Vehicle hub and method of adapting vehicle hub flange to vehicle operating conditions

Abstract

Disclosed is a hub (2) for a vehicle, comprising a flange (4) configured to be connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle by at least one fastening means, where the flange (4) is provided with at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22) that increases the stiffness of the flange (4) in a predetermined region, the predetermined area is determined based on an operating condition of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel hub for a vehicle, and a method for adapting the flange of the wheel hub to the operating conditions of the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A wheel hub is used to attach a wheel to a vehicle and typically includes a flange to which the wheel can be attached directly or indirectly, for example, via an adapter. The contact area between the flange and the component attached to the flange (i.e., the wheel or adapter) needs to be as large as possible to withstand the forces generated by the attachment of the component (such as axial clamping) and any loads and / or forces acting on the wheel. These loads and / or forces typically depend on the vehicle's operating conditions.

[0003] Although the contact area between the flange and the components attached to it may appear as large as possible, the loads and / or forces acting on the flange and wheel during operation can cause deformation and / or bending of the flange and / or wheel portions in contact with the flange. Deformation and / or bending of the components in contact with each other reduces the contact area between the connected parts. However, a reduced contact area can lead to vibration, fretting wear, etc., which can result in reduced service life and noise caused by movement of the contacting parts. Furthermore, deformation, bending, and / or any movement can be transmitted to other components connected to the hub, such as bearings supporting wheel rotation, so that the reduced contact area also leads to a shorter service life for adjacent components.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to optimize the contact area between the flange of the wheel hub and the wheel attached to the wheel hub under operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This objective is achieved by the wheel hub for a vehicle according to claim 1 and the method for adapting the flange of the wheel hub to the operating conditions of the vehicle according to claim 11.

[0006] Below, a wheel hub for a vehicle is provided. The wheel hub includes a flange configured to be attached to at least one wheel of the vehicle by at least one fastening device.

[0007] To optimize the contact area between the flange and the wheel attached to the flange, especially under vehicle operating conditions, the flange is provided with at least one reinforcing element that increases the stiffness of the flange in a predetermined area. Preferably, the predetermined area is determined based on the vehicle operating conditions.

[0008] Vehicles can be cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, motorcycles, trailers, etc. Furthermore, wheels can be attached to flanges directly or indirectly (i.e., via other components). For example, wheels can be attached to flanges via wheel rims. Alternatively, the rim can be attached to a wheel adapter, which in turn is attached to the flange. Moreover, wheels can be driven wheels, i.e., wheels connected to the vehicle's drivetrain, or non-driven wheels, such as the wheels of a trailer.

[0009] The flange may be connected to a rotating bearing of the supporting wheel or may be part of a rotating bearing of the supporting wheel. For example, a hub assembly includes a bearing unit having at least one first bearing ring, at least one second bearing ring, and at least one set of rolling elements disposed between the at least one first bearing ring and the at least one second bearing ring, wherein the first bearing ring includes a flange. The first bearing ring may be a swivel bearing ring, and the second bearing ring may be a stationary ring. Depending on the type of bearing unit, the swivel bearing ring may be an outer ring or an inner ring. Furthermore, the rolling elements may be any type of rolling element, such as balls, tapered rollers, cylindrical rollers, needle rollers, spherical rollers, etc. Additionally, the bearing unit may include a single set of rolling elements or two or more sets of rolling elements.

[0010] Operating conditions can depend on the weight and / or size of the wheel attached to the flange. The weight and / or size of the wheel can depend on the type, size, and / or material of the wheel rim and / or wheel adapter. Furthermore, operating conditions can depend on the forces acting on the wheel, such as gravity, centrifugal force, acceleration, braking, cornering force, and forces transmitted by the vehicle's suspension elements. Additionally, operating conditions can depend on the trajectory the vehicle follows. For example, if the car is a race car, the operating conditions can depend on the trajectory. More specifically, different trajectories can result in different forces acting on the wheel hub. Therefore, different trajectories can involve different operating conditions.

[0011] Furthermore, stiffness can be increased by reinforcing elements, ensuring that the bending moment of the flange caused by loads is below a predetermined threshold. This allows for increased flange stiffness in areas most affected by operating conditions. In particular, the loads acting on the flange can vary depending on the operating conditions. Since the areas most affected by loads acting on the flange are reinforced with the at least one reinforcing element, the material and / or dimensions of the flange can also be reduced in unaffected or only slightly affected portions.

[0012] Preferably, the load acting on the flange under operating conditions is determined by measuring the load and / or at least one force acting on the flange. Specifically, a test wheel hub equipped with sensors (e.g., strain sensors, acceleration sensors, load sensors, etc.) can be used to determine the load and / or force occurring under operating conditions. That is, the load and / or at least one force acting on the flange can be determined under the same operating conditions that the vehicle will experience. For example, if the vehicle is moving on a predetermined track, the operating conditions can be determined by operating the same vehicle on the predetermined track, or if the wheels are attached to hubs with different sizes and / or weights, the operating conditions can be determined by operating vehicles with different wheels. Alternatively, the load acting on the flange under operating conditions can be calculated based on predetermined data about the vehicle, wheels, and / or operating conditions. By determining the load acting on the flange, the position and / or size and / or material of the reinforcing element can be adapted to any changes in operating conditions. For example, the thickness of the at least one reinforcing element in the direction of the normal vector of the flange surface can be from 0.01 μm to 500 μm. This allows for increased flange stiffness without excessively altering the flatness of the contact surface.

[0013] The bending moment induced in the flange can be determined using computational methods (such as the finite element method) or any other method that allows the calculation of the bending moment induced in the component by the loads and / or forces acting on the component. Alternatively, the bending moment can be obtained using a suitable sensor. To obtain the largest possible contact area between the wheel and the flange under operating conditions, it is advantageous that the induced bending moment is below a predetermined threshold, even under the maximum loads occurring during operating conditions.

[0014] The predetermined threshold can relate to the absolute value of the bending moment induced in the flange, or a relative value such as the ratio of the minimum to the maximum bending moment, or the difference between the maximum and minimum bending moments. By identifying one or more regions of the flange where the induced bending moment exceeds the threshold, the flange can be locally reinforced with the at least one reinforcing element so that, under operating conditions, the bending moment induced by the determined load in the predetermined region is below the predetermined threshold. Adding material in regions experiencing higher bending moments can have the advantage of increasing the stiffness of the flange in those regions, thereby reducing the resulting bending moment.

[0015] Furthermore, the at least one reinforcing element is arranged in the region of the at least one fastening device. Since the area where the at least one fastening device is fastened to the flange can withstand a higher load compared to other areas of the flange, it may be advantageous to arrange the at least one reinforcing element close to the at least one fastening element. This allows the resulting bending moment to be kept below a predetermined threshold. For example, the flange may be provided with at least one hole into which the fastening device can be inserted. Alternatively, the flange may be provided with at least one bolt into which a wheel can be attached.

[0016] Furthermore, the flange may include at least one contact surface configured to connect to the wheel, wherein at least one reinforcing element is located at the contact surface. By arranging the at least one reinforcing element at the contact surface of the flange, the stiffness of the flange that causes bending moment can be increased.

[0017] Preferably, the hub may include a plurality of reinforcing elements arranged to minimize the variation in the magnitude of the bending moment across the entire flange. These reinforcing elements can alter the flange topology so that, under operating conditions, the bending moment induced by a defined load in a defined region is below a predetermined threshold. This allows for maintaining the largest possible contact area between the wheel and the flange under operating conditions. For example, the topology may resemble the distribution of the bending moment induced in the flange under operating conditions.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple reinforcing elements may differ from the remaining reinforcing elements in height and / or thickness. This allows the flange stiffness to be adapted to the loads and / or forces acting on the flange due to operating conditions. More specifically, a reinforcing element with a greater thickness and / or greater height can increase the flange stiffness in a predetermined area more than a reinforcing element with a smaller thickness and / or smaller height. In particular, the terms "height of reinforcing element" and "thickness of reinforcing element" may refer to the dimension of the reinforcing element in the direction of the normal vector of the contact surface of the flange.

[0019] Furthermore, the wheel hub may also include washers, wherein the washers include at least one reinforcing element. This allows for the provision of reinforcing elements on individual components. If operating conditions change, the individual washers including at least one reinforcing element allow for easy and rapid adaptation to the topology and / or stiffness. For example, a different set of washers can be manufactured for a predetermined set of operating conditions. This allows for easy and rapid adaptation of the wheel hub to changes in wheel size and / or weight, or to anticipated changes in forces acting on the wheel and / or flange. Furthermore, if the wheel hub is used in a vehicle traveling on a predetermined track, washers suitable for the specific loads and / or forces occurring on that predetermined track can be provided.

[0020] Preferably, the washer can be attached to the flange by form fit, press fit, and / or adhesive. For example, the washer can be attached to the flange by gluing, welding, threading, bolting, and / or pressing or any other suitable fastening method. By attaching the washer to the flange, any relative movement between the flange and the washer can be reduced or even prevented. This allows at least one reinforcing element to be arranged in a predetermined area to increase the stiffness in that area.

[0021] Furthermore, the at least one reinforcing element can be attached to the flange and / or washer via form fit, press fit, and / or connection. For example, the at least one reinforcing element can be attached to the flange and / or washer via gluing, welding, threaded connection, bolting, and / or pressing, or any other suitable fastening method. By attaching the at least one reinforcing element to the flange and / or washer, any relative movement between the at least one reinforcing element, the flange, and / or the washer can be reduced or even prevented. This allows ensuring that at least one reinforcing element is positioned within a predetermined area to increase stiffness in that area.

[0022] Furthermore, at least one reinforcing element can be integrally formed with the flange and / or washer of the hub. In other words, the at least one reinforcing element can be part of the flange and / or washer. Therefore, the at least one reinforcing element can be formed directly on the surface of the flange and / or washer by adding and / or removing material to create a modified topology of the contact surface. The at least one reinforcing element on the washer and / or flange can be formed by machining, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and / or laser cladding. In particular, machining, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and / or laser cladding allow for the precise fabrication of surfaces with at least one reinforcing element. For example, the at least one reinforcing element can be a raised area on the washer and / or flange.

[0023] Furthermore, the at least one reinforcing element and / or washer may be made of a different material than the flange. For example, the at least one reinforcing element and / or washer may be made of a metal, such as steel, steel alloy, light metal, light alloy, carbon, and / or fiber-reinforced materials. By using a different material for the at least one reinforcing element and / or washer, the stiffness of the flange can be adapted to the induced bending moment. Alternatively, the at least one reinforcing element and / or washer may be made of the same material as the flange.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for adapting a flange of a vehicle's wheel hub to the vehicle's operating conditions. The flange is configured to be connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle by at least one fastening device. The method includes the following steps:

[0025] Determine the area on which the load acts on the flange under the stated operating conditions, and

[0026] At least one reinforcing element is added to the flange in the defined area to increase the stiffness of the flange.

[0027] Furthermore, the method may also include: determining the bending moment induced in the flange based on the determined load, determining the region of the flange where the determined bending moment is higher than a predetermined threshold, and adding the at least one reinforcing element in the determined region.

[0028] Specifically, the at least one reinforcing element can be added to the region of the flange subjected to higher bending moments. By adding or removing material for the contact surface, the stiffness of the flange, and thus the resulting bending moment, can be adapted to predetermined operating conditions. This allows the contact area between the flange and the wheel to be kept as large as possible, which can lead to an increased service life of the hub and / or components attached to the hub (e.g., bearing units).

[0029] Furthermore, the method may further include adjusting the flange topology such that the bending moment caused by the determined load is below a predetermined threshold in the determined region under operating conditions. Preferably, the at least one reinforcing element is added to the region that minimizes the variation in the magnitude of the bending moment across the entire flange. This allows for a uniform and / or homogeneous load and / or stress distribution across the entire flange, minimizing flange bending and / or warping under operating conditions. This allows for maintaining the largest possible contact area between the wheel and the flange during operating conditions. This allows for reduced vibration and / or noise and increased bearing assembly life.

[0030] By adding multiple reinforcing elements, the topology of the contact surface between the flange and the wheel can be modified. Modifying the flange thickness by adding at least one reinforcing element has the advantage that the topology can be directly adapted by adding material.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising computer program code adapted to instruct a control unit (e.g., a computer) and / or a computer of the manufacturing apparatus discussed above to perform the steps discussed above. Specifically, the computer program code can be configured to determine the area of ​​load acting on the flange under the operating condition and / or the bending moment in the flange and / or the area of ​​the flange based on the determined load, wherein the determined bending moment is higher than a predefined threshold.

[0032] Computer program products can be provided as storage devices, such as memory cards, USB sticks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and / or as files that can be downloaded from a server (especially a remote server) on a network. The network can be a wireless communication network used to transfer files using the computer program products.

[0033] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims, as well as in the specification and drawings. Thus, elements described or shown in conjunction with other elements may exist alone or in combination with other elements without departing from the scope of protection. Attached Figure Description

[0034] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined only by the appended claims.

[0035] The attached diagram shows:

[0036] Figure 1 A wheel assembly for a vehicle having a wheel hub according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 : Figure 1 A top view of the wheel hub flange.

[0038] Figure 3 :along Figure 2 The cross section taken from line III-III in the middle,

[0039] Figure 4 According to the second embodiment, a wheel hub assembly for a vehicle having a wheel hub,

[0040] Figure 5 : Figure 4 A top view of the wheel hub.

[0041] Figure 6 :along Figure 5 The cross section cut by line VI-VI in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following text, the same or similar functional elements are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0043] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The diagram illustrates a hub assembly 1 for a vehicle (not shown), comprising a hub 2 according to a first embodiment. The hub 2 has a flange 4 configured to be connected to at least one wheel (not shown) of the vehicle via at least one fastening device (not shown). The vehicle may be an automobile, truck, train, airplane, motorcycle, trailer, etc. Furthermore, the wheel may be attached directly or indirectly (i.e., via another component) to the flange 4. For example, the wheel may be attached to the flange via a wheel rim. Alternatively, the rim may be attached to a wheel adapter, which in turn is attached to the flange 4. Moreover, the wheel may be a driven wheel, i.e., a wheel connected to the vehicle's drivetrain, or a non-driven wheel, such as a trailer wheel.

[0044] The at least one fastening device may be a bolt or screw, which can be inserted into a threaded hole 6 provided in the flange 4. Preferably, the flange 4 is provided with a plurality of holes 6, wherein the number of holes 6 may depend on the size of the vehicle and / or wheel. For example, the wheel hub assembly 1 of the first embodiment includes five holes 6, such as... Figure 2 As shown. More fixing elements, such as six or even more, or fewer fixing elements, such as four or even just one, can be used to secure the wheel to the hub.

[0045] Alternatively, flange 4 may be provided with bolts, which serve as fastening devices for securing the wheel to flange 6. In addition to the hole 6 for securing the wheel to flange 4, flange 4 is also provided with a smaller hole 7 for securing the brake disc to flange (see...). Figure 2 Depending on the type of brake disc, these smaller holes 7 may also be omitted.

[0046] The hub assembly 1 also includes a bearing unit 10 having a first inner ring 8 and a second inner ring 12, an outer ring 14, and two sets of rolling elements 16 arranged in two rows between the inner rings 8, 12 and the outer ring 14. The inner rings 8, 12 are rotating, while the outer ring 14 is stationary. Furthermore, the rolling elements 16 in the illustrated embodiment are balls. However, the rolling elements 16 can be any type of rolling element, such as tapered rollers, cylindrical rollers, needle rollers, spherical rollers, etc. Although the bearing 10 is shown as having two sets of rolling elements, the bearing unit may alternatively include a single set of rolling elements or more than two sets of rolling elements. Figures 1-3 In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 4 is integrally formed with the first inner ring 8 of the bearing unit 10. Alternatively, the flange 4 may be separable from the bearing unit 10.

[0047] Because the wheel is attached to flange 4, any load and / or force acting on the wheel is transmitted to flange 4. Furthermore, the load and / or force acting on the wheel and / or flange depends on the vehicle's operating conditions. For example, operating conditions may depend on the weight and / or size of the wheel attached to flange 4. The weight and / or size of the wheel may depend on the type, size, and / or material of the wheel rim and / or wheel adapter. Additionally, operating conditions may depend on forces acting on the wheel, such as gravity, centrifugal force, acceleration, braking force, cornering force, and forces transmitted by the vehicle's suspension elements. Furthermore, operating conditions may depend on the trajectory the vehicle follows. For example, if the car is a race car, the operating conditions may depend on the specific trajectory. Different trajectories may result in different forces acting on the wheel hub. Therefore, different trajectories can involve different operating conditions.

[0048] To optimize the contact area between the flange and the wheel attached to the flange, especially under vehicle operating conditions, the flange 4 is provided with multiple reinforcing elements 18, 20, 22. Figure 2 , Figure 3 These reinforcing elements alter the topology of flange 4. Specifically, the plurality of reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 can increase the stiffness of flange 4 in a predetermined region, which is determined based on vehicle operating conditions. This allows the bending moment of flange 4 caused by loads to be limited to a predetermined threshold or even lower.

[0049] Please note that the dimensions, especially the thickness, of reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 have been exaggerated for visualization purposes.

[0050] Multiple reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 are located at the contact surface 28 of the flange 4, where the flange 4 and the wheel come into contact with each other. Figure 2 As can be seen, reinforcing element 18 is arranged around hole 6, which is configured to interact with fastening devices for attaching the wheel to flange 4. Furthermore, reinforcing element 20 is arranged in the region of hole 7, and reinforcing element 22 is arranged at the central opening 24 in hub 2.

[0051] from Figure 3 As can be seen, the different reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 differ in their respective extension in the direction of the normal vector of the flange 4. For example, reinforcing element 18 is thicker than reinforcing elements 20 and 22. Generally, reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 with greater thickness or extension in the direction of the normal vector of the flange 4 can increase the stiffness of the flange 4 in the area where the reinforcing elements are arranged, compared to thinner reinforcing elements. Therefore, by adapting the thickness of the reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22, the stiffness of the flange 4 can be adapted to the loads and / or forces acting on the flange 4 due to operating conditions. For example, the thickness of the reinforcing elements can be from 0.01 μm to 500 μm. This allows for an increase in the stiffness of the flange 4 without excessively altering the flatness of the contact surface 28.

[0052] The positions and / or corresponding thicknesses of the reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 are selected to minimize the variation in the magnitude of the bending moment across the entire flange 4. The plurality of reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 can alter the topology of the flange 4 so that the bending moment caused by the loads acting on the flange 4 is below a predetermined threshold.

[0053] In the first embodiment, a reinforcing element 18, 20, 22 is integrally formed with the flange 4. In other words, the reinforcing elements 18, 20, 22 are formed directly on the contact surface 28 of the flange by adding and / or removing material to create a modified topology of the contact surface 28. For example, the reinforcing elements 18, 20, 22 on the contact surface 28 of the flange 4 can be formed by machining, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and / or laser cladding. Specifically, the flange can be manufactured to have a topology modified by the reinforcing elements 18, 20, 22.

[0054] Alternatively, reinforcing elements 18, 20, 22, or only a portion thereof, may be attached to flange 4 by form fit, press fit, and / or connection. For example, the reinforcing elements may be attached to the flange by gluing, welding, threaded connection, bolting, and / or pressing or any other suitable fastening method.

[0055] To determine the location and / or size and / or quantity of reinforcing elements 18, 20, 22, the loads acting on flange 4 under operating conditions are determined by measuring the loads and / or at least one force acting on flange 4. Specifically, a test hub 2 equipped with sensors (e.g., strain sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.) can be used to determine the loads and / or forces occurring under operating conditions. That is, the loads and / or at least one force acting on flange 4 can be determined under the same operating conditions that the vehicle will experience. For example, if the vehicle is moving on a predetermined track, the operating conditions can be determined by operating the same vehicle on the predetermined track, or if the wheels are attached to hubs with different sizes and / or weights, the operating conditions can be determined by operating vehicles with different wheels. Alternatively, the loads acting on flange 4 under operating conditions can be calculated based on predetermined data of the vehicle, wheels, and / or operating conditions. After determining the loads acting on flange 4, the bending moment induced in flange 4 can be determined using calculation methods (such as the finite element method) or any other method that allows calculation of the bending moment induced in the component by the loads and / or forces acting on the component. In order to obtain the largest possible contact area between the wheel and the flange under operating conditions, it is advantageous that even under the maximum load that occurs during operating conditions, the resulting bending moment is below a predetermined threshold.

[0056] The predetermined threshold can relate to the absolute value of the bending moment induced in the flange, or a relative value such as the ratio of the minimum to the maximum bending moment, or the difference between the maximum and minimum bending moments. By identifying one or more regions of the flange where the induced bending moment exceeds the threshold, the flange can be locally reinforced with the at least one reinforcing element so that, under operating conditions, the bending moment induced by the determined load in the predetermined region is below the predetermined threshold. Adding material in regions experiencing higher bending moments can have the advantage of increasing the stiffness of the flange in those regions, thereby reducing the resulting bending moment.

[0057] refer to Figures 4 to 6 The image shows a wheel hub assembly 1 for a vehicle (not shown), which includes a wheel hub 2 according to a second embodiment. Figure 4 Wheel hub assembly 1 and Figure 1 The difference in the hub assembly is that the outer ring 14 is a rotating ring, while the inner rings 8 and 12 are stationary. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the hub 2 replaces the first inner ring 8 and is connected to the rotating outer ring 14.

[0058] Please note that the dimensions, especially the thickness, of reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 have been exaggerated for visualization purposes.

[0059] Furthermore, reinforcing elements 18, 20, and 22 are disposed on individual washers 26. Individual washers 26 offer the advantage that the flange topology and / or stiffness can be easily and quickly adapted to changes in operating conditions. For example, a different set of washers 26 can be manufactured for a predetermined set of operating conditions. This allows the hub 2 to be easily and quickly adapted to changes in wheel size and / or weight, or anticipated changes in forces acting on the wheel and / or flange. Moreover, if the hub is used in a vehicle traveling on a predetermined track, washers suitable for the specific loads and / or forces occurring on that track can be provided.

[0060] Washer 26 may be made of the same material as flange 4. For example, washer 26 and flange 4 may be made of metal, such as steel, steel alloy, light metal, light alloy, carbon, and / or fiber-reinforced materials. Alternatively, washer 26 may be made of a different material than flange 4. Furthermore, reinforcing elements 18, 20, 22 may be integrally formed with the washer or attached to washer 26 by form fit, press fit, and / or connection, particularly by gluing, welding, threaded connection, bolting, and / or pressing or any other suitable fastening method.

[0061] To prevent any relative movement between washer 26 and flange, washer 26 is secured to flange by form fit, press fit and / or adhesive, particularly by gluing, welding, threaded connection, bolting and / or pressing or any other suitable fastening method.

[0062] In summary, by arranging at least one reinforcing element 18, 20, 22 at the flange 4 of the hub 2, any bending moment in the flange 4 caused by loads and forces acting on the hub during operation can be counteracted. This allows for a planar contact surface 28 even under operating conditions, which further allows for maintaining the largest possible contact between the wheel and the flange. Therefore, the service life of the hub, or even any components adjacent to the hub such as bearings, can be increased. Furthermore, noise and / or vibration caused by movement of the contacting parts, such as fretting noise, can be reduced.

[0063] By optimizing the flange contact surface 28 using raised and lowered areas on the flange surface in specific regions of high and low loads, the actual contact surface 28 under real-world operating conditions will produce a defined deformation from these raised and lowered flange areas to the planar surface contact area. In doing so, maximum contact area between the flanges of the wheel and hub is ensured under real-world operating conditions.

[0064] Since the area most affected by the loads acting on the flange is reinforced by the at least one reinforcing element, the material and / or size of the flange can also be reduced in the unaffected or only slightly affected portions.

[0065] Figure Labels

[0066] 1. Wheel hub bearing assembly

[0067] 2-wheel hub

[0068] 4 flanges

[0069] 6 holes

[0070] 7 holes

[0071] 8 First Inner Circle

[0072] 10 bearing units

[0073] 12 Second Inner Circle

[0074] 14 Outer ring

[0075] 16 rolling elements

[0076] 18 reinforcing elements

[0077] 20 reinforcing elements

[0078] 22 Reinforcing Components

[0079] 24-center opening

[0080] 26 Washer

[0081] 28 contact surfaces

Claims

1. A wheel hub (2) for a vehicle, comprising a flange (4) configured to be connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle by at least one fastening device. Its features are, The flange (4) is provided with at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22), which increases the stiffness of the flange (4) in a predetermined area, which is determined based on the operating conditions of the vehicle.

2. The wheel hub (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The stiffness is increased by the reinforcing elements (18, 20, 22) so that the bending moment of the flange (4) caused by the load is lower than a predetermined threshold.

3. The hub (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22) is arranged in the area of ​​the at least one fastening device.

4. The wheel hub (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The flange (4) includes at least one contact surface (28) configured to be connected to the wheel, wherein the at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22) is located at the contact surface (28).

5. The wheel hub (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hub (2) includes a plurality of reinforcing elements (18, 20, 22) arranged to minimize the variation in the magnitude of the bending moment over the entire flange (4).

6. The wheel hub (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hub (2) also includes a washer (26), wherein the washer (26) includes the at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22).

7. The wheel hub (2) according to claim 6, wherein, The washer (26) is secured to the flange by form fit, press fit and / or connection.

8. The wheel hub (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22) is integrally formed with the flange and / or washer (26) of the hub (2).

9. The wheel hub (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22) is attached to the flange (4) and / or the washer (26) by form fit, press fit and / or connection.

10. The wheel hub (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22) and / or washer (26) are made of a different material than the flange (4).

11. A method for adapting the flange (4) of a wheel hub (2) of a vehicle to the operating conditions of the vehicle, wherein, The flange (4) is configured to be connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle via at least one fastening device, wherein the method includes: Determine the area on which the load acts on the flange (4) under the stated operating conditions. At least one reinforcing element (18, 20, 22) is added to the flange (4) in the defined area to increase the stiffness of the flange (4).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The bending moment induced in the flange (4) is determined based on the determined load. A region of the flange (4) is defined, in which the determined bending moment is higher than a predetermined threshold, and Add at least one of the reinforcing elements (18, 20, 22) to the defined area.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The method further includes: Adjust the topology of the flange (4) so ​​that the bending moment caused by the determined load in the determined region under the operating conditions is lower than the predetermined threshold.

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