Rolling bearing with wire ring and retaining ribs

Abstract

The rolling bearing comprises: a first ring (10) and a second ring (12) which are rotatable concentrically relative to each other; at least one first wire ring (16) mounted in the first ring; at least one second wire ring (18) mounted in the second ring (12); and at least one row of radial rollers (14) radially interposed between a raceway (16a) provided on the first wire ring and a raceway (18a) provided on the second wire ring. The second ring (12) comprises at least two guide ribs (22a, 22b) to axially retain the radial rollers (14) of the row between the at least two guide ribs (22a, 22b). The first ring (10) comprises at least one retaining rib (30) which extends into the radial space between the first ring and the second ring and extends toward the second ring, the retaining rib (30) protruding radially relative to the raceway (16a) of the first wire ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of rolling bearings.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the field of rolling bearings, in particular large-diameter rolling bearings which can withstand at least radial loads and have an inner ring and an outer ring which are arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation extending in the axial direction. Background Art

[0003] Such rolling bearings generally comprise two concentric inner and outer rings and at least one row of rollers arranged radially between the rings.

[0004] The rolling bearing may further comprise an inner wire race and an outer wire race, mounted in the inner and outer rings respectively and defining inner and outer raceways for the radial rollers of the row.

[0005] One of the inner and outer rings further comprises two integral guide flanges to axially retain the radial rollers of the row between the two integral guide flanges. The rollers are not axially retained relative to the other ring.

[0006] Thus, the rollers can move axially relative to the further ring.In the case of high axial displacements, the rollers can move away from the wire loops of the ring during handling, transport and / or assembly of the bearing.

[0007] Currently, in order to prevent such axial displacement, a temporary plate is axially mounted on one side of the rolling bearing and fastened to both rings with bolts.

[0008] However, this solution results in the use of temporary elements which need to be removed after mounting the rolling bearing. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to overcome this disadvantage.

[0010] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, comprising: a first ring and a second ring, which are rotatable concentrically relative to each other; at least one first wire race, which is mounted in the first ring; at least one second wire race, which is mounted in the second ring; and at least one row of radial rollers, which are radially interposed between a raceway provided on the first wire race and a raceway provided on the second wire race.

[0011] The term "radial roller" is understood to mean a roller adapted to carry ( / accommodate / contain / accommodate) radial loads.

[0012] According to general characteristics, the second ring comprises at least two guide ribs in order to retain the radial rollers of the row axially between said at least two guide ribs.

[0013] According to another general characteristic, the first coil comprises at least one retaining rib extending into the radial space present between the first and second coils and extending towards the second coil.The retaining rib projects radially relative to the raceway of the first coil.

[0014] With this design, during handling, transportation and / or assembly of the bearing, axial displacement of the first ring relative to the rollers and the second ring in one direction can be prevented by the axial contact between the ribs and the rollers.

[0015] Therefore, it is not necessary to use a temporary plate as used in the case of conventional rolling bearings.

[0016] The retaining rib may have an annular shape.As another option, the first ring may comprise a plurality of retaining ribs spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The retaining rib(s) may extend from the axial cylindrical surface of the first ring, forming a groove from the axial cylindrical surface, the first wire ring being arranged inside the groove.

[0018] The retaining rib(s) may be spaced axially from the radial rollers of the row. For example, the axial space between the retaining rib(s) and the rollers is less than half the length of the rollers.

[0019] In one embodiment, the retaining rib(s) and the first ring are made as one piece. As another option, the retaining rib(s) can be made separately from the first ring and fixed to the first ring.

[0020] The radial dimension of the guide rib of the second ring, which is located on the retaining rib side relative to the roller in the axial direction, may be smaller than the radial dimension of the other guide rib.

[0021] In one embodiment, the guide rib and the second ring are made in one piece. As another option, the guide rib can be made separately from the second ring and fixed to the second ring.

[0022] In one embodiment, the guide ribs of the second ring may extend radially beyond the axis of rotation of the radial rollers of the row. Alternatively, the guide ribs may have a reduced radial dimension.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first wire loop and the second wire loop are symmetrical about the rotation axis of the roller, considering a radial plane of the rolling bearing.

[0024] In another embodiment, the axial length of the raceway of the first wire ring is greater than the axial length of the raceway of the second wire ring.

[0025] With this design, the rolling bearing is allowed to have wider axial tolerances while maintaining sufficient contact with the rolling surfaces of the rollers, since the raceway of the wire ring is larger on the ring that does not hold the rollers in the axial direction.

[0026] Therefore, it is possible for manufacturers using rolling bearings to increase the machining tolerances of the structural frame on which the rolling bearings are mounted.

[0027] For this purpose, the axial length of the raceway of the first wire ring can also be greater than the axial length of the radial rollers of the row.

[0028] Advantageously, the raceways of the first wire ring may project axially outwards on both sides of the row of radial rollers.

[0029] In this particular embodiment, the retaining rib(s) may extend from the wall of the groove of the first ring. As another option, the retaining rib(s) may be axially offset relative to the wall of the groove.

[0030] The rolling bearing may further comprise a cage for maintaining a regular circumferential spacing of the rollers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of specific embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a partial cross-section of a rolling bearing according to a first example of the present invention; and

[0033] Figure 2 is a partial cross section of a rolling bearing according to a second example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] As in Figure 1 The rolling bearing shown is a large-diameter rolling bearing comprising a first ring 10 and a second ring 12. In the example shown, the first ring 10 is an outer ring and the second ring 12 is an inner ring.

[0035] The outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12 are concentric and extend axially along a bearing rotation axis XX' extending in the axial direction. The rings 10, 12 are of the solid type.

[0036] In the example shown, the rolling bearing comprises a row of radial rollers 14 arranged between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12 to create radial thrust.

[0037] The rollers 14 are identical to one another. Each roller 14 comprises a cylindrical outer rolling surface and two opposite frontal end surfaces delimiting the outer rolling surface in the axial direction. The axis of rotation 14a of each roller is parallel to the axis XX' of the bearing.

[0038] The rolling bearing further comprises an outer wire race 16 and an inner wire race 18 (also called wire race rings) for the rollers, which are respectively mounted in the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12. The wire races 16, 18 are formed from rolled wire (the ends of the wire facing each other).

[0039] The outer ring 10 comprises an inner cylindrical surface or bore 10a and an outer cylindrical surface 10b radially opposite the bore 10a. The outer ring 10 also comprises two opposite radial positive surfaces (not numbered) axially delimiting the bore 10a and the outer surface 10b of the ring.

[0040] The outer ring 10 further includes an annular groove 20 formed on the hole 10a and oriented radially inwardly of the inner ring 12. The groove 20 extends radially outwardly from the hole 10a. The groove 20 has a circular ring shape.

[0041] The outer wire ring 16 is arranged in the groove 20 of the outer ring. The wire ring 16 is continuous in the circumferential direction. The outer surface of the wire ring 16 has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the groove 20. The wire ring 16 is partially located inside the groove 20. In fact, in the example shown, the wire ring 16 protrudes radially inwardly relative to the hole 10a of the outer ring.

[0042] The wire ring 16 defines an annular raceway 16a for the rollers 14. The raceway 16a is in linear contact with the outer rolling surface of each roller 14. The raceway 16a is offset radially inward relative to the bore 10a of the outer ring. The raceway 16a is defined by the bore of the wire ring 16.

[0043] The inner ring 12 includes an inner cylindrical bore 12a and an outer cylindrical surface 12b radially opposite the bore 12a. In the example shown, the outer cylindrical surface 12b has a stepped form. The inner ring 12 also includes two radially opposite front surfaces (not numbered) that axially delimit the bore 12a and the outer cylindrical surface 12b.

[0044] The inner ring 12 further includes an annular recess 22 formed on the outer surface 12b and oriented radially toward the outer ring 10. The recess 22 extends radially inward from the outer surface 12b and radially faces the groove 20 and the wire ring 16 of the outer ring.

[0045] The recess 22 is axially bounded by two annular side edges or sidewalls 22a, 22b. The sidewalls 22a, 22b face each other in the axial direction. The sidewalls 22a, 22b are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The sidewalls 22a, 22b of the recess form an integral guide flange for the rollers 14, which axially holds the row of rollers 14 therebetween. The sidewalls 22a, 22b are intended to be in axial contact with the positive end faces of the rollers 14. The sidewalls 22a, 22b of the recess extend radially. In the disclosed embodiment, the sidewalls 22a, 22b extend radially beyond the axis 14a of each roller. Here, the radial dimension of the sidewall 22a is smaller than the radial dimension of the sidewall 22b. The recess 22 also includes an annular bottom 22c connected to the sidewalls 22a, 22b. The bottom 22c extends axially.

[0046] The inner ring 12 further includes an annular groove 24 formed in the bottom 22c of the recess and oriented radially toward the outer ring 10. The groove 24 extends radially upward and inward from the bottom 22c. The groove 24 radially faces the groove 20 of the outer ring and the wire ring 16. The groove 24 has a circular ring shape.

[0047] The inner wire loop 18 is arranged in the groove 24 of the inner ring. The wire loop 18 is continuous in the circumferential direction. The hole of the wire loop 18 has a shape complementary to that of the groove 24. The wire loop 18 is partially located inside the groove 24. In fact, in the example shown, the wire loop 18 protrudes radially outward relative to the bottom 22c of the recess. The wire loop 18 is located entirely inside the recess 22.

[0048] The wire ring 18 defines an annular raceway 18a for the rollers 14. The raceway 18a is in linear contact with the outer rolling surface of each roller 14. The raceway 18a is offset radially inward relative to the outer surface 12b of the inner ring. The raceway 18a is defined by the outer surface of the wire ring 18.

[0049] In the example shown, the wire loops 16, 18 are identical. Figure 1 In the radial plane of the rolling bearing shown, the wire loops 16, 18 are symmetrical about the axis of rotation 14a of the roller.

[0050] The rollers 14 are radially interposed between the raceway 16a of the outer wire ring 16 and the raceway 18a of the inner wire ring 18. The outer rolling surface of each roller 14 is in radial contact with the raceways 16a, 18a of the wire rings.

[0051] In this example, the axial width of each of the outer wire ring 16 and the inner wire ring 18 is less than the axial length of the roller 14. Therefore, the axial length of each of the outer raceway 16a and the inner raceway 18a is also less than the axial length of the roller 14. The roller 14 does not contact the raceways 16a, 18a over its entire length.

[0052] In the disclosed example, the rolling bearing further includes annular seals 26 and 28 on both sides. These seals are mounted on the inner ring 12 and outer ring 10, respectively, and are configured to close the radial space between these rings. This radial space is defined between the outer surface 12b of the inner ring and the bore 10a of the outer ring. An enclosed space is defined between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12, and the seals 26 and 28, within which the rows of rollers 14 are positioned.

[0053] The outer ring 10 also comprises an annular shoulder or rib 30 extending into the radial space present between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12 and extending towards said inner ring. The rib 30 projects radially relative to the raceway 16a of the outer wire ring.

[0054] The ribs 30 extend toward the outer surface 12b of the inner ring. The ribs 30 remain radially spaced from the inner ring 12. The ribs 30 extend from the bore 10a of the outer ring. The ribs 30 extend radially. The ribs 30 are axially spaced from the grooves 20. The ribs 30 are axially spaced from the rollers 14. A slight axial gap or space (not labeled) exists between the ribs 30 and the rollers 14. Preferably, the axial spacing between the ribs 30 and the rollers 14 is less than half the length of the rollers. In the example shown, the ribs 30 are axially located between the seal 28 and the row of rollers 14.

[0055] As previously described, the radial dimension of the side wall 22a is smaller than that of the side wall 22b. Since the side wall 22a is axially positioned on the rib 30 side relative to the row of rollers 14, the side wall 22a has a reduced dimension.

[0056] During manutention, transportation and / or assembly of the rolling bearing, axial displacement of the outer ring 10 relative to the inner ring 12 is prevented in one direction by the axial contact between the ribs 30 and the rollers 14 .

[0057] exist Figure 2 The illustrated example (in which like parts are given like reference numerals) differs from the first example in that the axial width of the outer wire ring 16 is greater than the axial width of the inner wire ring 18. The axial length of the outer race 16a is greater than the axial length of the inner race 18a.

[0058] In the example shown, the axial width of the outer wire ring 16 is also greater than the axial length of the roller 14. The axial length of the outer raceway 16a is greater than the axial length of the roller 14. The roller 14 is in contact with the raceway 16a over its entire length. Here, the outer raceway 16a protrudes axially outward on both sides of the roller 14.

[0059] With this design of outer raceway 16, the rolling bearing allows for axial play because the length of outer raceway 16a is greater than the length of one of the inner raceways 18a of the inner wire ring. In the example shown, outer raceway 16a is also greater than the length of rollers 14, so that even if outer ring 12 is axially displaced, the entire length of each roller 14 remains in contact with this raceway. Alternatively, however, a reduced length of outer raceway 16a is contemplated. For example, the axial length of outer raceway 16a could be equal to the axial length of rollers 14.

[0060] In this example, the ribs 30 extend from the walls of the groove 20 towards the inner ring 12 .

[0061] As mentioned previously, in the examples shown, the first ring of the rolling bearing is the outer ring 10 and the second ring is the inner ring 12 .

[0062] Alternatively, a reverse configuration can be provided, with the first ring forming the inner ring and the second ring forming the outer ring. In this case, the guide ribs for the rollers are provided on the outer ring, and the retaining ribs are provided on the inner ring. In this case, the groove, in which the inner wire ring is arranged, extends from the axial bore of the inner ring.

[0063] In the example shown, the rolling bearing is provided with a single row of radial rollers. Alternatively, the rolling bearing may comprise at least two rows of radial rollers, each row of radial rollers radially interposed between the associated first and second wire loops. In another variant, the rolling bearing may further comprise at least one row of radial rollers radially interposed between the first and second wire loops, and at least one row of axial rollers axially interposed between the wire loops mounted in the inner and outer rings or between raceways formed directly on said rings.

Claims

1. A rolling bearing comprising: A first ring (10) and a second ring (12) are rotatable concentrically relative to each other; At least one first wire ring (16) is mounted in the first ring; at least one second wire ring (18) is mounted in the second ring; and at least one row of radial rollers (14) is radially between a raceway (16a) provided on the first wire ring and a raceway (18a) provided on the second wire ring, the second ring (12) comprising at least two guide ribs (22a, 22b) to axially retain the radial rollers (14) of the row between the at least two guide ribs (22a, 22b), characterized in that the first ring (10) comprises at least one retaining rib (30), the at least one retaining rib (30) extending into a radial space existing between the first ring and the second ring and extending toward the second ring, the retaining rib (30) protruding radially relative to the raceway (16a) of the first wire ring; The radial space is defined between the outer surface (12b) of the second ring (12) and the hole (10a) of the first ring (10); The radial dimension of the guide rib (22a) of the second ring, which is located on the side of the retaining rib (30) in the axial direction relative to the radial roller (14), is smaller than the radial dimension of the other guide rib (22b).

2. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that The retaining rib (30) extends from an axial cylindrical surface of the first ring, a groove (20) being formed from the axial cylindrical surface, and the first wire ring (16) is arranged in the groove (20).

3. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The retaining ribs (30) are axially spaced apart from the radial rollers (14) of the row.

4. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The retaining rib (30) and the first ring (10) are made as one part.

5. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The guide ribs (22a, 22b) of the second ring extend radially beyond the axis of rotation of the radial rollers (14) of the row.

6. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Considering a radial plane of the rolling bearing, the first wire ring (16) and the second wire ring (18) are symmetrical about the rotation axis of the radial roller (14).

7. The rolling bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that The axial length of the raceway (16a) of the first wire ring is greater than the axial length of the raceway (18a) of the second wire ring.

8. The rolling bearing according to claim 7, characterized in that The retaining rib (30) extends from the wall of the groove (20) of the first ring (10).

9. The rolling bearing according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The axial length of the raceway (16a) of the first wire ring is greater than the axial length of the radial rollers (14) of the row.

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