JP5468751B2 - Wheel bearing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wheel bearing device for rotatably supporting a wheel of an automobile or the like, and more particularly to a wheel bearing device with improved sealing performance.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a wheel bearing device for supporting a wheel of an automobile or the like is such that a hub wheel for mounting a wheel is rotatably supported via a rolling bearing, and there are a drive wheel and a driven wheel. For structural reasons, an inner ring rotation method is generally used for driving wheels, and an inner ring rotation method and an outer ring rotation method are generally used for driven wheels. As the wheel bearing device, a double-row angular ball bearing having a desired bearing rigidity, exhibiting durability against misalignment, and having a small rotational torque from the viewpoint of improving fuel efficiency is often used. On the other hand, double row tapered roller bearings are used in vehicles such as off-road cars and trucks that have a heavy vehicle body weight.

  Since these wheel bearing devices are arranged at sites where muddy water or the like is easily applied, a seal device is mounted to seal between the outer member and the inner member. Generally, in a sealing device, a sealing member having a sealing lip is attached to an outer member serving as a stationary member, and the sealing lip is slidably contacted with an outer peripheral surface of the inner member.

  An example of such a wheel bearing device is shown in FIG. The wheel bearing device 50 includes an outer ring member (outer member) 51 that is non-rotatably attached to the vehicle body side, and an inner ring member (inner member) that is rotatably supported by the outer ring member 51 via a ball (not shown). The wheel (not shown) is fixed to the inner ring member 52 and is rotatable with respect to the vehicle body. Since the wheel bearing device 50 is disposed in a place where mud water or the like is easily applied, a sealing device is disposed to seal between the inner ring member 52 and the outer ring member 51.

  This sealing device includes a seal member 53 fitted to the inner periphery of the end of the outer ring member 51 and a metal ring 57 fitted to the base 56 of the wheel mounting flange 55 of the hub ring 54. The seal member 53 includes an annular elastic seal body 58 and a metal core 59 that holds the elastic seal body 58. The elastic seal body 58 has three annular seal lips 58a, 58b, and 58c. The seal lip 58a is on the flange surface 54a of the hub wheel 54, and the seal lip 58b is on the round surface 54b of the hub wheel 54. Further, the seal lip 58c is formed so as to be disposed close to the outer peripheral surface 54c of the shoulder portion of the hub wheel 54, respectively.

  The metal ring 57 includes a fitting portion 57a fitted to the shoulder portion outer peripheral surface 54c of the hub wheel 54, a flange portion 57b closely attached to the flange surface 54a of the hub wheel 54, and an outer peripheral side peripheral edge of the flange portion 57b. And a non-contact portion extending in the axial direction along the chamfered portion 51 a of the outer ring member 51, and a seal mounting portion 57 c formed in a substantially crank shape in a direction away from the flange surface 54 a of the hub wheel 54. And a seal portion 57d. The gap C between the inner peripheral surface of the non-contact seal portion 57d and the chamfered portion 51a and the outer peripheral surface 51b of the outer ring member 51 is set to an extremely narrow dimension.

  When the flange portion 57b of the metal ring 57 is brought into close contact with the flange surface 54a of the hub ring 54, and the fitting portion 57a of the metal ring 57 is fitted to the shoulder outer peripheral surface 54c of the hub ring 54, the flange surface 54a. The elastic body 60 is mounted in a seal space formed between the seal mounting portion 57c and the seal mounting portion 57c. A labyrinth is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the non-contact seal portion 57d and the chamfered portion 51a and the outer peripheral surface 51b of the outer ring member 51.

The sealing effect of the elastic body 60 mounted in the seal space prevents muddy water and the like from entering the fitting portion between the metal ring 57 and the hub ring 54, and the inner peripheral surface of the non-contact seal portion 57d and the outer ring member. Due to the effect of the labyrinth formed by the chamfered portion 51 a and the outer peripheral surface 51 b of 51, muddy water or the like can be prevented from entering the sliding contact portion between the seal member 53 and the metal ring 57.
JP 2005-291485 A

  In such a conventional sealing device for a wheel bearing device, due to the labyrinth effect formed by the inner peripheral surface of the non-contact seal portion 57d and the chamfered portion 51a and the outer peripheral surface 51b of the outer ring member 51, the seal member 53 and the metal ring 57 are provided. It is possible to prevent muddy water from entering the sliding contact portion. However, there is a problem that the muddy water or the like that has once entered from the slight gap C is difficult to be discharged to the outside. Then, muddy water or the like staying on the elastic seal body 58 may adhere to the sliding contact surface of the seal lip 58a and wear the seal lip 58a, and it is difficult to maintain a stable sealing performance for a long period of time. .

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and aims at the improvement of the sealing performance of a seal | sticker, and it aims at providing the wheel bearing apparatus which can maintain bearing performance over a long period of time. .

In order to achieve such an object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention has a vehicle body mounting flange integrally attached to the suspension on the outer periphery, and a double row outer rolling surface integrally on the inner periphery. A formed outer member and a hub wheel integrally having a wheel mounting flange for mounting a wheel at one end and a small-diameter stepped portion formed on the outer periphery, and an inner ring or a constant speed fitted to the hub ring An inner member comprising an outer joint member of a universal joint and having a double-row inner rolling surface facing the double-row outer rolling surface on the outer periphery, and both the inner member and the outer member. A double-row rolling element accommodated between the running surfaces via a cage, and a seal attached to an opening in an annular space formed between the outer member and the inner member. A base portion on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange is formed in a circular arc shape. A metal ring formed by pressing is fitted, and an outer seal of the seals is joined to a core metal fitted to the inner periphery of the end of the outer member, and the core metal is integrally joined to the core metal. A seal member having a side lip extending obliquely outward in the radial direction and a grease lip extending inclined inward of the bearing, and the side lip of the seal member is in sliding contact with the metal ring The outer surface of the outer member is formed with a taper surface having a predetermined inclination angle, and the metal ring is formed of a corrosion-resistant steel plate. The roughness is set in the range of Ra 0.2 to 0.6, and the cylindrical fitting portion that is fitted on the shoulder portion of the hub wheel and the arc shape corresponding to the shape of the base portion are formed. Curved part and radially outward from this curved part A disc portion that is in close contact with the side surface on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange, and an umbrella portion that extends away from the outer diameter portion of the disc portion in the axial direction with respect to the wheel mounting flange. The base portion is formed on an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature r, and the curved portion of the metal ring is formed on an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature R corresponding to the arc surface, and the respective curvature radii R, r Is set so that R> r, and the umbrella portion of the metal ring is formed in a tapered shape having a predetermined inclination angle and gradually increasing in diameter toward the end portion. It faces through an annular gap.

In this way, the base portion on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange is formed in an arc shape, and a metal ring formed by pressing from a steel plate is fitted to this base portion, and the seal on the outer side is attached to the outer member. Seal member having a metal core fitted to the inner periphery of the end, a side lip integrally joined to the metal core, extending obliquely outward in the radial direction, and a grease lip extending inclined toward the inner side of the bearing In the wheel bearing device in which the side lip of the seal member is in sliding contact with the metal ring, a taper surface having a predetermined inclination angle is formed on the outer periphery of the outer side end of the outer member, and the metal ring Is formed of a steel plate having corrosion resistance, and the surface roughness of the steel plate as the material is set in a range of Ra 0.2 to 0.6, and a cylindrical fitting portion that is externally fitted to the shoulder portion of the hub wheel And an arc corresponding to the shape of the base A curved portion formed, a disk portion extending radially outward from the curved portion and being in close contact with an inner side surface of the wheel mounting flange, and an outer diameter portion of the disk portion from the wheel mounting flange to the wheel mounting flange An arcuate surface having an umbrella portion extending in the axial direction and having a base portion formed in an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature r, and a curved portion of the metal ring having a predetermined radius of curvature R corresponding to the arc surface. The radius of curvature R and r are set so that R> r, and the umbrella portion of the metal ring is formed in a tapered shape with a predetermined inclination angle and gradually expanding toward the end. Because of the labyrinth effect formed by the inner peripheral surface of the umbrella part and the tapered surface of the outer member, the seal and the metal ring are slid. It is possible to prevent muddy water from entering the contact area. Even if muddy water or the like enters from a gap in the radial direction, it can be easily discharged to the outside by centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the metal ring, improving the sealing performance of the seal and maintaining the bearing performance for a long period of time. A wheel bearing device that can be provided can be provided. Further, when the metal ring is fitted to the base portion, the curved portion of the metal ring can be prevented from interfering with the arcuate surface of the base portion, and the metal ring can be prevented from being lifted, and between the side surface of the wheel mounting flange and the disk portion of the metal ring. A gap can be prevented from being generated. As a result, both can be in close contact with each other to suppress the unevenness of the side lip and to ensure stable sealing.

  Preferably, when the inclination angle of the umbrella portion of the metal ring is set in a range of 15 ° to 30 ° as in the invention described in claim 2, it is difficult for muddy water or the like to enter and muddy water that has entered. Etc. can be easily drained by centrifugal force, and the sealing performance can be improved.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 3, if the inclination angle of the umbrella portion of the metal ring and the inclination angle of the tapered surface of the outer member are set to be substantially the same, the labyrinth effect is effectively exhibited. Can improve the sealing performance.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 4, if the inclination angle of the tapered surface of the outer member is set larger than the inclination angle of the umbrella portion of the metal ring, the metal ring and the outer member A wedge-shaped labyrinth gap is formed between them, making it difficult for muddy water to enter from the outside. Also, once the muddy water has entered, it is easy to be discharged to the outside by the centrifugal force associated with the rotation of the metal ring, making it more stable over a long period of time. The sealed property can be maintained.

  Further, as in the invention according to claim 5, if the gap of the opening between the umbrella portion of the metal ring and the tapered surface of the outer member is set in a range of 0.05 to 1.0 mm, Even if there is a dimensional variation or eccentricity of the metal ring or the outer member, it is possible to effectively prevent muddy water or the like from entering without the umbrella part interfering with the outer member.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 6, if the umbrella portion of the metal ring is formed long so as to cover the outer peripheral surface beyond the tapered surface of the outer member, muddy water or the like is removed by the umbrella portion. It is possible to further prevent the metal member from entering the metal ring without directly hitting the tapered surface of the side member.

  Further, as in the invention according to claim 7, if the bent portion is formed so as to protrude radially outward from the umbrella portion, the rigidity of the metal ring is improved and the dimensional and shape accuracy of the metal ring is improved. Can be increased.

A wheel bearing device according to the present invention has an outer member integrally formed with a vehicle body mounting flange for mounting to a suspension device on the outer periphery, and an outer member formed integrally with a double row outer rolling surface on the inner periphery, and one end A hub ring integrally having a wheel mounting flange for mounting a wheel on the part, and a outer ring member of an inner ring or a constant velocity universal joint fitted to the hub ring, and a small-diameter stepped portion formed on the outer periphery, An inner member in which a double row inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface of the double row is formed on the outer periphery, and a cage is provided between both rolling surfaces of the inner member and the outer member. A double row rolling element accommodated in a freely rollable manner, and a seal attached to an opening of an annular space formed between the outer member and the inner member, the inner side of the wheel mounting flange The base was formed in an arc shape, and this base was formed by pressing from a steel plate A metal ring is fitted, and an outer seal of the seals is integrally joined to the inner periphery of the end of the outer member, and is integrally joined to the core, and radially outward. In a wheel bearing device, comprising a seal member having a side lip extending inclined and a grease lip extending inclined toward the inner side of the bearing, wherein the side lip of the seal member is in sliding contact with the metal ring. A tapered surface having a predetermined inclination angle is formed on the outer periphery of the outer side end portion of the side member, and the metal ring is formed of a steel plate having corrosion resistance. A cylindrical fitting portion that is set to a range of 0.6, is fitted to the shoulder portion of the hub wheel, a curved portion that is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the shape of the base portion, and the curved portion The wheel mounting flange extends radially outward from the portion. A disc portion that is in close contact with the inner side surface of the die, and an umbrella portion that extends away from the outer diameter portion of the disc portion in the axial direction with respect to the wheel mounting flange, and the base portion has a predetermined curvature. An arc surface having a radius r is formed, and a curved portion of the metal ring is formed on an arc surface having a predetermined curvature radius R corresponding to the arc surface, and the respective curvature radii R and r satisfy R> r . The umbrella portion of the metal ring is formed in a tapered shape having a predetermined inclination angle and gradually expanding in diameter toward the end portion, and through a slight annular gap with respect to the tapered surface Since they face each other, the labyrinth effect formed by the inner peripheral surface of the umbrella portion and the tapered surface of the outer member can prevent muddy water or the like from entering the sliding contact portion between the seal and the metal ring. At the same time, even if muddy water enters from this slight gap in the radial direction, It is possible to provide a wheel bearing device that can be easily discharged to the outside by the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the metal ring, improve the sealing performance of the seal, and maintain the bearing performance for a long period of time. Further, when the metal ring is fitted to the base portion, the curved portion of the metal ring can be prevented from interfering with the arcuate surface of the base portion, and the metal ring can be prevented from being lifted, and between the side surface of the wheel mounting flange and the disk portion of the metal ring. A gap can be prevented from being generated. As a result, both can be in close contact with each other to suppress the unevenness of the side lip and to ensure stable sealing.

An outer member integrally having a vehicle body mounting flange to be attached to the suspension device on the outer periphery, a double row outer rolling surface formed integrally on the inner periphery, and a wheel mounting flange for attaching a wheel to one end And a hub wheel in which an inner rolling surface facing one of the double row outer rolling surfaces and a small-diameter step portion extending in the axial direction from the inner rolling surface are formed on the outer periphery, and the hub An inner member formed of an inner ring that is press-fitted into a ring through a predetermined squeeze and has an inner rolling surface that faces the other of the outer rolling surfaces of the double row on the outer periphery, and the inner member and the outer A seal attached to an opening portion of an annular space formed by a double row rolling element that is rotatably accommodated between both rolling surfaces of the member via a cage, and the outer member and the inner member. And a base portion on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange is formed in an arc shape. A metal ring formed by pressing from a steel plate is fitted on the outer side of the seal, and a core metal fitted to the inner periphery of the end of the outer member, and the core metal The seal member comprises a seal member having a side lip that is integrally joined and extends to incline radially outward, and a grease lip that inclines and extends inward of the bearing. The side lip of the seal member is in sliding contact with the metal ring. In the wheel bearing device thus formed, a taper surface having a predetermined inclination angle is formed on the outer periphery of the outer end portion of the outer member, and the metal ring is formed of a steel plate having corrosion resistance, and becomes a material thereof. The surface roughness of the steel plate is set in the range of Ra 0.2 to 0.6, and the cylindrical fitting portion fitted on the shoulder portion of the hub wheel and the arc shape corresponding to the shape of the base portion And the curved part formed on the A disc portion that extends radially outward and is in close contact with the inner side surface of the wheel mounting flange, and an umbrella portion that is spaced apart from the outer diameter portion of the disc portion in the axial direction with respect to the wheel mounting flange. And the base portion is formed on an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature r, and the curved portion of the metal ring is formed on an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature R corresponding to the arc surface, The radiuses R and r are set such that R> r, and the umbrella portion of the metal ring is formed in a tapered shape having a predetermined inclination angle and gradually increasing in diameter toward the end portion. On the other hand, they face each other through a slight annular gap, and the inclination angle of the umbrella portion and the inclination angle of the tapered surface of the outer member are set to be substantially the same in a range of 15 ° to 30 °.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a wheel bearing device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a modification of FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another modification of FIG. In the following description, the side closer to the outer side of the vehicle when assembled to the vehicle is referred to as the outer side (left side in FIG. 1), and the side closer to the center is referred to as the inner side (right side in FIG. 1).

  This wheel bearing device is for a driven wheel called a third generation, and is an outer member 1 and an outer member externally inserted into the inner member 1 through double-row rolling elements (balls) 3. And a member 2. The inner member 1 includes a hub ring 4 and an inner ring 5 fixed to the hub ring 4.

  The hub wheel 4 integrally has a wheel mounting flange 6 for mounting a wheel (not shown) at an end portion on the outer side, and has one (outer side) inner rolling surface 4a on the outer periphery and the inner rolling surface. A small diameter step 4b extending in the axial direction from the surface 4a is formed. Hub bolts 6a are planted on the wheel mounting flange 6 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The inner ring 5 is formed with the other (inner side) inner rolling surface 5a on the outer periphery, and is press-fitted into the small-diameter step portion 4b of the hub wheel 4 through a predetermined shimiro, and the end portion of the small-diameter step portion 4b is radially outward. It is fixed to the hub wheel 4 in the axial direction in a state where a predetermined bearing preload is applied by a caulking portion 4c formed by plastic deformation in the direction.

  The hub wheel 4 is made of medium and high carbon steel containing 0.40 to 0.80 wt% of carbon such as S53C, and extends from the base 6b on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange 6 to the small diameter step 4b via the step 4d. The surface hardness is set to a range of 58 to 64 HRC by induction hardening. The caulking portion 4c is an unquenched portion while maintaining the surface hardness after forging. This has sufficient mechanical strength against the rotational bending load applied to the wheel mounting flange 6, improves the fretting resistance of the small-diameter stepped portion 4b serving as the fitting portion of the inner ring 5, and performs caulking. It is possible to prevent micro cracks and the like from occurring in the crimped portion 4c due to processing.

  The outer member 2 integrally has a vehicle body mounting flange 2b to be attached to a knuckle (not shown) on the outer periphery, and faces the double row inner rolling surfaces 4a and 5a of the inner member 1 on the inner periphery. Double row outer rolling surfaces 2a, 2a are integrally formed. The outer member 2 is formed of medium-high carbon steel containing 0.40 to 0.80 wt% of carbon such as S53C, and at least the double row outer rolling surfaces 2a and 2a have a surface hardness of 58 to 64 HRC by induction hardening. Hardened to range. On the other hand, the inner ring 5 and the rolling element 3 are made of high carbon chrome steel such as SUJ2, and are hardened in the range of 58 to 64 HRC up to the core portion by quenching. And the double row rolling elements 3 and 3 are accommodated between both rolling surfaces of the outer member 2 and the inner member 1, and are held by the cages 7 and 7 so as to roll freely. A ball bearing is configured.

  Further, seals 8 and 9 are attached to the opening of the annular space formed between the outer member 2 and the inner member 1. These seals 8 and 9 prevent the grease sealed inside the bearing from leaking outside and preventing rainwater, dust, and the like from entering the bearing from the outside. The inner side seal 9 constitutes a so-called pack seal composed of an annular seal plate 10 and a slinger 11 which are substantially L-shaped in cross section and arranged to face each other.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the metal ring 12 is fitted to the inner side base portion 6 b of the wheel mounting flange 6, and the outer side seal 8 is disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the metal ring 12. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the seal 8 is integrally joined to the core bar 13 fitted to the inner periphery of the outer end of the outer member 2 by vulcanization bonding or the like. And a seal member 14. The core 13 has a substantially U-shaped cross section when it is pressed from an austenitic stainless steel plate (JIS standard SUS304 type or the like) or a rust-proof cold rolled steel plate (JIS standard SPCC type or the like). It is formed in a shape.

  On the other hand, the seal member 14 is joined to the outer peripheral portion of the cored bar 13 and joined to the pair of side lips 14a and 14b extending obliquely outward in the radial direction and the inner edge part of the cored bar 13, and to the bearing inner side. And a grease lip 14c extending in an inclined manner. These side lips 14 b and 14 b and the grease lip 14 c are in sliding contact with the metal ring 12 fitted to the base 6 b on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange 6. A seal member 14 is wrapped around and joined to the outer portion of the core bar 13 to prevent foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the bearing from the fitting portion between the outer member 2 and the core bar 13. Yes.

  The metal ring 12 can be pressed from a corrosion-resistant steel plate, such as an austenitic stainless steel plate (JIS standard SUS304 type or the like) or a rust-proof cold rolled steel plate (JIS standard SPCC type or the like). A cylindrical fitting portion 12a that is externally fitted to the shoulder portion 4e of the hub wheel 4, a curved portion 12b that is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the base portion 6b that is formed in an arc shape, and this curve A disk part 12c that extends radially outward from the part 12b and is in close contact with the inner side surface 6c of the wheel mounting flange 6, and from the outer diameter part of the disk part 12c to the wheel mounting flange 6 in the axial direction. An umbrella portion 12d that extends in a spaced manner and a bent portion 12e that protrudes radially outward from the umbrella portion 12d are provided. The bent portion 12e is provided in order to improve the rigidity of the metal ring 12, and can improve the dimensional and shape accuracy of the metal ring 12.

  In addition, as for this metal ring 12, the surface roughness of the steel plate used as a raw material is set to the range of Ra0.2-0.6. Thereby, a favorable seal sliding contact surface can be obtained, lip wear can be suppressed, and the sealing performance of the seal 8 can be maintained even when used in a poor environment. Note that Ra is one of JIS roughness shape parameters (JIS B0601-1994), and is an arithmetic average roughness, which means an average value of absolute value deviations from an average line.

  The base portion 6 b is formed in an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature r at a corner portion between the shoulder portion 4 e of the hub wheel 4 and the wheel mounting flange 6. Corresponding to the arc surface, the curved portion 12b of the metal ring 12 is formed of an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature R, and the respective curvature radii R and r are set such that R ≧ r. Thereby, when the metal ring 12 is fitted to the base portion 6b, the curved portion 12b of the metal ring 12 is prevented from interfering with the arc surface of the base portion 6b and rising. Therefore, a gap is prevented from being generated between the side surface 6c of the wheel mounting flange 6 and the disk portion 12c of the metal ring 12, and the both are brought into close contact with each other, and the stable sealing is achieved by suppressing variations in the side lips 14a and 14b. Sex can be secured.

  Although not shown, an elastic lip may be mounted between the side surface 6 c of the wheel mounting flange 6 and the metal ring 12. This prevents foreign matter from entering from between the side surface 6c of the wheel mounting flange 6 and the disc portion 12c of the metal ring 12, and rusting of the mounting portion of the base portion 6b and the metal ring 12 over a long period of time. Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, a tapered surface 2c having a predetermined inclination angle θ1 is formed on the outer periphery of the outer end portion of the outer member 2. On the other hand, the umbrella portion 12d of the metal ring 12 is provided with a predetermined inclination angle θ2 corresponding to the tapered surface 2c of the outer member 2, and is formed in a tapered shape that gradually increases in diameter toward the end portion. A slight annular gap A is formed between the tapered surface 2c and a labyrinth seal. The inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are set in a range of 15 ° to 30 ° so as to be substantially the same angle, and the gap A is set in a range of 0.05 to 1.0 mm (diameter). If the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are set to exceed 30 °, muddy water or the like is liable to enter, and if it is less than 15 °, the muddy water or the like that has entered may be difficult to drain due to centrifugal force. Further, if the gap A is less than 0.05 mm, the umbrella 12d may interfere with the outer member 2 due to dimensional variation or eccentricity of the metal ring 12 or the outer member 2, and if it exceeds 1.0 mm, muddy water Etc. is not preferable because it easily enters.

  Thus, the labyrinth effect formed by the inner peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 12d and the tapered surface 2c of the outer member 2 prevents muddy water or the like from entering the sliding contact portion between the seal 8 and the metal ring 12. In addition, even if muddy water or the like enters the inside of the metal ring 12 from this slight gap A, it is easily discharged to the outside by the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the metal ring 12 as shown by the arrows in the figure. , It does not stay on the side lip 14a. Therefore, muddy water or the like can be prevented from adhering to the sliding contact surface of the side lip 14a and being worn, and a stable sealing performance can be maintained over a long period of time.

  Here, the third generation structure on the driven wheel side is exemplified as the wheel bearing device, but the wheel bearing device according to the present invention is not limited to this, and the second generation or the fourth generation is applicable as long as the structure is applicable. It may be a generation. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example of a double-row angular contact ball bearing using balls as the rolling elements 3 is illustrated, but it is not limited to this, and a double-row tapered roller bearing using tapered rollers as the rolling elements is used. It may be configured.

  FIG. 3 shows a modification. In this embodiment, basically only the inclination angle of the tapered surface of the outer member of the above-described embodiment (FIG. 2) is different, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts or parts having the same function. Detailed description will be omitted.

  A tapered surface 2d having a predetermined inclination angle θ3 is formed on the outer periphery of the outer end of the outer member 2. A slight annular gap A is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 12d of the metal ring 12 and a labyrinth seal is configured. The inclination angle θ3 of the tapered surface 2d is set in a range of 30 ° to 50 ° so as to be larger than the inclination angle θ2 of the umbrella portion 12d. As described above, in this embodiment, the labyrinth gap formed between the metal ring 12 and the outer member 2 is formed in a wedge shape, and the opening is set to a slight gap A. Etc. are difficult to enter, and once the muddy water has entered, it becomes easy to be discharged to the outside by the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the metal ring 12, and a more stable sealing performance can be maintained over a long period of time.

  FIG. 4 shows another modification. In this embodiment, basically, the structure of the metal ring of the above-described embodiment (FIG. 2) is only partially different, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals for the same parts or parts having the same functions. Detailed description is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a tapered surface 2c having a predetermined inclination angle θ1 is formed on the outer periphery of the outer end portion of the outer member 2, and the umbrella portion 15a of the metal ring 15 is a tapered surface of the outer member 2. Corresponding to 2c, it is formed in a taper shape having a predetermined inclination angle θ2. A slight annular gap A is formed between the tapered surface 2c and a labyrinth seal.

  Here, the umbrella portion 15 a of the metal ring 15 is formed long so as to cover the outer peripheral surface beyond the tapered surface 2 c of the outer member 2. That is, the separation amount L1 from the side surface 6c of the wheel mounting flange 6 of the umbrella portion 15a is set to be larger than the distance L2 from the side surface 6c of the wheel mounting flange 6 to the edge of the tapered surface 2c of the outer member 2. (L1> L2). Thereby, muddy water or the like can be further prevented from entering the inside of the metal ring 15 without directly hitting the tapered surface 2c of the outer member 2 by the umbrella portion 15a.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the description of the scope of claims, and further, the equivalent meanings described in the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope of the scope of the present invention are included. Including.

  The wheel bearing device according to the present invention can be applied to all generations of wheel bearing devices regardless of whether they are for driving wheels or driven wheels.

It is a longitudinal section showing one embodiment of a wheel bearing device concerning the present invention. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the modification of FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another modification of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the sealing device of the conventional wheel bearing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 .... Inner member 2 ... Outer member 2a ... Outer rolling surface 2b ... ··· Body mounting flanges 2c, 2d ······· Tapered surface 3 ················································ 5a ····· Inner rolling surface 4b ··· Small diameter step 4c ··· Caulking portion 4d ···・ ・ Step 4e ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Shoulder 5 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Inner ring 6 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Wheel mounting flange 6a ・ ・ ・ ・··············································································· Base 6c .....・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Outer seal 9 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Inner seal 10 ... Seal plate 11 ... Slinger 12, 15 ... Metal ring 12a ... Fitting part 12b ········ curved portion 12c ········· disc 12d, 15a ··· umbrella portion 12e ······· bent portion 13 ··· ......... Core 14 ... Seal members 14a, 14b ... Side lip 14c ... Grease lip 50 ... ········ Wheel bearing device 51 ··· Outer ring member 51a ······· Chamfered portion 51b ···········・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Inner ring member 53 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Seal member 54 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hub wheel 54a ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Flange surface 54b ... Wheel surface 54c ········ Shoulder outer peripheral surface 55 ··· Wheel mounting flange 56 ··· Base 57 ··· .... Metal ring 57a ..... Fitting part 57b ..... collar part 57c ..... Seal mounting part 57d ...・ ・ ・ ・ Non-contact seal 58 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Elastic seal bodies 58a, 58b and 58c ・ Seal lip 59 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Core metal 60 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・.... Elastic body A ... Ring gap C ... Gap L1 ... Umbrella wheel mounting Amount of separation L2 from the side surface of the flange... Distance from the side surface of the wheel mounting flange to the edge of the tapered surface .theta. ... Umbrella Angle of inclination

Claims (7)

An outer member integrally having a vehicle body mounting flange to be attached to the suspension device on the outer periphery, and an outer rolling surface of a double row integrally formed on the inner periphery;
It consists of a hub wheel that has a wheel mounting flange for mounting a wheel at one end and a small-diameter step on the outer periphery, and an outer ring member of an inner ring or constant velocity universal joint that is fitted to this hub ring. An inner member in which a double row inner rolling surface facing the double row outer rolling surface is formed on the outer periphery;
A double row rolling element housed between the rolling surfaces of the inner member and the outer member so as to be freely rollable via a cage;
A seal attached to an opening of an annular space formed between the outer member and the inner member;
The base portion on the inner side of the wheel mounting flange is formed in an arc shape, and a metal ring formed by pressing from a steel plate is fitted to the base portion,
Outer seal among the seals is a core metal fitted to the inner periphery of the end portion of the outer member, a side lip that is integrally joined to the core metal and extends obliquely outward in the radial direction, and a bearing In a wheel bearing device comprising a seal member having a grease lip extending inclining inward, and the side lip of the seal member is in sliding contact with the metal ring,
A tapered surface having a predetermined inclination angle is formed on the outer periphery of the outer end portion of the outer member, and the metal ring is formed of a steel plate having corrosion resistance. The surface roughness of the steel plate as the material is Ra0. while being set in a range of 2 to 0.6, and the cylindrical fitting portion which is fitted to the shoulder of the hub wheel and the curved portion formed in an arc shape corresponding to the shape of the base, A disc portion extending radially outward from the curved portion and being in close contact with the inner side surface of the wheel mounting flange, and being axially spaced from the outer diameter portion of the disc portion with respect to the wheel mounting flange. And the base portion is formed in an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature r, and the curved portion of the metal ring is formed in an arc surface having a predetermined radius of curvature R corresponding to the arc surface. each of the curvature radius R, r is set to be R> r, before The metal ring umbrella is formed in a tapered shape having a predetermined inclination angle and gradually expanding in diameter toward the end, and is opposed to the tapered surface with a slight annular gap. A wheel bearing device.   The wheel bearing device according to claim 1, wherein an inclination angle of the umbrella portion of the metal ring is set in a range of 15 ° to 30 °.   The wheel bearing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inclination angle of the umbrella portion of the metal ring and an inclination angle of the tapered surface of the outer member are set to be substantially the same.   The wheel bearing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inclination angle of the tapered surface of the outer member is set larger than an inclination angle of the umbrella portion of the metal ring.   The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a gap between openings of the umbrella portion of the metal ring and the tapered surface of the outer member is set in a range of 0.05 to 1.0 mm.   The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an umbrella portion of the metal ring is formed long so as to cover an outer peripheral surface beyond a tapered surface of the outer member.   The wheel bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a bent portion is formed so as to protrude radially outward from the umbrella portion.

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