JP7437723B2 - sealing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sealing device used, for example, in a bearing device for a wheel support portion of an automobile, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a sealing device used in a bearing device for a wheel support portion of an automobile, etc. The present invention relates to a sealing device for sealing.

The above-mentioned sealing device includes a slinger member (including a member equivalent to this) fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, a core metal fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, and a metal core fixed to the core metal. A sealing device is often used in which a sealing member having a sealing lip that contacts the slinger is combined with the slinger (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3). Such a sealing device prevents muddy water from entering into the bearing space from the outside by the relative sliding contact (proximity) of the seal lip with the slinger as the inner ring or outer ring rotates, and also prevents muddy water from entering into the bearing space. Designed to prevent grease, etc. from leaking out.
In each of the above-mentioned patent documents, the slinger member is formed in a U-shape, so that a continuous labyrinth part is formed at the combination of the slinger member and the sealing member, and muddy water etc. from the outside enters the sealing device. Infiltration is suppressed.

JP2015-158226A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-183801 JP 2017-137973 Publication

In the case of the sealing device as described above, in particular, by forming the slinger member into a U-shape, a large continuous length of the labyrinth portion can be ensured, and infiltration of the muddy water and the like can be effectively suppressed. However, if the continuous length of the labyrinth portion is too long, muddy water that has entered the sealing device becomes difficult to be discharged to the outside, and may remain in the space of the sealing device. When muddy water etc. stays in the sealing device in this way, foreign matter such as dust contained in the muddy water etc. gets caught in the sliding contact between the seal lip and the slinger member, causing the tip of the seal lip to wear out over time. There is a concern that the seal life will be shortened. Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not mention optimization of the continuous length of the labyrinth portion, and improvement thereof is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sealing device that can optimize the continuous length of the labyrinth portion, improve the sealing function, and extend the service life.

A sealing device according to the present invention is a sealing device that seals an axial end of an annular bearing space between an inner ring and an outer ring that rotate relatively coaxially, and includes a slinger member fitted to the inner ring; a sealing member fitted to the outer ring, the slinger member including a slinger cylindrical part fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, and a sealing member fitted to the outer ring from an end of the slinger cylindrical part opposite to the bearing space. The sealing member includes a slinger circular ring portion extending in the outer radial direction facing an axial end face of the slinger ring portion, and an outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion extending from the outer radial end portion of the slinger circular ring portion toward the bearing space side. is composed of a core bar, a seal lip base integrally provided on the core bar, and a seal lip extending from the seal lip base so as to come into elastic contact with or approach the slinger member, and is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring. A seal fitting cylindrical portion to be fitted, a seal annular portion extending in the inner radial direction from one end of the seal fitting cylindrical portion, and a seal ring portion extending from the end of the seal fitting cylindrical portion opposite to the bearing space. a first sealing ring portion that is configured between the slinger ring portion and the seal member axially opposed thereto; a first radial labyrinth section configured between the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical section and the outer ring and/or the seal member radially opposed thereto; a second axial labyrinth part configured between a slinger cylindrical part and the outer ring or the seal member axially opposed thereto, the second axial labyrinth part, the first radial direction The labyrinth portion and the first axial labyrinth portion are continuous in this order, and the continuous length thereof is 1.1 times or more and 3 times or less the axial length of the seal fitting cylindrical portion, and , the gap width of each labyrinth part is 1 mm or less, and the first axial labyrinth part is formed between the surface of the slinger ring part on the bearing space side and the slinger part of the outer diameter side seal ring part. and a surface facing the circular ring part, and the length of the first axial labyrinth part is the length of the first axial labyrinth part in the radial direction of the entire surface of the outer diameter side seal ring part facing the slinger circular ring part. It is characterized by a length of .

According to the sealing device of the present invention, the three continuous labyrinth portions lengthen the path for muddy water and the like to enter the sealing device, thereby suppressing muddy water and the like from entering the sealing device. In addition, by making the continuous length of the three labyrinth parts more than 1.1 times and less than 3 times the axial length of the seal-fitting cylindrical part, in addition to the infiltration resistance of muddy water etc., once inside the sealing device The muddy water, etc. that has entered the area will also be properly drained. As a result, the life of the seal as a sealing device is improved, and the number of seal lips can be reduced accordingly, so that rotational torque can be suppressed. Incidentally, if the continuous length of the labyrinth portion is less than 1.1 times the axial length of the seal-fitting cylindrical portion, the resistance to infiltration of muddy water etc. tends to decrease. Furthermore, if the continuous length of the labyrinth portion exceeds three times the axial length of the seal-fitting cylindrical portion, drainage of muddy water and the like tends to deteriorate. Furthermore, since the gap width of each labyrinth part is 1 mm or less, the labyrinth part can more accurately prevent muddy water from entering. Incidentally, if the gap width of each labyrinth part exceeds 1 mm, the resistance to infiltration of muddy water etc. tends to decrease. Further, since the slinger member has a shape having a plurality of bending points, the rigidity of the slinger member is increased, and the fitting force with respect to the inner ring can be improved.

According to this, the length of the first axial labyrinth portion is ensured to be large, and the above-mentioned effects of the labyrinth portion are further promoted.Moreover, according to this, since the end face of the outer ring on the side opposite to the bearing space is covered by the outer seal ring portion, the end face is less likely to be exposed to muddy water, etc., and rusting in this part is suppressed.

In the sealing device of the present invention, the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring is provided with a stepped surface that faces the axial tip end surface of the outer diameter slinger cylindrical portion, and the second axial labyrinth portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring. It may be configured by the axial tip end surface of the cylindrical portion and the stepped surface of the outer ring.
According to this, the second axial labyrinth portion and the first radial labyrinth portion form a curved path, and the labyrinth portion exerts the above-mentioned effect more markedly.

In the above case, the outer diameter side seal ring part further includes an outer diameter side seal cylindrical part extending from its outer diameter side end toward the bearing space so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring, and the outer diameter side a bent portion bent in the outer diameter direction from the axial tip end of the seal cylindrical portion to face the axial tip end face of the outer diameter side slinger cylinder portion, the axial tip of the outer diameter side slinger cylinder portion; The second axial labyrinth portion may be configured between the surface and the opposing surface of the bent portion.
According to this, since the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring is covered by the outer seal cylindrical portion having a bent portion at its tip, the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring is less likely to be exposed to muddy water or the like. In addition, the damming action of the bent portion is combined to effectively suppress muddy water and the like from entering the sealing device from the labyrinth portion. In addition, the second axial labyrinth portion can be configured without particularly processing the outer ring.

According to the sealing device of the present invention, it is possible to optimize the continuous length of the labyrinth portion, thereby improving the sealing function and extending the service life.

1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing an example of a bearing device to which a sealing device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of section X in FIG. 1, showing a first embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention. It is a figure similar to FIG. 2 showing a second embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention. It is a figure similar to FIG. 2 showing a third embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a bearing device 1 that rotatably supports wheels (not shown) of an automobile. This bearing device 1 is a hub bearing for a driving wheel, and roughly includes an outer ring 2, a hub ring 3, an inner ring member 4 that is fitted and integrated with the vehicle body side of the hub ring 3, and an outer ring 2. It is configured to include two rows of rolling elements (balls) 6 interposed between the hub ring 3 and the inner ring member 4. In this example, the hub ring 3 and the inner ring member 4 constitute an inner ring 5, and the outer ring 2 is fixed to the body of an automobile (not shown). Further, a drive shaft (not shown) is coaxially spline-fitted to the hub wheel 3, and the drive shaft is connected to a drive source (drive transmission unit) not shown through a constant velocity joint (not shown). The drive shaft is integrated with the hub wheel 3 by a nut (not shown), and the hub wheel 3 is prevented from coming off from the drive shaft. The inner ring 5 (hub ring 3 and inner ring member 4) on the rotating side can rotate coaxially around an axis L with respect to the outer ring 2 on the stationary side, and an annular bearing space is provided between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 5. S is formed. In the bearing space S, two rows of rolling elements 6 are held by the retainer 6a and roll on the bearing ring 2a of the outer ring 2, the bearing ring 3a of the hub ring 3, and the bearing ring 4a of the inner ring member 4. It is possible to intervene. The hub ring 3 has a cylindrical hub ring main body 30 and a hub flange 32 extending radially outward from the hub ring main body 30 via an upright base 31. The wheels are attached and fixed by the illustrated nuts. In this specification, the side facing the wheels along the axis L direction (the side facing right in FIG. 1) is referred to as the wheel side, and the side facing the vehicle body (the side facing left) is referred to as the vehicle body side.

At both ends of the bearing space S along the axis L direction, between the outer ring 2 and the hub ring 3 and between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring member 4, bearing seals 100, 10 as sealing devices are provided. It is mounted, and both ends of the bearing space S along the axis L direction are sealed. This prevents muddy water and the like from entering the bearing space S and preventing lubricant (grease, etc.) filled in the bearing space S from leaking to the outside.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention, and in this embodiment, the sealing device according to the present invention is applied to the wheel-side bearing seal 100 among the bearing seals 10 and 100. It shows. The bearing seal (sealing device) 100 of this embodiment includes a slinger member 101 that is fitted to the hub ring 3 (inner ring 5), and a seal member 106 that is fitted to the wheel-side inner peripheral surface 2e of the outer ring 2. . The slinger member 101 includes a slinger cylindrical portion 102 fitted to the outer circumferential surface 30a of the hub ring 3 (hub ring main body 30), and a slinger member 101 that extends from the end 102a of the slinger cylindrical portion 102 on the side opposite to the bearing space S. A slinger circular ring part 104 extends in the outer diameter direction opposite to the axial end face (wheel side end face) 2f of the outer ring 2 via a curved part 103 corresponding to the shape of the upright base part 31, and the outer diameter of the slinger circular ring part 104 It consists of an outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105 extending from the direction end portion 104a toward the bearing space S side. The seal member 106 includes a seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 that is fitted to the outer ring 2, and a seal ring portion 108 that is bent from one end 107a of the seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 on the bearing space S side and extends in the inner diameter direction. include. Furthermore, the seal member 106 has an outer diameter side seal ring part 109 extending in the outer diameter direction from an end 107b of the seal fitting cylindrical part 107 on the side opposite to the bearing space S so as to cover the wheel side end surface 2f of the outer ring 2. and an outer diameter side seal cylindrical portion 110 extending from the outer diameter side end 109a of the outer diameter side seal circular ring portion 109 to the bearing space S side along the wheel side outer peripheral surface 2g of the outer ring 2. The seal member 106 includes a core metal 111, a seal lip base 112 integrally provided on the core metal 111, and three seal lips in the illustrated example that extend from the seal lip base 112 into elastic contact with or close to the slinger member 101. It consists of 113, 114, and 115.

The core metal 111 of this embodiment includes a core metal cylindrical portion 1111 that is fitted to the wheel-side inner circumferential surface 2e of the outer ring 2, and a core metal cylindrical portion 1111 that extends from an end portion 1111a on the bearing space S side through a bent portion 1112. A circular ring portion 1113 of the core metal extends in the inner diameter direction, and an outer diameter side that extends from the end 1111b of the core metal cylindrical portion 1111 on the side opposite to the bearing space S toward the outer diameter side so as to be in close contact with the wheel side end surface 2f of the outer ring 2. It consists of a core ring portion 1114. The seal lip base 112 and the seal lips 113, 114, 115 are made of an elastic member such as rubber as in the above example, and are integrally formed with the core metal 111 by insert molding. The seal lips 113 and 114 are axial lips, and the front end thereof faces the opposite side to the bearing space S and in the outer diameter direction, and the surface 104b of the slinger ring part 104 of the slinger member 101 on the bearing space S side and the curved part The bearing space S side surfaces 103a of 130 are in elastic contact with each other. Further, the seal lip 115 is a radial lip, and its front end faces toward the bearing space S and in the inner diameter direction, and comes into elastic contact with the outer circumferential surface 102b of the slinger cylindrical portion 102. The two-dot chain line portion of each seal lip 113, 114, 115 shows the original shape before elastic deformation. The seal lip base 112 extends from a part of the surface 1113a of the core ring part 1113 on the bearing space S side to the inner diameter side end 1113b of the core metal ring part 1113, and extends from the surface opposite to the bearing space S (vehicle body It is integrated with the core metal 111 so as to cover the entire surface of the inner peripheral surface 1111c of the core metal cylindrical portion 1111 and the wheel side surface 1114a of the outer diameter side core metal circular ring portion 1114 from the entire surface of the side surface) 1113c. Furthermore, the seal lip base 112 extends from the outer diameter side end of the portion that covers the outer diameter side mandrel ring part 1114 to the outer diameter side end surface 1114b of the outer diameter side mandrel ring part 1114 to the bearing space S side. It has a lip base cylindrical portion 116 extending so as to cover the outer circumferential surface 2g of the outer ring 2. In this embodiment, the outer diameter side seal cylindrical portion 110 is constituted by the lip base cylindrical portion 116. The lip base cylindrical portion 116 further includes a bent portion 117 bent toward the outer diameter side from its tip in the axis L direction.

In this embodiment, the seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 is composed of a cylindrical core portion 1111 and a portion of the seal lip base 112 that is integrated with the cylindrical core portion 1111, and the seal ring portion 108 is a cylindrical core portion 1111. It is constituted by a ring portion 1113 and a portion of the seal lip base 112 that is integrated with the core ring portion 1113. Further, the outer diameter side seal ring portion 109 is constituted by an outer diameter side mandrel ring portion 1114 and a portion integrated with the outer diameter side mandrel ring portion 1114 of the seal lip base 112 . The outer slinger cylindrical portion 105 is positioned with a gap on the outer radial side of the lip base cylindrical portion 116 in the seal lip base 112, and the axial tip surface 105a of the outer slinger cylindrical portion 105 is bent It is positioned so as to face the wheel side surface 117a of the portion 117.

In this embodiment, between the surface 104b of the slinger ring portion 104 on the bearing space S side and the portion (outer diameter seal ring portion 109) that covers the outer diameter side core metal ring portion 1114 in the seal lip base 112. A first axial labyrinth r1 is formed in the first axial labyrinth r1. Further, a first radial labyrinth portion r2 is formed between the inner circumferential surface 105b of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105 and the outer circumferential surface 16a of the lip base cylindrical portion 116 (outer diameter side seal cylindrical portion 110). There is. Further, a second axial labyrinth portion r3 is formed between the axial tip end surface 105a of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105 and the wheel side surface 117a of the bent portion 117 at the seal lip base portion 112. The second axial labyrinth part r3, the first radial labyrinth part r2, and the first axial labyrinth r1 are continuous in this order from the outside to the inside of the bearing seal 100, and have bent parts at two places. It is composed of

In this embodiment, the gap widths of the first axial labyrinth part r1, the first radial labyrinth part r2, and the second axial labyrinth part r3 are all set to 1 mm or less. Further, the continuous length Lr of the second axial labyrinth part r3, the first radial labyrinth part r2, and the first axial labyrinth part r1 is 1.0 times the axial length d of the seal fitting cylindrical part 107. It is set to 1 times or more and 3 times or less.

In the bearing device 1 including the bearing seal 100 configured as described above, when the drive shaft and the inner ring 5 rotate around the axis L, the slinger member 101 also rotates around the axis L. With this rotation, the front portions of the seal lips 113, 114, 115 relatively elastically slide into contact with each other at respective elastic contact portions of the slinger member 01. This elastic sliding contact prevents muddy water or the like that has entered the bearing seal 100 from further entering the bearing space S. Further, leakage of lubricant such as grease filled in the bearing space S to the outside is prevented.

In this embodiment, the three continuous labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 configured between the slinger member 101 and the seal member 106 lengthen the path for muddy water and the like to enter the bearing seal 100, and the bearing seal Intrusion of muddy water and the like into the interior of the housing 100 is suppressed. In addition, by setting the continuous length Lr of the three labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 to 1.1 times or more and 3 times or less the axial length d of the seal fitting cylindrical part 107, the intrusion resistance of muddy water etc. is improved. In addition, muddy water and the like that once entered the bearing seal 100 can be properly discharged. In particular, due to the pumping action of the space surrounded by the slinger member 101 and the seal member 106 as the axis of the slinger member 101 rotates, muddy water or the like that has entered the bearing seal 100 is quickly discharged. If this muddy water, etc. is not discharged promptly, the muddy water, etc. remains in the space, and the dust contained in the muddy water, etc. gets caught in the elastic sliding contact portions of the seal lips 113, 114, 115 with respect to the slinger member 101. The tips of the seal lips 113, 114, 115 wear out. However, since muddy water and the like are quickly discharged, such wear is less likely to occur, and the life of the bearing seal 100 is thereby improved. Accordingly, the number of seal lips can be reduced, and the rotational torque due to the seal lips can be suppressed. Incidentally, if the continuous length Lr of the labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 is less than 1.1 times the axial length d of the seal fitting cylindrical part 107, the resistance to infiltration of muddy water etc. tends to decrease. Furthermore, if the continuous length Lr of the labyrinth portions r1, r2, and r3 exceeds three times the axial length of the seal-fitting cylindrical portion 107, drainage of muddy water and the like tends to deteriorate.

Furthermore, since the gap widths of the labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 are all 1 mm or less, the labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 can more accurately prevent the infiltration of muddy water and the like. Incidentally, if the gap width of each labyrinth part r1, r2, r3 exceeds 1 mm, the resistance to infiltration of muddy water etc. tends to decrease. In addition, since the slinger member 11 has a shape having a plurality of bending points, the rigidity of the slinger member 11 is increased, and the fitting force with respect to the inner ring 5 can be improved.

Furthermore, since the outer circumferential surface 2g of the outer ring 2 on the wheel side is covered by the lip base cylindrical part 116 (outer diameter side seal cylindrical part 110) having the bent part 117 at the tip, the outer circumferential surface 2g of the outer ring 2 is exposed to muddy water, etc. It becomes difficult to be exposed. Furthermore, the damming action of the bent portions 117 works together to effectively suppress muddy water and the like from entering the bearing seal 100 from the labyrinth portions r1, r2, and r3. In addition, since the surface of the core metal 111 facing outward of the bearing seal 100 is all integrally covered by the seal lip base 112, the surface is not exposed to muddy water etc. from the outside, and there is no fear of rusting. do not have. Additionally, the second axial labyrinth part r3 can be formed without particularly processing the outer ring 2.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention, and this embodiment also shows an example in which the sealing device according to the present invention is applied to a wheel-side bearing seal 100. The bearing seal (sealing device) 100 of this embodiment includes a slinger member 101 fitted to the hub ring 3 (inner ring 5), and a seal member 106 fitted to the wheel side outer peripheral surface 2g of the outer ring 2. Since the slinger member 101 is configured in the same manner as the example in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals as in the example in FIG. 2 are given, and a description of the structure thereof will be omitted. The seal member 106 includes a seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 that is fitted to the wheel side outer circumferential surface 2g of the outer ring 2, and one end 107b of the seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 on the opposite side from the bearing space S to the wheel side of the outer ring 2. It includes a seal ring portion 108 that is bent toward the bearing space S side and extends in the inner diameter direction along the end surface 2f. The seal member 106 includes a core metal 111, a seal lip base 112 integrally provided on the core metal 111, and three seal lips 113, 114 that extend from the seal lip base 112 so as to come into elastic contact with or come close to the slinger member 101. , 115.

The core metal 111 of this embodiment includes a core metal cylindrical portion 1111 that is fitted to the wheel side outer circumferential surface 2g of the outer ring 2, and a core metal cylindrical portion 1111 that is connected to the outer ring 2 from an end 1111b of the core metal cylindrical portion 1111 on the opposite side to the bearing space S. It consists of a core metal circular ring portion 1113 that is in close contact with the wheel side end surface 2f, bent obliquely toward the bearing space S side, and extends in the inner diameter direction. The seal lip base 112 and the seal lips 113, 114, 115 are made of an elastic member such as rubber as in the above example, and are integrally formed with the core metal 111 by insert molding. The sealing lips 113, 114, 115 come into elastic contact with the slinger member in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 2 at their front side portions. The seal lip base 112 wraps around the inner diameter side end 1113b of the circular core ring part 1113 from a part of the surface 1113a of the circular core ring part 1113 on the side of the bearing space S, and connects to the wheel of the outer ring 2 in the circular ring part of the core metal 1113. The cored metal is installed so as to cover the entire surface 1113c on the opposite side of the bearing space S (vehicle body side surface) including the portion in close contact with the side end surface 2f, and further cover the outer circumferential surface 1111d of the cored metal cylindrical portion 1111 and the bearing space side end surface 1111e. It is integrated into 111. An annular protrusion 118 that protrudes in the outer radial direction so as to face the axial tip surface 105a of the outer slinger cylindrical portion 105 is provided on the bearing space S side portion of the portion of the seal lip base 112 that covers the core metal cylindrical portion 1111. have. Furthermore, an annular eave-like portion 119 extending toward the wheel is integrally formed at the end of the portion of the seal lip base 112 that covers the core metal cylindrical portion 1111 on the side opposite to the bearing space S.

In the present embodiment, the seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 is constituted by a cored metal cylindrical portion 1111 and a portion of the seal lip base 112 that integrally covers the outer peripheral portion of the cored metal cylindrical portion 1111, and the sealing circular ring portion 108 is constituted by a cored metal cylindrical portion 1111 It is constituted by a circular ring portion 1113 and a portion of the seal lip base 112 that is integrated with the core metal circular ring portion 1113. The outer slinger cylindrical portion 105 is located with a gap on the outer radial side of the portion of the seal lip base 112 that covers the core metal cylindrical portion 1111, and the axial tip end surface 105a of the outer slinger cylindrical portion 105 is , is positioned to face the wheel side surface 118a of the annular protrusion 118.

In this embodiment, a first axial labyrinth r1 is formed between the surface 104b of the slinger ring portion 104 on the bearing space S side and the wheel-side tip portion 119a of the eave-like portion 119. Further, a first radial labyrinth portion r2 is formed between the inner circumferential surface 105b of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105 and the outer circumferential surface of the portion covering the core metal cylindrical portion 1111. Further, a second axial labyrinth portion r3 is formed between the axial end surface 105a of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105 and the wheel side surface 118a of the annular protrusion 18 at the seal lip base 112. The second axial labyrinth part r3, the first radial labyrinth part r2, and the first axial labyrinth r1 are continuous in this order from the outside to the inside of the bearing seal 100, and have bent parts at two places. It is composed of

Also in this embodiment, the gap widths of the first axial labyrinth part r1, the first radial labyrinth part r2, and the second axial labyrinth part r3 are all set to 1 mm or less. Further, the continuous length Lr of the second axial labyrinth part r3, the first radial labyrinth part, and the first axial labyrinth part r1 is 1.1 of the axial length d of the seal fitting cylindrical part 107. It is set to more than twice and less than three times.

Also in the bearing device 1 equipped with the bearing seal 100 configured as in this embodiment, the functions of the seal lips 113, 114, 115 accompanying the rotation of the inner ring 5 around the axis L are expressed in the same manner as in the example of FIG. Ru. Furthermore, the same effect as in the example of FIG. 2 can be obtained by the three continuous labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 formed between the slinger member 101 and the seal member 106.

Furthermore, since the wheel-side outer peripheral surface 2g of the outer ring 2 is covered by the cylindrical core 1111 and the portion of the seal lip base 112 that integrally covers the cylindrical core 1111 (seal fitting cylindrical portion 107), muddy water etc. become less exposed to In addition, the damming action of the annular protrusion 118 formed on the seal lip base 112 is combined to effectively suppress muddy water and the like from entering the bearing seal 100 from the labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3. In addition, since the surface of the core metal 111 facing outward of the bearing seal 100 is all integrally covered by the seal lip base 112, the surface is not exposed to muddy water etc. from the outside, and there is no fear of rusting. do not have. Additionally, the second axial labyrinth part r3 can be constructed without particularly processing the outer ring 2, as in the example of FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention, and this embodiment also shows an example in which the sealing device according to the present invention is applied to a wheel-side bearing seal 100. The bearing seal (sealing device) 100 of this embodiment includes a slinger member 101 that is fitted to the hub ring 3 (inner ring 5), and a seal member 106 that is fitted to the wheel-side inner peripheral surface 2e of the outer ring 2. . Since the slinger member 101 is configured in the same manner as the example in FIG. 2, it is given the same reference numerals as in the example in FIG. 2, and a description of its structure will be omitted here as well. The seal member 106 includes a seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 that is fitted to the outer ring 2, and a seal ring portion 108 that is bent from one end 107a of the seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 on the bearing space S side and extends in the inner diameter direction. include. Furthermore, the seal member 106 has an outer diameter side seal ring part 109 extending in the outer diameter direction from an end 107b of the seal fitting cylindrical part 107 on the side opposite to the bearing space S so as to cover the wheel side end surface 2f of the outer ring 2. including. The seal member 106 includes a core metal 111, a seal lip base 112 integrally provided on the core metal 111, and three seal lips 113, 114 that extend from the seal lip base 112 so as to come into elastic contact with or come close to the slinger member 101. , 115.

The core metal 111 of this embodiment includes a core metal cylindrical portion 1111 that is fitted to the wheel-side inner circumferential surface 2e of the outer ring 2, and a core metal cylindrical portion 1111 that extends from an end portion 1111a on the bearing space S side through a bent portion 1112. A circular ring portion 1113 of the core metal extends in the inner diameter direction, and an outer diameter side that extends from the end 1111b of the core metal cylindrical portion 1111 on the side opposite to the bearing space S toward the outer diameter side so as to be in close contact with the wheel side end surface 2f of the outer ring 2. It consists of a core ring portion 1114. The outer diameter side core ring ring portion 1114 is slightly different from the example shown in FIG. 2, and is configured to be in close contact with a majority portion of the wheel side end surface 2f of the outer ring 2. The seal lip base 112 and the seal lips 113, 114, 115 are made of an elastic member such as rubber as in the above example, and are integrally formed with the core metal 111 by insert molding. The sealing lips 113, 114, 115 come into elastic contact with the slinger member in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 2 at their front side portions. The manner in which the seal lip base 112 is integrated with the cylindrical core portion 1111 and the circular ring portion 1113 of the core metal 111 is similar to the example shown in FIG. 2 . The seal lip base 112 is integrated at the outer diameter side mandrel ring part 1114 so as to cover the entire surface of the wheel side surface 1114a and the outer diameter side end face 1114b, and a part of the seal lip base 112 covers the outer circumferential surface 2g of the outer ring 2 (the small diameter surface part 2ga) so as to come into contact with the wheel side end surface 2f of the outer ring 2 without protruding toward the outer diameter side.

In this embodiment, the seal fitting cylindrical portion 107 is composed of a cylindrical core portion 1111 and a portion of the seal lip base 112 that is integrated with the cylindrical core portion 1111, and the seal ring portion 108 is a cylindrical core portion 1111. It is constituted by a ring portion 1113 and a portion of the seal lip base 112 that is integrated with the core ring portion 1113. Further, the outer diameter side seal ring portion 109 includes an outer diameter side mandrel ring portion 1114, a portion integrated with the outer diameter side mandrel ring portion 1114 of the seal lip base 112, and an outer diameter side mandrel ring portion 1114. and a portion located on the outer diameter side of the ring portion 1114. The wheel-side outer peripheral surface 2g of the outer ring 2 is composed of a small-diameter surface portion 2ga on the wheel side and a large-diameter surface portion 2gb on the vehicle body side, and a stepped surface perpendicular to the small-diameter surface portion 2ga and the large-diameter surface portion 2gb. 2gc is formed, and the step surface 2gc is positioned so as to face the axial end surface 105a of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105.

In this embodiment, the surface 104b of the slinger circular ring portion 104 on the bearing space S side, the portion of the seal lip base 112 that covers the outer diameter side core metal circular ring portion 1114, and the portion that abuts the wheel side end surface 2f of the outer ring 2 ( A first axial labyrinth r1 is formed between the outer seal ring portion 109). Further, a first radial labyrinth portion r2 is formed between the inner peripheral surface 105b of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105 and the small diameter surface portion 2ga on the wheel side outer peripheral surface 2g of the outer ring 2. Further, a second axial labyrinth portion r3 is formed between the axial end surface 105a of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105 and the stepped surface 2gc on the wheel side outer peripheral surface 2g of the outer ring 2. The second axial labyrinth part r3, the first radial labyrinth part r2, and the first axial labyrinth r1 are continuous in this order from the outside to the inside of the bearing seal 100, and have bent parts at two places. It is composed of

Also in the bearing device 1 equipped with the bearing seal 100 configured as in this embodiment, the functions of the seal lips 113, 114, 115 accompanying the rotation of the inner ring 5 around the axis L are expressed in the same manner as in the example of FIG. Ru. Furthermore, the same effect as in the example of FIG. 2 can be obtained by the three continuous labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 formed between the slinger member 101 and the seal member 106. Furthermore, since the surface of the core metal 111 facing outward of the bearing seal 100 is all integrally covered by the seal lip base 112, the surface is not exposed to muddy water etc. from the outside and there is no risk of rusting. .
The functions and effects of the other configurations that are common to the example of FIG. 2 are the same as those of the example of FIG. 2, so their explanation will be omitted.

In each embodiment, the three consecutive labyrinth parts r1, r2, and r3 are an essential requirement, but it is also possible to additionally configure another continuous or discontinuous labyrinth part. Further, in each embodiment, an example in which the number of seal lips is three has been described, but the number is not limited to this, and the number can be appropriately set in consideration of sealing performance, rotational torque, etc. Furthermore, although an example has been shown in which the seal lip is brought into elastic contact with the slinger member, it may be brought close to or in contact with the slinger member. Further, in each embodiment, the outer ring is on the fixed side and the inner ring is on the rotating side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer ring may be on the rotating side and the inner ring may be on the fixed side. Moreover, although the example of FIG. 2 etc. shows the example applied to the bearing seal 100 by the side of a wheel, it may be applied to the bearing seal 10 by the side of a vehicle body. Further, although the example shown in FIG. 2 is applied to the hub bearing shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to apply it to other bearing devices. In addition, although the sealing device according to the present invention is applied to a bearing device for an automobile, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sealing device according to the present invention can be installed in a bearing space between an outer ring and an inner ring that rotate relatively coaxially. The sealing device can also be preferably applied to bearing devices in other industrial fields. Moreover, even if it is a bearing device for an automobile, it may be a bearing device not only for driving wheels but also for driven wheels. Furthermore, the shapes of the slinger member and the seal member can be changed as appropriate depending on the required specifications.

2 Outer ring 2e Inner peripheral surface 2f Axial end surface (end surface on the opposite side from the bearing space)
2g Outer surface 2gc Step surface 5 Inner ring 30a Outer surface 100 Bearing seal (sealing device)
101 Slinger member 102 Slinger cylindrical portion 102a End portion on the opposite side from the bearing space 104 Slinger circular portion 104b Surface on the bearing space side 105 Outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion 105a Axial tip surface 106 Seal member 107 Seal fitting cylindrical portion 107a Bearing space side end (one end)
107b End on the opposite side from the bearing space 108 Seal ring part 109 Outer diameter side seal ring part 109a Outer diameter side end part 110 Outer diameter side seal cylindrical part 117 Bent part 118 Annular protrusion 111 Core metal 112 Seal lip base 113, 114, 115 Seal lip r1 First axial labyrinth part r2 First radial labyrinth part r3 Second axial labyrinth part d Gap width of labyrinth part S Bearing space

Claims (3)

A sealing device that seals an axial end of an annular bearing space between an inner ring and an outer ring that rotate relatively coaxially,
including a slinger member fitted to the inner ring and a seal member fitted to the outer ring,
The slinger member includes a slinger cylindrical portion fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, and an end of the slinger cylindrical portion opposite to the bearing space that extends in the outer radial direction opposite to the axial end surface of the outer ring. Consisting of a slinger circular portion, and an outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion extending from the outer diameter direction end of the slinger circular portion toward the bearing space side,
The sealing member includes a core metal, a seal lip base integrally provided on the core metal, and a seal lip extending from the seal lip base so as to come into elastic contact with or come close to the slinger member, A seal-fitting cylindrical portion that is fitted to a peripheral surface, a seal ring portion that extends inwardly from one end of the seal-fitting cylindrical portion, and an end of the seal-fitting cylindrical portion opposite to the bearing space. an outer diameter side seal ring portion extending in the outer diameter direction from the outer ring so as to cover the axial end surface of the outer ring;
a first axial labyrinth portion configured between the slinger circular ring portion and the sealing member axially opposed thereto; a first axial labyrinth portion configured between the slinger circular ring portion and the seal member axially opposed thereto; and/or a first radial labyrinth portion configured between the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion and the outer ring or the seal member axially opposed thereto. 2 axial labyrinth parts,
The second axial labyrinth part, the first radial labyrinth part, and the first axial labyrinth part are continuous in this order, and their continuous length is equal to the axial length of the seal-fitting cylindrical part. The width of the labyrinth is 1.1 times or more and 3 times or less, and the gap width of each labyrinth part is 1 mm or less,
The first axial labyrinth portion is constituted by a surface of the slinger ring portion on the bearing space side and a surface of the outer diameter seal ring portion facing the slinger ring portion,
A sealing device characterized in that the length of the first axial labyrinth portion is the length in the radial direction of the entire surface of the outer seal ring portion facing the slinger ring portion . In claim 1,
The outer circumferential surface of the outer ring is provided with a step surface that faces the axial tip end surface of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion, and the second axial labyrinth portion is provided with an axial tip end face of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion. A sealing device comprising: a surface and a stepped surface of the outer ring. In claim 1,
The sealing member has a bent portion that is bent in the outer diameter direction from the axial tip end of the outer diameter side seal cylindrical portion to face the axial tip end surface of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion, and A sealing device characterized in that the second axial labyrinth portion is formed between the axial end surface of the outer diameter side slinger cylindrical portion and the opposing surface of the bent portion.

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