DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to automobile bearings. In particular, the present invention relates to unitized wheel bearing assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to unitized wheel bearing assemblies in which bearings are accommodated in a single housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In automotive sector, the unitized hub assembly means a complete wheel end assembly, in which unitized bearings are fitted in the wheel hub end filled with lubricant, e.g. grease and finally sealed on either side by means of seals.

Conventionally, two taper roller bearings are used separately, e.g. in drive shafts. Here, the wheel hub is locked against the bearing cones by means of stub axle lock nut. Normally, such unitized hub-assemblies cannot be serviced while in field. In case, any problem is detected with such unitized hub-assemblies, the complete hub assembly needs to be replaced.

US20070116397 discloses a wheel end or other assembly for facilitating rotation about an axis includes a tubular housing, a spindle that extends into the housing, and a double row antifriction bearing between the housing and spindle. The bearing includes at least one separate inner race that fits over the spindle, with the axial position of that race determining the setting for the bearing. Preferably, a spacer fits around the spindle between the inner race and a backing element. The assembly is unitized by deforming the end of the spindle outwardly against the end of the separate inner race with the deformation being sufficient to drive the inner race toward the backing element and collapse the spacer, if present. The deformation of the end of the spindle continues until bearing produces a torque that reflects a desired preload in the bearing.

US5328275A discloses a unitized wheel hub and bearing assembly for use on the ends of stationary axles. A wheel hub, a pair of bearings and at least one seal are assembled with a mounting sleeve which is sized to be fitted on an axle end. The inclusion of a custom designed mounting sleeve permits the building of unitized assemblies to be used with existing axles as well as with new ones. The unitized construction allows pre-adjustment of the bearings and when two seals are employed, the bearings can also be pre-lubricated.

DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

It was suggested to use a Circlip design for locking the hub. However, it was felt that this proposed design may not sustain heavy axial and radial load. Because, there is high probability of failure and circlip has not been used for locking the hub until now.

This is a major disadvantage with conventional arrangement of Circlip for locking the hub by separately using two taper roller bearings and the wheel hub is locked against the bearing cones by means of stub axle lock-nut.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a compact wheel hub and bearing assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub assembly capable of sustaining both axial and radial loads.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub assembly with unitized bearings, which prevents lateral movement of the wheel hub.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub assembly with unitized bearings, which prevents the wheel hub from coming out.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub locking arrangement, in which hub is locked by nut-bolts.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub locking arrangement, which does not require spindle deformation for locking bearings.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a front wheel hub locking system with unitized bearing, wherein the system comprises:

(a) a stub axle;

(b) a hub fitted over the sub axle;

(c) a unitized bearing disposed between the stub axle and the hub;

(d) a lock nut and spacer for locking the inner cone of the unitized bearing by means of a plurality of standard bolts used for hub cap mounting;

(e) an oil seal for sealing the assembly of hub and stub axle at one end of the assembly; and

(f) a hub cap for closing the assembly of stub axle and hub at the other end thereof;

wherein the unitized bearing is securely locked between the hub and stub axle for preventing any lateral movement of the hub under heavy loads.

Typically, the unitized bearing is locked by a predefined inwardly protruding step configured on the hub and adjacent the oil-seal, the step having an internal diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the unitized bearing to prevent the hub from coming out of stub axle.

Typically, the unitized bearing is securely locked on the hub cap side by tightening the plurality of hub cap mounting bolts after placing the spacer with the inner circumference thereof pressed against the outer cone of the unitized bearing.

Typically, the base of the hub cap has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacer.

Typically, the internal diameter at the level of the base of the hub cap has an internal diameter greater than the outer cone of the unitized bearing.

Typically, the height of the hub cap from its base is higher than the locked stub axle end disposed therein.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a front wheel hub locking system with unitized bearing, wherein the system comprises:

(i) a stub axle;
(ii) a hub fitted over the sub axle;
(iii) a unitized bearing disposed between the stub axle and the hub;
(iv) a lock nut and spacer for locking the inner cone of the unitized bearing by means of a plurality of standard bolts used for hub cap mounting;
(v) an oil seal for sealing the assembly of hub and stub axle at one end of the assembly; and
(vi) a hub cap for closing the assembly of stub axle and hub at the other end thereof;

wherein the unitized bearing is securely locked between the hub and stub axle by configuring an inwardly protruding step on the hub inner end adjacent the oil-seal and having an internal diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the unitized bearing to prevent the hub from coming out of the stub axle.

Typically, the unitized bearing is securely locked on the hub cap side by tightening the hub cap mounting bolts after placing the spacer with the inner circumference thereof pressed against the outer cone of the unitized bearing.

Typically, the internal diameter of the spacer is greater than the outer diameter of the unitized bearing.
Typically, the stub axle comprises a step on its larger diameter end for resting on the smaller diameter end of the hub thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows the conventional arrangement of locking of hub.

Figure 2 shows the proposed alternative arrangement of unitized bearing suggested for locking of hub in a “Unitized Bearing” configured by using a Circlip.

Figure 3a to 3d show the different steps of locking accomplished by a forming tool in the conventional arrangement of the hub in a “Unitized Bearing”.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the locking arrangement for locking of hub in a “Unitized Bearing” configured in accordance with the present invention.

DETALED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way

Figure 1 shows the conventional arrangement of locking of hub 10. Two taper roller bearings 12 and 14 are fitted inside the hub 10 spaced apart by a predefined distance and disposed at the outer end 22 of the axle 20 and the inner end 24 of the axle 20 is supported on the suspension S. the hub 10 is locked against the bearing cones of bearings 12, 14 by means of a stub axle lock nut 30.

Figure 2 shows the proposed arrangement for locking of hub in a “Unitized Bearing” configured by using a circlip C. Although, the circlip C was also used as per the proposed arrangement, it was not useful in case of heavy vertical and axial loading.

Figure 3a shows the conventional arrangement of the hub in a “Unitized Bearing” having the spindle 20 thereof merging with the flange 22 and the deformable outer end 74 of the spindle 20 forms an extension of the bearing seat 34, which is to be formed in a first step by means of a forming tool 82 (Fig. 3b). Here, inboard row of rollers 62 is installed around the inboard raceway 44 disposed on the enlarged portion 30 of the hub spindle 20 placed on a table 80. The housing 2 is shown disposed over this extension 74 and the outer raceway 52 is installed around the cone 50 fitting over the bearing seat 34.

Figure 3b shows the first step for forming the deformable end 74 into a formed end 36. Here, the housing 2 is passed over the spindle 20 and advanced to seat its outboard raceway 40 against the roller 62 of the outboard row. Now, the spacer 66 is installed over the spindle 20 and brought against the shoulder 48 on the enlarged region 30. With the table 80 and hub 4 rotating about the axis X, the hub 4 is advanced towards the rotating forming tool 82 to bring the deformable end 74 against the contoured face 84 of the rotating forming tool 82. Subsequently, the cone 50 with its complement of outboard roller 62 around its raceway 52 is forced over the bearing seat 34 until its front face 60 comes against the spacer 66. So, the deformable end 74 projects beyond the back face 56 of the cone 50 and bearing 6 has a good end play.

Figure 3c shows the second forming step, in which the table 80 forces the deformable end 74 against the face 84, which deforms the deformable end 74 outwardly away from the axis X.

Figure 3d shows with a large and flat contact area between the formed end 36 and the cone back face 56 (Fig. 3d). With continued advancement of the table 80, the end 74 bears against the back face 56 of the cone 50 and drives the entire cone 50 towards the enlarged region 30 and flange 22 of the hub 4. The spacer 66 resists the advance, however collapses under the applied force. Although, neither the shoulder 48 on the enlarged region 30 of the spindle 20, nor the cone 50 are deformed. Thus, the resistance offered by the spacer 66 enables the deformable end 74 to transform into the formed end 36 with a large and flat contact area between the formed end 36 and the cone back face 56, which provides the deformed end 36 with the inside face 38 at which it bears against the cone back face 56.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of an assembly 100 of the unitized bearing 30 configured in accordance with the present invention. It includes a stub axle 10, a hub 20 and a unitized bearing 30 disposed between the stub axle 10 and hub 20. The assembly of stub axle 10 and hub 20 is sealed on the RHS by means of an oil seal 40 and closed by a hub cap 50 on the LHS. A lock nut 60 and a spacer 70 are used for locking the inner cone 35 of the unitized bearing 30 similar to the conventional arrangement. However, a predefined step 25 for locking the hub 20 prevents the lateral movement of hub 20 to remain secure under heavy loads. A plurality of hub cap locking bolts 80 are inserted through the spacer 70. The spacer 70 is mounted on the hub 20 by means of these hub cap mounting bolts 80, in which the inner diameter 72 of the spacer 70 is pressed against the outer cone 34 of the unitized bearing 30 (see inset detail D) by means of the with hub cap mounting bolts 80. The spacer 70 is configured as a circular ring with holes for insertion of the bolts 80 in the hub 20. The unitized bearings configured according to the present invention are used duly fitted in a single housing for the front wheel hub. In this new hub locking system, the hub is locked by means of stub axle lock nuts and hub cap mounting bolts. Standard bolts are used here for hub cap mounting and hub locking.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES & ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The hub locking arrangement with unitized bearing configured in accordance with the present invention has the following technical and economic advantages:

• Provides a compact wheel hub and bearing assembly.

• Capable of sustaining both axial and radial loads.

• Prevents lateral movement of the wheel hub.

• Prevents the wheel hub from coming out.

• Hub is locked by nut-bolts.

• Does not require any spindle deformation for locking the bearing.

The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention. The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration.

Although, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, the skilled person in the art would readily recognize that these embodiments can be applied with modifications possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in this specification by making innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies, in terms of their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the specific features of the preferred embodiment described here, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention.

These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention 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 invention and not as a limitation.

Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail.

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

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention.

Also, any reference herein to the terms ‘left’ or ‘right, ‘up’ or ‘down, or ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the figures, like parts are numbered the same in all of the figures. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A front wheel hub locking system with unitized bearing, wherein the system comprises:

(a) a stub axle;

(b) a hub fitted over the sub axle;

(c) a unitized bearing disposed between the stub axle and the hub;

(d) a lock nut and spacer for locking the inner cone of the unitized bearing by means of a plurality of standard bolts used for hub cap mounting;

(e) an oil seal for sealing the assembly of hub and stub axle at one end of the assembly; and

(f) a hub cap for closing the assembly of stub axle and hub at the other end thereof;

wherein the unitized bearing is securely locked between the hub and stub axle for preventing any lateral movement of the hub under heavy loads.

2. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unitized bearing is locked by a predefined inwardly protruding step configured on the hub and adjacent the oil-seal, the step having an internal diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the unitized bearing to prevent the hub from coming out of stub axle.

3. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unitized bearing is securely locked on the hub cap side by tightening the plurality of hub cap mounting bolts after placing the spacer with the inner circumference thereof pressed against the outer cone of the unitized bearing.

4. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base of the hub cap has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacer.

5. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the internal diameter at the level of the base of the hub cap has an internal diameter greater than the outer cone of the unitized bearing.
6. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the height of the hub cap from its base is higher than the locked stub axle end disposed therein.

7. A front wheel hub locking system with unitized bearing, wherein the system comprises:

(i) a stub axle;

(ii) a hub fitted over the sub axle;

(iii) a unitized bearing disposed between the stub axle and the hub;

(iv) a lock nut and spacer for locking the inner cone of the unitized bearing by means of a plurality of standard bolts used for hub cap mounting;

(v) an oil seal for sealing the assembly of hub and stub axle at one end of the assembly; and

(vi) a hub cap for closing the assembly of stub axle and hub at the other end thereof;

wherein the unitized bearing is securely locked between the hub and stub axle by configuring an inwardly protruding step on the hub inner end adjacent the oil-seal and having an internal diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the unitized bearing to prevent the hub from coming out of the stub axle.

8. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the unitized bearing is securely locked on the hub cap side by tightening the hub cap mounting bolts after placing the spacer with the inner circumference thereof pressed against the outer cone of the unitized bearing.

9. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the internal diameter of the spacer is greater than the outer diameter of the unitized bearing.

10. Hub locking system as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the stub axle comprises a step on its larger diameter end for resting on the smaller diameter end of the hub thereon.

Dated: this day of 21st July 2016. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT