Hub bearing

Abstract

A kind of hub bearing, including flange outer ring and flange plate, the flange outer ring and flange plate between being provided with retainer and several setting on retainer rolling body, the retainer is provided with the rolling hole for rolling body to be placed in corresponding rolling body quantity, the retainer is provided with several notches on the upper side in the axial direction, the notch is set between two adjacent rolling holes and the depth of the notch in the axial direction is 14-16% of the axial thickness of retainer.The beneficial effects of the utility model are: by setting notch on retainer, effectively reduce the material use, reduce the overall weight of product, avoid the interference with rolling hole at the same time, ensure that rolling body will not be jammed or damaged in the process of operation due to structural conflict.The depth of notch is controlled within a certain range, which not only ensures the overall structural strength of retainer, but also realizes the lightweight target, which helps to improve the dynamic balance performance and installation efficiency of bearing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a bearing, and more particularly to a wheel hub bearing. Background Technology

[0002] Wheel bearings, as key mechanical components, are widely used in automobiles, industrial equipment, and wind power generation. Particularly in automotive wheel systems, they connect the wheels to the axles, support the vehicle's weight, and withstand radial and axial loads from the road surface. During operation, wheel bearings achieve low-friction rotation through the precise fit of the inner ring, outer ring, rolling elements, and cage, ensuring smooth driving and fuel efficiency. For example, when a car is in motion, the bearing withstands dynamic shocks and vibrations; lubrication reduces wear and extends service life. Their design must balance high strength and lightweight construction to adapt to various operating conditions, such as high-speed driving or heavy-duty transportation, thereby ensuring vehicle safety and performance.

[0003] However, the existing cage design of hub bearings has significant flaws. Its upper and lower edges typically extend beyond the outer diameter of the rolling elements, forming a ring structure. While this enhances overall strength and stability, preventing rolling elements from falling out or deforming, it leads to material waste. This over-design increases production costs and product weight, hindering lightweighting and resource conservation, and may also affect the bearing's dynamic balance and installation efficiency. Furthermore, in the context of pursuing environmental protection and cost control, this redundant structure limits technological innovation and urgently needs improvement to enhance economic efficiency and sustainability. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a wheel hub bearing that reduces weight and saves materials.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a wheel hub bearing, comprising a flange outer ring and a flange, wherein a cage and a plurality of rolling elements disposed on the flange outer ring and the flange are provided between the flange outer ring and the flange, the cage is provided with rolling holes corresponding to the number of rolling elements for the rolling elements to be placed therein, and the cage is provided with a plurality of notches on the upper side in the axial direction, the notches being disposed between two adjacent rolling holes and the depth of the notches in the axial direction being 14-16% of the axial thickness of the cage.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting notches on the cage, material usage is effectively reduced, the overall weight of the product is lowered, and interference with the rolling holes is avoided, ensuring that the rolling elements will not be jammed or damaged due to structural conflicts during operation. The depth of the notches is controlled within a specific range, ensuring both the overall structural strength of the cage and achieving the goal of lightweighting, which helps improve the dynamic balance performance and installation efficiency of the bearing. Furthermore, the notch design promotes the flow of lubricating oil, allowing the oil to more evenly cover the circumference of the rolling elements, improving lubrication and heat dissipation performance, thereby extending the bearing's service life. As a preferred embodiment, the notches can be designed as grooves evenly distributed circumferentially on the upper side of the cage, with each groove located in the interval area between two rolling holes. The grooves are rectangular or trapezoidal in shape, optimizing weight distribution by removing excess material. Simultaneously, the edges of the grooves are rounded to reduce stress concentration, ensuring that no cracks will occur under load. As another preferred embodiment, the bottom of the notch can be set as a flat or curved surface, forming a specific angle with the cage axis to guide lubricating oil smoothly through both radial sides, enhancing oil film formation and heat exchange efficiency, and avoiding localized overheating problems.

[0007] Furthermore, straight surfaces and inclined surfaces are formed on both sides of the notch, and the axial extensions of the bottom of the straight surfaces and inclined surfaces connected to the notch are located in two adjacent rolling holes.

[0008] By incorporating straight and beveled surfaces on both sides of the notch, the straight surface enhances the local structural rigidity, preventing deformation under high-speed operation. It also serves as a visual or tactile reference point, facilitating rapid positioning of the rolling elements during assembly and improving installation accuracy and efficiency. The beveled surface optimizes stress distribution, reducing stress concentration caused by the notch, lowering fatigue risk, and increasing the circumferential distance of the notch. This provides a wider channel for lubricating oil, promoting uniform oil diffusion around the rolling elements and improving lubrication and cooling. As a preferred approach, the straight surface can be designed as a planar structure perpendicular to the cage axis, with its height coordinated with the notch depth to provide stable support. The beveled surface extends outward from the bottom of the notch, forming a smooth transition area. The angle of inclination disperses the load, preventing cracks at sharp corners. Furthermore, the rounded transition at the junction of the beveled and straight surfaces further enhances impact resistance. As another preferred approach, the slope can be configured as a tapered surface that gradually extends from the bottom of the notch to the upper side of the cage, with its inclination direction matching the lubricating oil flow path, so as to guide the oil to flow from the radial inside to the outside, increase the oil film coverage area, improve heat dissipation efficiency, and reduce friction loss.

[0009] Furthermore, the inclined surface is inclined from the bottom of the notch toward the upward side of the cage axis, and the angle formed between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane at the bottom of the notch is 134-136°.

[0010] The specific setting of the bevel angle further optimizes the structural performance and hydrodynamic characteristics. An angle within the range of 134-136° balances stress dispersion and lubricant flow efficiency, reducing localized stress concentration caused by improper angles and extending the cage's service life. This angle design creates an obtuse angle between the bevel and the bottom, which helps disperse impact forces under load, preventing crack formation. It also increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the lubricant channel, promoting smooth oil flow and improving lubrication and heat dissipation of the rolling elements. As a preferred option, the bevel can be designed as a planar structure sloping upwards from the bottom of the notch, with an inclination angle of 135°. This creates a stable geometric relationship between the bevel and the bottom horizontal plane, dispersing axial and radial loads through the obtuse angle design and avoiding stress concentration. The bevel surface can also be machined with a slightly rough texture to enhance oil adhesion and flow guidance. Alternatively, the bevel can be designed as an arc-shaped transition surface, smoothly extending from the bottom of the notch to the upper side of the cage. Its radius of curvature is coordinated with the rolling hole profile to optimize the fluid path, reduce oil flow resistance, and further disperse dynamic stress through the arc design, improving the overall structural durability and reliability.

[0011] Furthermore, a reinforcing platform is provided between the radial inner side of the retainer and the radial inner side of the notch, and one end of the reinforcing platform connected to the radial inner side of the notch is located at the center of the radial inner side of the notch.

[0012] The reinforcement platform significantly enhances the structural strength of the cage, acting as a reinforcing rib to prevent deformation or fracture under high-speed or high-load conditions, ensuring stable positioning and operation of the rolling elements. Located at the center of the radially inner side of the notch, the reinforcement platform provides uniform support, distributing the load from the rolling elements, reducing localized stress, and optimizing material distribution, achieving weight reduction without sacrificing overall rigidity. As a preferred approach, the reinforcement platform can be designed as a rib-like structure extending from the inner side of the cage towards the notch, with a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section. Increasing local thickness improves bending and torsional resistance. The rib-like structure is evenly distributed circumferentially, corresponding to the notch and rolling hole intervals to provide a coherent support network. Alternatively, the reinforcement platform can be an integrally formed boss structure with the inner side of the cage, its top connected to the center of the inner side of the notch, and its bottom fused with the inner side of the cage. The multifaceted shape of the boss disperses stress waves, preventing crack propagation, and its geometric properties enhance the radial guidance of lubricating oil, improving flow efficiency.

[0013] Furthermore, the reinforcing platform is used to separate two adjacent rolling holes, and the surface of the reinforcing platform is enlarged from one end connected to the radially inner side of the notch toward the other end connected to the radially inner side of the cage.

[0014] The enlarged surface of the reinforcing platform effectively separates adjacent rolling bores, preventing rolling elements from colliding or interfering with each other during operation, thus improving the stability and reliability of the bearing. Simultaneously, the enlarged surface optimizes load distribution and reduces localized wear. This design enhances the reinforcing platform's function as a separating structure by increasing its contact area, ensuring that the rolling elements move independently within their respective bores, avoiding noise or damage caused by contact, and improving the dynamic balance of the overall structure. As a preferred option, the reinforcing platform can be designed as a tapered surface that gradually expands from the connection point towards the inside of the cage, with its expansion angle matching the rolling bore spacing to maximize the separation effect. The tapered surface reduces stress concentration through a smooth transition and uses its geometry to guide lubricating oil flow from the notch to the rolling bore, enhancing lubrication uniformity. Alternatively, the reinforcing platform can be configured as an arc-shaped enlarged surface with a curvature adapted to the outer diameter of the rolling element. The arc design provides a flexible separating barrier, reducing impact force transmission. The enlarged surface can also be machined with a grid or groove texture to increase the lubricating oil retention and distribution area, further optimizing heat dissipation and friction control.

[0015] Furthermore, a hollow groove is provided on the axial lower side of the cage, and an arc-shaped surface adapted to the outer diameter surface of the rolling body is provided in the hollow groove corresponding to the number of rolling holes. The arc-shaped surface is not exposed outside the hollow groove.

[0016] The hollowed-out groove design further reduces material usage and product weight. Simultaneously, the curved surface matches the outer diameter of the rolling element, ensuring stable operation of the rolling element within the groove and preventing dislocation or wobbling. This structure improves heat dissipation by increasing the surface area of ​​the cage, promoting heat dissipation from the rolling element to the surrounding environment, reducing the risk of overheating, and optimizing the lightweighting and resource utilization efficiency of the bearing. As a preferred approach, the hollowed-out groove can be designed as an array of multiple through holes or grooves on the underside of the cage, each groove corresponding to a rolling hole. Its curved surface forms a tight fit with the outer diameter of the rolling element, reducing weight by removing excess material. The rounded edges of the grooves reduce stress concentration, ensuring no fatigue cracks occur under dynamic loads. Another preferred approach is to design the hollowed-out groove as a mesh structure, with its curved surface embedded in the mesh. The mesh openings increase airflow channels, promoting forced convection heat dissipation, and the curvature of the curved surface guides lubricating oil to form a uniform oil film around the rolling element, improving lubrication efficiency and lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the cage on the upper side of the axial direction according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the notch in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the cage on the lower side of the axial direction according to an embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Implementation

[0018] This utility model embodiment provides a hub bearing such as... Figure 1-4 As shown: The structure includes an outer flange ring 1 and a flange 2. A cage 3 and several rolling elements 4 are disposed between the outer flange ring 1 and the flange 2. The cage 3 has rolling holes 31 corresponding to the number of rolling elements 4. The rolling elements 4 are placed within the rolling holes 31 to achieve rolling support. The rolling elements 4 can be steel balls or other common rolling elements. The cage 3 has several notches 32 on its axial upper side, located between two adjacent rolling holes 31. The depth of the notches 32 in the axial direction is 14% to 16% of the axial thickness of the cage 3. This arrangement avoids interference with the rolling holes 31, while simultaneously reducing material usage without affecting the overall structural strength. The notches 32 also allow lubricating oil to flow radially on both sides of the cage 3, promoting the full movement of lubricating oil around the rolling elements 4.

[0019] A straight surface 321 and an inclined surface 322 are formed on both sides of the notch 32. The straight surface 321 and the inclined surface 322 are connected to the bottom of the notch 32, and their axial extensions are located in two adjacent rolling holes 31. The straight surface 321 enhances the local structural strength and can serve as a visual cue during the assembly of the rolling element 4. The inclined surface 322 optimizes the stress distribution and increases the circumferential distance of the notch 32, facilitating the smooth passage of lubricating oil. The inclined surface 322 is inclined upward from the bottom of the notch 32 toward the cage 3. The angle formed between the inclined surface 322 and the horizontal plane at the bottom of the notch 32 is 134° to 136°. This angle range further enhances stress optimization and lubricating oil flow.

[0020] A reinforcing platform 33 is provided between the radially inner surface of the cage 3 and the radially inner surface of the notch 32. The end of the reinforcing platform 33 connected to the radially inner surface of the notch 32 is located at the center of the radially inner surface of the notch 32. The reinforcing platform 33 acts like a reinforcing rib, improving the overall rigidity of the cage 3. The reinforcing platform 33 is used to separate two adjacent rolling holes 31. The surface of the reinforcing platform 33 expands from the end connected to the radially inner surface of the notch 32 toward the end connected to the radially inner surface of the cage 3. This design effectively prevents interference between the rolling elements 4 in adjacent rolling holes 31, ensuring smooth bearing operation.

[0021] A hollow groove 34 is provided on the axial lower side of the cage 3. An arc-shaped surface 341 is provided in the hollow groove 34 corresponding to the number of rolling holes 31. The arc-shaped surface 341 is adapted to the outer diameter surface of the rolling element 4. The arc-shaped surface 341 is not exposed outside the hollow groove 34. The hollow groove 34 further reduces the material used and enhances the heat dissipation performance of the bearing by combining the aforementioned technical features, thereby reducing the operating temperature by promoting the flow of air or lubricating oil.

[0022] During assembly and operation, the rolling element 4 is placed in the rolling bore 31 of the cage 3. During the operation of the bearing, the lubricating oil flows smoothly through the notch 32 on both radial sides of the cage 3, ensuring that the circumference of the rolling element 4 is fully lubricated. The design of the straight surface 321 and the inclined surface 322 not only optimizes the stress distribution, but also facilitates assembly and positioning. The reinforcing platform 33 and the hollow groove 34 together improve the structural stability and heat dissipation efficiency, enabling the bearing to maintain reliable performance under high speed or high load conditions.

[0023] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hub bearing, comprising a flange outer ring and a flange, wherein a cage and a plurality of rolling elements disposed on the cage are provided between the flange outer ring and the flange, and the cage is provided with rolling holes corresponding to the number of rolling elements for the rolling elements to be placed therein, characterized in that: The cage has several notches on its upper axial side, the notches being located between two adjacent rolling holes and the depth of the notches in the axial direction being 14-16% of the axial thickness of the cage.

2. The hub bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two sides of the notch are respectively formed with a straight surface and an inclined surface, and the axial extension lines of the bottom of the straight surface and the inclined surface connected to the notch are respectively located in two adjacent rolling holes.

3. The hub bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inclined surface is inclined from the bottom of the notch toward the upper side of the cage axis, and the angle formed between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane at the bottom of the notch is 134-136°.

4. The hub bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reinforcing platform is provided between the radial inner side of the retainer and the radial inner side of the notch, and one end of the reinforcing platform connected to the radial inner side of the notch is located at the center of the radial inner side of the notch.

5. The hub bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reinforcing platform is used to separate two adjacent rolling holes, and the surface of the reinforcing platform is enlarged from one end connected to the radially inner side of the notch toward the other end connected to the radially inner side of the cage.

6. The hub bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cage has a hollowed-out groove on its axial lower side. The hollowed-out groove has an arc-shaped surface that matches the outer diameter of the rolling element, corresponding to the number of rolling holes. The arc-shaped surface is not exposed outside the hollowed-out groove.

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