Axle bridge system for one vehicle axle

Abstract

The invention relates to an axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) for a vehicle axle, the axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) comprising an axle shaft (3) and an axle bridge (4) having a tubular section (5), whereby an interior space is formed, and wherein the axle shaft (3), which is rotatably mounted in an axial direction (AX), extends through the interior space, wherein the interior space can be at least partially filled with lubricating fluid to form a first lubricating fluid space and a first lubricating fluid supply, wherein a wheel head (2) with a bearing (6) is also provided, wherein the bearing (6) is arranged in the wheel head (2) and rotatably supports the axle shaft (3), and wherein the axle shaft (3) forms a front flange (8) on its end face, which is arranged on the wheel head (2) and forms a cavity (9) with the wheel head (2), so that a connection is present between the bearing (6) and the interior space, wherein a second lubricating fluid space is provided to form a second lubricating fluid supply,wherein the second lubricating fluid chamber is arranged in the wheel head (2) and is fluidly connected to the bearing (6) for lubricating the bearing (6) with lubricating fluid, and wherein a sealing ring is provided, which is arranged between the axle bridge (4) and the axle shaft (3), for separating the connection between the bearing (6) and the interior, so that a sealing of the first lubricating fluid supply from the second lubricating fluid supply is effected.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an axle bridge system for a vehicle axle, the axle bridge system comprising an axle shaft and an axle bridge which has a tubular section, whereby an interior space is formed and wherein the axle shaft mounted in an axial direction extends rotatably through the interior space, wherein the interior space can be at least partially filled with lubricating fluid to form a first lubricating fluid space and a first lubricating fluid supply, wherein a wheel head with a bearing is also provided, wherein the bearing is arranged in the wheel head and rotatably supports the axle shaft and wherein the axle shaft forms a front flange on the front side, which is arranged on the wheel head and forms a cavity with the wheel head, so that a connection is present between the bearing and the interior space.

[0002] Driven vehicle axles are typically designed as axle bridges connected to a vehicle frame, with a wheel hub at each end for accommodating a driven vehicle wheel. Such wheel hubs, in particular, feature bearings for supporting a flanged or plug-in shaft (axle shaft) located in the axle bridge.

[0003] WO 2018224231 A1 discloses a wheel head for the driven steering wheels of commercial vehicles, comprising a wheel head carrier designed as a pivoting part, which has a fork and a support pin, wherein the support pin projects in a sealed manner into the interior of a wheel hub, and the wheel hub is rotatably mounted on the support pin about a rotational axis, with a reduction gear arranged in the interior, via which the wheel hub can be rotatably driven by a drive shaft guided in a sealed manner into the interior of the wheel hub, wherein at least one component of the reduction gear is fully or partially immersed in an oil sump in the interior of the wheel hub, wherein a ventilation channel is formed in the wheel head carrier, the first end of which opens into the interior of the wheel hub above the level of the oil sump and the second end of which opens into the environment at a higher level than the first end,wherein at a location between the first end and in front of the second end, the vent channel has a space of greater radial extent than the area of ​​the vent channel between the space of greater radial extent and the second end of the vent channel.

[0004] DE 10 2022 212022 A1 discloses a sealing arrangement for a wheel bearing assembly having an inner axle and a rotatable outer hub arranged around the axle. The sealing arrangement comprises an annular inner housing with an axial portion that can be arranged around the axle and a radial portion that extends radially outward from the axial portion.

[0005] The wheel head bearings can be lubricated primarily with oil coming from the axle bridge or with grease.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved axle bridge system with a wheel head.

[0007] The problem is solved by an axle bridge system having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The task is solved by an axle bridge system for a vehicle axle, the axle bridge system comprising an axle shaft and an axle bridge, which has a tubular section, whereby an interior space is formed and wherein the axle shaft, which is rotatably mounted in an axial direction, extends through the interior space, wherein the interior space can be at least partially filled with lubricating fluid to form a first lubricating fluid space and a first lubricating fluid balance, wherein a wheel head with a bearing is also provided, wherein the bearing is arranged in the wheel head and rotatably supports the axle shaft and wherein the axle shaft forms a front flange on the front side, which is arranged on the wheel head and forms a cavity with the wheel head, so that a connection is provided between the bearing and the interior wherein a second lubricating fluid chamber is provided for forming a second lubricating fluid balance, wherein the second lubricating fluid chamber is arranged in the wheel head and is fluidly connected to the bearing for lubricating the bearing with lubricating fluid, and wherein a sealing ring is provided which is arranged between the axle bridge and the axle shaft, for separating the connection between the bearing and the interior, so that a sealing of the first lubricating fluid system from the second lubricating fluid system is effected.

[0009] The sealing ring is arranged directly between the axle bridge and the axle shaft or, for example, indirectly via an intermediate element.

[0010] The use of various purchased components in the drive axle area is a particular challenge, especially if the purchased components are to be used in different drive axles, for example.

[0011] According to the invention, it was recognized that in a modular construction of a vehicle axle / drive axle, for example by purchasing a wheel head, no machine oil, which is used to lubricate the electric motor, may be used in the bearing of the wheel head, as this would be associated with a significant reduction in service life.

[0012] When using different wheel heads, separate lubrication of the wheel heads is required, for example, the wheel heads must be lubricated with a conventional axle oil.

[0013] The axle bridge system according to the invention enables the use of different wheel heads.

[0014] For this purpose, the axle bridge system has an axle shaft or a flange shaft or stub shaft. Furthermore, the axle bridge system has an axle bridge, also called an axle housing, which has a tubular section. The axle shaft extends axially in the tubular section and is rotatably mounted, i.e. it is mounted radially spaced from the section, whereby an interior space is formed. Furthermore, a first lubricating fluid, for example a first oil, which is also used to lubricate the electric motor / central unit and forms a fluid path with the electric motor / central unit, can be present in the interior space. This creates a first lubricating fluid supply, in this case an oil supply (oil sump).

[0015] Furthermore, there is a wheel head which has a bearing, for example a rolling bearing, which rotatably supports the axle shaft and which also needs to be lubricated.

[0016] The axle shaft has a front flange that rests against the wheel hub and forms a cavity with the wheel hub. This cavity is connected to both the bearing and the interior.

[0017] It was recognized that the front flange forms a fluid path through which the bearing of the wheel head is connected to the first lubricating fluid supply.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention, a second lubricating fluid chamber, i.e., a second oil chamber, is provided. This chamber is incorporated into the wheel head and is fluidly connected to the bearing for lubrication. The second lubricating fluid chamber can be a cavity that is already present or can be incorporated into the wheel head for this purpose.

[0019] To separate the two lubricating fluid chambers, a sealing ring is inserted between the axle shaft and the axle bridge. This can be done by either directly contacting the sealing ring with the axle shaft and the axle bridge or indirectly contacting it, for example, via an intermediate element / contact element. This eliminates the fluidic connection between the interior and the bearing, meaning that the interior and the bearing are now fluidically separated. This separates the two oil systems.

[0020] As a result, a suitable lubricating fluid, for example a suitable axle oil, can be used in the second lubricating fluid chamber, which is fluidly connected to the bearing of the wheel head.

[0021] The first lubricating fluid chamber may also contain, for example, oil from the axle beam, which is used to lubricate the differential or electric drive. The first lubricating fluid chamber may be completely or partially filled with oil.

[0022] The sealing ring according to the invention allows the oil chambers to be sealed from each other. This prevents the different oils from mixing, thus preventing a reduction in the service life of the wheel head.

[0023] This allows any wheel hub to be installed in the vehicle axle, enabling a modular design. Existing wheel hubs can be integrated into the axle bridge system without any modifications. Since such wheel hubs are mass-produced in large quantities, this has a positive effect on the product price. Likewise, the various wheel hubs can be used with different axle bridges.

[0024] The integration of the additional sealing ring in combination with the second lubricating fluid chamber makes it possible to create separate oil chambers between the wheel heads and the axle bridge or central unit. This also makes it possible to use a different oil, such as conventional axle oil, in the wheel head than in the interior (first lubricating fluid chamber).

[0025] The sealing ring between the axle bridge and the axle shaft, for example the flange shaft, can be designed as a radial shaft sealing ring in order to separate the two lubricating fluid systems, in particular the two oil systems.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the sealing ring for separating the first lubricating fluid chamber and the second lubricating fluid chamber is arranged directly or indirectly between the axle bridge and the axle shaft and thus seals the first lubricating fluid chamber and the second lubricating fluid chamber from each other.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the sealing ring extends radially between the axle housing and the axle shaft. In particular, the sealing ring, for example the radial shaft seal, is pressed / tensioned between the axle housing and the axle shaft. This enables easy installation. In particular, the sealing ring has a sealing lip that is pressed against the axle housing or is in secure contact with the axle housing. The sealing ring can also have a tension spring. The sealing lip can consist of an elastomer or comprise it. Radial shaft seals can comprise, in addition to the elastomer and the sealing lip, a stiffening ring and a tension spring. The contact pressure of the sealing lip is achieved by preload and supported by the tension spring.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the sealing ring has two sealing lips which are arranged parallel to one another at a distance from one another in the axial direction. As a result, one sealing lip, in particular the sealing lip facing the second lubricating fluid chamber, can prevent oil leakage / lubricating fluid leakage from the wheel head, i.e. from the second lubricating fluid chamber into the first lubricating fluid chamber, and the parallel-spaced sealing lip can prevent oil leakage / lubricating fluid leakage from the interior, i.e. from the first lubricating fluid chamber into the second lubricating fluid chamber. To form a sealing ring with two sealing lips, the sealing ring, in particular the radial shaft sealing ring, can be divided at the end into two equally long webs / legs, at each end of which a sealing lip is arranged.

[0029] In a further design, the sealing ring is clamped between the axle housing and the axle shaft, with the two sealing lips firmly contacting the axle housing or the axle shaft. This allows for easy assembly to seal the oil chambers / lubricating fluid chambers.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the sealing ring has at least one sealing lip, wherein the axle bridge has a sleeve, and the sealing lip contacts the axle bridge in the area of ​​the sleeve. This allows for a correct surface with sufficient surface quality of the running surface, i.e., the running surface area for the sealing lip, to be produced, which is not subject to wear. The contact surface of the axle bridge can thus be implemented directly or indirectly via a pressed-in sleeve / bushing.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the front flange has an axially protruding sealing ring seat facing the axle bridge, with the sealing ring being arranged between the axle bridge and the sealing ring seat. A sealing ring seat can be designed, for example, as a circumferential nose / protrusion that protrudes into the cavity formed by the front flange and the axle bridge / wheel head. Such a sealing ring seat can be formed integrally with the axle shaft, for example, by being cast. In particular, it is arranged centrally in the front flange for rotational reasons.

[0032] In a further embodiment, a contact element is provided, wherein a first part of the contact element is arranged between the axle bridge and the axle shaft, and a second part of the contact element protrudes into the cavity formed by the front flange and the wheel head, and wherein the sealing ring is arranged between the second part of the contact element and the axle shaft. This eliminates the need for an arrangement on the axle bridge, and thus also eliminates the need for a sleeve arranged on the axle bridge.

[0033] In particular, the contact element is S-shaped, with straight sections. The second part, which represents the upper part of the S-shape, can have a radial nose to improve the rigidity of the contact element.

[0034] In a further development, the first part, specifically the straight lower section of the S-shaped contact element, is clamped between the axle bridge and the axle shaft. This clamping allows for easy installation of the contact element.

[0035] In a further development, the sealing ring features opposing sealing lips. This allows the two different lubricating fluids, in this case oils, to be separated particularly effectively.

[0036] In particular, the sealing ring is designed as a radial shaft seal. These are particularly well-suited for sealing lubricating oils, as the sealing lip of the radial shaft seal floats on the lubricating film formed by the medium to be sealed. This prevents premature wear and thermal damage to the sealing lip.

[0037] In a further embodiment, venting channels are incorporated in the wheel head and the axle bridge for venting. The venting channels are connected to the second lubricating fluid chamber and enable venting into an external space via the venting channels. The second oil chamber / oil sump is thereby vented and can thus compensate for temperature fluctuations. The venting channels can be formed in the wheel head and the axle bridge as several interconnected longitudinal and transverse bores. Such a design allows the wheel head or the second lubricating fluid chamber to be directly connected to the outside environment for venting.

[0038] Alternatively, venting channels are incorporated in the wheel head and the axle bridge for venting, with the venting channels communicating with the second lubricating fluid chamber for venting the second lubricating fluid chamber via an adjacent main unit. This allows for joint venting. The venting channels can be formed in the wheel head and the axle bridge as several interconnected longitudinal and transverse bores. This eliminates the need for direct venting of the second lubricating fluid chamber. The air flows out via the main unit, for example, a transmission, with the transmission air via a unit ventilation system.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1: an axle bridge system according to the state of the art, Fig. 2: an axle bridge system according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 3: an axle bridge system according to the invention in a second embodiment, Fig. 4: an axle bridge system according to the invention in a third embodiment, Fig. 5: a sealing ring, Fig. 6: an axle bridge system with ventilation channels, Fig. 7: another axle bridge system with ventilation channels, Fig. 8: another axle bridge system with ventilation channels.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a prior art axle bridge system 100 for a vehicle axle.

[0041] The axle bridge system 100 has a wheel head 101.

[0042] Furthermore, an axle shaft 102 is provided, as well as an axle bridge 104 (axle housing), which has a tubular section 103, through whose interior extends the axle shaft 102, which is rotatably mounted in an axial direction AX. The axle shaft 102 thus extends axially within the interior and is rotatably mounted, ie, it is mounted radially spaced from the axle bridge 4. This allows a first oil, which is also used to lubricate the electric motor / central unit, to be present in the interior. This creates an oil reservoir as an oil sump (lubricating fluid chamber) 107.

[0043] Furthermore, the wheel head 101 has a bearing 106, which rotatably supports the axle shaft 102. The bearing 106 can, in particular, be a lubricated rolling bearing.

[0044] Furthermore, the axle shaft 102 has a front flange 105 on its end face, which forms a cavity 108 with the wheel head 101, so that a fluidic connection exists between the bearing 106 and the interior via the cavity 108. Through this connection, oil can flow from the oil sump 107 to the bearing 106 to lubricate it.

[0045] According to the invention, it was recognized that when using different, for example, purchased, wheel heads 101, the bearings 106 often cannot be lubricated with machine oil from the oil sump 107, i.e., no machine oil used to lubricate the electric motor may be used, as this is associated with a significant reduction in service life. According to the invention, it was recognized that when using different wheel heads 101, separate lubrication of the wheel heads 101 is therefore required; for example, the wheel heads 101 must be lubricated with conventional axle oil.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows an axle bridge system 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment.

[0047] The axle bridge system 1 has a wheel head 2.

[0048] Furthermore, there is an axle shaft 3 and an axle bridge 4 (axle housing) which has a tubular section 5, through whose interior the axle shaft 3 extends, which is rotatably mounted in an axial direction AX. The axle shaft 3 thus extends axially in the interior and is rotatably mounted, i.e., it is mounted radially spaced from the axle bridge 4. This allows a first oil, which is also used to lubricate the electric motor / central unit, to be present in the interior. This forms a first oil supply as the first oil sump (lubricating fluid chamber) 7.

[0049] Furthermore, the wheel head 2 has a bearing 6, which rotatably supports the axle shaft 3. The bearing 6 can, in particular, be a lubricated rolling bearing.

[0050] Furthermore, a second oil sump 10 is provided as a second oil reservoir, wherein the second oil sump 10 is arranged in the wheel head 2 and is fluidly connected to the bearing 6 for lubricating the bearing 6 with oil. The second oil sump 10 can be a cavity that is already present or can be introduced into the wheel head 2 for this purpose.

[0051] This means that the second oil sump 10 is arranged in the wheel head 2 and is connected to the bearing 6 for oiling the bearing 6.

[0052] Furthermore, the axle shaft 3 has a front flange 8 on its end face, which rests against the wheel head 2 and forms a cavity 9 with the wheel head 2, so that a fluidic connection is established between the bearing 6 and the cavity 9. Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided, for example, a radial shaft seal 11, which is inserted between the axle shaft 3 and the axle bridge 4. This prevents a fluidic connection between the interior and the bearing 6, i.e., between the first oil sump 7 and the second oil sump 10.

[0053] This creates a separation between the first and second oil systems. Thus, for example, axle oil can be used to lubricate bearing 6.

[0054] A radial shaft seal 11 is integrated between the axle bridge 4 and the axle shaft 3 to separate the two oil reservoirs. Such an integrated radial shaft seal 11 seals the two oil reservoirs or oil sumps from each other. This prevents mixing of the different oils. A reduction in the service life of the wheel head 2 is thus prevented.

[0055] This makes it possible for a conventional axle oil, for example, to be used in the wheel head 2, for the lubrication of the bearing 6 and for a conventional electric motor oil to be used in the central unit (electric motor).

[0056] Likewise, any wheel head 2 can be installed in the vehicle axle. This allows for a modular design. Existing wheel heads 2 can be incorporated into the axle bridge system 1 according to the invention without any modifications. This makes it possible, for example, to completely incorporate any existing wheel head 2, including, for example, the wheel hub, wheel bearing, and accessories such as bolts, nuts, etc.

[0057] Since such wheel heads 2 are mass-produced in large quantities, this has a positive effect on the product price. Likewise, the various wheel heads 2 can work with differently manufactured axle bridges.

[0058] The radial shaft seal 11 may have a sealing lip 12. Such a sealing lip 12 allows for particularly good separation of the oil circuits.

[0059] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of an axle bridge system 1a according to the invention.

[0060] The axle bridge system 1a comprises the wheel head 2 with bearing 6, the axle shaft 3, the axle bridge 4 (axle housing), and the tubular section 5. Furthermore, the first oil supply is formed as the first oil sump (lubricating fluid chamber) 7. Furthermore, the second oil sump 10 is provided as a second oil supply.

[0061] Furthermore, there is a sleeve 13 which is arranged / attached or pressed onto the axle bridge 4.

[0062] The sealing lip 12 contacts the axle bridge 4 in the area of ​​the sleeve 13. This allows for a correct surface with sufficient surface quality of the running surface, i.e., the running surface area for the sealing lip 12, to be produced, which is not subject to wear. The contact surface of the axle bridge 4 can thus be formed via the pressed-in sleeve 13.

[0063] The sealing lip 12 thus runs along the sleeve 13 during operation.

[0064] Furthermore, the end flange 8 has an axially projecting sealing ring seat 14 facing the axle bridge 4. The radial shaft seal 11 is arranged between the axle bridge 4, i.e., the sleeve 13, and the sealing ring seat 14. The sealing ring seat 14 can be designed, for example, as a circumferential nose / protrusion that projects into the cavity 9 formed by the end flange 8 and the wheel head 2. Such a sealing ring seat 14 can be formed integrally with the axle shaft 4, for example, by being cast. In particular, it is arranged centrally in the end flange 8 for rotational reasons.

[0065] Furthermore, the sealing lip 12 can contact the sleeve 13 or the seal ring seat 14. This means that the radial shaft seal 11 can be designed with an internal or external seal. Two such opposing sealing lips 12 can also be present. This allows for particularly effective separation between the oil systems.

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of an axle bridge system 1b according to the invention.

[0067] The axle bridge system 1b comprises the wheel head 2 with bearing 6, the axle shaft 3, the axle bridge 4 (axle housing), and the tubular section 5. Furthermore, the first oil supply is formed as the first oil sump (lubricating fluid chamber) 7.

[0068] Furthermore, the second oil sump 10 is provided as a second oil reservoir.

[0069] A contact element 15 is provided. The contact element 15 is essentially S-shaped, with straight sections. The S-shaped contact element 15 has an upper second part 17 and a lower first part 16. The lower first part 16 of the S-shaped contact element 15 can be pressed / clamped between the axle bridge 4 and the axle shaft 3. This enables simple assembly.

[0070] The second upper part 17 of the S-shaped contact element 15 projects into the cavity 9 formed by the front flange 8, the wheel head 2, and the axle bridge 4. The radial shaft seal 11 is clamped between the second part 17 of the contact element 15 and the axle shaft 3. In particular, the sealing lip 12 can be in contact with the axle shaft 3. This eliminates the need for a direct arrangement of the radial shaft seal 11 on the axle bridge 4, and thus also eliminates the need for a sleeve 13 arranged on the axle bridge 4. Furthermore, the contact element 15 can have a radial nose 18 to improve the rigidity of the contact element 15.

[0071] This results in indirect clamping of the radial shaft seal 11 between the axle bridge 4 and the axle shaft 3, via the contact element 15 as an intermediate element.

[0072] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a radial shaft seal 11a. This seal has two sealing lips 12, 12a arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0073] As a result, one sealing lip, in particular the sealing lip 12 pointing towards the second oil sump 10, can prevent oil from escaping from the wheel head 2, i.e. from the second oil sump 10 into the first oil sump 7, and the parallel, spaced-apart sealing lip 12a can prevent oil / lubricating fluid from escaping from the interior, i.e. from the first oil sump 7 into the second oil sump 10. To form the two sealing lips 12, 12a, the radial shaft seal 11a can be split at the end into two equally long legs 19, 19a, at each end of which one of the two sealing lips 12, 12a is arranged. Two tension springs 20, 20a can also be present for increased contact pressure.

[0074] The sealing lips 12,12a can be constructed identically.

[0075] Fig. Figure 6 shows existing venting channels for venting, which are incorporated in the wheel head 2 and the axle bridge 4, wherein the venting channels are connected to the second oil sump 10 for venting the second oil sump 10. The second oil sump 10 is thereby vented and can thus compensate for temperature fluctuations. The venting channels can be formed in the wheel head 2 and the axle bridge 4 as several interconnected longitudinal bores / longitudinal channels 21a, 21b and transverse bores / transverse channels 22a, 22b. Several venting paths can be possible. Fig. 6, a venting device in which air flows through the longitudinal channel 21a and into a transverse channel 22a, then into a longitudinal channel 21b, and then through another transverse channel 22b to the outside. The transverse channel 22a is closed with a plug 23a. The further longitudinal channel 21b is also connected to the second oil sump 10; thus, in addition to the venting via the longitudinal channel 21a, venting also takes place via the longitudinal channel 21b.

[0076] Fig. Figure 7 shows another venting option. Here, the second oil sump 10 is vented solely via the longitudinal channel 21a. The air flow is directed into the longitudinal channel 21a and through the two transverse channels 22a, 22b, and the further longitudinal channel 21b. The longitudinal channel 21b is sealed with a plug 23b in the direction of the second oil sump 10. Furthermore, the transverse channel 22a is sealed with the plug 23a. The venting is thus realized via the longitudinal channel 21a, which discharges the air to the outside.

[0077] Fig. 8 shows another possibility for venting.

[0078] The second oil sump 10 is vented solely via the longitudinal channel 21a. The air flow is then directed via the two transverse channels 22a, 22b and the further longitudinal channel 21b. The longitudinal channel 21b is sealed with a plug 23b in the direction of the second oil sump 10. Furthermore, the transverse channel 22a is sealed with the plug 23a.

[0079] Furthermore, the transverse duct 22b is present. However, this extends into an air space 24 between the axle shaft 3 and the axle bridge 4 and is closed to the outside with a sealing plug 23c. Thus, the second oil sump 10 is vented via the longitudinal duct 21a, with the air then flowing via the transverse duct 22a into the longitudinal duct 21b and from there via the through-bore into the air space 24. The air then flows outward via the main unit 25, for example, the transmission with the transmission air, via a unit vent 26. This eliminates the need for direct venting of the second oil sump 10 and thus a direct connection to the outside environment via corresponding vent ducts. List of reference symbols 100 axle bridge system (state of the art) 101 wheel head (state of the art) 102 axle shaft (state of the art) 103 tubular section (state of the art) 104 axle bridge (state of the art) 105 Front flange (state of the art) 106 bearings (state of the art) 107 Oil sump (state of the art) 108 Cavity (state of the art) 1, 1a, 1b axle bridge system 2 wheel head 3 axle shaft 4 axle bridge 5 tubular section 6 warehouses 7 first oil sump 8 Front flange 9 Cavity 10 second oil sump 11, 11a Radial shaft seal 12,12a sealing lip 13 sleeve 14 Sealing ring seat 15 Investment element 16 first lower part of the system element 17 second upper part of the system element 18 Nose 19, 19a Leg 20, 20a tension springs 21a, 21b Longitudinal holes 22a, 22b Cross holes 23a, 23b, 23c sealing plugs 24 Airspace 25 Main unit 26 Unit ventilation AX axial 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] WO 2018224231 A1

[0003] DE 10 2022 212022 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) for a vehicle axle, the axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) comprising an axle shaft (3) and an axle bridge (4) which has a tubular section (5), whereby an interior space is formed and wherein the axle shaft (3) which is rotatably mounted in an axial direction (AX) extends through the interior space, wherein the interior space can be at least partially filled with lubricating fluid to form a first lubricating fluid space and a first lubricating fluid balance, wherein a wheel head (2) with a bearing (6) is also provided, wherein the bearing (6) is arranged in the wheel head (2) and rotatably supports the axle shaft (3) and wherein the axle shaft (3) forms a front flange (8) on the front side, which is arranged on the wheel head (2) and forms a cavity (9) with the wheel head (2), so that a connection is provided between the bearing (6) and the interior characterized by , that a second lubricating fluid chamber is provided for forming a second lubricating fluid balance, wherein the second lubricating fluid chamber is arranged in the wheel head (2) and is fluidly connected to the bearing (6) for lubricating the bearing (6) with lubricating fluid, and wherein a sealing ring is provided which is arranged between the axle bridge (4) and the axle shaft (3) for separating the connection between the bearing (6) and the interior, so that a sealing of the first lubricating fluid system from the second lubricating fluid system is effected. [2] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sealing ring for separating the first lubricating fluid supply and the second lubricating fluid supply is arranged directly or indirectly between the axle bridge (4) and the axle shaft (3) and seals the first lubricating fluid chamber and the second lubricating fluid chamber against each other. [3] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing ring extends radially between the axle bridge (4) and the axle shaft (3). [4] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing ring has two sealing lips (12,12a) which are arranged parallel to one another at a distance in the axial direction (AX). [5] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 4, characterized by that the sealing ring is arranged between the axle bridge (4) and the axle shaft (3) and the two sealing lips (12, 12a) firmly contact the axle bridge (4) or the axle shaft (3). [6] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing ring has at least one sealing lip (12, 12a), wherein the axle bridge (4) has a sleeve (13) and the sealing lip (12, 12a) contacts the axle bridge (4) in the region of the sleeve (13). [7] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the end flange (8) has a sealing ring seat (14) projecting axially (AX) towards the axle bridge (4), and wherein the sealing ring is arranged between the axle bridge (4) and the sealing ring seat (14). [8] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 7, characterized by that the axially (AX) projecting sealing ring seat (14) is formed integrally with the axle shaft (3). [9] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a contact element (15) is provided, wherein a first part (16) of the contact element (15) is arranged between the axle bridge (4) and the axle shaft (3), and a second part (17) of the contact element (15) projects into the cavity (9) which is formed by the end flange (8) and the wheel head (2), and wherein the sealing ring is arranged between the second part (17) of the contact element (15) and the axle shaft (3). [10] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 9, characterized bythat the contact element (15) is S-shaped. [11] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the first part (16) of the contact element (15) is arranged between the axle bridge (4) and the axle shaft (3). [12] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing ring has oppositely directed sealing lips (12,12a). [13] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that ventilation channels for ventilation are introduced into the wheel head (2) and the axle bridge (4), wherein the ventilation channels are connected to the second lubricating fluid chamber and wherein ventilation into an external space is possible by means of the ventilation channels. [14] Axle bridge system (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, characterized bythat ventilation channels for ventilation are introduced into the wheel head (2) and the axle bridge (4), wherein the ventilation channels are connected to the second lubricating fluid chamber for ventilation of the second lubricating fluid chamber via an adjacent main unit (25).

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