Bearing cage for rolling bearing
By designing a bearing cage with special shapes, the intermediate space is formed by using the side surface and end surface on the web, the problem of the reduced number of rolling elements is difficult to effectively lubricate, and the full supply of standard lubricants and the stability of the manufacturing process is achieved. sex.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411053540.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-02
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-14
AI Technical Summary
When using reduced number of rolling elements, it is difficult for existing bearing cages to effectively supply a standard amount of lubricant, resulting in partial lengths of the rolling elements not being lubricated.
A bearing cage of special shape is designed to form an intermediate space instead of the rolling element by forming a specific side surface and end surface on the web to replace the rolling element, ensuring that the lubricant can be fully guided between the rolling elements.
Even in the case of a reduced number of rolling elements, it is possible to ensure that a standard amount of lubricant is fully supplied to the rolling elements, avoiding the problem of insufficient lubrication while keeping the conventional lubrication method in the manufacturing process unchanged.
Smart Images
Figure CN119435577A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a bearing cage for a rolling bearing according to the preamble of claim 1 . Background Art
[0002] Cages for rolling bearings, such as those used in bearing units for wheel bearings of vehicles, usually have two ring elements connected to each other via a plurality of webs, wherein the ring elements and the webs form pockets designed to guide and retain tapered rollers. Usually an attempt is made to accommodate the maximum possible number of rolling elements in the bearing. This means that the usual number of pockets in the cage corresponds to the maximum number of rolling elements.
[0003] However, in some applications, it may be useful to reduce the number of rolling elements. Doing so may, for example, be used to reduce costs and / or reduce friction. However, reducing the number of rolling elements and the number of cavities in the cage may lead to other bearing assembly problems. The bearing is lubricated almost at the end of the bearing assembly. Such lubrication can occur through a nozzle ring, which is mounted on at least a portion of the inner ring from the axial outside of the rolling bearing and below the outer ring element of the cage. The nozzle ring contains a number of holes through which lubricant (in particular grease) is sprayed onto the rollers. In the case of a fully occupied bearing equipped with a maximum number of rolling elements, the lubricant is partially blocked by the rolling element side and partially guided along the rolling elements until the lubricant reaches the end of the rolling element.
[0004] If the same amount of lubricant is used when there is a reduced set of rolling elements, the spaces between the rolling elements are much larger and the standard amount of lubricant is absorbed in the first few millimeters along the rolling elements. Therefore, if the same amount of lubricant is introduced into this reduced set of rolling elements as in the case of a full rolling bearing, most of the length of the axial rolling elements will not receive any lubricant for lubricating the entire raceway and rolling elements. To prevent this without changing the lubrication procedure, the amount of lubricant can be increased to lubricate the entire length of the rolling elements. However, this may be unnecessarily expensive.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved bearing cage which allows a sufficient supply of a standard amount of lubricant to the rolling elements even when a reduced number of rolling elements are present. Summary of the invention
[0006] This object is achieved by a bearing cage according to claim 1 .
[0007] In the following, a bearing cage for a rolling bearing, in particular for a roller bearing, is proposed, the bearing cage having at least a first ring element and a second ring element connected to each other via a plurality of webs. The ring element and the webs thus form pockets designed to guide and retain rolling elements. The rolling elements can in particular be rollers, such as tapered rollers, cylindrical rollers, needle rollers, etc., for example.
[0008] The rolling bearing can have an outer ring and an inner ring, wherein the outer ring and the inner ring each have a raceway on which the rolling elements can roll. Furthermore, the bearing cage can be made of plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic. For example, the bearing cage can be made of glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide PA66. Furthermore, the bearing cage can be made by an injection molding process.
[0009] The bearing cage is designed for a reduced number of rolling elements, in which case the number of rolling elements is reduced compared to a fully occupied cage with a maximum number of rolling elements, so that the distance between two rolling elements on a pitch circle is at least 3 mm greater than in the case of a fully occupied cage. In this case, the minimum web width of at least one web in the circumferential direction is selected such that the distance between two rolling elements on the pitch circle is at least 3 mm greater than in the case of a fully occupied cage, wherein the pitch circle is the circle on which the centres of the rolling elements lie.
[0010] Preferably, the at least one web extends in the radial direction at least up to the pitch circle. Advantageously, the at least one web extends in the radial direction beyond the pitch circle. For example, the minimum web width in the circumferential direction on the pitch circle may correspond to at least a distance which is at least 3 mm greater than the distance between two rolling elements in the case of a full cage. In other words, the minimum web width on the pitch circle may be selected such that it corresponds to the distance on the pitch circle between two rolling elements in the case of a full cage plus an additional 3 mm.
[0011] In order to allow an adequate supply of lubricant to the rolling elements even when a reduced number of rolling elements are present, at least one of the webs may have a first side surface extending radially on a first side in the circumferential direction, the first side surface being opposite to a shell surface of the rolling element, and a second side surface extending radially on a second side, the second side surface being likewise opposite to the shell surface of the rolling element, and an end surface extending radially on a first axial side, the end surface being in particular configured to be parallel to an end surface or ends of the rolling element, wherein the circumferential web surface, the first side surface of the web, the second side surface of the web and the end surface of the web define an intermediate space between them.
[0012] In particular, the first axial side may be the axially outer side of the rolling bearing. In this case, when the bearing is filled with lubricant, the special shape of the web acts as a kind of alternative rolling element, so that the lubricant can be guided along the rolling elements or along the web (i.e. along the end surface and the first and second side surfaces) until the lubricant has penetrated deeply enough between the rolling elements. In other words, the web acts as a displacement web when the lubricant is introduced.
[0013] Preferably, the intermediate space can form a cavity that is sealed outwardly in the axial direction and open inwardly in the axial direction. In addition, the web can have a second end surface extending in the radial direction on a second axial side opposite to the first axial side. In addition, the side surface can extend substantially over the entire diameter of the rolling element in the radial direction. In particular, the side surface can extend substantially in the radial direction from the inner raceway on the inner ring of the rolling bearing to the outer raceway on the outer ring of the rolling bearing, wherein the radial extent of the side surface is selected so that the rolling element can rotate trouble-free. In particular, the web surface can be located near one of the raceways of the rolling bearing. Preferably, the web surface is configured in the region of the inner ring.
[0014] As another option, the intermediate space can also be made of solid material. In particular, if the distance between two rolling elements is too small to ensure a minimum wall thickness for the side surfaces and / or sufficient tool stability, the bearing cage can be made of solid material.
[0015] The special shape of the webs can allow the manufacturing process for lubricating rolling bearings to remain intact, because the webs fill the spaces between the rolling elements with cage material and can therefore prevent this space from being filled with lubricant, in particular grease. These intermediate spaces or cavities, which are sealed axially outwards and formed by at least one web, can be used as an alternative rolling element structure, so that even if a rolling bearing with a reduced number of rolling elements is to be filled with lubricant, the conventional lubrication methods in the manufacturing process do not have to be changed. It is also possible to maintain a normal amount of lubricant without the negative effects of using too much lubricant in the bearing.
[0016] According to another embodiment, at least one side surface (preferably both side surfaces) is straight or curved in the radial direction. Preferably, the first side surface and the second side surface of the at least one web converge in the radial direction. In particular, the intermediate space may taper in the radial direction. For example, the side surface may be V-shaped. This may help ensure that part of the lubricant adhering to the side surface is guided to the rolling elements under the influence of centrifugal forces and supports bearing lubrication.
[0017] Furthermore, at least one rolling element guide structure may be formed on at least one side surface, and preferably, at least one rolling element guide structure may be formed on both side surfaces. Thus, the bearing cage may be formed as a rolling element guided bearing cage.
[0018] Preferably, the bearing cage can have a plurality of webs with intermediate spaces. This allows a uniform distribution of the rolling elements when there is a reduced number of rolling elements. For this purpose, the webs can be configured to be uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction. It is also possible that each web is formed as a displacement web.
[0019] According to another embodiment, the bearing cage comprises at least one first web having a first circumferential web width and at least one second web having a second circumferential web width, wherein the first web width is selected so that a first distance is formed between two rolling elements on the pitch circle, and the second web width is selected so that a second distance is formed between two rolling elements on the pitch circle, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different, wherein the first distance and the second distance are selected so that the resulting distance between two rolling elements on the pitch circle is at least 3 mm greater than in the case of a full cage. This allows a flexible adjustment of the distance between the rolling elements.
[0020] In order to keep the weight of the bearing cage low and / or to allow simple manufacturing, at least one ring element can be interrupted in the region of the intermediate space. Preferably, the axially inner ring element is interrupted in the region of the intermediate space. This has the advantage that, by virtue of the interruption in the region of the intermediate space, the ring element can have a certain degree of flexibility in its radial diameter. This can make it possible, for example, to pull a rolling element already inserted into the cage over a higher stage during assembly of the rolling cage. Furthermore, the intermediate space can be open towards the second ring element.
[0021] According to another aspect, a rolling bearing having the above-mentioned bearing cage is provided.
[0022] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are specified in the description, the drawings and the claims. In particular, the combinations of features specified in the description and the drawings are merely exemplary here, and the features may therefore also exist alone or in other combinations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail using the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments and the combinations shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary here and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is limited only by the attached claims.
[0024] In the attached picture:
[0025] Figure 1 : shows a perspective view of the bearing retainer according to the first embodiment as seen from the axial outside, and
[0026] Figure 2 : A three-dimensional view of the bearing retainer according to the first embodiment is shown as viewed from the axial inside.
[0027] Reference numerals list
[0028] 1 Bearing cage
[0029] 2 First ring element
[0030] 4 Second ring element
[0031] 6. Belly
[0032] 7 Web surface
[0033] 8 Rolling elements
[0034] 10 First side surface
[0035] 12 Second side surface
[0036] 14 End surface
[0037] 16 The Space Between
[0038] 18 Lubricant
[0039] S min Minimum web width
[0040] d1, d2 wall thickness
[0041] d3 cavity width DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals.
[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , shows a bearing cage 1 for a rolling bearing, in particular a bearing cage 1 for a roller bearing. The bearing cage has at least one first ring element 2 and at least one second ring element 4 connected to each other via a plurality of webs 6. The ring elements 2, 4 and the webs 6 form pockets, each accommodating a rolling element 8, in particular a tapered roller or a cylindrical roller.
[0044] As in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the web 6 is formed as a displacement web. In this case, each web 6 has a first side surface 10 extending in the radial direction with a wall thickness d1 on a first side in the circumferential direction, and has a second side surface 12 extending in the radial direction with a wall thickness d2 on a second side. In particular, the wall thickness d1 and the wall thickness d2 can be equal to each other. Axially outside, the bearing retainer 1 has an end surface 14 extending in the radial direction, the end surface 14 is connected to the side surfaces 10, 12, and the end surface 14 together with the web surface 7 of the web 6, the first side surface 10 and the second side surface 12 define an intermediate space 16 therebetween.
[0045] The bearing cage 1 is designed for a reduced number of rolling elements, in which case the number of rolling elements 8 is reduced compared to a fully occupied cage with a maximum number of rolling elements, so that the distance between two rolling elements 8 on the pitch circle is at least 3 mm greater than in the case of a fully occupied cage. The minimum web width S consisting of the width d3 of the intermediate space, the wall thickness d1 of the side surface 10 and the wall thickness d2 of the side surface 12 min In the circumferential direction, it is selected so that the distance between two rolling elements on the pitch circle is at least 3 mm greater than in the case of a full cage.min =d1+d2+d3≥3mm. The pitch circle is the circle where the centres of the rolling elements are located.
[0046] The side surfaces 10, 12 extend beyond the pitch circle in the radial direction so that the minimum web width S on the pitch circle min (S min =d1+d2+d3) corresponds to a distance in the circumferential direction which is at least 3 mm greater than the distance between two rolling elements in the case of a full cage. In other words, the minimum web width on the pitch circle can be selected so that it corresponds to the distance on the pitch circle between two rolling elements in the case of a full cage plus an additional 3 mm. It is also conceivable to provide displacement webs 6 only between a limited number of rolling elements 8 and to select a distance for the remaining rolling elements 8 that fills the cage.
[0047] The side surfaces 10, 12 can extend substantially in the radial direction from the inner raceway on the inner ring of the rolling bearing to the outer raceway on the outer ring of the rolling bearing, so that the web surface 6 is located near one of the raceways of the rolling bearing. The position of the web surface and / or the radial extent of the side surface is selected here so that the rolling elements can rotate without problems. Preferably, the web surface 7 is arranged in the region of the inner ring.
[0048] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the intermediate space 16 is a cavity which is open radially outwards and axially inwards. However, it is also possible to close the intermediate space 16 radially outwards and / or axially inwards, so that a completely sealed cavity can be obtained. Preferably, the bearing cage 1 is made of plastic, for example by an injection molding process.
[0049] The first side surface 10 and the second side surface 12 are curved. This allows a uniform distance to be obtained between the rolling element 8 and the side surfaces 10, 12 so that the lubricant 18 ( Figure 1 ) can be guided uniformly along the side surfaces 10, 12. As a further alternative, one or both side surfaces can also be straight in the radial direction.
[0050] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the second ring element 4 is interrupted in the region of the intermediate space 16. Thus, on the one hand, the weight of the bearing cage 1 can be reduced, and on the other hand, a certain flexibility of the bearing cage 1 can be achieved in the region of the second ring element 4, which allows easier assembly of the bearing cage 1 when the rolling elements are already inserted in the cage.
[0051] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The case where each web 6 is formed as a displaced web is shown. As another option, only one web may be formed as a displaced web or more than one web (such as two, three, four, a quarter of the webs, a third of the webs, a half of the webs, etc.) may be formed as displaced webs. In this case, it is preferred that the displaced webs are evenly distributed or symmetrically arranged in the circumferential direction.
[0052] Furthermore, at least a first displacement web having a first circumferential web width and at least a second displacement web having a second circumferential web width can also be arranged alternately. The first web width can be selected here so that a first distance is formed between two rolling elements 8 on the pitch circle, and the second web width can be selected so that a second distance is formed between two rolling elements 8 on the pitch circle, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different.
[0053] In summary, the special shape of the web 6 can allow the manufacturing process for lubricating the rolling bearing to remain intact, because the web 6 fills the space between the rolling elements 8 with the cage material and can therefore prevent the space from being filled with lubricant 18, especially grease. These intermediate spaces formed by at least one web 6 can be used as an alternative rolling element structure, so that the conventional lubrication method in the manufacturing process does not have to be changed even if the rolling bearing with a reduced number of rolling elements is to be filled with lubricant 18. It is also possible to maintain a normal amount of lubricant without the negative effects of using too much lubricant in the bearing.
Claims
1. A bearing cage (1) for a rolling bearing, in particular a bearing cage (1) for a roller bearing, the bearing cage (1) having at least a first ring element (2) and a second ring element (4) connected to each other via a plurality of webs (6), wherein: The ring elements and the webs (6) form a cavity designed to guide and retain rolling elements (8), wherein the bearing cage (1) is designed for a reduced number of rolling elements, in which case the number of rolling elements (8) is reduced compared to a full cage with a maximum number of rolling elements, so that the distance between two rolling elements on the pitch circle is at least 3 mm greater than in the case of a full cage, wherein the minimum web width (S) of at least one web (6) in the circumferential direction is min ) is selected so that the distance between two rolling elements (8) on the pitch circle is at least 3 mm greater than in the case of a full cage, wherein the pitch circle is the circle on which the centers of the rolling elements (8) lie.
2. The bearing retainer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one web (6) extends in the radial direction at least as far as the pitch circle.
3. The bearing retainer (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least one web (6) extends in the radial direction beyond the pitch circle, in particular, the at least one web (6) extends in the radial direction just before the raceway.
4. The bearing retainer (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The minimum web width (S min ) corresponds to at least a distance which is at least 3 mm greater than the distance between two rolling elements (8) in the case of a fully occupied cage.
5. The bearing cage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one of the webs (6) has a first side surface (10) extending radially on a first side in the circumferential direction, the first side surface (10) being opposite to a shell surface of the rolling element, and has a second side surface (12) extending radially on a second side, the second side surface (12) being opposite to a shell surface of the rolling element, and has an end surface (14) extending radially on a first axial side, wherein a circumferential web surface (7), the first side surface (10), the second side surface (12) and the end surface (14) define an intermediate space (16) therebetween.
6. The bearing retainer (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least one side surface (10, 12) is straight or curved in the radial direction, and preferably both side surfaces (10, 12) are straight or curved in the radial direction.
7. The bearing retainer (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first side surface (10) and the second side surface (12) of the at least one web (6) converge in the radial direction, and in particular, the first side surface (10) and the second side surface (12) of the at least one web (6) converge in a V-shaped manner in the radial direction.
8. The bearing cage (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that At least one rolling element guide structure is formed on at least one side surface (10, 12), and preferably at least one rolling element guide structure is formed on both side surfaces (10, 12).
9. The bearing cage (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that The intermediate space (16) is open toward the second ring element (4).
10. Bearing cage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The bearing retainer (1) comprises at least one first web having a first circumferential web width and at least one second web having a second circumferential web width, wherein the first web width is selected so as to form a first distance between two rolling elements (8) on the pitch circle, and the second web width is selected so as to form a second distance between two rolling elements (8) on the pitch circle, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different, wherein the first distance and the second distance are selected so that the resulting distance between the two rolling elements on the pitch circle is at least 3 mm larger than when the retainer is fully occupied.
11. A rolling bearing having a bearing cage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10.