GB2033314A - Wheel trim ring fixing - Google Patents

Abstract

A trim ring 12 has adjacent its periphery two sets of clips 14, 16 lying one on each side of a diameter of the ring and extending axially of the ring from one face thereof, one set comprises a pair of adjacent clips 14 each clip having a strut 15 and tongue 17 forming a terminal return bend portion 18 to constitute a substantially non-resilient clip, the other set has at least two spring clips 16 each clip having a resilient tongue portion terminating in an end 20 bent to extend radially inwardly of the ring periphery the disposition of the two sets being such that the two clips of the one set when engaged with a surface of the wheel disc to which the ring is to be fitted provide an axis about which the ring can pivot as the clips of the other set are snap-fittedly engaged with the wheel disc. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Wheel trim ring fixing This invention relates to the fixing of a wheel trim ring on a wheel disc for example a wheel disc for a motor vehicle.

It is known to secure a wheel trim ring on an annular wheel disc by means of a plurality of resilient clips which may be integral with the trim ring and engage with a snap-fit on the inner periphery of the wheel disc so that the trim ring can be detached when necessary. In order to ensure that the trim ring is securely held on the wheel disc a plurality of spring clips is required, spaced around the trim ring. However, distortion of the trim ring can occur because of the localised pressure exerted on the spring clips as they engage the wheel disc.Additionally, the deflection of the clips necessary to ensure a secure fit makes it difficult to fit the trim ring to the wheel disc and damage to the wheel disc can occur through scraping of the trim ring thereagainst during fitting and this is particularly noticeable with wheel having a large inset as commonly used on front wheel drive vehicles.

According to the invention a trim ring has adjacent its periphery two sets of clips lying one on each side of a diameter of the ring and extending axially of the ring from one face thereof, one set comprises a pair of adjacent clips each clip having a strut and tongue forming a terminal spring return bend portion to constitute a substantially non-resilient clip, the other set has at least two spring clips each clip having a resilient tongue portion terminating in an end bent to extend radially inwardly of the ring periphery the disposition of the two sets being such that the two clips of the one set when engaged with a surface of the wheel disc to which the ring is to be fitted provide an axis about which the ring can pivot as the clips of the other set are snap-fittedly engaged with the wheel disc.

The return bend portions of the clips of the one set may each form a closed loop, or be so constructed as to be substantially non-resilient in radial direction.

A trim ring in accordance with the present invention eases the fitting of the ring to the wheel disc and minimizes the possibility of damage to the wheel disc by the ring since the engagement of the one set with the wheel disc provides a substantially non-resilient pivot which does not push the ring onto the wheel disc during assembly and also provides a better "lead-in" condition for the resilient clips.

The appended claims define the scope of the monopoly claimed. The invention and how it can be performed are hereinafter particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a motor vehicle wheel disc with a trim ring according to the invention partially fitted to it; and Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the trim ring fully fitted.

A motor vehicle wheel disc 2 has inner 4 and outer 6 flanged rims defining a well 8 for receiving a pneumatic tyre (not shown). The outer rim 6 has a concave portion 10 providing a seating for two seats of spring clips 14, 1 6 of a wheel trim ring 1 2. The clips conveniently are formed from steel strip. Two clips 14 (only one of which is shown) constitute one set, are securely fixed to the trim ring 12, as by welding, and extend from one face of the trim ring adjacent the outer periphery of the ring. The clips 14 lie on one side of a diameter of the trim ring and are spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit the tyre valve (not shown) of a tyre (not shown) on the wheel disc to pass, with clearance, between them when the trim ring is fitted to the wheel disc.Each clip 14 has a strut 1 5 and tongue 1 7 forming a terminal return bend 18, which in this embodiment forms a closed loop and is substantially non-resilient. The other set comprises two or more spring clips 1 6 (of which only one is shown) which extend like the clips 14 from the one face of the trim ring but on the other side of the ring diameter and may be more widely spaced from one another than are the clips 1 4.

Each clip 1 6 comprises a tongue terminating in a radially outwardly dished end 20 whose endmost portion is bent radially inwardly of the ring.

The trim ring is fitted to the wheel disc by engagement of the ends 18 of the clips 14 in the concave portion 10 of the outer rim 6, which engagement provides an axis about which the trim ring is pivoted as the other clips 1 6 are pushed into a snapfit engagement in the facing part of the concave portion 10. The engagement of the clips 14 in the concave portion 10 provides a firm non-resilient pivot for the trim ring as it is fitted to the wheel disc. In this way the trim ring can be fitted without the ring being thrust against the wheel disc and so damaging it, for the disposition of the clips ensures adequate clearance of the ring from the disc. Additionally, the non-resilient pivot gives an improved "lead in" for the resilient clips as the ring is pushed into place and avoids baulking of the clips of the rim.Moreover, distortion of the ring as it is pushed into place is much reduced.

Although a trim ring has been described having only two clips 1 6 in the other set more could be used where desired.

The trim ring itself could be formed from sheet metal or a suitable plastics material and the clips could be secured to it by adhesive or by mechanical means.

The extra materiai contained in the one set, or its positioning, could also compensate for material removed at the valve hole-slot on the trim ring, thereby giving a better balanced assembly and so less likely to create wheel balance disturbances when fitted to a balanced wheel and tyre assembly.

The easier assembly condition also facilitates precise location of the trim ring valve hole-slot about the valve and avoids valve distortion from incorrect positioning of the trim ring.

Claims (4)

1. A wheel trim ring for a motor vehicle wheel having adjacent its periphery two sets of clips lying one on each side of a diameter of the ring and extending axially of the ring from one face thereof; one set comprising a pair of adjacent clips each clip having a strut and tongue forming a terminal spring return bend portion to constitute a substantially non-resilient clip, the other set having at least two spring clips each clip having a resilient tongue portion terminating in an end bent to extend radially inwardly of the ring periphery the disposition of the two sets being such that the two clips of the one set when engaged with a surface of the wheel disc to which the ring is to be fitted provide an axis about which the ring can pivot as the clips of the other set are snap-fittedly engaged with the wheel disc.

2. A wheel trim ring according to claim 1, in which the return bend portions of the clips of the one set each form a closed loop.

3. A wheel trim ring according to claim 1, in which the return bend portions of the clips of the one set are substantially non-resilient in radial direction.

4. A wheel trim ring substantially as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.