Storage arrangement

Abstract

A bearing arrangement (1) is disclosed, comprising at least one outer ring (2), at least one inner ring (4), and at least one set of rolling elements (6), in particular tapered rollers, arranged between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (4), wherein the bearing arrangement (1) further comprises at least one sealing element (20) arranged on an axial outer surface of the bearing arrangement (1) and configured to seal the bearing arrangement (1), wherein the at least one sealing element (20) comprises at least one sealing carrier (22) attached to one of the bearing rings (2, 4), and at least one second element (24) attached to the sealing carrier (22), wherein a surface of the second element (24) opposite the rolling elements (6) has at least one recess (30) configured to interact with at least the rolling elements (6) to convey a lubricant to the at least one inner ring (4).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. Technical background

[0002] In bearing units or assemblies that contain at least one row of tapered rollers and are sealed against environmental influences such as dirt and splash water, the lubricant used in the bearing unit is typically pumped through the conical shape of the bearing rings into a cavity with the largest diameter. This cavity is usually located on an axially outer side of the bearing in front of the seal. This is the area in the bearing where the lubricant is always present but does not contribute to bearing lubrication.

[0003] The bearing raceways and / or a flanged roller flange are in contact with the moving rollers and require lubrication provided by the lubricant. Over the bearing's service life, the portion of the lubricant located in the correct location within the bearing unit takes over this lubrication by gradually releasing the base oil contained in the lubricant to the rolling and / or sliding contact. The portion releasing the base oil is subjected to wear and heat, causing this portion to age and gradually lose its lubricating function.

[0004] In order to increase the service life of the bearing unit, it is advantageous to mix and blend the lubricant contained in the bearing but not in contact with the moving bearing components with the gradually aging parts of the lubricant. This can be achieved, for example, by heating the bearing. In a case where the bearing unit is installed in a vehicle, for example, when heavy braking occurs and the brake disc temperature heats the bearing unit and the introduced lubricant, thereby softening the lubricant and mixing the entire lubricant fill up to a certain area. However, in vehicles with an electric drive, the energy released during braking is usually recovered, which means that heating of the bearing is less or occurs less frequently, so that mixing of the lubricant fill occurs less or not at all.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a bearing arrangement in which improved mixing of the lubricant is enabled. Summary of the invention

[0006] This object is achieved by a bearing arrangement according to patent claim 1.

[0007] The following proposes a bearing assembly, in particular for a wheel bearing of a vehicle. The bearing assembly comprises at least one outer ring, at least one inner ring, and at least one set of rolling elements arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring. The rolling elements can, in particular, be tapered rollers. Furthermore, a lubricant is provided in the bearing assembly, which is designed to lubricate the rolling elements and the bearing rings. For example, the lubricant can be a lubricating grease. At least one of the bearing rings, for example the inner ring, can have an axially outwardly arranged flange, which can, for example, be designed to guide the rolling elements.

[0008] Furthermore, the bearing arrangement has at least one sealing element which is arranged on an axial outer side of the bearing arrangement and is designed to seal the bearing arrangement. The at least one sealing element comprises at least one seal carrier which is fastened to one of the bearing rings, i.e. to the outer ring or the inner ring, and at least one second element which is attached to the seal carrier. The seal carrier can, for example, be fastened to the outer ring or the inner ring in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. In particular, the seal carrier can be fastened by a press fit. In use, the lubricant can collect in particular in an annular space which is located on an axial outer side of the bearing between the flange of the inner ring and the at least one sealing element.

[0009] In order to achieve improved mixing of the lubricant and / or to transport the lubricant that has accumulated in the annular space on the axial outer side of the bearing back towards the bearing interior, a surface of the second element opposite the rolling elements has at least one recess designed to interact with at least the rolling elements to convey a lubricant to the at least one inner ring. In particular, upon relative rotation of the inner ring and outer ring, the rolling elements move in a region in which the annular space is formed, which extends axially between the axially outer end face of the rolling elements and the at least one sealing element, in which the lubricant can accumulate.

[0010] The at least one recess formed in the second element can fill with lubricant when a bearing component, such as the rolling elements, moves along the side surface of the at least one sealing element. The lubricant can move radially more toward the bearing interior along the at least one recess and, for example, reach the vicinity of a guide flange, whereby contact between the rolling element and the flange can be lubricated, in particular. This lubricant, pumped out from the annular space on the axial outer side of the bearing, can mix as fresh lubricant with the aging part of the lubricant located in the area of ​​the roller-flange contact and lubricating this area.With this refreshed lubricant in the rolling element-flange contact area and the accumulating lubricant on the axial side surface of the bearing, a portion of the lubricant between the rolling elements can also migrate into the rolling element-raceway contact area. This lubricant refreshment, or improved mixing of the lubricant during operation, can extend the service life of the bearing.

[0011] The bearing arrangement preferably further comprises a bearing cage having a first ring element and a second ring element, which are connected to one another via a plurality of webs, wherein the ring elements and the webs form pockets to guide and hold rolling elements. Since the axially outer ring element of the bearing cage is usually located axially further out than the end faces of the rolling elements, the axially outer ring element of the bearing cage moves through or at least near the annular chamber in which the lubricant collects in the axial outer region of the bearing and is normally always fresh and / or in a new condition. The rotation of the bearing cage can, in particular, achieve improved mixing of the lubricant.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first ring element has at least one recess on its axial outer side, which is opposite the second element of the at least one sealing element. The at least one recess on the first ring element can further improve lubricant transport.

[0013] Preferably, the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout is delimited in the circumferential direction by a first and a second side surface which converge radially outwards. In other words, the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout can taper radially outwards. For example, at least one side surface, preferably both side surfaces, can be straight or curved and / or angled, in particular concave. Due to the flat, curved or angled shape of this side surface, the lubricant which, for example, still adheres to the first ring element of the cage, can be moved radially further into the interior of the bearing, i.e. out of the area with the largest diameter of the bearing.

[0014] Furthermore, the first and second side surfaces can be mirror-symmetrical to one another. This allows the lubricant transport properties of the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout to be the same for different rotational directions of the bearing. If the bearing assembly is used in an application that has a preferred rotational direction, the side surfaces of the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout can also be different from one another to further optimize lubricant transport in this specific application.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one sealing element has a plurality of recesses and / or the first ring element of the cage has a plurality of cutouts. Preferably, the plurality of recesses and / or a plurality of cutouts are evenly distributed circumferentially. Alternatively, the plurality of recesses and / or a plurality of cutouts can also be arranged in a non-uniform distribution, for example, with variable spacing.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one sealing element can be provided with recesses along its entire circumference. Furthermore, the first ring element can also be provided with recesses along its entire circumference. The multiple recesses and / or gaps can improve lubricant transport to the radially inner regions of the bearing assembly.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout extends circumferentially over at least one rolling element, preferably two rolling elements. Furthermore, in a case where multiple recesses are provided, the circumferential extent of the respective recesses may differ from one another. Furthermore, in a case where multiple recesses are provided, the circumferential extent of the respective recesses may differ from one another.

[0018] Furthermore, the circumferential extent of the recess can be the same as or different from the circumferential extent of the recess. For example, a recess can extend over one rolling element and into the recess over two rolling elements. Due to the circumferential extent of the at least one recess and / or the at least one recess, the "shearing" of the lateral edges of the recess or recess that run relative to one another can take place very smoothly. This can improve the radial conveying effect of these lateral edges of the recess or recess, or even shearing edges, compared to steeper edges.If the circumferential extent of the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout is, for example, less than a rolling element diameter, the lateral edges of the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout may be too steep, so that the lubricant is more likely to remain in the at least one recess and / or the at least one cutout instead of being moved inwards against the centripetal force by the flat shearing surfaces.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one recess is delimited at a radially inner end by a lower surface which extends obliquely inward in the axial direction towards the inner ring. In particular, the lower surface can be designed as a lubricant guiding edge and can be located not only on the flat side surface of the second element of the at least one sealing element, but can advantageously also extend a short distance below the cage, so that it approaches the side surface of the rolling element and / or the part of the lubricant that lubricates the contact between the rolling element and the flange. This lubricant, pumped out of the bearing cavity with the largest diameter, can assist the transport of the lubricant so that it can mix as fresh lubricant with the aging part of the lubricant at the rolling element-flange contact.This lubricant refreshment during operation can extend the service life of the bearing.

[0020] Preferably, the second element is formed from an elastomeric material and designed to form a seal with the inner ring and / or the outer ring. Furthermore, the second element can form at least one sealing lip. For example, a centrifugal disc can be attached to the inner ring, against which the at least one sealing lip rests. Furthermore, a sealing structure can be formed in the second element on the radial outer side, providing a seal on the outer ring.

[0021] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are set forth in the description, the drawings, and the claims. In particular, the combinations of features set forth in the description and the drawings are purely exemplary, so that the features may also be present individually or in other combinations. Short character description

[0022] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The exemplary embodiments and the combinations shown in the exemplary embodiments are purely exemplary and are not intended to define the scope of the invention. This scope is defined solely by the appended claims.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1: a perspective sectional view of an axially outer part of a sealing element of a bearing arrangement according to an embodiment, Fig. 2: a perspective sectional view of an axially outer part of a bearing cage of the bearing arrangement of the Fig. 1, and Fig. 3: a perspective view of a section of a bearing cage of the bearing arrangement of the Fig. 1. Detailed description of the invention

[0024] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference symbols.

[0025] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 show a bearing assembly 1 that can be used, for example, for a wheel bearing of a vehicle, such as a passenger car or a truck. The bearing assembly 1 comprises an outer ring 2 and an inner ring 4. Between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 4, a plurality of tapered rollers 6 are arranged, which roll on associated raceways on the outer ring 2 and inner ring 4. The inner ring 4 can be attached, for example, to an axle stub or a wheel hub.

[0026] The inner ring 4 comprises a guide flange 8 on its axial outer side, which guides the tapered rollers 6. The end faces 10 of the tapered rollers 6 abut against the guide flange 8. The tapered rollers 6 are further held in a cage 12, which has a first ring element 14 and a second ring element 16, as well as several webs 18 that form pockets in which the tapered rollers 6 are accommodated.

[0027] On the axial outer side of the bearing assembly 1, a sealing element 20 is provided, comprising a seal carrier 22, made, for example, of metal, and a second element 24. The seal carrier 22 is secured to the outer ring 2 by a press fit. The second element 24 is made of an elastomeric material and forms at least one sealing lip 26, which, for example, abuts directly against the inner ring 4 or against a centrifugal disc 28 secured to the inner ring 4, thereby sealing the bearing assembly 1.

[0028] The surface of the second element 24 opposite the tapered rollers 6 has a plurality of recesses 30 that are evenly distributed around the circumference and extend circumferentially over two tapered rollers 6. Alternatively, the plurality of recesses 30 can also have a variable distance from one another and / or extend circumferentially over only one tapered roller 6 or over more than two tapered rollers 6. Likewise, the recesses 30 can have different dimensions in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The recesses 30 are designed to interact with the axially outer components of the bearing assembly 1, such as the first ring element 14 and the end faces 10 of the tapered rollers 6, in order to convey the lubricant to the inner ring 4 or the guide flange 8. For this purpose, the recesses 30 can fill with lubricant when the first ring element 14 and / or the end faces 10 of the tapered rollers 6 move along the side surface of the sealing element 20.

[0030] Furthermore, the first ring element 14 has, on its axial outer side, which is opposite the second element 24 of the sealing element 20, a plurality of recesses 32 that are evenly distributed circumferentially and also extend circumferentially over two tapered rollers 6. Alternatively, the plurality of recesses 32 can also have a variable distance from one another and / or extend circumferentially over only one tapered roller 6 or over more than two tapered rollers 6. Likewise, the recesses 32 can have different dimensions in the circumferential direction.

[0031] Alternatively, the bearing assembly 1 may only have the recesses 30. Furthermore, it is also possible for the circumferential extent of the recesses 32 to be different from the circumferential extent of the recesses 30. For example, one recess 32 may extend over one rolling element, and the recess 30 may extend over two rolling elements.

[0032] In the Fig.In the bearing arrangement 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the recesses 30 and the cutouts 32 are delimited in the circumferential direction by a first and a second side surface 34, 36 and 38, 40, respectively, which converge radially outwards. In other words, the recesses 30 and the cutouts 32 taper radially outwards. The side surfaces 34, 36, 38, 40 run in a concave curve. Alternatively, the side surfaces 34, 36, 38, 40 can also run straight or at an angle. It is also possible for the side surfaces 34, 36 of the recesses 30 to run differently than the side surfaces 38, 40 of the cutouts 32. For example, the side surfaces 34, 36 of the recesses 30 can be curved and the side surfaces 38, 40 of the cutouts 32 can run straight.Through the side surfaces 34, 36, 38, 40, the lubricant, which for example still adheres to the first ring element 14 of the cage 12, can be moved radially further into the interior of the bearing 1, i.e. moved out of the area with the largest diameter of the bearing 1.

[0033] Furthermore, the first and second side surfaces 34, 36, 38, 40 of the recesses 30 and the cutouts 32 are mirror-symmetrical to each other. This allows the lubricant transport properties of the cutout 32 and / or the cutout 30 to be the same for different directions of rotation of the bearing.

[0034] Furthermore, the recesses 30 are delimited at a radially inner end by a lower surface 42, which extends obliquely inward in the axial direction toward the inner ring 4. This lower surface 42 can be designed as a lubricant guide edge and can be located not only on the flat side surface of the second element 24 of the sealing element 20, but can also advantageously extend slightly below the cage 12, so that it approaches the end face 10 of the tapered rollers 6 and / or the part of the lubricant that lubricates the contact between the tapered rollers and the guide flange 8. This lubricant, pumped out of the bearing cavity with the largest diameter, can assist in the transport of the lubricant so that it can mix as fresh lubricant with the aging part of the lubricant at the rolling element-flange contact. This lubricant refreshment during operation can extend the service life of the bearing.

[0035] In summary, the lubricant can move radially further toward the interior of the bearing along the recess 30 and, for example, reach the vicinity of a guide flange, whereby in particular a contact between a rolling element, such as the tapered roller 6, and the guide flange 8 can be lubricated. This lubricant, pumped out from the annular space on the axial outer side of the bearing, can mix as fresh lubricant with the aging parts of the lubricant. With this refreshed lubricant in the area of ​​the rolling element-flange contact and the accumulating lubricant on the axial side surface of the bearing, a portion of the lubricant can also migrate between the rolling elements into the rolling element-raceway contact area. This lubricant refreshment or improved mixing of the lubricant during operation can extend the service life of the bearing. List of reference symbols 1 bearing arrangement 2 outer ring 4 inner ring 6 tapered roller 8 Guide flange 10 Frontal surface 12 bearing cage 14 first ring element 16 second ring element 18 jetty 20 sealing element 22 seal carriers 24 second element 26 Sealing lip 28 centrifugal disc 30 recess 32 recess 34, 36, 38, 40 side surface 42 lower surface

Claims

[1] Bearing arrangement (1), with at least one outer ring (2), at least one inner ring (4) and at least one set of rolling elements (6), in particular tapered rollers, which are arranged between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (4), wherein the bearing arrangement (1) further comprises at least one sealing element (20) which is arranged on an axial outer side of the bearing arrangement (1) and is designed to seal the bearing arrangement (1), wherein the at least one sealing element (20) comprises at least one seal carrier (22) which is fastened to one of the bearing rings (2, 4) and at least one second element (24) which is attached to the seal carrier (22), characterized by that a surface of the second element (24) opposite the rolling elements (6) has at least one recess (30) which is designed to cooperate with at least the rolling elements (6) in order to convey a lubricant to the at least one inner ring (4). [2] Bearing assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing assembly (1) further comprises a bearing cage (12) having a first ring element (14) and a second ring element (16) which are connected to one another via a plurality of webs (18), wherein the ring elements (14, 16) and the webs (18) form pockets to guide and hold rolling elements (6). [3] Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first ring element (14) has at least one recess (32) on its axial outer side, which is opposite the second element (24) of the at least one sealing element (20). [4] Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one recess (30) and / or the at least one cutout (32) is delimited in the circumferential direction by a first and a second side surface (34, 36, 38, 40) which converge radially outwards. [5] Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least one side surface (34, 36, 38, 40), preferably both side surfaces (34, 36, 38, 40), is straight or curved, in particular concave. [6] Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second side surfaces (34, 36, 38, 40) are mirror-symmetrical to one another. [7] Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sealing element (20) has a plurality of recesses (30) and / or wherein the first ring element (14) has a plurality of recesses (32). [8] Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of recesses (30) are circumferentially evenly distributed and / or wherein the plurality of recesses (32) are circumferentially evenly distributed. [9] Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one recess (32) and / or the at least one cutout (30) extends circumferentially over at least one rolling element (6), preferably two rolling elements. [10] Bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein a circumferential extent of the recess (32) is the same as or different from a circumferential extent of the recess (30). [11] Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one recess (30) is delimited at a radially inner end by a lower surface (42) which extends obliquely inwards in the axial direction in the direction of the inner ring (4). [12] Bearing arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second element (24) is formed from an elastomeric material and is designed to form a seal to the inner ring (4) and / or the outer ring (2).

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