Arrangement of a wheel hub connected to a constant velocity joint and having a low-friction sealing device

Abstract

A configuration (1) in which an annular step (28) is formed on a radially outer lateral surface (23) of an inner ring (5) of a wheel hub (2) on the same side of a constant velocity joint (3) and receives a first shield (16) whose flange portion (19) projects in front of a flange portion (21) of a second shield (18) towards an outer ring (6) of the wheel hub, whose sleeve portion (20) projects axially from the inner ring towards the constant velocity joint, straddling the wheel hub and the constant velocity joint; the flange portion of the first shield is configured adjacent to an axial shoulder (32) of the step (28) but is spaced apart from the axial shoulder in the axial direction, forming an axial gap (33) with the axial shoulder; an annular axial sealing lip (34, 37) of an elastomeric sealing element (24) carried by the second shield cooperates with the flange portion of the first shield arranged on the side opposite the signal generating element (24b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device and its corresponding configuration for connecting to a wheel hub unit of a constant velocity joint, the sealing device having good sealing performance, combined with low operating friction and simplified structure, and easy and quick assembly.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to an arrangement in which a wheel hub unit configured to support a vehicle drive wheel is angularly fixed to an associated constant velocity joint for transmitting drive torque from the axle to the wheel, and the wheel hub unit is provided with a sealing device configured to protect both the corresponding rolling elements between the inner and outer rings of the wheel hub unit and the angular mechanical coupling between the wheel hub unit and the constant velocity joint. The inner and outer rings are rotatable relative to each other about a common axis of symmetry of the inner and outer rings and the wheel hub unit as a whole, via the rolling elements. Background Technology

[0003] It is known that the transmission of driving torque from the constant velocity joint to the wheel hub unit is ensured by meshed toothed means for transmitting motion, which are located at adjacent and opposite ends of the outer ring of the wheel hub and the constant velocity joint; as disclosed in WO2009 / 140996, EP2042755 or even EP2043880 (also disclosed as WO2008 / 006339), the toothed means may be composed of a conventional splined coupling or a pair of frontal teeth engaging head to head.

[0004] In particular, in the case of front gears, it is necessary to protect the mating area between the wheel hub and the constant velocity joint from the penetration of external contaminants (water, dust, mud, dirt); the same applies to the rolling elements inserted between the inner and outer rings, with the outer ring having a component for securing the suspension to the pillar, which is typically made of a radially outward flange integral with the outer ring.

[0005] According to EP2043880, this protection is achieved by a single sealing device consisting of two opposing shields. The first shield is axially abutted against the inner ring on the side facing the constant velocity joint, and the second shield is fastened to the outer ring and carries a sealing ring equipped with one or more sliding lips that cooperate in contact with the first shield. The first shield has an axial "leg" or sleeve portion, which is formed by a double bend (or fold) and extends such that the free end of the axial "leg" or sleeve portion protrudes from the inner ring of the bearing formed by the wheel hub toward the outer ring of the constant velocity joint to cover the area of ​​the joint. The protruding portion may be equipped with an annular seal that radially cooperates with the abutment of the outer ring of the constant velocity joint. Furthermore, the face or "radial leg" of the first shield facing the protruding portion or flange of the constant velocity joint during use may be equipped with an annular signal generating element (also called a "trigger wheel"). If the shield is made of a ferromagnetic metal, the annular signal generating element is formed by alternating inserts and recesses, or by an annular portion of the seal made of a magnetizable elastomer or plastic material, which is magnetized to have alternating magnetized and unmagnetized regions or regions with opposite polarities. Once coupled to a suitable sensor in use, the "trigger wheel," fixed to the inner ring of the bearing as stated above, generates a signal typically used to detect the rotational speed of a vehicle's wheels.

[0006] The solution according to EP2043880 leaves limited available space for the sensor operatively associated with the "trigger wheel", which is relatively difficult to install and relatively large, and in particular, due to the double axial abutment, it may be subjected to deformation loads during use, which may cause undesirable and uncontrolled deformation when present.

[0007] The wheel hub configuration connected to the constant velocity joint and equipped with a sealing device, according to EP2815892 from the same applicant, has overcome such disadvantages. While this solution is relatively simple, quick, and economical to install and allows ample space for the speed sensor and its associated signal-generating elements to ensure a strong and reliable electrical signal, a drawback is the relatively high friction in some configurations that require one or more axially sliding sealing lips. This is because, due to the necessary type of connection between the sealing device and the inner ring, the axially sliding sealing lip must be positioned radially far from the radially outer lateral surface of the inner ring. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a wheel hub configuration connected to a constant velocity joint and equipped with an improved sealing device, which can be used in vehicle drive wheels without any of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a wheel hub configuration that is connected to a constant velocity joint, equipped with a sealing device and capable of simultaneously ensuring low friction, optimal hydraulic sealing against external contaminants, reduced size, and sufficient space for mounting a speed sensor and its associated signal generating elements during use.

[0010] According to the present invention, a wheel hub configuration is provided, which is connected to a constant velocity joint, equipped with a sealing device, and has the features set forth in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate two non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0012] - Figure 1 An elevation view and radial section view of a wheel hub configuration connected to a constant velocity joint, equipped with a sealing device, and manufactured according to the present invention are schematically shown.

[0013] - Figure 2 Schematally shown at magnified scale Figure 1 Details;

[0014] - Figure 3 Schematally shown at a further enlarged scale Figure 2 The structural details illustrate the first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015] - Figure 4 In relation to Figure 2 A further magnified scale schematically shows the relationship with Figure 3 The same structural details are shown in the second embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Reference Figures 1 to 3 Reference numeral 1 indicates a complete transmission configuration or unit formed by a wheel hub 2, which is connected to a constant velocity joint 3 and is equipped with a sealing device 4. In use, the sealing device 4 is located between the inner ring 5 and the outer ring 6 of the rolling bearing 7 that forms part of or constitutes the wheel hub 2.

[0017] The known constant velocity joint 3 is only schematically shown with boxes and dashed lines. As can be seen, the sealing device 4 straddling the wheel hub 2 and the constant velocity joint 3 extends to protect the frontaltoothed coupling 8 used for torque transmission. For simplicity, only the portion of the frontaltoothed coupling 8 formed as being angularly fixed to the inner ring 5 is shown.

[0018] In the non-limiting example shown, the rolling bearing 7 constitutes the entire wheel hub 2 alone, because the outer ring 6 is provided with a radial flange 9 for mounting on the vehicle suspension struts (known and not shown for simplicity), and the inner ring 5 ( Figure 2 It consists of a main shaft-shaped tubular element 10 and a small inner ring (known by the abbreviation SIR, or small inner ring) 12. The main shaft-shaped tubular element 10 is provided with a known radial flange 11, which is configured to receive a vehicle wheel in use. The small inner ring 12 is angularly fixedly fitted to the cylindrical end 13 of the tubular element 10. Figure 2 On the inner ring 12, the smaller inner ring 12 is locked to the tubular element 10 by the upset portion or edge 14 of the end 13, which is also provided with a frontal toothed coupling 8. Between rings 5 ​​and 6 are two rows of rolling elements 15 (composed of balls in the non-limiting example shown), which enable rings 5 ​​and 6 to rotate relative to each other about a common axis of symmetry A, which is also the axis of symmetry of the wheel hub 2 and the constant velocity joint 3.

[0019] Also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the two figures, similar or identical details are indicated by the same reference numerals. The sealing device 4 includes a first annular shield 16 and a second annular shield 18. The first shield 16 is firmly carried by the inner ring 5, and the second shield 18 is firmly carried by the outer ring 6. In this case, the shield 16 is angularly fixedly carried by the inner ring 12 on the radially outer side of the inner ring.

[0020] The annular shield 16 is preferably made of a stamped and bent metal sheet and includes a flange portion 19 that protrudes radially outward from the corresponding sleeve portion 20. The shield 16 is angularly fixedly fitted to the inner ring 5 (tubular element 10 and small inner ring 12) as a whole through the sleeve portion 20 on the radially outer side of the inner ring (in this case, the radially outer side of the inner ring 5 belonging to the small inner ring 12 to the radially outer side of the surface 23 in the example shown).

[0021] The shielding member 18 is preferably made of a stamped and bent metal sheet and also includes a flange portion 21 that protrudes radially inward from a corresponding sleeve portion 22. The shielding member 18 is fixedly fitted at an angle to the outer ring 6 on the radially outer side of the shielding member 18 via the sleeve portion 22.

[0022] The flange portion 19 of the first shield 16 and the flange portion 21 of the second shield 18 are configured to at least partially face each other, and the flange portion 21 of the second shield 18 is provided with an annular elastomeric sealing element 24 having a plurality of annular sealing lips, which will be described in detail below.

[0023] Furthermore, the flange portion 19 of the first shielding member 16 is provided with a signal generating element 24b (which is known in itself) facing the constant velocity connector 3. In the example shown, the signal generating element 24b is constituted by an annular sealing insert made of a magnetizable synthetic elastomer or plastic material (e.g., with magnetizable powder added). The signal generating element 24b is magnetized such that it has alternating magnetized and unmagnetized circumferential regions, or alternating circumferential regions with opposite polarities.

[0024] The flange portion 19 has a simple L-shaped fold on the radially inner side, which forms the sleeve portion 20 of the first shield 16 configured to connect with the inner ring 5.

[0025] The sleeve portion 20 protrudes axially directly from the corresponding flange portion 19 on one side of the signal generating element 24b, and has an axial extension such that the axial extension protrudes axially from the inner ring 5 toward the constant velocity joint 3 to form a tubular element 25. The tubular element 25 protrudes from the inner ring 5 and is configured to straddle the wheel hub 2 and the constant velocity joint 3 in use. The tubular element 25 is constructed to engage with the constant velocity joint 3 in a fluid-tight manner in use, and for this purpose, an annular static seal 27 is provided at the free axial end 26 of the tubular element 25. The annular static seal 27 is made of an elastomeric material similar to that of the annular sealing element 24.

[0026] According to a first aspect of the invention, the sealing device 4 further includes a first end section 29 of the radially outer surface 23 of the inner ring 5, wherein an annular step 28 is formed on the side of the first end section 29 facing the constant velocity joint 3 in use, the annular step 28 being defined by an annular bottom wall 30 and an annular front end wall 31, the annular front end wall 31 forming an axial shoulder 32 on the inner ring 5, the axial shoulder 32 facing the same side as the signal generating element 24b and being configured to be radially flush with the radially outer surface 23 of the inner ring 5.

[0027] The sleeve portion 20 of the first shielding member 16 is form-fittingly mounted on the annular bottom wall 30 of the annular step 28, such that the flange portion 19 of the first shielding member 16 is disposed adjacent to the annular front end wall 31 of the annular step 28, but is axially spaced from the annular front end wall 31 and forms a predetermined axial gap 33 with the annular front end wall 31.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, and in conjunction with what has already been described, the annular elastomeric sealing element 24 includes a first annular axial sealing lip 34, which is connected to a first surface 35 of the flange portion 19 of the first shield 16 in a sliding contact and axial interference fit, the first surface 35 being opposite to a second surface 36 of the flange portion 19 of the first shield 16, the second surface 36 directly supporting the signal generating element 24b without the need for interposition of other elements or folds in the flange portion 19.

[0029] The annular elastomeric sealing element 24 further includes at least one second annular axial sealing lip 37 located radially outside the first annular lip 34. The at least one second annular axial sealing lip 37 cooperates non-contactly with the first surface 35 of the flange portion 19 of the first shield 16. The first annular lip 34 and at least one second annular axial sealing lip 37 extend radially outside the axial gap 33, straddling the axial gap 33. In a possible embodiment not shown for simplicity, the elastomeric sealing element 24 may include a plurality of non-contact axial sealing lips 37 arranged in series radially between the sleeve portion 22 and the contact-type axial sealing lips 34; that is, axial sealing lips configured to create a labyrinth seal with the surface 35.

[0030] The annular elastomeric sealing element 24 also includes a third annular sealing lip 38, which is radially oriented and configured to cooperate with a second section of the radially outward surface 23 of the inner ring 5, the second section being adjacent to a first section 29 having a step 28. The third annular sealing lip 38 is disposed adjacent to the first annular sealing lip 34.

[0031] The first annular sealing lip 34 and the third annular sealing lip 38 protrude from the same radial inner edge of the flange portion 21 of the second shield 18.

[0032] Then, the flange portion 21 protrudes radially from the end 39 of the sleeve portion 22 of the second shield 18 away from the first shield 16, specifically on the radially inner side of the sleeve portion 22 of the second shield 18, and the flange portion 21 and the sleeve portion 22 form a simple L-shaped bend.

[0033] exist Figure 3 In one embodiment, the first annular lip 34 and the third annular lip 38 are arranged obliquely to each other to form an obtuse angle in the radial section, and the third annular lip 38 forms a non-contact labyrinth seal with the aforementioned second section of the radially outer surface 23 of the inner ring 5.

[0034] Also in Figure 4 In one embodiment, the first annular sealing lip 34 and the third annular sealing lip 38 protrude from the same radially inner edge of the flange portion 21 of the second shield 18, but the first annular lip 34 and the third annular lip 38 are arranged obliquely to each other to form an acute angle in the radial section. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third annular lip 38 can be configured to form a sliding contact seal or a non-contact labyrinth seal with the second section of the radially outer surface 23 of the inner ring 5.

[0035] In both of the embodiments shown, the first lip 34 and the third lip 38 together with each other, as well as the first surface 35 of the flange portion 19 of the first shield 16 and the second section of the radially outward surface 23 of the inner ring 5, form a collection chamber 40 for reaching any external contaminants in the axial gap 33.

[0036] In the two embodiments shown, the first shield 16 further includes a second sleeve portion 41, which is located on the side opposite to the first sleeve portion 20 and protrudes axially from the radially outer end of the flange portion 19 on the radially inner side of the sleeve portion 22 of the second shield 18. The second sleeve portion 41 faces the sleeve portion 22 of the second shield 18 and is separated from the sleeve portion 22 of the second shield 18 by a predetermined radial gap 42, which is configured to form a labyrinth pre-seal with the first shield 16.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown for simplicity, the second sleeve portion 41 may be absent, and the labyrinthine front seal is achieved by the radially outer edge of the flange portion 19, which is radially inner to the side (flanks) of the sleeve portion 22 of the shield 18.

[0038] In fact, in all embodiments, the flange portion 19 of the first shield 16 is preferably disposed axially within the second shield 18 and radially within the sleeve portion 22 of the second shield 18.

[0039] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In both embodiments, the annular bottom wall 30 of the annular step 28 formed on the radial outer surface 23 of the inner ring 5 is provided with a first annular groove 43, which is defined by a concave curved bottom wall and is disposed adjacent to the annular front end wall 31 of the annular step 28, which forms an axial shoulder 32 on the inner ring.

[0040] The annular groove 43 faces the annular sealing lip 34 and defines the axial clearance 33 on the radially inner side, and thus also defines the collection chamber 40 for contaminants, thereby providing the chamber with a concave shape to improve its function.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the annular bottom wall 30 of the annular step 28 is formed directly on the radially outer surface 23 of the inner ring 5 by grinding, and a second annular groove 44 is also provided. The second annular groove 44 is formed on the ground section of the annular bottom wall 30 of the annular step 28, which is form-fittingly engaged with the first sleeve portion 20 of the first shield 16, at a position away from the annular front end wall 31 of the annular step 28, so as to be radially disposed within the first sleeve portion 20 of the first shield 16, which actually covers the annular groove 44 externally. The presence and position of the annular groove 44 facilitates the form-fitting retention of the shield 16 in the inner ring 5 in a correct and stable axial position.

[0042] Finally, the L-shaped bend of the flange portion 19 of the first shielding member 16, which forms the first sleeve portion 20, is configured with a pre-bending angle suitable for ensuring accurate perpendicularity tolerance between the signal generating element 24b and the end surface 45 of the first annular axial sealing lip 34 relative to the axis of rotation A of the rolling bearing 7 when the form-fit connection is completed. In practice, the protruding tubular element 25 formed by the protruding extension of the sleeve portion 20 has a slight predetermined conicity. When the tubular element 25 undergoes slight elastic deformation due to the form-fit connection with the bottom wall 30 of the annular step 28, it can achieve perfect perpendicularity of the flange portion 19 relative to the axis A, thereby compensating for slight deformations that inevitably occur during installation.

[0043] As is clear from the foregoing, a hydraulic seal with improved sealing performance can be obtained by means of the low-friction sealing device 4 due to the combination of the pre-labyrinths (gap 42 and one or more lips 37), the contact lip 34 and preferably the contact lip 38, and the internal trap for contaminants consisting of the collection chamber 40.

[0044] The reduction in friction is achieved through the precise positioning of the shield 16 and by positioning the contact lip (such as the axial contact lip 34) at a reduced diameter (i.e., closer to axis A than in the prior art). This is achieved through the simplified shape of the shield 16 and the annular step 28, which allows for a reduction in the radial dimensions of these components, thereby leaving more space for the sealing lip and the signal generating element 24b.

[0045] The overall assembly is simplified, and the construction of configuration 1 is more economical.

[0046] In this way, features are achieved that simultaneously improve both the signal that can be obtained from the generating element 24b (the wider the generating element is in the radial direction, the better) and the retention of the static seal 27.

[0047] Therefore, the following advantages are obtained:

[0048] - Simplified structure and lower cost: The signaling element or encoder 24b and static seal 27 are integrated with the metal shield 16 as a single piece, reducing the number of bends; in practice, there is only one bend. Two different rubber compounds can be used to co-mold the encoder 24b and static seal 27 directly onto the shield 16, molded together directly on the same metal support. The compound of the static seal 27 can be made of NBR (butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer), and the encoder 24b can be made of ferrite-loaded NBR.

[0049] - Reduced friction: Axial lip 34 / radial lip 38 are positioned at the smallest possible diameter;

[0050] - Precise positioning of encoder 24b and seal 27: Advantages in terms of friction, sealing and magnetic signals (flux density and low error rate);

[0051] - Improved sealing capability, thanks to the front labyrinth 42, 37 and the internal collection chamber 40, which serves as a contaminant trap;

[0052] - A simplified assembly procedure, which is direct rather than the sequential steps required for current sealing devices consisting of several components assembled together;

[0053] -The sealing device 4 as a whole is improved in retention (and greater pull-out force) on / from the form-fitting surface (bottom wall 30), thereby producing stable axial positioning of the contact seals 34 and 27 and the encoder 24b.

[0054] Therefore, all the objectives of this invention have been achieved.

Claims

1. A configuration (1) of a wheel hub (2), the wheel hub (2) being connected to a constant velocity joint (3) and provided with a sealing device (4), the sealing device (4) extending in use between an inner ring (5) and an outer ring (6) of a rolling bearing (7) forming part of the wheel hub (2) or constituting the vehicle wheel hub (2) and straddling the wheel hub (2) and the constant velocity joint (3); the sealing device (4) comprising a first annular shield (16) and a second annular shield (18), the first shield being composed of... The inner ring (5) carries the second shielding member, which is carried by the outer ring (6). The first annular shielding member (16) and the second annular shielding member (18) each have a flange portion (19, 21) projecting radially from the corresponding sleeve portions (20, 22). The first annular shielding member (16) and the second annular shielding member (18) are fixed to the inner ring and the outer ring at an angle by means of the sleeve portions (20, 22). The flange portions (19, 21) are configured to at least partially face each other, and the flange portion (21) of the second shield (18) is provided with an annular elastomeric sealing element (24) having a plurality of annular sealing lips (34, 37, 38); the flange portion (19) of the first shield (16) is provided with a signal generating element (24b) facing the constant velocity joint (3), and has a simple L-shaped bend forming a first sleeve portion (20) of the first shield (16) on its radially inner side. 0) is configured to connect with the inner ring (5) and protrude axially directly from the corresponding flange portion (19) on one side of the signal generating element (24b) to have an axial extension such that the axial extension protrudes axially from the inner ring (5) toward the constant velocity joint (3) to form a tubular element (25), the tubular element (25) being configured to straddle the wheel hub (2) and the constant velocity joint (3) in use, and being configured to cooperate with the constant velocity joint in a fluid-tight manner; characterized in that, Combined land: i) The sealing device (4) further includes a first end section (29) of the radially outer surface (23) of the inner ring (5), on which an annular step (28) is formed on the side of the first end section (29) facing the constant velocity connector (3) in use, the annular step (28) being defined by an annular bottom wall (30) and an annular front end wall (31), the annular front end wall (31) forming an axial shoulder (32) on the inner ring (5), the axial shoulder (32) facing the same side as the signal generating element (24b) and being configured to be radially flush with the radially outer surface (23) of the inner ring; ii) - The first sleeve portion (20) of the first shielding member (16) is fitted onto the annular bottom wall (30) of the annular step (28) in a form fit, such that the flange portion (19) of the first shielding member is disposed adjacent to the annular front end wall (31) of the annular step (28), but is axially spaced from the annular front end wall (31), forming a predetermined axial gap (33) with the annular front end wall (31); as well as iii) The annular elastomeric sealing element (24) includes: a first annular axial sealing lip (34) and at least one second annular axial sealing lip (37) located radially outward of the first annular lip (34), the first annular axial sealing lip (34) being connected to a first surface (35) of the flange portion (19) of the first shielding member in a sliding contact and axial interference fit, the first surface (35) being away from a second surface (36) of the flange portion (19) of the first shielding member that directly supports the signal generating element (24b); the at least one second annular axial sealing lip (37) engaging with the first surface (35) of the flange portion of the first shielding member (16) in a non-contact manner, the first annular lip (34) and the at least one second annular axial sealing lip (37) extending radially outward of the axial gap (33) across the axial gap (33).

2. The configuration (1) of the wheel hub (2) connected to the constant velocity joint (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular elastomeric sealing element (24) includes a third annular sealing lip (38) which is radially oriented and configured to cooperate with a second segment of the radially outward surface (23) of the inner ring (5) adjacent to the first segment (29), the third annular sealing lip (38) being disposed adjacent to the first annular sealing lip (34).

3. The configuration of the wheel hub connected to the constant velocity joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first annular sealing lip (34) and the third annular sealing lip (38) protrude radially from the same radially inner edge of the flange portion (21) of the second shield (18), the flange portion protruding radially from the end (39) of the sleeve portion (22) of the second shield (18) away from the first shield (16) on the radially inner side of the sleeve portion (22) of the second shield (18), the flange portion and the sleeve portion (22) forming a simple L-shaped bend, the first annular lip (34) and the third annular lip (38) being arranged obliquely to each other to form an obtuse angle in the radial section, the third annular lip (38) forming a non-contact labyrinth seal with the second section of the radially outer surface (23) of the inner ring (5).

4. The configuration of the wheel hub connected to the constant velocity joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first annular sealing lip (34) and the third annular sealing lip (38) protrude radially from the same radially inner edge of the flange portion (21) of the second shield (18), the flange portion protruding radially from the end (39) of the sleeve portion (22) of the second shield (18) away from the first shield (16) on the radially inner side of the sleeve portion (22) of the second shield (18), the flange portion and the sleeve portion (22) forming a simple L-shaped bend, the first annular lip (34) and the third annular lip (38) being arranged obliquely to each other to form an acute angle in the radial section, the third annular lip (38) forming a sliding contact seal or a non-contact labyrinth seal with the second section of the radially outer surface (23) of the inner ring (5).

5. The configuration of the wheel hub connected to the constant velocity joint according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first lip (34) and the third lip (38) together with each other, the first surface (35) of the flange portion (19) of the first shield, and the second section of the radially outer surface (23) of the inner ring (5) form a collection chamber (40) for reaching any external contaminants in the axial gap (33).

6. The configuration of the wheel hub connected to the constant velocity joint according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first shielding member (16) includes a second sleeve portion (41) which is located on the opposite side of the first sleeve portion (20) and is radially inner to the sleeve portion (22) of the second shielding member (18), protruding axially from the radially outer end of the flange portion (19) of the first shielding member (16). The second sleeve portion (41) faces the sleeve portion (22) of the second shielding member (18) and is separated from the sleeve portion (22) of the second shielding member (18) by a predetermined radial gap (42), which is configured to form a labyrinth-type pre-seal with the first shielding member (16).

7. The configuration of the wheel hub connected to the constant velocity joint according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flange portion (19) of the first shielding member (16) is axially disposed within the second shielding member (18) and radially disposed within the sleeve portion (22) of the second shielding member.

8. The configuration of the wheel hub connected to the constant velocity joint according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The annular bottom wall (30) of the annular step (28) formed on the radial outer surface (23) of the inner ring (5) is provided with a first annular groove (43), the first annular groove (43) is defined by a concave curved bottom wall and is disposed adjacent to the annular front end wall (31) of the annular step (28) forming the axial shoulder (32) on the inner ring, the first annular groove (43) faces the first annular lip (34) and defines the axial gap (33) on the radial inner side.

9. The configuration of a wheel hub connected to a constant velocity joint according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The annular bottom wall (30) of the annular step (28) formed on the radial outer surface (23) of the inner ring (5) is provided with a second annular groove (44). The second annular groove (44) is formed on the section of the annular bottom wall (30) of the annular step that engages with the first sleeve portion (20) of the first shielding member (16) in a form, at a position away from the annular front end wall (31) of the annular step (28), so that it is radially disposed within the first sleeve portion (20) of the first shielding member (16).

10. The configuration of a wheel hub connected to a constant velocity joint according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first sleeve portion (20) of the first shielding member (16) is provided with a static seal (27) at the free end (26) of the tubular axial element (25) formed by protruding from the inner ring (5), the static seal (27) being configured to contact the constant velocity joint (3); and wherein the L-shaped bend of the flange portion (19) of the first shielding member (16) forming the first sleeve portion (20) is configured to have a pre-bending angle, the pre-bending angle being adapted to ensure a precise perpendicularity tolerance between the signal generating element (24b) and the end surface (45) of the first axial annular sealing lip (34) relative to the axis of rotation (A) of the rolling bearing (7) when the form-fit connection is completed.

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