A bearing cage and a bearing

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of bearing retainer, and discloses a bearing retainer and a bearing, which comprise two butt-jointed retainer bodies, a plurality of energy absorbing components and a plurality of pocket petals, one energy absorbing component and one pocket petal are arranged in each mounting groove, the energy absorbing component is clamped between the pocket petal and the mounting groove, axially, two adjacent pocket petals combine to form a pocket for accommodating rolling elements, and the side surface of the energy absorbing component close to the pocket petal is provided with a plurality of hollow protruding structures. The application solves the problem that impact energy cannot be effectively absorbed and dissipated between the rolling elements and the retainer pockets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing cage technology, and in particular to a bearing cage and a bearing. Background Technology

[0002] In mechanical transmission systems, deep groove ball bearings, as key components supporting rotating parts and bearing loads, directly affect the working accuracy and service life of the main machine. Within the bearing assembly, the primary function of the cage is to evenly isolate the rolling elements, preventing them from contacting and rubbing against each other, and guiding the rolling elements to roll normally within the raceways. However, in traditional structural designs, the cage typically only serves as an isolator and guide, and its material selection and structural form often fail to adequately address shock absorption and cushioning functions.

[0003] When subjected to impact loads or high-frequency vibration, existing deep groove ball bearings directly transfer instantaneous impact energy to the cage through the rolling elements. Since the cage is typically made of materials such as steel, copper alloys, or ordinary nylon, it lacks an efficient damping structure. The contact between the rolling elements and the cage pockets is rigid or semi-rigid, failing to effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy. This rigid contact not only causes the impact force to act directly on the cage, leading to elastic deformation or even fracture, but also exacerbates frictional wear between the rolling elements and the cage, resulting in problems such as excessive bearing temperature rise and increased operating noise.

[0004] Furthermore, lubrication between the rolling elements and the cage is also a significant factor limiting bearing performance improvement. Because the contact area between the cage pockets and the rolling elements is relatively enclosed, lubricating oil or grease struggles to form a stable and sufficient oil film at this interface. Especially under conditions of high-speed rotation or uneven lubricant distribution, the rolling elements and cage are prone to boundary lubrication or even dry friction. This poor lubrication not only increases frictional resistance and leads to energy loss, but also accelerates material fatigue due to frictional heat accumulation, further weakening the bearing's durability and reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a bearing cage and bearing. The bearing cage is configured with multiple components, including a cage body, an energy-absorbing component, and a pocket flap. The energy-absorbing component and the pocket flap are sequentially installed in the mounting groove on the cage body. This achieves the effect of bearing vibration reduction by squeezing the energy-absorbing component with the pocket flap, thus solving the problem that the rolling elements and the cage pocket cannot effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: In a first aspect, a bearing cage includes two mating cage bodies, a plurality of energy-absorbing assemblies, and a plurality of pocket flaps. Each of the mounting slots is provided with one of the energy-absorbing assemblies and one pocket flap, and the energy-absorbing assemblies are sandwiched between the pocket flaps and the mounting slots. Two adjacent pocket flaps in the axial direction combine to form a pocket for receiving rolling elements. The energy-absorbing assemblies are provided with a plurality of hollow protrusions on the side near the pocket flaps. The radial end of the inner wall of the pocket flap opposite to the energy-absorbing component is provided with a wedge-shaped bevel, and the extending direction of the surface of the wedge-shaped bevel is opposite to the center of the pocket flap; the gap between the wedge-shaped bevel and the rolling element is greater than the gap between the inner wall of the pocket flap and the rolling element.

[0007] As a further implementation, the distribution density of the protrusions in the radial middle of the energy-absorbing assembly is greater than the distribution density of the protrusions at both ends of the energy-absorbing assembly in the radial direction of the cage body.

[0008] As a further implementation, the distribution density of the protrusions at both ends of the energy-absorbing component along the circumferential direction of the cage body is greater than the distribution density of the protrusions in the middle of the energy-absorbing component.

[0009] As a further implementation, the window beam between two adjacent mounting slots in the retainer body has a fixing hole for the connector to pass through; the two retainer bodies are fixedly connected by the connector.

[0010] As a further implementation, all the energy-absorbing components disposed in the same mounting slot in the same cage body are connected to form a ring structure conforming to the cage body, and all the pocket flaps disposed in the same mounting slot in the same cage body are connected to form a ring structure conforming to the cage body. All the energy-absorbing components connected to form an annular structure and all the pocket flaps connected to form an annular structure are provided with through holes that are adapted to the fixing holes.

[0011] As a further implementation, the energy-absorbing component has a first limiting plate formed at both circumferential ends, which is in the same direction as the extension of the window beam. The circumferential ends of the first limiting plate have openings, and two adjacent openings enclose a through hole that is adapted to the fixing hole. The pocket flap has a second limiting plate at both circumferential ends, which is in the same direction as the extension of the window beam. The second limiting plate has an opening at its circumferential end, and two adjacent openings enclose a through hole that is adapted to the fixing hole.

[0012] As a further implementation, the centers of the energy-absorbing component, the pocket flap, and the mounting groove overlap.

[0013] In a second aspect, a bearing includes: an outer ring, an inner ring, a plurality of rolling elements, and a cage, the cage being disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring, and the rolling elements being disposed in pockets formed by pocket flaps of the cage.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention sets the bearing cage as a composite structure, dividing it into a cage body, an energy-absorbing component, and a pocket flap. The energy-absorbing component and the pocket flap are sequentially installed in the mounting groove on the cage body. The energy-absorbing component is compressed by the pocket flap to achieve the bearing vibration reduction effect. By absorbing energy, the direct impact of the rolling elements on the cage is reduced, thereby reducing cage wear, increasing cage fatigue life, and reducing the probability of cage damage.

[0015] 2. By setting the protruding structure as a hollow structure, the hollow structure of the pocket flap can effectively absorb the shock wave after being impacted by the rolling element. The gap between the energy-absorbing component and the pocket flap can ensure that the pocket flap will wobble to a certain extent when it is impacted by the rolling element, which can work with the protruding structure to absorb more impact energy. By designing that the material stiffness of the energy-absorbing component and the pocket flap is less than the material stiffness of the mounting groove, the energy-absorbing component can undergo elastic deformation, while the cage body can provide stable support for the energy-absorbing component.

[0016] 3. The present invention provides wedge-shaped bevels on both sides of the surface of the pocket flap that contacts the rolling element, so that a wedge-shaped space is formed between the wedge-shaped bevels and the rolling element. When the rolling element rotates, the lubricating oil is carried into the pocket of the pocket flap through the wedge-shaped space, thereby achieving lubrication between the pocket flap and the rolling element. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the stamping cage in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cage body, energy-absorbing assembly, and pocket flap in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cage body structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-absorbing component structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pocket flap structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the overall ring structure formed by the energy-absorbing component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall annular structure formed by the pocket flap in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the bearing structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0020] The components are: 1. cage body, 2. energy-absorbing assembly, 3. pocket flap, 4. mounting groove, 5. protruding structure, 6. arc-shaped connecting plate, 7. fixing hole, 8. first limiting plate, 9. second limiting plate, 10. wedge bevel, 11. connector, 12. outer ring, 13. inner ring, 14. rolling element, 15. cage. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0022] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-7 As shown, a bearing cage includes two mating cage bodies 1, multiple energy-absorbing components 2, and multiple pocket flaps 3. Each cage body 1 has an energy-absorbing component 2 and a pocket flap 3 in its mounting groove 4, and the energy-absorbing component 2 is sandwiched between the pocket flap 3 and the mounting groove 4. Two adjacent pocket flaps 3 in the axial direction combine to form a pocket for accommodating rolling elements. Multiple hollow protrusions 5 are provided on the side of the energy-absorbing component 2 near the pocket flap 3.

[0023] The pocket flap 3 is a pocket structure that provides support for the rolling element 14. The pocket flap 3 and the cage body 1 are separate structures. The pocket flap 3 is a contour structure of the mounting groove 4 on the cage body 1, and its size is smaller than that of the mounting groove 4.

[0024] The energy-absorbing component 2 is a component that provides cushioning for the aforementioned pocket flap 3, used to prevent the impact from the rolling element 14 from acting directly on the cage body 1. The energy-absorbing component 2 is also a contoured structure of the mounting groove 4 on the cage body 1, but its surface is provided with an energy-absorbing structure, and its size is smaller than that of the mounting groove 4. The shapes of the mounting groove 4 and the energy-absorbing component 2 can be concave spherical or arc-shaped, and the shape of the pocket flap 3 is a concave spherical surface.

[0025] like Figures 1-2As shown, multiple mounting slots 4 are evenly arranged on the cage body 1, and the number of mounting slots 4, energy-absorbing components 2, and pocket flaps 3 are the same. Different numbers are set to adapt to different operating conditions, such as heavy load and high speed. The radial dimensions of pocket flaps 3, energy-absorbing components 2, and mounting slots 4 increase sequentially, so that energy-absorbing components 2 can be placed in mounting slots 4 and the energy-absorbing components 2 and mounting slots 4 are in a close fit. This allows the mounting slots 4 to provide stable support for energy-absorbing components 2 and prevents energy-absorbing components 2 from falling out of the mounting slots 4. Pocket flaps 3 are in a close fit with the protruding structure 5 on the energy-absorbing components 2. Since the protruding structure 5 is a hollow structure, it can effectively absorb the shock wave after the pocket flaps 3 are impacted by the rolling element 14. The gap between the energy-absorbing components 2 and pocket flaps 3 can ensure that the pocket flaps 3 will shake a certain amount when impacted by the rolling element 14, which can work with the protruding structure 5 to absorb more impact energy. The protruding structure 5 can also return to its original shape after being impacted.

[0026] The material stiffness of the energy-absorbing component 2 and the pocket flap 3 is less than that of the mounting groove 4. When the pocket flap 3 is impacted by the rolling element 14, the pocket flap 3 undergoes elastic deformation and squeezes the energy-absorbing component 2. The protruding structure 5 on the energy-absorbing component 2 undergoes elastic deformation. Because the material stiffness of the mounting groove 4 is greater, it can provide stable support for the energy-absorbing component 2. The centers of the energy-absorbing component 2, the pocket flap 3, and the mounting groove 4 overlap.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the cage body 1 includes multiple mounting slots 4 and arc-shaped connecting plates 6. The mounting slots 4 are circumferentially symmetrically distributed, and the arc-shaped connecting plates 6 are also circumferentially symmetrically distributed. The arc-shaped connecting plates 6 are fan-shaped and are disposed between two adjacent mounting slots 4. The two ends of the arc-shaped connecting plates 6 are fixedly connected to one end of the two adjacent mounting slots 4. A fixing hole 7 is provided at the center of the arc-shaped connecting plates 6. In this embodiment, the number of mounting slots 4 and arc-shaped connecting plates 6 in each cage body 1 is preferably 8. The number of mounting slots 4, energy-absorbing components 2, and pocket flaps 3 are the same. The number of mounting slots 4 is selected according to the bearing's usage scenario and can also be determined according to the load that the bearing needs to bear. The number of mounting slots 4 determines the number of rolling elements 14 in the bearing.

[0028] The protrusions are distributed radially or circumferentially along the cage body 1. In this embodiment, they are distributed circumferentially. When the protrusions are distributed radially along the cage body 1, the distribution density of the protrusions 5 in the radial middle of the energy absorption component 2 is greater than the distribution density of the protrusions 5 at both radial ends of the energy absorption component 2.

[0029] When the protrusions are distributed along the circumference of the cage body 1, the distribution density of the protrusions 5 at both ends of the circumference of the energy absorption component 2 is greater than the distribution density of the protrusions 5 in the middle of the circumference of the energy absorption component 2.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion structure 5 can be either strip-shaped or dot-shaped. The strip-shaped protrusions are arranged circumferentially or axially, while the dot-shaped protrusions are arranged in a rectangular array. By setting different protrusion structures 5, different impact load conditions can be effectively adapted.

[0031] In this embodiment, the protrusion structure 5 is preferably a strip-shaped protrusion and is arranged circumferentially. When the protrusion structure 5 is arranged circumferentially, the energy absorption component 2 can expand to both sides during the process of the pocket flap 3 squeezing the energy absorption component 2. The expansion is less restricted by space, which is more conducive to energy absorption and is suitable for working conditions with small impact loads.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the energy-absorbing component 2 has a first limiting plate 8 at both circumferential ends, which is in the same direction as the extension of the window beam. One end of the first limiting plate 8 is fixedly connected to the end of the energy-absorbing component 2, and the other end is provided with a semi-circular opening. The first limiting plate 8 is fan-shaped and its length is half of the arc-shaped connecting plate 6. The through hole formed by two adjacent semi-circular openings coincides with the fixing hole 7.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the two circumferential ends of the pocket flap 3 are formed with second limiting plates 9 in the same direction as the extension of the window beam. One end of the second limiting plate 9 is fixedly connected to the end of the pocket flap 3, and the other end is provided with a semi-circular opening. The second limiting plate 9 is fan-shaped and its length is half of the arc-shaped connecting plate 6. The through holes formed by the two adjacent semi-circular openings coincide with the fixing holes 7.

[0034] Understandably, the first limiting plate 8 and the second limiting plate 9 are positioned between the arc-shaped connecting plates 6 on both sides. The arc-shaped connecting plates 6 clamp and fix the first limiting plate 8 and the second limiting plate 9 between the two retainer bodies 1. The first limiting plate 8 is positioned at both ends of the energy-absorbing component 2, and the second limiting plate 9 is positioned at both ends of the pocket flap 3, thereby fixing the energy-absorbing component 2 and the pocket flap 3 between the two retainer bodies 1. In addition, the lengths of the first limiting plate 8 and the second limiting plate 9 are both half the length of the arc-shaped connecting plate 6, which can effectively prevent the energy-absorbing component 2 and the pocket flap 3 from shaking between the two retainer bodies 1 and reduce the degree of wear between the energy-absorbing component 2, the pocket flap 3 and the retainer body 1.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, a wedge-shaped bevel 10 is provided at the radial end of the inner wall of the pocket flap 3 on the side away from the energy-absorbing component 2, and the extending direction of the surface of the wedge-shaped bevel 10 is away from the center of the pocket flap. The gap between the wedge-shaped bevel 10 and the rolling element 14 is greater than the gap between the inner wall of the pocket flap 3 and the rolling element 14.

[0036] It is understandable that the inner wall of the pocket flap 3 is the surface that contacts the rolling element 14; the wedge-shaped bevel 10 is formed on both sides of the inner wall of the pocket flap 3, and a wedge-shaped space is formed between the wedge-shaped bevel and the rolling element 14. When the rolling element 14 rotates, the lubricating oil is carried into the pocket of the pocket flap 3 through the wedge-shaped space. According to the Reynolds Equation, the fluid will generate a dynamic pressure effect in the converging gap, thereby "squeezing" out a high-pressure oil film with a certain load-bearing capacity between the steel ball and the pocket wall. This achieves lubrication between the pocket flap 3 and the rolling element 14.

[0037] The window beam between two adjacent mounting slots 4 in the retainer body 1 has a fixing hole 7 for the connector 11 to pass through. The two retainer bodies 1 are fixedly connected by the connector 11.

[0038] All energy-absorbing components 2 installed in the mounting slot 4 of the same retainer body 1 are connected to form a ring structure that conforms to the shape of the retainer body 1, and all pocket flaps 3 installed in the mounting slot 4 of the same retainer body 1 are connected to form a ring structure that conforms to the shape of the retainer body 1. All the energy-absorbing components 2 connected to form a ring structure and all the pocket flaps 3 connected to form a ring structure have through holes that are adapted to the fixing holes 7.

[0039] The connector 11 is disposed in the fixing hole 7. The connector 11 can be a rivet, a buckle or a screw, as long as it can firmly connect the two cage bodies 1. In this embodiment, a rivet is preferred for connection.

[0040] Example 2 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, a bearing, such as Figure 8 As shown, the bearing includes an outer ring 12, an inner ring 13, multiple rolling elements 14, and a cage 15. The cage 15 is disposed between the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 13. The rolling elements 14 are disposed in pockets formed by pocket flaps 3 of the cage 15. In this embodiment, the number of rolling elements 14 is 8. The number of mounting slots 4 and rolling elements 14 is determined according to the load that the bearing needs to bear.

[0041] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bearing cage, characterized in that, The device includes two docking cage bodies (1), multiple energy-absorbing components (2) and multiple pocket flaps (3). Each cage body (1) has a mounting groove (4) with one energy-absorbing component (2) and one pocket flap (3), and the energy-absorbing component (2) is sandwiched between the pocket flap (3) and the mounting groove (4). Two adjacent pocket flaps (3) in the axial direction are combined to form a pocket for accommodating the rolling element. The energy-absorbing component (2) has multiple hollow protrusions (5) on its side near the pocket flap (3). The radial end of the inner wall of the pocket flap (3) facing away from the energy absorption assembly (2) is provided with a wedge-shaped bevel (10), and the extension direction of the surface of the wedge-shaped bevel (10) is away from the center of the pocket flap (3); the gap between the wedge-shaped bevel (10) and the rolling element (14) is greater than the gap between the inner wall of the pocket flap (3) and the rolling element (14); The material stiffness of the energy-absorbing component (2) and the pocket flap (3) is less than that of the mounting groove (4). When the pocket flap (3) is impacted by the rolling element (14), the pocket flap (3) undergoes elastic deformation and squeezes the energy-absorbing component (2). The protruding structure (5) on the energy-absorbing component (2) undergoes elastic deformation. Since the material stiffness of the mounting groove (4) is relatively large, it can provide stable support for the energy-absorbing component (2).

2. The bearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the cage body (1), the distribution density of the protrusion structure (5) in the radial middle of the energy absorption assembly (2) is greater than the distribution density of the protrusion structure (5) at both radial ends of the energy absorption assembly (2).

3. The bearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the circumferential direction of the cage body (1), the distribution density of the protrusions (5) at both ends of the energy absorption assembly (2) is greater than the distribution density of the protrusions (5) in the middle of the circumferential direction of the energy absorption assembly (2).

4. The bearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer body (1) has a fixing hole (7) formed between two adjacent mounting slots (4) in the window beam for the connector (11) to pass through; the two retainer bodies (1) are fixedly connected by the connector (11).

5. The bearing cage according to claim 4, characterized in that, All the energy-absorbing components (2) disposed in the mounting groove (4) of the same retainer body (1) are connected to form a ring structure that conforms to the retainer body (1), and all the pocket flaps (3) disposed in the mounting groove (4) of the same retainer body (1) are connected to form a ring structure that conforms to the retainer body (1). All the energy-absorbing components (2) connected to form an annular structure and all the pocket flaps (3) connected to form an annular structure are provided with through holes that are adapted to the fixing holes (7).

6. The bearing cage according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing component (2) has a first limiting plate (8) at both circumferential ends, which is in the same direction as the extension of the window beam. The first limiting plate (8) has an opening at its circumferential end, and two adjacent openings enclose a through hole that is adapted to the fixing hole (7). The pocket flap (3) has a second limiting plate (9) at both circumferential ends, which is in the same direction as the extension of the window beam. The second limiting plate (9) has an opening at its circumferential end, and two adjacent openings enclose a through hole that is adapted to the fixing hole (7).

7. The bearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centers of the energy-absorbing component (2), the pocket flap (3), and the mounting groove (4) overlap.

8. A bearing, characterized in that, include: An outer ring (12), an inner ring (13), a plurality of rolling elements (14), and a cage (15) as described in any one of claims 1-7, the cage (15) being disposed between the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (13), and the rolling elements (14) being disposed in pockets formed by pocket flaps (3) of the cage (15).

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