Snap sealing ring for sealing shaft couplings on the outside

Abstract

This relates to a snap sealing ring for sealing a shaft coupling on the outside. [Solution] A snap sealing ring 50 for sealing a shaft coupling on the outside, comprising: a plastic base body comprising a sleeve section 511, a flange section 512 axially extending from the sleeve section 511, and at least one locking projection 513 formed radially inward or radially outward on the sleeve section 511 for locking onto a first component; and a metal insert 520 comprising an outer annular disc section 521, an inner annular disc section 522 positioned axially offset from the outer annular disc section 521, and a sleeve-shaped connecting section 523 connecting the outer annular disc section 521 and the inner annular disc section 522 to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly, to a snap sealing ring for externally sealing a shaft joint as described herein.

[0002] In a vehicle structure, for example, as a joint for play-free torque transmission between a drive joint shaft and a wheel hub, a front serration assembly, also called a Hirth tooth row assembly or an end face tooth row assembly, which is axially clamped, is used. In particular, when transmitting high torque, for example, in an automobile equipped with an electric drive device, using a front serration assembly axially clamped provides advantages compared to a conventional longitudinal mating tooth row assembly. This is because even when high torque fluctuates, torque transmission can be ensured well without relative movement and annoying noise (Ping Noise) caused by the torsional elasticity of the longitudinal mating tooth row.

[0003] To ensure the torque transmission function, the front serration assembly must be clamped with a high axial force. Correspondingly, both front serrations engaged with each other, which are consequently loaded with high material stress, must be protected against corrosion. Furthermore, during assembly, it must be noted that the corresponding front serrations are properly engaged with each other to prevent tooth tip contact (Zahn-auf-Zahn) assembly.

[0004] In this regard, a snap-seal ring for protecting a front serration assembly is known, based on German Patent Application Publication No. 102008050127. This known snap-seal ring consists of a sleeve with an internally provided locking projection. The sleeve has a seal with a sealing lip that fits radially inward across the axial section. There is no axial seal. On the contrary, moisture can enter the gap between the snap-seal ring and the wheel hub and then adhere to the sealing lip inside the gap. Since this sealing lip is in contact with a metal component, rust can penetrate this area over time. At least this area must be additionally protected against corrosion.

[0005] Based on this premise, the fundamental problem of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive sealing solution suitable for shaft couplings in the above-described assembly situation, which can provide high protection against moisture penetration and rust intrusion without the need for time-consuming surface corrosion protection of the relevant components, particularly under ambient conditions related to vehicle structures, such as under salt spray and temperature fluctuations.

[0006] This problem is solved by a snap-seal ring having the features of claim 1.

[0007] By embedding a metal insert within a plastic substrate, a strong pressurized bond is achieved between the first component and the snap sealing ring, preventing corrosion from expanding and penetrating the joint. In this case, metal-to-metal contact occurs at the joint between the metal insert and the corresponding shaft section of the first component, which is generally also made of metal. This ensures press fitting over a wide temperature range.

[0008] The exposed portion of the metal insert facilitates the press-fitting of the snap-seal ring onto the shaft portion and the attachment of the appropriate tool. Furthermore, the exposed portion promotes mold sealing during injection molding by the insert, which is in metal-to-metal contact with the injection mold half.

[0009] The sleeve section with plastic locking protrusions maintains a certain degree of axial flexibility in the base, and this flexibility allows for sealing of the axial end face to the second component, thereby avoiding a gap inside the snap sealing ring that is susceptible to corrosion. Consequently, the shaft coupling does not need to be painted or otherwise additionally protected against corrosion.

[0010] Special configurations of the present invention are subject to further claims.

[0011] The insert may be manufactured, for example, as a thin metal sheet component at a particularly low cost.

[0012] Corrosion protection can be further improved by using steel sheets with a galvanized surface. The steel sheet may be a galvanized steel sheet. However, the components may be galvanized after the deformation process of the steel sheet.

[0013] For this purpose, a special steel alloy or aluminum alloy may be used instead of galvanized steel sheet.

[0014] Furthermore, the insert may have a notch formed therein that is shape-connectively fitted into the plastic material of the base. This achieves a tighter bond that can better withstand any torsional forces that may arise, for example, from friction caused by contamination.

[0015] The notches may be fabricated with minimal effort in the outer annular disc section, for example, as holes and / or cutouts, and may also be fabricated together with the insert during the punching process.

[0016] In a further special configuration, the flange section may have a flange extending around its entire circumference as a radial damming wall, and vanes extending to this flange. Such a structure acts like a centrifugal pump during rotation, thereby generating a specified airflow along the flange section. This can be used, for example, to generate a desired pressure gradient within the range of a gap seal, preferably directed in a specified direction, and preferably in the opposite direction to the seal overflow.

[0017] According to a further special configuration of the present invention, the outer annular disc section may be exposed from the base plastic at least in the region of the outer annular disc section following the sleeve-shaped connecting section, at the surface of the sleeve-shaped connecting section that transitions to a contact surface exposed from the base plastic. This facilitates the press-fitting of the snap sealing ring to the axial step and the specified axial contact with the shoulder of the axial step. This allows for precise control of the positioning of the snap sealing ring. This is particularly advantageous when the snap sealing ring is tightened, for example, within the scope of a face serration assembly or similar that is tightened axially, to achieve an axial end-face sealing action against a corresponding surface of a second component or a flexible sealing element located thereon.

[0018] The aforementioned snap sealing ring is preferably used in the axially tightened front serration assembly described in claim 9. In addition to the sealing function, the snap sealing ring can also provide an additional assembly assistance function.

[0019] Furthermore, the aforementioned snap sealing ring may be used in the non-contact type wheel bearing preseal described in claim 10, in which case it has been found to be particularly beneficial to form vanes and a damming wall extending around the entire circumference in the flange section in order to generate flow in the opposite direction to the preseal overflow.

[0020] Multiple blades and the cells formed between them act like a kind of centrifugal pump when the snap sealing ring rotates. A medium, such as water or air, pushed radially outward is redirected axially through the dam wall, and accordingly generates a flow in front of and / or inside the sealing gap. This flow makes it even more difficult for water and contaminants to enter. Furthermore, it can facilitate the discharge of water and contaminants that have already flowed in from the area to be sealed. This dramatically and easily improves the effectiveness of the wheel bearing preseal, thereby allowing the original wheel bearing seal to be constructed particularly easily and / or with particularly low friction.

[0021] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below based on the examples shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a three-dimensional view of a snap-seal ring according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a halved cross-sectional view of the snap sealing ring shown. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the snap sealing ring shown. [Figure 4] This is a further partial cross-sectional view of the snap sealing ring shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows a first example for a metal insert. [Figure 6] This figure shows a second example for a metal insert. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a non-contact type wheel bearing preseal according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the use of a snap sealing ring as an assembly aid for joining two components to be joined together, including a front serrated assembly that is tightened in the axial direction, with the pre-assembled position shown on the left and the final assembled position on the right.

[0023] The snap-sealing ring 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 includes a plastic base body 510 and a metal insert 520.

[0024] Preferably, the base body 510 is fixed to the metal insert 520 by injection molding. However, the bonding may be performed in another form.

[0025] The base body 510 has a sleeve section 511 having a longitudinal axis A, and further has a flange section 512 that continues axially with this sleeve section 511.

[0026] The outer diameter of the flange section 512 is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve section 511. Further, the inner diameter of the sleeve section 511 is smaller than the inner diameter of the flange section 512.

[0027] Preferably, at least the sleeve section 511 has a constant wall thickness.

[0028] Furthermore, the base body 510 has at least one locking projection 513 formed on the sleeve section 511 on the radially inner side or the radially outer side for locking to the first component. However, the number of locking projections 513 may be less than or more than the illustrated configuration. Preferably, the number is, for example, within the range of 3 to 20.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the flange section 512 has a transition region 512a that is first formed in a substantially conical shape following the sleeve section 511, and then transitions to a radially annular region 512b.

[0030] On the outer periphery of the flange section 512, optionally, a collar 512c extending over the entire circumference may be formed as a dam wall in the radial direction, and this dam wall extends beyond the annular region 512b toward one side or both sides in the axial direction.

[0031] Furthermore, the flange section 512, and in particular the radially annular region 512b of the flange section 512, may optionally be provided with a plurality of protruding blades 512d that extend radially outward to the flange 512c on one or both sides. Recessed pockets or cells 512e are formed between adjacent blades 512d.

[0032] The vane 512d, in cooperation with the flange 512c, is suitable for generating a radially outward flow when the snap sealing ring 50 rotates, and this flow is redirected axially by the flange 512c.

[0033] The metal insert 520 comprises an outer annular disk section 521 and an inner annular disk section 522 positioned axially offset from the outer annular disk section 521. Furthermore, the metal insert 520 includes a sleeve-shaped connecting section 523 that connects the outer annular disk section 521 and the inner annular disk section 522 to each other.

[0034] In particular, as can be seen in Figure 2, the outer annular disk section 521 transitions to a sleeve-shaped connection section 523 radially inward. Similarly, the inner annular disk section 522 transitions to a sleeve-shaped connection section 523 radially outward.

[0035] Preferably, the insert 520 is a metal sheet member manufactured, for example, from a metal sheet blank using deformation processing techniques.

[0036] In particular, the steel plate insert 520 may have a galvanized surface or may be made from a special steel alloy or aluminum alloy to improve corrosion resistance.

[0037] As already mentioned, the base 510 and the insert 520 are joined together to form a component having the following special characteristics.

[0038] First, the outer annular disc section 521 of the insert 520 is embedded at least partially within the flange section 512 of the base 510. That is, a portion of the outer annular disc section 521 is surrounded on both sides by the material of the base 510. This provides a particularly stable mounting of the base 510 to the insert 520, with the base 510 stiffening the insert 520, particularly in the area of ​​the flange section 512.

[0039] In this case, in order to achieve a particularly tight bond between the substrate 510 and the insert 520, a partial shape connection may be realized, as shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0040] For this purpose, the insert 520 may have a notch 524 that fits into the plastic material of the base 510.

[0041] In the modified form of the insert 520 shown in Figure 5, the notch 524 is formed in the outer annular disk section 521 by a hole 524a, and the material of the substrate 510 extends through this hole 524a, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

[0042] In contrast, in Figure 6, the notch 524 is a cut 524b provided in the outer annular disk section 521. This cut 524b may be located, for example, on the outer circumference of the outer annular disk section 521.

[0043] Furthermore, another three-dimensional structure, which can be provided at the same time as shaping the insert 520, may also be used for fitting with the base 510, thereby ensuring an extremely torsion-resistant attachment of the base 510 to the insert 520.

[0044] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 2, the inner annular disc section 522 has a smaller inner diameter than the sleeve section 511 and the flange section 512.

[0045] In other words, the inner annular disk section 522 protrudes inward beyond the base 510 and, to this extent, is not covered by the material of the base 510, and therefore forms the metallic outer surface of the snap sealing ring 50.

[0046] Furthermore, the sleeve-shaped connecting section 523 has a contact surface 523a on its radially inward side for press-fitting onto the axial section of the second component. In other words, even in this region, the insert 520 is not covered by the plastic material of the base 510.

[0047] In contrast, the sleeve-shaped connecting section 523 of the insert is in contact with the plastic of the base 510 on its radially outward side. The base 510 is then directly bonded to the insert 520.

[0048] This allows for metal-to-metal attachment of the snap sealing ring 50 to the second component, thereby achieving a high press-fit force. Such a rigid joint is not very sensitive to corrosion because rust progression (Rostaufbluehung) can only difficultly expand the joint, and consequently, moisture cannot penetrate the joint. Furthermore, the exposed area of ​​the annular disc section 522 inside the insert 520 allows for good operation of the press-fit tool when assembling the snap sealing ring 50 to the shaft section of the second component.

[0049] Furthermore, the outer annular disk section 521 may be exposed from the plastic of the base 510 at least in the region 525 following the sleeve-shaped connection section 523, at the surface of the sleeve-shaped connection section 523 that transitions to the contact surface 523a exposed from the plastic of the base 510. This assists in the metal-to-metal contact with the shoulder portion of the axial step and, consequently, the precise positioning of the snap sealing ring 50 to the second component.

[0050] Such a snap-seal ring 50, consisting of two components, can be manufactured at low cost.

[0051] The snap sealing ring 50 may be used to seal the shaft coupling externally in the form described below, in which the shaft coupling can also be understood as a shaft division between two components to be connected to each other, namely a first component and a second component. The snap sealing ring 50 protects the connection point between both components from the ingress of moisture.

[0052] During assembly, the snap sealing ring 50 is press-fitted onto the shaft portion of the second component with its metal contact surface 523a, and optionally, the region 525 is then brought into contact with a shoulder formed on the shaft portion. Next, the shaft portion of the first component is joined to the shaft portion of the second component. In this case, the sleeve portion 51 of the snap sealing ring 50 engages with the first component. In particular, in this case, the sleeve portion 511 may be at least pre-positioned on the first component by the locking projection 513. Furthermore, in this case, it may be specified that the sleeve portion 511 is pressed against the first component or a sealing element 25 sealed and positioned on the first component at its axial end face.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a wheel bearing assembly with a non-contact wheel bearing preseal, comprising a wheel hub 10, a wheel bearing 20 positioned on the wheel hub 10, a wheel support 30 to which the wheel bearing 20 is fixed by a wheel bearing outer ring 21, an axle pin 40, and, in the illustrated configuration, a constant velocity joint of a drive shaft connected to transmit torque to the wheel hub 10, for example. The connection may be made, for example, via axial serrations or similar. However, the connection may be made particularly via a front serration assembly 11 / 41 that is clamped in the axial direction, which will be described in more detail below.

[0054] Furthermore, each wheel bearing assembly includes a non-contact wheel bearing preseal with a snap sealing ring 50 of the above-described form, the snap sealing ring 50 being fixed to the wheel hub 10, the wheel bearing 20 and / or the axle pin 40, and forming a sealing gap together with a corresponding contour present in the wheel support 30 or a component attached to the wheel support 30.

[0055] In the diagrams shown below, the snap sealing ring 50 is positioned in front of the wheel bearing preseal, which is the non-contact type of wheel bearing seal of the wheel bearing 20, on the side opposite the wheel. However, in principle, it is also possible to position the wheel bearing preseal in front of the wheel bearing seal on the wheel side.

[0056] Furthermore, a non-contact type wheel bearing preseal will be described below in relation to a wheel bearing assembly in which the wheel hub 10 is connected to the axle pin 40 of the drive shaft by a front serration assembly 11 / 41. As described above, instead of such connection by the front serration assembly 11 / 41, another connection structure may be provided between the wheel hub 10 and the axle pin 40.

[0057] The sealing ring 50 of the wheel bearing preseal may surround and seal the front serration assembly or alternative coupling structure radially outward. In this case, the snap sealing ring 50 may be pre-assembled to the axle pin 40 or constant velocity joint and may be engaged with the wheel hub 10 outside the power transmission path of the wheel bearing 20 in the assembled state of the wheel bearing assembly.

[0058] In Figure 7, the snap sealing ring 50 works in cooperation with the wheel support 30 to form a non-contact pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20, thereby preventing water and contaminants from entering the wheel bearing 20.

[0059] For example, the snap sealing ring 50 may have an end face 516 that is pressed against the opposing end walls 12 of the wheel hub 10 when assembled.

[0060] The wheel bearing 20, and in particular the rolling bearings 22, 23 that support the outer ring 21 of the wheel bearing 20 so as to be rotatable relative to the wheel hub 10, may be provided with additional predetermined wheel bearing seals 24, 25 that seal the rolling bearings 22, 23 from the outside. In this case, the wheel bearing seal 24 is located on the wheel side, and the wheel bearing seal 25 is located on the rear side of the wheel bearing. The aforementioned non-contact wheel bearing preseal provided by the snap sealing ring 50 is positioned spaced apart from the rolling bearings 22, 23 and is located between the axle pin 40 or constant velocity joint and the wheel support 30. Based on the preseal by the snap sealing ring 50, the predetermined wheel bearing seals 24, 25 of the wheel bearing 20 can be formed with particularly low friction.

[0061] The rolling bearings 22 and 23 may each be formed as complete bearings comprising one unique bearing inner ring, one unique bearing outer ring, and rolling elements arranged between them. However, it is also possible to integrate the individual bearing rings into a single common wheel bearing outer ring 21 and / or wheel hub 10.

[0062] In Figure 7, for example, the outer rings of the rolling bearings 22 and 23 are combined into a single common wheel bearing outer ring 21, which may further form a support and mounting structure 26 for attachment to the wheel support 30.

[0063] In Figure 7, the inner ring of the rolling bearing 22 on the left side, and therefore further from the constant velocity joint, is integrated with the wheel hub 10, whereas, for example, in Figure 7, the inner ring 29 of the rolling bearing 23 on the right side, and therefore closer to the constant velocity joint, is formed as an independent component. This inner ring 29 may be understood below as a component or partial part of the wheel hub 10. In this case, the snap sealing ring 50 of the non-contact type wheel bearing preseal may be supported on the end wall 12 of such an inner ring 29, which in this example functions as part of the wheel hub 10, depending on the configuration of the inner ring.

[0064] As long as they exist as separate bearing rings, these bearing rings are axially fixed and supported to their respective wheel bearing outer ring 21 or wheel hub 10 by appropriate axial position fixing means, such as abutment shoulders, axial position fixing rings, housing grooves, or similar. The bearing inner ring 29 may be fixed to the wheel hub 10 by, for example, deformation of the end section of the wheel hub 10. This may be done, for example, by oscillating forging or oscillating press. Therefore, the snap sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing preseal does not need to receive axial bearing forces. Since the snap sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing preseal does not have a support function, there is a large amount of design flexibility for the sealing ring 50. This allows for complex shaping.

[0065] Furthermore, this enables the incorporation of a wheel rotation speed sensor with a transmitter positioned as a ring within the wheel bearing seal 25. The corresponding detector may be positioned, for example, axially between the wheel bearing seal 25 and the snap sealing ring 50 of a non-contact wheel bearing preseal, while the corresponding sensor housing, along with further components of the wheel rotation speed sensor, may be mounted in a notch or hole provided in the wheel support 30.

[0066] As an alternative or supplement to providing a non-contact pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20, the snap sealing ring 50 may further surround and seal the aforementioned front serration assembly 11 / 41 radially outward, and thus may be used to protect against corrosion. For this purpose, the snap sealing ring 50 of the non-contact wheel bearing pre-seal may be sandwiched, for example, axially between the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40. In particular, the contact surface 523a of the snap sealing ring 50 is press-fitted to a shaft step provided on the axle pin 40, and the area 525 of the snap sealing ring 50 is fitted over the shoulder of the shaft step, in which case metal-to-metal contact occurs at both locations.

[0067] In Figure 7, the face serration assemblies 11 / 41 form the interface between the constant velocity joint 40 and the wheel hub 10. For this purpose, one face serration 11;41 is formed on each of the opposing end walls of the constant velocity joint 40 and the wheel hub 10. The teeth of both of these face serrations 11,41 are engaged with each other. In this specification, a face serration is understood to be a radial tooth structure on the end face of one component that can be coupled to a corresponding radial tooth structure on the end face of the other component for the purpose of torque transmission. The tooth engagement is playless and suitable for transmitting high torque. Such face serration assemblies are sometimes also called Haas tooth assemblies or end face tooth assemblies.

[0068] Preferably, a tightening device 60 in the form of a tightening bolt is used to engage and hold both front serrations 11 and 41 provided on the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40 with each other in the axial direction when tightened.

[0069] The fastening device 60 preferably extends through the centers of both front serrations 11, 41. In particular, the fastening device 60 or fastening bolt may be supported by the wheel hub 10 at its head 61 and screwed into the constant velocity joint 40 via threads 62. The reverse assembly is also possible.

[0070] As already mentioned above, the snap sealing ring 50 of the wheel bearing preseal forms a sealing gap together with the opposing contours present on the wheel support 30 or the components attached to the wheel support 30. To improve the sealing action, the snap sealing ring 50 may be provided with a plurality of vanes 512d, and cells 512e are formed between these vanes 512d in the circumferential direction. In this case, the number of vanes 512d is on the order of 1 to 60.

[0071] The blade 512d does not necessarily have to be strictly oriented radially, and may be adjusted to an angle of approximately + / - 20° with respect to the radial direction. Furthermore, the blade 512d may be curved radially, in which case the tangent to the blade 512d may also be at an angle of up to approximately + / - 20° with respect to the radial direction.

[0072] Each cell 512e is defined radially outward by a damming wall 512c, which itself defines a sealing gap radially inward. In contrast, the cells 512e are radially inward and preferably open. This generates a flow in front of or inside the sealing gap that is opposite to the direction of seal overflow when the snap sealing ring 50 rotates. This prevents water and waste from entering the sealing gap. Any water and waste that has already entered is guided outward based on the flow. This significantly enhances the sealing action of the non-contact preseal.

[0073] In Figure 7, this effect is illustrated, for example, by arrow S indicating the flow direction of the medium upstream of the snap sealing ring 50, such as air and / or water. Based on the rotation of the snap sealing ring 50, the medium is carried along by the vanes 512d, flows radially outward due to centrifugal force, and is then redirected axially by the respective damming walls 512c of the corresponding cells 512e.

[0074] When the vane 512d and cell 512e are positioned on the outside of the seal to the snap sealing ring 50, the medium is directed away from the snap sealing ring 50 in the region of the opening of the sealing gap. This flow makes it significantly difficult for water and contaminants to enter the sealing gap. Furthermore, the substantially axial flow at the opening outside the sealing gap creates a suction effect on the sealing gap, which further makes it difficult for water and contaminants to enter, and in some cases directs any water and contaminants that have entered outwards.

[0075] The corresponding vanes 512d and cells 512e may be positioned inside the seal of the snap sealing ring 50. In this case, the flow generated by the centrifugal pump effect may be guided into the sealing gap, thereby generating a flow from the inside to the outside within the sealing gap.

[0076] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 8, the snap sealing ring 50 may be additionally used as an assembly aid during the assembly of the wheel bearing assembly. In other words, when assembling the face serration assembly, care must be taken to ensure that the corresponding face serrations 11, 41 engage properly with each other in order to prevent tooth tip contact assembly.

[0077] In Figure 8, the right side shows the axially tightened front serration assembly in its final tightening assembly position, while the left side shows the front serration assembly during assembly.

[0078] In this specification, a front serration is understood to be a radial tooth structure on the end face of one component, which can be coupled to a corresponding radial tooth structure on the end face of the other component for the purpose of torque transmission. The front serration assembly, which is tightened in the axial direction, further comprises a second front serration 41 provided on the joint shaft 40. In this case, the first front serration 11 and the second front serration 41 are tooth-engaged with each other. This tooth-engagement has no play in Figure 8 and is suitable for transmitting high torque.

[0079] Furthermore, a front serration assembly that is tightened in the axial direction is preferably equipped with a tightening device 60 in the form of a tightening bolt, which tightens the first front serration 11 and the second front serration 41 axially with each other in the tightened state. The tightening device 60 preferably extends through the center of both front serrations 11 and 41. In particular, the tightening device 60 or the tightening bolt may be supported by the wheel hub 20 and screwed into the constant velocity joint 40. The reverse assembly is also possible.

[0080] The sealing ring 50 surrounds the first front serration 11 and the second front serration 41 radially outward, sealing them together. The snap sealing ring 50 loosely engages and holds the first front serration 11 and the second front serration 41 with each other, as will be described in more detail below. This loose engagement state is also considered herein to be a pre-assembled position in which the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40 are already roughly aligned with each other and are secured against disassembly by the snap sealing ring 50.

[0081] In this case, as shown on the left side of Figure 8, in the pre-assembled position, the axial play x between the two front serrations 11 and 41 is smaller than the tooth height h of the first front serration 11 and the second front serration 41. In other words, if the pre-assembled position is achieved, it can be assumed that the tooth tip contact position between the teeth of the first front serration 11 and the teeth of the second front serration 41 is eliminated.

[0082] Accordingly, in the second step, after the pre-assembly position is formed, the tightening device 60 may be tightened, thereby forming a play-free engagement between the first front serration 11 and the second front serration 41, and thereby achieving the final assembly position shown on the right side of Figure 8.

[0083] In the final assembly position, the snap sealing ring 50 reliably prevents moisture and contaminants from entering the joint between the first front serration 11 and the second front serration 41 from the outside, thereby protecting the gear engagement from corrosion.

[0084] The arrangement and configuration of the snap sealing ring 50 with respect to the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40 may be carried out in various different forms, as will be explained in detail below. In this case, it should be noted that the arrangement of the snap sealing ring 50 and the optional engagement structure with respect to the constant velocity joint 40 as the first component and the wheel hub 10 as the second component may be basically reversed.

[0085] In one modified embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 8, the snap sealing ring 50 may be fixed to one of the first and second components, whereas the snap sealing ring 50 is connected to the other of the first and second components via a locking mechanism. Based on this locking, it can be reliably recognized that the pre-assembled position has been achieved, that is, that the tooth tip contact position has been eliminated.

[0086] In the illustrated configuration, the snap sealing ring 50 may be fixed to one of the first and second components, for example, the constant velocity joint 40 as the first component, by press fitting, adhesive, or other means. Preferably, this is done before both components, i.e., the wheel hub 10 and the constant velocity joint 40, are joined to each other to achieve the pre-assembled position.

[0087] For the locking mechanism, the snap sealing ring 50 has a plurality of locking projections 513 distributed and arranged on its circumferential surface, which, after overcoming a projection 101 provided on the other component, for example, the second component or the wheel hub 10 in the illustrated configuration, engage with one or more notches 102 provided on the other component or the second component. In principle, a single locking projection 513 may already be sufficient.

[0088] In this case, the protrusion 101 and the notch 102 may be formed as a structure that extends continuously around the entire circumference, thereby making the angular position of the snap sealing ring 50 in the circumferential direction irrelevant during assembly. However, it is also possible to provide the protrusion 101 with a plurality of individual protrusions and / or the notch 102 with a plurality of individual notches.

[0089] In a variation of the illustrated embodiment, however, the locking projection 513 may be located on the outer circumferential surface of the snap sealing ring 50 instead of the inner circumferential surface. In this case, the projection 101 and notch 102 of the second component are located in the inner circumferential portion of the second component.

[0090] As already mentioned, when the fastening device 60 is not fastened, the locking projection 513 is housed with axial play within one or more corresponding notches 102. Preferably, when the locking projection 513 overcomes the projection 101, the overlap between the teeth of the first front serration 11 and the teeth of the second front serration 41 is 30% to 90% of the combined tooth height.

[0091] To facilitate assembly, the snap sealing ring 50 may be elastically flexible radially inward and outward in the sleeve section 511 where the locking projection 513 is formed, thereby more easily overcoming the locking resistance formed by the projection 101.

[0092] For this purpose, the chamfered portion formed on the locking projection 513 and / or the protruding portion 102 may also provide assistance.

[0093] Furthermore, the snap sealing ring 50 may have a sealing surface 516 that extends around its entire circumference, and this sealing surface 516 is pressed against the other component, in the illustrated configuration, for example, the second component or a corresponding sealing surface 13 provided on the wheel hub 10, when the fastening device 60 is tightened.

[0094] The sealing surface 516 extending around the entire circumference of the snap sealing ring 50 may be formed by wall divisions on the end face side in the axial direction of the snap sealing ring 50.

[0095] The sealing surface 516 extending around the entire circumference of the snap sealing ring 50 may be a surface perpendicular to the axial direction. The sealing surface 516 extending around the entire circumference of the snap sealing ring 50 may be a surface oblique to the axial direction. The sealing surface 516 extending around the entire circumference of the snap sealing ring 50 may be a curved surface. The sealing surface 516 extending around the entire circumference of the snap sealing ring 50 may be a combination of multiple surface divisions of the above-described forms.

[0096] In particular, the sealing surface 516 extending around the entire circumference of the snap sealing ring 50 and the corresponding sealing surface 13 provided on the other component may be formed in a conical shape.

[0097] The aforementioned snap sealing ring 50 may be used as an assembly aid to position the components 10 and 40 to be joined together in order to avoid tooth tip contact. Joining to achieve the pre-assembled position may be performed in the first step or work process. During the subsequent installation and tightening of the fastening device 60 in the second step or work process, additional holding devices for the second components are not required in this embodiment. In this case, the axial force applied during tightening is on the order of approximately 80 kN or more.

[0098] In one implementation variation, the holding force of the snap sealing ring 50 is defined as an assembly auxiliary element, and the tightening force of the tightening device 60 is used to move it axially to its final position.

[0099] During assembly, the snap sealing ring 50 may first be fixed to the first component or constant velocity joint 40. In other words, the first component 10 or constant velocity joint 40 is supplied to the joining process already equipped with the snap sealing ring 50.

[0100] Furthermore, the wheel bearing 20 is assembled to the wheel hub 10, and the wheel bearing 20 is coupled to the wheel support 30.

[0101] In a further step of the joining process, the constant velocity joint 40 and the wheel hub 10, which includes the wheel bearing 20, are loosely assembled to each other using a snap sealing ring 50. In this case, the first face serrations 11 and the second face serrations 41 are partially engaged, so that the teeth of both already overlap each other, but a play-free position has not yet been achieved. In this pre-assembled position, the wheel hub 10 is fixed in position relative to the axle pin 40 or the constant velocity joint, so that the two components can no longer be easily separated from each other, while at the same time, the face serrations 11 and 41 of both components are not in tooth-tip contact with each other. Such process steps are easily handled.

[0102] In a subsequent step, the first face serrations 11 and the second face serrations 41 are tightened together using a tightening bolt 60. Since the wheel hub 10 is already pre-positioned and fixed to the constant velocity joint 40, no additional retaining device is needed for the wheel hub 10 when the tightening bolt 60 is installed and screwed in. The screwing brings the first face serrations 11 and the second face serrations 41 into contact with each other without any play. The appropriate tightening is selected according to the torque to be transmitted. This process step is also easily handled. Upon achieving the assembled position, the sealing ring 50 seals the engagement between the first face serrations 11 and the second face serrations 41 radially outward, thus transforming from an assembly aid into a sealing device. Simultaneously, the snap sealing ring 50 engages with the wheel support 30, thereby providing a pre-seal for the wheel bearing 20.

[0103] The axially clamped front serration assembly is disassemblable, and particularly non-destructive. This is advantageous for customer service.

[0104] For this purpose, the locking mechanism may be configured to allow the locking projection 513 to disengage due to high axial force or bending moment. For this purpose, appropriately adapted contact bevels or chamfers may be provided.

[0105] For example, the disassembly method for customer service can be carried out simply as follows. To do this, first the fastening device 60 is loosened somewhat, preferably while the partial engagement between the front serrations 11, 41 is maintained. To do this, the fastening bolt may be loosened by, for example, about 3 to 9 mm (corresponding to 2 to 6 turns in the case of a 1.5 mm thread pitch). The head 61 of the fastening bolt is struck with a soft hammer, and then the snap sealing ring 50 is released in the area of ​​the locking mechanism. The fall of the constant velocity joint 40 can be prevented by the fastening bolt, which has not yet been completely loosened. After the release of the sealing ring 40, the fastening device 60 or the fastening bolt may be completely twisted out.

[0106] The present invention has been described in detail based on several embodiments and further variations. In particular, the technical features described above, even if not explicitly stated in the context of further individual features, may be implemented in combination with them, without being dependent on the further individual features, as long as it is technically possible. For the sake of emphasis, the brim and feathers may be omitted in all examples. Therefore, the present invention is not strictly limited to the embodiments and variations described, but encompasses all configurations defined by the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10 Wheel Hubs 11 First frontal serrations 12 End Wall 13 Sealing surface 20 Wheel bearings 21 Wheel bearing outer ring 22 Rolling bearings 23 Rolling bearings 24 Wheel bearing seals 25 Wheel bearing seals 26 Support and mounting structures 29 Bearing inner ring 30 Wheel support 31 Protrusion 32 Annular wall in the axial direction 33 Inner edge of the protruding part 34 Annular groove of the protruding part 35 Inner edge of the annular groove 40 Axle pins or constant velocity joints 41 Second frontal serrations 42 Wall step section 43 Threaded opening 50 snap sealing rings 60 Tightening device 61 Head 62 Threads / Thread Classification 101 Protrusion 102 Notches 201 Protrusion 202 Notch 510 Plastic substrate 511 Sleeve Classification 512 Flange Classification 512a Radial annular division 512b Transition Category 512c Rim / dam wall 512d feather 512e cell 513 Locking protrusion 516 Sealing surface 520 Metal Inserts 521 Outer annular disk section 522 Inner annular disk section 523 Connection section, sleeve-shaped 523a Contact surface, metal 524 Notch 524a Hole 524b Notch 525 areas h tooth height x-axis direction play A wheel hub, axle pin, and sealing ring have corresponding axes to their rotational axes. S flow direction

Claims

1. A snap sealing ring (50) for sealing a shaft coupling on the outside, A plastic substrate (510), - Sleeve classification (511), - A flange section (512) is axially connected to the sleeve section (511), - The sleeve section (511) has at least one locking projection (513) formed radially inward or radially outward for locking to the first component and A base (510) having, A metal insert (520), - The outer annular disk section (521), - An inner annular disk section (522) is positioned offset in the axial direction from the outer annular disk section (521), - A sleeve-shaped connecting section (523) that connects the outer annular disk section (521) and the inner annular disk section (522) to each other. An insert (520) equipped with Equipped with, The outer annular disc section (521) is at least partially embedded within the flange section (512), The inner annular disc section (522) has a smaller inner diameter than the sleeve section (511) and the flange section (512). The sleeve-shaped connecting section (523) has a contact surface (523a) formed on its radially inward side for press-fitting onto the axial section of the second component member. The sleeve-shaped connecting section (523) is in contact with the plastic of the base (510) on the radially outward side. Snap sealing ring (50).

2. The snap sealing ring according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert (520) is a thin metal plate member.

3. The snap sealing ring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert (520) is made from a steel plate and has a galvanized surface.

4. The snap sealing ring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert (520) is made of a special steel alloy or an aluminum alloy.

5. The snap sealing ring according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the insert (520) has a notch (524) that is shape-connectively fitted into the plastic material of the base (510).

6. The snap sealing ring (50) according to claim 5, characterized in that the notch (524) is a hole (524a) and / or the notch (524) is a notch (524a) provided in the outer annular disk section (521).

7. The snap sealing ring according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flange section (512) has a flange (512c) that extends around the entire circumference as a radial damming wall and a wing (512d) that extends to the flange (512c).

8. The snap sealing ring according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer annular disk portion (521) is exposed from the plastic of the base (510) at least in the region of the outer annular disk portion (521) that follows the sleeve-shaped connection portion (523), on the surface of the sleeve-shaped connection portion (523) that transitions to the contact surface exposed from the plastic of the base (510).

9. A front serration assembly that is clamped in the axial direction, A first component having a first front serration (11), A second component having a second front serration (41) and Equipped with, The first front serration (11) and the second front serration (41) are engaged with each other in the tooth arch and are clamped together in the axial direction. The front serration assembly comprises a snap sealing ring (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which radially surrounds and seals the first front serration (11) and the second front serration (21), The snap sealing ring (50) is press-fitted to the shaft step portion provided on the first component by the contact surface (523a), The snap sealing ring (50) is engaged with axial play within one or more notches (102) provided in the second component by the at least one locking projection (513), The snap sealing ring (50) has a sealing surface (516) extending around its entire circumference on the axial end face side, and the sealing surface (516) is pressed against the second component or a sealing element positioned on the second component when the assembly position with no play in the axial direction of the first and second front serrations (11, 41) is achieved. Front serration assembly.

10. A non-contact type wheel bearing preseal between the wheel support (30) on one side and the wheel hub (10), wheel bearing (20) and / or axle pin (40) on the other side, A wheel bearing preseal comprising a snap sealing ring (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is fixed to the wheel hub (10), the wheel bearing (20), and / or the axle pin (40), and which forms a sealing gap along a flange section together with a corresponding contour present in the wheel support (30) or a component attached to the wheel support (30).

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