Axle assembly with brake drum and assembly method

Abstract

This invention relates to an axle assembly with a brake drum and an assembly method thereof. An axle assembly and an assembly method are disclosed. An outer wheel is mounted to an outer mounting device of a wheel hub. An inner wheel and a brake drum are mounted to an inner mounting device of the wheel hub, such that a brake drum mounting device is axially positioned between the inner wheel and the inner mounting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article relates to an axle assembly with a brake drum and an assembly method. background

[0002] A wheel end assembly with a drum brake assembly is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 991,861. Overview

[0003] In at least one embodiment, an axle assembly is provided. The axle assembly includes a wheel hub, an outer wheel, an inner wheel, and a brake drum. The wheel hub is rotatable about an axis and has an outer mounting device and an inner mounting device. The outer mounting device extends away from the axis. The inner mounting device extends away from the axis and is spaced apart from the outer mounting device. The outer wheel is mounted to the outer mounting device. The inner wheel is spaced apart from the outer wheel and mounted to the inner mounting device. The brake drum is received inside the inner wheel and has a brake drum mounting device mounted to the inner mounting device, such that the brake drum mounting device is axially positioned between the inner wheel and the inner mounting device.

[0004] In at least one embodiment, a method of assembling an axle assembly is provided. The method includes: providing a wheel hub having a plurality of inner and outer mounting flanges extending away from an axis. These outer mounting flanges are spaced apart from these inner mounting flanges. A brake drum has a plurality of brake drum mounting flanges extending toward the axis. These brake drum mounting flanges are aligned with corresponding gaps between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges, and then the brake drum is moved along the axis such that the brake drum mounting flanges pass through the corresponding gaps between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges, engaging these brake drum mounting flanges with the inner mounting flanges. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example axle assembly.

[0006] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a portion of the axle assembly.

[0007] Figure 4 This is an end view of a portion of the axle assembly.

[0008] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view along section line 5-5.

[0009] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view along section line 6-6. Detailed Implementation

[0010] As requested, detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented in various forms and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention in various ways.

[0011] See Figure 1 An example of axle assembly 10 is shown. Axle assembly 10 can be provided for vehicles such as trucks, buses, farm equipment, mining equipment, military transport or armed vehicles, or cargo loading equipment for land, air, or sea vessels.

[0012] The axle assembly 10 can be part of the vehicle's drivetrain, transmitting torque between at least one power source and the wheel assembly. The power source can be an electric power source (such as an electric motor), a non-electric power source (such as an internal combustion engine), or a combination thereof. The wheel assembly can include tires 12 mounted on the wheels. Figure 1 The image shows four wheel components.

[0013] One or more axle assemblies 10 may be provided to the vehicle. For example, the axle assembly 10 may be a single drive axle assembly or may be configured as part of a tandem axle configuration or a multi-axle configuration that may include multiple axle assemblies connected in series. See reference... Figure 1 and Figure 5 As best shown, the axle assembly 10 may include a housing assembly 20, a differential assembly 22, at least one half-shaft 24, and at least one brake assembly 26. The axle assembly 10 may also include at least one wheel end assembly, which may include a wheel hub 30, an inner wheel 32, an outer wheel 34, and a brake drum 36.

[0014] See Figure 1 The housing assembly 20 can accommodate various components of the axle assembly 10. Furthermore, the housing assembly 20 facilitates the mounting of the axle assembly 10 to the vehicle. The housing assembly 20 may have a central portion 40 that can accommodate the differential assembly 22. Additionally, the housing assembly 20 may have a pair of arm portions 42 extending from the central portion 40. Each arm portion 42 can support the half-shaft 24, the brake assembly 26, and the wheel end assemblies.

[0015] The differential assembly 22 may be at least partially received within the central portion 40 of the housing assembly 20. The differential assembly 22 may be rotatable about axis 50 and may transmit torque to the half-shafts 24 and their associated wheels. The differential assembly 22 may be operatively connected to the half-shafts 24 and may allow the half-shafts 24 to rotate at different speeds in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0016] See Figure 5 The half-shaft 24 can transmit torque from the differential assembly 22 to the corresponding traction wheel assembly. Two half-shafts 24 may be provided, such that each half-shaft 24 extends through a different arm portion 42. The half-shafts 24 may extend along an axis (such as axis 50) and may be rotatable about this axis. Each half-shaft 24 may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be operatively connected to the differential assembly 22. The second end may be arranged opposite to the first end and may be operatively connected to the wheel hub 30.

[0017] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 Brake assembly 26 may be a friction brake, which may be configured to slow or stop the rotation of at least one associated wheel. In the illustrated configuration, brake assembly 26 is configured as a drum brake and may include a brake spider 60 and one or more brake pad assemblies 62.

[0018] The brake base plate 60 facilitates the mounting of the brake assembly 26 to the arm portion 42 of the housing assembly 20. Furthermore, the brake base plate 60 can support various components of the brake assembly 26, such as the brake pad assembly 62.

[0019] One or more brake pad assemblies 62 are movable relative to the brake backing plate 60. In the illustrated configuration, two brake pad assemblies 62 are depicted. The brake pad assemblies 62 can be received inside the brake drum 36 and can be configured to engage the brake drum. For example, the brake pad assemblies 62 may include friction material that can be disposed on the brake shoes. The friction material can engage the interior of the brake drum 36 during vehicle braking and can be spaced apart from the brake drum 36 when friction braking is not applied.

[0020] The wheel hub 30 may be able to rotate about an axis (such as axis 50). Figure 5 As best shown, the wheel hub 30 is rotatable about axis 50 relative to the arm portion 42 and the main shaft 70 which may be disposed together with the arm portion 42. The wheel hub 30 may be rotatably supported by one or more wheel bearings 72 which may be arranged on the main shaft 70. In at least one configuration and as referenced Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown, the wheel hub 30 may include an inner end 80, an outer end 82, a hub cavity 84, an inner mounting device 86, an outer mounting device 88, and a guide ring 90.

[0021] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 The inner end 80 may face the brake assembly 26, or from... Figure 5 The angle shown is facing right.

[0022] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5 The outer end 82 can be arranged opposite to the inner end 80. The outer end 82 can face the hub cover 38 and engage with the hub cover. Alternatively, another component (such as a half-shaft flange) can engage the outer end 82.

[0023] See also Figure 5 The hub cavity 84 can extend around the axis 50. The hub cavity 84 can accommodate various components that can be associated with the wheel end assembly, such as the main shaft 70, wheel bearing 72, seals, etc. The hub cavity 84 can also accommodate the gear reduction unit 100.

[0024] See Figure 2 and Figure 5 The gear reduction unit 100 operatively connects the half-shaft 24 to the wheel hub 30 and provides gear reduction between the half-shaft 24 and the wheel hub 30. The gear reduction unit 100 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the gear reduction unit 100 can be configured as a planetary gear set or a bevel gear set. In the illustrated configuration, the gear reduction unit 100 can be configured as a planetary gear set, which may include a sun gear 110, a planetary ring gear 112, at least one planetary gear 114, and a planetary carrier 116.

[0025] The sun gear 110 may be able to rotate together with the half-shaft 24 about the axis 50. The sun gear 110 may have a set of teeth that may be arranged about the axis 50 and may be configured to engage or mesh with the corresponding teeth of the planet gear 114.

[0026] The planetary ring gear 112 can be configured as a ring that can extend about axis 50. The planetary ring gear 112 can surround the planetary gear 114 and can have a set of teeth that can extend toward axis 50 and can mesh or engage with the teeth of the planetary gear 114. In the configuration shown, the planetary ring gear 112 is fixed relative to the main shaft 70 and does not rotate about axis 50.

[0027] At least one planetary gear 114 may be rotatably arranged between the sun gear 110 and the planetary ring gear 112. Each planetary gear 114 may be able to rotate about a different planetary gear axis 120. Figure 5 As best shown, each planetary gear 114 may define a hole that can be arranged along the planetary gear axis 120 and may have a set of teeth facing away from the planetary gear axis 120.

[0028] The planetary gear carrier 116 can support the planetary gears 114. In the illustrated configuration, the hub cover 38 is the planetary gear carrier 116 and is fixedly positioned relative to the wheel hub 30, such that the wheel hub 30 and the planetary gear carrier 116 can rotate together about axis 50. The planetary gear carrier 116 may include a plurality of shafts or pins that can be received in bores corresponding to the planetary gears 114.

[0029] See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The inner mounting device 86 facilitates the mounting of the inner wheel 32 and brake drum 36. The inner mounting device 86 may extend away from the axis 50 and may be arranged closer to the inner end 80 than to the outer end 82. For example, the inner mounting device 86 may extend from the inner end 80 toward the outer end 82. The inner mounting device 86 may include one or more inner mounting flanges 130.

[0030] The inner mounting flange 130 may project from the surface side of the wheel hub 30, which may be arranged opposite to the hub cavity 84, in a direction extending away from the axis 50. In at least one configuration, a single inner mounting flange 130 may be provided, which may extend continuously or discontinuously around the axis 50. Providing a single inner mounting flange 130 can help prevent rocks or contaminants from entering the cavity of the brake drum 36 and can help prevent unintended wear or damage to the components of the brake assembly 26. Alternatively, multiple inner mounting flanges 130 may be provided, which may be spaced apart from each other and may be arranged around the axis 50. In the illustrated configuration, six inner mounting flanges 130 are shown; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer inner mounting flanges 130 may be provided. The inner mounting flanges 130 may be coplanar. For example, one or more inner mounting flanges 130 may be arranged in an inner plane 132, which... Figure 5 The inner plane 132 can be arranged substantially perpendicular to axis 50. The term "substantially perpendicular" is used herein to refer to features or axes that are perpendicular to or very close to being perpendicular to each other, and includes features that are perpendicular to each other within ±2°.

[0031] An inner mounting flange 130, or each inner mounting flange 130, may define at least one fastener hole 134. In the illustrated configuration, four fastener holes 134 are provided to each inner mounting flange 130; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer fastener holes 134 may be provided. It is also contemplated that a single inner mounting flange 130 may be provided, having a shape similar to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 A group or cluster of fastener holes 134 arranged as shown in the diagram. Each fastener hole 134 may be a through hole or a blind hole. In at least one configuration, one or more fastener holes 134 may be threaded.

[0032] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 When multiple inner mounting flanges 130 are provided, a gap 136 can be provided between adjacent pairs of inner mounting flanges 130. The gap 136 can extend from one inner mounting flange 130 to the adjacent inner mounting flange 130 and can be arranged closer to the axis 50 than the surface side or outer circumferential surface of the inner mounting flange 130 that may face away from the axis 50.

[0033] See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 The outer mounting device 88 facilitates the mounting of the outer wheel 34. The outer mounting device 88 may extend away from the axis 50 and may be spaced apart from the inner mounting device 86. The outer mounting device 88 may be axially positioned between the inner end 80 and the outer end 82. For example, the outer mounting device 88 may be axially positioned between the outer end 82 and the inner mounting device 86. The outer mounting device 88 may be arranged closer to the outer end 82 than to the inner end 80. The outer mounting device 88 may include a plurality of outer mounting flanges 140.

[0034] The outer mounting flanges 140 may project from the surface side of the wheel hub 30 in a direction opposite to the axis 50. The outer mounting flanges 140 may be spaced apart from each other and may be arranged around the axis 50. In the illustrated configuration, six outer mounting flanges 140 are shown; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer outer mounting flanges 140 may be provided. The outer mounting flanges 140 may be coplanar. For example, the outer mounting flanges 140 may be arranged in the outer plane 142, which... Figure 6 As best shown in the diagram. The outer plane 142 can be arranged substantially perpendicular to axis 50. The outer plane 142 can be offset from the inner plane 132.

[0035] Each outer mounting flange 140 may define at least one fastener hole 144. In the illustrated configuration, four fastener holes 144 are provided to each outer mounting flange 140; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer fastener holes 144 may be provided. Each fastener hole 144 may be a through hole or a blind hole. In at least one configuration, one or more fastener holes 144 may be threaded.

[0036] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 A gap 146 may be provided between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges 140. The gap 146 may extend from one outer mounting flange 140 to the adjacent outer mounting flange 140 and may be arranged closer to the axis 50 than the surface side or outer circumferential surface of the outer mounting flange 140 that may face away from the axis 50. As will be discussed in more detail below, the gap 146 may be larger or wider than the mounting flanges that may be provided to the inner wheel 32 and brake drum 36.

[0037] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The inner mounting flange 130 and the outer mounting flange 140 can be positioned about axis 50 at different angular positions relative to each other. The inner mounting flange 130 can be positioned at different angular positions relative to each other, and the outer mounting flange 140 can be positioned at different rotational positions relative to each other. Furthermore, the inner mounting flange 130 can be positioned about axis 50 at different angular or rotational positions relative to the outer mounting flange 140, and therefore can be angularly offset. Thus, each outer mounting flange 140 can be aligned with the gap 136 between two adjacent inner mounting flanges 130, and each inner mounting flange 130 can be aligned with the gap 146 between two adjacent outer mounting flanges 140.

[0038] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5 Optionally, a guide ring 90 may be provided to the wheel hub 30. The guide ring 90 helps align or position the inner wheel 32 and brake drum 36 relative to the axis 50. The guide ring 90 may extend about the axis 50 and may project off the axis 50 from the surface side of the wheel hub 30. The guide ring 90 may be axially positioned between the inner mounting device 86 and the outer mounting device 88. Figure 5 As best shown, the inner wheel 32, brake drum 36, or both can engage the guide ring 90.

[0039] See also Figure 5The inner wheel 32 can support the tire 12. The inner wheel 32 can be mounted to the inner mounting device 86. The inner wheel 32 can surround the brake drum 36 and can be separated from the inner mounting device 86 through the brake drum 36. Therefore, the inner wheel 32 can be spaced apart from the inner mounting device 86 and may not contact the inner mounting device 86. In at least one configuration and as referenced Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best shown, the inner wheel 32 may include a plurality of inner wheel mounting flanges 150.

[0040] The inner wheel mounting flange 150 can be arranged close to the inner wheel 32, and can be arranged closest to the outer end of the outer wheel 34. The inner wheel mounting flange 150 can be opposite to the tire 12 and extend toward the axis 50. The inner wheel mounting flanges 150 can be spaced apart from each other and can be arranged around the axis 50. In the configuration shown, six inner wheel mounting flanges 150 are shown; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer inner wheel mounting flanges 150 can be provided. The inner wheel mounting flanges 150 can be coplanar and can be arranged close to or adjacent to the inner plane 132 when the inner wheel 32 is mounted to the wheel hub 30.

[0041] Each inner wheel mounting flange 150 may define at least one fastener hole 154. In the illustrated configuration, four fastener holes 154 are provided to each inner wheel mounting flange 150; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer fastener holes 154 may be provided. Each fastener hole 154 may be a through hole and may not be threaded.

[0042] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 A gap 156 can be provided between adjacent pairs of inner wheel mounting flanges 150. The gap 156 can extend from one inner wheel mounting flange 150 to the adjacent inner wheel mounting flange 150 and can extend further from the axis 50 than the inner circumferential surface of the inner wheel mounting flange 150 facing the axis 50. The gap 156 can be larger or wider than the outer mounting flange 140 of the wheel hub 30, such that the outer mounting flange 140 can be fitted between a pair of adjacent inner wheel mounting flanges 150.

[0043] See also Figure 6 The outer wheel 34 may be spaced apart from the inner wheel 32 and may support a tire 12 different from the inner wheel 32. In at least one configuration, the inner wheel 32 and the outer wheel 34 may have the same configuration. The outer wheel 34 may be mounted to an outer mounting device 88. For example, the outer wheel 34 may engage or contact the outer mounting device 88. In at least one configuration and as referenced Figure 2 and Figure 3As best shown, the outer wheel 34 may include a plurality of outer wheel mounting flanges 160.

[0044] The outer wheel mounting flange 160 can be arranged close to the outer end of the outer wheel 34 that faces away from the inner wheel 32. The outer wheel mounting flange 160 can be away from the tire 12 and extend toward the axis 50. The outer wheel mounting flanges 160 can be spaced apart from each other and can be arranged around the axis 50. In the configuration shown, six outer wheel mounting flanges 160 are shown; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer outer wheel mounting flanges 160 can be provided. The outer wheel mounting flanges 160 can be coplanar and can be arranged close to or adjacent to the outer plane 142 when the outer wheel 34 is mounted to the wheel hub 30.

[0045] Each outer wheel mounting flange 160 may define at least one fastener hole 164. In the illustrated configuration, four fastener holes 164 are provided to each outer wheel mounting flange 160; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer fastener holes 164 may be provided. Each fastener hole 164 may be a through hole and may not be threaded.

[0046] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 The gap 166 can be provided between adjacent pairs of outer wheel mounting flanges 160 and in the same manner as the gap 156 that can be provided to the inner wheel 32. It is also contemplated that the outer wheel 34 can be configured differently from the inner wheel 32 and can have a single outer wheel mounting flange 160.

[0047] See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The brake drum 36 can be mounted to the wheel hub 30, allowing the brake drum 36 to rotate together with the wheel hub 30 around the axis 50. For example... Figure 5 As best shown, the brake drum 36 can be received inside the inner wheel 32 and can have a cylindrical portion that can extend continuously around the brake pad assembly 62. The brake drum 36 may include a brake drum mounting device 170.

[0048] The brake drum mounting device 170 can be mounted to the inner mounting device 86 such that the brake drum mounting device 170 is axially positioned between the inner mounting device 86 of the wheel hub 30 and the inner wheel mounting flange 150 of the inner wheel 32. Therefore, the brake drum mounting device 170 can engage the inner mounting device 86 and the inner wheel mounting flange 150. In at least one configuration and as referenced... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best shown, the brake drum mounting device 170 may include one or more brake drum mounting flanges 180.

[0049] The brake drum mounting flange 180 can be arranged close to the outermost end of the brake drum 36, closest to the outermost wheel 34. The brake drum mounting flange 180 can extend toward axis 50. The brake drum mounting flanges 180 can be spaced apart from each other and can be arranged around axis 50. In the illustrated configuration, six brake drum mounting flanges 180 are shown; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer brake drum mounting flanges 180 may be provided. The brake drum mounting flanges 180 can be coplanar. In at least one configuration, each brake drum mounting flange 180 can engage a different inner mounting flange 130, a different inner wheel mounting flange 150, or both. For example, each brake drum mounting flange 180 can engage one inner mounting flange 130 and one inner wheel mounting flange 150.

[0050] Each brake drum mounting flange 180 may define at least one fastener hole 184. In the illustrated configuration, four fastener holes 184 are provided to each brake drum mounting flange 180; however, it is contemplated that more or fewer fastener holes 184 may be provided. Each fastener hole 184 may be a through hole and may not be threaded.

[0051] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 A gap 186 can be provided between adjacent pairs of brake drum mounting flanges 180. The gap 186 can extend from one brake drum mounting flange 180 to the adjacent brake drum mounting flange 180 and can extend further from the axis 50 than the inner side or inner circumferential surface of the brake drum mounting flange 180 facing the axis 50. The gap 186 can be larger or wider than the outer mounting flange 140 of the wheel hub 30, allowing the outer mounting flange 140 to be fitted between a pair of adjacent brake drum mounting flanges 180. Similarly, the gap 146 between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges 140 can be larger or wider than the brake drum mounting flange 180, allowing the brake drum mounting flange 180 to be fitted between a pair of adjacent outer mounting flanges 140. Each brake drum mounting flange 180 can engage a different inner wheel mounting flange 150 of the inner wheel 32.

[0052] See Figures 2 to 5 Fasteners such as bolts 190 may extend through fastener holes 154 of the inner wheel mounting flange 150, fastener holes 184 of the brake drum mounting flange 180, and into fastener holes 134 of the inner mounting flange 130. For example, when fastener holes 154, 184, and 134 are aligned and fastener 190 is installed, the head of fastener 190 may be arranged adjacent to the inner wheel mounting flange 150, while the shank of fastener 190 may be received inside fastener holes 154, 184, and 134.

[0053] See Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6 Fasteners such as bolts 192 can extend through fastener holes 164 of the outer wheel mounting flange 160 and into fastener holes 144 of the outer mounting flange 140. For example, when fastener holes 164, 144 are aligned and fastener 192 is installed, the head of fastener 192 can be arranged adjacent to the outer wheel mounting flange 160, while the shank of fastener 192 can be received inside fastener holes 164, 144. Fasteners 190, 192 can have the same configuration.

[0054] A method for assembling an axle assembly 10 will now be described. The method will be described primarily from the assembled wheel hub 30 and the inner wheel 32, outer wheel 34 and brake drum 36 that have not yet been assembled to the wheel hub 30.

[0055] First, the brake drum 36 can be aligned with the wheel hub 30, so that the opening of the brake drum 36 is approximately centered on the axis 50, and the brake drum 36 can be rotated around the axis 50, so that the corresponding gap 146 between the brake drum mounting flange 180 and the outer mounting flange 140 of the adjacent pair of wheel hub 30 is aligned.

[0056] Next, the brake drum 36 can be moved along axis 50 relative to the wheel hub 30 toward the inner mounting device 86 in the inward direction. The brake drum mounting flange 180 can pass through the corresponding gap 146 and can pass between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges 140. The brake drum 36 can be moved in the inward direction until the brake drum mounting flange 180 engages with the inner mounting flange 130 of the inner mounting device 86.

[0057] Next, the inner wheel 32 can be aligned with the wheel hub 30, such that the opening of the inner wheel 32 is approximately centered on the axis 50, and the inner wheel 32 can be rotated around the axis 50, such that the corresponding gap 146 between the inner wheel mounting flange 150 and the outer mounting flange 140 of the adjacent pair of the wheel hub 30 is aligned.

[0058] The inner wheel 32 can be moved along axis 50 relative to the wheel hub 30 in the inward direction toward the inner mounting device 86 and the brake drum 36. The inner wheel mounting flange 150 can pass through the corresponding gap 146 and can pass between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges 140. The inner wheel 32 can be moved in the inward direction until the inner wheel mounting flange 150 engages the brake drum mounting flange 180.

[0059] Fastener 190 can be installed to secure the inner wheel 32 and brake drum 36 to the inner mounting device 86 of the wheel hub 30. It is also conceivable that the fastener 190 can be installed or tightened after the outer wheel 34 is installed.

[0060] Secondly, the outer wheel 34 can be installed. The outer wheel 34 can be aligned with the wheel hub 30, with the opening of the outer wheel 34 approximately centered on axis 50, and the outer wheel 34 can be rotated around axis 50, aligning the outer wheel mounting flange 160 with the outer mounting flange 140 of the wheel hub 30. The outer wheel 34 can be moved along axis 50 relative to the wheel hub 30 in the inward direction toward the outer mounting device 88. The outer wheel 34 can be moved in the inward direction until the outer wheel mounting flange 160 engages with the outer mounting flange 140.

[0061] Fasteners 192 can be installed to secure the outer wheel 34 to the outer mounting device 88 of the wheel hub 30.

[0062] The axle assembly described above facilitates the mounting of multiple wheels, which can be more easily installed and removed compared to a single, wider wheel that can support multiple tires. Providing separate wheels allows associated load forces to be distributed across different mounting points on the wheel hub, which in turn allows for the use of smaller, less expensive fasteners to secure the wheels. These fasteners can be more tightly packed, which can help increase the number of fasteners that can be provided. Wheels and brake drums can be removed from the wheel hub to provide improved access to the brake assemblies, which can help reduce the time and cost required to replace brake pad assemblies or perform other brake maintenance activities. Furthermore, wheels and brake drums can be mounted on and removed from the wheel hub without disassembling the wheel hub or the gear reduction unit inside the wheel hub, which can reduce maintenance costs, maintenance time, and increase vehicle availability. The axle assembly described above can allow the wheel hub to accommodate larger planetary gear sets to help increase gear reduction capacity, which can be valuable in very large or very heavy vehicles, such as mining trucks. Furthermore, the present invention allows the brake drum to be mounted between the wheel and the mounting device on the wheel hub, which can help improve the distribution and transmission of braking torque and associated load force.

[0063] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the terminology used herein is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various implementations of the embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An axle assembly, comprising: A one-piece wheel hub, the wheel hub being rotatable about an axis and having an outer mounting device and an inner mounting device, the outer mounting device including a plurality of outer mounting flanges extending away from the axis, and the inner mounting device including a plurality of inner mounting flanges extending away from the axis and spaced apart from the outer mounting device. Outer wheel, the outer wheel being mounted to the outer mounting device; Inner wheel, the inner wheel being spaced apart from the outer wheel and mounted to the inner mounting device; and A brake drum is received inside the inner wheel and has a brake drum mounting device for mounting to the inner mounting device, such that the brake drum mounting device is axially positioned between the inner wheel and the inner mounting device.

2. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The inner wheel is spaced apart from the inner mounting device and does not contact the inner mounting device.

3. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The wheel hub includes a guide ring that extends about the axis and is axially positioned between the inner mounting device and the outer mounting device, wherein the inner wheel and the brake drum engage the guide ring.

4. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The wheel hub has an inner end facing the brake assembly and an outer end arranged opposite to the inner end, wherein the inner mounting device is arranged closer to the inner end than the outer mounting device is arranged relative to the inner end.

5. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The inner mounting device is arranged closer to the inner end than to the outer end, and the outer mounting device is arranged closer to the outer end than to the inner end.

6. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of inner mounting flanges are spaced apart from each other and arranged around the axis, and the plurality of outer mounting flanges are spaced apart from each other and arranged around the axis.

7. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The inner mounting flange and the outer mounting flange are positioned at different angular locations relative to each other around the axis.

8. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of inner mounting flanges are spaced apart from each other, arranged in an inner plane around the axis and extending away from the axis.

9. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The brake drum mounting device includes a plurality of brake drum mounting flanges spaced apart from each other, arranged around the axis and extending toward the axis, wherein each brake drum mounting flange engages a different inner mounting flange.

10. The axle assembly of claim 9, wherein, The inner wheel includes a plurality of inner wheel mounting flanges spaced apart from each other and extending toward the axis, wherein each inner wheel mounting flange engages a different brake drum mounting flange.

11. The axle assembly of claim 10, wherein, Each brake drum mounting flange engages with an inner mounting flange and an inner wheel mounting flange.

12. The axle assembly of claim 10, wherein, Each inner mounting flange defines a fastener hole, each brake drum mounting flange defines a fastener hole, and each inner wheel mounting flange defines a fastener hole, wherein the fastener hole in each inner wheel mounting flange is aligned with a fastener hole in the corresponding brake drum mounting flange and a fastener hole in the corresponding inner mounting flange.

13. The axle assembly of claim 12, wherein, Fasteners extend through aligned fastener holes in each inner mounting flange, each brake drum mounting flange, and each inner wheel mounting flange.

14. The axle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of outer mounting flanges are spaced apart from each other, arranged around the axis in an outer plane, and extend away from the axis.

15. The axle assembly of claim 14, wherein, The brake drum includes a plurality of brake drum mounting flanges spaced apart from each other and extending toward the axis, wherein a gap larger than the brake drum mounting flanges is provided between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges, such that each brake drum mounting flange can be fitted between a pair of adjacent outer mounting flanges.

16. The axle assembly of claim 15, wherein, The inner wheel includes a plurality of inner wheel mounting flanges spaced apart from each other and extending toward the axis, wherein a gap greater than that between adjacent pairs of inner wheel mounting flanges is provided, such that each inner wheel mounting flange can be fitted between a pair of adjacent outer mounting flanges.

17. The axle assembly of claim 15, wherein, The outer mounting flange can be fitted between adjacent pairs of brake drum mounting flanges and between adjacent pairs of inner wheel mounting flanges.

18. A method for assembling an axle assembly, comprising: A one-piece wheel hub is provided, the wheel hub having a plurality of inner mounting flanges extending away from the axis and a plurality of outer mounting flanges extending away from the axis and spaced apart from the inner mounting flanges. Align a brake drum having a plurality of brake drum mounting flanges extending toward the axis with the wheel hub such that the corresponding gaps between the brake drum mounting flanges and the outer mounting flanges of adjacent pairs of the wheel hub are aligned. as well as By moving the brake drum relative to the wheel hub along the axis such that each brake drum mounting flange passes through the corresponding gap between adjacent pairs of outer mounting flanges, the brake drum mounting flange is positioned to engage with the inner mounting flange.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Align the inner wheel, which has a plurality of inner wheel mounting flanges extending toward the axis, with the wheel hub such that the corresponding gaps between the inner wheel mounting flanges and the outer mounting flanges of the adjacent pair of the wheel hub are aligned. Positioning the inner wheel mounting flange to engage with the brake drum mounting flange; and The inner wheel and the brake drum are fastened to the inner mounting flange.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: After positioning the inner wheel mounting flange to engage with the brake drum mounting flange, the outer wheel is mounted onto the outer mounting flange.

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