Cage for a rolling bearing

Abstract

A cage (18) for a rolling bearing is intended to ensure the circumferential spacing of at least one row of balls and comprises a plurality of cells (24) for the balls of said row. The cage comprises an annular heel (20) and a partition portion (22) extending from the heel and delimiting said cells between one another. The cage also comprises at least one reinforcing ring (25) at least partially embedded within the heel (20) and extending inside said cage only in the heel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cages for rolling bearings designed to ensure circumferential spacing of at least one row of balls, and more particularly to cages designed for applications involving high speeds. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a cage comprises an annular base and dividing portions extending from the base and defining cells for seating the ball. The dividing portions are typically provided with claws to define the cells and ensure the cage remains on the ball. Further details regarding the design of such a cage can be found, for example, in patent FR2911934 B1.

[0003] For cost and weight reasons, this type of cage is usually made of synthetic materials.

[0004] In applications involving high speeds or high temperatures, the cage may deform, leading to contact with the bearing rings and / or enlargement of the cell, which could cause the balls to separate from the cage.

[0005] To overcome these drawbacks, one solution involves increasing the thickness of the cage's base. However, this may be incompatible with specifications in some applications.

[0006] Another solution involves reducing the radial dimensions of the cage's partitions, making these partitions less sensitive to centrifugal effects. However, this can lead to ball loss.

[0007] The present invention aims to address these shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a cage for a rolling bearing, the cage being designed to ensure the circumferential spacing of at least one column of balls and comprising a plurality of cells for the balls in the column.

[0009] The retainer includes an annular heel and separation portions that extend from the heel and define the cells between each other.

[0010] According to a general feature, the cage further includes at least one reinforcing ring, which is at least partially embedded in the heel portion and extends integrally (entirely) within the heel portion inside the cage.

[0011] The reinforcing ring increases the mechanical strength of the cage. The reinforcing ring only strengthens the cage when it deforms.

[0012] In cage applications involving high speeds or high temperatures, reinforcing rings limit cage deformation. By reinforcing the cage, the reinforcing rings also improve responsiveness during significant acceleration.

[0013] The heel portion preferably has a first front face and an opposing second front face, with the dividing portion extending from the second front face. The first and second front faces define the axial thickness of the heel portion. The reinforcing ring is entirely located within the cage between the first and second front faces.

[0014] In one embodiment, the retainer includes a plurality of recesses spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. Each recess extends within the thickness of one of the partition portions and is open radially inward. The recesses may extend from a first front of the heel portion.

[0015] The recess can be used to center the reinforcing ring in the relevant production mold. The recess also provides a substantially constant thickness for the cage.

[0016] The reinforcing ring may be flush with the bottom of each recess. Alternatively, the reinforcing ring may be positioned radially away from the bottom of each recess.

[0017] In one embodiment, the reinforcing ring is open at a point on its circumference. Thus, the reinforcing ring is provided with opposing first and second ends, which define the ring in the circumferential direction and are spaced apart from each other.

[0018] The opening may be located circumferentially within a section of one of the partitions. Alternatively, the opening may be located circumferentially between two consecutive partitions.

[0019] Alternatively, the first and second ends of the ring can be supported against each other.

[0020] In another variation, the reinforcing ring can be annular, meaning that the reinforcing ring can be continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0021] The reinforcing ring may have a square, rectangular, or circular profile in its cross-section.

[0022] Preferably, the base and the partition of the cage are formed into a single component by molding at least one synthetic material.

[0023] The outer surface of the reinforcing ring may have hollow elements (e.g., slots and / or grooves) to allow the heel to engage with the hollow elements.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a bearing comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, at least one row of balls disposed between the rings, and a cage as defined above. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will be better understood by studying the detailed description of the embodiments given by way of entirely non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] [ Figure 1 [Illustration 1] is a partial perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the bearing cage in the image.

[0028] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 2 The front view of the cage in the middle.

[0029] [ Figure 4 ] is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in the middle, and

[0030] [ Figure 5 ]

[0031] [ Figure 6 ]

[0032] [ Figure 7 ]

[0033] [ Figure 8 [Illustration 1] is a cross-sectional view of a cage for a rolling bearing according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the rolling bearing 10 includes an outer ring 12, an inner ring 14, a plurality of balls 16 arranged radially between the rings, and a cage 18 for maintaining a regular circumferential spacing of the balls. In this case, the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 are solid. "Solid ring" should be understood to mean a ring having a shape obtained from a tube, bar, or forged and / or rolled billet by machining (turning or grinding).

[0035] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown more clearly in the diagram, the cage 18 includes an axial portion or annular heel 20 intended to be axially disposed on one side of the ball, and finger-like portions or separators 22 extending axially from the heel 20 and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The separators 22 define cells 24 between each other, in which the ball is disposed. Each cell 24 is defined circumferentially by two consecutive separators 22. Each cell 24 is radially open inward and outward, and also axially open on the side opposite the heel 20. In this case, the separators 22 and the cells 24 are identical to each other.

[0036] The base 20 and the partition 22 of the cage are advantageously formed into a single part by molding a synthetic material, such as polyamide (especially PA66 or PA46) or, as another option, polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0037] As described in more detail below, the cage 18 having axis 18a also includes a reinforcing ring 25 partially embedded within the heel portion 20. The reinforcing ring 25 may be made of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) or alloy, or alternatively, the reinforcing ring 25 may be made of a rigid composite material.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 4 The heel portion 20 of the cage is provided with a first front face 20a and an opposing second front face 20b defining the axial thickness of the heel portion. In this case, the front faces 20a and 20b extend radially.

[0039] The separator portion 22 of the cage extends axially from the front side 20b of the heel portion on the opposite side of the front side 20a. The separator portion 22 is in the form of a pin protruding axially from the heel portion 20. Each separator portion 22 is defined radially by an aligned inner surface.

[0040] Each partition 22 has a spherical wall on each side in the circumferential direction, and the spherical walls connect to the spherical walls of adjacent partitions 22 to form associated cells 24.

[0041] Each partition 22 includes two claws 26 extending axially away from the base 20 and circumferentially in opposite directions. Each claw 26 of each partition 22 extends axially and circumferentially from one of the spherical walls of the partition. For a given cell 24, the spherical walls and claws 26 of the partition 22 tend to envelop the associated sphere.

[0042] Each claw 26 extends toward the claw 26 of the adjacent separator 22 to define the associated cell 24. The free ends of the two adjacent claws 26 of two adjacent separators 22 are spaced apart by a distance less than the diameter of the associated ball. The claws 26 are able to snap-fit ​​onto the ball disposed in the associated cell 24 to hold the cage 18 axially. The cage 18 is held on the ball axially by the claws 26. The claws 26 of each separator 22 are separated in the circumferential direction by recesses 28, such that they each have a relatively small circumferential thickness and a degree of flexibility, allowing the cage 18 to be snap-fitted onto the rolling element.

[0043] The retainer 18 also includes a plurality of recesses 30 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (in this case, regularly spaced apart). Each recess 30 extends in the radial thickness of one of the partition portions 22 and opens radially inward. Each recess 30 extends radially from the inner surface of the associated partition portion 22. Each recess 30 extends axially from the front face 20a of the heel portion to the associated partition portion 22, while remaining axially spaced from the recess 28. Each recess 30 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0044] As mentioned above, the cage 18 also includes a reinforcing ring 25 partially embedded within the heel portion 20. The reinforcing ring 25 is coaxial with the axis 18a of the cage. Inside the cage 18, the reinforcing ring 25 extends only within the heel portion 20. In other words, inside the cage 18, the reinforcing ring 25 does not extend into the partition portion 22. Inside the cage 18, considering the axial direction, the reinforcing ring 25 is entirely located between the front surfaces 20a and 20b of the heel portion.

[0045] Especially Figure 2 As shown, in this case, the reinforcing ring 25 is open at a certain point on its circumference. The reinforcing ring 25 is provided with a first end and a second end that define opposite ends of the ring in the circumferential direction. The opening in the reinforcing ring 25 is located in a region of one of the partition portions 22 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the opening in the reinforcing ring 25 is located within the axial extension of the partition portion 22.

[0046] Refer again Figure 4The reinforcing ring 25 is provided with a first front face 25a and an opposing second front face 25b defining the axial thickness of the ring. In this case, the front faces 25a and 25b extend radially. In the illustrated example embodiment, the reinforcing ring 25 is flush with the front face 20a of the heel portion. The remaining portion of the reinforcing ring 25 is embedded inside the heel portion 20.

[0047] Alternatively, the reinforcing ring 25 can be additionally configured within the base 20 of the cage.

[0048] For example, the front side 25a of the reinforcing ring can be embedded in the heel portion 20, and the hole of the ring can be flush with the bottom of each recess 30.

[0049] Figure 5 Another possible configuration is shown, which differs from the first example only in that, considering the radial direction, the reinforcing ring 25 is located at the center of the heel 20 of the cage.

[0050] exist Figure 6 Another possible configuration is shown, which differs from the first example only in that the outer surface of the reinforcing ring 25 is flush with the outer surface of the heel portion 20 of the cage.

[0051] exist Figure 7 In the example implementation shown, the reinforcing ring 25 is flush with the bottom of each cell 24. More specifically, the front side 25b of the reinforcing ring is flush with the bottom of each cell 24.

[0052] In the previously illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing ring 25 has a square profile in cross-section. In a variation, the reinforcing ring 25 may have a different profile, such as a triangular, rectangular, or even circular profile, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown.

[0053] In the above example embodiment, the reinforcing ring 25 is only partially embedded within the heel portion 20. This makes it easier to position and retain the reinforcing ring 25 within the relevant production mold before the composite material covering the heel portion 20 and the separating portion 22 is applied.

[0054] In one variation, the reinforcing ring 25 can still be fully embedded within the heel portion 20.

[0055] In the example embodiment shown, a single reinforcing ring 25 is embedded within the heel portion 20. Alternatively, several reinforcing rings may be embedded within the heel portion 20.

[0056] In the illustrated example embodiment, the reinforcing ring 25 is in the form of a flat ring. In one variation, the reinforcing ring may have corrugations in the radial and / or axial directions. In another variation, the reinforcing ring may be provided in the form of a winding of coils.

Claims

1. A cage (18) for a rolling bearing, the cage (18) being designed to ensure circumferential spacing of at least one column of balls and comprising a plurality of cells (24) for the balls of said column, the cage comprising an annular base (20) and dividing portions (22) extending from said base and defining the cells between each other, characterized in that, The retainer also includes at least one reinforcing ring (25) which is at least partially embedded in the heel portion (20) and extends only within the retainer in the heel portion.

2. The cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heel portion (20) is provided with a first front face (20a) and an opposing second front face (20b), the dividing portion (22) extends from the second front face (20b), the first front face (20a) and the second front face (20b) define the axial thickness of the heel portion in the axial direction, and the reinforcing ring (25) is integrally located inside the cage between the first front face (20a) and the second front face (20b).

3. The cage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reinforcing ring (25) is flush with the first front side (20a) of the heel portion.

4. The cage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes a plurality of recesses (30) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, each recess (30) extending in the thickness of one of the partition portions (22) and opening radially inward.

5. The cage according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The recess (30) extends from the first front side (20a) of the heel portion.

6. The cage according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The reinforcing ring (25) is flush with the bottom of each recess (30).

7. The cage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reinforcing ring (25) is made of metal.

8. The cage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reinforcing ring (25) has an opening at a certain point on its circumference, the opening being located in the circumferential direction within a region of one of the partitions.

9. The cage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reinforcing ring (25) has a square, rectangular or circular profile in cross-section.

10. A rolling bearing comprising an inner ring (12), an outer ring (14), at least one row of balls (16) disposed between the rings, and a cage (18) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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