Wheel bearing assembly with constant velocity joint mounted in the wheel hub and press-fit boot fastening ring

Abstract

A wheel bearing assembly (100) for rotatably mounting and supporting a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body, the wheel bearing assembly comprising: a wheel hub (210) with a wheel mounting flange (212) and a receiving space (250) for receiving rolling elements (310) of a constant velocity joint (300), which is formed on a vehicle body-side end section; at least one inner ring (220) which is mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) by press fit; an outer ring (230) with a vehicle body-side mounting flange (232); a plurality of rolling elements (240) configured to support the wheel hub (210) rotatably relative to the outer ring (230); a cuff fastening ring (270) which is press-fitted onto an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210); and a rubber sleeve (400) to prevent the ingress of foreign substances into the receiving space (250) of the wheel hub (210), characterized in that the sleeve fastening ring (270) is configured to be fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) by press fit with an engagement dimension t that is greater than a minimum engagement dimension a, calculated according to the formula described below [Formula 1]. a [ mm ] = − 0.00005 × D [ mm ] + 0.0345 [ mm ] [ D : inner diameter of the cuff fastening ring ( 270 ) ]

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel bearing arrangement for rotatably mounting and supporting a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body and in particular to a wheel bearing arrangement in which rolling elements of a constant velocity joint are inserted into a wheel bearing. State of the art

[0002] A wheel bearing is a device for the rotatable mounting and support of a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body. It can be divided into a wheel bearing for a drive wheel, mounted on a vehicle's drive wheel, and a wheel bearing for a stationary wheel, mounted on a vehicle's stationary wheel.

[0003] For example, KR 102391537 B1 discloses a drive wheel axle assembly in which a wheel bearing is fixed axially by means of an internal preload nut to prevent slippage of the inner ring on the wheel hub. A constant velocity joint is located outside the wheel bearing. Integration of the rolling elements of the constant velocity joint into the wheel hub or a rubber boot fastening is not provided. Furthermore, KR 102064275 B1 describes a wheel hub assembly in which a constant velocity joint is partially integrated into the wheel hub and a rubber boot prevents the ingress of dirt. However, the boot is attached to the hub via a groove or a flange. A press fit of a separate boot ring with a defined interference fit is not provided.WO 2020 / 246833 A1 also discloses a wheel hub unit with an integrated constant velocity joint and a sealing boot that is held on the hub or joint housing by a formed annular groove or a flanged edge. Here, too, no separate boot retaining ring with a calculated interference fit is disclosed. KR 102224161 B1 relates to a wheel hub unit with an improved sealing system between the wheel bearing and the constant velocity joint. The boot is attached via a groove formed on the hub or via a flanged or clamping area and is optionally held by a clamp ring. A design of the fit with a calculated interference fit is not addressed. US 2014 / 0239706 A1 discloses a wheel hub unit in which the boot is attached via a groove and a clamp ring. The document addresses the geometry of the sealing area, but not a mechanical interference fit or a calculated determination of an interference fit depending on the diameter of the ring.

[0004] Referring to Fig. As an example, a wheel bearing arrangement for a drive shaft (so-called third generation of wheel bearing arrangement) is shown, as it is used in the prior art.

[0005] As in Fig. As shown, a wheel bearing arrangement 10 for a drive shaft is constructed such that a rotating element 20, to which a wheel is attached, is connected via rolling elements 40 to a non-rotating element 30, which is attached to the vehicle body. This allows the wheel to be rotatably mounted on the vehicle body. Furthermore, a constant velocity joint 50 is attached to one side of the wheel bearing to transmit a drive force generated by the drive unit to the wheel bearing.

[0006] The constant velocity joint 50 is typically constructed such that rolling elements 70 (e.g., balls) and an inner component for supporting the rolling elements 70 are housed in an outer component 60, and a central shaft 80, which is connected to a drive unit, is coupled to the inner component. At the wheel-side end region of the outer component 60, an axially extended projection 65 is formed, the outer circumference of which is provided with teeth that engage with teeth on the inner circumference of the rotating element 20.

[0007] A rubber bellows 90 may be provided on the vehicle-side side of the constant velocity joint 50 to prevent the ingress of foreign substances into the constant velocity joint 50, in which the rolling elements 70 are located.

[0008] For example, the rubber bellows 90 can have a corrugated, tubular structure with open ends. One end of the rubber bellows 90 is attached to the outer component 60 of the constant velocity joint 50, while the other end is attached to the central shaft 80 of the constant velocity joint 50, so that the interior of the constant velocity joint 50 is sealed from the environment.

[0009] However, in the wheel bearing assembly 10 with the structure described above, the rolling elements 70 of the constant velocity joint 50 are located axially outside the rotating element 20 of the wheel bearing. This can increase the length of the wheel bearing assembly 10. Furthermore, the wheel bearing assembly 10 with the structure described above is designed such that the wheel bearing and the constant velocity joint are coupled via axial splines, which can cause problems such as noise or vibration during the power transmission process.

[0010] To solve these problems, a wheel bearing arrangement (fourth generation of wheel bearing arrangement) was proposed which has a structure in which a constant velocity joint (e.g. rolling element or similar of a constant velocity joint) is inserted into and coupled to the wheel hub of the wheel bearing.

[0011] In such a fourth-generation wheel bearing assembly, a constant velocity joint is coupled to a wheel bearing, with part of the constant velocity joint located within the wheel hub of the wheel bearing. This allows the length of the wheel bearing assembly to be shortened, which has the advantage of promoting miniaturization and weight reduction of the wheel bearing assembly.

[0012] However, such a wheel bearing arrangement with a fourth-generation structure has the problem that it is not easy to install a rubber boot that prevents the ingress of foreign substances into the interior of the constant velocity joint, since the rolling elements of the constant velocity joint are inserted into the wheel hub.

[0013] For example, in the Fig. In the depicted wheel bearing arrangement from the prior art, an end region (wheel-side end region) of the rubber boot 90 is coupled to the outer component of the constant velocity joint. However, in a wheel bearing arrangement with a fourth-generation structure, the rolling elements of the constant velocity joint are integrated into the wheel hub, so that the wheel hub assumes the function of an outer component of the constant velocity joint. This creates the difficulty of providing a mounting area for the wheel-side end region of the rubber boot 90. Description of the invention Task

[0014] The present invention aims to solve the prior art problems described above. The objective of the invention is to provide a wheel bearing arrangement in which the rolling elements of a constant velocity joint are inserted into a wheel hub of a wheel bearing, and in which a rubber boot for protection against the ingress of foreign substances into the constant velocity joint can be mounted more easily and reliably. Solution

[0015] Representative configurations of the present invention for achieving the purpose described above are as follows.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wheel bearing arrangement can be provided for the rotatable mounting and support of a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body. A wheel bearing arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured to include the following: • a wheel hub with a wheel mounting flange and a receiving space for receiving rolling elements of a constant velocity joint, which is formed at one end on the vehicle body side; • at least one inner ring that is positively fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub; • an outer ring with a mounting flange on the vehicle body side; • a multitude of rolling elements that rotatably support the wheel hub relative to the outer ring; • a cuff fastening ring that is positively fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub; • and a rubber sleeve that prevents foreign substances from entering the receiving space of the wheel hub.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cuff fastening ring can be configured to be mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub with a press fit and an engagement dimension t that is larger than a calculated minimum dimension a (based on the [Formula 1] described below). a[mm]=−0.00005×D[mm]+0.0345[mm] [D: Inner diameter of the cuff fastening ring 270]

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cuff fastening ring can be configured to be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub with an interference fit t which is 2.3 times or less than the minimum interference a.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cuff mounting ring can comprise a cuff mounting section to which a wheel-side end piece of a rubber cuff is coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the ring, wherein the cuff mounting section is positioned closer to the vehicle body side than the vehicle body-side end piece of the outer ring.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cuff mounting section can be designed in the form of a groove which is recessed radially inwards from the outer circumferential surface of the cuff mounting ring.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cuff fastening ring can be designed as a separate component from the inner ring. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cuff fastening ring can be formed integrally with the inner ring.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the inner ring and the sleeve fastening ring can be configured such that they are fixed to the wheel hub by plastic deformation of the vehicle body-side end piece of the wheel hub.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a heat-treated hardening zone can be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space, which encompasses the entire cavity introduced into the receiving space.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a heat-treated hardening zone can be formed on the entire or part of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cuff mounting section can be configured such that part or all of it extends radially outwards from the heat-treated hardening zone formed on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the wheel bearing arrangement can include a constant velocity joint which is inserted into the receiving space at the vehicle body-side end piece of the wheel hub and coupled to it.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the constant velocity joint can be coupled to the wheel hub in such a way that the rolling elements are housed and installed in the cavity of the receiving space, which is formed in the vehicle body-side end piece of the wheel hub.

[0028] Furthermore, the wheel bearing arrangement according to the present invention may include further additional configurations, as long as these do not affect the technical concept of the present invention. Advantages

[0029] A wheel bearing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a receiving space is formed in the vehicle body-side end section of a wheel hub to accommodate rolling elements (e.g., balls) of a constant velocity joint, and the rolling elements of the constant velocity joint are inserted and installed in this receiving space. This makes it possible to shorten the overall length of the wheel bearing arrangement, to make the wheel bearing arrangement more compact and lighter, and to reduce the noise and vibrations generated during the transmission of a drive force.

[0030] Furthermore, a wheel bearing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a boot fastening ring is pressed onto the outer circumferential surface of a wheel hub, whereby a wheel-side end piece of a rubber boot can be easily installed on the wheel bearing arrangement via the boot fastening ring.

[0031] Furthermore, a wheel bearing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention is designed such that a boot retaining ring with a predetermined interference fit is pressed onto a wheel hub, thereby preventing creep or radial deformation of the boot retaining ring, even if it is only pressed onto the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub. Brief description of the drawings Fig. shows an example of a wheel bearing arrangement according to the state of the art (a wheel bearing arrangement with a third-generation structure). Fig. The overall structure of a wheel bearing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as an example. Fig. shows an exemplary cross-sectional structure of a wheel bearing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. shows an example of a cross-sectional structure of the in Fig. The wheel bearing arrangement shown, in which a section of the constant velocity joint is omitted. Fig. shows, by way of example, a modified embodiment of a wheel bearing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0032] The exemplary embodiments described below serve to illustrate the technical ideas of the present invention. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below or their specific descriptions.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings generally known to a person skilled in the art in the field of the present invention. All terms used herein have been chosen to describe the present invention more clearly and not to limit its scope of protection.

[0034] The terms “comprehensive”, “including”, “exhibiting” and similar terms as used herein are to be understood as open terms which include the possibility of including further embodiments, unless otherwise indicated in the sentence or phrase in which the term is used.

[0035] The term "axial direction" used here can be defined as a direction that runs along the axis of rotation of a rolling bearing. The term "radial direction" can be defined as a direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction and moves away from or towards the axis of rotation. The term "circumferential direction" can be defined as a direction that rotates around the axial direction described above.

[0036] Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms described in the singular may also include the plural, and this applies equally to the singular listed in the claims.

[0037] Throughout this document, when a design element is described as being “positioned” on or “formed” on a side of another design element, the design element may be in direct contact with or directly on a side of the other design element, or it may be located on or formed upon it by another intervening design element.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in such a way that they can be easily reproduced by a person skilled in the art. In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding structural elements are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments presented below, repetitions describing the same or corresponding design elements may be omitted. If a description of a particular design element is missing from the following description, this should not be interpreted as meaning that this design element is not included in the embodiment.

[0040] With reference to the Fig. , Fig. , Fig. until Fig. An exemplary wheel bearing arrangement (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in the drawing, the wheel bearing arrangement (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that a rotating element [e.g., a wheel hub (210) and an inner ring(s) (220)] is coupled to a non-rotating element [e.g., an outer ring (230)] via rolling elements (240) to perform a function of rotatably supporting a vehicle wheel relative to the body, similar to a wheel bearing in the known technology. Furthermore, the wheel bearing arrangement (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that a receiving space (250) is formed in the body-side end section of the wheel hub (210), and the rolling elements (310) of a constant velocity joint (300) are inserted into the receiving space and mounted on a wheel bearing (200).

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheel hub (210) can be configured as a generally cylindrical structure extending in the axial direction, and a wheel mounting flange (212) (a hub flange) can be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210). The wheel mounting flange (212) is shaped to extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) and can be used to mount a vehicle wheel to the wheel hub (210) by means of hub bolts or the like. The inner ring (220) can be mounted on the body-side end section of the wheel hub (210), wherein a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) can be configured to have a raceway (inner raceway) that supports the rolling elements (240) from the radial inside.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one inner ring (220) can be mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210), and a raceway (inner raceway) for rolling elements can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring (220) to support the rolling elements (240) from the radial inside. The inner ring (220) mounted on the wheel hub (210) can be configured such that it can be shaped by plastic deformation of the body-side end section of the wheel hub (210), as shown in the Fig. shown, or is fixed by attaching a nut or similar to the body-side end section of the wheel hub (210).

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring (230) can be configured to have a body-side mounting flange (232) on its outer circumferential surface, which is used to mount the wheel bearing assembly to the vehicle body, and raceways on its inner circumferential surface with which the rolling elements (240) come into contact. The raceways formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring (230) (outer raceways) can be configured to interact with the raceways formed on the wheel hub (210) and / or the inner ring (220) (inner raceways) to receive and support the rolling elements (240) between them.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rolling elements (240) can be arranged between the rotating element [e.g. the wheel hub (210) and / or the inner ring (220)] of the wheel bearing (200) and the non-rotating element [e.g. the outer ring (230)] of the wheel bearing (200) and perform the function of rotatably supporting the rotating element relative to the non-rotating element.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the wheel bearing is configured such that a one-sided raceway for supporting the rolling elements is formed directly on a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub. However, the wheel bearing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited to this structure and can be implemented in various other configurations, such as a configuration in which two inner rings are mounted on the wheel hub to support the rolling elements.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the body-side end section of the wheel hub (210) can be configured to perform the function of supporting the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) from the outside (e.g., a function that is performed by the outer part of the constant velocity joint in Fig. (is executed). For this purpose, the wheel bearing (200) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that the body-side end section of the wheel hub (210) comprises an axially recessed receiving space (250) and recesses (260) with a radially outwardly recessed structure are provided on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250) so that the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) are received and installed in the recesses (260).

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the one or more recesses (260) formed in the inner circumferential surface (inner circumferential surface of the receiving space) of the body-side end section of the wheel hub (210) can be arranged circumferentially in a number corresponding to the number of rolling elements (310) provided in the constant velocity joint (300).

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250) in which the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) are housed can be configured such that it stably supports the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) by forming a hardened section by means of heat treatment.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hardened section formed on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250) can be configured by means of heat treatment to encompass at least the entire area with which the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) come into contact in order to ensure a stable rolling motion of the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300).

[0050] For example, the hardened section formed by heat treatment on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250) can be configured to encompass the entire recess (260) into which the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) are inserted and with which they are in contact.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheel hub (210) can be configured to have a heat-treated hardened section on all or part of its outer circumferential surface (e.g., the raceway of the rolling elements, the mounting area of ​​the inner ring, or the like). For example, the heat-treated hardened section formed on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) can be shaped to extend from a position closer to the wheel face than the raceway of the rolling elements formed on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) to a section in front of the body-side end section of the inner ring (220) that is pressed into the wheel hub (210). This provides a stable raceway for the rolling elements and / or a stable contact surface for the inner ring.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hardened sections formed on the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the wheel hub (210) can be produced by various known heat treatment processes, such as high-frequency hardening and pre-hardening. These hardened sections can be formed with a predetermined hardness (for example, Hv 500 or more) to provide a stable raceway and / or mounting surface.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheel hub (210) of the wheel bearing (200) can include a retaining ring for a rubber sleeve (270) in order to attach a rubber sleeve (400) which prevents the ingress of foreign substances into the interior of the constant velocity joint (300).

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening ring (270) can be configured to be mounted on the wheel hub (210) in a body-side position relative to the inner ring (220), as shown in the Fig. , Fig. until Fig. This allows the wheel-side end piece of the rubber sleeve (400) to be attached to the fastening ring (270).

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the retaining ring (270) can be configured such that the entire ring or a portion thereof is located closer to the body-side position than the outer ring (230) of the wheel bearing (200). For example, in the embodiment shown in the diagram, the body-side end section of the inner ring (220), which supports the body-side rolling elements, is arranged in the axial direction at approximately the same position as the body-side end section of the outer ring. The retaining ring (270) is attached to a body-side position of the inner ring (220) such that the retaining ring (270) is located closer to the body side than the outer ring (230).

[0056] However, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheel bearing arrangement (100) is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings and can be implemented in a different form, as long as the boot fastening section to which the wheel-side end piece of the rubber boot (400) is attached is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the boot fastening ring (270) at a position that is closer to the body side than to the outer ring.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the boot fastening ring (270) can be configured to have a boot fastening section (272) that serves to fasten an end piece (wheel-side end piece) of the rubber boot (400), as described below, to an outer circumferential surface. Such a boot fastening section (272) can be designed to have a groove-like shape extending radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the boot fastening ring (270), as, for example, in the Fig. shown so that one end piece (wheel-side end piece) of the rubber sleeve (400) is inserted into and fastened in the sleeve fastening section (272).

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cuff fastening section (272) can be configured to lie completely or partially radially outside the heat-treated area described above, which is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250), in order to ensure stable strength. [This means that the cuff fastening section (272) can be configured to overlap completely or partially in the axial direction with the heat-treated area described above, which is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250).]

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve mounting ring (270) can have a cylindrical structure and the sleeve mounting ring (270) can be configured to be mounted with a predetermined press fit (restriction dimension t) on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) to prevent creep and deformation.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cuff fastening ring (270) can be configured to be mounted with an interference fit on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210), wherein the interference dimension t is greater than or equal to the minimum interference dimension a calculated according to [Formula 1]. a=−0.00005×D+0.0345[D:Inner diameter of the cuff fastening ring(270)]

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cuff fastening ring (270) can be configured to be mounted with an interference fit on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210), wherein the interference dimension t is less than or equal to 2.3 times the minimum interference dimension a described above.

[0062] If the boot retaining ring (270) is mounted on the wheel hub (210) with a small interference dimension t, there is a risk of unintended relative movement (creep) between the boot retaining ring (270) and the wheel hub (210), which can lead to damage such as tearing of the rubber boot (400). Conversely, if the boot retaining ring (270) is mounted on the wheel hub (210) with an excessively large interference dimension t, there is a risk of radial deformation of the boot retaining ring (270). Therefore, it is preferable that the boot retaining ring (270) be mounted on the wheel hub (210) with a controlled interference dimension t within the aforementioned range.

[0063] On the other hand, the cuff fastening ring (270), to which the wheel-side end piece of the rubber cuff (400) is coupled, can be, as in the Fig. , Fig. until Fig. It is shown to be designed as a separate component from the inner ring (220) and mounted on the body side of the inner ring (220) in the wheel hub (210). Alternatively, it can be, as shown in Fig. depicted as being formed as an integral component with the inner ring (220).

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the constant velocity joint (300) can be inserted into and connected to the receiving space (250) provided in the vehicle-side end region of the wheel hub (210). For example, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the constant velocity joint (300) can be configured to comprise, as shown in the drawings: rolling elements (310), an inner component (320) that radially supports the rolling elements (310) from the inside, and an intermediate component (330) (cage) with pockets into which the rolling elements (310) are inserted. The inner component (320) of the constant velocity joint (300) can be coupled to a rotation axis (340) that is connected to a drive shaft of a drive unit.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rubber sleeve (400) can be installed between the wheel bearing (200) and the constant velocity joint (300) to prevent external foreign substances from entering the receiving space (250) in which the rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) are located.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rubber sleeve (400) can be configured to include: a sleeve part (410) that performs a sealing function; a wheel-side fastening part (420) that is provided at a wheel-side end region of the sleeve part (410); and a vehicle-side fastening part (430) that is provided at a vehicle-side end region of the sleeve part (410).

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cuff part (410) can be designed as a wave-shaped, tubular structure with open ends, as shown in the drawings, and can be made of an elastic rubber material or a similar material.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheel-side mounting part (420) and the vehicle-side mounting part (430) of the rubber boot (400) are components that serve to connect one end of the rubber boot (400) to the wheel bearing (200) or the constant velocity joint (300). These can be configured such that, as with a conventional wheel bearing, they are connected to the wheel bearing (200) or the constant velocity joint (300) or the like by means of an elastic element such as a clamping ring.

[0069] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheel bearing assembly (100) is designed such that a receiving space (250) is formed in which the rolling elements (310) (e.g., balls) of the constant velocity joint (300) can be accommodated in the vehicle-side end region of the wheel hub (210). The rolling elements (310) of the constant velocity joint (300) are inserted and installed in the receiving space (250). This makes it possible to shorten the overall length of the wheel bearing assembly (100), promote miniaturization and weight reduction of the wheel bearing assembly (100), and suppress noise or vibrations during the transmission of drive forces.

[0070] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheel bearing assembly (100) is designed such that the boot retaining ring (270) is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210). This allows the wheel-side end of the rubber boot (400) to be easily mounted over the boot retaining ring (270) in the wheel bearing assembly (100). The boot retaining ring (270) is also configured to be pressed onto the wheel hub (210) with a predetermined interference (t). Even when the boot retaining ring (270) is simply pressed onto the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) and installed, it is thus possible to prevent creep or deformation of the boot retaining ring (270).

[0071] Although the present invention has been described with specific details, such as certain components and limited examples, these examples serve only to promote a more general understanding of the invention. The invention is not limited to these examples, and a person with average expertise in the field to which the invention relates can make various modifications and adaptations based on this description.

[0072] Accordingly, the idea of ​​the present invention need not be limited to the embodiments described above. Both the claims described below and all modifications that are equivalent or equivalent to the claims fall within the scope of protection of the idea of ​​the present invention. List of reference symbols 100 Wheel bearing arrangement 200 wheel bearings 210 wheel hub 212 Wheel mounting flange 220 inner ring 230 outer ring 232 Vehicle body-side mounting flange 240 rolling elements 250 recording room 260 In-depth study 270 Cuff fastening ring 300 constant velocity joint 310 Rolling elements (of the constant velocity joint) 320 Interior component 330 Intermediate component 340° rotation axis 400 rubber cuffs 410 Cuff part (of the rubber cuff) 420 Wheel-side mounting part (of the rubber boot) 430 Vehicle body-side fastening part (of the rubber sleeve)

Claims

[1] A wheel bearing assembly (100) for rotatably mounting and supporting a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body, the wheel bearing assembly comprising: a wheel hub (210) with a wheel mounting flange (212) and a receiving space (250) for receiving rolling elements (310) of a constant velocity joint (300), which is formed on a vehicle body-side end section; at least one inner ring (220) which is mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) by press fit; an outer ring (230) with a vehicle body-side mounting flange (232); a plurality of rolling elements (240) configured to support the wheel hub (210) rotatably relative to the outer ring (230); a cuff fastening ring (270) which is press-fitted onto an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210); and a rubber sleeve (400) to prevent the ingress of foreign substances into the receiving space (250) of the wheel hub (210), characterized in that the sleeve fastening ring (270) is configured to be fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) by press fit with an engagement dimension t that is greater than a minimum engagement dimension a, calculated according to the formula described below [Formula 1]. a[mm]=−0.00005×D[mm]+0.0345[mm][D:Inner diameter of the cuff fastening ring(270)] [2] Wheel bearing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the boot fastening ring (270) is configured to be mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210) with an engagement dimension t which is at most 2.3 times the minimum engagement dimension a. [3] Wheel bearing arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the boot mounting ring (270) comprises a boot mounting section (272) to which a wheel-side end piece of a rubber boot (400) is coupled on an outer circumferential surface, and wherein the boot mounting section (272) is configured to be closer to a vehicle body-side position than a vehicle body-side end piece of the outer ring (230). [4] Wheel bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the boot mounting section (272) is formed in the form of a groove which is drawn radially inwards from an outer circumferential surface of the boot mounting ring (270). [5] Wheel bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the boot fastening ring (270) is designed as a separate element from the inner ring (220). [6] Wheel bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sleeve fastening ring (270) is formed integrally with the inner ring (220). [7] Wheel bearing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner ring (220) and the boot fastening ring (270) are configured such that they are attached to the wheel hub (210) by plastic deformation of a vehicle body-side end section of the wheel hub (210). [8] Wheel bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a heat-treated hardening area is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250), and wherein the heat-treated hardening area is formed such that it encompasses the entire recess (260) formed in the receiving space (250). [9] Wheel bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a heat-treated hardening area is formed on the entire or part of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub (210). [10] Wheel bearing arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the sleeve fastening section (272) is configured such that it lies wholly or partially radially outside a heat-treated hardening area formed on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (250). [11] Wheel bearing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a constant velocity joint (300) which is inserted into and coupled to the receiving space (250) which is formed in the vehicle body-side end section of the wheel hub (210). [12] Wheel bearing arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the constant velocity joint (300) is coupled to the wheel hub (210) in such a way that the rolling elements (310) are received and installed in the recess (260) of the receiving space (250) which is formed in the vehicle body-side end section of the wheel hub (210).

Images