DE102020201405A1 - Suspension thrust bearing device with blocked seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The suspension axial bearing assembly includes a lower support cap 16, an upper bearing cap 14, and at least one bearing 18 disposed between the caps. The bearing 18 is provided with at least one upper ring 20 in contact with the upper bearing cap 14 and with a lower ring 22 in contact with the lower support cap 16. The upper bearing cap 14 includes an outer skirt 14c that radially surrounds the lower support cap 16. The device further includes at least one outer seal 19 located at least partially radially between the bearing 18 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. The outer seal 19 is secured to one of the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14 by a radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of suspension thrust bearing devices, particularly used for motor vehicles in the struts of the steered road wheels.

A suspension axial bearing device is generally provided with a rolling bearing having an upper ring and a lower ring between which rolling elements, e.g. B. balls or rollers, are positioned, and provided with lower and upper caps. The lower and upper caps form housings for the rings of the rolling bearing and provide an interface between the rings and the adjacent elements.

The suspension thrust bearing device is arranged in the upper part of the strut between the vehicle body and a suspension spring. The suspension spring is mounted around a damper piston rod, the end of which is connected to the vehicle body. The suspension spring rests axially, directly or indirectly, on the lower cap of the axial bearing device.

The suspension thrust assembly allows axial and radial forces to be transmitted between the suspension spring and the body while allowing relative rotational movement between the lower cap and the upper cap due to deflection of the steered wheels of the vehicle and / or compression of the suspension spring.

Generally, the upper cap of the suspension thrust bearing device is provided with a plurality of hooks which are disposed on an outer skirt and which are adapted to diametrically engage a plurality of hooks of the lower cap. The hooks of each cap are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction.

The hooks form holding means which are provided to hold the upper and lower caps axially relative to one another. These hooks also form narrow passages to prevent foreign matter from entering between the outer skirt of the top cap and the bottom cap.

However, a suspension thrust bearing is generally exposed to different types of contaminants.

In such axial bearing devices, contaminants can easily penetrate between the outer skirt of the upper cap and the lower cap and then be directed towards the roller bearing and penetrate into the latter.

An object of the present invention is to overcome this disadvantage.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a suspension thrust bearing device with good sealing properties in order to protect the bearing against the ingress of contaminants while ensuring a low frictional torque.

The invention relates to a suspension axial bearing device which has a lower support cap, an upper bearing cap and at least one bearing which is arranged between the caps. The bearing is provided with at least one upper ring in contact with the upper bearing cap and with a lower ring in contact with the lower support cap. The upper bearing cap includes an outer skirt that radially surrounds the lower support cap.

According to a general feature, the device further comprises an outer seal located at least partially radially between the bearing and the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap.

In a first embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the lower support cap by a radial interference fit between the lower support cap and the outer seal.

According to a second embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the upper bearing cap by a radial interference fit between the upper bearing cap and the outer seal.

In a third embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the lower ring of the bearing by a radial interference fit between the lower ring and the outer seal.

In a fourth embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the top ring of the bearing by a radial interference fit between the top ring and the outer seal.

The outer seal prevents water, dust and other foreign matter from entering the bearing. Otherwise, the assembly of the outer seal is easy to achieve because the seal is held on the associated cap or ring of the bearing by an interference fit. There is no need to use a special element to hold the outer seal in place. However, after assembly, rotation of the outer seal relative to the associated cap or ring is prevented.

The outer seal may be provided with an annular heel that is secured to the cap or ring of the bearing.

With the radial interference fit over 360 ° between the annular heel of the outer seal and the associated cap or ring, the sealing properties are improved.

In one arrangement, the outer diameter of the heel of the outer seal in a free condition is greater than the inner diameter of a mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to create the radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal.

In another arrangement, the inner diameter of the heel of the outer seal in a free state is greater than the outer diameter of a mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to create the radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal.

In one embodiment, the cap may have one rib extending toward the other cap, with the outer seal secured to the rib. In this case, the mounting portion of the cap is formed by the rib. Alternatively, the mounting portion can be formed by other parts of the cap, for example the outer surface of the cap.

In one embodiment, the heel of the seal is provided with a frusto-conical portion which is secured to the cap or ring of the bearing.

The rib of the cap may also have at least one radial hook to hold the outer seal axially. Therefore, in addition to the diametrical engagement between the outer seal and the cap, the seal is also held axially by the hook (s).

The outer seal can preferably also be provided with at least one sealing lip which extends in the direction of the other cap.

In one embodiment, the other cap comprises at least one annular rib extending axially towards the cap or towards the outer seal while remaining axially spaced from the cap or outer seal, the rib extending radially between the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap and outer seal.

The annular rib forms a vertical barrier which is disposed radially between the outer skirt of the other cap and the bearing to protect the bearing. The annular ridge further prevents contaminants from going up into the device and damaging the bearing.

Each of the upper and lower rings of the bearing can be made of sheet metal.

In one embodiment, the device can furthermore have at least one inner seal, which is located at least partially radially between the bearing and an inner skirt of the upper bearing cap. The inner seal may be secured to the cap or the other cap by a radial interference fit between the cap or the other cap and the inner seal. Alternatively, the inner seal may be secured to the other ring of the bearing by a radial interference fit between the other ring and the inner seal.

In one embodiment, the upper bearing cap includes an inner skirt having a plurality of hooks configured to diametrically engage hooks provided on the lower bearing cap. Alternatively, the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap may have a plurality of hooks adapted to diametrically engage the flange of the lower bearing cap.

The invention also relates to a suspension axial bearing device having a lower support cap, an upper bearing cap and at least one bearing disposed between the caps. The bearing is provided with at least one upper ring in contact with the upper bearing cap and with a lower ring in contact with the lower support cap. The upper bearing cap includes an inner skirt that extends into the bore of the lower carrier cap.

According to a general feature, the device further comprises an inner seal located at least partially radially between the bearing and inner skirt of the upper bearing cap.

In a first embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the lower support cap by a radial interference fit between the lower support cap and the inner seal.

According to a second embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the upper bearing cap by a radial interference fit between the upper bearing cap and the inner seal.

In a third embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the lower ring of the bearing by a radial interference fit between the lower ring and the inner seal.

In a fourth embodiment, the inner seal is secured to the top ring of the bearing by a radial interference fit between the top ring and the inner seal.

• 1 ein Querschnitt einer Aufhängungsaxiallagervorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Beispiel der Erfindung ist,
• 2 bis 6 Querschnitte einer Aufhängungsaxiallagervorrichtung gemäß zweiten, dritten, vierten, fünften und sechsten Beispielen der Erfindung ist.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood from a study of the detailed description of the specific embodiments, given purely as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the attached figures, in which:

• 1 Figure 3 is a cross section of a suspension thrust bearing device according to a first example of the invention;
• 2 until 6th Fig. 13 is cross sections of a suspension thrust bearing device according to second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth examples of the invention.

The suspension thrust bearing device 10 , in the 1 is arranged to be installed between an upper retaining seat, which is suitable for indirect or direct seating in an element of the chassis of the motor vehicle, and a suspension spring.

The device 10 with one axis 12th includes an upper bearing cap 14th , a lower support cap 16 and a roller bearing 18th that is axially between the caps 14th , 16 is arranged. In the example shown are the caps 14th , 16 in direct contact with the rolling bearing 18th assembled without the insertion of an intermediate element. Alternatively, the caps 14th , 16 in indirect contact with the rolling bearing 18th be mounted with the insertion of an intermediate element.

As will be described below, the device comprises 10 also an annular outer seal 19th to prevent the ingress of contaminants in the direction of the rolling bearing 18th to prevent. Here is the outer seal 19th on the lower support cap 16 secured.

The upper bearing cap 14th can consist of one part, e.g. B. made of plastic material, such as. Polyamide PA 6.6 , which may or may not be reinforced by glass fibers.

The upper bearing cap 14th includes a radial section 14a , an annular axially inner skirt 14b and an annular axially outer skirt 14c who have favourited radially the inner skirt 14b surrounds. The radial section 14a represents an upper surface 15th ready, which is intended to face the upper retaining seat, and an opposite lower surface 17th in contact with the rolling bearing 18th . The top and bottom surfaces 15th , 17th define the thickness of the radial section 14a . In the example shown, the radial section 14a a stepped shape.

The outer apron 14c radially surrounds the lower support cap 16 . The inner apron 14b extends in the bore of the lower support cap 16 . The inner and outer aprons 14b , 14c extend axially from the radial section 14a downward. In the example shown, the outer skirt expands 14c a large diameter edge of the radial section 14a . The inner apron 14b extends a small diameter edge of the radial section 14a .

The upper bearing cap 14th further includes a plurality of internal hooks 14d attached to the inner apron 14b are arranged and extend radially outward. The hook 14d extend from the outer surface of the inner skirt 14b in the direction of the lower support cap 16 radially outwards. In the example shown, the hooks are 14d at the bottom of the inner apron 14b arranged. In the example shown, the hooks are 14d spaced apart in the circumferential direction relative to one another. Alternatively, an annular hook can be attached to the outer surface of the skirt 14b be provided.

The roller bearing 18th is located completely radially between the skirts 14b , 14c the upper bearing cap. The roller bearing 18th includes a top ring 20th in contact with the upper bearing cap 14th , a lower ring 22nd in contact with the lower support cap 16 and a range of rolling elements 24 , here balls arranged between raceways formed on the rings. In the example shown, the roller bearing is 18th of an oblique contact type to absorb both radial forces and the axial forces exerted on the device.

The top ring 20th and the lower ring 22nd The rolling bearing are made from a thin sheet of metal that has been stamped or rolled to form toroidal raceways for the rolling elements 24 to define between the two rings. The top ring 20th is in contact with the lower surface 17th of the radial section 14a the upper bearing cap. The lower ring 22nd is in contact with an upper surface of the lower support cap 16 . The roller bearing 18th includes a cage (not labeled) between the upper and lower rings 20th , 22nd to ensure an even circumferential distance between the rolling elements 24 to obtain.

The lower carrier cap 16 can consist of one part, e.g. B. made of plastic material, such as. Polyamide PA 6.6 , which may or may not be reinforced by glass fibers.

The lower carrier cap 16 includes an annular radial section 28 in the form of a plate and an annular axial skirt 30th showing a small diameter edge of the radial section 28 expanded. The skirt 30th extends axially to the side opposite the upper bearing cap 14th and the roller bearing 18th . The skirt 30th allows the suspension spring to be centered. This centering is done by the outer surface of the apron 30th achieved. The radial section 28 represents a lower annular radial surface 28a defining a bearing surface for the suspension spring and an upper surface 28b in contact with the lower ring 22nd of the bearing and ready with a complementary shape. A free upper end of the lower ring 22nd is axial with respect to the radial section 28 offset upwards.

The lower carrier cap 16 also includes several internal hooks 32 attached to the radial section 28 are arranged and which extend radially inward. The hook 32 extend from the bore of the radial section 28 radially inward in the direction of the inner skirt 14b the upper bearing cap. The hook 32 are preferably regularly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the lower support cap 16 an annular inner hook that is continuous in the circumferential direction.

The hook 32 are axially over the hook 14d the inner apron 14b the upper bearing cap arranged. The hook 14d have an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the hooks 32 to be fit, diametrically opposed to the hook 32 in the case of the relative axial displacement of the bearing cap 14th and the carrier cap 16 to intervene. The hook 14d of the upper bearing cap form axial holding means, which with complementary axial holding means of the support cap 16 cooperate by the hook 32 are formed.

Otherwise form the hooks 14d , 32 narrow passages to prevent radial penetration of foreign material between the inner skirt 14b the upper bearing cap and the hole in the skirt 30th to prevent the lower carrier cap.

The lower bearing cap 16 further comprises an annular flange 34 facing towards the outer apron 14c of the upper bearing cap while remaining radially spaced from the outer skirt. The flange remains more general 34 from the upper bearing cap 14th spaced. The flange 34 projects outwardly from the radial section 28 the lower support cap. The flange 34 extends outwardly from the top surface of the radial section 28 . The flange 34 extends radially.

The flange 34 is located slightly radially from the bore of the outer skirt 14c removed from the upper bearing cap to form a labyrinth seal section. An annular radial labyrinth seal (not labeled) is placed between the flange 34 and the outer apron 14c of the upper camp. For example, the radial gap between the flange 34 and the outer apron 14c be less than 2 mm, and for example between 1 mm and 1.4 mm, and in particular be equal to 1.2 mm. In a variant, the lower support cap 16 no flange 34 exhibit.

The lower carrier cap 16 further comprises an annular radial projection 36 extending radially outward from the radial section 28 extends. The cantilever 36 projects outwardly from the outer surface of the radial section 28 the end.

The cantilever 36 extends below the outer skirt 14c the upper bearing cap. In the example shown, the projection extends 36 radially outwards over the outer skirt 14c . The cantilever 36 radially expands the lower radial surface 28a of the radial section delimiting the bearing surface of the suspension spring.

In the example shown, the lower support cap comprises 16 also an annular rib 38 extending axially from the radial section 28 in the direction of the radial section 14b the upper bearing cap extends. The rib 38 extends from the top surface of the radial section 28 . The rib 38 remains axial from the lower surface 17th of the radial section spaced. The upper surface of the rib 38 forms the top surface of the lower support cap 16 .

The rib 38 radially surrounds a free upper end of the lower ring 22nd of the camp. In the example shown, the rib protrudes 38 axially upward with respect to the free upper end of the lower ring 22nd the end. Alternatively, the rib 38 be in alignment with the free upper end of the lower ring.

As mentioned above, the seal is 19th on the lower support cap 16 secured. The roller bearing 18th is radially on the inside of the seal 19th arranged. The seal 19th is partially located radially between the roller bearing 18th and the outer apron 14c the upper bearing cap.

The seal 19th closes off the axial space between the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14th consists. The seal 19th radially surrounds the rolling bearing.

The seal 19th is on the lower carrier cap 16 radially between the rib 38 the cap and the lower ring 22nd of the bearing mounted. More precisely, is the poetry 19th radially between the rib 38 and the free upper end of the lower ring 22nd assembled. In the example shown is the seal 19th axially against the top surface of the radial section 28 mounted on the lower support cap.

The seal 19th comes into frictional contact radially with the rib 38 the lower carrier cap. The seal 19th comes into radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 . The seal 19th is on the lower carrier cap 16 by radial interference fit between the rib 38 and the seal secured. The seal 19th is on the lower carrier cap 16 secured by pressing.

The seal 19th is with an annular heel 19a provided on the lower support cap 16 by radial interference fit with the rib 38 is secured. The heel 19a is radial between the rib 38 the lower carrier cap 16 and the free upper end of the lower ring 22nd of the rolling bearing mounted. The heel 19a remains radial from the lower ring 22nd , more precisely from the free upper end of the lower ring 22nd , spaced.

The annular outer surface of the heel 19a comes into frictional contact radially against the bore of the rib 38 the lower carrier cap. The ring-shaped heel 19a makes a static sealing contact with the rib 38 over 360 °.

The outside diameter of the heel 19a in a free state the seal is larger than the inner diameter of the bore of the rib 38 to have the radial interference fit between the rib and the heel. In the example is the heel 19a the seal axially against the radial section 28 mounted on the lower support cap.

In the example shown is the seal 19th also with an annular sealing lip 19b provided that from the heel 19a protrudes and extends towards the upper bearing cap 14th extends. The lip 19b extends in the direction of the radial section 14a the upper bearing cap. The lip 19b closes off the axial space between the lower support cap 16 and the radial section 14a of the upper bearing.

In the example shown, the lip extends 19b off the heel 19a obliquely inwards and upwards. The lip 19b is inwards, ie on the same side of the rolling bearing 18th , directed. The lip 19b is located axially above the rolling bearing 18th . Alternatively, it can be the lip 19b obliquely outwards and upwards from the heel 19a extend. In this case the lip is 19b directed outwards. In the example shown, the lip is coming 19b in frictional contact with the lower surface 17th of the radial section 28 the upper bearing cap. The frictional contact between the lip 19b and the upper bearing cap 14th is axial. The lip 19b is flexible in the axial direction. The free edge of the lip 19b advantageously has a triangular shape in cross-section to reduce the frictional moment between the lip and the upper bearing cap 14th to reduce. In the example shown is the lip 19b a friction lip. Alternatively, the lip 19b be a maze guy.

The seal 19th can be made in one piece, for example by molding. The seal 19th may be made of a flexible material such as nitrile or an elastomeric material such as synthetic rubber. Alternatively, the seal 19th be made of a rigid material such as polyoxymethylene (POM).

The example shown in 2 shown, in which identical parts have been given the same reference numerals, differs mainly from the first example in that the upper bearing cap 14th an annular rib 40 which extends axially in the direction of the lower support cap 16 extends. In the example shown, the rib extends 40 towards the top surface of the radial section 28 and the flange 34 the lower carrier cap. The rib 40 extends from the radial section 14a the upper bearing cap. The rib 40 protrudes from the lower surface 17th of the radial section 14a the end.

The rib 40 remains axial from the lower support cap 16 spaced. The rib 40 is located axially slightly from the lower support cap 16 removed to form a labyrinth seal section. An annular axial labyrinth seal (not labeled) is between the rib 40 and the lower support cap 16 educated. For example, the axial gap between the rib 40 and the lower support cap 16 be less than 2 mm, and for example between 1 mm and 1.4 mm and in particular be equal to 1.2 mm.

The rib 40 is located radially between the outer skirt 14c the upper bearing cap and between the roller bearing 18th , the seal 19th and the rib 38 the lower carrier cap. The rib 40 surrounds the rolling bearing 18th who have favourited Seal 19th and the rib 38 radial.

The rib 40 has a lower surface (not labeled) that is axially of the lower support cap 16 opposite. In the example shown, the lower surface extends radially. The lower surface is axially downward with respect to the upper surface of the rib 38 offset which is the top surface of the lower support cap 16 forms. The lower surface is axially downward with respect to the outer diameter of the roller bearing 18th offset.

The rib 40 The upper bearing cap forms a vertical barrier that extends radially between the outer skirt 14c and the seal 19th is arranged to the roller bearing 18th to protect further. With the rib 40 becomes the amount of foreign matter that makes up the seal 19th reached, limited.

In this example is the lip 19b the outer seal is of a labyrinth type and is located slightly radially from the radial section 14a removed from the upper bearing cap. Alternatively, the rib 19b be of a friction type.

In these two examples, the entire axial length of the outer flat heel engages 19a the seal radially with the rib 38 the lower carrier cap. The example shown in 3 shown, in which identical parts are given identical reference numerals, differs mainly from the second example in that only part of the outer surface of the heel 19a the seal radially with the rib 38 the lower support cap engages. In this example, the outer surface is the heel 19a with an annular projection 19c provided that are in radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 comes. The outside diameter of the overhang 19c is larger than the inner diameter of the bore of the rib in a free state of the seal 38 . The rest of the outer surface of the heel 19a remains radial from the bore of the rib 38 spaced.

In this example the seal is 19th also with an annular outer sealing lip 19d provided that from the heel 19a protrudes and extends towards the upper bearing cap 14th extends. The outer sealing lip 19d surrounds the lip 19b radial. The lip 19d extends in the direction of the radial section 14a the upper bearing cap. Here the lip extends 19d obliquely outwards and upwards from the heel 19a . In the example shown is the lip 19d from a maze type. Alternatively, the lip 19d be of a friction type.

In the previous examples, the seal is 19th on the lower support cap 18th by radial interference fit between the inner bore of the rib 38 the cap and the seal secured.

The example shown in 4th shown, in which identical parts have been given the same reference numerals, differs mainly in that the device has an outer seal 42 having on the lower support cap 18th by radial interference fit between the outer surface of the rib 38 and the seal is secured.

The seal 42 comes into radial frictional contact with the outer surface of the rib 38 . poetry 42 radially surrounds the rib 38 . In the example shown is the seal 42 axially against the top surface of the radial section 28 mounted on the lower support cap.

The seal 42 is with an annular heel 42a provided on the lower support cap 16 by radial interference fit with the outer surface of the rib 38 is secured. The heel 42a is radial between the rib 38 and the outer apron 14c mounted on the upper bearing cap. The heel 42a remains radial from the outer skirt 14c spaced.

The annular hole in the heel 42a comes into radial frictional contact against the outer surface of the rib 38 . The ring-shaped heel 42a makes a static sealing contact with the rib 38 over 360 °. The inside diameter of the heel 42a in a free state the seal is smaller than the outer diameter of the rib 38 to have a radial interference fit between the rib and the heel. In this example is the heel 42a the seal axially against the radial section 28 mounted on the lower support cap.

In this example is the rib 38 the lower support cap with an annular hook 38a which extends radially outward. The hook 38a extends from the outer surface of the rib 38 . The hook 38a is axially across the heel 42a the seal arranged. The hook 38a has an outside diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the heel 42a to be fit, diametrically opposed to the heel 42a to intervene. The hook 38a the lower support cap forms an axial retaining means, which with a complementary axial retaining means of the seal 42 cooperates that through the heel 42a is formed. Alternatively, the rib 38 have several outer hooks. In another variant, the rib 38 have no such hook.

In the example shown, the bore is the seal 42 in a lower part with an annular bevel (not marked) to allow the assembly of the seal 42 on the rib 38 to enable by axial pressing.

In the example shown is the seal 42 also with an annular first sealing lip 42b provided that from the heel 42a protrudes and extends towards the upper bearing cap 14th extends. The first sealing lip 42b extends towards the outer apron 14c the upper bearing cap. The first sealing lip 42b extends obliquely outward and downward from the heel 42a . The first sealing lip 42b is outwards, ie on the opposite side to the roller bearing 18th , directed. The first sealing lip 42b at least partially closes off the radial space between the lower support cap 16 and the outer apron 14c of the upper bearing. In the example shown is the lip 42b of a maze type. Alternatively, the rib 42b be of a friction type.

In the example shown is the seal 42 also with an annular collar 42c running axially from the heel 42a cantilevered and radially the rib 38 surrounding the lower support cap, and with annular second and third sealing lips 42d , 42e provided by the collar 42c cantilever and move towards the upper bearing cap 14th extend. The lip 42d extends towards the outer skirt 14c the upper bearing cap. The lip 42e extends in the direction of the radial section 14a the upper bearing cap. Here the lips extend 42d , 42e obliquely outwards and upwards from the collar 42c . In the example shown are the lips 42d , 42e of a maze type. Alternatively, the lips 42d and or 42e be of a friction type.

The example shown in 5 is shown, in which identical parts have been given the same reference numerals, differs from the previous example in the design of the heel 42a the seal. The heel 42a is with an annular frustoconical section 44 which extends obliquely inward and upward and in radial frictional contact against the outer surface of the rib 38 comes. The frustoconical section 44 the heel makes static sealing contact with the rib 38 over 360 °.

The free end of the frustoconical section 44 defined the inner diameter of the heel 42a . The inside diameter of the free end of the frusto-conical section 44 in a free state the seal is smaller than the outer diameter of the rib 38 to adjust the radial interference fit between the rib and the frusto-conical section 44 to have the heel. In this example is the heel 42a the seal axially against the radial section 38 mounted on the lower support cap.

In this example, the frusto-conical section is 44 the seal ring-shaped. Alternatively, the frustoconical section 44 be formed from a plurality of loops which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

The example shown in 6th is shown, in which identical parts have been given the same reference numerals, differs from the previous example in that the frustoconical portion 44 the heel of the seal is flexible in the radial direction. In the assembled state of the seal 42 is the frustoconical section 44 the seal deforms radially and extends substantially axially. The frustoconical section 44 comes into radial frictional contact against the outer surface of the rib 38 . Similar to the previous example is the seal 42 on the lower support cap by a radial interference fit between the rib 38 and the frustoconical section 44 secured to the heel of the seal. In the example is the rib 38 with an annular rounded projection 38b which extends radially outwardly from the outer surface. The free end of the frustoconical section 44 the seal comes into radial contact with the rounded projection 38b the rib.

In this example is the top bearing cap 14th with an annular rib 40 which is described above in the second example. This is where the rib extends 40 axially in the direction of the seal 42 namely the heel 42a the seal while remaining spaced from the seal. Alternatively, the rib 40 in frictional contact with the seal 42 come.

In the example shown is the outer seal 19th on the lower support cap 16 secured. Alternatively, the outer seal 19th on the lower ring 22nd of the rolling bearing must be secured by a radial interference fit between the ring and the seal. For example, the radial interference fit can be achieved through the free upper end of the lower ring 22nd and providing the seal. In such a variant, the outer seal remains 19th radially from the lower support cap 16 spaced.

In the examples shown is the outer seal 19th on the lower support cap 16 secured. Alternatively, the outer seal 19th on the upper bearing cap 14th be secured. In this case the seal is 19th also by radial interference fit between the seal and the upper bearing cap 14th secured. In another variant, the outer seal 19th on the top ring 20th of the rolling bearing must be secured by a radial interference fit between the ring and the seal. Such an arrangement can be provided, for example, when the upper ring of the bearing is wider than the lower ring.

In the examples shown, the device comprises only the outer seal 19th that radially between the rolling bearing 18th and the outer apron 14c the upper bearing cap is arranged. Alternatively, the device can also have an inner seal that is radially positioned between the rolling bearing 18th and the inner apron 14b the upper bearing cap is arranged. The inner seal can be secured to the lower support cap by a radial interference fit between the cap and the inner seal. Alternatively, the inner seal can be secured to the upper bearing cap by a radial interference fit between the cap and the inner seal. In another variation, the inner seal can be secured to the upper ring or to the lower ring by a radial interference fit between the ring and the inner seal.

In the example shown, the axial bearing device comprises an annular contact roller bearing which is provided with a series of balls. The thrust bearing device may have other types of rolling elements, e.g. B. have bearings with four-point contact and / or with at least one double row of balls. The roller bearing of the device may have other types of rolling elements, e.g. B. roles included. In other variants, the bearing of the device can also be a plain bearing with no rolling elements.

Claims (10)

A suspension axial bearing device comprising a lower support cap (16), an upper bearing cap (14) and at least one bearing (18) disposed between the caps and having at least one upper ring (20) in contact with the upper bearing cap (14) and is provided with a lower ring (22) in contact with the lower support cap (16), the upper bearing cap (14) having an outer skirt (14c) which radially surrounds the lower support cap (16), characterized in that the device furthermore has at least one outer seal (19) which is located at least partially radially between the bearing (18) and the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cap, wherein the outer seal (19, 42) on one of the lower support cap (16 ) and the upper bearing cap (14) is secured by radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal, or wherein the outer seal (19, 42) is radially interference fitted to one of the lower and upper rings (22, 20) of the bearing is secured between the ring and the outer seal. Device according to Claim 1 wherein the outer seal (19, 42) is provided with an annular heel (19a; 42a) which is secured to the cap (16) or the ring of the bearing. Device according to Claim 2 wherein the outer diameter of the heel (19a) of the outer seal in a free state is larger than the inner diameter of a mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to create the radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal. Device according to Claim 2 wherein the inner diameter of the heel (42a) of the outer seal in a free state is smaller than the outer diameter of a mounting portion of the cap to which the outer seal is secured to create the radial interference fit between the cap and the outer seal. Device according to one of the preceding Claims 2 until 4th wherein the heel (42a) of the seal is provided with a frustoconical portion (44) which is secured to the cap (16) or to the ring of the bearing. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cap (16) has a rib (38) extending towards the other cap (14), the outer seal (19, 42) being secured to the rib (38). Device according to Claim 6 wherein the rib (38) of the cap further includes at least one radial hook (38a) to hold the outer seal (19, 42) axially. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer seal (19, 42) is provided with at least one sealing lip (19b, 42b) which extends in the direction of the other cap (14). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the other cap (14) has at least one annular rib (40) which extends radially in the direction of the cap or in the direction of the outer seal (19, 42), while axially extending from the cap or the outer seal remains spaced, or comes into frictional contact with the outer seal, the rib (40) being at least partially radially between the outer skirt (14c) of the top bearing cap and the outer seal (19, 42). Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inner seal located at least partially radially between the bearing (18) and an inner skirt (14b) of the upper bearing cap, the inner seal being on the cap (16) or on the the other cap (14) is secured by a radial interference fit between the cap or the other cap and the inner seal, or wherein the inner seal is secured to the other ring of the bearing by a radial interference fit between the other ring and the inner seal.

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