Hub and brake rotor assembly

Abstract

An assembly includes a hub and a brake rotor. The hub includes a first mounting boss and a second mounting boss spaced apart from each other. The brake rotor includes a mounting flange. The mounting flange includes a first mounting flange side and a second mounting flange side. The first mounting flange side and the second mounting flange side are tapered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a component that includes a wheel hub and a brake rotor. Background

[0003] A brake rotor is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,629,765.

[0004] Overview

[0005] The present invention relates to a component. The component includes a wheel hub and a brake rotor. The wheel hub is rotatable about an axis. The wheel hub includes a first mounting boss and a second mounting boss. The first mounting boss is spaced apart from the second mounting boss. The brake rotor is disposed on the wheel hub. The brake rotor includes a mounting flange. The mounting flange includes a first mounting flange side, a second mounting flange side, a first mounting flange side surface, a second mounting flange side surface, and an inner mounting flange side. The second mounting flange side is disposed opposite the first mounting flange side. The first mounting flange side surface extends between the first mounting flange side and the second mounting flange side. The first mounting flange side surface engages the first mounting boss. The second mounting flange side surface extends between the first mounting flange side and the second mounting flange side. The second mounting flange side surface engages the second mounting boss. The inner mounting flange side faces the axis. The inner mounting flange side extends between the first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface. The first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface are axially tapered such that the first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface extend farther apart in a direction extending from the first mounting flange side to the second mounting flange side. The first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface are radially tapered such that the first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface extend farther apart in a direction extending away from the axis from the inner mounting flange side.

[0006] The wheel hub may further include a connection surface. The connection surface may extend from the first mounting boss to the second mounting boss. The connection surface may extend away from the axis. The first mounting flange side of the mounting flange of the brake rotor may face the connection surface. The first mounting flange side may be spaced apart from the connection surface and may not contact the connection surface.

[0007] The component further includes a fastener. The fastener may be fixed to the wheel hub. The fastener may engage the second mounting flange side of the mounting flange of the brake rotor to inhibit axial movement of the brake rotor away from the connection surface. The fastener may be spaced apart from the first mounting boss. The fastener may be spaced apart from the second mounting boss. The fastener may include a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may be arranged around the axis. The fastener may be received in a groove in the wheel hub. The fastener may include an anti-rotation feature. The anti-rotation feature may extend toward the axis. The anti-rotation feature may extend into a recess that extends from the bottom wall of the groove toward the axis.

[0008] The first flange mounting side can be substantially planar. The second flange mounting side can be substantially planar.

[0009] The mounting boss can further include an outer side. The outer side can face the brake rotor and the fastener. The mounting boss can further include a first side. The first side can extend from a first end of the outer side toward the connection surface. The mounting boss can further include a second side. The second side can be disposed opposite the first side. The second side can extend from a second end of the outer side toward the connection surface. The first side and the second side can be axially tapered such that the first side extends farther away when the first side and the second side extend away from the outer side.

[0010] The first side of the first mounting boss and the second side of the second mounting boss can face each other. When the first side and the second side extend away from the axis, the first side of the first mounting boss and the second side of the second mounting boss can extend farther away from each other. The first side, the second side, or both can be substantially planar.

[0011] The mounting boss can further include a first side connection surface. The first side connection surface can extend from an end of the first side that is disposed opposite the outer side toward the connection surface. The first side connection surface can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the outer side of the first mounting boss.

[0012] The second mounting boss can further include a second side connection surface. The second side connection surface can extend from an end of the second side that is disposed opposite the outer side toward the connection surface. The second side connection surface of the second mounting boss can face the first side connection surface of the first mounting boss. The brake rotor can be spaced from the first side connection surface. The brake rotor can be spaced from the second side connection surface.

[0013] The brake rotor and the hub can cooperate to define a gap. The gap can extend from the connection surface of the hub to the first mounting flange side of the mounting flange of the brake rotor. The gap can extend from the first side connection surface of the first mounting boss to the second side connection surface of the second mounting boss.

[0014] The second mounting flange side of the mounting flange of the brake rotor can be axially offset from the outer side of the first mounting boss. The second mounting flange side can be disposed farther from the connection surface than the outer side of the first mounting boss is disposed from the connection surface. The fastener can engage the second mounting flange side. The fastener can be spaced from the outer side of the first mounting boss. Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an assembly including a hub, a brake rotor, and a fastener.

[0016] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the components shown.

[0017] Figure 3 is a side view of the component, with fasteners omitted for clarity.

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the brake rotor taken along section line 4-4.

[0019] Figure 5 is a side view of a portion of the hub.

[0020] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the component taken along section line 6-6.

[0021] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the component taken along section line 7-7.

[0022] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the component taken along section line 8-8.

[0023] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the component taken perpendicular to the axis of rotation and through the fastener. Detailed Description

[0024] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments merely illustrate that the present 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 particular components. Thus, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways.

[0025] It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. are used in some instances herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the described embodiments, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.

[0026] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, as used herein, the term "and / or" refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed related items. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 , an example of the assembly 10 is shown. The assembly 10 includes a wheel hub 20, a brake rotor 22, and a fastener 24. The assembly 10 can be provided for a vehicle, such as a truck, bus, agricultural machinery, military transport or armament vehicle, or for a cargo loading device of a land, air or marine vessel or for a trailer that can be provided for a vehicle.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the wheel hub 20 is configured to facilitate the mounting and rotation of a wheel on which a tire can be mounted. The wheel hub 20 is rotatable about an axis 30. In some configurations, the wheel hub 20 includes a wheel hub cavity 40, a wheel mounting flange 42, a plurality of mounting bosses 44, one or more connection surfaces 46, and one or more second connection surfaces 48.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 , the wheel hub cavity 40 can extend about the axis 30. The wheel hub cavity 40 is configured to receive a plurality of different components that can facilitate the rotation of the wheel hub 20. For example, the wheel hub cavity 40 can receive one or more wheel bearings that rotatably support the wheel hub 20 on a structural component (such as, a spindle). The wheel bearings can surround the spindle and allow the wheel hub 20 to rotate relative to the spindle about the axis 30.

[0030] The wheel mounting flange 42 extends away from the axis 30 and the wheel hub cavity 40. A plurality of lug bolts can extend through holes 50 in the wheel mounting flange 42 to facilitate the mounting of a wheel in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] Primarily reference Figures 2 to 5, the mounting bosses 44 facilitate the installation of the brake rotor 22 onto the wheel hub 20. For example, a plurality of mounting bosses 44 can be provided, which are arranged around the axis 30 and extend away from the axis 30 and the wheel hub cavity 40. The mounting bosses 44 are spaced apart from each other such that an opening 52 is provided between adjacent mounting bosses 44. The opening 52 can be open in the axial direction extending away from the wheel mounting flange 42 (e.g., the direction extending along or parallel to the axis 30). The opening 52 can be open in the radial direction away from the axis 30 (e.g., the direction extending along a radial line perpendicular to the axis 30). In some configurations, the mounting boss 44 includes an outer side 60, a first side surface 62, and a second side surface 64. The mounting boss 44 can also include a first side connection surface 66 and a second side connection surface 68, as best shown in Figure 5 For clarity, Figure 2 and Figure 5 only some of the mounting bosses 44 and related features are labeled in

[0032] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the outer side 60 is provided at the end of the mounting boss 44. For example, the outer side 60 can be provided at the end of the mounting boss 44 facing away from the wheel mounting flange 42. In some configurations, the outer side 60 is provided to be substantially perpendicular to the axis 30. The term "substantially perpendicular" is used herein to denote a feature or axis that is the same as or very close to perpendicular, and includes features that are perpendicular to each other within ±3°. In some configurations and as best shown in Figure 5 , the outer side 60 can have a generally trapezoidal configuration. The outer side 60 can include a first end 70 and a second end 72. The first end 70 can be provided opposite to the second end 72.

[0033] The first side surface 62 extends from the outer side 60 to or towards the connection surface 46. For example, the first side surface 62 can extend from the first end 70 of the outer side 60 towards the connection surface 46. The first side surface 62 can extend from the second connection surface 48 in a direction extending away from the axis 30. The first side surface 62 of one mounting boss 44 faces the second side surface 64 of an adjacent mounting boss 44. In some configurations, the first side surface 62 is substantially planar. "Substantially planar" means a planar or very close to planar feature, such as being flat or substantially flat, such as having a flatness or flatness tolerance of ±0.5 mm between two parallel planes that define the region where the entire feature or reference surface is located. The first side surface 62 can be provided to be non-parallel to the axis 30. The first side surface 62 can also be provided to be non-parallel to the second side surface 64.

[0034] The second side surface 64 of the mounting boss 44 is provided to be opposite to the first side surface 62. The second side surface 64 extends from the outer side 60 to a connection surface 46 different from the first side surface 62 or extends towards this connection surface. For example, the second side surface 64 may extend from the second end portion 72 of the outer side 60 towards another connection surface 46. The second side surface 64 may extend from the second connection surface 48 in a direction away from the axis 30. In some configurations, the second side surface 64 is substantially planar. The second side surface 64 may be provided to be in a non-parallel relationship with the axis 30. Additionally, the second side surface 64 may be provided to be in a non-parallel relationship with the first side surface 62.

[0035] As best shown in Figure 5 , the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 of the mounting boss 44 may taper axially or taper in a direction along or parallel to the axis 30. For example, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 of the mounting boss 44 may taper axially such that when the first side surface 62 in the second side surface 64 extends axially away from the outer side 60 of the mounting boss 44 and towards the corresponding connection surfaces 46, 46, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 extend farther apart.

[0036] Mainly referring to Figure 3 , when viewed from the axis 30, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 of the mounting boss 44 may be tapered or may not be tapered. In some configurations, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 of the mounting boss 44 may be provided to be substantially parallel to each other when the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 extend away from the axis 30. In this case, due to the positioning of the mounting boss 44 and different rotational positions around the axis 30, the opening 52 between adjacent mounting bosses 44, 44 widens as the distance from the axis 30 increases. As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" means the same as or very close to parallel and includes features or axes that are parallel to each other within ±3°.

[0037] It is also contemplated that when the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 of the mounting boss 44 extend away from the axis 30, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 may not be parallel to each other. For example, when the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 extend away from the axis 30, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 may extend towards each other. In this case, the opening 52 between adjacent mounting bosses 44, 44 widens as the distance from the axis 30 increases, or when the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 extend away from the axis 30, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 64 may extend away from each other.

[0038] Mainly referring to Figure 5, the first side connection surface 66 (if provided) extends from the first side 62 to or toward the connection surface 46. In some configurations, the first side connection surface 66 extends from the end of the first side 62 that is opposite the outer side 60 to or toward the connection surface 46. The first side connection surface 66 or a portion thereof may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the connection surface 46, the outer side 60, or both.

[0039] The second side connection surface 68 (if provided) may extend from the second side 64 to or toward a connection surface 46 that is different from the connection surface associated with the first side connection surface 66. For example, the first side connection surface 66 may extend to or toward one connection surface 46, while the second side connection surface 68 may extend to or toward another connection surface 46. In some configurations, the second side connection surface 68 extends from the end of the second side 64 that is opposite the outer side 60 to or toward the connection surface 46. The second side connection surface 68 or a portion thereof may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the connection surface 46, the outer side 60, or both. The first side connection surface 66 of the first mounting boss 44 may face the second side connection surface 68 of the second mounting boss 44, which is arranged to be adjacent to the first mounting boss 44.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the connection surface 46 extends between adjacent mounting bosses 44, 44. For example, the connection surface 46 may extend from the first mounting boss 44 to the second mounting boss 44 and partially define an opening 52 therebetween. The connection surface 46 is axially offset from the outer side 60 of the mounting boss 44. In some configurations and as Figure 2 best shown in, the connection surface 46 is axially positioned or positioned along the axis 30 closer to the wheel mounting flange 42 than the distance of the outer side 60 from the wheel mounting flange 42. The connection surface 46 may be arranged to be substantially parallel to the outer side 60. In some configurations, the connection surface 46 is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the axis 30. The connection surface 46 may extend away from the axis 30 from the second connection surface 48.

[0041] The second connecting surface 48 extends between adjacent mounting bosses 44, 44. For example, the second connecting surface 48 can extend from the first mounting boss 44 to the second mounting boss 44 and partially define an opening 52 therebetween. For example, the second connecting surface 48 can define the side of the opening 52 that is disposed closest to the axis 30. The second connecting surface 46 can face away from the axis 30. In some configurations, the second connecting surface 48 is an arcuate surface that is disposed at a substantially constant radial distance from the axis 30. The second connecting surface 48 can extend from the end of the connecting surface 46 in an axial direction that extends away from the wheel mounting flange 42.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the brake rotor 22 can rotate with the wheel hub 20 about the axis 30. The brake rotor 22 is associated with a friction brake configured as a disc brake. The brake rotor 22 cooperates with the friction brake to facilitate braking of the wheel hub 20 and the corresponding wheel mounted to the wheel hub 20. For example, the brake rotor 22 can have opposing friction surfaces that are configured to be engaged by corresponding brake pad assemblies to provide a braking torque that slows or stops the rotation of the brake rotor 22 about the axis of rotation (such as the axis 30). The brake rotor 22 can surround the axis 30 and the wheel hub 20. In some configurations and as best shown in reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the brake rotor 22 can include a first panel 80, a second panel 82, a set of vanes 84, and a plurality of mounting flanges 86.

[0043] Primarily referring to Figure 4 , the first panel 80 can be configured as a ring that can extend around the axis 30. The first panel 80 can have a first friction surface 90.

[0044] The first friction surface 90 can be engaged by the friction material of the first brake pad to slow the rotation of the brake rotor 22 and the wheel about the axis 30. The first friction surface 90 can be substantially flat. Additionally, the first friction surface 90 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis 30.

[0045] The second panel 82 can be spaced apart from the first panel 80. The first panel 80 and the second panel 82 can have substantially similar configurations. Accordingly, the second panel 82 can be configured as a ring that can extend around the axis 30 and can have a second friction surface 92.

[0046] The second friction surface 92 can be engaged by the friction material of the second brake pad to slow the rotation of the brake rotor 22 and the wheel about the axis 30. The second friction surface 92 can face away from the first friction surface 90 and can be substantially planar. Additionally, the second friction surface 92 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis 30 and can be disposed substantially parallel to the first friction surface 90.

[0047] The set of vanes 84 extends from the first panel 80 to the second panel 82. The vanes 84 can be arranged about the axis 30 and can interconnect the first panel 80 and the second panel 82 while providing an air gap therebetween that can facilitate cooling of the brake rotor 22.

[0048] Main reference Figures 2 to 4 , the mounting flange 86 facilitates mounting of the brake rotor 22 to the wheel hub 20. One or more mounting flanges 86 can be provided on the brake rotor 22. As best illustrated in Figure 2 , a plurality of mounting flanges 86 are shown, which are arranged about the axis 30 and spaced apart from each other such that a void 100 is provided between adjacent mounting flanges 86. It should be noted that, for clarity, all mounting flanges 86 and voids 100 are not labeled in Figure 2 . The mounting flange 86 can extend radially inwardly relative to the first panel 80, the second panel 82, or both, toward the axis 30. For example, the mounting flange 86 can extend from the first panel 80, the second panel 82, or both, toward the axis 30. In the illustrated configuration, the mounting flange 86 is depicted as extending from the first panel 80 and spaced from the second panel 82 and not extending from the second panel. In some configurations, the mounting flange 86 includes a mounting flange inner side 110, a first mounting flange side 112, a second mounting flange side 114, a first mounting flange side face 116, and a second mounting flange side face 118.

[0049] The inner side 110 of the mounting flange faces the axis 30. For example, the inner side 110 of the mounting flange can be provided at the end of the mounting flange 86 that faces the axis 30. In some configurations, the inner side 110 of the mounting flange extends along an arc and can be provided at a substantially constant radial distance from the axis 30. The inner side 110 of the mounting flange extends between a first mounting flange side 112 and a second mounting flange side 114. In some configurations, the inner side of the mounting flange can extend from the first mounting flange side 112 to the second mounting flange side 114 or toward the second mounting flange side, or from the second mounting flange side 114 to the first mounting flange side 112 or toward the first mounting flange side. In some configurations, the inner side 110 of the mounting flange extends between a first mounting flange face 116 and a second mounting flange face 118. For example, the inner side 110 of the mounting flange can extend from the first mounting flange face 116 to the second mounting flange face 118.

[0050] Main reference Figure 7 , the first mounting flange side 112 faces the connection surface 46 of the hub 20. Thus, the first mounting flange side 112 can face away from the fastener 24. In some configurations, the first mounting flange side 112 can be spaced apart from the connection surface 46 that the first mounting flange side 112 faces and can not contact the connection surface, thereby providing a clearance that can facilitate installation and / or cooling. The first mounting flange side 112 or a portion thereof can be provided to be substantially perpendicular to the axis 30. The first mounting flange side 112 can be axially positioned at or near the center of the brake rotor 22, such as at the middle between the first panel 80 and the second panel 82.

[0051] The second mounting flange side 114 is provided to be opposite to the first mounting flange side 112. Thus, the second mounting flange side 114 faces the fastener 24. The second mounting flange side 114 can contact or engage the fastener 24. The second mounting flange side 114 can be axially positioned to be farther from the associated connection surface 46 than the first mounting flange side 112 is positioned from the connection surface 46. In some configurations, the second mounting flange side 114 or a portion thereof can be provided to be substantially perpendicular to the axis 30. As best shown in Figure 6 , the second mounting flange side 114 can be offset from the outer side 60 of one or more mounting bosses 44. For example, the second mounting flange side 114 can be axially offset from the outer side 60 or project relative to the outer side 60 such that the second mounting flange side 114 is provided to be farther from the connection surface 46 than the outer side 60 of the adjacent mounting boss 44 is positioned from the connection surface 46.

[0052] Main reference Figure 2 and Figure 4, the first mounting flange side surface 116 extends between the first mounting flange side 112 and the second mounting flange side 114. For example, the first mounting flange side surface 116 may extend from the first mounting flange side 112 to the second mounting flange side 114 or extend toward the second mounting flange side. Additionally, the first mounting flange side surface 116 may extend from the inner side of the mounting flange 110 in a direction away from the axis 30. In some configurations, the first mounting flange side surface 116 may be substantially planar. As best shown in Figure 3 , when assembled, the first mounting flange side surface 116 faces the mounting boss 44 of the wheel hub 20 and engages the mounting boss. For example, the first mounting flange side surface 116 may face the side surface of the mounting boss 44 (such as the first side surface 62 of the first mounting boss 44) and may engage or contact the side surface of the mounting boss.

[0053] Main reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the second mounting flange side surface 118 is provided to be opposite to the first mounting flange side surface 116. The second mounting flange side surface 118 extends between the first mounting flange side 112 and the second mounting flange side 114. For example, the second mounting flange side surface 118 may extend from the first mounting flange side 112 to the second mounting flange side 114 or extend toward the second mounting flange side. Additionally, the second mounting flange side surface 118 may extend from the inner side of the mounting flange 110 in a direction away from the axis 30. In some configurations, the second mounting flange side surface 118 may be substantially planar. The second mounting flange side surface 118 may be provided to be in a non - parallel and non - perpendicular relationship with the first mounting flange side surface 116. As best shown in Figure 3 , the second mounting flange side surface 118 faces a mounting boss 44 of the wheel hub 20 that is different from the first mounting flange side surface 116 and engages the mounting boss. For example, the second mounting flange side surface 118 may face the side surface of a different mounting boss 44 and may engage or contact the side surface of the different mounting boss. In some configurations, the second mounting flange side surface 118 faces the second side surface 64 of the second mounting boss 44 and engages or contacts the second side surface of the second mounting boss.

[0054] The first mounting flange side surface 116 and the second mounting flange side surface 118 are tapered. The taper can be provided in multiple directions. For example, the first mounting flange side surface 116 and the second mounting flange side surface 118 may be axially tapered and radially tapered.

[0055] Main reference Figure 4 and Figure 6, which shows an example of the axial taper of the mounting flange sides. The first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 taper axially or taper in a direction extending along or parallel to the axis 30. In some configurations, the first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 are axially tapered such that the first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 extend further apart in the direction extending from the first mounting flange side 112 towards the second mounting flange side 114. The first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 may be axially tapered such that the first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 gradually separate further as the distance from the first mounting flange side 112 increases. In some configurations, the first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 taper in the same manner or at the same angle but in opposite directions. Providing one or more axially tapered mounting flange sides sets the axial positioning of the brake rotor 22 relative to the hub 20, restricts the axial movement of the brake rotor 22 along the hub 20 towards the wheel mounting flange 42, helps resist the rotation of the brake rotor 22 relative to the hub 20, or a combination thereof.

[0056] Main reference Figure 3 , which best shows an example of the radial taper of the mounting flange sides. The first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 taper relative to each other in a direction extending away from the axis 30 or taper relative to a radial line extending from the axis 30 such that the first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 extend further apart in the direction extending away from the axis 30 from the inner side 110 of the mounting flange. Thus, the first mounting flange side 116 may be radially tapered such that the first mounting flange side 116 and the second mounting flange side 118 gradually separate further as the distance from the axis 30 increases.

[0057] Reference Figure 6 , the hub 20 and the brake rotor 22 may cooperate to form or define a void 120. The void 120 may extend axially from the connecting surface 46 of the hub 20 to the first mounting flange side 112 of the mounting flange 86 of the brake rotor 22. The void 120 may also extend from the first side connecting surface 66 of the first mounting boss 44 to the second side connecting surface 68 of the second mounting boss 44. The brake rotor 22 may be spaced apart from the side connecting surfaces. For example, the mounting flange 86 of the brake rotor 22 may be spaced apart from the first side connecting surface 66 of the first mounting boss 44 and the second side connecting surface 68 of the second mounting boss 44.

[0058] Main reference Figure 1 and Figure 6, the fastener 24 secures the brake rotor 22 to the wheel hub 20. For example, the fastener 24 can inhibit axial movement of the brake rotor 22 away from the attachment surface 46 and thus inhibit removal of the brake rotor 22 from the wheel hub 20. The fastener 24 is fixed to the wheel hub 20. For example, the fastener 24 can be fixed to the wheel hub 20 such that the wheel hub 20, the brake rotor 22, and the fastener 24 can rotate together about the axis 30. The fastener 24 can have any suitable configuration. In some configurations, the fastener 24 can be configured as a clamp, washer, snap ring, etc.

[0059] In some configurations and as Figure 7 best shown in, the fastener 24 can be received in a groove 130 extending toward the axis 30 in the wheel hub 20. For example, the groove 130 can extend from the second attachment surface 48 toward the axis 30. The groove 130 can extend around the axis 30 or encircle the axis.

[0060] The fastener 24 can engage or contact the second mounting flange side 114 of the mounting flange 86 of the brake rotor 22. For example, the fastener 24 can extend away from the axis 30 and extend out of the groove 130 to contact or engage the second mounting flange side 114. As in Figure 8 best shown in, the fastener 24 can be spaced apart from the mounting boss 44 of the wheel hub 20. For example, the fastener 24 can be spaced apart from the outer side 60 of one or more mounting bosses 44.

[0061] In some configurations and as in Figure 2 and Figure 9 best shown in, the fastener 24 can include a plurality of detectable features 140. The detectable features 140 can be arranged around the axis 30 in a repeating pattern or at equidistant angular intervals. The detectable features 140 can be configured as teeth protruding from the fastener 24 or recesses or notches extending into or through the fastener. Providing the detectable features 140 for the fastener 24 can allow the fastener 24 to be configured as an adjustment ring that can be detected by a sensor to provide a signal indicative of the rotational speed or velocity of the wheel hub 20 and thus indicative of the rotational speed of the corresponding wheel.

[0062] In some configurations, the fastener 24 is fixed to the wheel hub 20 such that the fastener 24 inhibits rotation about the axis 30 relative to the wheel hub 20. The fastener 24 can be non-rotatably fixed in any suitable manner. For example, the fastener 24 can be received in the groove 130 by an interference fit, fixed with a fastener as a separate component, etc. In some configurations and as Figure 9As best shown, fastener 24 includes an anti-rotation feature 150. The anti-rotation feature 150 may limit or inhibit rotation of the fastener 24 about axis 30 relative to the wheel hub 20. The anti-rotation feature 150 may extend toward axis 30, such as from a side of the fastener 24 facing axis 30, and into a recess 152 that extends from the bottom wall or bottom side 154 of the groove 130 toward axis 30. It is also contemplated that, in addition to or as an alternative to being fixed to the wheel hub 20, the fastener 24 may be fixed to the brake rotor 22 to inhibit rotation of the fastener 24 about axis 30.

[0063] The present invention allows the brake rotor to be mounted to the wheel hub without threaded fasteners (e.g., bolts). A bolted connection between the brake rotor and the wheel hub may be less durable than a non-bolted connection. For example, the temperature of the brake rotor increases during braking application. The increased temperature causes thermal expansion of the brake rotor and conducts thermal energy to the holes or openings in the brake rotor that receive the threaded fasteners. The thermal expansion of the bolted connection increases local stress and may cause cracking of the brake rotor, such as forming cracks near or extending from the holes or openings that receive the fasteners, which may in turn reduce the service life of the brake rotor. The present invention can eliminate the use of separate mounting fixtures for separate mounting bosses for fixing the brake rotor to the wheel hub, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity. Additionally, the present invention can eliminate the use of threaded fasteners for attaching each mounting fixture to a different mounting boss, thereby also reducing assembly time and complexity. The present invention can also help to directly, reliably, and stably position the brake rotor on the wheel hub without intervening components and can fix the brake rotor to the wheel hub with a single fastener, which can help reduce assembly time.

[0064] Although the exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in this specification are descriptive words rather than restrictive words, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of the embodiments of various implementations may be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A component comprising: a wheel hub rotatable about an axis, the wheel hub comprising a first mounting boss and a second mounting boss spaced apart from the first mounting boss; as well as A brake rotor, the brake rotor being disposed on the wheel hub, the brake rotor comprising a mounting flange, the mounting flange comprising: a first mounting flange side; a second mounting flange side, the second mounting flange side being disposed opposite the first mounting flange side; a first mounting flange side extending between the first mounting flange side and the second mounting flange side and engaging the first mounting boss; a second mounting flange side extending between the first mounting flange side and the second mounting flange side and engaging the second mounting boss; and a mounting flange inner side, the mounting flange inner side facing the axis and extending between the first mounting flange side and the second mounting flange side; Wherein, the first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface are axially tapered so that the first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface extend farther in the direction extending from the first mounting flange side to the second mounting flange side, and the first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface are radially tapered so that the first mounting flange side surface and the second mounting flange side surface extend farther in the direction extending from the inner side of the mounting flange away from the axis.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The hub further includes a connection surface extending away from the axis and extending from the first mounting boss to the second mounting boss, wherein the first mounting flange side faces the connection surface.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: The first mounting flange side is spaced apart from and does not contact the connection surface.

4. The assembly of claim 2 further comprising a fastener secured to said hub and engaging said second mounting flange side to inhibit axial movement of said brake rotor away from said connection surface.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein: The fastener is spaced apart from the first mounting boss and the second mounting boss.

6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein: The fastener includes a plurality of openings arranged about the axis.

7. The assembly of claim 4, wherein: The fastener is received in a groove in the hub.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein: The fastener includes an anti-rotation feature extending toward the axis and into a recess extending from a bottom wall of the groove toward the axis.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first flange mounting side and the second flange mounting side are substantially planar.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The hub further includes a connection surface extending away from the axis and extending from the first mounting boss to the second mounting boss, and the first mounting boss and the second mounting boss each further include: outside; a first side surface extending from a first end of the outer side toward the connection surface; and a second side surface, the second side surface being disposed opposite to the first side surface and extending from a second end portion of the outer side toward the connection surface; The first side surface and the second side surface are axially tapered, so that when the first side surface and the second side surface extend away from the outer side, the first side surface and the second side surface extend farther apart.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: As the first side surface and the second side surface extend away from the axis, the first side surface of the first mounting boss and the second side surface of the second mounting boss extend farther apart.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: The first side and the second side are substantially planar.

13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: The first mounting boss further includes a first side surface connection surface extending from an end portion of the first side surface disposed opposite to the outer side toward the connection surface.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein: The first side connection surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to an outer side of the first mounting boss.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein: The second mounting boss further includes a second side connection surface extending from an end of the second side opposite to the outer side toward the connection surface, wherein the second side connection surface of the second mounting boss faces the first side connection surface of the first mounting boss.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein: The brake rotor and the wheel hub cooperate to define a void extending from a connection surface of the wheel hub to a first mounting flange side of a mounting flange of the brake rotor and from a first side connection surface of the first mounting boss to a second side connection surface of the second mounting boss.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein: The brake rotor is spaced apart from a first side connection surface of the first mounting boss and a second side connection surface of the second mounting boss.

18. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: A second mounting flange side of the mounting flange of the brake rotor is axially offset from an outer side of the first mounting boss.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein: The second mounting flange side is disposed farther from the connection surface than an outer side of the first mounting boss is disposed at a distance from the connection surface.

20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein: A fastener engages the second mounting flange side and is spaced apart from an outer side of the first mounting boss.

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