Roller Bearing Seal Case

Abstract

In one aspect, a seal case is provided for a roller bearing assembly having a central axis. The seal case includes an annular first end section including a rim configured to engage an outer ring, an intermediate section including a radial wall extending inwardly from the first end section and an axial wall extending axially away from the radial wall and the first end section, and an annular second end section extending radially inward from the axial wall of the intermediate section. The seal case further includes an insert of the first end section made of a first material. The first end section and the radial wall of the intermediate section include a second material joined to the insert. The first material of the insert may be selected to provide improved durability and/or to resist expansion and contraction of the first end section caused by changes in temperature.

1 . A seal case for a roller bearing assembly having a central axis, the seal case comprising:
 an annular first end section including a rim configured to engage an outer ring;   an intermediate section including a radial wall extending inwardly from the first end section and an axial wall extending axially away from the radial wall and the first end section;   an annular second end section extending radially inward from the axial wall of the intermediate section;   an insert of the first end section made of a first material;   the first end section and the radial wall of the intermediate section including a second material joined to the insert; and   wherein the insert is completely embedded in the second material.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The seal case of  claim 1  wherein the first end section includes a bead for engaging a groove of the outer ring. 
     
     
         4 . The seal case of  claim 1  wherein the insert is annular, the first material is a metallic material, and the second material is a polymer material. 
     
     
         5 . The seal case of  claim 1  wherein the second end section includes a second insert including a material different than the second material. 
     
     
         6 . The seal case of  claim 5  wherein the first insert and the second insert are annular. 
     
     
         7 . The seal case of  claim 5  wherein the second insert includes an annular base portion and a plurality of tabs extending radially away from the annular base portion. 
     
     
         8 . The seal case of  claim 1  wherein the insert includes ends joined together by a weld. 
     
     
         9 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A seal case for a roller bearing assembly having a central axis, the seal case comprising:
 an annular body;   an annular first end section of the body including a polymer material;   a metallic insert of the annular first end section of the body, the metallic insert completely embedded in the polymer material;   an annular, outer radial wall of the annular body extending radially inwardly from the first end section;   an annular axial wall of the annular body extending axially away from the radial wall and the first end section;   an annular second end section of the annular body forming a corner juncture with the annular axial wall;   a flat, annular inner radial wall of the second end section including a radially inner rim of the annular body;   the flat, annular inner radial wall extending from the radially inner rim of the annular body toward the corner juncture; and   the annular axial wall and the flat, annular inner radial wall including the polymer material.   
     
     
         24 . The seal case of  claim 23  wherein the annular second end section of the annular body includes an axial projection extending from the flat, inner radial wall toward the annular first end section. 
     
     
         25 . The seal case of  claim 24  wherein the annular second end section includes a second metallic insert, the second metallic insert having a radial portion in the flat, annular inner radial wall and an axial portion in the axial projection. 
     
     
         26 . The seal case of  claim 23  wherein the flat, annular inner radial wall extends from the radially inner rim to the corner juncture. 
     
     
         27 . The seal case of  claim 23  wherein the annular first end section includes a bead. 
     
     
         28 . The seal case of  claim 23  wherein the metallic insert is annular. 
     
     
         29 . The seal case of  claim 23  wherein the metallic insert includes a pair of ends joined by a weld. 
     
     
         30 . The seal case of  claim 23  wherein the annular second end section of the annular body includes a second metallic insert completely embedded in the polymer material. 
     
     
         31 . The seal case of  claim 30  wherein the second metallic insert includes an annular base portion and a plurality of tabs extending radially away from the annular base portion. 
     
     
         32 . The seal case of  claim 23  further comprising a labyrinth stator connected to the annular body. 
     
     
         33 . The seal case of  claim 23  further comprising a labyrinth stator engaged with the annular axial wall of the annular body.