Rolling-element bearing unit for wheel bearing assembly

Abstract

Disclosed are a rolling-element bearing unit and a wheel bearing assembly including rolling-element bearing unit. The rolling-element bearing unit is especially used for a wheel bearing assembly of avehicle. The rolling-element bearing unit includes a rolling-element bearing with a bearing outer ring and a bearing inner ring, wherein a bearing interior is defined between the bearing outer ring and the bearing inner ring and rolling elements are arranged in the bearing interior. The bearing inner ring has a bearing inner ring surface facing the bearing interior and axial end surfaces includingaxial ends. The rolling-element bearing unit also includes a first seal assembly, which is fixed to the bearing outer ring through a retainer and supports a seal element that seals against the bearing inner ring surface or against a slip sleeve carried by the bearing inner ring, and the first seal assembly seals the bearing interior. The retainer is configured to be an angle metal plate element having an axially extending annular leg and a radially inwardly extending annular flange, the radially inwardly extending annular flange extending beyond the bearing inner ring surface.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing unit according to the preamble of aspect 1 of the present invention, in particular a wheel bearing assembly for a vehicle, and to a wheel bearing assembly comprising the rolling bearing unit. Background technique [0002] Wheel bearing assemblies, in particular wheel bearing assemblies for commercial vehicles, generally comprise two axially adjacent rolling bearings, each rolling bearing comprising a bearing outer ring and each rolling bearing comprising a bearing inner ring, the rolling elements being arranged between the bearing outer ring and the bearing between circles. During installation in wheel bearings, the bearing outer ring and the bearing inner ring including the roller rows are assembled and lubricated separately. In order to provide simplified mounting of the wheel bearing assembly, it is also known to provide rolling bearings as preassembled bearing units. However, there is a problemat...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the disadvantage here is that the retaining element has to be removed again before the rolling bearing unit can be installed in the wheel bearing, with the result that production times and manufacturing costs are increased

[0004] In addition, the retaining elements are not protected against the ingress of dirt, with the result that dirt can get into the rolling bearing during transport or installation

There is also the problem that, even with such pre-assembled bearings, greasing of the bearing must take place during installation, because although the retaining elements hold the bearing rings in their intended position, the retaining elements do not Does not ensure lubricant remains in the bearing

Thus it is possible for a bearing to be lubricated with an "incorrect" lubricant during installation, which reduces the service life of the bearing

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