Bearing arrangement having a sealing arrangement

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a bearing arrangement (1), having a bearing (2) which has a bearing inner ring (3), a bearing outer ring (4), and bearing bodies (5) arranged between the bearing inner ring (3) and the bearing outer ring (4), and having a sealing arrangement (6) which has a seal carrier (7) connected to a bearing outer ring (4), a sealing element (8) attached to the seal carrier (7), and a running ring (9) attached to the bearing inner ring (3), wherein the seal carrier (7) has an axial section (10) bearing against the bearing outer ring (4) on the inner circumferential side, and the sealing element (8) has a lip (12) extending from the seal carrier (7) in an elongation of the axial section (10), and an extension (13) extending radially outwards from an end of the lip (12) facing away from the seal carrier.

Description

[0001] Storage arrangement

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a bearing arrangement comprising a bearing and a sealing arrangement. The bearing arrangement is intended in particular for use in a vehicle. In particular, the bearing arrangement serves as a wheel-side seal.

[0003] Bearings are used to support rotating components such as shafts. Supporting components exposed to harsh environmental conditions presents a challenge, as the ingress of dirt or liquid can damage the bearing and potentially lead to its failure. For these applications, such as a vehicle wheel bearing, appropriately sealed bearings are available. These bearings incorporate one or more seals between the bearing rings to prevent dirt and / or liquids from entering the bearing housing.

[0004] From the prior art of publication US 2021 / 0324909 A1, a sealing arrangement is known in which a sealing carrier with an axial section is pressed radially outward into a bearing outer ring and extends further radially outward from the axial section to connect a sealing lip of a sealing element. A problem in the prior art is that the geometry of the sealing carrier is often very complex (and therefore cost-intensive) for achieving sufficient sealing performance (or for the desired connection of the sealing lips of the sealing element), so that, for example, several folding steps are required.

[0005] A sealing arrangement is known from the prior art, as described in document CN 105593546 B, in which an L-shaped sealing carrier rests radially on the inner side of a bearing outer ring to connect an axial sealing lip of a sealing element. The sealing lip is designed in such a way that fluid can flow relatively easily into the sealing arrangement, thus preventing sufficient sealing performance. Furthermore, a sealing arrangement is known from the prior art, as described in document DE 102018 103 109 A1, in which an axial gap is formed on the inlet side, but this gap opens into a large free space, allowing fluid to flow relatively easily (without flow obstructions) from this free space towards the bearing bodies. Therefore, sufficient sealing performance cannot be guaranteed.

[0006] Against this background, the present disclosure aims to avoid or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a bearing arrangement is to be provided in which a particularly good sealing performance at the inlet of the sealing arrangement can be ensured and in which the individual components, especially a sealing carrier, are of a particularly simple design and can therefore be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0007] This problem is solved by a storage arrangement with the features of the independent patent claim. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] Accordingly, the bearing arrangement comprises a bearing. The bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring, and a bearing body arranged between the inner and outer rings. The bearing arrangement also includes a sealing arrangement. The sealing arrangement comprises a seal carrier connected to an outer ring, a sealing element attached to the seal carrier, and a raceway attached to the inner ring.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the sealing carrier has an axial section that rests against the inner circumference of the bearing outer ring. Furthermore, the sealing element has a lip extending from the sealing carrier in line with the axial section, and a radially outward extension from an end of the lip facing away from the sealing carrier. This has the advantage that the lip and the extension form a so-called spoiler lip, which significantly improves the sealing performance at the inlet of the sealing arrangement. Moreover, the spoiler lip can be directly connected to the sealing carrier in line with the axial section of the sealing carrier (which is required for mounting anyway), resulting in a relatively simple design of the sealing carrier.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing arrangement can form an axial gap on the inlet side between the sealing element, in particular the extension, and the inner bearing ring. This has the advantage of ensuring a sufficient sealing function.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing arrangement can form a radial gap on the inlet side between the sealing element, in particular the lip, and the running ring. The radial gap can preferably be located further inwards in the sealing arrangement than the axial gap. This means that the incoming fluid first flows through the axial gap before it flows through the radial gap. This has the advantage of ensuring a sufficient sealing function.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the lip can have a drip groove on its inner circumferential side at the end facing away from the seal carrier. This drip groove prevents / interrupts a capillary effect, thus preventing fluid from flowing along the lip into the sealing assembly.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing carrier can have a radial section. Preferably, the axial section of the sealing carrier can extend from the radial section towards the bearing bodies. Preferably, the lip of the sealing element can extend from the radial section away from the bearing bodies. This has the advantage that the sealing carrier and the sealing element (without considering any further sealing lips of the sealing element) form a kind of T-shape, enabling a particularly simple geometry of the sealing carrier to be manufactured, while simultaneously ensuring sealing performance (via the lip with the extension). In particular, this geometry eliminates the need for a double fold in the sealing carrier. Specifically, the axial section and the lip can be arranged at essentially the same radial height.The axial section and the lip can each extend from a radially outer end of the radial section. The axial section can form a first free end of the sealing carrier. The radial section can form a second free end of the sealing carrier. The radial section can merge into the axial section, so that the sealing carrier, preferably as a whole, has an L-shape. The axial section forms a free end of the sealing carrier. The lip with the extension can form a free end of the sealing element.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing element can have an axial sealing lip arranged radially within the lip and extending from the sealing carrier, in particular the radial section of the sealing carrier, away from the bearing bodies or towards the raceway. The sealing element can also have several axial sealing lips, for example, two or three axial sealing lips. The multiple axial sealing lips can be radially spaced from one another. This can further improve the sealing performance.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing element can have a radial sealing lip that extends radially inwards, or towards the running ring, from the sealing carrier, in particular the radial section of the sealing carrier. This further improves the sealing performance.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the bearing ring can be substantially C-shaped. Preferably, the bearing ring can bear (directly) against the inner bearing ring on its outer circumference and axially. This ensures suitable mounting of the bearing ring and a suitable seal against the inner bearing ring. According to a preferred embodiment, the bearing ring can have an axial finger. Preferably, a radial gap can be formed between the axial finger and the sealing element. This achieves suitable influence on the flow in the sealing arrangement.

[0017] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the axial finger can extend (axially) to a free end of the sealing lip or to a collecting groove formed by the sealing lip (but not beyond). This allows the fluid to be guided into the collecting groove.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the preferred design, the axial finger can extend (axially) beyond a free end of the sealing lip and form a sealing gap with the sealing element at its end face. This further lengthens the flow path.

[0019] In other words, the present disclosure relates to a wheel-side seal with a spoiler lip, which can save costs and improve sealing performance. In particular, the spoiler lip has a radial gap to a counter plate and an axial gap to a hub. Preferably, a drip groove can be formed at the seal gap entrance.

[0020] The revelation is explained below with the help of drawings:

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a bearing arrangement according to the disclosure, and

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of a bearing arrangement according to the disclosure.

[0023] The figures are purely schematic and serve solely to illustrate the present disclosure. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals. Figures 1 and 2 show two embodiments of a bearing arrangement 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0024] The bearing arrangement 1 includes a bearing 2. The bearing can, in particular, be a wheel bearing for a (motor) vehicle. The bearing 2 has an inner bearing ring 3 (or a hub or hub flange connected thereto), an outer bearing ring 4, and a bearing body 5 arranged between the inner bearing ring 3 and the outer bearing ring 4.

[0025] The bearing assembly 1 comprises a sealing assembly 6. The sealing assembly 6 includes a seal carrier 7, a sealing element 8 attached to the seal carrier 7, and a (counter) race 9 (or counter plate). The seal carrier 7 is preferably (fixedly) connected to the outer bearing ring 4. In particular, the seal carrier 7 can be pressed into the outer bearing ring 4, preferably into a ground inner diameter of the outer bearing ring. The race 9 is preferably (fixedly) connected to the inner bearing ring 3. The seal carrier 7 can preferably be a metallic (sheet metal) component. The sealing element 8 can preferably be an elastomeric component. The race 9 can preferably be a metallic (sheet metal) component.

[0026] The sealing carrier 7 can essentially be L-shaped.

[0027] The sealing carrier 7 can have an axial section 10. The axial section 10 extends substantially in the axial direction. The axial section 10 can bear against the bearing outer ring 4, at least partially. In particular, the axial section 10 bears against a radial inner surface or an inner circumferential surface of the bearing outer ring 4. That is, a radial outer surface or an outer circumferential surface of the axial section 10 bears against the bearing outer ring 4. In particular, the axial section 10 can form a free end of the sealing carrier 7. The sealing carrier 7 can also have a radial section 11. The radial section 11 extends substantially in the radial direction. In particular, the radial section 11 can form a free end of the sealing carrier 7.

[0028] Preferably, the axial section 10 and the radial section 11 can transition into one another (via a bend). Preferably, the axial section 10 can extend from a radially outer end of the radial section 11. Preferably, the axial section 10 can extend axially from the radial section in the direction of the bearing bodies 5.

[0029] The sealing element 8 can have a lip 12. The lip 12 can extend substantially in the axial direction. The lip 12 can extend from the sealing carrier 7 in the direction away from the bearing bodies 5. In particular, the lip 12 can extend in line with the axial section 10. That is, the axial section 10 and the lip 12 extend substantially along the same radial height.

[0030] The sealing element 8 can have a projection 13. The projection 13 can extend substantially in a radial direction. Preferably, the projection 13 extends from an end of the lip 12 facing away from the sealing carrier. Preferably, the projection 13 extends radially outwards from the lip 12. The lip 12 with the projection preferably forms a free end of the sealing element 8.

[0031] Preferably, the sealing arrangement 6 can form an axial gap Sax (axial) on the inlet side between the sealing element 8 and the inner bearing ring 3. In particular, the axial gap Sax can be formed between the extension 13 and an axial surface of the inner bearing ring 3 (facing the bearing bodies 5). The width of the axial gap Sax can essentially correspond to the sheet thickness of the sealing carrier 7 and / or the raceway 9. Preferably, the sealing arrangement 6 can form a radial gap Srad (radial) on the inlet side between the sealing element 8 and the raceway 9. In particular, the radial gap Srad can be formed between the lip 12, in particular an inner circumferential surface of the lip 12, and the raceway 9, in particular an outer circumferential surface of the raceway 9. The radial gap Srad can be arranged radially further inward than the axial gap Sax. The radial gap Srad can be arranged downstream of the axial gap Sax, i.e.,viewed in the direction of flow, it should be located further away from an inlet of the sealing arrangement 6 than the axial gap Sax.

[0032] The sealing element 8 can have a drip groove 14. The drip groove 14 can be formed in an inner circumferential surface of the lip 12. The drip groove 14 can be continuous around the circumference or interrupted. In particular, the drip groove 14 can be formed axially in the region of the extension 13 or at the end of the lip 12 facing away from the seal carrier.

[0033] The sealing element 8 can have a first axial sealing lip 15. The sealing lip 15 can be arranged radially inside the lip 12. The sealing lip 15 can extend from the sealing carrier 7 in the direction away from the bearing bodies 5. That is, the sealing lip 15 extends from the sealing carrier 7 towards the raceway 9. In particular, the sealing lip 15 can extend from the radial section 11 of the sealing carrier 7. The sealing lip 15 can be bent radially outwards, thereby forming a catch groove 16. The sealing lip 15 can be spaced apart from the raceway 9. That is, the sealing lip 15 does not contact the raceway 9.

[0034] The sealing element 8 can have a second axial sealing lip 17. The sealing lip 17 can be arranged radially inside the lip 12. The sealing lip 17 can be arranged radially inside the (first) sealing lip 15. This means that the sealing lips 14 and 17 can be radially spaced apart from each other. The sealing lip 17 can extend from the sealing carrier 7 in the direction away from the bearing bodies 5. This means that the sealing lip 17 extends from the sealing carrier 7 in the direction towards the raceway 9. In particular, the sealing lip 17 can extend from the radial section 11 of the sealing carrier 7. The sealing lip 17 can abut the raceway 9. This means that the sealing lip 17 contacts the raceway 9.

[0035] The sealing element 8 can have a third axial sealing lip 18. The sealing lip 18 can be arranged radially inside the lip 12. The sealing lip 18 can be arranged radially inside the (first) sealing lip 15. The sealing lip 18 can be arranged radially inside the (second) sealing lip 17. That is, the sealing lips 14, 17, 18 can be radially spaced apart from each other. The sealing lip 18 can extend from the seal carrier 7 in the direction away from the bearing bodies 5. That is, the sealing lip 18 extends from the seal carrier 7 in the direction towards the raceway 9. In particular, the sealing lip 18 can extend from the radial section 11 of the seal carrier 7. The sealing lip 18 can abut the raceway 9. That is, the sealing lip 18 contacts the raceway 9.

[0036] The sealing element 8 can have a radial sealing lip 19. The sealing lip 19 can extend radially inwards from the sealing carrier 7. That is, the sealing lip 19 extends from the sealing carrier 7 in the direction of the running ring 9. In particular, the sealing lip 19 can extend from the radial section 11 of the sealing carrier 7, especially from a radially inner end of the radial section 11.

[0037] The running ring 9 can essentially be C-shaped.

[0038] The bearing ring 9 can have a (first) axial section 20. The axial section 20 extends substantially in the axial direction. The axial section 20 can bear against the inner bearing ring 3, at least partially. In particular, the axial section 20 bears against a radial outer surface or an outer circumferential surface of the inner bearing ring 3. That is, a radial inner surface or an inner circumferential surface of the axial section 20 bears against the inner bearing ring 3. In particular, the axial section 20 can form a free end of the bearing ring 9.

[0039] The bearing ring 9 can have a radial section 21. The radial section 21 extends substantially in the radial direction. The radial section 21 can bear against the inner bearing ring 3, at least partially. In particular, the radial section 21 bears against an axial side of the inner bearing ring 3 (facing the bearing bodies 5). This means that an axial outer surface, or an axial surface (facing away from the bearing bodies 5), of the radial section 21 bears against the inner bearing ring 3.

[0040] The bearing ring 9 can have a connecting section 22. The connecting section 22 can connect the axial section 20 and the radial section 21. The connecting section 22 can extend inclined to the axial direction and inclined to the radial direction.

[0041] The bearing ring 9 can have an axial finger (or a second axial section) 23. The axial finger 23 extends substantially in the axial direction. The axial finger 23 can extend from the radial section 21 towards the bearing bodies 5. That is, the axial finger 23 extends towards the seal carrier 7 or the sealing element 8. Preferably, the radial gap Srad can be formed between the sealing element 8, in particular the lip 12, and the axial finger 23.

[0042] According to a first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the axial finger 23 extends axially to a free end of the (first) sealing lip 15. According to a second embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the axial finger 23 extends axially beyond the free end of the (first) sealing lip 15, so that a sealing gap is formed between a free end of the axial finger 23 and the sealing carrier 7 or the sealing lip 8. The sealing gap is larger than the axial gap Sax and can, for example, be substantially twice as large as the axial gap Sax. Reference numerals

[0043] Storage arrangement

[0044] Storage

[0045] inner bearing ring

[0046] Outer bearing ring

[0047] Bearing body

[0048] Sealing arrangement

[0049] Seal carrier

[0050] Sealing element

[0051] Running ring

[0052] 10 Axial section

[0053] 11 Radial section

[0054] 12 Lippe

[0055] 13th continuation

[0056] 14 Drain groove

[0057] 15 (axial) first sealing lip

[0058] 16 gutter

[0059] 17 (axial) second sealing lip

[0060] 18 (axial) third sealing lip

[0061] 19 radial sealing lip

[0062] 20 Axial section

[0063] 21 Radial section

[0064] 22 Connecting section

[0065] 23 axial fingers

[0066] Sax axial gap

[0067] Srad radial gap

Claims

Patent claims 1. Bearing arrangement (1), comprising a bearing (2) having an inner bearing ring (3), an outer bearing ring (4) and a bearing body (5) arranged between the inner bearing ring (3) and the outer bearing ring (4), and a sealing arrangement (6) comprising a sealing carrier (7) connected to an outer bearing ring (4), a sealing element (8) attached to the sealing carrier (7), and a running ring (9) attached to the inner bearing ring (3), characterized in that the sealing carrier (7) has an axial section (10) bearing on the inner circumferential side of the outer bearing ring (4) and the sealing element (8) has a lip (12) extending from the sealing carrier (7) in extension of the axial section (10) and a radially outward extension (13) from an end of the lip (12) facing away from the sealing carrier.

2. Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing arrangement (6) forms an axial gap on the inlet side between the sealing element (8) and the inner bearing ring (3).

3. Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing arrangement (6) forms a radial gap on the inlet side between the sealing element (8) and the running ring (9).

4. Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lip (12) has a drip groove (14) on its inner circumferential side at the end facing away from the sealing carrier.

5. Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing carrier (7) has a radial section (11), wherein the axial section (10) of the sealing carrier (7) extends from the radial section (11) in the direction of the bearing bodies (5) and wherein the lip (12) of the sealing element (8) extends from the radial section (11) in the direction away from the bearing bodies (5).

6. Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sealing element (8) has an axial sealing lip (15, 17, 18) arranged radially inside the lip (12) and extending from the sealing carrier (7) in the direction away from the bearing bodies (5) and towards the running ring (9), and / or has a radial sealing lip (19) extending radially inwards from the sealing carrier (7) and towards the running ring (9).

7. Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the running ring (9) is essentially C-shaped and bears against the inner bearing ring (3) on the outer circumferential side and axially.

8. Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the running ring (9) has an axial finger (23), wherein the radial gap is formed between the axial finger (23) and the sealing element (8).

9. Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the axial finger (23) extends to a free end of the sealing lip (15) and to a catch channel (16) formed by the sealing lip (15).

10. Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the axial finger (23) extends beyond a free end of the sealing lip (15) and forms a sealing gap with the sealing element (8) at its end face.

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