U.S. patent application number 10/066605 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-07 for uni-pilot hub/drum system.
Invention is credited to Messina, Paul R..
Application Number | 20030146657 10/066605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27658697 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030146657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Messina, Paul R. |
August 7, 2003 |
UNI-PILOT HUB/DRUM SYSTEM
Abstract
A vehicle wheel assembly includes a hub, a drum, and disc wheels
that are mounted together for rotation about a common axis. The hub
has a cylindrical body with a hub mounting flange that extends out
radially from the body. The body defines an exterior surface having
a common drum and wheel pilot. The drum has a drum mounting flange
with a peripheral edge that is aligned relative to the drum and
wheel pilot. The disc wheels each have wheel mounting flanges with
a peripheral edges aligned relative to the drum and wheel pilot.
Thus, the drum and wheels are mounted on a common pilot surface
formed on the hub. The single pilot significantly reduces the
occurrence of drum misalignment and possible drum fracture.
Inventors: |
Messina, Paul R.; (Vandalia,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
400 WEST MAPLE ROAD
SUITE 350
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
27658697 |
Appl. No.: |
10/066605 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
301/63.101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 11/06 20130101;
F16D 65/10 20130101; F16D 2065/1392 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
301/63.101 |
International
Class: |
B60B 003/10 |
Claims
1. A vehicle wheel assembly comprising: a wheel hub including a
cylindrical body portion presenting a single exterior hub pilot
mounting surface; a wheel drum including a drum mounting flange
with a peripheral edge aligned relative to said hub pilot mounting
surface; and at least one disc wheel including a wheel mounting
flange with a peripheral edge aligned relative to said hub pilot
mounting surface wherein said wheel drum and said disc wheel are
mounted to said wheel hub for rotation about a common axis.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said wheel hub includes a hub
mounting flange extending transversely to said body portion and
parallel to said drum mounting flange and said wheel mounting
flange.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said hub, drum, and wheel
mounting flanges are secured together with at least one
fastener.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said drum mounting flange is
positioned between said hub and wheel mounting flanges.
5. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said peripheral edge of said
drum mounting flange includes a first segment extending in a first
direction and a second segment extending in a second direction that
is transverse to said first direction, said first segment having a
linear profile aligned relative to said pilot mounting surface.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said drum mounting flange
includes a first mounting surface in abutting engagement with said
hub mounting flange and a second mounting surface in abutting
engagement with said wheel mounting flange with said peripheral
edge extending between said first and second mounting surfaces such
that said first segment extends from said second mounting surface
and said second segment transitions from said first segment to said
first mounting surface.
7. The assembly of claim 6 including a hub transition region
between said pilot mounting surface and said hub mounting flange,
said hub transition region defining a third segment that extends
transversely to said pilot mounting surface and said hub mounting
flange.
8. The assembly of claim 7 including a gap formed between said
third segment and said second segment of said peripheral edge of
said drum mounting flange.
9. The assembly of claim 8 including a first step at said pilot
mounting surface and a second step at said hub mounting flange,
said first and second steps extending outwardly from said hub with
said third segment extending between said first and second
steps.
10. A vehicle wheel assembly comprising: a hub including a
cylindrical body portion with a transversely extending hub mounting
flange, said body portion presenting an exterior surface defining a
common drum and wheel pilot; a drum including a drum mounting
flange with a peripheral edge aligned relative to said drum and
wheel pilot; and at least one disc wheel including a wheel mounting
flange with a peripheral edge aligned relative to said drum and
wheel pilot.
11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said hub, drum, and wheel
mounting flanges are secured together with at least one
fastener.
12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said peripheral edge of said
drum mounting flange and said peripheral edge of said wheel
mounting flange have the same diameter.
13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said peripheral edge of said
drum mounting flange includes a first segment extending in a first
direction and a second segment extending in a second direction that
is transverse to said first direction, said first segment having a
linear profile aligned relative to said drum and wheel pilot.
14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said drum mounting flange
includes a first mounting surface in abutting engagement with said
hub mounting flange and a second mounting surface in abutting
engagement with said wheel mounting flange with said peripheral
edge extending between said first and second mounting surfaces such
that said first segment extends from said second mounting surface
and said second segment transitions from said first segment to said
first mounting surface.
15. The assembly of claim 14 including a hub transition region
between said drum and wheel pilot and said hub mounting flange,
said hub transition region defining a third segment extending
transversely to said hub mounting flange and said drum and wheel
pilot.
16. A method of assembling a vehicle wheel assembly including the
steps of: (a) forming a single pilot mount on an exterior surface
of a wheel hub; (b) positioning a drum on the wheel hub by aligning
a portion of the drum relative to the pilot mount; (c) positioning
at least one disc wheel on the wheel hub by aligning a portion of
the disc wheel relative to the pilot mount; and (d) securing the
wheel hub, drum, and disc wheel together for rotation about a
common axis.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein step (b) further includes
providing a drum mounting flange with a peripheral edge, forming a
first segment with a linear profile on the peripheral edge and a
second segment extending transversely from the first segment, and
aligning the first segment relative to the pilot mount.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein step (a) further includes
providing a hub mounting flange extending transversely to the
exterior surface of the hub, forming a hub transition region
between the pilot mount and the hub mounting flange with the hub
transition forming a third segment extending transversely to the
hub mounting flange and the pilot mount, and step (b) further
includes positioning the third segment on the hub opposite from the
second segment on the drum.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
mounting a drum and disc wheels onto a wheel hub. Specifically, the
invention relates to a hub having a common pilot for both the drum
and the disc wheels.
[0002] It is important to maintain proper position and alignment
when mounting drums and disc wheels on a wheel hub. This is
especially important for wheel hubs and drums that are used in
heavy vehicle applications where wheel components are subjected to
shock loads. Traditionally, a wheel end assembly includes a hub, a
drum, and a disc wheel. The hub, drum, and disc wheels each have
mounting flanges that are secured together during assembly. The
wheel hub includes a drum pilot and a disc wheel pilot formed about
the exterior surface of the hub where the drum and wheel pilots are
of different diameters. Typically, the drum pilot is of a greater
diameter than the disc wheel pilot.
[0003] The pilots are important because the pilots guide and
properly position the drum and wheels on the hub. First the drum is
installed on the drum pilot and then the disc wheels are installed
on the wheel pilot. The hub, drum, and disc wheels are then secured
together with fasteners through the respective mounting flanges.
During installation of the drum onto the drum pilot, it is
important that the mounting flange on the drum be flush with the
mounting flange of the hub. Further, it is important that the
mounting flange of the disc wheel be flush with the drum mounting
flange.
[0004] Because the hub has multiple pilots, installation of the
drum and wheels can be difficult. As the drum is installed on the
hub, it can become hung up on the transition between the wheel and
drum pilots resulting in an improper installation. Once the drum is
installed improperly it is very difficult to properly mount and
position the disc wheels. Improper mounting can result in premature
component wear and potential component facture at high loads.
[0005] Thus, it is desirable to provide a hub with an improved
pilot surface to facilitate installation of the drum and wheels in
addition to overcoming the other above referenced deficiencies in
the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel hub with a
cylindrical body that presents a single or common exterior hub
pilot. The single hub pilot is the mount for a drum and at least
one disc wheel. The wheel drum has a drum mounting flange with a
peripheral edge that is aligned relative to the hub pilot. The disc
wheel includes a wheel mounting flange with a peripheral edge that
is aligned relative to the hub pilot. The drum and disc wheel are
mounted to the wheel hub for rotation about a common axis.
[0007] The wheel hub has a hub mounting flange that extends
transversely to the hub body and which is parallel to the drum
mounting flange and the wheel mounting flange. The hub, drum, and
wheel mounting flanges are secured together with a plurality of
fasteners spaced about the circumference of the mounting
flanges.
[0008] In the preferred embodiment, the peripheral edge of the drum
mounting flange includes a first segment with a linear profile and
a second segment that extends transversely to the first segment.
The first segment is aligned relative to the pilot mounting
surface. The hub includes a hub transition region between the hub
pilot and the hub mounting flange. The hub transition region
includes a curved or angled surface. The second segment on the edge
of the drum mounting flange is positioned opposite from the hub
transition region.
[0009] The single hub pilot provides a simplified method and
apparatus for mounting drums and disc wheels on wheel assemblies.
The single pilot also reduces potential misalignment between the
drum and/or the disc wheels and the hub. These and other features
of the present invention can be best understood from the following
specifications and drawings, the following of which is a brief
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view, partially cut-away, of a
prior art wheel assembly.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a magnified view of a prior art drum and disc
wheel pilot portion on the hub of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, partially cut-away, of a
vehicle wheel assembly incorporating the subject invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of a vehicle wheel
assembly incorporating the subject invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of a vehicle wheel
assembly incorporating the subject invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, partially cut-away, of a
front vehicle wheel assembly incorporating the subject
invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] A traditional wheel end assembly is shown generally at 10 in
FIG. 1. The wheel end assembly 10 includes a hub 12 with a
cylindrical body portion 14 and a transversely extending hub
mounting flange 16. A drum 18 and disc wheels 20 are mounted to the
hub 12 for rotation with the hub 12 about a common axis 22.
Preferably a pair of disc wheels 20 are mounted to the hub 12 for a
rear wheel assembly, however, a single disc wheel 20 for a front
wheel assembly could also be used. Tires (not shown) are mounted to
the disc wheels 20.
[0017] The drum 18 includes a drum mounting flange 24 and each disc
wheel 20 includes a wheel mounting flange 26. The drum 24 and wheel
26 mounting flanges are parallel to the hub mounting flange 16. A
plurality of fasteners 28 (only one is shown) secure the hub 16,
drum 24, and wheel 26 mounting flanges together. The fasteners 28
are installed about the circumference of the wheel hub 12.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the body portion 14 of the hub 12
traditionally presents an exterior surface that includes a drum
pilot surface 30 and a wheel pilot surface 32. Both of these pilot
surfaces 30, 32 extend about the circumference of the wheel hub 12.
The drum pilot surface 30 is of greater diameter than the wheel
pilot surface 32. The pilot surfaces 30, 32 can be continuous pilot
circles, however, the pilot surfaces are typically intermittent,
i.e., non-continuous pilot circles. The intermittent pilot surfaces
are preferred to facilitate disassembly of the wheel components.
The wheel components corrode over time, which causes material
build-up in the gap between the pilots. The non-continuous pilot
surfaces allow the corroded wheel components to be easily
disassembled.
[0019] Because the hub 12 has pilot surfaces 30, 32 of different
diameters, installation of the drum 18 and wheels 20 can be
difficult. As the drum 18 is installed on the hub 12, it can become
hung up on a transition area 34 between the wheel 32 and drum 30
pilot surfaces resulting in an improper installation. Once the drum
12 is installed improperly it is very difficult to properly mount
and position the disc wheels 20. Improper mounting can result in
premature component wear and potential component fracture at normal
operational loads.
[0020] A rear wheel end assembly incorporating the subject
invention is shown generally at 40 in FIG. 3. The wheel end
assembly 40 includes a hub 42 with a cylindrical body portion 44
and a transversely extending hub mounting flange 46. A drum 48 and
disc wheels 50 are mounted to the hub 42 for rotation with the hub
42 about a common axis 100. Preferably a pair of disc wheels 50 are
mounted to the hub 42, however, a single disc wheel 50 could also
be used. Single disc wheels are normally used on front or steeling
axle wheel assemblies, however, the invention could also be used in
a rear wheel assembly with a single disc wheel.
[0021] Although a rear wheel assembly 40 is shown in FIG. 3, it
should be understood that the subject invention could also be
utilized on a front wheel assembly 86 where a single wheel is
mounted on the hub as shown in FIG. 6. The description below with
regard to the hub 42, drum 48, and disc wheel 50 of FIG. 4 is also
applicable to wheel assembly 86 of FIG. 6.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the drum 48 includes a drum mounting
flange 52 and each disc wheel 50 includes a wheel mounting flange
54. The drum 52 and wheel 54 mounting flanges are parallel to the
hub mounting flange 46. A plurality of fasteners 56 (only one is
shown) secure the hub 46, drum 52, and wheel 54 mounting flanges
together. The fasteners 56 are installed about the circumference of
the wheel hub 42.
[0023] The hub 42 presents an exterior surface that forms a single
pilot 58 for both the drum 48 and the disc wheels 50, i.e., the
drum 48 and wheels 50 are mounted on a common pilot surface. The
drum mounting flange 52 includes a peripheral edge 60 that is
aligned relative to the pilot 58 and the wheel mounting flanges 54
include peripheral edges 62 that are also aligned relative to the
pilot 58. The peripheral edge 60 of the drum mounting flange 52
includes a first portion or segment 64 presenting a linear profile
and a second portion or segment 66 that extends transversely to the
first portion 64. the second portion 66 can present a curved or
angled profile. The first portion 64 is aligned relative to the
pilot 58. The transition from the first portion 64 to the second
portion 66 facilitates installation of the drum 48 on the hub 42.
The peripheral edges 62 of the wheel mounting flanges 54 are
beveled or chamfered 68 to facilitate assembly of the disc wheels
50 on the hub 42.
[0024] The drum mounting flange 52 includes a first mounting
surface 70 in abutting engagement with the hub mounting flange 46
and a second mounting surface 72 in abutting engagement with one of
the wheel mounting flanges 54. The peripheral edge 60 of the drum
mounting flange 52 extends between the first 70 and second 72
mounting surfaces such that the first portion 64 extends from the
second mounting surface 72 and the second portion 66 transitions
from the first portion 64 to the first mounting surface 70.
[0025] A hub transition area 74 from the casting process is formed
between the pilot 58 and the hub mounting flange 46. The hub
transition area 74 formed during the casting process presents a
third portion or segment 76 that extends transversely to the pilot
58 and the hub mounting flange 46. In one embodiment, shown in FIG.
3, the hub transition area 74 is raised with a pair of steps 78,
formed during the machining process, and which extend outwardly
from the hub 42 on either side of the third portion 76. In this
embodiment, the third portion 76 presents a curved surface that
extends between the steps 78.
[0026] An alternate hub transition area 80 is shown in FIG. 4. This
hub transition area 80 presents a curved surface 82 that is
recessed within the body 44 of the hub 42. Another alternate hub
transition area 88 is shown in FIG. 5. This hub transition area 88
presents an angled surface 90 that parallels an angled surface 92
formed on the second portion 66 of the drum mounting flange 52.
When the drum 48 is installed on the hub 42 gap 84 is formed
between the third portion of the hub transition region 74, 80, or
88 and the second portion 66 of the peripheral edge 60 of the drum
mounting flange 52.
[0027] One of the advantages of the subject invention is that a
single pilot 58 is used to mount both the drum 48 and the wheels
50. The single hub pilot 58 is preferably designed with a tolerance
range of 0.15 mm to 0.025 mm smaller than the pilot on the wheels
50 mounted on the hub 42. The single pilot 58 removes the
possibility of miss-locating the drum 48 and thus avoids potential
brake drum fracture. The tighter tolerance on the hub pilot 58
improves run-out characteristics of the wheel end assembly 40 by
improving concentric fit between the wheels 50 and the hub 42. The
improved concentric fit also reduces potential wheel/tire imbalance
associated with traditional wheel end assemblies.
[0028] The peripheral edge 60 that forms the pilot surface of the
drum 48 is preferably designed within a tolerance range of 0.025 mm
to 0.1 mm larger than on the maximum pilot 58 of the hub 42. The
pilot of the drum 48 is located from the outboard edge of the drum
mounting flange 52, with a leading edge chamfer or sharp edge
break, for a length of 6.096 mm maximum from the outboard side of
the drum mounting flange 52 for cast brake drums (as mounted on the
vehicle). The unique profile for the edge 60 forming the drum pilot
is located further outboard on the drum mounting flange 52 then on
traditional drums. This reduces the occurrence of interference due
to a build up of corrosion on the hub 42 or other casting/machining
anomalies between the pilot 58, mounting flange 46, and other areas
of the hub 42. The area on the hub 42, inboard of the pilot 58 on
the drum 42, can be relieved by a cast or machined, radius or
chamfer, allowing clearance to this hub area.
[0029] The method of assembling the vehicle wheel assembly
including the steps of forming a single pilot mount 58 on an
exterior surface of the wheel hub 42, positioning the drum 48 on
the wheel hub 42 by engaging a portion of the drum 48 against the
pilot mount 58, and positioning the disc wheel 50 on the wheel hub
42 by engaging a portion of the disc wheel 50 against the pilot
mount 58. The hub 42, drum 48, and disc wheel 50 are then secured
together for rotation about a common axis.
[0030] Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been
disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize
that certain 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.
* * * * *