Wheel bearing device comprising interface seal with shortened metal sheet and optimized sealing lip section

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel bearing device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel hub (2), a rotary joint body (4) rotationally coupled to the wheel hub (2) by means of a toothing (3), and a rolling bearing (5) mounted on the wheel hub (2), wherein a sealing ring (7) projecting beyond the toothing (3) is arranged on a bearing ring (6) of the rolling bearing (5), wherein the sealing ring (7) in turn has a sleeve region (9) reinforced by a metal sheet (8) and a sealing lip section (10) adjacent to the rotary joint body (4) and protruding from the sleeve region (9), and wherein the sealing lip section (10) is connected to the metal sheet (8) of the sleeve region (9) by means of a spring-elastic joint section (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel bearing device for a motor vehicle, having a wheel hub, a rotary joint body rotationally coupled to the wheel hub by means of a toothing (axial or radial toothing), and a rolling bearing mounted on the wheel hub, wherein a sealing ring projecting beyond the toothing is arranged on a bearing ring of the rolling bearing, and wherein the sealing ring in turn has a sleeve region reinforced by a metal sheet and a sealing lip section adjacent to the rotary joint body and protruding from the sleeve region.

[0002] Wheel bearing devices with various sealing rings to protect the bearing points are already well known in the art. For example, DE 10 2014 210 732 A1 discloses a bearing assembly with a sealing element that has a sealing lip provided with a plurality of recesses. Further prior art is known from KR 102063694 B1.

[0003] However, it has been shown in some known designs that, under certain circumstances, the sealing ring may become deformed during assembly or disassembly of the wheel bearing assembly, for example, when attaching the swivel joint body to the wheel hub. In some cases, the sealing ring may even be deformed to such an extent that it is damaged, rendering the intended sealing effect impossible.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wheel bearing device which is designed to be sufficiently flexible, regardless of the additional influences during assembly and disassembly, in order to achieve wear-optimized operation.

[0005] This is achieved according to the invention in that the sealing lip section is connected to the metal sheet of the sleeve area by means of a spring-elastic joint section. The joint section is also alternatively referred to as a hinge section / film hinge section.

[0006] Such a deformable joint section makes it possible to perform damage-free deformation of the sealing lip section of the sealing ring, which is intended for secure contact with the swivel joint body. This significantly simplifies assembly and disassembly without adversely affecting the sealing effect.

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments are claimed in the subclaims and explained in more detail below.

[0008] Accordingly, it is also advantageous if the sealing lip section is formed as a single piece with the joint section. In particular, the joint section, together with the sealing lip section, is preferably formed as part of a single-piece / in-one-molded plastic casing of the sealing ring. Accordingly, the metal sheet only needs to be overmolded with a plastic material in a single step, which simultaneously forms the sealing lip and joint sections that protrude (axially) from the metal sheet. This significantly simplifies production.

[0009] It is therefore also expedient if the sleeve area has a covering formed as a single piece with the sealing lip section and at least partially covering the metal sheet.

[0010] The manufacture of the sealing ring is further simplified if the sealing ring / metal sheet merges at an end of the sleeve region facing away from the sealing lip section into a holding region that is directly axially and radially adjacent to / fixed on the bearing ring and the holding region is covered at least in sections by a / the casing.

[0011] It is also advantageous if the sealing lip section is provided with at least one recess. This allows the sealing lip section to be further optimized with regard to its susceptibility to stress and / or its elastic behavior.

[0012] In this context, it has also proven advantageous if the sealing lip section is provided with a first recess toward its axial end (which directly forms an axial end of the sealing ring) and / or with a second recess on an inner side and / or with a third recess on a (radial) outer side. This allows the flexibility of the joint section to be variably adjusted.

[0013] If the metal sheet has at least one bent end region, alternatively two (axial) bent end regions, the shape of the metal sheet and its connection to the casing ( / the sealing lip section and / or the joint section) is further reinforced.

[0014] If the joint section runs at an angle or obliquely to the sleeve area, at least in sections, this allows for even greater flexibility. This also results in a smaller radial installation space.

[0015] For a more effective sealing effect, it is also advisable if the sealing lip section has two sealing contours that rest on the swivel joint body (radially from the outside).

[0016] Furthermore, it is also advantageous if the joint section is provided with a fourth recess. This allows for variable adjustment of flexibility.

[0017] The invention will now be described below with reference to figures, in which context various embodiments are also shown.

[0018] They show: Fig. 1 a longitudinal sectional view of a wheel bearing device according to the invention in the region of a rolling bearing supporting a wheel hub, wherein the area of ​​application of a sealing ring implemented according to the invention according to a first embodiment is visible, Fig. 2 a longitudinal section of the Fig. 1 inserted sealing ring, Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through a sealing ring according to the invention according to a second embodiment, which in comparison with the sealing ring of Fig. 2 is provided with a further recess at its axial end, Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through a sealing ring according to the invention according to a third embodiment, which in comparison with the sealing ring of Fig. 2 is designed without a semicircular recess, Fig. 5 a group of different detailed views of the longitudinal section of the sealing ring of the Fig. 4, wherein the detailed views show alternative designs, in particular with regard to the design of the metal sheet and the casing, Fig. 6 a longitudinal sectional view of a sealing ring according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment, which has a joint section extending obliquely to a sleeve region of the sealing ring, Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b two longitudinal sectional views of a sealing ring according to the invention, which is similar to the sealing ring of Fig. 4, to illustrate two steps in the assembly of a swivel joint body on the wheel hub, where in Fig. 7a a sealing lip section of the sealing ring is not yet in contact with the swivel joint body and in Fig. 7b the sealing lip section rests on the swivel body after it has been mounted, with two sealing lips being in contact with the swivel body, Fig. 8 a detailed view of a sealing lip section of a longitudinally cut sealing ring according to the invention, which is similar to the sealing ring of Fig. 2 is implemented, with two sealing lips being in contact with the swivel joint body, Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a sealing ring according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment and detailed views of two sub-variants thereof, which versions differ from each other with respect to the different angles of attack of two side flanks of the sealing lip section which are inclined to one another, Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sealing ring according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment, wherein said sealing ring has an additional recess on a radial outer side of the sealing lip section, Fig. 11 a detailed view of a sealing lip section of a longitudinally cut sealing ring according to the invention according to a seventh embodiment, wherein the introduced recess is in comparison to the Fig. 10 differs in its form, Fig. 12 a longitudinal sectional view of a sealing ring according to the invention according to a further embodiment, wherein the recess in comparison to Fig. 10 is now arranged in the area of ​​the joint section, and Fig. 13 a longitudinal sectional view of a sealing ring according to the invention according to a further embodiment, wherein the recess in comparison to Fig. 10 is offset closer to the axial end of the sealing ring.

[0019] The figures are merely schematic in nature and serve exclusively to understand the invention. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The various features of the different embodiments can, in principle, be freely combined with one another.

[0020] With Fig. 1 shows a wheel bearing device 1 according to the invention. The wheel bearing device 1 serves in the usual way for supporting a wheel of a motor vehicle, wherein for the sake of clarity Fig. 1, only a wheel hub 2 and a swivel joint body 4 of a swivel joint shaft of the wheel bearing device 1 can be seen in sections. The swivel joint body 4 can, for example, form a joint socket of a swivel joint. The wheel hub 2 also has, for example, a flange for connection to other components.

[0021] On the wheel hub 2 there is a Fig. 1 partially visible rolling bearing 5 is attached / fastened. The rolling bearing 5 itself can be designed, for example, as a double-row angular contact ball bearing.

[0022] With regard to the rolling bearing 5, an inner ring of the rolling bearing 5, designated as bearing ring 6, can be seen, which is fixed directly to the wheel hub 2. The bearing ring 6 is mounted in the usual way by means of several rolling elements 26 (balls) to form an outer bearing ring 27 of the rolling bearing 5.

[0023] It can also be seen that a labyrinth seal 28 is inserted between the bearing outer ring 27 and the bearing ring 6 towards an axial side of the rolling bearing 5 in order to seal an interior of the rolling bearing 5 from the environment.

[0024] In addition, a sealing ring 7 is attached to the rolling bearing 5, which serves in particular to shield against dirt / dust. This sealing ring 7 seals a connection area between the swivel joint body 4 and the wheel hub 2. In this regard, it should be noted that the connection area can, in principle, be designed differently. Here, it is designed as a toothing 3, namely as an axial toothing. Alternatively, however, it can also be designed, for example, as a radial toothing. The sealing ring 7 serves to cover the connection area / the toothing 3 (in particular an axial gap formed by the toothing between the swivel joint body 4 and the wheel hub 2) from the radial outside.

[0025] The sealing ring 7, as shown below in different embodiments of the Fig. 2 to 13 can be designed differently. For the sake of brevity, only the differences between the individual embodiments are described below.

[0026] The sealing ring 7 is according to Fig. 2 is essentially made up of two components. A first component is a metal sheet 8. The metal sheet is Fig. 1 is attached / pressed directly onto the bearing ring 6. The metal sheet 8 also serves as reinforcement / reinforcement of the sealing ring 7 with respect to its further extension in the axial direction from the rolling bearing 5 to the swivel joint body 4.

[0027] The region of the sealing ring 7 that is attached to the bearing ring 6 is also referred to as the holding region 14. The holding region 14 is essentially L-shaped in cross-section, i.e., formed from two mutually perpendicular regions of the sealing ring 7.

[0028] A second component of the sealing ring 7 forms a casing 12 of the metal sheet 8, which is also referred to as an overmolding. The casing 12 is made of a plastic material. The casing 12 covers the metal sheet 8, in particular on a side radially and axially remote from the bearing ring 6. In addition, the casing 12 merges into a sealing lip section 10 at an axial distance (i.e., viewed along a rotational axis / longitudinal axis of the rolling bearing 5) from the metal sheet 8. The sealing lip section 10 extends inward in the radial direction (i.e., perpendicular to the rotational axis / longitudinal axis of the rolling bearing 5) and bears against a radial outer side / outer circumferential surface of the swivel joint body 4.

[0029] According to the invention, said sealing lip section 10 is connected to the metal sheet 8 / a sleeve region 9 of the sealing ring 7 comprising the metal sheet 8 by means of a joint section 11 which is elastically / spring-elastic, i.e. which can be deformed by a certain amount in the radial direction.

[0030] With regard to the first embodiment, Fig. 2 further details on the structure of the sealing ring 7 are shown.

[0031] It is clearly visible that the sealing lip section 10 is provided on its inner side 20, i.e., its side axially facing the metal sheet 8, with a first recess 15 that describes a semicircular shape. The sealing lip section 10 is thus essentially hook-shaped. The sealing lip section 10 extends radially inward from the joint section 11 arranged axially between the sleeve region 9 and the sealing lip section 10.

[0032] Sealing contours 23a, 23b are formed radially inside on the sealing lip section 10 and form two sealing lips that can be applied to the swivel joint body 4.

[0033] In the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b shows a preferred assembly method, whereby it can be seen that after assembly ( Fig. 7b) the two sealing contours 23a, 23b are axially offset in contact with the swivel joint body 4.

[0034] In Fig. 8 shows the state of the sealing ring after assembly, with the two sealing contours 23a, 23b resting against the swivel joint body.

[0035] The covering 12 surrounds the metal sheet 8 not only in the sleeve area 9, but also in the holding area 14 adjoining one end 13 of the sleeve area 9. In the holding area 14, the metal sheet 8 is covered by the covering 12, in particular on a side facing away from the bearing ring 6.

[0036] In the second embodiment of the Fig. 3, in addition to the first recess 15, a second recess 16 is provided at an axial end 19 / a front side of the sealing lip section 10 / sealing ring 7. The second recess 16 also describes a semicircular shape when viewed in cross-section.

[0037] Furthermore, Fig. Three different diameters (inner and outer diameters) of the sealing ring 7 areas are labeled A to D. It can be seen that diameter A of the sleeve area 9 (outer diameter in the area of ​​the casing 12) and diameter B (outer diameter) of the sealing lip section 10 are the same. Furthermore, diameter C (inner diameter in the area of ​​the casing 12) of the sleeve area 9 and diameter D (inner diameter in the axial transition area from the joint section 11 to the sealing lip section 10) are the same.

[0038] With Fig. Finally, Figure 4 illustrates a third embodiment in which the previously described Fig. 3 recesses 15 and 16 are omitted. The transition area from the joint section 11 to the sealing lip section 10 is thus formed with a larger radius than in Fig. 2. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the sealing contour 23b is an edge due to a mold shape. However, this edge may also be without function and thus cannot be used as a sealing contour. Fig. 7, this edge is specifically designed to serve as a second sealing contour 23b.

[0039] Combined with Fig. 5 is finally, based on the sealing ring 7 of the Fig. 4 illustrates that the casing 12 and the metal sheet 8 can be designed in different ways. For example, it is clear that the metal sheet 8 can be provided with a bevel / rounded portion both at its (axial) end in contact with the bearing ring 6 (end region 22) and at its (axial) end facing away from the bearing ring 6. Only one of the ends can be provided with this rounded portion, or both ends can be implemented without any rounding. The casing 12 can also cover the portion of the holding region 14 that radially abuts the bearing ring 6 from the outside, or can be left out in this portion. The casing 12 can also cover the metal sheet 8 in the sleeve region 9 radially from the inside, only over a portion of the sleeve region, or over the entire length.

[0040] In the embodiment of the Fig. Finally, Figure 6 shows that the diameter pairs A and B, on the one hand, and C and D, on the other hand, can be different. This results in the joint section 11 extending essentially obliquely to the sleeve area 9 / most of the sleeve area 9.

[0041] In Fig. 9, in the unloaded state of the sealing ring 7 (i.e., prior to assembly), it can be seen that two side flanks 24, 25 of the sealing lip section 10, which are aligned obliquely to one another, can be set at different angles relative to a horizontal / parallel line of the sleeve region 9. For example, the angle A describing a first side flank 24 can be larger, equal to, or smaller than the angle B describing a second side flank 25.

[0042] Furthermore, in the Fig. 10 to 13 illustrate different embodiments in which further recesses 17, 18 are shown, which can be introduced either into the sealing lip section 10 from the outside (into the outer side 21) or into the joint section 11 from the outside.

[0043] This adjusts the radial flexibility of the joint section 11 accordingly.

[0044] The various recesses 15 to 18 can also have different shapes, for example partial circle or trough shapes.

[0045] With regard to the roughness of the swivel joint body 4 in contact with the sealing lip section 11, it should be noted that the swivel joint body 4 preferably has an R a -value less than 10.

[0046] In other words, the invention implements a shortened sheet metal flinger / reinforcement (metal sheet 8). Due to the elimination of support for the sealing lip / sealing lip section 10 at the joint bell sealing contact (swivel joint body 4), the sealing lip is preferably designed to be more solid in order to ensure comparable radial forces while simultaneously ensuring sufficient stability of the seal (sealing ring 7) during assembly of the joint bell.

[0047] A particular advantage is that no permanent deformation occurs when contact is made with components during assembly / disassembly of both the bearing (rolling bearing 5) in the wheel carrier / steering knuckle and the joint bell in the wheel bearing.

[0048] The angles of the sealing lip can be adjusted accordingly ( Fig. 9) can be designed in different ways. A special shape with double sealing contact (according to Fig. 7a to 8) are implemented.

[0049] In order to control the radial force of the sealing lip more independently of the cross-section of the fully rubberized section with sealing lip contact to the joint bell, tapers / recesses 15 to 18 are provided on the cross-section.

[0050] According to the variant of the Fig. 6 the minimum diameter at the contact surface is smaller than the outer diameter over the area of ​​the sealing lip cross-section in order to achieve the largest possible contact surface at the IR stop (simultaneous press-in tool contact surface). List of reference symbols 1 wheel bearing device 2 wheel hub 3 Gearing 4 swivel joint bodies 5 rolling bearings 6 bearing ring 7 Sealing ring 8 metal sheet 9 Sleeve area 10 Sealing lip section 11 Joint section 12 Wrapping 13 End of the sleeve area 14 Holding area 15 first recess 16 second recess 17 third recess 18 fourth recess 19 End of the sealing lip section 20 Inside 21 Outside 22 End area 23a first sealing contour 23b second sealing contour 24 first side flank 25 second side flank 26 rolling elements 27 Bearing outer ring 28 Labyrinth seal QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2014 210 732 A1

[0002] KR 102063694 B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Wheel bearing device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel hub (2), a rotary joint body (4) rotationally coupled to the wheel hub (2) by means of a toothing (3), and a rolling bearing (5) mounted on the wheel hub (2), wherein a sealing ring (7) projecting beyond the toothing (3) is arranged on a bearing ring (6) of the rolling bearing (5), and wherein the sealing ring (7) in turn has a sleeve region (9) reinforced by a metal sheet (8) and a sealing lip section (10) lying against the rotary joint body (4) and protruding from the sleeve region (9), characterized by that the sealing lip section (10) is connected to the metal sheet (8) of the sleeve area (9) by means of a spring-elastic joint section (11). [2] Wheel bearing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sealing lip section (10) is formed as a single piece with the joint section (11). [3] Wheel bearing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the sleeve region (9) has a covering (12) which is formed as a single piece with the sealing lip section (10) and at least partially covers the metal sheet (8). [4] Wheel bearing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the sealing ring (7) merges at an end (13) of the sleeve region (9) facing away from the sealing lip section (10) into a holding region (14) which lies directly axially and radially against the bearing ring (6), and the holding region (14) is covered at least in sections by a casing (12). [5] Wheel bearing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the sealing lip section (10) is provided with at least one recess (15, 16, 17). [6] Wheel bearing device (1) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the sealing lip section (10) is provided with a first recess (15) towards its axial end (19) and / or with a second recess (16) on an inner side (20) and / or with a third recess (17) on an outer side (21). [7] Wheel bearing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the metal sheet (8) has at least one bent end region (22). [8] Wheel bearing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the joint section (11) runs at least in sections at an angle / obliquely to the sleeve area (9). [9] Wheel bearing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the sealing lip section (10) has two sealing contours (23a, 23b) which bear against the rotary joint body (4). [10] Wheel bearing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the joint section (11) is provided with a fourth recess (18).

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