Wheel hub for vehicle axle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel hub for vehicle axle used in trucks, buses, trailers and semi-trailers, consists of a cylindrical central body, said central body surrounded by a plurality of radial projections extending vertically from the median region of said central body, being structured by ribs integrated with said projections providing robustness, reduced weight and reduced heat transfer from the brake to tires.

Claims

1. A wheel hub for vehicle axle, comprising: a cylindrical central body comprising a longitudinal axis, a first lateral end and a second lateral end; a plurality of radial projections that surround the cylindrical central body and that vertically extend from a median region of the cylindrical central body; radial openings formed by the plurality of radial projections so that open passages are formed between the plurality of radial projections that extend from the first lateral end to the second lateral end of the cylindrical central body; an orifice disposed at an end portion of each of the plurality of radial projections; and ribs respectively integrated into the plurality of radial projections, at least three of the ribs equipped with guides for wheels, each rib formed by a radial protrusion with a lateral dimension that extends from a corresponding one of the radial projections in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, a width of each rib being substantially constant along the lateral dimension and less than a width of a corresponding radial projection, the ribs beginning from the median region of the cylindrical central body and extending vertically up to the guides.

2. A wheel hub for vehicle axle, according to claim 1, wherein the at least three of the ribs extend axially beyond other ones of the ribs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1—Is a perspective view of the outboard side of the wheel hub for vehicle axle, of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2—Is a perspective view of the inboard side of the wheel hub shown in FIG. 1, of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 3—Is a view of the outboard side of the wheel hub shown in FIG. 1, of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 4—Is a view of the inboard side of the wheel hub shown in FIG. 1, of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 5—Is a perspective view of the outboard side of a prior art wheel hub;

(6) FIG. 6—Is a perspective view of the outboard side of another wheel hub of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) In conformity with the enclosed illustrated figures, this invention of a WHEEL HUB FOR VEHICLE AXLE, used in trucks, buses, trailers and semi-trailers, consists of a cylindrical central body (1), said central body housing the bearings and surrounded by a plurality of radial projections (2) that extend vertically from the median region of said central body (1), each one of said projections (2) being provided with an orifice (3) at the end, structured by ribs (4, 5), respectively integrated into said projections (2).

(8) The radial projections (2) are spoke-shaped and are distributed into the orifices (3), with wheel bolts being housed into said orifices, forming, among one another, regions (6), said regions being radial openings and extending to the central body of the hub, or close to the central body (1). Said regions are aimed at improving ventilation and the dissipation of the heat internally generated by the brake, thus preventing heat from spreading to the tires and axle components.

(9) Additionally, at least three ribs (4) are provided with guides (7) to aid fitting the vehicle wheels into the wheel hubs.

(10) The ribs (4, 5) distributed on both sides of each radial projection (2) form a structural assembly that is intended to structure the most demanded regions of the hub, this way providing robustness, reduced mass and also helping dissipate the heat generated by the brakes, since the area for heat transmission is increased.

(11) Additionally, the regions (6) may contain dirt containment devices, since certain applications may require the need to restrict the passage of these elements in both directions.

(12) In practice, the wheel hub for vehicle axle provides significant reduction in weight and increased robustness due to the improved distribution of mass to the most demanded regions, in addition to reducing heat transfer to the tires, also contributing, as a result, to improve the dynamic behavior/performance of the vehicle by reducing the weight of the axle, suspension and the vehicle as a whole.

(13) It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be carried out in this invention without departing from the principles exposed in the previous description. These modifications should be considered as included within the scope of the invention. As a result, the particular achievements described above, in detail, are only illustrative and non-restrictive as to the scope of the invention, to which it should be given the full extent of the enclosed claims, and of any and all equivalents thereof.