Wheel bearing device

Abstract

In a wheel bearing device, the invention aims to reduce the number of parts compared to a device in which a sealing member is provided to cover the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion, while ensuring corrosion resistance of the spline fitting portion between the end face of the outer member and the end face of the mouth portion of the constant velocity universal joint. [Solution] The wheel bearing device 1 comprises an inner side sealing member 9 having a slinger 91 fitted to an inner ring 4 and an elastic member 95, the elastic member 95 extending axially from the slinger 91 toward the other side, and the tip of the elastic member 95 in contact with the mouse portion 24.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel bearing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a constant velocity joint outer joint member having an outer member, an inner member, a double row of rolling elements rotatably accommodated between both raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner member, and a mouse portion connected to a shaft so as to be rotationally transmissible, and a sealing device for closing an open end of an annular space formed by the outer member and the inner member are provided, and a wheel bearing device in which an end surface of the outer member and an end surface of the mouse portion of the outer joint member are spline-fitted is known.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 1 describes a device used in a drive train (power transmission system) of an automotive vehicle, including at least one wheel hub having a flange portion and a sleeve portion, and a constant velocity rotary joint having at least one joint outer portion, a joint inner portion, and each torque transmission element, wherein the wheel hub and the constant velocity rotary joint are connected to each other by flat teeth, and the flat teeth are radially surrounded by a flexible seal on the outside. The flexible seal protects the flat teeth of the wheel hub and the constant velocity rotary joint from corrosion by completely surrounding them.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, the number of parts increases compared to a configuration without a flexible seal, due to the provision of a flexible seal covering the spur teeth of the wheel hub and constant velocity rotary joint. This increase in the number of parts is likely to increase both the cost of the parts and the manufacturing cost.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a wheel bearing device that can reduce the number of parts compared to a device that has a sealing member covering the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion, while ensuring rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the end face of the outer member and the end face of the mouth portion of the outer joint member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] That is, an outer member having double rows of outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumference, An inner member comprising a hub ring having an inner raceway surface on one axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on one axial side, and an inner ring fitted to the hub ring having an inner raceway surface on the other axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on the other axial side, A double row of rolling elements is rotatably housed between the raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner member, An outer joint member having a mouth portion that is rotatably connected to a shaft, A sealing device that closes the other axial opening end of the annular space formed by the outer member and the inner member, Equipped with, A wheel bearing device in which the axial end face of the hub wheel and the axial end face of the mouse portion are spline-fitted, The elastic member has an extension that extends axially from the slinger toward the other side, The extension portion covers the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring and the mouse portion. The tip of the extension is in contact with the mouse portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the outer member has a double row of outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumference, An inner member comprising a hub ring having an inner raceway surface on one axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on one axial side, and an inner ring fitted to the hub ring having an inner raceway surface on the other axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on the other axial side, A double row of rolling elements is rotatably housed between the raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner member, An outer joint member having a mouth portion that is rotatably connected to a shaft, A sealing device that closes the other axial opening end of the annular space formed by the outer member and the inner member, Equipped with, A wheel bearing device in which the axial end face of the hub wheel and the axial end face of the mouse portion are spline-fitted, The sealing device comprises a slinger fitted into the inner ring and an elastic member joined to the slinger and extending from the slinger. The mouse portion has a projection that protrudes toward the inner ring side and covers the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring and the mouse portion. The elastic member has an extension that extends inward from the slinger, The extension is held between the other axial end face of the inner ring and the one axial end face of the projection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention provides the following effects: In other words, according to the present invention, while ensuring rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the end face of the outer member and the end face of the mouth portion of the constant velocity universal joint, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a system in which a sealing member is provided to cover the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing a wheel bearing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the spline fitting portion and inner sealing member between the hub wheel of the wheel bearing device and the mouse portion of the constant velocity universal joint. [Figure 3] An enlarged cross-sectional view showing a spline fitting portion between a hub ring of a wheel bearing device and a mouse portion of a constant velocity joint, and an inner side seal member. [Figure 4] An enlarged cross-sectional view showing a spline fitting portion between a hub ring of a wheel bearing device and a mouse portion of a constant velocity joint, and an inner side seal member. [Figure 5] An enlarged cross-sectional view showing a spline fitting portion between a hub ring of a wheel bearing device and a mouse portion of a constant velocity joint, and an inner side seal member. <0OO0079>

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [[ID=1S]]

[0012] [Overall Configuration of Wheel Bearing Device]<00000SB>The wheel bearing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the wheel bearing device according to the present invention, and rotatably supports a wheel in a suspension device of a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the wheel bearing device 1 has a configuration called the third generation, and includes an outer ring 2 which is an outer member, a hub ring 3 and an inner ring 4 which are inner members, two rows of inner side ball rows 5 and outer side ball rows 6 which are rolling element rows, an inner side seal member 9, an outer side seal member 10, and a constant velocity joint 20.

[0014] Here, the inner side represents the vehicle body side of the wheel bearing device 1 when attached to the vehicle body, and the outer side represents the wheel side of the wheel bearing device 1 when attached to the vehicle body. The axial direction represents the direction along the rotation axis X of the wheel bearing device 1. One side in the axial direction is the outer side, and the other side in the axial direction is the inner side. The direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the wheel bearing device 1 is represented as the radial direction. Also, hereinafter, the "cross section" will be described as indicating a cross section passing through the rotation axis of the wheel bearing device 1 and parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel bearing device 1.

[0015] The inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 2 has an inner outer raceway groove 2c and an outer outer raceway groove 2d. The outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 2 has a body mounting flange 2e integrally formed thereon for attaching the outer ring 2 to the vehicle body side member. The body mounting flange 2e is provided with bolt holes 2f into which fastening members (in this case, bolts) that fasten the vehicle body side member and the outer ring 2 are inserted.

[0016] A small-diameter stepped portion 3a, smaller in diameter than the outer end, is formed on the inner end of the outer surface of the hub wheel 3. A wheel mounting flange 3b for attaching a wheel is integrally formed on the outer end of the hub wheel 3. Multiple bolt holes 3d are formed in the wheel mounting flange 3b. Wheel bolts are screwed into the bolt holes 3d from the wheel side to fasten the hub wheel 3 to the wheel or brake component. Alternatively, the fastening structure between the hub wheel 3 and the wheel or brake component may be fixed by press-fitting hub bolts and nuts.

[0017] The outer surface of the hub ring 3 is provided with an inner raceway groove 3c on the outer side, facing the outer raceway groove 2d on the outer side of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner raceway groove 3c is formed on the outer side of the inner member by the hub ring 3. An annular space, the outer side opening 2b, is formed between the outer ring 2 and the hub ring 3. The outer side sealing member 10 is fitted into the outer side opening 2b and prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering through the outer side opening 2b. The outer side sealing member 10 is an example of a sealing device.

[0018] The inner ring 4 is provided on the small-diameter stepped portion 3a of the hub ring 3. The inner ring 4 is press-fitted into the small-diameter stepped portion 3a via a predetermined crimping allowance. Furthermore, the inner end of the small-diameter stepped portion 3a on the hub ring 3 is plastically deformed by crimping, and the hub ring 3 and the inner ring 4 are integrated by a crimped portion 3f, preventing the inner ring 4 from coming out axially relative to the hub ring 3. The crimped portion 3f is equipped with a face spline 3g. The face spline 3g is formed on the inner end face of the crimped portion 3f. The inner ring 4 applies preload to the rolling rows, namely the inner ball row 5 and the outer ball row 6. The outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 4 is provided with an inner raceway groove 4a that faces the outer raceway groove 2c on the inner side of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner raceway groove 4a is formed on the inner side of the inner member by the inner ring 4. An annular space, the inner opening 2a, is formed between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. The inner sealing member 9 is fitted into the inner opening 2a and prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering through the inner opening 2a. The inner sealing member 9 is an example of a sealing device.

[0019] The inner ball row 5 and the outer ball row 6, which are rolling elements, are composed of multiple balls 7, which are rolling elements, held by a cage 8. The inner ball row 5 is rotatably sandwiched between the inner raceway groove 4a of the inner ring 4 and the inner outer raceway groove 2c of the outer ring 2. The outer ball row 6 is rotatably sandwiched between the inner raceway groove 3c of the hub ring 3 and the outer outer raceway groove 2d of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner ball row 5 and the outer ball row 6 are rotatably housed between the raceway grooves of the outer and inner members. In the wheel bearing device 1, a double-row angular contact ball bearing is composed of the outer ring 2, the hub ring 3 and the inner ring 4, the inner ball row 5 and the outer ball row 6.

[0020] The inner side sealing member 9 comprises a slinger 91 and a sealing ring 92. The slinger 91 is, for example, a ring-shaped body made of steel plate and is fitted onto the inner ring 4. The slinger 91 comprises an outer fitting portion 91a, which is a cylindrical portion fitted onto the radially outer surface of the inner side end of the inner ring 4, and an outer plate portion 91b, which is a donut-shaped portion extending radially outward from the inner side end of the outer fitting portion 91a.

[0021] The seal ring 92 of the inner side sealing member 9 is fitted inside the outer ring 2. The seal ring 92 comprises a core metal 93 and a seal portion 94. The core metal 93 is, for example, a torus made of steel plate and comprises an inner fitting portion which is a cylindrical part fitted inside the inner diameter side surface of the inner end of the outer ring 2, and an inner plate portion which is a donut-shaped plate extending inward from the inner end of the inner fitting portion. The seal portion 94 is configured to be elastically deformable. The seal portion 94 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber and is joined to the core metal 93 by vulcanization bonding or the like. The seal portion 94 comprises two radial lips 94a and 94b and one side lip 94c. The tips of the two radial lips 94a and 94b are in contact with or close to the outer fitting portion 91a of the slinger 91. The tip of the side lip 94c is in contact with the outer plate portion 91b of the slinger 91.

[0022] The constant velocity universal joint 20 is provided at one end of the shaft 28 (intermediate shaft). The constant velocity universal joint 20 is connected in a way that allows rotational torque from the shaft 28 to be transmitted. The constant velocity universal joint 20 includes an outer joint member 21, an inner joint member 22 having a track groove formed on its outer circumference that faces the track groove of the outer joint member 21, a ball 23 incorporated between the track groove of the outer joint member 21 and the track groove of the inner joint member 22, and a cage 29 interposed between the inner circumference of the outer joint member 21 and the outer circumference of the inner joint member 22 to hold the ball 23. The cage 29 is a retainer for holding the ball 23.

[0023] The outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 comprises a bowl-shaped mouth portion 24 configured to decrease in diameter towards the outer side, a shoulder portion 25 that constitutes the bottom of the mouth portion 24 on the outer side, and a cylindrical connecting portion 26 extending from the shoulder portion 25 towards the outer side.

[0024] The shoulder portion 25 of the outer joint member 21 is provided with a face spline 25a that fits onto the face spline 3g of the crimping portion 3f of the hub wheel 3. The face spline 25a is formed on the outer end face of the shoulder portion 25. The connecting portion 26 is inserted into the shaft hole 3e of the hub wheel 3. A female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 26. By screwing the fastening bolt 11 into the female thread of the connecting portion 26, the face spline 3g of the crimping portion 3f of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the shoulder portion 25 of the outer joint member 21 are held in a fitted state, and torque from the shaft 28 can be transmitted to the hub wheel 3 via the outer joint member 21.

[0025] [Structure of the elastic member of the inner sealing member] The inner sealing member 9 includes an elastic member 95. The elastic member 95 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber and is joined to the outer plate portion 91b of the slinger 91 by vulcanization bonding or the like. The elastic member 95 includes a base portion 96 and an extension portion 97.

[0026] The base 96 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 is configured to cover the outer diameter end and inner side surface of the outer plate portion 91b of the slinger 91, and is configured in a donut shape. The extension portion 97 protects the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24 from corrosion. The extension portion 97 is configured to extend from the base 96 (outer plate portion 91b of the slinger 91). The extension portion 97 extends from the base 96 toward the inner side (the other side in the axial direction) and toward the inner diameter side, covering the outer diameter side (outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24) of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24. The extension portion 97 is configured in a substantially annular shape. The tip of the extension portion 97 abuts against the mouth portion 24.

[0027] As described above, the extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 extends axially from the base portion 96 toward the other side, covering the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24, and the tip of the extension portion 97 abuts against the mouth portion 24. Therefore, a configuration can be made that protects the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24 from corrosion without providing a separate sealing member. Thus, while ensuring rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a system in which a sealing member is provided to cover the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24. Furthermore, by reducing the number of parts, it is possible to suppress increases in parts cost and manufacturing cost.

[0028] Furthermore, since the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24 is protected from corrosion without the need to provide a separate sealing member, it is not necessary to make the inner ring 4 longer in the axial direction in order to mount a sealing member. Therefore, it is possible to ensure rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24 while suppressing an increase in the axial size of the wheel bearing device 1, and furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a system in which a sealing member is provided to cover the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24.

[0029] Furthermore, the base portion 96 of the elastic member 95 (the portion joined to the outer plate portion 91b of the slinger 91) may be equipped with a magnetic encoder made of synthetic rubber or the like, with magnetic poles (N pole and S pole) arranged thereon. When configured in this way, the extension portion 97 is positioned on the inner diameter side of the magnetic encoder. Moreover, since the extension portion 97 is made of the same material as the base portion 96, the molding of the elastic member 95 can be made easier and the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the base portion 96 and the extension portion 97 are made of different materials.

[0030] Next, we will describe the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figure 3. In describing the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figure 3, we will omit explanations of parts that are the same as those described in Figures 1 and 2, and will focus on explaining the parts that differ from the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 has a projection 27. The projection 27 protrudes from the mouth portion 24 toward the inner ring 4. The outer end face of the projection 27 is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. The projection 27 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the shoulder portion 25. The projection 27 covers the outer diameter side (outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24) of the face spline 3g of the hub ring 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24.

[0032] The inner sealing member 9 includes an elastic member 95, which comprises a base portion 96 and an extension portion 97.

[0033] The extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 extends from the base portion 96 (outer plate portion 91b of the slinger 91) toward the inner side (the other side in the axial direction) and toward the inner diameter side. The tip of the extension portion 97 abuts against the outer side end face of the projection portion 27 of the mouth portion 24 and is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24.

[0034] As described above, the extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 extends axially from the base portion 96 toward the other side, and the tip of the extension portion 97 abuts against the protruding portion 27 of the mouth portion 24. Therefore, a configuration can be made that protects the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24 from corrosion without providing a separate sealing member. Thus, while ensuring rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a system in which a sealing member is provided to cover the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24. Furthermore, by reducing the number of parts, it is possible to suppress increases in parts cost and manufacturing cost.

[0035] Furthermore, since the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 is protected from corrosion without the need to provide a separate sealing member, it is not necessary to make the inner ring 4 longer in the axial direction in order to mount a sealing member. Therefore, it is possible to ensure rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 while suppressing an increase in the axial size of the wheel bearing device 1.

[0036] Furthermore, as described above, the tip of the extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 abuts against the outer side surface of the protrusion portion 27 of the mouth portion 24 and is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24. Therefore, the work of fitting the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24 can be performed while visually checking the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24. Thus, compared to a case where the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24 is covered by a sealing member, it is possible to prevent improper assembly of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3.

[0037] Next, we will describe the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figure 4. In describing the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figure 4, we will omit explanations of parts that are the same as those described in Figures 1 to 3, and will focus on explaining the parts that differ from the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 has a projection 27. The projection 27 protrudes from the mouth portion 24 toward the inner ring 4. The outer end face of the projection 27 is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. The projection 27 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the shoulder portion 25. The projection 27 covers the outer diameter side (outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24) of the face spline 3g of the hub ring 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24.

[0039] The inner sealing member 9 includes an elastic member 95, which comprises a base portion 96 and an extension portion 97.

[0040] The extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 extends inward (to the other axial side) and toward the inner diameter from the base portion 96 (outer plate portion 91b of the slinger 91). The extension portion 97 is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. The extension portion 97 is sandwiched between the inner side end face of the inner ring 4 (the axial other side end face of the inner ring 4) and the outer side surface of the projection portion 27 of the mouth portion 24 (the axial one side end face of the projection portion 27).

[0041] As described above, the extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 is sandwiched between the axial end face of the inner ring 4 and the axial end face of the projection portion 27 of the mouth portion 24. Therefore, a configuration can be made that protects the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 from corrosion without providing a separate sealing member. Thus, while ensuring rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a system in which a sealing member is provided to cover the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. Furthermore, by reducing the number of parts, it is possible to suppress increases in parts cost and manufacturing cost.

[0042] Furthermore, since the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 is protected from corrosion without the need to provide a separate sealing member, it is not necessary to make the inner ring 4 longer in the axial direction in order to mount a sealing member. Therefore, it is possible to ensure rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 while suppressing an increase in the axial size of the wheel bearing device 1.

[0043] Furthermore, this allows the constant velocity universal joint 20 to be fitted together with the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24 without having to consider interference between the constant velocity universal joint 20 and the sealing member covering the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved compared to a design in which a sealing member is provided covering the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24.

[0044] Furthermore, as described above, the extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 is sandwiched between the other axial end face of the inner ring 4 and the one axial end face of the projection portion 27 of the mouth portion 24, and is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. Therefore, the work of fitting the face spline 3g of the hub ring 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24 can be performed while visually checking the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. Thus, compared to a case where the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 is covered by a sealing member, it is possible to prevent improper assembly of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub ring 3.

[0045] Next, we will describe the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figure 5. In describing the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figure 5, we will omit explanations of parts that are the same as those described in Figures 1 to 4, and will focus on explaining the parts that differ from the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 has a projection 27. The projection 27 protrudes from the mouth portion 24 toward the inner ring 4. The outer end face of the projection 27 is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. The projection 27 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the shoulder portion 25. The projection 27 covers the outer diameter side (outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24) of the face spline 3g of the hub ring 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24.

[0047] The inner sealing member 9 includes an elastic member 95, which comprises a base portion 96 and an extension portion 97.

[0048] The extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 is sandwiched between the inner side end face of the inner ring 4 (the axial opposite end face of the inner ring 4) and the outer side surface of the projection 27 of the mouth portion 24 (the axial opposite end face of the projection 27). The extension portion 97 is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. The extension portion 97 comprises a first extension portion 97a, a second extension portion 97b, and a bent portion 97c. The cross-sectional shapes of the first extension portion 97a and the second extension portion 97b are configured to be approximately V-shaped. The first extension portion 97a extends from the base portion 96 toward the inner side (axial opposite side) and toward the inner diameter side. The second extension portion 97b bends from the inner diameter side end of the first extension portion 97a and extends toward the inner diameter side and toward the outer side (axial one side). The tip of the second extension 97b abuts against the inner end face of the inner ring 4 (the axial end face of the inner ring 4). The bent portion 97c is located between the first extension 97a and the second extension 97b. The bent portion 97c is formed by the boundary between the first extension 97a and the second extension 97b. The inner end of the bent portion 97c abuts against the outer side surface of the projection 27 of the mouse 24 (the axial end face of the projection 27).

[0049] As described above, the bent portion 97c of the extension portion 97 of the inner side sealing member 9 abuts against the axial end face of the projection portion 27 of the mouth 24, and the tip of the second extension portion 97b abuts against the axial end face of the inner ring 4. Therefore, the rigidity of the extension portion 97 can be improved, and the sealing performance by the extension portion 97 can be improved. Furthermore, this allows for a configuration that protects the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 from corrosion without providing a separate sealing member. Thus, while ensuring rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration in which a sealing member is provided to cover the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. In addition, by reducing the number of parts, it is possible to suppress an increase in parts cost and manufacturing cost.

[0050] Furthermore, since the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 is protected from corrosion without the need to provide a separate sealing member, it is not necessary to make the inner ring 4 longer in the axial direction in order to mount the sealing member. Therefore, it is possible to ensure rust prevention of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 while suppressing an increase in the axial size of the wheel bearing device 1. Here, if the rigidity and sealing performance of the extension portion 97 of the inner side sealing member 9 can be ensured, it is not necessarily required that the tip of the second extension portion 97b abuts against the other axial end face of the inner ring 4, but it is preferable that the tip of the second extension portion 97b abuts against the other axial end face of the inner ring 4.

[0051] Furthermore, this allows the constant velocity universal joint 20 to be fitted together with the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24 without having to consider interference between the constant velocity universal joint 20 and the sealing member covering the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved compared to a design in which a sealing member is provided covering the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the mouth portion 24.

[0052] Furthermore, as described above, the extension portion 97 of the elastic member 95 in the inner side sealing member 9 is sandwiched between the other axial end face of the inner ring 4 and the one axial end face of the projection portion 27 of the mouth portion 24, and is located on the outer side of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. Therefore, the work of fitting the face spline 3g of the hub ring 3 and the face spline 25g of the shoulder portion 25 of the mouth portion 24 can be performed while visually checking the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24. Thus, compared to a case where the spline fitting portion between the hub ring 3 and the mouth portion 24 is covered by a sealing member, it is possible to prevent improper assembly of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub ring 3.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, but is merely illustrative. It can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1. Wheel bearing device 2 Outer member 2a Inner side opening 2b Outer side opening 3. Inner member 3a Small diameter stepped section 4. Inner Ring 5. Inner ball row 6 Outer ball row 8 Cage 9. Inner side sealing member 10 Outer side sealing member 20. Constant velocity universal joint 21 Outer joint member 22 Inner joint member 23 Ball 24 Mouse section 25 Shoulder 26 Connecting part 27 Protrusion 91 Slinger 92 Seal ring 93 Mandrel 94 Seal part 95 Elastic members 96 Base 97 Extension part 97a 1st extension part 97b 2nd extension 97c Bend part

Claims

1. An outer member having double rows of outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumference, An inner member comprising a hub ring having an inner raceway surface on one axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on one axial side, and an inner ring fitted to the hub ring having an inner raceway surface on the other axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on the other axial side, A double row of rolling elements is rotatably housed between the raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner member, An outer joint member having a mouth portion that is rotatably connected to a shaft, A sealing device that closes the other axial opening end of the annular space formed by the outer member and the inner member, Equipped with, A wheel bearing device in which the axial end face of the hub wheel and the axial end face of the mouse portion are spline-fitted, The sealing device comprises a slinger fitted to the inner ring and an elastic member joined to the slinger. The elastic member has an extension that extends axially from the slinger toward the other side, The extension portion covers the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring and the mouse portion. The tip of the extension is in contact with the mouse portion. Wheel bearing device.

2. The mouse portion has a projection that protrudes toward the inner ring side and covers the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring and the mouse portion. The tip of the elastic member is in contact with the axial end face of the protruding part of the mouse portion. The wheel bearing device according to claim 1.

3. An outer member having double rows of outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumference, An inner member comprising a hub ring having an inner raceway surface on one axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on one axial side, and an inner ring fitted to the hub ring having an inner raceway surface on the other axial side that is opposite to the outer raceway surface on the other axial side, A double row of rolling elements is rotatably housed between the raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner member, An outer joint member having a mouth portion that is rotatably connected to a shaft, A sealing device that closes the other axial opening end of the annular space formed by the outer member and the inner member, Equipped with, A wheel bearing device in which the axial end face of the hub wheel and the axial end face of the mouse portion are spline-fitted, The sealing device comprises a slinger fitted into the inner ring and an elastic member joined to the slinger and extending from the slinger. The mouse portion has a projection that protrudes toward the inner ring side and covers the outer circumference of the spline fitting portion between the hub ring and the mouse portion. The elastic member has an extension that extends inward from the slinger, The extension is sandwiched between the other axial end face of the inner ring and the one axial end face of the projection. Wheel bearing device.

4. The elastic member has a first extension portion extending inward from the slinger and in the other axial direction, a second extension portion bending from the inner diameter end of the first extension portion and extending inward and in one axial direction, and a bent portion located between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The bent portion abuts against the axial end face of the protruding portion, The tip of the second extension abuts against the other axial end face of the inner ring. The wheel bearing device according to claim 3.

5. The elastic member is equipped with a magnetic encoder, The extension portion is positioned on the inner diameter side of the magnetic encoder. A wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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