BR-102024018187-A2 - Automotive wheel center cap positioning and anti-rotation assembly, automotive wheel center cap and automotive wheel.

BR102024018187A2BR 102024018187 A2BR102024018187 A2BR 102024018187A2BR-102024018187-A2

Abstract

This invention introduces a set of elements applicable to the wheel and its corresponding center cap, ensuring the proper visual effect between them, preventing incorrect assembly of the unit and avoiding rotation of the center cap mounted on the wheel. This is achieved primarily through the incorporation of geometrically aligned and arranged cooperation means on both the center cap and the automotive wheel, so that alignment and insertion between them occur in a single fitting mechanism.

Inventors

KATIA FERNANDA DA SILVA
ALLYSSON ANANIAS ALMEIDA GOMES

Assignees

STELLANTIS AUTOMOVEIS BRASIL LTDA

Dates

Publication Date: 20260317
Application Date: 20240904

Claims (4)

1. Positioning and anti-rotation assembly for automotive wheel center caps, characterized by comprising a pair of oblong protrusions (1) provided angularly and radially aligned on the inner wall of a wheel cap (2); and a pair of oblong recesses (3) provided angularly and radially aligned in the central portion of the wheel (4), between holes to which conventional locking screws are adapted.
2. Positioning and anti-rotational assembly for automotive wheel center cap, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the assembled wheel cap (2) and automotive wheel (4), the oblong protrusions (1) of the wheel cap (2) coincide and fit firmly into the oblong recesses (3) provided in the wheel (4) so as to cooperate with each other, guaranteeing a single fitting mode between both and, simultaneously, preventing rotation between cap (2) and wheel (4).
3. Automotive wheel center cap, characterized by comprising a positioning assembly, as described in claim 1.
4. Automotive wheel, characterized by comprising the automotive wheel center cap, as described in claim 3.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of the automotive industry, focusing more specifically on the development of a set of elements applicable to the wheel and its corresponding center cap, ensuring the proper visual effect between them, preventing incorrect assembly of the set and avoiding rotation of the center cap mounted on the wheel. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In summarizing the evolution of methods used to reduce the effort required to move heavy objects, one can begin with simple dragging and progress to sliding, with the current use of rolling bearings. Among these, one can mention the intermediate stages of simple sliding on cylindrical bodies and the subsequent invention of the wheel. Initially equipped with large axles, the wheel has evolved to the present day, always seeking new ways to reduce the area of friction. In automotive use, wheels have evolved from simple wooden rims with metal reinforcements, basically identical to the wheels used in carts and carriages, to complex structures of metal and light alloys, indispensable in modern automobiles. Basically, the automotive wheel consists of a rim, spokes, and a hub that are usually coupled to the vehicle's axles by means of bolts. Center caps, popularly known as hubcaps due to their original flattened hemisphere shape, were initially designed to protect the end of the front/rear axle, as well as the wheel nuts and/or bolts, from accidental impacts or losses due to the narrow width of the tires, until the early 1920s. However, the greatest appeal of the center cap was more aesthetic than functional, initially being applied to more luxurious or sporty versions, clearly affecting the overall appearance of the vehicle. So much so that it became the subject of design studies, in order to aesthetically complement the wheel and incorporate highly significant distinctive elements such as logos and specific visual characteristics of automotive brands, personalizing the vehicle, reinforcing brand identity and, eventually, contributing to the aerodynamics of the wheel. Therefore, it is easy to see that any deviation, misalignment or imperfection in the relative positioning of the center cap in relation to the wheel causes serious aesthetic flaws, with significantly diminished visual results and overall appearance of the vehicle. Additionally, such imperfections can generate unwanted noise and, eventually, loss of the center cap. Although visually identifiable, the correct positioning between the center cap and the wheel is not entirely guaranteed to be error-proof in current versions, allowing for fittings with incorrect final aesthetic results. This is because it usually involves attaching a circular piece, represented by the center cap, to an equally circular location, for example, on the edge of the wheel rim when the center cap has a configuration that covers the entire outer face of the wheel, or limited to where the fixing screws are positioned, since this attachment is usually done through clips, protrusions, teeth, and similar devices, without a clearly defined position. [0003] Although there have been some attempts to promote the correct relative alignment between the center cap and the wheel and/or an anti-rotation device between them, such as at least one internal projection made in the center cap that acts as a stop against at least one of the wheel's fixing bolts, or even the creation of a notch on the edge of the cap and a protrusion on the edge of the wheel, these solutions prove to be palliative and do not effectively solve the problem of correct positioning and anti-rotation. In some situations, such as when at least one internal projection is used in the center cap acting as a wall against at least one of the wheel bolts, an anti-rotation device is created, but the correctly aligned relative positioning between the cap and the wheel is not guaranteed. For the solution where a notch is created on the edge of the cap to coincide with a protrusion on the edge of the wheel, the notch aesthetically interferes with the assembly and does not prevent a less attentive assembler from adapting the cap to the wheel in a location other than that determined, since it is possible to attach the cap to the wheel under these conditions. [0004] Thus, the solutions for adapting a central cover to the corresponding wheel described in the prior art make it impossible to guarantee correct positioning and, simultaneously, to block rotation between them. [0005] Searching the state of the art patent literature, the following documents were found: [0006] Document FR2979582 discloses a wheel and a wheel cover incorporating an anti-rotation device represented by a notch-shaped element provided on the periphery of the wheel cover and a protrusion-shaped element provided on the periphery of the wheel, these elements cooperating with each other in order to promote the desired anti-rotation device. [0007] Document E