Wheel end hub lubricant management
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610463993.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-25
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, lubrication of vehicle wheel hub bearings is difficult to achieve effectively, especially since the filling and distribution of grease are uneven during the assembly process, which affects the lubrication effect of the bearing.
It adopts a sleeve structure with rifling or grooves, combined with self-flowing washers and O-ring seals. The lubricant flows between the inner and outer bearings through the fit between the lubricant mandrel and the inner surface of the sleeve, and achieves uniform distribution through gravity or mandrel rotation.
This achieves efficient lubrication of the wheel hub bearings, reduces the need for grease during assembly, ensures normal bearing operation, and eliminates the need for additional lifting equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN123025598A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This technology relates to a wheel hub assembly for use in vehicles and for lubricating bearings therein. Background Technology
[0002] The wheel hubs of a vehicle partially provide cavities to house various components needed to support the vehicle's axles, such as bearings. These bearings may require lubrication. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In one example, a wheel end hub assembly includes a hub cavity housing an inner bearing and an outer bearing, and a grooved sleeve positioned between the inner and outer bearings. The wheel end hub defines an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder that provide structural support for the grooved sleeve. For sealing and positioning, self-leveling washers and O-rings are arranged between the sleeve and each shoulder. The grooved sleeve is characterized by protruding ridges at both ends that engage with the shoulders to restrict axial movement and facilitate proper axial placement within the hub. Additionally, one of the bearings may help restrict sleeve movement.
[0004] In another example, a wheel hub assembly includes a hub body having inner surfaces defining a first bearing housing and a second bearing housing, the first and second bearing housings accommodating corresponding first and second bearings. A sleeve with a grooved inner surface is positioned between these bearings, wherein the groove tapers in width and depth along the axial direction of the sleeve. The hub body also includes a first shoulder and a second shoulder providing structural support for the sleeve. For axial positioning, the sleeve may incorporate an outer annular reinforcing rib that interacts with one of the shoulders, or alternatively, one of the bearings may mate with an end of the sleeve to achieve an installation depth within the hub body.
[0005] In one example, a method of assembling a wheel hub involves first positioning a grooved or slotted sleeve between the inner and outer bearings of the hub. A hollow mandrel with external helical reinforcing ribs is then inserted into the sleeve, such that it is supported by the bearings. This configuration creates a channel between the interior of the sleeve and the outer surface of the mandrel. Lubricant is applied to the inner or outer bearing and directed to flow along this channel. To facilitate lubricant distribution, the method may further include tilting the hub to utilize gravity or spinning the mandrel, wherein the helical reinforcing ribs actively drive the lubricant through the channel. Attached Figure Description
[0006] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the wheel end hub assembly including the grooved sleeve.
[0007] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the wheel hub assembly including the O-ring.
[0008] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the wheel hub assembly including the grooved sleeve.
[0009] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the steps involved in assembling the wheel hub assembly.
[0010] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the method for assembling the wheel hub assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0011] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. These embodiments are merely examples and may be embodied in various alternative forms. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.
[0012] To fill bearings within a wheel hub with grease, it may be necessary to tilt the wheel hub for a period of time to allow the grease to penetrate the bearing. This technique specifically incorporates a sleeve and a sealant, such as an O-ring or self-draining washer, at opposite ends of the sleeve to seal the recess within the hub. The sleeve and sealant together influence the volume of grease required to fill the bearing by preventing grease from entering the hub recess.
[0013] The inner surface of the sleeve may have grease flow-enhancing features. During assembly, these features can mate with a temporarily mounted mandrel to influence the movement of grease through the hub and fill the bearing. Once the hub and sleeve are fully assembled, the assembly weight may still be less than 25 pounds, eliminating the need for lifting aids at the assembly plant. The sleeve may be injection molded and made of a material resistant to degradation due to mechanical stress, heat, or chemicals in the grease.
[0014] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an example wheel hub assembly 10. The wheel hub assembly 10 includes a hub body 12, an inner bearing outer ring 14, an outer bearing outer ring 16, an inner bearing 18, and an outer bearing 20. The hub body 12 is a cavity with an open end and houses the inner bearing outer ring 14 and the outer bearing outer ring 16, as well as the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. The hub body 12 may be made of cast material and may include external features that connect to the vehicle's suspension system so that a portion of the vehicle is suspended above the wheel hub assembly 10. In operation, the vehicle's axle can extend through the wheel hub assembly 10 via the open end of the hub body 12 and is supported by the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. The sizes of the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20 can vary; for example, the inner bearing 18 may have a larger diameter than the outer bearing 20.
[0015] The inner bearing outer ring 14 and the outer bearing outer ring 16 each provide surfaces that respectively support the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. Each outer ring mates with its corresponding bearing to allow the bearing to rotate freely. Although Figure 1 The bearing outer ring and its corresponding bearing are depicted as separate components, but those skilled in the art will understand that once assembled, they function as a single unit and are generally referred to simply as bearings.
[0016] The inner surface of the hub body 12 defines an inner bearing housing 22, an outer bearing housing 24, and a hub recess 26. The inner bearing housing 22 and the outer bearing housing 24 are cylindrical bores, each terminating at an annular shoulder. The inner bearing housing 22 and the outer bearing housing 24 each extend through a portion of the hub body 12 and are sized to receive the inner bearing outer ring 14 and the outer bearing outer ring 16, respectively. The inner bearing housing 22 and the outer bearing housing 24 are each concentric with an axis 28. The bore defining the inner bearing housing 22 may be larger or smaller than the bore defining the outer bearing housing 24, depending on the size of the bearing outer ring and / or the bearing to be disposed therein. The inner bearing housing 22 and the outer bearing housing 24 each partially define an inner shoulder 30 and an outer shoulder 32, respectively. The inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32 are annular protrusions extending radially inward at the ends of the bores defining the inner bearing housing 22 and the outer bearing housing 24. When the wheel hub assembly 10 is assembled, the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32 each provide positive axial stops for the inner bearing outer ring 14 and the outer bearing outer ring 16 and / or the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. The hub recess 26 is an internal recess defined by the inner surface of the hub body 12 between the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32. The hub recess 26 may extend radially relative to the axis 28 beyond the outer diameter defining the inner bearing housing 22 and the outer bearing housing 24.
[0017] The wheel hub assembly 10 includes a sleeve 34 positioned inside the hub body 12 such that the sleeve 34 is positioned between an inner bearing 18 and an outer bearing 20, and is supported by an inner shoulder 30 and an outer shoulder 32. Depending on the size of the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32, the sleeve 34 may have a conical profile. The sleeve 34 may be made of a material such as metal, alloy, or plastic. In some embodiments, the sleeve 34 comprises nylon. The sleeve 34 is substantially tubular, having an inner surface defined by a bore extending through it. After installation within the wheel hub assembly 10, the bore of the sleeve 34 will be concentrically aligned with the axis 28.
[0018] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the sleeve 34 may include rifling. The rifling may be defined by rifling grooves 36. The rifling grooves 36 are helical or spiral grooves recessed into the inner surface of the sleeve 34. The rifling grooves 36 may extend between opposite ends of the sleeve, and their depth into the inner surface of the sleeve 34 may vary. For example, the depth of the rifling grooves 36 may gradually taper along the axial direction of the sleeve 34. Although Figure 1 A single rifling groove is depicted, but the sleeve 34 may include more than one rifling groove. Additionally, although... Figure 1 The diagram shows rifling grooves 36 recessed into the inner surface of the sleeve 34; however, in other embodiments, the rifling may alternatively project outwards. In such cases, the rifling can be better described as threads or helical knurling. During assembly, the rifling grooves 36 can facilitate lubricant flow between the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20 through the wheel end hub assembly 10. Other flow-facilitating features are also possible, such as ribs, channels, or grooves.
[0019] To seal the hub recess 26, in some embodiments, the wheel end hub assembly 10 may include an inner self-flowing washer 38 and an outer self-flowing washer 40. The self-flowing washer may be applied as a band surrounding the outer edge of a sleeve 34, which contacts the shoulder of the hub body 12. The inner self-flowing washer 38, together with the outer edge of the sleeve 34 and the inner shoulder 30, forms a seal. Similarly, the outer self-flowing washer 40, together with another outer edge of the sleeve 34 and the outer shoulder 32, forms a seal. These seals, along with the outer surface of the sleeve 34 and the inner surface of the hub body 12 between the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32, mate to seal the hub recess 26. The self-flowing washers 38 and 40 may be any suitable washer-making material and may be applied as a liquid that then solidifies to form a proper seal.
[0020] The sleeve 34 may include an axial positioning structure. For example, the outer surface of the sleeve 34 includes an inner protruding ridge 42 and an outer protruding ridge 44 at opposite ends, each ridge extending outward from the outer surface of the sleeve 34. The inner protruding ridge 42 and the outer protruding ridge 44 respectively engage with the surfaces of the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32 to restrict axial movement of the sleeve 34 and secure the sleeve 34 at a predetermined depth within the hub. In this sense, the protruding ridges 42 and 44 can provide a press-fit structure so that the sleeve 34 can be press-fitted into the wheel end hub assembly 10 at an appropriate axial depth. Furthermore, the inner bearing outer ring 14 and the outer bearing outer ring 16 and / or the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20 can contact the sleeve 34 at opposite ends to further restrict axial movement of the sleeve 34.
[0021] refer to Figure 2In some embodiments, the wheel hub assembly 10 may include an inner O-ring 46 and an outer O-ring 48. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the sleeve 34, the sleeve 34 may have an inner O-ring groove 50 and an outer O-ring groove 52, which are embedded in the outer surface of the sleeve 34 at opposite ends. During assembly, the inner O-ring 46 and the outer O-ring 48 are respectively disposed in the inner O-ring groove 50 and the outer O-ring groove 52. Once assembled, the inner O-ring 46 mates with the inner O-ring groove 50 and the inner shoulder 30 to form a seal. Similarly, the outer O-ring 48 mates with the outer O-ring groove 52 and the outer shoulder 32 to form a seal. These seals, along with the outer surface of the sleeve 34 and the inner surface of the hub body 12 between the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32, mate to seal the hub recess 26.
[0022] refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments of the sleeve 34, the inner surface of the sleeve 34 may include a groove. The groove may be defined by a plurality of recessed axial grooves 54. The axial grooves 54 extend along the inner surface of the sleeve 34 and are parallel to the axis 28. The depth of the axial grooves 54 may gradually taper along the axial direction. For example, at one end of the sleeve 34, the groove 54 may extend deeper into the sleeve 34 compared to the opposite end. Additionally, the width of the axial grooves 54 may gradually taper along the axial direction, becoming narrower from one end of the sleeve 34 to the other. Although Figure 3 The axial groove 54 is depicted as recessed into the inner surface of the sleeve 34; however, in other embodiments, the groove may instead project outwards. In such cases, the inner surface of the sleeve 34 may be more accurately described as splined.
[0023] Figure 4 The steps for assembling the wheel end hub are shown. In this step, a lubricant mandrel 56 is installed into the wheel end hub assembly 10. The lubricant mandrel 56 is a generally hollow cylindrical body and, when installed into the wheel end hub, extends through the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20 and extends between the inner and outer bearings. Although Figure 4 The lubricant mandrel 56 is shown as hollow, but this is not necessarily required. The lubricant mandrel 56 is sized such that, when mounted in the wheel hub assembly 10, a portion of its outer surface is supported by the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. The lubricant mandrel 56 may include helical ribs 58 projecting from its outer cylindrical surface, extending along a portion of the mandrel's length. When mounted, the helical ribs 58 extend between the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. The helical ribs 58 may complement the groove 36. Although... Figure 4 A lubricant mandrel 56 with a single helical rib 58 is depicted, but alternative embodiments may include multiple helical ribs.
[0024] During the assembly of the wheel hub 10, the helical ribs 58 of the lubricant mandrel 56 can engage with the inner surface of the sleeve 34 to facilitate the flow of applied lubricant between the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. For example, in an embodiment where the sleeve 34 has grooved recesses 36, the helical ribs 58 and grooved recesses 36 form a helical interlacing channel extending between the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. The depth and pitch of the rifling and ribs affect the cross-sectional profile of the channel, thereby creating a channel that repeatedly expands and contracts, which facilitates circular and / or turbulent flow of the lubricant. Similarly, in embodiments where the sleeve 34 has a grooved inner surface, as Figure 3 As shown, the helical ribs of the lubricant mandrel can mate with the groove to facilitate the flow of lubricant between the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20.
[0025] refer to Figure 5 This illustrates a method 60 for assembling wheel end hubs. Method 60 incorporates... Figures 1 to 4 The components are shown. Method 60 can begin at step 62, where the outer bearing outer ring 16 is installed into the outer bearing housing 24 inside the hub body 12. At step 64, the sleeve 34 is installed such that the sleeve 34 is supported within the hub body 12 by the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32. The gap between the sleeve 34 and the inner surfaces of the hub body 12 between the inner shoulder 30 and the outer shoulder 32 defines the hub recess 26. In embodiments where the inner self-flowing washer 38 and the outer self-flowing washer 40 are used to seal the hub recess 26, the inner self-flowing washer 38 and the outer self-flowing washer 40 are applied as a band around the outer surface of the sleeve at opposite edges before the sleeve 34 is installed. In embodiments where the inner O-ring 46 and outer O-ring 48 are used to seal the hub recess 26, before the sleeve 34 is installed, the inner O-ring 46 and outer O-ring 48 are respectively installed into the inner O-ring groove 50 and outer O-ring groove 52 at opposite ends of the sleeve 34. The sleeve 34 and the O-rings and / or self-flowing washers seal the hub recess 26 at the position where the sleeve 34 contacts the inner shoulder 30 and outer shoulder 32. The outer surface of the sleeve 34 may include protruding ridges 42, 44 that mate with the inner shoulder 30 and outer shoulder 32, such that the sleeve 34 is installed at an appropriate depth within the hub body 12. The inner surface of the sleeve 34 may include lubricant flow promoting features, such as rifling or grooves, as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the diagram. At step 66, the inner bearing outer ring 14 is installed into the inner bearing housing 22. The inner bearing outer ring 14 may contact the sleeve 34. At step 68, the inner bearing 18 is installed into the inner bearing outer ring 14 such that elements of the inner bearing 16 contact the bearing outer ring 14. A portion of the inner bearing 18 may also contact the sleeve 34.
[0026] At step 70, grease is applied if lubricant is required. At step 72, the hub body 12 is mounted onto the axle mandrel. At step 74, the outer bearing 20 and hub nut are installed. Then, at operation 76, the axle can be tilted to a specified angle to induce and facilitate the flow of grease, under gravity assistance, through a channel defined between the lubricant mandrel and sleeve 34 to the other bearing. The sleeve 34, sealed to the inner shoulder 30 and outer shoulder 32, prevents lubricant from filling the hub recess 26. Additionally, depending on the embodiment using the sleeve 34, the rifling or grooves of the sleeve 34 can engage with protruding helical ribs 58 on the lubricant mandrel 56 to influence or facilitate the flow of lubricant between the inner bearing 18 and the outer bearing 20. The lubricant mandrel 56 can also be spun into place, wherein the helical ribs 58 guide the lubricant axially into the bearing.
[0027] Regarding method 60, it should be understood that the assembly sequence described herein is merely exemplary, and the steps need not occur in the presented order. For example, in some embodiments of method 60, steps 62 and 66 may be performed in reverse order, such that the inner bearing outer race is installed first. The specific order in which the inner or outer bearing outer race is installed can depend on various factors, including the conical shape of the sleeve, the relative sizes of the inner and outer shoulders, and the dimensions of the bearing outer race. For instance, if the sleeve has a conical profile, the conical taper of the sleeve may require the inner bearing outer race to be installed first to ensure proper alignment and accommodation within the hub body.
[0028] According to the present invention, an automotive subassembly is provided, the automotive subassembly having: a wheel end hub defining a hub cavity and including an inner bearing and an outer bearing; and a grooved sleeve disposed in the hub cavity between the inner bearing and the outer bearing.
[0029] According to an embodiment, the wheel end hub further defines an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, and wherein the grooved sleeve is supported by the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder.
[0030] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plurality of self-flowing washers, each of which is disposed between the groove sleeve and one of the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder.
[0031] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plurality of O-rings, each of which is disposed between the groove sleeve and one of the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder.
[0032] According to an embodiment, the groove sleeve defines a first protruding ridge and a second protruding ridge at opposite ends of the sleeve.
[0033] According to an embodiment, the wheel end hub further defines an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, and each of the first and second outward protruding ridges is configured to engage with one of the inner and outer shoulders to limit axial movement of the grooved sleeve.
[0034] According to an embodiment, one of the inner bearing and the outer bearing is configured to further restrict the axial movement of the grooved sleeve.
[0035] According to an embodiment, the wheel end hub further defines an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, and each of the first and second outer protruding ridges is configured to mate with one of the inner and outer shoulders to position the grooved sleeve at a predefined axial mounting depth within the wheel end hub.
[0036] According to an embodiment, the groove sleeve comprises nylon.
[0037] According to the present invention, a wheel end hub assembly is provided, the wheel end hub assembly comprising: a hub body having an inner surface defining a first bearing seat and a second bearing seat; a first bearing and a second bearing, the first bearing and the second bearing respectively disposed in one of the first bearing seat and the second bearing seat; and a sleeve having a grooved inner surface disposed between the first bearing and the second bearing.
[0038] According to an embodiment, the width of the groove on the inner surface of the grooved sleeve gradually tapers along the axial direction of the sleeve.
[0039] According to an embodiment, the depth of the groove gradually tapers along the axial direction of the sleeve.
[0040] According to an embodiment, the inner surface of the hub body further defines a first shoulder and a second shoulder, the first shoulder and the second shoulder being configured to support the sleeve.
[0041] According to an embodiment, the sleeve further includes an outer annular reinforcing rib, which is configured to cooperate with one of the first shoulder or the second shoulder to position the sleeve at a predetermined installation depth within the wheel hub body.
[0042] According to an embodiment, one of the first bearing and the second bearing is configured to engage with one end of the sleeve to position the sleeve at a predetermined installation depth within the hub body.
[0043] According to the present invention, a method for assembling a wheel end hub includes: inserting a grooved sleeve or a slotted sleeve between an inner bearing and an outer bearing of the wheel end hub; inserting a hollow shaft having an outer surface defining an outer helical reinforcing rib into the sleeve, such that the hollow shaft is supported by the inner bearing and the outer bearing, and the interior of the sleeve and the outer surface of the hollow shaft including the outer helical reinforcing rib define a channel therebetween; and applying a lubricant to one of the inner bearing or the outer bearing, such that the lubricant flows along the channel.
[0044] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes tilting the wheel end hub such that gravity facilitates the movement of the lubricant through the channel.
[0045] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes causing the hollow spindle to spin such that the outer helical reinforcing ribs facilitate the movement of the lubricant through the channel.
Claims
1. A vehicle subassembly, comprising, A wheel hub defining a hub cavity and including an inner bearing and an outer bearing; and a grooved sleeve disposed in the hub cavity between the inner bearing and the outer bearing.
2. The vehicle subassembly of claim 1, wherein the wheel hub further defines an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, and wherein the grooved sleeve is supported by the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder.
3. The automotive subassembly as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a plurality of self-flowing washers, each of the plurality of self-flowing washers being disposed between the groove sleeve and one of the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder.
4. The automotive subassembly as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a plurality of O-rings, each of the plurality of O-rings being disposed between the groove sleeve and one of the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder.
5. The automotive subassembly of claim 1, wherein the grooved sleeve defines a first and a second protruding ridge at opposite ends of the sleeve.
6. The automotive subassembly of claim 5, wherein the wheel end hub further defines an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, and wherein each of the first and second outer protruding ridges is configured to engage with one of the inner and outer shoulders to limit axial movement of the grooved sleeve.
7. The automotive subassembly of claim 6, wherein one of the inner bearing and the outer bearing is configured to further restrict axial movement of the grooved sleeve.
8. The automotive subassembly of claim 5, wherein the wheel hub further defines an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, and wherein each of the first and second outer protruding ridges is configured to engage with one of the inner and outer shoulders to position the grooved sleeve at a predefined axial mounting depth within the wheel hub.
9. The automotive subassembly of claim 1, wherein the cable tray sleeve comprises Zytel.
10. A wheel hub assembly, comprising: A hub body having an inner surface defining a first bearing seat and a second bearing seat; A first bearing and a second bearing, each of the first bearing and the second bearing being disposed in one of the first bearing housing and the second bearing housing; as well as A sleeve having a grooved inner surface disposed between the first bearing and the second bearing.
11. The wheel hub assembly of claim 10, wherein the width of the groove on the grooved inner surface gradually tapers along the axial direction of the sleeve.
12. The wheel hub assembly of claim 11, wherein the depth of the groove gradually tapers along the axial direction of the sleeve.
13. The wheel hub assembly of claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the hub body further defines a first shoulder and a second shoulder, the first shoulder and the second shoulder being configured to support the sleeve.
14. The wheel hub assembly of claim 13, wherein the sleeve further comprises an outer annular reinforcing rib, the outer annular reinforcing rib being configured to cooperate with one of the first shoulder or the second shoulder to position the sleeve at a predetermined installation depth within the hub body.
15. The wheel hub assembly of claim 10, wherein one of the first bearing and the second bearing is configured to engage with one end of the sleeve to position the sleeve at a predetermined installation depth within the hub body.