Seal for wheel bearing of vehicle and wheel bearing for vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A seal for a wheel bearing of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a first seal portion which comprises a first support member, which is coupled to the inner ring of a wheel bearing of a vehicle, and a first seal portion body coupled to the first support member; and a second seal portion which comprises a second support member, which is coupled to the outer ring of the wheel bearing, and a second seal portion body coupled to the second support member, wherein the first support member comprises: a first cylindrical portion which comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, a first loop-shaped portion extending outwardly in the radial direction from the outer end portion of the first cylindrical portion in the axial direction; and a second cylindrical portion which extends inward in the axial direction from the outer end portion of the first loop-shaped portion in the radial direction so as to face the first cylindrical portion, and the second seal portion body may comprise a grease lip configured so as not to come into contact with the first cylindrical portion.

Description

Seal for wheel bearing of vehicle and wheel bearing for vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal for a wheel bearing of a vehicle and a wheel bearing for a vehicle including the same.

[0002] A bearing is a device installed between a rotating and a non-rotating element, facilitating the rotation of the rotating element. A vehicle wheel bearing is one type of bearing, and its function is to rotatably connect a rotating element, the wheel, to a non-rotating vehicle body or knuckle.

[0003] A wheel bearing for a vehicle may include an outer ring coupled to a vehicle body, an inner ring coupled to an axle, a rolling element installed between the inner ring and the outer ring to enable relative rotation of the inner ring and the outer ring, and a seal member for preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of the wheel bearing for a vehicle. The seal member may include a seal lip in contact with the inner ring to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the wheel bearing for a vehicle.

[0004] The seal member is provided with a plurality of seal lips, at least some of which are arranged on the side of the support member coupled to the outer ring and come into contact with the support member coupled to the inner ring, and the contacting seal lips are configured to pressurize the support member.

[0005] Sealing elements for vehicle wheel bearings are typically manufactured, assembled, transported, and then installed in the vehicle wheel bearing. However, since the sealing elements are transported in an assembled state so that the seal lip presses against the support element attached to the inner ring, there is a risk that the support element (inner ring) attached to the outer ring and the support element (outer ring) attached to the inner ring may become separated during transport.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a seal for a wheel bearing of a vehicle, which can solve the above-described problems while simultaneously ensuring sealing properties and reducing sealing drag torque generated by a seal member, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and a wheel bearing for a vehicle using the same.

[0007] A seal for a wheel bearing of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first seal portion including a first support member coupled to an inner ring of a wheel bearing of the vehicle and a first seal portion body coupled to the first support member, and a second seal portion including a second support member coupled to an outer ring of the wheel bearing and a second seal portion body coupled to the second support member, wherein the first support member includes a first cylindrical portion configured to contact an outer diameter surface of the inner ring, a first annular portion extending radially outward from an axially outer end of the first cylindrical portion, and a second cylindrical portion extending axially inward from a radially outer end of the first annular portion to face the first cylindrical portion, and the second seal portion body may include a grease lip configured not to contact the first cylindrical portion.

[0008] In addition, at least one protrusion protruding radially inwardly is formed at the axial outer end of the second seal body, and a step is formed in the first seal body corresponding to the protrusion, and the step can be formed to open axially outwardly and radially outwardly.

[0009] The above protrusions may be arranged in multiple numbers at equal intervals along the inner surface of the second seal body.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first labyrinth may be formed by the protrusion, a second labyrinth may be formed by the step, a third labyrinth may be formed by a first seal body part covering the second cylindrical part, and a fourth labyrinth may be formed by a first seal body part covering an end of the second cylindrical part.

[0011] The second support member includes a third cylindrical portion configured to contact the inner surface of the outer ring, and a second annular portion extending radially inward from an axially outer end of the third cylindrical portion, and the second seal body may be configured to cover all of the axial outer surface of the second support member, the radially inner end of the second annular portion, and the axially outer end of the third cylindrical portion.

[0012] The axial interference amount (T) of the above protrusion and the above step may be 0.1 mm or more. In addition, the inner surface of the above protrusion may be formed as an inclined surface.

[0013] The above step may be formed in a ring shape along the radial outer circumference of the first seal body. The step may have an outermost flat section of 1.0 mm or more of the first seal body covering the second cylindrical portion, and the axial width and radial depth of the step may be 0.5 mm or more.

[0014] A concave portion may be formed axially inwardly and open axially outwardly on the outer surface of the portion covering the first annular portion of the first seal body.

[0015] Additionally, a wheel bearing of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a seal for a wheel bearing of a vehicle having at least one of the structures described above.

[0016] According to the seal for a wheel bearing of a vehicle of the present invention, the inner and outer parts of the seal for a wheel bearing of a vehicle in an assembled state are not separated, while at the same time securing sealing properties and reducing the sealing drag torque generated by the seal member, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle wheel bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the first area (A) shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the second area (B) shown in Figure 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a second seal body according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed axially inward.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a labyrinth structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates a seal for a vehicle bearing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0024] When an element is referred to as "on" or "on" another element, it includes not only the element directly on the other element, but also any intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on" or "directly on", it indicates that there are no intervening elements. "And / or" includes each and every combination of one or more of the mentioned items.

[0025] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to readily describe the relationship of one component to another, as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of the element during use or operation in addition to the orientations illustrated in the drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification.

[0026] Although terms like "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components and / or sections, these components and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component or section from another. Accordingly, it should be understood that a "first component" or "first section" referred to below may also be a "second component" or "second section" within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0027] The embodiments described herein will be described with reference to plan views and cross-sectional views, which are ideal schematic drawings of the present invention. Therefore, the shapes of the illustrated drawings may vary depending on manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific shapes illustrated, but also encompass variations in shape resulting from the manufacturing process. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the regions illustrated in the drawings are intended to illustrate specific shapes of the regions of the configuration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle wheel bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle wheel bearing (1, hereinafter, wheel bearing) may include a rotating element (100), a plurality of wheel mounting bolts (200), an outer ring (300, or non-rotating element), and a seal (400) for the wheel bearing.

[0031] The rotating element (100) may include a wheel hub (110) and an inner ring (120). The wheel hub (110) may have a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction. A stepped portion (115) may be formed on one of the two opposing sides in the axial direction of the wheel hub (110).

[0032] The wheel hub (110) is connected to the wheel and can rotate around an imaginary rotation axis (RX) parallel to the axial direction.

[0033] The inner ring (120) may be arranged adjacent to one of the two opposite sides of the wheel hub (110) in the axial direction. The inner ring (120) may be arranged on the stepped portion (115). The inner ring (120) may be pressed into the stepped portion (115) of the wheel hub (110) and may be coupled to the wheel hub (110) by plastic deformation or by fastening a nut or the like.

[0034] Although not shown, the inner ring (120) may have a ring shape. The inner ring (120) may surround the outer circumference of the wheel hub (110).

[0035] The inner ring (120) can be connected to the wheel through the wheel hub (110). Accordingly, when the wheel hub (110) rotates around an imaginary rotation axis (RX) parallel to the axial direction, the inner ring (120) can rotate around an imaginary rotation axis (RX) parallel to the axial direction.

[0036] Each of the wheel mounting bolts (200) extends axially and can be inserted into a corresponding one of the wheel mounting openings (125) defined in the rotating element (100). The wheel mounting bolts (200) can be adjacent to the other of the two axially opposite sides of the wheel hub (110). The wheel mounting bolts (200) can be arranged in a circle.

[0037] Although not shown, the wheel may be coupled to wheel mounting bolts (200). Accordingly, the rotating element (100) may be connected to the wheel by the wheel mounting bolts (200).

[0038] The outer ring (300) may be arranged adjacent to one of the two axially opposed sides of the wheel hub (110). When viewed radially, the outer ring (300) may cover a portion of the wheel hub (110) and the inner ring (120).

[0039] The outer ring (300) can be fixed to the vehicle body. Accordingly, the wheel bearing (1) can be fixed to the vehicle body. The outer ring (300) is fixed to the vehicle body so that it does not rotate when the wheel hub (110) and the inner ring (120) rotate around an imaginary axis parallel to the first direction (DR1).

[0040] The wheel bearing (1) may further include a plurality of rolling elements (500) (e.g., balls or rollers). The rolling elements (500) may be arranged between the wheel hub (110) and the outer ring (300). The rolling elements (500) may be arranged between the inner ring (120) and the outer ring (300). The rolling elements (500) may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring (120). The outer circumferential surface of the inner ring (120) may support the rolling elements (500).

[0041] Although not shown, a raceway surface for supporting the rolling elements (500) may be formed on the outer surface of the inner ring (120). The rolling elements (500) may rotate around an imaginary axis of rotation (RX) parallel to the axial direction along the raceway surface. Accordingly, the inner ring (120) may rotate relative to the outer ring (300) by the rolling elements (500).

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle may be disposed on one of the two opposite sides in the axial direction of a wheel hub (110). As illustrated in FIG. 1, when viewed in the radial direction, a portion of the seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle may be disposed between the outer ring (300) and the inner ring (120). A portion of the seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle may be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring (300). The seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle may be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring (300) in a force-fit manner.

[0043] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the first area (A) illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the second area (B) illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle is arranged between an outer ring (300) and an inner ring (120), so as to cover the gap between the inner ring (120) and the outer ring (300). That is, foreign substances can be prevented from entering the gap between the inner ring (120) and the outer ring (300). The seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0045] A seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle may have a ring-shaped shape. The seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle is composed of a first seal portion (450) and a second seal portion (470).

[0046] The first seal part (450) is composed of a first support member (420) and a first seal part body (440). The first support member (420) is installed on the inner ring (120). The first support member (420) is composed of a first cylindrical part (422), a first annular part (424), and a second cylindrical part (426).

[0047] The first cylindrical portion (422) is provided in a cylindrical shape. The first cylindrical portion (422) is provided such that the inner diameter surface contacts the outer diameter surface of the inner ring. The first annular portion (424) extends radially outward from the axial outer end of the first cylindrical portion (422). Alternatively, a connecting portion connecting the first cylindrical portion (422) and the first annular portion (424) may be formed integrally with the first cylindrical portion (422) and the first annular portion (424). The first annular portion (424) is provided in an annular shape. The second cylindrical portion (426) is provided such that the inner diameter surface of the first annular portion (424) extends axially inward from the radially outer end of the first annular portion (424) to face the first cylindrical portion (422). The second cylindrical portion (426) is provided in a cylindrical shape. The axially inner end of the second cylindrical portion (426) is positioned axially inner than the axially inner end of the first cylindrical portion (422).

[0048] The first seal body (440) is provided by being coupled to the first support member (420). The first seal body (440) is provided to cover the outer surfaces of the first annular portion (424) and the second cylindrical portion (426). The first seal body (440) may be formed of a rubber material or a plastic material, and may be formed as an encoder in which N poles and S poles are alternately arranged to generate a magnetic field change.

[0049] The second seal part (470) is composed of a second support member (460) and a second seal part body (480). The second support member (460) is installed on the outer ring (300). The second support member (460) is composed of a third cylindrical part (462) and a second annular part (464). The third cylindrical part (462) is provided in a cylindrical shape. The third cylindrical part (462) is provided so that the outer diameter surface contacts the inner diameter surface of the outer ring. The third cylindrical part (462) is provided to be spaced radially outward from the second cylindrical part (426).

[0050] The second annular portion (464) extends radially inward from the axially inner end of the third cylindrical portion (462). The second annular portion (464) is provided in an annular shape. The second annular portion (464) is spaced axially inwardly from the first annular portion (424) and faces the first annular portion (424). The radially inner end of the second annular portion (464) is spaced radially outwardly from the first cylindrical portion (422).

[0051] The second seal body (480) is provided to be coupled to the second support member (460). The second seal body (480) is provided to cover the axial outer surface of the second support member (460), the axial outer end of the third cylindrical portion (462), and the radial inner end of the second annular portion (464). The second seal body (480) is made of a rubber material. The second seal body (480) may be provided with at least one seal lip (481, 482, 484).

[0052] Among the seal lips, the seal lips (481, 482) are provided to extend axially outwardly toward the first annular portion (424) on a surface facing the first annular portion (424). The ends of the seal lips (481, 482) are provided to contact the inner surface of the first annular portion (424). Among the seal lips (481, 482, 484), the grease lip (484) may extend axially inwardly and radially inwardly on a surface facing the first cylindrical portion (422).

[0053] The grease lip is a lip for preventing grease leakage and is typically configured to contact the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion. In the present invention, the grease lip (484) is configured to not contact the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion (422). Accordingly, since the grease lip (484) does not contact the first cylindrical portion (422), sealing drag torque (seal friction torque) is not generated, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

[0054] Meanwhile, seals for wheel bearings for vehicles are typically manufactured, assembled, transported, and then mounted on the wheel bearings for vehicles. However, since the seal support member is transported in an assembled state so that the seal lip arranged on the side of the second support member coupled to the outer ring presses the first support member coupled to the inner ring, the first and second support members are likely to separate during transport. In addition, since the grease lip (484) in the present invention does not contact the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion (422), the first support member (420) and the second support member (460) are more likely to separate (compared to a case where they do contact each other).

[0055] In the present invention, the grease lip (484) is configured as a non-contact type, and the first support member (420) of the first seal portion (450) is configured with a first cylindrical portion (422), a first annular portion (424), and a second cylindrical portion (426). As a result, the first support member (420) of the first seal portion (450) has a U-shaped cross-section as a whole. In addition, the second seal portion body (480) of the second seal portion (470) is formed with a protrusion (486) that protrudes radially inwardly from the axial outer end of the surface facing the second cylindrical portion (426). Correspondingly, the first seal portion body (440) is formed with a concave step (442) radially inwardly. The step (442) is configured to open axially outwardly and radially outwardly. The step (442) is formed in a ring shape along the radial outer circumference.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a second seal body according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed axially inwardly. A plurality of protrusions (486) may be arranged at equal intervals along the inner surface from the axial outer end of the surface of the second seal body (480) facing the second cylindrical portion (426). Accordingly, due to the protrusion / step structure, the protrusions (486) of the second seal body (480) interfere with the steps (442) of the first seal body (440), thereby preventing separation of the first support member (420) and the second support member (460), and the second support member (460) does not detach from the first support member (420). In addition, in the seal according to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, first to fourth labyrinths are formed. That is, the first labyrinth (10) is formed by the protrusion (486), the second labyrinth (20) is formed by the step (442), the third labyrinth (30) is formed by the first seal body part covering the second cylindrical part (426), and the fourth labyrinth (40) is formed by the first seal body part covering the end of the second cylindrical part (426). Accordingly, the sealing performance can be further improved.

[0057] The protrusion (486) has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface can be formed as a slope formed in a straight line or rounded shape.

[0058] The step (442) is opened axially outwardly and radially outwardly, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the axial interference amount (T) between the protrusion (486) and the step (442) may be configured to be 0.1 mm or more. The axial width (W) and the radial depth (D) of the step (442) may be 0.5 mm or more with respect to a virtual first straight line (C1) and a second straight line (C2) based on the longest straight section of the cross-sectional outer surface of the first seal body (440). The outermost flat section of the first seal body covering the second cylindrical portion (426) may have a length of 1.0 mm or more in cross-section. Accordingly, the first support member (420) and the second support member (460) may be easily assembled while being prevented from being easily separated in the assembled state due to the interference.

[0059] Fig. 6 illustrates a seal for a vehicle bearing according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 differs from the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 in that it additionally includes a recess (444).

[0060] As illustrated in Fig. 6, a concave portion (444) that is concavely formed inwardly in the axial direction may be formed on the outer surface of the portion covering the first annular portion (424) of the first seal body (440). The concave portion (444) is formed in a ring shape in the circumferential direction on the outer surface. Accordingly, when foreign substances flow along the outer surface of the first seal body (440), the risk of them being introduced into the internal space of the seal (400) by the concave portion (444) is reduced.

[0061] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and all technical ideas falling within the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof should be construed as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. This is a seal (400) for a vehicle's wheel bearing. A first seal part (450) including a first support member (420) coupled to an inner ring (120) of a wheel bearing (1) of a vehicle and a first seal part body (440) coupled to the first support member, and a second seal part (470) including a second support member (460) coupled to an outer ring (300) of the wheel bearing and a second seal part body (480) coupled to the second support member, The first support member (420) includes a first cylindrical portion (422) configured to contact the outer diameter surface of the inner ring, a first annular portion (424) extending radially outward from an axially outer end of the first cylindrical portion, and a second cylindrical portion (426) configured to extend axially inward from a radially outer end of the first annular portion to face the first cylindrical portion. The second seal body (480) includes a grease lip (484) configured not to come into contact with the first cylindrical portion (422). Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one protrusion (486) protruding radially inward is formed at the axial outer end of the second seal body (480). A step (442) is formed on the first seal body (440) corresponding to the protrusion (486). The above step (442) is formed to be open axially outward and radially outward. Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

3. In paragraph 2, The above protrusions (486) are arranged in multiple numbers at equal intervals along the inner surface of the second seal body (480). Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

4. In paragraph 2, The first labyrinth (10) is formed by the protrusion (486), the second labyrinth (20) is formed by the step (442), the third labyrinth (30) is formed by the first seal body part covering the second cylindrical part (426), and the fourth labyrinth (40) is formed by the first seal body part covering the end of the second cylindrical part (426). Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

5. In paragraph 1, The second support member (460) includes a third cylindrical portion (462) configured to contact the inner surface of the outer ring, and a second annular portion (464) extending radially inward from the axial outer end of the third cylindrical portion. The second seal body (480) is configured to cover all of the axial outer surface of the second support member (460), the radially inner end of the second annular portion (464), and the axial outer end of the third cylindrical portion (462). Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

6. In paragraph 2, The axial interference amount (T) of the above protrusion (486) and the above step (442) is 0.1 mm or more. Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

7. In paragraph 2, The inner surface of the above protrusion (486) is formed as an inclined surface. Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

8. In paragraph 2, The above step (442) is formed in a ring shape along the radial outer circumference of the first seal body (440). Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

9. In paragraph 2, The above step (442) is such that the outermost flat section of the first seal body (440) covering the second cylindrical portion (426) is 1.0 mm or more. The axial width and radial depth of the above step (442) are 0.5 mm or more. Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

10. In paragraph 1, A concave portion (444) is formed axially inwardly and open axially outwardly on the outer surface of the portion covering the first annular portion (424) of the first seal body (440). Seals for wheel bearings in vehicles.

11. A wheel bearing of a vehicle comprising a seal (400) for a wheel bearing of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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