DE102020100511A1 - Wheel bearing unit for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel bearing unit for arrangement on a wheel hub (1) with a wheel bearing flange (11), comprising a wheel bearing (2), the wheel bearing (2) comprising an inner ring (3) and an outer ring (4), between which a plurality of rolling elements (5), a first sealing plate (8) being attached to the inner ring (3) or a component connected non-rotatably to the inner ring (3), with a first sealing plate (8) being attached between an end face of the wheel bearing flange (11) and the wheel bearing (2) a gap (17) is formed. Provision is made for a centrifugal element (18) to be arranged in the gap (17) which rests against the first sealing plate (8) or is connected to the first sealing plate (8), the centrifugal element (18) entering the gap (17 ) promotes penetrated water from the gap (17) when the wheel hub (1) rotates.

Description

The invention relates to a wheel bearing unit for a motor vehicle wheel and a wheel hub with such a wheel bearing unit according to the preamble of the independent claims.

Wheel bearings are used in motor vehicles to rotatably attach the wheels of the motor vehicle to a wheel hub. Sealing arrangements with sliding sealing contacts of sealing lips and non-touching sealing lips for sealing roller bearings are known from a wide variety of applications in wheel bearings for motor vehicles.

From the DE 10 2011 077 732 A1 a ventilation arrangement is known with an air guide ring which is arranged in the circumferential direction and has punched holes oriented in the axial direction with respect to an axis of rotation. Thanks to the air guide ring, which can be rotated in relation to a face-toothed ring, air circulation is achieved, which is stimulated by the air guide blades by moving them alternately over the spur teeth and alternately increasing and decreasing the air pressure in the spaces between the teeth. This creates an air flow that sweeps over the entire surface and cools more effectively.

The DE 10 2013 220 074 B4 discloses a sealing arrangement for a wheel bearing which is inserted between a first and a second bearing part of the wheel bearing. The sealing arrangement comprises a centrifugal disk, which is designed as a pre-seal, as well as several sealing lips and a sealing set with a reinforcement. The reinforcement is at least partially enclosed by an elastic sealing material. The sealing set is attached to the first torsionally rigid bearing part. In a receptacle radially delimited by the sealing material, a radial rim of a centrifugal disk engages with play, which is fixed to the second bearing part via a radial leg and includes a gutter.

A disadvantage of the solutions known from the prior art, however, is that there is a gap between the wheel flange and the wheel bearing, into which, under unfavorable environmental conditions, water can penetrate, which can reduce the service life of the wheel bearing.

The object of the invention is to further reduce the risk of water penetrating into a wheel bearing and to overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a wheel bearing unit for arrangement on a wheel hub with a wheel bearing flange. The wheel bearing unit comprises a wheel bearing with an inner ring and an outer ring, between which a plurality of rolling elements are arranged, a first sealing plate being fastened to the inner ring or to a component connected non-rotatably to the inner ring. A gap is formed between an end face of the wheel bearing flange and the wheel bearing. It is provided that a centrifugal element is arranged in the gap, which rests against the first sealing plate or is connected to the first sealing plate, the centrifugal element conveying water that has penetrated into the gap out of the gap when the wheel hub rotates. As a result, in comparison to known seals of the wheel bearing, an accumulation of liquid in the gap between the wheel bearing flange and the wheel bearing can be avoided, whereby the risk of premature failure of the wheel bearing due to water penetrating into the wheel bearing and the associated corrosion is reduced.

The measures cited in the dependent claims allow advantageous developments and improvements of the wheel bearing unit indicated in the independent claim.

In a preferred embodiment of the wheel bearing unit it is provided that a second sealing plate is attached to the outer ring or a component connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the outer ring, a labyrinth seal being formed between the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate. When the wheel hub rotates, the water that has penetrated the gap is transported outwards by the centrifugal element, so that no liquid collects at the entrance of the labyrinth seal and can penetrate the wheel bearing via the labyrinth seal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the centrifugal element is molded onto the first sealing plate. By integrally molding the centrifugal element, a particularly simple and space-optimized design of a seal for the wheel bearing is possible. In addition, such a design can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, so that an improved sealing of the wheel bearing can be achieved with little financial outlay.

In an advantageous improvement of the invention it is provided that the first sealing plate is made of a metallic material, the centrifugal element being made of an elastomer and molded onto the metallic sealing plate. As a result, the centrifugal element can be made in one piece with the sealing plate, which facilitates the assembly of the wheel bearing. Furthermore, such an implementation of a Centrifugal element can be produced easily and inexpensively in an injection molding process, in which the centrifugal element is molded onto a metal sheet and is connected to it with a material bond.

In a preferred embodiment of the wheel bearing unit it is provided that the wheel bearing is designed as a multi-row roller bearing. The wheel bearing is preferably designed as a two-row or four-row roller bearing. A multi-row roller bearing can absorb greater forces. The wheel bearing is preferably designed in such a way that at least two rows of rolling elements can transmit forces in the circumferential direction, while at least one row of rolling elements can additionally transmit axial forces in a first direction and at least one second row of rolling elements can additionally transmit axial forces in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

It is particularly preferred if the wheel bearing is designed as a ball bearing or as a tapered roller bearing. Such a roller bearing can be implemented simply and inexpensively by means of a ball bearing or a tapered roller bearing. In a preferred embodiment, the roller bearing is designed as a double-row roller bearing. A double-row ball bearing has less friction, while a double-row tapered roller bearing has a higher load-bearing capacity than a ball bearing. Alternatively, the wheel bearing can also be designed as a rolling bearing with more than two rows of rolling elements, in particular as a rolling bearing with four rows of rolling elements, in order to further increase the load-bearing capacity of the wheel bearing.

In a further improvement of the invention it is provided that the centrifugal element has a plurality of blades which are integrally formed on the first sealing plate and are preferably evenly distributed over the circumference of the first sealing plate. Due to the blades, which have a concave shape in the direction of rotation and can thus collect liquid, the liquid that has penetrated into the gap between the wheel bearing flange and the wheel bearing can be conveyed particularly efficiently out of the gap, so that liquid accumulations in this gap are reliably avoided.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that a cavity is formed between the centrifugal element and the wheel hub. The water that has penetrated into the gap can flow away through a cavity even at slow speeds or when the wheel hub is stationary, so that accumulations of liquid in the gap are avoided. It is provided that the gap is not completely closed by the centrifugal element, so that there is a fluidic connection between the cavity and the gap through which the water can flow off.

In a further preferred embodiment of the wheel bearing unit it is provided that the centrifugal element is non-positively or materially connected both to an end face of the wheel bearing flange and to the first sealing plate. As a result, a simple and inexpensive production of a wheel hub with such a centrifugal element is alternatively possible. The centrifugal element can be pressed into the gap between the first sealing plate and the end face of the wheel bearing flange. Alternatively, the centrifugal element is materially connected to at least one of the two components in order to ensure that the centrifugal element is reliably fixed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the centrifugal element does not protrude in the radial direction beyond the end of the first sealing plate. It can thereby be ensured that the slinger does not come into contact with the outer ring of the wheel bearing or a component connected to the outer ring and thus shear forces act on the slinger. This can improve the durability of the centrifugal element and thus the sealing effect of the wheel bearing.

According to the invention, a wheel hub with a wheel bearing flange and such a wheel bearing unit is proposed, the wheel bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring, between which a plurality of rolling elements are arranged. A first sealing plate is attached to the inner ring or to a component connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the inner ring. A centrifugal element is formed on the first sealing plate and conveys water that has penetrated into a gap between a wheel bearing flange and the wheel bearing out of this gap when the wheel hub rotates. With such a wheel hub, an improved seal can be achieved in the region of a gap between a wheel bearing flange and the wheel bearing, with all the components effective for sealing being formed on the wheel bearing and thus forming the wheel bearing unit. This enables a particularly simple sealing of the wheel hub in the area of the wheel bearing.

• 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Radnabe mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Radlagereinheit, wobei zwischen einem Radlagerflansch der Radnabe und dem Radlager ein Schleuderelement angeordnet ist, um die Flüssigkeit aus einem Spalt zwischen dem Radlager und dem Radlagerflansch zu fördern;
• 2 ein Dichtblech mit an dem Dichtblech angeformten Schaufeln;
• 3 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Radnabe mit einem Radlagerflansch und einem Radlager sowie einem zwischen dem Radlagerflansch und der Radnabe angeordnetem Schleuderelement; und
• 4 - 10 weitere Ausführungsbeispiele für eine Radnabe mit einem Radlagerflansch und einem Radlager sowie einem zwischen dem Radlagerflansch und der Radnabe angeordneten Schleuderelement, welche sich in der geometrischen Ausgestaltung des Schleuderelementes unterscheiden.

The invention is explained below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. The same components or components with the same function are identified with the same reference symbols. Show:

• 1 a first embodiment of a wheel hub with a wheel bearing unit according to the invention, wherein a centrifugal element is arranged between a wheel bearing flange of the wheel hub and the wheel bearing in order to convey the liquid from a gap between the wheel bearing and the wheel bearing flange;
• 2 a sealing plate with blades formed on the sealing plate;
• 3 a further embodiment of a wheel hub with a wheel bearing flange and a wheel bearing as well as a centrifugal element arranged between the wheel bearing flange and the wheel hub; and
• 4th - 10 further exemplary embodiments for a wheel hub with a wheel bearing flange and a wheel bearing as well as a centrifugal element arranged between the wheel bearing flange and the wheel hub, which differ in the geometric configuration of the centrifugal element.

In 1 is a first embodiment of a wheel bearing unit according to the invention for arrangement on a wheel hub 1 shown. The wheel hub 1 includes a wheel bearing flange 11 , to which a wheel (not shown) and a brake disc (not shown) can be attached. For this purpose, the wheel bearing flange 11 several, preferably evenly distributed over the circumference, bores 12th on. On the wheel hub 1 is also a wheel bearing 2 arranged, which is designed as a multi-row roller bearing, preferably as a two-row or four-row roller bearing. The wheel bearing 2 , which is advantageously designed as a double-sided angular contact ball bearing or double-sided tapered roller bearing, has an inner ring 3 and an outer ring 4th on, being between the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 4th Rolling elements 5 , in particular in the form of balls, cylindrical or tapered rollers, are arranged. In the illustrated angular contact ball bearings acting on both sides, the rolling elements are 5 on two rows of rolling elements 6th , 7th divided, with between the two rows of rolling elements 6th , 7th a cavity is formed.

Furthermore, are on the wheel bearing 2 two sealing plates 8th , 9 provided to prevent splash water and dirt from getting into the wheel bearing 2 to avoid. It is between a first sealing plate 8th and a second sealing plate 9 a labyrinth seal 10 educated. The first sealing sheet 8th is with the wheel hub 1 connected. The second sealing plate 9 is with the outer ring 4th of the wheel bearing 2 connected. On the second sealing plate 9 are several sealing lips 13th , 20th , 21 formed, which preferably rubbing against the first sealing plate 8th to the seal in the sealing gap of the labyrinth seal 10 to improve further.

The wheel bearing flange 11 has a wheel side facing the wheel 14th and one the wheel bearing 2 facing storage side 15th on. Between the end face of the bearing side 15th of the wheel bearing flange 11 and the wheel bearing 2 is a crack 17th educated. On one of the face of the wheel bearing flange 11 facing side of the first sealing plate 8th is a sling element 18th molded, which in the gap 17th promotes penetrating water outwards when the wheel rotates and thus prevents liquid from getting into the gap 17th collects. The sling element 18th includes a variety of blades 16 , which on the first sealing plate 8th are formed and that in the gap 17th Catch ingress of water. Between the sling element 18th and the wheel hub 1 is a cavity 19th designed to work at low speeds or when the wheel hub is stationary 1 a drainage from into the gap 17th to allow penetrated water. For this purpose it is provided that the centrifugal element 18th the gap 17th does not seal completely, so that a fluidic connection between the cavity 19th and the gap 17th is available.

When the wheel hub 1 turns, have the blades 16 a centrifugal effect on that in the gap 17th penetrated water. The shovels 16 can also make contact with the wheel bearing flange 11 be designed because the wheel bearing flange 11 and the first sealing plate 8th have no relative movements to each other. The shovels 16 can be made of a rubber material analogous to the sealing lips 13th , 20th , 21 be attached. The attachment of a spoiler, not shown, to the outer ring 4th of the wheel bearing 2 is unfavorable in this example due to a risk of collision with the wheel bolts (not shown).

In 2 is the first sealing plate 8th with on the first sealing plate 8th molded blades 16 shown showing that in the gap 17th promote penetrated water to the outside. The shovels 16 are preferably made of an elastomer material and are attached to the first sealing plate by means of an injection molding process 8th molded with the blades 16 evenly over the circumference of the first sealing plate 8th are arranged distributed in order to achieve a uniform conveying effect.

In 3 is another embodiment of a wheel hub 1 with a wheel bearing flange 11 and a wheel bearing 2 shown. With essentially the same structure as to 1 executed, is in this embodiment, the centrifugal element 18th executed as a separate component, which in the gap 17th used and frictionally and / or cohesively with one of the wheel bearings 2 facing end face of the wheel bearing flange 11 and the first sealing plate 8th is connected. It can Sling element 18th be designed as a component made of an elastomer material. Alternatively, it is provided that the centrifugal element 18th has at least one sheet in order to increase the rigidity of the centrifugal element 18th to increase. Two metal sheets are preferably provided, between which an elastomer material is arranged.

In 4th to 10 are various advantageous configurations of a wheel hub 1 with a wheel bearing flange 11 and a wheel bearing 2 shown, which are each in the design of the centrifugal element 18th in the gap 17th distinguish:

In 4th is one embodiment of a slinger 18th shown, which is rectangular and from the first sealing plate 8th in the direction of the face of the wheel hub flange 11 protrudes.

In 5 is one embodiment of a slinger 18th shown, which both on its radially inner surface and on its radially outer surface rising obliquely to the wheel bearing flange 11 is trained. Here is the sling element 18th on the first sealing plate 8th of the wheel bearing 2 vulcanized.

In 6th is another embodiment of a sling element 18th shown, which on its radially inner surface perpendicular to the end face of the wheel bearing flange 11 and on its radially outer surface rising at an angle to the wheel bearing flange 11 is trained.

In 7th is another embodiment of a sling element 18th shown, which sloping obliquely on its radially inner surface to the end face of the wheel bearing flange 11 and on its radially outer surface rising at an angle to the wheel bearing flange 11 is trained.

In 8th is another embodiment of a sling element 18th shown, which on its radially inner surface and its radially outer surface sloping at an angle to the end face of the wheel bearing flange 11 is trained.

In 9 is another embodiment of a sling element 18th shown, which on its radially inner surface perpendicular to the end face of the wheel bearing flange 11 and on its radially outer surface sloping obliquely to the wheel bearing flange 11 is trained.

In 10 is another embodiment of a sling element 18th shown, which on its radially inner surface rises obliquely to the end face of the wheel bearing flange 11 and on its radially outer surface sloping obliquely to the wheel bearing flange 11 is trained.

List of reference symbols

1

wheel hub

2

Wheel bearings

3

Inner ring

4th

Outer ring

5

Rolling elements

6th

first row of rolling elements

7th

second row of rolling elements

8th

first sealing plate

9

second sealing plate

10

Labyrinth seal

11

Wheel bearing flange

12th

drilling

13th

first sealing lip

14th

Wheel side

15th

Storage side

16

Shovels

17th

gap

18th

Sling element

19th

cavity

20th

second sealing lip

21

third sealing lip

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102011077732 A1 [0003]
• DE 102013220074 B4 [0004]

Claims (10)

Wheel bearing unit for arrangement on a wheel hub (1) with a wheel bearing flange (11), comprising a wheel bearing (2), the wheel bearing (2) comprising an inner ring (3) and an outer ring (4), between which a plurality of rolling elements (5 ) are arranged, a first sealing plate (8) being attached to the inner ring (3) or a component connected non-rotatably to the inner ring (3), and a gap (2) between an end face of the wheel bearing flange (11) and the wheel bearing (2). 17) is formed, characterized in that a centrifugal element (18) is arranged in the gap (17), which rests against the first sealing plate (8) or is connected to the first sealing plate (8), the centrifugal element (18) in the gap (17) conveys water that has penetrated from the gap (17) when the wheel hub (1) rotates. Wheel bearing unit according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a second sealing plate (9) is attached to the outer ring (4) or a component connected non-rotatably to the outer ring (4), a labyrinth seal (10) between the first sealing plate (8) and the second sealing plate (9) ) is trained. Wheel bearing unit according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the centrifugal element (18) is formed on the first sealing plate (8). Wheel bearing unit according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the first sealing plate (8) is made of a metallic material, the centrifugal element (18) being made of an elastomer material and molded onto the metallic sealing plate (8). Wheel bearing unit according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that the wheel bearing (2) is designed as a multi-row roller bearing. Wheel bearing unit according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the wheel bearing (2) is designed as a ball bearing or as a tapered roller bearing. Wheel bearing unit according to one of the Claims 3 to 6th , characterized in that the centrifugal element (18) has a plurality of blades (16) which are integrally formed on the first sealing plate (8). Wheel bearing unit according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the centrifugal element (18) is non-positively or materially connected both to an end face of the wheel bearing flange (11) and to the first sealing plate (8). Wheel bearing unit according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that a cavity (19) is formed between the centrifugal element (18) and the wheel hub (1). Wheel bearing unit according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the centrifugal element (18) does not protrude in the radial direction beyond the end of the first sealing plate (8).

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