The present invention relates to vehicle wheels.
More particularly, the present invention relates to wheel hub assemblies used in vehicles wheels to enable turning of the wheels.
DEFINITIONS
The term ‘vehicle/s’ used in the context of this invention refers but is not limited to automobile, motorcycle, car, jeep, sports utility vehicle (SUV), light commercial vehicle (LCV), trucks, two wheeler vehicle, three wheeler vehicle, four wheeler vehicle, multi-wheeled vehicle, and the like.
This definition is in addition to those expressed in the art.
BACKGROUND
A vehicle wheel is composed of different components to facilitate turning of the wheel. A crucial component of the wheel is the wheel hub bearing which allows the wheels to turn freely and steadily thereby enabling smooth running of the vehicle. The wheel hub bearing assembly is located in the center of the wheel and connects the wheel to vehicle parts such as the drive axle. The wheel hub bearing assembly supports the weight of the vehicle and also maintains radial alignment with the drive axle, thereby playing a crucial role in safety and handling of the vehicle.
The wheel of the vehicle is subject to various forces as the vehicle accelerates, decelerates and turns around corners, such as gravitational force, acceleration force, cornering force, and the like. The forces acting on the wheel result in axial and radial loads being applied to the wheel hub bearing. The wheel hub bearing should be able to absorb and endure the radial and axial loads acting thereon.

Excessive acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle due to hard driving, leads to stronger forces and thereby higher axial and radial loads acting on the wheel hub bearing. Conventional wheel hub bearings are capable of absorbing axial and radial loads resulting from forces generated by normal driving. However, extreme acceleration/deceleration and cornering forces generated by aggressive driving such as during racing, police car chase, and the like, and the resulting high axial and radial loads can excessively burden the conventional wheel hub bearings, resulting in fatigue, faster wear and tear, shortened lifespan of the wheel hub bearings, and in some cases can even cause misalignment of the wheel bearing assembly with the drive axle.

A worn out wheel hub bearing can cause snapping, clicking or popping noise when the vehicle is taking a sharp turn, grinding noise when the steering wheel is turned in the direction of the worn out wheel hub bearing, wandering whenever the car is steered, knocking or clunking noise during acceleration/deceleration, and the like, which can cause irritation to the driver and also reduce his/her concentration while driving leading to potentially disastrous consequences.
Hence there is a need for a wheel hub bearing assembly that is capable of absorbing high axial and radial loads due to extreme acceleration, deceleration and cornering forces, and at the same time wears out at a lesser rate and has an increased lifespan.

OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present invention, aimed to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative, are listed herein below.
An object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub bearing assembly that has higher axial load absorbing capacity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub bearing assembly that has higher radial load absorbing capacity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub bearing assembly that is capable of handling extreme acceleration/deceleration and cornering forces.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub bearing assembly that has lesser rate of wear and tear.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel hub bearing assembly that has an increased lifespan.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description which is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention there is provided, a wheel hub bearing assembly for vehicle wheels. The wheel hub bearing assembly comprises: an outer hub having a through-hole with a first open end and a second open end; a first inner hub coaxially cooperating with the outer hub, wherein the first inner hub comprises, an insertable portion coaxially positioned in the outer hub and having a cavity circumferentially defined thereon, and a non-insertable portion, wherein the non-insertable portion has clearance with the first open end of the outer hub when the insertable portion is positioned within the outer hub; a second inner placed within the cavity on the insertable portion of the first inner hub; an outboard seal mounted in the outer hub, adjacent to the first open end of the outer hub; an end-cap affixed to the second open end of the outer hub to seal the wheel hub bearing assembly.

In accordance with the present invention, the wheel hub bearing assembly comprises: at least three ball cage assemblies mounted between the outer hub and the first inner hub and the second inner, wherein each ball cage assembly includes a plurality of balls aligned with angular contact; and the outer hub is configured to have three raceways, the insertable portion of the first inner hub is configured to have two raceways and the second inner is configured to have two raceways, such that collectively three pairs of raceways are formed between the outer hub, the insertable portion of the first inner hub and the second inner, to accommodate the three ball cage assemblies; wherein:
a first ball cage assembly is mounted between a first pair of raceways, proximal to the first open end of the outer hub, the first pair of raceways being formed by the raceway in the outer hub and the raceway on the insertable portion of the first inner hub; a second ball cage assembly is mounted between a second pair of raceways, proximal to the second open end of the outer hub, the second pair of raceways being formed by the raceway in the outer hub and the raceway on the second inner; and a third ball cage assembly is mounted between a third pair of raceways, between the first and second ball cage assemblies, the third pair of raceways being formed by the raceway in the outer hub and partially the raceway on the insertable portion of the first inner hub and partially the raceway on the second inner.

Typically, the insertable portion of the first inner hub culminates in a flange shaped formation to circumferentially define the cavity. The flange shaped formation abuts a portion of the second inner to lock the second inner and the ball cages in the outer hub.

Typically, the cavity on the insertable portion of the first inner hub is proximal to the second open end of the outer hub, when the insertable portion is positioned within the outer hub.

Generally, the insertable portion of the first inner hub is inserted in the outer hub through the first open end of the outer hub.

Generally, the second inner is inserted through the second open end of the outer hub to rest in the cavity on the insertable portion of the first inner hub.

Additionally, the outer hub includes a plurality of integral protruding elements, each protruding element having a through-hole for receiving a bolt therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the vehicle body.

Alternately, the protruding element of the outer hub has a threaded hole for receiving a bolt therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the vehicle body.

Additionally, the non-insertable portion of the first inner hub includes a plurality of integral protruding elements, each protruding element having a through-hole for receiving a bolt therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the wheel.

Alternately, the protruding element of the non-insertable portion of the first inner hub has a threaded hole for receiving a bolt therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the wheel.

Typically, the flange shaped formation of the insertable portion of the first inner hub is formed by orbital forming process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be elaborated with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a conventional wheel hub bearing assembly as known in the art.

Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of a wheel hub bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the wheel hub bearing assembly of figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to figure 1, a conventional wheel hub bearing assembly as known in the art is illustrated. The conventional wheel hub bearing assembly (100) consists of an outer hub (101), a first inner hub (102), a second inner (103), two ball cage assemblies (104a, 104b), an outboard seal (105), an end cap (106) and a plurality of bolts (107). The ball cage assemblies (104a, 104b) include a plurality of balls placed in the pockets of the cages. The two ball cage assemblies (104a, 104b) are mounted within the outer hub (101), and grease is applied on the balls in required quantity. The outboard seal (105) is mounted in the outer hub (101). The first inner hub (102) has an extended portion that is inserted in the outer hub (101) from the outboard seal (105) side. The extended portion of the first inner hub (102) has a cavity circumferentially formed thereon. The second inner (103) is inserted in the outer hub (101) from the side opposite the outboard seal side. The second inner (103) rests in the cavity on the extended portion of the first inner hub (102). The extended portion of the first inner hub (102) ends in shape of flange over the second inner (103) thus locking the bearing assembly. Axial clearance in the assembly is checked and maintained as per requirement. The flange shape at the end of the extended portion is formed by orbital forming process. The outer hub (101) and the first inner hub (102) include protruding elements having through holes or threaded holes to receive the bolts (107) for fastening the bearing assembly to the vehicle body. The end cap (106) also referred to as an inboard seal is affixed to the outer hub, on the side opposite to the outboard seal side (101), to seal the wheel hub bearing assembly.

The conventional wheel hub bearing as illustrated in figure 1 above is subjected to axial and radial loads resulting from various forces such as gravitational force, acceleration force, cornering force, and the like, acting on the wheel as the vehicle accelerates, decelerates and turns around corners. The conventional wheel hub bearing as illustrated in figure 1 above is capable of absorbing axial and radial loads resulting from forces generated by normal driving. However high axial and radial loads resulting from extreme acceleration, deceleration and cornering forces generated by aggressive driving, can excessively burden the conventional wheel hub bearing, resulting in fatigue, faster wear and tear, shortened lifespan, and in some cases can even cause misalignment of the wheel bearing assembly with the vehicle body.

Hence, to overcome the aforementioned limitations in the conventional wheel hub bearing assembly, the present invention provides a wheel hub bearing assembly that is capable of absorbing high axial and radial loads resulting from extreme acceleration/deceleration and cornering forces.

The wheel hub bearing assembly of the present invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description relates purely to the examples and preferred embodiments of the disclosed method and its suggested applications.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following 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.

Referring to figures 2 and 3, a wheel hub bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The wheel hub bearing assembly (200) comprises an outer hub (201), a first inner hub (202), a second inner (203), at least three ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c), an outboard seal (205), an end cap (206) and a plurality of bolts (207). The outer hub (201) has a through hole with a first open end (201a) and a second open end (201b). The first inner hub (202) coaxially cooperates with the outer hub (201). The first inner hub (202) has an extended portion, typically referred to as an insertable portion (202a), and a non-insertable portion (202b). The insertable portion (202a) comprises a cavity (202c) circumferentially formed thereon. The insertable portion (202a) is inserted in the outer hub from the first open end (201a) of the outer hub (201) and is coaxially positioned in the outer hub. A clearance is maintained between the non-insertable portion (202b) and the first open end (201a) of the outer hub (201), when the insertable portion (202a) is coaxially positioned in the outer hub. The cavity (202c) on the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202) is proximal to the second open end (201b) of the outer hub (201), when the insertable portion (202a) is positioned within the outer hub. The second inner (203) is inserted in the outer hub (201) from the second open end (201b) of the outer hub and is placed within the cavity (202c) on the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202). The insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202) ends in a flange shaped formation (202d) to circumferentially form the cavity (202c). The flange shaped formation (202d) abuts a portion of the second inner (203) thereby locking the second inner (203) and the ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c) in the outer hub (201). Axial clearance in the wheel hub bearing assembly is checked and maintained as per requirement. The flange shaped formation (202d) at the end of the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202) is formed by orbital forming process.

To increase the axial and radial load absorbing capacity, the wheel hub assembly (200) comprises at least three ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c) that are mounted between the outer hub (201) and the first inner hub (202) and the second inner (203). Each ball cage assembly (204) includes a plurality of balls aligned in the pockets of the cages to have angular contact with each other, when the ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c) are mounted between the outer hub (201), the first inner hub (202) and the second inner (203). The angular contact enables the balls in the ball cage assemblies to absorb axial loads occurring during running of vehicle. Grease is applied on the balls in required quantity. The outer hub (201) and the first (202) inner hub and the second inner (203) are configured with multiple raceways to accommodate the three ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c). Three raceways (not particularly shown) are formed in the outer hub (201), two raceways (not particularly shown) are formed on the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202) and two raceways (not particularly shown) are formed on the second inner (203). Thus when taken together, three pairs of raceways are formed between the outer hub (201), the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202) and the second inner (203), to accommodate the three ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c).

The first ball cage assembly (204a) is mounted between a first pair of raceways, proximal to the first open end (201a) of the outer hub (201), wherein the first pair of raceways is formed by the raceway in the outer hub (201) and the raceway on the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202). The second ball cage assembly (204b) is mounted between a second pair of raceways, proximal to the second open end (201b) of the outer hub (201), wherein the second pair of raceways is formed by the raceway in the outer hub (201) and the raceway on the second inner (203). The third ball cage assembly (204c) is mounted between a third pair of raceways, between the first (204a) and second (204b) ball cage assemblies, wherein the third pair of raceways is formed by the raceway in the outer hub (201) and partially the raceway on the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202) and partially the raceway on the second inner (203).

The outboard seal (205) is mounted in the outer hub (201), adjacent to the first open end (201a) of the outer hub (201). The end-cap (206) also referred to as an inboard seal is affixed to the second open end (201b) of the outer hub (201) to seal the wheel hub bearing assembly. The outer hub (201) and the non-insertable portion (202b) of the first inner hub (202) both include a plurality of integral protruding elements (208) having through-holes or threaded holes (208a) for receiving bolts (207) therein, to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the vehicle body and wheel respectively.

Typically, the wheel hub bearing assembly (200) is assembled by firstly mounting the three ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c) within the outer hub (201) and applying grease on the balls in required quantity. The outboard seal (205) is then mounted in the outer hub (201). Thereafter the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202) is inserted in the outer hub (201) from the first open end (201a) or the outboard seal (205) end of the outer hub (201), and a clearance is maintained between the non-insertable portion (202b) and the first open end (201a) of the outer hub (201). The second inner (203) is then inserted in the outer hub (201) from the second open end (201b) of the outer hub (201) and placed in the cavity (202c) on the insertable portion (202a) of the first inner hub (202). The end cap (206) is affixed to the second open end (201b) of the outer hub (201), and the bolts (207) are fitted in the through-holes or threaded holes (208a) of the protruding elements (208) to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the vehicle body and wheel.

The wheel hub bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention is capable of absorbing high axial and radial loads resulting from extreme acceleration, deceleration and cornering forces generated by aggressive driving. The configuration of the outer hub (201) and the first inner hub (202) and the second inner (203) is designed to hold the third ball cage assembly, the resulting effect of which is higher axial and radial load absorbing capacity of the wheel hub bearing. The third row of balls in the third ball cage assembly (204c) between the first and second row of balls (204a, 204b) supplements the axial and radial load absorbing capability, further resulting in significant reduction in the rate of wear and tear and increased lifespan of the wheel hub bearing.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The technical advancements offered by the wheel hub bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention, include the realization of:

• higher axial load absorbing capacity;
• higher radial load absorbing capacity;
• capability of handling extreme acceleration and cornering forces;
• lesser rate of wear and tear; and
• an increased lifespan.

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 invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

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 the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

claim:1)A Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly for vehicle wheels, said wheel hub bearing assembly (200)comprising:
•an outer hub (201) having a through-hole with a first open end (201a) and a second open end (201b);
•a first inner hub (202) adapted to coaxially cooperate with said outer hub (201), said first inner hub comprising,
?an insertable portion coaxially positioned in said outer hub (201), said insertable portion (202a) having a cavity (202c) circumferentially defined thereon; and
? a non-insertable portion (202b), said non-insertable portion having clearance with said first open end (201a) of said outer hub (201) when said insertable portion (202a) is positioned within said outer hub;
• a second inner (203) placed within said cavity (202c) on said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202);
• an outboard seal (205) mounted in said outer hub (201), adjacent to said first open end (201a) of said outer hub;
• an end-cap (206) affixed to said second open end (201b) of said outer hub (201) to seal the wheel hub bearing assembly;

characterized in that:
• at least three ball cage assemblies (204a, 204b, 204c) are mounted between said outer hub (201) and said first inner hub (202) and said second inner (203), wherein each ball cage assembly includes a plurality of balls aligned with angular contact; and

• said outer hub (201) is configured to have three raceways, said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202) is configured to have two raceways and said second inner (203) is configured to have two raceways, such that collectively three pairs of raceways are formed between said outer hub, said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub and said second inner, to accommodate the three ball cage assemblies;
wherein:

? a first ball cage assembly (204a) is mounted between a first pair of raceways, proximal to said first open end (201a) of said outer hub (201), said first pair of raceways formed by the raceway in said outer hub (201) and the raceway on said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202);

? a second ball cage assembly (204b) is mounted between a second pair of raceways, proximal to said second open end (201b) of said outer hub, said second pair of raceways formed by the raceway in said outer hub (201) and the raceway on said second inner (203); and

? a third ball cage assembly (204c) is mounted between a third pair of raceways, between said first (204a) and second (204c) ball cage assemblies, said third pair of raceways formed by the raceway in said outer hub (201) and partially the raceway on said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202) and partially the raceway on said second inner (203).

2) The wheel hub assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202) culminates in a flange shaped formation (202d) to circumferentially define said cavity (202c), and wherein said flange shaped formation (202d) abuts a portion of said second inner (203) to lock said second inner and said ball cages (204a, 204b, 204c) in said outer hub (201).

3) The wheel hub bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cavity (202c) on said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202) is proximal to said second open end (201b) of said outer hub (201), when said insertable portion (202a) is positioned within said outer hub.

4) The wheel hub bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202) is inserted in said outer hub (201) through said first open end (201a) of said outer hub.

5) The wheel hub bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second inner (203) is inserted through said second open end (201b) of said outer hub (201) to rest in said cavity (202c) on said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202).

6) The wheel hub assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer hub (201) includes a plurality of integral protruding elements (208), each protruding element (208) having a through-hole (208a) for receiving a bolt (207) therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the vehicle body.

7) The wheel hub assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the protruding element of said outer hub (201) has a threaded hole for receiving a bolt (207) therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the vehicle body.

8) The wheel hub assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-insertable portion (202b) of said first inner hub (202) includes a plurality of integral protruding elements (208), each protruding element (208) having a through-hole (208a) for receiving a bolt (207) therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the wheel.

9) The wheel hub assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the protruding element of said non-insertable portion (202b) of said first inner hub (202) has a threaded hole for receiving a bolt (207) therein to fasten the wheel hub bearing assembly to the wheel.
10) The wheel hub bearing assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said flange shaped formation (202d) of said insertable portion (202a) of said first inner hub (202) is formed by orbital forming process.