Rolling bearing assembly and method for assembling a rolling bearing assembly

Abstract

Rolling bearing assembly (3) comprising a bearing ring (6) and a plurality of rolling elements (15) arranged on a running surface of the bearing ring (6), wherein the rolling bearing assembly (3) is a multi-row rolling bearing (9), characterized in that a device (1) for retaining lubricants, which has an annular or substantially annular retaining body (2), is arranged on the bearing ring (6) at least between two rolling element sets (7) of the rolling bearing (9) in such a way that a lubricant space (8) is formed between the bearing ring (6) and the device (1), wherein the retaining body (2) of the device (1) is arranged adjacent to the rolling elements (15), wherein the lubricant space (8) is delimited by the retaining body (2) and the bearing ring (6) on at least two sides, wherein the retaining body (2) has a width such that the retaining body, in the installed state, of the rolling element set,and at least partially covers the bearing ring (6) in the axial direction such that the lubricant is retained, wherein the device (1) has a web (10) with a first end (11) and a second end (12), wherein the first end (11) of the web (10) is arranged on the retaining body (2), wherein the web (10) extends from the first end (11) in the radial direction or substantially in the radial direction of the retaining body (2), wherein the web (10) is arranged centrally or substantially centrally on the retaining body (2) in the width direction thereof, wherein the web (10) is designed to prevent a transfer of lubricant between adjacent sets of rolling elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rolling bearing assembly, in particular a radial rolling bearing, comprising a device for retaining lubricants, and to a method for assembling such a rolling bearing assembly.

[0002] Radial and axial rolling bearings are used to rotatably support two objects relative to one another. Rolling bearings have at least two bearing rings, each of which can be arranged on one of the objects to be supported and can rotate relative to one another about a common axis. To enable the bearing rings to slide against one another with as little friction as possible, rolling elements are arranged between the bearing rings. These rolling elements roll or roll on the running surfaces of the bearing rings. In radial rolling bearings, a bearing ring with its inner surface arranged on an object to be supported is called the inner ring, and a bearing ring with its outer surface arranged on an object to be supported is called the outer ring. The inner ring therefore has at least substantially a smaller diameter than the outer ring.

[0003] To reduce the rolling resistance of rolling bearings, linear guides, or ball screws, to ensure the smoothest and most consistent running possible, to reduce operating temperatures, and to achieve minimal wear, the rolling elements and running surfaces have the smoothest and most consistent surfaces possible and are made of a hard, low-wear, preferably corrosion-resistant material. Furthermore, rolling bearings, linear guides, and ball screws are lubricated, e.g., with grease or oil, to further reduce rolling resistance.

[0004] For storage, transport, and / or assembly, rolling bearings are often not supplied fully assembled, but as separate assemblies. This has the advantage that the individual assemblies are smaller and lighter than the complete rolling bearing, making them easier to store, transport, and install at an assembly site. For radial rolling bearings, the bearing outer ring and inner ring are therefore supplied as separate assemblies, with the rolling elements often arranged on the bearing outer ring assembly. This provides better protection for the rolling elements from external influences, particularly mechanical impacts.

[0005] Rolling bearings provided as such modular assemblies, particularly radial rolling bearings, have the disadvantage that a bearing lubricant, such as bearing oil or bearing grease, which is arranged around the rolling elements within an outer ring or outside an inner ring, can leak from the rolling bearing because there is no corresponding inner ring or outer ring on the rolling elements to retain the lubricant. This can lead to environmental contamination and often requires laborious relubrication of the rolling bearing before or during installation. This makes the assembly process of the rolling bearing more complex, time-consuming, and costly.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known to transport fully assembled multi-row rolling bearings horizontally, as this is particularly safe, especially for particularly large rolling bearings, and the rolling bearings are easier to handle when lying down. When transporting multi-row rolling bearings horizontally, the problem often arises that bearing grease moves from one rolling bearing row to another due to the influence of gravity and / or temperature and / or vibrations. Such grease displacement can lead to complications, such as increased friction, temperature peaks, increased internal bearing pressure, and / or grease leakage, particularly during the running-in phase of the rolling bearing.

[0007] JP 2007-333016 A1 discloses a main spindle of a machine tool. A bearing and a shoulder are arranged parallel in the axial direction of the main spindle between a cylindrical housing and the main spindle inserted into the housing. A circular grease retaining groove is formed in the center of the inward / outward side surface of the shoulder facing the bearing. A position in the axial direction of the main spindle of a front outer wall end surface of the circular grease retaining groove corresponds to a position in the axial direction of its front inner wall end surface.

[0008] WO 2015 / 000509 A1 describes a bearing assembly comprising a rolling bearing with a first row of rolling elements arranged in a first bearing cavity between a first inner and a first outer raceway of the bearing, and with a second row of rolling elements arranged in a second bearing cavity between a second inner and a second outer raceway of the bearing. The assembly further comprises an annular grease cartridge arranged between the first and second rows of rolling elements. The annular grease cartridge is formed at least partially from a honeycomb structure having axially extending passages filled with a lubricating grease, at least some of the passages being open to the first and second bearing cavities.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a rolling bearing assembly, in particular a radial rolling bearing, with a device for retaining lubricants, which at least partially eliminates the above disadvantages. Finally, the object is to provide a method for assembling a rolling bearing assembly, in particular a radial rolling bearing, which at least partially eliminates the above disadvantages.

[0010] These objects are achieved by a rolling bearing assembly according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 7. The dependent claims 2 to 6 relate to particularly preferred embodiments of the rolling bearing assembly.

[0011] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is achieved by a rolling bearing assembly comprising a bearing ring and a plurality of rolling elements arranged on a running surface of the bearing ring, wherein the rolling bearing assembly is a multi-row rolling bearing. A device for retaining lubricant, which has an annular or substantially annular retaining body, is arranged on the bearing ring at least between two rolling element sets of the rolling bearing.The device is arranged such that a lubricant space is formed between the bearing ring and the device, wherein the retaining body of the device is arranged adjacent to the rolling elements, wherein the lubricant space is delimited by the retaining body and the bearing ring on at least two sides, wherein the retaining body preferably has a width such that the retaining body, in the installed state, is adjacent to the rolling elements of the rolling element set and at least partially covers the bearing ring in the axial direction such that the lubricant is retained.

[0012] The device further comprises a web with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the web is arranged on the retaining body. The web extends from the first end in the radial direction or substantially in the radial direction of the retaining body. The web is arranged centrally or substantially centrally on the retaining body in the width direction of the latter, wherein the web is designed to prevent a transfer of lubricant between adjacent sets of rolling elements. Thus, the web separates a region formed on the retaining body into two approximately equal-sized regions. This is particularly advantageous for use in multi-row rolling bearings when the device is arranged between two sets of rolling elements.

[0013] Preferably, the rolling elements are arranged in a rolling element cage. More preferably, the bearing ring is designed as an outer ring. The device is preferably arranged at least partially within the outer ring.

[0014] Such a rolling bearing assembly has the advantage that the bearing ring and fixture prevent bearing lubricant from leaking out. This makes the rolling bearing assembly easy to store, transport, and install together with another bearing ring at a single location without the need for relubrication of the rolling bearing assembly or the rolling bearing.

[0015] The retaining body is designed to retain a bearing lubricant, in particular bearing grease. Accordingly, the device or at least the retaining body preferably comprises a lubricant-resistant or a substantially lubricant-resistant material. The device preferably has a lubricant chamber for receiving a lubricant, in particular bearing grease. The lubricant chamber is preferably open on at least one side. The device is preferably designed such that the open side of the lubricant chamber faces the rolling element set when installed. Such a lubricant chamber has the advantage that a rolling bearing can be supplied with a lubricant in a simple and cost-effective manner by arranging the device on a bearing ring.

[0016] In the case of a bearing ring designed as an outer ring, the retaining body can thus be arranged at least partially radially within the outer ring; in the case of a bearing ring designed as an inner ring, the retaining body can thus be arranged at least partially radially outside the inner ring. The device can thus be arranged on one bearing ring such that the retaining body faces the other bearing ring in the assembled state.

[0017] A rolling element set comprises a plurality of rolling elements, which are preferably arranged on or in a rolling element cage. The rolling element cage ensures a predefined distance between adjacent rolling elements. Furthermore, a rolling element cage prevents rolling elements from falling out of a rolling bearing assembly that does not have an inner or outer ring. In multi-row rolling bearings, the rolling element sets are also referred to as rolling element rows.

[0018] Such a rolling bearing assembly offers the advantage over the prior art that a lubricant, in particular bearing grease, can be retained in a lubricant chamber between the retaining body and one bearing ring, which is designed as an outer ring or inner ring. The bearing grease thus remains in the lubricant chamber without another bearing ring, which is designed as an inner ring or outer ring, being arranged on the rolling bearing. This significantly reduces the risk of lubricant leaking from a rolling bearing assembly. Relubrication of the rolling bearing is therefore not necessary. Furthermore, the penetration of foreign bodies, such as dust or dirt particles, into the rolling bearing assembly is significantly reduced. In fully assembled multi-row bearings, the device has the advantage that grease exchange between the bearing rows can be prevented or at least greatly restricted.This is particularly advantageous for the transport of horizontal rolling bearings, since horizontal transport, particularly due to the interaction of gravity, temperature and vibrations, promotes grease exchange between the rows of bearings.

[0019] The device preferably has an annular or substantially annular holding body arranged at the second end of the web, which is facing away from the retaining body. The device can thus be arranged on a bearing ring such that the retaining ring is arranged adjacent to the bearing ring. Such a retaining ring increases the stability of the device and improves the arrangeability and hold of the device on the bearing ring. Furthermore, the retaining body, web, and holding body form a lubricant chamber for receiving a bearing lubricant. This lubricant chamber can preferably be expanded by a bearing ring when the device is arranged on the bearing ring. Thus, when the device is installed, the prevention of bearing lubricant from escaping is further improved. Preferably, the retaining body can be clamped between two bearing rings such that the device is held between the bearing rings.

[0020] More preferably, the holding body has a width that is smaller than the width of the retaining body. The device is preferably designed such that the retaining body does not touch the rolling elements when installed. This is particularly advantageous for devices designed for mounting on multi-row rolling bearings.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the rolling bearing assembly, the holding body is arranged substantially centrally relative to the retaining body in the axial direction of the device. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for devices designed for mounting on multi-row rolling bearings, since the device can thus be arranged centrally or substantially centrally between two rows of rolling elements.

[0022] Preferably, the device or the retaining body is formed at least partially from a lubricant designed to retain the lubricant of a rolling bearing. The lubricant is preferably solid or substantially solid at room temperature. Likewise, the lubricant is preferably liquefiable by a single activation at a temperature above room temperature. This has the advantage that at least part of the device can be used as a replacement lubricant during operation of the rolling bearing.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the device for retaining lubricant is arranged on the bearing ring in such a way that, when the rolling bearing group is assembled with a bearing ring that can be arranged on the rolling bearing assembly, the device can remain on the bearing ring. The bearing ring of the rolling bearing assembly is preferably designed as an outer ring, and the bearing ring that can be arranged on the rolling bearing assembly is thus designed as an inner ring. Attaching the inner ring to the rolling bearing assembly is not hindered by the device for retaining lubricant. This has the advantage that the lubricant is retained even during assembly.

[0024] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for assembling a rolling bearing assembly, comprising the steps: - Providing a bearing ring of a rolling bearing; - Arranging at least one set of rolling elements on the bearing ring; - Arranging a device as described above for retaining lubricants on the bearing ring, so that a lubricant space for a bearing lubricant is formed between the bearing ring and the device; and - Filling the lubricant chamber with a bearing lubricant.

[0025] Preferably, the bearing lubricant is already arranged on the device prior to the device being arranged on the bearing ring, such that the bearing lubricant is arranged in the lubricant chamber after the device is arranged on the bearing ring. The bearing ring is preferably designed as an outer ring. By means of the method, a rolling bearing assembly with a bearing ring can be provided, which ensures the retention of the bearing lubricant.

[0026] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a device for retaining lubricants of a rolling bearing assembly; Fig. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a device for retaining lubricants of a rolling bearing assembly; Fig. 3 a side view of a double-row rolling bearing comprising the first embodiment of the device; and Fig. 4 a flow diagram of a method for assembling a rolling bearing assembly.

[0027] The Fig. The first embodiment of a device 1 for retaining lubricants shown in Figure 1 comprises a retaining body 2 which is annular in shape. A web 10 is formed in the center of an outer side of the retaining body 2. A first end 11 of the web 10 is arranged on the retaining body 2. The web 10 extends radially outward from the retaining body 2. An annular holding body 14 is arranged at a second end 12 of the web. Lubricant spaces 8 for receiving bearing lubricant, in particular bearing grease, are formed between the retaining body 2, the web 10, and the holding body 14 on both sides of the web 10. This first embodiment of the device 1 is particularly suitable for multi-row rolling bearing assemblies 3 (cf. Fig. 3) which have an outer ring 4.

[0028] The Fig. The second embodiment of a device 1 for retaining lubricants shown in Figure 2 has a retaining body 2 which is annular. A web 10 is formed on an edge 13 of the retaining body 2. A first end 11 of the web 10 is arranged on the retaining body 2. The web 10 extends radially outward from the retaining body 2. An annular holding body 14 is arranged at a second end 12 of the web. Between the retaining body 2, web 10 and holding body 14, on one side of the web 10, a lubricant chamber 8 for receiving bearing lubricant, in particular bearing grease, is formed. This second embodiment of the device 1 is particularly suitable for single-row rolling bearing assemblies 3 which have an outer ring 4.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a double-row rolling bearing 9 with two sets of rolling elements 7, wherein a first embodiment of the device 1 is arranged between the sets of rolling elements 7. The rolling bearing 9 has four bearing rings 6, two of which are designed as outer rings 4 and two as inner rings 5. A holding body 14 of the device 1 is arranged between the two outer rings 4 and preferably clamped between them. Lubrication spaces 8 for receiving bearing lubricant, in particular bearing grease, are formed between the device 1 and the outer rings 4 on both sides of the web 10. Thus, even when the bearing inner rings 5 ​​are removed by the device 1, it is ensured that bearing lubricant flows out of the rolling bearing 9. Furthermore, the device 1 prevents any exchange of bearing lubricant between the two sets of rolling elements 7.

[0030] In Fig.4 shows a method for assembling a rolling bearing assembly 3 in a flowchart. In a first method step 100, a bearing ring 6 of a rolling bearing 9, preferably an outer ring 4, is provided. In a second method step 200, at least one set of rolling elements 7 is arranged on a running surface of the bearing ring 6. In a third method step 300, a device 1 for retaining bearing lubricant is arranged on the bearing ring 6 such that a lubricant chamber 8 for a bearing lubricant is formed between the bearing ring 6 and the device 1. In a fourth method step 400, the lubricant chamber 8 is filled with a bearing lubricant for lubricating the rolling bearing assembly 3. Alternatively, the fourth method step 400 is carried out before the third method step 300 or even before the second method step 200.In this alternative method, the bearing lubricant is preferably introduced into the lubricant chamber 8(s) of the device 1, which are formed between the retaining body 2, the web 10, and the holding body 14. The sequence of the method steps can be changed at the discretion of the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 retaining bodies 3 Rolling bearing assembly 4 Outer ring 5 inner ring 6 bearing ring 7 Rolling element set 8 Lubricant compartment 9 rolling bearings 10 jetty 11 first end 12 second end 13 Edge 14 holding bodies 15 rolling elements 100 first procedural step 200 second process step 300 third process step 400 fourth process step

Claims

[1] Rolling bearing assembly (3) comprising a bearing ring (6) and a plurality of rolling elements (15) arranged on a running surface of the bearing ring (6), wherein the rolling bearing assembly (3) is a multi-row rolling bearing (9), characterized bythat on the bearing ring (6), at least between two rolling element sets (7) of the rolling bearing (9), a device (1) for retaining lubricants, which has an annular or substantially annular retaining body (2), is arranged such that a lubricant chamber (8) is formed between the bearing ring (6) and the device (1), wherein the retaining body (2) of the device (1) is arranged adjacent to the rolling elements (15), wherein the lubricant chamber (8) is delimited by the retaining body (2) and the bearing ring (6) on at least two sides, wherein the retaining body (2) has a width such that the retaining body, in the installed state, is adjacent to the rolling elements of the rolling element set, and at least partially covers the bearing ring (6) in the axial direction such that the lubricant is retained, wherein the device (1) has a web (10) with a first end (11) and a second end (12),wherein the first end (11) of the web (10) is arranged on the retaining body (2), wherein the web (10) extends from the first end (11) in the radial direction or substantially in the radial direction of the retaining body (2), wherein the web (10) is arranged centrally or substantially centrally on the retaining body (2) in the width direction thereof, wherein the web (10) is designed to prevent a transfer of lubricant between adjacent sets of rolling elements. [2] Rolling bearing assembly (3) according to claim 1, characterized by that the device (1) has an annular or substantially annular holding body (14) which is arranged at the second end (12) of the web (10). [3] Rolling bearing assembly (3) according to claim 2, characterized by that the holding body (14) has a width which is smaller than a width of the retaining body (2). [4] Rolling bearing assembly (3) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the holding body (14) is arranged substantially centrally to the retaining body (2) in the axial direction of the device (1). [5] Rolling bearing assembly (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) or the retaining body (2) is at least partially formed from a lubricant which is designed to retain the lubricant of a rolling bearing (9). [6] Rolling bearing assembly (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) for retaining lubricants is arranged on the bearing ring (6) in such a way that when the rolling bearing group (3) is assembled with a bearing ring (6) that can be arranged on the rolling bearing assembly, the device (1) can remain on the bearing ring (6). [7] Method for assembling a rolling bearing assembly (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps: - Providing a bearing ring (6) of a rolling bearing (9); - arranging at least one set of rolling elements (7) on the bearing ring (6); - Arranging a device (1) for retaining lubricants on the bearing ring (6) so that a lubricant chamber (8) for a bearing lubricant is formed between the bearing ring (6) and the device (1); and - Fill the lubricant chamber (8) with a bearing lubricant.

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