Snap cage arrangement for a ball bearing, ball bearing with the snap cage arrangement and method for operating a ball bearing

Abstract

A snap-in cage assembly 1 for a ball bearing, particularly for high-speed applications, is proposed. The snap-in cage assembly 1 comprises an annular snap-in cage 2, wherein the snap-in cage 2 includes a cage base body 4. Several cage pockets 5, open axially on one side, are provided in the cage base body 4 for the secure retention of the ball bearing's balls. Each cage pocket 5 has two retaining ribs 6 for partially gripping the balls. The cage base body 4 has several intermediate sections 7 arranged in a circumferential direction of the snap-in cage 2 between each pair of retaining ribs 6. The cage base body 4 has several receptacles 8, with at least one receptacle 8 being provided in each intermediate section 7.The snap-in cage assembly 1 comprises a retaining ring 2 with a ring body 9, the ring body 9 having axially projecting projections 11, the projections 11 being arranged and / or formed complementarily to the receptacles 8. The projections 11 reduce adverse effects on the retaining webs 6 that can arise from centrifugal and centripetal forces during rotation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a snap-in cage arrangement for a ball bearing. The snap-in cage comprises a cage body in which several cage pockets, open axially on one side, are arranged for the secure retention of the ball bearing's balls. Each cage pocket has two retaining ribs for partially gripping the balls. The cage body has several intermediate sections, the intermediate sections being arranged in a circumferential direction of the snap-in cage between each pair of retaining ribs. The cage body has several receptacles, with at least one receptacle arranged in each intermediate section. The invention further relates to a ball bearing with the snap-in cage arrangement and a method for operating a ball bearing.

[0002] Snap-in cages for ball bearings serve to hold the balls of the ball bearing rotatably in a predetermined position. They are well known in the prior art. For example, German patent application DE102 015 214 850 A1 describes a snap-in cage for ball bearings with a plurality of open pockets for receiving balls, the pockets being connected to each other by a bridge. Each pocket has an inner circumferential surface that serves as a guide surface for the ball. At least one elongated recess runs along the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the pocket, serving as a lubricant reservoir.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a snap cage arrangement whose snap cage is resistant to acting forces. This objective is achieved by a snap cage arrangement for a ball bearing according to claim 1, by a ball bearing with the snap cage arrangement according to claim 11, and by a method for operating a ball bearing according to claim 14.

[0004] A snap-in cage assembly for a ball bearing, specifically designed and / or suitable for high-speed applications, is proposed. The snap-in cage assembly comprises an annular snap cage with a cage base. For example, the cage base is made of a plastic, such as polyamide (PA), in particular PA 66 or PA 64. Alternatively, the cage base can be made of a metal. The snap cage defines a principal axis that specifies an axial direction.

[0005] Several cage pockets are arranged in the cage body. The cage pockets are open on one side, with the side facing axially. Each cage pocket has two retaining ribs that, in particular, define the opening of the cage pockets. The retaining ribs are designed to partially engage the balls of the ball bearing. Preferably, the balls are engaged by the retaining ribs in such a way that they are rotatably held in the cage pockets. In particular, the balls can be securely held in the cage pockets by means of a snap-fit ​​connection provided by the retaining ribs. Advantageously, no additional component is required to hold the balls in the cage pockets due to the positive locking effect of the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0006] The cage body has several intermediate sections arranged in a circumferential direction of the snap cage between each pair of retaining bars, with each retaining bar corresponding to two adjacent cage pockets. The cage body has several receptacles. At least one of the receptacles is arranged in an intermediate section. Preferably, at least one of the receptacles is arranged between each pair of retaining bars of the adjacent cage pockets. In particular, exactly one receptacle is arranged in each intermediate section.

[0007] According to the invention, the snap cage assembly has a retaining ring. The retaining ring comprises a ring-shaped base body with several projections that extend axially. The projections are arranged and / or designed to complement the receptacles in the cage base body. Preferably, the retaining ring is suitable and / or designed to increase the resistance of the snap cage during operation of the snap cage assembly integrated in the ball bearing, particularly during rotation of the snap cage about its main axis. This is achieved, for example, by supporting the retaining webs with the projections arranged in the receptacles, especially when the snap cage assembly is mounted and integrated into the ball bearing. The increased resistance is advantageous because it extends the service life of the snap cage.

[0008] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the projections and / or the receptacles are tapered or widened in a radial direction relative to the main axis. Preferably, a base surface of the projections that points radially, particularly outwards, has a larger diameter than a base surface that points in the opposite radial direction, particularly inwards. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the base surface pointing radially to have a smaller diameter than the base surface pointing in the opposite radial direction. For example, the projections or the corresponding receptacles have the shape and / or contour of a cone, particularly a circular cone, or a truncated cone.It is advantageous that, due to the tapering or widening of the projections arranged in the receptacles, the retaining webs are secured, protected, and / or supported in an improved manner against the effects of acting forces, particularly centripetal forces, which occur during the rotation of the snap cage in operation of the ball bearing. Bending, buckling, and / or breakage of the retaining webs due to the acting forces, especially during rotation of the snap cage at high or very high speeds, can thus be advantageously avoided.

[0009] In another possible embodiment of the invention, the retaining ring can be detachably connected to and / or joined with the snap cage. For this purpose, the retaining ring can be placed onto the snap cage in the axial direction, with the projections being and / or being able to be inserted precisely into the receptacles. Preferably, the snap cage assembly has a detachably connected state when it is mounted, in particular when the retaining ring is placed onto the snap cage and the projections are arranged and / or inserted precisely into the receptacles.

[0010] In one possible embodiment of the invention, several spherical segment-shaped recesses are arranged in the ring base body, in which the balls of the ball bearing can be partially received. Preferably, each recess is arranged in a circumferential direction of the retaining ring between two projections. Preferably, the balls are received in the recesses when the snap cage assembly is mounted.

[0011] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the ring base body has several connecting sections. For example, each connecting section is arranged in the circumferential direction of the ring base body between a projection and a receptacle.

[0012] Another possible design embodiment of the invention provides that the ring body closes and / or can close the cage pockets without force by means of its spherical segment-shaped recesses. In particular, the recesses close the opening arranged between the two retaining lugs of the respective cage pocket without exerting force on the retaining lugs when the snap cage assembly is mounted. Optionally, one of the connecting sections of the retaining ring end is additionally positioned axially on a retaining lug and arranged in contact with it. This has the advantage that the retaining lugs are secured, protected, or supported in an improved manner against the effects of forces, especially centrifugal forces, which act on them during the rotation of the snap cage in operation of the ball bearing.This advantageously prevents the retaining webs from tearing out and / or breaking out due to the forces acting upon them, especially during rotation of the snap cage at high or very high speeds.

[0013] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the ring body can have one or more recesses in the ring material. Optionally, at least one of the ring material recesses is arranged axially opposite a projection and / or a connecting section. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the at least one ring material recess to extend into the at least one projection. The at least one ring material recess advantageously reduces the weight of the ring body. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the cage body to have at least one material recess in a corresponding or similar manner.

[0014] A ball bearing, for example for high-speed applications, forms a further aspect of the invention. The ball bearing comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, and several balls, as well as the snap cage arrangement according to the preceding description and / or any one of claims 1-10. Preferably, the balls are rotatably and securely held in the cage pockets of the snap cage arrangement.

[0015] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the assembled snap cage is integrated into the ball bearing. Preferably, the retaining ring is axially mounted onto the snap cage, with the projections precisely aligned in the receptacles. In particular, the ring body closes the opening of the cage pockets between the two retaining webs without requiring force. Specifically, the connecting sections are mounted in contact with the retaining webs.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention provides that the projections and / or the connecting sections have and / or possess a pre-tensioning and support function for the retaining webs. By means of the pre-tensioning and support function, the retaining webs are protected, pre-tensioned and / or supported against the effects of acting forces, for example centrifugal and / or centripetal forces, during or after the rotation of the snap cage assembly.

[0017] A further aspect of the invention is a method for operating a ball bearing, particularly according to the preceding description and / or according to claim 13. Within the framework of this method, the retaining webs of the snap cage are protected by the retaining ring against the effects of acting forces during the rotation of the ball bearing and / or snap cage of the snap cage assembly, in particular by being pre-tensioned and supported. This advantageously extends the service life of the snap cage assembly, in particular of the snap cage itself, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0018] Within the framework of this process, it is possible for the projections and / or connecting sections to counteract the forces acting on the retaining webs during the rotation of the snap cage. This is possible in particular due to the relative arrangement of the projections and / or connecting sections to the retaining webs. For example, the shape and / or contour of the projections arranged in the receptacles counteracts centripetal forces. Alternatively, or optionally, the contacting arrangement of the connecting sections on the retaining webs counteracts centrifugal forces.

[0019] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. These include: Fig. 1 a side view of a snap cage assembly for a ball bearing; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the snap cage arrangement and a detail section; Fig. 3 a side view of a snap cage of the snap cage arrangement from the Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the snap cage and a detail view; Fig. 5 a side view of a retaining ring of the snap cage assembly from the Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the retaining ring and a detail section; Fig. 7 a perspective view of an alternative retaining ring and a detail section.

[0020] Corresponding or identical parts are each provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0021] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a snap-in cage assembly 1 for a ball bearing, which is particularly suitable for high-speed applications. In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the snap-in cage assembly 1 in a perspective view and in a detail view. The snap-in cage assembly 1 can be integrated into the ball bearing, and in an integrated state, it can be arranged, in particular, between an inner ring and an outer ring of the ball bearing.

[0022] The snap cage assembly 1 comprises a snap cage 2 and a retaining ring 3. The snap cage 2 is designed to hold the balls of the ball bearing rotatably and securely in position. The retaining ring 3 is designed to increase the resistance of the snap cage 2 during and / or rotation of the snap cage assembly 1 about a principal axis 20 when the snap cage assembly 1 is integrated into the ball bearing and the latter is in operation.

[0023] The snap cage 2 is in the Fig. 3 in a side view and in the Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view with a detail section. The snap cage 2 has a cage body 4, which is made of a plastic material, for example, polyamide. Several cage pockets 5 are formed in the cage body 4, which are arranged at regular intervals around the main axis 20 in a circumferential direction. The cage pockets 5 are open on one side in an axial direction relative to the main axis 20. The cage body 4 forms several retaining webs 6, with each cage pocket 5 having two retaining webs 6. The two retaining webs 6 define one opening of the respective cage pocket 5.

[0024] The balls of the ball bearing can be rotatably arranged in the cage pockets 5. For this purpose, they are guided through the opening between the retaining bars 6 and snap into place in the cage pockets 5. When the balls are arranged in the cage pockets 5, they are partially enclosed by the retaining bars 6. The balls are thus held securely in the cage pockets 5.

[0025] The cage body 4 has several intermediate sections 7. In the circumferential direction of the snap cage 2, the intermediate sections 7 are arranged between each pair of retaining bars 6, with each of the two retaining bars 6 being assigned to one of two different, adjacent cage pockets 5.

[0026] The cage base body 4 has several receptacles 8 arranged in the intermediate regions 7. In particular, exactly one receptacle 8 is arranged in each intermediate region 7. The receptacles 8 are open on one side in the axial direction, corresponding to the cage pockets 5. As can be seen from the Fig. 2 to remove, a material recess 19 is provided around the main axis 20, which serves to reduce the dead weight of the cage base body 4.

[0027] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the retaining ring 3 in a side view. Fig. Figure 6 shows the retaining ring 3 in a perspective view and in a detail section. The retaining ring 3 has a ring body 9, which is made of a plastic material, for example polyamide.

[0028] The ring body 9 forms several projections 11 which extend in the axial direction. The projections 11 are arranged at regular intervals around the main axis 20 in a circumferential direction of the ring body 9. Furthermore, the projections 11 are widened in a radial direction relative to the main axis 20. As can be seen from the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, a radially outwardly directed cover surface 13 of the projections 11 has a larger diameter than a radially inwardly directed cover surface 14 of the projections 11. Each projection 11 has the shape and / or contour of a truncated cone. The projections 11 are arranged and / or designed correspondingly to the receptacles 8 in the cage base body 4, so that they can be positioned precisely, for example, in a form-fit manner. In particular, the shape and / or contour of the receptacles 8 is the same as and / or corresponds to the shape and / or contour of the projections 11.

[0029] The ring body 9 has several spherical segment-shaped recesses 12. Each of the recesses 12 is, for example, arranged centrally between two projections 11. The ring body 9 also has several connecting sections 10. Each connecting section 10 is arranged between a recess 12 and a projection 11. The ring body 9 has several ring material recesses (not shown) circumferentially around the main axis 20. These recesses serve to reduce the dead weight of the ring body 9. The ring material recesses are arranged, for example, axially opposite the projections 11 and / or connecting sections 10. They can also extend into the projections 11. The ring material recesses can be implemented in a similar or identical manner to the material recesses in the cage body 4 according to the Fig. 2.

[0030] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The retaining ring 3 is placed on the snap cage 2 in the opposite direction to the axial direction and detachably connected to it. To form the assembled snap cage assembly 1, which can be integrated into the ball bearing, the balls are rotatably held in the cage pockets 5. In the assembled snap cage assembly 1, the projections 11 of the ring base body 9 are inserted into the receptacles 8 of the cage base body 7, preferably in a form-fitting manner. In addition, the spherical segment-shaped recesses 12 in the ring base body 9 close the openings between the two retaining webs 6 of the cage pockets 5 without the application of force.

[0031] Furthermore, each connecting section 10 rests in contact with a support platform 6.

[0032] This secures and / or supports the retaining webs 6 against the effects of forces, particularly centripetal and / or centrifugal forces, which act on the snap cage 2 during rotation of the snap cage assembly 1 in operation of the ball bearing. This support prevents the retaining webs 6 from bending, buckling, and / or breaking due to the acting forces, especially at high or very high rotational speeds. The frustoconical shape of the projections 11 particularly supports the retaining webs 6 against centripetal forces, and the arrangement of the connecting sections 10 on the retaining webs 6 counteracts the effects of centrifugal forces. In summary, the projections 11 and connecting sections 10 reduce adverse effects on the retaining webs 6 that can arise from centrifugal and centripetal forces during rotation.

[0033] In the Fig. Figure 7 shows an alternative retaining ring 15. The alternative retaining ring 15 differs from those of the Fig. 5 and Fig.6 in that it has alternative projections 16 on the ring body 9. The alternative projections 16, in the form and / or contour of truncated cones, are tapered in the radial direction. This means that a radially outwardly directed alternative cover surface 17 of the projections 16 has a smaller diameter than the radially inwardly directed alternative cover surface 18 of the projections 16. If the alternative retaining ring 15 is part of the snap cage assembly 1, then the snap cage 2 is adapted accordingly such that the receptacles 8 in the cage body 4 correspond to the alternative projections 16. This allows the alternative projections 16 to be positioned in the adapted receptacles 8, preferably in a form-fitting manner. In particular, the shape and / or contour of the adapted receptacles 8 is the same as and / or corresponds to the shape and / or contour of the alternative projections 11. Reference symbol list 1 Snap cage arrangement 2 snap cages 3 retaining ring 4 Cage base 5 cage pockets 6 landing stages 7 Intermediate areas 8 shots 9 Ring base bodies 10 connecting sections 11 protrusions 12 cutouts 13 Cover surface facing outwards 14 Cover surface facing inwards 15 alternative retaining ring 16 alternative protrusions 17 alternative cover surface facing outwards 18 alternative cover surface facing inwards 19 material cutouts 20 Main axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 015 214 850 A1

[0002]

Claims

Snap cage arrangement (1) for a ball bearing, comprising an annular snap cage (2), wherein the snap cage (2) comprises a cage base body (4), wherein several cage pockets (5) open axially on one side are arranged in the cage base body (4) for the captive reception of balls of the ball bearing, wherein each cage pocket (5) has two retaining webs (6) for partially gripping the balls, wherein the cage base body (4) has several intermediate regions (7), wherein the intermediate regions (7) are arranged in a circumferential direction of the snap cage (2) between each pair of retaining webs (6), wherein the cage base body (4) has several receptacles (5), wherein at least one receptacle (5) is arranged in each intermediate region (7), characterized by a retaining ring (3) with an annular base body (9), wherein the annular base body (9) has axially projecting projections (11), wherein the projections (11) are arranged and / or formed complementarily to the receptacles (8). Snap cage arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the projections (11) and / or the receptacles (8) are radially tapered or widened. Snap cage arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projections (11) and / or the receptacles (8) have a shape and / or contour of a cone or a truncated cone. Snap cage arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several spherical segment-shaped recesses (12) for the balls are arranged in the ring base body (9), wherein each recess (12) is arranged in a circumferential direction of the retaining ring (3) between two projections (11). Snap cage arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining ring (3) is detachably connectable or connected to the snap cage (2), wherein the retaining ring (3) is axially attachable or placed on the snap cage (2), wherein the projections (11) can be inserted or fitted precisely into the receptacles (8). Snap cage arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the ring base body (3) can close or close the cage pockets (5) in the area of ​​the recesses (12) between the two retaining webs (6) of a cage pocket (5) without force. Snap cage arrangement (1) according to one of the claims, characterized in that the ring base body (9) has several connecting sections (10), wherein each connecting section (10) is arranged in the circumferential direction of the ring base body (3) between a projection (11) and a receptacle (8). Snap cage arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that each connecting section (10) can be arranged axially on one of the retaining webs (6) and / or is arranged. Snap cage arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring base body (3) has at least one ring material recess to reduce weight. Snap cage arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the ring material recesses is arranged axially opposite a projection (11) and / or connecting section (10) and / or that the at least one material recess extends into the at least one projection (11). Ball bearings, e.g. for high-speed applications, with an inner ring, an outer ring and several balls, characterized by the snap cage arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Ball bearing according to claim 11, characterized in that the balls are rotatably held in the cage pockets (5) by positive and / or force locking, wherein the retaining ring (3) is axially mounted on the snap cage (2), wherein the projections (11) are arranged precisely in the receptacles (8) and the ring base body (9) closes the cage pockets (5) between the two retaining webs (6) of a cage pocket (5) without force in the area of ​​the recesses (12). Ball bearing according to claim 12, characterized in that the projections (11) and / or the connecting sections (10) have a preloading and support function for the retaining webs (6), by means of which the retaining webs (6) are preloaded and / or supported against centrifugal forces during or during a rotation of the snap cage arrangement (1). Method for operating a ball bearing, in particular according to claim 13, characterized in that the retaining webs (6) of the snap cage (2) are protected by the retaining ring (3) against the effects of acting forces that occur during a rotation of the ball bearing and / or snap cage (2). Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the projections (11) arranged in the receptacles (8) of the snap cage counteract centripetal forces and / or that the connecting sections (10) arranged in contact on the retaining webs (6) counteract centrifugal forces.

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