Patent Publication Number: US-2023160420-A1

Title: Retention configuration for face spline interface

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/282,434, which was filed on Nov. 23, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to wheel bearing assemblies. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a retention configuration for holding splines in engagement between a joint element and another component, such as a bearing ring. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wheel bearing assemblies are widely used in the automotive industry. These wheel bearing assemblies typically include a bearing assembly, including inner and outer rings, rolling elements, etc., as well as a joint component or element. One such joint element is a constant velocity joint (CVJ). Splines are typically provided between end faces of the inner ring and the joint element that must remain engaged during operating or use of the wheel bearing assembly. Ensuring that these splines are engaged can be particularly difficult during assembly. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a retention feature or configuration that reliably holds a bearing ring and joint element properly engaged during assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     An improved wheel bearing assembly is disclosed herein. The wheel bearing assembly includes a bearing ring, such as an inner bearing ring, defining a first splined portion. A joint element includes a second splined portion configured to matingly engage with the first splined portion. 
     A first retention assembly is provided that is arranged radially outward from the first and second splined portions. The first retention assembly is configured to axially retain the bearing ring with the joint element. 
     The first retention assembly can comprise a sleeve that includes an axially extending arm and a retention tab. The retention tab can be over molded with a rubber tip or other sealing feature. 
     The joint element can further comprise a groove dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the retention tab. The groove can be formed on a radially outer surface of the joint element. 
     The sleeve can be configured to surround a portion of the joint element in a radial direction. The sleeve can be configured to surround an interface between the first and second splined portions. Based on this configuration, the first retention assembly does not interfere with anything inside of the bearing ring or the joint element, such as additional fastening features (i.e. interfaces for a bolt or fastener). 
     The sleeve can have a predetermined axial length such that the retention tab is only configured to engage the groove when the first and second splined portions are fully seated with each other. This configuration ensures that the retention tab will only snap into place within the groove in the event that the splined portions are properly aligned with each other. 
     A second retention assembly can also be provided that is entirely separate from the first retention assembly. The second retention assembly can include a fastener or other component configured to provide a rotationally locked connection between the inner ring and the joint element. The second retention assembly is configured to be positioned radially inward from the first and second splined portions. 
     The second retention assembly can comprise a fastener including a first end configured to engage an inner portion on the joint element, and a second end configured to engage an abutment surface on the inner ring. 
     In another aspect, a wheel bearing assembly is disclosed that includes a first retention assembly arranged radially outward from first and second splined portions on a joint element and bearing ring. The first retention assembly is configured to axially retain the bearing ring with the joint element. The wheel bearing assembly also comprises a second retention assembly arranged radially inward from the first and second splined portions. 
     A method of assembling a wheel bearing assembly is also disclosed herein that includes engaging a bearing ring with a joint element such that first and second splined portions matingly engage with each other, and arranging a first retention assembly radially outward from the first and second splined portions, such that the first retention assembly is configured to maintain the first and second splined portions in engagement. 
     Additional aspects of the disclosure are described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a cross-section of a wheel bearing assembly. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a magnified view of a portion of the wheel bearing assembly of  FIG.  1 A   
         FIG.  1 C  is a top view of a spline interface between a joint element and a bearing ring. 
         FIG.  2    is another view of a sleeve according to one aspect. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. “Axially” refers to a direction along an axis (X) of an assembly. “Radially” refers to a direction inward and outward from the axis (X) of the assembly. “Circumferentially” refers to a direction extending along a curve or circumference of a respective element relative to the axis (X) of the assembly. 
     A reference to a list of items that are cited as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
       FIG.  1 A  illustrates a wheel bearing assembly. The wheel bearing assembly can include an outer ring  1 , an inner ring  2 , and two rows of rolling elements  5   a ,  5   b  arranged between the inner ring  2  and the outer ring  1 . In one example, the inner ring  2  can include a secondary bearing ring  2   c  that defines an inner raceway for the plurality of rolling elements  5   b . One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various configurations for the bearing components can be used. 
     At least one of the bearing rings, such as the inner ring  2 , includes a first splined portion  20 . In one aspect, the first splined portion  20  can be formed as an axial face spline. The inner ring  2  can also include a through hole  2   a . The through hole  2   a  can be dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a retention element, such as retention assembly  9  which is described in more detail herein. 
     The joint element  4  can comprise a second splined portion  22  that is configured to mate with or otherwise engage with the first splined portion  20 .  FIG.  1 C  illustrates the engagement between the splined portions  20 ,  22 . As shown in  FIG.  1 C , in the fully seated or engaged condition, the splined portions  20 ,  22  are circumferentially offset from each other by half of a circumferential length of one of the splines, such that the peak of one spline engages in the valley of the other spline. This engagement between (a) a peak of a spline on a first one of the first splined portion  20  or the second splined portion  22 , and (b) a valley of a spline on a second one of the first splined portion  20  or the second splined portion  22  is critical for ensuring proper functioning of the wheel bearing assembly and also ensuring that the connection or joint defined at the connection between the splined portions  20 ,  22  is sufficiently rigid. 
     A seal assembly  10  can be arranged between the outer ring  1  and the inner ring  2 . In one aspect, the seal assembly  10  is a cartridge-like seal. The seal assembly  10  can be rigidly connected to either one of the rings  1 ,  2  and provide a sealing lip or interface with the other ring. The seal assembly  10  can generally be configured to prevent the egress of lubricant from the interior to the exterior of the bearing assembly, and/or prevent the ingress of debris or other contaminants from the exterior to the interior of the bearing assembly. 
     A first retention assembly  8  can be provided that includes a sleeve  12 . The sleeve  12  can be formed as a cylindrical body that is configured to surround a portion of the inner ring  2   c . The sleeve  12  can be press fit or otherwise secured to the inner ring  2   c . One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various securing or fastening methods could be used to attach the first retention assembly  8  to the inner ring  2   c.    
     In one aspect, the sleeve  12  extends in an axial direction away from the rolling elements  5   a ,  5   b  and the associated rolling element raceways. The sleeve  12  can include an arm  16  and a retention tab  14 . In one aspect, the arm  16  extends in an axial direction, and the retention tab  14  extends in a radial direction. The retention tab  14  can be formed on axially terminal end of the sleeve  12 . The sleeve  12  can be formed from steel, in one embodiment. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other materials, such as other metals or hard/rigid rubbers or plastics could be used. In one embodiment, the retention tab  14  can include a sealing tip  14   a . The sealing tip  14   a  can provide a seal that is configured to prevent the ingress of debris to the splined portions  20 ,  22 . The sealing tip  14   a  can be formed as an over molded rubber tip. 
     The joint element  4  can include a circumferential groove  30  that is dimensioned or configured to receive the retention tab  14 . The retention tab  14  is configured to be received or engaged in the groove  30 . Once inside of the groove  30 , the retention tab  14  ensures that the joint element  4  and the inner ring  2  cannot be axially displaced relative to one another. Therefore, the splined portions  20 ,  22  are retained in engagement during assembly of the inner ring  2  and the joint element  4 . The retention tab  14  being engaged within the groove  30  ensures that the splines  20 ,  22  remain in the configuration shown in  FIG.  1 C  prior to a final assembly step or connecting step. The retention tab  14  can extend for 360 degrees and the groove  30  can also extend for 360 degrees, such that retention is provided around an entire periphery of the wheel bearing assembly. 
     The sleeve  12 , the arm  16 , the retention tab  14 , and the groove  30 , collectively together, can be considered the first retention assembly  8 . The first retention assembly  8  is generally configured to provide an initial retention feature between the joint element  4  and the inner ring  2  during assembly. This configuration is advantageous due to its function to maintain the splines  20 ,  22  in the proper alignment. The first retention assembly  8  is generally arranged radially outward from the splined portions  20 ,  22 , in one aspect. The first retention assembly  8  can be provided via the application of an axial force or displacement to either the joint element  4  or the inner ring  2 , relative to one another, and does not require any tooling or twisting/torque to be applied to either component. 
     The sleeve  12  can have a predetermined axial length such that the retention tab  14  is only configured to engage the groove  30  when the first and second splined portions  20 ,  22  are fully seated with each other (i.e. in the condition shown in  FIG.  1 C ). If the first and second splined portions  20 ,  22  are not aligned to be fully engaged and seated, then the sleeve  12  will not reach axially far enough to ensure the retention tab  14  is secured in the groove  30 . If the retention tab  14  is not reaching the groove  30 , then the user can slightly rotate either the inner ring  2  or the joint element  4  until the splined portions  20 ,  22  are aligned such that full seating can occur and the retention tab  14  reaches the groove  30 . 
     A second retention assembly  9  can also be provided. The second retention assembly  9  can generally include a fastener  3 , as well as corresponding surfaces or features on the inner ring  2  and the joint element  4 . In one aspect, the fastener  3  can be used to securely connect the joint element  4  with the bearing assembly, i.e. the inner ring  2 . The fastener  3  can be configured to be fastened to the joint element  4  on a first end  3   a , and can be configured to abut the inner ring  2  at a second end  3   b . The inner ring  2  can define an abutment surface  2   b  for engagement with the end of the fastener  3 . In one aspect, the fastener  3  can include a threading that mates with an inner portion  4   a  on the joint element  4  including threading. In another aspect, the fastener  3  can include an enlarged portion on the first end  3   a  that is configured to axially abut an inner region of the joint element  4 . Various configurations can be used for securing the fastener  3  to the joint element  4 . In one aspect, the fastener  3  can comprise a bolt. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other joining or connecting features could be used. 
     The first retention assembly  8  can be used during an initial step for assembling the wheal bearing assembly. A user can align the splines  20 ,  22  on the inner ring  2  and joint element  4  and ensure proper engagement (i.e. the splines are fully seated or mated with each other) during further handling steps based on the retention provided by the first retention assembly  8 . In a subsequent step, the second retention assembly  9  can be used to provide a more permanent and secure connection between the various components of the wheel bearing assembly without further checking the engagement of the splines  20 ,  22 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates another embodiment for a sleeve  112  in which the sleeve  112  extends axially beyond the groove  30 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the sleeve  112  includes a medial portion  113  that is configured to protrude into the groove  30 , and a terminal end of the sleeve  112  includes a sealing tab  114 . The sealing tab  114  can include a sealing tip  114   a , which can be formed as an over molded plastic or rubber tip, that is configured to engage against the joint element  4  to define a seal. 
     A method of assembling a wheel bearing assembly is disclosed herein. 
     Having thus described the present disclosure in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. 
     It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. 
     The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the embodiments being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein. 
     LOG TO REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     Outer ring  1   
     Inner ring  2   
     Through hole  2   a    
     Abutment surface  2   b    
     Secondary bearing ring  2   c    
     Fastener  3   
     First end  3   a  of fastener  3   
     Second end  3   b  of fastener  3   
     Joint element  4   
     Inner portion  4   a  of joint element 
     Rolling elements  5   a ,  5   b    
     First retention assembly  8   
     Second retention assembly  9   
     Seal assembly  10   
     Sleeve  12 ,  112   
     Retention tab  14 ,  114   
     Sealing tip  14   a ,  114   a    
     Axially extending arm  16   
     First splined portion  20   
     Second splined portion  22   
     Groove  30   
     Medial portion  113