阅读说明：本技术 轮毂锁紧螺母组件 (Hub lock nut assembly ) 是由 拉马钱德兰·桑德拉塞克兰 肯特·奥古斯特森 托比亚斯·安德森 于 2019-04-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于将车辆车轮轮毂保持就位的轮毂锁紧螺母组件。该轮毂锁紧螺母组件包括轮毂锁紧螺母和配合部件,该轮毂锁紧螺母被布置成在配合位置上与该配合部件配合。该轮毂锁紧螺母包括限定中心孔的圆周内壁,该内壁具有螺纹部分,该螺纹部分被螺纹部分中的环形凹槽分隔成第一区段和第二区段,从而将第二区段构造为弹性部分,该弹性部分被布置成相对于第一区段在轴向方向上挠曲。该配合部件包括内壁,该内壁限定了在轴向方向上延伸的中心孔,该配合部件包括面向轴向方向的环形端面,其中,突起被布置在该环形端面上,邻近中心孔。该突起被构造成：当处于配合位置时,在轮毂锁紧螺母的螺纹部分的第二区段上沿轴向方向施加力,从而将车辆车轮轮毂保持就位。(A hub lock nut assembly for holding a vehicle wheel hub in place. The hub lock nut assembly comprises a hub lock nut and a mating part, the hub lock nut being arranged to mate with the mating part in a mated position. The hub lock nut includes a circumferential inner wall defining a central bore, the inner wall having a threaded portion separated into a first section and a second section by an annular groove in the threaded portion, thereby configuring the second section as a resilient portion arranged to flex in an axial direction relative to the first section. The mating part comprises an inner wall defining a central hole extending in an axial direction, the mating part comprising an annular end surface facing in the axial direction, wherein a protrusion is arranged on the annular end surface, adjacent to the central hole. The protrusion is configured to: when in the mated position, a force is applied in an axial direction on the second section of the threaded portion of the hub lock nut to hold the vehicle wheel hub in place.)

1. A hub lock nut assembly (300, 400, 500, 600) for holding a vehicle wheel hub (110) in place, the hub lock nut assembly (300, 400, 500, 600) comprising a hub lock nut (220) and a mating part (230), the hub lock nut (220) being arranged to mate with the mating part (230) in a mated position,

the hub lock nut (220) comprising a circumferential inner wall (321) defining a central hole (221), characterized in that the inner wall (321) has a threaded portion (310), the threaded portion (310) being divided into a first section (310a) and a second section (310b) by an annular groove (320) in the threaded portion (310), thereby configuring the second section (310b) as a resilient portion arranged to flex in an axial direction (A) with respect to the first section (310a),

-the mating part (230) comprises an inner wall (430) defining a central bore (231), -the central bore (231) of the mating part extends in the axial direction (a) and corresponds to the central bore (221) of the hub lock nut (220), -the mating part (230) comprises an annular end surface (410) facing the axial direction (a), wherein a protrusion (420) is arranged on the annular end surface (410), the protrusion (420) being configured to: when in the engaged position, the protrusion (420) exerts a force (F) on the second section (310b) of the threaded portion (310) of the hub lock nut (220) in the axial direction (a) to hold the vehicle wheel hub (110) in place.

2. The hub lock nut assembly (600) according to claim 1, wherein the width (W2) in the axial direction (a) of the second section (310b) of the threaded portion (310) of the hub lock nut (220) corresponds to between two and three times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion.

3. The hub lock nut assembly (600) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width (W) of the annular groove (320) in the axial direction (a) is between 0.8 and 1.2 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion (310), and preferably 1.0 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion (310).

4. The hub lock nut assembly (600) according to any preceding claim, wherein the depth (D) of the annular groove (320) is between 5mm and 10 mm.

5. The hub lock nut assembly (300, 400, 500, 600) according to any preceding claim, wherein a wheel hub safety washer constitutes the mating part (230).

6. The hub lock nut assembly (400, 500) according to any preceding claim, wherein the protrusion (420) extends annularly around the entire annular end face (410) of the mating part (230).

7. The hub lock nut assembly (300, 400, 500, 600) according to any preceding claim, wherein the external force (F) is configured to provide a main torque of the hub lock nut assembly depending on the size of the hub lock nut, wherein the main torque varies between 50Nm and 230 Nm.

8. The hub lock nut assembly (300, 400, 500, 600) according to any preceding claim, wherein any one of the hub lock nut (220) and the mating component (230) is integrally formed from thermoformed steel.

9. A vehicle (100) comprising a hub lock nut assembly (300, 400, 500, 600) according to any preceding claim.

10. A hub lock nut (220) for holding a vehicle wheel hub (110) in place, the hub lock nut (220) being arranged to mate with a mating part (230) in a mated position,

the hub lock nut (220) comprises a circumferential inner wall (321) defining a central hole (221), characterized in that the inner wall (321) has a threaded portion (310), the threaded portion (310) being divided into a first section (310a) and a second section (310b) by an annular groove (320) in the threaded portion (310), thereby configuring the second section (310b) as a resilient portion arranged to flex in an axial direction (a) relative to the first section (310 a).

11. The hub lock nut (220) according to claim 10, wherein the width (W2) in the axial direction (a) of the second section (310b) of the threaded portion (310) of the hub lock nut (220) corresponds to between two and three times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion.

12. The hub lock nut (220) according to any of claims 10 to 11, wherein the width (W) of the annular groove (320) in the axial direction (a) is between 0.8 and 1.2 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion (310), and preferably 1.0 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion (310).

13. The hub lock nut (220) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the depth (D) of the annular groove (320) is between 5mm and 10 mm.

14. A safety washer (230) for holding a vehicle wheel hub (110) in place, the safety washer (230) being arranged to cooperate with a hub lock nut (220) in a cooperating position, the safety washer (230) comprising an inner wall (430), the inner wall (430) defining a central bore (231) extending in an axial direction (a), characterized in that the safety washer (230) comprises an annular end surface (410) facing the axial direction (a), wherein a protrusion (420) is arranged on the annular end surface (410), the protrusion (420) being configured to: when in the engaged position, the protrusion (420) exerts a force (F) in the axial direction (A) on the second section (310b) of the threaded portion (310) of the hub lock nut (220).

15. The safety washer (230) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the external force (F) is configured to provide a main torque of the hub lock nut assembly depending on the size of the hub lock nut, wherein the main torque varies between 50Nm and 230 Nm.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hub lock nut assembly for holding a wheel hub in place.

The invention may be applied to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and construction equipment.

Background

Wheel hub assemblies (sometimes also referred to as hub assemblies, wheel hub units or wheel hub bearings) are automotive parts used in many vehicle types, such as trucks and semi-trailers. The wheel is attached to the wheel hub assembly by bolts. Roller bearings between the axle hub and the axle ensure easy rotation of the wheels.

The wheel hub assembly includes a hub lock nut, which is a safety feature that holds the wheel end in place. It is important that the hub lock nut be tightened correctly so that the wheel does not disengage from the wheel hub assembly. The hub lock nut must also provide a primary torque that prevents the hub lock nut from loosening, which holds the wheel hub in place.

GB 2508620 a discloses a lock nut assembly comprising a lock nut configured to engage a compression washer in an engaged position.

There is a need for an improved hub lock nut assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved hub lock nut assembly.

This object is achieved by a hub lock nut assembly for holding a vehicle wheel hub in place. The hub lock nut assembly comprises a hub lock nut and a mating part, the hub lock nut being arranged to mate with the mating part in a mated position. The hub lock nut includes a circumferential inner wall defining a central bore. The inner wall has a threaded portion separated into a first section and a second section by an annular groove in the threaded portion, thereby configuring the second section as a resilient portion arranged to flex in an axial direction relative to the first section. The mating component includes an inner wall defining a central bore extending in an axial direction that mates with the central bore of the hub lock nut. The mating part comprises an annular end surface facing in the axial direction, wherein the protrusion is arranged on the annular end surface adjacent to the central hole. The protrusion is configured to exert a force F in an axial direction on the second section of the threaded portion of the hub lock nut when in the mated position, thereby holding the vehicle wheel hub in place.

The hub lock nut assembly provides a strong primary torque function and achieves an efficient wheel hub assembly process. This primary torque function is provided by the hub lock nut and the safety washer and requires no modification to the main shaft, which is an advantage. The hub lock nut can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner by simply machining the recess into an existing nut of suitable dimensions.

According to aspects, the width of the second section of the threaded portion of the hub lock nut in the axial direction corresponds to between two and three times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion. This width range provides the desired elastic properties of the elastic portion. The width is large enough that the resilient portion is strong, but flexible enough to act as a resilient portion.

According to aspects, the width of the annular groove in the axial direction is between 0.8 and 1.2 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion, preferably 1.0 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion. This width range allows the second section of the threaded portion of the hub lock nut to flex sufficiently without weakening the threaded portion excessively.

According to aspects, the depth of the annular groove is between 5mm and 10 mm. This depth range provides the desired elastic properties of the second portion.

According to aspects, the protrusion extends annularly around the entire annular end surface of the mating component. This means that the pressure exerted by the mating parts is evenly distributed around the entire hub lock nut, which is an advantage.

According to aspects, the external force is configured to provide a main torque of the hub lock nut assembly according to a size of the hub lock nut, wherein the main torque varies between 50Nm and 230 Nm. Advantageously, the main torque can be configured according to the size of the hub lock nut, since different sizes of the lock nut usually require different main torque values.

According to aspects, the hub lock nut and/or any of the mating components are integrally formed of thermoformed steel. Thus, it would be advantageous to be able to manufacture the disclosed hub lock nut and mating component in a cost-effective manner.

Also disclosed herein are a hub lock nut, a safety washer, a spindle, a wheel hub and a vehicle associated with the above advantages.

In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined herein. All references to "a/an/the element, device, component, means, step, etc" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Drawings

The following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings by way of example.

In these figures:

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a wheel hub assembly;

FIG. 3 shows an example hub lock nut;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example mating component; and is

Fig. 5-6 schematically show details of the hub lock nut assembly.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and shown in the drawings; on the contrary, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 100 in which a vehicle wheel hub 110 holds the wheel of the vehicle in place.

One such wheel hub assembly 110 is schematically illustrated in fig. 2. Hub lock nut 220 is used to secure vehicle wheel hub 110 to spindle 240. Generally, the safety washer 230 is disposed between the hub lock nut 220 and the wheel hub 110. It is desirable to lock the wheel hub in place by using a hub lock nut assembly that is configured to provide a primary torque according to some given specification. Wheel hubs, such as wheel hub 110 schematically shown in fig. 2, are generally known and therefore will not be discussed in detail herein.

The present disclosure relates to a hub locking assembly adapted to provide a required primary torque. The prevailing torque distinguishes between a lock nut and a free spinning nut based on the value of how much torque is required during installation before the clamp is loaded. For example, on a nylon insert nut (nylon-insert nut), it is the torque required to overcome the resistance of nylon to pull over the mating threads. This torque value is generally not very high relative to the final installation torque. The tolerance range for torque is specified in some standards (e.g., ISO, DIN, IFI, ASME, SAE, AN-, MS-, NAS-NASM-).

In this context, lead is the distance along the axis of a screw or bolt covered by one complete rotation of the screw or bolt. Pitch is the distance from the crest of one thread to the crest of the next. Since most screws have a single-start thread structure, their lead and pitch are the same. Single-ended means that there is only one "ridge" wound around the cylinder of the screw. Each time the body of the screw rotates one revolution, it advances in the axial direction by the width of one ridge. By "double-ended" is meant that there are two "ridges" wrapped around the cylinder of the body of the screw. Each time the body of the screw rotates one revolution, it advances in the axial direction by the width of two ridges. Another way to express this is: the lead and pitch are parametrically related and the parameters that relate them (i.e. the number of heads) usually have a value of 1, in which case their relationship becomes equal. Generally, lead is equal to the pitch multiplied by the number of heads. In this context, without loss of generality, a single start thread is assumed throughout.

Metric threads are generally defined by their pitch (i.e., how many threads are spaced apart) while imperial standards generally use the opposite logic, i.e., how many threads are present for each given distance. Thus, an inch-based thread is defined in terms of Threads Per Inch (TPI). Pitch and TPI describe the same underlying physical properties-only in different terms.

The present disclosure is based on a hub lock nut having a groove machined into a threaded portion. The groove divides the threaded portion into two portions. The portion closest to the wheel hub is made relatively narrow so as to form a resilient portion capable of flexing in the axial direction when subjected to pressure. When the resilient portion flexes, friction between the threads on the narrow portion and the corresponding threads on the main shaft increases. This increased friction provides the primary torque function in a convenient and cost effective manner.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example hub lock nut 220 according to this disclosure. The hub lock nut 220 includes a circumferential inner wall 321 that defines a central bore 221. The inner wall 321 has a threaded portion 310, which threaded portion 310 is divided into a first section 310a and a second section 310b by an annular groove 320 in the threaded portion 310, thereby configuring the second section 310b as a resilient portion arranged to flex in an axial direction relative to the first section 310a, as discussed above. The hub lock nut 220 is arranged to be screwed to the spindle and is held in place by the main torque.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example mating component 230 according to this disclosure. Here, the fitting part 230 is a safety washer including an inner wall 430 defining a center hole 231, the center hole 231 extending in the axial direction and corresponding to the center hole 221 of the hub lock nut 220. The mating component 230 includes an annular end surface 410 facing in an axial direction. The protrusion 420 is disposed on the annular end surface 410 adjacent to the central aperture 231. The protrusion 420 is configured to exert a force F in the axial direction a on the second section 310b of the threaded portion 310 of the hub lock nut 220 when in the mated position, thereby holding the vehicle wheel hub 110 in place.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the hub lock nut 220 and the mating component 230 in a mated position or near mated position (i.e., when a dominant force is or is about to be generated). The protrusion 420 on the mating component 230 is shown here pushing against the side of the hub lock nut 220. This pushing force forces the second section of the threaded portion to flex axially inward due to the force F. This inward flexing compresses the groove 320 as the hub lock nut 220 is threaded onto the spindle 240.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the effect of applying pressure axially to the second section 310b of the threaded portion 310. This compression applies pressure between the threads of the second section 310b and the corresponding threads 610b of the spindle. This creates friction which in turn provides the required primary torque.

The hub lock nut and the safety washer may advantageously be manufactured using hot formed steel.

In summary, with reference to fig. 3-6, a hub lock nut assembly 300, 400, 500, 600 for holding a vehicle wheel hub 110 in place is disclosed herein. The hub lock nut assembly comprises a hub lock nut 220 and a mating member 230, the hub lock nut 220 being arranged to mate with the mating member 230 in a mated position. The hub lock nut 220 includes a circumferential inner wall 321 that defines a central bore 221. Notably, the inner wall 321 has a threaded portion 310, the threaded portion 310 being divided into a first section 310a and a second section 310b by an annular groove 320 in the threaded portion 310, thereby configuring the second section 310b as a resilient portion arranged to flex in the axial direction a relative to the first section 310 a. In other words, the inner wall 321 has a threaded portion 310, which threaded portion 310 is divided into a first section 310a and a second section 310b by an annular groove 320 in the threaded portion 310, such that the second section 310b is a resilient portion arranged to flex in the axial direction a relative to the first section 310 a.

The mating member 230 includes an inner wall 430 defining a central bore 231, the central bore 231 extending in an axial direction and corresponding to the central bore 221 of the hub lock nut 220. The mating part 230 further comprises an annular end surface 410 facing in the axial direction a, wherein the protrusion 420 is arranged on the annular end surface 410 adjacent to the central hole 231. The protrusion 420 is configured to exert a force F in the axial direction a on the second section 310b of the threaded portion 310 of the hub lock nut 220 when in the mated position, thereby holding the vehicle wheel hub 110 in place. The position of the protrusion should preferably be optimized such that it contacts the hub lock nut near the central hole 221.

According to various aspects, a wheel hub safety washer constitutes the mating member 230.

According to aspects, either the hub lock nut or the safety washer is formed of thermoformed steel.

Certain size ranges have been found to be suitable for providing the required prevailing torque values on heavy vehicles. According to some aspects, the external force F is configured to provide a main torque of the hub lock nut assembly depending on the size of the hub lock nut, wherein the main torque varies between 50Nm and 230 Nm.

One skilled in the art can derive appropriate dimensions for a given primary torque requirement by simulations of basic experiments, however, with reference to fig. 6:

according to various aspects, the width W2 of the second section 310b of the threaded portion 310 of the hub lock nut 220 in the axial direction a corresponds to between two and three times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion.

According to aspects, the width W of the annular groove 320 in the axial direction a is between 0.8 and 1.2 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion 310, and preferably 1.0 times the pitch or lead of the threaded portion 310.

According to aspects, the depth D of the annular groove 320 is between 5mm and 10 mm.

According to aspects, the protrusion 420 extends annularly around the entire annular end surface 410 of the mating component 230.

According to various aspects, the protrusion 420 has a rounded cross-sectional shape or a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

According to various aspects, either of the hub lock nut 220 and the mating component 230 are integrally formed of thermoformed steel.

It should be understood that the various parts of the hub lock nut assembly are also separately disclosed herein. Accordingly, there is disclosed herein a hub lock nut 220 for holding a vehicle wheel hub 110 in place, the hub lock nut 220 being arranged to mate with a mating component 230 in a mated position. The hub lock nut 220 includes a circumferential inner wall 321 that defines a central bore 221. Notably, the inner wall 321 has a threaded portion 310, the threaded portion 310 being divided into a first section 310a and a second section 310b by an annular groove 320 in the threaded portion 310, thereby configuring the second section 310b as a resilient portion arranged to flex in the axial direction a relative to the first section 310 a.

According to aspects, the hub lock nut may have the dimensions discussed above in connection with fig. 6.

Also disclosed herein is a safety washer 230 for holding a vehicle wheel hub 110 in place, the safety washer 230 being arranged to mate with a hub lock nut 220 in a mated position, the safety washer 230 comprising an inner wall 430, the inner wall 430 defining a central bore 231 extending in an axial direction a. It is noted that the safety washer 230 comprises an annular end surface 410 facing in the axial direction a, wherein the protrusion 420 is arranged on the annular end surface 410, adjacent to the central hole 231; the protrusion 420 is configured to apply a force F in the axial direction a on the second section 310b of the threaded portion 310 of the hub lock nut 220 when in the mated position.