KR20210111151A - Suspension thrust bearing device with seal - Google Patents

Abstract

A suspension thrust bearing device with a seal is provided. A suspension thrust bearing device comprises: a lower support cap (16); an upper bearing cap (14); and at least one bearing (18) arranged between the caps. The upper bearing cap (14) includes an outer skirt (14c) which surrounds the lower support cap (16) in a radial direction. The suspension thrust bearing device further includes an outer seal (19) located at least partially in a radial direction between the bearing (18) and the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cap. The outer seal (19) extends toward one between the lower support cap (16) and the upper bearing cap (14), has at least two sealing lips (19b, 19c) defining at least one circular outer chamber (40) facing at least the cap (14), and at least one lubricant (42) is arranged in the outer chamber (40). The present invention can protect the bearing from contaminants while ensuring a small frictional torque.

Description

SUSPENSION THRUST BEARING DEVICE WITH SEAL

The present invention relates in particular to the field of suspension thrust bearing devices for vehicles used in the suspension struts of steering road wheels.

Suspension thrust bearing devices generally have a rolling bearing comprising an upper ring and a lower ring, between which a rolling element, for example a ball or roller, is arranged and has a lower and upper cap. The lower and upper caps form a housing for the ring of the rolling bearing and provide an interface between the ring and adjacent elements.

A suspension thrust bearing arrangement is arranged in the upper part of the suspension strut between the vehicle body and the suspension spring. A suspension spring is mounted around the damping piston rod and the end of the damping piston rod is connected to the vehicle body. The suspension spring directly or indirectly supports the lower cap of the thrust bearing device in the axial direction.

Suspension thrust bearing devices allow the transmission of axial and radial forces between the suspension spring and the body, while at the same time reducing the relative rotational motion between the lower cab and the upper cab due to the deflection of the vehicle's steering wheel and/or the compression of the suspension spring. allow

Generally, the upper cap of the suspension thrust bearing device has a plurality of hooks arranged on the outer skirt and is configured to diametrically interfere with the plurality of hooks of the lower cap. The hooks of each cap are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

The hooks form retaining means provided to hold the upper and lower caps axially relative to each other. The hook also forms a narrow passage between the outer skirt of the upper cap and the lower cap to prevent intrusion of foreign matter in the radial direction.

However, suspension thrust bearing devices are generally exposed to various types of contamination.

If the suspension thrust bearing device is used, contaminants may easily penetrate between the outer skirt of the upper cap and the lower cap and flow toward the rolling bearing into the rolling bearing.

One object of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantages.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a suspension thrust bearing arrangement with good sealing properties for protecting the bearing from ingress of contaminants while ensuring low friction torque.

The present invention relates to a suspension thrust bearing arrangement comprising a lower support cap, an upper bearing cap and at least one bearing arranged between the caps. The upper bearing cap includes an outer skirt that radially surrounds the lower support cap.

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

The outer seal has at least two sealing lips extending towards one of the lower support cap and the upper bearing cap and defining at least one circular outer chamber facing at least the cap, wherein at least one lubricant is arranged in the outer chamber .

The outer seal prevents water, dust and other foreign matter from entering the bearing. In addition, the lubricant creates an additional sealing barrier to protect the bearing. The external sealing performance is enhanced. Alternatively, the lubricant optimizes the frictional torque between the outer seal and the cap, even if the sealing lip is in the form of friction.

The outer chamber defined by the two sealing lips of the outer seal may be axially directed towards the cap. Thus, the risk of lubricant leakage is reduced even with labyrinth sealing lips for external seals. Optionally, the outer chamber may face radially towards the cap.

Preferably, the two sealing lips of the outer seal seal in the space existing between the cap and the other cap together with the lubricating oil.

In one embodiment, the outer seal further has at least one additional seal lip located upstream from the two seal lips for fluid flow entering between the outer skirt of the upper bearing cap and the lower support cap.

The outer seal may have a circular heel on which the two seal lips are formed.

In one embodiment, the outer seal is secured to the other cap. Optionally, the outer seal may be secured to the bearing.

In one embodiment, the cap includes at least one circular rib extending axially toward the other cap while remaining axially spaced from the other cap, the rib comprising an outer skirt of the upper bearing cap and It is positioned radially between the outer seal and radially surrounds the two sealing lips of the outer seal.

The circular ribs form a radially arranged vertical barrier between the bearing and the outer skirt of the other cap to protect the bearing. Circular ribs can further limit contaminants from rising within the device and damaging the bearings.

In one embodiment, the device may further comprise an inner seal positioned at least partially radially between the bearing and the inner skirt of the upper bearing cap.

In one embodiment, the bearing may have at least one upper ring in contact with an upper bearing cap and a lower ring in contact with a lower support cap.

The invention also relates to a suspension thrust bearing arrangement comprising a lower support cap, an upper bearing cap and at least one bearing arranged between the caps. The upper bearing cap includes an inner skirt extending into the bore of the lower support cap.

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

The inner seal has at least two sealing lips extending towards one of the lower support cap and the upper bearing cap and defining at least one circular inner chamber, wherein at least one lubricant is arranged inside the inner chamber.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of specific embodiments, which are provided by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings:
1 is a cross-sectional view of a suspension thrust bearing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
2 to 4 are cross-sectional views of suspension thrust bearing devices according to second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

The suspension thrust bearing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be installed between an upper retainer seat and a suspension spring for arrangement directly or indirectly in a chassis element of a vehicle.

The device 10 with a shaft 12 comprises an upper bearing cap 14 , a lower support cap 16 and a rolling bearing 18 inserted axially between the caps 14 , 16 . In the example shown, the caps 14 , 16 are mounted in direct contact with the rolling bearing 18 without the insertion of intermediate elements. Optionally, the caps 14 , 16 can be mounted in indirect contact with the rolling bearing 18 by insertion of an intermediate element.

As will be explained below, the device 10 further comprises a circular outer seal 19 which prevents the ingress of contaminants towards the rolling bearing 18 . Here, the outer seal 19 is fixed to the lower support cap 16 .

The upper bearing cap 14 can be made of a plastic material, such as polyamide PA 6.6, which can be reinforced with glass fibers, for example.

The upper bearing cap 14 comprises a radial portion 14a, a circular axial inner skirt 14b, and a circular axial outer skirt 14c radially surrounding the inner skirt 14b. The radial portion 14a provides an upper surface 15 intended to face the upper retainer seat and a lower surface 17 which is in contact with and opposing the rolling bearing 18 . The upper and lower surfaces 15 , 17 define the thickness of the radial portion 14a. In the illustrated example, the radial portion 14a has a stepped shape.

The outer skirt 14c radially surrounds the lower support cap 16 . The inner skirt 14b extends inside the bore of the lower support cap 16 . The inner and outer skirts 14b, 14c extend axially downward from the radial portion 14a. In the illustrated example, the outer skirt 14c extends the large diameter edge of the radial portion 14a. The inner skirt 14b extends the small diameter edge of the radial portion 14a.

The upper bearing cap 14 further includes a plurality of inner hooks 14d arranged on the inner skirt 14b and extending radially outwardly. The hook 14d extends from the outer surface of the inner skirt 14b which extends radially outwardly towards the lower support cap 16 . In the example shown, the hooks 14d are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. Optionally, a circular hook may be provided on the outer surface of the skirt 14b.

The rolling bearing 18 is positioned entirely radially between the skirts 14b, 14c of the upper bearing cap. The rolling bearing 18 has an upper ring 20 in contact with the upper bearing cap 14, a lower ring 22 in contact with the lower support cap 16, and a rolling bearing arranged between raceways formed on the rings. Element 24 here comprises a row of balls. In the illustrated example, the rolling bearing 18 has an oblique contact configuration to absorb both radial and axial forces acting on the device.

The upper ring 20 is in contact with the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. The lower ring 22 is in contact with the upper surface of the lower support cap 16 . The rolling bearing 18 also includes a cage (not shown) between the upper and lower rings 20 , 22 to maintain regular circumferential spacing between the rolling elements 24 .

The lower support cap 16 may be constructed of a plastic material such as polyamide PA 6.6, which may be reinforced with glass fibers, for example.

The lower support cap 16 comprises a circular radial portion 28 in the form of a plate and a circular axial skirt 30 extending a small diameter edge of the radial portion 28 . The skirt 30 extends axially on the side opposite the upper bearing cap 14 and the rolling bearing 18 . Skirt 30 allows centering of the suspension spring. Said centering is achieved by the outer surface of the skirt 30 . The radial portion 28 provides a lower circular radial surface 28a defining a bearing surface for the suspension spring, and an upper surface 28b having a mating shape and contacting the lower ring 22 of the bearing. . The upper free end of the lower ring 22 is axially offset upward with respect to the radial portion 28 .

The lower support cap 16 also includes a plurality of inner hooks 32 arranged on the radial portion 28 and extending radially inwardly. The hook 32 extends from the bore of the radial portion 28 which extends radially inwardly towards the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap. The hooks 32 are circumferentially, preferably regularly spaced from each other. Optionally, the lower support cap 16 is a single circular inner hook, ie a hook continuous in the circumferential direction.

The hooks 32 are arranged axially above the hooks 14d of the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap. The hook 14d has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the hook 32 so that it can diametrically interfere with the hook 32 in the case of axial relative displacement of the bearing cap 14 and the support cap 16 . The hooks 14d and 32 form a narrow passage between the bore of the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap and the skirt 30 of the lower support cap to prevent entry of foreign matter in the radial direction.

The lower support cap 16 further includes a circular flange 34 that remains radially spaced from the outer skirt and extends toward the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. More generally, the flange 34 remains spaced from the upper bearing cap 14 . The flange 34 projects outwardly from the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap. The flange 34 extends outwardly from the outer surface of the radial portion 28 . The flange 34 extends radially.

The flange 34 is positioned slightly radially away from the bore of the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap to form a labyrinth sealing portion. A circular radial labyrinth seal (not shown in the figure) is formed between the flange 34 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap.

In the illustrated example, the lower support cap 16 also includes circular ribs 38 extending axially from the radial portion 28 towards the radial portion 14b of the upper bearing cap. Ribs 38 extend from the upper surface of radial portion 28 . The ribs 38 remain axially spaced apart from the lower surface 17 of the radial portion. The rib 38 radially surrounds the upper free end of the lower ring 22 of the bearing.

As described above, in this example, the seal 19 is fixed to the lower support cap 16 . A rolling bearing 18 is arranged radially on the inner side of the seal 19 . The seal 19 is located partially radially between the rolling bearing 18 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. The seal 19 radially surrounds the rolling bearing 18 .

A seal 19 is mounted on the lower support cap 16 radially between the rib 38 of the cap and the lower ring 22 of the bearing. In the illustrated example, the seal 19 is mounted axially against the upper surface of the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

The seal 19 is in radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 . The seal 19 is secured to the lower support cap 16 by a radial interference fit between the rib 38 and the seal. The seal 19 is mounted on the lower support cap 16 by a compression fit.

The seal 19 has a circular heel 19a secured to the lower support cap 16 by a radial interference fit with the bore of the rib 38 . The circular outer surface of the heel 19a is in radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 of the lower support cap. The heel 19a is mounted radially between the rib 38 of the lower support cap 16 and the upper free end of the lower ring 22 of the rolling bearing. The heel 19a remains radially spaced from the lower ring 22 , and more precisely remains radially spaced from the upper free end of the lower ring 22 . In this example, the heel 19a of the seal is mounted axially with respect to the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

The seal 19 also has circular first and second seal lips 19b and 19c that protrude from the heel 19a and extend towards the upper bearing cap 14 .

The first sealing lip 19b extends towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. In the illustrated example, the lip 19b extends obliquely inwardly and upwardly. The lip 19b faces inward, ie on the same side as the rolling bearing 18 . The lip 19b is located axially above the rolling bearing 18 . In the illustrated example, the lip 19b is labyrinthine and is positioned radially slightly away from the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. Optionally, the lip 19b may be in frictional contact with the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 28 of the upper bearing cap. In this case, the frictional contact between the lip 19b and the upper bearing cap 14 is axial. The lip 19b may be flexible in the axial direction.

The second sealing lip 19c radially surrounds the first sealing lip 19b. The second sealing lip 19c extends towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. In the illustrated example, the lip 19c extends axially upward. In the illustrated example, the lip 19c has a labyrinth shape. Optionally, the lip 19c may be in the form of friction.

The seal 19 is made in one piece, for example by molding. The seal 19 may be made of a flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Optionally, the seal 19 can be made of a rigid material made of, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyamide (PA).

The first and second sealing lips 19b , 19c of the seal each define a circular outer chamber 40 . Chamber 40 is defined radially by ribs 19b and 19c. The chamber 40 is positioned radially between the lips 19b and 19c. Chamber 40 is axially delimited by heel 19a. The chamber 40 faces axially towards the upper bearing cap 14 . More precisely, the chamber 40 is axially directed towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap.

Chamber 40 contains lubricating oil 42 . Lubricating oil 42 is positioned radially between the lips 19b and 19c. Lubricating oil 42 is located axially between the heel 19a of the seal and the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. For example, the lubricant 42 may be grease.

The lips 19b, 19c of the seal together with the lubricant 42 form an axial space existing between the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14, ie in the radial direction of the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap. The axial space existing between the parts 14a is hermetically sealed.

In this example, the upper bearing cap 14 also includes circular ribs 44 extending axially towards the lower support cap 16 . In the illustrated example, the ribs 44 extend towards the upper surface of the radial portion 28 and the flange 34 of the lower support cap. A rib 44 extends from a radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. The ribs 44 protrude from the lower surface 17 of the radial portion 14a.

The ribs 44 remain axially spaced from the lower support cap 16 . Ribs 44 are positioned slightly axially away from the lower support cap 16 to form a labyrinth seal. A circular axial labyrinth seal (not shown) is formed between the rib 44 and the lower support cap 16 . For example, the axial gap between the rib 44 and the lower support cap 16 may be less than 2 mm, for example equal to 1 mm and 1.4 mm, in particular 1.2 mm.

Ribs 44 are positioned radially between the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap and between the rolling bearing 18 , the seal 19 and the ribs 38 of the lower support cap. Rib 44 radially surrounds rolling bearing 18 , seal 19 and rib 38 . Ribs 44 radially surround the first and second sealing lips 19b, 19c of the outer seal. The rib 44 has a lower surface (not shown) axially facing the lower support cap 16 . In the illustrated example, the lower surface extends radially. The lower surface is axially offset downwardly relative to the upper surface of the rib 38 which forms the highest surface of the lower support cap 16 . The lower surface is offset down axially with respect to the outer diameter of the rolling bearing 18 .

The ribs 44 of the upper bearing cap form a radially arranged vertical barrier between the outer skirt 14c and the seal 19 to further protect the rolling bearing 18 . The number of foreign objects reaching the seal 19 is limited by the ribs 44 .

In this example, the entire axial length of the outer surface heel 19a of the seal interferes radially with the rib 38 of the lower support cap.

The example shown in Fig. 2, in which like parts are given the same reference numerals, differs from the first embodiment in that only a portion of the outer surface of the heel 19a of the seal interferes radially with the rib 38 of the lower support cap. different. In this example, the outer surface of the heel 19a has a circular projection 19d in radial frictional contact with the bore of the rib 38 . In the free state of the seal, the outer diameter of the projection 19c is greater than the inner diameter of the bore of the rib 38 . The remainder of the outer surface of heel 19a remains radially spaced from the bore of rib 38 .

In the second embodiment, the second sealing lip 19c of the outer seal extends obliquely outwardly and upwardly from the heel 19a. The lip 19c faces outward.

In both embodiments, the seal 19 is secured to the lower support cap 18 by a radial interference fit between the seal and the inner bore of the rib 38 of the cap.

The embodiment of Figure 3, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, shows that the device has an outer seal secured to the lower support cap 18 by means of a radial interference fit between the seal and the outer surface of the rib 38; 46) is different.

The seal 46 is in radial frictional contact with the outer surface of the rib 38 . The seal 46 radially surrounds the rib 38 . In the illustrated example, the seal 46 is mounted axially relative to the upper surface of the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

The seal 46 has a circular heel 46a secured to the lower support cap 16 by a radial interference fit with the outer surface of the rib 38 . A portion of the circular bore of heel 46a makes radial frictional contact against the outer surface of rib 38 . The heel 46a is mounted radially between the rib 38 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. The heel 46a remains radially spaced from the outer skirt 14c. In this example, the heel 46a of the seal is mounted axially relative to the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap.

The seal 46 also has circular first and second seal lips 46b and 46c that protrude from the heel 46a and extend towards the upper bearing cap 14 .

The first sealing lip 46b extends towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. In the illustrated example, the lip 46b extends upwardly along the axial direction. In the illustrated example, the lip 46b has a labyrinth shape. Optionally, the lip 46b may be in the form of friction.

The second sealing lip 46c radially surrounds the first sealing lip 46b. The second sealing lip 46c extends towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. In the illustrated example, the lip 46c extends obliquely outwardly and upwardly. The lip 46c faces outward. The lip 46c has a labyrinth shape. Optionally, the lip 46c may be in the form of friction.

Similar to the above embodiment, the first and second sealing lips 46b and 46c of the seal define a circular outer chamber 50 from each other. Chamber 50 is defined radially by ribs 46b and 46c. The chamber 50 is positioned radially between the lips 46b and 46c. Chamber 50 is axially delimited by heel 46a. The chamber 50 faces axially towards the upper bearing cap 14 . More precisely, the chamber 50 is axially directed towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap.

The chamber 50 contains a lubricating oil 52 such as, for example, grease. Lubricating oil 52 is positioned radially between the lips 46b and 46c. Lubricating oil 52 is located axially between the heel 46a of the seal and the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap.

The lips 46b, 46c of the seal together with the lubricant 52 form an axial space existing between the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14, ie in the radial direction of the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap. It closes the axial space existing between the parts 14a.

In the illustrated example, the seal 46 also has an additional circular third seal lip 46d that protrudes from the heel 46a and extends towards the upper bearing cap 14 . The sealing lip 46d extends towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. A sealing lip 46d extends obliquely outwardly and downwardly from the heel 46a. The sealing lip 46d faces outward, ie the opposite side of the rolling bearing 18 . The sealing lip 46d at least partially seals the radial space present between the lower support cap 16 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. In the illustrated example, the lip 46d has a labyrinth shape. Optionally, the lip 46d may be in the form of friction.

The sealing lip 46d is located upstream from the lips 46b, 46c for fluid flow entering between the lower support cap 16 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap.

In the previous embodiment, the outer seals 19 , 46 are secured to the lower support cap 16 . Optionally, the outer seal 19 , 46 can be secured to the lower ring 22 of the rolling bearing by means of a radial interference fit between the ring and the seal. For example, a radial interference fit may be provided between the seal and the upper free end of the lower ring 22 . In this variant, the outer seal 19 remains radially spaced from the lower support cap 16 .

In other variations, the outer seals 19 and 46 may be secured by means other than a radial interference fit.

For example, in the example of FIG. 4 where like parts are given like reference numerals, the device comprises an outer seal 56 which is held axially between the rolling bearing 18 and the lower support cap 16 . The rolling bearing 18 is arranged radially on the inner side of the seal 56 . A seal 56 is positioned radially between the rolling bearing 18 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. The seal 56 radially surrounds the rolling bearing 18 .

The seal 56 is axially mounted relative to the lower support cap 16 . The seal 56 is mounted axially against the upper surface of the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap. A seal (56) fits axially between the lower ring (22) and the lower support cap (16).

In this example, the lower ring 22 has a radial extension 22a defining the upper free end of the ring. A seal 56 is held axially between the radial extension 22a of the lower ring 22 and the lower support cap 16 .

The seal 56 has a circular heel 56a mounted axially to the radial portion 28 of the lower support cap. The heel 56a fits axially between the radial extension 22a of the lower ring 22 and the lower support cap 16 . The heel 56a extends radially. The heel 56a extends radially toward the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap while remaining spaced from the outer skirt.

The seal 56 also has circular first and second seal lips 56b and 56c that protrude from the heel 56a and extend towards the upper bearing cap 14 .

The first sealing lip 56b extends towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap. In the illustrated example, the lip 56b extends upwardly in the axial direction. The lip 56b projects upwards along the axial direction with respect to the radial extension 22a of the lower ring. In the illustrated example, the lip 56b has a labyrinth shape. Optionally, the lip 56b may be in the form of friction.

The second sealing lip 56c partially radially surrounds the first sealing lip 56b. The lip 56c extends towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. The lip 56c extends obliquely outward and upward. The lip 56c faces outward, ie the opposite side of the rolling bearing 18 . In the illustrated example, the lip 56c has a labyrinth shape. Optionally, the lip 56c may be in the form of friction.

The first and second sealing lips 56b , 56c of the seal define a circular outer chamber 60 from each other. The chamber 60 is defined radially by the lips 56b and 56c of the upper bearing cap and the outer skirt 14c. The chamber 60 is positioned radially between the lips 56b and 56c and the outer skirt 14c. Chamber 60 is defined axially by heel 56a. The chamber 60 faces axially towards the upper bearing cap 14 . More precisely, the chamber 60 faces axially towards the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap.

The chamber 60 contains a lubricating oil 62 such as, for example, grease. Lubricating oil 62 is positioned radially between the lips 46b and 46c of the upper bearing cap and the outer skirt 14c. Lubricating oil 62 is located axially between the heel 56a of the seal and the radial portion 14a of the upper bearing cap.

The lips 56b, 56c of the seal together with the lubricant 62 form an axial space existing between the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14, ie in the radial direction of the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap. It seals the axial space existing between the parts 14a.

In the illustrated example, the seal 56 further has an additional circular third seal lip 56d that protrudes from the heel 56a and extends towards the upper bearing cap 14 . The sealing lip 56d extends towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. The sealing lip 46d obliquely extends outwardly and downwardly from the heel 56a. The sealing lip 56d faces outward, ie the opposite side of the rolling bearing 18 . The sealing lip 56d at least partially seals the radial space present between the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap and the lower support cap 16 . In the illustrated example, the lip 56d has a labyrinth shape. Optionally, the lip 56d may be in the form of friction.

The sealing lip 56d is located upstream from the lips 56b and 56c for fluid flow entering between the lower support cap 16 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap.

The second and third lips 56c, 56d together define an additional circular outer chamber (not shown) in which a lubricant similar or different (not shown) to the lubricant 62 can be arranged. The lubricant is located axially between the lips 56c and 56d and radially between the lips and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. A further outer chamber is axially delimited by lips 56c, 56d. The chamber faces radially towards the upper bearing cap 14 . More precisely, the chamber faces radially towards the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap.

Similar to the first and second embodiments, the seals 46 and 56 can be made in one piece, for example by molding. Seals 46 and 56 may be made of a flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Alternatively, the seals 46 and 56 may be made of a rigid material made of, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyamide (PA).

In the above examples, the outer seal 19 , 46 or 56 is fixed to the lower support cap 16 or held axially between the cap 16 and the rolling bearing. Optionally, the outer seal may be fixed to the upper bearing cap 14 or held axially between the cap 14 and the rolling bearing. Alternatively, the outer seal may be secured to one of the caps 14 , 16 or secured to the rolling bearing 18 by any suitable means, for example gluing, overmolding, clipping, welding or the like.

In the illustrated example, the device comprises only an outer seal 19 , 46 or 56 arranged radially between the rolling bearing 18 and the outer skirt 14c of the upper bearing cap. Optionally, the device may further comprise an inner seal arranged radially between the rolling bearing 18 and the inner skirt 14b of the upper bearing cap.

In the illustrated example, the thrust bearing arrangement comprises an angular contact rolling bearing provided with a row of balls. The thrust bearing arrangement may comprise other types of rolling bearings, for example bearings with four point contacts and/or at least two rows of balls. The rolling bearings of the device may include other types of rolling elements such as rollers. In another variant, the bearing of the device may also be a sliding bearing without rolling elements.

Claims (10)

A suspension thrust bearing device comprising a lower support cap (16), an upper bearing cap (14) and at least one bearing (18) arranged between the caps, wherein the upper bearing cap (14) is radially configured to the lower support cap ( 16) a suspension thrust bearing device comprising an outer skirt (14c) surrounding:
The suspension thrust bearing arrangement further comprises an outer seal (19; 46; 56) located at least partially radially between the bearing (18) and the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cap, the outer seal ( 19 , 46 , 56 extend towards one of the lower support cap 16 and the upper bearing cap 14 and define at least one circular outer chamber 40 ; 50 ; 60 towards at least the cap 14 . at least two sealing lips (19b, 19c, 46b, 46c, 56b, 56c), characterized in that at least one lubricant (42; 52; 62) is arranged in said outer chamber (40; 50; 60) Suspension thrust bearing device. The outer chamber (40; 50; 60) defined by the two sealing lips (19b, 19c; 46b, 46c; 56b, 56c) of the outer seal is axial towards the cap (14). Suspension thrust bearing device, characterized in that it faces in the direction. The cap (14) and the cap (14) and Suspension thrust bearing device, characterized in that it seals in the space existing between the other caps (16). 4. Suspension thrust bearing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two sealing lips (19b, 19c; 46b, 46c; 56b, 56c) of the outer seal is a labyrinth lip. . 5. Suspension thrust bearing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two sealing lips (19b, 19c; 46b, 46c; 56b, 56c) of the outer seal is a friction lip. 6. An outer seal (46; 56) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two seals are against the incoming fluid flow between the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cap and the lower support cap (16). Suspension thrust bearing device, characterized in that it further has at least one additional sealing lip (46d; 56d) located upstream from the lip (46b, 46c; 56b, 56c). 7. The seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer seal (19; 46; 56) has a circular heel (19a, 46a, 56a), from which the two sealing lips (19b; 19c; 46b, 19b, 19c, 46b, 46c; 56b, 56c) is formed. 8. Suspension thrust bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer seal (19; 46; 56) is fixed to the other cap (16). 7. Suspension thrust bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer seal (19; 46; 56) is fixed to the bearing (18). 10. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (14) has at least one circular rib (44) extending axially towards the other cap while remaining axially spaced from the other cap (44). ), wherein the rib (44) is positioned radially between the outer skirt (14c) of the upper bearing cap and the outer seal (19; 46; 56) and at least partially of the outer seal (19b). , 19c; 46b, 46c; 56b, 56c) in a radial direction.

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