Wheel cap

Abstract

This wheel cap includes: a wheel cap body; and a plurality of engaging members that are formed of separate members from the wheel cap body, are each fixed to the wheel cap body, and are each engaged with a wheel. The plurality of engaging members include some members that in at least a part thereof differ in height from other engaging members.

Description

Wheel cap

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel cap.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-075763 discloses a wheel cap attached to a wheel. The wheel cap described in this document is attached to the wheel by inserting an engaging portion provided on the wheel cap side into an attachment hole provided on the wheel side.

[0003] Here, the engaging portion includes a pair of engaging legs. One engaging leg is a first engaging leg that abuts against the peripheral edge of the attachment hole at a first angle with respect to the insertion direction. The other engaging leg is a second engaging leg that abuts against the peripheral edge of the attachment hole at a second angle greater than the first angle with respect to the insertion direction and biases the first engaging leg toward the peripheral edge side of the attachment hole. Thereby, play of the wheel cap with respect to the wheel is suppressed in a state where the engaging portion is attached to the wheel.

[0004] However, in the above technique, it is necessary to respectively perform evaluation of the wheel cap, design of the engaging claws, and design design in accordance with differences in the inset of the wheel and changes in the design of the wheel cap.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a wheel cap capable of enhancing versatility in the inset, design of the wheel cap, and engaging portion.

[0006] The wheel cap according to the first aspect includes a wheel cap main body and a plurality of engaging members formed as separate members from the wheel cap main body, each fixed to the wheel cap main body and each engaged with the wheel. Among the plurality of engaging members, at least a part thereof includes members having different heights from other engaging members.

[0007] In the wheel cap according to the first embodiment, the wheel cap is composed of a wheel cap body and a plurality of engaging members, the wheel cap body and the plurality of engaging members being formed from separate materials. The plurality of engaging members are each fixed to the wheel cap body and each engages with the wheel, and at least some of the plurality of engaging members are of a different height from the other engaging members.

[0008] Thus, in this embodiment, since multiple engaging members are formed as separate components from the wheel cap body, the engaging members can be changed to match the inset and the design of the wheel cap, thereby enabling the use of the same wheel cap body and improving versatility.

[0009] In this embodiment, at least some of the multiple engaging members are of a different height from the others. Therefore, it is possible to apply engaging members of different heights to match the difference in inset. Furthermore, by using engaging members of different heights with respect to the wheel cap body, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in mounting the wheel cap even with the same design. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase versatility in terms of inset, wheel shape, and wheel cap design.

[0010] In this embodiment, since at least some of the multiple engaging members have a different height from the other engaging members, all engaging members may have different heights from the other engaging members. This makes it possible to adjust the engaging members to accommodate variations in wheel dimensions. Furthermore, the engaging members may be arranged along the circumferential and radial directions of the wheel cap body, or they may be arranged randomly.

[0011] The wheel cap according to the second embodiment is configured such that, in the wheel cap according to the first embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of engaging members is arranged circumferentially on the wheel cap body and includes a plurality of first engaging portions that can engage with a first engaged portion provided circumferentially on the wheel.

[0012] In the wheel cap according to the second embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of engaging members includes a plurality of first engaging portions arranged circumferentially on the wheel cap body. On the other hand, the wheel is provided with a first engaged portion along the circumferential direction, and each of the plurality of first engaging portions is capable of engaging with this first engaged portion. In this embodiment, the wheel cap body is attached to the wheel via the first engaging portions and the first engaged portions by the plurality of first engaging portions engaging with each of the first engaged portions of the wheel.

[0013] In this embodiment, at least some of the multiple engaging members are arranged circumferentially on the wheel cap body, so all engaging members may be arranged circumferentially on the wheel cap body. In this case, they may be arranged along one or more concentric circles that form the center of the wheel cap body. Furthermore, by arranging multiple engaging members along concentric circles, multiple engaging members may be arranged radially.

[0014] The wheel cap according to the third embodiment is a wheel cap according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, wherein at least some of the plurality of first engaging portions are of a different height from the other first engaging portions.

[0015] In the wheel cap according to the third embodiment, at least some of the multiple first engaging portions are of a different height from the other first engaging portions. As a result, in this embodiment, even if the distance between the wheel and the wheel cap is different, the wheel cap can be applied by using first engaging portions of different heights, thereby increasing the versatility of the wheel cap.

[0016] In this embodiment, since at least some of the multiple first engaging portions have a different height from the other first engaging portions, all of the first engaging portions may have a different height from the other first engaging portions. This makes it possible to adjust the first engaging portions to accommodate variations in wheel dimensions.

[0017] The wheel cap according to the fourth embodiment is a wheel cap according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of first engaging portions are arranged so that adjacent first engaging portions along the circumferential direction have different heights.

[0018] In the wheel cap according to the fourth embodiment, at least some of the multiple first engaging portions include first engaging portions of different heights along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, by using first engaging portions of different heights along the circumferential direction, the wheel cap can be applied even when the first engaged portion provided on the wheel is formed in a wavy shape along the circumferential direction, thereby increasing the versatility of the wheel cap.

[0019] In this embodiment, at least some of the multiple first engaging portions are arranged radially, and some of them have different heights for adjacent first engaging portions. Therefore, in all first engaging portions, the heights of adjacent first engaging portions along the circumferential direction may be different.

[0020] The wheel cap according to the fifth embodiment is configured such that, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of engaging members includes a plurality of second engaging portions which are arranged radially in the wheel cap body and can engage with a second engaged portion provided radially in the wheel.

[0021] In the wheel cap according to the fifth embodiment, at least some of the multiple engaging members are configured to include a plurality of second engaging portions arranged radially on the wheel cap body. On the other hand, the wheel is provided with a second engaged portion along the radial direction, and the plurality of second engaging portions are each capable of engaging with this second engaged portion. In this embodiment, the wheel cap body is attached to the wheel via the second engaging portions and the second engaged portions by the plurality of second engaging portions engaging with the second engaged portion of the wheel.

[0022] In this embodiment, at least some of the multiple engaging members are arranged radially on the wheel cap body, so all of the engaging members may be arranged radially on the wheel cap body. Alternatively, multiple engaging members may be arranged radially, resulting in multiple engaging members being arranged circumferentially.

[0023] The wheel cap according to the sixth embodiment is a wheel cap according to the fifth embodiment, wherein at least some of the plurality of second engaging portions are of a different height from the other second engaging portions.

[0024] In the wheel cap according to the sixth embodiment, at least some of the multiple second engaging portions are of a different height from the other second engaging portions. As a result, in this embodiment, even if the distance between the wheel and the wheel cap is different, the wheel cap can be applied by using second engaging portions of different heights, thereby increasing the versatility of the wheel cap.

[0025] In this embodiment, since at least some of the multiple second engaging portions have a different height from the other second engaging portions, all second engaging portions may have a different height from the other second engaging portions. This makes it possible to adjust the second engaging portions to accommodate variations in wheel dimensions.

[0026] The wheel cap according to the seventh embodiment is a wheel cap according to the fifth or sixth embodiment, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of second engaging portions are arranged on the radially opposite side of the wheel cap and have substantially the same height as the second engaging portion.

[0027] In the wheel cap according to the seventh embodiment, at least some of the multiple second engaging portions include second engaging portions located on opposite sides of the wheel cap in the radial direction that have substantially the same height. In this embodiment, when the distance between the wheel and the wheel cap is substantially the same on opposite sides in the radial direction, the wheel cap can be applied by using second engaging portions of substantially the same height, thereby increasing the versatility of the wheel cap.

[0028] In this embodiment, since at least some of the multiple second engaging portions include second engaging portions located on opposite sides of the wheel cap in the radial direction, the heights of the second engaging portions located on opposite sides of the wheel cap in the radial direction may be approximately the same for all of the second engaging portions.

[0029] The wheel cap according to the eighth embodiment is a wheel cap according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, and includes an engaging body which is composed of a plurality of engaging members from among the plurality of engaging members.

[0030] In the wheel cap according to the eighth embodiment, an engaging body is provided which is composed of multiple engaging members, some of which are some of the multiple engaging members, thereby reducing the number of parts and improving ease of assembly.

[0031] The wheel cap according to the ninth embodiment includes a wheel cap according to the eighth embodiment in which the engaging member constituting the engaging body and other engaging members that do not constitute the engaging body differ in height in at least a portion of the case.

[0032] In the wheel cap according to the ninth embodiment, at least some of the engaging members that constitute the engaging body and other engaging members that do not constitute the engaging body have different heights. As a result, in this embodiment, the wheel cap can be applied even if the distance between the wheel and the wheel cap is different, by using the engaging body and other engaging members, thereby increasing the versatility of the wheel cap.

[0033] In this embodiment, since the engaging members that constitute the engaging body and the other engaging members that do not constitute the engaging body have different heights in at least some respects, the engaging members that constitute the engaging body and the other engaging members that do not constitute the engaging body may have different heights.

[0034] The wheel cap according to the tenth embodiment is a wheel cap according to the eighth or ninth embodiment, wherein at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body are of substantially the same height.

[0035] In the wheel cap according to the tenth embodiment, at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body are of approximately the same height. As a result, in this embodiment, if at least a portion of the distance between the wheel and the wheel cap includes engaging members of approximately the same height, the wheel cap can be applied by using this engaging body, thereby increasing the versatility of the wheel cap.

[0036] In this embodiment, since at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body have approximately the same height, the height of the engaging body and all other engaging members may be approximately the same.

[0037] The wheel cap according to the eleventh embodiment is a wheel cap according to any one of the eighth to tenth embodiments, wherein at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body are of different heights.

[0038] In the wheel cap according to the eleventh embodiment, at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body are of different heights. As a result, in this embodiment, if at least some of the distance between the wheel and the wheel cap is of different heights, the wheel cap can be applied by using the engaging body, thereby increasing the versatility of the wheel cap.

[0039] In this embodiment, since at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body are of different heights, the heights of the engaging members constituting the engaging body may be different.

[0040] The wheel cap according to the twelfth embodiment is a wheel cap according to any one of the eighth to eleventh embodiments, wherein the engaging body is configured to include a connecting portion that connects a plurality of the engaging members.

[0041] In the wheel cap according to the twelfth aspect, the engaging body includes a connecting portion that connects a plurality of engaging members, thereby reducing the number of components and improving the assembly property.

[0042] The wheel cap according to the thirteenth aspect is the wheel cap according to the twelfth aspect, in which the connecting portion is a first connecting portion that connects a plurality of the engaging members in an arc shape.

[0043] In the wheel cap according to the thirteenth aspect, the connecting portion is a first connecting portion that connects a plurality of engaging members in an arc shape. By connecting the plurality of engaging members to the first connecting portion, the plurality of engaging members are arranged in an arc shape. Therefore, in this aspect, for example, it is possible to engage a plurality of engaging members with a first engaged portion provided along the circumferential direction in a wheel via the first connecting portion.

[0044] The wheel cap according to the fourteenth aspect is the wheel cap according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in which the connecting portion is a second connecting portion that connects a plurality of the engaging members in a straight line.

[0045] In the wheel cap according to the fourteenth aspect, the connecting portion is a second connecting portion that connects a plurality of engaging members in a straight line. By connecting the plurality of engaging members to the second connecting portion, the plurality of engaging members are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, in this aspect, for example, it is possible to engage a plurality of engaging members with a second engaged portion provided along the radial direction in a wheel via the second connecting portion.

[0046] The wheel cap according to the fifteenth aspect is the wheel cap according to any one of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect, in which a mounting member is provided on the back side of the wheel cap body, and the mounting member is configured to be able to fix the engaging member.

[0047] In the wheel cap according to the 15th aspect, an attachment member is provided on the back side of the wheel cap body, and the attachment member is configured to be able to fix an engagement member. That is, in this aspect, by engaging the engagement member with the attachment member provided on the back side of the wheel cap body, the engagement member is fixed to the attachment member. Therefore, in this aspect, it is possible to improve the assemblability of the engagement member as compared with the case of fixing the engagement member to the back side of the wheel cap body.

[0048] The wheel cap according to the 16th aspect is the wheel cap according to any one of the 1st to 15th aspects, wherein the wheel cap body has a shape that covers at least a part of the wheel, and is composed of a plurality of divided portions divided along the circumferential direction of the wheel cap body.

[0049] In the wheel cap according to the 16th aspect, the wheel cap body has a shape that covers at least a part of the wheel, and is composed of a plurality of divided portions divided along the circumferential direction of the wheel cap body. Thereby, in this aspect, when a part of the wheel cap body is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the damaged divided portion, so that it is possible to cope at a lower cost as compared with the case of replacing the wheel cap body.

[0050] In addition, in this aspect, since the wheel cap body has a shape that covers at least a part of the wheel, it may have a shape that covers the entire wheel.

[0051] As described above, in the wheel cap according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the labor load associated with design changes, and to enhance the versatility in the inset, the design of the wheel cap, and the engagement portion.

[0052] This is a front view of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is a front view showing the wheel to which the wheel cap according to this embodiment is engaged. This is an exploded perspective view showing the wheel cap body and engaging member as seen from the back side of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is a perspective view of the wheel cap according to this embodiment as seen from the back side. This is an exploded perspective view showing the first claw member of the first engaging portion of the engaging member that constitutes a part of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the first claw member of the first engaging portion of the engaging member that constitutes a part of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view showing the second claw member of the second engaging portion of the engaging member that constitutes a part of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the second claw member of the second engaging portion of the engaging member that constitutes a part of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the wheel cap and wheel according to this embodiment. This is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 9 showing a modified example 1 of the wheel cap and wheel according to this embodiment. This is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 9 showing a modified example 2 of the wheel cap and wheel according to this embodiment. This is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 4 showing a modified example 3 of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is a front view of the wheel showing a modified example 4 of the wheel cap according to this embodiment. This is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the positional relationship between the inset center line and the mounting surface of the wheel. This is a cross-sectional view showing the so-called outset state. This is a cross-sectional view showing the so-called zero-set state. This is a cross-sectional view showing the so-called inset state.

[0053] A wheel cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. (Wheel cap configuration) Figure 1 shows a front view of the design surface 10A side of the wheel cap 10, and Figure 2 shows a front view of the design surface 12A side of the wheel 12 to which the wheel cap 10 is attached.

[0054] In each figure, one side of the wheel 12 and wheel cap 10 in the circumferential direction of rotation is indicated by arrow L, the outer side of the wheel 12 and wheel cap 10 in the radial direction of rotation is indicated by arrow R, and one side of the wheel 12 and wheel cap 10 in the axial direction of rotation is indicated by arrow FS. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the axial direction, radial direction of rotation, and circumferential direction of rotation of the wheel 12 and wheel cap 10 may be simply referred to as the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction, respectively.

[0055] The wheel 12 shown in Figure 2 is made of metal (for example, an aluminum alloy) and has a substantially cylindrical shape. This wheel 12 is rotatably supported by being fixed to a vehicle hub (not shown). A wheel cap 10 (see Figure 1, etc.) is attached to the wheel 12 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, so that the wheel 12 is covered by the wheel cap 10 from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] Here, the radially inner portion of the wheel 12 forms a center portion 16 that is fixed to the hub. Multiple bolt insertion holes 18 are formed in this center portion 16. Bolts for fixing the wheel 12 to the hub are inserted into these bolt insertion holes 18. A first hole portion (first engaged portion) 19 is formed in the center of the multiple bolt insertion holes 18, and the tip of the vehicle's axle can be inserted into the first hole portion 19.

[0057] Furthermore, the radially outer portion of the wheel 12 is the rim portion 20 to which the tire is attached. In addition, a plurality of spokes 22 are provided between the center portion 16 and the rim portion 20 of the wheel 12, connecting the center portion 16 and the rim portion 20.

[0058] In this embodiment, twelve spokes 22 are provided, and these twelve spokes 22 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the wheel 12. The twelve spokes 22 are further divided into six first spokes 22A and six second spokes 22B, which are also arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the wheel 12. Through holes (first engaged portion, second engaged portion) 23 are provided between the first spokes 22A and the second spokes 22B, penetrating the wheel 12 in the axial direction, and the first spokes 22A and the second spokes 22B are formed alternately along the circumferential direction of the wheel 12 with the through holes 23 in between.

[0059] On the radially outer portion of the wheel 12 in the first spoke 22A, rectangular portions 24 protrude from both sides of the wheel 12 in the circumferential direction, respectively. These rectangular portions 24 are formed with their longitudinal direction aligned with the radial direction of the wheel 12, and within the rectangular portions 24, a second hole portion (first engaged portion, second engaged portion) 26 is formed, which forms a rectangular shape with respect to the first spoke 22A. Note that the second hole portion 26 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be of other shapes such as a round hole or a groove. On the other hand, in the central part of the wheel 12 in the circumferential direction in the second spoke 22B, a substantially rectangular convex bead 27 extends along the radial direction of the wheel 12.

[0060] The wheel cap 10 shown in Figure 1 is made of resin and has a roughly disc-like shape. The radially inner portion of the wheel cap 10 is a center-side covering portion 28 that covers the center portion 16 of the wheel 12 (see Figure 2).

[0061] On the other hand, a notch 30 is cut out along the radial direction of the wheel cap 10 on the radially outer portion of the wheel cap 10. Multiple notches 30 (six in this case) are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the wheel cap 10. Due to these notches 30, the radially outer portion of the wheel cap 10 is composed of six disc-side covering portions 32 formed in a roughly fan shape. These six disc-side covering portions 32 are connected by a center-side covering portion 28.

[0062] Furthermore, decorative holes 33 are formed in the circumferential center of each of the six disc-side covering portions 32, penetrating the disc-side covering portion 32 in the axial direction. The edges of these decorative holes 33 are rectangular in shape, with the radial direction of the disc-side covering portion 32 as the longitudinal direction. With the wheel cap 10 (see Figure 1, etc.) attached to the wheel 12 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the convex bead 27 provided on the second spoke 22B can be exposed through these decorative holes 33.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the wheel cap 10 comprises a wheel cap body 14 formed in a substantially disc shape and an engaging member 34 fixed to the back surface 10B side of the wheel cap body 14 opposite to the design surface 10A (see Figure 1). The engaging member 34 comprises a first claw member (first engaging portion, engaging member, engaging body) 36 and a second claw member (first engaging portion, second engaging portion, engaging member, engaging body) 38, the first claw member 36 being provided on the center-side covering portion 28 side and the second claw member 38 being provided on the disc-side covering portion 32 side.

[0064] Furthermore, a first mounting member (mounting member) 40 is provided on the center-side covering portion 28 on the back surface 10B side of the wheel cap body 14, to which the first claw member 36 is engaged (fixed), and a second mounting member (mounting member) 42 is provided on the disc-side covering portion 32 side, to which the second claw member 38 is engaged (fixed).

[0065] (First engaged portion and first engaging portion) First, the first mounting member 40 and the first claw member (first engaging portion) 36 will be described.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the first mounting member 40 is composed of, for example, three engaging portions 44, which are formed by fan-shaped arc portions arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the center-side covering portion 28 on the back surface 10B side of the wheel cap body 14.

[0067] The engaged portion 44 has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially inverted L-shaped when cut along the axial direction of the wheel cap 10, and is composed of a vertical wall portion 46 that rises from the center-side covering portion 28 and an engaged piece 48 that bends from the tip of the vertical wall portion 46 toward each other.

[0068] The vertical wall portion 46 is fixed to the back surface 14B of the wheel cap body 14 (center side covering portion 28) by welding, adhesive, etc., and the engaging piece 48 has an engaging hole 44A formed in the center in the curvature direction.

[0069] On the other hand, the first claw member 36 is an engaging body that includes a plurality of engaging claws 50 that engage with the first hole 19 formed in the rotation center (center portion 16) of the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2.

[0070] The engaging claw 50 is composed of a first claw portion 50A that engages with the first hole 19, and a leg piece 50B provided on the base side of the first claw portion 50A. More precisely, the first claw portion 50A is locked to the peripheral portion of the first hole 19.

[0071] On the other hand, the leg piece 50B is erected from a disc-shaped base (first connecting part, linking part) 52 and is arranged in an arc shape along the shape of the base 52. The first claw part 50A extends from the tip of the leg piece 50B. In addition, a triangular rib 50C is provided at the base of the outer surface (radially outward side of the base 52) of the leg piece 50B, forming a triangular shape with the base 52. The leg piece 50B is reinforced by this triangular rib 50C.

[0072] Furthermore, a cylindrical neck portion 54 hangs down from the center of the lower surface of the base 52. A triangular plate 56 is provided below the neck portion 54. The circumscribed circle of this triangular plate 56 is set to have an outer diameter larger than the virtual circle formed by the tip surface 48A of the engaged piece 48 which constitutes part of the engaged portion 44 provided on the first mounting member 40, and an outer diameter smaller than the virtual circle formed by the inner surface 46A of the vertical wall portion 46 which constitutes another part of the engaged portion 44.

[0073] Furthermore, the top portion 56A of the triangular plate 56 is insertable between the engaging portions 44 located adjacent to the center-side covering portion 28 on the back surface 10B side of the wheel cap body 14. In addition, each top portion 56A is provided with a boss 58 that can engage with an engaging hole 44A formed in the engaging piece 48.

[0074] Here, the triangular plate 56 is pre-set to have a thickness that allows it to be inserted between the back surface 10B of the wheel cap body 14 and the engaged piece 48, and the neck portion 54 is pre-set to have a length that allows the engaged piece 48 to be inserted between the triangular plate 56 and the base 52.

[0075] Therefore, after the first claw member 36 is positioned such that the top portion 56A of the triangular plate 56 is positioned between the engaged portions 44 of the first mounting member 40, when the first claw member 36 is rotated along the circumferential direction of the wheel cap body 14, the triangular plate 56 is prevented from coming off by the engaged piece 48.

[0076] Furthermore, when the bosses 58 of the triangular plate 56 engage with the engagement holes 44A of the engagement piece 48, the rotation of the triangular plate 56 is restricted. In this state, as shown in Figure 6, the first claw member 36 is engaged (fixed) to the first mounting member 40.

[0077] (Second engaged portion and second engaging portion) Next, the second mounting member 42 and the second claw member (second engaging portion) 38 will be described.

[0078] As shown in Figure 3, the second mounting member 42 is provided on the radially outer side of the disc-side covering portion 32 on the back surface 10B side of the wheel cap body 14, and is positioned on both sides of the disc-side covering portion 32 in the circumferential direction with a notch 30 in between.

[0079] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the second mounting member 42 is composed of a pair of vertical wall portions 60 that are erected along the radial direction of the disc-side covering portion 32 and face each other in the circumferential direction, and a back wall portion 62 that is positioned on the outer edge side of the disc-side covering portion 32 and connects the side end faces of the pair of vertical wall portions 60. The pair of vertical wall portions 60 and the back wall portion 62 are fixed to the back surface 14B of the wheel cap body 14 (disc-side covering portion 32) by welding, adhesive, or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, the upper end surfaces of the pair of vertical wall portions 60 and the back wall portion 62 are connected to each other by the upper wall portion 64. Between the pair of vertical wall portions 60 in the upper wall portion 64, an engagement hole 66 is cut out along the pair of vertical wall portions 60. On the entrance side of the engagement hole 66, a projection 66A protrudes toward the inside of the engagement hole 66, and this projection 66A narrows the width dimension of the engagement hole 66.

[0081] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, the second claw member 38 is an engaging body that includes an engaging claw 68 that engages with a second hole 26 formed on the radially outer side of the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2. The engaging claw 68 is composed of a pair of second claw portions 70 that engage with the second hole 26, and a pair of leg pieces 72 provided on the base side of the pair of second claw portions 70. More precisely, the pair of second claw portions 70 are locked to the periphery of the second hole 26.

[0082] Furthermore, the pair of leg pieces 72 are erected from a rectangular plate-shaped base (second connecting part, linking part) 74 and are arranged in a straight line along the shape of the base 74. The second claw portion 70 is formed on the outer surface of the tip of the pair of leg pieces 72, projecting in a direction away from each other. On the inner surface of the tip of the pair of leg pieces 72, there are each hooking portion 76 that project in a direction toward each other.

[0083] A pair of latching portions 76 are designed to latch onto rectangular holes 78A formed at the ends of a leaf spring member 78 that is curved in a roughly V-shape. The leaf spring member 78 is made of, for example, metal, and both ends of the leaf spring member 78 are biased in a direction that moves them apart from each other. In other words, the second claw portions 70 provided at the tips of the pair of leg pieces 72 are biased in a direction that moves them apart from each other via the leaf spring member 78.

[0084] Furthermore, a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped neck portion 79 hangs down from the center of the lower surface of the base 74 along a pair of leg pieces 72. This neck portion 79 is insertable into an engagement hole 66 formed in the upper wall portion 64 of the second mounting member 42. A rectangular plate-shaped clamping portion 80, formed to be approximately the same size as the base 74, is provided on the lower side of the neck portion 79, and the length of the neck portion 79 is set to allow the upper wall portion 64 of the second mounting member 42 to be inserted between the base 74 and the clamping portion 80.

[0085] Therefore, the upper wall portion 64 of the second mounting member 42 is inserted between the base 74 and the clamping portion 80 of the second claw member 38, and the neck portion 79 is inserted into the engagement hole 66 of the upper wall portion 64. Since a projection 66A protrudes from the entrance side of the engagement hole 66, the neck portion 79 is pressed into the engagement hole 66. When the neck portion 79 passes through the projection 66A, the projection 66A prevents the neck portion 79 from coming out. In this state, as shown in Figure 8, the second claw member 38 is engaged (fixed) to the second mounting member 42.

[0086] (Operation and Effects of the Wheel Cap) In this embodiment, with the above configuration, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first claw portion 50A formed on the engaging claw 50 of the first claw member 36, which is fixed to the first mounting member 40 provided on the back surface 10B of the wheel cap body 14, is engaged with the first hole portion 19 formed in the center portion 16 of the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second claw portion 70 formed on the engaging claw 68 of the second claw member 38, which is fixed to the second mounting member 42 provided on the back surface 10B of the wheel cap body 14, is engaged with the second hole portion 26 formed on the radially outer side of the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2. This allows the wheel cap 10 to be attached to the wheel 12.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7, the second claw member 38 is provided with a leaf spring member 78, which biases the second claw portions 70 in a direction that separates them from each other. This increases the engagement force that causes the second claw portions 70 to engage with the second hole portion 26 shown in Figure 2, and maintains the state in which the second claw portions 70 are engaged with the second hole portion 26.

[0089] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the wheel cap 10 is formed as a separate component from the wheel cap body 14 and the engaging member 34 that engages with the wheel 12. The engaging member 34 includes a first claw member 36 and a second claw member 38. The first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 engage with a first mounting member 40 and a second mounting member 42, respectively, which are fixed to the back surface 10B of the wheel cap body 14, and are fixed to the wheel cap body 14.

[0090] For example, as generally shown in Figure 14, the positional relationship between the inset center line P and the mounting surface Q of the wheel 100 can be so-called outset as shown in Figure 15A, so-called zero set as shown in Figure 15B, or so-called inset as shown in Figure 15C.

[0091] In the outset configuration shown in Figure 15A, the mounting surface Q of the wheel 100 is positioned inside the vehicle (towards arrow A) relative to the inset center line P. In the zero-set configuration shown in Figure 15B, the mounting surface Q of the wheel 100 is positioned to coincide with the inset center line P. Furthermore, in the inset configuration shown in Figure 15C, the mounting surface Q of the wheel 100 is positioned outside the vehicle (towards arrow B) relative to the inset center line P.

[0092] In other words, the positional relationship between the inset center line P and the mounting surface Q of the wheel 12 (see Figure 9) differs depending on the vehicle. Therefore, on the wheel cap 10 side shown in Figure 9, the dimensions of the first claw member 36 will differ depending on the inset.

[0093] As a comparative example, if the wheel cap body 14 and the first claw member 36 are integrally molded, then wheel caps 10 with different leg lengths (heights) of the leg piece 50B will be required to match the inset. Therefore, each time the design is changed, it will be necessary to evaluate the wheel cap 10, design the first claw member 36, and perform design work.

[0094] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first claw member 36 is formed as a separate component from the wheel cap body 14, so that the first claw member 36 can be changed to match the difference in the inset of the wheel 12 (see Figure 9), and the same wheel cap body 14 can be used.

[0095] In other words, using the same wheel cap body 14, it becomes possible to accommodate differences in inset by using first claw members 36 with different lengths of leg pieces 50B (see Figure 9). As a result, the design freedom of the wheel cap 10 is increased in response to design changes, and versatility is enhanced in terms of inset, the design of the wheel cap 10, and the engaging member 34.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a first hole 19 is formed on the rotation center side of the wheel 12, and a second hole 26 is formed on the radially outer side of the wheel 12. The first claw member 36 shown in Figure 9 engages with the first hole 19, and the second claw member 38 engages with the second hole 26.

[0097] In this way, by forming the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 separately on the rotation center side and the radially outer side of the wheel 12, the engaging member 34 itself can be made compact. Furthermore, since the shape of the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 can be changed, the design freedom of the wheel cap 10 for design changes is further improved. Note that in Figure 9, the orientation of the first claw portion 50A and the second claw portion 70 is rotated 90 degrees relative to the leg pieces 50B and 72 in order to illustrate the first claw portion 50A and the second claw portion 70. The same applies to Figures 10 and 11, which will be described later.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, no holes are formed in the center covering portion 28 of the wheel cap body 14, so a cap to cover the holes is unnecessary. Therefore, the dividing line caused by using such a cap is eliminated.

[0099] Here, as shown in Figure 9, the distance between the wheel cap 10 and the wheel 12 differs on the side of the wheel 12's rotation center and the radially outward side. Since the engaging claws 50 and 68 are at different heights from the back surface 10B of the wheel cap body 14, the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 can engage with the wheel 12, making it possible to improve the degree of freedom of installation while maintaining the same design.

[0100] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first claw member 36 is composed of a plurality of engaging claws 50, a base 52, and a triangular plate 56. As shown in Figure 9, the engaging claws 50 engage with the first hole 19 formed in the wheel 12 and are arranged along the circumferential direction of the first hole 19.

[0101] The base 52 is provided at the base of the engaging claws 50 and connects the multiple engaging claws 50 in an arc shape. The multiple engaging claws 50 are then fixed to the wheel cap body 14 side via the base 52 and the triangular plate 56, as shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, assembly is improved by integrating the multiple engaging claws 50 with the base 52.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a first mounting member 40 is fixed to the wheel cap body 14, and as shown in Figure 4, the first claw member 36 is fixed to the wheel cap body 14 by engaging the triangular plate 56 with the first mounting member 40. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to accommodate differences in inset by changing the length (height) of the first claw member 36.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the second claw member 38 is composed of a pair of engaging claws 68, a base 74, and a clamping portion 80. The pair of engaging claws 68 are arranged facing each other. The base 74 is provided at the base of the pair of engaging claws 68 and connects the pair of engaging claws 68 together. The second claw member 38 is then fixed to the wheel cap body 14 side via the base 74 and the clamping portion 80, as shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, assembly is improved by integrating multiple engaging claws 68 with the base 74.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a second mounting member 42 is fixed to the wheel cap body 14, and as shown in Figure 4, the base 74 and clamping portion 80 engage with the second mounting member 42, thereby fixing the second claw member 38 to the wheel cap body 14. Therefore, in this embodiment, the length (height) of the second claw member 38 can be changed to accommodate the shape of the wheel 12.

[0105] (Supplementary information and modifications of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the wheel cap 10 shown in Figure 3 is formed of resin, for example, but the wheel cap 10 may be formed of a material with high decorative properties, and the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 may be formed of a material with high strength, so the wheel cap 10 and the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 may be formed of different materials.

[0106] Furthermore, the first mounting member 40 is not necessarily required, and the first claw member 36 may be directly fixed to the back surface 10B of the wheel cap body 14. In this case, the triangular plate 56 shown in Figure 5 is not necessarily required for the first claw member 36.

[0107] Furthermore, the second mounting member 42 is not necessarily required, and the second claw member 38 may be directly fixed to the back surface 10B of the wheel cap body 14. In this case, the neck portion 79 and clamping portion 80 shown in Figure 7 of the second claw member 38 are not necessarily required.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the engaging member 34 that engages with the wheel 12 (see Figure 2) has a first claw member 36 provided on the radially inner side of the wheel cap body 14 and a second claw member 38 provided on the radially outer side of the wheel cap body 14. The multiple engaging claws 50 constituting the first claw member 36 and the multiple engaging claws 68 constituting the second claw member 38 are formed at approximately the same height, but this is not limited to this configuration.

[0109] For example, as in Modification 1, as shown in Figure 10, even if the spokes 82 of the wheel 81 have different shapes, for example, if the spokes 82 are uneven and undulating along the axial direction in the radial direction, and the position and number of the second holes are different, the same wheel cap body 14 can be used to accommodate this by simply increasing the position and number of the second claw members 84 and changing their shape (for example, changing the length of the leg pieces 84A and 84B).

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 84 are provided at two locations on the radially inner and outer sides of the wheel cap body 14, but this is not limited to this. For example, the claw members may be provided at one, three, or other locations in the radial direction of the wheel cap body 14, in addition to the two locations shown.

[0111] Furthermore, among the multiple engaging claws 50 constituting the first claw member 36, the length (height) of some of the engaging claws 50 may differ from the length of the other engaging claws 50. In this case, the heights of adjacent engaging claws 50 along the circumferential direction may also differ.

[0112] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment, the leg pieces 84A and 84B constituting the second claw member 84 may have different lengths (heights), and in a plurality of second claw members 84, the length (height) of some of the leg pieces 84A and 84B may differ from the length of the other leg pieces 84A and 84B. As described above, in this embodiment, the degree of freedom in designing the wheel cap 10 that engages with the shape of the wheel 81 is improved.

[0113] As another modification, as shown in Figure 11, the wheel cap body 88 side of the wheel cap 86 may have a wavy shape with unevenness along the axial direction in the radial direction. In this case, simply by changing the shape of the second claw member 90 (for example, by changing the length of the leg pieces 90A and 90B), it becomes possible to engage the wheel cap body 88 with the wheel 12 in accordance with the shape of the wheel cap body 88.

[0114] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the wheel cap 10 is formed as a separate component from the wheel cap body 14 and the engaging member 34 that engages with the wheel 12 (see Figure 2), and the engaging member 34 is configured to include a first claw member 36 and second claw members 38, 84, and 90.

[0115] This makes it possible to change the specifications of the second claw member 84, for example, by changing the length of the leg pieces 84A and 84B in the second claw member 84, as shown in Figure 10. As a result, even wheels 12 of different shapes can be accommodated with the same wheel cap body 14.

[0116] In other words, in this embodiment, by applying multiple second claw members 38, 84, and 90 individually or in combination to a single wheel cap body 14, the design flexibility of the wheel cap 10 itself is improved.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the wheel cap body 14 and the first claw member 36, second claw members 38, 84, and 90 are formed as separate components, the degree of freedom in the shape of the first claw member 36 and second claw members 38, 84, and 90, which were previously constrained by mold structure issues (slide structure) and design considerations, is improved.

[0118] In the second claw member 84 shown in Figure 10, leg pieces 84A and 84B of different lengths are provided, but the second claw member 84 with leg piece 84A and the second claw member 84 with leg piece 84B may be formed separately.

[0119] Furthermore, in the second claw member 84 (and similarly in the second claw members 38 and 90), it becomes possible to improve the rigidity not only of the leg piece 84A but also of the claw portion. For example, it becomes possible to form a separate claw portion that is not affected by the design and has sufficient rigidity.

[0120] This makes it possible to set the engagement direction of the claw portion with respect to the wheel 12 (see Figure 2) to a direction other than the centrifugal force direction due to the rotation of the wheel 12, which also helps to prevent detachment. Furthermore, by improving the rigidity of the claw portion, it is possible to alleviate stress due to expansion and contraction caused by thermal cycles and water absorption, and by forming the claw portion to conform to the shape of the wheel 12, it is possible to prevent rattling and abnormal noise.

[0121] In the embodiments described above, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the engaging member 34 includes a first claw member 36 that engages with a first hole 19 formed in the center portion 16 of the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2, and a second claw member 38 that engages with a second hole 26 formed on the radially outer side of the wheel 12, but is not limited to this.

[0122] For example, in the above embodiment, the engaging member 34 is configured to include a first claw member 36 and a second claw member 38, which have different configurations, and the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 are used interchangeably for the center-side covering portion 28 and the disc-side covering portion 32 of the wheel cap body 14. In contrast, as a third modification, as shown in Figure 12, a second engaging portion 91, 93 is used in which the engaging member 34 is formed with substantially the same configuration and is arranged along the radial direction of the wheel cap body 14.

[0123] In the first claw member 36 and the second claw member 38 shown in Figure 4, they are designed to engage with the peripheral portions of the first hole 19 and the second hole 26 formed in the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2, respectively. However, in the modified example 3, for example, the second engaging portions 91 and 93 are designed to engage (or lock) with the first spoke 22A provided on the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2.

[0124] The second engaging portion 91 includes a second claw member 91A that engages with the first spoke 22A, and a plate-shaped portion 91B that is positioned on the opposite side of the first spoke 22A with the second claw member 91A in between, and is insertable into the second hole 26. The second engaging portion 93 includes a second claw member 93A that engages with the first spoke 22A, and a plate-shaped portion 93B that is positioned on the opposite side of the first spoke 22A with the second claw member 93A in between, and is insertable into the through hole 23.

[0125] Furthermore, in the second engaging portion 91, a leaf spring (not shown) is provided between the second claw member 91A and the plate-shaped portion 91B to bias them in a direction that separates them, and in the second engaging portion 93, a leaf spring is provided between the second claw member 93A and the plate-shaped portion 93B to bias them in a direction that separates them. The plate-shaped portions 91B and 93B each have higher rigidity than the second claw members 91A and 93A.

[0126] Therefore, the leaf spring biases the second claw member 91A away from the plate-shaped portion 91B, and the second claw member 93A away from the plate-shaped portion 93B. As a result, the second claw members 91A and 93A are biased toward the first spoke 22A by the leaf spring while engaged with the first spoke 22A, and this engaged state is maintained.

[0127] As described above, in the embodiment shown, for example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first claw portion 50A of the first claw member 36 is engaged with the periphery of the first hole 19 of the wheel 12, and the second claw portion 70 of the second claw member 38 is engaged with the periphery of the second hole 26 of the wheel 12. In this embodiment, it is sufficient for the first claw portion 50A and the second claw portion 70 to engage with the wheel 12, so it does not necessarily have to be a hole, and the wheel 12 itself may have engaged portions formed therein that can be engaged with the first claw portion 50A and the second claw portion 70.

[0128] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example in which the wheel cap body 14 is formed from a single component has been described, as shown in Figure 1, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as a modified example 4, as shown in Figure 13, the wheel cap body 92 may be composed of a plurality of divided parts 94, which are divided into six parts along the circumferential direction of the wheel cap body 92. In this case, the second claw member 96 will be provided along the longitudinal direction (radial direction of the wheel 12) of the second spoke 22B of the wheel 12 shown in Figure 2.

[0129] As described above, since the wheel cap body 92 is composed of multiple divided parts 94, if, for example, a part of the wheel cap body 92 is damaged, only the damaged divided part 94 needs to be replaced, which allows for a lower-cost solution compared to replacing the wheel cap body 14 shown in Figure 1.

[0130] Furthermore, since the wheel cap body 92 only needs to be shaped to cover at least a part of the wheel 12 (see Figure 2), the multiple divided sections 94 do not necessarily need to be arranged continuously. For example, the wheel 12 may be exposed between the divided sections 94 arranged along the circumferential direction of the wheel 12.

[0131] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various other forms without departing from its spirit.

[0132] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-229281, filed on 25 December 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0133] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A wheel cap comprising: a wheel cap body; and a plurality of engaging members formed from a separate component from the wheel cap body, each fixed to the wheel cap body and each engaged with a wheel, wherein at least some of the plurality of engaging members are of a different height from the other engaging members.

2. The wheel cap according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of engaging members includes a plurality of first engaging portions that are arranged circumferentially on the wheel cap body and are capable of engaging with a first engaged portion provided circumferentially on the wheel.

3. The wheel cap according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of first engaging portions are of a different height from the other first engaging portions.

4. The wheel cap according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of first engaging portions are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and have different heights.

5. The wheel cap according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of engaging members includes a plurality of second engaging portions that are arranged radially in the wheel cap body and are capable of engaging with a second engaged portion provided radially in the wheel.

6. The wheel cap according to claim 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of second engaging portions are of a different height from the other second engaging portions.

7. The wheel cap according to claim 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of second engaging portions are arranged on opposite radially opposite sides of the center of the wheel cap and have substantially the same height as the second engaging portion.

8. The wheel cap according to claim 1, comprising an engaging body composed of a plurality of engaging members, some of the plurality of engaging members.

9. The wheel cap according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the engaging member constituting the engaging body and other engaging members not constituting the engaging body are of different heights.

10. The wheel cap according to claim 8, wherein at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body are of substantially the same height.

11. The wheel cap according to claim 8, wherein at least some of the multiple engaging members constituting the engaging body are of different heights.

12. The wheel cap according to claim 8, wherein the engaging body includes a connecting portion that connects a plurality of the engaging members.

13. The wheel cap according to claim 12, wherein the connecting portion is a first connecting portion that connects a plurality of the engaging members in an arc shape.

14. The wheel cap according to claim 12, wherein the connecting portion is a second connecting portion that linearly connects a plurality of the engaging members.

15. The wheel cap according to claim 1, wherein a mounting member is provided on the back side of the wheel cap body, and the mounting member is configured to fix the engaging member.

16. The wheel cap according to claim 1, wherein the wheel cap body is shaped to cover at least a portion of the wheel and is composed of a plurality of divided parts that are divided along the circumferential direction of the wheel cap body.

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