Brake dust cover design for brake dust cover robustness

Abstract

The invention provides a brake dust cover design for brake dust cover robustness. A brake dust cover for a wheel assembly of a vehicle may be provided. The brake dust cover may include a central body portion that may be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; and a peripheral body portion positionable radially outward from the central body portion, at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion may be operably coupled to the wheel assembly via a knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axially offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The example embodiments generally relate to wheel assembly components, and more particularly to a brake dust shield design for increasing the robustness of a brake dust shield. Background Art

[0002] Some vehicles utilize a brake dust shield in the wheel assembly, which is designed to help protect the wheel assembly components and the suspension assembly components. The brake dust shield is designed to help limit the exposure of the wheel assembly components and the suspension assembly components to the heat generated by the brake assembly during braking. The brake dust shield is additionally used to protect the brake assembly components (such as brake discs, brake pads, and brake calipers) from dust, debris, and other environmental factors that may affect the durability of the brake assembly.

[0003] Typically, the brake dust shield may experience bending during the manufacturing process, which causes a portion of the brake dust shield to contact the brake disc when installed on the vehicle. This contact between the bent brake dust shield and the brake disc may result in unwanted noise for the vehicle operator. Although brake dust shield bending is a fact due to its design limitations and the heavy machinery involved, preventing contact with the brake disc to limit unwanted noise may be achievable. Therefore, there is a need for a brake dust shield with increased robustness that prevents contact between the bent or unbent brake dust shield and the brake disc within the wheel assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one example embodiment, a brake dust shield for a wheel assembly of a vehicle may be provided. The brake dust shield may include: a central body portion that may be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; and a peripheral body portion that may be positioned radially outward from the central body portion and at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion may be operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axial offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0005] In another example embodiment, a wheel assembly for a vehicle of the example embodiment may be provided. The wheel assembly of the vehicle may include: a steering knuckle for operably coupling the wheel assembly and the suspension assembly of the vehicle; a brake disc for decelerating the vehicle; a wheel bearing that may be operably coupled to the steering knuckle and the brake disc; and a brake dust shield that may be disposed adjacent to the brake disc. The brake dust shield may include: a central body portion that may be radially centered along the wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; and a peripheral body portion that may be radially outwardly positioned from the central body portion and at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion may be operably coupled to the wheel assembly via the steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axial offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 A block diagram of a wheel assembly for a vehicle wheel system according to an example embodiment is depicted;

[0008] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0009] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly according to an example embodiment is depicted;

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view of a wheel assembly according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0011] Figure 5 A side view of a wheel assembly according to an example embodiment is depicted;

[0012] Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 7 A separate view of a wheel assembly according to an example embodiment is depicted;

[0014] Figure 8 A top view of a brake dust shield according to an example embodiment is shown; and

[0015] Figure 9 A perspective view of a brake dust shield according to an example embodiment is depicted. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0016] Some example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, example embodiments are shown. In fact, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will meet applicable requirements. Like reference numerals always refer to like elements. Additionally, as used herein, the term "or" will be construed as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, an operable connection should be understood to involve a direct or indirect connection, in either case enabling a functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0017] Some example embodiments described herein can address the above problems. In this regard, for example, some embodiments can provide a brake dust shield having a built-in axial offset away from the brake disc to prevent the brake dust shield from deflecting and contacting the brake disc, thereby increasing the operator's comfort and satisfaction by limiting unwanted noise. Some embodiments can provide a brake dust shield that is mounted in the same plane as other wheel assembly components. Thus, the installation of the wheel assembly may require less work, fewer components, less time, and may therefore be more efficient.

[0018] Figure 1 A block diagram of a wheel assembly 100 of a wheel system for a vehicle 10 according to an example embodiment is shown, Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly 100 according to an example embodiment is shown, and Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly 100 according to an example embodiment is depicted. As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in some embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 can include a wheel 30, a knuckle 110, a wheel bearing 120, a brake disc 130, and a brake dust shield 200. The suspension assembly 40 of the vehicle 10 can be operably coupled to the body 20 and the wheel assembly 100. In some cases, the vehicle 10 can include a chassis or a frame. The chassis or frame can support the vehicle 10 and can form the infrastructure of the vehicle. In an example embodiment, the chassis and the frame can be formed by one or more cast subframes, and the suspension assembly 40 can be operably coupled to the chassis or the frame.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the knuckle 110 may operatively couple the suspension assembly 40 and the wheel assembly 100 to each other. The knuckle 110 may additionally be operatively coupled to the brake dust shield 200 via a first knuckle coupler 111 of the knuckle 110. The first knuckle coupler 111 may also be referred to as a first knuckle boss or a first knuckle connector. The knuckle 110 may include a first knuckle body portion 115 and a second knuckle body portion 116. The first knuckle body portion 115 may operatively couple the suspension assembly 40 and the wheel assembly 100 to each other, and the second knuckle body portion 116 may operatively couple components of the wheel assembly 100 to the knuckle 110. The second knuckle body portion 116 may include the first knuckle coupler 111. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be operatively coupled to the first knuckle coupler 111 via a first knuckle fastener 112. In an example embodiment, the first knuckle fastener 112 may be various operable coupling devices, such as nuts and bolts, screws, or any other operable coupling device that can secure the brake dust shield 200 to the first knuckle coupler 111. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include a first hole 201 for operatively coupling the brake dust shield 200 and the first knuckle coupler 111. The first hole 201 and the first knuckle coupler 111 may not be limited to a single hole or coupler, but may include a plurality of first holes 201 and a plurality of first knuckle couplers 111, such that in some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include a plurality of first holes 201 for operatively coupling the brake dust shield 200 to the plurality of first knuckle couplers 111 to appropriately secure the brake dust shield 200.

[0020] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be disposed between the first knuckle body portion 115 and the brake disc 130. In an example embodiment, the brake disc 130 may be disposed closer to the wheel 30 than the brake dust shield 200. The arrangement of the brake dust shield 200 may allow heat to be shielded from the brake disc 130 to components of the suspension assembly 40. For example, the brake dust shield 200 may prevent the rubber boot in the ball joint element of the suspension assembly 40 that is operatively coupled to the first knuckle body portion 115 from melting due to acting as a thermal barrier disposed between the brake disc 130 and the first knuckle body portion 115.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the brake disc 130 may include a brake disc cap 131. The brake disc cap 131 may be a recess or concave surface at the center of the brake disc 130. The brake disc cap 131 may accommodate various components or portions of components of the wheel assembly. In some cases, the brake disc cap 131 may include a portion of the brake dust shield 200, the wheel bearing 120, and the second knuckle body portion 116. In some cases, the brake disc 130 may include a brake disc friction ring 132. The brake disc friction ring 132 may be disposed radially outward from the brake disc cap 131. In some cases, the brake disc friction ring 132 may extend completely around the wheel axis 35 and may completely surround the opening of the brake disc cap 131. The brake disc friction ring 132 may be disposed adjacent to but not in contact with the brake dust shield 200.

[0022] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include a central body portion 210 and a peripheral body portion 220. The central body portion 210 may be centered along the wheel axis 35. The central body portion 210 may be substantially plate-shaped and disposed in a first plane 211. The first plane 211 may be substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis 35. The central body portion 210 may be disposed in an additional plane other than the first plane 211. In some cases, the first plane 211 of the central body portion 210 may be disposed within the brake disc cap 131. In an exemplary embodiment, the first plane 211 may be disposed above the brake disc cap 131 along the wheel axis 35 rather than within the brake disc cap. The first plane 211 and the central body portion 210 may not overlap with the brake disc friction ring 132 and may only overlap with the brake disc cap 131. In an exemplary embodiment, although the brake dust shield 200 may be disposed adjacent to the brake disc 130, the brake dust shield 200 may be operatively coupled only to the knuckle 110 and may not contact any other components or elements in the vehicle 10 other than the knuckle 110. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be spaced apart from the brake disc 130 along the entire brake dust shield 200.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral body portion 220 may be radially outwardly positioned from the central body portion 210 with respect to the wheel axis 35. In some cases, the peripheral body portion 220 may be at least partially disposed in a second plane 221. The second plane 221 may be spaced apart from the first plane 211 along the wheel axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the second plane 221 and the first plane 211 may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0024] In some cases, the outer body portion 220 may include a positive axial offset surface 225. The positive axial offset surface 225 may be axially offset from the first plane 211 of the central body portion 210 in a direction extending away from the brake disc 130, thereby creating a positive axial offset 300. When a radial load 310 can be applied to the brake dust shield 200, the positive axial offset surface 225 may help deflect the brake dust shield 200 away from the brake disc 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset surface 225 may be disposed in the second plane 221.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the geometry of the brake dust shield 200 may be such that when a radial load 310 is presented in the radial direction toward the wheel axis 35 at the outer diameter of the brake dust shield 200, the brake dust shield 200 may bend away from the brake disc 130, thereby preventing contact and unwanted noise. In some cases, the radial load 310 acting on the brake dust shield 200 may cause the brake dust shield 200 to deflect, as depicted by the deflected brake dust shield 400, as Figure 2 shown. The positive axial offset 300 may ensure that the moment caused by the radial load 310 at the outer diameter of the brake dust shield 200 will bend the brake dust shield 200 away from the brake disc 130. In an exemplary embodiment, this positive axial offset 300 between the first plane 211 of the brake dust shield 200 and the positive axial offset surface 225 including the outer diameter of the brake dust shield 200 may cause the brake dust shield 200 to bend away from the brake disc 130.

[0026] In some cases, the positive axial offset surface 225 may have a positive axial offset 300 along the entire outer body portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer body portion 220 may be entirely in the second plane 221, and the positive axial offset 300 may be relatively constant along the entire outer body portion (as Figure 2 shown). In some cases, the positive axial offset surface 225 may be only on a portion of the outer body portion 220. The portion of the outer body portion 220 other than the positive axial offset surface 225 may be considered the remaining portion. The portion of the outer body portion 220 disposed in the second plane 221 may be axially offset from the first plane 211 and the central body portion 210 in a direction extending toward the brake disc 130, and the positive axial offset surface 225 of the outer body portion 220 may be disposed in a portion of the outer body portion 220 that extends away from the second plane 221 at an acute angle 226 at the outer edge of the outer body portion 220. As Figure 3As shown, a positive axial offset surface 225 can be provided in a portion of the outer peripheral body portion 220 that extends away from the second plane 221 at an acute angle 226 at the outer edge of the outer peripheral body portion 220. Then, the outer peripheral body portion 220 can have a positive axial offset 300 from the first plane 211. The brake dust shield 200 and thus the central body portion 210 and the outer peripheral body portion 220 can be provided in any number of planes other than the first plane 211 and the second plane 221 that can ensure that a positive axial offset 300 can occur between the first plane 211 and the outer peripheral body portion 220.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset 300 of the positive axial offset surface 225 can be a minimum of 5 millimeters. The positive axial offset 300 can be any distance that can allow the brake dust shield 200 to deflect away from the brake disc 130 in the event of bending and can prevent the brake dust shield 200 from contacting any other wheel assembly 100 components other than the steering knuckle 110. When the brake dust shield 200 is subjected to a radial load, the positive axial offset 300 can allow the brake dust shield 200 to be biased to bend away from the brake disc 130.

[0028] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 can be operably coupled to the steering knuckle 110 at the first plane 211, which can cause the first plane 211 to be considered the first mounting plane 113 of the steering knuckle 110. The first mounting plane 113 can then be provided between the first steering knuckle body portion 115 and the brake disc 130. In some cases, the wheel bearing 120 can be operably coupled to the steering knuckle 110 at the first mounting plane 113 via the second steering knuckle body portion 116. In an exemplary embodiment, both the wheel bearing 120 and the brake dust shield 200 can be operably coupled to the steering knuckle 110 at the first mounting plane 113. Although the wheel bearing 120 and the brake dust shield 200 can be operably coupled together at the first mounting plane 113, the brake dust shield 200 can still only contact the steering knuckle 110.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 can include a connecting body portion 230. The connecting body portion 230 can operably couple the central body portion 210 and the outer peripheral body portion 220 to each other. In some cases, the connecting body portion 230 can be at an angle between 1 degree and 179 degrees relative to the first plane 211. The connecting body portion 230 can be almost entirely disposed within the brake disc cap 131. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting body portion 230 can overlap the brake disc cap 131 where the connecting body portion 230 can be operably coupled to the central body portion 210 and can overlap the brake disc friction ring 132 where the connecting body can be operably coupled to the outer peripheral body portion 220.

[0030] Figures 4 to 7 Shows different views of a wheel assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figures 8 to 9 Depicts different views of a brake dust shield 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figures 4 to 6 The knuckle 110 is not depicted, but rather perspective, side, and cross-sectional views of a wheel assembly 100 having at least a wheel bearing 120, a brake disc 130, and a brake dust shield 200 are depicted. Figure 7 Shows a separate view of a wheel assembly 100 including a knuckle 110. As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the wheel bearing 120 and the brake dust shield 200 can be partially disposed within a brake disc cap 131. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may require a gap between other elements and components of the wheel assembly 100 to limit potential contact. In an exemplary embodiment, the gap required for the brake dust shield 200 can also extend to a first knuckle coupler 111 and a first knuckle fastener 112 to help limit unwanted potential contact between the elements and components of the wheel assembly 100.

[0033] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 can include additional features to help add functionality to the brake dust shield 200 and thus to the wheel assembly 100 and the entire vehicle 10. The additional features of the brake dust shield 200 can include a structural formation 250 and a second hole 260. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 can include a plurality of structural formations 250 and a plurality of second holes 260. In some cases, the structural formation 250 can be a raised or lowered portion of the brake dust shield 200, which can help tune the frequency of the brake dust shield 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 can have a minimum frequency requirement of 70 Hz. The structural formation 250 can improve the efficiency of the brake dust shield 200 by additional factors such as aerodynamics or manufacturing convenience. The structural formation 250 can be an indentation, a depression, a ridge, a groove, a slot, a channel, a peak, a concave surface, or any other formation / shape in the brake dust shield 200 to increase the functionality of the brake dust shield 200.

[0034] In some cases, the second holes 260 can be disposed throughout the brake dust shield 200, such as on any one of a central body portion 210, a peripheral body portion 220, or a connecting body portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the second holes 260 can be debris egress features for preventing stones, pebbles, and other debris from being trapped within the wheel assembly.

[0035] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include a flange 240. The flange 240 may be operatively coupled to the peripheral body portion 220 along the outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220. In an example embodiment, the flange 240 may extend away from the brake disc in the same direction as the axial offset between the first plane 211 and the positive axial offset surface 225. In some cases, the flange 240 may be a plurality of flanges 240. One or more of the plurality of flanges 240 may extend at different angles from the operatively coupled point, or may be a different shape than one or more of the plurality of flanges 240. In an example embodiment, the flange 240 may surround at least half of the outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220. In some cases, the flange 240 may surround the entire outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220.

[0036] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be integral. In one example embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may be manufactured via machining, but the brake dust shield 200 may be manufactured by any number of methods that may not sacrifice the robustness, efficiency, durability, or performance of the brake dust shield 200. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be sheet metal, but the brake dust shield 200 may be any number of metals or materials that maintain the function of the brake dust shield 200 according to its design. The metal or material of the brake dust shield 200 may have a high stiffness to prevent the brake dust shield 200 from wrinkling rather than bending when deforming under a radial load. In one example embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may be centered about a portion of the wheel axis 35 and may extend only about that portion. The portion of the brake dust shield 200 that may extend about the wheel axis 35 may be only 70% about the wheel axis 35. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may extend about the entire wheel axis 35. In one example embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may surround a portion or all of the wheel bearing 120. In some cases, the amount of the brake dust shield 200 that may surround the wheel bearing 120 may be the same as the amount of the brake dust shield 200 that surrounds the wheel axis 35. In an example embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may be C-shaped, crescent-shaped, bow-shaped, substantially circular (circular but not extending 360 degrees about a center point), or any other shape that may not limit the manufacture / assembly of the vehicle or the function of the brake dust shield 200.

[0037] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be non-uniform relative to the wheel axis 35 on opposite sides of the brake dust shield 200. For example, in one example embodiment, the radial length of the peripheral body portion 220 on the first side of the brake dust shield 200 may be longer than the radial length of the peripheral body portion 220 on the second side of the brake dust shield 200.

[0038] Accordingly, a brake dust shield for a wheel assembly of a vehicle can be provided. The brake dust shield can include: a central body portion that can be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; and a peripheral body portion that can be positioned radially outward from the central body portion and is at least partially disposed in a second plane that is spaced apart from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion can be operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion can include a positive axial offset surface that can be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0039] The brake dust shield for a wheel assembly of a vehicle for some embodiments can include additional features, modifications, enhancements, etc. to achieve additional objectives or enhance the performance of the suspension assembly. The additional features, modifications, enhancements, etc. can be added in any combination with each other. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and enhancements that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the brake dust shield can not contact any other elements of the wheel assembly other than the knuckle. In an exemplary embodiment, the central body portion can be disposed within a brake disc cap of a brake disc of the wheel assembly and can not overlap with a friction ring of the brake disc. In some cases, the first plane and the second plane can be substantially parallel. In one exemplary embodiment, the second plane can be axially offset from the first plane along the entire peripheral body portion in a direction extending away from the brake disc. In some cases, the brake dust shield and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly can be operatively coupled to the knuckle at a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, and the first mounting plane can be disposed between the brake disc and a first knuckle body portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset surface can be radially outwardly disposed relative to the remainder of the peripheral body portion and is disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion where an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake disc extends away from the second plane at an acute angle. In some cases, the brake dust shield can include a connecting body portion, and the central body portion and the peripheral body portion can be operatively coupled to each other via the connecting body portion, and the connecting body portion can be at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset surface can be axially offset from the first plane by at least 5 millimeters in a direction extending away from the brake disc. In some cases, the peripheral body portion can be operatively coupled to a flange extending away from the brake disc, and the flange surrounds at least half of an outer edge of the peripheral body portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield can surround at least 70% of the wheel bearing.

[0040] Accordingly, a wheel assembly for a vehicle of an exemplary embodiment can be provided. The wheel assembly of the vehicle can include: a knuckle for operably coupling the wheel assembly and a suspension assembly of the vehicle; a brake disc for decelerating the vehicle; a wheel bearing that can be operably coupled to the knuckle and the brake disc; and a brake dust shield that can be disposed adjacent to the brake disc. The brake dust shield can include: a central body portion that can be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; and a peripheral body portion that can be radially outwardly positioned from the central body portion and at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion can be operably coupled to the wheel assembly via the knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion can include a positive axial offset surface that can be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0041] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, will envision many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those expressly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it is to be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may apply to some example embodiments but not necessarily to all example embodiments. Accordingly, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, required, or essential for all embodiments or the embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0042] According to the present invention, there is provided a brake dust cover for a wheel assembly of a vehicle, the brake dust cover having: a central body portion that is radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; and a peripheral body portion that is radially outwardly positioned from the central body portion and is at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane along the wheel axis, wherein the central body portion is operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and wherein the peripheral body portion includes a positive axial offset surface that is axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from a brake disc.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the brake dust cover does not contact any other element of the wheel assembly other than the steering knuckle.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the central body portion is disposed within a brake disc cap of a brake disc of the wheel assembly and does not overlap a friction ring of the brake disc.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the second plane is axially offset from the first plane along the entire peripheral body portion in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the brake dust cover and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operatively coupled to the steering knuckle at a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, wherein the first mounting plane is disposed between the brake disc and a first steering knuckle body portion.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the positive axial offset surface is radially outwardly disposed relative to the remainder of the peripheral body portion, wherein the positive axial offset surface is disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion that extends away from the outer edge of the peripheral body portion that extends away from the brake disc at an acute angle to the second plane.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the brake dust cover further includes a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the peripheral body portion are operatively coupled to each other via the connecting body portion, and wherein the connecting body portion is at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the positive axial offset surface is axially offset from the first plane by at least 5 millimeters in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the peripheral body portion is operatively coupled to a flange that extends away from the brake disc, and wherein the flange surrounds at least half of the outer edge of the peripheral body portion.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the brake dust shield surrounds at least 70% of the wheel bearing.

[0053] According to the present invention, there is provided a wheel assembly of a vehicle, the wheel assembly having: a knuckle for operably coupling the wheel assembly and a suspension assembly of the vehicle; a brake disc for decelerating the vehicle; a wheel bearing operably coupled to the knuckle and the brake disc; a brake dust shield disposed adjacent to the brake disc, the brake dust shield further including: a central body portion radially centered along the wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; an outer body portion radially outwardly positioned from the central body portion and at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane along the wheel axis, wherein the central body portion is operably coupled to the wheel assembly via the knuckle of the wheel assembly, and wherein the outer body portion includes a positive axial offset surface axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the brake dust shield does not contact any other element of the wheel assembly other than the knuckle.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the central body portion is disposed within a brake disc cap of the brake disc of the wheel assembly and does not overlap with the friction ring of the brake disc.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the second plane is axially offset from the first plane along the entire outer body portion in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the brake dust shield and the wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operably coupled to the knuckle at a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, wherein the first mounting plane is disposed between the brake disc and a first knuckle body portion.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the positive axial offset surface is radially outwardly disposed relative to the remainder of the outer body portion, wherein the positive axial offset surface is disposed in a portion of the outer body portion that extends away from the outer edge of the outer body portion extending away from the brake disc at an acute angle to the second plane.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the brake dust shield further includes a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the outer body portion are operably coupled to each other via the connecting body portion, and wherein the connecting body portion forms an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees with the first plane of the central body portion.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the peripheral body portion is operatively coupled to a flange extending away from the brake disc, and wherein the flange surrounds at least half of the outer edge of the peripheral body portion.

Claims

1. A brake dust cover for a wheel assembly of a vehicle, the brake dust cover comprising: a central body portion radially centered along the wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; a peripheral body portion located radially outward from the central body portion and disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis, wherein the central body portion is operably coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and Wherein the peripheral body portion includes a positive axial offset surface that is axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc. 2 . The brake dust boot of claim 1 , wherein the brake dust boot does not contact any other element of the wheel assembly except the steering knuckle. 3 . The brake dust boot of claim 1 , wherein the central body portion is disposed within a brake disc cap of the brake disc of the wheel assembly and does not overlap with a friction ring of the brake disc.

4. The brake dust boot of claim 1, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel, and Wherein the second plane is axially offset from the first plane along the entire peripheral body portion in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

5. The brake dust boot of claim 1, wherein the brake dust boot and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operably coupled to the steering knuckle at a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, wherein the first mounting plane is disposed between the brake disc and a first steering knuckle body portion.

6. The brake dust boot of claim 1, wherein said positive axial offset surface is disposed radially outwardly relative to a remainder of said peripheral body portion, Wherein the positive axial offset surface is provided in a portion of the peripheral body portion extending away from the second plane at an acute angle at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake disc.

7. The brake dust cover according to claim 1, wherein the brake dust cover further comprises a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the peripheral body portion are operably coupled to each other via the coupling body portion, wherein the connecting body portion is at an angle between 20 and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion, wherein the peripheral body portion is operably coupled to a flange extending away from the brake disc, wherein the flange surrounds at least half of the outer edge of the peripheral body portion, and The brake boot surrounds at least 70% of the wheel bearing.

8. The brake dust boot of claim 1, wherein the positive axial offset surface is axially offset from the first plane by at least 5 millimeters in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

9. A wheel assembly for a vehicle, wherein the wheel assembly comprises: a steering knuckle for operably coupling the wheel assembly to a suspension assembly of the vehicle; a brake disc, the brake disc being used to decelerate the vehicle; a wheel bearing operably coupled to the steering knuckle and the brake disc; A brake dust cover, the brake dust cover is arranged close to the brake disc, and the brake dust cover also includes: a central body portion radially centered along the wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; a peripheral body portion located radially outward from the central body portion and disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis, wherein the central body portion is operably coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and Wherein the peripheral body portion includes a positive axial offset surface that is axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

10. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the brake boot does not contact any other element of the wheel assembly other than the steering knuckle.

11. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the central body portion is disposed within a brake rotor cap of the brake rotor of the wheel assembly and does not overlap a friction ring of the brake rotor.

12. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel, and Wherein the second plane is axially offset from the first plane along the entire peripheral body portion in a direction extending away from the brake disc.

13. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the brake boot and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operably coupled to the steering knuckle at a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, wherein the first mounting plane is disposed between the brake disc and a first steering knuckle body portion.

14. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein said positive axial offset surface is disposed radially outwardly relative to a remainder of said peripheral body portion, wherein the positive axial offset surface is provided in a portion of the peripheral body portion extending away from the second plane at an acute angle at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake disc, wherein the peripheral body portion is operably coupled to a flange extending away from the brake disc, and Wherein the flange surrounds at least half of the outer edge of the peripheral body portion.

15. The wheel assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the brake dust cover further comprises a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the peripheral body portion are operably coupled to each other via the connecting body portion, and Wherein the connecting body portion is at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion.

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