Grease retainer for vehicle wheel hubs

{
  "publication_number": "US6533363B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Grease retainer for vehicle wheel hubs",
  "abstract": "A wheel hub assembly includes a first bearing assembly, a wheel hub, a grease retainer, and a second bearing assembly mounted on a spindle. The grease retainer extends between and in engagement with the first bearing cup, and the second bearing cup. The grease retainer is formed of a resilient material, to maintain the retainer against the bearing cups such that the required grease fill is reduced and prevents grease from escaping the bearing assemblies.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A wheel bearing assembly for a vehicle comprising; a spindle; a wheel hub mounted on said spindle; first and second bearing assemblies supporting said wheel hub on said spindle, said first and second bearing assemblies respectively including first and second bearing cups supported on said wheel hub; and a grease retainer which extends between and in engagement with said first and second cups.",
    "2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said grease retainer comprises opposing end potions in abutting relationship with said cups.",
    "3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said grease retainer is compressed between said bearing cups.",
    "4. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said wheel hub comprises spaced apart shoulders which locate said cups, said cups having a radially extending engagement surface which extends beyond said shoulders.",
    "5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein said grease retainer end portions engage said radially extending engagement surfaces.",
    "6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein said end portions are perpendicular to said radially extending engagement surfaces.",
    "7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said grease retainer defines an enclosed cavity between said bearings adjacent said wheel hub.",
    "8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said retainer is generally cylindrical.",
    "9. The retainer according to claim 8, wherein said retainer comprises side portions interconnected by a center portion, said side portions extending at an angle relative to end portions.",
    "10. The retainer according to claim 9, wherein said center portion is generally parallel to said end portions.",
    "11. The retainer according to claim 9, further comprises ridges arranged about said center portion.",
    "12. The retainer according to claim 11, wherein said ridges are radially arranged about said center portion.",
    "13. The retainer according to claim 1, wherein said retainer is manufactured of an elastomeric material.",
    "14. The retainer according to claim 1, further comprising a generally thin synthetic film retaining grease within said grease retainer.",
    "15. The retainer according to claim 14, wherein said synthetic film forms an annular arrangement.",
    "16. The retainer according to claim 14, wherein said synthetic film is retained within an end portion of said grease retainer.",
    "17. A method of assembling a hub assembly comprising of the steps of; a) installing a first and second bearing cup onto a hub; b) mounting a grease retainer onto the hub following said step a) such that the grease retainer engages the first and second bearing cups.",
    "18. A method as described in claim 17, further comprises the steps of; positioning a first bearing cone against the first bearing cup; mounting the hub on a spindle; positioning a second bearing cone against the second bearing cup.",
    "19. A method as described in claim 17, said step b) further comprises axially compressing said grease retainer.",
    "20. A method as described in claim 17, further comprises the step of filling a cavity defined by the grease retainer with a grease.",
    "21. A method as described in claim 17, further comprises the steps of releasing a grease from within the film during rupturing a film adjacent the grease retainer during said step b)."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates to wheel hub assemblies, and more particularly to a grease retainer which provides for a reduced grease fill.\n\nWheel bearings have three central components, the rollers, bearing cone, and the bearing cup. The rollers are contained between the bearing cone and the bearing cup. The cone rests against a shaft spindle and the cup rests against the wheel hub. Grease retainers are typically installed such that the end portions are pressed between the wheel hub and bearing cups. The wheel hubs must be machined on the surface below the bearing cups to provide a proper mating surface for the grease retainer.\n\nKnown grease retainers require multiple components. Typically, a grease retainer is required for each bearing. Each grease retainer has an end portion and a side portion extending from the end portion. The end portion is pressed between the bearing cup and the wheel hub. The side portions of the retainers extend away from the bearing to form an area next to the bearings which is filled with grease. A similar retainer is installed for the second bearing. Disadvantageously, a gap may be formed between the retainers which may allow grease to pass into a cavity within the wheel hub. Although the grease retainers slow the movement of grease away from the bearings the retainers may not completely prevent such movement. To compensate for the gradual loss of grease, a rather large fill is typically provided.\n\nMoreover, mounting the bearing cups upon the grease retainer may result in shifting of the bearings.",
  "cpc": [
    "F16C 33/76",
    "B60B 27/02",
    "F16C 19/364",
    "F16C 19/548",
    "F16C 2326/02",
    "F16C 33/6607",
    "F16C 33/6622",
    "Y10T 29/49696"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B60B 27/00",
    "F16C 33/66",
    "F16C 33/76"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Brian D. Hayes",
    "Tomaz Dopico Varela"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2002-02-26",
  "publication_date": "2003-03-18",
  "grant_date": "2003-03-18",
  "priority_date": "2002-02-26",
  "application_number": "US-8559102-A",
  "family_id": "22192652",
  "cited_by_count": 40,
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}