Hub bearing seal

Abstract

The utility model relates to a hub bearing sealing element capable of further improving the sealing performance. In the hub sealing element (1), a sealing element main body (3) is provided with a reinforcing ring (10) and an elastic body part (20). A slinger (4) is provided with a main body section (30) and an elastic body section (40). The elastic body (20) has a side lip (22) facing inward, a labyrinth lip (21), and an intermediate lip (23). The elastic body part (40) is provided with a slinger labyrinth lip (41) facing outwards. The side lip (22) is curved toward the outer peripheral side. The labyrinth lip (21) is positioned further toward the outer peripheral side than the side lip (22), and the slinger labyrinth lip (41) is positioned further toward the outer peripheral side than the labyrinth lip (21). The labyrinth lip (21) and the slinger labyrinth lip (41) face each other in the radial direction to form an annular gap (S1). The gap (S1) forms a labyrinth seal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a hub bearing seal. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles, such as automobiles, on a hub bearing that rotatably supports a wheel, a hub bearing seal as a sealing device has been installed to seal a gap formed between an outer ring and an inner ring. The hub bearing seal seals a lubricant inside the hub bearing and prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the hub bearing. Since the hub bearing is in a harsh environment directly exposed to foreign matters such as rainwater, muddy water, and dust, the hub bearing seal is required to improve the sealing performance against foreign matters.

[0003] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an existing hub bearing seal. As Figure 4 shown, a hub bearing seal 200 as an example of an existing hub bearing seal includes: a seal body 201 having an elastomer portion 210 formed with a side lip 211, an intermediate lip 212, and a grease lip 213; and a slinger 220. The side lip 211 contacts a flange portion 221 of the slinger 220, and the intermediate lip 212 and the grease lip 213 contact a fitting portion 222 of the slinger 220. The side lip 211 and the intermediate lip 212 mainly prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the hub bearing, and the grease lip 213 mainly seals the lubricant inside the hub bearing.

[0004] Foreign matter enters the hub bearing seal 200, and the side lip 211 bites the entered foreign matter between it and the flange portion 221, etc., so that the side lip 211 and the flange portion 221 may be damaged. As a result, the sealing performance of the hub bearing seal 200 may be reduced. In addition, when foreign matter further enters the hub bearing seal 200, the intermediate lip 212 bites the entered foreign matter between it and the fitting portion 222, etc., so that the intermediate lip 212 and the fitting portion 222 may be damaged. As a result, the sealing performance of the hub bearing seal 200 may be reduced. In addition, the reduction of the sealing performance of the hub bearing seal 200 may also cause foreign matter to enter the inside of the hub bearing, resulting in damage to the hub bearing.

[0005] As described above, since the hub bearing seal is used in a harsh environment, in order to prevent the reduction of the sealing performance and the damage of the hub bearing as described above, it is required to further improve the sealing performance. Thus, for the existing hub bearing seal, a structure capable of further improving the sealing performance is required. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Utility Model

[0007] The present utility model is proposed in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a hub bearing seal that can further improve the sealing performance.

[0008] Means for solving the problem

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the hub bearing seal of the present utility model seals the gap between an outer peripheral side member that can rotate relative to the axis and an inner peripheral side member at least partially surrounded by the outer peripheral side member. Among them, the hub bearing seal includes: a seal body fixed to the outer peripheral side member; and an oil slinger fixed to the inner peripheral side member. The seal body includes: a reinforcing ring, which is a member annularly arranged around the axis; and an elastomer part installed on the reinforcing ring and formed by an elastomer annularly arranged around the axis. The oil slinger includes: a main body part, which is a member annularly arranged around the axis; and an elastomer part installed on the main body part and formed by an elastomer annularly arranged around the axis. The elastomer parts of the seal body respectively have a side lip and a labyrinth lip, which are annularly arranged around the axis and extend toward one side in the axial direction, and in addition, have a middle lip extending toward the inner peripheral side. The elastomer part of the oil slinger has an oil slinger labyrinth lip, which is annularly arranged around the axis and extends toward the other side in the axial direction. The side lip bends toward the outer peripheral side, the labyrinth lip is located at a position more toward the outer peripheral side than the side lip, the oil slinger labyrinth lip is located at a position more toward the outer peripheral side than the labyrinth lip, and the labyrinth lip and the oil slinger labyrinth lip are opposed to each other in the radial direction to form an annular gap, and the gap forms a labyrinth seal.

[0010] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present utility model, at least the front end portion of the labyrinth lip is opposed to the oil slinger labyrinth lip in the radial direction to form the gap.

[0011] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present utility model, the labyrinth lip is inclined toward the outer peripheral side toward the one side in the axial direction.

[0012] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present utility model, the labyrinth lip has an annular surface facing the outer peripheral side, that is, an outer peripheral surface, and the oil slinger labyrinth lip has an annular surface facing the inner peripheral side, that is, an inner peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the labyrinth lip and the inner peripheral surface of the oil slinger labyrinth lip are opposed to each other in the radial direction to form the gap.

[0013] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, the side lip has: a root portion which is a portion on the other side in the direction of the axis x; and a front end side portion which is a portion on the one side in the direction of the axis x, and the front end side portion is bent outward in the radial direction with respect to the root portion.

[0014] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, the front end side portion is inclined outward in the radial direction toward the one side in the axial direction.

[0015] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, the root portion is inclined inward in the radial direction toward the one side in the axial direction.

[0016] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, at a position more on the outer peripheral side than the oil slinger labyrinth lip, the seal body and the oil slinger are opposed to each other in the radial direction to form an annular gap around the axis.

[0017] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, the seal body and the oil slinger are respectively fixed to the outer peripheral side member and the inner peripheral side member so as to be in a predetermined relative position. At the predetermined relative position, the labyrinth lip and the oil slinger labyrinth lip form the gap, the side lip contacts the oil slinger from the other side in the axial direction, and the intermediate lip contacts the oil slinger from the outer peripheral side.

[0018] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastomer portion of the seal body has a grease lip which is a portion extending in the axial direction toward the other side and the inner peripheral side in a ring shape around the axis.

[0019] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, the intermediate lip extends in the axial direction toward the one side and the inner peripheral side.

[0020] In the hub bearing seal according to one aspect of the present invention, the outer peripheral side member is an outer ring of the hub bearing, and the inner peripheral side member is an inner ring of the hub bearing.

[0021] Effect of the utility model

[0022] According to the hub bearing seal of the present invention, the sealing performance can be further improved. Description of the drawings

[0023] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a hub bearing along a plane including the axis as an example.

[0024] Figure 2 isFigure 1 Partial enlarged cross-sectional view near the hub bearing seal involved in the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the seal body in the hub bearing seal along a plane including the axis.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an existing hub bearing seal.

[0027] Reference numerals:

[0028] 1, 2 Hub seals (hub bearing seals), 3 Seal body, 4 Thrower ring, 10 Reinforcing ring, 11 Cylindrical portion, 11a Fitting portion, 11b Gasket support portion, 11c, 11d Outer peripheral surface, 11e Inner peripheral surface, 12 Lip support portion, 12a Return portion, 12b Lip flange portion, 20 Elastomer portion, 21 Labyrinth lip, 21a Front end portion, 21b Outer peripheral surface, 21c Inner peripheral surface, 22 Side lip, 22a Front end portion, 22b Root portion, 22c Front end side portion, 23 Intermediate lip, 23a Front end portion, 24 Grease lip, 24a Front end portion, 25 Base portion, 25a Inner peripheral end portion, 25b Gasket portion, 25c Outer peripheral opposing portion, 25d Opposing surface, 26, 27 Recesses, 30 Main body portion, 31 Flange portion, 31a Contact surface, 31b Outer peripheral end portion, 32 Fitting portion, 32a Contact surface, 40 Elastomer portion, 41 Thrower ring labyrinth lip, 41a Front end portion, 41b Outer peripheral surface, 41c Inner peripheral surface, 42 Inner peripheral opposing portion, 42a Opposing surface, 43 Cover portion, 100 Hub bearing, 101 Outer ring, 101a Inner opening portion, 101b Outer opening portion, 101c Inner peripheral surface, 102 Inner ring, 103 Bearing balls, 104 Inner ring member, 104a Outer peripheral surface, 105 Hub ring, 105a Shaft portion, 105b Wheel mounting flange, 106 Retainer, 107 Through hole, 200 Hub seal, 210 Seal body, 211 Side lip, 212 Intermediate lip, 213 Grease lip, 220 Thrower ring, 221 Flange portion, 222 Fitting portion, S1, S2 Clearances, x Axis. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present utility model will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the drawings, for a plurality of constituent elements, sometimes not all of them are labeled with reference numerals, and a part of the reference numerals of the plurality of constituent elements are omitted.

[0030] The hub bearing seal related to the present utility model is a hub bearing seal that realizes the sealing of the gap between the outer peripheral side member and the inner peripheral side member that can rotate relative to each other about the axis. The inner peripheral side member is at least partially surrounded by the outer peripheral side member. The hub bearing seal related to the present utility model is applicable to hub bearings. Figure 1is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a hub bearing 100 along a plane including the axis as an example. As Figure 1 shown, the hub bearing 100 is a well-known hub bearing, which is provided on vehicles such as automobiles, and rotatably supports a wheel in an axle or a suspension device. In addition, as an example, the hub bearing 100 is an inner ring rotation type hub bearing in which the inner peripheral side member rotates and the outer peripheral side member is fixed. In addition, the hub bearing seal related to the present utility model can also be applied to components other than hub bearings.

[0031] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the hub bearing 100 includes: an annular outer ring 101 with the axis x of the outer peripheral side member as the central axis or substantially central axis; an inner ring 102 as the inner peripheral side member, which can rotate relative to the outer ring 101 and has the axis x partially surrounded by the outer ring 101 as the central axis or substantially central axis; and a plurality of bearing balls (rolling elements) 103 disposed between the outer ring 101 and the inner ring 102. In the use state of the hub bearing 100 installed on a vehicle or the like, the outer ring 101 is fixed and the inner ring 102 can rotate relative to the outer ring 101. Specifically, the inner ring 102 has an inner ring member 104 and a hub ring 105. The hub ring 105 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shaft portion 105a extending along the axis x and a wheel mounting flange 105b. The wheel mounting flange 105b is a portion that extends in a disk shape toward the outer peripheral side from one end on the outer side of the shaft portion 105a, and is a portion for mounting a brake disc rotor and a tire wheel (not shown) through a plurality of hub bolts (not shown). The shaft portion 105a and the wheel mounting flange 105b are smoothly connected on the inner peripheral side. The inner ring member 104 is fitted to the inner end portion of the shaft portion 105a of the hub ring 105 in order to hold the bearing balls 103 in the gap, that is, the internal space S, between the outer ring 101 and the inner ring 102. In the internal space S between the outer ring 101 and the inner ring 102, the bearing balls 103 are held by a retainer 106.

[0032] The outer ring 101 has a through hole 107 extending in the direction of the axis x, and the shaft portion 105a of the hub ring 105 of the inner ring 102 enters the through hole 107, and an annular internal space S extending along the axis x is formed between the shaft portion 105a and the through hole 107. In this internal space S, as described above, the bearing balls 103 are accommodated and held by the retainer 106, and a lubricant is coated or injected. A hub bearing seal 1 is installed at the inner opening portion 101a of the outer ring 101 that forms an opening for opening the internal space S between the inner ring member 104 and the shaft portion 105a to the inside. On the other hand, a hub bearing seal 2 is installed at the outer opening portion 101b of the outer ring 101 that forms an opening for opening the internal space S to the outside.

[0033] The hub bearing seal 1 is the hub bearing seal related to the first embodiment of the present invention and is the inner hub seal. On the other hand, the hub bearing seal 2 is a well-known hub bearing seal and is the outer hub bearing seal. Through the hub bearing seals 1 and 2, the sealing of the internal space S between the shaft portion 105a of the hub ring 105, the inner ring member 104, and the outer ring 101 is achieved, preventing the leakage of the lubricant in the internal space S to the outside and preventing foreign matters such as rainwater, muddy water, and dust from entering the internal space S from the outside. In addition, the hub bearing seal 2 can also be the hub bearing seal related to the present invention. In this case, the hub bearing seal 2 has the same structure as the hub bearing seal 1, but the specific shape, size, and other specific forms are in correspondence with the part of the hub bearing 100 where the hub bearing seal 2 is installed. In addition, the structure of the hub bearing to which the hub bearing seals 1 and 2 are applied is not limited to the structure of the above-mentioned hub bearing 100. In the following description, the hub bearing seal applied to the hub bearing is also referred to as the hub seal.

[0034] Next, the hub seal 1 related to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the hub seal 1 in Figure 2 In

[0035] As shown in Figure 2As shown in the figure, the hub seal 1 includes a seal body 3 fixed to the outer ring 101, that is, the seal body 3, and a thrower ring 4 fixed to the inner ring 102. The seal body 3 includes a reinforcing ring 10 which is a ring-shaped member around the axis x and an elastomeric portion 20 mounted on the reinforcing ring 10 and formed of an elastomer that is ring-shaped around the axis x. The thrower ring 4 includes a main body portion 30 which is a ring-shaped member around the axis x and an elastomeric portion 40 mounted on the main body portion 30 and formed of an elastomer that is ring-shaped around the axis x. The elastomeric portion 20 of the seal body 3 respectively has a side lip 22 which is a ring-shaped portion extending toward one side (inner side) in the axis x direction around the axis x and a labyrinth lip 21, and in addition, has a portion extending toward the inner peripheral side, that is, an intermediate lip 23. The elastomeric portion 40 of the thrower ring 4 has a thrower ring labyrinth lip 41 which is a ring-shaped portion extending toward the other side (outer side) in the axis x direction around the axis x. The side lip 22 bends toward the outer peripheral side. The labyrinth lip 21 is located at a position more toward the outer peripheral side than the side lip 22. The thrower ring labyrinth lip 41 is located at a position more toward the outer peripheral side than the labyrinth lip 21. The labyrinth lip 21 and the thrower ring labyrinth lip 41 are opposed to each other in the radial direction and form an annular gap S1. The gap S1 forms a labyrinth seal. Hereinafter, the structure of the hub seal 1 will be specifically described.

[0036] In addition, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 shown, the inner side refers to the side in the direction of arrow a in the axis x direction. On the other hand, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 shown, the outer side refers to the side in the direction of arrow b in the axis x direction. In the hub bearing 100 installed in a vehicle, the inner side is the vehicle body side and the outer side is the wheel side. In addition, the radial direction refers to the direction orthogonal to the axis x. In addition, the outer peripheral side refers to the side away from the axis x in the radial direction in the hub bearing 100. As Figure 1 , Figure 2 shown, it is the side in the direction of arrow c. The inner peripheral side refers to the side close to the axis x in the radial direction in the hub bearing 100. As Figure 1 , Figure 2 shown, it is the side in the direction of arrow d. In addition, the axis x of the hub seal 1 installed in the hub bearing 100 coincides with or is substantially coincident with the axis of the hub bearing 100. For the convenience of explanation, the axis of the hub bearing 100 is set as the axis x.

[0037] For example, as Figure 2 shown, the reinforcing ring 10 of the seal body 3 is a ring-shaped plate-like metal member with the axis x as the central axis or substantially the central axis, and is formed to be press-fitted and fitted into the through hole 107 of the outer ring 101 of the hub bearing 100. By press-fitting the reinforcing ring 10 into the outer ring 101, the seal body 3 is fixed to the outer ring 101. For example, as Figure 2As shown, the reinforcing ring 10 has a cylindrical tubular portion 11 and a lip support portion 12 that bends inward from the outer end of the tubular portion 11 and extends toward the inner circumferential side.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the seal body 3 along a plane including the axis x. In addition, in Figure 3 only one side of the cross-section of the seal body 3 with respect to the axis x is shown. As Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the tubular portion 11 has, for example, a fitting portion 11a as an outer part and a gasket support portion 11b as an inner part. The fitting portion 11a is, for example, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical portion centered on the axis x or a substantially central axis. As Figure 1 , Figure 2 shown, the tubular portion 11 is formed such that the outer peripheral surface 11c of the fitting portion 11a is pressed into the inner opening 101a of the outer ring 101 and fitted to the inner peripheral surface 101c. The gasket support portion 11b extends from the inner end of the fitting portion 11a in a stepped manner, and the outer peripheral surface 11d of the gasket support portion 11b is located on the inner peripheral side relative to the outer peripheral surface 11c of the fitting portion 11a.

[0039] The lip support portion 12 is formed, for example, in a shape that positions the labyrinth lip 21, the side lip 22, the intermediate lip 23, and the grease lip 24 (described later) at desired positions relative to the slinger 4 in the hub seal 1. For example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the lip support portion 12 has a return portion 12a and a lip flange portion 12b. The return portion 12a is, for example, a ring-shaped plate-like portion that extends radially from the outer end of the tubular portion 11 and then bends inward and extends obliquely with respect to the radial direction. The lip flange portion 12b is, for example, a ring-shaped plate-like portion that extends inward from the inner peripheral end of the return portion 12a. The reinforcing ring 10 is, for example, a component integrally formed by stamping and forging a metal plate, and the tubular portion 11 and the lip support portion 12 are respective parts of the reinforcing ring 10 integrally formed of the same material and are integrally continuous. As the metal material of the reinforcing ring 10, for example, there are stainless steel and SPCC (cold-rolled steel).

[0040] The elastomer portion 20 is mounted on the reinforcing ring 10 as described above, and is, for example, integrated with the reinforcing ring 10 so as to cover the reinforcing ring 10 from the inside. As shown in Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, in addition to the labyrinth lip 21, the side lip 22, and the intermediate lip 23, the elastomer portion 20 also has, for example, a grease lip 24. The side lip 22, the intermediate lip 23, and the grease lip 24 are each a ring-shaped seal lip around the axis x. As Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the intermediate lip 23 and the grease lip 24 extend toward the axis x (inner circumferential side) and contact the fitting portion 32 of the oil slinger 4 described later in the hub seal 1 in the use state. The side lip 22 contacts the flange portion 31 of the oil slinger 4 described later in the hub seal 1 in the use state. The side lip 22 and the intermediate lip 23 prevent foreign matter from entering the internal space S of the hub bearing 100 and prevent the lubricant from flowing out of the internal space S in the hub seal 1 in the use state. In addition, the grease lip 24 prevents the lubricant from flowing out of the internal space S of the hub bearing 100 in the hub seal 1 in the use state.

[0041] In addition, the elastomer portion 20 has, for example, a base portion 25. For example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the base portion 25 is the portion of the elastomer portion 20 that mainly extends on the inner surface of the reinforcing ring 10 across the cylindrical portion 11 and the lip support portion 12 of the reinforcing ring 10. As Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the intermediate lip 23 and the grease lip 24 extend from the inner circumferential end portion, i.e., the inner circumferential end 25a, of the base portion 25. In addition, for example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the side lip 22 is separated radially from the intermediate lip 23 at a position more on the outer circumferential side than the intermediate lip 23 and extends from near the inner circumferential end 25a of the base portion 25. In addition, for example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the base portion 25 also extends to the outer peripheral surface 11d of the gasket support portion 11b of the reinforcing ring 10, and a gasket portion 25b is formed on the outer peripheral surface 11d of the gasket support portion 11b. As Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the gasket portion 25b protrudes more toward the outer circumferential side than the outer peripheral surface 11c of the fitting portion 11a of the reinforcing ring 10 and is compressed radially between the gasket support portion 11b of the reinforcing ring 10 fitted into the inner opening portion 101a of the outer ring 101 and the inner peripheral surface 101c of the inner opening portion 101a. Thereby, the sealing between the inner opening portion 101a of the outer ring 101 and the seal body 3 is achieved.

[0042] In addition, for example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the elastomeric portion 20 has a portion, i.e., the outer periphery opposing portion 25c, that extends along the inner peripheral surface 11e of the cylindrical portion 11 of the reinforcing ring 10. In the usage state of the hub seal 1, the outer periphery opposing portion 25c opposes the inner periphery opposing portion 42 of the elastomeric portion 40 covering the front end of the flange portion 31 of the main body portion 30 of the slinger 4 described later with an annular gap in the radial direction. The outer periphery opposing portion 25c has, for example, an opposing surface 25d that extends along an axis x extending from the inner end, and in the opposing surface 25d, it opposes the inner periphery opposing portion 42 of the slinger 4. The opposing surface 25d is, for example, a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface centered on or substantially centered on the axis x. In addition, the opposing surface 25d extends, for example, to the outer end of the gasket support portion 11b of the reinforcing ring 10 or near this end, or extends outward beyond the gasket support portion 11b.

[0043] As described above, the side lip 22 is annular around the axis x, extends toward the inside, and bends toward the outer periphery. As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 shown, the side lip 22 extends annularly from the base portion 25 toward the inside around the axis x as the central axis or a substantially central axis, for example. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, in the usage state of the hub seal 1 in which the seal body 3 and the slinger 4 are installed in a hub bearing 100 in a prescribed relative position, the side lip 22 is formed such that its front end portion 22a contacts the flange portion 31 of the slinger 4 described later with a prescribed interference amount. As Figure 3 shown, the side lip 22 has, for example, a root portion 22b as the outer portion and a front end side portion 22c as the inner portion. The front end side portion 22c is the portion including the front end portion 22a. The front end side portion 22c bends toward the outer periphery with respect to the root portion 22b.

[0044] As Figure 3 shown, the front end side portion 22c inclines toward the outer periphery toward the inside, for example. Specifically, for example, the front end side portion 22c has a conical cylindrical shape or a substantially conical cylindrical shape that expands in diameter toward the inside in the axis x direction. In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the cross-sectional shape of the front end side portion 22c is not limited to extending along a straight line. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the front end side portion 22c can also be curved. In addition, the root portion 22b inclines toward the inner periphery toward the inside, for example. Specifically, for example, the root portion 22b has a conical cylindrical shape or a substantially conical cylindrical shape that contracts in diameter toward the inside in the axis x direction. In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the cross-sectional shape of the root portion 22b is not limited to extending along a straight line. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the root portion 22b can also be curved. In addition, the root portion 22b may not incline toward the inner periphery toward the inside in the axis x direction. For example, the root portion 22b can extend parallel to the axis x direction, and in addition, it can also incline toward the outer periphery toward the inside.

[0045] As described above, in the side lip 22, the front end side portion 22c is bent toward the outer peripheral side with respect to the root portion 22b, and the side lip 22 forms a ring-shaped space, i.e., a recess 26, on the outer peripheral side around the axis x that is recessed toward the inner peripheral side.

[0046] For example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the intermediate lip 23 extends annularly from the inner peripheral end portion 25a of the base portion 25 toward the inside and the inner peripheral side with the axis x as the central axis or a substantially central axis. As Figure 2 shown, the intermediate lip 23 is formed such that, in the use state of the hub seal 1, the front end portion 23a contacts the fitting portion 32 of the slinger 4 with a prescribed interference amount. Additionally, the hub seal 1 may not have the intermediate lip 23.

[0047] For example, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the grease lip 24 extends annularly from the base portion 25 toward the outside and the inner peripheral side with the axis x as the central axis or a substantially central axis. As Figure 2 shown, the grease lip 24 is formed such that, in the use state of the hub seal 1, the front end portion 24a contacts the fitting portion 32 of the slinger 4. In addition, the front end portion 24a of the grease lip 24 may not contact the fitting portion 32 of the slinger 4 in the use state of the hub seal 1. Additionally, the hub seal 1 may not have the grease lip 24.

[0048] As described above, the labyrinth lip 21 extends annularly toward the inside around the axis x. As Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, a ring-shaped portion protruding from the base portion 25 toward the inside is formed in the elastomer portion 20. The width of the labyrinth lip 21, for example, becomes narrower toward the front end of the labyrinth lip 21 and the portion near it, i.e., the front end portion 21a side. The labyrinth lip 21 is located on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral opposing portion 25c, and a space, i.e., a recess 27, that is annular around the axis x and recessed toward the outside is formed between the labyrinth lip 21 and the outer peripheral opposing portion 25c. The front end portion 21a of the labyrinth lip 21 is opposed to the flange portion 31 of the main body portion 30 of the slinger 4 described later with a gap in the direction of the axis x in the use state of the hub seal 1.

[0049] For example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the labyrinth lip 21 inclines outward toward the inner side and toward the outer peripheral side. The cylindrical surface facing the outer peripheral side of the labyrinth lip 21, i.e., the outer peripheral surface 21b, expands in diameter toward the inner side in the axis x direction and inclines outward toward the inner side. Similarly, the cylindrical surface facing the inner peripheral side of the labyrinth lip 21, i.e., the inner peripheral surface 21c, expands in diameter toward the inner side in the axis x direction and inclines outward toward the inner side. In addition, the labyrinth lip 21 may not incline outward toward the inner side in the axis x direction. For example, the labyrinth lip 21 may extend parallel to the axis x direction. Additionally, it may incline inward toward the inner peripheral side.

[0050] As Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, for example, the part of the labyrinth lip 21 adjacent to the front end portion 21a and the front end portion 21a on the outer side is opposed to the oil slinger labyrinth lip 41 of the oil slinger 4 with a gap S1 from the inner peripheral side in the radial direction. Specifically, a part of the outer peripheral surface 21b of the labyrinth lip 21 is opposed to the oil slinger labyrinth lip 41 with a gap S1. In addition, the labyrinth lip 21 may be opposed to the oil slinger labyrinth lip 41 with a gap S1 from the inner peripheral side in the radial direction at the front end portion 21a or a part of the front end portion 21a.

[0051] The elastomer portion 20 is integrally mounted on the reinforcing ring 10. The above-mentioned labyrinth lip 21, side lip 22, intermediate lip 23, grease lip 24, and base portion 25 are respective parts of the elastomer portion 20 integrally formed of the same material and are integrally continuous. As the elastomer of the elastomer portion 20, for example, there are various rubber materials. Various rubber materials are, for example, synthetic rubbers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (H-NBR), acrylic rubber (ACM), and fluororubber (FKM).

[0052] As described above, the oil slinger 4 has a main body portion 30 and an elastomer portion 40. For example, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the main body portion 30 of the oil slinger 4 has a flange portion 31 which is an annular portion extending in the radial direction around the axis x and a cylindrical portion 32 which extends outward in the axis x direction from the end portion on the inner peripheral side of the flange portion 31. The flange portion 31 is a circular plate-shaped or substantially circular plate-shaped portion expanding in the radial direction with the axis x as the central axis or substantially central axis. As Figure 2 shown, it forms an annular portion protruding radially from the outer peripheral surface 104a of the inner ring member 104 of the inner ring 102. The surface facing the outer side of the flange portion 31, i.e., the contact surface 31a, becomes a surface expanding in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane orthogonal to the axis x. In the hub seal 1 in the use state, the side lip 22 contacts the contact surface 31a of the flange portion 31.

[0053] For example, as Figure 2As shown, the fitting portion 32 is a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical portion centered on or substantially centered on the axis x, and is formed to be press-fitted into the inner ring member 104 of the inner ring 102 and fitted onto the outer peripheral surface 104a of the inner ring member 104. In addition, for example, as Figure 2 shown, the surface 32a of the fitting portion 32 facing the outer peripheral side, i.e., the contact surface 32a, becomes a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface centered on or substantially centered on the axis x. In the hub seal 1 in the use state, the intermediate lip 23 and the grease lip 24 are in contact with the fitting portion 32.

[0054] In addition, the main body portion 30 of the slinger 4 is in close contact with the inner ring member 104. Specifically, the fitting portion 32 of the main body portion 30 and the inner ring member 104 are in close contact with each other in such a manner that no gap through which foreign matter can pass is formed between the fitting portion 32 and the inner ring member 104. In addition, the main body portion 30 and the inner ring member 104 may not be in close contact as described above. In this case, for example, an annular gasket may be provided between the main body portion 30 and the inner ring member 104 so that foreign matter does not enter the internal space S between the outer ring 101 and the inner ring 102 from the gap between the main body portion 30 and the inner ring member 104. For example, such a gasket is formed by the elastomer portion 40 of the slinger 4.

[0055] The main body portion 30 is integrally formed by stamping and forging a metal plate of the same thickness, for example, and the flange portion 31 and the fitting portion 32 are parts of the slinger 4 integrally formed. As the metal material of the main body portion 30, for example, there are stainless steel and SPCC (cold-rolled steel). In addition, the material of the main body portion 30 is not limited to metal materials.

[0056] As Figure 2 shown, at a position more on the outer peripheral side than the labyrinth lip 21, the seal body 3 and the slinger 4 are opposed to each other in the radial direction, and an annular gap S2 is formed around the axis x. As described above, the elastomer portion 40 of the slinger 4 has an inner circumferential opposed portion 42. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the inner circumferential opposed portion 42 is formed to cover the outer peripheral end portion, i.e., the outer peripheral end 31b, of the flange portion 31 of the main body portion 30. The inner circumferential opposed portion 42 has an annular surface facing the outer peripheral side, i.e., the opposed surface 42a, and in the use state of the hub seal 1, the opposed surface 42a is opposed to the opposed surface 25d of the outer peripheral opposed portion 25c of the elastomer portion 20 of the seal body 3 with the annular gap S2 interposed therebetween in the radial direction. The opposed surface 42a is, for example, a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface centered on or substantially centered on the axis x. In the use state of the hub seal 1, the annular gap S2 formed between the opposed surface 42a of the slinger 4 and the opposed surface 25d of the seal body 3 forms, for example, a labyrinth seal and becomes a gap forming the labyrinth seal. In addition, the gap S2 may not form a labyrinth seal.

[0057] In addition, as described above, the elastomeric portion 40 has a slinger labyrinth lip 41. The slinger labyrinth lip 41 extends annularly outward toward the axis x, as Figure 2 shown, a ring-shaped portion that protrudes outward from the inner circumferential side of the inner circumferential opposing portion 42 is formed on the elastomeric portion 40. The slinger labyrinth lip 41 is provided, for example, at the end on the inner circumferential side of the inner circumferential opposing portion 42.

[0058] In addition, as described above, in the hub seal 1 in the use state, the slinger labyrinth lip 41 faces the labyrinth lip 21 with a gap S1 therebetween in the radial direction to form a labyrinth seal. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the portion adjacent to the front end portion 41a and the front end portion 41a of the slinger labyrinth lip 41 on the inner side enters the recess 27 and faces the labyrinth lip 21 of the seal body 3 with a gap S1 therebetween in the radial direction from the outer peripheral side. In addition, the front end portion 41a is the front end and the portion near the front end of the slinger labyrinth lip 41. Specifically, a part of the cylindrical surface facing the inner circumferential side, that is, the inner circumferential surface 41b of the slinger labyrinth lip 41 faces the labyrinth lip 21 with a gap S1 therebetween. In addition, the slinger labyrinth lip 41 may also face the labyrinth lip 21 with a gap S1 therebetween in the radial direction from the outer peripheral side at the front end portion 41a or a part of the front end portion 41a.

[0059] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the elastomeric portion 40 has a portion formed to cover the flange portion 31 from the inside, that is, the cover portion 43. The cover portion 43 is close to the inner circumferential opposing portion 42 on the inner circumferential side. In addition, the elastomeric portion 40 may not have the cover portion 43.

[0060] The elastomeric portion 40 is integrally mounted on the main body portion 30. The above-mentioned slinger labyrinth lip 41, inner circumferential opposing portion 42, and cover portion 43 are respective portions of the elastomeric portion 40 integrally formed of the same material and are integrally continuous. As the elastomer of the elastomeric portion 40, for example, there are various rubber materials. Various rubber materials are, for example, synthetic rubbers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (H-NBR), acrylic rubber (ACM), and fluororubber (FKM).

[0061] The hub seal 1 has the structure as described above. In the use state of the hub seal 1, the side lip 22 of the seal body 3 contacts the flange portion 31 of the main body portion 30 of the slinger 4. In addition, the intermediate lip 23 of the seal body 3 contacts the fitting portion 32 of the main body portion 30 of the slinger 4. Thereby, it is mainly achieved to prevent foreign matters such as rainwater, muddy water, and dust from entering the inner space S of the hub bearing 100 from the outside. In addition, in the use state of the hub seal 1, the grease lip 24 of the seal body 3 contacts the fitting portion 32 of the main body portion 30 of the slinger 4. Thereby, it is mainly achieved to prevent the lubricant in the inner space S of the hub bearing 100 from leaking to the outside.

[0062] In addition, in the state where the wheel hub seal 1 is in use, the labyrinth lip 21 and the thrower ring labyrinth lip 41 are opposed to each other in the radial direction, and a gap S1 that functions as a labyrinth seal is formed therebetween. Thus, it is possible to prevent foreign matter that has entered from the outside via the gap S2 from further entering the side lip 22 side. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the approach of foreign matter to the side lip 22, and further suppress the approach to the intermediate lip 23. Thereby, the sealing performance of the wheel hub seal 1 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to suppress damage to the contact surface 31a of the side lip 22 or the flange portion 31 due to foreign matter biting in, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the side lip 22, and further suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the intermediate lip 23.

[0063] In the state where the wheel hub seal 1 is in use, the front end portion 21a of the labyrinth lip 21 is opposed to the flange portion 31 of the main body portion 30 of the thrower ring 4 with a gap in the x-axis direction. When a gap is formed between the front end portion 21a of the labyrinth lip 21 and the flange portion 31 to form a labyrinth seal, the sealing performance of the wheel hub seal 1 can be further improved. Based on this, the wheel hub seal 1 can also suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the side lip 22.

[0064] In addition, when the labyrinth lip 21 is inclined toward the inside and toward the outer peripheral side, the front end portion 21a of the labyrinth lip 21 is located on the outer peripheral side of the portion on the root side of the labyrinth lip 21. Therefore, in this case, the labyrinth lip 21 can function to retain foreign matter that has entered the inside through the gap S2, and can further suppress the approach of foreign matter to the side lip 22. Thereby, the sealing performance of the wheel hub seal 1 can be further improved. In addition, based on this, the wheel hub seal 1 can also suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the side lip 22.

[0065] In addition, the side lip 22 is bent toward the outer peripheral side to form a concave portion 26 that is recessed toward the inner peripheral side. This concave portion 26 functions to retain foreign matter that has entered the inside through the gap S1. Therefore, the concave portion 26 can retain foreign matter that has entered the inside through the gap S1, and suppress the approach of foreign matter to the side lip 22. Thereby, the sealing performance of the wheel hub seal 1 can be further improved. In addition, based on this, the wheel hub seal 1 can also suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the side lip 22.

[0066] In addition, in the usage state of the wheel hub seal 1, the outer circumferential opposing portion 25c of the elastomeric portion 20 of the seal body 3 and the inner circumferential opposing portion 42 of the elastomeric portion 40 of the slinger 4 are opposed to each other in the radial direction to form an annular gap S2. The gap S2 serves as an obstacle to further entry of foreign matter that enters the interior of the wheel hub seal 1 from the outside, and can further inhibit the entry of foreign matter into the interior of the wheel hub seal 1. When a labyrinth seal is formed in the gap S2, the entry of foreign matter into the interior of the wheel hub seal 1 can be further inhibited. Thereby, the sealing performance of the wheel hub seal 1 can be further improved. Additionally, based on this, the wheel hub seal 1 can also inhibit a decrease in the sealing performance of the side lip 22.

[0067] In addition, in addition to the side lip 22, the intermediate lip 23, and the grease lip 24, the wheel hub seal 1 forms a labyrinth seal without increasing the portion of the seal body 3 that contacts the main body portion 30 of the slinger 4, thereby improving the sealing performance of the wheel hub seal 1. Therefore, an increase in the torque resistance generated between the seal body 3 and the slinger 4 due to the rotation of the inner ring 102 relative to the outer ring 101 can be inhibited.

[0068] As described above, according to the wheel hub seal 1 according to the embodiment of the present utility model, the sealing performance of the wheel hub seal 1 can be further improved.

[0069] The present utility model has been described above through the above embodiments, but the technical scope of the present utility model is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. According to the description in the claims, the embodiments with such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present utility model.

[0070] The embodiments described above are for the purpose of easily understanding the present utility model and are not used for limiting the interpretation of the present utility model. Additionally, the above embodiments do not limit the objects of utilization of the present utility model, and the present utility model can include all objects of utilization as its objects of utilization. Each component, its configuration, material, conditions, shape, size, etc. possessed by the above embodiments are not limited to the exemplified content and can be appropriately changed. For example, the present utility model includes the differences generated during the implementation of manufacturing tolerances, etc. Additionally, within the scope where there is no technical contradiction, the components shown in different embodiments can be partially replaced or combined with each other. Additionally, each structure can be appropriately and selectively combined to achieve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems and effects.

Claims

1. A hub bearing seal for sealing a gap between an outer peripheral member that is rotatable relative to an axis and an inner peripheral member that is at least partially surrounded by the outer peripheral member, characterized in that: The hub bearing seal comprises: a sealing member body fixed to the outer peripheral member; and an oil slinger fixed to the inner peripheral member, The sealing body comprises: a reinforcement ring, which is a member having an annular shape around the axis; and an elastic body portion, which is mounted on the reinforcing ring and is formed of an elastic body in a ring shape around the axis, The oil slinger comprises: a main body portion, which is a member in an annular shape around the axis; and an elastic body portion, which is mounted on the main body portion and is formed of an elastic body in a ring shape around the axis, The elastic body of the seal body has a side lip and a labyrinth lip, which are portions extending toward one side in the axial direction and are annular around the axis, and also has an intermediate lip, which is a portion extending toward the inner circumference. The elastic body portion of the oil slinger has a portion that is annular around the axis and extends toward the other side in the axial direction, namely, an oil slinger labyrinth lip. The side lip is bent toward the outer peripheral side, The labyrinth lip is located on the outer peripheral side than the side lip. The oil slinger labyrinth lip is located at a position closer to the outer peripheral side than the labyrinth lip. The labyrinth lip and the slinger labyrinth lip are radially opposed to each other to form an annular gap. The gap forms a labyrinth seal.

2. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least a front end portion of the labyrinth lip is opposed to the slinger labyrinth lip in a radial direction to form the gap.

3. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The labyrinth lip is inclined toward the outer peripheral side toward the one side in the axial direction.

4. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The labyrinth lip has an annular surface, namely, an outer peripheral surface, facing the outer peripheral side. The labyrinth lip of the oil slinger has an annular surface facing the inner peripheral side, namely, an inner peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the labyrinth lip and the inner peripheral surface of the slinger labyrinth lip are opposed to each other in a radial direction to form the gap.

5. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side lip has: a root portion which is a portion of the other side in the axial direction; and a front end side portion, which is a portion on the one side in the axial direction, The front end side portion is bent toward the outer peripheral side relative to the root portion.

6. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front end side portion is inclined toward the outer peripheral side toward the one side in the axial direction.

7. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The root portion is inclined toward the inner peripheral side toward the one side in the axial direction.

8. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seal body and the slinger are radially opposed to each other at a position on the outer peripheral side of the slinger labyrinth lip so as to form an annular gap around the axis.

9. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seal body and the slinger are fixed to the outer peripheral member and the inner peripheral member, respectively, in predetermined relative positions. At the predetermined relative position, the labyrinth lip and the slinger labyrinth lip form the gap, the side lip contacts the slinger from the other side in the axial direction, and the middle lip contacts the slinger from the outer peripheral side.

10. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic body portion of the seal body body has a grease lip that is a portion that is annular around the axis and extends toward the other side and the inner peripheral side in the axial direction.

11. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate lip extends toward one side and the inner peripheral side in the axial direction.

12. The wheel hub bearing seal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer peripheral side member is an outer ring of a hub bearing, and the inner peripheral side member is an inner ring of a hub bearing.

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