Automobile wheel end bearing structure

Abstract

The utility model provides an automobile wheel end bearing structure which comprises a wheel axle, a bearing assembly, a hub and a temperature adjusting structure, the bearing assembly comprises two sets of bearings, and the two sets of bearings are installed on the wheel axle at intervals; the hub is rotationally connected to the wheel axle through a bearing assembly; the temperature adjusting structure comprises a heat exchange piece; wherein a containing cavity is defined by the wheel axle, the hub and the bearing assembly, the heat exchange piece is arranged in the containing cavity, and heat exchange is conducted between the bearing assembly and the heat exchange piece. The utility model can improve the influence of temperature change on the lubricating property of the bearing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a wheel end load-bearing structure for automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] In current automotive technology, at the wheel bearing location, the wheel is rotated and connected to the wheel axle via bearings, and the bearings are self-lubricated by grease. However, the lubricating performance of grease is significantly affected by temperature. For example, in winter when temperatures drop to tens of degrees below zero Celsius, the grease hardens, becomes more viscous, and loses fluidity, making it difficult to reach the lubrication points effectively. In summer when temperatures rise above thirty degrees Celsius, the grease viscosity decreases, its fluidity increases, and it is prone to leakage. High temperatures also accelerate the oxidation and decomposition of the grease, leading to a decline in its lubricating performance. Therefore, when temperature changes are significant, bearings are prone to poor lubrication, which can lead to premature bearing failure and increase safety hazards in the vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a bearing structure for automobile wheel ends to improve the effect of temperature changes on bearing lubrication performance.

[0004] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this utility model provides a vehicle wheel end bearing structure, including: a wheel axle, a bearing assembly, a wheel hub, and a temperature regulating structure. The bearing assembly includes two sets of bearings, which are installed at intervals on the wheel axle. The wheel hub is rotatably connected to the wheel axle through the bearing assembly. The temperature regulating structure includes a heat exchanger. A receiving cavity is formed between the wheel axle, the wheel hub, and the bearing assembly, and the heat exchanger is disposed within the receiving cavity, allowing the bearing assembly to exchange heat with the heat exchanger.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger includes a sealed cavity, and the temperature regulating structure further includes a heat exchange medium supply device. The inlet of the sealed cavity is connected to the outlet of the surrounding medium supply device, and the outlet of the sealed cavity is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange medium supply device.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger includes an annular portion and multiple connecting portions. The annular portion is sleeved on a wheel axle, a sealing cavity is formed in the annular portion, and multiple connecting portions are arranged around the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium supply device further includes a heat exchange medium temperature control device for heating or cooling the heat exchange medium.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature control device includes a heater and a cooling fan, and the temperature adjustment structure also includes a temperature sensor. Both the heater and the cooling fan are electrically connected to the temperature sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, the temperature sensor is disposed inside the receiving cavity.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium supply device includes a receiving cavity that is connected to a sealed cavity; a heater is used to heat the heat exchange medium in the receiving cavity, and a cooling fan is used to cool the heat exchange medium in the receiving cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium supply device includes two accommodating cavities, a heater for heating the heat exchange medium in one of the accommodating cavities, a cooling fan for cooling the heat exchange medium in the other accommodating cavity, and a temperature regulation structure further includes an electrically controlled valve, which is electrically connected to a temperature sensor, and the two accommodating cavities are respectively connected to a sealed cavity through the electrically controlled valve.

[0012] In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, and the liquid heat exchange medium includes flame retardant components; the heat exchange element is made of carbon plastic material, and the melting point of the heat exchange element is between 150 and 400°C.

[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, and the liquid heat exchange medium includes flame retardant components; the ring part is made of carbon plastic material, and the connecting part is made of metal or ceramic material.

[0014] The automotive wheel-end bearing structure provided by this utility model incorporates a heat exchanger within a cavity formed between the wheel axle, wheel hub, and bearing assembly, facilitating heat exchange between the bearing assembly and the heat exchanger. This arrangement creates a heat conduction path between the heat exchanger and the bearing assembly. When the bearing operating temperature is low, the heat exchanger's temperature can be increased to transfer heat to the bearing assembly, thus raising the operating temperature of the bearing assembly. Conversely, when the bearing operating temperature is high, the heat exchanger's temperature can be decreased to transfer heat from the bearing assembly to the heat exchanger, thus cooling the operating temperature of the bearing assembly. Therefore, by incorporating the heat exchanger, the operating temperature of the bearing assembly can be regulated, thereby mitigating the impact of temperature changes on bearing lubrication performance, reducing the probability of premature bearing failure due to poor lubrication, and ultimately reducing automotive safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the automobile wheel end bearing structure of this utility model in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the automobile wheel end bearing structure of this utility model in another embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange component in one embodiment of the automobile wheel end bearing structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline connection between the heat exchange medium supply device and the sealing cavity in one embodiment of the automobile wheel end bearing structure of this utility model.

[0022] Component designation explanation:

[0023] 100. Automobile wheel end bearing structure; 110. Wheel axle; 120. Bearing assembly; 121. Bearing; 130. Wheel hub; 140. Temperature regulation structure; 141. Heat exchanger; 1411. Sealing cavity; 1412. First annular wall; 1413. Second annular wall; 1414. First inlet; 1415. First outlet; 1416. Ring body; 1417. Connecting part; 142. Heat exchange medium supply device; 1421. Second inlet; 1422. Second outlet; 1423. Temperature control device; 14231. Heater; 14 232. Cooling fan; 1424. Controller; 1425. Receptacle; 14251. First receptacle; 14252. Second receptacle; 143. Electrically controlled valve; 1431. First interface; 1432. Second interface; 144. Temperature sensor; 150. Receptacle; 161. Liquid inlet pipe; 1611. First liquid inlet pipe; 1612. Second liquid inlet pipe; 1613. Third liquid inlet pipe; 162. Liquid outlet pipe; 1621. First liquid outlet pipe; 1622. Second liquid outlet pipe; 1623. Third liquid outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. It should also be understood that the terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for describing specific implementation schemes and not for limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Test methods in the following embodiments that do not specify specific conditions are generally performed under conventional conditions or according to the conditions recommended by the respective manufacturers.

[0025] When numerical ranges are given in the embodiments, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified in this invention, both endpoints of each numerical range and any value between the two endpoints may be selected. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention, as well as the prior art known to those skilled in the art and the description of this invention, may be implemented using any prior art methods, equipment, and materials similar to or equivalent to those in the embodiments of this invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle" and "one" used in this specification are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered as within the scope of implementation of this utility model.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This utility model provides a vehicle wheel end bearing structure 100. By setting a heat exchanger 141 in a cavity 150 formed between the wheel axle 110, the wheel hub 130 and the bearing assembly 120, and allowing the bearing assembly 120 to exchange heat with the heat exchanger 141, the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120 can be adjusted, thereby improving the effect of temperature changes on the lubrication performance of the bearing 121.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The automobile wheel end bearing structure 100 of this utility model includes: wheel axle 110, bearing assembly 120, wheel hub 130 and temperature regulation structure 140.

[0029] It should be noted that the wheel end bearing structure 100 in this embodiment can be a wheel end bearing structure at the front wheel of the vehicle or a wheel end bearing structure at the rear wheel of the vehicle; this embodiment is not limited to either.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 The bearing assembly 120 includes two sets of bearings 121, which are spaced apart and mounted on the wheel axle 110. The bearings 121 can be any bearing structure that meets the requirements for rotational support, such as tapered roller bearings or ball bearings. Optionally, in this embodiment, the bearings 121 are tapered roller bearings. The specifications of the two sets of bearings 121 can be the same or different, depending on the installation dimensions and load-bearing requirements. The wheel hub 130 is rotatably connected to the wheel axle 110 via the two sets of bearings 121. Specifically, the inner ring of the bearing 121 is connected to the wheel axle 110, and the outer ring of the bearing 121 is connected to the mounting hole on the wheel hub 130. It should be noted that the specific structure of the wheel hub 130 and the wheel axle 110 is a conventional structure found in existing automobiles and will not be described in detail here.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 A receiving cavity 150 is formed between the wheel axle 110, the wheel hub 130, and the bearing assembly 120. The receiving cavity 150 is an annular cavity structure arranged around the axis of the wheel axle 110. The temperature regulating structure 140 includes a heat exchanger 141, which is disposed within the receiving cavity 150. The bearing assembly 120 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 141. The heat exchanger 141 can directly contact the bearing assembly 120 to achieve heat exchange, or it can not directly contact the bearing assembly 120 and achieve heat exchange through heat conduction via the air within the receiving cavity 150. The heat exchanger 141 can be fixed to the wheel axle 110 or the wheel hub 130. Optionally, to facilitate the installation of the heat exchanger 141, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 141 is fixedly installed on the wheel axle 110 and rotates with the wheel axle 110 when the wheel axle 110 rotates. The heat exchanger 141 can be a ring structure or a multi-block structure. Preferably, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 141 is a ring structure and is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel axle 110. The heat exchanger 141 can achieve heat exchange in various ways. For example, it can be filled with a liquid or gaseous heat exchange medium, which circulates within the heat exchanger 141 to control its temperature, thereby achieving heat exchange between the heat exchanger 141 and the bearing assembly 120. Alternatively, a phase change material can be disposed inside the heat exchanger 141, achieving heat exchange between the heat exchanger 141 and the bearing assembly 120 through a solid-liquid phase change.

[0032] In this embodiment, a heat exchanger 141 is provided in the cavity 150 formed between the wheel axle 110, the wheel hub 130, and the bearing assembly 120, and heat exchange is performed between the bearing assembly 120 and the heat exchanger 141. This arrangement creates a heat conduction path between the heat exchanger 141 and the bearing assembly 120. When the operating temperature of the bearing 121 is low, the temperature of the heat exchanger 141 can be increased to transfer heat from the heat exchanger 141 to the bearing assembly 120, thereby raising the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120. Conversely, when the operating temperature of the bearing 121 is high, the temperature of the heat exchanger 141 can be decreased to transfer heat from the bearing assembly 120 to the heat exchanger 141, thereby lowering the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120. Therefore, by setting the heat exchanger 141, the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120 can be adjusted, thereby improving the impact of temperature changes on the lubrication performance of the bearing 121, reducing the probability of premature failure of the bearing 121 due to poor lubrication, and thus reducing the safety hazards of automobiles.

[0033] Optionally, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchanger 141 includes a sealing cavity 1411. The sealing cavity 1411 can be an annular cavity structure surrounding the heat exchanger 141, or it can be multiple independent cavity structures, etc. Optionally, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 141 includes a first annular wall 1412 and a second annular wall 1413. The first annular wall 1412 is fitted and installed with the outer peripheral surface of the wheel axle 110, and the second annular wall 1413 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first annular wall 1412, forming an annular sealing cavity 1411 between the second and first annular walls 1412. The temperature regulating structure 140 also includes a heat exchange medium supply device 142, which is disposed outside the receiving cavity 150. The inlet of the sealing cavity 1411 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange medium supply device 142, and the outlet of the sealing cavity 1411 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange medium supply device 142. For ease of description, the inlet of the sealing cavity 1411 is designated as the first inlet 1414, and the outlet of the sealing cavity 1411 is designated as the first outlet 1415; the inlet of the heat exchange medium supply device 142 is designated as the second inlet 1421, and the outlet of the heat exchange medium supply device 142 is designated as the second outlet 1422. The heat exchange medium can be a gaseous heat exchange medium or a liquid heat exchange medium. Optionally, in this embodiment, the heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, such as water, ethylene glycol, electronic fluorinated liquid, etc. The heat exchange medium supply device 142 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage tank and a suction pump structure. This configuration allows the heat exchange medium to circulate between the sealing cavity 1411 and the heat exchange medium supply device 142. The circulating heat exchange medium can continuously transfer heat from the high-temperature region to the low-temperature region, or from the low-temperature region to the high-temperature region, thereby ensuring continuous and efficient heat exchange between the heat exchange component 141 and the bearing assembly 120, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0034] To further improve the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchanger 141 and the bearing assembly 120, optionally, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchanger 141 includes an annular portion 1416 and a plurality of connecting portions 1417. The annular portion 1416 is sleeved on the wheel axle 110, and the sealing cavity 1411 is formed in the annular portion 1416. A first annular wall 1412 forms the inner wall of the annular portion 1416, and a second annular wall 1413 forms the outer wall of the annular portion 1416. The plurality of connecting portions 1417 are arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 1416, that is, the plurality of connecting portions 1417 are arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the second annular wall 1413. The plurality of connecting portions 1417 can be integrally formed with the second annular wall 1413, snap-fit ​​connected, bolted connected, etc., as long as thermal conductive connection between the connecting portions 1417 and the annular portion 1416 can be achieved. The connecting portions 1417 can be a long strip structure, a thin sheet structure, etc. Optionally, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 1417 is a long strip structure. This facilitates the connection between the connecting part 1417 and the ring part 1416, which helps reduce the thermal deformation of the connecting part 1417. By providing multiple connecting parts 1417 on the outer periphery of the ring part 1416, the heat exchange area of ​​the heat exchange element 141 can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange element 141 and the bearing assembly 120.

[0035] To control the temperature of the heat exchange medium and thus better regulate the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120, optionally, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchange medium supply device 142 further includes a temperature control device 1423 for heating or cooling the heat exchange medium. The temperature control device 1423 can be an air conditioning system; by heating the air conditioning system, the heat exchange medium can be heated; by cooling the air conditioning system, the heat exchange medium can be cooled. The temperature control device 1423 can also be a combination of a heater and a cooling fan; by operating the heater, the heat exchange medium can be heated; by operating the cooling fan, the heat exchange medium can be cooled. By setting the temperature control device 1423, the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the sealed cavity 1411 can be controlled, thereby ensuring efficient and stable operation of the heat exchange process between the heat exchange component 141 and the bearing assembly 120.

[0036] Optionally, to more conveniently and quickly adjust the temperature of the heat exchange medium, in one embodiment of this invention, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The temperature control device 1423 includes a heater 14231 and a cooling fan 14232, and the temperature regulation structure 140 includes a temperature sensor 144. Both the heater 14231 and the cooling fan 14232 are electrically connected to the temperature sensor 144. The temperature sensor 144 can be located inside the receiving cavity 150 or outside the receiving cavity 150, near the bearing assembly 120. The heater 14231 heats the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange medium supply device 142, and the cooling fan 14232 cools the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange medium supply device 142.

[0037] It should be noted that both the heater 14231 and the cooling fan 14232 are electrically connected to the temperature sensor 144. This can mean that the temperature sensor 144 is electrically connected to the control systems of both the heater 14231 and the cooling fan 14232, thereby achieving electrical connection between the heater 14231, the cooling fan 14232, and the temperature sensor 144. Alternatively, the temperature control device 1423 may have a separate controller 1424, with the temperature sensor 144, the heater 14231, and the cooling fan 14232 all electrically connected to the controller 1424, thus achieving electrical connection between the heater 14231, the cooling fan 14232, and the temperature sensor 144. Optionally, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the temperature control device 1423 further includes a controller 1424, and the temperature sensor 144, heater 14231, and cooling fan 14232 are all electrically connected to the controller 1424. By setting the temperature sensor 144, the temperature sensor 144 can detect the temperature near the bearing assembly 120 in real time and transmit the signal to the controller 1424. The controller 1424 can automatically control the operation of the heater 14231 and cooling fan 14232 according to a preset temperature range, thereby ensuring that the temperature near the bearing assembly 120 is always kept within the optimal operating range, improving the accuracy of temperature control. At the same time, since the heater 14231 and cooling fan 14232 only operate when needed, unnecessary energy waste can be avoided, reducing operating costs.

[0038] To improve the accuracy of temperature testing of bearing assembly 120, optionally, in one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 2 The temperature sensor 144 is disposed within the receiving cavity 150. This arrangement places the temperature sensor 144 closer to the bearing assembly 120, which not only improves the accuracy of detecting the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120, but also ensures that the temperature sensor 144 can detect temperature changes in a timely manner, thereby providing more timely and accurate temperature feedback.

[0039] Optionally, please refer to Figure 1In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchange medium supply device 142 includes a receiving cavity 1425, in which the heat exchange medium is contained. The receiving cavity 1425 is connected to the sealing cavity 1411. The outlet of the heat exchange medium supply device 142 is the outlet of the receiving cavity 1425, and the inlet of the heat exchange medium supply device 142 is the inlet of the receiving cavity 1425. That is, the receiving cavity 1425 includes a second outlet 1422 and a second inlet 1421. The second inlet 1421 is connected to the first outlet 1415 through a liquid inlet pipe 161, and the second outlet 1422 is connected to the first inlet 1414 through a liquid outlet pipe 162. With this configuration, when the temperature is lower than the set value, the heater 14231 operates to increase the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the receiving cavity 1425; when the temperature is higher than the set value, the cooling fan 14232 operates to decrease the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the same receiving cavity 1425. This heat exchange medium supply device 142 only requires one receiving cavity 1425, and only one set of heat exchange medium circulation pipeline between the receiving cavity 1425 and the sealing cavity 1411 to achieve the connection between the sealing cavity 1411 and the receiving cavity 1425. Therefore, the structure of the heat exchange medium supply device 142 and the pipeline design and control between the sealing cavity 1411 and the heat exchange medium supply device 142 can be simplified.

[0040] Optionally, in one embodiment of this utility model, please participate. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The heat exchange medium supply device 142 includes two accommodating chambers 1425, which are independently arranged and not connected to each other. For ease of description, the two accommodating chambers 1425 are respectively labeled as the first accommodating chamber 14251 and the second accommodating chamber 14252. Both the first accommodating chamber 14251 and the second accommodating chamber 14252 are provided with a second inlet 1421 and a second outlet 1422. A heater 14231 is used to heat the heat exchange medium in the first accommodating chamber 14251; a cooling fan 14232 is used to cool the heat exchange medium in the second accommodating chamber 14252.

[0041] The temperature regulation structure 140 also includes an electrically controlled valve 143, which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 144. The two accommodating cavities 1425 are respectively connected to the sealing cavity 1411 through the electrically controlled valve 143.

[0042] Specifically, the electrically controlled valve 143 includes multiple first ports 1431 and two second ports 1432. One second port 1432 is connected to the first inlet 1414 of the sealing cavity 1411 via a first outlet pipe 1621, and the other second port 1432 is connected to the first outlet 1415 of the sealing cavity 1411 via a first inlet pipe 1611. Two of the multiple first ports 1431 are respectively connected to the second inlet 1421 and the second outlet 1422 of the first receiving cavity 14251, and a second inlet pipe 1612 is connected between the first port 1431 and the second inlet 1421, and a second outlet pipe 1622 is connected between the first port 1431 and the second outlet 1422. Two of the multiple first interfaces 1431 are respectively connected to the second inlet 1421 and the second outlet 1422 of the second accommodating cavity 14252, and a third liquid inlet pipe 1613 is connected between the first interface 1431 and the second inlet 1421, and a third liquid outlet pipe 1623 is connected between the first interface 1431 and the second outlet 1422.

[0043] The electrically controlled valve 143 has three positions. In the first position, all first ports 1431 are closed, meaning the sealing cavity 1411 is not connected to the receiving cavity 1425, and the heat exchange medium inside the heat exchange element 141 does not flow. In the second position, the electrically controlled valve 143 opens two first ports 1431 connected to the first receiving cavity 14251, closes two first ports 1431 connected to the second receiving cavity 14252, and keeps the two second ports 1432 open, meaning the sealing cavity 1411 is connected to the first receiving cavity 14251. In the third position, the electrically controlled valve 143 opens two first ports 1431 connected to the second receiving cavity 14252, closes two first ports 1431 connected to the first receiving cavity 14251, and keeps the two second ports 1432 open, meaning the sealing cavity 1411 is connected to the second receiving cavity 14252.

[0044] When the temperature detected by temperature sensor 144 is less than 0°C, the solenoid valve switches to the second position, and the heater 14231 is in operation. The heat exchange medium heated by heater 14231 flows into the sealing cavity 1411, forming a circulation between the sealing cavity 1411 and the first receiving cavity 14251. This conducts the high temperature from the heat exchange to the bearing assembly 120, thereby increasing the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120 and ensuring that the grease on the bearing assembly 120 is at its optimal operating temperature, thus guaranteeing its lubrication performance. When the temperature detected by temperature sensor 144 is between 0°C and 30°C, which is within the normal operating temperature range of the grease, the solenoid valve 143 switches to the first position, closing the connection between the sealing cavity 1411 and the receiving cavity 1425. The heat exchange medium inside the heat exchange element 141 does not circulate, meaning the heat exchange element 141 does not exchange heat with the bearing assembly 120. When the temperature sensor 144 detects a temperature greater than 30°C, the solenoid valve 143 switches to the third position, and the cooling fan 14232 is in operation. At this time, the heat exchange medium cooled by the cooling fan 14232 flows into the sealing cavity 1411, forming a circulation flow between the sealing cavity 1411 and the second accommodating cavity 14252. This allows the low temperature on the heat exchanger 141 to be conducted to the bearing assembly 120, thereby reducing the operating temperature of the bearing assembly 120 and ensuring that the grease on the bearing assembly 120 is at an optimal operating temperature to guarantee its lubrication performance.

[0045] By providing two accommodating chambers 1425, a heater 14231 is used to heat the heat exchange medium in one of the accommodating chambers 1425, and a cooling fan 14232 is used to cool the heat exchange medium in the other accommodating chamber 1425. This arrangement allows for the accommodating heat exchange media at different temperatures to be contained in the two accommodating chambers 1425. By controlling the connection and disconnection between the two accommodating chambers 1425 and the sealing chamber 1411 using an electric control valve 143, the timeliness of switching between heat exchange media at different temperatures within the sealing chamber 1411 can be improved. This, in turn, allows the bearing assembly 120 to quickly reach the required operating temperature, improving the rapid response of heat exchange between the heat exchanger 141 and the bearing assembly 120.

[0046] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 5In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, and the liquid heat exchange medium includes flame retardant components; the heat exchange component 141 is made of carbon-plastic material, that is, the entire heat exchange component 141 is made of carbon-plastic material. The melting point of the heat exchange component 141 is between 150 and 400°C. It should be noted that carbon-plastic material usually refers to polymer composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers, such as carbon fiber reinforced polyamide (PA), carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP), carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK), etc. By setting the material of the heat exchange component 141 to carbon-plastic material, and setting the melting point of the heat exchange component 141 to between 150 and 400°C, when an abnormally high temperature deflagration occurs at the end of the car wheel, when the combustion temperature reaches the melting point of the carbon-plastic material, the heat exchange component 141 will melt, and the cooling medium containing flame retardant components inside the sealed cavity 1411 will flow out, thereby playing a fire extinguishing role.

[0047] Optionally, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, and the liquid heat exchange medium includes flame retardant components; the ring portion 1416 is made of carbon-plastic material, that is, the first ring wall 1412 and the second ring wall 1413 are both made of carbon-plastic material. The connecting portion 1417 is made of metal material, such as aluminum, copper, etc. In other embodiments, the connecting portion 1417 can also be made of ceramic material, such as silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, etc. Since metal and ceramic materials have good thermal conductivity, by setting the ring portion 1416 to carbon-plastic material and the connecting portion 1417 to metal or ceramic material, the heat exchange component 141 can both melt the ring portion 1416 when abnormal high temperature deflagration occurs at the end of the car wheel, allowing the cooling medium containing flame retardant components inside the sealed cavity 1411 to flow out and play a fire extinguishing role, and ensure the thermal conductivity of the connecting portion 1417, thereby ensuring the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange component 141 and the bearing assembly 120 during operation.

[0048] The automotive wheel-end bearing structure provided by this utility model incorporates a heat exchanger within a cavity formed between the wheel axle, hub, and bearing assembly, facilitating heat exchange between the bearing assembly and the heat exchanger. This arrangement creates a heat conduction path between the heat exchanger and the bearing assembly. When the bearing operating temperature is low, the heat exchanger's temperature can be increased to transfer heat to the bearing assembly, thus raising the operating temperature of the bearing assembly. Conversely, when the bearing operating temperature is high, the heat exchanger's temperature can be decreased to transfer heat from the bearing assembly to the heat exchanger, thus cooling the operating temperature of the bearing assembly. Therefore, by incorporating the heat exchanger, the operating temperature of the bearing assembly can be regulated, thereby mitigating the impact of temperature changes on bearing lubrication performance and reducing the probability of premature bearing failure due to poor lubrication, thus reducing potential safety hazards in automobiles. Therefore, this utility model effectively overcomes some practical problems in the prior art and has high utilization value and practical significance.

[0049] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A vehicle wheel-end load-bearing structure, characterized in that, include: Wheel axle; A bearing assembly, comprising two sets of bearings, the two sets of bearings being installed at a distance from the wheel axle; The wheel hub is rotatably connected to the wheel axle via the bearing assembly; A temperature regulating structure, the temperature regulating structure including a heat exchanger; A cavity is formed between the wheel axle, wheel hub, and bearing assembly, and the heat exchanger is disposed within the cavity, with the bearing assembly exchanging heat with the heat exchanger.

2. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a sealed cavity, and the temperature regulation structure further includes a heat exchange medium supply device. The inlet of the sealed cavity is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange medium supply device, and the outlet of the sealed cavity is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange medium supply device.

3. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a ring body and multiple connecting parts. The ring body is sleeved on the wheel axle, the sealing cavity is formed in the ring body, and the multiple connecting parts are arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the ring body.

4. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium supply device also includes a temperature control device for heating or cooling the heat exchange medium.

5. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes a heater and a cooling fan, and the temperature regulation structure also includes a temperature sensor. Both the heater and the cooling fan are electrically connected to the temperature sensor.

6. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is disposed inside the cavity.

7. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium supply device includes a receiving cavity that communicates with the sealed cavity; the heater is used to heat the heat exchange medium in the receiving cavity, and the cooling fan is used to cool the heat exchange medium in the receiving cavity.

8. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium supply device includes two accommodating cavities. The heater is used to heat the heat exchange medium in one of the accommodating cavities. The cooling fan is used to cool the heat exchange medium in the other accommodating cavity. The temperature regulation structure also includes an electrically controlled valve, which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor. The two accommodating cavities are respectively connected to the sealing cavity through the electrically controlled valve.

9. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, and the liquid heat exchange medium includes flame retardant components; the heat exchange component is made of carbon plastic material, and the melting point of the heat exchange component is between 150 and 400°C.

10. The vehicle wheel end bearing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, and the liquid heat exchange medium includes flame retardant components; the ring part is made of carbon plastic material, and the connecting part is made of metal or ceramic material.

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