Patent ID: 8469598
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: B22D,B60B,F16C

Abstract:
1. A bearing unit, wherein the second section of the inner member has at least one radially extending flange configured to connect with a vehicle wheel comprising: an inner member including a first section and a second section, at least part of the second section being disposed radially inwardly of the first section, the first section being formed of a first material and the second section being formed of a second, metallic material joined to the first section by means of a semi-solid metal process, an outer member, at least one row of rolling elements rotationally coupling the inner and outer members, and a bearing inner ring mounted on the inner member, the bearing inner ring providing at least part of an inner raceway for the at least one row of rolling elements, wherein the bearing unit has an axis of rotation and the first section of the inner member has a portion extending in a radially inward direction and defining an interface with the second section of the inner member, at least one surface of the portion of the first section portion facing away from the axis of rotation of the bearing unit, wherein the second section of the inner member has a radially extending flange configured to connect with a vehicle wheel, and wherein the first section of the inner member includes a flange-reinforcing radial extension.