WO2020122692A1

WO2020122692A1 - Wheel bearing assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020122692A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/017839
Authority: WO
Inventors: 윤효중; 진성규; 서덕화; 강인준
Original assignee: 주식회사 일진글로벌
Priority date: 2018-12-14
Filing date: 2019-12-16
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Also published as: DE112019006191B4; DE112019006191T5; KR102525228B1; KR20200073808A

Abstract

Embodiments according to an aspect of the present disclosure relate to a wheel bearing assembly. The wheel bearing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment includes: an outer race mounted in a vehicle body side member of a vehicle; an inner race rotating relative to the outer race around an axis; a wheel hub including a cylindrical portion to which the inner race is coupled and a hub flange extending in an outer radial direction from the cylindrical portion, wherein the hub flange has an inner flange surface and an outer flange surface; a plurality of rolling bodies disposed between the outer race and the cylindrical portion and between the outer race and the inner race; and a sealing device disposed between the outer race and the hub flange. The hub flange has a recess, which is concave toward an outer axis from the inner flange surface. The sealing device includes: a frame mounted on the outer race; a sealing unit which is coupled to the frame and is completely and partially located inside the recess of the hub flange; and a slinger mounted inside the recess of the hub flange.

Description

Wheel bearing assembly

The present disclosure relates to a wheel bearing assembly.

The wheel bearing assembly is a device that is mounted between the rotating and non-rotating elements relative to the vehicle body to facilitate rotation of the rotating elements. The wheel bearing assembly of the vehicle provides a function of allowing the vehicle to move by connecting the wheel to the vehicle body to be rotatable. Such a wheel bearing assembly may be divided into a wheel bearing assembly for a driving wheel that transmits power generated in an engine and a wheel bearing assembly for a driven wheel that does not transmit driving force.

The wheel bearing assembly for a drive wheel includes a rotating element and a non-rotating element. The rotating element is configured to rotate with the drive shaft by torque generated by the engine and passing through the transmission. Meanwhile, the non-rotating element is fixed to the vehicle body, and a transmission device is interposed between the rotating element and the non-rotating element. The wheel bearing assembly for the driven wheel includes a configuration similar to the wheel bearing assembly for the drive wheel, but differs in that the rotating element is not connected to the drive shaft.

Since the wheel bearing assembly is disposed close to the ground, the surrounding environment is generally harsh. When foreign substances are introduced into the wheel bearing assembly, a problem may arise in durability of the wheel bearing assembly or the wheel bearing assembly may not operate smoothly. Accordingly, research has been actively conducted to block foreign substances such as water or dust flowing into the interior of the wheel bearing assembly. For example, a sealing device may be interposed between the rotating and non-rotating elements that rotate relative to each other in the wheel bearing assembly.

However, the conventional wheel bearing assembly is difficult to support a relatively large weight body. Therefore, in order for the wheel bearing assembly to support a vehicle body having a large weight, it is necessary to set a large separation distance along the axial direction between rolling elements. However, when the separation distance along the axial direction between the rolling elements is set large, the installation space of the sealing device interposed between the rotating element and the non-rotating element may be insufficient.

The present disclosure is for solving the above-described conventional problems, and provides a wheel bearing assembly having a structure in which a part of the sealing device is disposed inside the hub flange.

Embodiments according to one aspect of the present disclosure relate to a wheel bearing assembly. A wheel bearing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment includes: an outer ring mounted on a vehicle body side member; An inner ring that rotates relative to the outer ring about an axis; A wheel hub including a cylindrical portion to which an inner ring is coupled, and a hub flange extending in an outer radial direction from the cylindrical portion and having an inner flange surface and an outer flange surface; A plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the cylindrical portion and between the outer ring and the inner ring; And a sealing device disposed between the outer ring and the hub flange. The hub flange is formed with a recess recessed in the outer axial direction from the inner flange surface. The sealing device includes a frame attached to the outer ring; A sealing portion coupled to the frame and all or part of which is located in the recess of the hub flange; And a slinger mounted in the recess of the hub flange.

In one embodiment, the recess comprises: a first recess opposite the outer axial end of the outer ring; And a second recess formed more concave in the outer radial direction than the first recess in the inner radial direction of the first recess and mounted with a slinger.

In one embodiment, the slinger includes: a first slinger portion press-fitted inside the second recess; A second slinger portion extending radially outward from an outer axial end of the first slinger portion; And a third slinger portion extending in the inner axial direction from the outer radial end of the second slinger portion.

In one embodiment, the sealing portion, the first sealing portion located in the first recess and spaced apart from the first recess; A second sealing portion positioned in the second recess and parallel to the third slinger portion and spaced apart from the second recess; And a third sealing portion disposed in the space formed by the first slinger portion, the second slinger portion, and the third slinger portion in the second recess.

In one embodiment, the third sealing portion, at least one first sealing lip extending in the outer axial direction and contacting the second slinger portion; And a second sealing lip extending from the inner radial direction of the first sealing lip to the inner axial direction and contacting the first slinger portion.

In one embodiment, the axial length D from the second slinger to the maximum depth point of the second recess may be set greater than 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the axial length D from the second slinger to the maximum depth point of the second recess along the outer axial direction may be set to satisfy Equation 1 below.

[Equation 1]

D> A1-2.2×B1

Here, A1 is the thickness from the inner flange surface to the outer flange surface, and B1 is the axial length from the inner flange surface to the maximum depth point of the second recess along the outer axial direction.

In one embodiment, the first sealing portion may be formed asymmetrically up and down with respect to a horizontal plane passing through the axis and parallel to the ground.

In one embodiment, the angle at which the first sealing portion is formed may be set in a range of ±30° to ±160° based on a vertical surface that passes through the axis and is perpendicular to the horizontal surface.

In one embodiment, the hub flange may include a step extending radially outward from the recess surface of the second recess parallel to the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub.

In one embodiment, the radial length F from the recess surface of the second recess to the step portion may be set shorter than the axial length E from the step portion to the maximum depth point of the second recess. have.

In one embodiment, the hub flange may include a protrusion projecting in the outer axial direction from the outer flange surface.

A wheel bearing assembly according to another embodiment includes an outer ring mounted on a vehicle body side member; An inner ring that rotates relative to the outer ring about an axis; A wheel hub including a cylindrical portion to which an inner ring is coupled, and a hub flange extending in an outer radial direction from the cylindrical portion and having an inner flange surface and an outer flange surface; A plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the cylindrical portion and between the outer ring and the inner ring; And a sealing device disposed between the outer ring and the hub flange. The hub flange includes a protrusion projecting in the outer axial direction from the outer flange surface. The hub flange is formed with a recess recessed in the outer axial direction and in the outer radial direction from the inner flange surface. The sealing device includes a frame attached to the outer ring; A sealing portion coupled to the frame and all or part of which is located in the recess of the hub flange; And a slinger mounted in contact with three or more recess faces within the recess of the hub flange.

In one embodiment, the hub flange may include a locking jaw extending in the inner radial direction from the recess surface located in the outer radial direction of the second recess.

In one embodiment, in a state in which the slinger is mounted on the second recess, the outer diameter of the slinger may be set larger than the inner diameter of the locking jaw.

In one embodiment, the slinger includes: a first slinger portion press-fitted into a recess surface located in an inner radial direction of the second recess; A second slinger portion extending from the first slinger portion and contacting a recess surface positioned in an outer axial direction of the second recess; And a third slinger portion extending from the second slinger portion and having an outer radial end engaged with the locking jaw.

In one embodiment, the sealing portion, the first sealing portion located in the first recess and spaced apart from the first recess; And a second sealing portion located in the second recess and contacting the slinger.

In one embodiment, the first sealing portion includes: a first sealing lip extending radially outward from the frame; And a second sealing lip extending from an inner radial direction to an outer axial direction of the first sealing lip.

In one embodiment, the second sealing portion, at least one first sealing lip contacting the second slinger portion; And a second sealing lip extending from the inner radial direction of the first sealing lip to the inner axial direction and contacting the first slinger portion.

According to the wheel bearing assembly according to an embodiment, since a part of the sealing device is disposed in the recess of the hub flange, the installation space of the sealing device interposed between the rotating element and the non-rotating element can be secured as well as the sealing device The sealing performance of can be improved. In this way, since the installation space of the sealing device overlaps at least partially in the recess and the axial direction, a sufficient separation distance along the axial direction between the rolling elements of the wheel bearing assembly can be secured. Thus, not only can the weight of the vehicle body supported by the wheel bearing assembly be increased, but also the life of the wheel bearing assembly can be increased.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion A shown in FIG. 1.

3 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing the sealing device shown in FIG. 1.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing the main dimensions in the wheel bearing assembly shown in FIG.

5 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing a portion of the sealing portion shown in FIG. 1.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing an enlarged portion B shown in FIG. 6 and displaying main dimensions thereof.

8 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel bearing assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion C shown in FIG. 8.

10 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the sealing device shown in FIG. 8.

1000, 2000, 3000: wheel bearing assembly, 1100: outer ring, 1110: outer peripheral surface, 1120: inner sealing device, 1200: inner ring, 1300: wheel hub, 1310: cylindrical portion, 1320: hub flange, 1320a: inner flange surface, 1320b : Outer flange surface, 1321: bolt hole, 1322: protrusion, 1330: recess, 1331: first recess, 1332: second recess, 1332a: first recess surface, 1332b: second recess surface, 1400 : Multiple rolling elements, 1410: retainer, 1500: sealing device, 1510: frame, 1511: outer ring mounting portion, 1512: flange portion, 1512a: first flange portion, 1512b: second flange portion, 1520: sealing portion, 1520a: Sub-sealing portion, 1521: first sealing portion, 1522: second sealing portion, 1523: third sealing portion, 1523a: first sealing lip, 1523b: second sealing lip, 1530: slinger, 1531: first slinger portion, 1532: second slinger, 1533: third slinger, 2300: wheel hub, 2310: cylindrical, 2320: hub flange, 2320a: inner flange face, 2320b: outer flange face, 2322: protrusion, 2330: recess, 2331: first recess, 2332: second recess, 2332a: first recess face, 2332b: second recess face, 2340: step, 3300: wheel hub, 3310: cylinder, 3320: hub flange, 3320a: inner flange face, 3320b: outer flange face, 3330: recess, 3331: first recess, 3332: second recess, 3332a: first recess face, 3332b: second recess face, 3332c: first 3 recess face, 3340: locking jaw, 3322: protrusion, 3500: sealing device, 3510: frame, 3511: outer ring mounting portion, 3512: flange portion, 3512a: first flange portion, 3512b: second flange portion, 3520: sealing Sub, 3520a: sub-sealing portion, 3521: first sealing portion, 3521a: first sealing lip, 3521b: second sealing lip, 35 22: second sealing portion, 3522a: first sealing lip, 3522b: second sealing lip, 3530: slinger, 3531: first slinging portion, 3532: second slinging portion, 3532a: inclined portion, 3532b: vertical portion, 3533 : Third sling rejection, 3533a: End

The embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified for the purpose of illustrating the technical spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of rights according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the specific description of these embodiments.

All technical and scientific terms used in the present disclosure, unless defined otherwise, have meanings generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All terms used in the present disclosure are selected for the purpose of more clearly describing the present disclosure and are not selected to limit the scope of the rights according to the present disclosure.

As used in this disclosure, expressions such as “comprising”, “having”, “having”, and the like, are open terms that imply the possibility of including other embodiments, unless stated otherwise in the phrase or sentence in which the expression is included. (open-ended terms).

The expressions of the singular forms described in this disclosure may include the meaning of the plural forms unless otherwise stated, and the same applies to the expressions of the singular forms described in the claims.

Expressions such as “first” and “second” used in the present disclosure are used to distinguish a plurality of components from each other, and do not limit the order or importance of the components.

In the present disclosure, “axial direction” may be defined to mean a direction parallel to the rotational axis (RA) of the wheel bearing assembly, and the “radial direction” is perpendicular to the axial direction and away from the axis of rotation or the axis of rotation. It may be defined as meaning a direction closer to, and "circumferential direction" may be defined as meaning a direction surrounding the axial direction around the axial direction. In the following, the direction of the axis of rotation of the wheel bearing assembly may be simply referred to as the "axis direction".

In the present disclosure, the arrow “OA” is the direction along the axis RA of the wheel bearing assembly, pointing to the outboard on which the wheel is positioned relative to the wheel hub, and the arrow “IA” as the opposite direction to “OA” Points to the inner inboard where the knuckle is placed relative to the wheel hub. In addition, the arrow "OR" indicates the outer radial direction away from the rotation axis in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the wheel bearing assembly, and the arrow "IR" indicates the inner radial direction opposite to the "OR". The arrow “CD” points in the circumferential direction.

In the present disclosure, "pre-load" may refer to the amount of clearance change of the wheel bearing assembly. That is, the preload may mean a size in which a part of the components constituting the wheel bearing assembly is compressed and elastically deformed during assembly. The preload can have a length unit, and can be measured, for example, in a size in μm. The preload can be formed by rolling elements or orbital forming parts of the rolling device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding elements may be omitted. However, although descriptions of components are omitted, it is not intended that such components are not included in any embodiment.

1, the wheel bearing assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer ring 1100; Inner ring 1200; Wheel hub 1300; A plurality of rolling elements 1400; And a sealing device 1500. The wheel bearing assembly 1000 is disposed between a vehicle body side member (eg, a suspension) and a wheel and is configured to rotatably support the wheel relative to the vehicle body side member. The body-side member (eg, suspension) to which the outer ring 1100 is coupled may be disposed in the inner axial direction IA of the wheel bearing assembly 1000, and the wheel may be in the outer axial direction OA of the wheel bearing assembly 1000. ).

The outer ring 1100 has a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole and is arranged concentrically with the shaft RA. The outer ring 1100 is coupled to a vehicle body side member (eg, a suspension device) so as not to rotate. For example, the outer ring 1100 may be coupled to a knuckle or the like constituting a suspension device, but the body-side part to which the outer ring 1100 is coupled is not limited thereto.

The inner ring 1200 is configured to rotate relative to the outer ring 1100 about the axis RA. The inner ring 1200 is spaced apart from the outer ring 1100 in the inner radial direction IR. In one embodiment, the inner ring 1200 may be press-fit into the cylindrical portion 1310 of the wheel hub 1300 and be coupled. In one embodiment, the inner ring 1200 may be coupled to the wheel hub 1300 by orbital forming the inner axial end (IA) of the cylindrical portion 1310. Orbital forming is preformed to the inner ring 1200 by plastic deformation of the inner axial end (IA) of the wheel hub 1300 in the outer radial direction (OR) while the inner ring 1200 is pressed into the wheel hub 1300. While it means the process of fixing the inner ring 1200 to the wheel hub (1300).

The wheel hub 1300 includes a cylindrical portion 1310 and a hub flange 1320. The inner ring 1200 is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 1310, and a constant velocity joint or an axle is coupled to the inner circumferential surface. The hub flange 1320 extends from the cylindrical portion 1310 in the outer radial direction OR in the outer axial direction OA of the inner ring 1200. The hub flange 1320 includes an inner flange face 1320a located in the inner axial direction IA and an outer flange face 1320b located in the outer axial direction OA. The hub flange 1320 is formed with a plurality of bolt holes 1321 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis RA. The hub bolt is engaged with the nut through the bolt hole 1321 of the wheel and the hub flange 1320, so that the wheel is coupled to the wheel hub 1300.

The hub flange 1320 includes a protrusion 1322 protruding from the outer flange surface 1320b in the outer axial direction OA. The hub flange 1320 is formed with a recess 1330 that is concave from the inner flange surface 1320a to the outer axial direction OA. Even when the recess 1330 is formed on the inner flange surface 1320a of the hub flange 1320, the protrusion 1322 reinforces the thickness of the hub flange 1320 to secure the rigidity required of the hub flange 1320. It is possible to do.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the recess 1330 includes a first recess 1331 and a second recess 1332 formed in order along the inner radial direction IR. Can be. The recess 1330 may be formed by grinding or turning. The first recess 1331 opposes the outer axial (OA) end of the outer ring 1100. The second recess 1332 is formed to be more concave in the outer axial direction OA than the first recess 1331 in the inner radial direction IR of the first recess 1331, and the second recess 1332 ), the slinger 1530 of the sealing device 1500 is mounted. That is, the maximum depth point of the second recess 1332 is located in the outer axial direction OA than the maximum depth point of the first recess 1331. As such, the recess 1330 (ie, the first recess 1331 and the second recess 1332) is concave from the inner flange surface 1320a of the hub flange 1320 in the outer axial direction OA. Since it is formed and a part of the sealing device 1500 is disposed in the recess 1330, a flow path of a labyrinth structure is formed between the recess 1330 and a part of the sealing device 1500. Therefore, due to this labyrinth structure, it is possible to suppress or prevent foreign matter from flowing between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 1300. Accordingly, sealing performance between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320 may be improved. The second recess 1332 includes a first recess surface 1332a connected to a concave curved surface from the first recess 1331 and a second recess surface connected to a flat plane from the first recess surface 1332a ( 1332b) is formed. The second recess surface 1332b is parallel to the cylindrical portion 1310 of the wheel hub 1300 and is located outside the cylindrical portion 1310 in the radial direction OR.

As another example, unlike shown in FIG. 2, the first recess does not have a polygonal shape and is made of a curved surface, and the first recess is curved up to the first recess surface 1332a of the second recess 1332 It may lead to. That is, the recess may be composed of a single recess concave from the inner flange surface 1320a to the outer axial direction OR.

The plurality of rolling elements 1400 are disposed between the outer ring 1100 and the cylindrical portion 1310 of the wheel hub 1300 and between the outer ring 1100 and the inner ring 1200. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of rolling elements 1400 is composed of two rows, but in another embodiment, the rolling elements may be composed of three or more rows. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the rolling element 1400 is composed of a ball, but in another embodiment, the rolling element may be composed of a roller or a taper roller. The plurality of rolling elements 1400 is configured to maintain a constant distance along the circumferential direction CD of the shaft RA by the retainer 1410. In another embodiment, the plurality of rolling elements may be disposed between the outer ring and one inner ring disposed in the outer axial direction and between the outer ring and another inner ring disposed in the inner axial direction.

The sealing device 1500 is disposed between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320. The sealing device 1500 seals between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320 of the wheel hub 1300 at the outer axial (OA) end of the outer ring 1100, through which foreign matter such as water or dust flows in. Suppress or prevent it. In addition, an inner sealing device 1120 for sealing between the outer ring 1100 and the inner ring 1200 at the inner axial (IA) end of the outer ring 1100 is further installed.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sealing device 1500 includes a frame 1510 mounted on the outer ring 1100 (eg, the outer circumferential surface 1110 of the outer ring); A sealing portion 1520 coupled to the frame 1510 and partially or partially located within the recess 1330 of the hub flange 1320; And a slinger 1530 mounted in the recess 1330 of the hub flange 1320. Since a portion of the sealing device 1500 (ie, the sealing portion 1520 and the slinger 1530) is disposed within the recess 1330 of the hub flange 1320, the inner space of the wheel bearing assembly 1000 may be expanded. have. When the inner space of the wheel bearing assembly 1000 is expanded, an axial separation distance between the rolling elements 1400 may be largely set. Therefore, the wheel bearing assembly 1000 can support a vehicle body having a larger weight. That is, since the inner space of the wheel bearing assembly 1000 is expanded and the axial separation distance between the rolling elements 1400 is set large, the wheel bearing assembly 1000 is used even when the wheel bearing assembly 1000 supports a vehicle body having a large weight. It is possible to prevent the (1000) from being deformed or damaged. As a result, the life of the wheel bearing assembly 1000 may be increased. A recess 1330 is formed on the inner flange surface 1320a of the hub flange 1320, and a part of the sealing device 1500 (ie, the sealing portion 1520 and the slinger 1530) is disposed in the recess 1330 Therefore, a labyrinth structure is formed between the sealing device 1500 and the hub flange 1320. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the wheel bearing assembly 1000. As a result, sealing performance of the wheel bearing assembly 1000 may be improved.

The frame 1510 is made of a metal plate or tube material, and may be manufactured through press processing. In one embodiment, the frame 1510 is mounted on the outer circumferential surface 1110 of the outer ring 1100 and the like, and a hollow cylindrical outer ring mounting portion 1511 and a flange portion extending inward in the radial direction (IR) from the outer ring mounting portion 1511 (1512). In one embodiment, the flange portion 1512 is located in the outer axial direction (OA) than the first flange portion (1512a) and the first flange portion (1512a) abutting the outer axial (OA) end of the outer ring (1100) A second flange portion 1512b parallel to the first flange portion 1512a may be included. That is, the second flange portion 1512b is spaced apart from the outer axial direction OA end of the outer ring 1100 in the outer axial direction OA.

The sealing portion 1520 may be made of a rubber material, and may have a predetermined shape through vulcanization (or vulcanization) using the frame 1510 as an insert. The sealing portion 1520 may include a sub sealing portion 1520a extending in an inner axial direction from an inner axial end portion IA of the outer ring mounting portion 1511. The sub-sealing portion 1520a is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface 1110 of the outer ring 1100, thereby preventing foreign matter from penetrating between the outer circumferential surface 1110 of the outer ring 1100 and the outer ring mounting portion 1511 of the frame 1510. Or prevent it.

The slinger 1530 is mounted within the recess 1330 of the hub flange 1320 and is spaced apart from the frame 1510. The slinger 1530 is made of a metal plate or tube material, and may be manufactured through press processing.

In one embodiment, the slinger 1530 includes: a first slinger portion 1531 that is press-fitted inside the second recess 1332; A second slinger portion 1532 extending in an outer radial direction OR from an outer axial end (OA) of the first slinger portion 1531; And a third slinger portion 1533 extending from the outer radial (OR) end of the second slinger portion 1532 in the inner axial direction IA. The first slinger portion 1531 is pressed into the second recessed surface 1332b of the second recess 1332. The second slinger portion 1532 is vertically disposed with respect to the first slinger portion 1531, and the third slinger portion 1533 is perpendicular to the second slinger portion 1532 and with respect to the first slinger portion 1531. They are placed parallel.

In one embodiment, the sealing portion 1520, a first sealing portion 1521 located in the first recess 1331 and spaced apart from the first recess 1331; A second sealing portion 1522 positioned in the second recess 1332 and parallel to the third slinger portion 1533 and spaced apart from the second recess 1332; And a third sealing portion 1523 disposed in a space formed by the first slinger portion 1531, the second slinger portion 1532, and the third slinger portion 1533 within the second recess 1332. can do.

The first sealing portion 1521 extends in the outer radial direction (OR) from an edge where the outer ring mounting portion 1511 and the flange portion 1512 (ie, the first flange portion 1512a) of the frame 1510 meet. It is spaced apart from the recess 1331 in the inner radial direction IR. The first sealing portion 1521 is disposed in the outer axial direction OA than the inner flange surface 1320a. The first sealing portion 1521 serves to primarily block foreign substances flowing between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320.

The second sealing portion 1522 extends from the flange portion 1512 of the frame 1510 (eg, a portion where the first flange portion 1512a meets the second flange portion 1512b) and the first sealing portion 1521 It is located in the inner radial direction (IR). The second sealing portion 1522 is disposed away from the first recessed surface 1332a of the second recess 1332. The second sealing portion 1522 extends in a different direction from the first sealing portion 1522 and serves to form a labyrinth structure together with the first sealing portion 1521. That is, the first sealing portion 1521 extends in the outer radial direction (OR) in the first recess 1331 and the second sealing portion 1522 is in the outer axial direction (OA) in the second recess 1332 ), between the first sealing portion 1521 and the first recess 1331 and between the first sealing surface 1332a of the second sealing portion 1522 and the second recess 1332 A labyrinth structure flow path is formed. Therefore, due to such a labyrinth structure, foreign substances introduced between the first sealing portion 1521 and the first recess 1331 can be prevented or prevented from flowing between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 1300. As a result, sealing performance of the wheel bearing assembly 1000 may be improved.

The third sealing portion 1523 extends from the flange portion 1512 of the frame 1510 (ie, the second flange portion 1512b) and the inner radius of the first sealing portion 1521 and the second sealing portion 1522 It is located in the direction IR. In one embodiment, the third sealing portion 1523 extends in the outer axial direction (OA) and at least one first sealing lip 1523a and the first sealing lip 1523a contacting the second slinger portion 1532 It may include a second sealing lip (1523b) extending from the inner radial direction (IR) of the inner axial direction (IA) and in contact with the first slinger (1531). As illustrated in FIG. 1, two first sealing lips 1523a may be formed. When the number of the first sealing lip 1523a is too large, the frictional resistance between the first sealing lip 1523a and the slinger 1530 increases, so that the overall rotational resistance of the wheel hub 1300 against the outer ring 1100 increases. do. Conversely, when the number of the first sealing lips 1523a is too small, sealing performance between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320 may be deteriorated. Therefore, the number of the first sealing lips 1523a may be appropriately selected in consideration of the rolling resistance and sealing performance required by the manufacturer of the vehicle. As another example, unlike shown in FIG. 2, the third sealing portion 1523 is within a space formed by the first slinger portion 1531, the second slinger portion 1532, and the third slinger portion 1533. It may be configured as a non-contact slinger (1530). That is, the third sealing portion 1523 may be disposed spaced apart from the first slinger portion 1531 or the second slinger portion 1532.

The second sealing lip 1523b extends in a direction opposite to the first sealing lip 1523a based on the flange portion 1512 of the frame 1510 (ie, the second flange portion 1512b), and the first slinging portion (1531). As another example, the second sealing lip 1523b may be configured to be non-contact to the slinger 1530. The second sealing lip 2523b prevents or prevents foreign matter from penetrating between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320, or prevents the lubricant filled between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 1300 from leaking to the outside. can do.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing the main dimensions in the wheel bearing assembly shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the axial length D from the second slinger 1532 to the maximum depth point of the second recess 1332 along the outer axial direction OA is It can be set larger than 1mm. That is, since the gap of the axial length (D) is formed between the second slinger 1532 and the first recess surface 1332a of the second recess 1332, a path through which foreign matter can flow is formed. It can be lengthened by the gap. Accordingly, the labyrinth effect between the recess 1330 and the sealing device 1500 may be maximized. As a result, sealing performance between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320 may be improved.

In one embodiment, the axial length D from the second slinger portion 1532 to the maximum depth point of the second recess 1332 along the outer axial direction OA satisfies Equation 1 below. Can be set. Therefore, when the wheel of the vehicle is operated on a harsh road surface, it is possible to suppress or prevent the occurrence of cracks in the hub flange 1320 as the hub flange 1320 is deformed.

[Equation 1]

D ＞ A1-2.2×B1

Here, A1 is the thickness from the inner flange surface 1320a to the outer flange surface 1320b. B1 is the length from the inner flange surface 1320a to the maximum depth point of the second recess 1332 along the outer axial direction OA.

As described above, when the axial length D is set to satisfy Equation 1, a path through which foreign substances can flow may be formed. Accordingly, the labyrinth effect between the recess 1330 and the sealing device 1500 may be maximized. As a result, sealing performance between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320 may be improved.

Equation 1 may be expressed as Equation 2 below.

[Equation 2]

D ＞ A1-C1-B1

Here, C1 passes the point where the straight line L1 connecting the first recess 1331 and the second recess 1332 meets the outer flange surface 1320b and the protrusion 1322 and is parallel to the straight line L1. It is the distance between the straight lines L2.

In one embodiment, C1 may be set to satisfy Equation 3 below.

[Equation 3]

C1 ＞ 0.6×A1

5 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing a portion of the sealing portion shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, the frame 1510, the first sealing portion 1521, the second sealing portion 1522, and the third sealing portion 1523 are illustrated by cutting with respect to the plane P2.

As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the first sealing portion 1521 may be formed asymmetrically up and down based on a horizontal plane P1 that passes through the axis RA and is parallel to the ground. For example, the first sealing portion 1521 may be partially formed on the upper side based on the horizontal plane P1, and may not be formed on the lower side based on the horizontal plane P1. In addition, the first sealing portion 1521 is formed on the upper side with respect to the horizontal plane P1, and may be partially formed on the lower side with respect to the horizontal plane P1. Foreign matter that has penetrated between the first sealing portion 1521 and the hub flange 1320 does not flow between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 1300 by the second sealing portion 1522 and the third sealing portion 1523. 1 Sealing portion 1521 may be discharged through the lower side is not formed.

In one embodiment, the angle α at which the first sealing portion 1521 is formed is in the range of ±30° to ±160° based on the vertical surface P2 passing through the axis RA and perpendicular to the horizontal surface P1. Can be set to When the angle α is less than ±30°, the portion where the first sealing portion 1521 is formed becomes too small. Therefore, it is impossible to effectively prevent foreign matter from flowing in between the first sealing portion 1521 and the hub flange 1320 from the upper side based on the horizontal plane P1. As a result, sealing performance of the sealing device 1500 may be deteriorated. On the other hand, when the angle α exceeds ±160°, the portion where the first sealing portion 1521 is formed becomes too large. Therefore, foreign matter is not smoothly discharged from the lower side based on the horizontal plane P1. Foreign matter that is not discharged may wear or damage the sealing portion 1520, and thus, durability of the sealing device 1500 may be deteriorated. Although the range of the angle α is shown in FIG. 5 as -30° and -160° in the counterclockwise direction, the range of the angle α may be understood as +30° and +160° in the clockwise direction.

6, the wheel bearing assembly 2000 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer ring 1100; Inner ring 1200; Wheel hub 2300; A plurality of rolling elements 1400; And a sealing device 1500. The outer ring 1100 according to this embodiment; Inner ring 1200; A plurality of rolling elements 1400; And the sealing device 1500 includes the outer ring 1100 of the wheel bearing assembly 1000 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5; Inner ring 1200; A plurality of rolling elements 1400; And since the same or similar to the sealing device 1500, the wheel hub 2300 will be described in detail below.

The wheel hub 2300 includes a cylindrical portion 2310 and a hub flange 2320. The hub flange 2320 includes a protrusion 2322 protruding from the outer flange surface 2320b in the outer axial direction OA. The hub flange 2320 is formed with a recess 2330 that is concave from the inner flange surface 2320a to the outer axial direction OA. The recess 2330 includes a first recess 2331 and a second recess 2332. The second recess 2332 includes a first recessed surface 2332a made of a curved surface concave from the first recess 2331 and a second recessed surface 2332b made of a flat plane from the first recessed surface 2332a. It is formed.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the hub flange 2320 has a recess surface (ie, a second recess) of the second recess 2332 parallel to the cylindrical portion 2310 of the wheel hub 2300. It includes a step portion 2340 extending in the outer radial direction (OR) from the surface (2332b)). When the slinger 1530 is mounted in the recess 2330 (ie, the second recess 2332), due to the stepped portion 2340, the slinger 1530 is easily and accurately in the second recess 2332 Can be deployed. Accordingly, the slinger 1530 and the sealing portion 1520 (eg, the third sealing portion 1523) may be installed to have a predetermined frictional resistance. In addition, the stepped portion 2340 is in contact with the second slinger portion 1532 of the slinger 1530 to prevent the slinger 1530 from moving in the outer axial direction OA. The slinger 1530 and the sealing portion 1520 (eg, the third sealing portion 1523) may maintain a predetermined frictional resistance when the vehicle is running.

In one embodiment, the radial length F from the recessed surface of the second recess 2332 (ie, the second recessed surface 2332b) to the stepped portion 2340 is from the stepped portion 2340 It may be set to be shorter than the axial length E to the maximum depth point of the second recess 2332 along the outer axial direction OA. When the radial length F is formed longer than the axial length E, the space formed between the second recess 2332 and the slinger 1530 may be reduced. Therefore, the path through which foreign substances can be introduced is shortened, and the labyrinth effect between the recess 2330 and the sealing device 1500 may be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 8, the wheel bearing assembly 3000 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer ring 1100; Inner ring 1200; Wheel hub 3300; A plurality of rolling elements 1400; And a sealing device 3500. The outer ring 1100 according to this embodiment; Inner ring 1200; And a plurality of rolling elements 1400 includes outer wheels 1100 of

wheel bearing assemblies

1000 and 2000 according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7; Inner ring 1200; And the same or similar to the plurality of rolling elements 1400, the wheel hub 3300 and the sealing device 3500 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion C of FIG. 8 and displaying main dimensions thereof.

The wheel hub 3300 includes a cylindrical portion 3310 and a hub flange 3320. The hub flange 3310 includes a protrusion 3322 protruding from the outer flange surface 3320b in the outer axial direction OA. The hub flange 3320 is formed with a recess 3330 concave from the inner flange surface 3320a in the outer axial direction OA and the outer radial direction OR.

As shown in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the recess 3330 includes a first recess 3331 facing the outer axial (OA) end of the outer ring 1100; And a second recess 3332 in which the inner radial direction IR of the first recess 3331 is more concavely formed in the outer axial direction OA than the first recess 3331, and the slinger 3530 is mounted. It may include. The second recess 3332 includes a first recess surface 3332a located in the outer radial direction OR; A second recessed surface 3332b located in the inner radial direction IR; And a third recessed surface 3332c positioned between the first recessed surface 3332a and the second recessed surface 3332b.

In one embodiment, the hub flange 3320 is an inner radial direction IR from a recess surface (ie, the first recess surface 3332a) located in the outer radial direction OR of the second recess 3332 ) It may include a locking jaw (3340) extending. The locking jaw 3340 may suppress or prevent the slinger 3530 from being separated from the second recess 3332 after the slinger 3530 is mounted on the second recess 3332.

In one embodiment, the outer diameter R1 of the slinger 3530 may be set larger than the inner diameter R2 of the locking jaw 3340 while the slinger 3530 is mounted on the second recess 3332. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress or prevent the slinger 3530 from being separated from the second recess 3332.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sealing device 3500 includes a frame 3510 mounted on the outer ring 1100 (eg, the outer peripheral surface 1110 of the outer ring); A sealing portion 3520 coupled to the frame 3510 and located within the recess 3330 of the hub flange 3310; And a slinger 3530 mounted in contact with three or more recess surfaces within the recess 3330 of the hub flange 3310.

The frame 3510 is made of a metal plate or tube material, and may be manufactured through press processing. In one embodiment, the frame 3510 is mounted on the outer circumferential surface 1110 of the outer ring 1100 and the like, and a hollow cylindrical outer ring mounting portion 3511 and a flange portion extending from the outer ring mounting portion 3511 in the inner radial direction (IR) (3512). In one embodiment, the flange portion 3512 is located in the outer axial direction (OA) than the first flange portion (3512a) and the first flange portion (3512a) abutting the outer axial (OA) end of the outer ring (1100) A second flange portion 3512b parallel to the first flange portion 3512a may be included. That is, the second flange portion 3512b is spaced apart from the outer axial direction OA end of the outer ring 1100 in the outer axial direction OA. Since the second flange portion 3512b protrudes toward the slinger 3530 and the third slinger portion 3533 of the slinger 3530 is inclined, the labyrinth between the second flange portion 3512b and the slinger 3530 Form the flow path of the structure. Therefore, due to the labyrinth structure, foreign substances introduced between the first sealing portion 3351 and the first recess 3331 can be prevented or prevented from flowing between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 3300. As a result, sealing performance of the wheel bearing assembly 3000 may be improved.

The sealing portion 3520 may be made of a rubber material and may have a predetermined shape through vulcanization (or vulcanization) using the frame 3510 as an insert. The sealing portion 3520 may include a sub-sealing portion 3520a extending in an inner axial direction from an inner axial end portion IA of the outer ring mounting portion 3511. The sub-sealing portion 3520a is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface 1110 of the outer ring 1100, so that water or foreign substances penetrate between the outer circumferential surface 1110 of the outer ring 1100 and the outer ring mounting portion 3511 of the frame 3510. It can be suppressed or prevented.

The slinger 3530 is mounted within the recess 3330 of the hub flange 3310 and arranged to be spaced apart from the frame 3510. The slinger 3530 is made of a metal plate or tube material and may be manufactured through press processing.

In one embodiment, the slinger 3530 is a first slinger portion pressed into the recess surface (ie, the second recess surface 3332b) located in the inner radial direction IR of the second recess 3332. (3531); A second slinger portion extending from the first slinger portion 3531 and contacting a recess surface (ie, the third recess surface 3332c) located in the outer axial direction OA of the second recess 3332 3532); And a third slinger portion 3533 that extends from the second slinger portion 3532 and has an outer radial end portion 3533a that engages the locking jaw 3340. The second slinger portion 3532 extends obliquely in the outer radial direction (OR) and the outer axial direction (OA) from the outer axial (OA) end of the first slinger portion (3531) to the third recess surface (3332c). It may include a vertical portion 3532b extending from the inclined portion 3532a and the inclined portion 3532a in the outer radial direction OR and contacting the third recessed surface 3332c. The third slinger portion 3533 extends obliquely from the vertical portion 3532b of the second slinger portion 3532 in the outer radial direction OR and the inner axial direction IA. Since the third slinger portion 3533 is formed to be inclined and is engaged with the locking jaw 3340, the separation of the slinger 3530 from the second recess 3332 can be reliably suppressed or prevented.

In one embodiment, the sealing portion 3520 is located in the first sealing portion 3351 and the second recess 3332 located in the first recess 3331 and spaced apart from the first recess 3331 A second sealing portion 3522 may be in contact with the slinger 3530.

In one embodiment, the first sealing portion 3521 extends from the frame 3510 in an outer radial direction OR to a first sealing lip 3351a and an inner radial direction IR of the first sealing lip 3351a. In may include a second sealing lip (3521b) extending in the outer axial direction (OA). The first sealing lip 3351a extends in the outer radial direction (OR) from an edge where the outer ring mounting portion 3511 and the flange portion 3512 (that is, the first flange portion 3512a) of the frame 3510 meet. It is spaced from the recess 3331 in the inner radial direction IR. The first sealing lip 3351a serves to primarily block foreign substances flowing between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 1320. The second sealing lip 3351b extends obliquely from the flange portion 3512 (that is, the first flange portion 3512a) in the outer axial direction OA to the inner axial direction IA from the first recess 3331. Spaced apart. The second sealing lip 3351b extends in a different direction from the first sealing lip 3351a and serves to form a labyrinth structure together with the first sealing lip 3351a. That is, the first sealing lip 3351a extends in the outer radial direction OR in the first recess 3331 and the second sealing lip 3351b is in the outer axial direction OA in the first recess 3332 ), the first sealing lip 3351a and the first recess 3331 and the second sealing lip 3351b and the first recess 3331 form a flow path of a labyrinth structure. . Therefore, due to this labyrinth structure, foreign matter introduced between the first sealing lip 3351a and the first recess 3331 can be prevented or prevented from flowing between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 3300. As a result, durability of the wheel bearing assembly 3000 may be improved.

In one embodiment, the second sealing portion 3522 is inward in the inner radial direction (IR) of the one or more first sealing lips 3522a and the first sealing lips 3522a contacting the second slinger portion 3532 It may include a second sealing lip (3522b) extending in the axial direction (IA) and contacting the first slinger portion (3531). 9 and 10, two first sealing lips 3522a may be formed. One of the two first sealing lips 3522a contacts the vertical portion 3532b of the second slinger portion 3532, and the other of the two first sealing lips 3522a of the second slinger portion 3532 is It may contact the inclined portion 3532a. When the number of the first sealing lips 3522a is too large, the frictional resistance between the first sealing lips 3522a and the slinger 3530 becomes large, so that the overall rotational resistance of the wheel hub 3300 against the outer ring 1100 increases. do. Conversely, when the number of the first sealing lips 3522a is too small, sealing performance between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 3310 may be deteriorated. Therefore, the number of the first sealing lips 3522a may be appropriately selected in consideration of the rolling resistance and sealing performance required by the vehicle manufacturer.

The second sealing lip 3522b extends in a direction opposite to the first sealing lip 3522a based on the flange portion 3512 of the frame 3510 (that is, the second flange portion 3512b), and the first slinging portion It is configured to contact (3531). As another example, the second sealing lip 3522b may be configured to be non-contact to the slinger 3530. The second sealing lip 3522b prevents or prevents foreign matter from penetrating between the outer ring 1100 and the hub flange 3310 or prevents the lubricant filled between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 3300 from leaking to the outside. can do.

In one embodiment, the first sealing portion 3521 (that is, the first sealing lip 3351a and the second sealing lip 3351b) passes through the axis RA and is based on a horizontal plane P1 parallel to the ground. It can be formed in up and down asymmetry. For example, the first sealing portion 3521 may be partially formed on the upper side based on the horizontal plane P1, and may not be formed on the lower side based on the horizontal plane P1. In addition, the first sealing portion 3521 may be all formed on the upper side based on the horizontal plane P1, and partially formed on the lower side based on the horizontal plane P1. Foreign matter that has penetrated between the first sealing portion 3351 and the hub flange 3310 is not introduced between the outer ring 1100 and the wheel hub 3300 by the second sealing portion 3522, and the first sealing portion 3351 is formed. Foreign matter may be discharged through the lower side.

Although the technical spirit of the present disclosure has been described by the examples shown in the accompanying drawings and some embodiments, the technical spirit and scope of the present disclosure can be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. It will be appreciated that various substitutions, modifications and changes can be made in the range. In addition, such substitutions, modifications and variations should be considered within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

An outer ring mounted on a vehicle body side member;

An inner ring that rotates relative to the outer ring about an axis;

A wheel hub including a cylindrical portion to which the inner ring is coupled, and a hub flange extending in an outer radial direction from the cylindrical portion and having an inner flange surface and an outer flange surface;

A plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the cylindrical portion and between the outer ring and the inner ring; And

Sealing device disposed between the outer ring and the hub flange

Including,

The hub flange is formed with a recess recessed in the outer axial direction from the inner flange surface,

The sealing device,

A frame mounted on the outer ring;

A sealing portion coupled to the frame and partially or partially located within the recess of the hub flange; And

Slinger mounted in the recess of the hub flange

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
According to claim 1,

The recess,

A first recess facing the outer axial end of the outer ring; And

The second recess is formed more concave in the outer radial direction than the first recess in the inner radial direction of the first recess and the slinger is mounted.

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
According to claim 2,

The slinger,

A first slinger press-fitted inside the second recess;

A second slinger portion extending radially outward from an outer axial end of the first slinger portion; And

A third slinger portion extending in the inner axial direction from the outer radial end of the second slinger portion

Wheel bearing assembly comprising a.
According to claim 3,

The sealing portion,

A first sealing portion located in the first recess and spaced apart from the first recess;

A second sealing portion positioned in the second recess and parallel to the third slinger portion and spaced apart from the second recess; And

A third sealing portion disposed in a space formed by the first slinger portion, the second slinger portion, and the third slinger portion in the second recess.

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 4,

The third sealing portion,

At least one first sealing lip extending in the outer axial direction and contacting the second slinger portion; And

A second sealing lip extending from the inner radial direction of the first sealing lip to the inner axial direction and contacting the first slinger portion

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
According to claim 3,

The wheel bearing assembly, wherein the axial length (D) from the second slinger portion to the maximum depth point of the second recess is set greater than 1 mm.
According to claim 3,

The axial length (D) from the second slinger to the maximum depth point of the second recess along the outer axial direction is set to satisfy Equation 1 below,

[Equation 1]

D> A1-2.2×B1,

Here, the A1 is the thickness from the inner flange surface to the outer flange surface, and B1 is an axial length from the inner flange surface to the maximum depth point of the second recess along the outer axial direction, the wheel bearing assembly .
The method of claim 4,

The first sealing portion is formed asymmetrically up and down with respect to a horizontal plane passing through the axis and parallel to the ground, the wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 8,

The angle at which the first sealing portion is formed is set in a range of ±30° to ±160° based on a vertical surface passing through the axis and perpendicular to the horizontal surface.
According to claim 2,

The hub flange includes a step portion extending radially outward from a recess surface of the second recess parallel to the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub.
The method of claim 10,

The wheel bearing, which is set to be shorter than the axial length (E) from the step surface of the second recess to the step, from the step to the maximum depth point of the second recess Assembly.
According to claim 1,

The hub flange includes a protrusion projecting outward from the outer flange surface in an axial direction, the wheel bearing assembly.
An outer ring mounted on a vehicle body side member;

An inner ring that rotates relative to the outer ring about an axis;

A wheel hub including a cylindrical portion to which the inner ring is coupled, and a hub flange extending in an outer radial direction from the cylindrical portion and having an inner flange surface and an outer flange surface;

A plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the cylindrical portion and between the outer ring and the inner ring; And

Sealing device disposed between the outer ring and the hub flange

Including,

Concave recesses are formed in the hub flange in the outer axial direction and in the outer radial direction from the inner flange surface,

The sealing device,

A frame mounted on the outer ring;

A sealing portion coupled to the frame and partially or partially located within the recess of the hub flange; And

A slinger mounted in contact with three or more recess surfaces within the recess of the hub flange

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 13,

The recess,

A first recess facing the outer axial end of the outer ring; And

The second recess is formed more concave in the outer radial direction than the first recess in the inner radial direction of the first recess and the slinger is mounted.

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 14,

The hub flange includes a locking jaw extending radially inward from a recess surface located in the outer radial direction of the second recess.
The method of claim 15,

In the state in which the slinger is mounted on the second recess, the outer diameter of the slinger is set larger than the inner diameter of the locking jaw, a wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 16,

The slinger,

A first slinger portion press-fitted into a recess surface located in an inner radial direction of the second recess;

A second slinger portion extending from the first slinger portion and contacting a recess surface located in an outer axial direction of the second recess; And

A third slinger portion extending from the second slinger portion and having an outer radial end engaged with the locking jaw

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 17,

The sealing portion,

A first sealing portion located in the first recess and spaced apart from the first recess; And

A second sealing portion located in the second recess and contacting the slinger

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 18,

The first sealing portion,

A first sealing lip extending radially outward from the frame; And

A second sealing lip extending from an inner radial direction to an outer axial direction of the first sealing lip

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 19,

The second sealing portion,

At least one first sealing lip in contact with the second slinger; And

A second sealing lip extending from the inner radial direction of the first sealing lip to the inner axial direction and contacting the first slinger portion

Including, wheel bearing assembly.
The method of claim 13,

The hub flange includes a protrusion projecting outward from the outer flange surface in an axial direction, the wheel bearing assembly.