Sealing device

Abstract

To suppress shift of a relative position between a slinger and a seal ring during pressure-fitting to a bearing space so as to securely prevent intrusion of foreign matters and suppress increase in torque by using a simple configuration in a wheel bearing device.SOLUTION: In an inner side seal member 9 (sealing device) of a wheel bearing device 1, a slinger 30 includes an external fitting part 31 externally fitted to an inner member and an intermediate plate part 32 extending from the external fitting part 31 to a radial outer side. A seal ring 40 includes: a core metal 41 having an internal fitting part 42 and an intermediate plate part 43; and an elastic member 45 having a lip part 47 coming into contact with the slinger 30 and a seal part 48 coming into contact with an outer member. The seal part 48 is configured to cover part of a radial outer surface of the internal fitting part 42 of the core metal 41 and at least part of a radial inner surface of the internal fitting part 42 of the core metal 41, and is configured so that an axial outer end of the internal fitting part 42 of the core metal 41 is exposed when viewed from the axial outer side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a sealing device that seals an opening of a space between an outer member and an inner member of a wheel bearing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Double-row angular contact ball bearings have been commonly used as bearing assemblies for automobile wheels. Various types of wheel bearing assemblies are known, each comprising an outer member having double-row outer raceway grooves on its inner periphery, a hub ring having a small-diameter stepped portion at the inner end of its outer periphery, and an inner ring provided on the small-diameter stepped portion of the hub ring, the inner member having double-row inner raceway grooves facing the double-row outer raceway grooves, and a sealing device for sealing the opening of the bearing space between the outer member and the inner member.

[0003] The sealing device for the automotive wheel bearing assembly includes a slinger fitted onto the inner member and a seal ring fitted into the outer member, and prevents foreign matter such as muddy water that has entered the sealing device from further penetrating into the bearing space. The sealing device includes a slinger fitted onto the inner member and a seal ring fitted into the outer member. The seal ring includes a core metal and an elastic member. The elastic member of the seal ring includes a lip portion that contacts the slinger and a seal portion that contacts the radially inner surface of the outer member. The seal portion of the elastic member is configured to cover at least a portion of the radially outer surface of the fitted portion of the core metal and the axial end portion of the fitted portion of the core metal.

[0004] Also, a sealing device for an automobile wheel bearing assembly is known, which is made up of a combination of a slinger attached to one of two relatively rotating members and a seal member attached to the other, the slinger having an integral cylindrical mounting portion and an annular flat portion, the seal member having an integral cylindrical mounting portion and a seal lip that slidably contacts the slinger, the radial tip of the flat portion of the slinger and the mounting portion of the seal member facing each other in the radial direction, a sliding ring attached to the mounting portion of the seal member at the opposing position, and the radial tip of the flat portion of the slinger in slidable contact with the sliding ring (see Patent Document 1). In this sealing device, the radial tip of the flat portion of the slinger slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the sliding ring, forming a contact-type seal, which improves muddy water resistance.

[0005] Furthermore, a sealing device for a bearing assembly for an automobile wheel is known, which comprises a first core bar having a generally L-shaped cross section and a cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the outer ring, a first elastic seal attached to the first core bar, a second core bar having a generally L-shaped cross section and a cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the inner ring, and a second elastic seal attached to the second core bar, wherein a plurality of through holes that penetrate the cylindrical portion of the first core bar radially are provided at a required interval in the circumferential direction at the axial midpoint of the cylindrical portion of the first core bar, the first elastic seal has a lip that slides against the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the second core bar, a first cylindrical portion that is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the axial inner portion of the cylindrical portion of the first core bar, a second cylindrical portion that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the axial outer portion of the cylindrical portion of the first core bar, and a plurality of connecting pieces that are inserted into the plurality of through holes in the cylindrical portion of the first core bar to connect the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and the second elastic seal has a lip that slides against the inner peripheral surface of the axial outer portion of the cylindrical portion of the first core bar (see Patent Document 2). In this sealing device, the lip of the second resilient seal slides against the inner peripheral surface of the axially outer part of the cylindrical portion of the first core, thereby achieving a contact-type seal configuration, while solving the problem of complicated manufacturing and assembly caused by the use of a sliding ring in the sealing device of Patent Document 1. Furthermore, in this sealing device, the outer ring is provided with an annular protrusion that tightly contacts the end of the second cylindrical portion of the first resilient seal from the axially outer side, making it difficult for the sealing device to come off the outer ring and improving adhesion between the outer ring and the sealing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-257015 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-194756 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a sealing device, to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, it is necessary to appropriately position the slinger and seal ring in the bearing space between the outer member and the inner member. If the relative positions of the slinger and seal ring are shifted apart in the axial direction, the contact width and pressing force of the lip against the slinger may become smaller, making it difficult to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter. Furthermore, if the relative positions of the slinger and seal ring are shifted closer in the axial direction, the pressing force of the lip against the slinger may become larger, resulting in an increase in torque.

[0008] When mounting the sealing device in the bearing space between the outer member and the inner member, first, the sealing device is disposed axially outside the bearing space between the outer member and the inner member, and the pressing surface of the mounting jig is brought into contact with the axially outer portion of the sealing device. That is, the pressing surface of the mounting jig is brought into contact with the slinger of the sealing device and the axial end of the seal portion of the elastic member in the seal ring (the portion of the seal portion covering the axial end of the inner-fitting portion of the core bar). In this state, the mounting jig is moved to press the sealing device into the bearing space between the outer member and the inner member. In this way, when mounting the sealing device in the bearing space between the outer member and the inner member, the mounting jig presses the portion of the seal portion of the elastic member covering the axial end of the inner-fitting portion of the core bar. This elastic deformation of the portion of the seal portion covering the axial end of the inner-fitting portion of the core bar may cause an axial displacement of the relative positions of the slinger and the seal ring.

[0009] Furthermore, in the sealing device of Cited Document 2, the annular convex portion of the outer ring is configured to fit closely to the end of the second cylindrical portion of the first resilient seal from the outside in the axial direction, and the end of the second cylindrical portion of the first resilient seal fits into the annular convex portion of the outer ring. This is thought to prevent axial displacement of the relative positions of the first mandrel and first resilient seal and the second mandrel and second resilient seal. However, in this sealing device, the first resilient seal has a first cylindrical portion that fits closely to the inner circumferential surface of the axially inner portion of the cylindrical portion of the first mandrel, a second cylindrical portion that fits closely to the outer circumferential surface of the axially outer portion of the cylindrical portion of the first mandrel, and a plurality of connecting pieces that are inserted into a plurality of through holes in the cylindrical portion of the first mandrel to connect the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, resulting in a complex structure.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a sealing device that has a simple configuration, can prevent the relative positions of the slinger and the seal ring from shifting when pressed into the bearing space, can reliably prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, and can also prevent an increase in torque. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] That is, a sealing device that seals an opening of a space between an outer member and an inner member of a wheel bearing device, and that includes a slinger that is fitted onto the outer member, and a seal ring that is fitted onto the outer member, The slinger includes an outer fitting portion that is fitted onto the inner member, and a middle plate portion that extends radially outward from the outer fitting portion, The seal ring is a core bar including an inner fitting portion that is fitted into the outer member and a middle plate portion that extends radially inward from the inner fitting portion; an elastic member joined to the core metal and including a lip portion that contacts the slinger and a seal portion that contacts the outer member; The sealing portion is The inner fitting portion of the core metal is configured to cover at least a part of a radially outer surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal and at least a part of a radially inner surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal, When viewed from the outside in the axial direction, the outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal is exposed in the axial direction. Also, there is provided a sealing device for sealing an opening of a space between an outer member and an inner member of a wheel bearing device, the sealing device comprising a slinger fitted onto the outer member and a seal ring fitted onto the outer member, The slinger includes an outer fitting portion that is fitted onto the inner member, and a middle plate portion that extends radially outward from the outer fitting portion, The seal ring is a core bar including an inner fitting portion that is fitted into the outer member and a middle plate portion that extends radially inward from the inner fitting portion; an elastic member joined to the core metal and including a lip portion that contacts the slinger and a seal portion that contacts the outer member; The sealing portion is The inner fitting portion of the core metal is configured to cover at least a part of a radially outer surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal and at least a part of a radially inner surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal, the inner fitting portion of the core metal is disposed around the entire periphery of the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion, The thickness of the axially outer end of the seal portion is 0.1 mm or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention has the following effects. In other words, the sealing device of the present invention has a simple configuration and can prevent the relative positions of the slinger and the seal ring from shifting when they are pressed into the bearing space, thereby reliably preventing the intrusion of foreign matter and also preventing an increase in torque. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a wheel bearing assembly in which a sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] (A) Enlarged cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 2, (B) Enlarged cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] (A) An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 8, (B) an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 8, and (C) an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Wheel bearing device] A wheel bearing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 uses a sealing device according to the present invention, and supports a wheel rotatably in a suspension system of a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wheel bearing device 1 has a configuration known as a third generation, and includes an outer ring 2 as an outer member, a hub ring 3 and an inner ring 4 as inner members, two rolling rows of inner ball rows 5 and outer ball rows 6, an inner sealing member 9, and an outer sealing member 10.

[0017] Here, the inner side refers to the vehicle body side of the wheel bearing device 1 when it is attached to the vehicle body, and the outer side refers to the wheel side of the wheel bearing device 1 when it is attached to the vehicle body. Also, the axial direction refers to the direction along the rotation axis X of the wheel bearing device 1, the axially outward direction refers to the direction away from the wheel bearing device 1 along the rotation axis X, and the axially inward direction refers to the direction approaching the wheel bearing device 1 along the rotation axis X. Also, the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheel bearing device 1 is referred to as the radial direction. Also, in the following description, a "cross section" refers to a cross section that passes through the rotation axis of the wheel bearing device 1 and is parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel bearing device 1.

[0018] An inner-side outer raceway groove 2c and an outer-side outer raceway groove 2d are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 2. A vehicle body mounting flange 2e for mounting the outer ring 2 to a vehicle body member is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 2. Bolt holes 2f are provided in the vehicle body mounting flange 2e, into which fastening members (here, bolts) are inserted to fasten the outer ring 2 to the vehicle body member.

[0019] The inner end of the outer peripheral surface of the hub ring 3 is formed with a small-diameter step 3a that is smaller in diameter than the outer end. A wheel mounting flange 3b that extends radially outward is formed integrally with the outer end of the hub ring 3 for mounting a wheel. An outer-side inner raceway groove 3c is formed in the wheel mounting flange 3b on the outer peripheral surface of the hub ring 3 so as to face the outer outer raceway groove 2d of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner raceway groove 3c is defined by the hub ring 3 on the outer side of the inner member. A plurality of bolt holes 3d that pass through in the axial direction are formed in the wheel mounting flange 3b. A plurality of hub bolts are press-fitted into the plurality of bolt holes 3d to fasten the hub ring 3 to a wheel or brake component.

[0020] The inner ring 4 is mounted on the small diameter step 3a of the hub ring 3. The inner ring 4 is press-fitted into the small diameter step 3a via a specified interference. Furthermore, the inner end of the small diameter step 3a of the hub ring 3 is crimped to plastically deform the crimped portion, which integrates the hub ring 3 and the inner ring 4 and prevents the inner ring 4 from slipping out of the hub ring 3 in the axial direction. The inner ring 4 applies preload to the inner ball row 5 and outer ball row 6, which form the rolling rows. An inner-side inner raceway groove 4a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 4 so as to face the inner-side outer raceway groove 2c of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner ring 4 defines the inner raceway groove 4a on the inner side of the inner member.

[0021] A bearing space, which is an annular space, is formed between the outer ring 2 and the hub ring 3. An outer seal member 10, which is a sealing device, is fitted into the outer end of the bearing space to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as muddy water. An inner seal member 9, which is also a sealing device, is fitted into the inner end of the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4 to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as muddy water.

[0022] The inner ball row 5 and outer ball row 6, which are rolling rows, are rollably housed between the raceway grooves of the outer member and the inner member. The inner ball row 5 and outer ball row 6 are formed by a plurality of balls 7, which are rolling elements, held in a cage 8. The inner ball row 5 is rollably sandwiched between the outer raceway groove 2c on the inner side of the outer ring 2 and the inner raceway groove 4a of the inner ring 4. The outer ball row 6 is rollably sandwiched between the outer raceway groove 2d on the outer side of the outer ring 2 and the inner raceway groove 3c of the hub ring 3. In other words, the inner ball row 5 and outer ball row 6 are rollably housed between the raceway grooves of the outer member and the inner member. In the wheel bearing device 1, the outer ring 2, the hub ring 3 and the inner ring 4, the inner ball row 5, and the outer ball row 6 form a double-row angular contact ball bearing.

[0023] [Specific configuration of inner seal member] 2 or 3, the inner seal member 9 is an embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention. The inner seal member 9 includes a slinger 30 and a seal ring 40.

[0024] The slinger 30 is a ring-shaped body made of, for example, a steel plate, and is fitted onto the inner ring 4. The slinger 30 includes an outer fitting portion 31, a middle plate portion 32, and a magnetic encoder 33. The outer fitting portion 31 is a cylindrical portion fitted onto the radially outer surface of the inner end portion of the inner ring 4. The middle plate portion 32 is a donut-shaped portion extending radially outward from the inner end portion of the outer fitting portion 31. In this way, the cross section of the slinger 30 is configured to be approximately L-shaped.

[0025] The magnetic encoder 33 is made of synthetic rubber or the like with magnetic poles (north and south poles) arranged in a doughnut-shaped plate. The magnetic encoder 33 is joined to the slinger 30 by vulcanization bonding or the like. The magnetic encoder 33 is provided so as to cover the inner side surface of the middle plate 32 of the slinger 30, the radially outer end of the middle plate 32, and the radially outer portion of the outer side surface of the middle plate 32.

[0026] The magnetic encoder 33 is configured as part of the slinger 30. That is, the portion of the magnetic encoder 33 that covers the inner side surface of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30 refers to the inner side surface of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30. The radially outer end face of the portion of the magnetic encoder 33 that covers the radially outer end portion of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30 refers to the radially outer end face of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30. The radially outer side surface of the portion of the magnetic encoder 33 that covers the radially outer portion of the outer side surface of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30, and the outer side surface of the portion of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30 that is not covered by the magnetic encoder 33, refer to the outer side surface of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30.

[0027] The magnetic encoder 33 is not limited to being configured in this manner, and may be configured, for example, to be disposed only on the inner side surface of the middle plate portion 32 of the slinger 30. Also, for example, the slinger 30 may be configured without the magnetic encoder 33.

[0028] The seal ring 40 of the inner seal member 9 is fitted into the outer ring 2. The seal ring 40 includes a core metal 41 and an elastic member 45.

[0029] The core metal 41 of the seal ring 40 is a ring-shaped body made of, for example, a steel plate, and includes an inner fitting portion 42 and a middle plate portion 43. The inner fitting portion 42 is a cylindrical portion that is fitted into the radially inner surface of the inner end portion of the outer ring 2. The middle plate portion 43 is a donut-shaped plate portion that extends radially inward from the outer end portion of the inner fitting portion 42. In this way, the cross section of the core metal 41 is configured to be approximately L-shaped.

[0030] A predetermined gap is formed between the radially inner surface of the outer fitting portion 31 of the slinger 30 and the radially outer end of the middle plate portion 43 of the core metal 41, so that the slinger 30 and the core metal 41 are configured to be non-contact with each other.

[0031] The elastic member 45 of the seal ring 40 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber, and is joined to the core metal 41 by vulcanization adhesion or the like. The elastic member 45 includes a base portion 46, a lip portion 47, and a seal portion .

[0032] The base 46 of the elastic member 45 is provided so as to cover a part of the outer side surface of the middle plate portion 43 of the core metal 41, the radially inner end of the middle plate portion 43, and a part of the inner side surface of the middle plate portion 43.

[0033] The lip portion 47 of the elastic member 45 is configured to be elastically deformable and contacts the slinger 30 to prevent foreign matter such as muddy water from entering between the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40. The lip portion 47 includes two side lips 47a and 47b and one radial lip 47c.

[0034] The side lip 47a of the lip portion 47 of the elastic member 45 extends radially outward and inward from the base 46. The tip of the side lip 47a contacts the outer side surface of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30. The side lip 47b is disposed radially inward of the side lip 47a. The side lip 47b extends radially outward and inward from the base 46. The tip of the side lip 47b contacts the outer side surface of the mid-plate portion 32 of the slinger 30. The radial lip 47c extends radially inward and outward from the base 46. The tip of the radial lip 47c contacts the radially outer surface of the outer fitting portion 31 of the slinger 30.

[0035] It should be noted that the lip portion 47 of the elastic member 45 is not limited to being configured in this manner, and may be configured, for example, to have one side lip and one radial lip, one side lip and two radial lips, two side lips and two radial lips, or a configuration that does not have either the side lip or the radial lip.

[0036] The seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is configured to be elastically deformable. The seal portion 48 contacts the radially inner surface of the inner end portion of the outer ring 2 to prevent foreign matter such as muddy water from entering between the outer ring 2 and the inner-fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41. The seal portion 48 is configured to cover at least a portion of the radially outer surface of the inner-fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41, at least a portion of the radially inner surface of the inner-fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41, and the inner side surface of the middle plate portion 43 of the core bar 41. The seal portion 48 is connected to the base portion 46 on the inner side of the middle plate portion 43 of the core bar 41 and is configured integrally so as to be continuous with the base portion 46 of the inner-fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41.

[0037] It should be noted that the sealing portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is not limited to being configured in this manner, and may be configured, for example, as a separate body from the base portion 46. Furthermore, for example, the sealing portion 48 may not be disposed radially outside the inner fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41, but may be disposed only on the inner side surface of the middle plate portion 43 of the core bar 41.

[0038] In the inner side seal member 9, the inner side surface of the middle plate portion 32 in the slinger 30 and the inner side end 42a of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core metal 41 in the seal ring 40 or the inner side end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 are configured to be flush in the axial direction.

[0039] [Installing the inner seal] An attachment jig is used to attach the inner seal member 9 to the inner end of the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. The attachment jig has a pressing surface that comes into contact with the inner portion of the inner seal member 9 when attaching the inner seal member 9 to the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. The pressing surface of the attachment jig faces the outer side and is configured as a radially flat surface.

[0040] When installing the inner seal member 9 in the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4, first, the inner seal member 9 is placed on the inner side of the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. Then, the pressing surface of the installation jig is brought into contact with the inner portion of the inner seal member 9. That is, the pressing surface of the installation jig is brought into contact with the inner side surface of the middle plate portion 32 of the slinger 30 of the inner seal member 9 and the inner end 42a of the inner-fitting portion 42 of the core 41 of the seal ring 40 or the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45. In this state, the installation jig is moved outerward, and the inner seal member 9 is press-fit into the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. When the inner seal member 9 is placed in a predetermined position in the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4, the movement of the installation jig toward the outer side is stopped. In this manner, the inner seal member 9 is attached to the inner side of the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4.

[0041] [Specific Configurations of the Inner Side End of the Core Metal and the Inner Side End of the Seal Portion of the Elastic Member in the Inner Side Seal Member] The seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 in the seal ring 40 of the inner-side seal member 9 has an opening 49. The opening 49 is formed at the inner-side end 48a of the seal portion 48. The opening 49 penetrates the seal portion 48 along the axial direction on the inner side of the inner-side end 42a of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41. The portion of the seal portion 48 where the opening 49 is formed is configured so that the inner-side end 42a of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 is exposed when viewed from the inner side. In this way, the seal portion 48 is configured so that the axially outer end of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 is exposed when viewed from the outside in the axial direction.

[0042] In this manner, the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 in the seal ring 40 is configured so that the axially outer end of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 is exposed when viewed from the outside in the axial direction. Therefore, the exposed axially outer end of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 is pressed by the mounting jig. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 covers the axial end of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41, this configuration can prevent the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 from shifting when the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 are press-fitted into the bearing space, reliably preventing the intrusion of foreign matter and suppressing an increase in torque. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the seal portion fits into an annular protrusion of the outer ring, this configuration can realize a simpler configuration that can prevent the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 from shifting when the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 are press-fitted into the bearing space. Furthermore, since the axial outer end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core wire 41 is exposed in this manner, the strength of the force applied during pressing can be more easily adjusted compared to a configuration in which the sealing portion 48 of the elastic member 45 covers the axial end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core wire 41.

[0043] The opening 49 of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is configured in an annular shape centered on the rotation axis X, and is formed around the entire circumference so as to expose the inner side end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41. In this way, the seal portion 48 is configured so that the axially outer end of the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 is exposed around the entire axially outer end of the fitted portion 42 when viewed from the outside in the axial direction.

[0044] Therefore, the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core metal 41, which is exposed over the entire circumference, is pressed by the mounting jig. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 covers the axial end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core metal 41, it is possible to suppress deviation in the relative position between the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 when the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 are press-fitted into the bearing space, thereby reliably preventing the intrusion of foreign matter and suppressing an increase in torque. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible to realize a simple configuration in which deviation in the relative position between the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 when the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 are press-fitted into the bearing space. Furthermore, because the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core metal 41 is exposed, it is easier to adjust the strength of the force applied during press-fitting compared to a configuration in which the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 covers the axial end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core metal 41.

[0045] The inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the inner end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 are configured to be flush in the axial direction. In this way, the axially outer end of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the axially outer end of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 are configured to be flush in the axial direction. Therefore, when pressed by an installation jig, the seal portion 48 does not deform, and the inner seal member 9 can be installed in the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 from shifting when they are press-fitted into the bearing space, reliably prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, and also to suppress an increase in torque.

[0046] The core metal 41 is made of stainless steel, which prevents the inner fitting portion 42 of the core metal 41 from corroding.

[0047] 4 to 6, the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 may be configured to include a plurality of openings 49. The openings 49 are arranged partially so that an inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 is partially exposed, and are arranged intermittently in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. In this way, the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is configured so that the axially outer end of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 is partially exposed over the entire circumference when viewed from the outside in the axial direction. This reduces the exposed portion of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41, thereby preventing deterioration or damage to the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41.

[0048] The circumferential length of the openings 49 in the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the spacing between the openings 49 can be set appropriately according to the specifications, etc., and for example, the circumferential length of the openings 49 and the spacing between the openings 49 can be configured to be approximately the same or significantly different. The number of openings 49 can also be set appropriately according to the specifications, etc., and for example, a configuration can be adopted in which the opening 49 is formed so that the opening 49 is partially disposed so that part of the inner side end 48a of the seal portion 48 is exposed.

[0049] At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the internal fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 has a recess 42b at the inner side end 42a of the internal fitting portion 42. The recess 42b of the internal fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 is configured so that the inner side end 42a of the internal fitting portion 42 is cut out. The seal portion 48 is disposed in the recess 42b of the internal fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41, so that the axial outer end of the internal fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 is partially exposed over the entire circumference when viewed from the inner side. For example, the recess 42b of the internal fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 is configured in a rectangular shape (see FIG. 7(A)). Furthermore, for example, the recess 42b of the internal fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 is configured in a wave shape (see FIG. 7(B)).

[0050] In this way, by arranging the seal portion 48 in the recess 42b of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41, the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 is configured to be partially exposed relative to the entire circumference when viewed from the outside in the axial direction, and therefore it is possible to realize, with a simple configuration, a configuration that can prevent the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 from shifting when the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 are press-fitted into the bearing space. Furthermore, because the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 is partially exposed relative to the entire circumference in this way, the strength of the force applied when press-fitting can be easily adjusted.

[0051] 8 or 9, the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 may be positioned more inward than the inner end 42a of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41. In this case, the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the inner end 42a of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 are configured to be at different positions in the axial direction, and the cross-sectional shapes of the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the surrounding portions of the inner end 42a of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 are configured to be concave. In this way, the axially outer end of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is positioned more axially outward than the axially outer end of the internally fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41.

[0052] Therefore, after the axially outer end of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is pressed and deformed by the mounting jig, the exposed axially outer end of the inner-fit portion 42 of the core bar 41 is pressed by the mounting jig. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 covers the axial end of the inner-fit portion 42 of the core bar 41, it is possible to suppress deviation of the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 when press-fitted into the bearing space, reliably prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, and suppress an increase in torque. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize a simple configuration that suppresses deviation of the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 when press-fitted into the bearing space.

[0053] 10 or 11, even when the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is located more inward than the inner end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41, the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 may be configured to include a plurality of openings 49. The openings 49 are arranged partially so that part of the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 is exposed, and are arranged intermittently in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. In this way, the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is configured so that the axially outer end of the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 is partially exposed over the entire circumference when viewed from the outside in the axial direction. This reduces the exposed portion of the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41, thereby preventing deterioration or damage to the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41.

[0054] The circumferential length of the openings 49 in the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the spacing between the openings 49 can be set appropriately according to the specifications, etc., and for example, the circumferential length of the openings 49 and the spacing between the openings 49 can be configured to be approximately the same or significantly different. The number of openings 49 can also be set appropriately according to the specifications, etc., and for example, a configuration can be adopted in which the opening 49 is formed so that the opening 49 is partially disposed so that part of the inner side end 48a of the seal portion 48 is exposed.

[0055] In this case, the portions of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 located at the circumferential ends of the opening 49 are formed with surfaces parallel to the axial direction, and the peripheral portion of the opening 49 is formed with a rectangular shape (see FIGS. 10, 11, and 12(A)). The circumferential ends of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 can also be formed with surfaces inclined with respect to the axial direction (see FIGS. 12(B), 13, and 14). The circumferential ends of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 can also be formed with curved surfaces (see FIG. 12(C)).

[0056] At this time, the axial length between the inner side end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the axial outer end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 is configured to be 1 mm or less. This configuration reduces the amount of deformation of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 when pressed by the mounting jig, and makes it possible to reliably press the exposed axial outer end of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 with the mounting jig after the axial outer end of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is pressed and deformed by the mounting jig.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 15 , the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 can be positioned more outer than the inner end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41. In this case, the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the inner end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 are configured to be at different positions in the axial direction, and the cross-sectional shapes of the inner end 48a of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 and the surrounding portions of the inner end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 are configured to be convex. In this case, the inner side surface of the middle plate portion 32 of the slinger 30 and the inner end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41 in the seal ring 40 are configured to be flush with each other in the axial direction. With this configuration, the axially outer end of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is positioned more inner than the axially outer end of the fitted portion 42 of the core metal 41. Therefore, when pressed with the mounting jig, the mounting jig comes into contact with the inner fitting portion 42 of the core metal 41, but does not come into contact with the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45. Therefore, when pressed with the mounting jig, the seal portion 48 does not deform, and the inner seal member 9 can be attached to the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 from shifting when they are press-fitted into the bearing space, reliably prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, and also to suppress an increase in torque.

[0058] In this case, the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 may be configured so that, when viewed from the inner side, the inner side end 42a of the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41 is partially exposed over the entire circumference. This reduces the exposed portion of the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41, thereby preventing deterioration or damage to the fitted portion 42 of the core bar 41.

[0059] 16, instead of being configured to include an opening 49, the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 can be configured to be disposed around the entire circumference on the inner side of the seal portion 48. In this way, the seal portion 48 is disposed around the entire circumference so that the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 is not exposed. In this case, the thickness of the axially outer end of the seal portion 48 of the elastic member 45 is configured to be 0.1 mm or less.

[0060] Therefore, even if the seal portion 48 is pressed by the mounting jig, the amount of deformation of the seal portion 48 is reduced, and the inner seal member 9 can be mounted in the bearing space between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the relative positions of the slinger 30 and the seal ring 40 from shifting when they are press-fitted into the bearing space, reliably prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, and also to suppress an increase in torque. Furthermore, by configuring the inner fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41 so that it is not exposed, it is possible to prevent deterioration or damage to the inner fitting portion 42 of the core bar 41.

[0061] While a so-called third-generation wheel bearing assembly has been exemplified, the wheel bearing assembly in which the sealing device of the present invention is used is not limited to this structure and may instead have, for example, a first- or second-generation structure in which a pair of inner rings are press-fit into a small-diameter stepped portion of a hub ring, or a fourth-generation structure in which inner raceway grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the hub ring and constant velocity universal joint, forming the inner member. Furthermore, while a double-row angular contact ball bearing with ball rows 5 and 6 as rolling elements has been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this and may also be a double-row tapered roller bearing using tapered rollers as rolling elements. Furthermore, while the sealing device of the present invention has been described as an inner-side sealing member, it may also be used as an outer-side sealing member.

[0062] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, which are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and further includes the equivalent meanings set forth in the claims, and all modifications within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Wheel bearing device 2 outer ring 2c (inner side) outer raceway groove 2d (Outer side) outer raceway groove 2e Body mounting flange 2f bolt hole 3 Hub Wheel 3a Small diameter stepped section 3b Wheel mounting flange 3c Inner raceway groove 3d bolt holes 4. Inner Circle 4a Inner raceway groove 5 Inner ball row 6 Outer ball row 7 Ball 8 Cage 9 Inner seal member 10 Outer seal member 30 Slinger 31 External fitting part 32 Middle plate 33 Magnetic Encoder 40 Seal ring 41 Core 42 Inner fitting part 42a Inner side end 42b Recess 43 Middle plate 45 Elastic member 46 Base 47 Lip 47a Side lip 47b Side lip 47c grease lip 48 Seal part 48a Inner side end

Claims

1. A sealing device for sealing an opening of a space between an outer member and an inner member of a wheel bearing device, the sealing device comprising: a slinger fitted onto the outer member; and a seal ring fitted onto the outer member, The slinger includes an outer fitting portion that is fitted onto the inner member, and a middle plate portion that extends radially outward from the outer fitting portion, The seal ring is a core bar including an inner fitting portion that is fitted into the outer member and a middle plate portion that extends radially inward from the inner fitting portion; an elastic member joined to the core metal and including a lip portion that contacts the slinger and a seal portion that contacts the outer member; The sealing portion is The inner fitting portion of the core metal is configured to cover at least a part of a radially outer surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal and at least a part of a radially inner surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal, A sealing device configured such that an axially outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal is exposed when viewed from the axially outer side.

2. The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the seal portion of the elastic member is configured such that an axially outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal is exposed over an entire circumference when viewed from the axially outer side.

3. The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the seal portion of the elastic member is configured such that, when viewed from the outside in the axial direction, the outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal in the axial direction is partially exposed out of the entire circumference.

4. The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein an axially outer end of the seal portion of the elastic member and an axially outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal are configured to be flush with each other in the axial direction.

5. The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein an axially outer end of the seal portion of the elastic member is positioned axially outward of an axially outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal.

6. The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein an axially outer end of the seal portion of the elastic member is positioned axially more inward than an axially outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal.

7. 6. The sealing device according to claim 5, wherein the axial length between the axially outer end of the seal portion of the elastic member and the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal is 1 mm or less.

8. The inner fitting portion of the core metal has a recess at an inner side end thereof, The sealing device according to claim 4, wherein the seal portion is arranged in the recess of the inner fitting portion of the core metal, so that when viewed from the axial outside, the axial outer end of the inner fitting portion of the core metal is partially exposed out of its entire circumference.

9. The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the inner fitting portion of the core metal is made of stainless steel.

10. A sealing device for sealing an opening of a space between an outer member and an inner member of a wheel bearing device, the sealing device comprising: a slinger fitted onto the outer member; and a seal ring fitted onto the outer member, The slinger includes an outer fitting portion that is fitted onto the inner member, and a middle plate portion that extends radially outward from the outer fitting portion, The seal ring is a core bar including an inner fitting portion that is fitted into the outer member and a middle plate portion that extends radially inward from the inner fitting portion; an elastic member joined to the core metal and including a lip portion that contacts the slinger and a seal portion that contacts the outer member; The sealing portion is The inner fitting portion of the core metal is configured to cover at least a part of a radially outer surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal and at least a part of a radially inner surface of the inner fitting portion of the core metal, the inner fitting portion of the core metal is disposed around the entire periphery of the axially outer end of the inner fitting portion, A sealing device, wherein the thickness of the axially outer end of the seal portion is 0.1 mm or less.

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