Wheel bearing unit

Abstract

Wheel bearing unit with an outer ring element (2) and an inner ring element (3), between which at least two rows of rolling elements (5, 6) are arranged, wherein the inner ring element (3) has a radial flange (4) which can be attached to an axle body or to a wheel and a seal (8) is provided on the radial flange side (4) between the outer ring element (2) and the inner ring element (3), wherein the seal (8) has a support element (9), characterized in that an end face (15) of the outer ring element (2), which faces the radial flange (4), has at least one projection (16) which is arranged between the radial flange (4) and the end face (15) of the outer ring element (2).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel bearing unit, in particular for motor vehicles. Background of the invention

[0002] Wheel bearings consist of an outer ring and a wheel bearing hub, with rolling elements positioned between them. The wheel bearing hub has a radially outward-facing flange to which, for example, a wheel can be attached. In certain driving situations, such as driving through a pothole or against a curb, axial or radial impacts act on the wheel flange or the wheel bearing hub. These impacts cause the wheel flange / wheel bearing hub to move towards an outer ring of the wheel bearing unit and collide with it. The resulting forces are then transferred to the rolling bearing.

[0003] From EP 2 184 181 B1, a wheel bearing unit is known which has a wheel hub with a wheel flange. A rolling bearing is arranged between an outer ring and the wheel hub. In the described wheel bearing unit, damage to the rolling bearing due to a lateral impact is prevented by a specific gap width. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a wheel bearing unit which reduces damage to the rolling bearing when subjected to an impact and furthermore ensures a reliable seal of the bearing.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an outer ring element and an inner ring element, between which at least two rows of rolling elements are arranged, wherein the inner ring element has a radial flange which can be attached to an axle body or to a wheel and a seal is provided on the radial flange side between the outer ring element and the inner ring element, wherein the seal has a support element, wherein an end face of the outer ring element, which faces the radial flange, has at least one projection.

[0006] The invention is based on the understanding that in certain driving situations, for example, driving through a pothole or against a curb, axial and / or radial impacts act on the wheel bearing unit. These impacts cause the inner ring element or the radial flange to contact the outer ring element. In the wheel bearing unit according to the invention, an end face of the outer ring element, which faces the radial flange, has at least one projection. This projection is designed such that, in the event of an axial or radial impact on the inner ring element or radial flange, it absorbs and dissipates the force acting upon it in order to prevent damage to the rolling bearing and / or the raceways. In contrast to the prior art, such a design entails higher manufacturing costs; however, this design leads to an overall increase in the service life of the wheel bearing unit.

[0007] The end face of the outer ring element can have one or more projections distributed around its circumference. If the outer ring element also has a radial flange with bores, the projection(s) can be oriented according to the bores. Furthermore, the invention can relate to a wheel bearing unit with one or more rows of rolling elements in an X or O arrangement. The rolling elements can have the same or different diameters and / or be of a different type of rolling bearing.

[0008] Preferably, the at least one projection on the end face is designed as a ring segment. This means that the at least one projection does not extend circumferentially over the entire ring surface of the end face, but only over a partial section of the end face. If several projections are provided, they are distributed circumferentially on the end face. This has the advantage that, depending on the embodiment of the wheel bearing unit, the available installation space, and the requirements, the projection(s) can be positioned as needed.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, a section of the seal's support element forms the projection. The support element is designed and positioned such that it extends as at least one projection along, or as a segment on, the end face of the outer ring element. The support element can preferably be made of sheet metal, but can also be made of another metallic or non-metallic material. This design has the advantage that the support sheet of the actual seal forms a pre-seal, which is designed like a labyrinth seal. This reduces or prevents the ingress of contaminants, such as rainwater or dust, from the outside into the bearing or to the subsequent seal. This design results in an overall improved sealing performance and thus an increase in the service life of the wheel bearing unit.

[0010] Preferably, the section of the support element is designed in a tab-like form. The section of the support element is understood to be the section that forms the at least one projection; this section is also considered the first section. The tab shape can, for example, be understood as an L-shape in cross-section. Advantageously, the support element can have a second section that extends annularly over the entire inner circumference of the outer ring element and is attached to this inner circumference, with the first section extending radially along the end face in a segment-like manner following the second section in the form of a tab. The invention is not limited to a single tab; several tabs can also be provided.

[0011] Preferably, the support element is connected to the outer ring element by force-fit, form-fit, or material-fit connection. This ensures that the support element, and thus the at least one projection, remains in a defined position throughout its service life. The type of connection depends on the design of the support element, i.e., for example, material, shape, etc.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support element can have at least one sealing lip. For this purpose, a further section, which connects indirectly or directly to the second section of the support sheet, can also have at least one sealing lip. The at least one sealing lip is preferably made of an elastomeric material and is vulcanized to the support sheet. The at least one sealing lip rests directly or indirectly against the inner ring element or its radial flange. For improved sealing performance, several sealing lips, which can be axially or radially oriented, are provided.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the at least one projection has a coating. The coating can serve to reduce noise. Brief description of the drawing

[0014] Two embodiments of the invention are illustrated below with reference to three figures. The figures show:

[0015] Fig. 1 a partial longitudinal section through a wheel bearing unit according to the invention,

[0016] Fig. 2 a representation of an outer ring element of the in Fig. 1 wheel bearing unit shown according to a first embodiment, and

[0017] Fig. 3 a representation of an outer ring element of the in Fig. 1 wheel bearing unit shown according to a second embodiment. Detailed description of the drawings

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a wheel bearing unit 1 according to an embodiment which is assigned to a vehicle wheel (not shown). The wheel bearing unit 1 includes an outer ring element 2 and an inner ring element 3 The inner ring element has a radial flange. 4The bearing assembly is attachable to a wheel or axle body (not shown). Furthermore, the wheel bearing assembly has two axially spaced rows of rolling elements. 5 , 6 on, whose rolling elements are located on the outside in the outer ring element 2 are guided. On the inside are the rolling elements of the rolling element row. 5 directly in a track of the inner ring element 3 and the rolling elements of the rolling element series 6 in one of the inner ring elements 3 fixed inner ring 7 guided.

[0019] Between the outer ring element 2 and the inner ring element 3 is a seal 8 provided. The seal 8 a support element 9 as can be seen further, the support element 9 a section 10 on which, in this embodiment, three sealing lips 11 These sealing lips are provided.11 They are located on the inner ring element 3 or at its radial flange 4 on. Following the section 10 A second section extends over a bent area. 12 and this is followed by a first section 13 of the supporting element. The second section 12 is form-fit, force-fit or material-fit with the outer ring element 2 , i.e., on the inner circumference 14 , tied together.

[0020] For a more detailed explanation of a first embodiment, reference is made below to Fig. 2 taken. One end face 15 of the outer ring element 2 , which is the radial flange 4 facing, has at least one protrusion 16 up. As in Fig. 2 can be seen, the front surface 15 a lead 16 on, which is shaped like a ring segment. The projection 15is done by means of the first section 13 of the support element 9 the seal 8 trained.

[0021] The support element 9 It is made of a metallic or non-metallic material. The first section 13 of the support element 9 It has a tab shape, i.e., an L-shape in cross-section. This means that the first section 13 radially outwards from the second section 12 extends. The second section 12 of the support element 9 It extends in a ring shape along the inner circumference 14 of the outer ring element 2 What's next? Fig. As can be seen in section 2, the lead extends 16 segmentally across the front surface 15 and not over the entire circumference of the front surface 15 .

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment there is a single projection 16 planned.

[0023] In certain driving situations, such as driving through a pothole or against a curb, axial and / or radial impacts can act on the wheel bearing unit. These impacts cause the inner ring element to 3 or the radial flange 4 the outer ring element 2 contacted. The one in the wheel bearing unit according to the invention 1 planned lead 16 is designed in such a way that, in the event of an axial or radial impact of the inner ring element, it 3 or radial flange 4 , absorbs the resulting force and dissipates it in such a way as to prevent damage to the rolling bearing and / or the raceways. In the case of an axial or radial impact, only the projection is affected. 16 contacted. However, the invention is not limited to a single advancement. 16limited.

[0024] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention. To simplify the description, identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals as in the preceding figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The description is limited solely to the distinguishing features compared to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 shows a representation of an outer ring element. 2 the in Fig. 1 wheel bearing unit shown 1 according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, in contrast to the Fig. 2 on the front face 15 three across the circumference of the frontal surface 15 distributed protrusions 16 These projections are planned. 16 will be as already in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described, by means of first sections 13 of the support element 9 trained.

[0026] As from Fig. As can be seen from 3, the outer ring element 2 likewise a radial flange 17 with drill holes 18 up. The protrusions 16 are accordingly located between the boreholes 18 arranged in an oriented manner. Reference symbol list 1 wheel bearing unit 2 outer ring element 3 inner ring element 4 radial flange 5 row of rolling elements 6 row of rolling elements 7 inner ring 8 Seal 9 Support element Section 10 of the support element 11 Sealing lip 12 second section of the support element 13 first section of the support element 14 Inner circumference 15 Front surface 16 lead 17 Radial flange 18 bore QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0027] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0028] EP 2184181 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Wheel bearing unit with an outer ring element ( 2 ) and an inner ring element ( 3 ), between which at least two rows of rolling elements ( 5 , 6 ) are arranged, wherein the inner ring element ( 3 ) a radial flange ( 4 ) which can be attached to an axle body or a wheel and which is on the radial flange side ( 4 ) between the outer ring element ( 2 ) and the inner ring element ( 3 ) a seal ( 8 ) is provided, with the seal ( 8 ) a support element ( 9 ) shows, characterized by that a front surface ( 15 ) of the outer ring element ( 2 ), which is the radial flange ( 4 ) facing at least one projection ( 16 ) exhibits. [2] Wheel bearing unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one projection ( 16 ) on the front surface ( 8 ) is formed as a ring segment. [3] Wheel bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a section of the support element ( 9 ) the seal ( 8 ) the lead ( 16 ) trains. [4] Wheel bearing unit according to claim 3, wherein the section ( 10 ) of the support element ( 9 ) is shaped like a tab. [5] Wheel bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element ( 9 ) force-, form- or material-locking with the outer ring element ( 2 ) is connected. [6] Wheel bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element ( 9 ) at least one sealing lip ( 11 ) exhibits. [7] Wheel bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one projection ( 16 ) has a coating.