Automobile wheel hub bearing assembly and automobile wheel hub

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of automobile wheel hub bearing assembly and automobile wheel hub, it is related to the field of automobile wheel hub bearing, including inner ring, the inner ring edge is annularly spaced apart with bolt, the bolt is used to pass through and respectively connect brake disc and wheel hub, further including outer ring, the outer ring is arranged with rolling body between inner ring.The application optimizes the connecting structure of inner ring and brake disc and wheel hub, improves the assembly accuracy and connection rigidity between wheel hub bearing assembly and brake disc, effectively avoids brake disc axial movement, improves the stability and reliability of brake response.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive wheel hub bearings, specifically to an automotive wheel hub bearing assembly and an automotive wheel hub. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive wheel bearings are key components inside automotive wheel hubs. Their main function is to bear the weight of the vehicle and provide precise guidance for the rotation of the wheel hub. They need to withstand loads from all directions simultaneously, including axial loads (such as the force generated when turning) and radial loads (i.e., vehicle weight).

[0003] Existing automotive wheel hub bearings include an outer ring fixed to the vehicle suspension and an inner ring connected to the wheel hub. Rolling elements are provided between the two to achieve low-friction rotation. The inner wall of the inner ring is also provided with splines for cooperating with the drive shaft to achieve power transmission.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, existing automotive wheel bearings with annular bolts on the outer ring require the bolts to pass through the brake disc first, then through the mounting holes in the wheel hub, and finally be tightened to the nut. This lack of a direct, fixed connection between the brake disc and the outer ring of the wheel bearing can lead to axial movement or inaccurate positioning of the brake disc during use, affecting the stability of braking performance and the overall rigidity of the wheel assembly. Furthermore, existing automotive wheel bearings generally use balls as rolling elements, which have limited load-bearing capacity and are prone to fatigue damage, especially under heavy loads. While using rollers as rolling elements can significantly improve load-bearing capacity, the larger contact area between the rollers and raceways can lead to frictional heat accumulation over long periods, accelerating wear and ultimately affecting bearing life and operational accuracy.

[0005] In summary, existing automotive wheel bearings are difficult to optimize in terms of structural design to achieve both high load-bearing capacity and low friction characteristics. Furthermore, the lack of a reliable positioning connection between the brake disc and the outer ring of the wheel bearing leads to decreased braking response accuracy and the risk of loosening during long-term use. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an automotive wheel hub bearing assembly and an automotive wheel hub, so as to solve the technical problem that existing automotive wheel hub bearings are unable to simultaneously achieve high load-bearing performance and low friction characteristics.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an automotive wheel hub bearing assembly, including an inner ring, wherein bolts are arranged at annular intervals along the edge of the inner ring, the bolts being used to pass through and connect the brake disc and the wheel hub respectively, and an outer ring, wherein rolling elements are arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solutions, the connection structure between the inner ring and the brake disc and the wheel hub is optimized, the assembly accuracy and connection rigidity between the wheel hub bearing assembly and the brake disc are improved, the axial movement of the brake disc is effectively avoided, and the stability and reliability of the braking response are enhanced.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that two ball bearing frames facing opposite directions are provided between the inner ring and the outer ring, and the ball bearing frames are provided with balls at an annular interval, and the balls are in contact with both the inner ring and the outer ring at the same time.

[0010] Preferably, double-row ball bearings are used as the rolling elements between the inner and outer rings to ensure a smooth rotational connection between the inner and outer rings.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the ball bearing frame is provided with a first oil passage for lubricating oil to pass through at the position corresponding to each ball along the axial direction.

[0012] Preferably, this allows the lubricating oil to better wet each ball.

[0013] The invention is further configured such that the inner ring and the outer ring are provided with an inclined surface between the two ball bearing frames, and a roller frame is provided at the inclined surface. The balls closer to the hub are further away from the axis of the hub than the other set of balls. Rollers are arranged in a ring at intervals on the roller frame, and the rollers contact the inner ring and the outer ring respectively.

[0014] Preferably, rollers can effectively improve the load-bearing capacity of the wheel hub bearing assembly.

[0015] The invention is further configured such that the inner wall of the outer ring is provided with a misaligned ramp at one end near the hub, the distance between the misaligned ramp and the inner ring is greater than the diameter of the roller, and the roller can slide along its own axis within the roller frame to the position corresponding to the misaligned ramp.

[0016] Preferably, when the vehicle is running at high speed, the rollers can move to positions that do not contact the inner and outer rings at the same time, effectively reducing the heat generated by friction.

[0017] The invention is further configured such that the roller has a second oil passage along its own axis for lubricating oil to pass through, and the diameter of the second oil passage is larger than the diameter of the first oil passage.

[0018] Preferably, when the roller moves along its own axis, the lubricating oil can flow through the second oil passage to the other end of the roller, thus preventing the lubricating oil from hindering the movement of the roller.

[0019] The invention is further configured such that a limiting piece is engaged at the end of the inner ring away from the wheel hub, one end of the limiting piece is in contact with one set of balls, and the other end is in contact with the power output shaft at the end of the vehicle wheel.

[0020] Preferably, after the wheel hub bearing assembly is installed in the vehicle, the limiting plate can effectively ensure that the balls roll between the inner and outer rings.

[0021] The present invention is further configured such that the inner ring and the outer ring are provided with sealing elements near the edge of the brake disc, and the limiting piece is also provided with a sealing element between the outer ring and the limiting piece.

[0022] Preferably, the seal can prevent external dust from entering between the inner and outer rings, and also prevent lubricating oil leakage between the inner and outer rings.

[0023] An automobile wheel hub includes a hub with a through hole for a bolt to pass through, and a receiving groove at one end of the through hole facing the brake disc. The brake disc has a connecting platform facing the receiving groove. After the bolt passes through the brake disc, a nut is connected to it. The receiving groove is used to accommodate the connecting platform and the nut for fastening the brake disc.

[0024] The invention is further configured such that the wheel hub is provided with a locking groove facing the brake disc for locking the edge of the brake disc.

[0025] Preferably, after the locking groove engages with the edge portion of the brake disc, the stability of the brake disc connection state can be further improved.

[0026] In summary, the present invention has the following main beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. This invention improves the assembly accuracy and connection rigidity between the wheel hub bearing assembly and the brake disc by optimizing the connection structure between the inner ring, the brake disc, and the wheel hub, effectively preventing axial movement of the brake disc and improving the stability and reliability of the braking response.

[0028] 2. This invention adopts a composite rolling element structure of ball and roller in the wheel hub bearing assembly, combining the advantages of both, to reduce frictional resistance while ensuring high load-bearing capacity, effectively reduce heat accumulation during operation, improve the service life and operating accuracy of the bearing under heavy load conditions, and achieve synergistic optimization of high load-bearing capacity and low friction characteristics.

[0029] 3. This invention provides a space for the rollers to move along their own axis on the roller carrier inside the wheel hub bearing assembly, and sets the roller carrier in a conical structure. When the car wheel hub rotates at high speed, the centrifugal force can be used to move the rollers outward, avoiding the rollers from being in complete contact with the inner and outer raceways at the same time. This reduces the heat accumulation from roller friction under high-speed operation of the car, and further reduces the impact of temperature rise on lubrication performance.

[0030] 4. By snapping a protective cover into the center of the wheel hub, this invention can effectively isolate external dust, moisture and impurities from entering the bearing, significantly improving the bearing's sealing performance and service life under complex road conditions. At the same time, the snap-fit ​​structure between the protective cover and the wheel hub facilitates installation and disassembly without affecting the overall assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the cross-section of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the cross-sectional state from another perspective of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inner ring connecting to the brake disc in the cross-sectional state of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional plan view of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged view of A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 For the present invention Figure 8 Enlarged view of B in the middle;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 For the present invention Figure 10 Enlarged view of C;

[0042] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the wheel hub bearing assembly of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 This is an exploded view of the wheel hub bearing assembly from another perspective of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 14 An exploded view of a wheel hub bearing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the wheel hub bearing assembly from another perspective, representing another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 1. Inner ring; 2. Outer ring; 201. Misalignment ramp; 3. Brake disc; 301. Connecting platform; 4. Wheel hub; 401. Receiving groove; 402. Snap-fit ​​groove; 5. Protective cover; 6. Bolt; 7. Ball bearing cage; 701. First oil passage; 8. Ball; 9. Roller; 901. Second oil passage; 10. Roller cage; 11. Limiting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0050] First embodiment:

[0051] Please refer to an automotive wheel hub bearing assembly. Figure 1-15 The inner ring 1 has bolts 6 arranged in a ring at intervals along its edge. The bolts 6 are used to pass through and connect the brake disc 3 and the wheel hub 4 respectively. The bolts 6 pass through the connecting platform 301 of the brake disc 3 and the receiving groove 401 of the wheel hub 4 to achieve a fast connection, so that the inner ring 1, the brake disc 3 and the wheel hub 4 rotate synchronously. The outer ring 2 is fitted outside the inner ring 1 and forms the main load-bearing structure by cooperating with the ball bearings 8 and the ball bearing cage 7.

[0052] Furthermore, to improve the sealing performance and service life of the bearing under complex road conditions, a protective cover 5 is provided at the end of the wheel hub 4. The edge of the protective cover 5 matches the annular groove set at the center of the wheel hub 4. When the protective cover 5 is installed, its edge is inserted into the annular groove to form a labyrinth-like sealing structure, which effectively prevents mud, water and impurities from entering the bearing. At the same time, the protective cover 5 is made of elastic wear-resistant material, which has both buffering and noise reduction functions. It can significantly reduce vibration noise and improve the overall running stability during vehicle operation. When it is necessary to remove the protective cover 5, a suction cup or other tool can be used to pick up its surface and apply axial pulling force to overcome the elastic clamping resistance and complete the removal, which is convenient for maintenance and replacement.

[0053] It also includes an outer ring 2, and a rolling element is provided between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, two ball bearing frames 7 facing opposite directions are provided between the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2. The ball bearing frames 7 are provided with balls 8 at an annular interval. The balls 8 contact both the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 at the same time, so as to realize the bearing and release of bidirectional axial force and improve the bearing operation accuracy.

[0054] Furthermore, both ball bearing frames 7 are provided with a first oil passage 701, which facilitates the even distribution of lubricating grease in the contact area between the balls 8 and the inner and outer rings during circulation, effectively reducing the accumulation of frictional heat. The use of double-row balls 8 as rolling elements between the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 ensures a smooth rotational connection between the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2, while improving load-bearing rigidity and impact resistance. The distribution angle of the first oil passage 701 matches the arrangement of the balls 8, ensuring the shortest lubrication path, better grease flow, and preventing drying out during long-term operation. Under high-speed rotation conditions, centrifugal force causes the lubricating grease to flow directionally through the first oil passage 701, forming a dynamic lubricating film, which significantly extends the maintenance cycle.

[0055] For details regarding the above embodiments, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5-7 , Figure 12-13 The inner ring 1 is fitted with a limiting piece 11 at the end away from the wheel hub 4. One end of the limiting piece 11 is in contact with one of the sets of balls 8, and the other end is in contact with the power output shaft at the end of the vehicle wheel. After the wheel hub bearing assembly is installed in the vehicle, the limiting piece 11 can effectively ensure the stability of the rolling trajectory of the balls 8 between the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2, and prevent the balls 8 from axially shifting or falling out. At the same time, it can accurately transmit the axial preload through contact with the end face of the power output shaft, ensuring that the bearing maintains stable operation under start-stop and variable load conditions.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limiting piece 11 is made of high-strength alloy material, which has good resistance to deformation. Its snap-fit ​​structure forms a reliable lock with the end of the inner ring 1, preventing loosening under vibration environment and further improving the safety and durability of the assembly. In addition, the inner edge of the limiting piece 11 is provided with a guide chamfer, which facilitates alignment with the power output shaft during assembly, reduces installation stress, and ensures uniform transmission of preload. Its contact end face with the ball 8 is precision ground, and the surface roughness is controlled within Ra0.2μm, which effectively reduces fretting wear in the contact area and extends fatigue life. Under extreme working conditions, the limiting piece 11 can work with the axial constraint structure of the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 to suppress the overall axial movement of the bearing and improve the rigidity of the system. The entire hub bearing assembly achieves the comprehensive performance goals of high reliability, low noise and long life by optimizing the fit tolerances of each component and the matching of materials.

[0057] For details regarding the above embodiments, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5-7 The inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 are provided with seals near the edge of the brake disc 3. The limiting piece 11 is also provided with a seal between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1. The seals can prevent external dust from entering between the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2, and can also prevent the lubricating oil between the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 from leaking, ensuring the cleanliness of the bearing interior and the stability of the lubrication environment.

[0058] Specifically, the seal adopts a double-lip structure design, with the inner lip and outer ring 2 having an interference fit, and the outer lip closely adhering to the end face of the limiting piece 11, forming a labyrinthine sealing path. This effectively prevents moisture and impurities from entering, maintaining good sealing performance even under vibration and temperature change environments, while reducing frictional torque and avoiding impact on rotational accuracy.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rubber material of the seal is selected as high-temperature resistant and anti-aging hydrogenated nitrile rubber, with a long-term working temperature range of -40℃ to +150℃, adapting to harsh driving environments. The built-in spring ring between the double lips can compensate for lip wear and continuously provide radial pressure to ensure long-term stable sealing performance. In the assembled state, the seal, the limiting piece 11, and the outer ring 2 form a multi-level protective barrier, significantly reducing the risk of fretting corrosion, improving the smoothness of bearing operation and sealing reliability, and further ensuring the driving safety of the entire vehicle.

[0060] A type of car wheel hub, please refer to Figure 1-15 The system includes a hub 4, which has a through hole for a bolt 6 to pass through. A receiving groove 401 is provided at the end of the through hole facing the brake disc 3. A connecting platform 301 is provided on the brake disc 3 facing the receiving groove 401. After the bolt 6 passes through the brake disc 3, a nut is connected to it. The receiving groove 401 is used to accommodate the connecting platform 301 and the nut used to fasten the brake disc 3, thereby reducing the axial assembly height of the brake disc 3, improving space utilization, and reducing the unbalanced mass under high-speed rotation. The receiving groove 401 and the connecting platform 301 adopt a transition fit, which effectively suppresses relative vibration, prevents loosening of the connection, and enhances the stability of braking response.

[0061] Furthermore, the wheel hub 4 is provided with a locking groove 402 for engaging the edge of the brake disc 3. After the locking groove 402 engages the edge of the brake disc 3, it can further improve the stability of the connection state of the brake disc 3, effectively suppress the fretting wear of the brake disc under alternating loads, and at the same time assist in axial positioning and reduce assembly offset.

[0062] Second embodiment:

[0063] Please refer to an automotive wheel hub bearing assembly. Figure 1-15 Based on the first embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 are provided with an inclined surface between the two ball carriers 7, and a roller carrier 10 is provided on the inclined surface. The balls 8 closer to the hub 4 are further away from the axis of the hub 4 than the other set of balls 8. Rollers 9 are arranged in a ring at intervals on the roller carrier 10. The rollers 9 contact the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 respectively. The rollers 9 can effectively improve the load-bearing capacity of the hub bearing assembly, especially when subjected to radial and axial combined loads. The contact surfaces of the rollers with the inner and outer rings adopt an optimized curvature matching design to reduce stress concentration and improve fatigue life.

[0064] Furthermore, the inner wall of the outer ring 2 is provided with a misalignment ramp 201 at one end near the hub 4. The distance between the misalignment ramp 201 and the inner ring 1 is greater than the diameter of the roller 9. The roller 9 can slide along its own axis within the roller holder 10 to the position corresponding to the misalignment ramp 201. When the vehicle is running at high speed, the roller 9 slides outward under the action of centrifugal force and enters the area of ​​the misalignment ramp 201. The roller 9 can move to a position that does not contact the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 at the same time, effectively reducing the heat generated by friction, thereby reducing the temperature rise, avoiding high-temperature failure of the lubricating grease, and extending the service life of the bearing. The sliding displacement of the roller 9 is precisely controlled by the angle and length of the misalignment ramp 201 and the inclined surface of the inner ring 1, ensuring that it can quickly reset and participate in bearing when needed, taking into account both efficient heat dissipation and reliable support. This design significantly improves the operating stability under high-speed conditions, adapts to frequent start-stop and heavy-load scenarios, and enhances the durability of the assembly.

[0065] For details regarding the above embodiments, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8-11 The roller 9 is provided with a second oil passage 901 along its own axis for lubricating oil to pass through. The diameter of the second oil passage 901 is larger than the diameter of the first oil passage 701. When the roller 9 moves along its own axis, the lubricating oil can flow through the second oil passage 901 to the other end of the roller 9, avoiding the lubricating oil from hindering the movement of the roller 9, while ensuring that the lubrication fully covers the contact area and improving the dynamic lubrication efficiency.

[0066] Furthermore, the second oil passage 901 is connected to the oil guide groove on the roller holder 10 to form a continuous lubrication channel, ensuring that the lubricating oil is efficiently distributed to the contact surfaces of the rollers and the inner and outer rings under the action of centrifugal force. The oil guide groove and the second oil passage 901 work together to improve the circulation capacity of the grease, especially at high speeds, effectively preventing oil film rupture and reducing the wear rate. This structure also enhances heat dissipation performance, suppresses local high temperature, and further ensures the long-term stable operation of the bearing under combined heavy load and high speed conditions.

[0067] In practical operation, this invention:

[0068] During vehicle operation, the wheel hub bearing assembly bears radial and axial loads. The balls 8 and rollers 9 work together to improve the overall load-bearing capacity. When the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the rollers 9 slide along the roller carrier 10 under the action of centrifugal force and enter the misalignment ramp 201 area, reducing contact friction and lowering temperature rise. Lubricating oil flows inside the roller carrier 10 through the second oil port 901, ensuring uniform lubrication without affecting the movement of the rollers 9. The seals effectively prevent the intrusion of external impurities and lubricating oil leakage, ensuring long-term stable operation of the bearing. At the same time, the brake disc 3 and the wheel hub 4 are embedded in the receiving groove 401 through the connecting platform 301 and the edge of the brake disc 3 is embedded in the snap-fit ​​groove. The dual positioning structure of 402 significantly improves assembly accuracy and dynamic stability, effectively suppressing braking vibration. After the bolts are pre-tightened, the nut sinks into the receiving groove to avoid axial protrusion and reduce the risk of external damage. This integrated design takes into account high load-bearing capacity, low friction and easy maintenance characteristics, and is suitable for continuous reliable operation in high-performance vehicles and heavy-load conditions. Through bench durability testing, the wheel hub bearing assembly has been verified to have a temperature rise of no more than 35°C, a vibration value of less than 0.8 mm / s and a performance degradation rate of less than 5% after 1000 hours of continuous operation under simulated full load, rapid acceleration and deceleration and high speed combined conditions, meeting the OEM's design requirements for 100,000 kilometers of maintenance-free operation.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the invention and are not intended to limit it. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, but such modifications, substitutions, and variations are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automotive wheel hub bearing assembly, characterized in that, include: The inner ring has bolts arranged at annular intervals along its edge. These bolts are used to pass through and connect the brake disc and the wheel hub, respectively. An outer ring is provided, with rolling elements between the outer ring and the inner ring. Two ball bearing frames facing opposite directions are provided between the inner and outer rings. The ball bearing frames have balls spaced annularly, and each ball contacts both the inner and outer rings. Each ball bearing frame has a first oil passage along the axial direction for lubricating oil to pass through. An inclined surface is provided between the two ball bearing frames, and a roller bearing is provided on this inclined surface. The balls closer to the hub are further away from the hub's axis than the other set of balls. Rollers are spaced annularly on the roller bearing, and each roller contacts both the inner and outer rings. The inner wall of the outer ring has a misaligned ramp at the end near the hub. The distance between the misaligned ramp and the inner ring is greater than the diameter of the roller. The roller can slide along its own axis within the roller bearing to the position corresponding to the misaligned ramp. Each roller has a second oil passage along its own axis for lubricating oil to pass through, and the diameter of the second oil passage is greater than the diameter of the first oil passage.

2. The automotive wheel hub bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner ring is engaged with a limiting piece at the end away from the wheel hub. One end of the limiting piece is in contact with one of the sets of balls, and the other end is in contact with the power output shaft at the end of the car wheel.

3. The automotive wheel hub bearing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner and outer rings are provided with seals near the edges of the brake disc, and the limiting piece is also provided with a seal between it and the outer ring.

4. A type of automobile wheel hub, characterized in that... The automotive wheel hub bearing assembly according to any one of claims 1-3 includes: The wheel hub has a through hole for bolts to pass through, and a receiving groove is provided at the end of the through hole facing the brake disc. The brake disc has a connecting platform facing the receiving groove. After the bolt passes through the brake disc, a nut is connected to it. The receiving groove is used to accommodate the connecting platform and the nut used to fasten the brake disc.

5. The automobile wheel hub according to claim 4, characterized in that: The wheel hub is provided with a locking groove facing the brake disc for engaging the edge of the brake disc.

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