Hub carrier assembly for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a hub carrier assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a hub carrier (2) and a wheel bearing (3) for mounting a wheel hub (4) on the hub carrier (2) for rotation about a wheel-hub axis of rotation (5), wherein a seal (14) which sealingly interacts with a pre-sealing element (15) is arranged between an inner ring (6) and an outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3). According to the invention, the pre-sealing element (15) surrounds the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3) and carries a pulse generator (24) of a rotational speed measuring device on a side of the outer ring (7) which is remote from the inner ring (6).

Description

[0001] Wheel carrier arrangement for a motor vehicle

[0002] DESCRIPTION:

[0003] The invention relates to a wheel carrier arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel carrier and a wheel bearing for the rotational mounting of a wheel hub on the wheel carrier about a wheel hub rotation axis, wherein a seal which cooperates sealingly with a pre-sealing element is arranged between an inner ring and an outer ring of the wheel bearing.

[0004] From the prior art, for example, the document DE 10 2004 026 199 A1 is known. This describes a wheel bearing assembly with at least one encoder, with at least one sensor, with a seal arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation, and with a hub mounted for rotation in the wheel bearing assembly, wherein: a radial flange of the hub is directed radially away from the axis of rotation; the seal seals at least one radial annular gap around the hub on the side of the radial flange; the seal has at least one cover ring made of a non-ferromagnetic material and at least one elastic first sealing lip; the first sealing lip is fixed to the sealing ring and bears sealingly against an encoder; at least one signal-active part of the encoder is arranged inside the seal and is rotatably movable with the hub about the axis of rotation; the seal has at least one second sealing lip that bears sealingly against the radial flange;and the encoder is arranged outside the seal opposite the encoder, wherein the cover extends at least between the encoder and the sensor.;

[0005] Furthermore, the document DE 10 2018 102 203 A1 discloses a bearing assembly comprising: a bearing with a first bearing part, a second bearing part movable relative to the first bearing part, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the first bearing part and the second bearing part in a rolling element space; a sensor device with an encoder, which is rotationally connected to the movable second bearing part and has a first magnetically coded track, and a first sensor unit for measuring a magnetic field generated by the first track. It is provided that the encoder has a second magnetically coded track, and that the sensor device has a second sensor unit for measuring a magnetic field generated by the second track.

[0006] Finally, document EP 1 447 240 B1 shows a sealing device for a wheel hub unit connected to a differential device and provided with a rolling bearing, the sealing device being mounted to protect the bearing from a lubricating fluid for lubricating the differential, and comprising a first shield integral with an outer ring of the bearing, a second shield integral with an inner ring of the bearing and facing the first shield, and a dynamic sealing element arranged between the first and second shields.

[0007] The second shield is arranged inside the first shield with respect to the bearing and comprises a support part made of a metallic material and frictionally attached to the inner ring, and an outer part provided with a cylindrical encoder formed integrally with the support part; wherein the first shield comprises a first cylindrical part made of a metallic material and frictionally attached to an outer ring in a position that is at least coaxial with the encoder, and provided with at least one slot suitable for engagement with a sensor for reading a signal generated by the encoder itself. It is provided that the first shield comprises a lining made of rubber material and arranged at least outside the first and second cylindrical parts and such that it completely closes the slot.It is an object of the invention to propose a wheel carrier arrangement for a motor vehicle which has advantages over known wheel carrier arrangements, in particular enabling a particularly reliable detection of a rotational speed of the wheel hub.

[0008] This is achieved according to the invention with a wheel carrier arrangement for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1. It is provided that the pre-sealing element encompasses the outer ring of the wheel bearing and carries a pulse generator of a speed detection device on a side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments with useful further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments explained in the description are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures are feasible.

[0010] The wheel carrier assembly serves to connect a wheel to a body of the motor vehicle. Preferably, it is a component of the motor vehicle, but it can of course also be separate from it, in particular up to its installation on the motor vehicle. Particularly preferably, the wheel carrier assembly is a component of a wheel suspension, by means of which the wheel carrier and thus also the wheel are suspended with respect to the body, in particular spring-suspended. The wheel is rotatably mounted on the wheel carrier of the wheel suspension. For this purpose, the wheel is fastened or can be fastened to the wheel hub, which is ultimately rotatably mounted on the wheel carrier by means of the wheel bearing after installation of the wheel suspension, in particular on the motor vehicle. The wheel or at least a rim of the wheel is therefore rotatably mounted on the wheel carrier via the wheel hub. The rim serves as a carrier for a tire of the wheel, namely preferably for an air-filled tire.The wheel carrier, for example, has a wheel bearing receptacle, which is configured as an opening, in particular as a closed-edge opening, in the wheel carrier. The wheel bearing is arranged in the wheel bearing receptacle. The wheel hub and / or a shaft coupled thereto in a rotationally fixed manner engage at least partially in the wheel bearing receptacle. Particularly preferably, the wheel hub and / or the shaft, in particular jointly, extend at least partially, in particular completely, through the wheel bearing receptacle in the axial direction relative to the wheel hub's axis of rotation.

[0011] The wheel bearing is preferably designed as a rolling bearing and, in this respect, has an inner ring and an outer ring, between which rolling elements are arranged to reduce friction. The inner ring is assigned to the wheel hub, in particular connected to the wheel hub, for example, it is formed integrally with it or fastened to it, whereas the outer ring is assigned to the wheel carrier, in particular connected to the wheel carrier, for example, it is fastened to it. The outer ring is preferably located in the wheel bearing receptacle. In other words, the outer ring rests with its outer peripheral surface against an inner peripheral surface of the wheel carrier that borders the wheel bearing receptacle.

[0012] In addition to the wheel carrier assembly, the wheel suspension has a control arm assembly which serves to couple the wheel carrier to the body of the motor vehicle. The control arm assembly is therefore connected on the one hand to the wheel carrier and on the other hand to the body. Preferably, the control arm assembly engages directly on the wheel carrier or is directly mounted on it, in particular rotatably mounted. The control arm assembly is connected to the wheel carrier, for example, by means of a control arm bearing which is arranged between the control arm assembly and the wheel carrier. The control arm assembly can have a wishbone and / or a trapezoidal control arm and / or one or more rod control arms. Each of these control arms engages on the one hand the wheel carrier and on the other hand the body, in each case directly or at least indirectly. Each of the control arms can be designed either as a wishbone or as a longitudinal control arm.Furthermore, the wheel suspension comprises, for example, a spring strut for damping and springing the wheel carrier relative to the body. Like the control arm assembly, this strut is connected to the wheel carrier on the one hand and to the body on the other. The spring strut comprises at least one damper for damping the wheel carrier relative to the body, and at least one spring for springing relative to the body. In principle, the damper and spring can be arranged in any desired manner, for example, connected in series or in parallel. The spring strut is particularly preferably a MacPherson strut. In this case, the spring strut not only provides spring or damping for the wheel or wheel carrier, but also guides the wheel.

[0013] To protect the wheel bearing from influences from the external environment of the motor vehicle, the seal is arranged between the inner and outer rings of the wheel bearing. This seal is designed to seal an interior of the wheel bearing, in particular a rolling element chamber of the wheel bearing that accommodates the rolling elements, from the external environment, in particular from the direction of the shaft and / or a torque transmission element. To improve the effect of the seal, the wheel carrier assembly has the pre-sealing element. This is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the inner ring, whereas the seal is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the outer ring. The seal therefore bears directly against the outer ring on the one hand and also cooperates sealingly with the pre-sealing element on the other hand, for example, it bears against it or is arranged adjacent to it.

[0014] The sealing interaction does not mean that the seal achieves a sealing effect only in conjunction with the pre-sealing element; rather, the seal and the pre-sealing element can each achieve a sealing effect separately, so that the interaction of the seal and the pre-sealing element achieves a particularly good overall sealing effect. The seal preferably has a plurality of sealing lips, one of which preferably extends radially inward and another of which extends axially toward the torque-transmitting element and / or toward the pre-sealing element, for example, sealingly abutting the pre-sealing element.

[0015] To determine the rotational speed of the wheel hub relative to the wheel carrier, the wheel carrier assembly has a rotational speed detection device. This device comprises, on the one hand, the pulse generator and, on the other hand, a rotational speed sensor. The pulse generator and the rotational speed sensor are intended and designed to cooperate to detect the rotational speed. For this purpose, the pulse generator has, for example, several pulse generator elements arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The pulse generator elements are made, for example, of a magnetic or magnetizable material.

[0016] For precise speed measurement, the largest possible number of pulse generator elements is required. For example, the pulse generator is arranged on an axial end face of the pre-sealing element, so that the pulse generator rotates together with the pre-sealing element. However, such an arrangement requires that the pulse generator elements and / or the gaps between them have circumferential dimensions that increase in the radial direction from the inside to the outside. The pulse generator elements and / or the gaps therefore do not have constant circumferential dimensions in the radial direction from the inside to the outside.

[0017] This leads, on the one hand, to a limitation of the number of pulse generator elements and, on the other hand, to a comparatively low accuracy of the speed determination. For this reason, it is provided that the pre-sealing element engages around the outer ring of the wheel bearing and carries the pulse generator on the side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring. The pulse generator is therefore preferably cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical, and engages around the outer ring of the wheel bearing. It is preferably arranged on the side of the pre-sealing element facing away from the outer ring, thus also engaging around the pre-sealing element in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, it is provided that the pulse generator is arranged in the radial direction between the pre-sealing element and the outer ring of the wheel bearing.

[0018] In the described design and arrangement of the pulse generator, the pulse generator elements ideally have constant dimensions in the circumferential direction over their extension in the axial direction.

[0019] The speed sensor is preferably arranged in axial overlap with the pulse generator, for example, radially on the outside or inside of the pulse generator. Thus, the pulse generator is scanned in the radial direction using the speed sensor. This results in significantly higher speed measurement accuracy. The pulse generator comprises, for example, an element applied to the pre-sealing element, in particular a rubber element. The pulse generator is preferably vulcanized onto the pre-sealing element.

[0020] A further development of the invention provides that a gap, in particular a labyrinth gap, is present between the outer ring and the wheel carrier for accommodating the pre-sealing element and the pulse generator, which gap is in particular at least partially, preferably completely, produced in the outer ring and / or at least partially, preferably completely, in the wheel carrier. The gap is bounded in the radial direction on the inside by the outer ring and in the radial direction on the outside by the wheel carrier. The gap is provided and designed to accommodate the pre-sealing element, and the pre-sealing element is present in it after assembly of the wheel carrier arrangement.

[0021] The gap can be formed in the outer ring and / or the wheel carrier. For example, a recess is provided in the outer ring on its side facing the wheel carrier, forming the gap. Such a design enables the pulse generator to be arranged on the side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring in a structurally simple manner. The gap is preferably in the form of a labyrinth gap, by means of which a labyrinth seal is realized, namely by the engagement of the pre-sealing element in the labyrinth gap. This additionally achieves particularly good sealing of the wheel carrier arrangement.

[0022] A further development of the invention provides that the gap is designed in the outer ring and / or the wheel carrier, in particular is formed by a recess in the outer ring. The production of the gap in the outer ring or the wheel carrier has already been mentioned. The recess, which is formed by the recess and represents the gap, is particularly preferably provided in the outer ring. The recess is to be understood in particular as a step in the outer ring, which reduces the wall thickness of the outer ring. Preferably, the recess forms a wall surface on the outer ring, which lies entirely in an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the wheel hub rotation axis. The described embodiment is structurally simple to implement and enables the advantages already mentioned.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the pulse generator has a distance from the rolling elements of the wheel bearing in the axial direction that corresponds at most to the dimensions of the rolling elements in the axial direction, and / or that the pulse generator has a distance from the rolling elements of the wheel bearing in the radial direction that corresponds to at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 20% of the dimensions of the rolling elements in the radial direction. In other words, the distance between the pulse generator and the rolling elements is comparatively small in the axial direction; in the radial direction, it is limited at least by the outer ring.

[0024] The rolling elements are defined as the rolling elements closest to the pulse generator in the specified direction. Therefore, if the wheel bearing is designed as a multi-row bearing with several rows of rolling elements offset from one another in the axial direction, the distance to the rolling elements is the rolling element row closest to the pulse generator. If the rolling bearing is designed as a ball bearing, the dimensions of the rolling elements are identical in the axial and radial directions and each corresponds to a rolling element diameter.

[0025] The distance between the pulse generator and the rolling elements in the axial direction is preferably smaller than the dimensions of the rolling elements, in particular it is at most 50%, at most 40%, at most 20% or at most 10% of the dimensions of the rolling elements in the axial direction. In this case, it is also preferably provided that the gap, viewed in the axial direction, overlaps with the rolling elements, i.e. extends up to them in the axial direction. In the radial direction, the distance between the pulse generator and the rolling elements is at least one of the values ​​mentioned. In addition, it can be provided that the distance corresponds to at most 50%, at most 40% or at most 30% of the dimensions of the rolling elements in the radial direction. It can additionally or alternatively be provided that the outer ring of the wheel bearing projects beyond the rolling elements in the axial direction by at least 50%, at least 75% or at least 100% of the dimensions of the rolling elements in the axial direction.This results in a structural design of the wheel carrier arrangement in which a particularly reliable seal is realized.

[0026] A further development of the invention provides that the pulse generator is arranged so as to completely overlap the outer ring of the wheel bearing in the axial direction, in particular is spaced apart in the axial direction from a free end of the outer ring. This means that the pulse generator does not protrude beyond the outer ring of the wheel bearing in the axial direction, but rather is completely accommodated in the gap. Particularly preferably, the pulse generator is also spaced apart in the axial direction from the free end of the outer ring, which is arranged on the side facing away from the rolling elements. Particularly preferably, the pulse generator is located closer to the wall surface formed by the recess than to the free end of the outer ring, such that it is arranged particularly deep in the gap. Accordingly, it is well protected against influences from the external environment compared to other arrangements.A further development of the invention provides that the seal and the pre-sealing element together form a labyrinth seal, with at least one sealing ridge engaging in a sealing ridge receptacle. The seal and the pre-sealing element cooperate to seal the interior of the wheel bearing from external environmental influences. To this end, they together form the labyrinth seal. For this purpose, either the seal or the pre-sealing element has at least one sealing ridge that engages in the sealing ridge receptacle of the other element. Therefore, if the sealing ridge is located on the seal, the sealing ridge receptacle is manufactured on the pre-sealing element. However, if the sealing ridge is arranged on the pre-sealing element, the sealing ridge receptacle is located in the seal.

[0027] Both the sealing rib and the sealing rib receptacle preferably completely and continuously encompass the wheel hub's rotational axis in the circumferential direction. The sealing rib engages the sealing rib receptacle in the axial direction. Particularly preferably, there are several sealing ribs arranged offset from one another in the radial direction. Each of these sealing ribs engages one of several sealing rib receptacles, which are also spaced apart from one another in the radial direction. This achieves a particularly reliable seal between the interior of the wheel bearing and the external environment.

[0028] A further development of the invention provides that the pre-sealing element engages around the outer ring of the wheel bearing to form a sealing labyrinth and has a sealing projection that projects into the gap and carries the pulse generator. With the help of such a configuration of the wheel carrier arrangement, the sealing of the wheel bearing against the external environment can be further improved. For this purpose, the pre-sealing element is arranged and designed such that it engages around the outer ring of the wheel bearing to form the sealing labyrinth. This ultimately means that the pre-sealing element is present both on the inside and outside of the outer ring in the radial direction. In particular, the pre-sealing element engages between the inner and outer rings of the wheel bearing, thus overlapping them in the axial direction.

[0029] In addition, the pre-sealing element also surrounds the outer ring, i.e., it is located on the side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring in the radial direction, in particular, it engages there between the outer ring and the wheel carrier. The pre-sealing element surrounds the outer ring in such a way that the sealing labyrinth is created, so that at least the pre-sealing element and the outer ring together form a labyrinth seal. Preferably, the wheel carrier also contributes to the formation of the labyrinth seal, in particular by the pre-sealing element engaging between the outer ring and the wheel carrier. This ensures particularly reliable sealing of the wheel carrier arrangement against the outside environment. Furthermore, it enables a structurally simple arrangement of the pulse generator in the gap.

[0030] A further development of the invention provides that the sealing projection engages in the gap over a distance which corresponds at least to a gap width present in the radial direction. The gap width corresponds to a distance between the outer ring and the wheel carrier in the gap. The sealing projection of the pre-sealing element, which in particular corresponds to a third leg of the pre-sealing element described below, engages in the gap in the axial direction over the specific distance. This distance corresponds at least to the gap width, but is preferably larger, for example by a factor of at least 1.5, at least 2.0 or at least 2.5. This achieves a good sealing effect of the labyrinth seal.

[0031] A further development of the invention provides that the sealing projection in the gap has a first distance from the outer ring and a second distance from the wheel carrier, wherein the first distance and the second distance are each at least 0.1 mm to at most 5 mm. The distances are to be understood as radial distances. The sealing projection therefore engages between the outer ring and the wheel carrier, but does not touch them. The distance is preferably as small as possible, but larger distances are also permissible; in this case, however, the sealing projection should in particular engage in the labyrinth gap by the distance defined above in order to achieve an adequate sealing effect.

[0032] A further development of the invention provides that the wheel hub has a first toothing that engages with a second toothing of a torque transmission element. The wheel carrier is at least temporarily coupled to a drive device of the motor vehicle.

[0033] The drive device can be configured as a single-wheel drive. It preferably has an electric traction motor, by means of which a drive torque directed toward propelling the motor vehicle can be generated, or at least is generated temporarily. The drive connection of the wheel hub to the drive device is established via the torque transmission element.

[0034] The wheel hub is rotationally fixedly coupled to the torque transmission element. For this purpose, the wheel hub has the first toothing, which meshes with the second toothing of the torque transmission element. The toothings are, for example, axial toothings or preferably spur toothings. The spur toothings, in turn, are preferably designed as Hirth toothings. For example, the torque transmission element is part of an angularly movable joint, via which the wheel carrier is drive-connected to a shaft or drive shaft.

[0035] A further development of the invention provides that the torque transmission element is a joint element of a flexible joint, via which the wheel carrier is drive-coupled to a shaft. For this purpose, the flexible joint is drive-connected to the shaft on one side and to the wheel hub on the other. The flexible joint is preferably a constant velocity joint. However, other designs, such as a universal joint or the like, are also conceivable in principle. The flexible joint has several joint elements, namely at least a first joint element and a second joint element, which are connected to one another in an angularly movable manner.

[0036] This means that the two joint elements, i.e., the first joint element and the second joint element, are connected to each other in a torque-transmitting manner, but their relative positions can be changed. Thus, the first joint element is mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation, and the second joint element about a second axis of rotation. The axes of rotation typically intersect each other, but during normal operation of the wheel carrier assembly, they can be at any angle within a propeller shaft angle range. This angle can vary during operation of the wheel carrier assembly; in the context of the wheel suspension, for example, this compensates for deflection of the wheel carrier.

[0037] The first joint element is rotationally fixedly coupled to the shaft, while the second joint element is preferably coupled to the wheel hub or at least capable of being coupled. For this purpose, the second joint element has the second toothing, which is in a torque-transmitting connection with the first toothing of the wheel hub or is brought into such a connection. The use of the angularly movable joint enables a reliable drive connection of the wheel hub to the drive device.

[0038] A further development of the invention provides that the pre-sealing element cooperates positively with the torque transmission element in order to fix it axially with respect to the wheel hub's rotational axis relative to the wheel bearing. The wheel carrier assembly comprising the torque transmission element is complex to assemble due to the intermeshing toothings, particularly in the case of spur toothings, since it must be ensured that the teeth of one of the toothings engage the interspaces of the other toothings and vice versa, i.e., that the teeth of the toothings do not abut one another end-on.

[0039] For this reason, the pre-sealing element should be designed as an assembly aid, namely by positively engaging the torque transmission element to fix it axially relative to the wheel bearing and / or the wheel hub. Fixing occurs in an axial position of the torque transmission element and the wheel hub or wheel bearing relative to each other, in which the teeth of the first toothing engage the interspaces of the second toothing and vice versa, i.e., in which the toothings are fully engaged with each other.

[0040] During assembly of the wheel carrier assembly, the torque transmission element and the wheel hub are moved toward each other until the gear teeth engage. In this position, the pre-sealing element engages the torque transmission element, securing the torque transmission element and the wheel bearing and / or the wheel hub together, preventing the gear teeth from disengaging.

[0041] The torque transmission element is then finally connected to the wheel hub, for example, by screwing a clamping screw that extends through the wheel hub into the torque transmission element. The head of the clamping screw rests against the wheel hub on the side facing away from the torque transmission element, so that the wheel hub and the torque transmission element are forced toward each other in the axial direction and clamped together by the clamping screw. The positive engagement of the pre-sealing element with the torque transmission element also has the advantage that the gear teeth are also sealed from the outside environment, so no further sealing measures are necessary for this purpose.A further development of the invention provides that, for the positive engagement of the pre-sealing element with the torque transmission element, the torque transmission element has a sealing gap into which the pre-sealing element sealingly engages. The sealing gap is preferably designed to be continuous in the circumferential direction within the torque transmission element, i.e., it is provided as a groove or circumferential groove. The pre-sealing element engages in the sealing gap. For example, it bears sealingly against a base and / or a wall defining the sealing gap, or it engages in the sealing gap without contact to create an additional labyrinth seal.

[0042] The positive engagement of the pre-sealing element with the torque transmission element by engaging in the sealing gap thus, on the one hand, secures the torque transmission element axially relative to the wheel bearing and / or the wheel hub and, on the other hand, seals the gear teeth from the outside environment. The pre-sealing element preferably engages continuously in the groove in the circumferential direction to achieve a good sealing effect.

[0043] A further development of the invention provides that the pre-sealing element has a first sealing part and a second sealing part, wherein the first sealing part bears against the inner ring of the wheel bearing and extends to the side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring, and the second sealing part originates from the first sealing part and interacts positively with a torque transmission element and / or has a sealing part region tapering towards the inner ring. The first sealing part therefore originates from the inner ring of the wheel bearing and extends radially outwards, namely to the side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring. There, together with the outer ring, it forms the sealing labyrinth and accordingly the labyrinth seal.

[0044] For example, the first sealing part is essentially C-shaped, i.e. it has a first leg that rests against the inner ring, a second leg that starts from the first leg and extends radially outwards, and a third leg that starts from the second leg and is arranged on the side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring. The first leg and the third leg are each angled relative to the second leg, i.e. they each form an angle with it that is greater than 0° and less than 180°. The angle is preferably at least 60° and at most 120°, at least 5 and 70° and at most 105°, or approximately or exactly 90°.

[0045] Preferably, the length of the third leg in the axial direction and starting from the second leg is at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 100% of the length of the first leg in the axial direction, also starting from the second leg. The first leg and the third leg jointly encompass the outer ring, with the first leg being located on the side of the outer ring facing the inner ring and the third leg being located on the side of the outer ring facing away from the inner ring. The first leg and the third leg are spaced apart from the second leg, in particular, they are connected to one another only via the second leg.

[0046] The second sealing part originates from the first sealing part and is therefore directly connected to it. It extends from the first sealing part in the axial direction, in particular as far as the torque transmission element, and engages therewith in a form-fitting manner. In this respect, the second sealing part is designed in the manner of a cantilever. For example, the second sealing part has dimensions in the axial direction which at least correspond to the dimensions of the first sealing part in the same direction, but are preferably larger, for example by a factor of at least 1.5, at least 2.0 or at least 2.5. Such a design of the wheel carrier arrangement enables both simple assembly and reliable sealing against the external environment. Additionally or alternatively, the second sealing part has the sealing part region which tapers towards the inner ring of the wheel bearing.Preferably, the second sealing part initially extends away from the wheel bearing in the axial direction. However, it has the sealing section, which then runs back toward the inner ring in the axial direction, preferably also in the radial direction. Preferably, the distance of the sealing section from the inner ring in the axial direction is at most 1 mm, at most 0.5 mm, or at most 0.1 mm. This further improves the seal.

[0047] A further development of the invention provides that the first sealing part consists of a first material and the second sealing part of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are identical or different from one another. In the first variant, the two sealing parts consist of different materials, wherein, for example, metal is used for the first material and plastic for the second material. In particular, in this case the second sealing part is injection-molded onto the first sealing part. However, it can also be provided that the two sealing parts consist of the same material. In this case too, they can be injection-molded onto one another, but are particularly preferably designed as a single piece and from the same material. In any case, the advantages already mentioned are achieved with this type of design of the wheel carrier arrangement.

[0048] A further development of the invention provides that the first sealing part is materially connected to the second sealing part, or that the first sealing part and the second sealing part are designed as a single piece and from the same material. Such a design has already been mentioned. The materially bonded connection between the two sealing parts is provided in particular if different materials are used for the sealing parts. Otherwise, they are preferably manufactured as a single piece and from the same material, in particular they are provided together as a stamped and bent part. This enables simple and cost-effective production of the wheel carrier arrangement. A further development of the invention provides that the second sealing part is elastic, so that an end of the second sealing part facing the torque transmission element can be elastically deflected relative to the first sealing part.The second sealing part is designed such that it is elastically deformed from an initial shape during assembly of the wheel carrier assembly, particularly when the torque transmission element and the wheel hub or wheel bearing are moved toward one another. This deformation creates a restoring force that forces the second sealing part back to its original shape.

[0049] Due to the restoring force, the pre-sealing element engages positively with the torque transmission element when the torque transmission element and wheel hub reach an assembly position in which the gear teeth are fully engaged, so that the torque transmission element is axially fixed relative to the wheel hub. In particular, the second sealing part is pushed radially outward from its initial position during assembly, so that its end facing away from the wheel bearing is pushed toward the torque transmission element by the restoring force. This ensures simple and reliable assembly of the wheel carrier assembly.

[0050] The features and feature combinations described in the description, in particular the features and feature combinations described in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which emerge from the explained embodiments or can be derived from them. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, without limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a wheel carrier arrangement for a motor vehicle in a first embodiment, and

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the wheel carrier arrangement in a second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a wheel carrier assembly 1 in a first embodiment, as used in particular for a motor vehicle. The wheel carrier assembly 1 has a wheel carrier 2, which is preferably connected to a body of the motor vehicle (not shown) via at least one link. A wheel hub 4 is rotatably mounted relative to the wheel carrier 2, namely about a wheel hub rotation axis 5, by means of a wheel bearing 3.

[0054] The wheel bearing 3 has an inner ring 6 and an outer ring 7, between which rolling elements 8 are arranged. The inner ring 6 can be designed as a single piece and of the same material as the wheel hub 4. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is designed separately, and a torque-transmitting element 9 is arranged axially next to the wheel hub 4. This is preferably in the form of a joint element of an angularly movable joint 10. The wheel hub 4 has a first toothing 11, which here is exemplary in the form of spur gearing, and which engages a second toothing 12 of the torque-transmitting element 9, which is also designed as spur gearing, in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0055] To protect the wheel bearing 3, in particular its rolling elements 8, from influences from an external environment 13, the wheel carrier assembly 1 has a seal 14 arranged between the inner ring 6 and the outer ring 8, namely on a side of the rolling elements 8 facing the torque transmission element 9. In addition, a pre-sealing element 15 is provided, which is arranged on the inner ring 6 and extends radially outward from it. The pre-sealing element 15 has, in particular, a first sealing part 16 and a second sealing part 17. The first sealing part 16 rests against the inner ring 6 and extends radially outward; the second sealing part 17 originates from the first sealing part 16 and extends axially away from the wheel bearing 3. In the first embodiment shown, the two sealing parts 16 and 17 are made of different materials.For example, the first sealing part 16 is made of metal and the second sealing part 17 is made of plastic, which is injection-molded onto the metal.

[0056] The seal 14 is attached to the outer ring 7 and bears against the pre-sealing element 15, more precisely against the first sealing part 16. The seal 14 preferably has a plurality of sealing lips 18 and 19, with the sealing lip 18 bearing inward in the radial direction and the sealing lip 19 bearing axially against the pre-sealing element 15. The pre-sealing element 15 engages over the toothings 11 and 12 in the axial direction and engages in a sealing gap 20 with a form-fitting fit, namely on its end 21 facing away from the wheel bearing 3. The sealing gap 20 is arranged on the side of the toothings 11 and 12 in the torque transmission element 9 facing away from the wheel bearing 3. The engagement of the pre-sealing element 15 in the sealing gap 20 takes place in particular in such a way that a sealing effect is achieved.By engaging, on the one hand, the torque transmission element 9 is held in the axial direction with respect to the wheel hub 4 and, on the other hand, the toothings 11 and 12 are protected from influences from the external environment 13.

[0057] In order to achieve particularly reliable sealing of the wheel carrier assembly 1, the pre-sealing element 15 is designed such that it encompasses the outer ring 7 of the wheel bearing 3, namely such that a sealing labyrinth 22 is created. For this purpose, the pre-sealing element 15 engages in a gap 23 which is present between the outer ring 7 and the wheel carrier 2, more precisely, is delimited in the radially inward direction by the outer ring 7 and in the radially outward direction by the wheel carrier 2. The gap 23 can also be referred to as a labyrinth gap. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the labyrinth gap 23 is formed by a recess produced in the outer ring 7.

[0058] It is also shown that the pre-sealing element 15 carries an encoder or pulse generator 24, which is used for speed measurement. The pulse generator 24 has a fastening material that is different from a material of the pre-sealing element 15; for example, rubber is used as the fastening material, which is in particular vulcanized onto the pre-sealing element 15. Pulse generator elements are fastened to the pre-sealing element 15 by means of the fastening material. The pulse generator elements are, for example, embedded in the fastening material and arranged distributed, in particular evenly distributed, in the circumferential direction. They are preferably made of a magnetic or magnetizable material.

[0059] The pulse generator 24 is arranged in the labyrinth gap 23. For this purpose, it is located on a sealing projection 25 of the pre-sealing element 15, which extends into the labyrinth gap 23. This arrangement has the advantage that, on the one hand, the pulse generator 24 contributes to sealing the wheel carrier arrangement 1 and, on the other hand, its arrangement further outwards in the radial direction enables high measuring accuracy. The pulse generator 24 is detected, for example, by means of a sensor 26, which is only indicated here by way of example. The sensor 26 is preferably arranged stationary with respect to the wheel carrier 2, in particular fastened to the wheel carrier 2. For example, it overlaps with the pulse generator 24 when viewed in the axial direction with respect to the wheel hub rotation axis 5. This achieves high measuring accuracy.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the wheel carrier assembly 1 in a second embodiment. This essentially corresponds to the first embodiment, so reference is made to the corresponding embodiments, and only the differences are discussed below.

[0061] These consist in the fact that a different configuration of the seal 14 is implemented and the sealing lip 19 is omitted. The sealing lip 18, however, continues to bear radially inwards against the pre-sealing element 15. However, it is also optional here. In any case, the seal 14 and the pre-sealing element 15 together form a labyrinth seal 27, namely in that the pre-sealing element 15 is provided with sealing webs 28 which engage in sealing web receptacles 29 of the seal 14. The sealing web receptacles 29 are ultimately also formed by sealing webs 28, which are part of the seal 14. The sealing effect achieved by means of the interaction of the seal 14 and the pre-sealing element 15 ensures particularly effective protection of the wheel carrier arrangement 1 against influences from the external environment 13.

[0062] As an alternative to the described design of the pre-sealing element 15, in which the two sealing parts 16 and 17 are made of different materials, it can also be provided that the sealing parts 16 and 17 are designed as a single piece and made of the same material. For this purpose, the pre-sealing element 15 is provided, for example, as a bent sheet metal part. In either case, the aforementioned advantages are achieved.

[0063] In both embodiments, a sealing sub-region 30 can also optionally be present, which is a component of the second sealing part 17 or extends from a base body of the second sealing part 17 that extends in the axial direction away from the wheel bearing 3. In particular, the sealing sub-region 30 extends in the radial direction away from the base body and additionally in the axial direction toward the wheel bearing 3. For example, the sealing sub-region 30 overlaps the inner ring 6 of the wheel bearing 3 when viewed in the radial direction. For example, it extends into an intermediate space that, viewed in longitudinal section, is created between the inner ring 6 and the torque transmission element. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS:

[0064] 1 wheel carrier arrangement

[0065] 2 wheel carriers

[0066] 3 wheel bearings

[0067] 4 Wheel hub

[0068] 5 Wheel hub rotation axis

[0069] 6 inner ring

[0070] 7 Outer ring

[0071] 8 rolling elements

[0072] 9 Torque transmission element

[0073] 10 joint

[0074] 11 1 . Gearing

[0075] 12 2. Gearing

[0076] 13 Outdoor environment

[0077] 14 Seal

[0078] 15 Pre-sealing element

[0079] 16 1 . Sealing part

[0080] 17 2. Sealing part

[0081] 18 Sealing lip

[0082] 19 Sealing lip

[0083] 20 Sealing gap

[0084] 21 End

[0085] 22 Sealing Labyrinth

[0086] 23 Labyrinth gap

[0087] 24 pulse generators

[0088] 25 Sealing projection

[0089] 26 Speed ​​sensor

[0090] 27 Labyrinth seal

[0091] 28 Sealing bar

[0092] 29 Sealing web holder

[0093] 30 Sealing section

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:

1. Wheel carrier arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, with a wheel carrier (2) and a wheel bearing (3) for the rotary mounting of a wheel hub (4) on the wheel carrier (2) about a wheel hub rotation axis (5), wherein a seal (14) which cooperates sealingly with a pre-sealing element (15) is arranged between an inner ring (6) and an outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3), characterized in that the pre-sealing element (15) engages around the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3) and carries a pulse generator (24) of a speed detection device on a side of the outer ring (7) facing away from the inner ring (6).

2. Wheel carrier arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that between the outer ring (7) and the wheel carrier (2) there is a gap (23) for receiving the pre-sealing element (15) and the pulse generator (24).

3. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gap (23) is formed in the outer ring (7) and / or the wheel carrier (2).

4. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulse generator (24) has a distance from rolling elements (8) of the wheel bearing (3) in the axial direction which corresponds at most to dimensions of the rolling elements (8) in the axial direction, and / or that the pulse generator (24) has a distance from the rolling elements (8) of the wheel bearing (3) in the radial direction which corresponds to at least 5%, at least 10% or at least 20% of dimensions of the rolling elements (8) in the radial direction.

5. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulse generator (24) is arranged in axial direction so as to completely overlap with the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3).

6. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (14) and the pre-sealing element (15) together form a labyrinth seal (27) in that at least one sealing web (28) engages in a sealing web receptacle (29).

7. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-sealing element (15) engages around the outer ring (7) of the wheel bearing (3) to form a sealing labyrinth (22) and has a sealing projection (25) projecting into the gap (23) and carrying the pulse generator (24).

8. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel hub (4) has a first toothing (11) which engages with a second toothing (12) of a torque transmission element (9).

9. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-sealing element (15) cooperates positively with the torque transmission element (9) in order to fix the latter in the axial direction with respect to the wheel hub rotation axis (5) relative to the wheel bearing (3).

10. Wheel carrier arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-sealing element (15) has a first sealing part (16) and a second sealing part (17), wherein the first sealing part (16) rests against the inner ring (6) of the wheel bearing (3) and extends to the side of the outer ring (7) facing away from the inner ring (6), and the second sealing part (17) extends from the first sealing part (16) and interacts positively with the torque transmission element (9) and / or has a sealing part region (30) tapering towards the inner ring (6).

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