of said holes. The clipping system of the outer cover (40) to the intermediate piece (50) is sufficiently robust to keep the assembly securely fixed.

[0081] Preferably, the base for addressers (32) is made of a lightweight material (so as not to add too much weight) and mechanically resistant (to withstand its own weight and the stresses derived from the air flow), for example, of plastic material, in which case, the base for addressers (32) can be manufactured by injection molding. It is also possible to manufacture the base for addressers (32) of another material that meets the technical requirements mentioned above.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the addressers, the addresser base (32) and the clips (62) of the outer cover (40) are made of the same material, preferably of a polymeric material, for example, plastic.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the hubcap (2) can be coupled on the rim side to the rim (4) by means of a coupling means, for example, by screws, the page, by pressure, etc.

[0084] Preferably, the hubcap (2) is coupled to the rim (4) in a removably manner. More preferably, the means for coupling the hubcap (2) to the rim (4) comprises:

[0085] - One or several holes for fixing to the rim (70), preferably circular, made in the base of the intermediate piece (52). The holes for fixing to the rim (70) are arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of the respective fixing nuts (8) of the rim (these nuts fix the rim to the hub of the vehicle). As shown in Figure 4, according to the preferred embodiment, several holes for fixing to the rim (70) are arranged in a circle to axially correspond with respective fixing nuts (8) of the rim.

[0086] - One or several nut covers (72) intended to be arranged on one or several fixing nuts (8) of the rim, respectively. Preferably, as shown in Figures 7a and 7b, each nut cover (72) comprises: a nut cover main body (74), with an inner hollow, in which the inner hollow has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the respective fixing nut (8) of the rim (in Figure 7b, the inner hollow has a prismatic shape); and a part that protrudes transversely from the main body in the form of a cap, called the nut cover cap (76).The outer contour of the main body is smaller than the respective rim fixing hole (70) so that it can pass through said hole; the outer contour of the nut cover cap (76) is larger than the respective rim fixing hole (70) so that it cannot pass through said rim fixing hole (i.e., it stops therefrom). Each nut cover (72) is fixed by pressure to the respective fixing nut (8) of the rim (tight fit between the inner hollow of the nut cover (72) and the outer shape of the nut), so that the intermediate piece (50) is arranged between the nut cover (72) and the respective fixing nut (8) of the rim. The pressure between the nut cap(s) (72) and the rim fixing nut(s) is sufficiently large to support the weight of the assembly and keep the hub cap (2) securely attached to the rim (4) while driving.

[0087] Preferably, the hole or holes for fixing to the rim (70) have a respective widening at one of their ends, specifically at their end located towards the visible side of the hubcap. The widening constitutes a housing cavity, preferably of circular section. Each housing cavity allows the housing of the cap of a nut cover.

[0088] Optionally, the intermediate piece base (52) may have one or more axial projections (58), preferably tubular, which protrude from it in an axial direction on the rim side. Each axial projection (58) is arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of a respective hole for fixing to the rim (70), such that it is crossed by said hole. The function of the axial projection or projections (58) is, mainly, to add robustness to the coupling between the hubcap (2) and the rim (4); and, in addition, it can serve as a guide to couple the hubcap (2) to the rim (4).

[0089] The person skilled in the art will understand that the explained means of coupling the hubcap (2) to the rim (4) also serves for cases in which the rims are fixed to the respective hubs of the vehicle by means of screws with a polygonal head, taking into consideration that the polygonal head acts as a nut.

[0090] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 9, the filter (20) is removable from the intermediate piece (50), the outer cover (40) is removable from the intermediate piece (50), and the intermediate piece (50) is removable from the rim (4).

[0091] The replacement of a component may be necessary for various reasons. For example, it could happen that the filter (20) does not filter correctly because it is saturated, defective, deteriorated, because it has reached the end of its useful life, etc. Both the outer cover (40) and the intermediate piece (50) are designed not to suffer wear and, in general, their replacement is not necessary, unless there is damage due to breakage due to blows, or any other mishap. It could happen that the anchoring of the intermediate piece (50) to the rim (4) or that of the outer cover (40) to the intermediate piece (50) deteriorates with use (which affects, for example, the appearance of play), and it is necessary to replace one or more nut covers (72), the intermediate piece (50) or the outer cover (40), depending on which component is failing.It could also happen that a rim fixing hole (70) or a clipping hole (64) were damaged and did not allow the intermediate piece (50) to be properly fixed to the rim (4) or the outer cover (40) to the intermediate piece (50), respectively. The fact that different components of the present invention are removably joined implies beneficial circumstances, for example, the ease of replacing one or several parts of the hubcap (2), without having to discard the hubcap completely. For example, in the event that it is only the filter (20) that no longer works properly: Since the filter (20) is removable, it would not be necessary to completely change the intermediate piece (50) but only the filter (20); specifically, it would be necessary to dismantle the outer cover (40) and the filter (20), and subsequently, mount a new filter (or the same filter, once cleaned) and the outer cover (40).In the event that the filter (20) is in good condition and works properly, but some part of the intermediate piece (50) has deteriorated or broken: Since the filter (20) is removable, it could continue to be used and only the intermediate piece (50) would have to be changed.

[0092] The particular nature of this preferred embodiment, in which the filter (20) is removable from the intermediate piece (50), the outer cover (40) is removable from the intermediate piece (50), and the intermediate piece (50) is removable from the wheel rim (4), entails several advantages. Some of them are summarized below:

[0093] - Easier assembly and disassembly.

[0094] - Lower cost.

[0095] - Easier disposal of filters to be changed.

[0096] - Longer market reach as a replacement product.

[0097] - More standard product, greater applicability in different models.

[0098] - Possibility of decorative customization to the user's taste (since in addition to the functions described in this document, the hubcap is also a visual product that forms part of the vehicle's aesthetics).

[0099] The operating principle of a hubcap (2) according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, located on a wheel rim (4), is explained below with reference to Figures 9a - 9e (for reasons of clarity, the outer cap (40) is not shown in Figures 9b, 9c and 9d):

[0100] 1) As shown in Figure 9a: As the vehicle moves forward, the wheel rotates and, consequently, the hubcap (2) also rotates. The air flow in which the vehicle itself is immersed is directed towards the hubcap (2). Specifically, thanks to the forward movement of the vehicle, an air flow is produced in the opposite direction to that of forward movement (in Figures 9a - 9e, the reference AV is included on a black arrow, to indicate the forward movement of the vehicle). The air flow enters the air directors (10) mainly through the periphery, and the air directors (10) redirect this flow in a centripetal direction, that is, towards the central area of ​​the hubcap. In Figures 9a and 9b, this air flow is represented by an arrow filled with longitudinal lines.

[0101] 2) As shown in Figure 9b: During the transit of the air flow towards the central area of ​​the hubcap, the air flow “collects” the brake dust coming from the vehicle's braking system. For example, in the case of braking by means of a disc brake system, the air flow “collects” the brake dust coming from the brake pad in contact with the disc. According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the brake dust coming from the braking system is directed towards the hubcap (2) in an axial direction. In Figure 9b, the brake dust is represented by an arrow filled with black dots (this arrow is partially hidden by the rim (4) due to the particular perspective of the figure).

[0102] 3) As shown in Figure 9c: The air / brake dust mixture is directed towards the filter (20) located in the central area of ​​the hubcap. In Figure 9c, the air / brake dust mixture is represented by a black arrow pointing towards the filter (20).

[0103] 4) As shown in Figure 9d: The dusty air flow enters the filter (20). The filter (20) retains the brake dust particles, cleaning the air, and receives the filtered air in its interior cavity. In Figure 9d, the filtered air is represented by a white arrow in the central area of ​​the hubcap.

[0104] 5) As shown in Figure 9e: The filtered air is returned to the outside through the air outlet (30) of the hubcap (2). According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the filtered air exits the hubcap (2) axially through the circular central opening of the base for addressors (32).

[0105] Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular options and embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art may make modifications and variations to the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0106] For example, the air directors (10) may be of another type, such as, for example, ducts. According to a particular embodiment, the air directors (10) are ducts of constant or variable section, for example, ducts with variable width in the direction of their longitudinal axis. According to a more particular embodiment, the air directors (10) are ducts of open section, for example, II profiles, arranged such that the respective wings are directed towards the rim side of the hubcap. For the purpose of clarification, as is known in the art, wing is to be understood as a part of the profile that protrudes from the web, the web being the core of the profile that joins the wings.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Dust-proof hubcap (2) for a vehicle wheel rim (4), the rim (4) including an outer part (4a) in which a tire (6) is housed, and a connecting support (4b) responsible for making the rim (4) integral with the vehicle's hub, the hubcap (2) spatially defining a rim side, which faces the connecting support (4b) of the rim (4) when the hubcap (2) is located on the rim (4), and a view side opposite the rim side, the hubcap (2) being characterized in that it comprises: - air directors (10) arranged in a circle around a common central area, extending towards the central area, the air directors (10) being responsible for receiving air flow in which the vehicle is immersed, receiving brake dust from a braking system of the vehicle, and redirecting the air flow together with the brake dust towards the central area; - a hollow-shaped filter (20), arranged in the central area so that the air directing elements (10) converge towards the lateral perimeter of the filter (20), the filter (20) being responsible for capturing the brake dust and receiving the filtered air in its inner cavity; and - an air outlet (30), which is in communication with the inner cavity of the filter (20), the air outlet (30) being responsible for allowing the filtered air to escape to the outside of the hubcap (2); the hubcap (2) being able to be coupled to the rim (4) by means of a coupling means, or being at least partially integrated into the rim (4). 2- Hubcap (2) according to claim 1, wherein the air directors (10) are angularly separated from each other at regular intervals. 3- Hubcap (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air directionalizers (10) are blades in the form of a board, plate or similar. 4- Hubcap (2) according to claim 3, intended to be mounted on a wheel rim on the right side of the vehicle, in which the blades of the hubcap (2), at least their respective front parts, are curved longitudinally in an anti-clockwise direction, observing the blades from the rim side and visually scanning the blades from the central area towards the perimeter of the hubcap (2); the front part of a blade being that which is located in the front in an anti-clockwise direction, observing the blade from the rim side. 5- Hubcap (2) according to claim 3, intended to be mounted on a wheel rim on the left side of the vehicle, in which the blades of the hubcap (2), at least their respective front parts, are curved longitudinally in a clockwise direction, observing the blades from the rim side and visually scanning the blades from the central area towards the perimeter of the hubcap (2); the front part of a blade being that which is located forward in a clockwise direction, observing the blade from the rim side. 6- Hubcap (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air directionalizers (10) are arranged on the same base for directionalizers (32), protruding from it in the direction of the rim side of the hubcap; with the particularity that the base for directionalizers (32) comprises a central opening in its central area, which forms the air outlet (30) of the hubcap (2) in the axial direction on the visible side of the hubcap; the air directionalizers (10) and the base for directionalizers (32) forming an outer cover (40). 7- Hubcap (2) according to claim 6, wherein the base for addressers (32) and its central opening are circular and concentric with each other. 8- Hubcap (2) according to any of claims 6 or 7, wherein the central opening is smaller or equal in size to the inner contour of the filter (20).

9. Hubcap (2) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an intermediate piece (50) carrying the filter (20); the intermediate piece (50) in turn comprising: - an intermediate piece base (52); - a filter support (54), in the form of a hollow closed profile, which starts from the base of the intermediate piece (52) and projects from it in an axial direction, towards the visible side of the hubcap; and which has through holes that allow the passage of air towards the interior cavity of the filter support (54); such that the filter (20) is limited at one of its ends by the base of the intermediate piece (52); and is open, at least partially, at the opposite end, specifically, its end located towards the visible side of the hubcap. 10- Hubcap (2) according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate piece base (52) is a circular disc and the filter support (54) is ring-shaped, both being arranged coaxially with each other, with the particularity that the intermediate piece base (52) has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the filter support (54), so that it protrudes radially from the filter support (54), like an intermediate piece cap. 11- Hubcap (2) according to any of claims 9 or 10, wherein the intermediate piece base (52) has radial projections (56) that protrude around it in a radial direction. 12- Hubcap (2) according to any of claims 6 to 8, any of them in combination with any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the outer cover (40) of the hubcap (2) is joined to the intermediate piece (50) by means of a decoupled joint. 13- Hubcap (2) according to claim 12, wherein the outer cover (40) of the hubcap (2) is joined to the intermediate piece (50) by means of a clipping system with two clips (62) that start from the base for addressers (32) and protrude axially from it towards the intermediate base, the clips (62) being hooked into respective clipping holes (64) made in the base of the intermediate piece (52). 14- Hubcap (2) according to claim 9 in combination with any of claims 10 to 13, which is coupled on the rim side to the rim (4) by means of a coupling means comprising: - one or several holes for fixing to the rim (70), made in the base of the intermediate piece (52) according to a layout corresponding to the layout of the respective fixing nuts (8) of the rim; - one or several nut covers (72), intended to be arranged on one or several fixing nuts (8) of the rim, respectively, each nut cover (72) comprising: ■ a nut-cover main body (74), with an inner hollow, in which the inner hollow has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the respective rim fixing nut (8), the main body having an outer contour of smaller size than the respective hole for fixing to the rim (70); and ■ part that protrudes transversely from the main body in the form of a nut-cover cap (76), the nut-cover cap (76) having an outer contour larger than the respective hole for fixing to the rim (70); so that each nut-cover (72) is fixed by pressure to the respective fixing nut (8) of the rim, the intermediate piece (50) being arranged between the nut-cover (72) and the respective fixing nut (8) of the rim. 15- Hubcap (2) according to claim 14, wherein the intermediate piece base (52) has one or several tubular axial projections (58) that protrude from it in the axial direction on the rim side, with the particularity that each axial projection (58) is arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of a respective hole for fixing to the rim (70), such that it is crossed by said hole. 16- Hubcap (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter (20) is in the shape of a hollow cylinder.

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