Patent Abstract:
An assembly ( 10 ) for supporting a wheel of a motor vehicle and for drivingly connecting the wheel to a driveshaft, comprising a wheel carrier ( 11 ) which is attachable to the motor vehicle and is provided with an annular part ( 15 ) and a plurality of steering arms ( 16 ); a wheel hub ( 41 ) which is rotatably supported in the annular part ( 15 ) of the wheel carrier ( 11 ) and is provided with a flange ( 46 ) for bolting on the wheel; a rolling contact bearing ( 51 ) with two rows of rolling contact members for supporting the wheel hub ( 41 ) in the wheel carrier ( 11 ), which rolling contact bearing ( 51 ) is insertable into the annular part ( 15 ) of the wheel carrier ( 11 ); and a constant velocity joint ( 71 ) which comprises an outer joint part ( 72 ) removably connectable to the wheel hub ( 41 ), and an inner joint part connectable to the driveshaft, wherein the connection between the wheel hub ( 41 ) and the outer joint part ( 72 ) is provided by inter-engaging toothings, wherein at the wheel carrier ( 11   1 ), in the annular part ( 15   1 ), there is provided a broken-out portion ( 27   1 ) in at least one circumferential position, so that a securing ring can be handled by pliers through the broken-out portion ( 27   1 ).

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to an assembly for supporting a wheel of a motor vehicle and for drivingly connecting the wheel to a driveshaft, comprising a wheel carrier which is attachable to the motor vehicle and is provided with an annular part and a plurality of steering arms; a wheel hub which is rotatably supported in the annular part of the wheel carrier and is provided with a flange for bolting on the wheel; a rolling contact bearing with two rows of rolling contact members for supporting the wheel hub in the wheel carrier, which rolling contact bearing is insertable into the annular part of the wheel carrier; and a constant velocity joint which comprises an outer joint part removably connectable to the wheel hub, and an inner joint part connectable to the driveshaft, wherein the connection between the wheel hub and the outer joint part is provided by inter-engaging toothings of which a first toothing is formed at a part of the wheel hub and wherein a second toothing is formed at a sleeve projection at the outer joint part, and wherein the inter-engaging toothings are axially secured by a securing ring which engages two annular grooves of which a first annular groove is formed at said part of the wheel hub in the region of the first toothing and wherein a second annular groove is provided at the sleeve projection in the region of the second toothing. 
     From WO 99/13232 there is known a unit of said type wherein, for assembly purposes, the securing ring is inserted into the annular groove on the wheel hub and is contracted by means of a clamp in such a way that it is positioned fully within the base diameter of the toothing or wherein the securing ring is inserted into the annular groove in the outer joint part and expanded by means of a wedge in such a way that it is positioned fully outside the base diameter of the toothing. Thereafter, the counter piece is mounted, i.e. the outer joint part is slid on or the wheel hub slid in until the annular groove provided therein axially overlaps with the securing ring, and the clamp or wedge is radially outwardly removed. In the process, the securing ring expands so that it also engages the annular groove in the outer joint part, or the securing ring contracts, so that it also engages the annular groove in the wheel hub. In both embodiments, there is provided a notch at the end of the outer joint part, which notch accommodates the clamp or wedge as well as radially bent ends of the securing ring. To render the securing ring manipulatable in connection with removing the clamp or wedge, with the wheel hub being mounted in the wheel carrier, the wheel carrier is provided with a radial bore which is positioned so as to axially correspond to the annular grooves or, respectively, to the notch in the outer joint part, permitting access to a tongue projection at the clamp or wedge from the outside of the wheel carrier. Once the assembly of the unit has been completed by removing the clamp or wedge, dismantling is possible only by destroying the securing ring by applying axial forces between the wheel hub and outer joint part. 
     DE 197 00 313 A1 proposes an assembly of said type wherein the securing ring is provided in the form of a snap ring which automatically engages the inner groove in the inner toothing of the outer joint part. Such an assembly cannot be dismantled in a non-destructive way. On the contrary, when the wheel hub unit and the constant velocity joint are forcibly removed in the axial direction, the securing ring is squashed and the toothings may be damaged at the same time. From DE 197 51 855 C1, there is known an assembly of the initially mentioned type wherein the securing ring is freely radially accessible from the outside and is positioned axially relative to the joint end, in front of the annular part of the wheel carrier. For this purpose, the wheel hub is connected to a driving ring which carries the respective toothing to achieve toothing engagement with the outer joint part, which driving ring is axially extended beyond the hub end. This increases the overall length of the assembly, as a result of which simultaneously available length for the driveshaft is lost, with the constant velocity joint forming part of said driveshaft. Said length represents a particularly critical aspect because shortening the driveshaft with predetermined maximum joint angles goes hand in hand with a reduction in the steering angles and spring travel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to further develop an assembly of said type in such a way as to facilitate the assembly and dismantling of the constant velocity joint and simultaneously to improve the ability to replace driveshafts in motor vehicles. A first solution consists in that, at the wheel carrier, in the annular part, in at least one circumferential position, there is provided a broken-out portion which axially cuts into the annular part from the wheel end and that, with a rolling contact bearing secured in the wheel carrier and with an outer joint part connected to the wheel hub, the two annular grooves are positioned so as to axially correspond to the broken-out portion, and the securing ring can be handled by pliers through the broken-out portion. A second solution consists in that, at the wheel carrier, in the annular part, in at least one circumferential position, there is provided a broken-out portion which axially cuts into the annular part from the joint end and that, with a rolling contact bearing secured in the wheel carrier and with an outer joint part connected to the wheel hub, the two annular grooves are positioned so as to axially correspond to the broken-out portion, so that the securing ring can be handled by pliers through the broken-out portion. The means described here allow a driveshaft to be assembled and dismantled in a non-destructive way without there being any need for the vehicle wheel to be removed from the wheel hub or for the wheel hub to be removed from the wheel carrier and without the wheel carrier having to be removed in any way from the vehicle. The plunging distance required for the assembling and dismantling operations and for releasing the inter-engaging toothings necessarily exists design-based in the constant velocity joint at the differential end. Without substantially adversely affecting the strength of the annular member, the design of the broken-out portion permits the necessary access to the securing ring. For this purpose, the shaft with the outer joint part has to be moved into a rotational position in which, in a radial view, the ends of the securing ring come to rest below the notch, and the securing ring, again in an axial view, is positioned inside the longitudinal extension of the broken- out portion. 
     It is the object of the present invention to further develop an assembly of said type in such a way as to facilitate the assembly and dismantling of the constant velocity joint and simultaneously to improve the ability to replace driveshafts in motor vehicles. A first solution consists in that, at the wheel carrier, in the annular part, in at least one circumferential position, there is provided a broken-out portion which axially cuts into the annular part from the wheel end and that, with a rolling contact bearing secured in the wheel carrier and with an outer joint part connected to the wheel hub, the two annular grooves are positioned so as to axially correspond to the broken-out portion, and the securing ring can be handled by pliers through the broken-out portion. A second solution consists in that, at the wheel carrier, in the annular part, in at least one circumferential position, there is provided a broken-out portion which axially cuts into the annular part from the joint end and that, with a rolling contact bearing secured in the wheel carrier and with an outer joint part connected to the wheel hub, the two annular grooves are positioned so as to axially correspond to the broken-out portion, so that the securing ring can be handled by pliers through the broken-out portion. The means described here allow a driveshaft to be assembled and dismantled in a non-destructive way without there being any need for the vehicle wheel to be removed from the wheel hub or for the wheel hub to be removed from the wheel carrier and without the wheel carrier having to be removed in any way from the vehicle. The plunging distance required for the assembling and dismantling operations and for releasing the inter-engaging toothings necessarily exists design-based in the constant velocity joint at the differential end. Without substantially adversely affecting the strength of the annular member, the design of the broken-out portion permits the necessary access to the securing ring. For this purpose, the shaft with the outer joint part has to be moved into a rotational position in which, in a radial view, the ends of the securing ring come to rest below the notch, and the securing ring, again in an axial view, is positioned inside the longitudinal extension of the broken-out portion. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment for both solutions, it is proposed that, in the circumferential direction, directly on both sides of the broken-out portion, there are provided bolting means between the annular part of the wheel carrier and the outer bearing race of the rolling contact bearing. In this way, the reduction in material at the annular member resulting from the broken-out portion is compensated for by the connection between the annular member and the outer bearing race. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of the second solution, it is proposed that the broken-out portion is positioned in the region of a steering arm into which it cuts radially. In this case, too, the reduction in material at the annular member resulting from the broken-out portion is compensated for by the bridging function of the steering arm. 
     In order to exclude load peaks and to ensure a harmonious curve of forces, the broken-out portion, in an axial view, is substantially U-shaped or optionally substantially U-shaped in an axial view. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the toothings at the sleeve projection and at the wheel hub are provided in the form of inter-engaging hub and shaft toothings and, at the sleeve projection in the region of the hub toothing, there is provided a circumferentially delimited and axially delimited notch which interrupts the second annular groove and which, with an outer joint part connected to the wheel hub, exposes the first annular groove in the shaft toothing of the wheel hub and the securing ring in a circumferentially delimited way. The ends of the securing ring are then able to engage the notch and support themselves thereon in the circumferential direction. The ends of the securing ring projecting outwardly from the notch are accessible through the broken-out portion for assembling and dismantling purposes. 
     According to a further solution wherein, at the sleeve projection, in the region of the toothing, there is provided a circumferentially delimited and axially delimited notch which interrupts the second annular groove and which, with the outer joint part connected to the wheel hub, exposes the first annular groove and the securing ring in a circumferentially delimited way, wherein an approximately radially extending bore is provided at the wheel carrier in the annular part and wherein, with the rolling contact bearing secured in the wheel carrier and with the outer joint part connected to the wheel hub, the two annular grooves are positioned so as to axially correspond to the bore, it is proposed that the diameter d of the bore is smaller than or equal to the circumferential extension b of the notch and that the securing ring can be handled by pliers through the bore. The means described here allow a driveshaft to be assembled and dismantled in a non-destructive way without there being any need for the vehicle wheel to be removed from the wheel hub or for the wheel hub to be removed from the wheel carrier and without the wheel carrier having to be removed in any way from the vehicle. The plunging distance required for the assembling and dismantling operations and for releasing the inter-engaging toothings necessarily exists design-based in the constant velocity joint at the differential end. In spite of reducing the size of the bore relative to the circumferential extension of the notch, the securing ring can be gripped in a conventional way by pliers. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the axial depth t of the notch is smaller than the diameter d of the bore. In this way it is ensured that the outer joint part is weakened as little as possible by the notch. At the same time it is ensured that outwardly bent ends of the securing ring engage the notch and act as anti-rotation means relative thereto. 
     After the assembly has been assembled and mounted, the bore can be used for receiving an ABS sensor. For this purpose, a pulse generating ring has to be arranged in the direct vicinity of the securing ring, for example on the outer joint part. 
     For production reasons it is advantageous if the first toothing at the hub member is provided at a separate driving ring which is slid on to the wheel hub and non-removably secured thereto. To prevent any rotation between said two parts, these, in turn, can be provided with inter-engaging longitudinal toothings. The driving ring can be axially secured on the wheel hub, in particular, by hub member beading. The driving ring can axially rest against an inner bearing race of a first row of rolling contact members, which bearing race is also slid on to the hub member and which, at the same time, is clamped by the driving ring against an inner bearing race of a second row of rolling contact members. As a rule, the second inner bearing race is formed directly from the hub member. 
     In an advantageous way, the subject of the present invention provides a short assembly of said type which, by simple means and in a non-destructive way and without removing the wheel carrier unit and the wheel hub unit, can be separated from the constant velocity joint of a driveshaft. At the same time the invention ensures easy accessibility for assembly purposes without substantially reducing the strength of the assemblies. In an advantageous way, the subject of the present invention provides a short assembly of said type which, by simple means and in a non-destructive way and without removing the wheel carrier unit and the wheel hub unit, can be separated from the constant velocity joint of a driveshaft. At the same time the invention ensures easy accessibility for assembly purposes without substantially reducing the strength of the assemblies. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the inventive assemblies to be attached to a vehicle will be described below with reference to the drawings wherein 
     FIG. 1 is a view from above of a completely assembled unit of a first type with a broken-out portion at the flange end in a linear illustration. 
     FIG. 2 shows the assembly according to FIG. 1 in a dismantled condition with the wheel hub and outer joint part separated from the wheel carrier, without the securing ring in a linear illustration. 
     FIG. 3 shows the wheel carrier according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the form of a detail in an inclined view from the flange end in a linear illustration. 
     FIG. 4 shows a completely assembled unit of a second type with a broken-out portion at the joint end 
     a) in a longitudinal section through the axis of rotation in a linear illustration 
     b) in a view from the joint end including a phantom illustration of the constant velocity universal joint in a perspective linear illustration. 
     FIG. 5 a  shows the assembly according to FIG. 4 with the wheel hub and joint unit separated from the wheel carrier, in a longitudinal section according to FIG. 4 a.    
     FIG. 5 b  shows the assembly according to FIG. 4 with the wheel hub and the constant velocity joint separated from the wheel carrier, in a linear illustration according to FIG. 4 b.    
     FIG. 6 shows the wheel carrier according to FIGS. 4 and 5 in the form of a detail in a perspective linear illustration. 
     FIG. 7 shows a completely assembled unit of a third type with a radial bore in the annular part of the wheel carrier in half a longitudinal section. 
     FIG. 8 shows the assembly according to FIG. 7 in a cross-sectional view along sectional line A—A. 
     FIG. 9 shows the completely assembled unit in a linear illustration in a radial view of the bore in the annular part. 
     FIG. 10 shows the assembly according to FIG. 7 with a dis-mantled outer joint part in a shaded illustration in a radial view of the bore in the annular part. 
    
    
     FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  will be described jointly below. The inventive assembly  10   1  comprises a wheel carrier  11   1 , a wheel hub  41  and a constant velocity joint  71 . The wheel carrier  11   1  can be seen to be provided with a central annular part  15   1  comprising a first steering arm  16   1 , with a fixing eye  17   1  and a second steering arm  18   1  with two fixing eyes  19   1 ,  20   1 . Further fixing eyes  21   1 ,  22   1 ,  23   1 , are formed in different directions at the annular part  15   1 . In the annular part  15   1  there is provided a broken-out portion  27   1 , which is open towards the wheel hub unit  41 , which extends parallel to the axis of the annular part as far as a flange face  28   1  of the annular part  15   1  and which ends therein. The wheel hub unit  41  comprises a wheel bearing  51  with an outer bearing race  59  which is shown to comprise bolting means  63 ,  64  which serve for being threaded on to the flange face  28   1  of the annular part  15   1  and which directly adjoin each side of the broken-out portion  27   1 . In the wheel bearing  51  there is supported the hub member  45  which carries a wheel flange  46  having four flange eyes  47 - 50 . A cap  43  is placed on to the wheel hub  41 . The constant velocity joint unit  71  comprises an outer joint part  72  with a sleeve projection  82 , with a notch  74  being provided in the end face  73  at the wheel hub end, which notch  74  is turned so as to correspond to the broken-out portion  27   1  in the annular part  15   1  of the wheel carrier  11   1 . Through said notch  74  it is possible to see an outer toothing  52 , with an annular groove  53  being turned into said outer toothing  52 . It is also possible to see a sealing ring  54  through said broken-out portion  27   1 . 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 will be described below. The inventive assembly  10   1  comprises a wheel carrier  11   1 , a wheel hub  41  and a constant velocity joint  71 . The wheel carrier  11   1  can be seen to be provided with a central annular part  15   1  comprising a first steering arm  16   1  with a fixing eye  17   1  and a second steering arm  18   1  with two fixing eyes  19   1 ,  20   1 , further fixing eyes  21   1 ,  22   1 ,  23   1  are formed in different directions at the annular part  15   1 . In the annular part  15 - 1  there is provided a broken-out portion  27   1  which is open towards the wheel hub unit  41 , which extends parallel to the axis of the annular part as far as a flange face  28   1  of the annular part  15   1  and which ends therein. The wheel hub unit  41  comprises a wheel bearing  51  with an outer bearing race  59  which is shown to comprise bolting means  63 ,  64  which serve for being threaded on to the flange face  28   1  of the annular part  15   1  and which directly adjoin each side of the broken-out portion  27   1 . In the wheel bearing  51  there is supported the hub member  45  which carries a wheel flange  46  having four flange eyes  47 - 50 . A cap  43  is place don to the wheel hub  41 . The constant velocity joint unit  71  comprises an outer joint part  72  with a sleeve projection  82 , with a notch  74  being provided in the end face  73  at the wheel hub end, which notch  74  is turned so as to correspond to the broken-out portion  27   1  in the annular part  15   1  of the wheel carrier  11   1 . Through said notch  74  it is possible to see an outer toothing  52 , with an annular groove  53  being turned into said outer toothing  52 . It is also possible to see a sealing ring  54  through said broken-out portion  27   1 . 
     In FIG. 2, the details corresponding to those shown in FIG. 1 have been given the same reference numbers. To that extent, reference is made to the respective description. The wheel hub unit  41 , the wheel carrier  11   1  and the constant velocity joint unit  71  are shown along the axis of rotation in a spread-apart position in an exploded view. Apart from the details referred to in connection with FIG. 1, the wheel carrier  11   1  is not shown to comprise any further details. The wheel hub unit  41  clearly shows the outer toothing  52  in its complete axial extension as well as its annular groove  53 . Through the notch  74  it is possible to see an inner toothing  75  at the outer joint part  72  of the constant velocity joint  71 , with a further annular groove  76  being provided in said inner toothing  75 . When the unit is assembled, the inner toothing  75  engages the outer toothing  52  at the wheel hub  41 , with the annular groove  53  overlapping with the annular groove  76  and with both, jointly, accommodating a securing ring  57 . 
     FIG. 3 shows the annular part  15   1 , of the wheel carrier  11   1  in a view taken from the flange face  28   1 , with the radial extension of the broken-out portion  27   1 , being clearly visible. The annular part  15   1 , is shown to comprise further eyes  24   1 ,  25   1 ,  26   1 , with bores which extend parallel to the axis, as well as further larger eyes  29   1 ,  30   1 , for rotary journals and steering arms. In the flange face  28   1 , there are provided threaded bores  31   1 ,  32   1 ,  33   1 ,  34   1 , for being threaded on the outer bearing race  59 . Furthermore, there can be seen an annular groove  36   1  for receiving the above-mentioned sealing ring  54   1  in the through-hole  35   1  of the annular part  15   1 . 
     In FIGS. 4 to  6 , any details corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 1 to  3  have been given the same reference numbers. The details of the deviating wheel carrier have been given the index  2 . 
     FIG. 4 a  deviates from FIGS. 1 to  3  in that, in the wheel carrier  11   2  whose steering arm  16   2  is broken off in the illustration and whose bearing eye  29   2  is shown in section, there is provided a broken-out portion  27   2  which extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the assembly  10   2  and, at the same time, extends radially therefrom into the steering arm  16   2 . Of the wheel hub unit  41  it is possible to see the hub member  45  and the wheel flange  46 . Of the wheel bearing  51 , beyond the outer bearing race  59 , it is possible to see two rows  61 ,  62  of rolling contact members and an inner bearing race  60  which is positioned on the hub member  45 . The latter is connected to a driving ring  55  provided with the annular groove  53 . At the end of the hub member  45 , there is provided a beading  56  which holds the driving ring  55 . A securing ring  57  is inserted into the annular groove  53 . In the wheel bearing  51  it is possible to see a sealing ring  58  and the above-mentioned sealing ring  54 . The constant velocity joint  71 , apart from comprising the outer joint part  72  with the notch  74 , is shown to comprise an inner joint part  77 , a ball cage  78  and torque transmitting balls  79  as well as a sealing sheet metal cover  80 . The outer joint part  72  is slid on to the driving ring  55 , with the securing ring  57  engaging the two annular grooves  53 ,  76  which are arranged so as to correspond to one another. 
     In FIG. 5 a , the components of the assembly  10   2 , the wheel carrier  11   2 , the wheel hub unit  41  and the constant velocity joint  71  are pulled apart along their axes and shown in an exploded view. In particular, FIG. 5 b  shows the outwardly bent portions which are positioned at the ring ends  65 ,  66 , which come to rest in the broken-out portion  27  and which, at the same time, form anti-rotation means relative to the broken-out portion  27 . Instead of the outwardly bent portions it is also possible to provide enlarged eyes or the like at the ring ends  65 ,  66 . 
     FIG. 6 shows the wheel carrier  11   2  with the above-explained details which, in this Figure, have been given the same reference numbers. It is particularly easy to identify the broken-out portion  27   2  at the wheel end which extends symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore  35   2  and radially into the steering arm  16   2 . It can be seen that by using the broken-out portion  27   2 , there is provided free access to the securing ring  57  connecting the wheel hub unit  41  and the constant velocity joint  71 . 
     FIG. 7, in half a longitudinal section, shows an assembled unit  10   3  comprising a nub assembly  41   3  and a constant velocity joint  71   3 . At the hub member  45   3 , there is provided an intermediate base  43   3 . A beading  56   3  at the hub member  45   3  holds a driving ring  55   3  which engages the hub member  45   3  via longitudinal toothings  44   3 . The driving ring  55   3 , in turn, holds an inner bearing race  60   3  of a wheel bearing  51   3 . A seal  59   3  seals the wheel bearing. Two rows  61   3 ,  62   3  of rolling contact members and the outer bearing race  59   3  of the wheel bearing  51   3  are also shown. At the driving ring  55   3  it is possible to see an outer toothing  52   3  and an annular groove  53   3 . The constant velocity joint  71   3  comprises an outer joint part  72   3  with a sleeve projection  82   3 , an inner joint part  77   3 , a cage  78   3  and balls  79   3 . At the end face  73   3  of the sleeve projection  82   3 , it is possible to see a notch  74   3 . An Inner toothing  75   3  at the sleeve projection  82   3  cooperates with an outer toothing  52   3  at the driving ring  55   3 . At its circumference, the outer joint part  72   3  carries a transmitter ring  81   3  for an ABS sensor. 
     Of the wheel carrier  11   3 , there is shown only an annular part  15   3  in section, with a steering arm  16   3  being shown in a broken-off condition. In the annular part  15   3 , a radial bore  27   3  whose central axis R extends approximately radially relative to the axis A of the assembly  10   3  is axially associated with the annular groove  53   3 . Pliers Z indicate that free access to the securing ring  57   3  is provided via said bore  27   3  and via the notch  74   3 . The diameter d of the bore  27   3  is greater than the axial depth t of the notch  74   3 . After the joint has been assembled, said ABS sensor can be inserted into the bore  27   3 . 
     FIG. 8, in a cross-sectional view along line A—A according to FIG. 7, shows the following details from the inside to the outside: a hub member  45   3 , toothing  44   3 , a securing ring  57   3  in the annular groove  53   3  and in the annular groove  76   3 , a sleeve projection  82   3  at the outer joint part, with all said parts being shown in section; a notch  74   3  in the sleeve projection  82   3  and a transmitter ring  81   3 , each in a plan view; an outer joint part  72   3  in a plan view; an annular part  15   3  of the wheel carrier with a radial bore  27   3  in a partially broken-away cross-section. At the securing ring, it is possible to see the ends  65   3  and  66   3  which are gripped and moved together by the pliers Z through the bore  27   3 , so that the securing ring  57   3  leaves the inner groove  76   3  in the sleeve projection  82   3  at the outer joint part and the outer joint part can be removed from the wheel hub in a non-destructive way. The diameter d of the bore  27   3  is smaller than the circumferential extension b of the notch  74   3 . 
     FIG. 9 shows the wheel carrier  11   3 , the wheel hub unit  41   3  and the constant velocity joint  71   3 , with the details having been given the same reference numbers as in the previous Figures. The wheel hub unit is also shown to comprise a wheel flange  46   3 . In the annular part  15   3 , there is shown the radial bore  27   3  which is provided with a continuous sealing ring  54   3 , and the free outwardly bent ends  65 ,  66  of the securing ring  57   3  can also be seen. By gripping the ends  65 ,  66  of the securing ring  57   3  and compressing same by means of the pliers Z, it is possible to reduce the securing ring  57   3  in such a way that it enters the annular groove  53   3  in the driving ring  55   3  more deeply while at the same time sliding out of the inner annular groove  76   3  in the outer joint part  72   3 , so that the constant velocity joint  71   3  can be removed from the hub unit  41   3  and especially from the driving ring  53   3  in a non-destructive way. 
     FIG. 10 shows the assembly  10   3  after the constant velocity universal joint  71   3  has been removed. Through the radial bore  27   3  it is possible to see the outer toothing  52   3 , the hub assembly  41   3  with the turned annular groove  53   3  and the securing ring  57   3 . The wheel hub  41   3  is turned into the wheel bearing  51   3  in such a way that, again, the ends  65   3 ,  66   3  of the securing ring  57   3  become visible, which ends, in this way, can bearing manipulated through the radial bore. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 GKN Automotive GmbH 
                 11 th  December 2000 
               
               
                   
                 Hauptstrasse 150 
                 Ne/bec (a1102128) 
               
               
                   
                 53797 Lohmar 
                 P9B052WO10 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Assembly for Supporting and Drivingly Connecting a Wheel 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 List of reference numbers 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 assembly 
               
               
                 11 
                 wheel carrier 
               
               
                 13 
               
               
                 14 
               
               
                 15 
                 annular part 
               
               
                 16 
                 steering arm 
               
               
                 17 
                 eye 
               
               
                 18 
                 steering arm 
               
               
                 19 
                 eye 
               
               
                 20 
                 eye 
               
               
                 21 
                 eye 
               
               
                 22 
                 eye 
               
               
                 23 
                 eye 
               
               
                 24 
                 eye 
               
               
                 25 
                 eye 
               
               
                 26 
                 eye 
               
               
                 27 
                 broken-out portion, bore 
               
               
                 28 
                 flange face 
               
               
                 29 
                 eye 
               
               
                 30 
                 eye 
               
               
                 31 
                 threaded bore 
               
               
                 32 
                 threaded bore 
               
               
                 33 
                 threaded bore 
               
               
                 34 
                 threaded bore 
               
               
                 35 
                 through-hole 
               
               
                 36 
                 annular groove 
               
               
                 37 
               
               
                 38 
               
               
                 39 
               
               
                 41 
                 wheel hub 
               
               
                 42 
                 cap 
               
               
                 43 
                 intermediate base 
               
               
                 44 
                 toothing 
               
               
                 45 
                 hub member 
               
               
                 46 
                 wheel flange 
               
               
                 47 
                 flange eye 
               
               
                 48 
                 flange eye 
               
               
                 49 
                 flange eye 
               
               
                 50 
                 flange eye 
               
               
                 51 
                 rolling contact bearing 
               
               
                 52 
                 shaft toothing 
               
               
                 53 
                 annular groove 
               
               
                 54 
                 sealing ring 
               
               
                 55 
                 driving ring 
               
               
                 56 
                 beading 
               
               
                 57 
                 securing ring 
               
               
                 58 
                 sealing ring 
               
               
                 59 
                 outer bearing race 
               
               
                 60 
                 inner bearing race 
               
               
                 61 
                 row of rolling contact members 
               
               
                 62 
                 row of rolling contact members 
               
               
                 63 
                 eye 
               
               
                 64 
                 eye 
               
               
                 65 
                 ring end 
               
               
                 66 
                 ring end 
               
               
                 67 
               
               
                 68 
               
               
                 69 
               
               
                 70 
               
               
                 71 
                 constant velocity joint 
               
               
                 72 
                 outer joint part 
               
               
                 73 
                 end face 
               
               
                 74 
                 notch 
               
               
                 75 
                 inner toothing 
               
               
                 76 
                 annular groove 
               
               
                 77 
                 inner joint part 
               
               
                 78 
                 ball cage 
               
               
                 79 
                 ball 
               
               
                 80 
                 cover 
               
               
                 81 
                 transmitter ring 
               
               
                 82 
                 sleeve projection

Technology Classification (CPC): 5