Automotive propeller shaft bearing with sealing arrangement

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automotive driveshaft bearing with a sealing structure, including an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The rolling elements are disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring. A first retaining ring and a second retaining ring are also provided along the edges of the inner and outer rings. The first retaining ring is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring, and a first retaining lip is provided on the outer wall of the first retaining ring. The edge of the first retaining lip abuts against the outer wall of the inner ring. The second retaining ring is disposed between the rolling elements and the first retaining ring. The second retaining ring includes a first skeleton and a second skeleton. The first skeleton is connected to the outer wall of the inner ring, and the second skeleton is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring. A retaining wall extends from the first skeleton outwards from the outer ring, and the retaining wall is disposed between the first retaining ring and the second skeleton. At least two second retaining lips extend from the second skeleton towards the retaining wall, and the second retaining lips abut against the retaining wall. This design achieves effective sealing while maintaining good operational stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automotive drive shaft bearing with a sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] As a key component of the automotive transmission system, the driveshaft support bearing is installed at the output end of the differential, and its main function is to provide stable support for the driveshaft. During vehicle operation, the radial and axial loads on this bearing are relatively small, and the operating speed is low. Theoretically, under normal installation and use, the probability of failure due to fatigue wear is negligible. However, due to limitations in assembly processes, it is difficult to achieve ideal concentricity in the bearing mounting holes. This necessitates that the bearing possess excellent self-aligning performance to compensate for operational deviations caused by misalignment and ensure smooth operation of the driveshaft. Simultaneously, after installation, the bearing is directly exposed to the external environment, making it highly susceptible to contaminants such as sand, rainwater, and mud. Therefore, its sealing performance is crucial, and a specially designed sealing structure must effectively isolate external impurities and moisture. Once the seal fails, moisture seeps into the bearing, accelerating the emulsification and deterioration of the lubricating grease, exacerbating corrosion and wear of internal bearing components, significantly shortening the bearing's service life, and in severe cases, even causing transmission system failures, threatening driving safety. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automotive driveshaft bearing with a sealing structure, achieving effective sealing while maintaining good operational stability.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automotive driveshaft bearing with a sealing structure, including an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The rolling elements are disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring. A first retaining ring and a second retaining ring are also provided along the edges of the inner ring and the outer ring. The first retaining ring is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring, and a first retaining lip is provided on the outer wall of the first retaining ring. The edge of the first retaining lip abuts against the outer wall of the inner ring. The second retaining ring is disposed between the rolling elements and the first retaining ring. The second retaining ring includes a first skeleton and a second skeleton. The first skeleton is connected to the outer wall of the inner ring, and the second skeleton is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring. A retaining wall extends from the first skeleton to the outer ring, and the retaining wall is disposed between the first retaining ring and the second skeleton. At least two second retaining lips extend from the second skeleton to the retaining wall, and the second retaining lips abut against the retaining wall.

[0005] The beneficial effects of this design are as follows: With this configuration, the outer ring, inner ring, and rolling elements of the bearing form the basic transmission structure. On top of this, the first and second retaining rings create multiple protective barriers. The first retaining ring is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring, and its first retaining lip tightly abuts against the outer wall of the inner ring, initially preventing the intrusion of external debris. The newly added second retaining ring consists of a first frame and a second frame, connected to the inner and outer rings respectively. These two components work together to form a more airtight sealing space. The retaining wall of the first frame and at least two second retaining lips extending from the second frame fit tightly together, further enhancing the sealing effect. This multi-layered sealing structure acts like a robust defense line, making it extremely difficult for external debris such as mud, water, and sand to penetrate the bearing. Compared to traditional bearings, this design significantly improves sealing performance, effectively reducing the corrosion of grease and bearing parts by moisture and impurities, lowering the risk of rust and wear, significantly extending bearing life, ensuring stable operation of the transmission system, and reducing vehicle malfunctions and maintenance costs caused by bearing seal failure. This provides strong support for the efficient and reliable operation of automotive transmission systems.

[0006] As a further feature of this invention, a groove is provided on the end face of the first retaining lip facing the outer ring, and a hoop is provided in the groove.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this design are as follows: The addition of a groove and a ring on the end face of the first retaining lip further enhances the bearing's sealing performance. After the ring is embedded in the groove, its elasticity applies uniform radial pressure to the first retaining lip, ensuring it remains tightly fitted to the outer wall of the inner ring. Even if the vehicle experiences bumps and vibrations during operation, or if the bearing undergoes slight displacement due to changes in operating conditions, the ring's tightening action firmly locks the retaining lip in place, preventing loosening and deformation, ensuring a robust seal, and effectively resisting the intrusion of external impurities.

[0008] As a further feature of this invention, the outer ring is provided with a positioning groove, and the outer ring is provided with a positioning step on one side of the positioning groove. The second skeleton is provided with a lip body, which is disposed in the positioning groove, and the sidewall of the lip body abuts against the positioning step.

[0009] The advantages of this design are as follows: With the lip body embedded in the positioning groove and its sidewalls tightly fitting the positioning step, it provides precise positioning for the second retaining ring, ensuring its stability during operation and preventing displacement due to vibration or stress. Simultaneously, this structure cleverly plans the space, ensuring a safe distance between the lip body and the rolling elements. While guaranteeing the stability of the second retaining ring, it does not affect the normal operation of the rolling elements, effectively improving the overall performance and reliability of the bearing.

[0010] As a further feature of this invention, the distance from the connection point of the first retaining ring and the outer ring to the outer wall of the inner ring is greater than the distance from the connection point of the second frame and the outer ring to the outer wall of the inner ring.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this design are as follows: This stepped structure, through optimized spatial layout, creates gradient protection. The larger spacing of the outer layer buffers the impact of high-speed splashing mud and water, reducing the initial intrusion speed of debris; the smaller spacing of the inner layer reduces the sealing gap, forcing residual impurities to settle at the step transitions due to changes in their trajectory. This avoids excessive impact on a single sealing surface and extends the intrusion path of impurities through spatial hierarchy, significantly improving the bearing's anti-contamination capability from a physical structural perspective. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Examples of embodiments of the automotive driveshaft bearing with a sealing structure according to this utility model Figure 1 The device includes an outer ring 1, an inner ring 2, and a rolling element 3. The rolling element 3 is disposed between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2. The inner ring 2 and the outer ring 1 are also provided with a first retaining ring 4 and a second retaining ring. The first retaining ring 4 is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring 1. A first retaining lip 41 is provided on the outer wall of the first retaining ring 4. The edge of the first retaining lip 41 abuts against the outer wall of the inner ring 2. The second retaining ring is disposed between the rolling element 3 and the first retaining ring 4. The second retaining ring includes a first skeleton 5 and a second skeleton 6. The first skeleton 5 is connected to the outer wall of the inner ring 2. The second skeleton 6 is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring 1. The first skeleton 5 extends towards the outer ring 1 with a retaining wall 51. The retaining wall 51 is disposed between the first retaining ring 4 and the second skeleton 6. The second skeleton 6 extends towards the retaining wall 51 with at least two second retaining lips 61. The second retaining lips 61 abut against the retaining wall 51. The beneficial effects of this configuration are as follows: With this configuration, the outer ring 1, inner ring 2, and rolling element 3 of the bearing form the basic transmission structure. On top of this, the first retaining ring 4 and the second retaining ring create multiple protective barriers. The first retaining ring 4 is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring 1, and its first retaining lip 41 tightly abuts against the outer wall of the inner ring 2, initially preventing the intrusion of external debris. The newly added second retaining ring consists of a first skeleton 5 and a second skeleton 6, which are connected to the inner ring 2 and outer ring 1 respectively. The two work together to form a more airtight sealing space. Specifically, the retaining wall 51 of the first skeleton 5 and at least two second retaining lips 61 extending from the second skeleton 6 are tightly fitted together, further enhancing the sealing effect. This multi-layered sealing structure acts like a solid defense line, making it extremely difficult for external debris such as mud, water, and sand to break through the layers of barriers and enter the bearing. Compared to traditional bearings, this design significantly improves sealing performance, effectively reduces the corrosion of grease and bearing parts by moisture and impurities, lowers the risk of rust and wear, significantly extends bearing life, ensures stable operation of the transmission system, and reduces vehicle failures and maintenance costs caused by bearing seal failure, providing strong support for the efficient and reliable operation of automotive transmission systems.

[0014] As a further feature of this embodiment, a groove is provided on the end face of the first retaining lip 41 facing the outer ring 1, and a retaining ring 42 is disposed in the groove. The beneficial effect of this design is that the addition of the groove and retaining ring 42 to the end face of the first retaining lip 41 further enhances the bearing sealing performance. After the retaining ring 42 is embedded in the groove, it applies uniform radial pressure to the first retaining lip 41 through its own elasticity, ensuring that it always fits tightly against the outer wall of the inner ring 2. Even if the vehicle encounters bumps and vibrations during operation, or if the bearing experiences slight displacement due to changes in operating conditions, the tightening effect of the retaining ring 42 can firmly lock the retaining lip in position, preventing it from loosening or deforming, ensuring a stable sealing line, and effectively resisting the intrusion of external impurities.

[0015] As a further feature of this embodiment, the outer ring 1 is provided with a positioning groove, and a positioning step is provided on one side of the positioning groove. The second frame 6 is provided with a lip body 62, which is disposed in the positioning groove, and the sidewall of the lip body 62 abuts against the positioning step. The beneficial effects of this configuration are: with this configuration, the lip body 62 is embedded in the positioning groove, and the sidewall is in close contact with the positioning step, providing precise positioning for the second retaining ring, ensuring its stability during operation and preventing displacement due to vibration or force. At the same time, this structure cleverly plans the space, ensuring that the lip body 62 maintains a safe distance from the rolling element 3, ensuring the stability of the second retaining ring without affecting the normal operation of the rolling element 3, effectively improving the overall performance and reliability of the bearing.

[0016] As a further feature of this embodiment, the distance from the connection point of the first retaining ring 4 and the outer ring 1 to the outer wall of the inner ring 2 is greater than the distance from the connection point of the second frame 6 and the outer ring 1 to the outer wall of the inner ring 2. The beneficial effect of this design is that this stepped structure forms a gradient protection through optimized spatial layout. The larger spacing in the outer layer buffers the impact of high-speed splashing mud and water, reducing the initial intrusion speed of debris; the smaller spacing in the inner layer reduces the sealing gap, forcing residual impurities to settle at the step transition points due to changes in their trajectory. This avoids excessive impact on a single sealing surface and extends the impurity intrusion path through spatial hierarchy, significantly improving the bearing's anti-contamination capability from a physical structural perspective.

[0017] The above examples are merely one preferred embodiment of this utility model. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sealing structure automotive driveshaft bearing, comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements, wherein the rolling elements are disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring, characterized in that: The inner and outer rings are further provided with a first retaining ring and a second retaining ring. The first retaining ring is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring, and a first retaining lip is provided on the outer wall of the first retaining ring. The edge of the first retaining lip abuts against the outer wall of the inner ring. The second retaining ring is disposed between the rolling element and the first retaining ring. The second retaining ring includes a first skeleton and a second skeleton. The first skeleton is connected to the outer wall of the inner ring, and the second skeleton is connected to the inner wall of the outer ring. The first skeleton extends outward to the outer ring with a retaining wall. The retaining wall is disposed between the first retaining ring and the second skeleton. The second skeleton extends outward to the retaining wall with at least two second retaining lips. The second retaining lips abut against the retaining wall.

2. The automotive driveshaft bearing with a sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A groove is provided on the end face of the first retaining lip facing the outer ring, and a hoop is provided in the groove.

3. The automotive driveshaft bearing with a sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer ring is provided with a positioning groove, and the outer ring is provided with a positioning step on one side of the positioning groove. The second skeleton is provided with a lip body, which is disposed in the positioning groove, and the side wall of the lip body abuts against the positioning step.

4. The automotive driveshaft bearing with a sealing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between the connection point of the first retaining ring and the outer ring and the outer wall of the inner ring is greater than the distance between the connection point of the second frame and the outer ring and the outer wall of the inner ring.

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