Wheel bearing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel bearing arrangement, comprising a hub (10), a wheel bearing (20) arranged on the hub (10), a wheel carrier (30) to which the wheel bearing (20) is fixed by means of a wheel bearing outer ring (21), comprising a synchronous universal joint (40) which is axially clamped to the hub (10) by means of a planar tooth meshing device, and comprising a sealing ring (50) which surrounds and seals the planar tooth meshing device on the radially outer side. A sealing ring is pre-assembled on the constant velocity joint and engages with the hub outside the force flow of the wheel bearing in the assembled state of the wheel bearing arrangement, the sealing ring providing a contactless pre-seal for the wheel bearing while interacting with the wheel carrier.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel bearing assembly, comprising a wheel hub, a wheel bearing disposed on the wheel hub, a wheel frame fixed thereon by the wheel bearing via an outer ring, a constant velocity universal joint axially clamped to the wheel hub by a planar tooth meshing device, and a sealing ring surrounding and sealing the planar tooth meshing device on the radially outer side.

[0002] In wheel bearing assemblies of driven axles, axially supported planar gear couplings are increasingly used as backlash-free torque transmission connections between the drive universal joint and the wheel hub. Especially when transmitting high torques, particularly in electrically driven motor vehicles, the use of such axially supported planar gear couplings (sometimes also called Hirth couplings or face couplings) offers advantages over conventional longitudinally mating gear couplings because torque transmission is well guaranteed even under high varying torques, without relative motion (which could be caused by the torsional elasticity of the longitudinal mating teeth) and without ping noise.

[0003] To ensure torque transmission, the planar gear meshing device must be clamped with high axial force. Therefore, the two meshing planar teeth are subjected to high material stress and must be protected against corrosion accordingly.

[0004] A general-purpose wheel bearing assembly of the type mentioned at the beginning is known from DE 10 201 5 211 455 B4. Specifically, DE 10 201 5 211 455 B4 proposes a spacer element arranged between a wheel bearing and a drive shaft. This spacer element has contact plates for a radially sealing planar toothed engagement device in the assembled state, and a sealing section extending radially that interacts with the outer ring of the wheel bearing as its pre-seal. During assembly, the spacer element and the inner ring of the wheel bearing are axially pushed together and axially clamped between the hub and the universal joint. In other words, the axial force of the wheel bearing is supported by the spacer element, and therefore it must be correspondingly reinforced. The sealing function is correspondingly expensive.

[0005] Further sealing concepts for wheel bearing assemblies that transmit torque via planar gear meshing are known from WO 2010 / 018041 A1 and WO 2006 / 111146 A2.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an alternative sealing solution for wheel bearing devices of the type mentioned at the beginning.

[0007] This task is solved by a wheel bearing assembly having the features of claim 1. A key feature of the wheel bearing assembly according to the invention is that a sealing ring is pre-assembled on a constant velocity universal joint, and in the assembled state of the wheel bearing assembly, the sealing ring engages with the wheel hub outside the force flow of the wheel bearing, wherein the sealing ring, in conjunction with the wheel frame, provides a contactless pre-seal for the wheel bearing.

[0008] Compared to DE 10 201 5 211 455 B4, in the solution according to the invention, the sealing ring is no longer in the flow of lateral forces acting on the wheel bearing, but is instead supported, for example, on the end wall of the hub. This means the sealing ring can be manufactured quite inexpensively, for example, from plastic. This serves both the sealing function associated with planar gear meshing, preventing the penetration of water and dirt, and the function of a non-contact pre-sealing of the wheel bearing, thereby preventing water and dirt from penetrating into the actual wheel bearing seal. By providing a pre-sealing element, the actual wheel bearing seal can be made simpler and with less friction.

[0009] Specific embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the other claims.

[0010] For example, the sealing ring may have a sleeve-shaped first sealing section for radial sealing of a planar gear meshing device and a sleeve-shaped second sealing section for providing a pre-seal, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section being connected to the first sealing section via radial tabs. In this way, a relatively complex labyrinth can be formed, suitable for strongly inhibiting the passage of water and dirt.

[0011] In a particular embodiment of the invention, a radial tab may be connected to the axial end portion of a sleeve-shaped first sealing section.

[0012] In particular, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section and the connecting piece can form a sealing labyrinth together with the protrusion located on the wheel carrier. This sealing labyrinth, from the outside to the inside of the pre-seal, includes at least two directional variations in its longitudinal section. This is also suitable for strongly inhibiting the passage of water and dirt and their subsequent penetration into the actual wheel bearing seal.

[0013] In another specific embodiment of the invention, the sleeve-shaped first sealing section, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section, and the connecting piece can form a longitudinal section, such as a C-shaped longitudinal section profile, thereby forming an annular groove. The corresponding longitudinal section profile on the wheel frame engages in the annular groove, forming a gap between the sleeve-shaped first sealing section, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section, and the connecting piece on the one hand, and forming a sealing labyrinth between the corresponding longitudinal section profiles on the wheel frame on the other hand.

[0014] The corresponding longitudinal section profile on the wheel frame may have at least one annular groove corresponding to the profile on the sealing ring, so as to form a long, multi-angled labyrinth route for sealing purposes.

[0015] The above-mentioned task is also achieved by the wheel bearing assembly according to claim 8, which includes: a hub, a wheel bearing disposed on the hub, a wheel carrier, the wheel bearing being fixed to the wheel carrier by an outer ring of the wheel bearing, a synchronizing universal joint, the synchronizing universal joint being axially clamped to the hub by a planar gear meshing device, and a sealing ring, the sealing ring surrounding and sealing the planar gear meshing device radially outward. The wheel bearing assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the sealing ring has a sleeve-shaped first sealing section for radially sealing the planar gear meshing device and a sleeve-shaped second sealing section for providing a non-contact pre-seal for the wheel bearing, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section being connected to the first sealing section by a radial tab, the wheel carrier having an annular groove, and a gap being formed between the sleeve-shaped first sealing section, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section, and the tab and the annular groove on the wheel carrier as a labyrinth seal. Compared to DE 10 201 5 211 455 B4, this enables a significant improvement in sealing performance, especially for pre-seals used in wheel bearings, at a significantly lower cost. The improved pre-sealing effect also makes it possible to use wheel bearing seals with particularly low friction on wheel bearings.

[0016] In particular, the sealing ring can also be made of plastic, which results in greater freedom in terms of shape, which in turn allows for, for example, more complex and therefore more efficient sealing gaps than those in DE 10 201 5 211 455 B4.

[0017] According to another specific embodiment of the invention, the sealing ring may have a sleeve-shaped third sealing section that projectes axially from the second sealing section in the direction of the constant velocity joint and seals against the sealing element of the constant velocity joint. This allows for complete coverage of the exterior of the constant velocity joint without the need for any painting to ensure a rust-free appearance. Thus, the cover formed by the sealing ring and the sealing element of the constant velocity joint extends continuously from the wheel bearing pre-seal to the wheel-side opening of the constant velocity joint of the associated drive shaft.

[0018] In a variation of this, according to another specific embodiment of the invention, the sealing ring may have a sleeve-shaped third sealing section that protrudes axially from the second sealing section toward the constant velocity joint and forms an annular gap with the sealing element of the constant velocity joint, allowing incoming water to be removed under centrifugal force. Once the constant velocity joint begins to rotate, the annular gap intentionally provided in this way allows water to be forced out.

[0019] This annular gap is preferably only 1 to 3 mm wide, which ensures basic coverage. In most applications, this is primarily to ensure the exterior does not rust.

[0020] The sealing element of a constant velocity joint (CV joint) can be, in particular, a bellows, a rolling sleeve, and / or a sheet metal cap. This sealing element seals the CV joint on its open side, preventing grease leakage and dirt infiltration. The sheet metal cap is typically pressed or crimped onto the outer diameter of the CV joint. The bellows and rolling sleeve can be secured to the outer diameter of the CV joint, for example, using hose clamps.

[0021] According to another specific embodiment of the invention, the third sealing section may extend radially outward beyond the furthest radially outward extent of the annular groove used to engage with the sleeve-shaped second sealing section. This allows for further improvements in pre-sealing.

[0022] According to another specific embodiment of the invention, the planar tooth engagement device has a first planar tooth on the hub and a second planar tooth on the constant velocity universal joint, which mesh with each other, and a clamping device by which the first and second planar teeth are axially clamped together in the tensioned state of the clamping device. Furthermore, a sealing ring provides assembly protection in the untensioned state of the clamping device, by which the first and second planar teeth remain loosely engaged with each other, such that the axial clearance is less than the tooth height of the first and second planar teeth. This makes the assembly of the wheel bearing assembly easier. In particular, it allows for easy separation of the assembly steps, i.e., aligning the parts to be engaged while ensuring that tooth-to-tooth assembly is excluded, and clamping without problems on the other hand. This simplifies handling. All functions—the sealing of the planar tooth engagement device, the pre-sealing of the wheel bearing, and the assembly aids—are integrated into a single component, which can still be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

[0023] In another specific embodiment of the invention, the sealing ring is fixed to one of the constant velocity joint and the hub, and coupled to the other of the constant velocity joint and the hub via a locking mechanism. This allows the sealing ring to be pre-assembled onto one of the components to be joined together. For example, the sealing ring can be firmly pressed, bonded, or otherwise secured to one of the two components, while it is visibly locked to the other component during assembly, and in this respect, allows the components to be pre-fixed to each other before the planar gear meshing device is actually clamped.

[0024] The implementation of the invention will now be explained in more detail using embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0025] Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a variation of the embodiment, showing the pre-assembly position (left) and the final assembly position (right) of the components to be joined together, including a planar tooth meshing device for axial clamping.

[0032] Figure 8 A longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment variant of the sealing ring is shown.

[0034] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a second embodiment variant of the sealing ring is shown, and...

[0035] Figure 11 An exploded view of a wheel bearing assembly is shown, comprising a wheel frame, a constant velocity universal joint, and a wheel hub with wheel bearings, which can be connected to each other via an axially supported planar gear meshing device.

[0036] The different wheel bearing device embodiments described in detail below include a wheel hub 10, a wheel bearing 20 arranged on the wheel hub 10, a wheel frame 30, and a constant velocity universal joint 40 for the drive shaft. The wheel bearing 20 is fixed to the wheel frame by a wheel bearing outer ring 21. The constant velocity universal joint is axially clamped to the wheel hub 10 by a planar gear meshing device 11 / 41 for transmitting torque, which will be described in detail below.

[0037] In addition, each wheel bearing assembly includes a sealing ring 50 that surrounds and seals the planar tooth engagement device radially outward. The sealing ring 50 is pre-assembled on the constant velocity universal joint 40 and engages with the wheel hub 10 outside the force flow of the wheel bearing 20 in the assembled state of the wheel bearing assembly.

[0038] Meanwhile, the sealing ring 50 cooperates with the wheel frame 30 to form a non-contact pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20, preventing water and dirt from penetrating into the wheel bearing 20.

[0039] For example, the sealing ring 50 may have an end face 51 that is pressed against the opposite end wall 12 of the hub 10 in the assembled state.

[0040] Additional dedicated wheel bearing seals 24 and 25 can be provided on the wheel bearings 20, particularly on their rolling bearings 22 and 23 (which rotatably support the outer ring 21 of the wheel bearing relative to the hub 10), to externally seal the rolling bearings 22 and 23. The non-contact pre-seal provided by the sealing ring 50 is arranged at a distance from the rolling bearings 22 and 23 and is located between the constant velocity universal joint 40 and the wheel carrier 30. Due to the pre-sealing of the sealing ring 50, the dedicated wheel bearing seals 24 and 25 can be designed to have particularly low friction.

[0041] Rolling bearings 22 and 23 can be designed as complete bearings, each with its own inner bearing ring and its own outer bearing ring, as well as rolling elements arranged between them. However, individual bearing rings can also be integrated into a common wheel bearing outer ring 21 and / or wheel hub 10.

[0042] exist Figure 1 For example, the outer rings of rolling bearings 22 and 23 are combined to form a common wheel bearing outer ring 21, which also forms a support and fixing structure 26 for connection to the wheel carrier 30.

[0043] For in Figure 1 The rolling bearing 22, located on the left side and therefore away from the constant velocity joint, has its inner ring integrated into the hub 10, while, for example, for in Figure 1 The rolling bearing 23 on the right side, and therefore close to the constant velocity universal joint, has an inner ring 29 implemented as a separate component. This inner ring 29 can also be understood below as an assembly or segment of the hub 10. In this respect, depending on the design of the inner ring, the aforementioned sealing ring 50 can also be supported on the end wall 12 of this inner ring 29, in which case the end wall serves as part of the hub 10.

[0044] If they exist as separate bearing rings, they are axially fixed and supported on the corresponding wheel bearing outer ring 21 or hub 10 by suitable axial fixing devices (e.g., contact shoulders, axial retaining rings, receiving grooves, etc.). The bearing inner ring 29 can be fixed to the hub 10, for example, by forming the end of the hub 10. This can be done, for example, by oscillating forging or oscillating pressing. Therefore, the sealing ring 50 does not need to absorb axial bearing forces. Since it does not have a supporting function, the sealing ring 50 has a great deal of design freedom. This also makes more complex shapes possible. In particular, the sealing ring 50 can be made of plastic, for example, in a cost-effective manner.

[0045] Additionally, this allows for the integration of a wheel speed sensor, with its transmitter arranged as a ring within the wheel bearing seal 25. An associated receiver can be arranged, for example, axially between the wheel bearing seal 25 and the sealing ring 50, while the associated sensor housing (of other components of the wheel speed sensor) can be located in a recess or hole on the wheel carrier 30.

[0046] In addition to providing a pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20, the sealing ring 50 also serves to surround and seal the aforementioned planar gear meshing device 11 / 41 radially outward, thereby protecting it from corrosion. For this purpose, the sealing ring 50 can be clamped, for example, axially between the hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40. However, the sealing ring 50 can also be secured to the aforementioned components in other ways, such as by locking, pressing, bonding, etc.

[0047] The planar tooth meshing device 11 / 41 forms the interface between the constant velocity universal joint 40 and the hub 10. For this purpose, planar teeth 11 or 41 are formed on the opposite end walls of the constant velocity universal joint 40 and the hub 10. The teeth of these two planar teeth 11 and 41 mesh with each other. In the present context, a planar tooth is understood to refer to a radial tooth structure on the end side of a component that can be connected to a corresponding radial tooth structure on the end side of another component for torque transmission purposes. The tooth meshing is backlash-free and suitable for transmitting high torque. This planar tooth meshing device is sometimes also called a Hertzian meshing device or an end-face meshing device.

[0048] A clamping device 60, preferably in the form of a clamping bolt, is used to keep two planar teeth 11 and 41 on the hub 10 and the constant velocity universal joint 40 axially engaged with each other in the clamped state.

[0049] The clamping device 60 preferably extends centrally through the two planar teeth 11 and 41. Specifically, the clamping device 60 or clamping bolt can be supported on the hub 10 with the head 61 and screwed to the constant velocity universal joint 40 via the thread 62. Reverse installation is also possible.

[0050] Figure 1A first embodiment is shown, wherein the sealing ring 50 has a sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 that radially surrounds the planar gear engagement device 11 / 41 in a sleeve manner and is disposed on, for example, the corresponding outer peripheral sections of the hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40. A first end face 52 of the sealing ring 50 is supported on the end wall 12 of the hub 10, here on the inner ring 29 of the right rolling bearing 23, and an opposing second end face 53 is supported on the shoulder 42 of the constant velocity joint 40. The sealing function of the planar gear engagement device 11 / 41 can be performed on the end faces 52, 53 and / or the outer peripheral sections of the hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40. If the sealing occurs on the outer peripheral sections of the hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40, the axial support of the end faces 52 and / or 53 can be optionally omitted.

[0051] A circumferential tab 54 protrudes radially from the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51. This tab 54 forms a narrow gap with a corresponding wall portion on the wheel carrier 30, which inhibits the ingress of water and dirt and thus serves as a pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20 or its wheel bearing seal 25.

[0052] In particular, for this purpose, a radially inward protrusion 31 can be formed on the wheel carrier 30, which has an axial annular wall 32 parallel to the connecting piece 54. According to... Figure 1 In the longitudinal profile of the sealing ring 50, this results in a clearance path extending radially to the axis of rotation A of the hub 10, which is significantly larger than the axial clearance path on the outside of the seal between the radial outer edge 55 of the tab 54 and the wheel frame 30.

[0053] An additional axial clearance path on the inner side of the seal can be provided between the radial inner edge 33 of the protrusion 31 and the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 or optionally the step 56 disposed thereon, such as Figure 1 As shown.

[0054] Since the protrusion 31 is located on the wheel frame 30, the protrusion 31 can be designed relatively freely. In particular, the protrusion 31 can be integrally formed with the wheel frame 30. However, a corresponding ring for the protrusion 31 can also be fixed to the wheel frame 30 to form even more complex sealing gap structures or labyrinths if necessary.

[0055] Figure 2 An example of an alternative labyrinth shape for the pre-sealing gap is shown. In this case, in addition to the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 for the radial sealing planar tooth engagement device 11 / 41, the sealing ring 50 also has a sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57 for providing a pre-seal, which is connected to the first sealing section 52 via a radial tab 54.

[0056] The sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 can be designed with or without a step 56, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0057] In particular, the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57, and the connecting piece 54 can form a generally C-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional profile in the longitudinal section, such that the annular groove 58 is formed on the sealing ring 50 around the axis of rotation A, and the corresponding longitudinal cross-sectional profile on the wheel carrier 30 engages in the annular groove. Here, especially in Figure 2 As shown, a gap is formed between the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57, and the connecting piece 54 and the corresponding longitudinal section profile on the wheel frame 30, forming a complex sealing labyrinth. This gap provides strong protection against the intrusion of water and dirt within the pre-sealed area.

[0058] The corresponding longitudinal cross-sectional profile on the wheel carrier 30 may also have at least one annular groove 34, for example, on the protrusion 31. The annular grooves 58 and 34 on the sealing ring 50 and the wheel carrier 30 can engage with each other to achieve the longest possible clearance path on the pre-seal within a compact space. Figure 2 In this design, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57 extends axially into the annular groove 34 on the wheel carrier 30. Similarly, the inner edge 35 of the annular groove 34 extends axially into the annular groove 58 on the sealing ring 50. This principle can be extended by connecting multiple annular grooves in series.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the radial tab 54 may preferably be adjacent to the axial end portion of the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, preferably on the side of the constant velocity universal joint.

[0060] Preferably, the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 and the second sealing section 57 extend axially from the tab 54 in the same direction.

[0061] The sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57 and the connecting piece 54, along with possibly the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, together with the protrusion 31 located on the wheel frame 30, form a sealing labyrinth whose route from the outside to the inside of the pre-sealed part has at least two directional changes in the longitudinal section, especially three or four directional changes, in order to significantly inhibit the ingress of water and dirt.

[0062] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a variation of the embodiment, the sealing ring 50 can also be installed by rotating it axially by 180°. Then in... Figure 2 In the middle, the annular groove 58 does not open toward the constant velocity universal joint 40, but opens toward the hub 10.

[0063] Alternatively, instead of pre-assembling the sealing ring 50 onto the constant velocity joint 40, the sealing ring 50 can be pre-assembled onto the wheel hub 10 so that it can then engage with the constant velocity joint 40 when assembling the wheel bearing assembly.

[0064] Another wheel bearing assembly according to the invention includes at least a hub 10, a wheel bearing 20 disposed on the hub 10, a wheel carrier 30 fixed thereon to the wheel bearing 20 by a wheel bearing outer ring 21, a constant velocity universal joint 40 axially clamped to the hub 10 by a planar tooth engagement device 11 / 41, and a sealing ring 50 that surrounds and seals the planar tooth engagement device 11 / 41 radially outward. This other wheel bearing assembly is designed in a manner similar to... Figure 2 The sealing ring 50 has a sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 for radial sealing of the planar gear meshing device 11 / 41 and a sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57 for providing a contactless pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20. The sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57 is connected to the first sealing section 51 via a radial tab 54. Furthermore, the wheel carrier 30 has an annular groove 34, wherein a gap, serving as a sealing labyrinth, is formed between the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, the sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57, and the tab 54 on one side and the annular groove 34 on the other side of the wheel carrier 30. Due to the longer gap path through the sealing labyrinth, the pre-sealing effect is particularly good.

[0065] The above embodiment can be modified relative to the sealing ring 50 so that a sleeve-shaped third sealing section 59 is additionally provided on the sealing ring 50, which protrudes axially from the second sealing section 57 along the direction of the constant velocity universal joint 40 and sealably abuts against the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity universal joint 40, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the example.

[0066] The sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40 can be, for example, a bellows 71, a rolling sleeve, or a sheet metal cover 72 with a bellows. It is used to seal the open side of the constant velocity joint 40, preventing grease from escaping or dirt from entering the constant velocity joint 40. The sheet metal cover 72 is typically pressed and crimped onto the outer periphery of the constant velocity joint 40. The bellows 71 and the rolling sleeve can be fixed to the outer periphery of the constant velocity joint 40, for example, by hose clamps, jigs, etc.

[0067] Because of the contact between the sleeve-shaped third sealing section 59 of the sealing ring 50 and the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40, the constant velocity joint 40 is completely covered outwards, thus ensuring that the appearance does not rust without the need to paint the outer surface of the constant velocity joint 40. In other words, the sealing ring 50 seals the gap between the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40 and the hub 10 in a cap-like manner.

[0068] According to Figure 5 In another embodiment, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the modification, a small annular gap 73 can be intentionally set between the sealing ring 50 and the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity universal joint 40, allowing the incoming water to be quickly discharged again. This can utilize the centrifugal force exerted when the drive shaft rotates. Figure 5 As shown, the sealing ring 50 correspondingly has a sleeve-shaped third sealing section 59, which protrudes axially from the second sealing section 57 along the direction of the constant velocity universal joint 40 and forms an annular gap 73 with the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity universal joint 40, so that the incoming water can be removed under the action of centrifugal force. The annular gap 73 preferably has a gap width of 1 to 3 mm.

[0069] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The third sealing section 59 can also be designed to extend further outward than the furthest radially outward extent of the annular groove 34 used to engage with the sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57, in order to prevent water and dirt from entering through the pre-seal.

[0070] In addition, please refer to the following: Figures 6 to 11 As explained, the sealing ring 50 can also be used as an assembly aid when assembling wheel bearing assemblies. When assembling the planar gear meshing device, care must be taken to ensure that the corresponding planar teeth 11 and 41 mesh correctly with each other, so as to prevent tooth-to-tooth assembly. This assembly aid function may be additionally provided in the embodiments explained above.

[0071] Figure 6 The sixth embodiment shows an axial clamping planar gear meshing device in the final clamping assembly position.

[0072] This includes a first planar tooth 11 on the hub 10. In this context, a planar tooth is understood as a radial tooth structure on the end face of a component that can be coupled to a corresponding radial tooth structure on the end face of another component for torque transmission purposes. The axially clamping planar tooth engagement device also includes a second planar tooth 41 on the universal joint 40. The first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 mesh with each other. Figure 6 In this case, there is no gap, making it suitable for transmitting high torque.

[0073] Furthermore, the axially clamping planar gear meshing device includes a clamping device 60, preferably in the form of a clamping bolt, by which the first planar tooth portion 11 and the second planar tooth portion 41 are axially clamped together in their clamped state. The clamping device 60 preferably extends centrally through the two planar teeth portions 11 and 41. Specifically, the clamping device 60 or the clamping bolt can be supported on the hub 20 and screwed onto the constant velocity universal joint 40. Reverse installation is also feasible.

[0074] The sealing ring 50 surrounds the first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 radially outward and seals them. The sealing ring 50 keeps the first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 loosely engaged with each other in a manner explained in more detail below. In the present case, this loosely engaged state is also considered to be a pre-assembled position, in which the hub 10 and the constant velocity universal joint 40 are already substantially aligned with each other and secured by the sealing ring 50 to prevent them from coming apart.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown on the left, in the pre-assembly position, the axial clearance x between the two planar teeth 11 and 41 is less than the height h of the teeth of the first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41. If the pre-assembly position is reached, it can be assumed that the tooth-to-tooth position of the teeth of the first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 is excluded.

[0076] In the second step, after the pre-assembly position is established, the clamping device 60 can be clamped to create a backlash-free engagement between the first planar teeth 11 and the second planar teeth 41, and accordingly reach the final assembly position. Figure 7 right side and Figure 6 As shown.

[0077] In the final assembled position, the sealing ring 50 reliably prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating from the outside into the joint between the first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41, thereby protecting the tooth mesh from corrosion.

[0078] The arrangement and design of the sealing ring 50 relative to the hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40 can be carried out in various ways, as explained in more detail below. It should be noted that the arrangement of the sealing ring 50 and any engagement structure relative to the constant velocity joint 40 as the first component and the hub 10 as the second component can also be reversed in principle.

[0079] In one embodiment variation, such as Figures 6 to 8 As illustrated in the example, the sealing ring 50 can be secured to one of the first and second components, while simultaneously being coupled to the other of the first and second components via a locking mechanism 501. This locking mechanism reliably identifies that the pre-assembly position has been reached, i.e., the tooth-to-tooth position has been excluded.

[0080] The sealing ring 50 can be secured to one of the first and second components by pressing, gluing, or otherwise, in this case, the constant velocity joint 40, which is the first component. This is preferably done before the two components (i.e., the hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40) are assembled together to reach the pre-assembled position.

[0081] For the locking mechanism 501, locking lugs 502 may be formed on the sealing ring 50, which are arranged to be distributed on its circumference and enter one or more recesses 102 on the other component or the second component after overcoming the protrusion 101 on the other component (in this case, such as the second component or the hub 10).

[0082] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of this sealing ring 50 is shown. In the present case, the sealing ring 50 has three locking lugs 502 on its inner circumferential surface 503. However, the number of locking lugs 502 can also be less or greater than the number shown. Preferably, the number is in the range of approximately 3 to 20.

[0083] Accordingly, the corresponding protrusion 101 and the corresponding recess 102 are located on the outer peripheral section of the second component. The protrusion 101 and the recess 102 can be designed as a continuous circumferential structure, such that the angular position of the sealing ring 50 in the circumferential direction during assembly is irrelevant. However, the protrusion 101 can also be provided by multiple separate protrusions and / or the recess 102 can be provided by multiple separate recesses.

[0084] However, in a variation of the illustrated embodiment, the locking lug 502 may also be arranged on the outer peripheral surface 504 of the sealing ring 50, rather than on the inner peripheral surface 503. Therefore, the protrusion 101 and recess 102 of the second component are located on its inner peripheral section.

[0085] As already mentioned, in the unclamped state of the clamping device 60, the locking lug 102 is received in the corresponding recess 102 with an axial clearance. When the locking lug 502 overcomes the protrusion 101, the overlap of the teeth of the first planar tooth portion 11 and the second planar tooth portion 41 is preferably 30% to 90% of their tooth height.

[0086] Instead of using locking lug 502, pre-fixation in the pre-assembly position can also be similar to that on the left. Figure 7 This is achieved through a sealing ring 50 with a groove cut in this area. Figure 10 An example of another embodiment variation of the sealing ring 50 is shown, which has slots at multiple points on its circumference. This makes it easier to clamp it to the outer or inner circumferential section of the second component. The slots 505 are positioned to ensure the sealing effect of the sealing ring 50. The number of slots 505 is... Figure 10 Four are shown in the figure. However, similar to locking lugs 502, their number can also be chosen to be smaller or larger. The locking lugs 502 and slots 505 are coordinated so that the connection can reliably hold the weight of the parts 10 and 40 to be joined together and the force when the clamping device 60 is attached.

[0087] For ease of assembly, especially when using a locking mechanism 501 with locking lugs 502, the sealing ring 50 may have a section 504 on which these locking lugs 502 are formed, which can be radially elastically compressed and rebounded so as to more easily overcome the locking resistance formed by the protrusions 101.

[0088] For this purpose, the chamfer formed on the locking lug 502 and / or the protrusion 102 can also serve a supporting function.

[0089] In addition, the sealing ring 50 may have a circumferential sealing surface 506, which is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface 13 on another component in the clamping state of the clamping device 60, in this case, for example, the second component or the hub 10.

[0090] The sealing surface 506 on the sealing ring 50 can be formed from its front wall portion, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0091] In particular, as according to Figure 8 In another embodiment, the circumferential sealing surface 506 on the sealing ring 50 and the corresponding sealing surface 13 on another component may be conical.

[0092] Of course, the corresponding conical sealing surfaces 506 and 13 can also be provided in other embodiments and in variations of embodiments not shown. For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The chamfer of the protrusion 101 can be used as a contact surface for a corresponding inclined sealing surface that is also provided on the ring side.

[0093] The sealing ring 50 can be made entirely of plastic. This avoids the risk of irritation to the sealing lip.

[0094] The above explanation Figures 6 to 10 The sealing ring 50 also serves as an assembly aid for positioning the components 10 and 40 to be joined while avoiding tooth-to-tooth positioning. The connection to the pre-assembled position can be performed in the first step or work cycle. In this embodiment variant, when the clamping device 60 is subsequently installed and clamped in the second step or work cycle, the second component does not require an additional retaining device. The axial force applied during tensioning is on the order of approximately 80 kN or greater.

[0095] In one embodiment variation, the retaining force of the sealing ring 50 can be designed as an assembly aid, such that the clamping force of the clamping device 60 causes axial displacement to the final position.

[0096] As described above, the aforementioned axially clamping planar gear meshing device can be used to connect the constant velocity universal joint 40 to the wheel hub 10, which includes the wheel bearing 20, such as when using Figure 11An example of an exploded view is shown. Here, the first component is a constant velocity joint 40, the second component is a wheel hub 10 with a wheel bearing 20, and the sealing ring 50 is fixed to the first component and to the second component or in the area of ​​the groove 505 via a locking lug 502. However, the sealing ring 50 can also be installed in the opposite manner, that is, fixed to the second component or the wheel hub 10 with the wheel bearing 20, and the area with the locking lug 502 or the groove 505 is connected to the first component or the constant velocity joint 40. Then, corresponding recesses and protrusions must be similarly provided on the first component or the constant velocity joint 40.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, the clamping device 60 can be formed by a clamping bolt that passes centrally through the first planar tooth 41 on the constant velocity universal joint 40 and the second planar tooth 11 on the hub 10, so as to axially clamp the relevant components together.

[0098] Furthermore, the head 61 of the clamping bolt 60 can be supported on the hub 10, and the threaded portion 62 of the clamping bolt 60 is screwed into the threaded opening 43 on the constant velocity universal joint 40, preferably into its universal joint bell-shaped part.

[0099] The sealing ring 50, configured as an assembly auxiliary component, sealing device, and wheel bearing pre-seal, is fixed to the outer peripheral section of the constant velocity universal joint 40. For example... Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the sealing ring 50 is connected to a corresponding structure on the hub 10 and / or the wheel bearing 20, in this case, in particular the bearing inner ring 29.

[0100] Figure 6 An example of a variation is shown, wherein the aforementioned protrusion 101 and recess 102 are formed on the inner ring 29 of the wheel bearing 20. In particular, the sealing ring 50 can lock and seal the inner ring 29.

[0101] exist Figure 6 In this assembly, the corresponding sealing surface of the sealing ring 50 is supported on the corresponding wall portion of the bearing inner ring 29. In particular, the sealing surface can be pressed against the corresponding wall portion of the bearing inner ring 29 during assembly to improve the sealing effect.

[0102] In this variation, such as Figure 7 As shown in the example, the sealing ring 50 can be axially pressed against a portion of the wheel bearing seal 25 of the wheel bearing 20 and seal against that portion when the clamping bolt 60 is engaged. In this case, the portion of the wheel bearing seal 25 on which the sealing ring 50 is supported is fixedly arranged on the inner ring 29 of the wheel bearing 20, or possibly fixedly arranged on the hub 10, so as to avoid relative movement between the portion of the wheel bearing seal 25 and the sealing ring 50 during operation.

[0103] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, regardless of the presence or absence of the inner bearing ring 29 of the wheel bearing 20, a corresponding structure can be formed for directly connecting the sealing ring 50 to the wheel hub 10. According to... Figure 6 In a variant of the embodiment, the protrusion 101, the recess 102, and the sealing surface 13 are formed directly on the second component forming the hub 10.

[0104] Finally, a brief description will be given of possible methods for engaging wheel bearing devices of the types described above.

[0105] During assembly, the sealing ring 50 can be first secured to the first component or the constant velocity joint 40. Therefore, the first component 10 or the constant velocity joint 40 is already provided to the engagement process with the sealing ring 50 attached.

[0106] In addition, the wheel bearing 20 is mounted on the wheel hub 10 and is connected to the wheel frame 30.

[0107] In another step of the joining process, the constant velocity joint 40 and the hub 10 are loosely assembled to the wheel bearing 20 using a sealing ring 50. The first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 partially mesh, such that their teeth overlap but have not yet reached the zero-backlash position. In this pre-assembled position, the hub 10 is fixed relative to the constant velocity joint 40, so that the two components can no longer be easily separated from each other, but at the same time, their planar teeth 11 and 41 cannot overlap each other in a tooth-to-tooth position. This process step is easy to handle.

[0108] In the subsequent steps, the first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 are clamped together using clamping bolts 60. Since the hub 10 is already pre-fixed relative to the constant velocity universal joint 40, no additional retaining device is needed when installing and tightening the clamping bolts 60. The first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 abut against each other without gaps via a threaded connection. The appropriate tension is selected according to the torque to be transmitted. This process step is also easy to handle. When the assembly position is reached, the sealing ring 50 seals the engagement of the first planar tooth 11 and the second planar tooth 41 radially outward, thus transforming from an assembly aid into a sealing device. Simultaneously, the sealing ring 50 engages with the wheel frame 30, providing a pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20.

[0109] Alternatively, they can be combined. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description of the constant velocity universal joint package, and, if necessary, can be based on... Figure 5 Provide targeted drainage structures.

[0110] The axially clamped planar gear meshing device can be disassembled, especially non-destructively. This is advantageous in customer service situations.

[0111] For this purpose, for example, the locking mechanism 501 can be designed so that the locking lug 502 can be released by a large axial force or bending moment. For this purpose, a suitable contact bevel or chamfer can be provided.

[0112] Similarly, when using slot 505 for clamping, the clamping force can be adjusted so that it can be released while overcoming the clamping force.

[0113] For example, in a customer service setting, disassembly can be easily performed as follows. For this purpose, first slightly loosen the clamping device 60, preferably in such a way that the planar teeth 11 and 41 are partially engaged. For this, the clamping bolt can be loosened, for example, by about 3 to 9 mm (corresponding to 2 to 6 turns in the case of a 1.5 mm pitch). Strike the head 61 of the clamping bolt with a hammer until the sealing ring 50 is released in the area of ​​the locking mechanism 501 or the groove 505. The constant velocity universal joint 40 is prevented from falling off by the clamping bolt, which is not yet fully loosened. After loosening the sealing ring 40, the clamping device 60 or the clamping bolt can be completely loosened.

[0114] The invention has been explained in more detail above using embodiments and further variations. In particular, the individual technical features explained above in the context of other individual features may be implemented independently of these individual features and in combination with other individual features, even if not explicitly described, provided that this is technically possible. Therefore, the invention is obviously not limited to the described embodiments and variations, but includes all schemes defined by the patent claims.

[0115] List of reference numerals

[0116] 10-inch wheels

[0117] 11 First Plane Tooth Section

[0118] 12 end wall

[0119] 13 Sealing surface

[0120] 20 Wheel bearings

[0121] 21 Wheel bearing outer ring

[0122] 22 Rolling bearings

[0123] 23 Rolling bearings

[0124] 24 Wheel bearing seals

[0125] 25 Wheel bearing seals

[0126] 26. Supporting and fixing structures

[0127] 29. Bearing inner ring

[0128] 201 Protrusion

[0129] 202 concave part

[0130] 30-wheel frame

[0131] 31. Protrusion

[0132] 32 Axial ring wall

[0133] 33. Inner edge of the protrusion

[0134] 34. Annular groove of the protrusion

[0135] 35. Inner edge of the annular groove

[0136] 40 constant velocity universal joint

[0137] 41 Second plane teeth

[0138] 42. Shoulder area

[0139] 43 Threaded opening

[0140] 50 sealing ring

[0141] 51. Sleeve-shaped first sealing section

[0142] 52 end face

[0143] 53 End face

[0144] 54 Pier

[0145] 55 Outer edge

[0146] 56 steps

[0147] 57. Sleeve-shaped second sealing section

[0148] 58. Annular groove on the sealing ring

[0149] 59. Sleeve-shaped third sealing section

[0150] 60 Clamping device

[0151] 61 Head

[0152] 62 Thread / Threaded Section

[0153] Sealing element of 70 constant velocity universal joint

[0154] 71 Corrugated Pipe

[0155] 72 Sheet metal cover

[0156] 101 protrusions

[0157] 102 recess

[0158] 501 Card Lock Mechanism

[0159] 502 locking lug

[0160] 503 inner circumferential surface

[0161] 504 outer periphery

[0162] 505 slot

[0163] 506 sealing surface

[0164] Section 507

[0165] h tooth height

[0166] x-axis clearance

[0167] A-axis

Claims

1. A wheel bearing assembly, comprising: Wheel hub (10) Wheel bearing (20) is mounted on the wheel hub (10). The wheel frame (30) and the wheel bearing (20) are fixed to the wheel frame by the outer ring (21) of the wheel bearing. A constant velocity universal joint (40) is clamped axially with the hub (10) via a planar tooth meshing device, and A sealing ring (50) surrounds and seals the planar tooth meshing device on its radially outer side. Its features are, The sealing ring (50) is pre-installed on the constant velocity universal joint (40) and engages with the wheel hub (10) outside the force flow of the wheel bearing (20) in the assembled state of the wheel bearing assembly, wherein the sealing ring (50) and the wheel frame (30) work together to provide a non-contact pre-seal for the wheel bearing (20).

2. The wheel bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing ring (50) has a sleeve-shaped first sealing section (51) for radially sealing the planar tooth meshing device and a sleeve-shaped second sealing section (57) for providing a pre-seal, wherein the sleeve-shaped second sealing section (57) is connected to the first sealing section (51) by a radial tab (54).

3. The wheel bearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radial connector (54) is connected to the axial end of the sleeve-shaped first sealing section (51).

4. The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sleeve-shaped second sealing section (57) and the connecting piece (54), together with the protrusion (31) located on the wheel frame (30), form a sealing labyrinth whose route from the outside to the inside of the pre-sealed member in the longitudinal cross-sectional plane includes at least two directional changes.

5. The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sleeve-shaped first sealing part (51), the sleeve-shaped second sealing part (57) and the connecting piece (54) form a C-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional profile in the longitudinal cross-sectional plane, thereby forming an annular groove (58). The corresponding longitudinal cross-sectional profile on the wheel frame (30) is engaged in the annular groove, wherein a gap is formed between the sleeve-shaped first sealing part (51), the sleeve-shaped second sealing part (57) and the connecting piece (54) on one side and the corresponding longitudinal cross-sectional profile on the wheel frame (30) on the other side to serve as a sealing labyrinth.

6. The wheel bearing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The corresponding longitudinal section profile on the wheel frame (30) has at least one annular groove (34).

7. The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The sealing ring (50) has an end face (52) which is pressed against the opposite end wall (12) of the wheel hub (10) in the assembled state of the wheel bearing assembly.

8. A wheel bearing assembly, comprising: Wheel hub (10) Wheel bearing (20) is mounted on the wheel hub (10). The wheel frame (30) and the wheel bearing (20) are fixed to the wheel frame by the outer ring (21) of the wheel bearing. The constant velocity universal joint (40) is axially clamped to the hub (20) by a planar tooth meshing device, and A sealing ring (50) surrounds and seals the planar tooth meshing device on its radially outer side. Its features are, The sealing ring (50) has a sleeve-shaped first sealing section (51) for radially sealing the planar gear meshing device and a sleeve-shaped second sealing section (57) for providing a contactless pre-sealing for the wheel bearing (20), wherein the sleeve-shaped second sealing section (57) is connected to the first sealing section (51) by a radial tab (54), and The wheel frame (30) has an annular groove (34) in which a gap is formed between the sleeve-shaped first sealing part (51), the sleeve-shaped second sealing part segment (57) and the connecting piece (54) on one side and the corresponding longitudinal cross-sectional profile on the wheel frame (30) on the other side to serve as a sealing labyrinth.

9. The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The sealing ring (50) has a sleeve-shaped third sealing section (59) that protrudes axially from the second sealing section (57) along the direction of the constant velocity universal joint (40) and abuts against the sealing element (70) of the constant velocity universal joint (40) in a sealing manner.

10. The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The sealing ring (50) has a sleeve-shaped third sealing section (59) that protrudes axially from the second sealing section (57) toward the constant velocity universal joint (40) and forms an annular gap (73) with the sealing element (70) of the constant velocity universal joint (72) so that the incoming water can be discharged under centrifugal force.

11. The wheel bearing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The annular gap (73) has a gap width of 1 to 3 mm.

12. The wheel bearing assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The sealing element (70) of the constant velocity universal joint has a bellows (71), a rolling sleeve and / or a sheet metal cover (72).

13. The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The third sealing section (59) extends further outward in the radial direction than the furthest radial extension of the annular groove (34), which is used to engage with the sleeve-shaped second sealing section (57).

14. The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The planar tooth meshing device includes a first planar tooth (11) on the hub (10) and a second planar tooth (41) on the constant velocity universal joint (40), which mesh with each other, and includes a clamping device (60) by which the first planar tooth (11) and the second planar tooth (41) are axially clamped to each other in their clamped state, wherein, in the unclamped state of the clamping device (60), a sealing ring (50) provides assembly protection by which the first planar tooth (11) and the second planar tooth (41) remain loosely meshed such that the axial clearance (x) is less than the tooth height (h) of the first planar tooth (11) and the second planar tooth (41).

15. The wheel bearing device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sealing ring (50) is fixed to one of the constant velocity joint (40) and the hub (10), and is connected to the other of the constant velocity joint (40) and the hub (10) by a locking mechanism (501).

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