DE102015218625A1 - Seal for a wheel bearing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a wheel bearing assembly (100) for a vehicle comprising a bearing outer race (6; 8) and a bearing inner race (10; 12) defining a bearing interior (26) in which rolling elements (14; 16) are disposed, axially adjacent a sealing device (22; 24) arranged to seal the bearing interior (26) from an external environment (28), the sealing device (22; 24) comprising at least one carrier element (30; 32) ) for a sealing element (34; 36) having first (38; 40) and second (42; 44) first opposed side surfaces, the first side surface (38; 40) of the support member (30; 32) abutting an end face (46; 48) of the bearing outer ring (6; 8) abuts, and such a support member (30; 32) and a method for mounting a wheel bearing assembly (100).

Description

The present invention relates to a wheel bearing assembly for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and a support member for a sealing device of such a wheel bearing assembly and a method for assembling a wheel bearing assembly.

Wheel bearing assemblies for vehicles generally comprise at least one rolling bearing having a bearing outer and a bearing inner ring, between which rolling elements are arranged, wherein the wheel bearing is adapted to separate the rotating from the stationary elements.

In order to prevent ingress of dirt and water from an outside area into the wheel bearing, it is known to arrange a seal axially next to the roller bearing. In this case, the seal on the bearing outer ring may already be preassembled, wherein the seal, for example, in a groove, is fixed to the bearing outer ring.

A disadvantage of this arrangement, however, is that the bearing outer ring must be made separately for receiving the seal, whereby its production is complicated and expensive.

Furthermore, it is known to use standard bearing outer rings in the rolling bearing and to arrange separate seals.

The disadvantage here is that the bearing outer ring and the seal must be mounted in two separate assembly steps.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective and easy to manufacture wheel bearing assembly.

This object is achieved by a wheel bearing assembly according to claim 1 and by a carrier element according to claim 9 and a method according to claim 10.

The following is a wheel bearing assembly for a vehicle with a Lageraußen- and a bearing inner ring are presented, which define a bearing interior, are arranged in the rolling elements. Optionally, the rolling elements can be arranged in a bearing cage. Axially next to the bearing outer ring, as usual, a sealing device is arranged, which is designed to seal the bearing interior against an external environment. The sealing device has at least one support element for a sealing element with at least a first and a second, the first opposing side surface. Preferably, the first and second side surfaces extend substantially radially.

To provide a low-cost and easy-to-install wheel bearing assembly, the first side surface of the support member is formed to abut an end surface of the bearing outer ring. This makes it possible that the bearing outer ring and the support member are movable together in the axial direction and can be arranged in the wheel bearing assembly to their operating positions. A separate assembly of the bearing outer ring and the sealing device can thus be omitted even if standard bearing outer rings are used. This can speed up assembly and reduce the cost of the wheel bearing. In addition, the assembly simplifies, since only once again necessary for arranging the wheel bearing in a housing tool the bearing outer ring and the sealing device must apply equally force. In the sealing devices known from the prior art, the seal must be carefully placed in place. Too far inner axial arrangement or too far outer axial arrangement can affect the sealing effect. Thus, the abutting configuration also provides a mis-assembly assurance so that the sealing device is automatically located at its optimum location when mounted.

Furthermore, according to a further exemplary embodiment, the first side surface of the carrier element has a radial extent, which corresponds essentially to a radial dimension of the end surface of the bearing outer ring. The radial extent is dimensioned such that the support element can provide a sufficient surface for a power transmission from the carrier element to the bearing outer ring on the one hand, and on the other already known and designed for the radial dimension of the bearing outer ring tools can be used.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the second side surface has a radial extent. In this case, the radial expansions of the first and the second side surface of the carrier element may be formed the same or different lengths. Preferably, the radial extent of the second side surface is greater than the radial extent of the first side surface. This allows a tool to find enough attack surface. In this case, the second side surface of the carrier element, as another advantageous embodiment shows, be dimensioned for a standard tool, so that the assembly is cheaper and faster. Alternatively, for example, for space technical reasons, the radial extent of the second side surface may be formed smaller than the radial extent of the first Side surface. Furthermore, the radial extent of the first and / or the second side surface can be dimensioned such that the carrier element exhibits a sufficiently high stability even in lightweight construction.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second side surface of the support member with a, preferably large, axial mounting force can be acted upon, which is transferable to the bearing outer ring and is adapted to the support member and the bearing outer ring together in a single assembly step in a housing, preferably in a wheel hub to squeeze. As a result, the assembly can be simplified and accelerated. The axial application of force may be a mechanical or hydraulically applied force.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the wheel bearing assembly with at least bearing inner ring, bearing outer ring, rolling elements and sealing device can already be pre-assembled as far as possible in order to be pressed in the actual installation only in a housing. This results in the advantage that the carrier element can already exert a sealing function against entry of dirt particles or water during transport and during installation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the carrier element is substantially annular, preferably with a substantially quadrangular cross-section. As a result, the carrier element has sufficient force transmission surface to move the bearing outer ring axially.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the carrier element is designed as an angle ring. It is further preferred if the carrier element is made as a single-layer, preferably as a two-layer or multi-layer angle sheet metal ring. Angled sheet metal rings are inexpensive and easy to manufacture and can also absorb sufficient axial forces. Alternatively, the carrier element may also be formed as a sintered or rotary part. The angular ring-shaped carrier element thus has an axially extending first portion and at least one substantially radially inwardly extending second portion. In this case, the first section is adapted to transmit the axial force to the bearing outer ring, so that the carrier element and the bearing outer ring can be pressed as a unit into the housing for the wheel bearing arrangement. The second portion may, as another preferred embodiment shows, preferably resiliently extend angularly from the first portion axially inwardly or axially outwardly, and optionally provide some spring force to exert, for example, a biasing force on a sealing member disposed thereon. Alternatively, the second portion may also extend substantially radially in the direction of the bearing inner ring.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a sealing element may be arranged on the at least one second section extending substantially radially inwards. The carrier element and the sealing element together seal the bearing interior against dirt, water, etc. from the outside environment. Depending on the configuration, the carrier element and the sealing element can also prevent a lubricant from escaping from the bearing interior into the outside environment.

Furthermore, the sealing element may have at least one biasing element. In this case, the biasing element may be formed as a spring element, which acts on the sealing element, and designed to provide a bias of the sealing element against the bearing inner ring or a starting sleeve.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sealing element may have at least one sealing lip, which is supported against the bearing inner ring or a starting sleeve and seals against a dirt entry from the outside. In addition, at least one second sealing lip can be arranged on the sealing element, which is designed to center the sealing element during assembly.

Furthermore, the bearing arrangement can be designed as a double-row roller bearing, in particular as a double-row tapered roller bearing, which is preferably arranged in an O-arrangement in order to achieve the highest possible rigidity against lateral forces.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a support member for a sealing device of a wheel bearing assembly having the features described above.

• a) Bereitstellen der Radlageranordnung mit dem Lageraußenring, einem Lagerinnenring, Wälzkörpern, und der Dichtungsvorrichtung mit einem Trägerelement;
• b) Beaufschlagen des Trägerelements mit einer axialen Kraft; und
• c) Einpressen der Radlageranordnung in ein Gehäuse in einem einzelnen Montageschritt an ihre Betriebsposition über eine axiale Kraftbeaufschlagung.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of assembling a wheel bearing assembly as described above having a sealing device and a bearing outer race in a housing carrying the wheel bearing assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing the wheel bearing assembly with the bearing outer ring, a bearing inner ring, rolling elements, and the sealing device with a support member;
• b) applying an axial force to the carrier element; and
• c) Pressing the wheel bearing assembly in a housing in a single assembly step to its operating position via an axial force application.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are defined in the description, the claims or the drawings. In particular, the combinations of features given in the description and in the drawings are purely exemplary, so that the features can also be present individually or otherwise combined.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Here, the embodiments and the combinations shown in the embodiments are purely exemplary and are not intended to define the scope of the invention. This is defined solely by the appended claims.

Show it:

1 a schematic sectional view through a wheel bearing assembly;

2 : a schematic detail sectional view of the first in 1 shown embodiment;

3 : a schematic detail sectional view of the second in 1 shown embodiment; and

4 : A schematic detail sectional view through a third embodiment of the wheel bearing assembly.

In the following, identical or functionally identical elements are identified with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a schematic sectional view through a in a housing 1 received wheel bearing assembly 100 for a vehicle whose different embodiments are enlarged in the 2 and 3 are shown. 4 shows a further embodiment of a rolling bearing for such a wheel bearing assembly 100 , wherein the rolling bearing of the 4 on a journal 3 is deferred.

The bearing arrangement 100 of the 1 is designed as a double-row tapered roller bearing, each with a rolling bearing 2 . 4 , each with a bearing outer ring 6 . 8th and a bearing inner ring 10 . 12 between which rolling elements 14 . 16 are arranged. The rolling elements 14 . 16 can, as in 1 shown in bearing cages 18 . 20 be included. As continues in 1 is shown, the wheel bearing assembly 100 in a housing 1 recorded, which is firmly connected to a vehicle wheel (not shown). Furthermore, the in 1 bearing arrangement shown 1 arranged in O-position, which allows a high rigidity against lateral forces.

Axial next to the bearing outer rings 6 . 8th are sealing devices 22 . 24 arranged, which has a warehouse interior 26 towards an outdoor environment 28 caulk. So shows 1 for simplicity, two different embodiments of sealing devices 22 . 24 that can equally be arranged on both sides. In this case, the sealing devices 22 . 24 in each case a carrier element 30 . 32 on, on which the actual sealing elements 34 . 36 are arranged.

Furthermore, the support elements 30 . 32 each a first radially extending side surface 38 . 40 and a second of the first side surface 38 . 40 opposite side surface 42 . 44 on. The first side surfaces 38 . 40 as in the 1 - 4 shown at radially extending end faces 46 . 48 the bearing outer rings 6 . 8th at.

As continue in the 1 - 4 shown have the first side surfaces 38 . 40 the carrier element 30 . 32 each have a radial extent D1, D2. It may be the first side surface 38 essentially a radial dimension D of the end face 46 of the bearing outer ring 6 correspond, as in the 2 and 4 shown. Alternatively, it is also possible that, as in the 3 shown, a radial extent D2 of the side surface 40 over a radial dimension D of the end face 48 of the bearing outer ring 8th in the direction of the bearing inner ring 12 extends. The radial dimensions D1, D2 are dimensioned such that the carrier elements 30 . 32 sufficient area for power transmission to the bearing outer rings 6 . 8th can provide.

The 1 - 4 further show that the second side surfaces 42 . 44 each have a radial extent D3, D4. In this case, the radial extent D3 of the second side surface 42 which are formed larger than the radial extent D1 of the first side surfaces 38 the carrier element 30 as in the 2 and 4 shown. This allows a tool to find sufficient attack surface to the support element 30 to act with an axial mounting force F _a . Alternatively, as in 3 shown, the radial extent D4 of the second side surface 44 smaller than the radial extent D2 of the first side surface 40 , for example, for space reasons. Of course, the radial expansions of the first and the second side surface of the carrier element can also be of the same size.

To provide a quick and easy installation, the first side surfaces are 38 . 40 and the second side surfaces 42 . 44 the support elements 30 . 32 dimensioned such that the second side surfaces 42 . 44 each can be acted upon with an axial mounting force F _a , which on the bearing outer rings 6 . 8th is transferable and is designed to the wheel bearing assembly 100 , but at least a carrier element 30 ; 32 and a bearing outer ring 6 ; 8th , in common, in a single assembly step, in the housing 1 to press.

As in particular the detail views of 2 - 4 can be seen, is the carrier element 30 . 32 as an angle ring, in particular as a multi-layer angle sheet metal ring, formed with an axially extending first portion 50 . 52 and a radially inwardly extending second portion 54 . 56 . 57 , This may be the second section 54 . 56 . 57 after axially inside (see 2 ) or axially outward (see 3 ) or substantially radially (see 4 ). About the angled employment of the second section 54 . 56 as in the 2 and 3 already shown, a bias on the sealing element 34 . 36 to be provided.

Furthermore, the sealing element 34 , in particular in 2 and 4 shown a sealing lip 58 have, against the bearing inner ring 10 starts. Alternatively, as in 3 shown on the sealing element 36 a spring element 60 act, which is adapted to a bias of the sealing element 36 against a starting sleeve 62 on the bearing inner ring 12 is arranged to provide. Of course, all other known from the prior art sealing elements are used.

In summary, with the aid of the wheel bearing arrangement presented, a wheel bearing arrangement with a bearing outer ring and a sealing device can be provided, wherein the sealing device has at least one carrier element which is subjected to an axial mounting force such that the wheel bearing arrangement, but at least the carrier element and the bearing outer ring, in a single Mounting step are pressed into a housing. Furthermore, the carrier element has at least one first and one second side surface whose radial expansions are dimensioned such that the force required for displacement can be transmitted to the bearing outer ring. As a result, a low-cost standard bearing outer ring can be used and the assembly can be simplified and accelerated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

100

The wheel bearing assembly

2, 4

roller bearing

3

journal

6, 8

Bearing outer ring

10, 12

Bearing inner ring

14, 16

rolling elements

18, 20

bearing cage

22, 24

sealing device

26

Warehouse interior

28

external environment

30, 32

support element

34, 36

sealing element

38, 40

first side surface of the carrier element

42, 44

second side surface of the support element

46, 48

End face of the bearing outer ring

50, 52

first section of the support element

54, 56, 57

second section of the support element

58

sealing lip

60

spring element

62

stopping sleeve

F _a

axial application of force

D1, D2

radial expansion of the first side surface of the support element

D3, D4

radial extension of the second side surface of the carrier element

D

Radial dimension of the end face of the bearing outer ring

Claims (10)

Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) for a vehicle, with a bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ) and a bearing inner ring ( 10 ; 12 ), which have a warehouse interior ( 26 ), in which rolling elements ( 14 ; 16 ) are arranged, wherein axially adjacent to the bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ) a sealing device ( 22 ; 24 ) is arranged, which is adapted to the bearing interior ( 26 ) against an external environment ( 28 ), the sealing device ( 22 ; 24 ) at least one carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) for a sealing element ( 34 ; 36 ) with a first ( 38 ; 40 ) and a second ( 42 ; 44 ), the first opposing side surface, characterized in that the first side surface ( 38 ; 40 ) of the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) to an end face ( 46 ; 48 ) of the bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ) abuts. Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first side surface ( 38 ; 40 ) of the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) has a radial extent (D1; D2) substantially a radial dimension (D) of the end face ( 46 ; 48 ) of the bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ) corresponds. Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second side surface ( 42 ; 44 ) has a radial extent (D3; D4) that is different, preferably greater, than the radial extent (D1; D2) of the first side face (D3). 38 ; 40 ) is trained. Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second side surface ( 42 ; 44 ) of the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) can be acted upon with an axial mounting force (F _a ), which on the bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ) is transferable and is adapted to the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) and the bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ) in a housing ( 1 ) to squeeze. Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second side surface ( 42 ; 44 ) of the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) is dimensioned for a standard tool. Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) is formed substantially annular, preferably with a substantially quadrangular cross-section. Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) is manufactured as a single layer, preferably as at least two-layer angle sheet metal ring, which has an axially extending first portion ( 50 ; 52 ) and at least one substantially radially inwardly extending second portion ( 54 ; 56 ; 57 ), wherein preferably at the at least one substantially radially inwardly extending second portion ( 54 ; 56 ; 57 ) a sealing element ( 34 ; 36 ) is arranged. Wheel bearing arrangement ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second section ( 54 ; 56 ; 57 ) at an angle from the first section ( 50 ; 52 ) extends axially inward or axially outward. Carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) for a sealing device ( 22 ; 24 ) a wheel bearing assembly ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method for mounting a wheel bearing assembly ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 with a sealing device ( 22 ; 24 ) and a bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ) in a wheel bearing assembly ( 100 ) carrying housing ( 1 ), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) providing the wheel bearing assembly ( 100 ) with the bearing outer ring ( 6 ; 8th ), a bearing inner ring ( 10 ; 12 ), Rolling elements ( 14 ; 16 ) and the sealing device ( 22 ; 24 ) with a carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ); b) applying the carrier element ( 30 ; 32 ) with an axial mounting force (F _a ); and c) pressing in the wheel bearing assembly ( 100 ) in a housing ( 1 ) in a single assembly step to its operating position via the axial force application.

Images