Rotatable support with flanged journal

Abstract

19. The rotatable support member according to claim 1, wherein the flanged first element comprises a first flange; a shaft neck extending axially from the first flange; and a first collar, the first collar being coaxial with the shaft neck and also extending together with the shaft neck; a flanged second element, the flanged second element comprising a second flange and a second collar extending axially from the second flange, a rolling bearing being interposed between the shaft neck and the second collar, the flanged first element being rotatably supported on the flanged second element by the rolling bearing, the first collar and the second collar being at least partially overlapped in the axial direction; and a sealing ring being interposed between the flanged first element and the flanged second element to define a protected chamber for receiving the rolling bearing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rotatable support having a flanged journal and an agricultural machine comprising such a support. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 shows a rotatable support member having a flanged journal according to the prior art. This prior art support member comprises a flanged first element A, a flanged second element B, and a rolling bearing C. The flanged first element A comprises a first flange and a journal extending axially from the first flange. The flanged second element B comprises a second flange and a collar extending axially from the second flange. The rolling bearing C is interposed between the journal and the collar, through which the flanged first element A is rotatably supported on the flanged second element B.

[0003] In the presence of external contaminants such as, for example, mud or dust entering the rolling bearing C, the rotatable support with flanged journal may be stressed, accelerating its wear and shortening its service life.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, a sealing ring D is provided which is inserted between the first flange and the rolling bearing C.

[0005] While the sealing ring D improves the service life of the rolling bearing and the supporting member as a whole, it does not satisfactorily solve the problem of protecting the rolling bearing because dirt may still enter the rolling bearing despite the presence of the sealing ring.

[0006] This problem is particularly pronounced in the presence of heavy load cycles, which magnify the detrimental effects of rolling bearing contamination.

[0007] Furthermore, the ingress of dust and dirt into the rolling bearings inevitably increases the power consumption during the rotation of the bearings themselves.

[0008] Various attempts have been made to solve the problem of building a strong and durable rotatable support. Some examples of rotatable supports with flanged journals are described in US 2712966, EP 3626039 or WO 2017 / 115285. Furthermore, this problem presents significant difficulties due to the need to limit the number of additional components that affect the cost and complexity of the support.

[0009] This problem is particularly evident in the context of agricultural machinery. For example, some agricultural machinery includes rollers that are used to level the ground and prepare the seedbed after the agricultural machinery has been used.

[0010] In this context, the roller is associated with the frame of the agricultural machine by means of a rotatable support comprising rolling bearings which make it possible to reduce the rolling friction of the roller itself.

[0011] In such situations, rolling bearings face particularly harsh operating conditions. They are exposed to contamination from mud, dirt, or dust, which is introduced between the rolling elements and the associated rolling tracks. Furthermore, the rollers exert mechanical forces on irregular ground surfaces, transferring variable loads to the rolling bearings. Due to these problems, rolling bearings can experience rapid degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a rotatable support and an agricultural machine comprising such a rotatable support, which are structurally and functionally constructed to at least partially overcome one or more disadvantages proposed in the referenced prior art.

[0013] This problem is solved by the present invention by a rotatable support and an agricultural machine comprising one or more of the features of the appended claims.

[0014] According to the invention, this problem is solved by configuring a rotatable support with a flanged journal, comprising a flanged first element, a flanged second element, a rolling bearing and preferably a sealing ring.

[0015] In one aspect, the flanged first element comprises a first flange, a journal preferably extending axially from the first flange, and a first collar preferably coaxial with respect to and / or extending together with the journal.

[0016] According to another aspect, the flanged second element comprises a second flange and a second collar preferably extending axially from the second flange.

[0017] Advantageously, a rolling bearing is interposed between the journal and the second collar, by means of which the first flanged element can be rotatably supported on the second flanged element.

[0018] An optional sealing ring is preferably interposed between the first flanged element and the second flanged element in order to define a protected chamber for receiving the rolling bearing.

[0019] It must be noted that, in one aspect, the first and second collars are at least partially superposed in the axial direction and the sealing ring can be applied between the first and second collars, preferably in the respective superposed region. It may be noted that, in this context, the term "superposed" is preferably used to mean axial superposition.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sealing ring comprises a retaining ring and an elastomeric ring connected to each other. Advantageously, the retaining ring is connected to one of the first and second rings, and the elastomeric ring is configured to slide against the other of the first and second rings in a sealing manner.

[0021] According to another advantageous aspect, the retaining ring is made of a material having a greater rigidity than the material of the elastomeric ring. In this way, a more stable connection between the retaining ring and the collar associated with the retaining ring can be ensured.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing ring comprises a co-molded metal ring and an elastomeric ring.Preferably, the metal ring is engaged in the first collar and the elastomeric ring is configured to slide against the second collar in a sealing manner.

[0023] In this way, the rolling bearing is advantageously received in the chamber defined between the first flanged element, the sealing ring and the second flanged element, and in this position the rolling bearing is shielded and protected from the ingress of external agents such as dust and fluids, thereby increasing the service life of the rotatable support.

[0024] It will be appreciated that the protected chamber for receiving the rolling bearing is preferably fluid-tight.

[0025] The technical effectiveness of the present invention has been verified by the applicant after bench tests and field tests were carried out by the applicant, subjecting the rotatable support to hundreds of hours of use in a dusty environment and in the presence of mud and water.

[0026] Furthermore, it must be observed that the sealing ring facilitates the seal to displace the grease present inside the protected chamber intended to receive the support, thus contributing further to the protection of the support itself.

[0027] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an agricultural machine comprising a rotor (e.g., a roller), a frame, and one or more rotatable supports having flanged journals, the rotatable supports being configured to rotatably secure the rotor (e.g., a roller) to the frame of the agricultural machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] - FIG. 1 illustrates a rotatable support with a flanged journal according to the prior art;

[0030] - Figure 2 is an exploded view of a rotatable support having a flanged journal according to the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an assembly support member;

[0032] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A front view of a support member;

[0033] - Figure 5 is based on Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the support member taken along line VV;

[0034] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A detailed perspective view of

[0035] - Figure 8 Illustrated Figure 5 Details;

[0036] - Figure 9 is included Figure 2 Exploded view of the supporting parts of agricultural machinery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] exist Figures 2 to 9 In the drawings, there is a rotatable support generally designated 10 having a flanged journal.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the rotatable support 10 comprises a first flanged element 1 , a second flanged element 2 , a rolling bearing 3 and a sealing ring 4 .

[0039] The first flanged element 1 comprises a first flange 31 , a journal 11 extending axially along the axis X from the first flange 31 , and a first collar 41 coaxial with the journal 11 and also extending therewith.

[0040] The second flanged element 2 comprises a second flange 32 and a second collar 42 extending axially along the axis X from the second flange 32 .

[0041] In one aspect, the first collar 41 extends from the first flange 41 towards the flanged second element 2, whereas the second collar 42 preferably extends from the second flange 42 towards the flanged first element 1. Preferably, the first collar 41 has a larger diameter than the second collar 42.

[0042] A rolling bearing 3 is inserted between the journal 11 and the second collar 42 , via which the flanged first element 1 is supported rotatably about the axis X on the flanged second element 2 .

[0043] It will be understood that, in one aspect, the rolling bearing 3 comprises an inner ring 3a and an outer ring 3b, such as Figure 8 Advantageously, the inner ring 3a engages with the journal 11, while the outer ring 3b preferably engages in the seat 23 defined by the second collar 42, as shown. Figure 5 shown.

[0044] A locking ring 18 is preferably provided which engages against an abutment 19 at an end 20 of the journal 11 to prevent the rolling bearing 3 from disengaging from the journal 11. In some preferred embodiments, the locking ring 18 is a Sig-type circlip.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, a sealing ring 4 is interposed between the flanged first element 1 and the flanged second element 2 to define a protected chamber 15 for receiving the rolling bearing 3. In the preferred embodiment, a single sealing ring 4 is provided, it being understood that two or more sealing rings may be envisaged in some embodiments.

[0046] It must be noted that the first collar 41 and the second collar 42 at least partially overlap in the axial direction and the sealing ring 4 is applied in the corresponding overlapping area between the first collar 41 and the second collar 42 .

[0047] It will be understood that advantageously, the first flanged element 1 , the second flanged element 2 , the rolling bearing 3 and the sealing element 4 are arranged coaxially along the axis X.

[0048] Advantageously, the sealing ring 4 is connected to one of the first and second collars 41 , 42 and is preferably configured to slide against the other of the first and second collars 41 , 42 in a sealing manner.

[0049] Advantageously, the sealing ring 4 is connected to one of the first collar 41 and the second collar 42 to prevent the sealing ring 4 from being able to rotate or move axially relative to the collar to which it is connected. This connection may be permanent or reversible to allow the sealing ring 4 to be replaced.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing ring 4 is mechanically connected to the first ring 41 or the second ring 42, for example, by an interference fit. The optional interference fit may involve, for example, the inner diameter of the first ring 41 or the outer diameter of the second ring 42.

[0051] On the one hand, the sealing ring 4 is engaged in the first collar 41 and is preferably configured to slide against the second collar 42 in a sealing manner.

[0052] like Figure 5As shown, the sealing ring 4 advantageously has an inner diameter d4 that is greater than the outer diameter D3 of the rolling bearing 3. According to another advantageous aspect, the first collar 41, the second collar 42 and the sealing ring 4 surround the rolling bearing 3 circumferentially.

[0053] Advantageously, the sealing ring 4 engages in the first collar 41 at the side facing the second collar 42 and is configured to slide in a sealing manner against the second collar 42 at the side facing the first collar 41 .

[0054] According to another advantageous aspect, the second collar 42 comprises a convex surface 22 on the side facing the first collar 41. In this case, the sealing ring 4 is preferably configured to slide in a sealing manner against the convex surface 22. It will be understood that the convex surface 22 advantageously ensures sliding adhesion with the sealing ring 4 even in the event of an unintended misalignment between the rotation axes of the first flanged element 1 and the second flanged element 2.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments, the sealing ring 4 comprises a retaining ring 17 (eg, a metal ring) and an elastomeric ring 16 , which are preferably co-molded or in any case connected to each other.

[0056] The retaining ring 17 serves to retain the elastomeric ring 16. To this end, on the one hand, the retaining ring 17 and the elastomeric ring 16 are connected to each other in such a way as to prevent the retaining ring and the elastomeric ring from being able to rotate or move axially relative to each other. This connection can be permanent or reversible. In some variants, it is envisaged that the retaining ring 17 and the elastomeric ring 16 can be connected by an adhesive bond. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the retaining ring 17 and the elastomeric ring 16 can be mechanically connected, for example, by an interference connection and / or by a form-fit connection. In any case, it can be observed that, in order to ensure greater resistance and durability over time, the retaining ring 17 and the elastomeric ring 16 are preferably co-moulded.

[0057] Advantageously, the retaining ring 17 is connected to one of the first and second collars 41 , 42 , while the elastomeric ring 16 is configured to slide preferably against the other of the first and second collars 41 , 42 in a sealing manner.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring 17 is mechanically connected to the first or second collar 41 , 42 , for example, by an interference fit. The optional interference fit may involve the inner diameter of the first collar 41 or the outer diameter of the second collar 42 .

[0059] Preferably, the retaining ring 17 (e.g., a metal ring) is engaged in the first collar 41, while the elastomeric ring 16 is configured to slide in a sealing manner, preferably against the second collar 42. Even more preferably, the elastomeric ring 16 is configured to slide in a sealing manner against the convex surface 22 of the second collar 42. It will be understood that, while preferred features will be described below with respect to an embodiment in which the retaining ring 17 is engaged in the first collar 41 while the elastomeric ring 16 is configured to slide in a sealing manner against the second collar 42, these features can also be similarly applied to the opposite configuration, that is, in which the retaining ring 17 is engaged in the second collar 42 and the elastomeric ring 16 slides against the first collar. It will be noted that, in order to be able to slide in a sealing manner against the corresponding collar, the elastomeric ring 16 preferably protrudes from the retaining ring 17. In particular, it is preferred that the elastomeric ring 16 protrudes from the retaining ring 17 in an axial direction, preferably toward the flanged element 1, 2 opposite to the flanged element to which the ring 17 is connected. It is also preferred that the elastomeric ring 16 protrudes radially from the retaining ring 17 , preferably radially towards the axis X. This design also has the advantage of allowing a small range of inner diameters d4 and reducing the risk of contaminating agents adhering to the elastomeric ring.

[0060] Preferably, the elastomeric ring 16 includes at least one sealing lip, or, according to a variant of the invention, a dual sealing lip. To ensure better sealing, in some embodiments, the elastomeric ring 16 has a conical form so as to place the sealing lip in contact with the sliding surface of the corresponding collar. It will be appreciated that the elastomeric ring 16 and / or the associated sealing lip exert a controlled pressure that limits friction, power loss, wear, and heating during operation, ensuring that the grease is held in place and preventing dust and other contaminants within the protected chamber 15 from entering the rolling bearing 3.

[0061] It must be noted that the elastomeric ring 16 is made of a resilient elastomeric material to optimize the seal and increase the life of the ring itself. Preferably, the elastomeric ring 16 is made of polyurethane.

[0062] Furthermore, advantageously, the material of the elastomeric ring 16 is elastically deformable, preferably in a cyclic manner, so as to ensure sealing also in the event of misalignment between the axes of rotation of the two flanged elements 1 , 2 .

[0063] Instead, as previously mentioned, the retaining ring 17 may be made of metal, for example, and preferably of steel.

[0064] On the one hand, the sealing ring 4 is a wiper ring of the type used in hydraulic cylinders (not shown) to scrape off dirt deposited on the shaft of the cylinder itself and thus prevent external contamination. In this respect, the sealing ring 4 is advantageously commercially available and thus affects the cost and complexity of the rotatable support 10 to a minimum.

[0065] It must be noted that the continuous presence of grease in the protected chamber 15 protects the moving parts from wear and corrosion. In order to maintain an optimal amount of grease, in a preferred embodiment, the flanged second element 2 includes a lubrication location 13 in the region of the second base surface 2' and in communication with the protected chamber 15. The lubrication location 13 may comprise a hollow detent with a spherical head to which a lubricator may be connected in order to pump grease into the protected chamber 15.

[0066] Advantageously, the support 10 also allows lubrication in the region of the convex surface 22 configured for sliding the elastomeric ring 16 in a sealed manner.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the first and second flanges 31, 32 have a generally quadrilateral shape. Preferably, the first and second flanges 31, 32 on the side opposite the rolling bearing 3 comprise respectively a generally planar first base surface 1' and a generally planar second base surface 2'. In one aspect, the first and second base surfaces 1', 2' are traversed by a hole 12 arranged to receive a removable connection means relative to a corresponding external connection surface of the rotatable support 10.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the flanged second element 2 is traversed by a through hole 14 extending along the axis X and configured to receive the journal 11 .

[0069] The second flanged element 2 preferably includes a gasket 5 attached to the second base surface 2'. When the second flange 32 is fixed to the external connection surface, the gasket 5 is interposed between the second base surface 2' and the external connection surface to prevent grease from escaping from the support 10 or contaminants from entering the support 10 through the through hole 14.

[0070] On the one hand, the sealing ring 4 and the gasket 5 ensure fluid-tightness of the protected chamber 15 for receiving the rolling bearing 3 .

[0071] According to another advantageous aspect, the rolling bearing 3 is of the spherical type with four contact points, such as Figure 8As shown. It should be noted that in this context, the term "bearing of the sphere type with four contact points" is preferably used to refer to a radially inclined bearing having a sphere ring 33 with tracks configured to advantageously support axial loads in two directions. It must be noted that, for a given axial load, this bearing can also support radial loads.

[0072] In some embodiments, the rolling bearing 3 can be disassembled so that the outer ring 3b with the set of balls 33 and the associated cage 36 can be mounted independently of the two halves (not shown) of the inner ring 3a.

[0073] On the one hand, the rolling elements 33 of the support 3 are protected from external factors by the shield of the support itself. In fact, the rolling elements (balls or rollers) are protected between the two rings 3a, 3b by a pair of thin metal flanges 34. It will be understood that this type of protection is effective against dust.

[0074] According to another advantageous aspect, the shielding of the bearing 3 is fluid-tight. Essentially, the rolling elements 33 are protected within the two rings 3a, 3b by a pair of cassette seals 35 comprising thin, fluid-tight rubber rims. Preferably, the necessary lubricant, sufficient for the entire service life of the bearing 3, is added by the manufacturer to the area of ​​the rolling elements 33 during assembly. This type of protection is effective against both dust and liquids.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the cage 36 of the rolling bearing 3 is made of polyamide in order to increase the impact resistance.

[0076] In one aspect, the rotatable support 10 can be installed in an agricultural machine 100, such as Figure 9 shown.

[0077] The agricultural machine 100 comprises a roller 101 extending axially, for example along an axis X, a frame 102 and at least one or two rotatable supports 10. It will be understood that in some embodiments the roller 101 may be replaced by a rotor of the agricultural machine 100, preferably of a type suitable for connecting an agricultural implement.

[0078] The rotatable support 10 is configured to fix the roller 101 to the frame 102 in a rotatable manner about the axis X.

[0079] Advantageously, each of the rotatable supports 10 comprises a first flange 31 and a second flange 32 releasably fixed to the roller 101 and the frame 102 respectively, or vice versa.

[0080] On the one hand, the roller 101 extends longitudinally along an axis X parallel to the ground, so as to define two lateral ends 103 configured to be fixed in a rotatable manner to the frame 102 about the axis X by respective rotatable supports 10 .

[0081] It will be understood that the rollers 101 may comprise compactor, tiller or levelling rollers. In some embodiments not shown, the agricultural machine 100 comprises a plurality of rollers 101 which are rotatably fixed to the frame 102 via respective rotatable supports 10. The present invention thus solves the problem posed while achieving a number of advantages, including:

[0082] -Ensures sealing even at considerable tilt angles,

[0083] - limiting the ingress of dirt, dust, mud or mud into the rotatable support and the rolling bearing, - improving the lubrication of the rotatable support,

[0084] - minimize weight and size,

[0085] - Increased reliability,

[0086] - Reduce maintenance costs,

[0087] - Increased load capacity,

[0088] - Allows interchange with existing machine supports.

Claims

1. A rotatable support (10) having a flanged journal, the rotatable support comprising: A first flanged element (1), comprising: a first flange (31); a journal (11) extending axially from the first flange (31); and a first collar (41) coaxial with the journal (11) and also extending together with the journal, a second flanged element (2), the second flanged element comprising a second flange (32) and a second collar (42) extending axially from the second flange (32); a rolling bearing (3) being interposed between the journal (11) and the second collar (42); the first flanged element (1) being rotatably supported on the second flanged element (2) via the rolling bearing; the first collar (41) and the second collar (42) being at least partially overlapped in the axial direction; a sealing ring (4) interposed between the first flanged element (1) and the second flanged element (2) to define a protected chamber (15) for receiving the rolling bearing (3), It is characterized in that the sealing ring (4) is applied between the first ring (41) and the second ring (42) and is located in the corresponding overlapping area, the sealing ring (4) includes a retaining ring (17) and an elastomeric ring (16) connected to each other, the retaining ring (17) is constructed of a material having greater rigidity than the material of the elastomeric ring (16), the retaining ring (17) is connected to one of the first ring (41) and the second ring (42), and the elastomeric ring (16) is constructed to slide against the other of the first ring (41) and the second ring (42) in a sealed manner.

2. The rotatable support (10) according to claim 1, wherein The sealing ring (4) is engaged in the first collar (41) and is configured to slide against the second collar (42) in a sealing manner.

3. The rotatable support (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The retaining ring (17) is a metal ring.

4. The rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The retaining ring (17) and the elastomeric ring (16) are co-molded.

5. The rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The retaining ring (17) engages in the first collar (41).

6. Rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The elastomeric ring (16) is configured to slide against the second collar (42) in a sealing manner.

7. Rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sealing ring (4) is engaged in the first collar (41) at a side facing the second collar (42), and is configured to slide against the second collar (42) at a side facing the first collar (41) in a sealing manner.

8. Rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second collar (42) comprises a convex surface (22) at a side facing the first collar (41), and the sealing ring (4) is configured to slide against the convex surface (22) in a sealing manner.

9. The rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second collar (42) comprises a convex surface (22) at a side facing the first collar (41), the elastomeric ring (16) being configured to slide against the convex surface (22) in a sealing manner.

10. Rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The protected chamber (15) for receiving the rolling bearing (3) is fluid-tight.

11. Rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The rolling bearing (3) is of the spherical type with four contact points.

12. An agricultural machine (100), comprising a rotor (101), a frame (102) and at least one rotatable support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one rotatable support (10) being configured to rotatably fix the rotor (101) to the frame (102).

13. The agricultural machine (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The rotor (101) is of a type suitable for connection to an agricultural implement.

14. The agricultural machine (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The rotor (101) is an axially extending roller, and the agricultural machine (100) includes at least two rotatable supports (10) configured to rotatably fix the rotor (101) to the frame (102).

15. The agricultural machine (100) according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the rotatable supports (10) comprises a first flange (31) and a second flange (32), wherein the first flange and the second flange are respectively fixed in a removable manner to the roller (101) and the frame (102), or the first flange and the second flange are respectively fixed in a removable manner to the frame (102) and the roller (101).

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