Sealing device and wheel bearing device

Abstract

Provided is a sealing device capable of ensuring sealing performance of the sealing device by suppressing movement of a slinger to the inner side without increasing man-hours when press-fitting the slinger into a hub ring and without increasing press-fit force for the slinger. An outer-side seal member 10 comprises: a slinger 13 having a cylindrical part 13a provided on a base part 3d of a wheel attachment flange 3b and fitted to an outer circumferential surface 31 of a hub ring 3, a disk part 13b facing a flange-side surface 32, and a connection part 13c connecting the cylindrical part 13a and the disk part 13b; a core metal 11 fitted to an outer-side end part of an outer ring 2; and a first elastic member 12 having seal lips 12b-12d. The connection part 13c of the slinger 13 has a small disk part 131 and a small cylindrical part 132. The direction in which the small disk part 131 extends intersects the direction in which the small cylindrical part 132 extends. A connection portion between the cylindrical part 13a and the small disk part 131 and a connection portion between the disk part 13b and the small cylindrical part 132 are bent.

Description

Sealing device and wheel bearing device

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

[0002] Conventionally, a wheel bearing device that rotatably supports a wheel in a suspension device of an automobile or the like is known. The wheel bearing device is provided with a sealing device that closes the open end of an annular space formed by an outer member and an inner member to prevent foreign matters such as mud and water from entering.

[0003] For example, the sealing device of the wheel bearing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a slinger fitted to a hub ring which is an inner member, a core metal fitted to the inner circumference of an outer ring which is an outer member, and an elastic member integrally joined to the core metal. The slinger has a fitting portion that fits on the outer peripheral surface of the hub ring, a disk portion facing a flange formed on the hub ring, and a curved portion that connects the fitting portion and the disk portion.

[0004] Here, when the wheel bearing device repeatedly receives loads and vibrations from the vehicle, the slinger fitted to the hub ring may move axially toward the inner side. When the slinger moves to the inner side, a gap may occur between the flange of the hub ring and the slinger, allowing foreign matters such as mud and water to penetrate into the bearing, or the slinger may interfere with the ball row accommodated between the outer member and the inner member.

[0005] Therefore, in the sealing device described in Patent Document 1, a retaining portion that protrudes to the outer diameter side from the fitting portion of the slinger is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub ring. By forming the retaining portion on the outer peripheral surface of the hub ring, when the slinger press-fitted to the outer side beyond the retaining portion tries to move to the inner side, it is caught by the retaining portion and is inhibited from moving to the inner side.

[0006] However, in the sealing device described in Patent Document 1, when the slinger is press-fitted to the outer side beyond the retaining portion, warping or plastic deformation may occur in the slinger, reducing the tightening allowance of the fit with respect to the hub ring and possibly degrading the sealing performance of the sealing device.

[0007] Therefore, in the sealing device described in Patent Document 2, after press-fitting the slinger into the hub ring, press-work is performed on the outer portion of the hub ring beyond the slinger to form a protrusion that extends outward from the fitting portion of the slinger. This suppresses warping and plastic deformation of the slinger and stabilizes the sealing performance of the sealing device.

[0008] Furthermore, in the sealing device described in Patent Document 1, when the slinger, which is press-fitted into the hub ring, passes the retaining portion to the outer side, and then the slinger is further press-fitted to the outer side, the amount of protrusion of the slinger from the retaining portion to the outer diameter side at the fitting portion becomes small, which can make it difficult to apply an outer pressing force to the inner end of the fitting portion.

[0009] Therefore, in the sealing device described in Patent Document 3, the fitting portion of the slinger is folded back toward the outer diameter to increase the thickness of the fitting portion. This increases the amount that the fitting portion of the slinger protrudes toward the outer diameter from the convex portion formed on the outer circumference of the hub ring, making it possible to easily apply an outward pressing force to the inner end of the fitting portion.

[0010] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-240679, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-085412, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-129197

[0011] In the sealing device described in Patent Document 2 above, after the slinger is pressed into the hub wheel, it is necessary to perform press processing to form a protrusion on the hub wheel, which leads to the problem of increased man-hours when pressing the slinger into the hub wheel.

[0012] Furthermore, in the sealing device described in Patent Document 3, the fitting portion of the slinger is formed by folding it back toward the outer diameter side, thereby increasing its rigidity. This creates a problem where a large pressing force is required when pressing the slinger beyond the retaining portion toward the outer side.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a sealing device and a wheel bearing device that can ensure the sealing performance of the sealing device by suppressing the movement of the slinger toward the inner side without increasing the number of steps required when pressing the slinger into the hub wheel or increasing the pressing force of the slinger.

[0014] In other words, the sealing device is a sealing device that closes the axial opening end of an annular space formed by an outer member and an inner member of a wheel bearing device, and is provided at the base of a wheel mounting flange formed at one axial end of the inner member, and has a slinger having a cylindrical portion that fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the inner member, a disc portion that faces the wheel mounting flange, and a connecting portion that connects the cylindrical portion and the disc portion, and a core metal that fits onto one axial end of the outer member, and The slinger comprises a first elastic member joined to a core metal and having a seal lip extending toward the slinger, wherein the connecting portion of the slinger has a small disc portion extending outward from the cylindrical portion and a small cylindrical portion extending axially toward the other side from the disc portion and connected to the small disc portion, the direction in which the small disc portion extends intersects with the direction in which the small cylindrical portion extends, and the connection points between the cylindrical portion and the small disc portion, and the connection points between the disc portion and the small cylindrical portion are bent.

[0015] According to the present invention, the rigidity of the slinger is improved, and even when the wheel bearing device is repeatedly subjected to loads and vibrations from the vehicle, the slinger fitted to the hub wheel can be prevented from moving to the other side in the axial direction. This makes it possible to suppress the movement of the slinger to the other side in the axial direction and ensure sealing performance without increasing the number of steps required to press-fit the slinger into the hub wheel or increasing the pressing force of the slinger.

[0016] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a wheel bearing device. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the first embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the second embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the third embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the fourth embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the fifth embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the sixth embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the seventh embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the eighth embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the ninth embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the tenth embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view showing an outer seal member according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0017] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0018] [Wheel Bearing Device] The wheel bearing device 1 shown in Figure 1 is an embodiment of a wheel bearing device equipped with a sealing device according to the present invention, and is used to rotatably support a wheel in the suspension system of a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0019] In the following description, "axial direction" refers to the direction along the rotation axis X of the wheel bearing device 1, "radial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X of the wheel bearing device 1, and "circumferential direction" refers to the direction along the arc centered on the rotation axis X of the wheel bearing device 1. Furthermore, "outer side" refers to one side in the axial direction, which is the wheel side of the wheel bearing device 1 when mounted on the vehicle body, and "inner side" refers to the other side in the axial direction, which is the vehicle body side of the wheel bearing device 1 when mounted on the vehicle body.

[0020] The wheel bearing device 1 has a configuration referred to as the third generation, and comprises an outer ring 2 which is an outer member, a hub ring 3 and an inner ring 4 which are inner members, two rows of inner ball rows 5 and outer ball rows 6 which are rolling rows, and an inner sealing member 9 and an outer sealing member 10.

[0021] An inner opening 2a into which an inner sealing member 9 can be fitted is formed at the inner end of the outer ring 2. An outer opening 2b into which an outer sealing member 10 can be fitted is formed at the outer end of the outer ring 2. An inner outer raceway surface 2c and an outer outer raceway surface 2d are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 2. A vehicle body mounting flange 2e for attaching the outer ring 2 to a vehicle body side member is integrally formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 2.

[0022] A small-diameter stepped portion 3a is formed at the inner end of the outer circumference of the hub wheel 3, which is smaller in diameter than the outer end. The small-diameter stepped portion 3a extends axially at the inner end of the hub wheel 3. A wheel mounting flange 3b for attaching a wheel is integrally formed at the outer end of the hub wheel 3. Multiple bolt holes 3f are formed in the wheel mounting flange 3b. Hub bolts 3i for fastening the hub wheel 3 to a wheel or brake component are press-fitted into the bolt holes 3f.

[0023] The outer surface of the hub ring 3 is provided with an inner raceway surface 3c on the outer side, facing the outer raceway surface 2d of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner raceway surface 3c is formed on the outer side of the inner member by the hub ring 3. The outer side seal member 10 is fitted into the outer side opening end of the annular space S formed by the outer ring 2 and the hub ring 3, and closes the outer side opening end. The outer side seal member 10 is an example of a sealing device.

[0024] An inner ring 4 is provided on the small-diameter stepped portion 3a of the hub wheel 3. The inner ring 4 is fixed to the small-diameter stepped portion 3a of the hub wheel 3 by press-fitting. The inner ring 4 applies preload to the rolling rows, which consist of the inner ball row 5 and the outer ball row 6.

[0025] The outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 4 is provided with an inner raceway surface 4a that faces the outer raceway surface 2c on the inner side of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner raceway surface 4a is formed on the inner side of the inner member by the inner ring 4.

[0026] The inner ball row 5 and the outer ball row 6, which are rolling elements, are composed of multiple balls 7, which are rolling elements, held by a retainer 8. The inner ball row 5 is rotatably sandwiched between the inner raceway surface 4a of the inner ring 4 and the inner outer raceway surface 2c of the outer ring 2. The outer ball row 6 is rotatably sandwiched between the inner raceway surface 3c of the hub ring 3 and the outer outer raceway surface 2d of the outer ring 2. In other words, the inner ball row 5 and the outer ball row 6 are rotatably housed between the raceway surfaces of the outer and inner members.

[0027] In the wheel bearing device 1, a double-row angular contact ball bearing is constructed from an outer ring 2, a hub ring 3 and an inner ring 4, an inner ball row 5, and an outer ball row 6. Alternatively, the wheel bearing device 1 may be configured with a double-row tapered roller bearing instead of the double-row angular contact ball bearing.

[0028] [First Embodiment of Outer Sealing Member] As shown in Figure 2, the outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a core metal 11 fitted to the inner circumference of the outer side of the outer ring 2, a first elastic member 12 integrally joined to the core metal 11, and a slinger 13 fitted to the base 3d of the wheel mounting flange 3b of the hub ring 3.

[0029] The hub wheel 3 has an outer circumferential surface 31, a flange side surface 32, and a connecting surface 33 at the base 3d of the wheel mounting flange 3b. The outer circumferential surface 31 is a surface aligned with the axial direction, and the flange side surface 32 is a surface aligned with the radial direction. The connecting surface 33 is located between the outer circumferential surface 31 and the flange side surface 32 and connects the outer circumferential surface 31 and the flange side surface 32. The connecting surface 33 is formed in an arc shape that is convex towards the outer and inner diameter sides when viewed from the circumferential direction.

[0030] The core metal 11 is made of, for example, a steel plate and has a cylindrical fitting portion 11a that fits onto the inner circumference of the outer opening 2b of the outer ring 2, and an inner portion 11b that is bent from the inner end of the fitting portion 11a and extends toward the inner diameter.

[0031] The first elastic member 12 is formed from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber and is joined to the core metal 11 by vulcanization adhesive. The first elastic member 12 has a base portion 12a, a radial lip 12b, a first side lip 12c, and a second side lip 12d.

[0032] The base portion 12a is joined to the outer side surface, the inner diameter side surface, and the inner diameter end of the inner side surface of the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11. The radial lip 12b, the first side lip 12c, and the second side lip 12d are sealing lips of the first elastic member 12 and extend toward the slinger 13.

[0033] The radial lip 12b is positioned on the inner diameter side among the multiple seal lips of the first elastic member 12 and is located at the inner diameter end of the first elastic member 12. The radial lip 12b extends inward and toward the inner diameter side from the base portion 12a which is joined to the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11. The radial lip 12b is in sliding contact with the slinger 13. The radial lip 12b is a contact seal lip that contacts the slinger 13.

[0034] The first side lip 12c is positioned on the outermost side among the multiple seal lips of the first elastic member 12. The first side lip 12c extends outward and toward the outer diameter. The first side lip 12c is in sliding contact with the slinger 13. The first side lip 12c is a contact seal lip that contacts the slinger.

[0035] The second side lip 12d is positioned radially between the radial lip 12b and the first side lip 12c. The second side lip 12d extends outward and toward the outer diameter. The second side lip 12d is in sliding contact with the slinger 13. The second side lip 12d is a contact seal lip that contacts the slinger 13.

[0036] The slinger 13 is fitted onto the base 3d of the wheel mounting flange 3b by press-fitting it axially from the inner side to the outer side against the outer circumferential surface 31 of the hub wheel 3. The slinger 13 is made of, for example, a steel plate and has a cylindrical portion 13a, a disc portion 13b, and a connecting portion 13c.

[0037] The cylindrical portion 13a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted to the outer circumferential surface 31 of the hub wheel 3 on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange 3b and on the outer side of the inner raceway surface 3c. In other words, the cylindrical portion 13a of the slinger 13 is fitted to the outer circumferential surface 31 of the hub wheel 3. The cylindrical portion 13a faces the radial lip 12b in the radial direction, and the cylindrical portion 13a and the radial lip 12b are in contact.

[0038] The disc portion 13b is formed in a disc shape with a plane facing in the axial direction, and faces the flange side surface 32 of the wheel mounting flange 3b in the axial direction. In other words, the flange side surface 32 faces the disc portion 13b of the slinger 13. The disc portion 13b and the flange side surface 32 are in contact.

[0039] The disc portion 13b faces the first side lip 12c and the second side lip 12d in the axial direction, and the disc portion 13b is in contact with the first side lip 12c and the second side lip 12d.

[0040] The connecting portion 13c connects the cylindrical portion 13a and the disc portion 13b. The connecting portion 13c is located between the contact portion with the radial lip 12b and the contact portion with the second side lip 12d in the slinger 13.

[0041] The connecting portion 13c has a small disc portion 131 extending outward from the outer end of the cylindrical portion 13a, and a small cylindrical portion 132 extending inward from the inner end of the disc portion 13b. The inner end of the small cylindrical portion 132 is connected to the outer end of the small disc portion 131. A space G is formed between the connecting surface 33 at the base 3d of the hub wheel 3 and the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13.

[0042] In the connecting portion 13c, the direction in which the small disc portion 131 extends and the direction in which the small cylindrical portion 132 extends are not parallel, and the direction in which the small disc portion 131 extends intersects the direction in which the small cylindrical portion 132 extends. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the small disc portion 131 extends is a direction parallel to the radial direction, the direction in which the small cylindrical portion 132 extends is a direction parallel to the axial direction, and the direction in which the small disc portion 131 extends and the direction in which the small cylindrical portion 132 extends are orthogonal to each other.

[0043] The connection location between the cylindrical portion 13a and the small disc portion 131 in the connecting portion 13c is bent, and the connection location between the disc portion 13b and the small cylindrical portion 132 in the connecting portion 13c is bent. Also, the connection location between the small disc portion 131 and the small cylindrical portion 132 in the connecting portion 13c is bent.

[0044] Thus, since the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13 has the small disc portion 131 and the small cylindrical portion 132 whose extending directions intersect each other, and the connection location between the small disc portion 131 and the small cylindrical portion 132 is bent, the ring rigidity of the slinger 13 is improved.

[0045] In the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13, the direction in which the small disc portion 131 extends is a direction parallel to the radial direction, the direction in which the small cylindrical portion 132 extends is a direction parallel to the axial direction, and the direction in which the small disc portion 131 extends and the direction in which the small cylindrical portion 132 extends are orthogonal to each other, so that the ring rigidity of the slinger 13 can be further improved.

[0046] Therefore, even when the wheel bearing device 1 repeatedly receives loads and vibrations from the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the slinger 13 fitted to the hub ring 3 from moving axially toward the inner side.

[0047] Thereby, it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between the flange side surface 32 of the wheel mounting flange 3b of the hub ring 3 and the slinger 13 and foreign matter such as mud and water from entering the bearing, or to prevent the slinger 13 from interfering with the outer side ball row 6 accommodated between the inner raceway surface 3c of the hub ring 3 and the outer raceway surface 2d of the outer ring 2.

[0048] In this case, after press-fitting the slinger 13 into the hub ring 3, there is no need to perform press working for forming a retaining portion on the hub ring 3, so the man-hours for press-fitting the slinger 13 into the hub ring 3 do not increase. Also, since no retaining portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface 31 of the hub ring 3, when press-fitting the slinger 13 into the hub ring 3, a large press-fitting force is not required, and plastic deformation does not occur in the slinger 13.

[0049] Thus, in the outer seal member 10, it is possible to suppress the movement of the slinger 13 toward the inner side without increasing the man-hours for press-fitting the slinger 13 into the hub ring 3 and without increasing the press-fitting force of the slinger 13, and ensure the sealing performance.

[0050] [Second Embodiment of Outer Seal Member] The outer seal member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured like the outer seal member 10A according to the second embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer seal member 10A is different from the outer seal member 10 in that it includes a core metal 11A instead of the core metal 11 and a first elastic member 12A instead of the first elastic member 12. Since the other configurations of the outer seal member 10A are the same as those of the outer seal member ①, the description thereof is omitted.

[0052] The core metal 11A has an outer portion 11c and an outer edge portion 11d in addition to the fitting portion 11a and the inner portion 11b. The inner portion 11b of the core metal 11A is bent from the inner end portion of the fitting portion 11a, extends to the outer side and the inner diameter side, and then extends to the inner diameter side.

[0053] The outer portion 11c extends from the outer end portion of the fitting portion 11a to the outer diameter side. The outer edge portion 11d extends from the outer diameter side end portion of the outer portion 11c to the inner side. The outer edge portion 11d extends to the inner side at a predetermined interval from the outer peripheral surface 2h at the outer end portion of the outer ring 2.

[0054] The first elastic member 12A has a weir portion 12e in addition to the base portion 12a, the radial lip 12b, the first side lip 12c, and the second side lip 12d. It should be noted that there is an unclear "①" in the translation of item . Please check and correct it if necessary.

[0055] The base portion 12a of the first elastic member 12A is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion 11a of the core metal 11A, the outer side surface, inner diameter side surface, and inner diameter end of the inner side surface of the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11A, and the outer side surface of the outer portion 11c of the core metal 11A.

[0056] The weir portion 12e covers the outer portion 11c and outer edge portion 11d of the core metal 11A, protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 2h at the outer end of the outer ring 2, and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 2h of the outer ring 2.

[0057] Thus, the first elastic member 12A protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 2h at the outer end of the outer ring 2 and has a weir portion 12e that contacts the outer peripheral surface 2h at the outer end of the outer ring 2.

[0058] This allows the weir 12e to block foreign matter such as muddy water flowing along the outer surface 2h of the outer ring 2, preventing such foreign matter from entering the bearing interior from the outer end of the outer ring 2.

[0059] Furthermore, the configuration of the outer sealing member 10A according to this embodiment can be applied to the outer sealing member according to the third to tenth embodiments.

[0060] [Third Embodiment of Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10B according to the third embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the outer sealing member 10B differs from the outer sealing member 10 in that it is equipped with a slinger 13A instead of a slinger 13. The other components of the outer sealing member 10B are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10, so their explanation is omitted.

[0062] The slinger 13A has a cylindrical portion 13a, a disc portion 13b, and a connecting portion 13c, in addition to a bent portion 13d. The bent portion 13d is formed by bending the inner end of the cylindrical portion 13a toward the outer diameter. The bent portion 13d extends from the inner end of the cylindrical portion 13a toward the outer diameter.

[0063] The cylindrical portion 13a extends along the axial direction, and the bent portion 13d extends along the radial direction. When the slinger 13A is viewed from the circumferential direction, the direction in which the cylindrical portion 13a extends and the direction in which the bent portion 13d extends are perpendicular to each other.

[0064] Thus, in the slinger 13A, a bent portion 13d is formed by bending the inner end of the cylindrical portion 13a toward the outer diameter, thereby increasing the ring rigidity of the slinger 13A. As a result, even when the wheel bearing device 1 is repeatedly subjected to loads and vibrations from the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the movement of the slinger 13A fitted to the hub wheel 3 toward the inner side in the axial direction.

[0065] Furthermore, the configuration of the outer sealing member 10B according to this embodiment can be applied to the outer sealing members according to the first, second, and fifth to eleventh embodiments.

[0066] [Fourth Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10C according to the fourth embodiment.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the outer sealing member 10C differs from the outer sealing member 10 in that it is equipped with a slinger 13B instead of a slinger 13. The other components of the outer sealing member 10C are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0068] The slinger 13B has a cylindrical portion 13a, a disc portion 13b, and a connecting portion 13c, in addition to a bent portion 13e. The bent portion 13e is formed by bending the inner end of the cylindrical portion 13a toward the outer diameter. The bent portion 13e extends from the inner end of the cylindrical portion 13a toward the outer diameter.

[0069] The cylindrical portion 13a extends along the axial direction. The bent portion 13e extends in a direction that is inclined outward with respect to the radial direction as it approaches the outer diameter. When the slinger 13B is viewed from the circumferential direction, the angle α formed by the cylindrical portion 13a and the bent portion 13e is less than 90°.

[0070] Thus, in the slinger 13B, a bent portion 13e is formed by bending the inner end of the cylindrical portion 13a toward the outer diameter, thereby increasing the ring rigidity of the slinger 13B. As a result, even when the wheel bearing device 1 is repeatedly subjected to loads and vibrations from the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the movement of the slinger 13B fitted to the hub wheel 3 toward the inner side in the axial direction.

[0071] Furthermore, when assembling the wheel bearing device 1, the slinger 13B is pressed into the hub ring 3, and then the outer ring 2, which has the mandrel 11 and the first elastic member 12 fitted to it, is moved from the inner side to the outer side and assembled onto the hub ring 3. In the process of the outer ring 2 being assembled onto the hub ring 3, the radial lip 12b of the first elastic member 12 moves over the bent portion 13e of the slinger 13B from the inner side to the outer side.

[0072] In this case, the bent portion 13e is inclined toward the outer side as it moves toward the outer diameter side, and the angle α between the cylindrical portion 13a and the bent portion 13e is formed to be less than 90°. Therefore, compared to, for example, when the angle α is set to be greater than 90°, the degree to which the radial lip 12b catches on the bent portion 13e when the radial lip 12b contacts the bent portion 13e is reduced.

[0073] This reduces the amount of deformation when the radial lip 12b crosses over the bent portion 13e, and ensures more stable sealing performance of the outer sealing member 10C.

[0074] Furthermore, the configuration of the outer sealing member 10C according to this embodiment can be applied to the outer sealing members according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fifth to eleventh embodiments.

[0075] [Fifth Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10D according to the fifth embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6, the outer sealing member 10D differs from the outer sealing member 10 in that it has a slinger 13C instead of a slinger 13. Furthermore, the outer sealing member 10D differs from the outer sealing member 10, which does not have a second elastic member 14, in that it has a second elastic member 14. The other components of the outer sealing member 10D are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10, so their description is omitted.

[0077] The slinger 13C has a cylindrical portion 13a, a disc portion 13b, and a connecting portion 13c, in addition to a protruding portion 13f. The protruding portion 13f protrudes from the outer diameter end of the disc portion 13b toward the core metal 11, which is the inner side. In the radial direction, the protruding portion 13f is located on the outer diameter side of the first side lip 12c of the first elastic member 12. In the axial direction, the protruding portion 13f faces the base portion 12a of the first elastic member 12 with a gap between them.

[0078] A second elastic member 14 is integrally joined to the outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion 13f. The second elastic member 14 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber. In other words, the second elastic member 14 is joined to the outer diameter side end of the disc portion 13b of the slinger 13C. The second elastic member 14 is in contact with the flange side surface 32 of the wheel mounting flange 3b.

[0079] As described above, the outer side sealing member 10D is provided with a second elastic member 14 that contacts the wheel mounting flange 3b at the outer diameter end of the slinger 13C. This prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing device through the gap between the wheel mounting flange 3b and the slinger 13C. This ensures the sealing performance of the outer side sealing member 10C.

[0080] Furthermore, the configuration of the outer sealing member 10D according to this embodiment can be applied to the outer sealing members according to the first to fourth embodiments and the sixth to tenth embodiments.

[0081] [Sixth Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10E according to the sixth embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, the outer sealing member 10E differs from the outer sealing member 10, which does not have a third elastic member 15, in that it includes a third elastic member 15. The other components of the outer sealing member 10E are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10, so their description is omitted.

[0083] The third elastic member 15 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber and is filled in the space G between the connecting surface 33 of the hub wheel 3 and the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13. The third elastic member 15 is in contact with the connecting surface 33 and the small disc portion 131 and small cylindrical portion 132 of the connecting portion 13c.

[0084] As described above, in the outer side sealing member 10E, a third elastic member 15 is provided in the space G between the connecting surface 33 of the hub wheel 3 and the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13. This prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing device through the gap between the base 3d of the hub wheel 3 and the slinger 13. This ensures the sealing performance of the outer side sealing member 10C.

[0085] Furthermore, if a third elastic member 15 is provided in the space G between the hub wheel 3 and the slinger 13 to prevent foreign matter from entering, the space can be utilized more effectively compared to the case where a second elastic member 14 is provided at the outer diameter end of the slinger 13C, as shown in Figure 6, for example, with the outer side seal member 10D. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for the outer side seal member 10E.

[0086] Furthermore, the configuration of the outer sealing member 10E according to this embodiment can be applied to the outer sealing members according to the first to fifth embodiments and the seventh to tenth embodiments.

[0087] [Seventh Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10F according to the seventh embodiment.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8, the outer sealing member 10F differs from the outer sealing member 10 in that it has a first elastic member 12B instead of the first elastic member 12. The other components of the outer sealing member 10F are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10, so their explanation is omitted.

[0089] The first elastic member 12B has a base portion 12a, a radial lip 12b, a first side lip 12c, and a second side lip 12d, in addition to a first labyrinth-forming portion 12f. The first labyrinth-forming portion 12f is located between the radial lip 12b and the second side lip 12d and protrudes from the base portion 12a, which is joined to the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11, toward the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13.

[0090] The first labyrinth-forming portion 12f faces the small disc portion 131 and the small cylindrical portion 132 of the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13 with a gap between them. The first labyrinth-forming portion 12f faces the small disc portion 131 and the small cylindrical portion 132 of the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13 over substantially the entire area. In the outer side sealing member 10F, the labyrinth is formed on the inner diameter side of the second side lip 12d by the gap between the first labyrinth-forming portion 12f and the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13.

[0091] In this way, the outer sealing member 10F can further improve its sealing performance, which prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing device, by forming a labyrinth with the first labyrinth-forming portion 12f of the first elastic member 12B.

[0092] [Eighth Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10G according to the eighth embodiment.

[0093] As shown in Figure 9, the outer sealing member 10G differs from the outer sealing member 10 in that it has a first elastic member 12C instead of the first elastic member 12. The other components of the outer sealing member 10G are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10, so their explanation is omitted.

[0094] The first elastic member 12C has a base portion 12a, a radial lip 12b, a first side lip 12c, and a second side lip 12d, in addition to a first labyrinth-forming portion 12g. The first labyrinth-forming portion 12g is located between the radial lip 12b and the second side lip 12d and protrudes from the base portion 12a, which is joined to the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11, toward the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13.

[0095] The first labyrinth-forming portion 12g faces the small disc portion 131 and the small cylindrical portion 132 of the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13 with a gap between them. The first labyrinth-forming portion 12g faces the small disc portion 131 of the connecting portion 13c over almost the entire area, and faces the small cylindrical portion 132 of the connecting portion 13c over approximately half of the outer diameter side. In the outer side sealing member 10G, the labyrinth is formed on the inner diameter side of the second side lip 12d by the gap between the first labyrinth-forming portion 12g and the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13.

[0096] In this way, the outer sealing member 10G can further improve its sealing performance, which prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing device, by forming a labyrinth with the first labyrinth-forming portion 12g of the first elastic member 12C.

[0097] Furthermore, the first labyrinth-forming portion 12g of the outer seal member 10G has a smaller axial thickness compared to the first labyrinth-forming portion 12f of the outer seal member 10F shown in Figure 8. Therefore, the axial space occupied by the outer seal member 10G can be reduced, making it easier to position the outer seal member 10G even when there are axial constraints on the space available for positioning the outer seal member 10G between the outer ring 2 and the hub ring 3.

[0098] [Ninth Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10 according to the first embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10H according to the ninth embodiment.

[0099] As shown in Figure 10, the outer sealing member 10H differs from the outer sealing member 10 in that it has a first elastic member 12D instead of the first elastic member 12. The other components of the outer sealing member 10H are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10, so their description is omitted.

[0100] The first elastic member 12D has a base portion 12a, a radial lip 12b, a first side lip 12c, and a second side lip 12d, in addition to a first labyrinth-forming portion 12h. The first labyrinth-forming portion 12h is located between the radial lip 12b and the second side lip 12d and protrudes from the base portion 12a, which is joined to the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11, toward the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13.

[0101] The first labyrinth-forming portion 12h faces the small cylindrical portion 132 of the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13 with a gap between them. The first labyrinth-forming portion 12h faces the small cylindrical portion 132 of the connecting portion 13c over substantially the entire area. In the outer side sealing member 10H, the labyrinth is formed on the inner diameter side of the second side lip 12d by the gap between the first labyrinth-forming portion 12h and the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13.

[0102] In this way, the outer sealing member 10H can further improve its sealing performance, which prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing device, by forming a labyrinth with the first labyrinth-forming portion 12h of the first elastic member 12D.

[0103] Furthermore, the first labyrinth-forming portion 12h of the outer seal member 10H does not have a portion facing the small disc portion 131 in the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13, and is formed to have a smaller radial length compared to the first labyrinth-forming portion 12f of the outer seal member 10F shown in Figure 8. Therefore, the radial space occupied by the outer seal member 10H can be reduced, and even when there are radial constraints on the space for arranging the outer seal member 10H between the outer ring 2 and the hub ring 3, it becomes easier to arrange the outer seal member 10H.

[0104] [Tenth Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10F according to the seventh embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10J according to the tenth embodiment.

[0105] As shown in Figure 11, the outer sealing member 10J differs from the outer sealing member 10F in that it has a first elastic member 12E instead of the first elastic member 12B. The other components of the outer sealing member 10J are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10F, so their description is omitted.

[0106] The first elastic member 12E differs from the first elastic member 12B, which has a second side lip 12d, in that it does not have a second side lip 12d. The other configurations of the first elastic member 12E are the same as those of the first elastic member 12B.

[0107] In the outer sealing member 10J, a labyrinth is formed by the first labyrinth-forming portion 12f of the first elastic member 12E and the connecting portion 13c of the slinger 13. Therefore, even without the second side lip 12d, it is possible to ensure sealing performance that prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing device.

[0108] In the outer sealing member 10J, by configuring the first elastic member 12E without a second side lip 12d that contacts the slinger 13, it is possible to reduce the friction of the first elastic member 12E with respect to the slinger 13 and thereby reduce the torque of the outer sealing member 10J.

[0109] Furthermore, the configuration of the outer sealing member 10J according to this embodiment can be applied to the outer sealing members according to the eighth and ninth embodiments.

[0110] [Eleventh Embodiment of the Outer Sealing Member] The outer sealing member 10D according to the fifth embodiment can also be configured as the outer sealing member 10K according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0111] As shown in Figure 12, the outer sealing member 10K differs from the outer sealing member 10D in that it has a core metal 11A instead of the core metal 11, and a first elastic member 12F instead of the first elastic member 12. The other components of the outer sealing member 10K are the same as those of the outer sealing member 10D, so their description is omitted.

[0112] The core metal 11A has an outer portion 11c and an outer edge portion 11d, in addition to the fitting portion 11a and the inner portion 11b. The inner portion 11b of the core metal 11A is bent from the inner end of the fitting portion 11a, extends outwards and towards the inner diameter, and then extends towards the inner diameter.

[0113] The outer portion 11c extends from the outer end of the fitting portion 11a toward the outer diameter. The outer edge portion 11d extends from the outer end of the outer portion 11c toward the inner side. The outer edge portion 11d extends toward the inner side at a predetermined distance from the outer peripheral surface 2h at the outer end of the outer ring 2.

[0114] The first elastic member 12F is formed from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber and is joined to the core metal 11A by vulcanization bonding. The first elastic member 12F has a base portion 12a, a radial lip 12b, a first side lip 12j, a second side lip 12k, a weir portion 12m, and a second labyrinth-forming portion 12n.

[0115] The base portion 12a is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion 11a of the core metal 11A, the outer side surface, inner diameter side surface, and inner diameter end of the inner side surface of the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11A, and the outer side surface of the outer portion 11c of the core metal 11A.

[0116] The radial lip 12b is positioned on the inner diameter side among the multiple seal lips of the first elastic member 12F and is located at the inner diameter end of the first elastic member 12F. The radial lip 12b extends inward and towards the inner diameter from the base portion 12a which is joined to the inner portion 11b of the core metal 11A. The radial lip 12b is in sliding contact with the slinger 13C. The radial lip 12b is a contact seal lip that contacts the slinger 13C.

[0117] The first side lip 12j is positioned on the outer diameter side of the radial lip 12b. The first side lip 12j extends outward and toward the outer diameter side. The first side lip 12j extends from the base portion 12a joined to the core metal 11A toward the disc portion 13b of the slinger 13C, and faces the disc portion 13b with a gap in the axial direction. The first side lip 12j is a non-contact seal lip that does not come into contact with the slinger 13C.

[0118] The second side lip 12k is positioned radially between the radial lip 12b and the first side lip 12j. The second side lip 12k extends outward and toward the outer diameter. The second side lip 12k extends from the base portion 12a joined to the core metal 11A toward the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13C and slides against the small disc portion 131 at the connection portion 13c. The second side lip 12d is a contact seal lip that contacts the connection portion 13c of the slinger 13C.

[0119] The weir portion 12m covers the outer portion 11c and outer edge portion 11d of the core metal 11A, protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 2h at the outer end of the outer ring 2, and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 2h of the outer ring 2.

[0120] The second labyrinth-forming portion 12n protrudes outward from the weir portion 12m. The second labyrinth-forming portion 12n is located on the outer diameter side of the second elastic member 14 and faces the second elastic member 14 with a gap in the radial direction. In the outer side seal member 10K, the gap between the second labyrinth-forming portion 12n and the second elastic member 14 forms a labyrinth on the outer diameter side of the first side lip 12j.

[0121] Thus, in the outer side sealing member 10K, by forming a labyrinth with the second labyrinth forming portion 12n of the first elastic member 12F, it is possible to form the first side lip 12j as a non-contact sealing lip while ensuring sealing performance that prevents foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing device.

[0122] Furthermore, in the outer side sealing member 10K, by forming the first side lip 12j as a non-contact sealing lip, the friction of the first elastic member 12F with respect to the slinger 13 can be reduced, thereby lowering the torque of the outer side sealing member 10K.

[0123] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, but is merely illustrative. It can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents as described in the claims.

[0124] The present invention can be used in sealing devices and wheel bearing devices.

[0125] 1 Wheel bearing device 2 Outer ring 2b Outer side opening 2c (Inner side) Outer raceway surface 2d (Outer side) Outer raceway surface 3 Hub ring 3a Small diameter stepped section 3b Wheel mounting flange 3c Inner raceway surface 3d Base 4 Inner ring 4a Inner raceway surface 5 Inner side ball row 6 Outer side ball row 10, 10A to 10K Outer side sealing member 11, 11A Core metal 12, 12A to 12F First elastic member 12b Radial lip 12c, 12j First side lip 12d, 12k Second side lip 12e, 12m Weir section 12n Second labyrinth forming section 12f, 12g, 12h First labyrinth forming section 13, 13A to 13C Slinger 13a Cylindrical section 13b Disc section 13c Connection part 13d, 13e Bent parts 14 Second elastic member 15 Third elastic member 31 Outer peripheral surface 32 Flange side surface 33 Connection surface 131 Small disc part 132 Small cylindrical part G Space S Annular space

Claims

1. A sealing device for closing the axial opening end of an annular space formed by an outer member and an inner member of a wheel bearing device, comprising: a slinger provided at the base of a wheel mounting flange formed at one axial end of the inner member, having a cylindrical portion that fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the inner member, a disc portion facing the wheel mounting flange, and a connecting portion that connects the cylindrical portion and the disc portion; a core metal that fits onto one axial end of the outer member; and a first elastic member joined to the core metal and having a seal lip extending toward the slinger, wherein the connecting portion of the slinger has a small disc portion extending outward from the cylindrical portion, and a small cylindrical portion extending axially toward the other side from the disc portion and connected to the small disc portion, and the direction in which the small disc portion extends intersects with the direction in which the small cylindrical portion extends. A sealing device in which the connection point between the cylindrical portion and the small disc portion, and the connection point between the disc portion and the small cylindrical portion are bent.

2. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the small disc portion extends in the connecting portion is parallel to the radial direction, and the direction in which the small cylindrical portion extends in the connecting portion is parallel to the axial direction.

3. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member protrudes outward from one axial end of the outer member and has a weir portion that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the one axial end of the outer member.

4. The sealing device according to claim 1, further comprising a second elastic member joined to the outer diameter end of the disc portion of the slinger and in contact with the wheel mounting flange of the inner member.

5. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the slinger has a bent portion obtained by bending the other axial end of the cylindrical portion toward the outer diameter.

6. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the inner member has an outer peripheral surface into which the cylindrical portion of the slinger is fitted, a flange side surface facing the disc portion of the slinger, and a connecting surface connecting the outer peripheral surface and the flange side surface, a space is formed between the connecting surface of the inner member and the connecting portion of the slinger, and the device further comprises a third elastic member that fills the space and contacts the connecting surface and the connecting portion.

7. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member protrudes from the core metal toward the connection portion of the slinger and has a first labyrinth-forming portion that faces the connection portion with a gap between them.

8. The sealing device according to claim 4, wherein the first elastic member has a contact seal lip extending from the core metal toward the connection portion of the slinger and in contact with the connection portion; a non-contact seal lip extending from the core metal toward the disc portion of the slinger and facing the disc portion with a gap between them; and a second labyrinth forming portion located on the outer diameter side of the non-contact seal lip and facing the second elastic member with a gap between them.

9. A wheel bearing device comprising: an outer member having double rows of outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumference; an inner member having a wheel mounting flange at one axial end for attaching a wheel and a small-diameter stepped portion extending axially on its outer circumference, and at least one inner ring press-fitted into the small-diameter stepped portion of the hub ring, and having double rows of inner raceway surfaces facing the double rows of outer raceway surfaces; double rows of rolling elements rotatably housed between the raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner member; and a sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images