Bearing assembly, side channel compressor and fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing assembly (1) having a bearing journal (5) for being arranged in a torsionally rigid manner on a first housing part (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to a side channel compressor (27) and a fuel cell system (2) having a bearing assembly (1) according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bearing assembly, a side-channel compressor, and a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] Rotating components with rolling bearings can be found in various technical devices, especially in drive systems. An example of such a drive system is a mobile fuel cell carrying hydrogen as an energy carrier. Due to its principle, the fuel cell system has an anode path, which is also called the hydrogen path. To achieve low hydrogen consumption in the fuel cell, a side-channel compressor can be used to recycle unconsumed hydrogen. Here, kinetic energy is converted into pressure. Energy transfer occurs multiple times along the entire length of the side channel, thus enabling large energy transfer. A pressure increase relative to the inlet pipe is then generated at the outlet pipe.

[0003] However, especially in side-channel compressors, the high energy transfer in the case of rolling bearings results in high bearing loads and high rotational speeds. In such rolling bearings, the lubricant can withstand accelerations up to 7000G due to the centrifugal forces present.

[0004] A bearing assembly is known from DE 10 2022 207 717 A1, which has certain drawbacks. In bearing assemblies known in the prior art, grease lubrication is used. In this grease lubrication, the lubricant typically consists of oil and a thickener. When using grease lubrication, the bearing lubrication is primarily achieved through the oil, which separates slightly from the thickener over time. The thickener itself contributes only a small amount to lubrication and, moreover, typically has a significantly higher viscosity than the oil. Due to the nature of the process, in known rolling bearings, a portion of the thickener, in addition to the oil, often infiltrates into the lubrication gaps. This high viscosity of the thickener leads to an increase in bearing friction torque. Consequently, the temperature within the bearing rises significantly. Excessively high temperatures accelerate the aging of the lubricating grease and can lead to a loss of its lubricating capacity.

[0005] That is, in this embodiment, the outer ring, sealing disc, and balls rotate together with the frame. Consequently, the bearing grease is also subject to rotation, as it is constantly in contact with the rotating components and is pressed onto the outer ring and into the ball raceway by centrifugal force. This results in increased ball friction and elevated temperature, and significantly shortens the grease's lifespan through continuous rolling. These effects are particularly pronounced at high speeds, creating additional demands for high bearing efficiency and a drastically reduced lifespan.

[0006] In this type of rolling bearing, the amount of oil discharged from the lubricating grease depends primarily on the temperature and mechanical stress during grease compaction. Higher temperatures and more frequent compaction result in more oil being released from the thickener. Consequently, more oil is separated than is required for lubrication. Excess oil evaporates or may exit the bearing through the bearing seals and is no longer used for lubrication. Thus, when the grease "dries out," it can lose its lubricating ability over time, leading to wear on the rolling bearing.

[0007] In the case of rolling bearings with rotating outer rings, this wear is amplified because the grease is thrown outwards as if in a centrifuge and deposits on the outer ring. Centrifugal force can also force the thickener and oil together into the raceways of the lubrication gap, potentially producing the effects described above. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a bearing assembly is provided. The bearing assembly includes a bearing journal and a rotating body, the bearing journal being arranged anti-torsionally on a first housing component, the rotating body being, in particular, a hub, for rotating about a rotational axis R. Additionally, the bearing assembly has a bearing device consisting of a first bearing and a second bearing, the bearing device for rotatably supporting the rotating body about the bearing journal, the bearing journal extending rotationally symmetrically about the rotational axis R, wherein each bearing has an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring, wherein a corresponding internal space is constructed between the respective inner and outer bearing rings, each internal space having a plurality of rolling elements in a bearing carrier, the plurality of rolling elements for rolling along the inner side of the respective outer bearing ring on a corresponding rolling element track, wherein the bearing assembly and / or the respective bearing has a sealing disc only on the respective end side, the sealing disc enclosing the corresponding internal space.

[0009] The bearing journal is constructed as a portion of the first housing component and extends away from the inner wall of the first housing component. According to the invention, the bearing journal is integrally constructed with the first housing component. Alternatively, the bearing journal may also be material-locked (e.g., by welding) or force-locked (e.g., by tightening or pressing) onto the first housing component. The bearing journal extends from the inner wall of the first housing component, from the journal root section, through the main journal section.

[0010] According to the invention, the bearing assembly is configured such that at least one sealing element is arranged orthogonally to the axis of rotation between the bearing journal and the corresponding bearing inner ring, and at least one grease retainer element is arranged in the direction of the axis of rotation between the first rolling element and the second rolling element, wherein the corresponding grease retainer element is torsionally connected to the corresponding bearing inner ring and / or journal, particularly force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked. This arrangement provides the advantage that, due to the at least one sealing element arranged between the corresponding bearing inner ring and journal, fluid containment of the corresponding bearing from the bearing intermediate space is no longer required. Therefore, the corresponding second sealing discs of the respective bearings, located on the side of the bearing facing the bearing intermediate space, particularly in the direction of the axis of rotation R, can be omitted. This ensures that, through the arrangement of the corresponding sealing elements, moist and corrosive working media cannot enter the internal space of the corresponding bearing from the compressor space. Thus, in this way, in both the first and second bearings, due to the omission of the corresponding sealing discs facing the bearing intermediate space, more space in the corresponding internal space of the respective bearing becomes available, which can be utilized and / or used by the corresponding grease retainer element. Therefore, the corresponding grease cage elements of the first bearing and / or the second bearing can be designed to be larger, thereby increasing the service life of the bearing and thus the bearing assembly, because the increased structural space of the grease cage elements can be realized throughout the entire service life of the side-channel compressor for sustained lubrication throughout the entire service life of the bearing assembly.

[0011] Advantageous extensions of the bearing assembly according to the invention can be achieved through the measures listed in the specification. The specification relates to preferred extensions of the invention.

[0012] According to a particularly advantageous extension of the bearing assembly, the corresponding grease cage element extends at least partially into the bearing intermediate space, wherein the bearing intermediate space is located between the first bearing and the second bearing in the direction of the rotation axis R.

[0013] In this way, the following advantages can be achieved: the corresponding grease retainer element provides more structural space, thereby enabling improved rigidity of the grease retainer element. Furthermore, since more structural space is generally available in the grease retainer element, improved storage and / or localized securing of consumable materials can be achieved within the grease retainer element. Therefore, the service life of the bearing assembly and thus the entire side-channel compressor can be increased.

[0014] According to an advantageous extension of the bearing assembly, the first and / or second bearing outer rings each have recesses, which individually or collectively form recesses, wherein a corresponding grease cage element extends at least partially orthogonal to the axis of rotation R into the recess. In this way, an enlarged structural form of the corresponding grease cage element can be achieved because, due to the corresponding recess orthogonal to the axis of rotation R, more structural space is available in or on the corresponding bearing, allowing the corresponding grease cage element to be constructed larger in diameter. Therefore, more consumable material can be placed in the corresponding grease cage element, thereby increasing the service life of the rolling elements and / or the bearing assembly.

[0015] According to an advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, a one-piece grease cage element is arranged between the first and second rolling elements, wherein the one-piece grease cage element is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the inner ring of the first or second bearing. In this way, a compact structural form of the grease cage element and / or the bearing assembly can be achieved. Furthermore, the assembly cost of the bearing assembly can be reduced because the one-piece grease cage element, as a single component, can be directly assembled either into the inner ring of the first or second bearing, and thus the assembly of the grease cage element is completed with a single assembly step. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the bearing assembly and / or the side-channel compressor can be reduced.

[0016] According to an advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, a one-piece grease retainer element has only one first annular lug, which connects to the corresponding bearing inner ring via the first annular lug. The one-piece grease retainer element also has two second annular lugs extending in the direction of the rotation axis R on both sides of the disc-shaped protrusion (Ansatz). This configuration achieves high rigidity in the grease retainer element, thereby extending its service life. Furthermore, the advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly allows for the consumable material to be disposed in the area on the side of the corresponding second annular lug facing the rotation axis R, preventing it from being carried outwards. Due to the torsional-resistant arrangement of the grease retainer element, the consumable material is not subjected to centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the bearing assembly components. Therefore, the service life of the bearing assembly and thus the entire side-channel compressor can be increased.

[0017] According to an advantageous extension of the bearing assembly, a one-piece grease retainer element is arranged between the first and second rolling elements. This one-piece grease retainer element is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the journal. The one-piece grease retainer element has two second annular lugs extending in the direction of the rotation axis R on both sides of the disc-shaped protrusion. In this way, a compact structural form of the grease retainer element and / or bearing assembly can be achieved. Furthermore, the assembly cost of the bearing assembly can be reduced because the one-piece grease retainer element, as a single component, can be directly assembled onto the journal, especially independently of the assembly of the corresponding bearing and its inner ring. Therefore, the assembly cost of the grease retainer element can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the bearing assembly and thus the entire side-channel compressor. Moreover, a larger structural space for the grease retainer element can be achieved between the corresponding second lugs and the bearing journal, within which the corresponding consumable material can be arranged.

[0018] According to a particularly advantageous extension of the bearing assembly, a first grease cage element and a second grease cage element are arranged between the first rolling element and the second rolling element. The first grease cage element is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the inner ring of the first bearing, and the second grease cage element is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the inner ring of the second bearing. In this way, the two grease cage elements can be structurally separated, and the first and second grease cage elements can be pre-assembled in the respective bearings, particularly on the inner ring of the bearing. Therefore, assembly costs can be reduced based on the possible pre-assembly. Furthermore, when replacing the corresponding bearing, the grease cage elements are replaced together without additional assembly steps. This leads to reduced maintenance costs.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, the corresponding grease cage elements each have a disc-shaped protrusion, and corresponding first and second annular lugs extend from the disc-shaped protrusions in the direction of the rotation axis R on the end face facing the rolling element, wherein, in particular, these two lugs extend annularly around the rotation axis R. In this way, due to the advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, the following advantages can be achieved: the consumable material can be arranged in the area on the side of the corresponding second annular lug facing the rotation axis R and is prevented from being carried outwards, wherein, due to the torsional anti-torsional arrangement of the corresponding grease cage elements, the corresponding consumable material is not subjected to centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the bearing assembly components. Therefore, the service life of the bearing assembly and thus the entire side-channel compressor can be increased.

[0020] According to an advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, the diameter of the second annular lug is larger than the diameter of the first annular lug, wherein the second annular lug is at least almost entirely constructed in the region of the recess. In this way, the following advantages can be achieved: a compact structural form of the bearing assembly with the corresponding grease cage element, and optimal utilization of existing structural space.

[0021] According to an advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, the corresponding grease retainer elements are respectively formed into recesses by means of these structural design sections, in which lubricant reservoirs for holding lubricant are arranged. In this way, the following advantages can be achieved: when the side-channel compressor is running, the corresponding lubricant reservoirs do not rotate with it, and therefore, there is no increase in lubricant wear due to friction with the grease retainer elements. Thus, aging and / or at least reduction of the frictional properties of the lubricant can be prevented. Furthermore, frictional wear between the corresponding grease retainer elements and other non-rotating, especially torsional, components of the bearing assembly can be reduced, thereby lowering the probability of failure of the bearing assembly and therefore the side-channel compressor. This increases grease life and thus also reduces the probability of bearing failure.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, the lubricant can be advantageously configured to include a base material for lubricating the rolling element tracks and a carrier material for the base material. The carrier material can be configured to function in a sponge-like and / or sponge-like manner to contain the base material. The base material can include base oils, especially synthetic base oils. For example, the lubricant can include synthetic lubricating greases based on polyalphaolefin (PAO) or other synthetic base oils. PAO base oils can have high thermal stability, high oxidation resistance, and / or favorable viscosity-temperature characteristics. In particular, the carrier material can include thickeners and / or PTFE-based materials. When the lubricant accumulates in the lubricant reservoir, the radially outward force can cause the base oil to separate at least partially from the carrier material into the rolling element tracks. Thus, the carrier material can be retained in the lubricant reservoir and protected from being crushed by the rolling elements. Simultaneously, the base oil can lubricate the rolling element tracks and the rolling elements. Preferably, the lubricant reservoir can be configured to contain more than 30%, more than 50%, or more than 90% of the lubricant dosage.

[0023] According to an advantageous configuration of the bearing assembly, the corresponding grease retainer element has at least one opening on the disc-shaped protrusion and / or on the second annular lug, said opening being, in particular, in the form of a bore and / or a slit. In this way, the following advantages can be achieved: a continuous and constant discharge of lubricant in the form of the base material into the rolling raceways of the corresponding bearing can be realized and / or guaranteed; furthermore, the carrier material of the lubricant can be reliably retained in the lubricant reservoir within the recess of the corresponding grease retainer element. This can be achieved by appropriately sized bores or slits, allowing smaller base material particles to pass through the bores and / or slits, while larger carrier material particles are too large to pass through and are therefore retained in the lubricant reservoir. Thus, it is prevented that a portion of the carrier material intrudes into the corresponding bearing, especially the rolling raceways, which would lead to a significant increase in bearing frictional torque due to the higher viscosity of the carrier material, resulting in a substantial increase in bearing temperature and accelerated aging of all friction pairs. Therefore, by preventing carrier material from escaping from the lubricant reservoir and preventing carrier material from intruding into the rolling element tracks, the service life of the bearing assembly can be increased.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a side-channel compressor is provided. Here, the side-channel compressor may have components such as a bearing assembly and / or a compressor wheel.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell system has a delivery path for delivering fluid and a side-channel compressor for delivering fluid in the delivery path. The side-channel compressor includes a bearing assembly and / or a magnetic rotor device according to the invention.

[0026] This at least partially overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art. The side-channel compressor may have a first housing component, to which the bearing journal of the bearing assembly is tornically connected.

[0027] Therefore, the side-channel compressor according to the invention and / or the fuel cell system according to the invention offer the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to the bearing assembly according to the invention. Preferably, the fluid may comprise or consist of hydrogen. For example, the side-channel compressor may comprise a turbo compressor. Here, fluid can be supplied to a workspace having a working wheel that can be driven by a motor. Thus, the fluid can circulate in the housing, in the blades, and in the side channel to form a circulating flow. Energy is transferred from the circulating flow to the transport flow in the side channel through momentum exchange.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the features mentioned in the description are important to the invention, either individually or in any combination. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The attached diagram schematically illustrates: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a side-channel compressor having a bearing assembly according to the prior art is shown. Figure 2 A bearing assembly according to a first embodiment is shown. Figure 3 A bearing assembly according to a second embodiment is shown. Figure 4 A bearing assembly according to a third embodiment is shown. Figure 5 A bearing assembly according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0030] In the following description of some embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features in different embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0031] exist Figure 1 A side-channel compressor 27 having a bearing assembly 1 according to the prior art is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view. The side-channel compressor 27 has a housing having a first housing component 3 and a second housing component 4. The first housing component 3 has a bearing journal 5 and a bearing assembly 1 extending in the direction of the second housing component 4. The bearing assembly is arranged on the bearing journal 5 and has two rolling bearings 19, 20. Here, the first bearing 19 and the second bearing 20 of the bearing assembly 1 are arranged concentrically side-by-side along the axis of rotation R. Furthermore, a spacer 17 is located between the rolling bearings 19, 20, wherein, in particular, the corresponding outer bearing rings 11a, b are axially abutted against the spacer 17 relative to the axis of rotation R. Additionally, the inner bearing rings 8a, b of the bearing assembly 1 are arranged on the bearing journal 5. A rotating body 16, particularly a hub 16, is arranged on the outer bearing rings 11a and b of the bearing assembly 1. This rotating body has a compressor wheel 34. The bearing assembly 1, hub 16, and compressor wheel 34 constitute the compressor wheel structure assembly 10. An internal space 38 is constructed between at least one inner bearing ring 8 and at least one outer bearing ring 11. This internal space has a bearing carrier 24 (in...) Figure 2 (shown in the figure) A plurality of rolling elements 13 are used to roll along the inner side of the respective bearing outer rings 11a, b on the respective rolling element tracks 22.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the side-channel compressor 27 has a disc spring 18, by means of which a bearing preload 39 can be applied to the bearing assembly 1. The disc spring 18 is located in the journal root section 6 of the side-channel compressor 27, wherein the disc spring 18 is arranged at least indirectly between the bearing assembly 1 and the first housing member 3 in the direction of the rotation axis R, and wherein, in particular, a preload 39 acting in the direction of the rotation axis R can be applied to the bearing assembly 1 by means of the disc spring 18. It is also shown that, in the direction of the rotation axis R, four axial clearances are located in the region between the compressor wheel structure assembly 10 and the corresponding housing members 3, 4, wherein the axial clearances enclose the compressor space 36. Here, the corresponding side channels 35 are located next to the compressor wheel 34 in the first housing member 3 and / or the second housing member 4, respectively, in the direction of the rotation axis R. The bearing journal 5 has a journal root section 6 directly adjacent to the inner wall of the first housing member 3 and a journal main section 7 directly adjacent to the journal root section 6. Two inner rings 8 of rolling bearings 19 and 20 are arranged on the main section 7 of the journal. Here, the compressed gaseous medium can be delivered from the compressor space 36 of the side channel compressor 27 to the fuel cell 26 of the fuel cell system 2.

[0033] In addition, Figure 1 As shown, at least one corresponding sealing disc 21 is located between the corresponding inner bearing rings 8a, b and the corresponding outer bearing rings 11a, b, in order to enclose the internal spaces 38a, b, wherein, in particular, it prevents the lubricant 47 (in) Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) escapes from the bearing internal space 38, but also prevents the bearing internal space 38 from being contaminated by particles or liquids from outside the respective bearings 19, 29, especially from the surrounding environment. Within the respective bearings 19, 20, at least the rolling element track 22 can be constructed in the respective bearing inner rings 8a, b and / or the respective bearing outer rings 11a, b, where the material undergoes an additional hardening process to increase service life. Additionally, the side-channel compressor 27 can be connected to the delivery path 29 of the fuel cell system 2. Here, the gaseous medium, especially hydrogen, accelerated and / or compressed in the side-channel compressor 27 is delivered to the fuel cell 26 of the fuel cell system 2 via the delivery path 29.

[0034] In addition, Figure 1As shown, the side-channel compressor 27 has a driver 40, which can be implemented as an axial field electric motor 40 having a stator. A magnetic field is formed by energizing the stator, and this magnetic field acts on the segmented magnets 44 of the compressor wheel assembly 10, thereby placing the compressor wheel assembly 10 in rotational motion. Here, in an exemplary embodiment, the hub 16 may have an annular notch extending about the axis of rotation R, wherein the yoke ring 46 and at least two segmented magnets 44 (ideally four segmented magnets 44) are at least almost entirely located within the notch.

[0035] Additionally, the side-channel compressor 27 and / or compressor wheel assembly 10 are shown to have an optional adjusting disc 42, which is located between and / or abuts against the disc spring 18 and the corresponding bearing inner ring 8 in the direction of the rotation axis R. Here, the adjusting disc 42 can abut against the disc spring 18 via a first end face that is circumferentially surrounding and extends orthogonally to the rotation axis R. The adjusting disc 42 abuts against a second end face of the corresponding bearing inner ring 8 via its side facing away from the first end face.

[0036] Figure 2 The sectional view shows the bearing assembly 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The enlarged segment is marked with II. Here, the bearing assembly 1 can be mounted on the bearing journal 5. As shown, the corresponding bearing outer rings 11a, b are connected to the rotating body 16 in a form-locking and / or force-locking and / or material-locking manner. In addition, corresponding internal spaces 38a, b are constructed between the corresponding bearing inner rings 8a, b and the corresponding bearing outer rings 11a, b. Here, a plurality of rolling elements 13 are respectively located in the first internal space 38a of the first bearing 19, and a plurality of rolling elements 13 are respectively located in the second internal space 38b of the second bearing 20. Here, the rolling elements 13 are arranged to roll along the inner side of the corresponding bearing outer rings 11a, b on the corresponding rolling element tracks 22. As shown here, at least one grease retainer element 12, 14 is located in the direction of the rotation axis R between the respective rolling element 13 and / or the respective bearing carrier 24a, b and the respective sealing disc 21a, b, wherein, in this first embodiment, the respective grease retainer element 12, 14 is torsionally connected to the respective bearing inner ring 8a, b, especially force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked.

[0037] in addition, Figure 2A side-channel compressor 27 with bearing assembly 1 is shown, wherein at least one sealing element 49 is arranged orthogonally to the axis of rotation R between the bearing journal 5 and the corresponding bearing inner rings 8a, 8b. Here, the corresponding grease retainer elements 12, 14 extend at least partially into the bearing intermediate space 48, which is located between the first bearing 19 and the second bearing 20 in the direction of the axis of rotation R. Bearing assembly 1 and / or the corresponding bearings 19, 20 have sealing discs 21 only on the corresponding end sides 30, 32, which enclose the corresponding internal spaces 38a, b. Additionally, in Figure 2 As shown, at least one sealing element 49 is arranged orthogonally to the axis of rotation R between the bearing journal 5 and at least one bearing inner ring 8a, 8b, wherein the corresponding sealing element 49 is arranged in a corresponding groove-shaped recess 37 on the outer diameter of the bearing journal 5. This sealing element 49 can be, in particular, an O-ring 49. This at least one sealing element 49 provides additional enclosure of the corresponding bearing internal space 38 relative to liquids, especially water, which can seep through the bearing journal 5 and the corresponding bearing inner rings 8a, b into the area between the two bearings 19, 20. Therefore, water infiltration is prevented based on the corresponding sealing element 49.

[0038] exist Figure 2 As shown, in an advantageous configuration of the side-channel compressor 27, two rolling bearings 19, 20, particularly ball bearings 19, 20, are directly pressed within the compressor wheel 34, particularly the hub 16, by their respective outer bearing rings 11a, b. Here, the corresponding inner bearing rings 8a, b are supported on the journal 5. This results in a very compact and cost-effective configuration of the side-channel compressor 27. Here, the corresponding sealing discs 21a, b of the corresponding bearings 19, 20 are securely mounted on the corresponding outer bearing rings 11a, b and rotate together, and are sealed on the corresponding inner bearing rings 8a, b, particularly by means of the corresponding sealing lips 9. Here, the inner bearing rings 8a, b are guided on the journal 5 as floating bearings for tolerance compensation. To compensate for existing bearing clearances, an axial spring pretension force, achieved by means of a preload 39, is provided to ensure stable operation of the side-channel compressor 27 at high speeds.

[0039] Figure 2Furthermore, it is shown that the first grease retainer element 12 and the second grease retainer element 14 are arranged, particularly in the direction of the rotation axis R, between the first rolling element 13a and the second rolling element 13b. Here, in this exemplary first embodiment, the first grease retainer element 12 is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the first bearing inner ring 8a, and the second grease retainer element 14 is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the second bearing inner ring 8b. Here, the corresponding grease retainer elements 12, 14 each have disc-shaped protrusions 15a, b, and corresponding first annular lugs 23a, b and at least one second annular lug 25a, b extend from the disc-shaped protrusions in the direction of the rotation axis R on the end face facing the rolling element 13, wherein, in particular, the two lugs 23, 25 extend annularly around the rotation axis R. Here, the diameters of the corresponding second annular lugs 25a and b are larger than the diameters of the corresponding first annular lugs 23a and b, and the corresponding grease retainer elements 12 and 14 form recesses 45a and b respectively by means of these structural design parts 15, 23 and 25, wherein lubricant reservoirs 31a and b for accommodating lubricant 47 are arranged in the corresponding recesses 45a and b.

[0040] Figure 2 As shown, the spacer 17 is located between the outer ring 11a and the outer ring 11b of the first bearing in the direction of the rotation axis R. It is also shown that the first rolling element 13a of the first bearing 19 and the second rolling element 13b of the second bearing 20 roll on rolling element tracks 22 located in the respective outer rings 11a and 11b.

[0041] Figure 3 A bearing assembly 1 according to a second embodiment is shown. Here, the bearing assembly 1 has only one grease retainer element 12, which is arranged orthogonally to the axis of rotation R between the rolling elements 13a, b of the two bearings 19, 20. Here, the grease retainer element 12 is torsionally connected to the first bearing inner ring 8a, particularly force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked, wherein there is no direct connection between the grease retainer element 12 and the bearing outer ring 11. In another exemplary embodiment, the grease retainer element 12 may alternatively be connected only to the second bearing inner ring 8b. Furthermore, the grease retainer element 12 of the bearing assembly 1 has only one first annular lug 23a, which is connected to the corresponding bearing inner rings 8a, b by means of the first annular lug, and wherein the single-piece grease retainer element 12 has two second annular lugs 25a, b, which extend on both sides of the disc-shaped protrusion 15 in the direction of the axis of rotation R. In addition, the grease retainer element 12 forms a recess 45 by means of these structural design parts 15, 23, and 25.

[0042] In addition, Figure 3 As shown, the grease retainer element 12 is constructed rotationally symmetrically about the axis of rotation R. Furthermore, a first sealing disc 21a is shown located between the inner ring 8a and outer ring 11a of the first bearing 19, wherein the first sealing disc 21a extends flush with and / or is disposed in the region of the first end side 30 of the first bearing 19. Additionally, a second sealing disc 21b is shown located between the inner ring 8b and outer ring 11b of the second bearing 20, wherein the second sealing disc 21b extends flush with and / or is disposed in the region of the second end side 32 of the second bearing 20. In this way, sealing is achieved for the respective internal spaces 38a, b of the first bearing 19 and / or the second bearing 20, thereby preventing the lubricant 47 from escaping from the respective internal spaces 38a, b, but also preventing contamination of the internal spaces 38 by particles and / or liquids, especially water, from the surrounding environment of the compressor wheel assembly 10. On the corresponding second intrusion path, the corresponding internal spaces 38a, b are enclosed by inserts of sealing elements 49 arranged between the corresponding inner bearing rings 8a, b and the journal 5. Here, the corresponding sealing discs 21a, b are force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the corresponding outer bearing rings 11a, b, wherein the corresponding sealing discs 21a, b rotate together with the corresponding outer bearing rings 11 during operation of the side-channel compressor 27. In addition, the corresponding sealing discs 21a, b have at least a sealing lip 9 extending about the axis of rotation R, the sealing lip being in particular a plastic sealing lip 9, which specifically achieves at least partial enclosure of the corresponding internal spaces 38a, b, wherein the sealing lip 9 is in frictional and / or sliding contact with the corresponding inner bearing rings 8a, b.

[0043] In addition, Figure 3 As shown, the grease retainer element 12 forms lubricant reservoirs 31a and 31b in corresponding recesses 45a and 45b in each of the two internal spaces 38 of the respective bearings 19 and 20, for accommodating the corresponding lubricants 47a and 47b. Here, the lubricant 47 may have a base material 47.1 for lubricating the corresponding rolling element track 22 and a carrier material 47.2 for the base material 47.1, the base material being, in particular, bearing oil 47.1. For example, the lubricant 47 may include solid lubricants and / or liquid lubricants, preferably lubricating grease. Here, the base material 47.1 can diffuse from the carrier material 47.2 and flow in the flow direction XI from the internal region 41 to the external region 43 in the internal space 38 of the respective bearings 19 and 20, and thus reach the rolling element track 22 of the rolling element 13, in order to reduce friction between the two elements 13 and 22.

[0044] Figure 4 The bearing assembly 1 according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0045] This is shown to illustrate a bearing assembly having a first grease retainer element 12 and a second grease retainer element 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the first grease retainer element 12 is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked to the first bearing inner ring 8a via its inner diameter, while the second grease retainer element 14 is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked to the second bearing inner ring 8b via its inner diameter. Furthermore, the first bearing outer ring 11a and / or the second bearing outer ring 11b each have recesses 50a and 50b, which individually or collectively constitute a recess 50, wherein the corresponding grease retainer elements 12 and 14 extend at least partially orthogonal to the axis of rotation R into the recess 50. In one exemplary embodiment, the corresponding second annular lugs 25a and 25b may be at least almost entirely constructed in the region of the recess 50 or extend into the recess.

[0046] In addition, Figure 4 As shown, the corresponding grease retainer elements 12 and 14 each have a disc-shaped protrusion 15, and corresponding first annular lugs 23 and second annular lugs 25 extend from the disc-shaped protrusions in the direction of the rotation axis R on the end face facing the rolling element 13, wherein, in particular, the two lugs 23 and 25 extend annularly around the rotation axis R. Figure 4 As shown, the diameter of the second annular lug 25 is larger than the diameter of the first annular lug 23, wherein the second annular lug 25 is at least almost entirely constructed in the region of the recess 50. Furthermore, the first lubricant 47a is located in the lubricant reservoir 31a of the first recess 45a of the first grease holder element 12, and the second lubricant 47b is located in the region of the second recess 45b of the second grease holder element 14. Here, the base material 47.1 flows from the corresponding carrier material 47.2 of the corresponding lubricant 47a, b to the corresponding rolling element tracks 22a, b in the corresponding flow direction XI, wherein the corresponding base material 47.1 flows from the inner region 41 to the outer region 43 in the inner space 38 of the corresponding bearing 19, 20 in the corresponding flow direction XI, and thus reaches the rolling element track 22 of the rolling element 13.

[0047] Figure 5A bearing assembly 1 according to a fourth embodiment is shown, wherein, in this exemplary embodiment of the bearing assembly 1, a grease retainer element 12 is constructed as a single piece and arranged between a first rolling element 13 and a second rolling element 13b. Here, the single-piece grease retainer element 12 is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the journal 5. Furthermore, the single-piece grease retainer element 12 has two second annular lugs 25a, b, which extend on both sides of the disc-shaped protrusion 15 in the direction of the rotation axis R.

[0048] In addition, Figure 5 As shown, the respective grease retainer elements 12 each have at least one opening 28, which is particularly in the form of a drilled hole 28 and / or a slit 28. Here, the respective opening 28 can be constructed on the disc-shaped protrusion 15 and / or the second annular lug 25. The at least one opening 28 can also be constructed on the respective grease retainer elements 12 according to different designs in the first, second, or third embodiments. Here, the base material 47.1 can flow through the respective opening 28 in the flow direction XI and from there through the respective sealing disc 21 and flows orthogonally to the axis of rotation R between it and the grease retainer element 12 to the respective bearing outer ring 11. The base material 47.1 can then flow from there in the flow direction XI, particularly at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R, to the respective rolling element tracks 22a, b of the respective rolling element 13. Furthermore, it is possible that a small amount of carrier material 47.2 of the lubricant 47 can flow through the respective opening 28 to the respective rolling element 13 and / or the respective rolling element tracks 22a, b, and therein ensure the necessary lubrication.

Claims

1. A bearing assembly (1) having a bearing journal (5), a rotating body (16), and a bearing device (9), the bearing journal being arranged anti-torsionally on a first housing component (3), the rotating body being, in particular, a hub (16), for rotating about a rotational axis (R), the bearing device comprising a first bearing (19) and a second bearing (20), the bearing device for rotatably supporting the rotating body (16) about the bearing journal (5), the bearing journal extending rotationally symmetrically about the rotational axis (R), wherein, Each bearing (19, 20) has an inner bearing ring (8a, b) and an outer bearing ring (11a, b), wherein a corresponding internal space (38a, b) is constructed between the respective inner bearing ring (8a, b) and the respective outer bearing ring (11a, b), the internal space having a plurality of rolling elements (13) in a bearing carrier (24), the plurality of rolling elements being used to roll along the inner side of the respective outer bearing ring (11a, b) on a corresponding rolling element track (22), wherein the bearing assembly (1) and / or the respective bearing (19, 20) have a sealing disc (21) only on the respective end side (30, 32). The sealing disc encloses the corresponding internal space (38a, b), characterized in that at least one sealing element (49) is arranged orthogonally to the axis of rotation (R) between the bearing journal (5) and the corresponding bearing inner ring (8a, 8b), and at least one grease retainer element (12, 14) is arranged in the direction of the axis of rotation (R) between the first rolling element (13a) and the second rolling element (13b), wherein the corresponding grease retainer element (12, 14) is torsionally connected to the corresponding bearing inner ring (8a, b) and / or the journal (5), especially force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked.

2. The bearing assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corresponding grease retainer elements (12, 14) extend at least partially into the bearing intermediate space (48), wherein the bearing intermediate space (48) is located between the first bearing (19) and the second bearing (20) in the direction of the rotation axis (R).

3. The bearing assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first bearing outer ring (11a) and / or the second bearing outer ring (11b) each have a recess (50a, b), which in particular individually or collectively constitute a recess (50), wherein the corresponding grease retainer elements (12, 14) extend into the recess (50) at least partially orthogonal to the axis of rotation (R).

4. The bearing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A one-piece grease retainer element (12) is arranged between the first rolling element (13a) and the second rolling element (13b), wherein the one-piece grease retainer element (12) is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the first bearing inner ring (8a) or the second bearing inner ring (8b).

5. The bearing assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The one-piece grease retainer element (12) has only one first annular lug (23), which is connected to the corresponding bearing inner ring (8a, b) by means of the first annular lug, and wherein the one-piece grease retainer element (12) has two second annular lugs (25a, b), which extend on both sides of the disc-shaped protrusion (15) in the direction of the rotation axis (R).

6. The bearing assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A one-piece grease retainer element (12) is arranged between the first rolling element (13a) and the second rolling element (13b), wherein the one-piece grease retainer element (12) is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the journal (5), and wherein the one-piece grease retainer element (12) has two second annular lugs (25) extending on both sides of the disc-shaped protrusion (15) in the direction of the rotation axis (R).

7. The bearing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A first grease retainer element (12) and a second grease retainer element (14) are arranged between the first rolling element (13a) and the second rolling element (13b), wherein the first grease retainer element (12) is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the first bearing inner ring (8a), and wherein the second grease retainer element (14) is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked connected to the second bearing inner ring (8b).

8. The bearing assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The corresponding grease retainer elements (12, 14) each have a disc-shaped protrusion (15), and the corresponding first annular lug (23) and second annular lug (25) extend from the disc-shaped protrusion in the direction of the axis of rotation (R) on the end face facing the rolling element (13), wherein, in particular, the two lugs (23, 25) extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation (R).

9. The bearing assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The diameter of the second annular lug (25) is greater than the diameter of the first annular lug (23), wherein the second annular lug (25) is at least almost entirely constructed in the region of the recess (50).

10. The bearing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The corresponding grease retainer elements (12, 14) form recesses (45) by means of these structural design parts (15, 23, 25), wherein a lubricant reservoir (31) for containing lubricant (47) is arranged in the corresponding recess (45).

11. The bearing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The lubricant (47) includes a base material (47.1) for lubricating the rolling track (22) and a carrier material (47.2) for the base material (47.1).

12. The bearing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The corresponding grease retainer elements (12, 14) have at least one opening (28) on the disc-shaped protrusion (15) and / or on the second annular lug (25), the opening being in particular in the form of a drill hole (28) and / or a slit (28).

13. A side-channel compressor (27) for a fuel cell system (2), said side-channel compressor for conveying and / or compressing a gaseous medium, particularly hydrogen, wherein, The side-channel compressor (27) has a bearing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A fuel cell system (2) having a delivery path (29) for delivering fluid and a side-channel compressor (27) for delivering fluid in the delivery path (29), the side-channel compressor having a bearing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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