DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a wheel hub. More particularly, the present invention relates to the wheel hub for a heavy vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, such as heavy vehicles including but not limiting to trailer vehicles, comprise an axle as an essential component. The axle comprises an axle beam that supports weight of the vehicle. Also, the axle is provided with an axle spindle. A wheel hub is mounted on the axle spindle, and is capable of supporting wheels of the vehicle. Typically, the wheel hub is provided with bearings that ensure easy rotation of the wheels over the axle spindle, while handling loads and dynamic forces acting on the vehicle.
[003] However, conventional wheel hubs are manufactured through casting technique. Casted wheel hubs often exhibit lower strength due to inherent flaws introduced during casting process, such as microscopic defects and material inconsistencies. These imperfections undermine the overall durability and robustness of the wheel hub. Additionally, casted wheel hubs have less precise dimensions further compromising their structural integrity.
[004] Additionally, lubrication provided to the wheel hubs through greasing may leak due to imprecise dimensions during the casting technique. Such leaking may lead to compromise performance characteristics of the bearings as well as the wheel hub, consequently affecting the wheel of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need for a wheel hub to overcome one or more limitations as stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In an aspect, a wheel hub for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheel hub comprises a hollow cylindrical body having an inboard end and an outboard end. A flange extends laterally from the hollow cylindrical body and is adapted to be mounted to a brake drum of the vehicle. Further, a plurality of rib members extend laterally on the hollow cylindrical body. The plurality of rib members enhance structural rigidity of the hollow cylindrical body.
[007] In an embodiment, a plurality of gusset members extends from the hollow cylindrical body and engaging the flange.
[008] In an embodiment, one or more axial stop surfaces are provided on an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body. The one or more axial stop surfaces being adapted to lock axial movement of bearing members disposed in the hollow cylindrical body.
[009] In an embodiment, the one or more axial stop surfaces comprises an inboard axial stop surface. The inboard axial stop surface is provided proximal to an inboard end of the hollow cylindrical body.
[010] In an embodiment, the one or more axial stop surfaces comprises an outboard axial stop surface. The outboard axial stop surface is positioned proximal to an outboard end of the hollow cylindrical body.
[011] In an embodiment, the wheel hub is made by forging and is precision machined.
[012] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of rib members is a semi-circular protrusion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[013] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of an axle including a wheel hub, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wheel hub, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the wheel hub being mounted to an axle spindle and a brake drum of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[014] The present invention provides a wheel hub. Particularly, the present invention provides the wheel hub for a heavy vehicle. The wheel hub is manufactured by a forging process. Thus, the wheel hub of the present invention is characterized by uniform strength with high load bearing capacity and rigidity resulting in enhancing fatigue life of the wheel hub.
[015] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an axle 100 of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the vehicle is a heavy vehicle such as a trailer, semi-trailer and the like. The axle 100 comprises an axle beam 102 mounted to a chassis member of the vehicle, and adapted to support load applied on the vehicle. An axle spindle 104 (shown in Figure 3) is mounted at each end of the axle beam 102. To the axle spindle 104, a wheel hub 106 is mounted.
[016] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, a perspective view of the wheel hub 106 is depicted. The wheel hub 106 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 108 having an inboard end 108b and an outboard end 108a. The term “inboard end” refers to the end that is positioned towards the axle beam 102, while the term “outboard end” refers to the end that is positioned away from the axle beam 102. A flange 110 extends laterally from an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body 108. In an embodiment, the flange 110 is provided towards inboard end 108b of the cylindrical body 108 (as shown in Figure 3). The flange 110 is provided with a plurality of openings 112, wherein the plurality of openings 112 are adapted to align with holes (not shown) provided to a brake drum 114 of the vehicle. A fastener 116 (shown in Figure 3) is insertable into the openings 112 and the holes in the brake drum 114, for fastening the brake drum 114 onto the flange 110 of the wheel hub 106. The brake drum 114 is adapted to support a wheel rim 118 of a wheel 120 (as shown in Figure 1). Thus, inherently connecting the wheel 120 with the wheel hub 106 of the vehicle.
[017] Further, a plurality of rib members 122 are provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 108. The plurality of rib members 122 extend laterally on the cylindrical body 108 from the outboard end 108a to the inboard end 108b. The plurality of rib members 122 are also spaced apart in equal intervals on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 108. The plurality of rib members 122 may be semi-circular protrusions that are provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 108. The plurality of rib members 122 are adapted to enhance structural rigidity or strength of the wheel hub 106. Additionally, a plurality of gusset members 124 extend from the outer surface of the cylindrical body 108 and engage with the flange 110. The plurality of gusset members 124 are also spaced apart at equal intervals on the cylindrical body 108 and provided required support to the flange 110. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of gusset members 124 may be a linear member or a curved member (concave or convex curvature) that connects the flange 110 and the outer surface of the cylindrical body 108. The shape and dimensions of each of the plurality of gusset members 124 are selected based on structural rigidity requirements and design of the wheel hub 106.
[018] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, a sectional view of the wheel hub 106 being mounted on the axle spindle 104 and then connected to the brake drum 114 is depicted. The cylindrical body 108 further has an inner surface (not shown) that is capable of receiving an inboard bearing 126 and an outboard bearing 128. The inboard bearing 126 is positioned proximal to the inboard end 108b, while the outboard bearing 128 is positioned proximal to the outboard end 108a of the cylindrical body 108. The inboard bearing 126 and the outboard bearing 128 are mounted on bearing surfaces (not shown) provided on the axle spindle 104. In an embodiment, the inboard bearing 126 and the outboard bearing 128 may be precision needle bearing members. In an embodiment, outer surfaces of the inboard bearing 126 and the outboard bearing 128 are machined parallel to one another. Such a construction ensures to prevent deviation or misalignment of the wheel hub 106 upon mounting on the axle spindle 104.
[019] Further, to lock axial movement or position of the inboard bearing 126 and the outboard bearing 128, axial stop surfaces 130a, 130b are provided to the inner surface of the cylindrical body 108. In other words, the axial stop surfaces 130a, 130b retain the longitudinal movement of the inboard bearing 126 and the outboard bearing 128. The axial stop surfaces 130a, 130b comprises an inboard axial stop surface 130b and an outboard axial stop surface 130a. The inboard axial stop surface 130b is provided proximally to the inboard end 108b, while the outboard axial stop surface 130a is provided proximally to the outboard end 108a of the cylindrical body 108.
[020] In an embodiment, the wheel hub 106 is manufactured by a forging process. Thus, the wheel hub 106 of the present invention is characterized by uniform strength with high load bearing capacity and rigidity resulting in enhancing fatigue life of the wheel hub 106. Subsequent to the forging process, the wheel hub 106 is also precision machined through precision machining techniques known in the art. Thus, the wheel hub 106 of the present invention is precise in dimensions. As such, upon assembly of the wheel hub 106 onto the axle spindle 104, leakage of lubricant such as grease is mitigated, thereby enhancing life of the wheel hub 106, the axle spindle 104 and the axle beam 102, in other words the axle 100 of the vehicle.
[021] Advantageously, the present invention provides for a wheel hub which is precision machined and thus has an improved life and load bearing capacity. Further, the wheel hub is provided with axial stop surfaces which lock axial movement of the inboard and outboard bearing members. Consequently, misalignment of the bearing members are mitigated. Additionally, the wheel hub is provided with plurality of rib members and gusset members, which enhances the structural rigidity of the wheel hub. Moreover, the wheel hub is precision machined, and thus upon assembly with the axle spindle and the axle beam, the leakage of lubrication is mitigated, thereby enhancing the life of the overall axle of the vehicle.
[022] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limited. Since the modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to the person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.

List of Reference numerals
100 – Axle
102 – Axle beam
104 – Axle Spindle
106 – Wheel hub
108 – Hollow cylindrical body
108a – Outboard end of cylindrical body
108b – inboard end of cylindrical body
110 – Flange
112 – Plurality of openings on flange
114 – Brake drum
116 – Fastener
118 – Wheel rim
120 – Wheel
122 – Plurality of rib members
124 – Plurality of gusset members
126 – Inboard bearing
128 - Outboard bearing
130a, 130b – Axial stop surfaces
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A wheel hub (106) for a vehicle, the wheel hub (106) comprising:
a hollow cylindrical body (108) having an inboard end (108b) and an outboard end (108a);
a flange (110) extending laterally from the hollow cylindrical body (108), the flange (110) adapted to be mounted to a brake drum (114) of the vehicle; and
a plurality of rib members (122) extending laterally on the hollow cylindrical body (108), the plurality of rib members (122) being adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the hollow cylindrical body (108).

2. The wheel hub (106) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of gusset members (124) extending from the hollow cylindrical body (108) and engaging the flange (110).

3. The wheel hub (106) as claimed in claim 1 comprising one or more axial stop surfaces (130a,130b) provided on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body (108), the one or more axial stop surfaces (130a, 130b) being adapted to lock axial movement of bearing members disposed in the hollow cylindrical body (108).

4. The wheel hub (106) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more axial stop surfaces (130a,130b) comprises an inboard axial stop surface (130b), the inboard axial stop surface (130b) being provided proximal to an inboard end (108b) of the hollow cylindrical body (108).

5. The wheel hub (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more axial stop surfaces (130a,130b) comprises an outboard axial stop surface (130a), the outboard axial stop surface (130a) being positioned proximal to an outboard end (108a) of the hollow cylindrical body (108).

6. The wheel hub (106) as claimed in claim 1 being made by forging and is precision machined.

7. The wheel hub (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rib members (122) is a semi-circular protrusion.

Dated this 8th day of February 2024.
RAMKRISHNA FORGINGS LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Adheesh Nargolkar)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1086