Bearing assembly and method of assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a bearing assembly and an assembling method. The bearing assembly comprises a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring, a press plate, a retainer and a sleeve. One of the press plate and the first bearing ring comprises a first side surface and a second side surface facing in opposite radial directions and a through hole extending in the radial direction; the other of the press plate and the first bearing ring comprises a guide groove facing the first side surface; when the bearing assembly is assembled: the guide groove faces the through hole in the radial direction, the sleeve is fixed to the second side surface, so that the one of the press plate and the first bearing ring is located between the other and the sleeve in the radial direction, the retainer is installed in the through hole, the sleeve closes an end of the through hole communicating with the second side surface, so that the retainer cannot pass the first radial position in the radial direction towards the sleeve; when the sleeve is not installed in the bearing assembly: the retainer can move in the through hole in the radial direction away from the first side surface beyond the first radial position. The bearing assembly and the assembling method of the present application facilitate the installation of the press plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a bearing assembly having a pressure plate and a method for assembling such a bearing assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Bearings are commonly used in transmission systems to support rotating components, such as shafts. In some applications, bearings are mounted using clamping plates. For example, in the gearboxes of motor vehicles, bearings supporting the input shaft are mounted to the gearbox housing using clamping plates. The clamping plate is typically press-fitted to the outer ring of the bearing. When assembled with the bearing, the clamping plate is loosely fitted to the outer ring and can rotate circumferentially relative to it. This connection method facilitates alignment of bolt holes when securing the clamping plate to the gearbox housing. Once the bearing and clamping plate are installed in the gearbox, the outer ring, clamping plate, and housing can be completely secured together using bolts or other fasteners.

[0003] Common assembly methods for pressure plates and bearings are found in patent documents such as CN 106460938 B. In these methods, three protrusions are formed on the inner periphery of the mounting hole of the pressure plate, evenly distributed circumferentially. When assembling the pressure plate onto the outer ring, the protrusions of the pressure plate are pressed one by one into the annular mounting groove of the outer ring. Rotatable axial positioning is achieved through the sliding engagement of the protrusions with the mounting groove. The drawback of this installation method is that the protrusions of the pressure plate deform when pressed into the mounting groove, which may lead to breakage of the protrusions. This can result in problems such as debris contamination, misalignment, pressure plate jamming, and pressure plate detachment.

[0004] Another existing assembly method uses a retaining ring to bind the outer ring to the pressure plate. This assembly method is seen in patent documents such as CN 203570992 U. In this method, a circumferentially extending annular groove is provided inside the mounting hole of the pressure plate to hold the retaining ring. Because the retaining ring is prone to elastic deformation, it may detach during use, which in turn may cause the pressure plate to detach. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved bearing assembly and assembly method.

[0006] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by a bearing assembly according to the present invention. The bearing assembly includes a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring, and a pressure plate. The first and second bearing rings are arranged radially opposite to each other and are rotatable relative to each other about a common central axis. The pressure plate is configured to be mounted to the radial side of the first bearing ring. One of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring includes: a first side surface and a second side surface radially opposite each other, and a through hole radially extending between the first and second side surfaces; the other of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring includes a guide groove for facing the first side surface radially and extending circumferentially. The bearing assembly also includes a retainer and a sleeve; when the bearing assembly is assembled: the guide groove faces the through hole radially, the sleeve is fixed to the second side surface such that one of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring is radially positioned between the other and the sleeve, the retainer is installed in the through hole, the sleeve closes the end of the through hole communicating with the second side surface such that the retainer cannot move radially toward the sleeve beyond the first radial position, the retainer abuts against the sleeve at the first radial position and protrudes radially from the first side surface and is inserted into the guide groove such that the pressure plate is rotatably axially positioned relative to the first bearing ring; and when the sleeve is not installed in the bearing assembly: the retainer can move radially away from the first side surface in the through hole beyond the first radial position. Before assembling the sleeve, the retainer's radial position within the through hole can be easily changed, thereby reducing or even eliminating its obstruction to the assembly process of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring, thus facilitating assembly. Simultaneously, after assembling the sleeve, the radial position of the retainer installed in the through hole can be defined by the fit between the through hole and the sleeve, allowing the retainer to axially constrain the pressure plate relative to the first bearing ring upon completion of assembly. This not only facilitates assembly but also reduces the risk of bearing assembly damage.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the sleeve is not installed in the bearing assembly, the retainer can move radially away from the first side surface in the through hole past the first radial position to reach the second radial position, and the retainer and the through hole can be form-fitted to prevent the retainer from moving radially away from the first side surface past the second radial position. This prevents the retainer from falling out of the through hole before the sleeve is installed.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer may not protrude radially from the first side surface at a second radial position. Therefore, the retainer located at the second radial position will not obstruct the assembly process of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring at all.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer can be formed in a spherical shape, and the through-hole can have a circular profile in a cross-section orthogonal to the radial direction and have a diameter that gradually decreases radially toward the second side surface. The spherical retainer facilitates installation and machining, and can reduce friction and stress concentration. The circular cross-section of the through-hole can accommodate the shape of the spherical retainer and facilitates defining the second radial position of the retainer by the narrowing diameter.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the through-hole may have a through-hole axis extending in the radial direction of the bearing assembly, and in a cross-section passing through the through-hole axis, the through-hole may have an arcuate sidewall profile. This allows the through-hole to better accommodate the shape of a spherical retainer.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve can be fixed to the second side surface by an interference fit. The sleeve can be assembled to the side surface of the pressure plate or the first bearing ring, for example, by press fitting.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring may include an annular flange portion and a stepped surface. The flange portion protrudes axially, and a first side surface and a second side surface may be formed as two radially opposite side surfaces of the flange portion. The stepped surface extends radially away from the first side surface from the axial end of the second side surface of the flange portion. When the sleeve is installed in the bearing assembly, the sleeve may abut axially against the stepped surface. The stepped surface can provide assembly positioning for the sleeve.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may include a chamfered region formed at an axial end facing the stepped surface, the chamfered region extending obliquely relative to the axial direction along a straight line or arc and facing the flange portion radially. The chamfered region can guide the sleeve to move over a retainer mounted in the through hole during press-fitting.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, when the sleeve is installed into the bearing assembly, the sleeve may not extend axially beyond the axial end of the flange facing away from the stepped surface. This ensures that installing the sleeve does not increase the axial length of the bearing.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring may include a plurality of through holes spaced apart circumferentially, and the bearing assembly may include a plurality of corresponding retainers, each retainer being mounted in a corresponding through hole. The plurality of retainers distributed circumferentially can ensure a stable limiting effect.

[0016] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by an assembly method according to the present invention for assembling a bearing assembly having the above-described features. The assembly method includes: installing a retainer into a through hole; assembling a first bearing ring and a pressure plate together, such that a guide groove faces the through hole and the retainer is located between the guide groove and the through hole, after the retainer has moved radially away from a first side surface in the through hole past a first radial position; and installing a sleeve into one of the pressure plate and the first bearing ring, such that the pressure plate and the first bearing ring are radially positioned between the other and the sleeve, and limiting the retainer to be radially inserted into the guide groove, such that the pressure plate is rotatably axially positioned relative to the first bearing ring. This assembly method is easy to operate and reduces the risk of damage to the bearing assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent elements with the same function. Wherein:

[0018] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Cross-sectional views and detailed views of a bearing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively;

[0019] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A perspective view and a detailed view of a bearing assembly for removing a pressure plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively; and

[0020] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Cross-sectional views and detailed views of a bearing assembly with a removed pressure plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following describes specific embodiments of the bearing assembly and assembly method according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings below are provided to illustrate the principles of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the described preferred embodiments; the scope of protection of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly is provided. This bearing assembly has a pressure plate capable of axially positioning rotatably relative to the bearing rings, and the bearing assembly can be further mounted to other support structures via the pressure plate. For example, this bearing assembly can be used to support the input shaft of a transmission in a motor vehicle and mounted to the transmission housing via the pressure plate.

[0023] Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown through its central axis, while Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a Details of the cross-sectional view within the circled area. (e.g.) Figure 1aAs shown, the bearing assembly mainly comprises a bearing body and a pressure plate. The bearing body consists of conventional bearing components, including an outer ring 10, an inner ring 20, rolling elements 30, and a cage 40. The outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20 are each formed as generally cylindrical components, with the outer ring 10 arranged coaxially to the radially outer side of the inner ring 20, such that they are generally radially opposite to each other. The common central axis of the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20 is the central axis of the bearing assembly. The bearing body typically includes a plurality of rolling elements 30, which are radially arranged between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20 and distributed circumferentially at intervals (particularly uniformly) around the common central axis of the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20. The cage 40 is also radially arranged between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20 and defines and holds the circumferential position of each rolling element 30 relative to each other. The rolling element 30 can roll along the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 10 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 20, thereby allowing the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20 to rotate relative to each other about a central axis. The rolling element 30 can be various types of components, such as spherical, cylindrical, or drum-shaped. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rolling element 30 is schematically shown as a spherical component, and the bearing assembly is schematically shown as a deep groove ball bearing. Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solution of the present invention can be applied to various types of bearings, and the specific types of bearings and rolling elements do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0024] like Figure 1a As shown, the bearing assembly's pressure plate portion mainly includes a pressure plate 50 and components for mounting the pressure plate 50. The pressure plate 50 is mounted to one of the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20, preferably at its axial end. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure plate 50 is formed as a generally plate-shaped component with a circular mounting hole and is mounted to the outer ring 10, particularly to the radially outer side of one axial end of the outer ring 10. In other embodiments, depending on the mounting requirements, the pressure plate 50 may also be mounted to the inner ring 20, particularly to the radially inner or outer side of one axial end of the inner ring 20. For ease of distinction between the two bearing rings, both the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 20 may be referred to as bearing rings, wherein the bearing ring directly assembled with the pressure plate 50 is further referred to as the first bearing ring, and the other bearing ring is further referred to as the second bearing ring. The pressure plate 50 is mounted to the radial side of the first bearing ring, particularly to the radially opposite side of one axial end of the first bearing ring facing the second bearing ring. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bearing ring is the outer ring 10.

[0025] like Figure 1bAs shown, the components for mounting the pressure plate 50 mainly include a retainer 60 and a sleeve 70. To axially limit the pressure plate 50, a through hole is formed in one of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring to mount the retainer 60, while a guide groove is formed in the other to accommodate the retainer 60. The sleeve 70 then restricts the radial position of the retainer 60, causing it to be inserted radially into the guide groove. The guide groove extends approximately circumferentially, and the sleeve 70 is formed as a generally cylindrical component and is also substantially coaxially mounted, particularly fixed, to the first bearing ring or the pressure plate 50. This achieves axial limiting of the pressure plate 50 relative to the first bearing ring. In the assembled bearing assembly state, the component with the through hole (one of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring), particularly the portion with the through hole, is radially positioned between the component with the guide groove (the other of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring) and the sleeve 70.

[0026] Specifically, the through hole extends between two radially opposite side surfaces of one of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring, thereby substantially penetrating the component radially. The two side surfaces of the portion in which the through hole is formed can be referred to as the first side surface and the second side surface, respectively, wherein the first side surface 11a is the side surface facing the guide groove in the assembled state, and the second side surface is the side surface facing the sleeve 70 in the assembled state.

[0027] like Figure 1b As shown, in this embodiment, the component with the through hole 12 is schematically represented as the outer ring 10. Here, the through hole 12 is preferably formed in a predetermined axial section at one axial end of the outer ring 10. In this embodiment, since the pressure plate 50 is mounted radially outward of the outer ring 10, the first side surface 11a of the outer ring 10 is schematically represented as the radially outward surface, while the second side surface 11b is correspondingly represented as the radially inward surface. Accordingly, the guide groove 51 extends substantially circumferentially on the radially inward surface of the pressure plate 50, thus facing the first side surface 11a radially, while the sleeve 70 is located radially inward of the outer ring 10. The guide groove 51 can be a closed annulus or one or more unclosed circumferential sections, which can be designed according to the desired range of rotation between the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring. Viewed in a cross-section through the central axis of the bearing assembly, the guide groove 51 can, for example, have an arcuate, arched, or V-shaped profile.

[0028] Based on the shape and size relationship between the through hole 12 and the retainer 60, the retainer 60, installed in the through hole 12, can move radially relative to the through hole 12 within at least a certain range. However, this radial movement of the retainer 60 within the through hole 12 is restricted by components on both radially opposite sides.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 1bAs shown, in the state where the bearing assembly is assembled, the guide groove 51 faces radially toward the open end of the through hole 12 communicating with the first side surface 11a. The sleeve 70 is fixed (particularly by interference fit) to the second side surface 11b. The portion of the pressure plate 50 or the first bearing ring with the through hole 12 is therefore located radially between the portion with the guide groove 51 and the sleeve 70. At this time, the sleeve 70 abuts against the second side surface 11 and closes the open end of the through hole 12 communicating with the second side surface 11b. The retainer 60 installed in the through hole 12 is radially restricted by the guide groove 51 and the sleeve 70, respectively. The sleeve 70 defines the limit position of the retainer 60 moving radially toward the sleeve 70, which is called the first radial position—as shown in the image. Figure 1b As shown by the solid line position of the retainer 60, in the assembled state, the retainer 60 will radially abut against the sleeve 70 at the first radial position, preventing the retainer 60 from moving further radially toward the sleeve 70 beyond the first radial position. Simultaneously, since the retainer 60 is larger than the radial length of the through hole 12 (i.e., the radial thickness of the portion forming the through hole 12) in at least one dimension (which is substantially along the radial direction of the bearing assembly, i.e., the through-hole 12's through-direction), the retainer 60 at the first radial position will radially protrude from the first side surface 11a and insert into the guide groove 51. At this time, the protruding portion of the retainer 60 can move circumferentially in the guide groove 51, thereby achieving rotatable axial positioning of the pressure plate 50 relative to the first bearing ring (outer ring 10 in this embodiment). To achieve this rotational positioning, the fit between the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring is a clearance fit, and the fit between the retainer 60 and the guide groove 51 is also preferably a clearance fit.

[0030] like Figure 1b The position of the dotted line of the middle retaining part 60 and Figure 3b As shown by the solid line position of the retainer 60, on the other hand, when the sleeve 70 is not installed in the bearing assembly, the shape and size of both the through hole 12 and the retainer 60 allow the retainer 60 to move further within the through hole 12 in a radial direction away from the first side surface 11a, thus exceeding the first radial position, due to the absence of the sleeve 70's obstruction. This further movement reduces the length of the retainer 60 protruding from the first side surface 11a, or even eliminates it from protruding from the first side surface 11a altogether. Figure 1bAs shown, taking the guide groove 51 in the installed state as a reference, further moving the retainer 60 in the state without the sleeve 70 installed can effectively reduce or even eliminate interference between the component with the guide groove 51 (the pressure plate 50 in this embodiment) and the retainer 60 during the assembly of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring (outer ring 10 in this embodiment), thereby reducing or even eliminating component deformation during the assembly process. After the first bearing ring, pressure plate 50, and retainer 60 are assembled together, the sleeve 70 is then installed onto... Figure 1a and Figure 1b At the position shown, a stable axial positioning relationship can be achieved. This structure not only significantly reduces the installation difficulty of the bearing assembly, but also significantly reduces the risk of bearing assembly damage.

[0031] In embodiments of the present invention, the axial positioning of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring can be achieved by varying numbers of retaining members 60. Specifically, the components with through holes in the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring may include one or more through holes 12, while the bearing assembly may include the same number of retaining members 60, each retaining member 60 being mounted in a corresponding through hole 12. When the components with through holes in the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring include multiple through holes 12, such as... Figure 2a and Figure 3a As shown, these through holes 12 are preferably distributed circumferentially at intervals, particularly uniformly, and correspondingly, the multiple retainers 60 after installation will also be distributed circumferentially at intervals, particularly uniformly. Each retainer 60 may preferably have the same shape and size, and each through hole 12 may also preferably have the same shape and size. In some embodiments, to ensure radial positional stability and force balance between the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring, the components with through holes in the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring may preferably have at least three through holes 12, and the bearing assembly may include the same number of retainers 60. In practical applications, three through holes 12 and three retainers 60 may be a common choice.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, to prevent the retainer 60 from falling out of the through hole 12 during assembly, the retainer 60 can be limited by the through hole 12. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1b The position of the dotted line of the middle retaining part 60 and Figure 3bAs shown by the solid line position of the retainer 60, when the sleeve 70 is not installed in the bearing assembly, the furthest position that each retainer 60 can move radially away from the first side surface 11a in the corresponding through hole 12 is defined as the second radial position. In the second radial position, the retainer 60 has moved further radially away from the first radial position. This movement, with reference to the guide groove 51 in the installed state, means that the second radial position is further away from the guide groove 51 than the first radial position. The retainer 60 and the through hole 12 can be form-fitted to prevent the retainer 60 from moving radially away from the first side surface 11a beyond the second radial position. The retainer 60, unable to cross the second radial position, will thus not detach from the second side surface 11b without the sleeve 70 installed. Preferably, the length of the retainer 60 protruding radially from the first side surface 11a in the second radial position should at least not obstruct the installation of the component with the guide groove 51, and in particular, the retainer 60 may not protrude radially from the first side surface 11a in the second radial position.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the second radial position can be defined by a radially tapering fit between the dimensions of each retainer 60 and the corresponding through-hole 12. That is, each retainer 60 and the corresponding through-hole 12 can each have a cross-sectional dimension that gradually decreases in the radial direction of the bearing assembly away from the first side surface 11a, such that they abut against each other radially at the second radial position. Furthermore, in a cross-section orthogonal to the radial direction of the bearing assembly, each retainer 60 and the corresponding through-hole 12 preferably have substantially corresponding shapes. Figure 1a As shown, a preferred embodiment is that each retainer 60 can be formed as a sphere, and the corresponding through hole 12 can have a circular profile in a cross-section orthogonal to the radial direction, and the diameter of its cross-section gradually decreases towards the second side surface 11b along the radial direction of the bearing assembly. Figure 3b As shown, at the end opening of the through hole 12 connected to the first side surface 11a, the cross-sectional diameter of the through hole 12 is larger than the maximum diameter of the retainer 60, so the retainer 60 can be placed into the through hole 12 from this end; while at the end opening of the through hole 12 connected to the second side surface 11b, the cross-sectional diameter of the through hole 12 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the retainer 60, so the retainer 60 cannot fall off from this end. More preferably, as... Figure 3b As shown, each through-hole 12 may have a through-hole axis extending substantially along the radial direction of the bearing assembly, and when viewed in a cross-section through the through-hole axis, the through-hole 12 may have an arcuate sidewall profile. This allows the through-hole 12 to better accommodate the shape of the spherical retainer 60.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, the second radial position can also be defined by other types of shape fits. For example, a stepped surface facing the first side surface 11a can be formed at the end of the through hole 12 near the first side surface 11a, and another stepped surface facing the stepped surface of the through hole 12 radially can be formed at the end of the retainer 60 facing away from the second side surface 11b. When the second radial position is reached, the two stepped surfaces of the through hole 12 and the retainer 60 can abut each other substantially radially to prevent the retainer 60 from exceeding the second radial position. Such a retainer 60 can be formed, for example, as a stepped prism or cylinder.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments, when the sleeve 70 is not installed in the bearing assembly, the shape and size of the through-hole 12 and the retainer 60 may allow each retainer 60 to pass completely radially through the corresponding through-hole 12. In this case, care must be taken to prevent the retainer 60 from detaching from the through-hole 12 when installing the sleeve 70.

[0036] The components with through holes in the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring can be formed with an annular flange to accommodate the through holes. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2a and Figure 3a As shown, the first bearing ring (outer ring 10 in this embodiment) may have a flange portion 11 that protrudes substantially axially from the axial end face of the main body portion of the ring. A first side surface 11a and a second side surface 11b are formed as two radially opposite side surfaces of the flange portion 11. The flange portion 11 is formed as an annular structure arranged substantially coaxially with the bearing assembly, and its axial thickness is less than the axial thickness of the main body portion of the outer ring 10. Consequently, two stepped surfaces are formed on both sides of the end of the flange portion 11 connected to the main body portion. The stepped surface adjacent to the first side surface 11a is marked as stepped surface 13a, and the stepped surface adjacent to the second side surface 11b is marked as stepped surface 13b. Stepped surface 13a extends substantially radially away from the second side surface 11b from the axial end of the first side surface 11a of the flange portion 11, while stepped surface 13b extends substantially radially away from the first side surface 11a from the axial end of the second side surface 11b of the flange portion 11. During and / or after the component with the guide groove 51 (in this embodiment, the pressure plate 50) is installed onto the flange portion 11, the axial end of the component can abut against the stepped surface 13a approximately axially. During and / or after the sleeve 70 is installed onto the flange portion 11, the sleeve 70 can abut against the stepped surface 13b approximately axially. The two stepped surfaces allow for the limiting of the components on both sides of the flange portion 11.

[0037] like Figure 1bAs shown, in a further preferred embodiment, the sleeve 70 may have a chamfered region 71 formed at its axial end facing the stepped surface 13b. The chamfered region 71 may be an annular region surrounding the central axis of the bearing assembly. Viewed in a cross-section through the central axis of the bearing assembly, the chamfered region 71 may extend obliquely relative to the axial direction along a straight line or an arc, and when the sleeve 70 is installed into the bearing assembly, the chamfered region 71 faces the flange portion 11 radially. During the press-fitting of the sleeve 70 onto the flange portion 11, this chamfered region 71 can guide the end of the sleeve 70 to move smoothly over the guide member 60.

[0038] like Figure 1b As shown, in a further preferred embodiment, when the sleeve 70 is installed in the bearing assembly, the sleeve 70 may not extend axially beyond the axial end of the flange portion 11 facing away from the stepped surface 13b, thereby not increasing the axial length of the bearing assembly.

[0039] Corresponding to the above-described bearing assembly, the present invention also provides an assembly method for assembling such a bearing assembly. The assembly method comprises the following steps: First, each retainer 60 is installed into a corresponding through-hole 12. Then, with each retainer 60 moving radially away from the first side surface 11a in the corresponding through-hole 12 past a first radial position (particularly in a second radial position or without obstructing the component with the guide groove), the first bearing ring and the pressure plate 50 are assembled together such that the guide groove 51 faces these through-holes 12, and each retainer 60 is located between the guide groove 51 and the corresponding through-hole 12. As described above, in this case, preferably, the shape fit between the through-hole 12 and the retainer 60 can prevent the retainer 60 from falling out of the through-hole 12. Finally, the sleeve 70 is installed into one of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring having a through hole, such that the component is located radially between the other of the pressure plate 50 and the first bearing ring and the sleeve 70, and the retainer 60 is positioned radially inserted into the guide groove 51, thereby achieving axial positioning of the pressure plate 50 relative to the first bearing ring that allows rotation.

[0040] In the bearing assembly and assembly method according to the present invention, the retaining member used to achieve relative axial positioning of the pressure plate and the bearing ring is a movable part. Before the sleeve is installed, the retaining member can be moved to reduce or even avoid obstructing the assembly process of the pressure plate and the bearing ring. After the sleeve is installed, the radial position of the retaining member is constrained by the sleeve, thereby achieving relative axial positioning of the pressure plate and the bearing ring. This not only facilitates assembly but also reduces the risk of bearing assembly damage. This reduces the production and assembly costs of the bearing assembly while improving its service life and reliability.

[0041] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not in any way limit the scope, application, or construction of the invention. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0042] Appendix Label Table

[0043] 10 Outer ring

[0044] 11 Flange section

[0045] 11a First side surface

[0046] 11b Second side surface

[0047] 12 Through Holes

[0048] 13a Step surface

[0049] 13b Step surface

[0050] 20 Inner Circle

[0051] 30 Rolling element

[0052] 40 Cage

[0053] 50 pressure plate

[0054] 51 Guide slot

[0055] 60 Retaining parts

[0056] 70 sleeve

[0057] 71 Chamfered Area

Claims

1. A bearing assembly comprising a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring, and a pressure plate (50), the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring being arranged radially opposite to each other and rotatable relative to each other about a common central axis, the pressure plate (50) being configured to be mounted to a radial side of the first bearing ring, characterized in that, One of the pressure plate (50) and the first bearing ring includes: a first side surface (11a) and a second side surface (11b) that are radially opposite each other, and a through hole (12) that is radially through between the first side surface (11a) and the second side surface (11b); The other of the pressure plate (50) and the first bearing ring includes a guide groove (51) for facing the first side surface (11a) radially and extending circumferentially; The bearing assembly also includes a retainer (60) and a sleeve (70); When the bearing assembly is assembled: the guide groove (51) faces the through hole (12) radially; the sleeve (70) is fixed to the second side surface (11b) such that one of the pressure plate (50) and the first bearing ring is radially positioned between the other and the sleeve (70); the retainer (60) is installed in the through hole (12); the sleeve (70) closes the end of the through hole (12) communicating with the second side surface (11b) such that the retainer (60) cannot radially move past the sleeve (70) beyond a first radial position; the retainer (60) abuts against the sleeve (70) at the first radial position and radially protrudes from the first side surface (11a) and is inserted into the guide groove (51), such that the pressure plate (50) is rotatably axially positioned relative to the first bearing ring; and When the sleeve (70) is not installed in the bearing assembly: the retainer (60) is able to move radially away from the first side surface (11a) in the through hole (12) past the first radial position.

2. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the sleeve (70) is not installed in the bearing assembly, the retainer (60) is able to move radially away from the first side surface (11a) in the through hole (12) past the first radial position to reach the second radial position, and the retainer (60) and the through hole (12) are form-fitted to prevent the retainer (60) from moving radially away from the first side surface (11a) past the second radial position.

3. The bearing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retainer (60) does not protrude radially from the first side surface (11a) at the second radial position.

4. The bearing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retainer (60) is formed in a spherical shape, and the through hole (12) has a circular profile in a cross section orthogonal to the radial direction and has a diameter that gradually decreases radially toward the second side surface (11b).

5. The bearing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The through hole (12) has a through hole axis extending in the radial direction of the bearing assembly, and in a cross section passing through the through hole axis, the through hole (12) has an arcuate sidewall profile.

6. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve (70) is fixed to the second side surface (11b) by an interference fit.

7. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the pressure plate (50) and the first bearing ring includes an annular flange (11) and a stepped surface (13b), the flange (11) protruding axially, the first side surface (11a) and the second side surface (11b) being formed as two radially opposite side surfaces of the flange (11), the stepped surface (13b) extending radially away from the first side surface (11a) from the axial end of the second side surface (11b) of the flange (11), and the sleeve (70) abutting the stepped surface (13b) axially when the sleeve (70) is installed in the bearing assembly.

8. The bearing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sleeve (70) includes a chamfered region (71) formed at an axial end facing the stepped surface (13b), the chamfered region (71) extending obliquely to the axial direction along a straight line or arc and facing the flange portion (11) radially.

9. The bearing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the sleeve (70) is installed in the bearing assembly, the sleeve (70) does not axially extend beyond the axial end of the flange (11) facing away from the stepped surface (13b).

10. The bearing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The pressure plate (50) and the first bearing ring each include a plurality of through holes (12) spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the bearing assembly includes a plurality of corresponding retainers (60), each retainer (60) being mounted in a corresponding through hole (12).

11. An assembly method for assembling a bearing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the assembly method comprising: The retainer (60) is installed into the through hole (12); When the retainer (60) moves radially away from the first side surface (11a) in the through hole (12) past the first radial position, the first bearing ring and the pressure plate (50) are assembled together such that the guide groove (51) faces the through hole (12) and the retainer (60) is located between the guide groove (51) and the through hole (12); and The sleeve (70) is installed onto one of the pressure plate (50) and the first bearing ring such that the pressure plate (50) and the first bearing ring are radially positioned between the other and the sleeve (70), and the retainer (60) is positioned radially inserted into the guide groove (51) such that the pressure plate (50) is rotatably axially positioned relative to the first bearing ring.

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