Suspension thrust bearing arrangement

Abstract

A suspension thrust bearing arrangement includes a lower support cover (16), an upper bearing cover (14), and at least one bearing (18) disposed between the lower support cover (16) and the upper bearing cover (14). The upper bearing cover (14) includes an outer skirt (14c) that radially surrounds the lower support cover (16). The lower support cover (16) includes at least one annular deflector flange (34) that extends toward the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cover while remaining radially spaced therefrom, the deflector flange (34) having a downwardly sloped surface (34a) that extends downwardly and obliquely.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of suspension thrust bearing arrangements, in particular for use in a suspension upright of a steered road wheel for a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Suspension thrust bearing arrangements are typically provided with a rolling bearing comprising upper and lower races, with rolling elements (e.g., balls or rollers) positioned between them, as well as lower and upper covers. The lower and upper covers form housings for the upper and lower races of the rolling bearing and provide the interface between the races and adjacent elements.

[0003] The suspension thrust bearing assembly is located at the top of the suspension strut, between the vehicle body and the suspension spring. The suspension spring is mounted around a damping piston rod, the end of which is connected to the vehicle body. The suspension spring is axially supported, either directly or indirectly, by the lower cover of the thrust bearing assembly.

[0004] The suspension thrust bearing arrangement allows for the transmission of axial and radial forces between the suspension spring and the vehicle body while allowing for relative rotational movement between the lower cover and the upper cover caused by deflection of the vehicle's steering wheels and / or compression of the suspension spring.

[0005] Typically, the upper cover of the suspension thrust bearing device is provided with a plurality of hooks arranged on the outer skirt and adapted to interfere with the plurality of hooks of the lower cover in diameter. The hooks of each cover are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0006] The hooks are formed to hold the upper cover and the lower cover relative to each other in the axial direction. The hooks also form narrow passages to prevent foreign matter from invading between the outer skirt of the upper cover and the lower cover in the radial direction.

[0007] However, suspension thrust bearing arrangements are often exposed to various types of contamination, particularly water flow.

[0008] In the case of such a suspension thrust bearing device, water may easily penetrate between the outer skirt portion of the upper cover and the lower cover, and then be guided toward the rolling bearing and introduced into the interior of the rolling bearing. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to overcome this disadvantage.

[0010] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a suspension thrust bearing device having good sealing properties to protect the bearing against water intrusion while ensuring low friction torque.

[0011] The present invention relates to a suspension thrust bearing device, comprising a lower support cover, an upper bearing cover and at least one bearing arranged between the lower support cover and the upper bearing cover, wherein the upper bearing cover comprises an outer skirt portion surrounding the lower support cover in a radial direction.

[0012] According to a general feature, the lower support cap includes at least one annular deflector flange extending toward the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap while being radially spaced apart from the outer skirt, wherein the deflector flange has a lower inclined surface extending obliquely downward.

[0013] The deflector flange prevents water from entering the device and damaging the bearing. The deflector flange forms a barrier that diverts water directed upward between the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap and the lower support cap. The lower inclined surface of the deflector flange redirects the water toward the opening formed between the free end of the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap and the lower support cap.

[0014] For example, the lower inclined surface of the deflector flange may form an angle comprised between 45° and 65° with the axis of the device.

[0015] The lower support cover may include a radial portion contacting a lower ring of the bearing, the deflector flange extending outward from the radial portion, and a lower inclined surface of the deflector flange extending obliquely downward from the radial portion.

[0016] Preferably, the lower support cover further includes a radial protrusion extending radially outward from the radial portion and having a lower surface extending radially outward from a lower surface of the radial portion defining a support surface for a suspension spring, an annular groove being formed axially between the radial protrusion and the deflection portion flange and opening outward in the radial direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the radial protrusion of the lower support cover has an upper inclined surface extending obliquely downward. This facilitates the redirected water flow to circulate to the outside of the device by gravity. Alternatively, the radial protrusion of the lower support cover may have an upper surface extending in the radial direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lower support cap further includes an annular rib extending axially toward a radial portion of the upper bearing cap while being axially spaced apart from the radial portion. The annular rib may extend from the radial portion and may project axially upward relative to the free upper end of the lower race of the bearing or may be flush with the free upper end of the lower race of the bearing. The annular rib of the lower support cap forms an additional barrier to protect the bearing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the upper bearing cap further includes an annular rib extending axially toward an upper surface of the deflector flange of the lower support cap while being axially spaced apart from the deflector flange.

[0020] The annular rib of the upper bearing cap also forms an additional barrier for protecting the bearing.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the upper surface of the deflector flange and the lower surface of the rib of the upper bearing cap both extend obliquely downward and are parallel to each other, so that the gap between the upper surface and the lower surface is constant.

[0022] Alternatively, the upper surface of the deflector flange and / or the lower surface of the rib of the upper bearing cap may have different shapes.

[0023] The annular rib of the upper bearing cap may radially surround the annular rib of the lower support cap.

[0024] In one embodiment, the upper bearing cap includes an inner skirt including a plurality of hooks that can diametrically interfere with hooks provided on the lower support cap. Alternatively, the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap may include a plurality of hooks that can diametrically interfere with the deflector flange of the lower support cap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of a particular embodiment given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] - Figure 1 is a cross section of a suspension thrust bearing device according to a first example of the present invention, and

[0027] - Figure 2 is a cross section of a suspension thrust bearing device according to a second example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 The suspension thrust bearing device 10 shown above is adapted to be mounted between a top retainer seat and a suspension spring, the top retainer seat being adapted to be positioned directly or indirectly in an element of the chassis of a motor vehicle.

[0029] The device 10 having an axis 12 includes an upper bearing cap 14, a lower support cap 16, and a rolling bearing 18 axially interposed between the upper bearing cap 14 and the lower support cap 16. The caps 14, 16 are mounted in direct contact with the rolling bearing 18 without intervening intermediate elements.

[0030] As will be described later, the lower support cover 16 is designed to limit any water flow directed ( / aimed) at the rolling bearing 18.

[0031] The upper bearing cover 14 can consist of one piece, for example, the upper bearing cover 14 can consist of one piece formed with a plastic material such as polyamide PA 6.6, which can or can not be reinforced with glass fibers.

[0032] The upper bearing cover 14 comprises a radial portion 14a, an annular axial inner skirt 14b and an annular axial outer skirt 14c which radially surrounds the inner skirt 14b. The radial portion 14a provides an upper face 15 facing the top retainer seat and an opposite lower face 17 in contact with the rolling bearing 18. The upper face 15 and the lower face 17 define the thickness of the radial portion 14a. In the example shown, the radial portion 14a has a stepped shape.

[0033] The outer skirt 14c radially surrounds the lower support cover 16. The inner skirt 14b and the outer skirt 14c extend axially downward from the radial portion 14a. In the example shown, the outer skirt 14c extends from the large diameter edge of the radial portion 14a. The inner skirt 14b extends from the small diameter edge of the radial portion 14a.

[0034] The upper bearing cover 14 also comprises a plurality of inner hooks 14d configured on the inner skirt 14b and extending radially outward. The hooks 14d extend radially outward from the outer surface of the inner skirt 14b toward the lower support cover 16. In the example shown, the hooks 14d are configured on the lower end of the inner skirt 14b. In the example shown, the hooks 14d are spaced apart relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, an annular hook can be provided on the outer surface of the skirt 14b.

[0035] The rolling bearing 18 is entirely located radially between the skirts 14b and 14c of the upper bearing cover. The rolling bearing 18 comprises an upper ring 20 in contact with the upper bearing cover 14, a lower ring 22 in contact with the lower support cover 16 and a row of rolling elements 24, here balls, configured between raceways formed on the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 22. In the example shown, the rolling bearing 18 is of the angular contact type to absorb both radial and axial forces exerted on the device.

[0036] The upper and lower races 20, 22 of the rolling bearing are made of thin sheet metal that has been stamped or rolled to define a toroidal raceway for rolling elements 24 between the two races. The upper race 20 contacts the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. The lower race 22 contacts the upper surface of the lower support cap 16. The rolling bearing 18 also includes a cage (not shown) between the upper and lower races 20, 22 to maintain regular circumferential spacing between the rolling elements 24.

[0037] The lower support cover 16 may consist of one component, for example, the lower support cover 16 may consist of one component formed using a plastic material (for example, polyamide PA6.6, which may or may not be reinforced with glass fibers).

[0038] Lower support cap 16 includes an annular radial portion 28 in the form of a plate and an annular axial skirt 30 extending from the smaller diameter edge of radial portion 28. Skirt 30 extends axially on the side opposite upper bearing cap 14 and rolling bearing 18. Skirt 30 allows for centering of the suspension spring. This centering is achieved via the outer surface of skirt 30. 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 form that contacts lower race 22 of the bearing. The free upper end of lower race 22 protrudes axially relative to radial portion 28.

[0039] Lower support cap 16 also includes a plurality of inner hooks 32 disposed on radial portion 28 and extending radially inward. Hooks 32 extend radially inward from apertures in radial portion 28 toward inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap. Hooks 32 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, preferably at regular intervals. Alternatively, lower support cap 16 may include a single annular inner hook, i.e., a continuous annular inner hook in the circumferential direction.

[0040] Hook 32 is axially positioned above hook 14d on inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap. The outer diameter of hook 14d is greater than the inner diameter of hook 32, so that hook 14d can diametrically interfere with hook 32 when bearing cap 14 and support cap 16 undergo relative axial displacement. Hook 14d on the upper bearing cap forms an axial retaining feature that cooperates with a complementary axial retaining feature formed by hook 32 on support cap 16.

[0041] Furthermore, the hooks 14d, 32 form narrow passageways to prevent foreign matter from intruding radially between the holes of the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap and the skirt 30 of the lower support cap.

[0042] The lower support cap 16 also includes an annular deflector flange 34 extending toward the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap while remaining radially spaced apart from the outer skirt. More generally, the flange 34 remains spaced apart from the upper bearing cap 14.

[0043] The flange 34 is positioned slightly radially offset from the aperture of the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap to form a labyrinth seal. An annular radial labyrinth seal 41 is formed between the flange 34 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing. For example, the radial clearance between the flange 34 and the outer skirt 14c can be less than 2 mm, for example, between 1 mm and 1.4 mm, and more particularly, equal to 1.2 mm.

[0044] A flange 34 protrudes outward from the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap. The flange 34 extends outward from the outer surface of the radial portion 28. The flange 34 extends downwardly at an angle. The flange 34 has a lower inclined surface 34a and an opposing upper inclined surface 34b. The lower inclined surface 34a and the upper inclined surface 34b define the thickness of the flange 34. The lower inclined surface 34a and the upper inclined surface 34b extend downwardly at an angle from the outer surface of the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

[0045] The upper inclined surface 34b of the flange is oriented radially toward the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. Figure 1 In the radial plane of the device shown above, the lower inclined surface 34a forms an angle with the device axis 12 which may preferably be comprised between 45° and 65°. In the example shown, the upper inclined surface 34b of the flange extends parallel to the lower inclined surface 34a.

[0046] As previously indicated, in the example shown, the flange 34 extends obliquely downward. Thus, both the lower oblique surface 34a and the upper oblique surface 34b of the flange extend obliquely downward. Alternatively, the flange 34 may extend radially. In this case, the upper oblique surface 34b of the flange may extend radially, while the lower oblique surface 34a of the flange still extends obliquely downward from the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

[0047] The lower support cap 16 further includes an annular radial protrusion 36 extending radially outward from the radial portion 28. The protrusion 36 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the radial portion 28.

[0048] Protrusion 36 extends below outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. In the example shown, protrusion 36 extends radially outward beyond outer skirt 14c. Protrusion 36 has a lower surface 36a and an opposing upper surface 36b. Lower surface 36a and upper surface 36b define the thickness of protrusion 36. Upper surface 36b of the protrusion extends from the outer surface of radial portion 28. Lower surface 36a extends radially from lower radial surface 28a of the radial portion, which defines a bearing surface for a suspension spring. In the example shown, upper surface 36b of the protrusion extends downwardly at an angle. Alternatively, upper surface 36b may extend radially.

[0049] The protrusion 36 is located axially below the flange 34. The protrusion 36 is axially spaced apart from the flange 34. The upper surface 36b of the protrusion is axially oriented toward the lower inclined surface 34a of the flange. An annular groove 38 is formed axially between the protrusion 36 and the flange 34. More specifically, the groove 38 is formed axially between the upper surface 36b of the protrusion and the lower inclined surface 34a of the flange. The groove 38 opens radially outward.

[0050] In the example shown, the lower support cap 16 further includes an annular rib 40 extending axially from the radial portion 28 toward the radial portion 14b of the upper bearing cap. The rib 40 extends from the upper surface of the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap. The rib 40 is kept axially spaced from the lower surface 17 of the radial portion.

[0051] The rib 40 radially surrounds the free upper end of the lower race 22 of the bearing. In the example shown, the rib 40 is flush with the free upper end of the lower race 22. Alternatively, the rib 40 may protrude axially upward relative to the free upper end of the lower race 22 while remaining axially spaced from the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. In another variation, the lower support cap 16 may not include the rib 40.

[0052] The flange 34 of the lower support cap forms a deflector that breaks up the water flow thrown toward the rolling bearing 18. The water flow is redirected toward the opening formed between the free end of the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap and the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap by means of the lower inclined surface 34a of the flange. Water circulation is achieved inside the groove 28.

[0053] Figure 2 The example shown above (in which like components are given like reference numerals) differs from the first example in that the upper bearing cap 14 further includes an annular rib 42 extending axially toward the flange 34 of the lower support cap. The rib 42 extends from the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. The rib 42 protrudes from the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 14a. The rib 42 of the upper bearing cap forms an additional barrier for limiting any splashing of water directed toward the rolling bearing 18.

[0054] The flange 34 of the lower support cover extends radially outward beyond the rib 42. The rib 42 remains axially spaced from the flange 34 of the lower support cover. The rib 42 extends axially towards the upper inclined surface 34b of the flange while remaining axially spaced from this surface. The rib 42 is positioned slightly axially offset from the upper inclined surface 34b of the flange to form a labyrinth seal portion. An annular axial labyrinth seal (not designated) is formed between the rib 42 and the upper inclined surface 34b of the flange. For example, the bearing gap between the rib 42 and the upper inclined surface 34b can be less than 2 mm, for example comprised between 1 mm and 1.4 mm, in particular equal to 1.2 mm.

[0055] In the example shown, the rib 42 has a lower inclined surface 42a facing axially the upper inclined surface 34b of the flange, the lower inclined surface 42a extending parallel to this upper inclined surface 34b. Alternatively, the lower surface 42a of the rib can have other shapes. For example, the lower surface 42a can extend radially.

[0056] The rib 42 is located radially between the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cover and the bearing 18, and between the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cover and the rib 40 of the lower support cover. The rib 42 surrounds radially the rib 40 and the bearing 18. The lower inclined surface 42a is axially offset downwardly relative to the upper surface of the rib 40. The lower inclined surface 42a is axially offset downwardly relative to the outer diameter of the rolling bearing 18. In the example shown, the lower inclined surface 42a is axially offset downwardly relative to the lower ring 22 and the free upper end of the upper ring 20.

[0057] In the example shown, the rib 42 is positioned slightly radially offset from the rib 40. An annular radial labyrinth seal (not designated) is formed between the ribs 40, 42. For example, the radial gap between the ribs 40, 42 can be less than 2 mm, for example comprised between 1 mm and 1.4 mm, in particular equal to 1.2 mm. In an alternative example, the radial gap between the ribs 40, 42 can be filled with grease.

[0058] In the example shown, the thrust bearing arrangement comprises an angular contact rolling bearing provided with a row of balls. The thrust bearing arrangement can comprise other types of rolling bearings, for example bearings having four-point contact and / or having at least double row of balls. The rolling bearings of the arrangement can comprise other types of rolling elements, for example rollers. In another variant, the bearings of the arrangement can also be sliding bearings without rolling elements.

Claims

1. A suspension thrust bearing device, comprising a lower support cover (16), an upper bearing cover (14), and at least one bearing (18) disposed between the lower support cover (16) and the upper bearing cover (14), wherein the upper bearing cover (14) includes an outer skirt (14c) surrounding the lower support cover (16) in a radial direction, characterized in that: The lower support cover (16) comprises: at least one annular deflector flange (34) extending toward the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cap while being radially spaced apart from the outer skirt, the deflector flange (34) having a lower inclined surface (34a) extending obliquely downward; a radial portion (28) in contact with the lower ring (22) of the bearing, the deflector flange (34) extending outwardly from the radial portion (28); and A radial protrusion (36) extends radially outward from the radial portion (28) and has a lower surface (36a) extending radially outward from a lower surface (28a) of the radial portion defining a support surface for a suspension spring, the radial protrusion (36) of the lower support cover having an upper inclined surface (36b) extending obliquely downward.

2. The suspension thrust bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower inclined surface (34a) of the deflector flange forms an angle comprised between 45° and 65° with the axis (12) of the suspension thrust bearing device.

3. The suspension thrust bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular groove (38) is formed between the radial protrusion (36) and the deflection portion flange (34) in the axial direction and is open outward in the radial direction.

4. The suspension thrust bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lower support cover (16) further includes an annular rib (40) extending axially toward the radial portion (14a) of the upper bearing cover while being axially spaced apart from the radial portion (14a).

5. The suspension thrust bearing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The annular rib (40) extends from the radial portion (28) of the lower support cover and projects axially upward relative to the free upper end of the lower ring (22) of the bearing or is flush relative to the free upper end of the lower ring (22) of the bearing.

6. The suspension thrust bearing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper bearing cover (14) further includes an annular rib (42) extending axially toward an upper surface (34b) of the deflection portion flange (34) of the lower support cover while being axially spaced apart from the deflection portion flange (34).

7. The suspension thrust bearing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The annular rib (42) of the upper bearing cover radially surrounds the annular rib (40) of the lower support cover.

8. The suspension thrust bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The upper bearing cover (14) includes an inner skirt (14b) including a plurality of hooks (14d) that can interfere with the hooks (32) provided on the lower support cover (16) in diameter.

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