U.S. patent application number 09/969296 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for wheel end assembly.
Invention is credited to Melton, Patrick B..
Application Number | 20030062765 09/969296 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25515396 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030062765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Melton, Patrick B. |
April 3, 2003 |
WHEEL END ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A wheel end assembly is provided which facilitates maintenance
of the wheel end assembly, and further provides a more secure
bearing housing. The spindle is caused to rotate with the drive
axle, and is in turn connected to drive a wheel hub. In other
features, a housing mounts a bearing cup structure which surrounds
the spindle, and has a piloting land for positioning a brake torque
plate or a spider, along with the bearing cup. A tone wheel is
sandwiched between two nuts, and is caused to rotate with the
spindle. The tone wheel includes a tab extending into an opening on
the washer such that the washer rotates with the tone wheel. The
overall assembly facilitates maintenance and assembly, and provides
a more secure environment for the bearing structure.
Inventors: |
Melton, Patrick B.;
(Horseshoe, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
400 WEST MAPLE ROAD
SUITE 350
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
25515396 |
Appl. No.: |
09/969296 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
301/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 2310/316 20130101;
B60B 2310/307 20130101; B60B 27/0026 20130101; B60B 27/00 20130101;
B60B 2310/302 20130101; B60B 2360/10 20130101; F16C 19/386
20130101; F16C 2326/02 20130101; F16C 41/007 20130101; B60B 27/001
20130101; B60B 2380/44 20130101; B60B 2310/305 20130101; B60B
35/121 20130101; B60B 27/0078 20130101; B60B 2360/50 20130101; B60B
27/0073 20130101; B60B 2380/73 20130101; B60B 35/163 20130101; B60B
35/18 20130101; B60B 2310/2082 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
301/137 |
International
Class: |
B60B 035/16 |
Claims
1. A wheel end assembly comprising: a drive axle shaft extending
along an axis; a wheel hub positioned radially outwardly of said
drive axle shaft; a spindle to be driven by said drive axle shaft,
said spindle in turn driving said wheel hub, and said spindle being
positioned radially between said wheel hub and said drive axle
shaft; and a bearing cup structure positioned between said wheel
hub and said spindle, said bearing cup structure being fixed, and
bearings positioned between said bearing cup structure and said
spindle.
2. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
spindle drives said wheel hub through a plurality of intermeshing
gear teeth.
3. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
spindle has a portion axially beyond said wheel hub, and said gear
teeth on said spindle facing axially inwardly and meshing with gear
teeth on an axially outwardly facing surface of said wheel hub.
4. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
spindle having said gear teeth on a surface facing axially
outwardly, and said wheel hub having a surface facing axially
inwardly which carries said mating gear teeth.
5. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
bearing cup structure is piloted on a piloting boss from a fixed
housing.
6. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein brake
connection structure is positioned between said bearing cup
structure and a brake flange on said fixed housing, with both said
brake connection structure and said bearing cup structure being
guided on said piloting boss.
7. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein said brake
connection structure is a torque plate.
8. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein said brake
connection structure is a brake spider.
9. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein a brake
rotor is positioned on said wheel hub.
10. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein a nut is
threaded into an inner surface of said spindle to position said
drive axle along said axis.
11. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 10, wherein a washer
closes an end of said spindle.
12. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein said
washer also abuts an axially outer face of said wheel hub.
13. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
bearing cup structure includes an opening to receive an ABS sensor,
and said spindle carries a tone wheel.
14. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein said
tone wheel includes tabs which are positioned within structure on a
washer such that said washer will rotate with said wheel
15. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein said
tone wheel further includes a finger extending into a groove on
said spindle such that said tone wheel rotates with said
spindle.
16. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein a housing
surrounds said drive axle shaft and is attached to said bearing cup
structure, a seal on said housing sealing an outer periphery of
said drive axle shaft to seal between an inner portion of said
drive axle shaft, and said bearings.
17. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 16, wherein a
plurality of seals are positioned to seal between said housing and
said drive axle.
18. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein an
axially inner end of said spindle is swaged outwardly to capture
bearing races on said bearings after assembly of said bearing races
and said bearings on said spindle.
19. A wheel end assembly comprising: a fixed housing including a
brake flange extending from a radially outer surface, and a
piloting boss positioned forwardly of said brake flange; a brake
connection structure positioned forwardly of said brake flange and
on said piloting boss; a bearing cup structure also received on
said piloting boss; and a wheel hub operatively connected to be
driven.
20. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 19, wherein a
spindle is positioned radially inwardly of said bearing cup
structure, said spindle to be driven, and in turn driving said
wheel hub.
21. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 19, wherein said
brake connection structure is a torque plate.
22. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said
brake connection structure is a brake spider.
23. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 19, wherein a drive
axle shaft extends along an axis, and drives said wheel hub.
24. A wheel end assembly comprising: a rotating housing part
rotating with a drive axle; a fixed housing positioned adjacent to
said rotating part, said fixed housing carrying an ABS sensor; and
a tone wheel operatively exacted to rotate with said rotating part,
said tone wheel including a finger extending into a groove in said
rotating part, and a member on one side of said tone wheel, said
tone wheel including a tab extending into an opening in said member
to cause said member to rotate with said tone wheel.
25. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 24, wherein said
fixed housing is a bearing cup positioned radially outwardly of
said drive axle, and said rotating part is a rotating spindle
positioned radially inwardly of said bearing cup.
26. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 24, wherein said
member is a nut positioned outwardly of said tone wheel.
27. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 26, wherein said nut
applies a preload onto bearing races received on said rotating
part.
28. A method of assembling a rotating spindle comprising the steps
of: (1) providing a rotating spindle to be secured to a drive axle,
and providing a bearing cup to be positioned outwardly of said
rotating spindle; (2) positioning at least one inner bearing race
on an outer periphery of said spindle, and positioning bearings
outwardly of said inner race; and (3) bending an axially inner end
of said spindle radially outwardly to capture said races on said
outer periphery of said spindle.
29. A wheel end assembly comprising: a wheel hub positioned
radially outwardly of a drive axis; a spindle to be driven about
said drive axis, said spindle in turn driving said wheel hub, said
spindle being positioned radially inwardly of said wheel hub; and a
bearing cup structure positioned between said wheel hub and said
spindle, said bearing cup being non-driven, and bearings positioned
between said bearing cup and said spindle.
30. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 29, wherein said
spindle drives said wheel hub through a plurality of intermeshing
gear teeth.
31. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 30, wherein said
spindle has a portion axially beyond said wheel hub, and said gear
teeth on said spindle facing axially inwardly and meshing with gear
teeth on an axially outwardly facing surface of said wheel hub.
32. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 30, wherein said
spindle having said gear teeth on a surface facing axially
outwardly, and said wheel hub having a surface facing axially
inwardly which carries said mating gear teeth.
33. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 29, wherein said
bearing cup structure includes an opening to receive an ABS sensor,
and said spindle carries a tone wheel.
34. A wheel end assembly as set forth in claim 33, wherein a sensor
extends through said bearing cup structure, said sensor being
positioned adjacent a tone wheel, said tone wheel being formed
integrally with a seal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an improved wheel end assembly
having several features which provide better sealed bearings, and
facilitate assembly and servicing of the components at the wheel
end assembly.
[0002] Wheel end assemblies for drive axles typically include a
housing surrounding the drive axle, and a fixed spindle for
supporting a wheel hub. Typically, a flange extends radially
outwardly from an end of the axle and is secured to the brake
spider or torque plate by bolts, pins, or similar structure.
Bearings support the wheel hub on the fixed spindle. It is somewhat
difficult to adequately seal these bearings, which are positioned
outwardly of the fixed flange on the spindle journals.
[0003] The known designs also raise challenges with regard to the
assembly and servicing of the various components. As an example, to
remove the wheel hub, one must typically drain the axle lube and
remove the axle shaft from within the housing. Also, dissembling
the wheel hub often results in disturbing the bearing package.
[0004] The housing itself has some deficiencies with regard to the
arrangement and assembly of the components. To date, the spindle
has been welded to a fixed housing. A brake flange has been welded
to the outer periphery of the housing, and a torque plate or brake
spider then welded or otherwise connected to that brake flange.
[0005] It is the goal of this invention to provide a better sealed
assembly, and simplify the assembly and facilitate the maintenance
of the wheel end assembly as described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a disclosed embodiment of this invention, a wheel end
spindle rotates with the drive axle shaft. The spindle in turn is
connected to transmit rotation to the wheel hub. The wheel end
assembly includes a bearing cup which surrounds the spindle and
transmits the vertical wheel loads to the housing, with bearings
positioned between this bearing cup and the spindle. In one
embodiment, the bearing cup integrally provides the outer races,
while in another, separate races are inserted. The outer housing
ensures the bearings can be sealed simply and reliably. This
facilitates the likelihood of long life for the bearings.
[0007] The spindle is preferably splined to be driven by the drive
axle. Gear teeth transmit drive from the spindle to the hub. This
simplifies the attachment by eliminating several parts required in
the prior art and by eliminating the axle shaft flange.
[0008] In these embodiments, the wheel hub can be removed without
complete disassembly of the wheel end assembly. That is, the axle
shaft need not be removed for removal of the wheel hub. This
facilitates servicing of the wheel hub, and the brake rotor, which
can be serviced without removal of the axle shaft or disturbing the
bearing package.
[0009] In further features, a rear housing has a forwardly
extending boss that provides a piloting surface for the torque
plate or brake spider, along with the bearing cup. The brake flange
is preferably formed integrally at a location adjacent to this
boss. The boss thus facilitates the assembly of these
components.
[0010] In further features, a sensor is provided for communicating
rotation information to the ABS system. The sensor preferably
extends through the bearing cup, and monitors rotation of the
spindle through a tone wheel arrangement, generally as is known.
However, the tone wheel is mounted to the spindle in a unique
fashion. In particular, a nut and a washer sandwich the tone wheel,
and the tone wheel includes a flange received in a groove in the
spindle. Thus, the tone wheel will rotate with the spindle. Tabs
from the tone wheel preferably cause the nut to rotate with the
tone wheel, assuring that the arrangement will have improved
reliability.
[0011] These and other features of the present invention can be
best understood from the following specification and drawings,
following which is a brief description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment
wheel end assembly.
[0013] FIG. 1B shows a seal detail.
[0014] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of a portion of the FIG. 1
assembly
[0015] FIG. 2B shows the tone wheel.
[0016] FIG. 3A shows a second embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3B shows an assembly step of the FIG. 3B
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] FIG. 1A shows a wheel end assembly 18 having a drive axle
shaft 20 extending within an outer fixed bearing cup 22. The
bearing cup member 22 is secured to a housing member 24, as will be
described below. A wheel hub 26 is secured to a rotating spindle
28. Inner bearing races 30 and 32 are positioned outwardly of the
spindle, and outer races 34 and 36 are formed integrally with the
cup 22. Bearings 39 are positioned intermediate the races. The
spindle 28 is splined at 37 to be driven by the axle shaft 20. The
wheel hub is interference fit at 38 onto the spindle to help react
to vertical load. Gear teeth 40 and 42 are cast into the spindle
and the wheel hub and intermesh to allow the spindle to transmit
torque to the wheel hub and help react vertical loads. As can be
appreciated, in this embodiment, the spindle has an outer end 160
extending beyond the wheel hub and facing rearwardly, with the
teeth 40 and 42 being positioned between the end 160 and an outer
face 162 of the hub.
[0019] As can be further appreciated from FIG. 1B, a seal assembly
100 including a seal 104 and bushing/bearing 102 coupling retained
in housing members 24 by a protective snap ring 300 seal the outer
periphery of the shaft 20. The structure of housing 24 and shaft 20
is preferably as shown to receive the seal and bushing/bearing
coupling. The appropriate location of the seal assembly 100 is
shown in FIG. 1A with FIG. 1B showing the detail.
[0020] Lubricant which is received from within the drive axle
housing, and to the left of the FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B embodiment is
prevented from migrating into the bearing chamber 110 by seal
assembly 100. This allows simple air to grease seals to be utilized
adjacent the bearings 39 to maintain the grease in the bearing
chamber. More complex lubricant to grease seals have been required
in the past, but are eliminated by the provision of the seal
assembly 100. Moreover, much of this ability to isolate or disturb
the bearing is provided by the fact that the spindle rotates, as
compared to the prior art wherein the spindle was fixed resulting
in the bearing chamber being outwardly of the fixed housing. As can
be appreciated from FIG. 1A, the provision of the bearing cup 22
outwardly of the rotating spindle 28 provides a bearing chamber
which is relatively isolated from the outside environment, and thus
protected. From this, it is more likely that the bearings will be
more long-lived than in the past, and can be more assuredly
provided with a lubricant, such as grease, which can be expected to
survive the expected lifetime of the wheel end.
[0021] Returning again to FIG. 1A, a piloting boss 46 on the
housing 24 is positioned forwardly of a brake flange 47 which may
be welded to the housing 24. The inner periphery 48 of a spider or
torque plate 50 is received on boss 46, as is an inner surface 52
from the bearing cup 22. Now, the housing 24, torque plate or
spider 50, and bearing cup 22 are all easily positioned, aligned
and connected by the piloting boss 46. The threaded holes 170
through the bearing cup 22, brake component 50, and brake flange
47, eliminate any need for a nut. Instead, the hub and brake
component is secured by a lock washer, and a cap screw, arranged
through the several holes 170. Of course, other mounting
arrangements can be utilized. As shown, a seal 56 may be positioned
within a groove in the boss 46 to further seal interior chamber 110
which receives the spindle, bearings, etc.
[0022] Further, the axle shaft 20 is retained in a longitudinal
direction by a metal end cap 58, which may be provided with a
removable hook structure. The cap 58 is guided within an inner end
of the spindle 28. A tabbed clip ring 60 prevents relative rotation
between the end cap 58 and the spindle 28, that could otherwise
allow the cap to back out. The removal of the clip ring 60 and cap
58 facilitate removal of the shaft such as for towing or carrier
maintenance.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2A, a sensor 64 is received in a rubberized
bushing 160, and may extend through the cup 22 and provide rotation
information to an ABS system. The operation of the sensor is as
known, but it is the positioning of the sensor, and its interaction
with a tone wheel 68 which is inventive. A nut 66 and a nut 70
sandwich the tone wheel. A groove 72 is formed within the outer
periphery of the spindle and receives a finger 74 from the tone
wheel such that the tone wheel rotates with the spindle 28.
[0024] The tone wheel includes tabs 76 which may be bent rearwardly
into openings 82 between opposed fingers 78 and 80 on the nut 66.
This ensures the tone wheel will rotate with the washer and with
the spindle.
[0025] As can be further appreciated from FIG. 2B, the tone wheel
68 includes a plurality of tabs 76 which are initially extending
generally radially outwardly, but which are bent back into openings
82 in the washer 66. Moreover, other connecting webs 120 on the
tone wheel connect the inner periphery 121 of the tone wheel to an
outer peripheral structure 122. Outer peripheral structure 122
includes the openings that will be sensed by sensor 64 to provide
the rotation information. This feature provides a more reliable and
simpler package for the positioning of the tone wheel on the
spindle.
[0026] A modified shoulder seal 180 seals between the inner race,
the wheel hub and the spindle. A shoulder seal may be utilized at
the other end of the spindle and between the nut 70 and the inner
bearing race 30, to prevent any oil ingress and eliminate any need
for a central seal 304. This seal 180 and press fit 38 lowers the
risk of water ingress. Also, the spindle key 72 way may be
desirably shortened to eliminate any potential leak risk.
[0027] The structure 70, 68 and 74 could include the member 70
being a holey inner nut. The inner nut assists in seating and
loading the bearing races 30, 32.
[0028] FIG. 3A shows a second embodiment 90. A distinct arrangement
of the rotating spindle 94 and hub 98 is shown. Again, intermeshing
gear teeth 96 and 97 provide the torque transmission from the
spindle to the hub. One other difference with the FIG. 3A
embodiment is that the end 164 of the spindle which carries the
teeth 96 faces outwardly, and an inner extending surface 166 from
the wheel hub carries its teeth 97. As can be appreciated, a nut 92
has an outer surface axially beyond the portion 166 of the wheel
hub In this embodiment, the outer races 132 are formed separately
from the bearing cup 133. A tabbed washer 93 retains nut 92,
threaded at 135 into spindle 94 to provide an axial preload. A
slight press fit 302 maintains concentricity between hub 98 and
spindle 94. A second flat nut 134 in turn retains the axle shaft
136. The flat nut 134 is also driven into threads 135 formed within
the inner periphery of the spindle 94. The threads are preferably
treated to prevent rotation and seal the bearing chamber.
[0029] A brake rotor 108 is secured by a plate 110 on the hub at
98. Rotor 108 is splined onto the hub. Rather than plate 110, a
snap ring and Belleville washer could be used.
[0030] Further, an end 140 of the spindle is swaged radially
against the inner race 142, to capture the two inner races 142, and
the bearings 146 there between. In the past, bearings have been
assembled by swaging the end of a bearing holding structure
inwardly of a race set. However, applicant does not believe this
has been done with a rotating spindle, and certainly not a rotating
spindle in the inventive location.
[0031] This design allows for easy brake servicing and rotor
replacement without having to disassemble the interior of the
spindle, or draining the oil, etc.
[0032] As can be appreciated from FIG. 3B, this inner end 140 is
initially formed to extend generally straight 150. This allows the
assembly of the races 142 and 144 onto the spindle 94. The end 150
can then be swaged upwardly to position 140, again, capturing the
races as explained above.
[0033] As shown at 200, a seal is formed integrally with a tone
ring 202, such that the sensor 204 will be able to monitor the
rotation of the tone ring. The seal provides some of the benefit as
disclosed with regard to the first embodiment, but in a more
simplified form. In either embodiment, the sensors can face the
tone ring in either the shown vertical position, or in a horizontal
orientation.
[0034] Either of the embodiments illustrated in this application
provide the main benefit of a secure and reliable seal for the
bearings. The bearings, once assembled, need not to be disassembled
or disturbed to disassemble the wheel hub from the drive shaft,
spindle, bearing cup, etc. Instead, the wheel hub can be removed
for maintenance of the hub, or the brake rotor, without any
disassembly or disturbance of the bearing. This facilitates a long
life for the bearing, and ensures that the lubricant for the
bearing can be expected to last the expected lifetime of the
bearing.
[0035] While preferred embodiments of this invention are disclosed,
a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that many
modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For
that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine
the true scope and content of this invention.
* * * * *