Wheel carrier assembly for motorized vehicles and method for manufacturing the wheel carrier assembly

Abstract

To provide a wheel carrier assembly for a vehicle with a prime mover easy to assemble, and having high tightness and special durability to influence from an outside environment.SOLUTION: A wheel carrier assembly 1 for a vehicle with a prime mover comprises: a wheel carrier 2; and a wheel bearing 3 for mounting a wheel hub 4 around a wheel hub rotation axis 5 rotatably on the wheel carrier. The wheel hub has a first tooth part 11 engaged with a second tooth part 12 of a torque transmission member 9. A seal member 14 for sealing in cooperation with a pre-seal member 15 is arranged between an inner ring 6 and an outer ring 7 of the wheel bearing. The pre-seal member fixes the torque transmission member in an axial direction of the wheel hub rotation axis to the wheel bearing in fit-cooperation with the torque transmission member in light of a shape. Here, the pre-seal member is designed to surround the outer ring of the wheel bearing and form a labyrinth seal 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel carrier assembly for a vehicle with a prime mover, comprising a wheel carrier and a wheel bearing for rotatably mounting a wheel hub on the wheel carrier around a wheel hub rotation axis. The wheel hub has a first tooth portion that engages with a second tooth portion of a torque transmission member. A seal member that cooperates with a pre-seal member to perform sealing is disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring of the wheel bearing. The pre-seal member fits and cooperates with the torque transmission member in shape to fix the torque transmission member in the axial direction of the wheel hub rotation axis with respect to the wheel bearing. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a wheel carrier assembly for a vehicle with a prime mover.

Background Art

[0002] As prior art, for example, Patent Document 1 is known. This describes a wheel bearing seal for a face gear device, which consists of a seal carrier and a seal element carried by the seal carrier. The wheel bearing seal includes an encoder for the sensory detection of the rotational speed and a snap-in element formed on the seal carrier. This snap-in element fixes the wheel bearing seal in a fitting manner in the axial direction with respect to the face gear device of the wheel bearing unit.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a bearing assembly for a wheel hub of a motorized vehicle that can be driven via a rotary joint, wherein a wheel hub connected to a wheel flange and a rotary joint connected to a drive shaft are connected by teeth so as not to rotate relative to each other, and two rows of rolling bearings are mounted on the wheel hub, the rolling bearings comprising at least one separate bearing inner ring positioned axially outward and directed toward the rotary joint, the bearing inner ring having its axially outward end face positioned over one end of the stub axle of the wheel hub and being axially preloaded by being pressed by a radial surface acting on the end face of the separate bearing inner ring of the wheel hub, the bearing outer ring and bearing inner ring are provided with seals, the seal comprising at least one seal ring made of a thin plate connected to the bearing inner ring, the seal ring having radial legs and axial legs in cross-section, the axial legs being connected so as not to be fixed to the bearing inner ring and directed axially inward. Here, it is assumed that the axial legs of the seal ring of the bearing inner ring are bent radially inward and axially outward, and that the free ends of the axial legs protrude axially outward from the end face of the bearing inner ring.

[0004] Further wheel bearing assemblies are known from publications in Patent Documents 3 and 4. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102022104768 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102006032159 Specification [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 2541108 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2009 / 140996 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a wheel carrier assembly for a motor vehicle that has advantages over known wheel carrier assemblies, particularly in that it is easy to assemble, has high airtightness, and is therefore especially resistant to the effects of the external environment on the motor vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This is realized in a wheel carrier assembly for a motorized vehicle according to the present invention having the features of claim 1. In this assembly, a pre-sealing member is provided that forms a labyrinth seal around the outer ring of the wheel bearing.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments resulting from useful further developments of the present invention are shown in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the examples described in the specification are not limiting; rather, any variation of the features disclosed in the specification, claims, and drawings is achievable.

[0009] A wheel carrier assembly is used to connect wheels to the body of a motorized vehicle. It is preferably part of the motorized vehicle, but of course it may be separate from the motorized vehicle, especially until it is mounted on the motorized vehicle. The wheel carrier assembly is particularly preferably part of a wheel suspension, thereby suspending the wheel carrier, and by extension the wheel, from the body, particularly via springs. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the wheel carrier of the wheel suspension. For this purpose, the wheel is mounted to or can be mounted to a wheel hub, which is ultimately rotatably mounted to the wheel carrier by wheel bearings, especially after the wheel suspension is mounted on the motorized vehicle. Thus, the wheel, or at least the rim of the wheel, is rotatably mounted to the wheel carrier via the wheel hub. The rim preferably serves as a tire carrier for the wheel, for pneumatic tires.

[0010] For example, a wheel carrier has a wheel bearing mount, particularly configured as an opening whose ends are closed within the wheel carrier. The wheel bearing is located within the wheel bearing mount. Furthermore, a wheel hub and / or a shaft coupled to it so as not to rotate is mated within the wheel bearing mount in at least some area. The wheel hub and / or shaft, and in particular both, preferably engage with the wheel bearing mount axially with respect to the wheel hub rotation axis, at least partially, and especially completely.

[0011] Wheel bearings are preferably designed as rolling bearings and thus have an inner ring and an outer ring with rolling elements between them to reduce friction. The inner ring is located in the wheel hub, and in particular is connected to the wheel hub, for example, designed integrally with the wheel hub or mounted on the wheel hub, while the outer ring is located in the wheel carrier, and in particular is connected to the wheel carrier, for example, mounted on the wheel carrier. Here, the outer ring is preferably located within the wheel bearing mount. In other words, the outer ring faces its outer surface toward the inner surface of the wheel carrier that defines the wheel bearing mount.

[0012] The wheel suspension includes a control arm assembly in addition to the wheel carrier assembly, which serves to connect the wheel carrier to the body of the motorized vehicle. Thus, the control arm assembly is connected to the wheel carrier on the one hand and to the body on the other. Preferably, the control arm assembly engages directly with the wheel carrier or, in particular, is rotatably mounted directly. The control arm assembly is connected to the wheel carrier by, for example, a control arm bearing, which is located between the control arm assembly and the wheel carrier. The control arm assembly may consist of a wishbone-type control arm and / or a trapezoidal-type control arm and / or one or more rod-type control arms. Each of these control arms engages directly or at least indirectly with the wheel carrier on the one hand and to the body on the other. Each control arm may be designed as a lateral control arm or a longitudinal control arm.

[0013] Furthermore, the wheel suspension includes, for example, a suspension strut for damping vibrations and suspending the wheel carrier relative to the vehicle body. This, like the control arm assembly, is connected to the wheel carrier on one end and to the vehicle body on the other. For damping vibrations of the wheel carrier relative to the vehicle body, the suspension strut includes at least one damper, and for suspension relative to the vehicle body, it includes at least one spring. In principle, the damper and spring can be arranged relative to each other in any manner, and can be connected to each other, for example, in series or in parallel. A MacPherson strut is particularly preferred. In this case, the strut not only suspends or dampens vibrations of the wheel or wheel carrier, but also plays a role in guiding the wheel.

[0014] The wheel carrier is drivably coupled to the drive unit of a motorized vehicle, at least temporarily. The drive unit can be designed as a single-wheel drive. Preferably, it includes an electric traction motor capable of generating, or at least temporarily generating, drive torque for driving the motorized vehicle. The wheel hub is drivably connected to the drive unit via a torque transmission member. The wheel hub is coupled to the torque transmission member so as not to rotate relative to it. For this purpose, the wheel hub has a first set of teeth which engage with a second set of teeth of the torque transmission member. The teeth are, for example, in the form of an axial gear, or preferably in the form of a face gear. The face gear is preferably in the form of a hearth gear. For example, the torque transmission member is a component of an angle-adjustable coupling that drivably connects the wheel carrier to a shaft or drive shaft.

[0015] To protect the wheel bearing from the effects of the external environment of the motorized vehicle, a sealing member is positioned between the inner and outer rings of the wheel bearing. This is designed to isolate the internal space of the wheel bearing, particularly the space containing the rolling elements, from the external environment, i.e., from the direction of the torque transmission member. To enhance the sealing effect, a pre-sealing member is provided in the wheel carrier assembly. This is connected to the inner ring so as not to rotate relative to it, and the sealing member is connected to the outer ring so as not to rotate relative to it. Here, the sealing member is in direct contact with the outer ring on one side, and on the other side, it is in contact with or adjacent to the pre-sealing member, working together with the pre-sealing member to perform sealing.

[0016] "Cooperative sealing" does not mean that the sealing member achieves a sealing effect only in combination with the pre-sealing member, but rather that the sealing member and the pre-sealing member can each achieve a sealing effect independently, and as a result, a particularly excellent overall sealing effect is achieved through the cooperation of the sealing member and the pre-sealing member. Preferably, the sealing member has multiple sealing lips, one of which preferably extends radially inward, and another which extends axially in the direction of the torque transmission member and / or the pre-sealing member, for example, to make airtight contact with the pre-sealing member.

[0017] Such wheel carrier assemblies are complex to assemble because the teeth must mesh, and especially in the case of face gears, it must be ensured that one tooth of a gear meshes with the intertooth space of another gear, and vice versa, that the teeth of the gears do not face each other. For this reason, a pre-sealing member should be provided as an assembly aid, that is, it should be provided to work reliably with the torque transmission member to axially fix the torque transmission member to the wheel bearing and / or wheel hub. The fixation is made in the axial position of the torque transmission member and the wheel hub or wheel bearing, with the first tooth meshing with the intertooth space of the second tooth and vice versa, so that the teeth mesh perfectly with each other.

[0018] When the wheel carrier assembly is assembled, the torque transmission member and the wheel hub move toward each other until the gear teeth mesh with each other. In that position, the pre-sealing member tightly engages with the torque transmission member, locking the torque transmission member and the wheel bearing and / or wheel hub together, preventing the teeth from disengaging.

[0019] Next, the torque transmission member is permanently connected to the wheel hub by screwing a fastening bolt, for example, through the wheel hub, into the torque transmission member. One head of the fastening bolt strikes the side of the wheel hub opposite the torque transmission member, so the fastening bolt presses the wheel hub and the torque transmission member against each other axially, tightening them together. The geometric fit between the pre-sealing member and the torque transmission member also has the advantage that the gear teeth are similarly sealed from the external environment, eliminating the need for additional sealing measures for this purpose.

[0020] However, even with such a wheel carrier assembly design, moisture can still enter from the external environment, particularly through the seals into the wheel bearing. Therefore, further improvements to the sealing performance are necessary. To achieve this, a pre-sealing member is intended to be positioned to enclose the outer ring of the wheel bearing, forming a labyrinth seal. In other words, the pre-sealing member is present on both the inside and outside of the outer ring when viewed radially. Specifically, the pre-sealing member is located between the inner and outer rings of the wheel bearing on one hand, and overlaps them both axially.

[0021] Furthermore, the pre-seal member surrounds the outer ring on the other hand, that is, it also exists on the side of the outer ring that is radially away from the inner ring, and is particularly attached between the outer ring and the wheel carrier. The outer ring is surrounded by the pre-seal member so that a sealing labyrinth is formed, and at least the pre-seal member and the outer ring together form a labyrinth seal. Preferably, the wheel carrier also contributes to the formation of the labyrinth seal, particularly by the pre-seal member engaging between the outer ring and the wheel carrier. Thereby, the sealing of the wheel carrier assembly against the external environment is made particularly reliable.

[0022] In a further development of the present invention, it is proposed that the torque transmission member is a connecting member of an angle-adjustable coupler by which the wheel carrier is drivably connected to the shaft. For this purpose, the angle-adjustable coupler is connected on the one hand to the shaft and on the other hand drivably to the wheel hub. The angle-adjustable coupler is preferably a constant velocity coupler. However, other designs, such as a universal coupler, etc., are also conceivable in principle. The angle-adjustable coupler has a plurality of connecting members, that is, at least a first connecting member and a second connecting member, and these connecting members are connected to each other in an angle-adjustable manner.

[0023] This means that the two connecting members, that is, the first connecting member and the second connecting member, are connected to each other to transmit torque, but their relative positions can be changed. Therefore, the first connecting member is attached so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis, and the second connecting member is attached so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis. The rotation axes generally intersect each other, but during the intended operation of the wheel carrier assembly, any angle can be formed from the angle range of the connecting shaft. This angle may change during the operation of the wheel carrier assembly. For example, in the case of a wheel suspension, the deflection of the wheel carrier is corrected thereby.

[0024] The first connecting member is connected so as not to rotate relative to the shaft, and the second connecting member is preferably connected to, or at least connectable to, the wheel hub. For this purpose, the second connecting member has a second tooth portion, which is connected to, or can be connected to, the first tooth portion of the wheel hub so as to transmit torque. By using an angle-adjustable coupler, a highly reliable drivable connection of the wheel hub to the drive unit becomes possible.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the pre-sealing member has a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the first sealing portion being adjacent to the inner ring of the wheel bearing and extending to the side surface of the outer ring in a direction away from the inner ring, and the second sealing portion extending from the first sealing portion and fitting and cooperating with the torque transmission member in shape. Thus, the first sealing portion extends from the inner ring of the wheel bearing and extends radially outward, i.e., toward the side of the outer ring in a direction away from the inner ring. There, a labyrinth seal is formed together with the outer ring.

[0026] For example, the first sealing portion is essentially provided in a C-shape, i.e., having a first leg portion abutting against the inner ring, a second leg portion extending radially outward from the first leg portion, and a third leg portion extending from the second leg portion and disposed on the side surface of the outer ring in a direction away from the inner ring. The first and third leg portions are each angled with respect to the second leg portion, and thus each form an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° with respect to the second leg portion. Preferably, the angle is at least 60°, at most 120°, at least 75°, at most 105°, or approximately exactly 90°.

[0027] The axial length of the third leg extending from the second leg is preferably at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 100% of the axial length of the first leg extending from the second leg. The first and third legs together surround the outer ring, with the first leg on the side of the outer ring facing the inner ring and the third leg on the side opposite to the inner ring. The first and third legs are separated from each other by the second leg and are connected to each other only through the second leg.

[0028] The second seal portion extends from the first seal portion and is therefore directly connected to it. The second seal portion extends axially from the first seal portion, particularly to the torque transmission member, and is geometrically fitted with the torque transmission member. In this respect, the second seal portion is designed like a cantilever. For example, the axial dimension of the second seal portion corresponds to at least the dimension of the first seal portion in the same direction, but preferably it is larger, for example, at least 1.5 times, at least 2.0 times, or at least 2.5 times. The above design of the wheel carrier assembly allows for both easy assembly and reliable sealing against the external environment.

[0029] A further development of the present invention involves a first sealing portion made of a first material and a second sealing portion made of a second material. Here, the first and second materials may be the same or different. In the first modification, the two sealing portions are made of different materials, for example, metal may be used for the first material and plastic for the second material. In this case, the second sealing portion is injection molded on the first sealing portion. However, the two sealing portions may be made of the same material. In this case as well, they can be injection molded together, but a design made of a single, uniform material is particularly preferred. In any case, such a design of the wheel carrier assembly achieves the advantages described above.

[0030] In a further development of the present invention, the first sealing portion is integrally connected to the second sealing portion, or the first and second sealing portions are integrally constructed from a single material. Such designs have already been described. When different materials are used for the two sealing portions, an integral connection between the two sealing portions is particularly intended. Alternatively, they are preferably made integrally from the same material, and in particular, they are obtained together as pressed and bent parts. This makes it possible to manufacture the wheel carrier assembly simply and cost-effectively.

[0031] In a further development of the present invention, the second seal portion is elastic, and one end of the second seal portion facing the torque transmission member is elastically deflectable relative to the first seal portion. The second seal portion is designed to elastically deform from its initial shape during the assembly of the wheel carrier assembly, particularly when the torque transmission member and the wheel hub or wheel bearing move relative to each other. This deformation generates a restoring force that attempts to return the second seal portion to its initial shape.

[0032] This restoring force causes the pre-seal member to engage with the torque transmission member in a shape-fitting manner when the torque transmission member and the wheel hub reach the assembly position where the gear teeth fully mesh, thereby fixing the torque transmission member axially to the wheel hub. In particular, during assembly, the second seal portion is pushed radially outward from its initial position, and the end away from the wheel bearing is pushed toward the torque transmission member by the restoring force. This allows the wheel carrier assembly to be assembled easily and reliably.

[0033] In a further development of the present invention, a labyrinth gap for receiving a preseal member is provided between the outer ring and the wheel carrier, which is in particular at least partially, preferably entirely, on the outer ring and / or at least partially, preferably entirely, on the wheel carrier. The labyrinth gap is radially defined on the inside by the outer ring and radially defined on the outside by the wheel carrier. The labyrinth gap is designed and configured to receive a preseal member that is present thereafter the wheel carrier assembly has been mounted.

[0034] The labyrinth gap may be provided in the outer ring and / or wheel carrier. For example, a recess may be present on the side of the outer ring facing the wheel carrier, forming the labyrinth gap. On the one hand, such a configuration ensures the formation of a labyrinth seal by the engagement of the presealing member with the labyrinth gap, and on the other hand, it allows for the placement of an encoder or pulse generator. The pulse generator comprises, for example, a member used in the presealing member, particularly a rubber member. Preferably, the pulse generator is vulcanized and bonded to the presealing member. The above configuration provides a good seal.

[0035] In a further development of the present invention, it is proposed that the preseal member comprises a sealing projection that engages with the labyrinth gap over a distance corresponding to at least the radial gap width. This gap width corresponds to the distance between the outer ring and the wheel carrier in the labyrinth gap. In particular, the sealing projection of the preseal member corresponding to the third leg of the preseal member described above engages with the labyrinth gap over a predetermined axial distance. This distance corresponds to at least the width of the gap, but is preferably larger, for example, at least 1.5 times, at least 2.0 times, or at least 2.5 times. This provides a good sealing effect for the labyrinth seal.

[0036] In a further development of the present invention, it is proposed that the sealing projection in the labyrinth gap has a first distance from the outer ring and a second distance from the wheel carrier, where the first and second distances are at least 0.1 mm and up to 5 mm, respectively. These distances should be understood as radial distances. Thus, the sealing projection is located between the outer ring and the wheel carrier but does not contact them. While it is desirable to make this distance as small as possible, larger distances are also permissible; however, in this case, the sealing projection should penetrate the labyrinth gap at the aforementioned distances to achieve a proper sealing effect.

[0037] In a further development of the present invention, it is proposed that the wheel carrier has a recess in which a wheel bearing, a wheel hub, and a torque transmission member are each arranged in at least a portion of the area, and that the internal dimension of the recess decreases radially with respect to the rotation axis of the wheel hub from the direction of the wheel bearing towards the direction of the torque transmission member. This recess also forms the wheel bearing mount described above, and a wheel bearing is preferably arranged in this wheel bearing mount. In a longitudinal section with respect to the rotation axis of the wheel hub, this recess receives the wheel bearing, the wheel shaft, and the torque transmission member in at least a portion of the area.

[0038] The outer ring of the wheel bearing is in contact with the inner surface of the wheel carrier at its outer circumference, and this inner surface defines a recess. In this regard, it is preferable that the recess has a constant radial dimension in the axial region where the wheel bearing overlaps with the wheel carrier. However, the dimension of the recess decreases as it moves away from the wheel bearing. Preferably, the minimum radial dimension of the recess when viewed in a longitudinal section is located away from the pre-seal member, or at most overlaps with the end of the second seal portion. In particular, it is preferable that the minimum inner dimension of the recess is smaller in the radial direction than the dimension of the pre-seal member, especially the first seal portion. This ensures that the torque transmission member is guided properly during the assembly of the wheel carrier assembly and that damage to the pre-seal member is reliably avoided.

[0039] In a further development of the present invention, the torque transmission member has a seal gap into which the preseal member fits in a sealed state, so that the preseal member and the torque transmission member fit together in a morphological manner and cooperate. The seal gap is preferably provided continuously in the circumferential direction of the torque transmission member, i.e., in the form of a groove or circumferential groove. The preseal member fits into the seal gap. For example, it may contact the base and / or walls defining the seal gap in a sealed state, or engage with the seal gap without contact to provide another labyrinth seal.

[0040] In the seal gap, the pre-seal member and the torque transmission member fit together and cooperate in a morphological manner, thereby fixing the torque transmission member axially to the wheel bearing and / or wheel hub, and sealing the gear from the external environment. The pre-seal member preferably engages continuously with the groove in the circumferential direction to achieve a good sealing effect.

[0041] In a further development of the present invention, a radial gap is provided between the preseal member and the torque transmission member in an axial region where the preseal member overlaps with the torque transmission member, and the radial dimension of this gap is at least equal to, and preferably larger than, the dimension of the gap between the preseal member and the wheel carrier. This region is located away from the seal gap and extends particularly in the axial direction from a point where the torque transmission member is directly adjacent to the seal gap toward the wheel hub.

[0042] The radial gap between the preseal member and the torque transmission member exists particularly as an annular gap, i.e., it is provided to be continuous and circumferentially encircling. The radial dimension of the radial gap should be understood as the minimum dimension, i.e., the minimum radial dimension of the radial gap over the entire axial region. The dimension of the radial gap should be at least the same as the dimension of the gap between the preseal member and the wheel carrier at the same axial position. Thus, the dimensions of the gap and the dimension of the radial gap are at the same axial position. This configuration prevents unwanted contact between the torque transmission member and the preseal member during the assembly of the wheel bearing assembly.

[0043] In a further development of the present invention, the torque transmission member has an axial projection that engages with the central bore of the wheel hub, and the axial projection and the bore are arranged to fit radially and geometrically together and cooperate with each other to position the torque transmission member relative to the wheel hub before the preseal member reaches and contacts the torque transmission member. The axial projection is inserted into the central bore of the wheel hub during the assembly of the wheel carrier assembly, i.e., until the gear teeth mesh with each other. The axial projection has, for example, an internal thread formed to receive the aforementioned screw.

[0044] The axial projection has an outer circumferential wall that contacts the inner circumference of the wheel hub, which defines the bore during assembly, thereby radially positioning the torque transmission member relative to the wheel hub. The axial projection is sized such that this radial alignment is already achieved before the pre-seal member contacts the torque transmission member. This eliminates the possibility of the pre-seal member being uniformly and elastically flexed radially and being damaged by axial compression from the torque transmission member. The above configuration of the wheel carrier assembly greatly simplifies assembly.

[0045] In a further development of the present invention, the recess, particularly the wheel bearing mount, is configured to have an insertion inclined surface on the side facing the wheel bearing in the axial direction and / or away from the torque transmission member. This causes the recess to widen, increasing in radial dimension, i.e., the greater the distance from the torque transmission member. This facilitates the insertion of the wheel bearing into the wheel carrier.

[0046] In a further development of the present invention, it is proposed that the presealing member, together with the wheel carrier, defines a presealing space that communicates with a drain. The presealing space is formed by a recess in the wheel carrier. This space is defined on the one hand by the presealing member and on the other hand by the axial wall of the wheel carrier. The wall of the wheel carrier extends at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel hub, and in particular, perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0047] Preferably, the wall overlaps with the preseal member, so that, for example, in a longitudinal section view, at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 25% of the preseal member is located on the wall side away from the wheel bearing. This ensures a good seal by the preseal member engaging between the wheel carrier and the torque transmission member away from the preseal space. The preseal space is surrounded radially outward by the wheel carrier and radially inward by the preseal member. The drain is in communication with the preseal space, i.e., it opens at the geodetic lowest point of the preseal space. This ensures that water in the preseal space is reliably discharged to the external environment.

[0048] In a further development of the present invention, it is proposed that the preseal space protrudes radially beyond the preseal member. Since the preseal space extends radially further outward than the preseal member, when viewed radially, the preseal member only partially defines the preseal space. This ensures reliable water removal as water shaken off the preseal member is guided through the preseal space to the drain.

[0049] In a further development of the present invention, an edge is provided on one of the walls of the wheel carrier that defines the preseal space radially outward. At this edge, two parts of the wall intersect at an angle and are therefore not rounded in any way. This edge ensures that the shaken-off water is reliably discharged. This edge forms or defines a collection channel into which the water discharged radially outward by centrifugal force flows. The two parts of the wall that intersect at the edge define the collection channel such that the collection channel radially encloses the outermost part of the preseal space. This edge plays a role in reliably holding the water within the collection channel and draining it toward the drain. For this purpose, the edge and the drain channel defined thereby are positioned so as to overlap with the preseal member, particularly the second sealing portion of the preseal member, when viewed from the axial direction.

[0050] In a further development of the present invention, the pre-seal member is angled with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheel hub. When viewed from the axial direction, the pre-seal member has a central plane that intersects at its center. This central plane is at an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheel hub, i.e., the angle is greater than 0° and less than 180°. For example, the angle is at least 5° and at most 15°. By arranging the pre-seal member in this way, the centrifugal dewatering effect on water is increased.

[0051] The present invention also relates to a wheel carrier assembly for a motorized vehicle, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a wheel carrier assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, wherein the wheel carrier assembly comprises a wheel carrier and a wheel bearing for mounting a wheel hub rotatably on the wheel carrier around the wheel hub rotation axis, the wheel hub is provided with a first tooth portion that engages with a second tooth portion of a torque transmission member, a sealing member is placed between the inner and outer rings of the wheel bearing to seal in cooperation with a pre-seal member, and the pre-seal member is fitted morphologically with the torque transmission member to fix the torque transmission member to the wheel bearing in the axial direction of the wheel hub rotation axis. Here, the pre-seal member is arranged to surround the outer ring of the wheel bearing and form a labyrinth seal.

[0052] The advantages of this procedure and the configuration of the wheel carrier assembly have already been described. Both the wheel carrier assembly and its manufacturing method can be further developed as described herein, so please refer to those.

[0053] The features and combinations of features described herein, in particular the features and combinations of features shown in the following description and / or drawings, can be used not only in specific individual combinations but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, embodiments that are not expressly shown or described herein and / or in the drawings but can be derived from the described embodiments are also considered to be included in the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, without intending to limit the present invention. The drawings show the following: [Figure 1] A schematic longitudinal section view of the wheel carrier assembly in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the wheel carrier assembly in the second embodiment. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the wheel carrier assembly from the first viewpoint. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the wheel carrier assembly from a second perspective. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the wheel carrier assembly from a third perspective. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section view of a wheel carrier assembly 1 in a first embodiment, particularly for use in motorized vehicles. The wheel carrier assembly 1 comprises a wheel carrier 2, preferably connected to the body (not shown) of a motorized vehicle via at least one control arm. A wheel hub 4 is rotatably mounted to the wheel carrier 2 via a wheel bearing 3, i.e., around a wheel hub pivot axis 5.

[0056] The wheel bearing 3 has an inner ring 6 and an outer ring 7, with rolling elements 8 positioned between them. The inner ring 6 may be provided as a single component, integral with the wheel hub 4. In this embodiment, it is provided separately. The torque transmission member 9 is positioned adjacent to the wheel hub 4 in the axial direction. This is preferably in the form of a connecting member of an angle-adjustable coupler 10. The wheel hub 4 has a first set of teeth 11, shown here as a face gear, which engages with a second set of teeth 12 of the torque transmission member 9, also provided as a face gear, to transmit torque.

[0057] To protect the wheel bearing 3, particularly the rolling elements 8, from the influence of the external environment 13, the wheel carrier assembly 1 includes a sealing member 14 positioned between the inner ring 6 and the outer ring 8, i.e., on the side where the rolling elements 8 face the torque transmission member 9. Furthermore, a pre-sealing member 15 is provided, which is positioned on the inner ring 6 and extends radially outward. The pre-sealing member 15 specifically comprises a first sealing portion 16 and a second sealing portion 17. The first sealing portion 16 abuts against the inner ring 6 and extends radially outward. The second sealing portion 17 originates from the first sealing portion 16 and extends axially away from the wheel bearing 3. In the illustrated first embodiment, the two sealing portions 16, 17 are made of different materials. For example, the first sealing portion 16 is made of metal, and the second sealing portion 17 is made of plastic and injection molded onto metal.

[0058] The sealing member 14 is attached to the outer ring 7 and is in contact with the pre-sealing member 15, and more precisely, with the first sealing portion 16. The sealing member 14 preferably comprises a plurality of sealing lips 18, 19, the sealing lips 18 contact the pre-sealing member 15 in a radially inward direction, and the sealing lips 19 contact the pre-sealing member 15 in an axially inward direction. The pre-sealing member 15 is axially aligned with the teeth 11, 12 and, more specifically, is ornately engaged with the seal gap 20 at its end 21 facing away from the wheel bearing 3. The seal gap 20 is located on the side of the teeth 11 and 12 facing away from the wheel bearing 3 in the torque transmission member 9. The engagement of the pre-sealing member 15 in the seal gap 20 is made in such a way that a sealing effect is obtained. As a result of this engagement, the torque transmission member 9 is held axially relative to the wheel hub 4, and the teeth 11 and 12 are protected from the influence of the external environment 13.

[0059] To ensure exceptionally reliable sealing of the wheel carrier assembly 1, a pre-seal member 15 is provided to engage around the outer ring 7 of the wheel bearing 3, i.e., to form a labyrinth seal 22. For this purpose, the pre-seal member 15 engages with the labyrinth gap 23 present between the outer ring 7 and the wheel carrier 2, more precisely, the axial inner boundary is defined by the outer ring 7 and the axial outer boundary is defined by the wheel carrier 2. In the embodiment shown herein, the labyrinth gap 23 is formed by a recess provided in the outer ring 7.

[0060] It is also shown that the preseal member 15 supports, for example, an encoder or pulse generator 24 used to measure speed. The pulse generator 24 has a mounting material different from the material of the preseal member 15, for example, rubber is used as the mounting material and is vulcanized and bonded to the preseal member 15. The elements of the pulse generator are attached to the preseal member 15 by this mounting material. The elements of the pulse generator are, for example, embedded in the mounting material and arranged in a circumferential distribution, and in particular in a uniform distribution. These are preferably made of a magnetic material or a magnetizable material.

[0061] The pulse generator 24 may also be located in the labyrinth gap 23, or it may be located externally. Both variations are shown, but typically only one of the two illustrated pulse generators 24 is present. For example, the pulse generator 24 is located on a sealing projection 25 of a pre-seal member 15 that extends into the labyrinth gap 23.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the wheel carrier assembly 1 in the second embodiment. Since this is essentially the same as the first embodiment, refer to the corresponding description and only the differences will be described below. The difference is that the two sealing portions 16 and 17 are integrally provided and formed from the same material. The pre-sealing member 15 can be, for example, a bent metal sheet part.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a further schematic view of the wheel carrier assembly 1 from a first viewpoint. Here, it is shown that the torque transmission member 9 has an axial projection 26. For example, an internal thread 27 is provided, which can be screwed in to tighten the torque transmission member 9 and the wheel hub 4 together. It is also shown that the wheel carrier has an insertion inclined surface 28 on the axially facing surface of the wheel bearing 3 to facilitate the press-fitting of the wheel bearing 3 into the wheel carrier 2. It is also shown that the pre-seal member 15 defines a pre-seal space 29 together with the wheel carrier 2. A drain port 30 is connected to the geodetically lower side of this area.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a more detailed schematic diagram of the wheel carrier assembly 1 from a second viewpoint. In particular, it can be seen that there is a radial gap 31 between the preseal member 15 and the torque transmission member 9, and that this radial gap has at least the same dimensions as the gap 32 that exists between the preseal member 15 and the wheel carrier 2.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a more detailed schematic diagram of the wheel carrier assembly 1, specifically the area of ​​the labyrinth seal 22. The preseal space 29, surrounded by the preseal member 15, is radially surrounded outward by a wall 33 formed by the wheel carrier 2. This wall has an edge 34 where two subwalls 35 and 36 intersect at an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°. For example, the angle may be obtuse, but it may also be acute. The edge 34 ensures that the liquid is discharged in the direction of the drain 30 and prevented from flowing in the direction of the wheel bearing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1 Wheel carrier assembly 2 Wheel Carrier 3 Wheel bearings 4 Wheel Hubs 5. Wheel hub rotation axis 6 Inner Ring 7 Outer ring 8 Rolling elements 9 Torque transmission member 10 coupler 11 First tooth 12 Second tooth region 13 External environment 14. Sealing member 15 Presealing member 16. First seal portion 17. Second seal section 18 Seal Lip 19 Seal Lip 20 seal gap 21 End 22 Labyrinth Seals 23 Labyrinth Gap 24 Pulse Generator 25 Seal protrusions 26 Axial projection 27 Internal thread 28 Insertion inclined surface 29 Preseal space 30 Drain 31 Radial gap 32 Gap 33 Wall 34 Edge 35 Partial wall 36 partial wall

Claims

1. A wheel carrier assembly (1) for a motorized vehicle, Wheel carrier (2), A wheel bearing (3) having an inner ring (6) and an outer ring (7), A wheel hub (4) having a first tooth portion (11), Wheel hub rotation axis (5) and A torque transmission member (9) having a second tooth portion (12), A sealing member (14) is positioned between the inner ring (6) and the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3), Preseal member (15) and Equipped with, The wheel bearing (3) is mounted on the wheel carrier (2) so as to be rotatable on the wheel hub (4) around the wheel hub rotation axis (5). At the axial position of the torque transmission member (9) and the wheel hub (4), the first teeth (11) of the wheel hub (4) engage with the second teeth (12) of the torque transmission member (9). The sealing member (14) seals together with the pre-sealing member (15). The pre-seal member (15) fits and engages with the torque transmission member (9) in a morphological manner, thereby fixing the torque transmission member to the wheel bearing (3) in the axial direction of the wheel hub rotation shaft (5). The pre-seal member (15) surrounds the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3) to form a labyrinth seal (22). The pre-seal member (15) has a first sealing portion (16) and a second sealing portion (17), The first seal portion (16) is adjacent to the inner ring (6) of the wheel bearing (3) and extends to the side surface of the outer ring (7) in a direction away from the inner ring (6), The second sealing portion (17) extends from the first sealing portion (16) and engages with the torque transmission member (9) in a manner that fits together. The second sealing portion (17) is an elastic body, and the end portion (21) of the second sealing portion (17) facing the torque transmission member (9) is elastically bendable relative to the first sealing portion (16). A wheel carrier assembly characterized in that the wheel carrier (2) has a recess, in which at least a portion of the wheel hub (4), the wheel bearing (3), and the torque transmission member (9) are arranged, and the inner dimensions of the recess decrease radially with respect to the wheel hub rotation axis (5) from the direction of the wheel bearing (3) towards the direction of the torque transmission member (9).

2. The wheel carrier assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the torque transmission member (9) is a connecting member of an angle-adjustable connector (10), and the wheel carrier (2) is drivably connected to the shaft via the connector.

3. The wheel carrier assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sealing portion (16) is made of a first material, the second sealing portion (17) is made of a second material, and the first material and the second material are the same or different from each other.

4. The wheel carrier assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sealing portion (16) is integrally connected to the second sealing portion (17) in terms of material, or the first sealing portion (16) and the second sealing portion (17) are integrally composed of a single material.

5. A recess is provided on the side surface of the outer ring (7) facing the wheel carrier (2) to form a labyrinth gap (23), The wheel carrier assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-sealing member (15) engages with the labyrinth gap (23), thereby the labyrinth gap (23) that receives the pre-sealing member (15) exists between the outer ring (7) and the wheel carrier (2).

6. The wheel carrier assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the torque transmission member (9) has a seal gap (20), and the pre-seal member (15) fits into the seal gap in a sealed state, so that the pre-seal member (15) and the torque transmission member (9) fit together and engage in a morphological manner.

7. The wheel carrier assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess is configured to have an insertion inclined surface (28) on the side facing the wheel bearing (3) in the axial direction and / or on the side away from the torque transmission member (9).

8. The wheel carrier assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-sealing member (15), together with the wheel carrier (2), defines a pre-sealing space (29) that communicates with a drain port (30).

9. A method for manufacturing a wheel carrier assembly (1) for a motorized vehicle, The wheel carrier assembly (1) includes a wheel carrier (2) and A wheel bearing (3) having an inner ring (6) and an outer ring (7), A wheel hub (4) having a first tooth portion (11), Wheel hub rotation axis (5) and A torque transmission member (9) having a second tooth portion (12), A sealing member (14) is positioned between the inner ring (6) and the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3), Preseal member (15) and We have established The wheel bearing (3) allows the wheel hub (4) to be rotatably mounted on the wheel carrier (2) around the wheel hub rotation axis (5). At the axial position of the torque transmission member (9) and the wheel hub (4), the second tooth portion (12) of the torque transmission member (9) engages with the first tooth portion (11) of the wheel hub (4), The sealing member (14) is positioned to seal together with the pre-sealing member (15), The pre-seal member (15) is fitted in shape with the torque transmission member (9), thereby fixing the torque transmission member to the wheel bearing (3) in the axial direction of the wheel hub rotation shaft (5). The pre-seal member (15) surrounds the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3) to form a labyrinth seal (22). The pre-seal member (15) has a first sealing portion (16) and a second sealing portion (17), The first sealing portion (16) is positioned adjacent to the inner ring (6) of the wheel bearing (3) and extends to the side surface of the outer ring (7) in a direction away from the inner ring (6). The second sealing portion (17) is positioned to extend from the first sealing portion (16) and to fit and engage with the torque transmission member (9) in terms of shape. The end portion (21) of the second seal portion (17) facing the torque transmission member (9) is formed of an elastic material so that it can be elastically bent relative to the first seal portion (16). A recess is formed in the wheel carrier (2), and at least a portion of the wheel hub (4), the wheel bearing (3), and the torque transmission member (9) are arranged in the recess such that the inner dimensions of the recess decrease radially with respect to the wheel hub rotation axis (5) from the direction of the wheel bearing (3) towards the direction of the torque transmission member (9). A method for manufacturing a wheel carrier assembly, characterized by the following:

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