Wheel bearing device

Abstract

In a wheel bearing device, the workability when assembling the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint to the hub wheel can be improved. [Solution] A wheel bearing device 1, wherein the inner ring 4 is located on the outer diameter side of the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3 and has an inner ring side projection 4b that protrudes in the other axial direction from the other axial end face of the inner ring 4, the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 has a joint side projection 27 that protrudes in the one axial direction from one axial end face of the mouth portion 24, the inner ring side projection 4b has an inner ring side opposing surface 4c that faces the joint side projection 27, and the joint side projection 27 has a joint side opposing surface 27a that faces the inner ring side projection 4b.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, 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 an outer joint member of a constant velocity joint having a mouse portion connected to the shaft in a rotationally transmissible manner, 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] 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 on the outside by a flexible seal. 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 apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the spur teeth of the wheel hub and constant velocity rotary joint are surrounded by a flexible seal, making it impossible to visually inspect the spur teeth while assembling the constant velocity rotary joint to the wheel hub. As a result, it is difficult to center the spur teeth of the wheel hub and constant velocity rotary joint, which presents problems with the workability when assembling the constant velocity rotary joint to the wheel hub.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a wheel bearing device that can improve the workability when assembling the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint to a hub wheel. [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 outer circumferential surface extending in the axial direction, and at least one inner ring press-fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the hub ring, having a double row of inner raceway surfaces facing the double row of outer raceway surfaces, 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, Equipped with, The inner ring has an end face on the other side in the axial direction, The hub ring has a crimping portion that protrudes axially in the opposite direction to the axial end face of the inner ring, A wheel bearing device in which a hub wheel-side spline formed on the axial end face of the crimping portion of the hub wheel and a coupling-side spline formed on the axial end face of the mouse portion are spline-fitted, The inner ring is located on the outer diameter side of the crimping portion of the hub ring and has an inner ring side projection that protrudes in the other axial direction from the other axial end face of the inner ring. The mouse portion has a joint-side projection that protrudes in the axial direction from the axial end face of the mouse portion, The inner ring side projection has an inner ring side facing surface that is opposite to the joint side projection, The joint-side projection has a joint-side opposing surface that faces the inner ring-side projection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention provides the following effects: In other words, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability when assembling the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint to a hub wheel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing a wheel bearing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Similarly, this is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outer diameter portion of the face splines of the hub ring of a wheel bearing device and the face splines of a constant velocity universal joint. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outer diameter portion of the face spline of the hub ring of a wheel bearing device. [Figure 4] Similarly, this is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outer diameter portion of the face splines of the hub ring of a wheel bearing device and the face splines of a constant velocity universal joint. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outer diameter portion of the face spline of the hub ring of a wheel bearing device. [Figure 6] Similarly, this is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outer diameter portion of the face splines of the hub ring of a wheel bearing device and the face splines of a constant velocity universal joint. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outer diameter portion of the face spline of the hub ring of a wheel bearing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] [Overall configuration of a wheel bearing system] 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.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 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.

[0013] 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. Also, 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. Further, the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the wheel bearing device 1 is referred to as the radial direction. Also, in the following, 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.

[0014] On the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 2, an inner side outer raceway groove 2c and an outer side outer raceway groove 2d are formed. On the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 2, a vehicle body attachment flange 2e for attaching the outer ring 2 to the vehicle body side member is integrally formed. The vehicle body attachment flange 2e is provided with bolt holes 2f into which fastening members (here, bolts) for fastening the vehicle body side member and the outer ring 2 are inserted.

[0015] On the inner side end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the hub ring 3, a small-diameter stepped portion 3a having a smaller diameter than the outer side end portion is formed. On the outer side end portion of the hub ring 3, a wheel mounting flange 3b for mounting a wheel is integrally formed. A plurality of bolt holes 3d are formed in the wheel mounting flange 3b.A wheel bolt is screwed from the wheel side into the bolt hole 3d to fasten the hub ring 3 and the wheel or brake components. Also, as a structure for fastening the hub ring 3 and the wheel or brake components, it may be fixed by press-fitting a hub bolt and a nut.

[0016] On the outer peripheral surface of the hub ring 3, an outer side inner raceway groove 3c is provided so as to face the outer side outer raceway groove 2d of the outer ring 2. That is, on the outer side of the inner member, the inner raceway groove 3c is formed by the hub ring 3.An outer side opening 2b, which is an annular space, is formed between the outer ring 2 and the hub ring 3. The outer side seal member 10 is fitted into the outer side opening 2b to prevent the intrusion of foreign matters such as muddy water from the outer side opening 2b. The outer side seal member 10 is an example of a sealing device.

[0017] 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 ring 4 and the hub ring 3 are integrated by a crimped portion 3f, which is plastically deformed by crimping the inner end of the small-diameter stepped portion 3a on the hub ring 3, preventing the inner ring 4 from coming out axially relative to the hub ring 3. The crimped portion 3f is crimped toward the inner end face of the inner ring 4 and protrudes inward from the inner end face of the inner ring 4. 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, which are 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, an inner raceway groove 4a is formed on the inner side of the inner member by the inner ring 4. An annular space, the inner side opening 2a, is formed between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4. The inner side sealing member 9 is fitted into the inner side opening 2a and prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering through the inner side opening 2a. The inner side sealing member 9 is an example of a sealing device.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 to the shaft 28 so that rotational torque from the shaft 28 can be transmitted. The constant velocity universal joint 20 has an outer joint member 21, an inner joint member 22 with a track groove formed on its outer circumference facing 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The shoulder portion 25 of the outer joint member 21 is provided with a face spline 25a that engages with 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 engaged state, and torque from the shaft 28 can be transmitted to the hub wheel 3 via the outer joint member 21.

[0022] [Inner ring side protrusion and joint side protrusion] The inner ring 4 has an inner ring side projection 4b, and the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 has a joint side projection 27.

[0023] The inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 protrudes from the inner side (other axial side) end face of the inner ring 4 toward the inner side (other axial side). The inner ring side projection 4b is located on the outer diameter side of the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3. The inner ring side projection 4b is positioned on the outer diameter side of the face spline 3g of the hub ring 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The inner ring side projection 4b is configured in an annular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the inner ring side projection 4b is configured in a substantially triangular shape. The inner diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is configured as an inclined surface that widens towards the inner side, and the outer diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is configured as a surface parallel to the axial direction. The inner diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is positioned on the inner diameter side of the outer diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b. The inner diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is configured as the inner ring side opposing surface 4c. The inner ring side opposing surface 4c is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The inner ring side opposing surface 4c faces the joint-side projection 27 (joint-side opposing surface 27a) of the constant velocity universal joint 20, which will be described later. The inner ring side opposing surface 4c is positioned in close proximity to the joint-side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The inclination angle of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c is configured to match the inclination angle of the joint-side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20, and the inner ring side opposing surface 4c and the joint-side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are parallel.

[0024] The joint-side projection 27 of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 in the constant velocity universal joint 20 protrudes from the outer side (axial side) end face of the mouth portion 24 in the axial direction (outer side). The joint-side projection 27 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The joint-side projection 27 is configured in an annular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the joint-side projection 27 is configured in a substantially triangular shape. The outer diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is configured as an inclined surface that widens towards the inner side, and the inner diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is configured as a surface parallel to the axial direction. The outer diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the inner diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27. The outer diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is configured as the joint-side opposing surface 27a. The joint-side opposing surface 27a is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The joint-side opposing surface 27a faces the inner ring-side projection 4b (inner ring-side opposing surface 4c). The joint-side opposing surface 27a is positioned close to the inner ring-side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4. The inclination angle of the joint-side opposing surface 27a is configured to match the inclination angle of the inner ring-side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4, and the joint-side opposing surface 27a is parallel to the inner ring-side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4. The inner diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is positioned on the inner diameter side of the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b of the inner ring 4, so that the inner ring-side projection 4b is positioned on the outer diameter side of the joint-side projection 27.

[0025] As described above, the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 faces the joint side projection 27 (joint side opposing surface 27a) of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 faces the inner ring side projection 4b (inner ring side opposing surface 4c) of the inner ring 4. Therefore, when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3, by moving the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 in a direction that brings them relatively closer together while the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are in contact, centering of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be achieved. Therefore, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0026] As described above, the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are inclined with respect to the axial direction, and their inclination angles are configured to match. Therefore, when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3, by moving the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 in a direction that brings them relatively closer together while the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are in contact, the centering of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed more smoothly. Thus, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0027] The inclination angle α1(α) of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 with respect to the axial direction satisfies the relationship 0°≦α≦80°. The inclination angle α2(α) of the joint side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 with respect to the axial direction satisfies the relationship 100°≦α≦180°. As shown in Figure 2, the inclination angle α1 is the angle formed between the inner diameter side of the virtual axial line and the outer side of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c, and the inclination angle α2 is the angle formed between the inner diameter side of the virtual axial line and the inner side of the joint side opposing surface 27a. Thus, the inclination angle α of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 with respect to the axial direction satisfies the relationship 0°≦α≦80° or 100°≦α≦180°. As a result, the centering of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed more smoothly. Therefore, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0028] A predetermined gap is formed between the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20. A sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The sealing member 12 is composed of, for example, an annular O-ring made of rubber material.

[0029] As described above, since the sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, the sealing member 12 can protect the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 from corrosion. Furthermore, since the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 is protected by the sealing member 12 in this way, it is not necessary to provide a sealing member, and the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, by not providing a sealing member, the fitting of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed while visually inspecting the assembly.Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 is covered by a sealing member, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved. Furthermore, grooves for positioning the sealing member 12 may be formed on the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and / or the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20. This configuration prevents the sealing member 12 from shifting from the desired position when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3.

[0030] The inner end of the inner ring side projection 4b, which is the boundary between the outer diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 and the opposing inner ring side surface 4c, is composed of a surface parallel to the radial direction. The outer end of the joint side projection 27 of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, which is the boundary between the inner diameter side surface of the joint side projection 27 and the opposing joint side surface 27a, is composed of a surface parallel to the radial direction.

[0031] A predetermined gap is formed in the axial direction between the inner end (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 and the outer side (the one end face in the axial direction) of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 that is on the outer diameter side of the joint side projection 27. The predetermined gap in the axial direction between the inner end of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 and the outer side of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 that is on the outer diameter side of the joint side projection 27 is configured as gap G1. The gap G1 satisfies the relationship 0.5 mm ≤ G1 ≤ 2.5 mm.

[0032] As described above, when the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 is located on the outer diameter side of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, the gap G1 satisfies the relationship 0.5 mm ≤ G1 ≤ 2.5 mm. Therefore, if the gap G1 does not satisfy 0.5 mm ≤ G1 ≤ 2.5 mm due to machining errors of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, and assembly errors between the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the constant velocity universal joint 20, it can be recognized that there is a defect in the assembly of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3.

[0033] The axial length d from the inner end face (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 to the inner end (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring side projection 4b, and the axial length D from the inner end face (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 to the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3 satisfy the relationship d < (3 / 4)D. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 from coming into contact with machining jigs, etc., when forming the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3.

[0034] Next, we will describe the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 4 to 5. In describing the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 4 to 5, 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.

[0035] [Inner ring side protrusion and joint side protrusion] The inner ring 4 has an inner ring side projection 4b, and the mouth portion 24 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 has a joint side projection 27.

[0036] The cross-sectional shape of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 is approximately triangular. The outer diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is an inclined surface configured to widen towards the outer side, and the inner diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is a surface parallel to the axial direction. The outer diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is located on the outer diameter side of the inner diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b. The outer diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is configured as the inner ring side opposing surface 4c. The inner ring side opposing surface 4c is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The inner ring side opposing surface 4c faces the joint side projection 27 (joint side opposing surface 27a) of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The inner ring side opposing surface 4c is located in close proximity to the joint side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The inclination angle of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c is configured to match the inclination angle of the joint side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20, and the inner ring side opposing surface 4c and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are parallel to each other.

[0037] The cross-sectional shape of the joint-side projection 27 of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 in the constant velocity universal joint 20 is configured to be approximately triangular. The inner diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is configured to be an inclined surface that widens towards the outer side, and the outer diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is configured to be a surface parallel to the axial direction. The inner diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is located on the inner diameter side of the outer diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27. The inner diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is configured as the joint-side opposing surface 27a. The joint-side opposing surface 27a is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The joint-side opposing surface 27a faces the inner ring side projection 4b (inner ring side opposing surface 4c). The joint-side opposing surface 27a is located in close proximity to the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4. The inclination angle of the joint-side opposing surface 27a is configured to match the inclination angle of the inner ring-side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4, and the joint-side opposing surface 27a and the inner ring-side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 are parallel. The outer diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the inner diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b of the inner ring 4, so that the joint-side projection 27 is located on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b.

[0038] As described above, the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 faces the joint side projection 27 (joint side opposing surface 27a) of the constant velocity universal joint 20, and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 faces the inner ring side projection 4b (inner ring side opposing surface 4c) of the inner ring 4. Therefore, when assembling the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3, by moving the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 in a direction that brings them relatively closer together while the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are in contact, centering of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be achieved. Thus, the workability when assembling the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0039] As described above, the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are inclined with respect to the axial direction, and their inclination angles are configured to match. Therefore, when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3, by moving the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 in a direction that brings them relatively closer together while the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are in contact, the centering of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed more smoothly. Thus, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0040] The inclination angle α1(α) of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 with respect to the axial direction satisfies the relationship 100°≦α≦180°. The inclination angle α2(α) of the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 with respect to the axial direction satisfies the relationship 0°≦α≦80°. As shown in Figure 4, the inclination angle α1 is the angle formed between the inner diameter side of the virtual axial line and the outer side of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c, and the inclination angle α2 is the angle formed between the inner diameter side of the virtual axial line and the inner side of the joint side opposing surface 27a. Thus, the inclination angle α of the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 with respect to the axial direction satisfies the relationship 0°≦α≦80° or 100°≦α≦180°. As a result, the centering of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed more smoothly. Therefore, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0041] A predetermined gap is formed between the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20. A sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20.

[0042] As described above, since the sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring 4 and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, the sealing member 12 can protect the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 from corrosion. Furthermore, since the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 is protected by the sealing member 12 in this way, it is not necessary to provide a sealing member, and the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, by not providing a sealing member, the fitting of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed while visually inspecting the assembly.Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 is covered by a sealing member, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0043] The inner end of the inner ring side projection 4b, which is the boundary between the inner diameter side surface and the inner ring side opposing surface 4c of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4, is composed of a surface parallel to the radial direction. The outer end of the joint side projection 27, which is the boundary between the outer diameter side surface and the joint side opposing surface 27a of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, is composed of a surface parallel to the radial direction.

[0044] A predetermined gap is formed in the axial direction between the inner side surface (the other end surface in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 on the outer diameter side of the inner ring side projection 4b and the outer end (the one end surface in the axial direction) of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21. The predetermined gap in the axial direction between the inner side surface of the inner ring 4 on the outer diameter side of the inner ring side projection 4b and the outer end of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 is configured as gap G2. The gap G2 satisfies the relationship 0.5 mm ≤ G2 ≤ ​​2.5 mm.

[0045] As described above, when the joint-side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 is located on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b of the inner ring 4, the gap G2 satisfies the relationship 0.5 mm ≤ G2 ≤ ​​2.5 mm. Therefore, if the gap G2 does not satisfy 0.5 mm ≤ G2 ≤ ​​2.5 mm due to machining errors in the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, or assembly errors between the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the constant velocity universal joint 20, it can be recognized that there is a defect in the assembly of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3.

[0046] The axial length d from the inner end face (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 to the inner end (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring side projection 4b, and the axial length D from the inner end face (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 to the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3 satisfy the relationship d < (3 / 4)D. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 from coming into contact with machining jigs, etc., when forming the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3.

[0047] Next, the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 6 to 7 will be described. In describing the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 6 to 7, explanations of parts that are the same as those of the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 5 will be omitted as appropriate, and the explanation will focus on the parts that differ from the wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0048] [Inner ring side protrusion and joint side protrusion] The inner ring 4 has an inner ring side projection 4b, and the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 has a joint side projection 27.

[0049] The cross-sectional shape of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 is approximately rectangular. The outer diameter side surface and inner diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b are composed of surfaces parallel to the axial direction. The inner end surface (the other end surface in the axial direction) of the inner ring side projection 4b is composed of a surface parallel to the radial direction. The outer diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is configured as the first inner ring side opposing surface (inner ring side opposing surface) 4d. The inner end surface of the inner ring side projection 4b is configured as the second inner ring side opposing surface (inner ring side opposing surface) 4e.

[0050] The first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 faces the joint side projection 27 (first joint side opposing surface 27b) of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 is positioned in close proximity to the first joint side opposing surface 27b of the constant velocity universal joint 20. The first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 and the first joint side opposing surface 27b of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are parallel. The second inner ring side opposing surface 4e of the inner ring 4 faces the outer end face of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, which is on the inner diameter side of the joint side projection 27 in the mouth portion 24. The second inner ring side opposing surface 4e of the inner ring 4 is positioned in close proximity to the outer end face of the outer joint member 21, which is on the inner diameter side of the joint side projection 27 in the mouth portion 24. The opposing surface 4e on the second inner ring side of the inner ring 4 and the outer end face on the inner diameter side of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21, which is on the inner diameter side of the joint-side projection 27, are parallel.

[0051] The cross-sectional shape of the joint-side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 is substantially rectangular. The outer diameter side surface and inner diameter side surface of the joint-side projection 27 are composed of surfaces parallel to the axial direction. The outer end surface (axial side end surface) of the joint-side projection 27 is composed of a surface parallel to the radial direction. The inner diameter surface of the joint-side projection 27 is composed as the first joint-side opposing surface 27b (joint-side opposing surface). The outer end surface of the joint-side projection 27 is composed as the second joint-side opposing surface (joint-side opposing surface) 27c.

[0052] The joint-side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 is located on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b of the inner ring 4. The first joint-side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 faces the inner ring-side projection 4b (first inner ring-side opposing surface 4d) of the inner ring 4. The first joint-side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 is positioned in close proximity to the first inner ring-side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4. The first joint-side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 and the first inner ring-side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 are parallel. The second joint-side opposing surface 27c of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 faces the inner end face of the inner ring 4, which is on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b. The second joint-side opposing surface 27c of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 is positioned close to the inner end face of the inner ring 4, which is on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b. The second joint-side opposing surface 27c of the outer joint member 21 and the inner end face of the inner ring 4, which is on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b, are parallel to each other.

[0053] As described above, the first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 faces the joint-side projection 27 (first joint-side opposing surface 27b) of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, and the first joint-side opposing surface 27b faces the inner ring side projection 4b (first inner ring side opposing surface 4d) of the inner ring 4. Therefore, when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3, by moving the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 in a direction that brings them relatively closer together while the first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 and the first joint-side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 are in contact, centering of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25a of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed. Therefore, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0054] A predetermined gap is formed between the first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 and the first joint side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20. A sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 and the first joint side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20. In this way, since the sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 and the first joint side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, the sealing member 12 can protect the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 from corrosion. Furthermore, since the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 is protected by the sealing member 12 in this way, it is not necessary to provide a sealing member, and the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for a sealing member, the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be fitted together while visually inspecting the connection. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 is covered by a sealing member, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, a predetermined gap is formed between the second inner ring side opposing surface 4e of the inner ring 4 and the outer end face of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, which is on the inner diameter side of the joint-side projection 27 in the mouth portion 24. A sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the second inner ring side opposing surface 4e of the inner ring 4 and the outer end face of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, which is on the inner diameter side of the joint-side projection 27 in the mouth portion 24. In this way, since a sealing member 12 is interposed in the gap between the second inner ring side opposing surface 4e of the inner ring 4 and the outer end face of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, which is on the inner diameter side of the joint-side projection 27 in the mouth portion 24, the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be protected from corrosion by the sealing member 12. Furthermore, since the sealing member 12 protects the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20, there is no need to provide a sealing member, thus reducing the number of parts. In addition, by not providing a sealing member, the fitting of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 can be performed while visually inspecting the process. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the spline fitting portion between the hub wheel 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 20 is covered by a sealing member, the workability when assembling the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3 can be improved.

[0056] Furthermore, the sealing member 12 can be interposed in only one of the following: the gap between the first inner ring side opposing surface 4d of the inner ring 4 and the first joint side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, or the gap between the second inner ring side opposing surface 4e of the inner ring 4 and the outer end face of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 that is on the inner diameter side of the joint side projection 27. Alternatively, the sealing member 12 can also be interposed in a predetermined gap between the second joint side opposing surface 27c of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 and the inner end face of the inner ring 4 that is on the outer diameter side of the inner ring side projection 4b.

[0057] A predetermined gap is formed in the axial direction between the inner side surface (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 on the outer diameter side of the inner ring side projection 4b and the outer end face (the one end face in the axial direction) of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21. The predetermined gap in the axial direction between the inner side surface of the inner ring 4 on the outer diameter side of the inner ring side projection 4b and the outer end face of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 is configured as gap G2. The gap G2 satisfies the relationship 0.5 mm ≤ G2 ≤ ​​2.5 mm.

[0058] As described above, when the joint-side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 is located on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection 4b of the inner ring 4, the gap G2 satisfies the relationship 0.5 mm ≤ G2 ≤ ​​2.5 mm. Therefore, if the gap G2 does not satisfy 0.5 mm ≤ G2 ≤ ​​2.5 mm due to machining errors of the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20, and assembly errors between the face spline 3g of the hub wheel 3 and the face spline 25g of the constant velocity universal joint 20, it can be recognized that there is a defect in the assembly of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 to the hub wheel 3.

[0059] The axial length d from the inner end face (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 to the inner end (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring side projection 4b, and the axial length D from the inner end face (the other end face in the axial direction) of the inner ring 4 to the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3 satisfy the relationship d < (3 / 4)D. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 from coming into contact with machining jigs, etc., when forming the crimping portion 3f of the hub ring 3.

[0060] Furthermore, the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 can also be configured to be located on the outer diameter side of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20. In this case, the inner diameter side surface of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 is configured as the first inner ring side opposing surface (inner ring side opposing surface) 4d, and the outer diameter side surface of the joint side projection 27 of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 is configured as the first joint side opposing surface 27b (joint side opposing surface), and the first inner ring side opposing surface of the inner ring 4 and the first joint side opposing surface 27b of the outer joint member 21 of the constant velocity universal joint 20 face each other. Also in this case, a predetermined gap is formed in the axial direction between the inner side end (other axial side end surface) of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 and the outer side surface (one axial side end surface) of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 that is on the outer diameter side of the joint side projection 27. The predetermined axial gap between the inner end of the inner ring side projection 4b of the inner ring 4 and the outer side surface of the mouth portion 24 of the outer joint member 21 that is on the outer diameter side of the joint side projection 27 is defined as the gap G1. The gap G1 satisfies the relationship 0.5 mm ≤ G1 ≤ 2.5 mm.

[0061] Although a wheel bearing device referred to as the third generation has been given as an example, the wheel bearing device according to the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, instead of forming an inner raceway groove in the inner ring that is opposite to the outer raceway groove of the outer ring, a second-generation structure in which a pair of inner rings are press-fitted into the small-diameter stepped portion of the hub ring may also be used.

[0062] 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]

[0063] 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 4a Inner ring side protrusion 4b Inner ring side opposing surface 4c First inner ring side opposing surface 4d Second inner ring side opposing surface 5. Inner ball row 6 Outer ball rows 8 Cage 9. Inner side sealing member 10 Outer side sealing member 12 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 27 Joint-side protrusion 27a Opposing surface on the joint side 27b Opposing surface on the first joint side 27c Second joint side facing surface

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 outer circumferential surface extending in the axial direction, and at least one inner ring press-fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the hub ring, having a double row of inner raceway surfaces facing the double row of outer raceway surfaces, A double row of rolling elements is housed so as to be able to roll 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, Equipped with, The inner ring has an end face on the other side in the axial direction, The hub ring has a crimping portion that protrudes axially in the opposite direction to the axial end face of the inner ring, A wheel bearing device in which a hub wheel-side spline formed on the axial end face of the crimping portion of the hub wheel and a coupling-side spline formed on the axial end face of the mouse portion are spline-fitted, The inner ring is located on the outer diameter side of the crimping portion of the hub ring and has an inner ring side projection that protrudes in the other axial direction from the other axial end face of the inner ring. The mouse portion has a joint-side projection that protrudes in the axial direction from the axial end face of the mouse portion, The inner ring side projection has an inner ring side facing surface that is opposite to the joint side projection, The joint-side projection has a joint-side opposing surface that faces the inner ring-side projection. Wheel bearing device.

2. A gap is formed between the inner ring side opposing surface and the joint side opposing surface. A sealing member is interposed in the gap between the inner ring side opposing surface and the joint side opposing surface. The wheel bearing device according to claim 1.

3. The inclination angle α of the opposing surfaces on the inner ring side and the opposing surfaces on the joint side with respect to the axial direction is, 0°≦α≦80°, or 100°≦α≦180° Satisfying the relationship, A wheel bearing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. When the inner ring side projection is located on the outer diameter side than the joint side projection, the axial gap G1 between the other axial end face of the inner ring side projection and the one axial end face of the mouse portion on the outer diameter side than the joint side projection is 0.5mm≦G1≦2.5mm Satisfying the relationship, or When the joint-side projection is located on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection, the axial gap G2 between the other axial end face of the inner ring on the outer diameter side of the inner ring-side projection and the one axial end face of the joint-side projection is 0.5mm≦G2≦2.5mm Satisfying the relationship, The wheel bearing device according to claim 1.

5. The axial length d from the other axial end face of the inner ring to the other axial end face of the inner ring side projection and the axial length D from the other axial end face of the inner ring to the other axial end face of the crimping portion are, d < (3 / 4)D Satisfying the relationship, The wheel bearing device according to claim 1.

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