Locking system for a wheel hub

Abstract

A locking system including a locking washer, a nut, and a retainer that together serve to secure a wheel hub to a spindle. The locking washer has a tab that extends through the nut and the retainer and that surrounds and is positioned rearward on the retainer so as to secure the retainer both axially and rotationally. The tab has an initial position corresponding to an unlocked position, and a distal end of the tab extends beyond the wheel hub far enough in the initial position to prevent a cap from being set on the tab when the tab is in the initial position. Thus, the cap cannot be installed until the tab is bent to a locked condition.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a locking system for securing a wheel hub to a spindle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Spindle nut locking systems are used to secure a wheel hub to a spindle. Conventional spindle nut assemblies typically include a nut that is threaded onto a spindle. The nut and a plurality of washers retain and apply a preload to the inner and outer bearings of the wheel hub. In some cases, the outer washer is a lock washer that is designed to prevent the nut from loosening. This can be accomplished by some retaining mechanism that limits the nut from loosening. This prevents the wheel hub and wheel from falling off the vehicle to which it is attached and also maintains the proper preload on the bearings.

[0003] The prior art includes a number of mechanisms that prevent the spindle nut from loosening. However, a user can install the spindle nut and then install an end cap over the spindle nut and bearings, but not install the lock washer. Thus, using the current mechanisms to retain the spindle nut, it is possible to easily install an end cap that protects and retains the bearing grease or oil, but hides the fact that the lock washer for retaining the spindle nut has not been installed. An unsuspecting end user can use the vehicle in an unsafe condition that greatly increases the likelihood that the spindle nut can loosen without their knowledge. This unsuspecting user can be the same person that threaded the spindle nut and accidentally missed the lock washer. The end user can also be a completely different person that had nothing to do with installing the spindle nut. Either scenario can result in problematic results. In the best case, the loosened spindle nut is discovered at an early stage when the bearings are only partially loosened and become wobbly. The results of early detection will be limited to potential bearing and spindle damage that requires replacement of parts. In the worst case, there is a sudden and catastrophic failure that completely removes the wheel and spindle from the vehicle. Such a catastrophic failure can result in a potentially fatal crash and severe vehicle damage.

[0004] There is a need in the art for a cost effective and reliable locking system that makes it impossible to install an end cap over the bearings without the safety of a spindle nut locking device that prevents the spindle nut from loosening. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention is a locking system for securing a hub to a spindle. The locking system includes a locking washer, a nut, and a retainer that together secure the hub assembly. The locking washer has a tab that extends between the spindle and the nut and the retainer. To ensure proper assembly, the tab of the locking washer prevents the end cap from being disposed in the hub's outer shell. Prior to connecting the end cap to the outer shell, the tab of the locking washer must be bent so that the tab encircles the retainer and is positioned rearward on the retainer, which axially and rotationally secures the retainer and the nut, and allows the end cap to be coupled to the outer shell. The tab is long enough to prevent the end cap from being disposed in the hub's outer shell when the tab is not bent, and only when the tab is bent to lock the nut does the end cap allow the end cap to be disposed in the hub's outer shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective view of a hub assembly is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the hub assembly in a locked configuration is shown taken through Figure 1 line 2-2, where the tab of the locking washer is bent;

[0008] Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the hub assembly is shown, where the tab of the locking washer is not bent and unlocked;

[0009] Figure 4 An exploded view of the hub assembly is shown;

[0010] Figure 5 A perspective view of the hub assembly is shown without the end cap shown;

[0011] Figure 6 A perspective view of the locking washer in an initial unlocked position used during assembly of the hub assembly is shown; and

[0012] Figure 7 A perspective view of the locking washer in a locked position, where the tab of the locking washer is bent to secure the hub assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 5 , an embodiment of a hub assembly 10 for supporting a vehicle wheel is shown. The hub assembly 10 can be used in a vehicle, trailer, aircraft, or other device. The hub assembly 10 generally includes a hub 12 rotatably supported on a spindle 14. Inboard and outboard wheel bearings 16, 18 surround the spindle 14 and rotate on companion journal bearings 20, 22 pressed onto the spindle 4. The hub assembly 10 also includes a locking system 30 threaded onto the spindle 14 for securing the hub assembly 10 together and applying a preload on the bearings 16, 18.

[0014] The hub 12 rotates about tapered roller bearings 16, 18. The hub 12 includes a housing 24 that surrounds the spindle 14 and traps grease that lubricates the roller bearings 16, 18. A reservoir 15 is defined by the area between the housing 24 and the spindle 14, containing grease further trapped by an end cap 26. The end cap 26 seals and encloses the locking system 30 and the reservoir 15 upon engagement with the hub 12. The end cap 26 is press-fitted into a countersunk hole 13 in the housing 24. Figure 4 The end surface 33 of the housing 24 forms the outermost extent of the housing 24 and the outermost end of the countersunk hole 13.

[0015] The spindle 14 is configured to receive the hub 12 and the locking system 30 mounted thereon. The spindle 14 defines a longitudinal axis L. The end of the spindle 14 has a cylindrical portion 14A and a flat portion 14F. Figure 4 In this respect, the end of the spindle 14 can have a substantially "D"-shaped cross-section. A key feature of the flat portion 14F is that it is closer to the longitudinal axis L in the radial direction than the cylindrical portion 14A. The flat portion 14F does not necessarily have a "D"-shaped cross-section, but can be a keyway within the tread section. Figures 2 to 5 In the illustrated case, the cylindrical portion 14A is threaded, and the flat portion 14F can be a flat-bottomed keyway within the cylindrical portion 14A, with the bottom of the flat portion being closer to the longitudinal axis L in the radial direction than the cylindrical portion 14A. Typically, the cylindrical portion 14A is threaded regardless of whether the flat portion 14F is a keyway (not shown) or a "D" shape as shown. The flat portion 14F can be substantially parallel to the ground. The flat portion 14F can extend along the length of the end section of the spindle 14. More specifically, the end section of the spindle 14 can be a portion of the spindle 14 extending beyond the hub 12 to the distal end of the spindle 14, and thus the flat portion 14F can extend from the hub 12 to the distal end of the spindle 14.

[0016] End cap 26 is used to connect to housing 24 and covers locking system 30 when mounted on housing 24. End cap 26 is a cylindrical can with end wall 27 and can be press-fitted into countersunk hole 13 of housing 24. End cap 26 includes sealing diameter portion 28, which is part of a sidewall with end 29. Stop ring 35 is spaced apart from end 29 of sealing diameter portion 28. Stop ring 35 is a mechanical stop protruding from sealing diameter portion 28. Stop ring 35 prevents end cap 26 from being positioned too far from housing 24. The outer diameter of stop ring 35 is significantly larger than the diameter of countersunk hole 13.

[0017] The locking system 30 typically includes a pin 32, a locking washer 34, a nut 36, and a retainer 38. The locking system 30 secures the wheel hub assembly 10 and includes a safety feature to prevent the nut 36 from loosening spontaneously over time. Due to vibrations during vehicle operation, the nut 36 may loosen over time. A significant improvement in the safety feature is its inclusion of a mistake-proofing feature. Mistake-proofing is a term meaning preventing error. Mistake-proofing aims to ensure that the secure lock of the locking system 30 cannot be disengaged without explicit notification. This will become clear from the following description. The locking system 30 is also efficient and cost-effective because it does not require difficult-to-use irregular washers and / or nuts. The locking system 30 does not include an inner nut or an additional outer nut, i.e., a lock-loosening nut.

[0018] Pin 32 is positioned within the corresponding receiving hole 39 of spindle 14. Figure 4 During assembly, pin 32 is located outside the retainer 38. Pin 32 can be configured to axially and rotatably secure the retainer 38 to the spindle 14. Therefore, pin 32 prevents the retainer 38 from moving axially outward and also prevents the retainer 38 from rotating. Pin 32 can be configured as a cotter pin 32. Pin 32 is typically metal that retains its shape after being bent into place to prevent it from dislodging from the hole 39 to which it is mounted. Locking system 30 may or may not include pin 32. Pin 32 is not critical. As shown, pin 32 is included to provide redundancy in securing the retainer 38 together with the locking washer 34. Therefore, locking system 30 does not necessarily include pin 32.

[0019] A locking washer 34 is assembled around a spindle 14. The locking washer 34 has a base 40 and a flexible tab 42 extending outward from the base 40. The flexible tab 42 has a distal end 43, which is the furthest point of the flexible tab 42 extending from the base 40. During assembly, the flexible tab 42 surrounds and secures the nut 36 and the retainer 38. The inner surface of the base 40 engages with the spindle 14, and the outer surface of the base 40 engages with the nut 36. The locking washer 34 may comprise any desired material capable of maintaining its shape when bent.

[0020] The base 40 of the locking washer 34 can be a substantially annular component, but features are needed to prevent rotation of the base relative to the spindle 14 on which it is mounted. The hole 44 in the base 40 has a flat edge 41 on the portion of the hole that contacts the flat portion 14F of the spindle 14 when the base is mounted on the spindle. When the locking washer 34 is mounted on the spindle 14, the flat edge 41 acts as an anti-rotation feature to prevent rotation of the locking washer 34 relative to the spindle 14. The outer periphery of the base 40 can be substantially circular. The inner hole 44 of the base 40 is generally unthreaded and sized as a clearance hole through which the spindle 14 extends. As shown, the inner hole 44 is unthreaded ( Figures 6 to 7The inner bore 44 of the base 40 has a size and shape complementary to the end section of the spindle 14. As shown, the inner bore 44 of the base 40 has a substantially "D"-shaped cross-section due to the flat edge 41. The flat edge 41 of the inner bore 44 engages with the flat portion 14F of the spindle 14 to prevent the locking washer 34 from rotating relative to the spindle. The flat edge 41 of the bore 44 is located near the proximal end of the tab 42 connected to the base 40.

[0021] Furthermore, the base 40 can be a separating member with a separating end, having arm segments 46, 48 and a cutout 50 therebetween. The cutout 50 can be located opposite the flat surface of the inner bore 44. For manufacturability, the cutout 50 is opposite the proximal end of the tab 42, as this allows the distal end 43 to be removed from the material originally located at the cutout 50. The cutout 50 and the tab 42 can share a common centerline, which can also be the centerline of the locking washer 34 itself. The size and shape of the cutout 50 can correspond to the tab 42. The width of the cutout 50 can match the width of the tab 42. The arm segments 46, 48 can be bent or flexed relative to each other. The arm segments 46, 48 can aid in clamping and thus secure the locking washer 34 to the spindle 14.

[0022] The tab 42 of the locking washer 34 extends outward from the base 40. The tab 42 can extend substantially perpendicularly from the base 40 from its closest point of attachment to the base 40, for example, extending 90 degrees from the base 40 within reasonable manufacturing tolerances. The tab 42 can be formed integrally or modularly with the base 40. For example, the tab 42 and the base 40 can initially be a single component. The tab 42 can be cut from the base 40, forming a cut 50, and thereafter, the tab 42 can be bent to its initial unlocked position during the manufacture of the locking washer 34. The tab 42 has a distal end 43 and a proximal end connected to the base 40. For manufacturing efficiency, the proximal end of the tab 42 can be located near the flat edge 41 of the inner bore 44 of the base 40, but it can also be located elsewhere along the base 40. Specifically, the proximal end of the tab 42 is positioned along the flat edge 41 of the inner bore 44. The bottom surface of the tab 42 can be substantially flush with or aligned with the flat edge 41 of the inner bore 44. In the case of using a keyway in the spindle 14 to receive a tab 42 (not shown), the tab 42 may extend into the flat edge 41.

[0023] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The tab 42 of the locking washer 34 has at least two configurations or positions. First, the tab 42 has an initial unlocked position, which positions the distal end 43 of the tab 42 at its furthest point from the base 40. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. The tab 42 can be bent to the locked position. Figure 2 andFigure 7 In the initial unlocked position, the tab 42 acts as a fall-proof or safety feature, preventing the end cap 26 from attaching to the housing 24. This is because the tab 42 of the locking washer 34 extends outward from the spindle 14 so far that the end cap 26 cannot be attached to the housing 24 unless the locking washer 34, nut 36, and retainer 38 are properly assembled on the spindle 14 with the tab 42 in the locked position. In the locked position, the tab 42 surrounds the retainer 38 and acts as a mechanical lock preventing axial and rotational movement of the retainer 38. Furthermore, in the locked position, since the tab 42 extends rearward onto the retainer 38, the end cap 26 is then allowed to be attached to the housing 24, as the tab 42 does not obstruct the end cap 26, allowing the end cap to be attached to the hub 12. The tab 42 may be long enough that, when the tab 42 is in its locked position, the distal end 43 surrounds the flat portion 14F of the spindle 14, sufficient to contact the flat portion 14F of the spindle 14. Figure 5 As shown.

[0024] In the initial unlocked position, the tab 42 can extend substantially perpendicular to the base 40. The tab 42 of the locking washer 34 extends through the holes of the nut 36 and the retainer 38, and also extends outward beyond the retainer 38, such that the distal end 43 of the tab 42 contacts the end cap 26 before the end 29 of the end cap 26 can engage with the countersunk hole 13 of the housing 24. Figure 3 The end wall 27 of the end cap 26. The tab 42 is fitted into the gap between the flat portion 14F of the spindle 14 and the nut 36; and the tab 42 is fitted into the gap between the flat portion 14F and the retainer 38. Because the tab 42 extends outwards, it contacts the end wall 27 of the end cap 26, which prevents the end cap 26 from press-fitting into the housing 24 when the tab 42 is in its initial extended or unlocked position. Figure 3 The tab 42 is in the countersunk hole 13. This is because when the tab 42 is in its initial position, the distal end 43 of the tab 42 contacts the end wall 27 on the inner surface of the end wall before the end 29 of the end cap 26 can be inserted into the countersunk hole 13. In the initial position of the tab 42, the distance by which the distal end 43 of the tab 22 extends beyond the end surface 33 of the hub 12 is a first distance. The end 29 of the end cap 26 extends in the inward direction beyond the inner surface of the end wall 27 by a second distance. Therefore, when the tab 42 is in its initial unlocked position, the end cap 26 cannot reach the countersunk hole 13. Therefore, when the tab 42 is in its initial or unlocked position, the user will not be able to arrange the end cap 26 in the housing 24. This relationship is in Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0025] In the initial position, the tab 42 can be bent such that it includes a first elongated segment 42A extending outward from the base 40, and the elongated segment 42A is perpendicular to the base 40 and flush with the flat edge 41 of the inner bore 44. A second elongated segment 42B extends inward from the first elongated segment 42A and is parallel to the base 40. A third elongated segment 42C extends outward from the second elongated segment 42B and is parallel to but offset from the first elongated segment 42A. The third elongated segment 42C is located radially inside the first elongated segment 42A. In the initial unlocked position, the tab 42 may include at least two bends to form the first elongated segment 42A, the second elongated segment 42B, and the third elongated segment 42C. In this way, when the locking washer 34 is assembled above the spindle (as... Figure 3 As shown, the distal end 43 of the tab 42 is positioned relative to the longitudinal axis L of the spindle 14. The tab 42 clamps the nut 36 between the base 40 and the retainer 38. The tab 42 thus provides double protection against axial slippage and rotation of the nut 36 and the retainer 38.

[0026] The user can bend the tab 42 in any desired manner, thus changing the initial unlocked position as desired to secure the nut 36 and retainer 38 to the spindle 14. In all cases, the distal end 43 of the tab 42 is located inside the distal end 43 in the locked position, as in the initial unlocked and unbent positions. The distal end 43 being inside the distal end 43 in the initial unlocked and unbent positions means that the distal end 43 does not obstruct the end wall 27 of the end cap 26, such that the end cap 26 can only be assembled when the tab 42 is in its locked position.

[0027] Nut 36 is assembled around spindle 14 and located outside locking washer 34. Nut 36 is fitted onto tab 42 of locking washer 34. Nut 36 has through hole 52. Figure 4 The outer periphery of the nut 36 includes at least one mechanical locking feature 54 that engages with a corresponding feature of the retainer 38, as discussed in further detail below. The bore 52 of the nut 36 is threaded to engage the spindle 14. The nut 36 provides clamping force to secure the locking washer 34 and the preloaded bearings 16, 18. The outer periphery of the nut 36 has a hexagonal configuration. The entire outer periphery of the nut 36 can be used as the mechanical locking feature 54.

[0028] Retainer 38 is mounted on spindle 14. Retainer 38 is located outside locking washer 34 and nut 36. Retainer 38 may have: a base 56 with an inner bore 58; a first locking section 60 in the form of a circumferential wall 63 extending inside and above nut 36; and a second locking section 62 in the form of a protrusion 61 extending outward from base 56 opposite to circumferential wall 63. Protrusion 61 works in conjunction with a slot on a slotted nut and provides multiple locations for receiving another component, such as locking tab 42 of locking washer 34. Base 56 and the first locking section 60 and second locking section 62 may be formed modularly with each other. The first locking section 60 and second locking section 62 may be coaxial with each other. The first locking section 60 and second locking section 62 may have different diameters. For example, the second locking section 62 may have a smaller diameter than the first locking section 60. The diameter of the first locking section 60 can be defined by the distance from the center point of the base 56 to the vertices between adjacent planes of the first locking section 60. The diameter of the second section 62 can be defined by the distance from the center point of the base 56 to the inner surface of the second section 63. A retainer 38 is used for complementary engagement with a nut 36, which is shown as hexagonal but can also be other shapes, such as quincunx. As shown, the retainer 38 has a twelve-point configuration in the circumferential wall 63 of the second locking section, which allows for flexible positioning for engagement with the hexagonal nut 36 in multiple orientations.

[0029] The base 56 of the retainer 38 connects the first locking section 60 and the second locking section 62 together. The base 56 is substantially perpendicular to the first locking section 60 and the second locking section 62. The base 56 defines a flat surface between the first locking section 60 and the second locking section 62. The inner bore 58 of the base 56 may or may not be threaded. During assembly, the inner surface of the base 56 of the retainer 38 engages with the outer surface of the nut 36.

[0030] The first locking section 60 of the retainer 38 engages and secures the nut 36. The first locking section 60 prevents the nut 36 from rotating relative to the retainer 38. The first locking section 60 includes at least one mechanical locking feature 64 that engages with at least one locking feature 54 on the outer periphery of the nut 36. Figure 4The locking feature 64 may include at least one flat section having a flat surface. As an example, the first locking section may include a plurality of flat wall sections with apexes interposed therebetween. The wall sections collectively form a circumferential wall 63 that extends vertically and rearward (i.e., inwardly) to the base 56. The entire inner surface of the first locking section 60 may serve as the mechanical locking feature 64. The first locking section 60 acts as an anti-rotation feature between the nut 36 and the retainer 38 through its complementary engagement with the nut 36. Thus, when the first locking section 60 engages with the nut 36, the retainer 38 is fixed and cannot rotate relative to the nut 36. The first locking section 60 may extend and engage at least partially on the outer periphery of the nut 36. For example, the first locking section may cover approximately half the depth of the nut 36. During assembly, in the locked position of the tab 42, the tab 42 of the locking washer 34 extends over the first section 60 and the second section 62 of the retainer 38. Furthermore, the distal end 43 of the tab 42 engages with the outer periphery of the first locking section, such as one or more flat surfaces of its flat surface.

[0031] The second locking section 62 includes a plurality of protrusions 66 and grooves 68 therebetween. Figure 5 The protrusion 66 extends perpendicularly to and outward from the base 56 of the retainer 56. The protrusion 66 extends substantially axially along and parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the spindle 14. The protrusion 66 may or may not be threaded. If the protrusion 66 is unthreaded, it can apply clamping force to the spindle 14. If the protrusion 66 is threaded, the threads of the protrusion 66 can engage with the corresponding threads of the spindle 14. In this example, the protrusion 66 is threaded. Figure 5 Under the assembly conditions shown, protrusion 66 is close to tab 42, such that any slight bending of tab 42 away from the spindle will cause engagement between tab 42 and protrusion 66. Therefore, even if tab 42 is not bent to its fully locked position, the movement of nut 36 relative to spindle 36 will be restricted because retainer 38 is fixed and cannot rotate relative to nut 36, and tab 42 of locking washer 34 is restricted relative to spindle 14.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, the tabs 42 of pin 32 and locking washer 34 (in the locked position) are respectively fitted into corresponding and adjacent slots 68 of retainer 38. Therefore, both pin 32 and the tabs 42 of locking washer 34 contribute to securing retainer 38 to spindle 14 and preventing retainer 38 from rotating relative to spindle 14. Because retainer 38 is fixed and cannot rotate relative to nut 36, this also prevents nut 36 from rotating relative to spindle 14. Due to inherent redundancy, in the event of failure of pin 32 or locking washer 34, the other will still be secure and retain retainer 38 by mechanical interference with adjacent protrusions 66.

[0033] Assembly may include mounting a locking washer 34 onto the spindle 14. A nut 36 may be mounted onto the spindle 14 and may be mounted onto the tab 42 of the locking washer 34. A retainer 38 may then be mounted and threaded onto the spindle 14 such that it extends over the tab 42 of the locking washer 34. In other words, the tab 42 may extend through a semi-circular space created between the inner circumferences of the nut 36 and the retainer 38 and the flat portion 14F of the spindle 14. During this process, the tab 42 of the locking washer 34 may remain in its initial unlocked position. Figure 3 Therefore, this assembly configuration creates a safety margin because the distal end 43 of the tab 42 of the locking washer 34 prevents the end cap 26 from being assembled into the countersunk hole 13. Thereafter, the user can position the locking washer 34 in its locked position. Figure 2 The tab 42 of the locking washer 34 can be bent upward and backward, such that the tab 42 engages with the outer surface of the base 56 and with the outer periphery of the first locking section 60. The tab 42 can be located in a groove 68 between adjacent protrusions 66. The pin 32 can then be fitted into the spindle 14. The pin 32 can be located between adjacent protrusions 66 of the retainer 38. As described above, even slight bending of the tab 42 will position the tab in the groove 68. The pin 32 and the tab 42 of the locking washer 34 can be separated by the protrusions 66 of the retainer 38. In other words, the pin 32 and the tab 42 can be positioned within adjacent grooves 68 of the retainer 38. It should be understood that the pin 32 can be fitted into the spindle 14 before or after the tab 42 of the locking washer 34 is bent into its locked position.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments that differ from the above embodiments and do not depart from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A locking system for securing a hub to a spindle, the hub having a housing and a bearing, the locking system comprising: A locking washer, configured for mounting on the spindle, the locking washer comprising a base having a hole therethrough, and the base surrounding the spindle when the locking washer is mounted on the spindle, the locking washer including an anti-rotation feature thereon for engaging with an anti-rotation feature on the spindle, preventing the locking washer from rotating relative to the spindle when the anti-rotation feature on the locking washer engages with the anti-rotation feature on the spindle, the locking washer including a flexible tab having an initial position corresponding to an unlocking condition, and the flexible tab being bendable to a locked position, the flexible tab extending outward from the base and substantially perpendicular to the base at a portion of the flexible tab adjacent to the base; A nut, configured for coupling to the spindle and located outside the locking washer, the nut being further configured to provide clamping force to secure the locking washer and preload the bearing of the hub, the nut including an outer periphery and a hole for receiving the spindle; A retainer, configured for mounting on the nut, includes: a base having a hole; a circumferential wall extending outwardly from the base of the retainer; and a protrusion extending outwardly from the base of the retainer and opposite the circumferential wall, the circumferential wall being configured to extend at least partially over the outer periphery of the nut and engage the outer periphery of the nut in a complementary manner to fix the retainer such that it cannot rotate relative to the nut when the circumferential wall engages the outer periphery of the nut; and Wherein, when the nut is mounted on the spindle, the flexible tab of the locking washer, in the initial position, extends between the nut and the spindle, and wherein, when the flexible tab of the locking washer is in the initial position, when the retainer is mounted on the spindle, the locking washer extends between the retainer and the spindle, wherein bending the flexible tab away from the spindle and toward the locking position causes the flexible tab to collide with the protrusion, thereby restricting the rotation of the retainer and the nut relative to the spindle, when the flexible tab is in the initial position. The flexible tab of the locking washer has a distal end located outside the end surface of the hub, and the distal end of the flexible tab is spaced apart from the end surface by a first distance. The hub includes a countersunk hole extending into the hub adjacent to the end surface for receiving an end cap. The end cap includes an end wall near one end and an end opposite the end wall. The inner surface of the end wall is spaced apart from the end of the end cap by a second distance, the first distance being greater than the second distance, such that when the flexible tab is in the initial position, the distal end prevents the end of the end cap from engaging with the countersunk hole of the hub.

2. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer includes a plurality of protrusions forming a groove between them, and the flexible tab of the locking washer is configured to fit into one of the grooves to form mechanical interference with adjacent protrusions and to lock the retainer and the nut in rotation.

3. The locking system according to claim 2, wherein, The anti-rotation feature on the main shaft is a flat area that is radially recessed from a cylindrical region and interrupts the cylindrical region.

4. The locking system according to claim 3, wherein, The anti-rotation feature on the locking washer is a flat edge located within a hole in the base of the locking washer, the flat edge of which matches the flat area on the spindle.

5. The locking system according to claim 4, wherein, The distal end of the flexible tab is capable of contacting the circumferential wall of the retainer in the locked position.

6. A locking system for securing a hub to a spindle, the locking system comprising: The hub is rotatably supported on a bearing that engages with the main shaft, and the hub surrounds the main shaft, the hub including an end surface that defines the end of the countersunk hole; The spindle has: a cylindrical diameter portion having a thread on a portion thereon; and an anti-rotation feature portion that interrupts the cylindrical diameter portion, the anti-rotation feature portion having a portion that is closer to the central axis of the spindle in the radial direction than the cylindrical diameter portion; A nut having a hole for threading onto the spindle and surrounding an anti-rotation feature on the spindle, the nut having an outer periphery with the anti-rotation feature; A retainer configured for mounting on the spindle, the retainer having a base, a hole through the base, and a circumferential wall extending outward from the base, the circumferential wall having an anti-rotation feature for engaging the outer periphery of the nut when a portion of the circumferential wall extends over the outer periphery of the nut, and the anti-rotation feature fixing the retainer so as not to rotate relative to the nut when the circumferential wall engages with the outer periphery of the nut, the retainer including a protrusion extending outward from the base and opposite the circumferential wall; A locking washer for mounting on the spindle includes a base having a hole therethrough, the base of the locking washer surrounding the cylindrical portion when mounted between the nut and the bearing. The locking washer includes an anti-rotation feature within the hole of the locking washer for engaging with an anti-rotation feature on the spindle, and when the anti-rotation feature of the locking washer engages with the anti-rotation feature of the spindle, prevents the locking washer from rotating relative to the spindle. The base of the locking washer includes a flexible tab having an initial position corresponding to an unlocking condition, and the flexible tab is capable of bending to a locked position. The nut provides a clamping force for securing the locking washer and preloading the bearing of the hub. The flexible tab passes between the nut and the spindle, and when the retainer engages with the outer periphery of the nut, the flexible tab passes between the retainer and the spindle. The initial position of the flexible tab positions the distal end of the flexible tab at a position extending beyond the end surface of the hub by a first distance. as well as An end cap having: an end wall connected to a side wall for sealingly receiving into the countersunk hole of the hub; The sidewall terminates at an end extending beyond the inner surface of the endwall by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance, such that the end cap does not engage the countersunk hole when the flexible tab is in the initial position.

7. The locking system according to claim 6, wherein, The flexible tab is bent away from the main shaft, causing the flexible tab to collide with the protrusion on the retainer.

8. The locking system according to claim 7, wherein, The retainer includes a plurality of protrusions forming a groove between the plurality of protrusions, and the flexible tab of the locking washer is configured to fit into one of the grooves to form mechanical interference with adjacent protrusions and to lock the retainer and the nut in rotation.

9. The locking system according to claim 8, wherein, The anti-rotation feature on the main shaft is a flat area that is radially recessed from the cylindrical region and interrupts the cylindrical region.

10. The locking system according to claim 9, wherein, The anti-rotation feature on the locking washer is a flat edge located within a hole in the base of the locking washer, the flat edge of which matches the flat area on the spindle.

11. A locking system for securing a hub to a spindle, the locking system comprising: The hub is rotatably supported on a bearing that engages with the main shaft, and the hub surrounds the main shaft, the hub including an end surface that defines the end of the countersunk hole; The spindle has: a cylindrical diameter portion having threads on a portion thereon; and an anti-rotation feature portion including a portion that is radially closer to the central axis of the spindle than the cylindrical diameter portion; A nut having a hole for threading onto the spindle and surrounding an anti-rotation feature on the spindle, the nut having an outer periphery with the anti-rotation feature; A retainer configured for mounting on the spindle, the retainer having a base, a hole through the base, and a circumferential wall extending outward from the base, the circumferential wall having an anti-rotation feature for engaging the outer periphery of the nut when a portion of the circumferential wall extends over the outer periphery of the nut, and the anti-rotation feature fixing the retainer so as not to rotate relative to the nut when the circumferential wall engages with the outer periphery of the nut, the retainer including a protrusion extending outward from the base and opposite the circumferential wall; A locking washer for mounting on the spindle includes a base having a hole therethrough, the base of the locking washer surrounding the cylindrical portion when mounted between the nut and the bearing. The locking washer includes an anti-rotation feature within the hole of the locking washer for engaging with an anti-rotation feature on the spindle, and when the anti-rotation feature of the locking washer engages with the anti-rotation feature of the spindle, prevents the locking washer from rotating relative to the spindle. The base of the locking washer includes a flexible tab having an initial position corresponding to an unlocked position, and the flexible tab is capable of bending to a locked position. The nut provides a clamping force for securing the locking washer and preloading the bearing of the hub. The flexible tab passes between the nut and the spindle, and when the retainer engages with the outer periphery of the nut, the flexible tab passes between the retainer and the spindle. The initial position of the flexible tab positions the distal end of the flexible tab at a position extending beyond the end surface of the hub by a first distance. as well as An end cap having: an end wall connected to a side wall for sealingly receiving into the countersunk hole of the hub; The sidewall terminates at an end extending beyond the inner surface of the endwall by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance, such that when the flexible tab is in the initial position, the end cap contacts the distal end of the flexible tab, thereby preventing the end of the end cap from engaging the countersunk hole.

12. The locking system according to claim 11, wherein, The flexible tab is bent away from the main shaft, causing the flexible tab to collide with the protrusion on the retainer.

13. The locking system of claim 12, wherein the retainer includes a plurality of protrusions forming a groove between the plurality of protrusions, and the flexible tab of the locking washer is configured to fit into one of the grooves to form mechanical interference with adjacent protrusions and to lock the retainer and the nut in rotation.

14. The locking system according to claim 13, wherein, The anti-rotation feature on the main shaft is a flat area that is radially recessed from the cylindrical region and interrupts the cylindrical region.

15. The locking system according to claim 14, wherein, The anti-rotation feature on the locking washer is a flat edge located within a hole in the base of the locking washer, the flat edge of which matches the flat area on the spindle.

16. The locking system according to claim 15, wherein, The flexible tab extends from the flat edge.

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