Rolling bearing unit with an encoder and protective cover for a vehicle wheel hub

摘要

A bearing unit (1) for a vehicle wheel, has a radially outer stationary ring (10) and a radially inner rotatable ring (20) together defining a space (3). The stationary ring (10) is provided with an axial lug (14') and with a flange (14) transverse to an axis of rotation (A). An annular channel (16) is formed between the axial lug (14') and the flange (14) and is delimited axially by a bottom surface (17).
An encoder (30) is fixed onto the inner ring (20) and extends outside of the space (3) and in front of the axial lug (14'). A protective cover (40) is provided with a side wall (42) and is mounted with the side wall (42) on the outer cylindrical surface of the axial lug (14') so as to protect the encoder (30) and close off the space (3) between the rings (10, 20). The cover (40) is equipped with a bent edge (43) arranged axially in abutment against the bottom surface (17) of the annular channel (16), sealing means (50) being arranged between the bent edge (43) and the bottom surface (17) so as to seal in a leaktight manner the annular channel (16) and prevent the infiltration of impurities between the cover (40) and the axial lug (14').