Rolling bearing, method for mounting a rolling bearing and kit of parts

Abstract

A rolling bearing (1) comprising an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of roller rolling elements (4) are arranged, wherein the roller rolling elements (4) roll on an inner ring raceway (5) of the inner ring (2) and an outer ring raceway (6) of the outer ring (3), and the inner ring (2) has a first inner ring rim (7) and a second inner ring rim (8) against which the roller rolling elements (4) can run, so that the roller rolling elements (4) are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring (2), while the outer ring (3) has a first outer ring rim (9) against which the roller rolling elements (4) can run, so that the roller rolling elements (4) are guided axially on one side in the outer ring (3), characterized in that the outer ring (3) is encompassed at least in sections by an auxiliary assembly element (10) which can be detachable from the outer ring (3). is,wherein the assembly aid element (10) has a cylindrical ring-section-like outer surface (11) with an opening (14), from which a first circular ring-like wall surface (12) and a second circular ring-like wall surface (13) extend radially inward, so that the roller rolling elements (4) run against the first wall surface (12) and / or the second wall surface (13) and the outer ring (3) is thus held captively relative to the inner ring (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, in particular for supporting a crankshaft of a motor vehicle, comprising an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of roller elements are arranged, wherein the roller elements roll on an inner ring raceway of the inner ring and an outer ring raceway of the outer ring, and the inner ring has a first inner ring flange and a second inner ring flange against which the roller elements can run, so that the roller elements are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring, while the outer ring has a first outer ring flange against which the roller elements can run, so that the roller elements are guided axially on one side in the outer ring. The invention further relates to a method for assembling a rolling bearing and a kit of parts.

[0002] In current technology, the assembly of rolling bearings, including main bearings on crankshafts in vehicle drive units, is largely carried out manually by experienced assembly workers. This process is demanding in many respects and involves certain challenges. US 10 514 064 B2, DE 10 2019 211 872 A1, and DE 10 2014 203 828 A1 also address the topic of rolling bearing assembly.

[0003] One of the main challenges is ensuring that the main bearings are positioned precisely and with the utmost accuracy on the crankshaft. Even slight deviations can lead to significant performance losses. Furthermore, the manual alignment of the main bearings requires meticulous care, as the crankshaft and bearings must be perfectly aligned to ensure even load distribution and prevent unwanted vibrations.

[0004] The assembly of main bearings by a technician is generally time-consuming and expensive, and also carries the risk of human error. For example, with rolling bearings configured as floating bearings, the outer ring can unintentionally detach from the inner ring during assembly, which can lead to assembly errors or even render the rolling bearing unassemblable.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a rolling bearing that avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art and exhibits high assembly reliability and ease of assembly. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to realize an improved method for assembling a rolling bearing as well as an optimized kit of parts.

[0006] This problem is solved by a rolling bearing, in particular for supporting a crankshaft of a motor vehicle, comprising an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of roller rolling elements are arranged, wherein the roller rolling elements roll on an inner ring raceway of the inner ring and an outer ring raceway of the outer ring, and the inner ring has a first inner ring flange and a second inner ring flange against which the roller rolling elements can engage, so that the roller rolling elements are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring, while the outer ring has a first outer ring flange against which the roller rolling elements can engage, so that the roller rolling elements are guided axially on one side in the outer ring, wherein the outer ring is encompassed at least partially by an assembly aid element detachable from the outer ring, wherein the assembly aid element has a cylindrical ring section-like circumferential surface with an opening.from which a first annular wall surface and a second annular wall surface extend radially inwards, so that the roller rolling elements run against the first wall surface and / or the second wall surface and the outer ring is thus held securely against the inner ring.

[0007] This offers the advantage that the outer and inner rings are held together simply and securely by means of the mounting aid, thus enabling a correspondingly secure mounting of the rolling bearing on a shaft. This also prevents the outer ring from falling off the shaft during installation.

[0008] This is achieved in particular by the fact that the two wall surfaces of the mounting aid element couple the outer ring with the roller rolling elements and thereby prevent the outer ring from falling down in an axial direction.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting aid is designed such that the rolling bearing can be slipped onto a shaft. It is further preferred that the mounting aid, and in particular its wall surfaces, do not contact the inner ring, so that the rolling bearing can be slid onto a shaft along with the mounting aid. Furthermore, the mounting aid is preferably configured so that it does not impede the rotation of the outer ring, which can also contribute to further improved ease of assembly of the rolling bearing.

[0010] First, the individual elements of the claimed invention are explained in the order in which they are mentioned in the claim set, and subsequently, particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are described.

[0011] A rolling bearing can be single-row or multi-row. Preferably, the rolling bearing is configured as a single-row roller bearing.

[0012] The rolling bearing can include an inner ring. The inner ring can be made of a metallic and / or ceramic material. It is generally possible to design the inner ring as a single piece or in multiple parts, particularly as a two-piece design.

[0013] The inner ring may have an inner ring groove. A cover plate, sealing washer, and / or gasket may be arranged in this inner ring groove, particularly in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner. Preferably, the inner ring groove is designed as a circumferential groove in the inner ring.

[0014] The rolling bearing may also have an outer ring. The outer ring may, in particular, connect the bearing housing to the rolling bearing or the rolling elements. Specifically, the bearing housing may be connected to the side of the outer ring's outer surface facing the housing, with the rolling elements of the rolling bearing rolling on the outer ring raceway opposite this outer surface. The outer ring may be made of a metallic and / or ceramic material. It is generally possible to manufacture the outer ring as a single piece or in multiple parts, particularly as a two-piece design.

[0015] A rolling bearing also includes rolling elements. Depending on the bearing design, these rolling elements are either spheres or rollers. They roll on the bearing raceways and their function is to transmit the force acting on a radial bearing from the outer ring to the inner ring and vice versa. In an axial bearing, the rolling elements transmit the forces acting on the bearing between the raceways. Roller-shaped rolling elements are also called roller bearings, and spherical rolling elements are called bearing balls.

[0016] Roller-shaped rolling elements can be selected, for example, from the group of symmetrical oscillating rollers, asymmetrical oscillating rollers, cylindrical rollers, needle rollers and / or conical rollers.

[0017] Rolling elements can be guided and spaced apart within a cage or by spacers. It is also possible, in principle, to design a cageless rolling bearing, which is also known as a full complement rolling bearing. In full complement rolling bearings, adjacent rolling elements can make contact.

[0018] A rolling bearing can have a cage, which guides the rolling elements. The cage is designed so that the rolling element balls and / or rollers are spaced apart from each other, thus minimizing friction and heat generation. Furthermore, the cage maintains a fixed distance between the rolling element balls and / or rollers during rolling, ensuring even load distribution. The cage can be made of a single piece or multiple pieces.

[0019] The rolling elements can roll within the rolling bearing, particularly on the inner ring raceway. For this purpose, the surface of the inner ring raceway can advantageously be designed to be correspondingly wear-resistant, for example, by means of a suitable surface treatment process and / or by applying a suitable additional material layer.

[0020] The inner ring raceway can be flat or profiled. A profiled inner ring raceway can, for example, guide the rolling elements. A flat inner ring raceway, on the other hand, can allow a certain degree of axial movement of the rolling elements.

[0021] The rolling elements can roll within the rolling bearing, particularly on the outer ring raceway. For this purpose, the surface of the outer ring raceway can advantageously be designed to be correspondingly wear-resistant, for example, by means of a suitable surface treatment process and / or by applying a suitable additional material layer.

[0022] The outer ring raceway can be flat or profiled. A profiled outer ring raceway can, for example, guide the rolling elements on the outer ring raceway. A flat outer ring raceway, on the other hand, can, for example, allow a certain degree of axial displacement of the rolling elements on the outer ring raceway.

[0023] According to the invention, the inner ring has a first and a second inner ring flange. The first inner ring flange and / or the second inner ring flange can be formed integrally, particularly monolithically, with the inner ring. The advantage of this design lies in the fact that it is, firstly, advantageous from a manufacturing perspective, since the flange can be formed in a single manufacturing step during the machining of the inner ring. Furthermore, this eliminates the assembly effort required for a separate flange.

[0024] According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the first inner ring flange and / or the second inner ring flange are each designed as a separate component and connected to the inner ring. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve the effect that a bearing can be optionally or subsequently equipped with a flange.

[0025] A separate flange also offers potential assembly advantages. Furthermore, a separately manufactured flange can have a comparatively simple manufacturing geometry, making it cost-effective to produce. According to the invention, the outer ring also has an outer ring flange. The outer ring flange can be formed integrally, particularly monolithically, with the inner ring, which is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective because the flange can be formed in a single machining step during the machining of the inner ring, and also eliminates the assembly effort required for a separate flange.

[0026] According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer ring flange can also be designed as a separate component and connected to the inner ring. This allows, in particular, the outer ring to be optionally or subsequently equipped with a flange. A separate flange also offers assembly advantages. Furthermore, a separately manufactured flange can have a comparatively simple manufacturing geometry, which makes it cost-effective to produce.

[0027] A rolling bearing can have at least one seal to prevent or reduce the leakage of lubricant from the rolling bearing or the ingress of dirt or moisture into the rolling bearing. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be advantageous for the seal to be formed at least partially, and preferably completely, from an elastic material. It can further be advantageous for the seal to be positively fixed to the inner ring and / or the outer ring.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical ring-section-like outer surface of the mounting aid element can sweep an angle of 180°–350°, preferably 200°–300°, and particularly preferably 260°–280°. This allows for a particularly simple and securely mountable mounting aid element. The mounting aid element can thus be easily attached to the outer ring and securely held there. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting aid element can also form a snap-fit ​​connection with the outer ring. This allows for particularly simple assembly and disassembly of the mounting aid element on or from the outer ring.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the first wall surface and / or the second wall surface each have an opening on the side of the mounting aid element opposite the opening of the outer surface. This allows for the formation of a particularly easy-to-bend section in the mounting aid element, which enables simple elastic spreading of the opening of the outer surface, thus positively impacting ease of assembly and assembly safety.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the assembly aid element can be formed in one piece, in particular monolithically. According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly aid element can be formed from a plastic, which enables particularly cost-effective production of the assembly aid element.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention can also be further developed in such a way that the outer surface in the area of ​​the opening does not have a first wall surface and / or a second wall surface, so that a tab-like section is formed in each case. The advantage of this embodiment is that these tab-like sections are particularly easy to grip, thus further improving ease of assembly. In particular, the tab-like sections can protrude radially, which further improves the gripping of the sections.

[0032] The object of the invention can further be achieved by a method for mounting a rolling bearing, in particular for supporting a crankshaft of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: - Provision of a rolling bearing with an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of rolling elements are arranged, wherein the rolling elements roll on an inner ring raceway of the inner ring and an outer ring raceway of the outer ring, and the inner ring has a first inner ring flange and a second inner ring flange against which the rolling elements can run, so that the rolling elements are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring, while the outer ring has a first outer ring flange against which the rolling elements can run, so that the rolling elements are guided axially on one side in the outer ring; - Provision of an assembly aid element that can be detached from the outer ring and that can at least partially encompass the outer ring, wherein the assembly aid element has a cylindrical ring section-like outer surface with an opening from which a first annular wall surface and a second annular wall surface extend radially inwards, so that the roller rolling elements run against the first wall surface and / or the second wall surface and the outer ring is thus held securely against the inner ring; - Fixing the mounting aid to the outer ring; - Transport of the rolling bearing with the outer ring held securely against the inner ring by the mounting aid element to the mounting location of the rolling bearing; - Mounting the rolling bearing on a shaft, in particular a crankshaft of a motor vehicle; - Removing the mounting aid from the outer ring.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly aid element can be provided again after removal for the releasable fixing of the outer ring relative to the inner ring. This is particularly preferable from a cost and environmental perspective. Finally, the object of the invention can be achieved by a kit of parts comprising - A rolling bearing with an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of rolling elements are arranged, wherein the rolling elements roll on an inner ring raceway of the inner ring and an outer ring raceway of the outer ring, and the inner ring has a first inner ring flange and a second inner ring flange against which the rolling elements can run, so that the rolling elements are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring, while the outer ring has a first outer ring flange against which the rolling elements can run, so that the rolling elements are guided axially on one side in the outer ring; and - A mounting aid element that can be detached from the outer ring and that can at least partially encompass the outer ring, wherein the mounting aid element has a cylindrical ring section-like outer surface with an opening from which a first annular wall surface and a second annular wall surface extend radially inwards, so that the roller rolling elements run against the first wall surface and / or the second wall surface and the outer ring is thus held securely against the inner ring;

[0034] This allows the components necessary for manufacturing the rolling bearing to be provided in a particularly convenient manner. The kit-of-parts can, for example, be a single packaging unit. Furthermore, it is possible to design the kit-of-parts as a collection of separate storage containers for the individual components or the respective component groups within the kit-of-parts.

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures, without limiting the general concept of the invention.

[0036] It shows: Fig. 1. A rolling bearing and an assembly aid in an unassembled state in a perspective view, Fig. 2 a rolling bearing with a mounted mounting aid in a perspective view, Fig. 3 a rolling bearing with a mounted mounting aid in an axial section view.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 1-3 each show a rolling bearing 1, in particular for supporting a crankshaft of a motor vehicle, comprising an inner ring 2 and an outer ring 3 arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of roller rolling elements 4 are arranged. The roller rolling elements 4 roll on an inner ring raceway 5 of the inner ring 2 and an outer ring raceway 6 of the outer ring 3 and are received in a cage 21.

[0038] The inner ring 2 has a first inner ring flange 7 and a second inner ring flange 8, against which the roller rolling elements 4 can run, so that the roller rolling elements 4 are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring 2, while the outer ring 3 has a first outer ring flange 9 against which the roller rolling elements 4 can run, so that the roller rolling elements 4 are guided axially on one side in the outer ring 3.

[0039] The outer ring 3 is at least partially enclosed by an assembly aid 10 that can be detached from the outer ring 3. The assembly aid 10 has a cylindrical ring-section-like outer surface 11 with an opening 14, from which a first annular wall surface 12 and a second annular wall surface 13 extend radially inwards, so that the roller bearings 4 run against the second wall surface 13 and the outer ring 3 is thus held securely against the inner ring 2. The assembly aid 10 forms a snap connection with the outer ring 3, which is clearly visible from the Fig. 1 can be understood.

[0040] The assembly aid 10 is inserted radially from the outside over the outer ring 3. The outer ring 3 then engages in the opening 14 of the assembly aid 10, whereby the opening 14 initially widens during assembly of the assembly aid 10 and then engages behind the corresponding sections of the cylindrical outer ring 3, so that the assembly aid 10 is then securely held against the outer ring, but can still rotate circumferentially relative to the outer ring 3.

[0041] From the Fig. It is further evident from Figures 1-2 that, to form the snap connection, the cylindrical ring-section-like outer surface 11 of the assembly aid element 10 sweeps an angle of 180°-350°. From the Fig. It is also clearly evident from 1-2 that on the side 15 of the mounting aid element 10 opposite the opening 14 of the outer surface 11, the first wall surface 12 and the second wall surface 13 each have a perforation 16,17, which makes it easier to bend the mounting aid element 10 and, in particular, also elastic in the area of ​​the perforations 16,17.

[0042] In the embodiments shown, the assembly aid element 10 is formed in one piece, in particular monolithically, from a plastic.

[0043] In the Fig. 2 is a variant design of the assembly aid element 10 in which the outer surface 11 in the area of ​​the opening 14 has no first wall surface 12 and no second wall surface 13, so that a tab-like section 18,19 is formed which can then be gripped particularly easily by an installer.

[0044] A method for mounting a rolling bearing 1, in particular for supporting a crankshaft of a motor vehicle, can therefore comprise the following steps: First, a rolling bearing 1 is provided with an inner ring 2 and a coaxially arranged outer ring 3 between which a plurality of rolling elements 4 are arranged, wherein the rolling elements 4 roll on an inner ring raceway 5 of the inner ring 2 and an outer ring raceway 6 of the outer ring 3 and the inner ring 2 has a first inner ring flange 7 and a second inner ring flange 8 against which the rolling elements 4 can run, so that the rolling elements 4 are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring 2, while the outer ring 3 has a first outer ring flange 9 against which the rolling elements 4 can run, so that the rolling elements 4 are guided axially on one side in the outer ring 3.

[0045] Furthermore, a mounting aid element 10, detachable from the outer ring 3, is provided, which can at least partially encompass the outer ring 3, wherein the mounting aid element 10 has a cylindrical ring section-like outer surface 11 with an opening 14, from which a first annular wall surface 12 and a second annular wall surface 13 extend radially inwards, so that the roller rolling elements 4 run against the first wall surface 12 and / or the second wall surface 13 and the outer ring 3 is thus held securely against the inner ring 2.

[0046] First, the mounting aid 10 is fixed to the outer ring 3, and then the rolling bearing 1, with the outer ring 3 held securely against the inner ring 2 by the mounting aid 10, is transported to the mounting location of the rolling bearing 1. There, the rolling bearing 1 is then mounted on a shaft, in particular a crankshaft of a motor vehicle.

[0047] After this assembly, the assembly aid element 10 is removed from the outer ring 3. The assembly aid element 10 can then be reused to releasably fix the outer ring 3 relative to the inner ring 2.

[0048] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. The foregoing description is therefore not to be considered limiting, but rather explanatory. The following claims are to be understood as meaning that a named feature is present in at least one embodiment of the invention. This does not preclude the presence of further features. Insofar as the claims and the foregoing description define 'first' and 'second' features, this designation serves to distinguish between two similar features without establishing any hierarchy. Reference symbol list 1 rolling bearing 2 inner ring 3 Outer ring 4 roller bearings 5 Inner ring raceway 6 Outer ring track 7 Inner ring rim 8 Inner ring rim 9 Outer ring edge 10 assembly aid elements 11 Surface area 12 wall surface 13 wall surface 14 Opening Page 15 16 Breakthrough 17 Breakthrough Section 18 Section 19 21 cage

Claims

[1] Rolling bearing (1) comprising an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of rolling elements (4) are arranged, wherein the rolling elements (4) roll on an inner ring raceway (5) of the inner ring (2) and an outer ring raceway (6) of the outer ring (3), and the inner ring (2) has a first inner ring flange (7) and a second inner ring flange (8) against which the rolling elements (4) can run, so that the rolling elements (4) are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring (2), while the outer ring (3) has a first outer ring flange (9) against which the rolling elements (4) can run, so that the rolling elements (4) are guided axially on one side in the outer ring (3), characterized by, that the outer ring (3) is at least partially enclosed by an assembly aid element (10) that can be detached from the outer ring (3), wherein the assembly aid element (10) has a cylindrical ring section-like outer surface (11) with an opening (14) from which a first annular wall surface (12) and a second annular wall surface (13) extend radially inwards, so that the roller rolling elements (4) run against the first wall surface (12) and / or the second wall surface (13) and the outer ring (3) is thus held securely against the inner ring (2). [2] Rolling bearing (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cylindrical ring section-like surface (11) of the mounting aid element (10) sweeps an angle of 180°-350°. [3] Rolling bearings (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that on the side (15) of the mounting aid element (10) opposite the opening (14) of the lateral surface (11) the first wall surface (12) and / or the second wall surface (13) each has a perforation (16,17). [4] Rolling bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the assembly aid element (10) is formed in one piece. [5] Rolling bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the assembly aid (10) is made of a plastic. [6] Rolling bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lateral surface (11) in the area of ​​the opening (14) does not have a first wall surface (12) and / or second wall surface (13), so that a tab-like section (18,19) is formed in each case. [7] Rolling bearing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the assembly aid element (10) forms a snap connection with the outer ring (3). [8] Method for mounting a rolling bearing (1) comprising the following steps: - Provision of a rolling bearing (1) with an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of rolling elements (4) are arranged, wherein the rolling elements (4) roll on an inner ring raceway (5) of the inner ring (2) and an outer ring raceway (6) of the outer ring (3), and the inner ring (2) has a first inner ring flange (7) and a second inner ring flange (8) against which the rolling elements (4) can run, so that the rolling elements (4) are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring (2), while the outer ring (3) has a first outer ring flange (9) against which the rolling elements (4) can run, so that the rolling elements (4) are guided axially on one side in the outer ring (3); - Provision of an assembly aid element (10) that can be detached from the outer ring (3) and that can at least partially encompass the outer ring (3), wherein the assembly aid element (10) has a cylindrical ring section-like outer surface (11) with an opening (14) from which a first annular wall surface (12) and a second annular wall surface (13) extend radially inwards, so that the roller rolling elements (4) run against the first wall surface (12) and / or the second wall surface (13) and the outer ring (3) is thus held securely against the inner ring (2); - Fixing the mounting aid element (10) to the outer ring (3); - Transport of the rolling bearing (1) with the outer ring (3) held securely against the inner ring (2) by the mounting aid element (10) to the mounting location of the rolling bearing (1); - Mounting the rolling bearing (1) on a shaft, in particular a crankshaft of a motor vehicle; - Pulling the mounting aid (10) away from the outer ring (3). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the assembly aid element (10) is provided again after removal for the releasable fixing of the outer ring (3) relative to the inner ring (2). [10] Kit-of-parts including - A rolling bearing (1) with an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) arranged coaxially thereto, between which a plurality of rolling elements (4) are arranged, wherein the rolling elements (4) roll on an inner ring raceway (5) of the inner ring (2) and an outer ring raceway (6) of the outer ring (3), and the inner ring (2) has a first inner ring flange (7) and a second inner ring flange (8) against which the rolling elements (4) can run, so that the rolling elements (4) are guided axially on both sides in the inner ring (2), while the outer ring (3) has a first outer ring flange (9) against which the rolling elements (4) can run, so that the rolling elements (4) are guided axially on one side in the outer ring (3); and - A mounting aid element (10) that can be detached from the outer ring (3) and that can at least partially encompass the outer ring (3), wherein the mounting aid element (10) has a cylindrical ring section-like outer surface (11) with an opening (14) from which a first annular wall surface (12) and a second annular wall surface (13) extend radially inwards, so that the roller rolling elements (4) run against the first wall surface (12) and / or the second wall surface (13) and the outer ring (3) is thus held securely against the inner ring (2).

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