Non-contact wheel bearing pre-sealing and wheel bearing arrangement with such a

Abstract

Non-contact wheel bearing pre-sealing between a wheel carrier (30) on the one hand and a wheel hub (10), a wheel bearing (20) and / or an axle journal (40) on the other hand, comprising: a sealing ring (50) which is fixed to the wheel hub (10), the wheel bearing (20) and / or the axle journal (40) and forms a sealing gap with a counter contour located on the wheel carrier (30) or a component attached to the wheel carrier (30), characterized by the fact that the sealing ring (50) has radial webs (501) between which cells (502) are formed, and The cells (502) are each radially bounded on the outside by a baffle wall (503), which in turn radially bounds the sealing gap on the inside, in order to generate a flow opposite to overcoming the seal when the sealing ring (50) is rotated in front of and / or in the sealing gap.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal between a wheel carrier on the one hand and a wheel hub, a wheel bearing, and / or a steering journal on the other. The wheel bearing pre-seal comprises a sealing ring that is fixed to the wheel hub, the wheel bearing, and / or the steering journal and forms a sealing gap with a mating contour located on the wheel carrier or a component attached to the wheel carrier.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a wheel bearing arrangement with such a contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal.

[0003] Conventional wheel bearings are usually already equipped with a seal on both sides. This seal serves to prevent lubricant from escaping and to prevent water and dirt from entering the wheel bearing. Such seals are often designed as contact seals, in which relatively moving surfaces, such as sealing lips or the like, are in direct contact with one another. Such surfaces lead to a certain amount of friction. Furthermore, these surfaces are inevitably subject to wear.

[0004] To prevent water and dirt from penetrating the wheel bearing and thus reduce the stress on the seal itself, it is already known to provide a so-called pre-seal or pre-sealing in addition to the actual seal. This wheel bearing pre-seal allows the actual seal on the wheel bearing to be designed with less complexity and, in particular, with lower friction.

[0005] The wheel bearing pre-seal is located upstream of the wheel bearing and its actual seal and is therefore preferably arranged between a wheel carrier as a non-rotating component on the one hand and a wheel hub, possibly also a race of the wheel bearing or an axle journal as a rotating component on the other hand.

[0006] An example of such a contactless wheel bearing pre-seal with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 is known from WO 2010 / 018041 A1. The wheel bearing pre-seal is designed as a labyrinth seal separate from the actual wheel bearing seal.

[0007] Another contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal in the form of a labyrinth, which is particularly suitable for subsequent installation to protect the wheel-side wheel bearing seal, is known from WO 2014 / 053125 A1.

[0008] Another non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal, which acts like a centrifugal disc, is known from WO 2015 / 048947 A1.

[0009] Another example of a non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 is known from DE 10 2011 012 942 A1. The pre-seal consists of a shielding plate that is attached to the wheel carrier and forms an annular gap toward an axle journal.

[0010] Against this background, the object of the invention is to further improve the effectiveness of a non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal in order to enable the actual wheel bearing seal to be designed in a simpler and less frictional manner.

[0011] This object is achieved by a contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal with the features of patent claim 1. The wheel bearing pre-seal according to the invention is characterized in particular in that its sealing ring has radial webs between which cells are formed, wherein the cells are each delimited radially on the outside by a baffle wall, which in turn delimits the sealing gap radially on the inside in order to generate a flow opposite to that overcoming the seal in front of and / or in the sealing gap when the sealing ring rotates.

[0012] When the seal ring rotates, the radial ribs and cells act like a centrifugal pump. Radially displaced fluids such as water or air are deflected in the axial direction by the retaining walls, creating a flow in front of and / or within the sealing gap.

[0013] Such a flow further impedes the ingress of water and dirt. It also promotes the removal of water and dirt that has already entered the area to be sealed. This significantly improves the effectiveness of the wheel bearing pre-seal in a surprisingly simple way, allowing the actual wheel bearing seal to be designed with a particularly simple and / or low-friction design.

[0014] Particular embodiments of the invention are the subject of further patent claims.

[0015] Radial ribs and cells can be arranged on the outside of the sealing ring to create a flow away from the sealing ring to the outside, preventing water and dirt from entering. This can also create a suction effect in the sealing gap, which promotes the removal of water and dirt that has already entered.

[0016] Furthermore, radial ribs and cells can be arranged on the inside of the seal ring. The flow generated by the centrifugal pump effect can be directed toward the sealing gap to create a flow from the inside to the outside within the sealing gap.

[0017] It should be expressly pointed out at this point that the arrangement on the outside of the seal and on the inside of the seal can also be combined with each other.

[0018] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the radial ribs can be arranged on an axial wall section of the sealing ring. This channels the flow path in the cells radially outward. Furthermore, the radial ribs stiffen the sealing ring, allowing the axial wall section to be designed with a relatively thin wall thickness.

[0019] In a further special embodiment, the axial wall section of the sealing ring can extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the sealing ring.

[0020] In particular, the axial wall section of the sealing ring can be an annular surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the sealing ring

[0021] According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the retaining walls of the cells can be formed by a circumferential outer peripheral wall section of the sealing ring, whereby the shaping and manufacture of the sealing ring remains simple.

[0022] However, it is also possible in principle to design the retaining walls as curved extensions of the radial webs. The latter do not necessarily have to be strictly radially aligned, but can also be angled to the radial direction at an angle of approximately + / - 20°. Furthermore, the radial webs can also be curved in the radial direction, with tangents to the radial webs forming an angle of approximately + / - 20° with the radial direction.

[0023] According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the height of the radial webs, namely their extension in the axial direction of the sealing ring from the axial wall section, increases radially outwards, thereby promoting the centrifugal pump effect.

[0024] Furthermore, the radial webs can be axially flush with the surrounding outer peripheral wall section at their radially outer ends. This optimally stiffens the outer peripheral wall section. This, in turn, reliably ensures the width of the sealing gap.

[0025] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the sealing ring can have a first fastening section for securing to the axle journal and a second fastening section for securing to the wheel hub and / or the wheel bearing. In this case, the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal protects, in particular, the wheel bearing seal located on the downstream side of the wheel. Furthermore, the sealing ring of the wheel bearing pre-seal also protects the interface between the wheel hub and the axle journal against the ingress of water and dirt.

[0026] In another special embodiment, the second fastening section is designed as a sleeve section of the sealing ring, with the sleeve section axially adjoining the axial wall section of the sealing ring on the inside of the seal. The sleeve section can bridge the aforementioned interface and be adapted accordingly in its axial length.

[0027] Furthermore, the sleeve section can have a locking mechanism at its free end, facing away from the axial wall section, for locking with corresponding structures on the wheel hub and / or the wheel bearing. This makes it possible to first pre-assemble the wheel bearing seal ring on the axle journal during assembly and then lock it in place during the subsequent assembly process, namely when coupling the axle journal to the wheel hub.

[0028] In this case, the sealing ring can also take on the function of an assembly lock, which secures the wheel hub on the axle journal in a defined position against falling apart before both components are finally clamped axially together.

[0029] According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the sleeve section can be axially supported radially inward against the axial wall section via support webs extending radially inward from the sleeve section. This improves the rigidity of the sealing ring, allowing it to be designed with a low component weight, which is particularly advantageous with regard to the rotation of the sealing ring during operation.

[0030] Furthermore, the sealing ring can have a circumferential inner peripheral wall section, which has the first fastening section on the radial inside and on which the support webs are supported on the outside. This further improves the rigidity of the sealing ring of the wheel bearing pre-seal while simultaneously reducing the component weight.

[0031] The non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal described above is preferably used on a wheel bearing assembly, in particular a wheel bearing assembly of a passenger car or light commercial vehicle, which comprises a wheel hub, a wheel carrier, a wheel bearing via which the wheel hub is rotatably mounted on the wheel carrier, and an axle journal that is drivingly coupled to the wheel hub. The non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal is arranged between the wheel carrier on the one hand and the wheel hub, the wheel bearing, and / or the axle journal on the other hand, with the sealing ring of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal being non-rotatably attached to the wheel hub, the wheel bearing, and / or the axle journal.By arranging the sealing ring on the rotating component, a centrifugal pump effect can be generated via the radial webs and cells of the sealing ring during rotation, which in turn causes a flow in front of or in the sealing gap of the wheel bearing pre-seal that counteracts the ingress of water and dirt.

[0032] In the following, ways of implementing the invention are explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing arrangement with a non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing arrangement according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a variant of the design to illustrate a pre-assembly position (left) and a final assembly position (right) of components to be joined together, including an axially clamped planar spline arrangement, Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing arrangement according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 a sectional view of a first embodiment of a sealing ring, Fig. 10 a sectional view of a second embodiment of the sealing ring, Fig. 11 an exploded view of a wheel bearing arrangement with a wheel carrier, a constant velocity joint and a wheel hub with wheel bearing, which can be connected to one another via an axially clamped planar spline arrangement Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of a non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal according to the invention, Fig. 13 a view in axial direction of the sealing ring of the wheel bearing pre-seal from Fig. 13 seen from the inside of the seal, and in Fig. 14 a view in axial direction of the sealing ring of the wheel bearing pre-seal from Fig. 13 seen from the outside of the seal.

[0033] The exemplary embodiments of various wheel bearing assemblies with non-contact wheel bearing pre-seals explained in more detail below each comprise a wheel hub 10, a wheel bearing 20 arranged on the wheel hub 10, a wheel carrier 30 to which the wheel bearing 20 is secured by a wheel bearing outer ring 21, and an axle journal 40, here, for example, a constant velocity joint of a drive shaft, which is coupled to the wheel hub 10 in a torque-transmitting manner. The coupling can be implemented, for example, via an axial spline or the like. However, the coupling can also be implemented, in particular, via an axially clamped planar spline arrangement 11 / 41, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0034] Furthermore, the wheel bearing assemblies each comprise a contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal with a sealing ring 50 which is fixed to the wheel hub 10, the wheel bearing 20 and / or the axle journal 40 and forms a sealing gap with a counter contour which is located on the wheel carrier 30 or a component fastened to the wheel carrier 30.

[0035] In the figures shown and explained in more detail below, the sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal is positioned upstream of an actual wheel bearing seal of the wheel bearing 20 on the side facing away from the wheel. However, it is also possible in principle to position the wheel bearing pre-seal upstream of the wheel-side wheel bearing seal.

[0036] In addition, the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal is explained below in connection with a wheel bearing assembly in which the wheel hub 10 is coupled to the axle journal 40 of a drive shaft by means of a splined arrangement 11 / 41. As explained above, instead of such a coupling with a splined arrangement 11 / 41, other coupling structures can also be provided between the wheel hub 10 and the axle journal 40.

[0037] The sealing ring 50 of the wheel bearing pre-seal can radially surround and seal the planar spline arrangement or an alternative coupling structure on the outside. The sealing ring 50 can be pre-assembled on the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint and, when the wheel bearing assembly is assembled, engage with the wheel hub 10 outside the force flow of the wheel bearing 20.

[0038] As already mentioned, the sealing ring 50 in cooperation with the wheel carrier 30 forms a contact-free pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20 in order to prevent the penetration of water and dirt to the wheel bearing 20.

[0039] For example, the sealing ring 50 may have an end face which, in the assembled state, is pressed against an opposite end wall 12 of the wheel hub 10.

[0040] Additional dedicated wheel bearing seals 24 and 25 can be provided on the wheel bearing 20, in particular its rolling bearings 22 and 23, which rotatably support the wheel bearing outer ring 21 relative to the wheel hub 10. These seals seal the rolling bearings 22 and 23 from the outside. The wheel bearing seal 24 is arranged on the wheel side, and the wheel bearing seal 25 is arranged away from the wheel bearing. The non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal, provided by the sealing ring 50, is arranged at a distance from the rolling bearings 22 and 23 and is located between the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint and the wheel carrier 30. Due to the pre-seal provided by the sealing ring 50, the dedicated wheel bearing seals 24 and 25 of the wheel bearing 20 can be designed with particularly low friction.

[0041] The rolling bearings 22 and 23 can be designed as complete bearings, each with its own inner bearing ring and outer bearing ring, as well as rolling elements arranged between them. However, it is also possible to integrate individual bearing rings into a common wheel bearing outer ring 21 and / or into the wheel hub 10.

[0042] In Fig. 1 to 6, the bearing outer rings of the rolling bearings 22 and 23 are combined to form a common wheel bearing outer ring 21, which can also form support and fastening structures 26 for connection to the wheel carrier 30.

[0043] For the Fig. 1 to 6 left and thus constant velocity joint distant rolling bearings 22, the bearing inner ring is integrated into the wheel hub 10, whereas for example for the Fig. 1, the right-hand rolling bearing 23, which is close to the constant velocity joint, has its inner bearing ring 29 designed as a separate component. This inner bearing ring 29 can also be understood below as a component or subsection of the wheel hub 10. Depending on the design of the inner bearing rings, the sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal can also be supported on an end wall 12 of such an inner bearing ring 29, which in this case functions as part of the wheel hub 10.

[0044] If available as separate bearing rings, these are axially secured and supported on the respective wheel bearing outer ring 21 or on the wheel hub 10 using suitable axial securing means such as contact shoulders, axial securing rings, receiving grooves, or the like. The bearing inner ring 29 can be secured to the wheel hub 10, for example, by forming an end section of the wheel hub 10. This can be done, for example, by orbital forging or orbital pressing. The sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal therefore does not have to absorb any axial bearing forces. Since it has no load-bearing function, there is considerable design freedom for the sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal. This also allows for more complex shapes. In particular, the sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal can be manufactured cost-effectively, for example, from plastic.

[0045] This also enables the integration of a wheel speed sensor, whose sensor is arranged as a ring in the wheel bearing seal 25. The associated sensor can, for example, be arranged axially between the wheel bearing seal 25 and the sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal, while the associated sensor housing, along with other components of the wheel speed sensor, can be located in a recess or bore on the wheel carrier 30.

[0046] In addition to providing a non-contact pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20, the sealing ring 50 can also serve to radially surround and seal the aforementioned planar spline arrangement 11 / 41 on the outside, thus protecting it against corrosion. For this purpose, the sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal can, for example, be clamped axially between the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40. However, it is also possible to fix the sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal to the aforementioned components in another way, for example, by locking, pressing, gluing, or the like.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the planar spline arrangement 11 / 41 forms the interface between the constant velocity joint 40 and the wheel hub 10. For this purpose, a planar spline 11 and 41 is formed on opposite end walls of the constant velocity joint 40 and the wheel hub 10. The teeth of these two planar spline arrangements 11 and 41 mesh with each other. In the present case, planar spline is understood to be a front-face radial toothing structure on a component, which can be coupled to a corresponding front-face radial toothing structure on another component for the purpose of torque transmission. The tooth engagement is backlash-free and suitable for transmitting high torques. Such planar spline arrangements are occasionally also referred to as Hirth or spur gear arrangements.

[0048] A clamping device 60, preferably in the form of a clamping bolt, serves to keep the two planar splines 11 and 41 on the wheel hub 10 and on the constant velocity joint 40 axially engaged with one another when in the clamped state.

[0049] The clamping device 60 preferably extends centrally through the two planar splines 11 and 41. In particular, the clamping device 60, or rather the clamping bolt, can be supported by a head 61 on the wheel hub 10 and can be screwed to the constant velocity joint 40 via a thread 62. A reversed installation is also possible.

[0050] As already mentioned above, the sealing ring 50 of the wheel bearing pre-seal forms a sealing gap with a counter-contour located on the wheel carrier 30 or a component attached to the wheel carrier 30. To improve the sealing effect, radial ribs 501 are provided on the sealing ring 50, between which cells 502 are formed in the circumferential direction. The number of radial ribs 501 is in the order of magnitude of 1 to 60.

[0051] The radial webs 501 do not necessarily have to be strictly radially aligned, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 14, but can also be set at an angle of approximately + / - 20° to the radial direction. Furthermore, the radial webs 501 can also be provided with a curvature in the radial direction, whereby tangents to the radial webs 501 can again enclose an angle of a maximum of approximately + / - 20° with the radial direction.

[0052] The cells 502 are each delimited radially on the outside by a retaining wall 503, which in turn delimits the sealing gap radially on the inside. In the radially inward direction, however, the cells 502 are preferably open. When the sealing ring 50 rotates, a flow is generated in front of or within the sealing gap that opposes the overcoming of the seal. This prevents water and dirt from penetrating the sealing gap. Any water and dirt that has already penetrated is carried outward by the flow. This significantly enhances the sealing effect of the non-contact pre-seal.

[0053] In Fig. In Figure 1, this effect is indicated by an arrow S, which indicates the flow direction of the medium, be it air and / or water, positioned upstream of the sealing ring 50. As a result of the rotation of the sealing ring 50, the medium is entrained by the radial webs 501 and flows radially outward due to centrifugal force until it is deflected in the axial direction by the respective retaining wall 503 of the corresponding cell 502.

[0054] If the radial webs 501 and cells 502 are arranged on the outside of the seal on the sealing ring 50, the medium in the region of the opening of the sealing gap is guided away from the sealing ring 50. This flow significantly impedes the penetration of water and dirt into the sealing gap 50. In addition, the essentially axial flow at the outside opening of the sealing gap creates a suction effect for the sealing gap, which further impedes the entry of water and dirt and carries any water and dirt that has entered outwards.

[0055] Corresponding radial webs 501 and cells 502 can also be arranged on the inside of the seal on the sealing ring 50. The flow generated by the centrifugal pump effect can be directed toward the sealing gap to create a flow from the inside to the outside within the sealing gap.

[0056] The radial webs 501 can be arranged on an axial wall section 504 of the sealing ring 50.

[0057] The axial wall section 504 of the sealing ring 50 can extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the sealing ring 50.

[0058] In particular, the axial wall portion 504 of the sealing ring 50 may be an annular surface perpendicular to the rotational axis A of the sealing ring 50.

[0059] The retaining walls 503 of the cells 502 can be formed by a circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505 of the sealing ring 50.

[0060] Preferably, the radial webs 501 are connected at their radially outer ends to the outer peripheral wall section 505, whereby the latter is stiffened.

[0061] The height of the radial webs 501, which is understood here as the axial extension of the radial webs 501 away from the axial wall section 504, preferably increases radially outward.

[0062] In addition, the radial webs 501 can terminate axially at their radially outer ends with the circumferential outer circumferential wall section 505.

[0063] This sealing principle on the wheel bearing pre-seal can be divided into the following using the Fig. 1 to 14 can be incorporated in different ways.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sealing ring 50 can have a first fastening section 506 for fixing to the axle journal 40 and a second fastening section 507 for fixing to the wheel hub 10 and / or the wheel bearing 20.

[0065] Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment in which the sealing ring 50 of the contactless wheel bearing pre-seal described above has a sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, which radially surrounds the planar spline arrangement 11 / 41 in the manner of a sleeve and rests, for example, on corresponding outer circumferential sections of the wheel hub 10 and the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint. A first end face 52 of the sealing ring 50 bears against an end wall 12 of the wheel hub 10, here the inner bearing ring 29 of the right-hand rolling bearing 23, and an opposite second end face 53 bears against a wall shoulder 42 of the constant velocity joint 40. The sealing function with respect to the planar spline arrangement 11 / 41 can be performed on the end faces 52, 53 and / or to the outer circumferential sections of the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40.If the seal is applied against the outer peripheral portions of the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40, axial support of the end faces 52 and / or 53 may be omitted if necessary. The first fastening portion 506 for securing to the axle journal 40 and the second fastening portion 507 for securing to the wheel hub 10 are located in the first sealing portion 51.

[0066] A circumferential axial wall section 504 protrudes radially from the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 and forms an annular surface perpendicular to the rotational axis A. A circumferential outer circumferential wall section 505 adjoins the axial wall section 504 radially on the outside. The axial wall section 504 and the circumferential outer circumferential wall section 505, together with corresponding wall sections on the wheel carrier 30, form a narrow sealing gap which inhibits the ingress of water and dirt and thus acts as a pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20 or its wheel bearing seal 25.

[0067] The axial wall section 504 and the circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505 can thus be understood as a second sealing section 57 on the sealing ring.

[0068] In particular, a radially inwardly directed projection 31 can be formed on the wheel carrier 30, which has an axial annular wall 32 parallel to the axial wall section 504. A corresponding circumferential wall section on the wheel carrier 30 is radially opposite the circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505. In the longitudinal section profile of the sealing ring 50 according to Fig. 1, this results in an L-shaped sealing gap with a gap path running radially to the rotational axis A of the wheel hub 10 and an axial gap path parallel to the rotational axis A. The extent of the radial gap path may, if necessary, be greater than the axial gap path on the outside of the seal between the circumferential outer circumferential wall section 505 and the wheel carrier 30.

[0069] An additional axial gap path on the inside of the seal can be provided between a radial inner edge 33 of the projection 31 and the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 or a step 56 optionally provided thereon, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0070] Since the projection 31 is located on the wheel carrier 30, the projection 31 can be designed relatively freely. In particular, it is possible to form the projection 31 integrally with the wheel carrier 30. However, it is also possible to attach a corresponding ring for the projection 31 to the wheel carrier 30 in order to create even more complex sealing gap configurations or labyrinths if necessary.

[0071] In Fig. 1, the radial webs 501 and cells 502 are located on the outside of the seal on the axial wall section 504 and extend radially to the circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505, which in this case forms the retaining walls 503. The radial webs 501 stiffen the axial wall section 504 and the circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505, so that the latter can be designed with thin walls. This keeps the weight of the sealing ring 50 low.

[0072] In a variation of Fig. 1, the sealing ring 50 can also only have the function of the second sealing section 57, i.e. the wheel bearing pre-seal, whereas the function of the first sealing section 51 is omitted.

[0073] An alternative labyrinth shape for the sealing gap of the wheel bearing pre-seal is shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the sealing ring 50 has, in addition to the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 for radial sealing of the planar spline arrangement 11 / 41, a more complex second sealing section 57 for providing the pre-seal. In contrast to Fig. 1 extends into Fig. 2 the circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505 extends axially from the outer edge of the axial wall section 504 not only in one but in both directions, resulting in a more complex sealing labyrinth with more changes of direction instead of an L-shaped sealing gap.

[0074] The sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 can, as in Fig. 1, with or without level 56.

[0075] In particular, the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, the circumferential outer circumferential wall section 505 and the axial wall section 504 can form an approximately C-shaped longitudinal section profile in a longitudinal section plane on the inside of the seal, so that an annular groove 58 is formed on the sealing ring 50 around the rotational axis A, into which a corresponding longitudinal section profile on the wheel carrier 30 engages. In this case, as shown in particular in Fig. 2, between the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, the circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505 and the axial wall section 504 on the one hand and the corresponding longitudinal section profile on the wheel carrier 30 on the other hand, a gap is formed as a complex sealing labyrinth, which offers a high level of protection against the ingress of water and dirt in the context of a wheel bearing pre-seal.

[0076] The corresponding longitudinal section profile on the wheel carrier 30 can, in turn, have at least one annular groove 34, for example, on the aforementioned projection 31. The annular grooves 58 and 34 on the sealing ring 50 and on the wheel carrier 30 can be interlocked with one another in order to achieve the longest possible gap path on the wheel bearing pre-seal within a compact space. Fig. 2, the sleeve-shaped, circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505 extends axially into the annular groove 34 on the wheel carrier 30. Likewise, the inner edge 35 of the annular groove 34 extends axially into the annular groove 58 on the sealing ring 50. This principle can be extended by connecting several annular grooves in series.

[0077] As in connection with Fig. 1, the sealing effect of the wheel bearing pre-seal can be further improved by flow effects by providing, as described above, radial webs 501 on the outside of the seal on the axial wall section 504 in order to form cells 502 which are radially delimited by retaining walls 503.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiments, the axial wall section 504 can preferably adjoin an axial end section of the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, preferably on the side of the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint.

[0079] Preferably, the sleeve-shaped first sealing portion 51 and the circumferential outer peripheral wall portion 505 extend axially in the same direction from the axial wall portion 504.

[0080] The sleeve-shaped circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505 and the axial wall section 504 and optionally also the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51, together with the projection 31 located on the wheel carrier 30, form a sealing labyrinth whose course from the outside to the inside of the pre-seal in a longitudinal section plane includes at least two changes of direction, in particular three or even four changes of direction, in order to further inhibit the ingress of water and dirt.

[0081] In modification of the embodiments in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the sealing ring 50 can also be installed axially rotated by 180°. In Fig. 2, the annular groove 58 then opens not toward the wheel hub 10, but toward the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint. Radial ribs 501 and baffles 503 are also provided in this case to generate a flow opposite to that overcoming the pre-seal when the sealing ring 50 rotates, either in front of or in the sealing gap.

[0082] Furthermore, the sealing ring 50 can have radial webs 501 and cells 502 not only on the outside of the seal, but alternatively or additionally also on the inside of the seal, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 5 is shown as an example. For this purpose, Fig. 2, the projection 35 on the wheel carrier 30 is omitted. In the groove 58 of the sealing ring 58, one or more radial ribs 501 are now arranged, which extend radially to the circumferential outer circumferential wall section 505, which in the present case forms the retaining walls 503 for the cells 502 formed between the radial ribs 501. As in Fig. 3, as indicated by the arrow S, rotation of the sealing ring 50 again generates a radial flow, which is deflected axially in the region of the retaining walls 503. In this case, this deflected flow is directed into the sealing gap to impede the penetration of water and dirt and to drain any water and dirt that may have entered to the outside.

[0083] The radial ribs 501 can optionally be connected radially on the outside to the sleeve-shaped first sealing section 51 in order to stiffen the sealing ring in the region of the groove 58.

[0084] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the radial ribs 501 can each have a constant height. However, a design with a height increasing radially outward is also possible, as in Fig. 4 shown as an example.

[0085] Another possible design of the sealing ring 50 is shown in the Fig. 12 to 14. This sealing ring 50, in turn, has radial webs 501, with cells 502 formed between adjacent radial webs 501. Each of the cells 502 is bounded radially on the outside by a retaining wall 503, which in turn defines a sealing gap extending axially and circumferentially on the inside, so that upon rotation of the sealing ring 50, a flow opposing the overcoming of the seal is generated in front of and / or in the sealing gap.

[0086] In the Fig. 12 to 14, the radial webs 501 and cells 502 are arranged both on the inside of the seal and on an axial wall section 504 of the sealing ring 50. The axial wall section 504 extends in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis A of the sealing ring 50 and preferably forms an annular surface from which the radial webs 501 each protrude axially.

[0087] When the sealing ring 50 rotates, the flow indicated by arrows S is formed along the axial wall section 504 due to the radial webs 501 and the dam walls 503, which flow is deflected in the region of the dam walls 503 in order to induce a flow opposite to the overcoming of the pre-seal in front of and / or within the sealing gap.

[0088] The height of the radial ridges 501, namely their extension in the axial direction of the sealing ring 50 away from the axial wall section 504, can increase radially outward, as shown by way of example for the radial ridges 501 on the outside of the seal. However, a constant height is also possible, as shown by way of example for the radial ridges 501 on the inside of the seal.

[0089] In addition, the radial webs 501 can terminate axially with the circumferential outer circumferential wall section 505 at their radially outer ends in order to optimally stiffen it, whereby the cross section of the sealing gap can be well maintained.

[0090] The sealing ring 50 in Figs. 112 to 14 has at least a first fastening section 506 for securing to the axle journal 40. Optionally, a second fastening section 507 can also be provided, via which a fastening to the wheel hub 10 and / or the wheel bearing 20, in particular an inner ring thereof, can also be achieved. In a modification of this, the first fastening section 506 can also be omitted, so that the fastening to a rotating component takes place solely via the second fastening section 507.

[0091] The second fastening section 507 can be designed as a sleeve section, which in the present case axially adjoins the axial wall section 504 on the inside of the seal. The sleeve section can have, at its free end facing away from the axial wall section 504, a locking mechanism 508 for locking with corresponding structures 101 on the wheel hub 10 and / or the wheel bearing 20, as described above, for example, with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. In the case of a pure fastening function, however, the function of the additional assembly lock with play may be omitted.

[0092] Furthermore, the sleeve section can be axially supported on the radial inside against the axial wall section 504 via support webs 509. The support webs 509 extend radially inward from the sleeve section of the second fastening section 507. They serve to stiffen the sleeve section and thus improve the fastening function.

[0093] In the example shown in the Fig. 12 to 14, a circumferential inner peripheral wall section 510 is further formed on the sealing ring 50. This inner peripheral wall section 510 is connected via the axial wall section 504 to the sleeve section of the second fastening section 507 and the circumferential outer peripheral wall section 505. It can also be sleeve-shaped.

[0094] The inner peripheral wall section 510 has the first fastening section 506 on the radially inner side. Furthermore, the support webs 509 can be supported on the radially outer side of the inner peripheral wall section 510.

[0095] The above-explained embodiments can be further modified with respect to the sealing ring 50 in that a sleeve-shaped third sealing section 59 is additionally provided on the sealing ring 50, which protrudes axially from the second sealing section 57 in the direction of the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint and sealingly bears against a sealing element 70 of the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown as an example.

[0096] The sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40 can be, for example, a bellows 71, a rolling bellows, a sheet metal cap 72 with a bellows, or the like. It serves to seal the constant velocity joint 40 at its opening side, preventing grease from escaping or dirt from entering the constant velocity joint 40. Sheet metal caps 72 are typically pressed onto the outer circumference of the constant velocity joint 40 and crimped. Bellows 71 and rolling bellows can be attached to the outer circumference of the constant velocity joint 40 using hose clamps, band clamps, or the like, for example.

[0097] Due to the contact between the sleeve-shaped third sealing section 59 of the sealing ring 50 of the wheel bearing pre-seal and the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40, the constant velocity joint 40 is completely covered on the outside, eliminating the need to paint the outer surfaces of the constant velocity joint 40 to ensure a rust-free appearance. The sealing ring 50 effectively closes the gap between the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40 and the wheel hub 10, like a cover.

[0098] In a further embodiment according to Fig. 5 can be modified from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a small annular gap 73 is also deliberately provided between the sealing ring 50 and the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40, so that incoming water can quickly escape again. The centrifugal force acting when the drive shaft is rotating can be utilized here. As shown in Fig. 5, the sealing ring 50 accordingly has a sleeve-shaped third sealing section 59, which protrudes axially from the second sealing section 57 in the direction of the constant velocity joint 40 and forms an annular gap 73 with the sealing element 70 of the constant velocity joint 40, such that any incoming water can be discharged under centrifugal force. The annular gap 73 preferably has a gap width of 1 to 3 mm.

[0099] The third sealing section 59 in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 may further be designed such that it extends radially further outwards than the furthest extension radially outwards of an annular groove 34 for engagement with the sleeve-shaped second sealing section 57 in order to further impede the entry of water and dirt via the pre-seal.

[0100] Furthermore, as can be seen from the Fig. 6 to 11 explained below, the sealing ring 50 can also be used as an assembly aid during assembly of the wheel bearing assembly. When assembling a planar spline arrangement, care must be taken to ensure that the corresponding planar splines 11 and 41 mesh correctly to prevent tooth-on-tooth assembly. Such an assembly aid function can be additionally provided in the embodiments already explained above.

[0101] The sixth embodiment in Fig. 6 shows an axially clamped plan spline arrangement in clamped final assembly position.

[0102] This comprises the first face spline 11 on the wheel hub 10. In the present case, face spline is understood to be a front-face radial toothing structure on a component, which can be coupled to a corresponding front-face radial toothing structure on another component for the purpose of torque transmission. The axially clamped face spline arrangement further comprises the second face spline 41 on the drive shaft 40. The first face spline 11 and the second face spline 41 are in meshing engagement with each other. This is Fig. 6 backlash-free and suitable for transmitting high torques.

[0103] Furthermore, the axially clamped planar spline arrangement comprises the clamping device 60, preferably in the form of a clamping bolt, by which, in the clamped state, the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 41 are axially clamped together. The clamping device 60 preferably extends centrally through the two planar spline 11 and 41. In particular, the clamping device 60, or rather the clamping bolt, can be supported on the wheel hub 20 and screwed to the constant velocity joint 40. A reverse installation is also possible.

[0104] The sealing ring 50 surrounds the first spline 11 and the second spline 41 radially on the outside and seals them. The sealing ring 50 loosely holds the first spline 11 and the second spline 41 in engagement with each other, as explained in more detail below. This loose engagement state is also considered a pre-assembly position, in which the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40 are already roughly aligned with each other and secured against falling apart by the sealing ring 50.

[0105] As in Fig. 7 on the left, in the pre-assembly position an axial clearance x between the two plan spline teeth 11 and 41 is smaller than the height h of the teeth of the first plan spline tooth 11 and the second plan spline tooth 41. Once the pre-assembly position has been reached, it can therefore be assumed that a tooth-on-tooth position of the teeth of the first plan spline tooth 11 and the second plan spline tooth 41 is excluded.

[0106] In a second step, after the pre-assembly position has been established, the clamping device 60 can be tightened in order to produce the play-free engagement of the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 41 and accordingly to Fig. 7 right and in Fig. 6 to reach the final assembly position shown.

[0107] In the final assembly position, penetration of moisture and dirt from outside into the joint between the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 41 is reliably prevented by the sealing ring 50, whereby the gear engagement is protected against corrosion.

[0108] The arrangement of the sealing ring 50 with respect to the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40, as well as its design, can be implemented in various ways, as explained in more detail below. It should be noted that the arrangement of the sealing ring 50 and any engagement structures with respect to the constant velocity joint 40 as the first component and the wheel hub 10 as the second component can, in principle, also be reversed.

[0109] In one variant, as in the Fig. 6 to 8, the sealing ring 50 can be secured to one of the first and second components, while being coupled to the other of the first and second components via a locking mechanism 511. The locking action reliably indicates that the pre-assembly position has been reached, thus precluding a tooth-on-tooth position.

[0110] The sealing ring 50 can be secured to one of the first and second components, in this case, for example, the constant velocity joint 40 as the first component, by pressing, gluing, or in some other way. This is preferably done before the two components, namely the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40, are joined together to reach the pre-assembly position.

[0111] For the locking mechanism 511, locking lugs 512 can be formed on the sealing ring 50, which are arranged distributed around its circumference and which, after overcoming a projection 101 on the other component, in this case for example the second component or the wheel hub 10, engage in one or more recesses 102 on the other or second component.

[0112] A cross-sectional view of such a sealing ring 50 is shown in Fig. 9. This sealing ring 50 has three locking lugs 512 on its inner circumferential surface 513. However, the number of locking lugs 512 can also be smaller or larger than shown. Preferably, the number is in a range of approximately 3 to 20.

[0113] Accordingly, the corresponding projection 101 and the corresponding recess 102 are located on an outer circumferential section of the second component. The projection 101 and the recess 102 can be formed as continuous, circumferential structures, so that the angular position of the sealing ring 50 in the circumferential direction is irrelevant during assembly. However, it is also possible to provide the projection 101 by several individual projections and / or the recess 102 by several individual recesses.

[0114] In a modification of the illustrated embodiments, the locking lugs 512 can, however, be arranged on an outer circumferential surface 514 of the sealing ring 50 instead of on the inner circumferential surface 513. Accordingly, the projection 101 and the recess 102 of the second component are then located on an inner circumferential portion thereof.

[0115] As already mentioned, the locking lugs 102 are received with axial play in the corresponding recess(es) 102 in the unclamped state of the clamping device 60. Preferably, when the projection 101 is overcome by the locking lugs 512, the overlap of the teeth of the first planar spline 11 and the second planar spline 41 is 30% to 90% of the tooth height of the latter.

[0116] Instead of using locking lugs 512, the pre-fixing in the pre-assembly position can be carried out analogously Fig. 7 on the left can also be done via a sealing ring 50 which is slotted in this part area. Fig. 10 shows, by way of example, another embodiment of the sealing ring 50, which is slotted at several locations on the circumference. This facilitates clamping of the sealing ring to an outer circumferential section or an inner circumferential section of the second component. The slots 515 are positioned such that a sealing effect is ensured by the sealing ring 50. The number of slots 515 is Fig. 10 is shown with four. However, similar to the locking lugs 512, their number can also be selected to be smaller or larger. Both the locking lugs 512 and the slots 515 are adjusted so that the connection can reliably withstand the dead weight of the components 10 and 40 to be joined, as well as the forces when the clamping device 60 is applied.

[0117] To facilitate assembly, particularly when using a locking mechanism 511 with locking lugs 512, the sealing ring 50 can have a section 514 on which these locking lugs 512 are formed, which can be radially elastically compressed and retracted in order to more easily overcome a locking resistance formed by the projection 101.

[0118] Chamfers formed on the locking lugs 512 and / or the projection 102 can also have a supporting effect for this purpose.

[0119] Furthermore, the sealing ring 50 can have a circumferential sealing surface 516 which, in the tensioned state of the tensioning device 60, is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface 13 on the other component, in this case, for example, the second component or the wheel hub 10.

[0120] The sealing surface 516 on the sealing ring 50 can be formed by a front wall section thereof, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is shown.

[0121] In particular, as in the context of the further embodiment according to Fig. 8, the circumferential sealing surface 516 on the sealing ring 50 and the corresponding sealing surface 13 on the other component are conical.

[0122] Corresponding conical sealing surfaces 516 and 13 can, of course, also be provided in the other embodiments as well as in variants not shown. For example, the chamfer of the projection 101 in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 serve as a contact surface for a corresponding inclined sealing surface additionally provided on the ring side.

[0123] The sealing ring 50 can be made entirely of plastic, thus avoiding the need for sensitive sealing lips.

[0124] The sealing ring 50 of the Fig. 6 to 10 also include an assembly aid for positioning the components 10, 40 to be joined, avoiding a tooth-on-tooth position. Joining to achieve the pre-assembly position can be performed in a first step or work cycle. When subsequently attaching and clamping the clamping device 60 in a second step or work cycle, no additional holding device is required for the second component in each of the present design variants. The axial force applied during clamping is in the order of approximately 80 kN and more.

[0125] In one embodiment variant, the holding force of the sealing ring 50 can be designed as an assembly aid in such a way that an axial displacement to an end position takes place using the clamping force of the clamping device 60.

[0126] As already mentioned above, the axially clamped planar spline arrangement explained above can be used to connect the constant velocity joint 40 to the wheel hub 10 including the wheel bearing 20, as shown in an exploded view in Fig. 11 is shown as an example. Here, the first component is the constant velocity joint 40 and the second component is the wheel hub 10 with the wheel bearing 20, wherein the sealing ring 50 is fixed to the first component and secured to the second component via the locking lugs 512 or in the region of the slots 515. However, it is also possible to install the sealing ring 50 the other way around, i.e. to fix it to the second component or the wheel hub 10 with the wheel bearing 20 and to couple the area with locking lugs 512 or slots 515 to the first component or constant velocity joint 40. Corresponding recesses and projections are then provided analogously on the first component or the constant velocity joint 40.

[0127] The clamping device 60 can be as in Fig. 11 are formed by a clamping bolt which is guided centrally through the first planar spline 41 on the constant velocity joint 40 and the second planar spline 11 on the wheel hub 10 in order to axially clamp the respective components together.

[0128] Furthermore, a head 61 of the clamping bolt 60 can be supported on the wheel hub 10, while a threaded portion 62 of the clamping bolt 60 is screwed into a threaded opening 43 on the constant velocity joint 40, preferably a joint bell thereof.

[0129] The sealing ring 50, which serves as an assembly aid, sealing agent and wheel bearing pre-seal, is fixed to an outer peripheral section of the constant velocity joint 40. This sealing ring 50 is, as shown in the Fig. 6 to 8, coupled with corresponding counterstructures on the wheel hub 10 and / or the wheel bearing 20, in this case in particular a bearing inner ring 29.

[0130] Fig. 6 shows, by way of example, a variant in which the above-mentioned projection 101 and the above-mentioned recess 102 are formed on the bearing inner ring 29 of the wheel bearing 20. In particular, the sealing ring 50 can be locked to the bearing inner ring 29 and seal against it.

[0131] In Fig. 6, a corresponding sealing surface of the sealing ring 50 rests against a corresponding wall section of the bearing inner ring 29. In particular, the sealing surface can be pressed against the corresponding wall section of the bearing inner ring 29 during assembly to improve the sealing effect.

[0132] In variation of this, as in Fig. 7, the sealing ring 50, when the clamping bolt 60 is in the tensioned state, is axially pressed against a portion of the wheel bearing seal 25 of the wheel bearing 20 and seals against it. The portion of the wheel bearing seal 25 against which the sealing ring 50 is supported is, in this case, fixedly arranged on the bearing inner ring 29 of the wheel bearing 20, and possibly also on the wheel hub 10, in order to prevent relative movement between the portion of the wheel bearing seal 25 and the sealing ring 50 during operation.

[0133] Furthermore, it is possible, as in Fig. 8, regardless of the presence of a bearing inner ring 29 of the wheel bearing 20, counter structures for coupling the sealing ring 50 directly to the wheel hub 10 are formed. In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, a projection 101, a recess 102 and a sealing surface 13 are formed directly onto the second component, which forms the wheel hub 10.

[0134] Finally, a possible method for joining a wheel bearing assembly of the type described above will be briefly described.

[0135] During assembly, the sealing ring 50 can first be attached to the first component, or the constant velocity joint 40. The first component 10, or the constant velocity joint 40, is thus already provided with the sealing ring 50 before being introduced into the joining process.

[0136] Furthermore, the wheel bearing 20 is mounted on the wheel hub 10 and the wheel bearing 20 is in turn connected to the wheel carrier 30.

[0137] In a further step of the joining process, the constant velocity joint 40 and the wheel hub 10 with the wheel bearing 20 are loosely assembled together using the sealing ring 50. The first spline 11 and the second spline 41 are partially engaged, so that their teeth already overlap, but a backlash-free position is not yet achieved. In this pre-assembly position, the wheel hub 10 is fixed relative to the axle journal 40 or constant velocity joint, so that the two components can no longer be easily separated from each other, but at the same time, it is impossible for their spline 11 and 41 to be in tooth-to-tooth alignment. Such a process step is easy to handle.

[0138] In a subsequent step, the first spline 11 and the second spline 41 are clamped against each other using the clamping bolt 60. Since the wheel hub 10 is already pre-fixed relative to the constant velocity joint 40, no additional holding device is required for it when positioning and screwing the clamping bolt 60. By screwing them together, the first spline 11 and the second spline 41 come into contact with each other without play. The appropriate clamping is selected depending on the torque to be transmitted. This process step is also easy to handle. When the assembly position is reached, the sealing ring 50 seals the engagement of the first spline 11 with the second spline 41 radially outward, thus being converted from an assembly aid to a sealing device.At the same time, the sealing ring 50 engages with the wheel carrier 30 to provide the pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20.

[0139] Optionally, the data related to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described encapsulation of the constant velocity joint, if necessary according to Fig. 5 a targeted water drainage system should be provided.

[0140] The axially clamped planar spline arrangement is removable, particularly non-destructively. This is advantageous for customer service.

[0141] For this purpose, for example, the locking mechanism 511 can be designed such that the locking lugs 512 can be released by a high axial force or a bending moment. For this purpose, appropriately adapted contact slopes or chamfers can be provided.

[0142] Similarly, when using slots 515 for clamping, the clamping force can be adjusted so that release is possible while overcoming the clamping force.

[0143] One method for disassembly, for example during customer service, can be easily performed as follows. The clamping device 60 is first slightly loosened, preferably in such a way that partial engagement of the planar splines 11 and 41 is maintained. A clamping bolt can be loosened, for example, by approximately 3 to 9 mm (corresponding to 2 to 6 turns with a thread pitch of 1.5 mm). A soft-face hammer is used to strike the head 61 of the clamping bolt until the sealing ring 50 in the area of ​​the locking mechanism 511 or the slots 515 is released. The constant velocity joint 40 can be prevented from falling by the clamping bolt not yet being completely loosened. After the sealing ring 40 has been loosened, the clamping device 60, or rather the clamping bolt, can be completely unscrewed.

[0144] The invention has been explained in more detail above with reference to exemplary embodiments and further modifications. In particular, individual technical features explained above in the context of further individual features can be implemented independently of these and in combination with further individual features, even if not expressly described, as long as this is technically feasible. The invention is therefore expressly not limited to the described exemplary embodiments and modifications, but encompasses all configurations defined by the patent claims. List of reference symbols 10 Wheel hub 11 first plan spline 12 front wall 13 Sealing surface 20 wheel bearings 21 Wheel bearing outer ring 22 rolling bearings 23 rolling bearings 24 Wheel bearing seal 25 Wheel bearing seal 26 Support and fastening structure 29 Bearing inner ring 201 lead 202 recess 30 wheel carriers 31 lead 32 axial ring wall 33 Inner edge of the projection 34 Annular groove of the projection 35 Inner edge of the annular groove 40 axle journal or constant velocity joint 41 second plan spline 42 wall ledge 43 threaded opening 50 sealing ring 51 sleeve-shaped first sealing section 52 front side 53 front side 55 outer edge 56th level 57 sleeve-shaped second sealing section 58 Ring groove on the sealing ring 59 sleeve-shaped third sealing section 60 clamping device 61 head 62 threads / threaded sections 70 Sealing element of the constant velocity joint 71 Bellows 72 sheet metal cap 101 Lead 102 recess 501 radial rib 502 Cell 503 dam wall 504 axial wall section 505 circumferential outer peripheral wall section 506 first fortification section 507 second fortification section 508 locking mechanism 509 Support bridge 510 circumferential inner peripheral wall section 511 locking mechanism 512 locking lug 513 inner circumferential surface 514 Outer peripheral surface 515 slot 516 sealing surface Section 517 h tooth height x axial play A Axle - corresponding to the axis of rotation of the wheel hub, axle journal and sealing ring S flow

Claims

[1] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal between a wheel carrier (30) on the one hand and a wheel hub (10), a wheel bearing (20) and / or an axle journal (40) on the other hand, comprising: a sealing ring (50) which is fixed to the wheel hub (10), the wheel bearing (20) and / or the axle journal (40) and forms a sealing gap with a counter contour which is located on the wheel carrier (30) or a component fastened to the wheel carrier (30), characterized by , that the sealing ring (50) has radial webs (501) between which cells (502) are formed, and the cells (502) are each delimited radially on the outside by a dam wall (503), which in turn delimits the sealing gap radially on the inside in order to generate a flow opposite to the overcoming of the seal in front of and / or in the sealing gap when the sealing ring (50) rotates. [2] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 1, characterized bythat radial webs (501) and cells (502) are arranged on the outside of the sealing ring (50). [3] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that radial webs (501) and cells (502) are arranged on the inside of the seal on the sealing ring (50). [4] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , the radial webs (501) are arranged on an axial wall section (504) of the sealing ring (50). [5] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 4, characterized by that the axial wall section (504) of the sealing ring (50) extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A) of the sealing ring (50). [6] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the axial wall section (504) of the sealing ring (50) is an annular surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A) of the sealing ring (50). [7] Contactless wheel bearing pre-seal according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by that the height of the radial webs (501), namely their extension in the axial direction of the sealing ring (50) from the axial wall section (504), increases radially outwards. [8] Contactless wheel bearing pre-seal according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the retaining walls (503) of the cells (502) are formed by a circumferential outer peripheral wall section (505) of the sealing ring (50). [9] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 8, characterized by that the radial webs (501) terminate axially at their radially outer ends with the circumferential outer peripheral wall section (505). [10] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 7 or 8, characterized bythat a radially inwardly directed projection (31) is formed on the wheel carrier (30), which has an axial annular wall (32) parallel to the axial wall section (504) of the sealing ring (50), that the circumferential outer peripheral wall section (505) is radially opposite a corresponding circumferential wall section on the wheel carrier (30), so that in the longitudinal section profile of the sealing ring (50) there is an L-shaped sealing gap with a gap path running radially to the axis of rotation (A) of the wheel hub (10) and an axial gap path parallel to the axis of rotation (A). [11] Contactless wheel bearing pre-seal according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the sealing ring (50) has a first fastening section (506) for fixing to the axle journal (40) and / or a second fastening section (507) for fixing to the wheel hub (10) and / or the wheel bearing (20). [12] Contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 11, characterized by that the second fastening section (507) is designed as a sleeve section of the sealing ring (50), wherein the sleeve section adjoins the axial wall section (504) of the sealing ring (50) on the inside of the seal. [13] Contactless wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 12, characterized by that the sleeve section has at its free end facing away from the axial wall section (504) a locking mechanism (508) for locking with corresponding structures on the wheel hub (10) and / or the wheel bearing (20). [14] Contactless wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that the sleeve portion of the second fastening portion (507) is supported axially against the axial wall portion (504) radially on the inside via support webs (509) which extend radially inward from the sleeve portion. [15] Contactless wheel bearing pre-seal according to claim 14, characterized bythat the sealing ring (50) has a circumferential inner peripheral wall section (510) which has the first fastening section (506) radially on the inside and on which the support webs (509) are supported on the outside. [16] Wheel bearing assembly comprising: a wheel hub (10), a wheel carrier (30), a wheel bearing (20) via which the wheel hub (10) is rotatably mounted on the wheel carrier (30), an axle journal (40) which is drivingly coupled to the wheel hub (10), and a contact-free wheel bearing pre-seal according to one of the preceding claims between the wheel carrier (30) on the one hand and the wheel hub (10), the wheel bearing (20) and / or the axle journal (40) on the other hand, wherein the sealing ring (50) of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal is non-rotatably fastened to the wheel hub (10), the wheel bearing (20) and / or the axle journal (40).

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