Wheelset bearing for a rail vehicle and rail vehicle with wheelset bearing

Abstract

Wheelset bearing (1) for a rail vehicle, with a double-row tapered roller bearing (2), which has an outer ring (4) and an inner ring (3a, 3b) for each row of rollers as bearing rings and an intermediate ring (5) keeping the two inner rings (3a, 3b) at a distance, characterized in that the wheelset bearing has a fixing ring (6) which is supported in a form-fitting manner on the inner rings (3a, 3b) and holds the intermediate ring (5) in its radial position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wheelset bearing for a rail vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and to a rail vehicle with such a wheelset bearing.

[0002] A generic axlebox bearing is known, for example, from DE 10 2006 015 289 A1. This bearing, intended for use in a rail vehicle, is designed as a double-row tapered roller bearing.

[0003] DE 10 2017 119 249 A1, JP H10- 47 360 A and DE 10 2019 131 041 A1 describe axle box bearing units for rail vehicles which are constructed as double-row tapered roller bearings, whereby DE 10 2017 119 249 A1 additionally provides for a generator.

[0004] Another bearing unit intended for use in a rail vehicle is described in DE 10 2016 211 434 A1.

[0005] Wheel bearings are also known from other fields. In the automotive sector, they are used as wheel bearings, as disclosed in DE 10 2018 130 931 A1 and DE 10 2018 130 926 A1, although the design of wheelset bearings for rail applications generally differs fundamentally.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of further developing wheelset bearings for rail vehicles compared to the prior art in such a way that they are particularly easy to assemble and transport while simultaneously improving performance.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a wheelset bearing suitable for use in a rail vehicle having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a rail vehicle having a wheelset bearing according to the aforementioned claims.

[0008] The axlebox bearing, in its basic design, comprises a double-row tapered roller bearing, which has an outer ring and a bearing ring for each roller row, as well as an intermediate ring that maintains a distance between the two inner rings. The axlebox bearing also features a locating ring that rests positively on the inner rings and holds the spacer ring in its radial position.

[0009] Typically, the design of axleboxes attempts to minimize the number of components. Additional parts mean higher manufacturing costs, additional assembly effort, and weight, as well as the need to consider these factors when designing tolerances. This is accepted in the case of the axlebox mentioned above in order to provide a particularly assembly- and transport-friendly axlebox with increased performance.

[0010] It has been shown that by providing positive support for the fixing ring, the intermediate ring can be ideally held in its position. Furthermore, it has been shown that this almost completely prevents the leakage of lubricating grease during transport and can even provide a lubricant supply for at least part of the bearing's service life.

[0011] It goes without saying that the aforementioned axlebox bearing may include additional machine elements, such as cages, seals, or mounting devices. It should also be noted that axlebox bearings are fundamentally different from road vehicle wheel bearings, and these bearings are also not compatible with each other.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, both inner rings have an inner ring face geometry that is inclined to the perpendicular to the bearing axis, against which the fixing ring is supported in a form-fitting manner. This inner ring face geometry can be either an annular or circular line geometry.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the fixing ring, when mounted, forms a tangential distance from the intermediate ring, meaning it does not touch it. It has been found that even with a distance, the fixing ring's holding function for the intermediate ring is sufficiently ensured during transport. During operation, it is advantageous to avoid contact between the fixing ring and the intermediate ring in order to minimize or eliminate friction and wear. The distance is advantageously at least 0.5 mm to prevent contact between the fixing ring and the intermediate ring due to the bearing geometry.

[0014] The fixing ring preferably has surfaces for contact with the inner ring face geometry. Compared to point or line-shaped contacts, contact surfaces represent the ideal option for positively holding the intermediate ring using the fixing ring.

[0015] In an advantageous development, the locking ring features radial openings. These openings provide a distinct and ideal reservoir for lubricating grease, which is used in wheelset bearings for railway applications. Thus, the locking ring not only improves the transport and assembly of the wheelset bearing, but also optimizes lubricant storage.

[0016] To further improve lubricant storage, the locking ring can also feature contours that serve as a reservoir for lubricating grease. These can be radial projections or raised areas directed toward the bearing center or in the opposite direction. These can be implemented in combination with cutouts or as standalone elements.

[0017] While it is conceivable to manufacture the fixing ring from any material, it is particularly advantageous if the fixing ring comprises a metallic material. This makes it relatively easy, for example, to create the aforementioned perforations in the fixing ring or to create contours in a stamping process. Using stamping and stamping, perforations and contours on the fixing ring could also be created simultaneously.

[0018] When a wheel set bearing is used in a rail vehicle, its lubrication is also improved. This results in a longer service life and mileage, as well as generally improved performance.

[0019] Three exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, each of which shows a sectional view: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a wheelset bearing, Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a wheelset bearing. Fig. 3 Section of a third embodiment of a wheelset bearing.

[0020] Unless otherwise stated, the following explanations apply to all embodiments. Corresponding or essentially equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0021] A wheelset bearing, designated overall by reference numeral 1, comprises a double-row tapered roller bearing 2 with a one-piece outer ring 4 and an inner ring 3 for each row of rollers. An intermediate ring 5 is arranged between a first inner ring 3a and a second inner ring 3b. The wheelset bearing has a fixing ring 6, which is positively supported on the inner rings 3a, 3b and holds the intermediate ring 5 in its radial position. Tapered rollers 7 roll as rolling elements on each inner ring 3a, 3b, thus creating two rows of rolling elements. The rolling elements 7 of each row of rolling elements can each be guided in a cage 8.

[0022] The two inner rings 3a, 3b of the Fig. 1 to 3 have an inner ring face geometry 11 formed obliquely to the vertical 10 of the bearing axis 9, on which the fixing ring 6 is supported in a form-fitting manner. In an advantageous embodiment, as in Fig. 1, the fixing ring 6 forms a tangential distance 12 from the intermediate ring 5. As shown, the fixing ring 6 can have surfaces 13 for contact with the inner ring face geometry 11.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the wheelset bearing 1. In this case, the fixing ring 6 also has radial openings 14 in addition to the features mentioned above.

[0024] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment in a section, wherein the fixing ring 6 has contours 15 as a reservoir for lubricating grease. In the illustrated case, these contours point radially toward the bearing center. List of reference symbols 1 wheelset bearing 2 tapered roller bearings 3 inner ring 3a first inner ring 3b second inner ring 4 Outer ring 5 intermediate ring 6 Fixing ring 7 tapered roller 8 cage 9 Bearing axis 10 Perpendicular to the bearing axis 11 Inner ring face geometry 12 Distance to the intermediate ring 13 surfaces for contact with the inner ring face geometry 14 radial openings 15 contours as reservoir for lubricating grease

Claims

[1] Wheelset bearing (1) for a rail vehicle, with a double-row tapered roller bearing (2) which has an outer ring (4) and an inner ring (3a, 3b) for each row of rollers as bearing rings and an intermediate ring (5) keeping the two inner rings (3a, 3b) at a distance, characterized by that the wheelset bearing has a fixing ring (6) which is supported in a form-fitting manner on the inner rings (3a, 3b) and holds the intermediate ring (5) in its radial position. [2] Wheelset bearing (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the two inner rings (3a, 3b) have an inner ring face geometry (11) which is formed obliquely to the vertical (10) of the bearing axis (9), on which the fixing ring (6) is supported in a form-fitting manner. [3] Wheelset bearing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the fixing ring (6) forms a tangential distance (12) to the intermediate ring (5). [4] Wheelset bearing (1) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the fixing ring (6) forms a tangential distance (12) to the intermediate ring of at least 0.5 mm. [5] Wheelset bearing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing ring (6) has surfaces (13) for contact with the inner ring face geometry (11). [6] Wheelset bearing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing ring (6) has radial openings (14). [7] Wheelset bearing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing ring (6) has contours (15) as a reservoir for lubricating grease. [8] Wheelset bearing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing ring (6) comprises a metallic material. [9] Rail vehicle with a wheelset bearing according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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