Claims:1. A clip (1) for retaining a bearing (4) in a wheel hub (3) of a vehicle, the clip (1) comprising:
a body (6) defined with an open profile, wherein the body (6) is receivable in an axial clearance between a wheel hub (3) and a stub axle (5) of an axle beam (9);
a flange (7), radially extending from a portion of the body (6), the flange (7) is receivable in a groove (2) defined in the wheel hub (3),
wherein, a major surface of the flange (7) is configured to abut the bearing (4) such that, the bearing (4) is retained in the wheel hub (3) and at least a portion of the bearing (4) is sealed by the flange (7) to provide ingress protection.

2. The clip (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (6) is structured to operate between a compressed condition and relaxed condition, on selective operation of two ends of the open profile of the body (6).

3. The clip (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (6) is operated to the compressed condition when the two ends of the open profile are displaced towards each other.

4. The clip (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (6) is biased to the relaxed condition from the compressed condition up-on releasing the two ends.

5. The clip (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in the relaxed condition the flange (7) abuts the wheel hub (3) applying a load on the wheel hub (3).

6. The clip (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two ends of the open profile of the flange (7) is defined with at least one hole (8), to actuate the body (6) between the relaxed condition and the compressed condition.

7. The clip (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange (7) radially extends from the portion of the body (6) at an angle of at least 75 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to a central axis of the body (6).

8. The clip (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two ends of the open profile are at an angle of at least 20 degrees to 30 degrees in the relaxed condition.

9. A wheel hub assembly (100) of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a wheel hub (3), connectable to an axle beam (9) of the vehicle, and is defined with an axial bore to receive a stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9);
a bearing (4), disposed between the wheel hub (3) and the stub axle (5);
a clip (1), for retaining the bearing (4) in the wheel hub (3), the clip (1) comprising:
a body (6) defined with an open profile, wherein the body (6) is receivable in an axial clearance between the wheel hub (3) and the stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9);
a flange (7), radially extending from a portion of the body (6), the flange (7) is receivable in a groove (2) defined in the wheel hub (3),
wherein, a major surface of the flange (7) is configured to abut the bearing (4) such that, the bearing (4) is retained in the wheel hub (3) and at least a portion of the bearing (4) is sealed by the flange (7) to provide ingress protection.

10. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the stub axle (5) is in contact with an inner race of the bearing (4) and the wheel hub (3) is in contact with an outer race of the bearing (4).

11. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body (6) of the clip (1) is structured to operate between a compressed condition and relaxed condition, on selective operation of two ends of the open profile of the body (6).

12. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body (6) is operated to the compressed condition when the two ends of the open profile are displaced towards each other.

13. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body (6) is biased to the relaxed condition from the compressed condition up-on releasing the two ends.

14. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein, in the relaxed condition the flange (7) abuts the wheel hub (3) applying a load on the wheel hub (3).

15. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body (6) of the clip (1) is configured to exert a biasing force at the groove (2) of the wheel hub (3) retain the bearing (4) in the wheel hub (3).

16. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flange (7) is configured to exert force in the radial direction to provide ingress protection.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to wheel hub of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a clip for retaining and sealing a bearing in a wheel hub of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Wheel hub assembly in vehicles is generally includes a stub axle coupled to an axle beam and a wheel hub mounted on the stub axle, about which wheel hub rotates to maneuver the vehicle. One or more bearings will be provided between the wheel hub and the stub axle, where such bearings allow rotation of the wheel hub relative to the stub axle. Such bearings are generally provided in the wheel hub assemblies that are not be torqued or driven via a powertrain of the vehicle.

Generally, a clip is disposed in the wheel hub assembly to retain the bearing in a required position and constantly maintain relative movement between the stub axle and the wheel hub in the vehicle. The clip may be configured to engage at least a portion of the bearing with lateral surfaces of the stub axle for applying radial plastic load, in order to be retained in the required position. However, such clip may produce temporary passages during operation of the bearing [i.e., rotation of the wheel hub assembly, and in-turn the wheel], that causes variation in radial load being applied between the surfaces of the stub axle and the bearing. Variation in radial load being applied may be due to factors including, but not limited to, nature of terrain, load acting on the vehicle, tire pressure, and the like, based on which dimension of temporary passages may also vary.

Such conditions in the wheel hub assembly of the vehicle may require sealing, in order to mitigate entry of foreign particles into the bearing and to avoid possible operational failure of such bearing. With advent of technology, efforts have been made to seal such temporary passages that may be produced during rotation of the wheel by incorporating sealing members such as O-rings. However, stiffness of such sealing members may be inadequate to support the clips in applying required load for maintaining position of the bearing relative to the stub axle and the wheel hub. Also, such configurations of sealing members may complicate assembling process of the wheel hub assembly, which inherently increases assembling lead time, and costs associated therewith in view of additional components.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY

One or more shortcomings of the limitations stated above are overcome by a clip and a wheel hub assembly as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the clip and assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a clip for retaining a bearing in a wheel hub of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip consists of a body defined with an open profile. The body is receivable in an axial clearance between a wheel hub and a stub axle of an axle beam. A flange radially extends from a portion of the body, where the flange is receivable in a groove that is defined in the wheel hub. A major surface of the flange is configured to abut the bearing such that, the bearing is retained in the wheel hub and at least a portion of the bearing is sealed by the flange to provide ingress protection.

In an embodiment, the body is structured to operate between a compressed condition and relaxed condition, on selective operation of two ends of the open profile of the body. Further, the body is operated to the compressed condition when the two ends of the open profile are displaced towards each other. Furthermore, the body is biased to the relaxed condition from the compressed condition up-on releasing the two ends.

In an embodiment, in the relaxed condition the flange abuts the wheel hub applying a load on the wheel hub.

In an embodiment, each of the two ends of the open profile of the flange is defined with at least one hole, to actuate the body between the relaxed condition and the compressed condition.

In an embodiment, the flange radially extends from the portion of the body at an angle of at least 75 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to a central axis of the body.

In an embodiment, the two ends of the open profile are at an angle of at least 20 degrees to 30 degrees in the relaxed condition.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheel hub assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly consists of a wheel hub that is connectable to an axle beam of the vehicle. The wheel hub is defined with an axial bore to receive a stub axle of the axle beam. Further, a bearing is disposed between the wheel hub and the stub axle. Furthermore, the assembly consists of a clip for retaining the bearing in the wheel hub. The clip includes a body defined with an open profile, where the body is receivable in an axial clearance between the wheel hub and the stub axle of the axle beam. A flange radially extends from a portion of the body, where the flange is receivable in a groove defined in the wheel hub. A major surface of the flange is configured to abut the bearing such that, the bearing is retained in the wheel hub and at least a portion of the bearing is sealed by the flange to provide ingress protection.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a wheel hub assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2a and 2b illustrates perspective view and side views of a clip for retaining a bearing in a wheel hub, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates the clip of FIG. 2 at different operating conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, mechanisms, systems, and assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, both as to its mechanism and assembly, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the wheel hub assembly.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a clip for retaining a bearing in a wheel hub of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip consists of a body defined with an open profile. The body is receivable in an axial clearance between a wheel hub and a stub axle of an axle beam. The clip also includes a flange radially extending from a portion of the body, where the flange is received in a groove that is defined in the wheel hub. A major surface of the flange is configured to abut the bearing such that, the bearing is retained in the wheel hub and at least a portion of the bearing is sealed by the flange. Thus, with such construction of the clip, any foreign particles such as dust, mud, water, and the like entering the wheel hub are deflected by the flange of the clip during dynamic condition of the vehicle. Therefore, the clip provides ingress protection to the bearing. The vehicle may be one passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle having a wheel hub assembly with integrated bearing [hereafter referred to as wheel hub assembly (100)].

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

Fig. 1 is an exemplary embodiment which illustrate schematic view of a wheel hub assembly (100). The wheel hub assembly (100) may be employed in a vehicle [not shown in Figures] and may be adapted to accommodate a wheel for maneuvering the vehicle. The wheel hub assembly (100) includes a wheel hub (3) that is rotatably connectable to an axle beam (9). The wheel hub (3) is defined with an axial bore to receive a stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9). The wheel hub (3) is defined with an outer surface and an inner surface, where the outer surface of the wheel hub (3) is adapted to receive the wheel. Whereas the inner surface of the wheel hub (3) is defined with the axial bore that may coaxially be disposed over the stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9). In an embodiment, the inner surface of the wheel hub (3) is configured to accommodate one or more bearings (4), which circumferentially connects the stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9) with wheel hub (3). In the illustrative embodiment, an inner race of the bearing (4) is disposed on the stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9) and an outer race of the bearing (4) is rotatably engaged with the inner surface of the wheel hub (3). Such configuration of the bearings (4) on the axle beam (9) ensures rotation of the wheel connected to the wheel hub (3) relative to the axle beam (9), which may allow necessary movement to the wheel. In an embodiment, the bearing (4) may be a ball bearing, roller bearing, tapered roller bearing, needle roller bearing and the like.

In an embodiment, the stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9) may be defined with a stepped portion to accommodate the one or more bearings (4). Further, the inner surface of the wheel hub (3) may be defined with a cavity or depression to accommodate the one or more bearings (4).

The wheel hub assembly (100) also includes a clip (1), as best seen in Figs. 2a and 2b, which is positioned adjacent to the bearing (4) for retaining the bearing (4) in the wheel hub (3). The clip (1) includes a body (6) that is defined with an open profile. The open profile of the body (6) defines two ends of the clip (1). The profile of the clip (1) may be an elliptical profile, a circular profile, and the like. The body (6) of the clip (1) is receivable in an axial clearance defined between the wheel hub (3) and the stub axle (5) of the axle beam (9). Further, the clip (1) includes a flange (7) that is integrally formed and radially extending from a portion of the body (6). The flange (7) radially extends at an angle of at least 75 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis of the body (6). In the illustrative embodiment, the flange (7) extends at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis of the body (6). A sectional view of the clip (1) about thickness or lateral plane resembles a "L" profile.

Further, the clip (1) may be operable between a relaxed condition and a compressed condition [as seen in Fig. 3]. The body (6) of the clip (1) is structured to operate between the relaxed condition [denoted by ‘A’ in Fig. 3] and the compressed condition [denoted by ‘A’ in Fig. 3], based on selective operation of the two ends of the open profile. The operator upon displacing the two ends of the open profile towards each other, elastically deforms the body (6) of the clip (1) to attain the compressed condition. Further, the open profile of the body (6) exerts a biasing force that biases the body (6) of the clip (1) back to the relaxed condition from the compressed condition, when the operator removes the compressive force, i.e., upon releasing of the two ends of the open profile. Further, a portion of the flange (7) proximal to the two ends of the clip (1) is defined with at least one tool receiving portion (8). The at least one tool receiving portion (8) enables an operator to actuate the body (6) of the clip (1) between the relaxed condition and the compressed condition. The at least one tool receiving portion (8) enables the user to slot a tool and compress the clip (1). In an embodiment, the at least one tool receiving portion (8) is at least one hole (8) adapted to receive a tip of a plier.

In an embodiment, the clip (1) may be made of metal, metal alloys, polymers, and the like. Further, the body (6) and the flange (7) of the clip (1) may be made of different materials, for example the body (6) may be made of metal or metal alloy and the flange (7) may be made of polymer. The material of the clip (1) exerts the elastic property of the clip (1) and biases the clip (1) towards the relaxed condition.

Referring to FIG. 1 again, the wheel hub (3) is defined with an opening to receive the clip (1) having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the clip (1) in the relaxed condition. Further, the wheel hub (3) is defined with groove (2) that is configured to receive the flange (7) of the clip (1) in the relaxed condition. The clip (1) to be received in the groove (2), is compressed, such that the diameter of the clip (1) reduced to less than wheel hub (3) opening diameter. Upon compressing the clip (1) into the compressed condition, the clip (1) is positioned in the wheel hub (3) and released. Upon releasing the clip (1), the biasing force of the clip (1) displaces the two ends away from each other into the relaxed condition, such that a portion of the flange (7) is rigidly accommodated within the groove (2) defined in the wheel hub (3). In an embodiment, the flange (7) may bias the clip (1) to retain profile of the groove (2), upon being rigidly accommodated within the wheel hub (3).

The flange (7) in the relaxed condition upon being positioned within the wheel hub (3) abuts against the groove (2) of the wheel hub (3) and applies load on the wheel hub (3) to remain stationary. Further, a major surface of the flange (7) on being received in the groove (2) is configured to abut the bearing (4), where contact between the flange (7) and the bearing (4) enables restricting movement of the bearing (4), due to which the bearing (4) is retained in the wheel hub (3). Furthermore, the flange (7) received in the groove (2) is configured to exert a force in the radial direction on the bearing (4) to retain the bearing (4) in the wheel hub (3) and is configured to radially cover the bearing (4) to seal at least a portion of the bearing (4) and provides ingress protection to the bearing (4) from foreign particles.

In an embodiment, the two ends of the open profile are at an angle of at least 20 degrees to 30 degrees in the relaxed condition. Further, the angle between the two ends of the open profile in the compressed condition may be any angle less than the angle at the relaxed and at most 0 degree.

In an embodiment, the angle between the two ends of the clip (1) when the clip (1) is received in the groove (2) may be lesser than the angle in the relaxed condition to apply force on the groove (2) of the wheel hub (3) and remain stationary.

In an embodiment, the body (6) of the clip (1) is configured to exert the biasing force on the groove (2) of the wheel hub (3) to seal against the bearing (4) and provide ingress protection.

In an embodiment, an edge of the clip (1) at the two ends may be defined at an angle from a tip of the body (6) or may be perpendicular to the tip of the body (6).

In an embodiment, the tool receiving portion (8) may be a depression, a through hole, a protrusion, a magnetic tip, and the like.

In an embodiment, the radial extension of the flange (7) enables the clip (1) to sealingly fit over the inner surface of the wheel hub (3).

In an embodiment, the clip (1) aids in retaining the bearing (4) within the wheel hub (3) and prevents the bearing (4) from movement.

In an embodiment, the flange (7) extending from the body (6) of the clip (1) deflects the foreign particles entering into the wheel hub (3) and provides ingress protection to the bearing (4).

In an embodiment, the ingress protection provided by the flange (7) reduces risk of premature bearing failure and improves bearing life.

Equivalents:

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Wheel hub assembly
1 Clip
2 Groove
3 Wheel hub
4 Bearing
5 Stub axle
6 Body
7 Flange
8 Tool receiving portion/Hole
9 Axle beam