spherical roller bearing

Abstract

Spherical roller bearings, with an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) and two rows (5, 6) of rolling elements (4), between which guide segments (8, 9) extending in the circumferential direction of the bearing rings (2, 3) are arranged, which interlock in an axial direction, wherein the axially effective positive locking of the guide segments (8, 9) is subject to clearance.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-row spherical roller bearing which has at least one guide element arranged between the rows of rolling elements.

[0002] A spherical roller bearing with two rows of rollers is known, for example, from DE 197 42 570 A1. Between the rollers of the known spherical roller bearing is a guide ring, which is designed as a circular annular disk whose central axis runs parallel to the bearing axis. The guide ring is arranged as a loose guide ring with axial preload between the rollers, with each roller having a chamfer on its end face facing the guide ring.

[0003] Another spherical roller bearing with a guide ring is disclosed in DE 42 40 770 A1. In this case, the guide ring is a freely rotatable ring whose inner circumferential surface guides an outer flange of a cage. The cage also has an inner flange which is guided on an inner ring of the spherical roller bearing.

[0004] DE 10 2018 127 930 A1 discloses a spherical roller bearing with two rows of rolling elements, between which guide segments extending in the circumferential direction of the bearing rings are arranged. These interlock in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction.

[0005] From DE 1 894 512 U, a double-row spherical roller bearing is known, which has a cage for each row of rollers, wherein the cages are provided with opposing circumferential grooves on their adjacent end faces. An endless resilient retaining ring is inserted into these grooves.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2010 046 808 A1 relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a guide segment for spherical roller bearings. The guide segment is manufactured from round wire material, which is continuously profiled in a profiling device. An end geometry is formed in a punching and embossing device of the apparatus according to DE 10 2010 046 808 A1. The manufacturing process is completed by mechanically cleaning the guide segment.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a spherical roller bearing that is further developed compared to the prior art and is characterized by a particularly favorable ratio between manufacturing costs and operational reliability.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a spherical roller bearing with the features of claim 1. The spherical roller bearing comprises two bearing rings, namely an inner ring and an outer ring, as well as two rows of rolling elements, i.e., barrel rollers. Guide segments are arranged between the two bearing rings, which extend in the circumferential direction of the bearing rings and engage each other in a positive-locking manner in the axial direction. In addition, the positive locking of the guide segments (8, 9) in the axial direction is free of play.

[0009] The positive-locking interaction of the guide segments ensures that each guide segment remains in its intended position in every operating condition of the spherical roller bearing, even under exceptional conditions. In particular, it prevents the end sections of the guide segments from occupying space between the rows of rolling elements.

[0010] The spherical roller bearing can be a symmetrical or an asymmetrical double-row spherical roller bearing. Designs of the spherical roller bearing with three rows of rolling elements are also possible. In such cases, guide segments of the type described in this text can be located either between exactly two of the rows of rolling elements, or between the first and second rows, or between the second and third rows. In all designs, the spherical roller bearing is suitable for absorbing high radial forces as well as axial forces in both directions.

[0011] According to various possible configurations, one of the two positively interlocking ends of two guide segments is fork-shaped, with the end of the second guide segment designed to engage with the fork-shaped end. The guide elements installed in the spherical roller bearing can be of the same or different designs.

[0012] The positive locking between the guide elements, which is present in all cases in the axial direction of the spherical roller bearing, can be combined with clearance between the guide elements in the circumferential direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the guide elements. Instead of or in addition to clearance in the circumferential direction, clearance between the ends of the guide elements can also be present in the radial direction of the spherical roller bearing. Alternatively, designs are possible in which the positively locking guide elements are connected to each other in the sense of an interference fit.

[0013] In numerous designs, the spherical roller bearing features a cage to guide the rolling elements, i.e., spherical rollers. This cage is typically made of steel, but non-ferrous metal alloys are also suitable for its manufacture. The guide segments are usually arranged radially outside the cage. Alternatively, the guide segments can also be located on an inner circumferential surface of the cage.

[0014] In the case of two guide segments, these extend over an angle of 180 degrees, except for end regions where a section of one guide segment engages with a section of another to create the desired positive fit. Similarly, embodiments are possible in which, for example, three or four guide segments extend over angles of approximately 120 degrees and 90 degrees, respectively. Embodiments with guide segments of unequal length are also possible.

[0015] In any case, each guide segment has an elongated, curved basic shape. The guide segments can be manufactured primarily from metal, for example steel, using conventional forming processes. Alternatively, the guide segments can be manufactured by primary forming, such as sintering. Machining or post-processing of the guide segments is also possible.

[0016] It is also possible to have the guide segments coated with a material optimized for wear and / or friction properties, or to manufacture the guide segments from non-ferrous metal, for example brass.

[0017] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A spherical roller bearing in a perspective, cutaway view. Fig. 2 a detail from Fig. 1, Fig. 3. The spherical roller bearing in exploded view. Fig. 4 a first guide segment of the spherical roller bearing, Fig. 5 an end of the leadership segment after Fig. 4 in enlarged view, Fig. 6 a second guide segment of the spherical roller bearing, Fig. 7 an end of the leadership segment after Fig. 6 in enlarged view, Fig. Figure 8 shows in detail the interaction of the different ends of the two guide segments.

[0018] A spherical roller bearing, designated by reference numeral 1, comprises two bearing rings 2, 3, namely an inner ring 2 and an outer ring 3. Barrel rollers 4 roll between the bearing rings 2, 3 as rolling elements. Regarding the basic design and function of the spherical roller bearing 1, reference is made to the prior art cited at the beginning.

[0019] The spherical roller bearing 1 is designed as a double-row rolling bearing, with the two rows of rolling elements designated 5 and 6. All rolling elements 4 are guided in a cage 7, which in this case is made of steel.

[0020] Between the two rows of rolling elements 5, 6 are arranged two guide segments 8, 9, which are located in a space radially surrounding the cage 7 and are also made of steel. The inner end faces of the rolling elements 4 can contact the guide segments 8, 9.

[0021] Each of the two guide segments 8, 9 extends over an angle of approximately 180°. In this case, the two guide segments 8, 9 are designed differently. Alternatively, the guide segments of the spherical roller bearing 1 could also be designed as identical parts.

[0022] Regarding the design of the various ends 10, 11 of the guide segments 8, 9, particular attention is paid to the Fig. References to figures 4 to 7 are made here. The differences between guide segments 8 and 9 become apparent from these. The two ends of the first guide segment 8, each labeled 10, are fork-shaped – more precisely, in the form of a two-pronged fork. Correspondingly, the ends of the second guide segment 9, labeled 11, are each suitable for insertion into one of the fork-shaped ends 10. Regarding the central sections of guide segments 8 and 9, labeled 12, there are no differences between the two guide segments 8 and 9.

[0023] Characteristics of the interaction between the various guide segments 8, 9 installed in the spherical roller bearing 1 are in Fig. Figure 8 illustrates that a positive fit in the axial direction exists between the interlocking ends 10, 11 of the guide segments 8, 9, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 is illustrated by arrows. The guide segments 8, 9 including their ends 10, 11 are – to be measured in the axial direction of the spherical roller bearing 1 – no wider than guide segments or rings used in unloaded rolling bearings which do not have similarly effective positive locking contours.

[0024] What's next? Fig. As can be seen from Figure 8, there is a circumferential clearance between the ends 10 and 11 of the guide segments 8 and 9. This means that, while maintaining the axially effective positive locking, a limited longitudinal displacement between the guide segments 8 and 9 is possible. Similarly, the ends 10 and 11 of the guide segments 8 and 9 are at least slightly displaceable relative to each other in the radial direction of the bearing rings 2 and 3 without breaking the axially effective positive locking between the ends 10 and 11 of the guide segments 8 and 9. Reference symbol list 1 spherical roller bearing 2 inner ring 3 Outer ring 4 rolling elements, barrel roller 5 row of rolling elements 6 row of rolling elements 7 cage 8 first leadership segment 9 second management segment 10 fork-like end of the first guide segment 11. Rejuvenated end of the second leadership segment 12 Middle section

Claims

[1] Spherical roller bearings, comprising an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) and two rows (5, 6) of rolling elements (4), between which guide segments (8, 9) extending in the circumferential direction of the bearing rings (2, 3) are arranged, which interlock in the axial direction in a form-fitting manner, wherein the form-fitting of the guide segments (8, 9) effective in the axial direction is subject to clearance. [2] Spherical roller bearings according to claim 1, characterized by , that one of two positively interlocking ends (10, 11) of two guide segments (8, 9) is designed in a fork-like form, wherein the end (11) of the second guide segment (9) is provided for engagement with the fork-like end (10). [3] Spherical roller bearings according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the axially effective positive locking of the guide segments (8, 9) has play in their circumferential direction. [4] Spherical roller bearings according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the axially effective positive locking of the guide segments (8, 9) has play in the radial direction of the bearing rings (2, 3). [5] Spherical roller bearings according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The positive fit between the guide segments (8, 9) is designed as an interference fit. [6] Spherical roller bearings according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a cage (7) designed to guide both rows of rolling elements (5, 6). [7] Spherical roller bearings according to claim 6, characterized by , that the cage (7) is made of steel. [8] Spherical roller bearings according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the guide segments (8, 9) are arranged radially outside the cage (7). [9] Spherical roller bearings according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by two guide segments (8, 9), each extending over an angle of approximately 180°. [10] Spherical roller bearings according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, that the guide segments (8, 9) are made of metal.

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