Rolling bearing and intermediate piece for it

Abstract

The invention relates to a rolling bearing (1) having two concentric raceways (2, 3) between which a plurality of rolling elements (6) rolling on at least two tracks are arranged in a bearing gap, wherein between the rolling elements intermediate pieces (7) are arranged which keep the rolling elements at a distance from one another, wherein the intermediate pieces each comprise a central portion which is connected to an outer frame portion surrounding the central portion via connecting struts, wherein the frame portion takes the form of a bar-like structure or a skeleton-like structure having window-shaped and / or door-arch-shaped cutouts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rolling bearing having two concentric raceways, wherein a plurality of rolling elements rolling on at least two tracks are disposed in a bearing clearance between the two concentric raceways, wherein an intermediate member is disposed between the rolling elements to maintain the rolling elements being spaced apart from each other. The invention also relates to an intermediate member for such a rolling bearing. Background Technology

[0002] To keep the rolling elements of a rolling bearing spaced apart from each other and arranged in a uniformly distributed manner in the direction of travel, intermediate members or rolling element cages are typically used. For example, if the rolling elements are in the form of balls, the intermediate members are typically cylindrical pieces with generally hemispherical cavities or recesses at their end faces, so that each intermediate member with a recessed end face can accommodate the balls in front and behind, see, for example, WO 2019 / 048251 A1.

[0003] In this regard, the cylindrical annular portion of the intermediate component is typically connected to the central portion via a connecting strut, as shown, for example, in Liebherr's "Large Rolling Bearing Product Catalog." The connecting strut, together with the central portion and the annular portion, forms an end face recess. Alternatively, however, a closed wall recess may also be provided, as schematically illustrated in WO2019 / 048251 A1.

[0004] Depending on the shape of the rolling element, the profile of the intermediate part can be different or adapted to the shape of the rolling element, wherein, for example, in the case of a cylindrical roller, an end face recess adapted to the cylindrical shape can be constructed.

[0005] This conventional intermediate component occupies a relatively large space in the bearing or bearing clearance, leaving relatively little space available for introducing lubricant into the bearing. For example, in large rolling bearings with life-long lubrication, such as those shown in WO2019 / 201662 A1, the lubricant is typically stored in the bearing clearance. In this respect, not only is the space required by the intermediate component itself detrimental to the amount of lubricant that can be stored, but there is also the problem of old grease depositing in the recesses of the intermediate component, which reduces the ability to supply new lubricant to the rolling elements.

[0006] When using a rolling element cage, more space can be provided for the lubricant. The rolling element cage forms a ring via a pivot bearing, in which the cutouts for the rolling elements are evenly spaced, such that each rolling element is surrounded by the rolling element cage, and adjacent rolling elements are spaced apart from each other by corresponding webs.

[0007] However, a disadvantage of using this type of rolling element cage is that, when viewed in cross-section, the tracks shorten at their edges because the rolling element cage requires space at the interface between the two tracks. This necessitates a certain thickness in the clearance between the two adjacent tracks to accommodate the lateral edges of the rolling element cage. The rolling element cage typically travels in a plane perpendicular to the main support direction of the rolling bearing; that is, in axial bearings, it travels in a plane perpendicular to the direction of rotation, and in radial bearings, it travels along the cylindrical surface between the outer and inner rings.

[0008] The shortening of the cross-sectional extension of the raceway at its edges can create so-called edge loads not only for large rolling bearings but also for other rolling bearings subjected to high loads. This means that a very high point load occurs between the rolling elements and the raceway at the shortened edge. For example, in ball bearings subjected to high loads, the raceways are relatively far from their respective hemispherical shapes when viewed in cross-section. If the edges of these raceways are shortened due to the aforementioned arrangement of the rolling element cages, the load-carrying capacity is reduced, and the aforementioned edge loads may occur, which can lead to increased wear or even damage.

[0009] In addition, with rolling element cages, the number of rolling elements that can be used is reduced, which in turn has a negative impact on the bearing's load-carrying capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved rolling bearing of the aforementioned type, particularly a large rolling bearing, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and develops the prior art in an advantageous manner. In particular, its object is to maintain the rolling elements spaced apart in a low-friction, space-saving manner, and to provide comprehensive and permanent lubrication for the bearing.

[0011] According to the present invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by the rolling bearing described below and the intermediate component for the rolling bearing described below. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are also described below.

[0012] Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a certain distance between the rolling elements using an intermediate component with a rod-like or skeleton-like structure that reduces volume and thus creates space. Due to the reduced component volume of the intermediate component, incremental lubricant can be introduced into or stored in the bearing clearance, while preventing the deposition of old lubricant. This allows for better lubricant release from the rolling contact area to the load contact area, or overall, a better supply of new lubricant to the rolling elements.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the annular portion or outer frame portion of the intermediate member connected to the central portion by a strut takes the form of a rod-like or skeleton-like structure with window-shaped and / or arch-shaped cutouts. By using a truss-like outer frame instead of a conventional solid ring, more lubricant can be stored, particularly in the area facing the track, and the lubricant supply to the contact point between the rolling elements and the track can be improved. The cutouts or openings can serve as lubricant pouches, in which lubricant can be kept in reserve in the immediate vicinity of the rolling elements.

[0014] In an advantageous further development of the invention, the cuts in the rod-like or skeleton-like structures of the outer frame or outer annular portion can each be formed as axial openings toward the intermediate member and surrounded by a U-shaped frame portion, particularly in the form of a U-shaped web frame. Specifically, the outer frame or outer annular portion of the intermediate member is formed in a serrated configuration, and when the intermediate member is viewed in the circumferential direction, web-like material portions alternating with the cuts at the end face openings are preferably used. This allows lubricant to be stored in the areas of the cuts and delivered to the contact points between the rolling elements and the track.

[0015] Advantageously, the annular or frame portion of the intermediate member may have cutouts opening toward opposite axial sides, such that cutouts are provided toward each axial direction or end face.

[0016] When viewed in the direction of travel, the cuts that open on opposite sides can, in principle, be arranged to overlap each other, for example, by forming or surrounding an H-shaped boundary.

[0017] However, advantageously, the cuts opening toward the opposite axial sides can also be arranged offset from each other, so that when viewed in the circumferential direction, the cuts opening toward different axial sides can be alternately arranged in the annular portion.

[0018] Specifically, the cuts can alternately open towards opposite axial sides and are surrounded by edge webs with a zigzag, skeletal structure in the circumferential direction. This zigzag, skeletal structure allows for structural elasticity, preventing tilting of the corresponding intermediate parts while avoiding increased frictional resistance.

[0019] To allow as much lubricant as possible to be introduced into the bearing clearance, the proportion of the material portion to the cutout in the outer frame or annular portion can be relatively small. Advantageously, the material portion of the annular portion or frame portion can form less than 50%, less than 30%, or even less than 20% of the annular covering surface, which circumferentially surrounds the annular portion including its cutout. In other words, the "skeleton" of the annular skeleton may constitute or occupy less than half, or even less than 1 / 4, of the annular covering surface.

[0020] In the annular section, more material can be cut out than is reserved for the skeletal structure. The annular section or outer frame section can have more openings than the skeleton of the skeletal structure.

[0021] Advantageously, the skeletal structure may include generally uniform thin and / or elongated rods or bones that are connected together to form the skeletal structure.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the annular portion or outer frame portion of the intermediate member may protrude outward beyond the central portion to both axial sides, and when viewed in the axial direction, the central portion is connected to the intermediate portion of the annular portion or outer frame portion via a connecting strut. Specifically, when viewed in the axial direction, the connecting strut may be hinged approximately centrally to the annular portion.

[0023] If the annular portion is constructed as the aforementioned skeleton-like structure, such as a tortuous skeleton-like structure, then the connecting strut can be attached to the rod or bone portion of the side leg of the skeleton-like structure that extends at least generally in the axial direction and / or forms a U-shaped boundary with a corresponding cut.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the intermediate member can be shaped such that at least substantially only the central portion is capable of transmitting force and / or substantially only the central portion forms the force-transmitting contact surface of the intermediate member, so as to keep the rolling elements spaced apart in the rotational direction.

[0025] In particular, the connecting struts that connect the central portion to the annular portion or outer frame portion of the intermediate member can be configured to remain in contact with the rolling elements and / or not transmit force between the rolling elements along the direction of travel.

[0026] For example, the connecting strut can take the form of a rod-shaped spoke that connects to a central portion on one side and to an outer frame or annular portion on the other side. The spoke-shaped configuration of the connecting strut also creates ample space in the annular region surrounding the central portion to receive lubricant. Simultaneously, it resists the accumulation of old, used lubricant.

[0027] The central portion of the intermediate member, which forms the force transmission contact point in the direction of travel, can be relatively small in size relative to the total diameter, thickness, or width of the intermediate member. For example, the thickness or lateral extension (in the direction of travel) of the central portion can be less than 50%, less than 30%, or less than 20% of the maximum diameter or maximum lateral extension of the intermediate member. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail based on preferred exemplary embodiments and the corresponding accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the spherically formed rolling elements are spaced apart by intermediate members;

[0030] Figure 2 According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the intermediate component of a rolling bearing;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the intermediate component, showing the tortuous skeletal shape of the outer ring portion of the intermediate component;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the end face of the intermediate component in the previous figure, showing the spoke-shaped connecting struts between the central portion and the outer annular portion; and

[0033] Figure 5 It is along the middleware Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the rolling bearing 1 can be constructed as a pivot bearing, for example, in the form of a large rolling bearing with an open center, and can have two bearing rings 2, 3, for example, in the form of an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the bearing can be in the form of an axial bearing or a radial bearing, or a hybrid form, which supports both axial and radial forces.

[0035] When constructed as a linear bearing, instead of Figure 1 The two bearing rings 2 and 3 shown can also be provided with corresponding bearing track bodies, which then extend linearly and can be constructed, for example, in the form of a track.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the rolling bearing 1 may include two rows of bearings, which may be arranged, for example, on opposite sides of an annular nose, through which one bearing ring 2 engages in a groove of another bearing ring 3. However, the rolling bearing 1 may also include only one row of rolling bearings or two or more rows of rolling bearings, wherein the axial and radial rows may be combined with each other or may be arranged separately.

[0037] In this respect, bearing rings 2 and 3 may each have a track 4 or 5 for each row of rolling elements, the bearing rings facing each other and supported against each other by a row of rolling elements 6 rolling on said track 4 and 5.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the rolling element 6 can be, for example, spherical in shape. Therefore, tracks 4 and 5 can each be constructed with a shell-like or semi-shell-like bend to accommodate the spherical rolling element 6. Alternatively, if the bearing is a multi-point bearing, such as a four-point bearing, a partially shell-shaped track can be provided in which the rolling element 6 travels. However, it is understood that, for example, cylindrical or tubular rolling elements can also be provided, and tracks 4 and 5 can be adapted to the rolling element 6 in correspondingly different ways.

[0039] Intermediate elements 7 are arranged between the rolling elements 6 to keep the rolling elements 6 spaced apart and to ensure that the rolling elements 6 are evenly distributed along the tracks 4 and 5. In this respect, intermediate elements 7 can be provided between every two adjacent rolling elements 6.

[0040] Each of the middleware 7 can be constructed independently of the others or not connected to them.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, each intermediate component 7 has a skeleton-like structure, which may include openings along the direction of travel and transverse to the direction of travel. The absence of closed sections in the axial and / or radial directions means that lubricant can be replaced or supplied via the intermediate component 7, and the deposition of old, used lubricant in the area of ​​the intermediate component can be avoided.

[0042] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the intermediate component 7 includes a central portion 8, which is connected to an outer frame portion 10 via a connecting strut 9. The outer frame portion can be constructed in a ring shape and surround the central portion 8.

[0043] The central portion 8 forms a force transmission contact surface in the direction of travel of the rolling bearing row, which can keep each adjacent rolling element 6 spaced apart, or the rolling element 6 can abut against the force transmission contact surface.

[0044] The outer frame portion 10, which has a significantly larger diameter or lateral extension, holds the central portion 8 in place and prevents it from tilting. For this purpose, if necessary, the frame portion 10 can overlap to some extent with the adjacent rolling elements 6, which are maintained at a certain distance, thereby providing support for itself.

[0045] Specifically, the intermediate component 7 may have receiving spaces 11, 12 facing the opposite end faces, as shown in the reference. Figure 2 This causes the spaced-apart rolling elements 6 to sink a short distance into the space enclosed by the frame portion 10 or into the body of the intermediate component. The end edge 13 of the frame portion 10 can match the profile of the rolling elements 6 in its diameter or net width to such an extent that the rolling elements 6, held at a certain distance, can be supported by the frame portion 10 to prevent tilting.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer frame portion 10 is provided with cutouts 14 and has rod-like or skeletal structures with the cutouts 14 distributed thereon. In particular, the skeletal structure of the frame portion 10 may be formed by elongated, rod-like or bone-like supports 16 and 17, which are connected to each other in a chain-like or polygonal manner, and generally form a tortuous skeletal structure extending in the circumferential direction of the intermediate member 7 or around the central portion 8.

[0047] Specifically, the skeletal structure of the frame portion 10 may include longitudinal struts 16, which are arranged spaced apart from each other in a circumferentially distributed manner and connected to each other in pairs by transverse struts 17. The longitudinal struts 16 may extend generally along the direction of travel or extend at an acute angle thereto, while the transverse struts 17 extend generally transversely to the direction of travel of the rolling element row.

[0048] A pair of adjacent longitudinal struts 16 together with the transverse struts 17 connecting the two longitudinal struts 16 can form a U-shaped frame surrounding the cutout 14.

[0049] The cuts 14 may each open to one axial side, which advantageously provides alternating forward and rearward openings 14, such that the intermediate member 7 includes cuts 14 opening to each axial side. Specifically, when viewed in the circumferential direction of the intermediate member 7, the cuts 14 opening towards the first axial side alternate with those opening towards the opposite axial side. Adjacent cuts 14 face each other with their openings facing opposite sides.

[0050] Corresponding to the tortuous path of the skeletal structure of the frame portion 10, the transverse pillars 17 are alternately arranged at the opposite edges of the frame portion 10, that is, once at the front edge and once at the rear edge when viewed in the direction of travel, as shown in the reference section. Figure 3 .

[0051] Due to the skeletal shape of the frame portion 10, especially its zigzag construction, the frame portion 10 has shape-related structural elasticity, particularly due to the bending or deformation of the connecting portions that serve as joints between the longitudinal struts 16 and the transverse struts 17.

[0052] The connecting strut 9, which connects the central portion 8 to the frame portion 10, can advantageously take the form of a generally rod-shaped spoke, which can have at least a generally straight path. In particular, the spoke-shaped connecting strut 9 can extend in a radial plane transverse to the direction of travel of the rolling element row.

[0053] Connecting strut 9 can extend radially, see reference. Figure 4In any case, 2 to 8, 3 to 6, or 4 to 5 spokes can be provided, for example, 4 spokes. This is sufficient to provide a sufficiently stable connection between the frame section 10 and the central section 8, while also creating space for receiving lubricant.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the annular region between the central portion 8 and the frame portion 10, bridged by the connecting strut 9, may include relatively large openings or areas without material. For example, the connecting strut 9 may occupy less than 50% or less than 30% of the annular region. In other words, when viewed in the direction of travel, there are more openings than spokes in terms of surface area.

[0055] Advantageously, the connecting struts 9 can be positioned so that they do not contact the rolling elements 6. For example, the central portion 8 can protrude above the connecting struts 9 using its opposing contact surfaces 18, 19 in the direction of travel or against the direction of travel. If we consider two hypothetical parallel planes adjacent to the opposing contact surfaces 18 and 19 and extending perpendicular to the direction of travel of the rolling element row, the connecting struts 9 can extend in the space between the two hypothetical planes, referring to... Figure 5 .

[0056] When viewed in the direction of travel of the rolling elements, the connecting strut 9 can be constructed to be thinner than the central portion 8, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 .

[0057] Each connecting post 9 can be attached to the middle portion of the frame portion 10, such that the frame portion 10 protrudes approximately evenly relative to the connecting post 9 towards the opposite side. Specifically, each connecting post 9 can be hinged approximately centrally to the longitudinal post 16, as shown in the figure. Figure 2 and Figure 5 .

Claims

1. A rolling bearing having two concentric raceways (2, 3), wherein a plurality of rolling elements (6) rolling on at least two tracks (4, 5) are disposed in a bearing clearance (20) between the two concentric raceways, wherein, Intermediate members (7) are provided between the rolling elements (6) to keep the rolling elements (6) spaced apart from each other, wherein each intermediate member (7) includes a central portion (8) which is connected via a connecting strut (9) to an outer frame portion (10) surrounding the central portion (8), wherein the frame portion (10) is in the form of a rod-like structure or a skeleton-like structure with window-shaped and / or arch-shaped cutouts (14), wherein the central portion (8) in the direction of travel of the row of rolling elements is individually formed to transmit force between the rolling elements (6) to be kept spaced apart, and / or the contact surfaces that keep adjacent rolling elements (6) spaced apart are individually formed on the central portion (8), wherein the connecting strut (9) provides a stable connection between the frame portion (10) and the central portion (8).

2. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the cuts (14) is formed as an end face opening toward the intermediate piece (7) and is surrounded by a U-shaped frame portion.

3. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein, The cut (14) alternately opens toward the opposite end face of the intermediate piece (7) and is surrounded by frame pillars (16, 17) forming a tortuous skeleton-like structure in the circumferential direction of the intermediate piece (7).

4. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein, The frame portion (10) surrounds the central portion (8) in a ring shape and / or has a cylindrical envelope profile.

5. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein, In terms of surface area, the frame portion (10) forms an annular covering surface of the frame portion (10) between the cuts (14) of less than 50% or less than 30% of the material portion of the frame portion (10) circumferentially surrounding the frame portion (10) including the cuts (14).

6. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein, The skeletal structure of the frame portion (10) is composed of generally uniform thin rod-shaped or bone-shaped supports (16, 17) connected to each other.

7. The rolling bearing according to claim 6, wherein, The skeletal structure's rod-shaped or bone-shaped struts (16, 17) include alternating longitudinal struts (16) and transverse struts (17).

8. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein, The frame portion (10) protrudes outward beyond the central portion (8) at both ends facing the intermediate member (7), and / or its length in the direction of travel of the row of rolling elements is greater than twice the length of the central portion (8).

9. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The connecting strut (9) between the central portion (8) and the frame portion (10) is connected to the middle portion of the frame portion (10) between its end edges and / or extends in a common plane perpendicular to the travel direction of the row of rolling elements.

10. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The connecting strut (9) between the central part (8) and the frame part (10) is in the form of a rod-shaped spoke.

11. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The connecting strut (9) is formed to be thinner than the central portion (8) in the direction of travel of the row of rolling elements.

12. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the cuts (14) is formed as an end face opening toward the intermediate member (7) and is surrounded by a U-shaped web frame.

13. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The connecting strut (9) between the central portion (8) and the frame portion (10) is configured not to contact the rolling element (6).

14. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In terms of surface area, less than 50% or less than 30% of the annular region between the central portion (8) and the frame portion (10) bridged by the connecting strut (9) is formed by the connecting strut (9), and the opening occupies more than 50% or more than 70%.

15. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein it is in the form of a large rolling bearing with an open center having a diameter greater than 0.5 m or greater than 1 m.

16. An intermediate member for insertion between rolling elements (6) of a rolling bearing (1), the intermediate member comprising a central portion (8), an outer frame portion (10) surrounding the central portion (8), and a connecting strut (9) connecting the central portion (8) to the frame portion (10), wherein, The frame portion (10) takes the form of a rod-like or skeleton-like structure with window-shaped and / or arch-shaped cutouts (14), wherein a central portion (8) in the direction of travel of the row of rolling elements is formed separately to transmit force between the rolling elements (6) to be kept spaced apart, and / or contact surfaces that keep adjacent rolling elements (6) spaced apart are formed separately on the central portion (8), wherein the connecting strut (9) provides a stable connection between the frame portion (10) and the central portion (8).

17. The middleware according to claim 16, wherein, The cut (14) alternately opens toward the opposite end face of the intermediate piece (7) and is surrounded by frame pillars (16, 17) forming a tortuous skeleton-like structure in the circumferential direction of the intermediate piece (7).

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