Rolling bearing with multi-component plastic bearing ring

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rolling bearing according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a device comprising such a rolling bearing as well as an outer and an inner component, wherein the two components are rotatably mounted relative to each other by the rolling bearing and are connected to each other. Rolling bearings of this type are well known in the prior art. Such rolling bearings have two bearing rings, namely an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is at least partially surrounded by the outer ring and at least partially radially spaced from it, with rolling elements provided between the inner ring and the outer ring, which are designed to roll on both bearing rings while bearing against them. This allows the bearing rings to be rotatably mounted relative to each other about an axis of the rolling bearing, and due to the provision of the rolling elements, such rolling bearings can withstand a considerable radial force.In widely used embodiments, such rolling bearings are designed as ball bearings, in which balls are provided as rolling elements. Such a rolling bearing, in which the bearing rings each consist of two different plastic rings, is known, for example, from document US4892421A. The invention relates in particular to such ball bearings. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, rolling bearings are designed as deep groove ball bearings, in which the inner ring and the outer ring together form a groove-like guide for the balls, in which the balls are guided between the bearing rings, enabling these deep groove ball bearings to also absorb a certain axial force. The invention relates in particular to such deep groove ball bearings. It should be noted in general that the suitability of a rolling bearing for absorbing a force is assumed to be a force acting relative to the inner ring and the outer ring of the rolling bearing.Furthermore, it should be noted in general that the term "axial" refers to a direction along the axis of the rolling bearing about which the bearing rings are rotatably mounted relative to each other, and that the term "radial" refers to a direction perpendicular to this axis.

[0002] In rolling bearings of this type, each bearing ring has a guide section formed between the bearing rings, in which the rolling elements are mounted. The guide sections of the bearing rings are thus radially opposite each other, and the rolling elements are arranged radially between them. The guide sections are each formed as a continuous, closed loop around the axis. The balls are distributed around the axis within the guide, particularly uniformly, and are positioned against both guide sections, so that when the bearing rings rotate relative to each other around the axis, the rolling elements roll along both guide sections. In principle, such a rolling bearing can reliably ensure low-friction, axially rotatable mounting of the two bearing rings relative to each other, with the bearing rings being reliably positioned both axially and radially relative to each other.However, such rolling bearings present several difficulties. For example, conventional rolling bearings require significant lubrication of the rolling elements within the guide to ensure consistently reliable operation. Furthermore, excessively tight press fits between the bearing rings result in excessively high friction, leading to wear and, at high speeds, heat generation. Conversely, insufficient press fits can create play between the bearing rings. Additionally, selecting suitable materials for manufacturing such rolling bearings is challenging.Firstly, sufficient stability of the bearing rings must be ensured; secondly, the lowest possible friction between rolling elements and bearing rings should be achieved; and thirdly, the rolling bearings should ideally be suitable for both low and high rotational speeds of the bearing rings relative to each other around the axis. Furthermore, since such rolling bearings are used extensively for supporting a wide variety of components relative to each other, the bearing rings and the rolling bearing as a whole should be as cost-effective as possible.

[0003] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a rolling bearing or a device with a rolling bearing which at least partially eliminates a disadvantage or problem that occurs with rolling bearings or devices of the generic type.

[0004] As a solution to the problem underlying the invention, the invention proposes a rolling bearing with the features according to claim 1. The rolling bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring as two bearing rings of the rolling bearing rotatably mounted relative to each other about an axis. The inner ring and outer ring each form a guide section that rotates around the axis, in particular a continuously closed, rotating section of a guide provided between the bearing rings. The guide section formed by the inner ring is radially opposite the guide section formed by the outer ring. The guide sections can be formed by radially opposite sides of the inner ring and outer ring. Rolling elements are distributed around the axis in the guide and are arranged in contact with both guide sections.Preferably, the rolling elements are fixed in both their axial position and their radial distance from the axis by their contact with the two guide sections. When the bearing rings rotate relative to each other about the axis, the rolling elements roll along both guide sections. This rolling motion of the rolling elements along the guide sections allows the bearing rings to be rotatably mounted relative to each other. Preferably, the rolling elements are evenly distributed around the axis so that the same angle of separation is always maintained between two adjacent rolling elements in the direction of rotation. The rolling bearing is preferably designed as a ball bearing, with the rolling elements being balls. In other embodiments, rolling elements other than balls, such as cylinders, may be used.According to the invention, at least one of the bearing rings has a sliding ring that forms the guide section of the bearing ring, and a stabilizing ring that bears against the sliding ring around its axis, wherein the sliding ring is made of a first plastic and the stabilizing ring is made of a second plastic. The first and second plastics differ from each other, with the first plastic being softer than the second plastic. The rolling bearing according to the invention may, in embodiments, have features that are disclosed without reference to generic rolling bearings.

[0005] The inventive design of the rolling bearing offers particular advantages. Since the first plastic, from which the sliding ring forming the guide section of the bearing ring is made, is softer than the second plastic, from which the stabilizing ring is made, the first plastic can be specifically optimized for low-friction and low-noise interaction with the rolling elements without compromising the overall stability of the bearing ring, as the stabilizing ring, due to its hardness and associated strength, ensures sufficient stabilization of the bearing ring. The first plastic is particularly preferably a sliding material. Sliding materials are well known as plastics with good sliding properties. A tribological polymer, i.e., a tribologically optimized polymer, is particularly preferred as the sliding material.exhibits good friction and / or lubrication properties. Such a polymer is also referred to as a tribopolymer. This type of sliding material is particularly well-suited for injection molding. A tribopolymer can be, for example, a thermoplastic tribopolymer or a thermosetting tribopolymer. The tribopolymer typically contains one or more base polymers as well as additives, which may be specifically formulated to optimize wear and / or friction reduction. For example, lubricants, such as finely divided solid lubricants like molybdenum disulfide or graphite, may be used as additives. In one embodiment, the tribopolymer contains further additives, for example, for stabilization purposes, such as fillers, in particular plastic or textile fibers or particles.Examples of suitable base polymers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA, PA6, PA12, PA46, PA66), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Polyketone (PK) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are also used. For specific applications, such as in the food industry and / or for good resistance at high temperatures, examples include polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polysulfone (PSU), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The base polymer can also be a compound consisting of at least two of the polymers listed above. A thermosetting tribopolymer can, for example, have phenolic resin as its base polymer. Due to the design according to the invention, in particularly preferred embodiments, the rolling bearing can be a lubricant-free bearing, so that the rolling elements are mounted in the guide without lubricant.Such a lubricant-free rolling bearing can be particularly low-maintenance and environmentally friendly, and can also be especially advantageous for use in critical environments, such as in the food industry.

[0006] By forming the guide section of the bearing ring, the sliding ring ensures that the rolling elements continuously roll against the sliding ring and thus against the first plastic component during a complete rotation of the bearing rings relative to each other around the axis. Therefore, the advantageously selectable properties of the first plastic component ensure consistently low friction between the rolling elements and the bearing ring. By bearing against the sliding ring around the axis, particularly in a continuous, closed circuit, the stabilizing ring ensures sufficient stability of the sliding ring throughout its entire rotation.

[0007] Preferably, the stabilizing ring extends over at least 50%, and more preferably over at least 80%, of the axial extent of the sliding ring along its entire circumference around the axis, and more preferably over at least the entire axial extent of the sliding ring. Preferably, the sliding ring has two radial sides: an inner radial side and an outer radial side, each of which continuously rotates around the axis. One of these radial sides forms the guide section, and the stabilizing ring bears against the other of these radial sides, particularly continuously over its entire circumference. This allows the stabilizing ring to provide particularly effective stabilization of the bearing ring for use in rolling bearing applications.Preferably, during a 360-degree rotation of the bearing rings relative to each other about the axis, the rolling elements continuously bear in contact with the sliding ring with a contact area at least five times larger than that on the stabilizing ring. The contact area with which the rolling elements bear against the sliding ring is thus at least five times larger than the contact area with which they bear against the stabilizing ring. Preferably, the rolling elements do not bear in contact with the stabilizing ring. Thus, the stabilizing ring is preferably spaced apart from the rolling elements, particularly in every possible rotational position of the bearing rings relative to each other about the axis.

[0008] Preferably, each bearing ring has a sliding ring and a stabilizing ring. The advantageous properties described herein with reference to a bearing ring in various embodiments can then be provided in one or both of the bearing rings. By having both bearing rings, i.e., the inner ring and the outer ring, each have a sliding ring and a stabilizing ring as explained herein for various embodiments, the entire rolling bearing can be designed to be particularly simple, low-friction, and robust. Particularly preferably, the sliding ring of the inner ring surrounds the stabilizing ring of the inner ring. Particularly preferably, the stabilizing ring of the outer ring surrounds the sliding ring of the outer ring. Thus, the sliding rings of the inner and outer rings form the radially opposite guide sections of the guide in which the rolling bearings are arranged.

[0009] The first plastic preferably has a Shore D hardness of less than 75, particularly less than 70, particularly less than 65, and more preferably less than 60. More preferably, the first plastic has a Shore D hardness in the range of 30 to 75, particularly 35 to 65, and more preferably 40 to 60. More preferably, the second plastic has a Shore D hardness that is at least 5, particularly at least 10, particularly at least 15, and more preferably at least 20 greater than the Shore D hardness of the first plastic. More preferably, the second plastic has a Shore D hardness of at least 60, particularly at least 65, and more preferably at least 70, and more preferably at least 75. More preferably, the second plastic has a Shore D hardness in the range of 60 to 100, particularly 65 to 100, and more preferably 70 to 95, and more preferably 70 to 90.The inventors have discovered that by combining the first and second plastics such that the second plastic is very hard, while the first plastic still exhibits considerable hardness, a particularly robust and simultaneously low-friction rolling bearing with the features of the invention can be produced. A coefficient of friction between the rolling elements and the first plastic is generally preferred to be lower than a coefficient of friction between the rolling elements and the second plastic. A higher proportion of lubricants is generally preferred to the first plastic than to the second plastic.

[0010] In one embodiment, only the first plastic is designed as a sliding material; in another embodiment, both the first and second plastics are designed as sliding materials.

[0011] In one embodiment, the rolling elements are rotatably mounted in a bearing cage rotating around the axis, with a defined angular distance between them. The bearing cage is arranged radially between the guide sections of the inner and outer rings. By providing a bearing cage that ensures a defined angular distance between the rolling elements when the bearing rings rotate relative to each other, the bearing characteristics of the rolling bearing can be particularly advantageous. The bearing ring is preferably made of a sliding material. The sliding material is a plastic, which can be designed, for example, as described above, particularly as a tribopolymer. Preferably, the sliding material from which the bearing cage is made differs from the first plastic and / or the second plastic. Generally, the inner ring, the outer ring, and the bearing cage are each made of plastic.This allows the rolling bearing to be provided cost-effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner, with the design of the inner ring, outer ring and bearing cage made of plastic being particularly advantageous for realizing the rolling bearing as a lubricant-free rolling bearing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the rolling elements are made of a material that has a greater hardness than the first plastic and, in particular, a greater hardness than the second plastic. Preferably, the rolling elements are made of glass, metal, a plastic, or a ceramic. This can be particularly advantageous for realizing a lubricant-free rolling bearing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sliding ring and stabilizing ring are positively engaged both along the axis and perpendicular to the axis, i.e., axially and radially. This positive engagement ensures particularly high stability of the bearing ring.

[0014] According to the invention, the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring each have projections distributed around the axis, with a recess provided between each pair of adjacent projections. Preferably, the projections and, in particular, the recesses are arranged evenly distributed around the axis. Each projection of the stabilizing ring is arranged in one of the recesses of the sliding ring, and each projection of the sliding ring is arranged in one of the recesses of the stabilizing ring. The interlocking of the projections and recesses of the stabilizing ring and sliding ring ensures a particularly rigid connection between the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring, and in particular a very good positive-locking connection.The recesses can be formed, for example, by reducing the thickness of the respective ring or by providing a through-hole in the respective ring. Preferably, the projections of the sliding ring extend together over at least 30% of the axial length of the sliding ring. Thus, at least 30% of the axial length of the sliding ring is formed by its projections. Similarly, the projections and recesses of the sliding ring preferably extend over at least 30% of the axial length of the sliding ring, since the recesses are formed perpendicular to the axial direction between the projections. Preferably, the projections of the stabilizing ring extend over at least 30% of the axial length of the stabilizing ring. Thus, at least 30% of the axial length of the...

[0015] The stabilizing ring is formed by its projections. Accordingly, the projections and recesses, which are formed perpendicular to the axial direction between the projections, preferably extend over at least 30% of the axial length of the stabilizing ring. Since the projections of the stabilizing ring and / or the sliding ring extend over at least 30% of their axial length, a rigid connection between the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring can be ensured over a considerable axial extent. Particularly preferably, the projections and recesses are provided outside the axial extent of the rolling elements for at least 50% of their axial length, and especially for at least 70% of their axial length. This minimizes the influence of the interlocking projections and recesses on the bearing of the rolling elements.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least some of the projections of the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring are configured as radial projections, and some of the recesses of the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring are configured as radial recesses, with each radial projection of the stabilizing ring being arranged in one of the radial recesses of the sliding ring, and each radial projection of the sliding ring being arranged in one of the radial recesses of the stabilizing ring. The interlocking of radial projections and recesses can particularly effectively prevent rotation of the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring relative to each other. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radial projections of the sliding ring are wider than the radial projections of the stabilizing ring, which can be particularly advantageous for the stability of the bearing ring and thus of the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least some of the radial projections have a width that increases along their radial extent into their respective radial receptacle, forming an undercut. The associated radial receptacle is the receptacle in which the respective radial projection is arranged. By widening along their radial extent into their associated radial receptacle, the radial projections form an undercut that acts in the radial direction, preventing the radial projections from moving radially out of the associated radial receptacle. This is particularly advantageous for the stability of the bearing ring.

[0018] In one embodiment, the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring each have a first group and a second group of projections, the two groups of projections being located at opposite axial ends of the stabilizing ring and sliding ring, respectively. Preferably, the rolling elements are arranged axially between the two groups of projections. The rolling elements preferably extend at least 50%, and in particular at least 70%, of their axial extent outside the axial region in which the projections are arranged. The projections of the first group are particularly preferably designed as axial projections and the projections of the second group as radial projections. It is particularly preferred that each projection of the first group is arranged within the same angular range around the axis as a corresponding projection of the second group.The provision of two groups of projections can particularly improve the connection between the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring. By arranging the projections of both groups within the same angular range, the interlocking and stability of the stabilizing ring and sliding ring can be significantly enhanced.

[0019] In one embodiment, the sliding ring has a greater radial extent, averaged over its revolution around the axis, than the stabilizing ring. This refers to the radial extent, i.e., radial thickness, averaged over the entire revolution around the axis and averaged over the same axial section, wherein the section comprises at least 50% of the axial extent of both the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring, and in particular 100% of the axial extent of at least one of the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring. Preferably, the radial extent, i.e., radial thickness, is averaged over the entire revolution around the axis and over the entire axial extent of both the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring. The inventors have recognized that for reliable and low-friction bearing operation, a greater radial extent is required.For guiding the rolling elements, providing a sufficiently radially thick sliding ring is particularly advantageous, whereas in many applications a stabilizing ring with a small thickness is sufficient for adequate stability, since the stabilizing ring is made of a plastic with high hardness.

[0020] In one embodiment, the guide sections engage behind the rolling elements on both their axial sides. The guide sections thus preferably form a groove in which the rolling elements are guided. This has proven particularly advantageous when using balls as rolling elements. By engaging behind the rolling elements on both their axial sides, the bearing rings and the rolling elements can be guided relative to each other by means of the rolling elements. Particularly preferably, the guide sections each have a segment-shaped cross-section that rotates around the axis, so that their segment-shaped cross-section forms a surface on which the rolling elements can roll. This is especially advantageous when using balls as rolling elements.Particularly preferred is the ability of the rolling elements to engage behind each other on both axial sides through both guide sections, thus fixing the bearing rings in their axial position relative to each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one of the guide sections abuts an insertion section with an insertion ramp at one of its axial ends. Particularly preferably, both guide sections abut an insertion section with an insertion ramp at the same axial end, such that the insertion ramps of the insertion sections, encompassed by the respective bearing ring forming the guide section, are radially opposite each other. Providing such an insertion section with an insertion ramp is particularly advantageous for assembling the bearing rings and the rolling elements. Particularly preferably, the bearing ring containing the guide section has an outer diameter that increases along the axis of the insertion section or an inner diameter that decreases along the axis of the insertion section.Preferably, the outer ring forms a guide section which adjoins an insertion section with an insertion chamfer at one of its axial ends, wherein the outer ring has an inner diameter that decreases along the axis of the insertion section. The inner diameter decreases from an axial end of the outer ring towards the guide section. Particularly preferably, the inner ring forms a guide section which adjoins an insertion section with an insertion chamfer at one of its axial ends, wherein the inner ring has an outer diameter that increases along the axis of the insertion section, with the outer diameter increasing from an axial end of the inner ring towards the guide section.While the rolling elements bear against the guide section and not the lead-in section in the intended operating state of the rolling bearing, the rolling elements can be guided along the lead-in section to the guide section when the rolling bearing is assembled comprising the inner ring, outer ring, and rolling elements. Preferably, the guide section and lead-in section are each formed by the sliding ring of the respective bearing ring.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sliding ring and stabilizing ring are arranged in a radial press fit. In another embodiment, the sliding ring and stabilizing ring, and in particular the bearing ring as a whole, are manufactured by injection molding. Preferably, the sliding ring and stabilizing ring are manufactured by a multi-component injection molding process, or one of the sliding ring and stabilizing ring is injection molded onto the other. When manufactured by multi-component injection molding, the sliding ring and stabilizing ring can be produced simultaneously, using a different plastic for each ring. When manufacturing by injection molding the sliding ring onto the stabilizing ring or vice versa, one of the sliding ring and stabilizing ring is produced first, and then the other is produced by injection molding onto the first.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one of the bearing rings, and in particular at least the inner ring, has a flange that extends radially along the rolling elements and covers the rolling elements on one of their axial sides. Such a flange protects the rolling elements, thereby at least reducing the ingress of friction or other particles that could cause damage. The flange is preferably formed by the stabilizing ring. Particularly preferably, the flange rests in a sliding contact with the sliding ring of the other bearing ring around its axis. Since both bearing rings each have a sliding ring and a stabilizing ring, and the stabilizing ring forming the flange rests against the sliding ring of the other bearing ring, the contact of the flange with the sliding ring ensures the best possible seal and thus the best possible protection of the rolling elements.The guide with the rolling elements arranged therein enables, and also minimizes friction between the bearing rings. Particularly preferably, recesses are provided in the flange distributed around the axis, wherein either the flange is formed by the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring extends a section into the recesses, or the flange is formed by the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring extends into the recesses. Extending the respective ring into the recesses of the flange advantageously ensures a form-fitting connection between the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring. Preferably, the respective ring (stabilizing ring or sliding ring, which does not have the flange) extends into the recesses with its projections as described above.

[0024] In one embodiment, the inner ring has a projecting projection on its radial inner surface and / or the outer ring on its radial outer surface for rotationally fixed engagement with a first component, which is rotatably mounted relative to a second component by the rolling bearing. The first component is rotationally fixed to the inner ring or the outer ring, with the projecting projection of the inner ring or outer ring being arranged in a receptacle provided in the first component. The second component is rotationally fixed to the other inner ring or outer ring. Accordingly, the two components are rotatably mounted relative to each other by the rolling bearing, with each inner ring and outer ring being rotationally fixed to one of the two components.Preferably, one of the components is pressed into the inner ring in a radial press fit, enclosed by it, and the other component is pressed into the outer ring in a radial press fit, circumferentially around it.

[0025] In one embodiment, the inner ring has a receptacle on its radial inner surface for receiving a shaft, wherein the receptacle has a diameter of at least 8 mm, in particular at least 1 cm, and in particular at least 5 cm. Preferably, the outer ring has an outer diameter that is less than 4 cm, in particular less than 3 cm, and in particular at least 1 cm larger than the diameter of the receptacle of the inner ring.

[0026] The invention further relates to a device comprising an outer component, in particular a frame part or transmission part, an inner component, in particular a shaft or another transmission part, and a rolling bearing according to the invention. The inner ring is connected to the inner component and the outer ring to the outer component in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular by press fit. The components are rotatably connected to one another by the rolling bearing and, due to the properties of the rolling bearing according to the invention, are rotatably mounted relative to one another about the axis of the rolling bearing with as little friction as possible. The device is particularly preferably a bicycle. In one embodiment, the outer component is a bicycle frame, in particular a wheel fork of the bicycle frame, wherein the inner component is a wheel axle or a bottom bracket axle.In one embodiment, the outer component is a gear part of a bicycle transmission, and the inner component is another gear part of the bicycle transmission. For example, the bicycle transmission can be a bottom bracket transmission, wherein two gear parts of the bottom bracket transmission are rotatably mounted relative to each other by means of the rolling bearing. For example, the bottom bracket transmission can have several gears as gear parts, in particular a sun gear, a ring gear, and at least one planet gear, as well as a shaft with at least one axis of rotation for the planet gear, wherein at least one of the aforementioned gear parts, i.e., for example, the sun gear, the ring gear, the at least one planet gear, and / or the shaft, is rotatably mounted on another of the gear parts by means of the rolling bearing.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to eight figures and exemplary embodiments.

[0028] It shows: Figure 1: Various schematic representations of an embodiment of a rolling bearing according to the invention; Figure 2: Various schematic representations of the outer ring of the rolling bearing according to Figure 1 Figure 3: In various schematic representations of principle, the inner ring of the rolling bearing according to Figure 1 Figure 4: Various schematic representations of a further embodiment of the rolling bearing according to the invention; Figure 5: Various schematic representations of the outer ring of the rolling bearing according to Figure 4 Figure 6: Various schematic representations of the principle show the inner ring of the rolling bearing according to Figure 4 Figure 7: A schematic representation of a bearing cage of an embodiment of the rolling bearing according to the invention; Figure 8: Various schematic representations of another embodiment of a rolling bearing according to the invention.

[0029] In Figure 1 comprehensive the Figures 1A, 1B and 1CAn embodiment of a rolling bearing 1 according to the invention is schematically illustrated in various principle representations. Figure 1A shows a top view of the rolling bearing 1 along the axial direction. Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view according to section AA. Figure 1C shows a perspective view. The rolling bearing 1 according to the in Figure 1 The embodiment shown comprises two bearing rings: an inner ring 3 and an outer ring 2. The inner ring 3 is arranged radially inside the outer ring 2. Each of the two bearing rings forms a guide section, and together these guide sections form a guide for rolling elements 4, which in this case are designed as balls. The guide sections of the inner ring 3 and outer ring 2 face each other radially and are thus radially opposed, as can be seen in particular from the figure. Figure 1BThe rolling elements 4 are held in contact with the guide sections between the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 2. Furthermore, the rolling bearing 1 has a bearing housing. fig 5 on, which is arranged radially between the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 2, partially encompassing the balls or rolling elements 4, and ensures that the rolling elements 4 or balls are positioned at a uniform angular distance to each other.

[0030] In Figure 2 comprehensive the Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2DVarious views of the outer ring 2 and its components are shown schematically in different schematic representations. The outer ring 2 comprises a sliding ring 22 and a stabilizing ring 21. The sliding ring 22 is made of a sliding material, in this case a tribopolymer. The sliding ring 22 preferably forms at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, and in particular the predominant part, preferably the entire radial inner surface of the outer ring 2, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. The sliding ring 22 forms the guide section 20 of the outer ring 2, wherein the guide section engages the rolling elements 4 on their two axial sides and has a segment-shaped cross-section. The cross-section is perpendicular to its rotation around the axis. The guide section 20 also directly adjoins an insertion section 220. In this insertion section, the sliding ring 22 has an insertion chamfer.Within this insertion ramp, the outer ring 2 has an inner diameter that decreases along the axis, starting from its axial end towards the guide section 20. The guide section 20 is designed to reliably guide the rolling elements 4, which are designed as balls in this case, while the insertion section 220 serves to easily insert the balls into the guide section 20 during the assembly of the rolling bearing 1. The sliding ring 22 and the stabilizing ring 21 also have several projections 211, 212, 222, 223. Each of the projections 211, 212 of the stabilizing ring 21 is received in a corresponding recess of the sliding ring 22, the recess being formed between two adjacent projections 222, 223 of the sliding ring 22. Adjacent projections are defined as those located along the circumference of the bearing. Especially from the overall view of the . Figures 2A and 2CIt can be seen that the stabilizing ring 21 and the sliding ring 22 each have radial projections 212, 223, wherein the radial projections 223 of the sliding ring 22 are wider than the radial projections 212 of the stabilizing ring 21, and wherein the radial projections 212, 223 each have a width that increases along their radial extent into their respective radial recesses, forming an undercut. These undercuts are in Figure 2AThis is clearly visible. It can be seen that, due to these undercuts, radial relative movement between the sliding ring 22 and the stabilizing ring 21 is effectively prevented. In the described embodiment, the stabilizing ring 21 and the sliding ring 22 each have two groups of projections. A first group of projections 222, 211 is provided at a first axial end of the respective ring, and a second group of projections 212, 223 is provided at a second axial end of the respective ring. The guide section 20 and the rolling elements extend with their axial extent substantially outside the axial extent of the projections. Through the interaction of the projections 211, 212, 222, 223, the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring are positively connected to each other radially and axially. Approximately 30% of the axial extent of the rings is formed by the projections 211, 212, 222, 223.

[0031] In Figure 3 comprehensive the Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3DThe inner ring 3, or its components, is shown in various views in schematic diagrams. The inner ring 3 comprises a stabilizing ring 32 and a sliding ring 31. The sliding ring 31 completely surrounds the stabilizing ring 32. The stabilizing ring 32 forms a receptacle for receiving a shaft. Since the stabilizing ring 32 is made of a hard second plastic, it is designed to fit in an interference fit on a shaft. Analogous to the outer ring 2, with reference to... Figure 2 As explained above, the stabilizing ring 32 and the sliding ring 31 each have projections 313, 321, 322 which, as with regard to the outer ring 2, Figure 2The sliding ring 31 interlocks, meaning that each projection engages in a corresponding recess formed between the projections of the other ring. The sliding ring 31 preferably forms at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, and in particular at least the predominant part, preferably the entire radial outer surface of the inner ring 3, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. On this radial outer surface, the sliding ring 31 forms the guide section 30 of the inner ring 3, which is radially opposite the guide section 20 of the outer ring 2 in the rolling bearing 1 and, analogous to the guide section 20 of the outer ring 2, has a circular segment-shaped cross-section in which the rolling elements 4, in this case balls, are guided by an undercut acting in the axial direction.The sliding ring 31 further forms an insertion section 310 adjacent to the guide section 30, in which the outer diameter of the inner ring 3 increases continuously from its axial end towards the guide section 30, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. From the overall view of the . Figures 1-3 It can be seen that both the guide sections 20, 30 and the insertion sections 220, 310 are radially opposite each other, which particularly facilitates both the assembly of the rolling bearing 1 and the guidance of the rolling elements 4 in the assembled rolling bearing 1.

[0032] In Figure 4 comprehensive the Figures 4A, 4B and 4C Another embodiment of a rolling bearing 1 according to the invention is shown schematically in various schematic representations. Figure 4A shows a top view along the axial direction. Figure 4B shows a cross-section along section AA. Figure 4CFigure 1 shows a top view of the rolling bearing 1. The rolling bearing 1 has an inner ring 3 and an outer ring 2. Radially between the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 2 are rolling elements 4 designed as balls, which are arranged in a bearing housing. fig 5 are held at a constant angular distance from each other. With reference to comparable parts of the rolling bearing 1 according to Figure 4 Reference is made to the explanations for the rolling bearing 1 according to the Figures 1-3 Reference is made to the following. The differences of the rolling bearing according to are merely mentioned below. Figure 4 in comparison to the aforementioned rolling bearing 1. In summary, the following points are addressed: Figures 4-6 received, each of which is in Figure 5 The roller bearings shown are affected. Figure 5 comprehensive the Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D The outer ring 2 or components of the outer ring 2 are shown schematically in different views in principle diagrams. Figure 6 comprehensive the Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D , 6E and 6FThe inner ring 3 or components of the inner ring 3 are shown schematically in different views in principle diagrams.

[0033] The outer ring 2 has a sliding ring 22, which forms the guide section 20 of the outer ring 2, and a stabilizing ring 21, which completely surrounds the sliding ring 22, which is generally advantageous according to the invention.

[0034] The sliding ring 22 forms the entire radial inner surface of the outer ring 2, and the stabilizing ring 21 forms the entire radial outer surface of the outer ring 2. The stabilizing ring 21 forms a flange 215. This flange 215 projects radially. This flange 215 is particularly advantageous as a stop when the rolling bearing 1 with its outer ring 2 is press-fitted into an outer component of a device. The inner ring 3 also has a stabilizing ring 32 and a sliding ring 31. The sliding ring 31 completely surrounds the stabilizing ring 32 and forms the predominant portion of the radial outer surface of the inner ring 3, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. Similarly, it is generally advantageous according to the invention that the sliding ring 22 of the outer ring 2 forms the predominant portion of the radial inner surface of the outer ring 2.The sliding ring 31 of the inner ring 3 and the sliding ring 22 of the outer ring 2 form the guide section 30, 20 of the inner ring 3 and outer ring 2, respectively, each of which adjoins an insertion section 310, 220. The guide sections 20, 30 and insertion sections 220, 310 are radially opposite each other. The stabilizing ring 32 of the inner ring 3 forms a radially extruding flange 325. In particular, from the overall view of the... Figures 4-6It can be seen that this flange 315 radially covers the rolling elements 4 on one of their axial sides. The flange 325 rests against the sliding ring 22 of the outer ring 2 in a sliding position, thus ensuring both low friction and reliable protection of the rolling elements 4. Recesses 323 are provided in the flange 325 through which the sliding ring 30 of the inner ring 3 extends. This ensures a particularly good positive fit between the sliding ring 31 and the stabilizing ring 32 of the inner ring 3. In addition, the stabilizing ring 32 has a group of projections at each of its two axial ends, with each pair of adjacent projections forming a recess 321, 322 between them. A projection 311, 312 formed by the sliding ring 31 is arranged in each of these recesses 321, 322.Accordingly, the sliding ring 22 and the stabilizing ring 21 of the outer ring have interlocking projections 2121, 2122, 2221.

[0035] In Figure 7 is a storage box fig 5 An embodiment of the rolling bearing 1 according to the invention is shown in a schematic diagram. The bearing cage fig 5 The bearing, which is generally advantageous according to the invention, is designed as a closed ring rotating around the axis and having a plurality of rolling element receptacles 51, each spaced apart from the other at the same angular interval with respect to a rotation about the axis. These rolling element receptacles 51 are designed to receive rolling elements 4, which are designed as balls, such that they encompass them over more than half of their circumference, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. This ensures particularly good fixation of the balls to one another by means of the bearing race. figs 5 guaranteed.

[0036] In Figure 8 comprehensive the Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8DFigure 1 is a further embodiment of a rolling bearing according to the invention, or of components of the rolling bearing according to the invention, schematically depicted in various views in principle diagrams. The following only highlights the differences compared to the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures 4-6 The rolling bearing 1 according to Figure 8 has an outer ring 2 and an inner ring 3, which are largely analogous to the outer ring 2 and inner ring 3 of the exemplary embodiment according to the Figures 4-6 are trained.

[0037] However, the stabilizing ring 32 of the inner ring 3 has a radially projecting projection 320 on its radial inner surface. This radially projecting projection 320 extends, advantageously, over at least 50% of the axial length of the inner ring 3, in this case over its entire axial length. Since the projecting projection 320 is formed by the stabilizing ring 32 and projects radially inwards from its inner surface, it can be particularly advantageous for a rotationally fixed mounting of the inner ring 3 of the rolling bearing 1 to an inner component of a device that has a receptacle corresponding to the projecting projection 320. Reference symbol list

[0038] 1 Rolling bearing 2 Outer ring 3 Inner ring 4 Rolling element 5 Bearing cage 20 Guide section 21 Stabilizing ring 22 Sliding ring 30 Guide section 31 Sliding ring 32 Stabilizing ring 220 Insertion section 211 Projection 212 Projection 215 Flange 222 Projection 223 Projection 310 Insertion section 311 Projection 312 Projection 313 Projection 321 Projection 322 Projection 323 Projection 325 Flange 2121 Projection 2122 Projection 2222 Projection

Claims

1. Roller bearing, in particular ball bearing, comprising, as two bearing rings which are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another about an axis, an inner ring and an outer ring, each forming a guide section, which runs around the axis, of a guide provided between the bearing rings, wherein the guide section formed by the inner ring lies radially opposite the guide section formed by the outer ring, and rolling elements, in particular balls, are arranged in the guide so as to be distributed about the axis and so as to bear against both guide sections, with the result that, when the bearing rings rotate relative to one another about the axis, the rolling elements roll on both guide sections, wherein at least one of the bearing rings has a sliding ring which forms the guide section of the bearing ring, and a stabilizing ring which bears against the sliding ring so as to run around the axis, characterized in that the sliding ring is produced from a first plastics material and the stabilizing ring is produced from a second plastics material, wherein the first plastics material is softer than the second plastics material, wherein in particular the rolling elements are mounted in the guide so as to be free from lubricant, and in that the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring each comprise projections which are distributed about the axis, wherein one recess is provided between each pair of adjacent projections, wherein a respective one of the projections of the stabilizing ring is arranged in a respective one of the recesses of the sliding ring and a respective one of the projections of the sliding ring is arranged in a respective one of the recesses of the stabilizing ring.

2. Roller bearing according to Claim 1, characterized in that each of the bearing rings has a respective sliding ring and a stabilizing ring, wherein in particular the sliding ring of the inner ring surrounds the stabilizing ring of the inner ring, and wherein the stabilizing ring of the outer ring surrounds the sliding ring of the outer ring.

3. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling elements bear against the sliding ring with a contact surface which is at least five times as large as against the stabilizing ring, wherein in particular the stabilizing ring is spaced apart from the rolling elements.

4. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plastics material has a hardness with a Shore-D value of less than 75, in particular less than 70, in particular less than 65, and wherein the second plastics material has a hardness with a Shore-D value which is at least 5, in particular at least 10, in particular at least 15 greater than the Shore-D value of the first plastics material, in particular at least 65, in particular at least 70, in particular at least 75, and / or in that the first plastics material is a sliding material.

5. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a coefficient of friction between the rolling elements and the first plastics material is lower than a coefficient of friction between the rolling elements and the second plastics material, and / or in that the first plastics material contains a higher proportion of lubricants than the second plastics material.

6. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling elements being rotatably retained in a bearing cage extending circumferentially about the axis and being guided at a predetermined angular spacing from one another, wherein the bearing cage is arranged radially between the guide sections of the inner ring and outer ring and is produced in particular from a sliding material, wherein in particular the inner ring, the outer ring and the bearing cage are each produced from plastics material.

7. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling elements are produced from a material which has a greater hardness than the first plastics material and in particular than the second plastics material, wherein in particular the rolling elements are produced from glass, metal, a plastics material or a ceramic.

8. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring bear against one another in a form-fitting manner both in a direction along the axis and perpendicularly to the axis.

9. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections of the sliding ring extend over at least 30% of the axial extension length of the sliding ring, and the projections of the stabilizing ring extend over at least 30% of the axial extension length of the stabilizing ring.

10. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the projections of the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring are formed as radial projections and some of the recesses are formed as radial recesses, wherein a respective one of the radial projections of the stabilizing ring is arranged in a respective one of the radial recesses of the sliding ring and a respective one of the radial projections of the sliding ring is arranged in a respective one of the radial recesses of the stabilizing ring, wherein in particular the radial projections of the sliding ring are wider than the radial projections of the stabilizing ring, wherein in particular at least some of the radial projections each have a width which increases along their radial extent into the respective associated radial receptacle, forming an undercut.

11. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring each have a first group and a second group of projections, wherein the two groups of projections are provided at opposite axial ends of the stabilizing ring or sliding ring, and the rolling elements are arranged axially between the two groups of projections, and / or the projections of the first group are formed as axial projections and the projections of the second group are formed as radial projections, wherein in particular a respective projection of the first group is arranged within the same angular range about the axis as an associated projection of the second group.

12. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding ring has a greater extension length, averaged over a revolution about the axis, in the radial direction than the stabilizing ring.

13. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide sections each engage behind the rolling elements on their two axial sides, wherein in particular the guide sections each have a circular-segment-shaped cross section with which they run around the axis, wherein in particular by virtue of the rolling elements engaging behind on both axial sides by means of both guide sections, the bearing rings are fixed in their axial position relative to one another, and / or in that at least one of the guide sections adjoins an insertion section with an insertion bevel at one of its axial ends, wherein in particular the bearing ring having this guide section has an outer diameter which increases over the course of the insertion section along the axis or has an inner diameter which decreases over the course of the insertion section along the axis.

14. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring are arranged so as to be pressed together in a radial press fit and / or are produced by injection moulding methods, wherein in particular the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring are produced by multi-component injection moulding methods, and / or one of the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring is injection-moulded onto the other of the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring.

15. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the bearing rings, in particular the inner ring, has a flange which extends radially along the rolling elements and which covers the rolling elements at one of their axial sides, wherein in particular the flange is formed by the stabilizing ring, and in particular the flange bears against the sliding ring of the other of the bearing rings so as to run around the axis in sliding contact, wherein in particular cutouts are provided in the flange, distributed about the axis, wherein either the flange is formed by the stabilizing ring and the sliding ring extends with a section into the cutouts, or the flange is formed by the sliding ring and the stabilizing ring extends into the cutouts.

16. Roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner ring has, at its radial inner side, and / or the outer ring has, at its radial outer side, a protruding projection for non-rotatable engagement in a first part which is rotatably retained by the roller bearing to form a second part, and / or in that the inner ring has, at its radial inner side, a receptacle for receiving a shaft, wherein the receptacle has a diameter of at least 1 cm, in particular at least 5 cm, wherein the outer ring has an outer diameter which is less than 4 cm, in particular less than 3 cm, in particular at least 1 cm greater than the diameter of the receptacle of the inner ring.

17. Device comprising an outer part, in particular a frame part or transmission part, an inner part, in particular a shaft or a further transmission part, and a roller bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner ring is connected to the inner part and the outer ring is connected to the outer part in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular in a press fit, and the parts are rotatably connected to one another by the roller bearing, wherein in particular the device is a bicycle and the outer part is a bicycle frame, in particular a wheel fork of the bicycle frame, or a transmission part of a bicycle transmission of the bicycle, and the inner part is a wheel axle, a bottom bracket axle or a further transmission part of the bicycle transmission.