Bearing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly comprises a coaxially arranged annular outer ring, an inner ring, and a dust cover. The dust cover is mounted radially between the outer and inner rings. The outer ring has a radially recessed annular sealing groove on its radially inner side. The dust cover has a mounting portion on its outer circumference, which is installed in the sealing groove through an interference fit. The outer ring also has a recessed portion at the radial bottom of the sealing groove, recessed radially outward, to accommodate material of the mounting portion that may be deformed by compression when the mounting portion is installed in the sealing groove. The bearing assembly of the present invention can reduce product scrapping caused by press-fitting dust covers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of bearings, and in particular to a bearing device with an improved sealing groove structure. Background Art

[0002] Bearings are common components in various machinery. They use various types of rolling elements to convert the sliding friction between two rotating parts into rolling friction within the rolling elements themselves, thereby reducing friction losses. Lubricant is typically stored within the bearings for lubrication. To prevent lubricant leakage and the intrusion of external contaminants, various seals are installed between the ends of the bearing rings. For example, deep groove ball bearings often use dust covers to achieve this seal.

[0003] For example, CN 108317175 A discloses a deep groove ball bearing with a typical structure, in which an annular sealing groove is formed on the inner side of the end of the bearing outer ring, and an annular curling edge is formed on the outer side of the dust cover. When the dust cover is pressed onto the outer ring, the curling edge of the dust cover is installed in the sealing groove, thereby squeezing the outer ring radially outward over the entire circumference to achieve a sealing effect.

[0004] However, during the assembly of such bearings, the entire circumferential edge of the dust cover is squeezed into the outer ring's sealing groove, causing significant deformation of the metal material. This places precise demands on the mold's press-in depth, the volume of the space within the sealing groove, and the dimensions of the dust cover and sealing groove, making calculation and control difficult. Furthermore, due to some press-fitting processes used in actual production, the mold press-fitting stroke is often long to prevent the dust cover from falling out due to improper press-fitting. This causes the dust cover to deform significantly at the press-fit point, filling the outer ring sealing groove. This is equivalent to applying an outward radial force to the outer ring from the inside. This can easily lead to out-of-tolerance outer ring roundness after the dust cover is press-fitted—in other words, an excessively large radius due to local deformation of the outer ring, resulting in product rejection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a bearing device that can reduce the defective rate caused by press-fitting dust covers.

[0006] The above technical problems are solved by a bearing device according to the present invention. The bearing device comprises a coaxially arranged annular outer ring, an inner ring, and a dust cover. The dust cover is mounted radially between the outer and inner rings. The outer ring has a radially recessed annular sealing groove on its radially inner side. The dust cover has a mounting portion on its outer periphery, which is installed in the sealing groove through an interference fit. The outer ring also has a recessed portion at the radial bottom of the sealing groove, recessed radially outward, to accommodate material from the mounting portion that is squeezed and deformed when the mounting portion is installed in the sealing groove. Because the mounting portion on the outer periphery of the dust cover forms an interference fit with the sealing groove, an axial external force is required to press the dust cover into the outer ring's sealing groove, causing the mounting portion to be squeezed and deformed. The recessed portion formed at the bottom of the sealing groove acts as a radially outward expansion of the sealing groove's storage space, allowing excess material from deformation of the mounting portion to be squeezed into the adjacent recessed portion. As a result, the mounting portion, pressed into the sealing groove, exerts less pressure on the sealing groove along the entire outer circumference, preventing the outer ring from developing excessive roundness tolerances due to excessive internal stress in a localized area of the outer ring. Furthermore, the material of the dust cover, squeezed into the recess, forms a form fit with the recess, preventing the dust cover from moving relative to the outer ring and ensuring a more secure fit.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the axial length of the recess is no greater than the axial length of the sealing groove. This design facilitates machining the recess at the bottom of the sealing groove, thereby avoiding increased production costs. Furthermore, preferably, the axial length of the recess can be equal to the axial length of the sealing groove. This allows for a relatively larger recess volume, thereby providing more space to accommodate the extruded material of the dust cover.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring may have multiple recesses spaced apart along the circumference. Because the dust cover material has limited deformation capacity, the recesses can only store excess deformed material near their location. The formation of multiple recesses helps reduce the pressure exerted by the dust cover on the outer ring along the entire circumference. Furthermore, each recess may have the same structure and be evenly distributed along the circumference, thereby achieving a more even distribution of the force between the dust cover and the outer ring.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the one or more recesses formed in the sealing groove has a circumferential length extending in the circumferential direction. The total circumferential length of all recesses can account for 10%-25% of the circumference of the sealing groove. If the total length of the recesses is too short, there will be insufficient space to store deformable material. If the total length of the recesses is too long, the contact surface length between the dust cover and the sealing groove will be insufficient to form an interference fit, which may affect the installation stability of the dust cover. Therefore, the total circumferential length of all recesses within the above range can achieve a good balance between accommodating deformable material and ensuring stable installation.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a radial distance exists between the radial bottom of the sealing groove and the radial outer surface of the outer ring, and the radial depth of the recess may be 20%-50% of this radial distance. This radial depth within this range ensures sufficient accommodation space for the recess while not affecting the structural strength of the outer ring.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion of the dust cover can have various shapes, such as preferably a curled edge on the outer peripheral edge of the dust cover. The curled edge can be rolled from the outer peripheral edge of the dust cover toward the axially outer side of the outer ring and generally surround the dust cover in its entirety or in sections along the circumferential direction. The mounting portion can also have other suitable configurations, such as an axially extending annular wall.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the assembly method of such a dust cover is particularly suitable for end sealing of a deep groove ball bearing, the bearing device can be a deep groove ball bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements with the same function are represented by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an outer ring of a bearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an outer ring of a bearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4a and Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of the dimensions of a bearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] Figure 5a and Figure 5b FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a recessed portion of a bearing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing device is provided. Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a bearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the bearing device schematically adopts a deep groove ball bearing. Figure 1 As shown, the bearing assembly comprises an outer ring 1, an inner ring 2, and a dust cover 3, all of which are annular and coaxially arranged. The outer ring 1 is radially outermost, while the inner ring 2 is radially innermost. Multiple spherical rolling elements (not shown) are evenly spaced between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2, allowing relative rotation by the rolling elements. The dust cover 3 is installed radially between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2, near their axial ends. Typically, a dust cover 3 is installed at each axial end of the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2, sealing the annular space between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 where the rolling elements are installed. The dust cover 3 can be made of a material with suitable mechanical properties, such as metal or plastic. It is fixed radially inward of the outer ring 1 and extends toward the inner ring 2. The outer peripheral edge of the dust cover 3 forms a circumferentially extending mounting portion 5. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 5 is a curled edge that is curled toward the axial outside. The curled edge 5 surrounds the dust cover 3 in sections along the entire circumference and is used to abut the radial inner side of the outer ring 1 through an interference fit, thereby fixing the dust cover 3.

[0021] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A stereoscopic view and a partial cross-sectional view of the outer ring 1 of the bearing device are respectively shown. As shown in the figure, an annular sealing groove 4 is formed on the radial inner side of the outer ring 1 near the end. The sealing groove 4 is radially recessed from the inner surface of the outer ring 1. The side surface of the sealing groove 4 close to the axial inner side extends radially inward longer than the side surface close to the axial outer side, thereby forming an annular boss portion 7. When the dust cover 3 is installed, the axial side of the bead 5 abuts against the boss portion 7, and the dust cover 3 is pressed axially inward on the outside, so that the bead 5 is assembled into the sealing groove 4 by an interference fit, thereby squeezing the sealing groove 4 radially outward. When viewed in radial section, the bead 5 may preferably have a circular arc profile, and the sealing groove 4 may also have a corresponding circular arc profile (such as Figure 3As shown in the figure, the mounting groove 4 has a plurality of recesses 6 formed at the bottom of the recessed portion. Specifically, the recesses 6 are further recessed radially from the mounting groove 4. Each recess 6 has the same configuration and is evenly spaced along the circumference. In this embodiment, eight recesses 6 are schematically shown, with the central angle between adjacent recesses 6 being 45°.

[0022] The compressive force of the sealing groove 4 on the mounting portion 5 causes the material of the mounting portion 5 to deform, and this deformed material is squeezed into the nearby recess 6. In other words, the recess 6 provides a certain amount of storage space for excess deformed material, which greatly reduces the internal stress generated in the squeezed portion of the dust cover 3 and, consequently, the radial compressive force of the mounting portion 5 on the bottom of the sealing groove 4. This helps prevent deformation of the outer ring 1 after the dust cover 3 is press-fitted, resulting in out-of-tolerance roundness, thereby significantly reducing the defective rate during the production process. Furthermore, the material of the dust cover 3 squeezed into the recess 6 forms a form fit with the recess 6, preventing the dust cover 3 from moving relative to the outer ring 1, thereby ensuring a more secure installation of the dust cover 3 on the outer ring 1.

[0023] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The specific dimensions of the recess 6 are shown in the cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively. As shown, in this embodiment, each recess 6 has a generally rectangular radial cross-section. The recess 6 extends circumferentially for a certain length, referred to as the circumferential length L1 of the recess. Preferably, the sum of the circumferential lengths L1 of all recesses 6 accounts for 10%-25% of the circumference of the sealing groove 4. This range of circumferential lengths ensures both sufficient space for storing deformed material and sufficient contact surface for an interference fit between the dust cover 3 and the sealing groove 4. The axial length H1 of the recess 6 can be equal to or slightly less than the axial length H2 of the sealing groove 4. This is primarily for ease of processing. The axial length H1 of the recess 6 is not greater than the axial length H2 of the sealing groove 4, making it easier to form the recess 6 by stamping. The radial distance D2 between the radial bottom of the sealing groove 4 and the radially outer surface of the outer ring 1 is referred to as the sealing groove thickness D2. The radial depth D1 of the recess 6 can account for 20%-50% of the sealing groove thickness D2. The radial depth within the above range can ensure that the recess 6 has sufficient accommodation space without affecting the structural strength of the outer ring 1 .

[0024] It should be noted that the present invention is intended to utilize the recessed portion 6 added to the sealing groove 4 to accommodate the material of the mounting portion 5 that has been deformed by extrusion, and there is no specific limitation on the specific shapes of the sealing groove 4 and the recessed portion 6. The recessed portion 6 may have a circular arc or rectangular radial cross section, or may have other polygonal radial cross sections. For example, Figure 5a The recess 6 with a trapezoidal radial cross section as shown or Figure 5bThe recesses 6 shown with triangular radial cross-sections are all possible. In such cases, for ease of processing, the size of the recess 6 is gradually reduced from the mouth to the bottom, so the recess 6 will have the largest circumferential length and axial length at the mouth. The circumferential length L1 and axial length H1 of the recess mentioned above refer to the maximum size at the mouth. At the same time, the number of recesses 6 can also be specifically designed according to the needs of the actual process, and is not limited to the specific cases shown in the embodiments and drawings. Of course, the mounting portion 5 may also adopt other forms other than curling, such as an annular wall extending in the axial direction. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the deep groove ball bearings shown in the embodiments, and other bearings that require the above-mentioned type of sealing groove and dust cover assembly method are also applicable to the technical solution of the present invention.

[0025] While the foregoing descriptions illustrate possible embodiments, it should be understood that numerous variations exist through combinations of all known and other technical features and implementations readily conceivable to a skilled artisan. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments serve merely as examples and in no way limit the scope, application, or configuration of the present invention. The foregoing descriptions are intended primarily to provide a skilled artisan with technical guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. Various modifications, particularly regarding the functionality and structure of the components described, may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0026] Reference Signs

[0027] 1 outer ring

[0028] 2 Inner ring

[0029] 3 Dust cover

[0030] 4 Sealing groove

[0031] 5. Mounting part / Crimp

[0032] 6 recess

[0033] 7 Boss

[0034] H1 Axial length of the recess

[0035] H2 Axial length of seal groove

[0036] D1 radial depth of the recess

[0037] D2 Radial distance between the radial bottom of the seal groove and the radial outer surface of the outer ring / seal groove thickness

[0038] L1 Circumferential length of the recess

Claims

1. A bearing device, comprising a coaxially arranged annular outer ring (1), an inner ring (2) and a dust cover (3), wherein the dust cover (3) is mounted between the outer ring (1) and the inner ring (2) in a radial direction, the outer ring (1) having a radially recessed annular sealing groove (4) on its radial inner side, the dust cover (3) having a mounting portion on its outer periphery, the mounting portion (5) being mounted in the sealing groove (4) by an interference fit, It is characterized in that The outer ring (1) further comprises a recess (6) at the radial bottom of the sealing groove (4) which is recessed in the radial outward direction and is used to accommodate the material of the mounting portion (5) which is deformed by extrusion when the mounting portion (5) is mounted in the sealing groove (4). The outer ring (1) comprises a plurality of recesses (6) which are distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction.

2. The bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The axial length (H1) of the recess (6) is not greater than the axial length (H2) of the sealing groove (4).

3. The bearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that The axial length (H1) of the recess (6) is equal to the axial length (H2) of the sealing groove (4).

4. The bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the recesses (6) has a circumferential length (L1) extending in the circumferential direction, and the sum of the circumferential lengths (L1) of all the recesses (6) accounts for 10% to 25% of the circumference of the sealing groove (4).

5. The bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the recesses (6) has the same configuration.

6. The bearing device according to claim 5, characterized in that The plurality of recesses (6) are evenly distributed along the circumference.

7. The bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that There is a radial distance (D2) between the radial bottom of the sealing groove (4) and the radial outer surface of the outer ring (1), and the radial depth (D1) of the recess (6) accounts for 20%-50% of the radial distance (D2).

8. The bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mounting portion (5) is a curling edge formed on the outer periphery of the dust cover (3).

9. The bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The bearing device is a deep groove ball bearing.

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