KR20210099997A - Suspension thrust bearing device with blocked seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suspension thrust bearing device having a blocked seal. The suspension thrust bearing device includes a lower support cap (16), an upper bearing cap (14), and at least one bearing (18) arranged between the caps. The bearing (18) is provided with an upper ring (20) coming in contact with the upper bearing cap (14) and a lower ring (22) coming in contact with the lower support cap (16). The upper bearing cap (14) includes outer skirts (14c) surrounding the lower support cap (16) in a radial direction. The device also includes an outer seal (19) at least partially located in a radial direction between the outer skirts (14c) of the upper bearing cap. The outer seal (19) is fixed to the lower support cap (16) or the upper bearing cap (14) through radial interference fitting between the cap and the outer seal. Therefore, the present invention is capable of improving characteristics of a seal ring.

Description

Suspension thrust bearing device with blocked seal

The present invention relates in particular to the field of suspension thrust bearing devices for use in automobiles in the suspension struts of steering road wheels.

Suspension thrust bearing devices are generally provided with rolling bearings comprising an upper ring and a lower ring, between which a rolling element, for example a ball or roller, is arranged and a lower and upper cap. The lower and upper caps form a housing for the ring of the rolling bearing and provide an interface between the ring and adjacent elements.

The suspension thrust bearing arrangement is arranged in the upper part of the suspension strut between the body and the suspension spring. A suspension spring is mounted around a damping piston rod and its end is connected to the vehicle body. The suspension spring directly or indirectly supports the lower cap of the thrust bearing device in the axial direction.

Suspension thrust bearing devices allow the transmission of axial and radial forces between the suspension springs and the bodywork while allowing relative rotational motion between the lower and upper cabs due to deflection of the vehicle's steering wheels and/or compression of the suspension springs. do.

In general, the upper cap of the suspension thrust bearing device is provided with a plurality of hooks arranged on the outer skirt and configured to diametrically interfere with the plurality of hooks of the lower cap. The hooks of each cap are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

The hooks form retaining means provided to hold the upper and lower caps axially relative to each other. These hooks also form a narrow passage between the outer skirt of the upper cap and the lower cap to prevent intrusion of foreign matter radially.

However, suspension thrust bearing units are generally exposed to various types of contamination.

With such a suspension thrust bearing device, contaminants can easily penetrate between the outer skirt of the upper cap and the lower cap and flow toward the rolling bearings into the latter.

One object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a suspension thrust bearing device having excellent sealing properties to protect the bearing from ingress of contaminants while ensuring low frictional torque.

The present invention relates to a suspension thrust bearing arrangement comprising a lower support cap, an upper bearing cap and at least one bearing arranged between the caps. The bearing is provided with at least an upper ring in contact with the upper bearing cap and a lower ring in contact with the lower support cap. The upper bearing cap includes an outer skirt that radially surrounds the lower support cap.

According to a general feature, the device further comprises an outer seal positioned at least partially in a radial direction between the bearing of the upper bearing cap and the outer skirt.

According to a first embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the lower support cap by means of a radial interference fit between the lower support cap and the outer seal.

According to a second embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the upper bearing cap by means of a radial interference fit between the upper bearing cap and the outer seal.

According to a third embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the lower ring of the bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the lower ring and the outer seal.

According to a fourth embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the upper ring of the bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the upper ring and the outer seal.

The outer seal prevents water, dust and other foreign matter from entering the bearing. The mounting of the outer seal is easy because otherwise the seal is mounted to the associated cap or ring by radial interference. There is no need to use specific elements to secure the outer seal. Rotation of the outer seal relative to the associated cap or ring after mounting is also prevented.

The outer seal may be provided with an annular heel secured to the ring of the cap or bearing.

A more than 360° radial interference fit between the annular heel of the outer seal and the associated cap or ring improves the sealing properties.

In one arrangement, the outer diameter of the heel of the free outer seal is greater than the inner diameter of the mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to create a radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal.

In another arrangement, the inner diameter of the heel of the free state outer seal is less than the outer diameter of the mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to create a radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal.

In one embodiment, the cap may include ribs extending towards the other cap, and the outer seal is secured to the ribs. In this case, the mounting portion of the cap is formed by ribs. Optionally, the mount may be formed by another part of the cap, for example the outer surface of the cap.

In one embodiment, the heel of the seal is provided with a frusto-conical portion secured to the ring of the cap or bearing.

The ribs of the cap may further include at least one radial hook to axially retain the outer seal. Thus, in addition to diametric interference between the outer seal and the cap, the seal is also held axially by the hook(s).

Preferably, the outer seal may be provided with at least one seal lip extending towards the other cap.

In one embodiment, the other cap includes at least one annular rib extending axially toward the cap or outer seal while remaining axially spaced from the cap or outer seal, the rib comprising the upper bearing positioned at least partially in a radial direction between the outer seal and the outer skirt of the cap.

The annular ribs form a radially arranged vertical barrier between the bearing and the outer skirt of the other cap to protect the bearing. Annular ribs can further limit contaminants from getting into the device and damaging the bearings.

Each of the upper and lower rings of the bearing may be made of a metal sheet.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise an inner seal positioned at least partially in a radial direction between the bearing and the inner skirt of the upper bearing cap. The inner seal may be secured to the cap or other cap by a radial interference fit between the cap or other cap and the inner seal. Optionally, the inner seal may be secured to the other ring of the bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the other ring and the inner seal.

In one embodiment, the upper bearing cap comprises an inner skirt comprising a plurality of hooks capable of diametrically interfering with hooks provided on the lower support cap. Optionally, the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap may comprise a plurality of hooks capable of diametrically interfering with the flange of the lower support cap.

The invention also relates to a suspension thrust bearing arrangement comprising a lower support cap, an upper bearing cap and at least one bearing arranged between the caps. The bearing is provided with at least an upper ring in contact with the upper bearing cap and a lower ring in contact with the lower support cap. The upper bearing cap includes an inner skirt extending into the bore of the lower support cap.

According to a general feature, the device further comprises an inner seal positioned at least partially in a radial direction between the bearing and the inner skirt of the upper bearing cap.

According to a first embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the lower support cap by means of a radial interference fit between the lower support cap and the inner seal.

According to a second embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the upper bearing cap by means of a radial interference fit between the upper bearing cap and the inner seal.

According to a third embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the lower ring of the bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the lower ring and the inner seal.

According to a fourth embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the upper ring of the bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the upper ring and the inner seal.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of specific embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

1 is a cross-sectional view of a suspension thrust bearing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
2 to 6 are cross-sectional views of suspension thrust bearing devices according to second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention;

The suspension thrust bearing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be installed between an upper retainer seat suitable for seating directly or indirectly on an element of an automobile chassis and a suspension spring.

The device 10 with a shaft 12 comprises an upper bearing cap 14 , a lower support cap 16 and a rolling bearing 18 interposed axially between the caps 14 , 16 . In the example shown, the caps 14 , 16 are mounted directly. It is in contact with the rolling bearing 18 without the intervening of intermediate elements. Optionally, the caps 14 , 16 can be mounted in indirect contact with the rolling bearing 18 with the interposition of an intermediate element.

As will be described below, the device 10 further comprises an annular outer seal 19 to prevent ingress of contaminants towards the rolling bearing 18 . Here, the outer seal 19 is fixed to the lower support cap 16 .

The upper bearing cap 14 may for example be constructed of a plastic material such as polyamide PA 6.6, which may or may not be reinforced with fiberglass.

The upper bearing cap 14 comprises a radial portion 14a, an annular axial inner skirt 14b, and an annular axial outer skirt 14c radially surrounding the inner skirt 14b. The radial portion 14a provides an upper surface 15 intended to face the upper retainer seat and an opposite lower surface 17 in contact with the rolling bearing 18 . The upper and lower surfaces 15 , 17 define the thickness of the radial portion 14a. In the illustrated example, the radial portion 14a has a stepped shape.

The outer skirt 14c radially surrounds the lower support cap 16 . The inner skirt 14b extends into the bore of the lower support cap 16 . The inner and outer skirts 14b, 14c extend axially downward from the radial portion 14a. In the illustrated example, the outer skirt 14c extends the large diameter edge of the radial portion 14a. The inner skirt 14b extends the small diameter edge of the radial portion 14a.

The upper bearing cap 14 further includes a plurality of inner hooks 14d arranged on the inner skirt 14b and extending radially outward. The hook 14d extends radially outward in the direction of the lower support cap 16 from the outer surface of the inner skirt 14b. In the example shown, the hook 14d is arranged at the bottom of the inner skirt 14b. In the illustrated example, the hooks 14d are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Optionally, an annular hook may be provided on the outer surface of the skirt 14b.

The rolling bearing 18 is positioned radially between the skirts 14b, 14c of the upper bearing cap as a whole. The rolling bearing 18 has an upper ring 20 in contact with the upper bearing cap 14, a lower ring 22 in contact with the lower support cap 16, and a rolling element 24 arranged between the raceways formed in the rings. ) in a row (here, a ball). In the illustrated example, the rolling bearing 18 is of the beveled contact type to absorb both radial and axial forces applied to the device.

The upper ring 20 and lower ring 22 of the rolling bearing are made of a thin sheet of metal, stamped or rolled to form a toroidal raceway for the rolling element 24 between the two rings. The upper ring 20 is in contact with the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. The lower ring 22 contacts the upper surface of the lower support cap 16 . The rolling bearing 18 also includes a cage (not referenced) between the upper and lower rings 20 , 22 to maintain regular circumferential spacing between the rolling elements 24 .

The lower support cap 16 may be constructed of a plastic material such as polyamide PA 6.6, which may or may not be reinforced with fiberglass, for example.

The lower support cap 16 comprises an annular radial portion 28 in the form of a plate and an annular axial skirt 30 extending a small diameter edge of the radial portion 28 . The skirt 30 extends axially on the opposite side of the upper bearing cap 14 and the rolling bearing 18 . Skirt 30 allows centering of the suspension spring. This centering is achieved by the outer surface of the skirt 30 . The radial portion 28 provides a lower annular radial surface 28a defining a bearing surface for the suspension spring, and an upper surface 28b of complementary shape and in contact with the lower ring 22 of the bearing. The free top of the lower ring 22 is axially offset upward with respect to the radial portion 28 .

The lower support cap 16 also comprises a plurality of inner hooks 32 arranged on the radial portion 28 and extending radially inwardly. The hook 32 extends radially inwardly from the bore of the radial portion 28 in the direction of the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap. The hooks 32 are circumferentially, preferably regularly spaced from each other. Optionally, the lower support cap 16 may include one annular inner hook, which is continuous in the circumferential direction.

The hook 32 is disposed axially above the hook 14d of the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap. The hook 14d has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the hook 32 so as to be able to diametrically interfere with the hook 32 in case of relative axial displacement of the bearing cap 14 and the support cap 16 . The upper bearing cap forms an axial retaining means which cooperates with the complementary axial retaining means of the support cap 16 formed by the hooks 32 .

Besides, the hooks 14d and 32 form a narrow passage between the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap and the bore of the skirt 30 of the lower support cap to prevent the ingress of foreign matter radially.

The lower support cap 16 further includes an annular flange 34 extending towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap while remaining radially spaced from the outer skirt. More generally, the flange 34 remains spaced from the upper bearing cap 14 . The flange 34 projects outwardly from the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap. The flange 34 extends outwardly from the outer surface of the radial portion 28 . The flange 34 extends radially.

The flange 34 is positioned slightly radially away from the bore of the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap to form a labyrinth seal portion. An annular radial labyrinth seal (not referenced) is formed between the flange 34 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing. For example, the radial gap between the flange 34 and the outer skirt 14c cap may be less than 2 mm, for example comprised between 1 mm and 1.4 mm, in particular 1,2 mm. In a variant, the lower support cap 16 may have the flange 34 removed.

The lower support cap 16 further comprises an annular radial projection 36 extending radially outwardly from the radial portion 28 . The projection 36 projects outwardly from the outer surface of the radial portion 28 .

A projection 36 extends below the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. In the illustrated example, the projection 36 extends radially outward beyond the outer skirt 14c. The projection 36 radially extends a lower radial surface 28a of a radial portion that defines a bearing surface for the suspension spring.

In the illustrated example, the lower support cap 16 also includes an annular rib 38 extending axially from the radial portion 28 towards the radial portion 14b of the upper bearing cap. Ribs 38 extend from the upper surface of radial portion 28 . The ribs 38 remain axially spaced apart from the lower surface 17 of the radial portion. The upper surface of the rib 38 forms the top surface of the lower support cap 16 .

The rib 38 radially surrounds the free top of the lower ring 22 of the bearing. In the illustrated example, the ribs 38 project axially upwards relative to the free top of the lower ring 22 . Optionally, the ribs 38 may be flush with respect to the free top of the lower ring 22 .

As described above, the seal 19 is secured to the lower support cap 16 . The rolling bearing 18 is arranged radially on the inner side of the seal 19 . The seal 19 is located in part radially between the rolling bearing 18 and the outer skirt 14c. upper bearing cap.

The seal 19 closes the axial space present between the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14 . The seal 19 radially surrounds the rolling bearing.

A seal 19 is mounted on the lower support cap 16 radially between the rib 38 of the cap and the lower ring 22 of the bearing. More precisely, the seal 19 is mounted radially between the rib 38 and the free upper end of the lower ring 22 . In the illustrated example, the seal 19 is mounted axially against the upper surface of the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

The seal 19 is brought into radial frictional contact with the rib 38 of the lower support cap. The seal 19 is brought into radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 . The seal 19 is secured to the lower support cap 16 by a radial interference fit between the rib 38 and the seal. The seal 19 is mounted to the lower support cap 16 by press fit.

The seal 19 is provided with an annular heel 19a secured to the lower support cap 16 by a radial interference fit with the ribs 38 . The heel 19a is mounted radially between the rib 38 of the lower support cap 16 and the free upper end of the lower support. Ring 22 of the rolling bearing. The heel 19a remains radially spaced from the lower ring 22 , more precisely from the free upper end of the lower ring 22 .

The annular outer surface of the heel 19a is in radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 of the lower support cap. The annular heel 19a makes static sealing contact with the rib 38 over 360°.

In the free state of the seal, the outer diameter of the heel 19a is greater than the inner diameter of the bore of the rib 38 to have a radial interference fit between the rib and the heel. In this example, the heel 19a of the seal is mounted axially relative to the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

In the illustrated example, the seal 19 is also provided with an annular sealing lip 19b protruding from the heel 19a and extending towards the upper bearing cap 14 . The lip 19b extends towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. The lip 19b closes the axial space existing between the lower support cap 16 and the radial part 14a of the upper bearing.

In the illustrated example, the lip 19b extends obliquely inwardly and upwardly from the heel 19a. The lip 19b is oriented on the inside, ie on the same side as the rolling bearing 18 . The lip 19b is located axially above the rolling bearing 18 . Optionally, the lip 19b may extend obliquely outwardly and upwardly from the heel 19a. In this case, the lip 19b faces outward. In the illustrated example, the lip 19b is brought into frictional contact with the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 28 of the upper bearing cap. The frictional contact between the lip 19b and the upper bearing cap 14 is axial. The lip 19b is axially flexible. The free edge of the lip 19b advantageously has a triangular shape in cross section to reduce the frictional torque between the lip and the upper bearing cap 14 . In the illustrated example, the lip 19b of the seal is a friction lip. Optionally, the lip 19b may be of the labyrinth type.

The seal 19 is made in one piece, for example by molding. The seal 19 may be made of a flexible material, for example made of an elastomer such as nitrile or synthetic rubber. Optionally, the seal 19 may be made of a rigid material made, for example, of poly oxy methylene (POM).

The example shown in FIG. 2 , with the same reference being given to the same parts, differs mainly from the first example in that the upper bearing cap 14 comprises an annular rib 40 extending axially towards the lower support cap 16 . . In the example shown, the ribs 40 extend towards the upper surface of the radial portion 28 and the flange 34 of the lower support cap. The ribs 40 extend from the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. The rib 40 protrudes from the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 14a.

The ribs 40 remain axially spaced from the lower support cap 16 . Ribs 40 are positioned slightly axially away from the lower support cap 16 to form a labyrinth seal. An annular axial labyrinth seal (not referenced) is formed between the rib 40 and the lower support cap 16 . For example, the axial gap between the rib 40 and the lower support cap 16 may be less than 2 mm, for example equal to 1 mm and 1.4 mm, in particular 1,2 mm.

Ribs 40 are positioned radially between the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap and between the rolling bearing 18 , the seal 19 and the ribs 38 of the lower support cap. Rib 40 radially surrounds rolling bearing 18 , seal 19 and rib 38 .

The rib 40 has a lower surface (not referenced) axially facing the lower support cap 16 . In the example shown, the lower surface extends radially. The lower surface is axially offset downward with respect to the upper surface of the rib 38 which forms the top surface of the lower support cap 16 . The lower surface is axially offset down to the outer diameter of the rolling bearing 18 .

The ribs 40 of the upper bearing cap form a radially arranged vertical barrier between the outer skirt 14c and the seal 19 to further protect the rolling bearing 18 . The number of foreign objects reaching the seal 19 is limited by the ribs 40 .

In this example, the lip 19b of the outer seal is of the labyrinth type and is positioned slightly radially away from the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. Optionally, the lip 19b may be of the friction type.

In these two examples, the entire axial length of the outer surface heel 19a of the seal radially interferes with the rib 38 of the lower support cap. The example shown in Fig. 3, given the same reference to the same part, differs mainly from the second example in that only a portion of the outer surface of the heel 19a of the seal interferes radially with the rib 38 of the lower support cap. In this example, the outer surface of the heel 19a is provided with an annular projection 19c in radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 . The outer diameter of the protrusion 19c in the free state of the seal is larger than the inner diameter. The remainder of the outer surface of heel 19a remains radially spaced from the bore of rib 38 .

In this example, the seal 19 is also provided with an annular outer sealing lip 19d which projects from the heel 19a and extends towards the upper bearing cap 14 . The outer sealing lip 19d radially surrounds the lip 19b. The lip 19d extends towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. Here, the lip 19d obliquely extends outwardly and upwardly from the heel 19a. In the illustrated example, the rib 19d is of the labyrinth type. Optionally, the lip 19d may be of the friction type.

In the previous example, the seal 19 is secured to the lower support cap 18 by a radial interference fit between the seal and the inner bore of the rib 38 of the cap.

The example shown in FIG. 4, with the same reference being given to the same parts, is that the device includes an outer seal 42 secured to the lower support cap 18 by a radial interference fit between the seal and the outer surface of the rib 38. differ mainly in that

The seal 42 is brought into radial frictional contact with the outer surface of the rib 38 . Seal 42 radially surrounds rib 38 . In the illustrated example, the seal 42 is mounted axially relative to the upper surface of the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

The seal 42 is provided with an annular heel 42a secured to the lower support cap 16 by a radial interference fit with the outer surface of the rib 38 . The heel 42a is mounted radially between the rib 38 of the upper bearing cap and the outer skirt 14c. Heel 42a remains radially spaced from outer skirt 14c.

The annular bore of heel 42a is in radial frictional contact with the outer surface of rib 38 . The annular heel 42a makes static sealing contact with the rib 38 over 360 degrees. In the free state of the seal, the inner diameter of the heel 42a is less than the outer diameter of the rib 38 to have a radial interference fit between the rib and the heel. In this example, the heel 42a of the seal is axially mounted relative to the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

In this example, the rib 38 of the lower support cap is provided with an annular hook 38a extending radially outward. A hook 38a extends from the outer surface of the rib 38 . Hook 38a is axially disposed over heel 42a of the seal. The hook 38a has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the heel 42a to be able to diametrically interfere with the heel 42a. The hook 38a of the lower support cap forms an axial retaining means which cooperates with the complementary axial retaining means of the seal 42 formed by the heel 42a. Optionally, the rib 38 may include a plurality of external hooks. In another variation, the rib 38 may deprive such hook(s).

In the illustrated example, the bore of the seal 42 is provided underneath with an annular chamfer (not referenced) to facilitate mounting of the seal 42 on the ribs 38 by axial push-in.

In the illustrated example, the seal 42 is also provided with an annular first sealing lip 42b protruding from the heel 42a and extending towards the upper bearing cap 14 . The first sealing lip 42b extends towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. A first sealing lip 42b extends obliquely outwardly and downwardly from the heel 42a. The first sealing lip 42b is oriented outward, ie on the opposite side of the rolling bearing 18 . The first sealing lip 42b at least partially closes the radial space existing between the lower support cap 16 of the upper bearing and the outer skirt 14c. In the illustrated example, the lip 42b is a labyrinth type. Optionally, the lip 42b may be of the friction type.

In the illustrated example, the seal 42 has an annular collar 42c axially projecting from the heel 42a and radially surrounding the ribs 38 of the lower support cap and an annular second protruding from the collar 42c. and third sealing lips 42d and 42e are further provided. The lip 42d extends towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. The lip 42e extends towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. Here, the lips 42d, 42e extend obliquely outwardly and upwardly from the collar 42c. In the illustrated example, the lips 42d, 42e are maze-type. Optionally, the lips 42d and/or 42e may be of the friction type.

The example shown in Fig. 5, where the same reference is given to the same parts, differs from the previous example by the design of the heel 42a of the seal. The heel 42a is provided with an annular conical portion 44 extending obliquely inwardly and upwardly and in radial frictional contact with the outer surface of the rib 38 . The conical portion 44 of the heel makes static sealing contact with the rib 38 over 360°.

The free end of frusto-conical portion 44 defines the inner diameter of heel 42a. The inner diameter of the free end of the frustoconical portion 44 in the free state of the seal is less than the outer diameter of the rib 38 to have a radial interference fit between the frustoconical portion 44 of the heel and the rib. In this example, the heel 42a of the seal is axially mounted relative to the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

In this example, the frusto-conical portion 44 of the seal is annular. Optionally, frustoconical weights 44 of the seal may be formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs.

The example shown in FIG. 6, given the same reference to the same part, differs from the previous example in that the frusto-conical portion 44 of the heel of the seal is radially flexible. In the mounted state of the seal 42 , the frusto-conical portion 44 of the seal deforms radially and extends substantially in the axial direction. The frusto-conical portion 44 is in radial frictional contact with the outer surface of the rib 38 . Similar to the previous example, the seal 42 is secured to the lower support cap by a radial interference fit between the rib 38 and the frustoconical portion 44 of the heel. seal. In this example, the rib 38 is provided with an annular rounded projection 38b extending radially outwardly from its outer surface. The free end of the frustoconical portion 44 of the seal is brought into radial contact with the rounded projection 38b of the rib.

In this example, the upper bearing cap 14 is provided with the annular ribs 40 previously described in the second example. Here, the ribs 40 extend axially towards the seal 42 , ie the heel 42a of the seal, and remain spaced from the seal. Optionally, the ribs 40 may be brought into frictional contact with the seal 42 .

In the illustrated example, the outer seal 19 is secured to the lower support cap 16 . Optionally, the outer seal 19 may be secured to the lower ring 22 of the rolling bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the ring and the seal. For example, a radial interference fit may be provided between the seal and the free top of the lower ring 22 . In this variation, the outer seal 19 remains radially spaced from the lower support cap 16 .

In the example shown, the outer seal 19 is secured to the lower support cap 16 . Optionally, the outer seal 19 can be secured to the upper bearing cap 14. In this case the seal 19 is also secured by means of a radial interference fit therebetween. In another variant, the outer seal 19 may be secured to the upper ring 20 of the rolling bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the ring and the seal. Such an arrangement can be foreseen, for example, when the upper ring of the bearing is wider than the lower ring.

In the illustrated example, the device comprises only an outer seal 19 arranged radially between the rolling bearing 18 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. Optionally, the device may further comprise an inner seal arranged radially between the rolling bearing 18 and the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap. The inner seal may be secured to the lower support cap by a radial interference fit between the cap and the inner seal. Optionally, the inner seal may be secured to the upper bearing cap by a radial interference fit between the cap and the inner seal. In another variation, the inner seal may be secured to the upper ring or the lower ring by means of a radial interference fit between the ring and the inner seal.

In the illustrated example, the thrust bearing arrangement comprises an angular contact rolling bearing provided with a row of balls. The thrust bearing arrangement may comprise other types of rolling bearings, for example bearings with four point contacts and/or bearings with at least two rows of balls. The rolling bearings of the device may include other types of rolling elements such as rollers. In another variant, the bearing of the device may also be a sliding bearing without rolling elements.

Claims (10)

A lower support cap (16), an upper bearing cap (14) and at least an upper ring (20) arranged between the caps and in contact with the upper bearing cap (14) and a lower ring (22) in contact with the lower support cap (16) A suspension thrust bearing arrangement comprising one or more bearings (18) provided, the upper bearing cap (14) comprising an outer skirt (14c) radially surrounding the lower support cap (16),
wherein the device further comprises an outer seal (19; 42) positioned at least partially in a radial direction between the bearing (18) of the upper bearing cap and the outer skirt (14c);
The outer seal 19; 42 is secured to one of the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14 by a radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal, or the outer seal 19; 42 is Suspension thrust bearing arrangement, characterized in that it is secured to one of the lower and upper rings (22, 20) by means of a radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal. 2. Suspension thrust bearing arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer seal (19; 42) is provided with an annular heel (19a; 42a) fixed to the cap (16) or to the ring of the bearing. 3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer diameter of the heel (19a) of the free state outer seal is greater than the inner diameter of the mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to form a radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal. Suspension thrust bearing device. 3. The cap according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner diameter of the heel (42a) of the free state outer seal is less than the outer diameter of the mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to form a radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal. Suspension thrust bearing device with Suspension thrust according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heel (42a) of the seal is provided with a frusto-conical part (44) fixed to the cap (16) or the ring of the bearing. bearing device. 5. The rib (38) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap (16) comprises ribs (38) extending towards the other cap (14), and the outer seal (19; 42) is secured to the ribs (38). Suspension thrust bearing device. 7. Suspension thrust bearing arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the rib (38) of the cap further comprises at least one radial hook (38a) for axially holding the outer seal (19; 42). Suspension thrust bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer seal (19; 42) is provided with at least one sealing lip (19b; 42b) extending towards the other cap (14). 6. A cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the other cap (14) extends axially towards the cap or towards the outer seal (19; 42) while remaining axially spaced from the cap or outer seal or one or more annular ribs (40) in frictional contact with the outer seal, wherein the ribs (40) are positioned at least partially radially between the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cap and the outer seal (19; 42) Features a suspension thrust bearing device. 8. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inner seal positioned at least partially in a radial direction between the bearing (18) and the inner skirt (14b) of the upper bearing cap, the inner seal being internal to the cap or other cap. It is secured to the cap 16 or the other cap 14 by a radial interference fit between the seals, or the inner seal is secured to the other ring of the bearing by a radial interference fit between the other ring and the inner seal. Suspension thrust bearing device, characterized in that it becomes.

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