WO2006015289A2 - Seal for a bearing assembly - Google Patents

Seal for a bearing assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006015289A2
WO2006015289A2 PCT/US2005/027153 US2005027153W WO2006015289A2 WO 2006015289 A2 WO2006015289 A2 WO 2006015289A2 US 2005027153 W US2005027153 W US 2005027153W WO 2006015289 A2 WO2006015289 A2 WO 2006015289A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bearing
seal
protrusion
assembly
cone
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/027153
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006015289A3 (en
Inventor
Reginal A. Pete
Omar J. Fakhoury
Original Assignee
Gunite Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gunite Corporation filed Critical Gunite Corporation
Priority to CA2574974A priority Critical patent/CA2574974C/en
Priority to JP2007524877A priority patent/JP2008509354A/en
Priority to MX2007001368A priority patent/MX2007001368A/en
Priority to AU2005267828A priority patent/AU2005267828B2/en
Priority to AT05807662T priority patent/ATE480717T1/en
Priority to DE602005023493T priority patent/DE602005023493D1/en
Priority to EP05807662A priority patent/EP1784582B1/en
Publication of WO2006015289A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006015289A2/en
Publication of WO2006015289A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006015289A3/en
Priority to HK07109676.5A priority patent/HK1104601A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/72—Sealings
    • F16C33/76—Sealings of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/768—Sealings of ball or roller bearings between relatively stationary parts, i.e. static seals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C19/00—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C19/22—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings
    • F16C19/34—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load
    • F16C19/38—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load with two or more rows of rollers
    • F16C19/383—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load with two or more rows of rollers with tapered rollers, i.e. rollers having essentially the shape of a truncated cone
    • F16C19/385—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load with two or more rows of rollers with tapered rollers, i.e. rollers having essentially the shape of a truncated cone with two rows, i.e. double-row tapered roller bearings
    • F16C19/386—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load with two or more rows of rollers with tapered rollers, i.e. rollers having essentially the shape of a truncated cone with two rows, i.e. double-row tapered roller bearings in O-arrangement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/58—Raceways; Race rings
    • F16C33/60—Raceways; Race rings divided or split, e.g. comprising two juxtaposed rings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2326/00—Articles relating to transporting
    • F16C2326/01—Parts of vehicles in general
    • F16C2326/02—Wheel hubs or castors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C41/00—Other accessories, e.g. devices integrated in the bearing not relating to the bearing function as such
    • F16C41/04—Preventing damage to bearings during storage or transport thereof or when otherwise out of use
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C43/00—Assembling bearings
    • F16C43/04—Assembling rolling-contact bearings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to bearing assemblies and, more particularly, to seals for bearing assemblies.
  • Bearing assemblies are used in a variety of applications, such as automotive wheel assemblies, trailer wheel assemblies, and other wheel assemblies.
  • a wheel axle is positioned within a cavity of the bearing assembly and the bearing assembly is positioned within a cavity of a wheel hub.
  • the bearing assembly facilitates relatively low frictional rotation of the wheel hub and a wheel supported on the wheel hub relative to the wheel axle.
  • Typical bearing assemblies include a pair of bearing cones, an outer bearing cup surrounding the bearing cones, a plurality of rollers positioned between the bearing cones and the outer bearing cup, and a metallic retaining clip for connecting the bearing cones together.
  • the invention provides a bearing assembly including a housing defining a cavity therethrough.
  • a first bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and a second bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and spaced from the first bearing cone.
  • a first plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the first bearing cone and a second plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the second bearing cone.
  • a seal seals the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
  • the invention also provides a wheel assembly connectable to a wheel axle.
  • the wheel assembly includes a wheel hub defining a hub cavity therethrough having a cavity wall and a bearing assembly positionable in the hub cavity.
  • the bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having an outer surface engageable with the cavity wall and defining a housing cavity therethrough and a pair of bearing cones positioned within the housing cavity, together defining an inner surface engageable with the wheel axle.
  • the bearing cones have a space therebetween.
  • the bearing assembly also includes a plurality of rollers positioned between and engageable with the housing and the pair of bearing cones and an elastomeric seal positioned between the bearing cones to seal the space between the bearing cones.
  • the invention further includes a bearing assembly with a housing defining a cavity therethrough.
  • a first bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and a second bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and spaced from the first bearing cone.
  • a first plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the first bearing cone, and a second plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the second bearing cone.
  • a non-metallic seal at least partially covers the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone, to seal the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly including a bearing assembly.
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bearing assembly.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bearing assembly.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a seal of the bearing assembly.
  • Fig. 5 is an enlarged, partially broken perspective view of the seal.
  • Fig. 6 is cross-sectional view of the seal taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 4.
  • the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as possible additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections and couplings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a wheel assembly 20 including a brake rotor 24, a wheel hub 28, a tire or wheel 32, and a bearing assembly 36.
  • a brake pad (not shown) or other braking mechanism is engageable with the brake rotor 24 to control the rotation of the wheel 32.
  • the wheel hub 28 is connected to the brake rotor 24 with a plurality of fasteners and rotates with the brake rotor 24.
  • the brake rotor 24 and the wheel hub 28 each define a cavity 37 and 38, respectively, therethrough that are aligned when the brake rotor 24 and wheel hub 28 are connected.
  • the wheel hub 28 includes a plurality of fasteners, such as, for example a combination of lug nuts and lug bolts, connecting the wheel 32 to the wheel hub 28 and facilitating rotation of the wheel 32 with the wheel hub 28 and the brake rotor 24.
  • the bearing assembly 36 is positioned within the cavity 38 of the wheel hub 28, and the bearing assembly itself defines a bearing cavity 40 for receiving a wheel axle (not shown).
  • the wheel axle can be connected within the bearing cavity 40 in a variety of manners, such as, for example press-fitted, fastened, etc.
  • the axle is connectable to a wheel assembly 20 at each end of the axle.
  • the bearing assembly 36 includes a bearing housing 44 defining a housing cavity 48 therethrough.
  • a retention ring 52 is positioned in an outer groove 56 of the housing 44 and extends around a periphery of the housing 44.
  • the retention ring 52 is engageable within a recess (not shown) defined in a cavity wall of the wheel hub 28 to connect the bearing assembly 36 to the wheel hub 28.
  • the bearing assembly 36 also includes an inner bearing cone 60 and an outer bearing cone 64 positioned within the housing cavity 48 in spaced relation to one another. Together, the inner bearing cone 60 and the outer bearing cone 64 define the bearing cavity 40 therethrough.
  • the term “inner” will refer to the side of the bearing assembly 36 nearest the brake rotor 24 and the term “outer” will refer to the side of the bearing assembly 36 opposite the inner side and furthest from the brake rotor 24.
  • the use of "spaced,” “space,” or variations thereof herein with respect to the bearing cones 60, 64 is used broadly and is meant to encompass constructions wherein the bearing cones 60, 64 abut one another (but there is a small, possibly microscopic, space between them through which fluid might flow or debris might pass) and the constructions wherein bearing cones 60, 64 do not abut one another and are at a distance apart.
  • the bearing assembly 36 further includes a bearing cone spacer 68, a plurality of inner bearing rollers 72, a plurality of outer bearing rollers 76, an inner bearing roller retainer 80, an outer bearing roller retainer 84, an inner seal assembly 88, an outer seal assembly 92, and a cone seal 96.
  • the bearing cone spacer 68 is positioned in the space between the bearing cones 60, 64.
  • the bearing assembly 36 does not include a bearing cone spacer 68 and the bearing cones 60, 64 abut each other, as discussed above.
  • inner bearing rollers 72 are positioned between and engage the bearing housing 44 and the inner bearing cone 60 and the outer bearing rollers 76 are positioned between and engage the bearing housing 44 and the outer bearing cone 64 to facilitate relatively low frictional rotation of the bearing housing 44 relative to the bearing cones 60, 64.
  • the inner and outer bearing roller retainers 80, 84 retain the inner and outer bearing rollers 72, 76, respectively, in an appropriate position between and in engagement with the bearing housing 44 and the inner and outer bearing cones 60, 64.
  • Lubricant is positioned in a bearing roller cavity 100 defined between the bearing cones 60, 64, the bearing housing 44, and the inner and outer seal assemblies 88, 92 to lubricate the bearing rollers 72, 76.
  • Each of the inner and outer seal assemblies 88, 92 include a cone bracket 104, a housing bracket 108 and an intermediate member 112.
  • the seal assemblies are similar in structure and operation and, therefore, only one of the seal assemblies will be described below.
  • the cone bracket 104 is connected to the respective bearing cone
  • the housing bracket 108 is connected to the bearing housing 44
  • the intermediate member 112 is connected to the housing bracket 108 in close relation to the cone bracket 104.
  • the intermediate member 112 is made of an elastomeric material, such as, for example rubber, plastic, or a polymer, and rotates with the housing bracket 108 and the bearing housing 44 relative to the cone bracket 104 and the bearing cone.
  • the seal 96 includes a relatively thin body having an inner surface 116 and an outer surface 120.
  • the seal 96 is made of an elastomeric material, such as, for example plastic, rubber, or a polymer, and has two ends 128, 132.
  • a pair of protrusions 124 extend outwardly from the outer surface 120 of the seal 96.
  • the second end 132 of the seal 96 defines a pair of slots 136 therein for receiving portions of the protrusions 124 near the first end 128 of the seal 96.
  • the protrusions 124 near the first end 128 terminate short of the first end 128 (see Fig. 5) to provide a smooth outer surface 120 that is engageable with the inner surface 1 16 of the second end 132 to facilitate close engagement between the first and second ends 128, 132 when the ends overlap.
  • the seal 96 is positioned within the bearing cavity 40 and spans the space between the bearing cones 60, 64.
  • the seal 96 also includes a plurality of sealing bumps 144 that give texture to the outer surface 120 of the seal 96.
  • the sealing bumps 144 are made of the same material as and integral with the rest of the seal 96. In some constructions, the sealing bumps 144 are made of a different material than the rest of the seal 96.
  • the sealing bumps 144 can be made of a variety of materials and can be configured in a variety of manners. As shown in Fig. 5, the sealing bumps 144 are not positioned on the portion of the outer surface 120 that is overlapped by the second end 132 of the seal 96 in order to facilitate close engagement between the first and second ends 128, 132 of the seal 96 when the ends overlap.
  • the seal 96 performs at least two functions in the bearing assembly 36. First, the seal 96 holds the bearing cones 60, 64 together during handling and installation of the bearing assembly 36 into the wheel assembly 20. The engagement between the protrusions 124 and the sealing grooves 140 inhibits the bearing cones 60, 64 from separating. Second, the seal 96 seals the space between the bearing cones 60, 64. Particularly, the seal 96 inhibits contaminates from entering the bearing roller cavity 100 through the space between the bearing cones 60, 64 and inhibits leakage of the lubricant from the bearing roller cavity 100 through the space between the bearing cones 60, 64.
  • the seal 96 does not include the sealing bumps 144 and the seal 96 performs both functions of holding the bearing cones 60, 64 together and sealing the space between the bearing cones 60, 64 without the sealing bumps 144.
  • seal 96 can include any number of protrusions 124 (including zero) and have any effective configuration and still be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sealing Of Bearings (AREA)
  • Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
  • Sealing With Elastic Sealing Lips (AREA)
  • Sealing Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A bearing assembly for a wheel assembly. In some constructions and in some aspects, the bearing assembly includes a housing defining a cavity therethrough, a first bearing cone positioned within the cavity and a second bearing cone positioned within the cavity and spaced from the first bearing cone. A first plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the first bearing cone and a second plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the second bearing cone. A seal seals the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone. In some constructions and in some aspects, the seal is non-metallic or elastomeric.

Description

SEAL FOR A BEARING ASSEMBLY
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 10/910,832, filed August 4, 2004.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to bearing assemblies and, more particularly, to seals for bearing assemblies.
Background of the Invention Bearing assemblies are used in a variety of applications, such as automotive wheel assemblies, trailer wheel assemblies, and other wheel assemblies. In such applications, a wheel axle is positioned within a cavity of the bearing assembly and the bearing assembly is positioned within a cavity of a wheel hub. The bearing assembly facilitates relatively low frictional rotation of the wheel hub and a wheel supported on the wheel hub relative to the wheel axle. Typical bearing assemblies include a pair of bearing cones, an outer bearing cup surrounding the bearing cones, a plurality of rollers positioned between the bearing cones and the outer bearing cup, and a metallic retaining clip for connecting the bearing cones together.
Summary of the Invention In some constructions and in some aspects, the invention provides a bearing assembly including a housing defining a cavity therethrough. A first bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and a second bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and spaced from the first bearing cone. A first plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the first bearing cone and a second plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the second bearing cone. A seal seals the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
The invention also provides a wheel assembly connectable to a wheel axle. The wheel assembly includes a wheel hub defining a hub cavity therethrough having a cavity wall and a bearing assembly positionable in the hub cavity. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having an outer surface engageable with the cavity wall and defining a housing cavity therethrough and a pair of bearing cones positioned within the housing cavity, together defining an inner surface engageable with the wheel axle. The bearing cones have a space therebetween. The bearing assembly also includes a plurality of rollers positioned between and engageable with the housing and the pair of bearing cones and an elastomeric seal positioned between the bearing cones to seal the space between the bearing cones.
The invention further includes a bearing assembly with a housing defining a cavity therethrough. A first bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and a second bearing cone is positioned within the cavity and spaced from the first bearing cone. A first plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the first bearing cone, and a second plurality of rollers is positioned between and engageable with the housing and the second bearing cone. A non-metallic seal at least partially covers the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone, to seal the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly including a bearing assembly. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bearing assembly. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bearing assembly. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a seal of the bearing assembly.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged, partially broken perspective view of the seal. Fig. 6 is cross-sectional view of the seal taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 4. The invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as possible additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections and couplings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 illustrates a wheel assembly 20 including a brake rotor 24, a wheel hub 28, a tire or wheel 32, and a bearing assembly 36. A brake pad (not shown) or other braking mechanism is engageable with the brake rotor 24 to control the rotation of the wheel 32. The wheel hub 28 is connected to the brake rotor 24 with a plurality of fasteners and rotates with the brake rotor 24. The brake rotor 24 and the wheel hub 28 each define a cavity 37 and 38, respectively, therethrough that are aligned when the brake rotor 24 and wheel hub 28 are connected. The wheel hub 28 includes a plurality of fasteners, such as, for example a combination of lug nuts and lug bolts, connecting the wheel 32 to the wheel hub 28 and facilitating rotation of the wheel 32 with the wheel hub 28 and the brake rotor 24. The bearing assembly 36 is positioned within the cavity 38 of the wheel hub 28, and the bearing assembly itself defines a bearing cavity 40 for receiving a wheel axle (not shown). The wheel axle can be connected within the bearing cavity 40 in a variety of manners, such as, for example press-fitted, fastened, etc. The axle is connectable to a wheel assembly 20 at each end of the axle.
With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the bearing assembly 36 includes a bearing housing 44 defining a housing cavity 48 therethrough. A retention ring 52 is positioned in an outer groove 56 of the housing 44 and extends around a periphery of the housing 44. The retention ring 52 is engageable within a recess (not shown) defined in a cavity wall of the wheel hub 28 to connect the bearing assembly 36 to the wheel hub 28. The bearing assembly 36 also includes an inner bearing cone 60 and an outer bearing cone 64 positioned within the housing cavity 48 in spaced relation to one another. Together, the inner bearing cone 60 and the outer bearing cone 64 define the bearing cavity 40 therethrough.
As used herein with respect to the bearing assembly 36, the term "inner" will refer to the side of the bearing assembly 36 nearest the brake rotor 24 and the term "outer" will refer to the side of the bearing assembly 36 opposite the inner side and furthest from the brake rotor 24. In addition, the use of "spaced," "space," or variations thereof herein with respect to the bearing cones 60, 64 is used broadly and is meant to encompass constructions wherein the bearing cones 60, 64 abut one another (but there is a small, possibly microscopic, space between them through which fluid might flow or debris might pass) and the constructions wherein bearing cones 60, 64 do not abut one another and are at a distance apart.
In the illustrated construction, the bearing assembly 36 further includes a bearing cone spacer 68, a plurality of inner bearing rollers 72, a plurality of outer bearing rollers 76, an inner bearing roller retainer 80, an outer bearing roller retainer 84, an inner seal assembly 88, an outer seal assembly 92, and a cone seal 96. The bearing cone spacer 68 is positioned in the space between the bearing cones 60, 64. In some constructions, the bearing assembly 36 does not include a bearing cone spacer 68 and the bearing cones 60, 64 abut each other, as discussed above. me inner bearing rollers 72 are positioned between and engage the bearing housing 44 and the inner bearing cone 60 and the outer bearing rollers 76 are positioned between and engage the bearing housing 44 and the outer bearing cone 64 to facilitate relatively low frictional rotation of the bearing housing 44 relative to the bearing cones 60, 64. The inner and outer bearing roller retainers 80, 84 retain the inner and outer bearing rollers 72, 76, respectively, in an appropriate position between and in engagement with the bearing housing 44 and the inner and outer bearing cones 60, 64. Lubricant is positioned in a bearing roller cavity 100 defined between the bearing cones 60, 64, the bearing housing 44, and the inner and outer seal assemblies 88, 92 to lubricate the bearing rollers 72, 76. Each of the inner and outer seal assemblies 88, 92 include a cone bracket 104, a housing bracket 108 and an intermediate member 112. The seal assemblies are similar in structure and operation and, therefore, only one of the seal assemblies will be described below. The cone bracket 104 is connected to the respective bearing cone, the housing bracket 108 is connected to the bearing housing 44, and the intermediate member 112 is connected to the housing bracket 108 in close relation to the cone bracket 104. In the illustrated construction, the intermediate member 112 is made of an elastomeric material, such as, for example rubber, plastic, or a polymer, and rotates with the housing bracket 108 and the bearing housing 44 relative to the cone bracket 104 and the bearing cone. The intermediate member 112 contacts or is in close relation with the cone bracket 104 when the bearing assembly 36 is at rest and during rotation in order to inhibit contaminates from entering the bearing roller cavity 100. Such contamination can decrease the effectiveness of the bearing assembly 36 and ultimately cause the bearing assembly 36 to fail. It should be understood that the seal assemblies 88, 92 can have different components and have varying configurations and still be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Referring now to Figs. 2-5, the seal 96 includes a relatively thin body having an inner surface 116 and an outer surface 120. In the illustrated construction, the seal 96 is made of an elastomeric material, such as, for example plastic, rubber, or a polymer, and has two ends 128, 132. A pair of protrusions 124 extend outwardly from the outer surface 120 of the seal 96. The second end 132 of the seal 96 defines a pair of slots 136 therein for receiving portions of the protrusions 124 near the first end 128 of the seal 96. The protrusions 124 near the first end 128 terminate short of the first end 128 (see Fig. 5) to provide a smooth outer surface 120 that is engageable with the inner surface 1 16 of the second end 132 to facilitate close engagement between the first and second ends 128, 132 when the ends overlap. The seal 96 is positioned within the bearing cavity 40 and spans the space between the bearing cones 60, 64. The protrusions 124 are inserted and snap-fitted into sealing grooves 140, or otherwise frictionally engaged with the sealing grooves 140, defined in the inner and outer bearing cones 60, 64. With reference to Figs. 4-6, the seal 96 also includes a plurality of sealing bumps 144 that give texture to the outer surface 120 of the seal 96. In the illustrated construction, the sealing bumps 144 are made of the same material as and integral with the rest of the seal 96. In some constructions, the sealing bumps 144 are made of a different material than the rest of the seal 96. The sealing bumps 144 can be made of a variety of materials and can be configured in a variety of manners. As shown in Fig. 5, the sealing bumps 144 are not positioned on the portion of the outer surface 120 that is overlapped by the second end 132 of the seal 96 in order to facilitate close engagement between the first and second ends 128, 132 of the seal 96 when the ends overlap.
The seal 96 performs at least two functions in the bearing assembly 36. First, the seal 96 holds the bearing cones 60, 64 together during handling and installation of the bearing assembly 36 into the wheel assembly 20. The engagement between the protrusions 124 and the sealing grooves 140 inhibits the bearing cones 60, 64 from separating. Second, the seal 96 seals the space between the bearing cones 60, 64. Particularly, the seal 96 inhibits contaminates from entering the bearing roller cavity 100 through the space between the bearing cones 60, 64 and inhibits leakage of the lubricant from the bearing roller cavity 100 through the space between the bearing cones 60, 64. Insertion of the wheel axle into the bearing cavity 40 compresses the seal 96 between the wheel axle and the bearing cones 60, 64, thereby compressing the protrusions 124 into the sealing grooves 140 and forcing the sealing bumps 144 against the bearing cones 60, 64 to seal the space between the bearing cones 60, 64. In some constructions, the seal 96 does not include the sealing bumps 144 and the seal 96 performs both functions of holding the bearing cones 60, 64 together and sealing the space between the bearing cones 60, 64 without the sealing bumps 144.
It should be understood that the seal 96 can include any number of protrusions 124 (including zero) and have any effective configuration and still be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Although particular constructions of the present invention have been shown and described, other alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is to be limited only by the claims.

Claims

We claim:
1. A bearing assembly comprising: a housing defining a cavity therethrough; a first bearing cone positioned within the cavity; a second bearing cone positioned within the cavity and spaced from the first bearing cone; a first plurality of rollers positioned between and engageable with the housing and the first bearing cone; a second plurality of rollers positioned between and engageable with the housing and the second bearing cone; and a seal sealing the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
2. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is at least partially non- metallic.
3. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is at least partially polymeric.
4. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is at least partially elastomeric.
5. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal engages the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
6. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the first bearing cone defines a first groove and the second bearing cone defines a second groove, the first protrusion being positioned within the first groove and the second protrusion being positioned within the second groove.
7. The bearing assembly of claim 6, wherein the first protrusion is press-fitted within the first groove and the second protrusion is press-fitted within the second groove.
8. The bearing assembly of claim 6, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the seal. y. The bearing assembly of claim 6, wherein the seal has a first end and a second end that overlaps the first end.
10. The bearing assembly of claim 9, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion terminate short of the first end and the second end, and wherein the second end defines a first groove and a second groove for receiving a portion of the first protrusion and a portion of the second protrusion when the second end of the seal overlaps the first end of the seal.
11. The bearing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seal includes a plurality of sealing bumps extending from an outer surface of the seal, and wherein at least one of the sealing bumps engages the first bearing cone and at least one of the sealing bumps engages the second bearing cone.
12. The bearing assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal includes a first end and a second end that overlaps the first end, the sealing bumps being positioned at the second end of the seal and not on a portion of the first end that is overlapped by the second end.
13. The bearing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone each have an inner surface that together define a substantially cylindrical bearing cavity through the bearing assembly, and wherein the seal engages the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone and extends approximately 360 degrees around the inner surfaces of the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
14. The bearing assembly of claim 13, wherein the seal extends greater than 360 degrees around the inner surfaces of the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone.
15. The bearing assembly of claim 13, wherein the seal has a first end and a second end, and wherein the seal extends greater than 360 degrees around the inner surfaces of the first and second bearing cones such that the second end of the seal overlaps the first end of the seal.
16. A wheel assembly connectable to a wheel axle, the wheel assembly comprising: a wheel hub having a cavity wall defining a hub cavity therethrough ; and a bearing assembly in the hub cavity and including a bearing housing having an outer surface engageable with the cavity wall and defining a housing cavity therethrough, a pair of bearing cones positioned within the housing cavity and together defining an inner surface engageable with the wheel axle, the bearing cones having a space between them, a plurality of rollers positioned between and engageable with the housing and the pair of bearing cones, and an elastomeric seal positioned between the bearing cones to seal the space between the bearing cones.
17. The wheel assembly of claim 16, wherein the seal is at least partially polymeric.
18. The wheel assembly of claim 16, wherein the seal is plastic.
19. The wheel assembly of claim 16, wherein the seal is rubber.
20. The wheel assembly of claim 16, wherein the seal includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the bearing cones each define a groove therein, the first protrusion being positioned within one of the grooves and the second protrusion being positioned within the other of the grooves.
21. The wheel assembly of claim 20, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are press-fitted within the grooves.
22. The wheel assembly of claim 20, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion extend circumferential Iy around an outer surface of the seal.
23. The wheel assembly of claim 20, wherein the seal has a first end and a second end that overlaps the first end.
24. The wheel assembly of claim 23, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion terminate short of the first end and the second end, and wherein the second end defines a first groove and a second groove for receiving a portion of the first protrusion and a portion of the second protrusion when the second end of the seal overlaps the first end of the seal. 25. The wheel assembly ol claim 16, wherein the seal engages both of the bearing cones and extends approximately 360 degrees around the inner surface defined by the bearing cones.
26. The wheel assembly of claim 25, wherein the seal extends greater than 360 degrees around the inner surface defined by the bearing cones.
27. The wheel assembly of claim 25, wherein the seal has a first end and a second end, and wherein the seal extends greater than 360 degrees around the inner surface defined by the bearing cones such that the second end of the seal overlaps the first end of the seal.
28. A bearing assembly comprising: a housing defining a cavity therethrough; a first bearing cone positioned within the cavity; a second bearing cone positioned within the cavity and spaced from the first bearing cone; a first plurality of rollers positioned between and engageable with the housing and the first bearing cone; a second plurality of rollers positioned between and engageable with the housing and the second bearing cone; and a non-metallic seal spanning the space between the first bearing cone and the second bearing cone to seal the space.
29. The bearing assembly of claim 28, wherein the seal is at least partially elastomeric.
30. The bearing assembly of claim 28, wherein the seal is at least partially plastic.
31. The bearing assembly of claim 28, wherein the seal has a first end and a second end that overlaps the first end.
32. The bearing assembly of claim 28, wherein the seal includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the first bearing cone defines a first groove and the second bearing cone defines a second groove, a portion of the first protrusion being positioned within the first groove and a portion of the second protrusion being positioned within the second groove.
33. The bearing assembly of claim 32, wherein the first protrusion is press-fitted within the first groove and the second protrusion is press-fitted within the second groove.
34. The bearing assembly of claim 32, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the seal. 35. The bearing assembly of claim 32, wherein the seal has a first end and a second end that overlaps the first end, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion terminate short of the first end and the second end, and wherein the second end defines a first groove and a second groove for receiving a portion of the first protrusion and a portion of the second protrusion when the second end of the seal overlaps the first end of the seal.
PCT/US2005/027153 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 Seal for a bearing assembly WO2006015289A2 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2574974A CA2574974C (en) 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 Seal for a bearing assembly
JP2007524877A JP2008509354A (en) 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 Seal for bearing assembly
MX2007001368A MX2007001368A (en) 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 Seal for a bearing assembly.
AU2005267828A AU2005267828B2 (en) 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 Seal for a bearing assembly
AT05807662T ATE480717T1 (en) 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 SEAL FOR BEARING ARRANGEMENT
DE602005023493T DE602005023493D1 (en) 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 SEAL FOR BEARING ARRANGEMENT
EP05807662A EP1784582B1 (en) 2004-08-04 2005-07-29 Seal for a bearing assembly
HK07109676.5A HK1104601A1 (en) 2004-08-04 2007-09-05 Seal for a bearing assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/910,832 US7121728B2 (en) 2004-08-04 2004-08-04 Seal for a bearing assembly
US10/910,832 2004-08-04

Publications (2)

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WO2006015289A2 true WO2006015289A2 (en) 2006-02-09
WO2006015289A3 WO2006015289A3 (en) 2006-07-13

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US (1) US7121728B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1784582B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2008509354A (en)
AT (1) ATE480717T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2005267828B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2574974C (en)
DE (1) DE602005023493D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1104601A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2007001368A (en)
WO (1) WO2006015289A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2005267828A1 (en) 2006-02-09
ATE480717T1 (en) 2010-09-15
CA2574974C (en) 2011-01-04
AU2005267828B2 (en) 2010-08-05
US7121728B2 (en) 2006-10-17
EP1784582A4 (en) 2008-08-27
JP2008509354A (en) 2008-03-27
AU2005267828A2 (en) 2006-02-09
DE602005023493D1 (en) 2010-10-21
EP1784582A2 (en) 2007-05-16
MX2007001368A (en) 2008-03-11
EP1784582B1 (en) 2010-09-08
WO2006015289A3 (en) 2006-07-13
HK1104601A1 (en) 2008-01-18
US20060029314A1 (en) 2006-02-09
CA2574974A1 (en) 2006-02-09

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